The Kitten, the Witches and the Bad Wardrobe - Willow & Tara Forever

General Chat  || Kitten  || WaV  || Pens  || Mi2  || GMP  || TiE  || FAQ  || Feed - The Kitten, the Witches and the Bad Wardrobe

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 47 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
 Post subject: STRATAGEM
PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:13 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:12 pm
Posts: 409
Location: Virginia, USA
;-) Hello Kittens! Thought I would put in a story that I have already written on here. A good friend (Ces) told me to a long time ago BUT I wasn't familiar with The Kitten Board at that time. However, I hope that you all like this one. I do plan on putting up more on Desert Heat soon. I'm still getting my scruples together after my surgery and all that jazz. Now, please don't hate me because of this story. Yes, it is totally taking Tara and Willow out of their normal context but hey who said we couldn't have a little fun with our little Wiccan duo every now and then.
This story is very long. That is no exageration. However, I have posted it on other websites and got plenty of good feedback and I hope I get it here as well. Hope you enjoy!





STRATAGEM

Author: Willow Watcher: Robbie Kelly

Rating: NC-17 for violence, abuse, rape but on the bright side there is Willow and Tara lovin’s.
Disclaimer: I don’t own any of the characters of BtVS, they all belong to Joss Whedon and those others out there who have a claim in the series and all other things dealing with Buffy, but I wrote this story. The other characters are mine.
Spoilers: Not a one. This story is completely AU.

Summary: The title Stratagem means some kind of cleverly contrived trick or scheme for gaining an end. Remember the episode Family, well that was the sweet fluffy kitten version compared to this story. This story can be very disturbing to a lot of people. If you are a squeamish person when it comes to abuse, violence and rape, then I suggest that you don’t read any further. Willow, despite what she knows, gets personally evolved with a student who is trapped in an abusive home. But with a trained mind, trained body and a loving heart, anything could happen.

Author’s Notes: Some of the statements, questions, comments are quite confusing. They all will make sense at the end of the story. Just hang in there with me. There is nothing mystical or super natural in this story.

Feedback: I would like, yes.

Pairing: Willow and Tara


CHAPTER 1
Willow Rosenberg stood in beside the cash register in the Sunnydale Mini-Mart. She had struck up a small conversation with the owner Anya Jenkins about the information given in the local news report.
"Yeah," Willow started, "They need to catch that sick son of a bitch and lock him up for good. Killing all of those women and I bet he gets off with the insanity plea."
"Well Willow, you know how the system works." Anya said putting emphasis on the last words. "I mean, there are people out here who can do their job." Anya gave Willow a wink.
"Oh, I know all about the shi..." Willow suddenly stopped and noticed a young woman enter the store.
She was a plain girl with her long blonde hair put back in barrettes. She wore a beige colored dress with small embroidered flowers on the collar which was buttoned high on her neck.

Anya looked at the girl with empathy. "Can I help you sweetie?" She said with a kind smile.
The girl smiled, shook her head and quickly dropped her eyes to the floor. She walked around the store and found what she was looking for. She walked to the register and placed a magazine on the counter. "M-may I have a p-p-pack of Marlboro Lights in a b-b-box?" The girl asked in a nervous tone.

Anya raised her eyebrows, looked at Willow then looked back at the girl. "Well Hun, I need to see some I.D. first."
The girl lowered her head, "I d-d-don't have any."
"I'm sorry doll, I can't sell..." Anya was cut off when Willow held up her hand.
"Ahn, sell her the cigarettes. You let me buy 'em all the time."
Anya gave her a disapproving stare. She reached behind her and grabbed the pack. She laid them on the counter in front of the girl. "I suppose I can. Just don't let anyone find out. O.K."
The girl smiled at Anya and nodded her head.
Anya rang up the total for the magazine and the cigarettes. "That'll be six thirty-seven."
The girl reached into her brown pocket book and retrieved the money and handed it over. No expression on her face.
"T-t-hank you." The shy girl said looking over at Willow and then at Anya. She turned around to walk out the door when Willow stopped her.
"Hey! People 'round here like to get to know one another. My name is Willow Rosenberg, hi, but people call me Will, but some people call me Red. I really don’t like that nickname but they seem to say the name over and over again. Red this and Red that. Oh! The lady over there is Anya Jenkins." Anya waved and gave the girl a smile. Willow cocked her head to look at the girl who was standing, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
The shy girl looked up at Willow, "M-my name is Tara Maclay."
Willow smiled, "It's nice to meet you Tara. You live close to here?"
Tara looked behind her out the window nervously, ignoring Willow’s question.
"You alright Tara?" Willow asked with confusion.
"Um...y-yeah...I…I have to g-go. T-t-thanks for the cigarettes." Tara said with a crooked smile but with anxiety in her voice and walked out the door. She shoved the magazine and cigarettes in her purse.

Willow was about to follow Tara out the door until she saw a brown station wagon pull up in front of Tara, who quickly got in, closed the door and looked out the window at Willow.
Willow watched as the car drove away.

Willow walked back to Anya and leaned on the counter. "Alright Ahn, what's the scoop?"
Anya looked at Willow with a wrinkled brow, "What are you talking about? Scoop on what Will?"
"Oh please!" Willow rolled her eyes. "Three forms of communication," Willow held up three fingers and pointed out each one, "telephone, telegraph and..."
Anya interrupted, "Yeah I know smart ass, tell me. Ha Ha Ha. Soooo funny. What makes you think that I know anything about her?" Anya put her hands on her hips.
Willow giggled, "You know everything that goes on around here woman. Now spill it!"

Anya sighed and sat down on the stool that was behind the counter. "The only thing that I know is that she and her father moved here about a month ago from some small town in Oregon. He is a preacher and they live on Bernan Street. She'll be a senior at Sunnydale High School. Is that enough to satisfy your fancy." Anya raised her eyebrow and gave Willow a smug look.
"Hmm..." Willow looked out the window. "I thought it was her. She's kinda cute, don'tcha think. I like her eyes." Willow stared out the window longer than intended.
"Willow Lee Rosenberg! Don't you be gettin' any ideas! You better get your mind in your head instead of your libido." Anya said in her annoyed tone.
Willow smiled looking back at Anya, "I don't have ideas Ahn, I have a mission." Willow gave Anya a wink, straightened up and walked out the door. She gave Anya a wave over her shoulder and said goodbye.

Anya picked up a book from behind the counter. "Whatever you do girl, you best be careful." She whispered looking at the door. She shook her head and buried her nose in her book.

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

Tara followed her father into the house. She turned towards the stair case.
"Where are you going girl?" Her father said in a harsh tone.
Tara looked at her father. The tall, thin man was nothing much to look at. "I-I w-was just going up to my r-room, sir. I’m tired s-so I wanted to lie d-down." Tara said in a small voice. She hated when she stuttered, but it was worse when she talked to her father.
James Maclay looked at Tara and said with annoyance in his voice, "Well don't stay up there all afternoon. You got supper to make and then I have to leave town tonight."
Tara looked at him with a hopeful look, "A-are you g-going to be gone all n-night, again?"
"That isn’t any of you damn business girl! You just worry about making me something to eat." James said with demeaning tone in his deep voice.
"Y-yes sir." Tara said lowering her head to the floor. "M-may I g-go upstairs n-n-now?"
James gave her a wave and walked farther in the house.
Tara ascended the staircase, rolling her eyes and throwing up her middle finger.

Tara walked into her room and plopped down on her bed. She reached in her purse and pulled out the magazine. She looked at the cover and saw the two women holding one another with passion in their eyes and their lips so close to complete a kiss. She opened the cover to the first page. One article caught her eye. A survey titled "Are You Certain Of Your Sexuality". Tara turned to the page where the five questioned survey was. She retrieved a pen out of her nightstand drawer and began answering the questions.
Question 1: Do you fantasize about a relationship with someone of the same sex? Yes/No/Sometimes
Tara circled the latter.
Question 2: Have you met someone of the same sex whom you might be interested in? Yes/No/Maybe.
Once again, Tara circled the last answer.
Question 3: If you have met someone of the same sex will you follow your instinct and pursue your fantasies? Yes/No/If they are interested
Tara circled Yes numerous times.
Tara had met someone today that she did find interesting. She thought of the woman in her head. She remembered what
Willow looked like.
A smile came upon her as she licked her lips and bit on the lower one. Then she creased her brows and frowned.
Tara criticized herself. She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear the knock on the door.
Her father peeked his head in and saw Tara lying on the bed, staring off.
"Hey! Are you deaf or something? I was practically beating the door down." James said while walking into the room.
Tara jumped and quickly shoved the magazine under her pillow.
"Umm...s-s-sorry d-dad. I d-didn’t hear you."
"What do you have there girl? Trying to hide something important." James chuckled, "There's nothing in your life important, except me. Now let's see what you have to hide"
Tara got off the bed and stood in front of her father, "N-nothing s-sir. J-just a magazine that I w-was reading. You know, j-just doing a little r-research in b-b-biology before school begins. Thought I-I would get a head s-start." Tara was sweating and feeling the rush of being caught go to her head. Her heart was pounding so hard that she could practically hear it.
"Alright honey. I thought I would come up here and ask you if you wanted to start cooking dinner. I'm kind of hungry."
Tara knew something was wrong by the way he was talking.

"S-sure dad. I'll umm...b-be down in a m-minute." Tara said nervously. She wiped away a beam of sweat off the side of her head.
James put his arm around her shoulder, "Well, we'll just go down together." He said as he walked her out of the room.

Tara started dinner. She fixed what she would call a small basic meal compared to what she usually would fix.
She set the table and placed pork chops, macaroni and cheese, corn and salad on the table.
She called for her father, who was upstairs.

James came down and walked into the dining room. He sat down in the chair beside of Tara.
"Bow your head to pray."
Tara lowered her head and folded her hands.
"God, we thank you for this food. Thank you for all the blessings that you have bestowed upon us. I ask you to forgive my daughter for straying away from your word. As you say in your word that homosexuals are to be damned. Please guide..."

"my hands to guide my daughter to the road of redemption. Amen." James ended the prayer and looked over at Tara.
Tara kept her eyes closed, moving her mouth to act like she was praying. In fact, she was praying for her own benefit. She knew what was going to happen.
"Well Tara, what do you have to say for yourself?" James asked.
Tara looked up at her father. The cruelty in his eyes made her shake.
"W-what dad? I don't know w-what you mean." Tara wanted to sound innocent even though she knew it was useless.
James reached into his back pocket and pulled out a rolled up magazine. He held it in his hands while he looked at it.
"God told me to look under your pillow. This is what I found, girl. What do you have to say for yourself? And don't give me some damn pitiful excuse about school research. If this filth is what they are teaching in school, you aren't ever going again. Are you sick in the head girl?" He opened up the magazine to the survey. "You have fantasies about other girls and you met one today, huh?" He rolled up the magazine and hit Tara upside the head. "You think some girl is going to be interested in you? You think anyone is going to be interested in you." Again he hit Tara with the magazine. "Maybe you are sick in the head. I think I should beat it out of you."
He stood up and repeatedly hit Tara in the head, like a dog that had messed in the floor. Tara tried to protect herself by placing her arms around her head, but it was no use. Anywhere her head was visible, he would hit. He grabbed her right arm and twisted it, so he could hit a more exposed area. He was mumbling out to God to guide his hand to release the demons in his daughter. Tara screamed from the hits to her head and the rough pulling on her arm.
Finally, he stopped.
James sat down and began putting food on his plate. Tara looked at him shaking and with tears in her eyes. She held her head where most of the impact had been laid. She rubbed her arm and could tell that there was definitely going to be bruising.
"This looks good, girl. Now come on and eat up. God has provided this food for us."
Tara stood up, "I'm n-not hungry. I'm g-g-going to my r-r-room."
James stood up and shoved Tara down in the chair. He bent down in front of her, reached back and grabbed her hair.
"You listen to me. You are going to eat supper with me or do I have to force you to eat like I did before?"
Tara shook her head. She remembered how her father forced fed her. He shoved food in her mouth despite her protest. He finally stopped when he noticed blood coming out of Tara’s mouth. He had pushed food in her mouth so hard, the fork stabbed her tongue. Tara couldn't talk clearly for days.

Tara ate slowly. With every move of her mouth, her head was screaming with pain. She tried to chew faster, but that didn't help either. She would just have to deal with the pain regardless.

James wiped his mouth with the napkin. He got up from his chair and leaned over Tara.
She jumped back not knowing what to expect.
James placed his hand behind her head, leaned forward and placed a kiss on Tara’s forehead.
"That was great baby girl. I have to go and pack some clothes and other things for my trip."
He walked out of the room. Tara started to cry. Her arm was red. Her head was pounding but the pain in her heart was the worst of all. James walked back in the room and looked at Tara. He reached down and grabbed the magazine. Tara flinched when he tapped her on the forehead.
"I'll just take this with me. Wouldn't want you getting any ideas now would we, girl." It was more of a statement than a question. He laughed as he walked out of the room.
Tara couldn't talk. Her throat was hurting from her muffled cries. She just sat there and shook her head even after her father left the room.

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

Willow entered her apartment. She threw her keys and mail on the coffee table and sat down on the couch. Reaching for the remote to the television, she pushed the button on her laptop sitting back waiting for it to complete its boot up.
Turning the television on, she flipped through the channels not intending for a certain destination. Her slight frustration got the best of her. Letting out a long sigh, she turned the television off, placing the remote beside of her. She sat back on the couch and ran her hands through her hair.
Willow’s concentration was stopped when she heard music from her laptop, indicating it had finished its starting process.
She clicked on her search browser and typed in the address. The page filled the screen. She typed in a user name and password.
Searching endlessly she came across something.
"There you are you are."
Willow scanned the page. She grabbed a notepad and pen located on the end table. She began writing down information that she had found.
She was interrupted when the telephone rang.
"Hello. Oh hey Giles. What’s up?"
She continued to look at her computer.
"Yeah, I met her today."
She picked a piece of lint that had gathered on her jeans.
"Oh I can handle it. Did you get everything set up? I don’t need any problems more than usual."
Willow hesitated while the person on the other line talked.
"Alright. Thanks Giles. I will. Bye." She hung up the phone and sighed.
Willow got off the couch. "Damn, I need a beer!"
She got off the couch and walked to the kitchen.

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

Tara put the dishtowel on the counter. She walked out of the kitchen and headed up to her room. When she reached her door, her father called out to her.
“Tara, I’m heading out.” He held black briefcase in his hands. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. “Here’s five dollars. That should do you for lunch tomorrow and something to eat in the afternoon.”
Tara took the money in her hand and stood there looking at it. She looked up at her father with no expression on her face.
“I should be back sometime late tonight. Don’t wait up for me.”
Tara thought.
James reached over to put his lips on Tara’s forehead. She pulled back and backed up against her door.
James stood upright and laughed. “Well, alright then.”

As he walked down the stairs, Tara walked into her room.
She lay down on her bed and began to cry. She held her hands over her eyes so tight that no light could reach her eyelids.
Tara continued to cry. Her exasperation over took her body and she was asleep in a matter of minutes.

Tara was standing atop of the stairs. She could hear the shouting coming from the living room. Walking down the steps slowly, she could see around the corner to where her mother and father stood. Tara couldn’t hear all of what they were saying clearly. Like the words were muffled. Her mother came flying out of the room with her father in pursuit. He grabbed the woman by her hair and was fighting to pull her back in the room. Tara’s mother looked at her with desperation in her eyes. She mouthed the words ‘Run baby, run!’ Instead of retreating up the stairs, Tara ran towards her distressed mother and tried to pull her out of her father’s grasp. Tara saw a bright blinding flash when her father struck her, knocking her down. He threw Tara’s mother on the floor, kicking her in the stomach to insure she wouldn’t move from that spot. Tara, still lying on her back, crawled on her hands backwards towards the staircase. Turning around, she was able to get on her feet and started her ascend. She reached the top stair and turned around. Her father was running right behind her taking every other step. He swung his hand over his shoulder. All became slow motion. It was as if time stood still until the impact hit her sending a sharp pain across her eyes.
An annoying noise was heard. The same off tone repeated. Louder and louder.

Tara looked up at her alarm clock. She squinted her eyes at the red bold numbers reading 6:45. Clicking over the button, she sat up in her bed, wiping the sleep from her eyes and the sweat from her face. She turned on the light on her nightstand.
Tara stood up and noticed she had the same clothes on from the night before. Walking towards her dresser, her head pounded with every step she took. She pulled a clean bra, panties and socks from her drawer. She shifted over to her closet and retrieved a white blouse and blue dress slacks. Reaching down to pick her shoes, a rush of pain hit her. She sat down on the floor to compose herself. Picking up her shoes, she crawled on the floor, grabbing the door knob to pull herself up. After shaking her head, she walked out the door, down the stairs and headed towards the bathroom.
Taking off her dress, she flinched from the pain on her back. She looked over her shoulder in the mirror and saw the bruises slowly fading. The ones she received a week ago from the result of burning the cornbread she had fixed for dinner one night.
She stepped into the shower and let the hot water flow from her head down her bruised and battered body.
The bruises on her arms were slightly noticeable. She could cover them up easily with the long sleeved blouse she had picked out.
She took her time to let the water relieve the pain.
Today was a new day and she was determined to make it as good as possible.

_________________
"Oh yeah?! Well...so's your face!
-Fear Itself


Last edited by Willow Watcher on Sat Nov 11, 2006 4:28 pm, edited 9 times in total.

Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM
PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:44 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2005 2:54 pm
Posts: 366
Location: minnesota
OOOHHHHHH I DEFINITLY LIKE IT!!!! WOOT! THIS STORY IS GUNNA BE SWEET!! SORRY I REALLY LIKE THESE STORIES SO DONT MIND MY CAPS LOCK IM JUST EXCITED FOR THIS ONE!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE CONTINUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :kitty Kitty wants an update too! :)
Erin

_________________
"No candles?...Well I brought one..it's ExtraFlamey" Willow, New Moon Rising


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM
PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:41 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:47 am
Posts: 432
Yeah, you should definately continue this one! I want to know what's going on.

_________________
Willow: "Anya, I have faith in you. There is no one you cannot piss off."


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM
PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 3:22 am 
Offline
10. Troll Hammer
User avatar

Joined: Wed Sep 07, 2005 4:10 am
Posts: 1185
Location: R of P
hiya robbie!

Quote:
A good friend (Ces) told me to a long time ago BUT I wasn't familiar with The Kitten Board at that time.


now who could this be? a very persistent friend no doubt! ;-)

i'm really glad you're posting your stories here... i think your a brilliant writer (and i'm not just saying that coz i'm the prezzy of the fan club and all) and you should definitely share your talents here!

Quote:
I have posted it on other websites and got plenty of good feedback and I hope I get it here as well.


i have no doubt!

later!



ces

_________________
Recommended Read: Van Rosenberg


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM
PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 8:03 am 
Offline
2. Floating Rose
User avatar

Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 10:50 am
Posts: 39
please continue!

im loving this fic already!
im waiting for the part when Willow becomes Tara's jnight in shining armour and saves her from her father

_________________
~people are like bunnies...they multiply rapidly...but bunnies are better cuz you can eat them...does that make me a bad person? And should I avoid mentioning this to Anya?~


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM chapter 2
PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:29 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:12 pm
Posts: 409
Location: Virginia, USA
Thanks to you all for your feedback! Here's chapter 2. :peace



CHAPTER 2
Tara rushed out of the house and saw the bus disappear around the corner.
“Damn it to hell!” She yelled. “First d-day and a-already I screw up.”

Tara began walking down the street. Her father had shown her where the high school was located so she figured she would find it easily.
She thought to herself when a blue Chevrolet Chevette pulled up beside her.
The driver rolled down the window, “Hey! Looks like you missed the bus. You need a lift?” Willow said with a beaming smile on her face.
Tara looked at her and lowered her head down, running the toe of her shoe across the pavement kicking a rock.
“If y-you don’t c-care, I would appreciate it.” Tara said in her shy voice.
“Ah hell! I don’t mind at all. Hop on in.”
Tara looked up and gave a half smile, sprinted to the side of the car with a dreamy look on her face and she got in.

“You’re kind of dressed up for school ain’t ya? I mean, you look nice, don’t get me wrong. I suppose you want to make a good impression being new and all, but hey it’s alright to be a little dressy every once in awhile. I mean look at me. Wearing practically all black except for maybe my underwear. But that’s a little bit personal considering that I barely know you and you must think I am a complete idiot sitting here babbling like this. I just get nervous sometimes and run my mouth a little too much. Blah, blah, blah.” She made a hand gesture, “That’s me, little miss blabber mouth. Ok and I think I am getting light headed from the lack of oxygen so I am going to shut up now.” Willow took in a deep breath. She looked over at Tara, blushing.

Tara looked at Willow and giggled.
“It’s a good ice br-breaker” Tara said.
“Yeah? My mouth runs faster than my mind sometimes. So, what classes do you have?” Willow asked trying to compose herself.
“I r-really don’t know all of t-them. I g-guess I’ll have to g-go to the office and s-s-see what they have listed for m-me. I d-didn’t really g-get to choose. They j-just threw m-me into w-whatever t-they wanted.” Tara cursed her stutter.

Willow pulled a pack of cigarettes from her pocket and put one in her mouth. She flipped the pack up and handed one to Tara.
“Here. You’ll need this before you go into that hell hole.” Willow laughed and lit her cigarette, handing the lighter over to Tara.
Tara lit her cigarette and handed the lighter back to Willow, “Is it that b-bad?” She asked with an audible gulp.
“Well, kind of. I mean some of the people there are easy to get along with, like me and oh, you’ll have to meet my friend Faith. She’s real cool. Maybe we’ll have some classes together.” Willow smiled thinking of how close she would be able to get to Tara.

Pulling into a parking space near the school, Willow looked at Tara, “You ready for this. Last chance saloon.”
“Yeah, I t-think I c-can get through it.” Tara gave Willow a half smile.


Tara waved her hand in front of Willow’s face. “Hey! You there? Got l-l-lost in thought d-didn’t ya?”
Willow snapped out of her thoughts, “Oh!” She giggled. “Suppose I just froze up thinking about going in there.” She nodded towards the school building. “Even though there’s really no reason to be scared. I just hate thinking of seeing all the ass holes I had to deal with last year. I mean, there’s no reason that you should have a hard time making friends. You seem to be really nice and sweet. I just don’t want to frighten you off since you just moved here. I don’t like some of the people that go here, and I’m babbling again aren’t I?”
Tara laughed, “Yeah, b-but I like it. Kind of s-suits ya.”
Willow grinned, “Thanks. I…I think.”

Tara furrowed her brow and bit her bottom lip.
Willow noticed the worried look on her face. She picked up Tara’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze, “Hey. It will be alright. Just remember, I’ll be somewhere in there. You won’t be alone.”
Willow’s words of comfort were encouraging. Tara put her other hand on their connecting hands and rubbed her thumb on the back of Willow’s.
“Thanks. You’re sweet.”
Willow felt the spark of electricity between them. Tara’s hands were so soft. She wondered if the rest of her was just as soft.
“That’s me. Miss sweet and wonderful.” Willow said with a slight grin on her face. “You ready to go?”
“I s-suppose I am.” Tara didn’t want to let go of Willow’s hand. She could sit there and hold it for hours, days even just so she wouldn’t have to let go.
Willow reluctantly let go of Tara’s hand and patted her on the knee, “Let’s do it then.”
Both girls sighed not wanting to leave each other’s company. Turning to their doors they opened them and exited the car.


Entering the building, a voice came over the intercom, “Good morning students. I would like for your first day back to school to be a pleasant one. Let’s make it a good day for our teachers and others as well. For the students who are freshmen or new to our school, you will find your classes printed on the bulletin board in front of the office. Thank you.”

Willow placed her hand on Tara’s arm, “Over this way.”
Willow led Tara over to where the students were swarming around the board. Willow pushed her way through the crowd pulling Tara along.
“Maces, Mabel, Maclay, there you are, Tara Maclay.” Willow said pointing out her name.
Tara looked at the classes printed to the side. She pulled out a pen and a piece of paper from her purse and starting writing her courses down.
“Uh oh, you got Mr. Stevens for Earth Science and, eww, he is nasty looking. Willow said with a disgusted look on her face.” Willow made fake gagging noises while sticking her finger in her mouth.
Tara laughed while continuing to write her schedule down.
“Hey Tara, look, we have lunch, and study period together. Cool, huh?” Willow smiled and was bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Tara blew out a sigh of relief. She was happy to be able to spend as much time with Willow as possible.

“Ms. Rosenberg.” Willow cringed at the sound of the familiar voice behind her. She turned around with a fake smile on her face.
“Hello Principal Woods. It’s so nice to see your beaming face so early in the morning. Makes one refreshed and ready for the day.” Willow turned around rolled her eyes and sneered. Tara had to refrain from giggling. Willow was so cute even when she was being a smart ass.
“I’m so glad to hear that Willow.”
He looked at Tara who quickly diverted her eyes at her paper she was writing on.
“Hello. My name is Robin Woods. I am principal of this wonderful school. And you would be?” He asked Tara.
Tara slowly looked up at him. “I’m T-Tara Maclay.”
“Well it’s a privilege to meet you Ms. Maclay. I hope you find that being here at Sunnydale High School a great experience. Are you a junior or a senior?”
“I’m a s-senior, sir.” Tara stated as she looked up at the dark skinned man. He was handsome and built from what Tara could make out through his classy beige suit. He seemed to be sincere and caring enough, but she had a feeling she didn’t want to get on his bad side.
“Wow! That’s the first time anyone in this school has called me sir. I think we are going to get along just fine Tara. Isn’t that right Ms. Rosenberg?”
Willow turned with a look of disgust. “Oh yes sir. I think that you could get along with Satan if necessary, sir.” Willow hissed the last word.
“Well, I do like to think of myself as a pleasant person Willow. And to show you how pleasant I can be you are officially on tour duty.”
“What! Now wait just a fuuu….freakin’ minute!” Willow’s heart jumped as she almost slipped up. She remembered three years ago when she cursed at Principal Woods. She was on clean up duty for a week. She grimaced at the memory. It took days after to get the smell of toilet bowl cleaner off her hands.
“Ah, I see we are still learning our lesson about foul language. But, I think you still need to learn a little bit of responsibility. This fine young woman here is Tara Maclay. I think it would be a good idea that you show Tara around the school and to every one of her classes and you can sit in the class with her just so you won’t loose her among all the other students.” Wood smiled with a great deal of satisfaction. Willow was one of his best students but her attitude was very much lacking.
“But…I don’t know her and she isn’t the kind of person I would hang around. C’mon!” Willow whined.
Those words hit Tara like a brick wall. Tara thought to herself while tears welled up in her eyes.
“Ms. Rosenberg!” Wood stated harshly. Then he lowered his tone, “Can I speak to you over here for a minute? Tara you stay right there, we will return in a moment.”
Tara sadly shook her head and leaned up against the wall.
She watched as Willow and Wood walked over to a private spot. He was saying something that was really upsetting Willow by the way she was flailing her arms around. Willow turned away from the man who apparently was frustrated to be talking to Willow’s back. Willow looked right at Tara and winked and gave a little smile.
Tara was confused. Willow was nice, then mean, and now winking and smiling.
Willow and Wood walked back over to Tara.
“Tara, I’m sorry. I would be happy to show you around school, despite the way I feel about it,” Wood slightly nudged Willow on the back with his elbow. She turned and looked at him, “O.K. O.K. Goooodd!” She turned back to a very upset looking Tara. It broke Willow’s heart to see Tara like that, but she had a plan. “I will sit with you in every class and make sure you feel safe and comfortable here.” She said in a monotone way.
“Now that was a nice way to put that. Alright you two get off to class. I will see you soon. Tara, if you need anything just let me know.”
“T-t-thank you Mr. W-Wood.” Tara said and reluctantly as she pushed herself off the wall and walked warily beside of Willow.

Willow walked into the restroom and Tara followed. As soon as they were inside, Willow turned and put her arm on Tara’s shoulder.
“Tara, I’m sorry for what I said back there. I had to say those things so Wood would let me take you around here. If he thought that I wanted to do something, he wouldn’t have let me do it. He’s a bastard that way.” Willow said with a reassuring smile.
Tara grabbed Willow in a forceful hug and started to cry a bit. “I t-t-thought y-y-you d-d-didn’t... I-I-I was s-s-o…”
Willow heard the distress in Tara’s voice. She noted that she was stuttering terribly. Willow lightly returned the hug and run her hands down her long silky hair. “Shhh…it’s alright. I’m sorry for getting you all upset. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you Tara.”
Tara calmed down with Willow’s words and more with her touch. She knew that she could stay like this forever.
Willow tightened her hug on Tara to assure her of what she meant. Tara sharply pulled away and hissed in pain.
“I’m sorry Tara. I didn’t mean to hug you so tight. I guess I don’t know my own strength.” Willow said with her eyes wide.
“N-no, it…it isn’t t-that. I s-slipped and f-fell in the shower at h-home.” Tara hated to lie, but she didn’t want anyone to know the truth, especially Willow. She didn’t want to scare her off with her problems.
“Are you alright?” Willow was concerned for her new friend. She didn’t want anything happening to Tara.
Tara nodded her head and smiled at Willow. “I th-think we sh-should get to c-class.”
Willow smiled, took Tara’s hand and led her out of the restroom.

Willow and Tara stood in front of the Earth Science lab.
“Well, first stop, room 214, Earth Science. Now, just be cool. No worries OK?” Willow looked over at Tara with a smile. Tara looked nervous, but smiled back at Willow and shook her head.
As they entered the room, students were gathered in certain groups. Jocks with cheer leaders, upper class girls sat around laughing and looking around pointing at other kids, girls sitting on guys laps. Willow looked around to find a seat. She motioned to Tara at a table in the back of the classroom.
“Hey, Redbush!” A guy walked over to Willow and Tara while they were taking their seats.
“What the hell do you want Warren?” Willow spat out.
“Just thought I would come over and see how you were doing? Oooh! Who’s the little blonde here? She’s cute. Way better looking than the last chick.” He bent down and faced Willow, “Is she good in bed Red? With that body, I can see why you’re with her. I know what I’d do with her.” He looked up and down at Tara like a prize bull. “Hey baby, you wanna a real man? What does Redbush have to offer?” Tara sat there shocked and wide eyed. Other students in the class started to look and laugh. He looked at Willow, “You’re picking them kind of young aren’t ya?”
With that said. Willow jumped up from her seat and in a flash, grabbed the young man, pulled his arm behind him and slammed him against the wall.
“Shut the fuck up you piece of shit! You have no idea what the hell you’re talking about. Say something like that again you little fuck and I break your goddamn arm.” She said through clenched teeth.
“Whoa there Red, ease up.” A female voice said. The brunette was sprinting towards Willow.
Willow released the boy with one final shove up against the wall. He turned around and wiped blood from his mouth smiling.
“Damn Redbush! Are you that rough with your new little piece of ass over there?”
Willow started to charge towards him again, but the girl that stood beside Willow held her back. “Just leave him be, Red. He’s just trying to get a rise out of ya.”
Willow looked at the girl, threw her hands up and walked back to her seat. She looked over at Tara who had the deer caught in the headlight look. Tara opened her mouth to say something then quickly closed it and dropped her head down. Willow frowned and took Tara’s hand in hers. “I’m sorry Tara. He’s a jerk.” Tara raised her head and looked at Willow. Blue eyes met Green. They stared at each other for what seemed like eternity. Tara smiled and held tight to Willow’s hand.
The brunette girl turned towards Warren, “You little prick. You really don’t know what the hell you are doing Warren. How many times do I have to tell you not to piss off Red?”
“Shut up Faith. You aren’t anything more than a dyke yourself. All your kind are alike. Large with the butch.” He said wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
Faith grabbed his bottom lip between her fingers. Warren went down to his knees looking up at Faith. “Leave Red Alone! Do you understand?” Faith said while shaking his lip.
“Yesh ma’am.” Warren said with a squeak.
Faith let his lip go, put her foot on his shoulder and pushed him the rest of the way down. “Great! Now scamper you little ass over to your lackeys.”
Warren got to his feet. He stood in front of Faith. When she put her hands on her hips, he turned and walked back towards his friends. A few guys were punching him in the arm and laughing. He pushed them out of his way as he sat down in a chair.

Faith sat down at the table where Willow and Tara were. She put her hand on Willow’s back, “You alright Red? I always said you were a hot one.” Faith laughed, reclined back in her chair and swung her feet and plopped them on top of the table.
Willow turned from Tara to Faith, “Damn straight. You know me, all with the temper. Must be the red hair. So, how’s it going Faith?”
“Five by five, Red.” Faith leaned into Willow, “Who’s the cutie?”
“Huh? Oh,” Willow giggled and leaned back in her chair,” Faith this is Tara Maclay. Tara, Faith Lehane. Tara just moved here.”
Faith raised her brow as she noticed they were holding hands. “Uh huh. Apparently Blondie doesn’t drive stick either, huh Red?
Willow rolled her eyes. She looked over at Tara, “You have to look over Faith. She’s always bold and brazin’.”
“That’s not true. I’m always hungry and horny. When things get boring put the H & H factor to good use. That’s my philosophy anyway.” Faith smiled and winked at Tara.
Tara thought as she looked Faith up and down.
“Yo, Red. I think your girlfriend’s checking me out.” Faith teased Willow.
“Faith, for god’s sake, she isn’t my girlfriend.” Willow leered at Faith and then looked back at Tara smiling, holding tighter to her hand, “She’s just a friend.”
Tara smiled a crooked grin as she looked into Willow’s eyes. Willow thought she would just melt.
“Just joking Red. Hey Tara, it’s nice to meet ya.” Faith extended her hand to Tara.
Tara removed her hand out of Willow’s and placed it in Faith’s. “N-n-nice to m-m-meet you, Faith.”
Willow looked at Faith and shook her head, thinking that Faith might say something about Tara’s stutter.
Faith cocked her head and furrowed her brow. “Well, hope you like it here Blondie.”
“T-thanks.” Tara said.

A tall casually dressed man with hair slicked back on his head entered the room, placing stacks of papers on a desk in front of the classroom.
“Alright, sit down and shut up. Rebecca, find your own chair, not on your boyfriend.” He said to a girl who pouted and found a seat.
“Faith, your lab table is not a foot rest.” He said as he sat down.
Faith swung her feet and slapped her boots hard on the floor. “Whatever.”
“Ms. Rosenberg? Didn’t think I would ever see you here again? You must be a glutton for punishment. How many years are you going to stay in high school?”
Willow stood up from her chair, “Mr. Stevens, can I speak with you out in the hallway?”
“No you can’t, now sit down.” Mr. Stevens said in an annoyed voice.
Willow got up from her seat and headed to the front of the classroom.
“Ms. Rosenberg, I said sit down.” Mr. Stevens got up from his chair.
“Outside now.” Willow demanded.
Mr. Stevens looked shocked but followed Willow outside closing the door behind him.
Tara looked over at Faith astonished.
Faith just shrugged her shoulders, “Red’s insatiable when it comes to getting her way.”
Tara had an evil grin on her face but soon faded as Willow and Mr. Stevens returned. He had a defeated look about him.
Willow smirked as she returned to her seat.
“What was that about Red?” Faith whispered.
“Oh, ya know the usual.” Willow said innocently. “Just covering some tracks.”
“Be careful Will. You don’t wanna piss the wrong people off.” Faith warned.
Willow didn’t reply.

“O.K. Well, since some of you are new to the class, some intros are in order. Let’s start in the back.” Stevens said pointing at Tara “Stand up and tell us your name.”
Tara looked over at Willow with pleading eyes. Willow took Tara’s hand and whispered, “It’ll be O.K.”
Tara stood up on shaky legs. She hated confrontations. She held tight to Willow’s hand.
“M-m-my name is T-Tara M-Maclay.”
Students in the room started snickering. Willow and Faith both looked around. Most of the class stopped, except for Warren and his group of friends.
“Well Tara, where are you from?”
“Oregon, s-sir.” Tara was still shaking.
“What do your parents do?”
Tara took in a deep breath. “My f-f-father’s a p-p-preacher and my m-m-mother’s d-d-dead, sir.”
Mr. Stevens swallowed a lump that had suddenly appeared in his throat. “Oh, I’m…I’m so sorry. You can sit down now.”
Tara retook her seat. She lowered her head and tears pooled in her eyes.
Willow rubbed her back to try and comfort Tara as much as possible. She would love to take Tara in her arms, hold her and take all her worries and fears away.

Mr. Stevens looked at one particular student, “Is there something funny Mr. Mears?”
“N-No s-s-sir. N-n-nothing’s w-w-wrong.” Warren mocked looking at Tara. The other students erupted in laughter.
Tara lowered her head even further. Willow and Faith looked at him in a death stare.

“Well Warren, I suppose summer school has somehow disrupted the way you talk. Maybe spending some time in detention will help you out.” Mr. Stevens said, while writing on a slip of pink paper. “Do you have anything to say about that Warren?”
Warren’s jaw dropped the quickly shut with a snap. He just shook his head.
“Alright then, let’s continue on. Young man. You, sitting beside of Warren. What’s your name?”
A blonde headed, thin boy stood up, “Andrew Wells. Are you going to make us work with chemicals, because I’m allergic to a lot of them and they make my skin all dry? I have a list.” Andrew whined.

Tara continued looking down. The whole world fell silent to her.
Willow looked at Tara. “Hey, are you O.K.?”

Her mind was not in the present but the past.
She remembered every detail her mother as if she just saw her this morning. Her mother’s beautiful face, long blonde hair, blue eyes. Tara remembered her mother reading Tara’s favorite book ‘Cinderella’ over and over again and never had a complaint. She remembered her mother talking to Tara about the future while brushing her hair. She remembered her mother carrying a black eye or a bloody lip, sometimes walking around with a limp, saying that one day everything would be alright. She remembered the last night she saw her mother. She had tucked Tara into bed, kissed her goodnight and told her that things would get better. She remembered the police being at the house when she woke up the next morning. She remembered the coroner wheeling out someone in a black body bag out to his car. She remembered her father telling her that her mother had killed herself. Tara remembered them putting her mother in the ground and the nightmare never ended.

A loud ring shook Tara out of her thoughts. She wiped away the dried stream of tears that had streamed down her face.
“Hey, you worried me there for awhile.” Willow said.
Tara still felt Willow’s hand on her back, rubbing around in circles. Tara looked up and smiled, “I’m f-fine, thanks.”
“Good. Now what’s next?” Willow asked standing up and gently guiding Tara up with her.
“Umm…” Tara looked at her schedule, “P. E. is n-n-next.”
“Alright, let’s go.” Willow said, taking Tara’s hand again.
Willow called at Faith who was harassing Warren. “Hey Faithy, catch ya later, okay?”
“Sure thing Red and don’t sweat it, I’ll take care of this little shit here.” She said while twisting Warren’s ear.
Willow heard Warren squeak out a plea as she walked out the door.

_________________
"Oh yeah?! Well...so's your face!
-Fear Itself


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM (updated 4/24) chapter 2
PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:40 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:47 am
Posts: 432
Thanks for the update. I love badass Willow and Faith running together. They'll bring Tara out for sure.

_________________
Willow: "Anya, I have faith in you. There is no one you cannot piss off."


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM (updated 4/24) chapter 2
PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:19 am 
Offline
5. Willowhand
User avatar

Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:05 pm
Posts: 268
Location: Spokane Washington USA
awsome story. I love Desert Heat and now I love this as well. Okay back to the story at hand. Warren needs to be hurt. with rocks. large bumpy rocks. with lots of jagged edges. Willow and Faith together, intrseting. I can't wait to see how you deal with Tara's ass of a dad.

_________________
My Poems
Ancient Future
Dead like Me:life after death


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM (updated 4/24) chapter 2
PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 4:33 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2005 2:54 pm
Posts: 366
Location: minnesota
yay! love the update! can i just kick warrens ass my god!! urgh!! Well love the update cant wait to find out what happens in P.E. please update soon!
Erin

_________________
"No candles?...Well I brought one..it's ExtraFlamey" Willow, New Moon Rising


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM (updated 4/24) chapter 2
PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 4:59 pm 
Offline
2. Floating Rose
User avatar

Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 10:50 am
Posts: 39
awesome loved the update!
keep writing and i hope more is coming soon

loved the way Faith took care of business for Willow
and both Faith and Willow were all "large and in charge" very hot

:peace

_________________
~people are like bunnies...they multiply rapidly...but bunnies are better cuz you can eat them...does that make me a bad person? And should I avoid mentioning this to Anya?~


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM (4-27 update) Chapter 3
PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:03 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:12 pm
Posts: 409
Location: Virginia, USA
Guppy, Willowlover, AlysonGoddess, and Lucifer: Thanks for all the great feedback.

There are a lot of compromising updates coming up. I hope that you all don't feel squemish about one update in particular.

Some of what I am writing are happenings that some other people have experienced. I don't mean to put ANY of the characters in a harsh situation but there is a plot to this story and with the bad also comes the good.

So here's chapter three :peace




CHAPTER 3
The rest of the day went on without any more incidences. Willow and Tara talked and felt a stronger bond with each other. Almost all day, the two held hands. With the final bell of the day, Willow waited for Tara outside, standing along the line of school busses.

“Hey Tara!” Willow called out.
Tara walked briskly over to her, “H-hey.”
“I thought maybe, if you wanted to, I could drive you home unless you have something else to do.” Willow asked.
“I w-would love f-for you to d-drive me h-home Willow.” Tara said with a smile.
“Great!” Willow said with a little more enthusiasm than necessary.
Tara giggled, “Then l-let’s g-go.”

As they got to Willow’s car, Faith was standing there leaning up against it.
“Hey Red, care to give me a ride?” Faith asked.
Willow looked over Faith’s shoulder, “Faith!” Faith looked behind her.
“You think you can just do that to me. You think I would let you get away with that! Think again!” Warren started charging towards Faith with a baseball bat held above him. Willow walked calmly in front of Faith. Warren came down with a swing but Willow caught the bat right above her head. She twisted it around, jerked it away from Warren’s grip and threw it on the ground.
“I thought Faithy told you not to piss me off, Warren? You’ll never learn will ya?” Willow drew back her fist and hit him square in the nose. Warren looked at Willow puzzled, rolled his eyes and fell to the ground with a loud thump.
“Ow! Ow! Ow!” Willow waved her hand around.
“I don’t understand you Red. You can catch a ball bat in mid swing without a whimper but when it comes to punching out pussy boy, you complain. Strange Red, real strange.” Faith looked at Willow’s hand, “You’ll live. Let’s get going.”
A tall boy came running up to them, “Hey Faith, can I come with?” He looked on the ground at a passed out Warren, then walked over him.
“Yeah Red, me and Slink here have plans.” Faith said while grabbing the boy and kissing him passionately.
“It’s alright with me, how about you Tara?”
Tara looked dumbstruck. She slowly turned her head away from Warren to Willow. She shook her head and slowly got in the car.

When everyone packed in the small car, Tara looked over at Willow, “I j-just have one f-favor to ask. W-when you t-take me h-home, could t-they s-sort of d-duck down? I d-don’t know if m-my dad is h-home,” Even though Tara’s father told her that he wouldn’t return until late tonight, he has shown up earlier that expected before.
Tara turned around. Slink was licking and sucking on Faith’s neck and she was grinding her body against his.
“I’ll take Faith home first but they’ll probably be ducked down before we pull out of the parking lot anyway, if you know what I mean.” Willow said wiggling her eyebrows.
Tara blinked once, then again as if doing a double take.
Tara leaned over to Willow and whispered, “Why d-do they c-call him Slink?”
“Because his dick looks like a slinky.” Faith said from the back seat.
Slink pulled back from Faith’s neck, “Goddamn it Faith, why do you gotta tell everyone that!?”
Faith screamed in his face, “Shut up Johnny! Don’t you cuss me you fuck!”
“I’ll show you a fuck, bitch!” He grabbed Faith by the hair and pulled her down in the seat. He ripped open Faith’s shirt sending buttons flying everywhere. His hands grabbed one of her breast so hard it looked like a balloon going to pop.
Tara couldn’t believe what was happening.
“Here they go again.” Willow said leading Tara’s attention towards her.
“Wh-what?” Tara asked confused.
“They do this all the time. They fight so they can fuck. Hand me one of my CD’s. Maybe I can play it loud enough to drown out all the groaning.” Willow said pointing to her glove box.
Tara jerked the box open as fast as she could. Apparently things were going to get real heated up.
She handed Willow a CD not paying attention to the one she picked up.

Even with the music playing loud and the noise from the back seat, Tara listened to every word that Willow was telling her. Stories about how her and Faith met, the friendship they shared and some of the problems they have encountered with Warren.

Fifteen minutes later, Willow turned down the music and looked into her rear view mirror. “Are you two done yet?”
Tara took a glance over her shoulder. Faith was zipping her pants and fixing her shirt as best she could to cover her chest. Slink handed her one of the two cigarettes he had lit in his mouth.
Tara pulled out a cigarette and lit it too. She definitely needed this one.

“Red, you’re just jealous because the only lay you get is with your finger.” Faith said.
“Kiss my ass Faith. You only wish I would lend you my finger. Here’s a big one for ya.”
Tara looked over at Willow holding up her middle finger laughing.
“Hey Red, why don’t you let Blondie borrow it? You both look so lonely. Me and Slink can sit up there and you two can find out how fun this back seat can be.”
Tara turned around with wide eyes and looked at Faith who was licking her teeth and had a seductive gleam in her eyes. Tara quickly turned around as Willow rolled her eyes.

The car pulled into Faith’s driveway. Slink opened the door and walked towards Faith’s house. Faith was sliding out the car when she stopped. She leaned forward between the two bucket seats and looked at Tara.
Hey Tara, I was just joking with ya, but if you and Red ever decide to…ya know…I’d totally understand.” She patted Tara on the shoulder and continued out of the car.
“See ya Red.” And with that she closed the door.

“What w-w-was that a-about?” Tara asked as Willow pulled the car back onto the road.
“Well, heh, like I told you before, Faith is bold and brazin’. She’s a little out there with some things, but she’s a great friend.” Willow said as she reached over and took Tara’s hand. Willow just couldn’t get enough of touching the blonde. Her skin was like silk.

Tara smiled when Willow took her hand. Willow was so kind and beautiful. The day’s events were unusual to say the least, but as long as Willow was there Tara felt like everything was perfect.

“Umm, so, where do you live?” Willow asked.
“I-I live on B-Bernan Street.” Tara said nervously.
“Cool! I live on that street too. I live in the apartments at the lower end.” Willow said excitedly.
Tara was relieved to know that Willow lived so close.

Willow turned on to Bernan Street. “Which house?”
“The t-third on the r-r-right.” Tara was hoping that her father wasn’t home. He didn’t like surprises and Tara, regardless if it was her fault or not, would always suffer the consequences.
“Fuckin’ b-bullshit!” Tara mumbled.
“Bullshit. What? Don’t I have the right house?” Willow said as she pulled into a driveway.

“Huh? Oh…y-yeah. Y-you have the r-r-right house.” Tara said embarrassed.
Tara exited the car and stood outside. “T-thanks Willow. T-today’s been g-great.”

“Well, it doesn’t have to end. Um…is it alright if I come in? I promise I won’t stay long, ya know just to talk. My place is pretty empty considering my mom works late and I don’t get to see her much. But, you barely know me n’all, and I really shouldn’t have asked that. I...I don’t know what I was thinking. Umm…never mind.” Willow took in a deep breath and smiled at Tara.

“W-Willow, if y-y-you want t-to come in, I w-wouldn’t s-s-say no.” Tara smiled her signature crooked grin. She was nervous about Willow being there. She definitely didn’t mind spending time with the redhead, but it was her father she was worried about.
“Thanks! Like I said, I won’t stay long.” Willow turned off the car and got out.

The key turned over in the rusted lock. The door squeaked open.
“Neat house.” Willow stated looking everything over as she followed Tara inside. “Where’s your room?”
“Upstairs.” Tara replied pointing in the general direction.
Both girls ascended the staircase in a rush. Tara was in more of a rush. She wanted to get the visit over with as soon as possible.

Tara opened the bedroom door. Willow walked past her. She jumped up and plopped down on the bed.
“This is comfy. Come over here and sit.” Willow patted the mattress.
Tara walked over and casually sat down, kicking off her shoes.

“So, you said in class this morning that you moved here from Oregon. What part?” Willow asked. She wanted to find out as much as she could about the beautiful blonde.
“Baker C-City.” Tara replied.
“Wow. I’ve never been out of Sunnydale. Just a small ordinary girl from a small ordinary place.” Willow said. “Have you ever lived anywhere else?”
“J-just here a-and there. N-not any p-place special.”
“Well, if you’ve lived there, they are definitely special.” Willow smiled while taking Tara’s hand in hers.
Tara blushed and lowered her head finding a piece of string very interesting. “N-no I’m nothing s-special.”
Willow lifted Tara’s chin and looked in those baby blues, “Oh you are, and don’t let anyone else tell you other wise.”
“T-t-thank you. S-so, umm…you l-live w-with your m-mom. Where’s y-y-your d-dad?” Tara asked changing the subject.
Willow looked away from Tara. “He died years ago when I was fifteen. Things haven’t been the same either. Mom has gone down hill. She works all the time and when she doesn’t she’s at home drinking or doing drugs.”
“Oh W-Willow, I’m s-s-sorry. I l-lost my m-mom when I was s-seven.” Tara felt so bad for Willow. She knew how it felt to loose one parent and the other one messed up bad.
“Well, shit happens, ya know. Can we go outside and smoke? I suddenly have the urge for a cigarette.” Willow stood up from the bed and headed out the door.
Tara was a little taken back by Willow’s actions but she followed her out the door.

When Willow got to the bottom of the stairs, she waited for Tara. “Which way?”
Tara stepped in front of Willow and led her out the back door.

Tara sat down on the back steps. Willow reached in her pocket and retrieved her pack of cigarettes and handed Tara one. She lit hers then lit Tara’s for her.
“So,” Willow continued with the conversation, “what’s your dad like?”
Tara was afraid that Willow would ask, but they were sharing things very personal so Tara complied, “H-he’s alright I-I g-g-guess. N-nothing o-o-out of th-the o-o-ordinary.”
Willow noticed that Tara’s stutter had increased. “That’s cool.”
Willow looked down at her watch, “Oh hey, I really have to get going, but it was nice talking with you. I haven’t felt too comfortable talking about my personal life with anyone other than Faith. She knows how it is.”
Tara put out her cigarette. Walked over to the fence and flicked the butt. If her father knew that Tara smoked, there definitely would be hell to pay.
This didn’t go unnoticed by Willow, so she put out her cigarette, walked over to where Tara was and flicked hers over the fence as well.
“Your ol’ man doesn’t know you smoke, huh? I know how it is. My mom doesn’t know about me either.” Willow smiled, took Tara’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
Tara made the boldest move in her entire life. She kissed Willow on the cheek and hugged her tight. Willow was shocked but she returned the hug, but not too tight.

Both reluctantly pulled back. Tara looked deep into Willow’s green eyes. “T-thanks for everything.”
Willow cleared her throat, “For what?” She said in a squeaky voice. She cleared her throat again.
“For b-being m-my friend.”
“Ah shucks ma’am.” Willow giggled. “But, I really have to get going. I’ll see you tomorrow. Do you want me to pick you up?”
Tara smiled, “That w-would be great.”
“Alright, see ya then.” Willow walked around the house.
Tara heard the car start and the tires squeal on the road.
She wrapped her arms around her and walked back into the house with a dreamy look on her face.

******
Willow entered her apartment. She threw her keys and mail on the coffee table and sat down on the couch. She reached for the phone and dialed.

“Hey Giles, it’s me.” Willow reached over and turned her laptop on.
“Yeah, it’s definitely her.”
She tapped her foot impatiently on the floor waiting for her computer to boot up.
“Oh yeah! Good work Giles.”
Willow’s computer finished.
“Hey I’m going to put you on speaker.”
Willow pushed the button and returned the receiver to the base.
“Are you there Giles?”
“Yes Willow.” A strong male English accent came over the speaker. “Are you logged on?”
“Give me just a sec…there. Yep got it.” Willow looked at her computer screen.
“Now Willow, if you would go to the third page, second paragraph, you will see the calculations you requested.”
“Holy shit that’s a lot of cash!” Willow exclaimed.
“I would have to agree with you, dear. However, there is quite a bit more we need from your end.”
“I’m working on it Giles. These things take time, ya know.”
“Willow, my dear child, you are not getting emotionally involved. You cannot allow yourself to be put through this, knowing what is going to happen.”
“Giles, I know.” Willow sounded defeated.
“All I am asking for you to do is keep a clear head.” Giles said with concern.
Willow laughed, “Now you’re starting to sound like Anya. That’s not a good thing.”
Giles cleared his throat, “Yes, well our dear Anya can be smart on rare occasion. I am just telling you this for your own benefit Willow.”
“I understand your point Giles, but I know what I am doing.”
A sigh came over the speaker.
“Giles, I’ll be careful. I promise and quit cleaning your glasses. You’re gonna rub a hole in ‘em.” Willow smiled looking at the phone.
“Oh hey Giles, I have to tell you that Faith Lehane came through with flying colors. So take care of that little incident for her, will ya?”
“I am a man of my word Willow. I will take care of everything. Call if you need anything. Goodbye.”
Willow heard a click and then a dial tone. She reached over and pushed the speaker button and reclined back on the couch. She smiled and rubbed her cheek.

Willow sighed loudly and threw up her hands.
“I need a beer.”

******
Tara walked in her bedroom and lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling.
Tara started to panic. Her breathing became erratic. Tara screamed with excitement and kicked her feet.
She hopped up from her bed and went to her closet. She pushed her shoes to one side and lifted up the piece of carpet in there. She had pried loose two boards when she and her father moved in the house. There she kept her journal.
She went to her nightstand and retrieved a pen. She opened up her journal and read the last entry that was written over two years ago:

April 11,
I was standing outside enjoying the first warm day of the year. I heard a slight meow from underneath the storage building. I looked and there was the cutest black and white kitty. It was so small and pitiful looking. I took it inside and gave it some leftover meatloaf from last night’s supper. I barely had time to put it down before it started eating. It was making all sorts of noises. After it cleaned the plate, I walked back outside and sat on the porch swing. The little thing fell asleep in my lap. I sat there petting it and sang to it songs that my mom sang to me when I was little.
I knew I couldn’t keep it, but I gave it a name. I had to find out if it was a boy or girl. It sure didn’t like me disturbing it, but I found out it was a she. I named her Miss Kitty. O.K. Kind of lame but it’s all I could think of in short notice. She lay down on my lap again purring, until HE came home. Miss Kitty apparently sensed what kind of a bastard I have for a father. She arched her back, hissed and growled when he walked outside. I couldn’t believe what he done. He just picked her up and kicked her out in the yard. She ran so fast. I wish I could have gone with her. He turned to me and….

Tara didn’t like write about bad occurrences in her journal, but sometimes they just slipped in. She turned the page and began her new entry:

August 23,
Well, I should begin with what happened yesterday. I met the most amazing woman. Her name is Willow Rosenberg. I met her at the mini-mart in town. She was so nice to me. She just came up and introduced herself right out of the blue. No I just never expected someone like her to do that. I couldn’t stop thinking about her and still can’t.
Today she took me to all my classes and I met her best friend Faith. She seemed alright. Kind of out there, but she’s cool. Anyway, Willow held my hand almost all day. I don’t think I could have made it through. There was this one prick in first period. I think his name was Warren. He first came up to us and was hitting on me and saying stupid things like ‘do I need a real man’ (yuck!) and other stuff that made absolutely no sense what so ever. Then BAM! Willow slammed him against the wall. I couldn’t believe it. That cute little hot delicious babe was a wildcat. He! He! He! Then Faith came in and stopped her. Damn it! I really wanted to see Willow in action. BUUUUTTTT! After school he ran up to Faith with a ball bat. Oh My God!!! That was scary, but Willow jumped in front of Faith, took the bat right out of his hands and punched him right in the nose. Now that was something to see. He just fell down. Didn’t say a word, just hit the ground. Big K.O. for the beautiful redhead. Well, when we all got in the car, Faith and her boyfriend Slink, I might add that it is a fucked up name, started making out in the back seat. I thought that was going to be it but NOOOOO! Full blown sex session right there, they didn’t care who saw it. It surely didn’t affect Willow. Apparently she’s used to it. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE!!! Didn’t happen. I got through it. Oh and then Faith said something about if Willow and I wanted to go back there. Just ain’t gonna happen, not that I don’t want it to. Well, after we dropped Faith and Slink, still a fucked up name, off at Faith’s, Willow brought me home. We talked and she said that her dad died and her mom was really messed up. I wanted to tell her about what happens here but….NO! I’m not writing about that. Everything is good. Anyway, we went outside and smoked and talked some more. Then it happened. It happened and I did it. Me Tara Maclay kissed Willow. O.K. it was only on the cheek but I kissed her anyway. That’s got to count for something. For once in my miserable life, I made the first move. I did something I thought I would never do. But I don’t know if she is gay. Faith said something about me not the only one to drive stick and APPARENTLY Faith wasn’t talking about herself. But gay or not I kissed her. It seems like little Miss Rosenberg brings out someone in me that was always screaming to get out, coming out as a stuttering whisper, but peeking out the door at least.
Well, gotta go for now. Yay for me!!!

Tara closed her journal and held it close to her. She went back to her closet and placed the book back under the floor boards. She put the carpet back in place, then arranged her shoes in the order she had them. After checking that everything was in place, Tara got up, left her room and went back downstairs.


******
Willow noticed how dark it had gotten outside. She had sat on her couch almost the evening away thinking nothing but about Tara. How she smelled, how she felt, how soft her lips felt. Her breathtaking smile and those deep blue eyes that reminded Willow of the sea and her hair the color of sun. She was an angel. Willow didn’t know if she fell asleep, but the vision in her mind the entire time was Tara.

Willow shook her head, got up and went to the bathroom. She turned the water to a warmer temperature than normal. She had been stressed out from the day’s events, her muscles were tense. She wanted to relax as much as possible. She lit some candles and slipped into the water. The only thought on her mind was Tara.


******
Tara went into the bathroom and ran herself a bath. This was the most enjoyable time Tara had. Time alone, just by herself. She lit candles and guided her body in the water. When it surrounded her, the tingle crept up her body and to her center. This took Tara by surprise. She has never experienced this feeling before. Following her instinct, Tara touched her hardened clit. It sent a surge of electricity up and down her body. Tara rolled her eyes in the back of her head. Her finger starting moving as if it had a mind of her own. Her hips started slowly move back and forth. It felt so good, but she needed more. The pressure inside was intense. She took her other hand and placed her finger outside her opening. It heated her up even more. She slowly pushed her finger inside. Tara groaned out in pleasure. Her heart was beating fast. Sweat began to form on her forehead. She rubbed her clit even faster, harder, pushing her finger inside. She slid another finger inside of her. Tara’s breathing was fast, her heart beating hard. Her finger pressed harder on her clit, finger’s pumping fast and hard inside her. Tara closed her eyes, her mind was a complete blank except for one vision.
“Willow! Willow! Oh my god…yes!”
She wanted Willow more than ever. Fingers pumping, hips bucking, the muscles in her tightened around her fingers. Tara thought she was going to pass out. The feeling was closer and closer. Stinging and burning feeling the best she has ever felt.
“OH GOD, WILLOOOOOWWWWWWW!”
Bright lights flashed behind her eyelids. Tara rubbed her clit slowly to feel the last contractions.
Her breathing slowed down. Her heart beat returned to normal.
Tara took her fingers out of herself, jerking one last time.
A smile spread on Tara’s face.

Tara felt slightly light headed, but continued to take a bath.


******
Willow put a washcloth over her eyes.

Willow flung the washcloth across the bathtub. She reached up, pulled the drain plug and got out of the water.
She picked up a towel and headed for her bedroom.
Willow patted her body dry. When she dried between her legs, she let out a long sensual hiss.

Willow ignored the growing wetness. She went to her dresser and pulled out a night shirt and a pair of panties.

The wetness between her legs increased. The elated feeling in her core was getting to her.

Willow moved her hand to her breast. She pinched the nipple making it harder. She moaned out slightly at the increased pressure inside her was building. She moved her hand down to her clit, slightly massaging it. Wetness was pouring out of her onto the sheets. Willow moved her other hand and plunged two fingers inside. She bucked her hips off the mattress forcing her fingers even deeper to her sweet spot. She slowly began pumping her fingers in and out, rubbing her clit with increased pressure. She rolled her head to the side and let out a pleasurable sigh. Her hips bucked harder, her fingers pumping harder, her finger rubbed her clit harder. Her breathing becoming faster, irregular heartbeat. The sensation of her orgasm began in her thighs, overtaking her core. Heat pressure building more and more.
“Oh Tara, Tara, TARAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!” Willow came as she thought of the gorgeous blonde being there, ridding out her orgasm. The angels face behind the flashes of light surrounded the room.
Willow laid on her bed, weak and feeling absolutely spent. She forced herself from her bed, back into the bathroom. She washed her hands and face. Looking up into the mirror, Willow felt embarrassed and unsure about herself.
“That was…intense. She looked away unable to face the person she saw.”
Willow walked back to her bedroom, put on her nightshirt and panties, laid herself under the covers. Not a thought entered the redhead’s mind. Only the image of Tara.
She smiled and sleep quickly took over.

********
Authors note: Remember when I warned about rape. Well, this is it. If you don’t want to read it then skip this part. Believe me it was hard enough for me to write it.

As quick as she could, Tara dried her hair, slipped into her night shirt and panties and got in her bed. She set her alarm for in the morning and turned out her lamp on the nightstand.
A beautiful redhead’s face was all Tara could see. She was brought out of her thoughts when headlights shone upon the ceiling in her bedroom. The front door slammed shut. Tara’s whole body jumped in fear. She heard the sound of footsteps walking to the front of her bedroom door. Tara closed her eyes and wrapped herself tight in her blankets.
“Tara, are you awake?”
Her father entered the room and sat down on the edge of the bed and turned on the lamp. He moved his hands up and down the shape of Tara’s shaking body.
“Daddy wants to talk to you Tara. I had a bad day and I need you to make me feel better like you always do.”
Tara kept pretending she was asleep, hoping that he would just go away.
“Tara, I know you are awake, now turn over and look at me.”
Tara slowly turned over. She looked in his eyes. They looked so evil, as if the devil himself were sitting there. He lowered down and kissed her on the head, “I need you Tara. Just for a little bit.”
Tara looked at him, “Why d-d-do you d-d-o this t-t-to m-m-me. I’m y-y-your d-d-daughter.”
“I know who the fuck you are, you just don’t forget who I am.”
He reached his hand down underneath the blankets, feeling the outside of her panties.
Tara reached her hand under the covers and forcibly removed his hand and flung it away.
“Don’t you fight me you little bitch! Now come on Tara, open up for me.” He moved his hand back on her crotch and started rubbing roughly.
Tara grabbed his hand again, but he kept it in place. She tried to fight him but he was too strong. He had his sleazy hand between her legs.
“P-p-please d-don’t d-d-do this t-t-to m-m-me!” Tara yelled out.
Her father jumped up from his position. All Tara felt was the back of his hand hit the side of her face. He undid his pants revealing his hardened cock. He flung the covers off of Tara who was trying to move away. He jerked her back in place, ripping her panties off, “I told you not to fight me. Now, come on baby, make daddy feel better.”
Tara closed her eyes and cried out in pain and fear.

_________________
"Oh yeah?! Well...so's your face!
-Fear Itself


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM (4-27 update) Chapter 3
PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 3:04 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:12 pm
Posts: 409
Location: Virginia, USA
Guppy, Willowlover, AlysonGoddess, and Lucifer: Thanks for all the great feedback.

There are a lot of compromising updates coming up. I hope that you all don't feel squemish about one update in particular.

Some of what I am writing are happenings that some other people have experienced. I don't mean to put ANY of the characters in a harsh situation but there is a plot to this story and with the bad also comes the good.

So here's chapter three :peace




CHAPTER 3
The rest of the day went on without any more incidences. Willow and Tara talked and felt a stronger bond with each other. Almost all day, the two held hands. With the final bell of the day, Willow waited for Tara outside, standing along the line of school busses.

“Hey Tara!” Willow called out.
Tara walked briskly over to her, “H-hey.”
“I thought maybe, if you wanted to, I could drive you home unless you have something else to do.” Willow asked.
“I w-would love f-for you to d-drive me h-home Willow.” Tara said with a smile.
“Great!” Willow said with a little more enthusiasm than necessary.
Tara giggled, “Then l-let’s g-go.”

As they got to Willow’s car, Faith was standing there leaning up against it.
“Hey Red, care to give me a ride?” Faith asked.
Willow looked over Faith’s shoulder, “Faith!” Faith looked behind her.
“You think you can just do that to me. You think I would let you get away with that! Think again!” Warren started charging towards Faith with a baseball bat held above him. Willow walked calmly in front of Faith. Warren came down with a swing but Willow caught the bat right above her head. She twisted it around, jerked it away from Warren’s grip and threw it on the ground.
“I thought Faithy told you not to piss me off, Warren? You’ll never learn will ya?” Willow drew back her fist and hit him square in the nose. Warren looked at Willow puzzled, rolled his eyes and fell to the ground with a loud thump.
“Ow! Ow! Ow!” Willow waved her hand around.
“I don’t understand you Red. You can catch a ball bat in mid swing without a whimper but when it comes to punching out pussy boy, you complain. Strange Red, real strange.” Faith looked at Willow’s hand, “You’ll live. Let’s get going.”
A tall boy came running up to them, “Hey Faith, can I come with?” He looked on the ground at a passed out Warren, then walked over him.
“Yeah Red, me and Slink here have plans.” Faith said while grabbing the boy and kissing him passionately.
“It’s alright with me, how about you Tara?”
Tara looked dumbstruck. She slowly turned her head away from Warren to Willow. She shook her head and slowly got in the car.

When everyone packed in the small car, Tara looked over at Willow, “I j-just have one f-favor to ask. W-when you t-take me h-home, could t-they s-sort of d-duck down? I d-don’t know if m-my dad is h-home,” Even though Tara’s father told her that he wouldn’t return until late tonight, he has shown up earlier that expected before.
Tara turned around. Slink was licking and sucking on Faith’s neck and she was grinding her body against his.
“I’ll take Faith home first but they’ll probably be ducked down before we pull out of the parking lot anyway, if you know what I mean.” Willow said wiggling her eyebrows.
Tara blinked once, then again as if doing a double take.
Tara leaned over to Willow and whispered, “Why d-do they c-call him Slink?”
“Because his dick looks like a slinky.” Faith said from the back seat.
Slink pulled back from Faith’s neck, “Goddamn it Faith, why do you gotta tell everyone that!?”
Faith screamed in his face, “Shut up Johnny! Don’t you cuss me you fuck!”
“I’ll show you a fuck, bitch!” He grabbed Faith by the hair and pulled her down in the seat. He ripped open Faith’s shirt sending buttons flying everywhere. His hands grabbed one of her breast so hard it looked like a balloon going to pop.
Tara couldn’t believe what was happening.
“Here they go again.” Willow said leading Tara’s attention towards her.
“Wh-what?” Tara asked confused.
“They do this all the time. They fight so they can fuck. Hand me one of my CD’s. Maybe I can play it loud enough to drown out all the groaning.” Willow said pointing to her glove box.
Tara jerked the box open as fast as she could. Apparently things were going to get real heated up.
She handed Willow a CD not paying attention to the one she picked up.

Even with the music playing loud and the noise from the back seat, Tara listened to every word that Willow was telling her. Stories about how her and Faith met, the friendship they shared and some of the problems they have encountered with Warren.

Fifteen minutes later, Willow turned down the music and looked into her rear view mirror. “Are you two done yet?”
Tara took a glance over her shoulder. Faith was zipping her pants and fixing her shirt as best she could to cover her chest. Slink handed her one of the two cigarettes he had lit in his mouth.
Tara pulled out a cigarette and lit it too. She definitely needed this one.

“Red, you’re just jealous because the only lay you get is with your finger.” Faith said.
“Kiss my ass Faith. You only wish I would lend you my finger. Here’s a big one for ya.”
Tara looked over at Willow holding up her middle finger laughing.
“Hey Red, why don’t you let Blondie borrow it? You both look so lonely. Me and Slink can sit up there and you two can find out how fun this back seat can be.”
Tara turned around with wide eyes and looked at Faith who was licking her teeth and had a seductive gleam in her eyes. Tara quickly turned around as Willow rolled her eyes.

The car pulled into Faith’s driveway. Slink opened the door and walked towards Faith’s house. Faith was sliding out the car when she stopped. She leaned forward between the two bucket seats and looked at Tara.
Hey Tara, I was just joking with ya, but if you and Red ever decide to…ya know…I’d totally understand.” She patted Tara on the shoulder and continued out of the car.
“See ya Red.” And with that she closed the door.

“What w-w-was that a-about?” Tara asked as Willow pulled the car back onto the road.
“Well, heh, like I told you before, Faith is bold and brazin’. She’s a little out there with some things, but she’s a great friend.” Willow said as she reached over and took Tara’s hand. Willow just couldn’t get enough of touching the blonde. Her skin was like silk.

Tara smiled when Willow took her hand. Willow was so kind and beautiful. The day’s events were unusual to say the least, but as long as Willow was there Tara felt like everything was perfect.

“Umm, so, where do you live?” Willow asked.
“I-I live on B-Bernan Street.” Tara said nervously.
“Cool! I live on that street too. I live in the apartments at the lower end.” Willow said excitedly.
Tara was relieved to know that Willow lived so close.

Willow turned on to Bernan Street. “Which house?”
“The t-third on the r-r-right.” Tara was hoping that her father wasn’t home. He didn’t like surprises and Tara, regardless if it was her fault or not, would always suffer the consequences.
“Fuckin’ b-bullshit!” Tara mumbled.
“Bullshit. What? Don’t I have the right house?” Willow said as she pulled into a driveway.

“Huh? Oh…y-yeah. Y-you have the r-r-right house.” Tara said embarrassed.
Tara exited the car and stood outside. “T-thanks Willow. T-today’s been g-great.”

“Well, it doesn’t have to end. Um…is it alright if I come in? I promise I won’t stay long, ya know just to talk. My place is pretty empty considering my mom works late and I don’t get to see her much. But, you barely know me n’all, and I really shouldn’t have asked that. I...I don’t know what I was thinking. Umm…never mind.” Willow took in a deep breath and smiled at Tara.

“W-Willow, if y-y-you want t-to come in, I w-wouldn’t s-s-say no.” Tara smiled her signature crooked grin. She was nervous about Willow being there. She definitely didn’t mind spending time with the redhead, but it was her father she was worried about.
“Thanks! Like I said, I won’t stay long.” Willow turned off the car and got out.

The key turned over in the rusted lock. The door squeaked open.
“Neat house.” Willow stated looking everything over as she followed Tara inside. “Where’s your room?”
“Upstairs.” Tara replied pointing in the general direction.
Both girls ascended the staircase in a rush. Tara was in more of a rush. She wanted to get the visit over with as soon as possible.

Tara opened the bedroom door. Willow walked past her. She jumped up and plopped down on the bed.
“This is comfy. Come over here and sit.” Willow patted the mattress.
Tara walked over and casually sat down, kicking off her shoes.

“So, you said in class this morning that you moved here from Oregon. What part?” Willow asked. She wanted to find out as much as she could about the beautiful blonde.
“Baker C-City.” Tara replied.
“Wow. I’ve never been out of Sunnydale. Just a small ordinary girl from a small ordinary place.” Willow said. “Have you ever lived anywhere else?”
“J-just here a-and there. N-not any p-place special.”
“Well, if you’ve lived there, they are definitely special.” Willow smiled while taking Tara’s hand in hers.
Tara blushed and lowered her head finding a piece of string very interesting. “N-no I’m nothing s-special.”
Willow lifted Tara’s chin and looked in those baby blues, “Oh you are, and don’t let anyone else tell you other wise.”
“T-t-thank you. S-so, umm…you l-live w-with your m-mom. Where’s y-y-your d-dad?” Tara asked changing the subject.
Willow looked away from Tara. “He died years ago when I was fifteen. Things haven’t been the same either. Mom has gone down hill. She works all the time and when she doesn’t she’s at home drinking or doing drugs.”
“Oh W-Willow, I’m s-s-sorry. I l-lost my m-mom when I was s-seven.” Tara felt so bad for Willow. She knew how it felt to loose one parent and the other one messed up bad.
“Well, shit happens, ya know. Can we go outside and smoke? I suddenly have the urge for a cigarette.” Willow stood up from the bed and headed out the door.
Tara was a little taken back by Willow’s actions but she followed her out the door.

When Willow got to the bottom of the stairs, she waited for Tara. “Which way?”
Tara stepped in front of Willow and led her out the back door.

Tara sat down on the back steps. Willow reached in her pocket and retrieved her pack of cigarettes and handed Tara one. She lit hers then lit Tara’s for her.
“So,” Willow continued with the conversation, “what’s your dad like?”
Tara was afraid that Willow would ask, but they were sharing things very personal so Tara complied, “H-he’s alright I-I g-g-guess. N-nothing o-o-out of th-the o-o-ordinary.”
Willow noticed that Tara’s stutter had increased. “That’s cool.”
Willow looked down at her watch, “Oh hey, I really have to get going, but it was nice talking with you. I haven’t felt too comfortable talking about my personal life with anyone other than Faith. She knows how it is.”
Tara put out her cigarette. Walked over to the fence and flicked the butt. If her father knew that Tara smoked, there definitely would be hell to pay.
This didn’t go unnoticed by Willow, so she put out her cigarette, walked over to where Tara was and flicked hers over the fence as well.
“Your ol’ man doesn’t know you smoke, huh? I know how it is. My mom doesn’t know about me either.” Willow smiled, took Tara’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
Tara made the boldest move in her entire life. She kissed Willow on the cheek and hugged her tight. Willow was shocked but she returned the hug, but not too tight.

Both reluctantly pulled back. Tara looked deep into Willow’s green eyes. “T-thanks for everything.”
Willow cleared her throat, “For what?” She said in a squeaky voice. She cleared her throat again.
“For b-being m-my friend.”
“Ah shucks ma’am.” Willow giggled. “But, I really have to get going. I’ll see you tomorrow. Do you want me to pick you up?”
Tara smiled, “That w-would be great.”
“Alright, see ya then.” Willow walked around the house.
Tara heard the car start and the tires squeal on the road.
She wrapped her arms around her and walked back into the house with a dreamy look on her face.

******
Willow entered her apartment. She threw her keys and mail on the coffee table and sat down on the couch. She reached for the phone and dialed.

“Hey Giles, it’s me.” Willow reached over and turned her laptop on.
“Yeah, it’s definitely her.”
She tapped her foot impatiently on the floor waiting for her computer to boot up.
“Oh yeah! Good work Giles.”
Willow’s computer finished.
“Hey I’m going to put you on speaker.”
Willow pushed the button and returned the receiver to the base.
“Are you there Giles?”
“Yes Willow.” A strong male English accent came over the speaker. “Are you logged on?”
“Give me just a sec…there. Yep got it.” Willow looked at her computer screen.
“Now Willow, if you would go to the third page, second paragraph, you will see the calculations you requested.”
“Holy shit that’s a lot of cash!” Willow exclaimed.
“I would have to agree with you, dear. However, there is quite a bit more we need from your end.”
“I’m working on it Giles. These things take time, ya know.”
“Willow, my dear child, you are not getting emotionally involved. You cannot allow yourself to be put through this, knowing what is going to happen.”
“Giles, I know.” Willow sounded defeated.
“All I am asking for you to do is keep a clear head.” Giles said with concern.
Willow laughed, “Now you’re starting to sound like Anya. That’s not a good thing.”
Giles cleared his throat, “Yes, well our dear Anya can be smart on rare occasion. I am just telling you this for your own benefit Willow.”
“I understand your point Giles, but I know what I am doing.”
A sigh came over the speaker.
“Giles, I’ll be careful. I promise and quit cleaning your glasses. You’re gonna rub a hole in ‘em.” Willow smiled looking at the phone.
“Oh hey Giles, I have to tell you that Faith Lehane came through with flying colors. So take care of that little incident for her, will ya?”
“I am a man of my word Willow. I will take care of everything. Call if you need anything. Goodbye.”
Willow heard a click and then a dial tone. She reached over and pushed the speaker button and reclined back on the couch. She smiled and rubbed her cheek.

Willow sighed loudly and threw up her hands.
“I need a beer.”

******
Tara walked in her bedroom and lay on her bed and stared at the ceiling.
Tara started to panic. Her breathing became erratic. Tara screamed with excitement and kicked her feet.
She hopped up from her bed and went to her closet. She pushed her shoes to one side and lifted up the piece of carpet in there. She had pried loose two boards when she and her father moved in the house. There she kept her journal.
She went to her nightstand and retrieved a pen. She opened up her journal and read the last entry that was written over two years ago:

April 11,
I was standing outside enjoying the first warm day of the year. I heard a slight meow from underneath the storage building. I looked and there was the cutest black and white kitty. It was so small and pitiful looking. I took it inside and gave it some leftover meatloaf from last night’s supper. I barely had time to put it down before it started eating. It was making all sorts of noises. After it cleaned the plate, I walked back outside and sat on the porch swing. The little thing fell asleep in my lap. I sat there petting it and sang to it songs that my mom sang to me when I was little.
I knew I couldn’t keep it, but I gave it a name. I had to find out if it was a boy or girl. It sure didn’t like me disturbing it, but I found out it was a she. I named her Miss Kitty. O.K. Kind of lame but it’s all I could think of in short notice. She lay down on my lap again purring, until HE came home. Miss Kitty apparently sensed what kind of a bastard I have for a father. She arched her back, hissed and growled when he walked outside. I couldn’t believe what he done. He just picked her up and kicked her out in the yard. She ran so fast. I wish I could have gone with her. He turned to me and….

Tara didn’t like write about bad occurrences in her journal, but sometimes they just slipped in. She turned the page and began her new entry:

August 23,
Well, I should begin with what happened yesterday. I met the most amazing woman. Her name is Willow Rosenberg. I met her at the mini-mart in town. She was so nice to me. She just came up and introduced herself right out of the blue. No I just never expected someone like her to do that. I couldn’t stop thinking about her and still can’t.
Today she took me to all my classes and I met her best friend Faith. She seemed alright. Kind of out there, but she’s cool. Anyway, Willow held my hand almost all day. I don’t think I could have made it through. There was this one prick in first period. I think his name was Warren. He first came up to us and was hitting on me and saying stupid things like ‘do I need a real man’ (yuck!) and other stuff that made absolutely no sense what so ever. Then BAM! Willow slammed him against the wall. I couldn’t believe it. That cute little hot delicious babe was a wildcat. He! He! He! Then Faith came in and stopped her. Damn it! I really wanted to see Willow in action. BUUUUTTTT! After school he ran up to Faith with a ball bat. Oh My God!!! That was scary, but Willow jumped in front of Faith, took the bat right out of his hands and punched him right in the nose. Now that was something to see. He just fell down. Didn’t say a word, just hit the ground. Big K.O. for the beautiful redhead. Well, when we all got in the car, Faith and her boyfriend Slink, I might add that it is a fucked up name, started making out in the back seat. I thought that was going to be it but NOOOOO! Full blown sex session right there, they didn’t care who saw it. It surely didn’t affect Willow. Apparently she’s used to it. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE!!! Didn’t happen. I got through it. Oh and then Faith said something about if Willow and I wanted to go back there. Just ain’t gonna happen, not that I don’t want it to. Well, after we dropped Faith and Slink, still a fucked up name, off at Faith’s, Willow brought me home. We talked and she said that her dad died and her mom was really messed up. I wanted to tell her about what happens here but….NO! I’m not writing about that. Everything is good. Anyway, we went outside and smoked and talked some more. Then it happened. It happened and I did it. Me Tara Maclay kissed Willow. O.K. it was only on the cheek but I kissed her anyway. That’s got to count for something. For once in my miserable life, I made the first move. I did something I thought I would never do. But I don’t know if she is gay. Faith said something about me not the only one to drive stick and APPARENTLY Faith wasn’t talking about herself. But gay or not I kissed her. It seems like little Miss Rosenberg brings out someone in me that was always screaming to get out, coming out as a stuttering whisper, but peeking out the door at least.
Well, gotta go for now. Yay for me!!!

Tara closed her journal and held it close to her. She went back to her closet and placed the book back under the floor boards. She put the carpet back in place, then arranged her shoes in the order she had them. After checking that everything was in place, Tara got up, left her room and went back downstairs.


******
Willow noticed how dark it had gotten outside. She had sat on her couch almost the evening away thinking nothing but about Tara. How she smelled, how she felt, how soft her lips felt. Her breathtaking smile and those deep blue eyes that reminded Willow of the sea and her hair the color of sun. She was an angel. Willow didn’t know if she fell asleep, but the vision in her mind the entire time was Tara.

Willow shook her head, got up and went to the bathroom. She turned the water to a warmer temperature than normal. She had been stressed out from the day’s events, her muscles were tense. She wanted to relax as much as possible. She lit some candles and slipped into the water. The only thought on her mind was Tara.


******
Tara went into the bathroom and ran herself a bath. This was the most enjoyable time Tara had. Time alone, just by herself. She lit candles and guided her body in the water. When it surrounded her, the tingle crept up her body and to her center. This took Tara by surprise. She has never experienced this feeling before. Following her instinct, Tara touched her hardened clit. It sent a surge of electricity up and down her body. Tara rolled her eyes in the back of her head. Her finger starting moving as if it had a mind of her own. Her hips started slowly move back and forth. It felt so good, but she needed more. The pressure inside was intense. She took her other hand and placed her finger outside her opening. It heated her up even more. She slowly pushed her finger inside. Tara groaned out in pleasure. Her heart was beating fast. Sweat began to form on her forehead. She rubbed her clit even faster, harder, pushing her finger inside. She slid another finger inside of her. Tara’s breathing was fast, her heart beating hard. Her finger pressed harder on her clit, finger’s pumping fast and hard inside her. Tara closed her eyes, her mind was a complete blank except for one vision.
“Willow! Willow! Oh my god…yes!”
She wanted Willow more than ever. Fingers pumping, hips bucking, the muscles in her tightened around her fingers. Tara thought she was going to pass out. The feeling was closer and closer. Stinging and burning feeling the best she has ever felt.
“OH GOD, WILLOOOOOWWWWWWW!”
Bright lights flashed behind her eyelids. Tara rubbed her clit slowly to feel the last contractions.
Her breathing slowed down. Her heart beat returned to normal.
Tara took her fingers out of herself, jerking one last time.
A smile spread on Tara’s face.

Tara felt slightly light headed, but continued to take a bath.


******
Willow put a washcloth over her eyes.

Willow flung the washcloth across the bathtub. She reached up, pulled the drain plug and got out of the water.
She picked up a towel and headed for her bedroom.
Willow patted her body dry. When she dried between her legs, she let out a long sensual hiss.

Willow ignored the growing wetness. She went to her dresser and pulled out a night shirt and a pair of panties.

The wetness between her legs increased. The elated feeling in her core was getting to her.

Willow moved her hand to her breast. She pinched the nipple making it harder. She moaned out slightly at the increased pressure inside her was building. She moved her hand down to her clit, slightly massaging it. Wetness was pouring out of her onto the sheets. Willow moved her other hand and plunged two fingers inside. She bucked her hips off the mattress forcing her fingers even deeper to her sweet spot. She slowly began pumping her fingers in and out, rubbing her clit with increased pressure. She rolled her head to the side and let out a pleasurable sigh. Her hips bucked harder, her fingers pumping harder, her finger rubbed her clit harder. Her breathing becoming faster, irregular heartbeat. The sensation of her orgasm began in her thighs, overtaking her core. Heat pressure building more and more.
“Oh Tara, Tara, TARAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!” Willow came as she thought of the gorgeous blonde being there, ridding out her orgasm. The angels face behind the flashes of light surrounded the room.
Willow laid on her bed, weak and feeling absolutely spent. She forced herself from her bed, back into the bathroom. She washed her hands and face. Looking up into the mirror, Willow felt embarrassed and unsure about herself.
“That was…intense. She looked away unable to face the person she saw.”
Willow walked back to her bedroom, put on her nightshirt and panties, laid herself under the covers. Not a thought entered the redhead’s mind. Only the image of Tara.
She smiled and sleep quickly took over.

********
Authors note: Remember when I warned about rape. Well, this is it. If you don’t want to read it then skip this part. Believe me it was hard enough for me to write it.

As quick as she could, Tara dried her hair, slipped into her night shirt and panties and got in her bed. She set her alarm for in the morning and turned out her lamp on the nightstand.
A beautiful redhead’s face was all Tara could see. She was brought out of her thoughts when headlights shone upon the ceiling in her bedroom. The front door slammed shut. Tara’s whole body jumped in fear. She heard the sound of footsteps walking to the front of her bedroom door. Tara closed her eyes and wrapped herself tight in her blankets.
“Tara, are you awake?”
Her father entered the room and sat down on the edge of the bed and turned on the lamp. He moved his hands up and down the shape of Tara’s shaking body.
“Daddy wants to talk to you Tara. I had a bad day and I need you to make me feel better like you always do.”
Tara kept pretending she was asleep, hoping that he would just go away.
“Tara, I know you are awake, now turn over and look at me.”
Tara slowly turned over. She looked in his eyes. They looked so evil, as if the devil himself were sitting there. He lowered down and kissed her on the head, “I need you Tara. Just for a little bit.”
Tara looked at him, “Why d-d-do you d-d-o this t-t-to m-m-me. I’m y-y-your d-d-daughter.”
“I know who the fuck you are, you just don’t forget who I am.”
He reached his hand down underneath the blankets, feeling the outside of her panties.
Tara reached her hand under the covers and forcibly removed his hand and flung it away.
“Don’t you fight me you little bitch! Now come on Tara, open up for me.” He moved his hand back on her crotch and started rubbing roughly.
Tara grabbed his hand again, but he kept it in place. She tried to fight him but he was too strong. He had his sleazy hand between her legs.
“P-p-please d-don’t d-d-do this t-t-to m-m-me!” Tara yelled out.
Her father jumped up from his position. All Tara felt was the back of his hand hit the side of her face. He undid his pants revealing his hardened cock. He flung the covers off of Tara who was trying to move away. He jerked her back in place, ripping her panties off, “I told you not to fight me. Now, come on baby, make daddy feel better.”
Tara closed her eyes and cried out in pain and fear.

_________________
"Oh yeah?! Well...so's your face!
-Fear Itself


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM (updated 4/24) chapter 2
PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2006 8:56 pm 
Offline
5. Willowhand
User avatar

Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:05 pm
Posts: 268
Location: Spokane Washington USA
Tara kissing Willow was cute. I think you did Faith perfectly with her fucking that guy in the backseat, it sounds like her. What is Willow and Faith doing that involves Anya and Giles. Please explain soon.
And also the thing about with bad comes good, does that good involve Taras dad being killed for what he did. No wait torture that lasts for years on end sounds better. Thanks for the great update and for the warning about the rape, that was very thoughtful of you.

_________________
My Poems
Ancient Future
Dead like Me:life after death


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM (UPDATE 05/01) Chapter 4
PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 4:57 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:12 pm
Posts: 409
Location: Virginia, USA
Thanks for the feedback Willowlover. Here's chapter 4!

CHAPTER 4
Tara reached over to turn her alarm clock off. She cleared her eyes and peered at the numbers. The time read 6:45. Tara got out of bed and turned the ceiling light on. She looked at herself in the full length mirror on the backside of her door.

Tara’s cheek was bruised. It wasn’t the worse she had suffered, but it was bad enough.
Tara closed her eyes and turned away from the mirror.

“Tara?”
Her father was awake.
“Honey, I have to go back to Oregon for a couple of days and clear up some business. I don’t want you to worry. I’ll leave you some money for groceries and school. I’m going to tell you right now, there better not be any boys here while I’m gone or you’ll have to answer to me.”
“Y-yes s-s-sir.” Tara answered in a humble tone.
“Oh and Tara, I asked Ms. Day to check on you, that way I know that there will be nothing going on.”
Tara opened the bedroom door and looked at him.
“Who is M-Ms. D-d-day?”
“She’s our next door neighbor. Very nice elderly Christian lady. She’s quite the nosy type. Just the type I like looking in on you. Bye sweetie.”
Tara closed her door, throwing her middle finger up. She sat down on her bed and listened to her father’s car pull out of the driveway. She looked at her clock. 6:52.


Tara went downstairs. She turned the light on in the living room and looked around. She saw an envelope on the coffee table marked ‘Grocery Money’. Tara picked it up and looked inside to find a 20, 10, and two 5 dollar bills. She flung the envelope back onto the table.

Tara went into the bathroom and turned on the water to take a shower. She stood in front of the mirror to take another look at her face. Once again, she just turned away.
Tara removed her night shirt and her panties, which she had to replace. She stepped into the hot steaming shower. Her body absorbed every drop of water. She picked up the soap and rubbed it over her body. She washed her crotch very hard to clean away the filth of her father.
Tara thought of the times she had read of girls who were going through similar incidences, how they would break down and some were institutionalized. Tara was too strong for that. She was basically numb to over react to anything her father had done.

Tara slowly wiped the water off her legs. She gently patted her crotch. It was sore but soreness goes
away. The scars inside don’t.
Tara wrapped the towel around her body and opened up the bathroom door. She stepped into the living room and heard someone knocking on the front door.
Tara peered around the corner, “Wh-who’s th-there?”
“Hey Tara, its Willow!” Willow shouted from outside
Tara looked down the hallway, “C-come in, W-Willow. It’s o-open.”
Willow opened the door and walked in, “Hey! I was hoping that you were ready n’all. I mean it’s O.K. if you aren’t because I’m early. I just wanted to stop at the store and grab a pack of cigarettes. Ya know, all with the bad habit here.”
Tara had her face turned to the side hoping that Willow wouldn’t see.
“Umm, I’m n-not quite r-ready yet. G-give me a few m-minutes.” Tara wrapped her arm around her. With her other, she propped up and placed her hand on her cheek.
Willow looked at Tara, walking closer. She moved her head to take a better look, “Tara?” She put her hand on Tara’s arm. Tara held her arm stiff. “Tara, let me see.”
“There’s n-n-nothing to s-see, Willow.” Tara turned and started to walk away.
Willow walked in front of her, “Tara, please?”
Tara lowered her hand and then her face. She turned her head so Willow could get a better look.
“Oh god!” Willow whispered. She took her hand and raised it to Tara’s cheek, barely touching it. “Tara, what happened?”
Tara looked up at Willow, “N-nothing. I s-slipped and f-f-fell in the sh-shower, a-again.” Tara chucked dryly, “I-I’m s-s-so clumsy s-sometimes.”
“And I suppose that bruise on your wrist is from the shower too? Tara, as much as I would like to believe you, I don’t.” Willow crossed her arms over her chest.
“I don’t want to talk about it!” Tara yelled out.
“O.K. I just want you to know that I am here when you do.” Willow placed her hand on Tara’s in a reassuring gesture.
Tara started shaking and broke down in tears. She put her head on Willow’s shoulder. Willow gently wrapped her arms around her as she cried. Willow stood and swayed back and forth whispering comforting words.
After a few minutes, Tara pulled back and wiped her tears away, “I-I’m s-s-sorry.”
“It’s alright.” Willow smiled and kissed her gently on her bruised cheek. “You can lean on me for anything.”
Tara shivered and took in a deep breath. “W-willow, I w-w-want to t-tell you about w-what’s going on.”
“Tara, if you don’t want to... I mean, I told you that if you wanted to tell me, yeah, I’m right here, but you if you don’t feel comfortable telling me you don’t have to…”
Tara put her finger on Willow’s lips. “I w-want t-to.”
Willow just shook her head gesturing Tara to go on.
Tara took in another deep breath, “Ever s-since my m-mother died, t-things h-have g-g-gotten worse f-for me. M-my d-dad did this and other stuff t-too.” Tara hung her head in shame.
Willow took her hand under Tara’s chin and lifted her head up, “Tara, it’s not your fault. Never think that it is. I want to help. Let me call someone and we can get you out of here.”
“No W-Willow. I c-can’t go.” Tara said.
“Yes you can! We can go right now!” Willow said, determined to help.
“I can’t!” Tara shouted. She took in a relaxing breath. “I c-can’t b-because I am u-under age. He told me that he w-w-would put me in an orphanage, or s-something w-w-worse. I hate h-him and I m-might w-want to kill him, b-but you can’t guarantee that s-someone else w-won’t d-do this to me.”
Willow looked down then looked back up into Tara’s eyes, “I can’t make you do something you don’t want to do Tara. Is there anything that I can do?”
Tara gave Willow a smile, “Well…”
Willow bounced on the balls of her feet, “Whatever it is, I’ll do it. You name it, I am here to help. All with the help here. I will be your humble servant madam.” Willow put her hand over her heart and bowed.
Tara giggled. “T-take me anywhere b-but school. I d-don’t f-fell like going. Dad is g-gone for a c-couple of days. He w-won’t know anything about it.”
Willow smiled, “You got it! Oh, I have the perfect place. It’s cool. I think you will like it. At least I think you will, but if you don’t like it we can leave and go somewhere else.”
“If y-you l-like it, I’m sure it w-will be fine.” Tara said smiling.
Willow looked Tara up and down. The towel was full length only showing Tara’s shoulders and her knees down. “Well, you better get some clothes on. I mean you really don’t want to go in a towel? Even though I wouldn’t mind you going like that.” Willow’s eyes widened. “Uh, I just really said that didn’t I?”
Tara tried to hide back a smile, “Yes y-you did.” “I’ll b-be right b-b-back.”
Tara dashed off upstairs to her room.
Willow stood there dumbstruck.
Willow sighed. She got the thoughts out of her head. She reached in her jacket and pulled out her cell phone. She dialed in a number, looked around and walked outside. She lit a cigarette waiting for the other line to pick up.
“Giles, its Willow. Listen, this has got to be a brief conversation. I’m not going to take Tara to school today.”
Willow took a drag off her cigarette and blew out the smoke.
“Yes Giles, trust me I know what I am doing.”
Willow looked behind her to make sure Tara wasn’t around.
“I’ll take care of her Giles. You take care of the school thing.”
Willow looked around again, “Well, you know where I’ll be, right?”
Willow heard Tara call her name, “Uh oh. Gotta go, bye.”
She flipped her phone shut and stuck it in her pocket.

“I’m out here Tara.” Willow said poking her head in the door.
Tara followed the sound of Willow’s voice, “There y-you are. I th-thought you r-ran off.” Tara laughed hoping that would never happen.
“Who me? Nah. Takes a lot more than that to get rid of me. In fact, you might get tired of seeing me around.” Willow said and smiled.
“N-never! I l-like having y-you around.” Tara’s face turned red.
“That’s cool.” Willow said. She walked off the porch and threw her cigarette across the fence.
“Are you ready to go?” Willow walked back in the house followed by Tara.
“Yep. Let m-me just get m-my money.” Tara walked over to the coffee table and picked up the envelope with the money in it.
Willow walked over and placed her hand on Tara’s, “You don’t need any money. Every thing is on me today.”
Tara took the money out of the envelope and put it in her pocket, “Thanks, b-but I like h-having my own.”
Willow frowned, “O.K. if you say so. But I am buying everything today.” Willow jutted out her chin, “This is my resolve face. No one messes with my resolve face.”
Tara chuckled, “I s-see. I’ll h-have to keep that in m-mind.”
Willow smiled, “Good. Let’s get outta here.”

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

Willow went to the store and then to her apartment.
“Well, here is the first stop.” Willow pointed at the building.
Tara looked out her window at the tall building, “Where are w-we?”
“Oh, yeah I should have mentioned it. This is where I live. Come on inside. I have a surprise for you.” Willow excited the car and practically ran up to the door of the building.
Tara shrugged her shoulders and quickly followed.

Willow walked in, threw her keys and mail on the coffee table. Tara stood outside the door with her hands behind her back.
“Well, here it is home sweet home.” Willow held out her arms and spun around half way looking at Tara. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m j-just waiting for y-you to invite m-me in.” Tara said.
“Oh, well come in? And for further reference, you can come here anytime you want.” Willow walked over to Tara and held out her hand.
Tara took Willow’s hand and walked in the door.
“Now first things first. You gotta have some different clothes on.” Willow pulled Tara in her bedroom.
“What’s wrong w-with m-my clothes?” Tara asked confused.
Willow walked over to her dresser, “Nothing is wrong with your clothes, that is if you want to, O.K., go to church or something like that. I just think that you need to punk up a bit.”
Tara crossed her arms over her, “I-I don’t know W-Willow.”
Willow looked in the mirror at Tara, “No it’s cool. We can put different clothes on ya and do your hair…”
Tara looked insulted, “And j-just what’s wrong with m-my hair.”
Willow turned around, “Oh, nothing Tara. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I just wanted to take you somewhere that…well…what you have on just wouldn’t go with the atmosphere. Not that you wouldn’t fit in. You’ll be great!”
Tara stood there. “I…I suppose it w-will be alright. B-but not too m-much.”
“You got it! Now let’s see what we have. Oh, here we have this and this oh and you have to try this on. Oh yeah! This will look real good.” Willow threw clothes over her shoulder on her bed.
“Y-you have a th-thing for b-black clothes?” Tara picked up some of the clothes on the bed.
“Umm…I just like it is all. Oh, here’s a cool shirt.” Willow held up a sleeveless shirt with a snarling wolf on it. The sides were laced together.
Tara pointed at the shirt with wide eyes, “Y-you w-want me t-to w-w-wear that!”
“Well, yeah. If you don’t like it you don’t have to wear it. I just think it would look real good on you.” Willow waved the shirt in front of her and had a smug look on her face, “C’mon, I know you wanna wear it.”
Tara smiled and rolled her eyes, “O.K. O.K. I’ll w-wear it.”

“Willow? C-can I have it?” Tara stood there with her hand held out.
“Huh? Oh yeah.” Willow handed the shirt over to Tara.
Willow picked up a pair of black hip hugger jeans and a studded belt. “Here. These will go great with that shirt.” Willow walked to her closet and brought out a pair of biker boots. “And for the piece de le résistance, leather jacket. TA! DA!”
Tara just looked at the clothes that were piled in her arms, “Ooooo kaaay. N-now I s-suppose, I should p-put these on.”
“That would be the general idea.” Willow stood proud of herself.
“Y-yeah, I sh-should put them on.” Tara stood there looking at Willow.
“Uh huh.” Willow said.
“Umm, W-Willow?” Tara looked over her shoulder.
“Oh! Yeah.” Willow giggled. “I should…umm…go out. Because you don’t want to get undressed and redressed in front of me. Nope, because you don’t know me and well I’m sure if you did know me you wouldn’t want to…”
Tara thought.
“But anyway, I’ll just be going.” Willow smiled a goofy grin and walked out of the room shutting the door behind her.
Tara dumped the pile on the bed. She took off her other clothes and laid them down. She picked up the clothes that Willow haphazardly handed her. She looked at the shirt puzzled. She put the shirt on. She looked at the jeans, She pulled them on and was amazed. It was like they were made for her. She laced the belt through the jeans. She reached down and put the boots on her feet. After straightening up her clothes she walked over to a full length mirror hung on the wall. Tara reached up and removed the barrette that held her hair back. Her blonde hair flowed down over her shoulders. She flipped it back, shook her head in confidence, picked up the leather jacket. She flung the jacket over her shoulder and opened the door.

Willow was sitting on the couch reading a magazine she had picked up from the store. She heard the creek of her bedroom door. Willow peered over the top. The magazine fell on her lap. Willow sat there with her mouth hung opened. Everything was in slow motion as Tara sauntered into the room. Willow looked Tara up and down then back up again. Tara walked over to Willow, placed her finger under her chin and gently closed her mouth.
“S-see something you l-like.” Tara said in a seductive voice.
Willow just sat there. Her eyes were wide and the passion there was evident.
Tara flung the jacket on the couch and put her hands on her hips. “Well?”
“Wow…I mean…Oh wow. You look great, Tara. You look so ho…” Willow stopped. “Ho…how about we fix that hair? I love what you did with it by the way. You have beautiful hair, Tara.”
Willow stood up and touched the ends of Tara’s hair.
“Th-thanks.” Tara looked into Willow’s eyes. Blue eyes stared into green. Green eyes stared into blue. The two moved closer. Eyes locking, lips aimed for the other.
Willow’s voice inside screamed. Willow stood upright. She cleared her throat. “Yeah, let’s do your hair, now. Now would be a good time.” Willow walked around Tara and went into the bathroom.
Tara sighed, She followed Willow.
When Tara got to the door, Willow was bent down pulling out hair accessories from under the sink. Tara couldn’t help but stare at her ass.
Willow, still bent over, looked behind her. Willow stood up slowly, stretched a bit so her back end extended out a little longer.
Tara just closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip.
She was brought out of her thoughts by Willow’s voice.
“Ready?” Willow stood there with a hairbrush in one hand and a can of hairspray in the other.
Tara shook her head and sat down on a stool that was in the bathroom.
“Let me see. We’ll brush this back and spray. Flip this back and spray. Curl this under and this under and this under and spray, spray, spray, spray.”
Tara coughed. Tara held her hand over her eyes and the other over her mouth.
Willow gently patted Tara on the back, “All done. Are you alright?”
Tara waved the air in front of her. She shook her head and coughed a few more times.
Willow helped Tara off the stool and stood her in front of the mirror, “What do you think?”
Tara’s first reaction was to grab the brush and comb out all the curls and feathering, but she knew that would hurt Willow’s feelings. She turned her head from left to right back to left. She looked at Willow and smiled, “I l-like it. C-can we d-do something about this?” Tara asked pointing at her bruised cheek.
“We can try some make-up. Nothing like a good foundation and powder to make all the bad marks go away or at least cover them up so they won’t stand out.” Willow pulled her make-up bag from under the sink and handed it to Tara.
Tara fumbled through it. She had never put make-up on before. She looked at Willow for help.
Willow took the hint. She pulled a washcloth off the rack, wet it and washed her face.
“I’ll walk ya through it.” Willow pulled out the foundation and began.

After a few minutes Willow and Tara walked out of the bathroom. The make-up that Tara put on didn’t completely cover the discoloration on her face, but it was good enough.

“Willow, I d-don’t s-suppose you have s-something to c-cover this?” Tara asked holding up her arm.
Willow smiled, “I have the perfect thing.”
She went to her bedroom and walked back where Tara was.
“Hold out your arm.” Willow took a leather wrist strap and tied it on Tara’s wrist.
“There you go. New clothes and accessories to match. What do ya think?” Willow asked as Tara looked at it.
“W-Willow, you c-can’t give me these things.” Tara said surprised that anyone would do what Willow has done for her.
“Why not? You look great and you seem to like them. They are yours Tara and I won’t take no for an answer.” Willow jutted out her chin, “Resolve face showing here. Remember what I said?”
“Why are y-y-you doing this f-for m-me?”
“Because I like you, Tara.”
Tara sighed in relief, “I l-l-like you too W-Willow.” “Thank y-you.”
“…and you’re not paying a bit of attention to me are you? I can understand. I babble on like an idiot a lot and sometimes I can’t stop myself. See here I go again with the running of the mouth. Just really don’t know how to shut up do you Willow? Noooo! Have to keep on…” Willow was silenced by Tara’s lips on her cheek.
“I knew th-there was a w-way to get that b-b-babble to quit.” Tara smiled sweetly.
Willow thought.
Tara thought.
Willow and Tara smiled at each other.
“Oh, I want to give you this, also.” Willow reached in her pocket and revealed a beautiful silver necklace with a green stone setting.
“Willow, it’s b-beautiful.” Tara touched the stone.
“I just want to give you this as a token of friendship.” Willow laced her arms around Tara’s neck and fastened the clasp. “There ya go. Looks good on ya.”
“B-but, I c-couldn’t.” Tara ran her finger down the chain. She reached behind her neck to remove the necklace.
Willow put her hands on Tara’s. “No keep it, please? I want you to have it.”
Tara put her arms down and looked at the piece of jewelry. She looked back up at Willow, “Thank you.”
“Alright then, shall we?” Willow held out her hand.
“We shall.” Tara took Willow’s hand, picked up her jacket and they walked out the door.

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

Willow pulled the car up to a building.
“Here we are.” Willow turned off the car and looked at Tara.
“Here, where?” Tara asked.
“C’mon. Trust me.” Willow got out of the car.
Tara sat there and watched Willow jog around to her side and open the door.
“Your day of fun is about to begin.” Willow said.
Tara got out of the car and put her jacket on. She followed Willow to the entrance. On the door was painted ‘Buff’s Bar’.
Willow opened the door and both were greeted by a blonde haired man.
“Well, looks like the bird flew back to the nest. How have you been Red?”
“Fine Spike and you?” Willow walked by him.
Spike escorted both girls over to the bar, “Would be doin’ better if I didn’t work in this bleedin’ hell hole.”
“I heard that Spike!” A short blonde haired woman came out from a room behind the bar.
“Hey Buffy.” Willow said waving her hand.
“Oh My God, Willow!” Buffy ran to the redhead and swooped her up in a huge hug. “How have you been? I have missed you so much. You don’t ever come in here anymore.”
“Buffy! Oxygen becoming an issue.” Willow squeaked out.
“Oh, sorry.” Buffy put Willow back on her feet.
“I’ve missed you too Buff.” Willow looked around, “You’ve done a lot with the place since the last time I was here.”
“It was my idea, Red. Buffy, there, has no sense of style.” Spike spoke up while wiping glasses.
Willow and Buffy ignored him.
“So, how’s Angel? Is he around here somewhere? Willow asked looking around.
“No. He’s still in LA doing his thing. He said he would drop in soon.”
“Bloody hell, do we have to talk about Nancy Boy?” Spike spat out.
“Shut up Spike! If I want your opinion…well, I never want your opinion.” Buffy turned back around to Willow and rolled her eyes.
Spike huffed and continued cleaning the glasses.
“Oh Buffy, this is Tara. I met her at school.” Willow said taking Tara’s hand.
“I see. It’s nice to meet you Tara. How about you two sit down here and have a drink, on the house?” Buffy walked behind the bar.
Willow and Tara took a seat.
“I’ll have a beer. How about you Tara?” Willow asked.
Tara whispered over to Willow, “C-can I order a-anything?”
“Anything you want. There aren’t too many people in here, but just don’t let anyone find out.” Buffy spoke up.
Tara looked over at Willow.
“Buffy has sharp hearing. Order whatever you want.”
“I’ll have a b-blue m-motorcycle.” Tara said. She has never drank anything with alcohol in it before, but she read about it in a magazine.
“Hitting it kinda hard? Well, I did say anything. One beer and bluey coming up” Buffy said getting a bottle of beer out of the cooler and a glass to mix Tara’s drink.
Buffy handed them their drinks. “Here ya go! Enjoy. I have some things in the back to take care of. You two have fun.” Buffy walked back into the room behind the bar.
“So Red, a new bird for the flock? Nice one I might add.” Spike said leaning against the bar in front of the two.
Tara looked down into her drink. Willow squinted her eyes, “Spike, do you want me to take a pool stick, shove it up your ass and make a skewer out of ya?”
Spike stood up, “Temper, temper Red. Just pokin’ fun. No harm, no foul.” Spike tended to another customer who had walked up.
“You want to go get a table?” Willow asked Tara pointing at a table near the dance floor.
Tara shook her head, taking a sip of her drink. Her eyes went wide, but the initial shock wore off quickly.
Willow took a seat on the stool followed by Tara.
“So what do you think about Buffy? She’s pretty cool, huh?” Willow took a long swig from her beer.
“Yeah. S-she’s real c-cool.” Tara took a long drink from her glass. Her eyes widened again and she coughed.
Willow patted her on the back, “Be careful about how you take in one of those. They’ll fuck you up fast.”
Tara felt a little fuzzy in the head, but she was able to handle it. She took another long drink.
“I’m fine, Willow. Feeling pretty good.”
“Well as long as you’re having a good time?” Willow said a little concerned. She didn’t want Tara to over do it and get sick.
A song came over the giant speakers hanging in front of the stage.

(Author’s note: If you would like to get really into this part, then go to www.evanescence.com Click music videos and click on Bring Me To Life. If you click on the link marked music, it will only play part of the song. You can play it in Real Player or Windows Media Player.)

How can you see into my eyes like open doors.
Leading you down into my core
Where I become so numb without a soul.

Willow peered over her shoulder at Buffy who stood there with a huge smile on her face.

My spirit sleeping somewhere cold

“Oh I love this song. C-can we dance to it?” Tara asked standing up with a stagger.
“Funny thing, this is my favorite song, too.” Willow stood up, “Lead the way.” Willow told her inner voice.

Until you find it there and lead it back home.
(wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can’t wake up)
Wake me up inside
(save me)

Willow walked on the dance floor with Tara. She put her hands around Tara’s hips which in turn Tara wrapped her arms around Willow’s shoulders.

Call my name and save me from the dark
(wake me up)
Bid my blood to run
(I can’t wake up)
before I come undone
(save me)

Tara sang and looked into Willow’s eyes, “Save me from the nothing I become.”

Now that I know what I’m without
You can’t just leave me

“Always.” Willow nodded her head and moved even closer to Tara. Their bodies swaying to their own rhythm. Willow moaned. Tara’s breathing became faster.

Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life

(wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can’t wake up)
Wake me up inside
(save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark
(wake me up)
Bid my blood to run
(I can’t wake up)
before I come undone
(save me)
Save me from the nothing I become
Bring me to life
(I’ve been living a lie, there’s nothing inside)

Willow moved her face closer to Tara’s. Tara could feel Willow’s breath on her lips.
Bring me to life
Frozen inside without your touch without your love
Darling only you are the life among the dead.

Willow wrapped her arms tighter around Tara’s waist. Both of their foreheads came together.

All this time I can’t believe I couldn’t see
Kept in the dark but you were there in front of me
I’ve been sleeping a thousand years it seems
Got to open my eyes to every thing
Without a thought without a voice without a soul
Don’t let me die here
There must me something more
Bring me to life

Tara whispered just loud enough for Willow to hear “Bring me to life Willow.”
“Oh god Tara!” Willow said in a breathless voice. “Kiss me.” Tara’s lips brushed against Willow’s. She put out her bottom lip for Willow to take. Willow took Tara’s lip hungrily. She sucked on it and licked it asking for invitation to enter Tara’s mouth. Tara complied putting her hand on the back of Willow’s head running her fingers through the beautiful red hair. Their tongues fought fiercely for domination. Tara and Willow moaned. The fire in their cores was burning wildly. Tara put her leg in between Willow’s trying to relieve some of the pressure. The bar, the people, the world melted before them. Nothing was around. They were completely alone, with each other.

(wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can’t wake up)
Wake me up inside
(save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark
(wake me up)
Bid my blood to run
(I can’t wake up)
before I come undone
(save me)

Tara pulled back, taking in a deep breath of air. She pecked at Willow’s lips then gently pushed her tongue inside Willow’s mouth. Willow held her tighter, enjoying nothing but Tara.

Save me from the nothing I become
Bring me to life
(I’ve been living a lie there’s nothing inside)
Bring me to life

The song ended but Willow and Tara were still dancing. They didn’t pay attention to the crowd that had gathered around the dance floor whistling and clapping. Buffy pushed her way through and walked over to Willow and Tara.
“Will. Will. Willow. You need to breathe. Will. Willow? Willow!” Buffy shouted patting Willow’s shoulder.
Tara and Willow pulled away from their kiss. Tara’s eyes widened when she came back to reality. She suddenly realized she and Willow were in the spotlight. She quickly lowered her head and put it on Willow’s shoulder.
Willow looked over at Buffy, who was standing with her hands on her hips, “It’s your fault. You put the song on.” Willow smiled and winked at her best friend.
“Well, if you two wanna get paid for the biggest entertainment here, then I’ll book ya in. I believe this is the busiest I’ve been during the day, especially for a Tuesday. Otherwise, I’ll give you money for a room.” Buffy smiled and winked back at Willow.
Willow whispered in Tara’s ear, “Let’s go sit back down.”
Tara raised her head. Her face was blood red. She just nodded and Willow led her back to their table.
Tara sat down and then Willow, neither one looking at the other for more than a few seconds.

Buffy and Spike walked over to the table, “Interesting show, Red. Wouldn’t mind seeing that again.” Spike said with a smirk.
“Spike, one word…skewer.” Willow jutted out her chin.
“Right then, I’ll just take the blonde bird and show her the billiards.” Spike walked over to Tara.
Tara looked at Willow.
“Yeah, for once Spike, you have a good idea.” Buffy said putting her hand on Willow’s shoulders.
Willow looked at Buffy puzzled. Buffy widened her eyes and motioned for Willow that it’ll be alright.
“It’s alright Tara. Spike will show ya how to play.” Willow winked at Tara.
Tara looked surprised, “I-if you say s-so.” She took another long drink out of her glass.
“Hey Blondie, I don’t bite.” Spike walked away towards the pool tables.
Tara got up and walked behind him.

Buffy sat down and looked at Willow, “She seems nice, Will.”
“She is, Buffy?” Willow looked at the blonde seriously, “I think I am falling for her.”
“What are you doing? Will?” Buffy put her hand on Willow’s arm.
“It’s alright Buffy. I know she feels the same about me.” Willow said.
“What?!” Buffy said shocked.
“Buffy trust me.” Willow said tying to reassure her friend.
“Willow. No you can’t?” Buffy was trying her best to reason.
“Why? A minute ago you were all with the music and then money for the room thing. Seems to me like it doesn’t bother you.” Willow looked at Buffy confused.
“For one thing, I know you like that song and the other thing, you know as well as I do that we all have to play along in this. Willow, what if something went wrong?”
“Buffy, it won’t?” Willow still didn’t understand.
“What would Giles say?” Buffy said hoping it would work by mentioning the man who took Willow under his wing.
“Are you taking his side now?” Willow was getting pissed, thinking her oldest friend was stabbing her in the back.
Buffy sighed, “This isn’t about sides.”
“You two have been talking about me behind my back!” Willow accused.
“No, God!” Buffy tried to plea with the short tempered red head.
“You know how that makes me feel?” Willow said angrily.
“Willow, you are getting in too deep. What do you want me to do, just sit back and keep my mouth shut?” Buffy was tired of pleading. Now it was time for the defensive move.
“Well that would be a good start!” Willow said clenching her teeth. She was beyond reasoning with.
Buffy looked hurt. She stood up and looked down at Willow, “If I didn’t love you so damn much, I would?”
Buffy turned on her heels and stormed off.
“Buffy?” Willow didn’t want things between her and Buffy to be bad.
Buffy just kept on walking. She entered the back room and slammed the door shut.

Willow looked at her beer bottle and started peeling the label off. She took the last swig and slammed the bottle down on the table, shattering it. People turned around and looked for a minute then went back to their own business. Willow picked up Tara’s drink, removed the straw and guzzled the last half of it. She walked over to where Spike and Tara were.
She pushed the glass in Spike’s chest, “Here. Tara and I are leaving.”
“You and her get in a spat?” Spike questioned putting his pool stick on the table.
Willow just glared at him.
“I’ll just go see if I can give her a little comfort.” Spike said weakly and quickly walked away.
“A-are you alright?” Tara asked putting down her pool stick.
Willow closed her eyes and took in a calming breath. “Yeah, let’s just go.”

Willow walked over to the door and held it open waiting for Tara. Tara walked through the door.
“W-Willow, what h-happened in there?” Tara asked concerned.
“Buffy being super bitch. She’s just running her mouth. I swear sometimes she needs every square inch of her ass kicked.” Willow said rubbing her hand. She cringed and looked down. Her hand was bleeding and had a piece of glass imbedded in it. She had been too mad to even notice.
“Damn it!” Willow screamed pulling out the glass.
“Oh g-god Willow!” Tara exclaimed running to the car. She opened the door and remembered there was a towel in the back seat. She ran back over to Willow.
“H-here, p-put this on it.” Tara said holding out the towel.
Willow looked at the towel with suspicion, “You didn’t happen to get that out of the back seat did ya?”
Tara looked at the towel and then at Willow, “Umm, y-yes.”
“No thanks. And if I were you, I would wash my hands as soon as possible.”
Tara thought “Eww! Gross!” Tara briskly rubbed her hands on her jeans.
“Umm, if you could reach inside my back pocket I have a bandana in there.” Willow said turning around.
Tara reached deep into Willow’s pocket to retrieve the rag.
Willow smiled and moaned silently.
Tara smiled.
Tara handed Willow the bandana. Willow wrapped it around her hand but couldn’t seem to get it tied.
Tara took Willow’s hand and tied it.
“All b-better?” Tara asked.
“Yep. Thanks.” Willow smiled at Tara. She moved in closer and kissed her on the lips. It wasn’t passion, just out of appreciation.

“Damn ladies, at it again?” A big man started heading towards them.
Willow stood in front of Tara, “If I were you, I’d go back in the bar.”
“Yeah well you aren’t me. Now how about the two of you come back to my place?” He stood in front of Willow.
She turned her head from the stench of alcohol reeking off of him. “I’m thinking you need a bath. A really long bath.”
“Well sweetie, I’m sure we all can get in the shower together and have a little fun. Especially Blondie back there. She looks like she might enjoy it.” He said peering over Willow’s shoulder.
“You know, I don’t want to hurt you.” Willow said clenching her fist at her side.
The man let out a throaty laugh. He took his hand and smacked Willow so hard she fell on the ground.
“Not a problem.” He said heading towards Tara.
Willow sprung back up on her feet and stood in front of him, “I said I didn’t want to.” Willow drew back her fist. It connected to his chin, knocking him off his feet, “Didn’t say I wouldn’t.”
Willow turned and looked at Tara, “Get inside.”
Tara was not going to leave Willow, “No!”
“Tara go inside, Now!” Willow demanded. “I can handle this piece of shit.”
Tara took off in a dead run.
The man stood up. “You bitch! How dare you hit me!”
“Are we really going to do this?” Willow was trying to give him a chance.
“C’mon! You really think that I am going to let some woman beat me down?” The man was determined to defend himself.
“Show me what you got and I’ll show you what a real woman is.” Willow said with both fists up in front of her.
The man charged at Willow. She stepped aside, tripping him. He fell face first into the asphalt parking lot. He stood up and ran at Willow with his fist drawn back. She grabbed his fist and head butted him three times and kicked him in the side. He charged at Willow again. She side stepped him and elbowed him in the back, sending him to his knees. He stood up on his feet and turned around to face Willow.
“You got some skill there little red.”
“Good enough to kick your ass.” Willow said taking in a breath of air.
He charged towards her again, but Willow didn’t anticipate the move. He picked her up by the throat and tossed her to the ground. Willow arched her back and flipped on her feet They moved
towards each other Willow kicked him in the leg, side and head, all in one swift move. He lunged at her again and swung his fist but Willow did a back flip. He ran at her one last time. She laid him out with a roundhouse kick to the head, leaving him on the ground passed out and bleeding.

Spike ran out of the bar with a shotgun. Buffy and Tara right behind him. They looked at the scene in front of them and their eyes widened. Willow was standing over a man twice her size.
“I told him I didn’t want to fight.” Willow said trying to explain.
“You had us scared to death!” Buffy walked up to Willow. Both of them embraced in a hug. “I’m sorry things got a little tense between us.”
“It’s alright. Am I forgived?” Willow said still holding on to Buffy.
“All is forgived.” Buffy pulled back and looked at Tara, “Umm Will, I think you need to take your girl and get out of here. She looks a little shaken up.”
Willow walked over to Tara. She rubbed up and down Tara’s arm. “Tara. It’s alright. You wanna leave?”
Tara slowly looked up at Willow. She didn’t say a word, just shook her head.
“We better get going then. Buffy I’ll see ya later.” Willow said walking the shaken Tara to the car.
“Yeah, later Wills.” Buffy grabbed Spike and pulled him into the bar, leaving the man lying on the ground.

Willow and Tara got settled in the car. “So where do you want to go now?”
“J-just take m-me home.” Tara said as she put her head on the window.

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

Tara entered her house with Willow entering behind her. The ride in the car had been too quiet.
Willow stopped Tara as she was walking through the foyer, “Tara, I’m sorry that I yelled at you to get inside the bar, but I didn’t want you to get hurt.” Willow lowered her head.
“Will, its n-n-not that. I j-just…that guy w-was a c-complete jerk and I w-was afraid for you.” Tara sighed, “I d-don’t want you to b-be hurt either.”
Willow smiled. “Well, I tried to warn him. But he wouldn’t listen. He just had to be mister tough ass. Guess I showed him.” Willow’s smile faded when she realized Tara wasn’t joking along.
“Will, I’m j-just concerned. You w-were brave though.”
“No body messes with my girl.”
Tara thought. A smile came on her face. “I am you know.”
“What?” Willow asked.
“Y-yours?” Tara’s face went red.
“Oh Tara.” Willow moved closer to the blonde. She placed her hand on her head, stroking her long hair.
The kiss started slow. Each enjoying the touch, feel and taste of each other’s lips. Tara put her arms around Willow’s lower back. She moved her hand under Willow’s jacket to the soft skin that was exposed there. Willow moaned with the hot touch of her beautiful goddess. The kiss became more intense with each feel. Willow moved her other hand up and down Tara’s back, moving down feeling the skin below her shirt. All conscious thought was gone. The passion grew. The touching became more intense, moving their hands, pulling each other closer.
The doorbell rang.
Willow pulled back and growled, “Oh Jesus H. Christ! Who the hell is that?”
Tara giggled, “I’ll g-get rid of th-them.”

Tara walked over to the door and looked out the peep hole. A woman was standing on the other side with a bible in her hand.
“Shit! I…I think it’s o-one of those J-Jehovah Witness p-people. Tara said still looking.
“Let me see.” Willow said walking up to the door.
Tara stepped aside. Willow looked out the hole in the door.
“Ah fuck! It’s Ms. Day. What the hell is she doing here?” Willow said as she spat out the woman’s name.
“My d-d-dad asked her t-to come by and check on m-me.” Tara said wondering what the problem was. “Why?”
“Oh, oh, oh. I have an idea. Tara, you keep her busy.” Willow ran into the living room.
Tara watched Willow, confused. She shrugged her shoulders and opened the door.
“Hello. M-may I help you?” Tara looked up and down at the grey haired woman in a casual pink polyester dress.
“Tara?” Ms. Day asked.
Tara shook her head.
“My name is Ms. Edna Day. Your father has asked me to come by and see how you are doing.”
“I’m f-fine, thank you f-for stopping b-by.” Tara started to close the door.
Ms. Day stepped closer, “Can I come in so we can talk? Even though I don’t approve of those clothes you have on, I understand you are a teenager. But, I would like to talk about the bible with you. I’m sure we have a lot in common.”
“I kinda doubt it, Edna.” Willow suddenly appeared dressed only in her green silky bra and panties. She put her arm around Tara’s shoulder.
“Oh Lord above! Willow Rosenberg what are you doing here, with this innocent child?” Edna stood there with her mouth hung wide open.
Willow looked over at Tara who wore the same expression.
“You’re a smart woman, figure it out.” Willow kissed Tara’s cheek and slightly licked her ear.
Tara just stood there. Her breath coming in quick gasps.
“Willow Rosenberg, you will burn in hell for this!” The woman held up her bible she had in her hand.
“Well then if that’s the case, I’ll see ya there bitch. Bye now.” Willow waved her hand and slammed the door shut.
“Oh god! That felt good. I’ve been wanting to give that bible thumpin’ bitch a heart attack for the longest time.” Willow said looking at Tara.
“W-Willow, what h-have you d-d-done.” Tara’s voice was shaken.
“Oh c’mon Tara, that was fun. She deserved it. Nosy ol’ hag.” Willow laughed and walked back in the living room.
Tara looked out the window and saw Ms. Day on her knees praying in the front yard. She shook her head and walked in the living room. Willow was putting her clothes back on.

“What are y-you trying t-to prove, Willow?”
“Nothing. I can’t stand that woman. If you knew what kind of person she was you would feel the same way.”
“You are g-going to get me killed! When m-my dad finds out the sh-shit’s gonna hit the fan!” Tara threw up her hands.
“Look Tara,” Willow stood up and put her hand on Tara’s shoulder. “I promise you that I will not let anything happen to you.”
“You c-can’t be here all the t-time, Willow.” Tara said discouraged.
“Trust me, O.K.” Willow said trying to put the girl at ease.
“What are y-you going to do, k-kill him?”
“If it calls for it, I will.” Willow said with defiance.
Tara crossed her arms. “Whatever. I n-need a cigarette.”
Willow put her boots on, “I’m ready.” She said heading for the front door.
Tara grabbed her by the arm, “We’ll g-go out the back way.”
Willow smiled and followed Tara.

Tara sat down on the steps and lit her cigarette. This entire day had overwhelmed her. Willow stood up against the door, with a cigarette in her hand too.
Tara leaned back on her hands, “What a fucked up d-day.”
“Stick with me and it’ll never be boring.” Willow stood up and made her way to where Tara was.
“Yeah, I f-found that out.” Tara said with a sigh.
“Tara, if you don’t feel comfortable with me around…”
Tara held up her hand, “Don’t even f-finish that sentence. Willow, y-you are the best thing that has come into my miserable life.” Tara lowered her head, “B-but if you d-d-don’t want t-to stay…,”
Willow held her hand up, “I’ll tell you like you told me, don’t even finish that sentence. Tara, there’s something between us. It wasn’t something I was looking for, it’s just powerful. And this is totally different than anything I’ve ever experienced.”
Tara’s eyes widened. “W-well there ya go, Will. I m-mean that’s great, W-Will. You have to f-follow your h-heart, Will.”
“Tara, why do you keep saying my name like that?” Willow was getting nervous by Tara’s actions.
“L-like what, Will?” Tara’s emotions were running wild. She wanted to say the same things and more but hearing it coming from someone else, especially Willow frightened her.
“Are you freaked? Willow said.
“Wh-what? No, Will.” Tara took in a deep breath, “No. No. Absolutely n-no to that question. To t-tell the truth, I fell the same. I j-just didn’t know h-how you felt, until n-n-now.” Tara’s face turned crimson and she dropped her head finding one small pebble interesting.
“Really? Because, hello, big relief here. I thought that maybe, well, that you weren’t ready. I mean, that’s…that’s totally cool if you’re not. It’s just that we kissed and I know I felt something and I thought ya know the way you were kissing me back that you felt something for me…”
Willow was cut off with Tara’s lips on hers. Willow moaned at the contact.
Tara pulled back. “I knew there w-was another way to stop that cute little b-b-babble of yours” Tara gave Willow a half smile.
“You have the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. God Tara, do you know what you do to me?” Willow gently placed her hand on Tara’s cheek. Tara placed her hand over Willow’s enjoying the feeling and warmth.
Willow took Tara by the hand and led her inside. “C’mon. Let’s go.”
“Where are we g-going?” Tara asked.
“Upstairs. Is that O.K.?” Willow said still leading Tara.
Tara suddenly stopped, “Uh W-Willow?”
Willow turned and noticed the uneasy look on Tara’s face.
“What’s wrong?” She asked.
“I’m n-not r-r-ready for…I m-mean we b-barely know one another.”
Realizing what Tara was trying to say, Willow smiled, “No Tara, sweetie. I didn’t mean THAT. I just meant to go and lay down. I’m kinda beat and I think we both could use a rest. You look tired. Oh I don’t mean that you look bad tired cause you never look bad, I’m just saying that…”
Tara kissed Willow again.
“O.K. Willow. I g-get it.” Tara smiled and they both went to her bedroom.

Willow kicked off her shoes and laid down on the bed. Tara stood there looking at her.
“What?” Willow asked.
“You’re j-just so beautiful.” Tara walked around the bed, kicked off her shoes and laid close to Willow as the thought was appropriate without pushing.
Willow held out her arm, “C’mere. I wanna hold you.”
Tara smiled and moved closer laying her head on Willow’s shoulder. Willow wrapped her arm around and held Tara tight.
“You comfortable?” Willow asked.
“Uh huh.” Tara replied closing her eyes. She hadn’t felt this safe. Warm and safe.
Willow kissed the top of Tara’s head and soon both were asleep.

Tara was disrupted out of a deep relaxing sleep by the ringing of the phone. She looked at her clock. Two hours had passed. She hesitantly got up and walked downstairs.
“Hello.” Tara answered sleepily.
“Tara, I just got off the phone with Ms. Day. I want to know what the hell is going on over there! You answer me now girl!” Her father’s angry voice said over the phone.
The sound of his voice sent chills up and down Tara’s body.
“N-nothing d-d-dad.”
“You lying little bitch! I’m coming home. You better be alone girl. I swear you’re just like your mother. Nothing but a slut!” James slammed the phone down.
Tara hung up the phone as Willow walked in the room.
“Tara, who was that?”
Tara lowered her head and began to cry. “I t-t-told you W-Willow. I told you! He’s c-c-coming h-home. Th-that b-b-bitch next d-door called him. Oh G-god Willow, wh-what am I g-g-going t-to do?”
Willow walked over to her and cradled Tara in her arms, "I won't let him touch you."
Tara placed her head on Willow’s chest. “D-don’t let him h-h-hurt me, pl-please.”
“I won’t baby, I promise.” Willow said comforting Tara.

_________________
"Oh yeah?! Well...so's your face!
-Fear Itself


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 4
PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 6:54 pm 
Offline
5. Willowhand
User avatar

Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:05 pm
Posts: 268
Location: Spokane Washington USA
Yay Update! Okay that was an awsome way to get Willow and Tara together. I am dying to find out exactly what is going on between Willow, Anya, Faith, Giles , and now Buffy. Also is Spike a part of it because it seems like it would work for him. I can't wait to see how Willow deals with Tara's Dad.
I don't think I've said this about Tara's Dad but he really, more than anyone else, needs to have a rock thrown at him, a large rock, well I think you rember how it goes from my rant about Warrren. In case you haven't noticed I like the Idea of people I don't like being hit with rocks. It's kinda funny to imagine someone just picking up a rock and hucking it at them. lol. srry.

_________________
My Poems
Ancient Future
Dead like Me:life after death


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 4
PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 7:01 pm 
Offline
5. Willowhand
User avatar

Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:05 pm
Posts: 268
Location: Spokane Washington USA
I forgot to ask before but do you know if and/or when you are going to update Desert Heat cause it's an awsome story (much like this is) and I want to know what else happens with Willow and Tara.

I also want to know how r u doing after your surgery?

_________________
My Poems
Ancient Future
Dead like Me:life after death


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 4
PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 7:39 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:12 pm
Posts: 409
Location: Virginia, USA
[blockquote]Willow lover wrote:Yay Update! Okay that was an awsome way to get Willow and Tara together. I am dying to find out exactly what is going on between Willow, Anya, Faith, Giles , and now Buffy. Also is Spike a part of it because it seems like it would work for him. I can't wait to see how Willow deals with Tara's Dad.[/blockquote]

Ohhh you are gonna get a surprise! Um well ya see...God I wish I could tell you more but it would ruin the story. Let's just say that Anya, Faith, Buffy and Spike are kinda out of the loop now. BUT not for long because there is a sequal to this story as you will find out when it's posted after this one.

[blockquote]Willow lover wrote: I forgot to ask before but do you know if and/or when you are going to update Desert Heat cause it's an awsome story (much like this is) and I want to know what else happens with Willow and Tara.
I also want to know how r u doing after your surgery?
[/blockquote]

I am still working on Desert Heat but kinda slow on it right now. Unlike the stories I have posted here, I am working on one that I can't post here because of the rules. NOT to say there is anything wrong with the rules but to mention the characters in Buffy's real names is a no-no here.
About my surgery, everything is going OK. I'm still having a little bit of difficulty getting around. Pain shoots down my leg and it kinda makes it uncomfortable. It's normal but it's still a bitch!!!

Thanks for your comments and your concerns. I totally appreciate it.
:peace

_________________
"Oh yeah?! Well...so's your face!
-Fear Itself


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 4
PostPosted: Mon May 01, 2006 10:41 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2005 2:54 pm
Posts: 366
Location: minnesota
dun dun dun.... i cant wait to see what happens when taras dad gets there i hope willow stays to beat the shit out of him cuz that would just be funny hahaa... taras dad i just want to beat his ass omg!!! Errrrrrrrr he pisses me off but makes the story good cuz i like the angst :) well thanks for the updates and please update soon cuz this is awesome!!!
Erin

_________________
"No candles?...Well I brought one..it's ExtraFlamey" Willow, New Moon Rising


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 4
PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 7:54 am 
Offline
5. Willowhand
User avatar

Joined: Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:05 pm
Posts: 268
Location: Spokane Washington USA
Willow Watcher I was wondering if you have the other story posted somewhere else and if you do could you tell me where cause I love youre stories and I would like to read more.

_________________
My Poems
Ancient Future
Dead like Me:life after death


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 4
PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 4:36 pm 
Offline
8. Vixen
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2005 6:59 pm
Posts: 871
Location: Germany
OMG! I missed the last couple of updates and now I am torn between nausea and giddyness. Hope Willow will rip Mr Maclay a new one...
Thanks for warning us about the rape part, really made my skin crawl.
Dont we just love neighbors like Ms. Day? What a creep. Get a life!
I am really wondering what Willow's job really is. I have some theories but I am just gonna wait and see.
Cant wait for more! :smash

_________________
"I don't get your crazy system!"
"System? It's called the alphabet!"


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 5 (update 5/5)
PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 4:41 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:12 pm
Posts: 409
Location: Virginia, USA
Thanks for the replies people! Here's chapter 5!


CHAPTER 5
The night time was always frightening to Tara. Of all the unexpected things that lurked in the dark. What unexpected experience her father would subject her to. And now it was even worse because Willow was there and being put in danger as well.
The house was completely dark inside, except for the street light that illuminated through the windows. Tara crouched down in the floor of the living room, leaning up against the wall with Willow beside her.
“What time is it?” Willow asked breaking the silence.
Tara jumped, “Umm…” Tara pressed the light on her watch, “Almost t-ten thirty.”
“Did he say what time he would be here?”
“He d-didn’t say.” Tara said. Paranoia had set in. She looked around, poking her head up to look out the window that was beside her.
Willow leaned over and kissed Tara as she got off the floor. “I’m going outside. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Tara stood up, “You aren’t g-going to l-leave m-me are you?”
Willow stroked Tara’s arm, “No. I’m just going to move my car. Tara, I would never leave you. Never.” Willow kissed the insecure blonde.
Willow walked down the hallway out the front door. Tara sat down on the couch. She heard Willow’s car start. It sounded louder than it did before. She heard the car pull up to the side of the house. Tara sat there pressing the light on her watch. She watched the seconds move across the face.
Tara thought as she looked around.
The front door opened.
“You f-forgot to turn your c-car off, Will.”
The light came on. Tara squinted at the offending brightness. She adjusted her vision. Her eyes widened.
“I didn’t forget shit, you little bitch! Daddy’s home!” James said approaching Tara. “Aww now. What’s the matter? You didn’t miss me?
Thoughts were running wild in Tara’s mind. One thing in particular, “Wh-where’s W-W-Willow?”
“Oh!” James laughed, “Yeah, she had a little accident. Her head got bashed against the steering wheel. It’s a shame too. She’s cute Tare. Did you and she have fun?”
Tara raced for the kitchen. She had to get something, anything to protect herself.
James grabbed Tara around the waist and slammed her on the coffee table. He pulled her hair, and rapidly pounded her head against the table, stopping before she passed out.
“Oh no. I want you awake for this.” He stood in front of Tara, pulled her pants down and undid his. He pushed himself inside her. Tara screamed out in pain.
“Get off her, mother fucker!” Willow ran in holding her head with one hand and a gun in the other. “I said get up you bastard!”
He stood with a shocked expression. Tara scurried off the table and huddled down in the corner of the room. Willow never took her eyes off the man.
“Tara, you alright?”
Willow heard a whimper from the corner. No real response to her question.
“You son of a bitch! How could you do this to her?” Willow pointed her gun in the direction of his head.
James smiled and shrugged his shoulders, “Can I at least pull my pants up?” he asked, carefully bending down.
Willow nodded her head for him to continue.
With the gun still pointed at James, Willow walked over to Tara, “C’mon, stand up.”
Willow helped Tara to her feet. She brushed a stray blond hair behind Tara’s head and looked over towards James, who was gone.
Willow heard the front door bang against the wall. She sat Tara down on the couch. She ran down the hallway and out the door.
James fumbled around in his pocket for his keys. When he pulled them out they fell out of his hands, which gave Willow the chance to tackle him to the ground. Willow turned her gun around, hitting him in the head with the blunt end of the handle. “How’s it feel you fuck?”
All movement from the man ceased.
Willow checked his pulse and then pulled him by his arms back into the house. She looked around outside making sure no one had heard or seen anything. She closed the door behind her.

“Tara. Come on sweetie. Wake up.” Willow said standing over the blonde. She gently patted her cheek.
Tara woke up startled, throwing punches. Willow grabbed her hands controlling her. “Tara! Tara, it’s me!”
Tara heard the familiar voice and wrapped her arms tight around Willow’s waist.
“It’s O.K. Tara.” Willow held Tara, stroking her long blonde hair. “C’mon I need your help”
Tara looked up at Willow.
Willow pushed Tara’s hair out of her eyes.
“I need your help baby.” Willow put her hands under Tara’s arms and pulled her up slowly.
The pounding of her head rushed through her. Tara sat back down. “G-give me a s-s-second.”
“Alright, you just sit there. I’ll take care of it.” Willow leaned down and handed Tara her jeans.

Tara heard Willow straining, stopping, breathing hard then straining again. Tara turned her head enough to see Willow dragging her father, on the floor by his hands.
Willow stopped, put her hands on her hips and looked over at Tara, “Got any rope?”
Tara raised her hand and pointed into the kitchen. Willow followed the lead and looked in every drawer. She found a nylon rope. She wrapped it around each hand, pulling on it to test its strength. She walked back into the living room and turned James on his stomach. She put his hands behind his back and tied the rope tightly. She picked up his feet, tying them as well. Taking the bandanna off her hand, she twirled it around and shoved it in his mouth.
Tara rose off the couch, “We c-can’t just leave him h-here.”
“I know. Do you have a basement in this house?”

Tara walked to a storage room beside the kitchen. She opened a door revealing stairs. Willow waked down feeling around on the wall for a light switch. The lights came on and Willow looked up behind her, Tara’s hand was still on the switch. Willow descended the rest of the steps. She looked around and saw a stack of metal chairs leaned up against the wall. She picked one up and placed it in the middle of the room next to the furnace. She walked back upstairs.
Tara was in the living room, standing over her father. The look on her face was haunting with no color or expression. “Let’s get him downstairs.”
“Tara, are you sure you’re alright?” Willow said with concern.
“Let’s just g-get him downstairs.” Tara said again in a monotone voice.
Willow walked over and picked James up by his shoulders, while Tara picked up his feet

Willow placed him in the chair and with the remaining rope she secured his feet to the metal legs.
Tara reached over and took the bandanna out of his mouth. “Dad, wake up!”
The man slowly opened his eyes.
“How d-does it feel to be helpless?”
“Tara, why are you doing this to me? I’m your father.”
Tara drew back her hand over her shoulder and smacked him across the face, splattering blood on the floor.
“I know who the fuck you are! You just don’t forget who I am! Isn’t that what you told me last night before you raped me, AGAIN!” Tara smacked his face again. Tara looked up at the ceiling.
She bent down to where she was face to face with him, “D-do you think that g-god sees us right now, dad? Do you think he knows about all th-those years you b-beat me and r-raped me?”
Tara stood up right, raised her hands and turned in a circle, “Oh god, c-can you see us?”
Willow just stood there in silence, she knew that Tara had so much pain and anger to let out, she dared not interfere.
Tara bent down again and looked into his eyes, “N-not so tough now are ya? What’s wrong, afraid of t-two little girls?”
“You little bitch! Let me go and I’ll show you who’s afraid!” He twisted in the chair and pulled with all his might at the ropes.
“You don’t want to mess with us, James. And as far as letting you go, I don’t think so.” Willow took her stand beside Tara.
Tara reached over and pulled the gun out of the brim of Willow’s pants. She aimed the barrel at her father’s head and pulled back the hammer.
Willow quickly shoved Tara’s arm and the gun fired, making a hole in the concrete floor.
Willow took in a deep breath and gently pried the gun out of Tara’s hand. “This isn’t the answer Tara.” Willow was afraid how Tara would react if she had actually killed him.
Tara looked over at Willow and gave her a sad smile, “You’re r-right.” She walked over to her father.
She clenched her fist, pounding it into his face until he was unconscious again.
Willow walked over and put her arm around Tara, “Let’s go upstairs.”

Willow opened the door to Tara’s bedroom, “You coming to bed?”
Tara stood at a door, across from hers, “I w-want to look in his b-bedroom first. There’s s-something in there he doesn’t want me to s-see. Why else w-would he keep this on here?” Tara pointed to the pad lock on the door.
Willow walked over to Tara. She looked around the door frame, “Stand back.”
Tara stood far from the side. Willow walked back, kicked the door tearing the lock off.
Tara entered turning on the light. “Help me look.”
“What exactly are we looking for?” Willow asked scanning the room.
“Anything th-that looks important.” Tara sat on the bed and searched in the nightstand.
Willow opened up the top drawer of the dresser. She brought out a yellow folder that was laying under clothes. Willow opened the folder and skimmed over the pages.
“Hey Tara, look at this?”
Tara turned her head towards Willow, “What is it?”
“It looks like a will or something.” Willow stood there still reading.
Tara crawled down the bed and stood beside of Willow. Both of them held the document.
“What do you make of it?” Willow asked.
“I d-d-don’t believe it! It’s m-my moms will!” Tara exclaimed taking the paper out of Willow’s hand.
Tara flipped the page over, “Sh-she left everything t-to me?”
Willow traced down the document with her finger, “That’s not all!”
Willow began to read:
I give and bequest all my interest and the following to the persons or entities to the following:
The sum of $2,000,000.00 invested in Certificate of Deposits. These deposits were made on my daughters 7th birthday. I leave all to my daughter, Tara Beth Maclay.
Willow traced down the paper:
If the beneficiary is under the age of 18 at the time of my death…
“Blah, blah, blah,” Willow said going over the legalities. “Here’s what we need to know.
…to be held in trust until such beneficiary reaches the age of 18. In the event the Executor elects that such assets are to be held in trust for benefit of such beneficiary, I hereby nominate Ann Fields to serve as the trustee of such Testamentary Trust.”

“O.K. W-Will, Laymen’s terms here. I d-don’t understand the legal mumbo jumbo.” Tara said running all the terms in her head.
“Well, it means that when you reach 18 then you find this woman, Ann Fields and you and her go to the lawyers and get your money. It’s probably more complicated than that, but I’m sure you get it.” Willow explained then smiled.
“I w-wonder where my mom g-got all this money?”
“I don’t know where but I know who has it now. Tara, you’re a rich woman!”
“Well, n-not exactly y-yet, I w-won’t be until the twelfth of this m-month.”
Willow looked at Tara, “You can’t wait three days?”
“Oh god! I t-totally forgot. It’s the ninth.” Tara said excitedly.
“Um…yeah.” Willow said confirming
Tara sat on the edge of the bed. Her shoulders dropped.
“Tara? What’s wrong?” Willow asked concerned. She sat down on the bed beside the distressed looking blonde.
Tara flopped back on the bed. “Oh My God! I am free!” She grabbed Willow’s shoulder and pulled her down on the bed. She kissed Willow passionately. She started running her hands over Willow’s stomach, her sides and caressing the side of her breast. Willow let out a long moan. She wrapped her arm around Tara. Their legs found their way between each others. Tara starting grinding herself on Willow’s leg, moaning. She pulled back from the kiss, “Oh god Willow.” She breathed out.
Willow stopped her movements. Willow gently pushed Tara off her. She rolled off the bed and stood.
Tara looked confused, “Willow? D-did I do something wrong?”
“No baby. It’s just I don’t think you are ready and I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret. I mean sure, I would because hello sexy goddess right in front of me. I just want us to take our time. I don’t want just sex Tara, I want love and the time for that will come soon. I promise.”
Tara stood in front of Willow. She closed in for a tender kiss. She pulled back and laid her forehead on Willow’s. “I understand. B-but I w-want you t-to know that t-time will come sooner than you think.”
Willow gulped, “Uh…O.K.”
Tara giggled.
“You wanna look around some more. There could be something else here.” Willow stood awkwardly moving from one foot to the other.
Tara giggled again and shook her head.
“Great!” Willow turned and started searching in the closet.
Tara headed over to the chest of drawers.
Willow found a silver brief case. She placed on the floor, popped the locks and searched the contents inside. There were road maps, planners and office supplies. She looked in the pocket located on the upper part. She pulled out a badge. She recognized it right off. She held it close to her chest, looked around to see where Tara was. She quickly put the badge in her pocket. She picked up the case and sat it down on the bed.
“Here’s some stuff.” Willow said, her voice cracking with emotion. She cleared her throat as Tara approached.
Willow dumped all the contents. She sorted through all the different items. She picked up a lock of blonde hair that was tied with a pink bow.
Tara pulled the lock out of Willow’s hand. She felt the softness. She put it to her nose trying to get the sent from it. Tears streamed down her face.
“Tara, what is it?” Willow asked.
“It’s m-m-my mom’s h-hair. This is the r-ribbon she w-wore all the time.” Tara ran the hair over her cheek.
“Tara.” Willow whispered out, “I’m sorry sweetie.”
Tara wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “It’s O-O.K. I j-just wonder w-why he has this.”
“I don’t know. He’s a fucked up pervert anyway. Let’s just leave it at that.” Willow looked at the contents on the bed. She picked up a sonogram film. “This must be you.” Willow held the picture to the light.
Tara looked at the film. “I d-don’t think so. This w-was taken seven years after I w-was born. Look at the date.”
Willow calculated the numbers. “Huh. Well, wonder whose it is?”
Tara shrugged her shoulders. Willow put the paper down on the bed.
Tara picked up an address book. She thumbed through the pages. Every page was blank except for one.
“This is strange, Ann Fields a-address and phone n-number.” Tara put the book in her back pocket.
Willow picked up various items and ran across multiple hotel receipts for the Reston Hotel in Medford, Oregon.
“Interesting.” Willow commented.
“What?” Tara asked while looking through the briefcase.
“Some hotel receipts. The last one is dated for yesterday and there’s at least fifteen more here.”
“That explains the out of town trips h-he always takes.”
Willow put the slips of paper in her pocket. She stretched out and yawned.
Tara yawned as well.
“I’m pretty much exhausted how about you?” Willow took Tara’s hand into her own.
Tara shook her head.
“Well, let’s get to bed then, O.K.” Willow said.

Tara and Willow settled down in the bed. Willow’s ears picked up on a repeated noise.
Tara rose up, “What’s that?” She whispered.
“I’ll be right back.” Willow picked up her gun and walked out of the room.
She followed the noise down the steps. She carefully walked through the dark house. Turning the light on in the living room, she heard a cry for help.
She walked in the storage room and opened up the door. She cringed hearing the loud voice echo off the concrete walls. She ran down the steps.
James sat there screaming, until he saw Willow. “Let me loose, now bitch! Either you let me loose now or I swear to god I will kill you.”
Willow walked closer. She reached in her pocket and brought out the badge she found and held it up for James to see, “Where did you get this?”
James smiled but didn’t answer.
Willow approached closer. She pulled the gun out of her waist band and held it to his head. “I asked you where you got this.”
“Oh my!” James let out a deep laugh. “You’re the little brat. I should have recognized you right off.”
“I’ll ask one more time. Where did you get this?” Willow pushed the badge right in front of his face.
“I took it off his dead cold body after I…” James was disrupted when Tara came down the steps.
“Willow? Is everything a-alright?” Tara asked in a small voice.
Willow put the badge back in her pocket. “Yeah Tara, everything’s cool.”
“Oh Tara? Maybe you ought to ask you’re little bitch here…” James started to say until Willow drew her fist back and punched him in the jaw.
The man’s head flopped over to the side. Blood was dripping from his mouth and nose onto the floor.

Willow looked around at Tara. She was standing there with her arms wrapped around her.
“What w-was he talking about, Willow?”
Willow shrugged her shoulders. “I have no idea.”
She put her gun back in her waistband. “Let’s get you back upstairs.”
Willow smiled and took Tara’s hand and led her up the steps. Tara turned out the light and closed the basement door.

Willow walked into the bedroom and laid down on the bed. Tara turned on the light.
Willow sat up, “Tara? What’s wrong?”
“Willow, I w-want to g-go.”
“Go? Go where?” Willow stood up and made her way over to Tara.
“I j-just have to get out of h-here.” Tara pulled the address book out of her pocket and flipped through the pages. “I w-want to go here.” She handed it to Willow.
Willow took it and looked at the page Tara had opened. “Are you sure? I mean, sure you’re sure cause you wouldn’t have mentioned it unless you were. I mean, hey, it is late and you know it’ll take us a good while to get there. We’re talking about driving all night and maybe into tomorrow.” Willow fidgeted with the book in her hand.
“I just c-can’t stay here knowing I’m s-so close to g-getting away from him.” Tara pitched her thumb over her shoulder.
“Well, if you’re sure baby.”
“I am.” Tara moved in closer to the redhead.
“Then I shall be your personal chauffeur.” Willow said in a seductive voice.
“You are, ya know.” Tara whispered moving even closer.
Willow could feel Tara’s breath. Smell that wonderful smell of arousal that lingered in the air.
“What, baby?” Willow brushed her lips against Tara’s.
“Mine.” Tara kissed Willow slowly, enjoying the feeling.
Willow pressed her tongue inside Tara’s mouth. Tara moaned at the contact. Her hands instinctively moved up and down Willow’s back pulling her shirt up slightly and placing her palms against the hot skin of the redhead. Willow took in a quick breath from the feeling. Her hand moved to the back of Tara’s head, pulling her closer. Willow moved her other hand on Tara’s hip jolting them together. Tara’s legs were getting weak. She could feel the wetness growing, soaking her panties.
Willow’s mind was screaming. Willow reluctantly pulled her lips back, placing her forehead on Tara’s shoulder.
Tara sighed at the lost contact.
“Umm…I say if we’re gonna go, we best go now.” Willow said breathlessly.
“Go.”, were the only words Tara could get out. Her head was buzzing and her skin was on fire.

Tara stepped aside and reached under her bed for an overnight bag.
“Well, while you pack some things, I’m gonna go smoke.” Willow said as she headed for the door. She turned around, walked back over to Tara and gave her a quick kiss.
Tara smiled and watched the redhead leave the room.

Willow walked outside and stood next to her car. She reached in her pocket for her cell phone.
“Giles, hey I know it’s late but I have some news. I have James Maclay in the basement over here tied up.”
Willow lit a cigarette.
“As far as I know he’s alright. Still breathing n’all. How long is it going to take you to pick him up?”
Willow waited for the response.
“Five hours out, huh? Well, I don’t think he’s going anywhere. Just get you’re boys together and round him up. Tara and I are leaving town.”
Willow held the phone away from her ear at the screaming man on the other end.
“Giles calm down. She wants me to go to Baker City and find that woman Ann Fields. It’s all about her mom’s will, remember?”
“Well, you can advise me to not go all you want but I’m going. This is far from being over Giles. I told you what I have to do. Now if you aren’t behind me in this, then back the fuck off!”
Willow saw the lights in Tara’s room go off.
“I gotta go. Are you with me on this or not?”
“Good. I’ll keep in touch.” Willow hung up the phone

Willow walked back in the house. Tara was walking down the steps with her bag and her father’s brief case.
“You ready to get outta here, sweetie?” Willow asked taking the brief case.
“Yep.” Tara swung her bag over her shoulder.
“Well, go ahead and get into the car. I’ll be there in a sec. Have to set up a few things.” Willow put the case beside the door.
Tara walked out of the house. She walked out to the car and loaded her bag in. Suddenly she heard the faintest sound of music coming from the house.
Willow came walking out. She threw the case in the back seat of her car.
Willow started the car and pulled out of the driveway. “I need to stop off at my apartment and pick up some things, O.K.”
“O.K.” Tara said putting her seat belt on.

Willow pulled up to her apartment building.
“You wanna stay here? I’ll just be a sec. I’m just gonna grab some clothes and my laptop.” Willow said turning to Tara.
“I’ll stay h-here.” Tara said giving Willow a kiss on the cheek.
Willow patted Tara’s leg and exited the car.
Tara leaned the seat back.

Willow quickly went into her apartment and ran into her room. She pulled open her drawers and pulled out some clothes and packed them in a gym bag. She opened up her closet and reached on the top shelf. She pulled out a box of bullets. She loaded her gun. She stuffed the box in the bottom of her bag. She walked into the living room and carefully packed her laptop in a black case. Willow walked around making sure that she had gotten all she needed and she left.

Willow opened the door to the car. “Well, next stop…” She looked over at Tara who was sound asleep. Willow smiled and brushed a strand of blonde hair to the side. She bent over and gently kissed Tara on the cheek. Tara whimpered and turned her head.
Willow smiled, started the car and pulled out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Tara. Tara.” Willow gently shook the blonde. “Tara, sweetie?”
Tara took in a deep breath. She opened her eyes trying to take in the surroundings. She looked out the window at a tall illuminated sign that read Reston Hotel. “Where are we?” Tara asked in a raspy voice.
“We’re in Medford. I thought I would stop so we can rest somewhere other than this car.” Willow exited the car and went inside.
Tara sat the seat upright. She opened the car door and took her time to stand up. When she got to her feet, she staggered but caught herself by holding the door. She stretched letting her muscles regain their feeling.
Willow walked out of the hotel registration office and walked over to Tara. “You feel alright?”
“Yeah. I’m j-just real tired a-and I smell b-bad and I must l-look hideous. I n-need a shower.”
Willow closed the distance between them. “You could never smell or look bad. I personally think you are the most perfect woman I have ever met.”
The two kissed gently and pulled back. Willow reached in the backseat for their belongings. She handed Tara her bag. She locked the car and the two walked inside.

They entered the room. It was efficient to their needs for their one night stay. Tara headed for the bathroom. “I’ll b-be out in a little b-bit.”
“Take your time baby.” Willow plopped down on the bed.
She heard the sound of the water running so she reached in her pocket for her cell phone.
“Giles, sorry it’s so late but Tara and I are at the Reston Hotel in Medford room 214. We stopped to get some rest. I found receipts in James’ belongings that he stayed here. You might want to check it out. If he is broke like he claims, then he’s getting his money from somewhere. This place is pretty high class.”
Willow looked around the room. Her eyes widened when listening to the man on the other end.
“Uh, Giles what do you mean he was gone when you got there?”
She waited for the response.
“Oh god! She’s dead.” Willow whispered. “How did it happen?”


One hour earlier at the Maclay house.
Ms. Day had heard commotion coming from outside. She had dressed and made her way over to the house next door. Getting closer to the door, she heard music from inside. She rang the doorbell and waited but there was no response. She rang the doorbell again and knocked with the side of her fist. Still no response. She turned the door knob and found it unlocked. “Hello. Hello? Hello!” She yelled out but all she heard was the music playing. She walked further into the house. “Mr. Maclay? It’s Edna Day from next door.” She walked over to the stereo. “Devil music.” She said turning it off.
She heard a faint cry for help. “Is someone there?” She followed the sound into the kitchen and then into the storage room. She opened the basement door, “Hello?” She called.
“Help! I’m down here!” A man’s voice reached her. Edna turned the light on and made her way down.
“Oh Lord!” She exclaimed sprinting towards James.
“Help me, please?” James said in a weak voice.
Edna made quick to untie his bounds. “Pastor Maclay. Who did this to you?”
She asked helping the man to his feet.
“Thank you.” He said. He grabbed her by the shoulder, twirled her around. “Thank you so much.” With one swift move, he snapped her neck, letting the body fall to the floor.
He reached into her pocket of her dress and found a set of keys with a keychain that said ‘JESUS SAVES’. He ripped it off and putting in his pocket. “Hope you’re right, Edna. You’ll need all the saving you can get.”
He walked out of the basement throwing the keys over his shoulder.


“Do you have any idea where he’s headed?” Willow asked.
“Well, try and find out. We don’t need anything fucking this up.”
Willow heard the water shut off in the bathroom. “Hey I have to go. I’ll call tomorrow. Bye” Willow said in a whisper and hung up her phone.
She reached over and picked up the remote and turned on the television.
A few minutes later Tara walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her hair and another around her body.
Willow thought as she watched Tara walk over to her bag.
Tara bent down revealing more skin. Willow tilted her head. Tara turned around. She raised one eyebrow and smiled, “See something you like?”
“Uh huh.” Willow squeaked out.
Tara pulled out a pair of boxer shorts and a tee shirt from her bag. She turned her back to Willow and pulled her boxers on under the towel. She walked away further, pulled the towel off.
Willow watched in awe. Her goddess stood there, half naked, just a few feet in front. Willow resisted with all her might not to go over and touch the angel’s skin. To make love to her gently, sensually, beautifully, without hate, fear or anger.
Willow was brought out of her thoughts when she looked in the mirror on the wall. She saw the side view of Tara’s breast. Willow felt her heart skip a beat. She watched as Tara took the towel off her head and the wet, dark blonde hair flow over her shoulders. Willow swallowed a lump in her throat. Tara pulled her tee shirt over her head and down. She looked over in the mirror and watched Willow quickly divert her eyes around the room. Tara smiled.
“Willow?” Tara said breaking the silence.
“Uh huh.” Willow responded almost in a whisper.
“Are you g-going to take a shower?” Tara asked.
“Uh huh.” Willow stood and made her way to the bathroom.
Tara continued getting ready for bed. She heard Willow singing in the shower. Tara giggled listing to the off tune version of ‘Singing in the Rain’.
Tara heard a tweeting noise coming from the bed. She walked over and picked up a cell phone that was lying there.
Tara flipped the phone open, pushed a button and watched the display screen. The words SPEAKER ON flashed.
“Hello?”
“Willow?” A male British voice asked.
“Willow’s in the sh-shower. M-may I take a message?” Tara spoke at the phone.
“Thank you dear. Tell her to call Giles as soon as she can.”
“Sure. Any th-thing else?”
“No. That will be all.” Giles said and hung up.
Tara flipped the phone shut and laid it on the night table beside the bed.

Tara dried her hair and waited for Willow to come out of the bathroom. Tara flipped through the channels on the television and found nothing to her interest to watch. She heard the knob on the bathroom turn. She quickly turned the television off, laid down and closed her eyes.
Willow walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body. She looked around the corner and saw that Tara was asleep. Willow took her towel off her small frame body. She looked again to make sure Tara’s eyes were closed. She reached in her bag and brought out a Bugs Bunny night shirt and panties to match.

Tara opened her eyes just enough to look at Willow. She knew that in the darkness Willow wouldn’t
be able to see clearly enough to see if her eyes were shut or not. She watched as Willow took her towel off and exposed her naked body. Tara had to stifle a giggle when Willow pulled out her nightshirt.
Willow put her clothes on and combed through her wet hair. She flipped the light off and made her way over to the bed. She slowly slipped in making sure she didn’t disturb Tara. Tara rolled over and put her arm around Willow’s waist and straddled her leg. Willow breathed in deep and her eyes went wide. Tara’s hands roamed under Willow’s night shirt. Willow moaned when the blonde’s hand reached under her breast.
“Uh Tara.”
“Mmmm.” Tara mumbled still trying to pretend she was asleep. She ran her thumb over Willow’s hardening nipple.
“Tara sweetie, wake up please.” Willow pleaded in a high pitched tone.
Tara kissed Willow’s pulse point on her neck. Willow’s eyes rolled back in her head.
“Oh God!” Willow whispered taking in the feel of Tara’s touch. “I get the impression that you’re definitely not asleep.”
“Caught me.” Tara said as she pulled back from the aroused redhead.
“You are so busted!” Willow giggled. “Did you enjoy my little striptease?”
“Very much so.” Tara whispered in Willow’s ear then sucked on her earlobe.
Tara’s hand moved down Willow’s stomach to her hip down her thigh then back up again.
Willow’s hips bucked. “Uhh…uhhh T…Ta…Tara?”
“Yessss.” Tara hissed into her ear. It sent chills down Willow’s spine. Goosebumps rose up on her skin.
“You c-cold baby? I can warm you up.” Tara cupped Willow’s breast massaging it.
“N-n-no pretty warm here. Kinda hot actually. Very…oh god…extremely hot!” Willow babbled out weakly. “As much as…as I’m en…oh god…enjoying this…”
Tara moved her hand down to Willow’s cotton covered crotch. Her thumb ran over the redheads clit.
Willow sprung off the bed. Tara sat up, “I’m s-sorry. I d-d-didn’t m-mean…W-Willow?”
Willow ran her hand through her wet hair. “It’s alright Tara. Believe me when I tell you it’s not you. It’s all me. Nothing to do with you at all. I want to; I do, but now is not the time. You understand?”
Tara’s face was red. Tears streamed down her face, “I’m s-s-sorry.”
Willow slipped back into the bed. She pulled Tara’s head on her chest. “Shh. It’s alright. Don’t you be sorry for anything. Just go to sleep, baby.” Willow put her arm around Tara and held her tight.
Tara snuggled up tight.
Willow rubbed her hand up and down Tara’s back. She kissed the top of her head.
“Good night baby.” Willow whispered out.
“Night.” Tara said sadly.
They both fell asleep.

_________________
"Oh yeah?! Well...so's your face!
-Fear Itself


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 5 (update 5/5)
PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 5:06 pm 
Offline
8. Vixen
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2005 6:59 pm
Posts: 871
Location: Germany
Ohmy, this is getting more and more intense.
So Mr Maclay killed... Willow's dad? No... Who the heck is Mr Maclay??? Thats what my question is... and Tara has a sibling I guess? It's not Dawn is it? :P
Cant wait for more! Need to know what's up with Willow!

_________________
"I don't get your crazy system!"
"System? It's called the alphabet!"


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 5 (update 5/5)
PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 8:32 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2005 2:54 pm
Posts: 366
Location: minnesota
YESS THEY BEAT THE CRAP OUTTA HIM WOOT!!!!! BUT DAMN NOW HES FREEE AHHHHH RUN TARA!!!!!!!!!!....... PLZ UPDATE SOON THIS STORY IS PIMPIN! HAHAH!
Erin

_________________
"No candles?...Well I brought one..it's ExtraFlamey" Willow, New Moon Rising


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 5 (update 5/5)
PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 12:57 pm 
Offline
Ms. Moderator Fantastico
Ms. Moderator Fantastico
User avatar

Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2006 12:41 pm
Posts: 9808
Location: Next to an Angel in Houston Texas
:pinky You can,t know how much i love this story more please :kitty


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 5 (update 5/5)
PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 8:56 pm 
Offline
7. Teeny Tinkerbell Light
User avatar

Joined: Fri Oct 14, 2005 12:07 pm
Posts: 556
Location: Reno Nevada
:shock Excuse my french but, HOLY FUCKIN WOW!!!
I love this story. Tara's dad is the biggest mystery to me. I dont know if he's a demon or just a freakin rapiest, peverted, bigot. This story's deep. And it just keeps getting deeper and I love it.
But besde's that fact, I really really really need to know what's to come. So please update soon. :peace

_________________
" God, Alice, when are you gonna make up your mind between dick and pussy. And spare us the gory bisexual details."
- Dana (L Word)


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 6 (updated 5/07)
PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 5:49 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:12 pm
Posts: 409
Location: Virginia, USA
WillowRulez: I can say that it's not Dawn. The intense part gets more involved. Thanks for the comment.

AlysonGoddess: Thanks for the pimpin comment! LOL! Hope you like the rest of the story but it's far from being over.

Dianneswillowtree: Thanks for the comment.

willowbaby05: Holy Fucking Wow!! You ain't seen nothing yet. Mystery is the biggest key but it's gonna be revealed soon. And here is another chapter to keep everyone in stitches.

I hope you all like this update and here we go.



CHAPTER 6
“Willow. C-come back to me.” Tara whispered in Willow’s ear.
Willow opened her eyes to look. “What time is it?” She said, her voice barely audible.
Tara looked at her watch. “Eight thirty.”
Willow grumbled and pulled the pillow over her head, “Why are you waking me up this early?” Her words were muffled.
Tara giggled, “I thought I w-would bring you breakfast in b-bed.”
Willow peeked out from under the pillow, “What do you have?”
“Pancakes.” Tara held up a brown take out bag.
Willow sat up and threw the pillow behind her head. “Great! I’m starved.”
Tara laughed, “I s-suppose I got the r-right thing then, huh?”
“Oh I love pancakes.” Willow looked in the bag and brought out her cardboard tray.
“I m-make the best funny shaped p-pancakes you’ve ever t-tasted.” Tara said pulling out her own tray.
“I’ll hold ya to it then. So, why are we up so early?” Willow shoved a big bite of food in her mouth.
“I thought w-we could get an early st-start. I w-want to get to Ann’s as s-soon as possible. Oh, I f-forgot. Some m-man called on your cell phone l-last night. I think h-his name was Giles.”
Willow started choking. She spit food all over the bed. “What?!”
Tara patted Willow on the back, “Umm yeah, G-Giles called when you w-were in the shower.”
“Oh…O.K. I’ll…I’ll call him back later. No big deal.” Willow smiled.
“Well, let’s get going then.” Willow flipped the covers off the bed. The food she spit out flew all over the floor and the wall. “Oops! Guess I’ll leave extra money for the maid.”
“Hey Willow. C-can I use your cell phone? I n-need to call Ann and t-tell her were on our way.” Tara asked.
“Umm sure. Go ahead. I’m just going into the bathroom and change.” Willow stood up and gave Tara a kiss on the lips.
“So everything is a-alright with us, I m-mean since last n-night?” Tara blushed and lowered her head.
Willow put her arms around Tara’s waist and pulled her close, “I’d say everything is perfect. You are perfect.”
“But Willow, I j-just want you t-to know…Tara was cut off with Willow’s lips on hers.
“Just give it all time.” Willow kissed Tara again and they hugged each other tight. “I need to get changed.” Willow picked up her bag and walked into the bathroom.
Tara looked in her jeans that she discarded in the floor. She reached in the back pocket and retrieved the address book she placed in there. She flipped through until she found Ann’s number. She walked over to Willow’s cell phone, dialed the number. The only button she was familiar with was the speaker. After a couple of rings, a woman’s voice came over the other end.
“Hello?”
“Ann F-Fields?” Tara asked hoping she dialed the right number.
“Yes, this is Ann. Who is this?”
“This is T-Tara Maclay. Do y-you happen to know who I am?”
“I know Tara Maclay, but she is dead. Is this some kind of joke?!” The woman shouted.
“N-no Ann. It’s m-me Tara. I d-don’t know who t-told you I w-was dead but a-apparently I’m not.”
“Tara! Is it really you? Oh my god! Sweetheart, I was told you died.” The woman was crying.
“Ann, I n-need to c-come see you. It’s about m-mom’s will.”
“Oh yes darling. Do you know where I live?” Ann sounded hopeful.
“I h-have dad’s b-book with your phone number and a-address in it.” Tara held up the book and examined it.
“Tara. That deceitful man is not with you is he?”
“N-no. I l-left him. It’s only m-me and my friend Willow.”
“Thank god. You and your friend come right on. I’ll be here waiting.”
“Thank y-you, Ann. You d-don’t know how m-much this means to me.”
“You don’t know how much this means to me either, Tara. Where are you now?” Ann asked.
“We’re in M-Medford at the Reston H-Hotel. We sh-should be leaving shortly.” Tara said looking at her watch again.
“Oh?” Ann hesitated and cleared her throat. “Well, alright sweetie, you all be careful. You are at least five and a half hours away. I just have to tell you Tara, it’s so wonderful to hear your voice. I can’t wait to see you. I have so much to tell you.” The woman’s voice was full of excitement.
“We h-have a lot t-to talk about. I’ll s-see you soon. Bye.”
“Good bye dear.”
Tara heard a click. She flipped the phone shut and placed it on the bed.

Willow came out of the bathroom clothed in blue jeans, a red ‘Finding Nemo’ tee shirt and red tennis shoes.
“Your turn baby.” Willow said packing up items around the room.
Tara giggled, “N-nice outfit Will.”
“Hey, are you making fun of Nemo? I’ll have you know that he is one brave little fish.” Willow put her hands on her hips and jutted out her chin.
Tara walked over and pulled Willow to her, “Uh oh. R-resolve face showing. Am I in tr-trouble?”
“You betcha missy.” Willow smiled and kissed Tara slowly.
Tara pulled back and bit her bottom lip. “I l-like this kind of tr-trouble.”
Willow lightly swatted Tara on the butt. “You better get ready.”
Tara walked over and pulled out a summer dress and sandals out of her bag. “You d-do look c-cute.”
“Well, just don’t let anyone back home find out. I have a reputation to protect.”
Willow put her gun in the brim of her blue jeans.
Tara started laughing.
“What?” Willow asked puzzled.
Tara’s laughter roared through the room.
“Whaaat?” Willow looked herself up and down.
“Oh god! You…” Tara was taking in quick breaths of air, snorting, followed by laughter. “Big b-bad, g-gun slinging, ‘F-Finding Nemo’ lovin’ Willow.” Tara fell back on the bed holding her sides.
Willow flung her gun on the other bed. She walked over to Tara. “You think you are just sooo funny, huh?”
Tara laughed that much harder.
“I also happen to be a big bad…” Willow jumped on Tara, “tickle monster.” Willow made her hands like claws and started her attack.
Willow was taken by surprise when Tara rolled them over and she straddled the small redhead.
“Hey! That’s not fair.” Willow pouted.
“All is f-fair in love and w-war, sweetie.” Tara said plainly. She bent down and captured Willow’s lips in a passionate kiss. She sat back up and pulled her shirt off exposing her naked chest.
Willow stared and was captivated at the view in front of her. “Oh Tara.” She whispered, but she didn’t make a move.
Tara leaned forward again, crushing their mouths together. She heard a moan escape Willow’s throat followed by her own. Willow ran her hands down the sides of Tara’s legs and up to the side of her breast.
“Touch me, Willow.” Tara said desperately needing the touch.
“You are so beautiful.” All logical thought was gone. Willow slowly moved her hand and circled her finger around Tara’s erect nipple.
“Mmmm.” Tara moaned out. She felt the heat in her center and started moving her hips slowly back and forth on top of Willow’s.
Willow reached her head up and without any delay sucked on the hardened nipple.
“Oh Willow! Oh god! Yes!” Tara rocked back and forth even faster.
Willow moved her mouth to the other nipple, replacing her mouth with her fingers, gently twisting the reddened flesh.
Tara’s moans became louder. She closed her eyes taking in the pleasure.
Willow moaned taking in more of Tara’s breast into her mouth. Feeling Tara grind faster, Willow sucked even harder eliciting louder moans from the blonde. She bucked her hips against Tara’s.
Willow let the nipple go. Tara looked down at her. She slid her body down. Their legs intertwined. Willow kissed Tara hungrily. Their tongues clashing and swirling around each other. Willow lifted her leg into Tara, propping her foot on the edge of the bed.
“Oh God!” Tara let out pushing her thigh into Willow’s.
“Yes Tara!” Willow moaned kissing Tara her cheek working her way down. She sucked on the spot between Tara’s neck and shoulder marking her.
Tara’s grinding became fierce, pushing her thigh even harder into Willow.
Willow knew Tara was close. “Come for me baby.” She whispered in the passionate blonde’s ear.
Tara looked into Willow’s eyes. “Come with me, Willow.”
“I am.” Willow barely got out. Her orgasm was building faster and faster. “Oh god Tara. Yes baby, I’m…I’m…Oh TARA! TARA! TAAAARAAAA!”
That’s all it took. Hearing her name screamed out by the woman she loved took Tara over the edge. “WIIILLLOOWWWWW! OH MY GOD!!!!!”
The both rode out their orgasm grinding into each other. Tara collapsed on top of Willow.
Willow wrapped her arms around Tara and kissed her on the cheek.
Tara rose up and looked at Willow. “I have to tell you, I love…”
Willow captured Tara in a tender kiss. She pulled back and stared into those blue eyes, “I know baby. I know.”
Tara laid her forehead Willow’s. Willow sighed and then started to giggle.
Tara giggled at Willow, “What?”
“I guess you really like the gun slingin’ ‘Finding Nemo’ lovin’ Willow, huh?”
Tara laughed, “You f-forgot the big bad tickle monster.”
“Grr arrgh!” Willow said making her hand into a claw.
Tara tensed up. Willow relaxed her hand and ran it up and down Tara’s back.
“Tickle monster will have to wait. Kinda’ bushed right now and I’m enjoying holding you.”
Tara closed her eyes tight. she rolled off of Willow on the bed.
“Hey! I was doing the snuggle thing and you just left.” Willow pouted.
Tara laid there looking up at the ceiling. “I’m s-s-sorry.” She whispered out.
Willow propped herself up on her arm. “What baby?”
Tara cleared her throat, “I said I am s-sorry.”
Willow crinkled her brows together, “Umm…O.K. sorry for what?”
Tara rolled over with her back to Willow. “I shouldn’t h-have done that.” Tears welled up in her eyes.
“I’m still not grasping the concept here sweetie.” Willow thought for a second then realized what Tara meant. Willow moved in closer spooning her, “Tara. You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. I wanted it just as much as you did.”
“But I…I know you w-wanted to wait. You m-must think I’m a s-sl…”
“Don’t you dare say that! Don’t you ever say that or even think that! I don’t think that you are anything but a wonderful beautiful woman. Tara, I have very strong feelings for you and what you did was perfectly normal. I don’t regret anything that just happened. And if things become more, I would never ever regret it as long as I live.” Willow kissed Tara on the shoulder.
Tara rolled over. A single tear ran down her cheek. Willow kissed the tear before it fell.
“Willow?”
“Yes baby.” Willow kissed Tara’s cheek again.
Tara took in a deep breath. “I love you.”
Willow smiled and kissed Tara on the lips.
“I know y-you can’t say it b-back. I just had t-to tell you how I f-feel.”
“Tara, I love…”
Tara put her finger on Willow’s mouth, “Don’t s-say it just because I did. Say it when y-you mean it.”
Willow nodded. “Do you know how special you are to me?”
“I know h-how special you are to me.” Tara said staring into those green eyes.
Willow stared into the captivating blue ones. She slowly bent her head kissing Tara. A kiss of understanding and promise.
Willow pulled back with a groan. “I hate to say this but we need to get going.”
“Yeah I know.” Tara got off the bed. She picked up her dress and her bag and walked into the bathroom.
Willow sighed. She pulled out a cigarette from her pack and lit it. She picked up her cell phone and dialed the number.
“It’s me. You called?” Willow puffed on her cigarette.
“She kinda didn’t get to tell me until this morning.” She got up and walked around the hotel room picking up clothes and tossing them in her bag.
“Well she contacted Ann Fields a little while ago. We’ll just have see what’s going to happen.” Willow cupped her hand up to her mouth around the phone. “Did you happen to find James?”
“Well no worries. If I happen to run into him I’ll know exactly what to do.” Willow picked up her gun. She opened up the chamber, spun it around and flipped it shut. She put it in the brim of her jeans.
“I am not being irrational Giles. I know you still think I’m a kid but I’m not. Just trust me on this. I gotta go. I’ll call soon.” Willow flipped her phone shut and put it in her pocket.
Tara came out of the bathroom. She walked over and slipped her sandals on.
Willow just watched every move of the blonde.
“You look beautiful baby.”
“Thanks. I didn’t g-get to pack to many things on short n-notice.” Tara smoothed out her dress.
“Well, we can easily solve that. We’re going shopping!” Willow said enthusiastically, beaming a smile.
Tara giggled at the excited redhead. “Sounds like fun.”
“Oh yeah. It’ll be great. Well buy some jeans and shirts oh and I have a wicked shoe craving. These red shoes seemed to get made fun of.” Willow looked smugly at Tara.
“At least they m-match your shirt.” Tara smiled and blew Willow a kiss.
“Uh huh. And poor little Nemo gets taken away from his dad and now he gets criticized. You ought to be ashamed.” Willow mockingly shook her finger.
Tara looked at Willow with loving eyes. “I love you.”
Willow, still taken back by the earlier confession, blushed and smiled. She took in a deep breath and blew it out. “Ready to go.”
“All ready.” Tara looked around the room making sure she had all her things. She flung her bag over her shoulder.
Willow put extra money in the tip envelope for the maid along with the room key and the both walked out of the room.

Willow and Tara both looked around the different stores in the massive shopping center. Willow was mainly looking for black jeans and dark colored novelty shirts plus some cool shoes at stores that were to her liking. She stood idly by as Tara looked over the racks at clothes with soft earth tones that were more around to her taste. She picked up various shirts holding them up to herself and looking in the mirror. This was the first time she had ever gone clothes shopping and picking out clothes she actually liked.
“Tara, that looks great. Go try it on.” Willow said appreciating the time and care that Tara was putting into picking the ‘right’ thing.
Tara smiled at her love. She looked at the price tag. Her smile faded as she hung it back on the clothes rack.
“What’s wrong? You didn’t like it?” Willow asked in confusion.
Tara shook her head. “It’s too m-much.”
Willow briskly walked over, pulled the shirt off the rack and handed it to Tara. “You go try it on. Don’t worry how much it cost. I’ll take care of it.”
“No Willow. You’ve d-done way too m-much already.
“I haven’t done anything special. I’m just here for you and I want to buy you whatever. Now get as many clothes as you want. You can get one outfit for everyday of the week or two outfits for everyday or three, ya know if you change clothes a lot. Oh I know, we can get a marker and put on the tags for Monday, Tuesday and so on. Or if you want, there are tee shirts with the days of the week on them, that way we can avoid the marker cause you might get it all over your fingers and it’s a mess to get off.” Willow took in a deep breath. “Ya get it at all?”
“Umm…well I think I’ll st-stick with a few clothes. I w-would like to g-get some clothes like you g-got for yourself, if that’s n-not too much.” Tara said.
“Too much! Too much? Never too much. If that’s what my girlfriend wants then my girlfriend shall have it.” Willow said defiantly.
Women and a few men around the store stared at Willow and Tara. Willow stepped forward and crossed her arms, “What? Do you all have a problem with me and my girlfriend? Yes! This…is…my…girlfriend.” She pointed to Tara who seemed to be glowing but nervous at the same time of all the public attention.
“This is the woman that I care about a hell of a lot and if you people have a problem with it, then you can kiss my pearly white ass!”
Tara put the shirt back on the rack. She walked over to Willow and put her hand in hers. “Let’s g-g-go. We c-can look in other st-stores.” She whispered in the redhead’s ear.
She looked at the customers who were standing there in bewilderment and gave them an apologetic smile.
“See, now you upset her! She doesn’t even want to shop here and I don’t fucking blame her! Bunch of homophobic ass holes!” Willow screamed as Tara pulled her outside and quickly walked further down the isle.
“Tara? Wait.” Willow halted.
Tara let Willow’s hand go and turned to face her, “Willow you are g-going to get us in trouble. But thank you f-for saying what you did, but you d-didn’t have to?”
Willow recaptured Tara’s hand in hers. “Baby, I know I didn’t have to say it, I wanted to. You are special and beautiful and I would be more than proud for you to be my girlfriend if you want to be.”
“Oh yes. I w-would love to be your girlfriend and I love you.” Tara said feeling warmth overwhelm her. <♪I have a girlfriend. I have a beautiful redheaded girlfriend. I have Willow Rosenberg as a girlfriend.♫> Tara happily sung in her head. “Let’s g-go down here and look around.”
Tara led the way with a little skip to the store and went in. Willow smiled and stayed close behind.
“Hold it right there.” A security guard came up behind Willow.
Willow turned around, “What?!” Willow looked to make sure that Tara had gone into the store enough to where she couldn’t hear the conversation.
“I think you need to leave ma’am. And if I have to I will restrain you and escort you out.” The man unsnapped his pepper spray holder.
“You are making a huge mistake mister. So why don’t you take your Mickey Mouse ass back to the donut shop and stay outta my way.” Willow turned to walk back in the store.
The man grabbed Willow by the arm and twirled her around. “I said you need to leave. Now!”
Willow smacked his hand away. “Don’t ever touch me again.” She poked his chest. “I really don’t wanna have them rip that little tin badge off your shirt.” She flipped the badge with a tink.
Willow reached in her back pocket and the man reached for his pepper spray.

“Hey Tara, you find what you’re looking for.” Willow walked up to the blonde who had her hands full.
“Umm…just g-gonna try these on. Is that alright?”
“Sure. You go ahead and I’ll just wait right here for you. I won’t move from this spot.” Willow pointed at her feet. “I won’t even breathe a lot to make sure you know that I mean it. Nope won’t move. Watch me not moving.”
Tara giggled and took Willow’s hand. “Humm…I might n-not trust you. I think I will have to t-take you with me.” Tara grinned and pulled Willow back to the dressing rooms.
“Oooo. This could be fun.” Willow darted into the dressing room with Tara.

Willow pulled up to a two story brick house. “Well, I suppose this is the place. According to the map I got off my computer, it should be. Maybe you should go up to the door and ask, I mean if you want to. So ya know…” Willow was cut short once again by Tara’s lips.
“I saw the n-name Fields on the mailbox. I think w-we got the right pl-place.” Tara took Willow’s hand in hers and kissed it.
Willow smiled, “Well, let’s go meet the woman who’s gonna change your life.”
Tara leaned into Willow, “I already have.”
Willow blushed and pulled the car further up the driveway.

Tara walked up to the front door. She took in a calming breath and rang the doorbell. A smile appeared on her lips.
Willow walked up behind Tara and ran her finger up and down her arm. She noticed the worry look on the blonde’s face, “Hey. It’ll be alright. You’ll see.” Willow kissed Tara on the cheek and pulled back when the door opened.
Quickly Tara was swooped in a breath taking hug. The woman pulled back looked up and down the girl and before Tara knew it she was back in the bone crushing embrace again.
“Oh Tara. Oh god, it is really you.” Ann clung to her and cried.
“It’s alright Ann. I-I’m here.” Tara rubbed her hand up and down the woman’s back and looked over at Willow with her brows crinkled.
Ann pulled back and wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry dear. I just…” She grasped Tara’s hand and led her into the house.
Willow thought as she followed the two inside.
Ann led Tara into the living room and sat them both on the couch. Willow walked in. She looked around and found a chair to sit in.
“How are you doing my dear?” Ann said.
“Fine. J-just kinda t-tired from the trip.” Tara said then looked over at Willow. “Ann this is my g-girlfriend Willow.”
Ann turned her head to Willow. “I’m sorry Willow. Thank you for bringing Tara all this way. I have two guest rooms. If you would like, you can stay the night. I wouldn’t want you driving during the dark.”
Willow’s eyes widened, “Excuse me?”
Tara shook her head, “No Ann. Willow’s my g-girlfriend.” She emphasized the last words, “As in m-my lover.”
Willow crossed her arms and smirked.
Ann looked at Tara with a not too shocked look on her face. She smiled and squeezed Tara’s hand tighter. “Oh Tara, I have so much to explain to you hun. You are so much like your mother. Beautiful, smart, and in love…with a woman no doubt. And I was in love with her too.
“Wh-what?! Tara exclaimed looking at Ann then at Willow who had her mouth hung wide open, then back to Ann who smiled. She got off the couch and walked over and sat in a rocking chair.
“Willow, I apologize. Please sit beside of Tara.” Willow got up from her chair and sat beside of Tara taking her hand.
“Like I said, there is so much to tell you. Would you both like something to drink?” Ann asked.
Willow and Tara both shook their heads. They wanted Ann to continue with her more than shocking story.
“Let me begin. I was very attracted to your mother when I first met her, but I knew she was married to your father, Tara. So I just let her know, when James wasn’t around of course, that I wanted to be her friend. I didn’t tell her that I was interested in her until a good while later. I would hear her and your father get into some major arguments and then the next day I noticed the bruises on her face. You were almost seven then.”
Tara closed her eyes. She shook her head at the revelation she was all too familiar with.
Ann continued, “One day I looked over the fence and noticed your mother was sitting and crying in the backyard. I walked over to her and saw the cuts and bruises all over her face that were the worst she had ever suffered. I took her back inside my house and cleaned her up. After many times of cleaning her wounds and trying to convince her to leave James, the attraction between us came to a head and…well…you get the idea.”
Willow looked at Tara. The girl just sat there as if she were frozen. “Umm…Ann I think we’ll take that drink now.”
“Of course.” Ann got up from her chair and walked into the kitchen.
Willow patted Tara’s hand, “Tara baby? You O.K.?”
Tara turned her head. A single tear escaped from her eye. “I c-can’t believe…I d-don’t know what to…how c-can I…”
Willow gently kissed Tara on the cheek, “We’ll figure it out together sweetheart.”
Tara leaned her head on Willow’s shoulder. Willow wrapped her arms around.
“Is iced tea alright for you girls?” Ann asked holding two glasses.
“It’s fine. Thanks.” Willow took her glass and gulped down half of it. Tara took hers and just held it, running the cool glass across her forehead.
Ann walked back into the kitchen. She came out carrying a platter of finger sandwiches, napkins and another glass of tea. She placed the platter and napkins on the coffee table in front of Willow and Tara. “I thought you girls might want something to munch on. I generally eat dinner around seven so we have two hours before.”
“Thanks Ann.” Willow said picking up a sandwich and a napkin. She looked at Tara who sat there shaking her head in refusal. Ann took her seat.
“Ann?” Tara began.
“Yes dear.”
“I d-don’t understand any of this. My…my mom w-was gay and why d-didn’t she leave dad.” Tara took a much needed drink of her tea.
“It’s a little complicated dear. Yes your mother was gay. I never did understand why she stayed with that awful man. I think it was because she thought you needed a male figure in your life.”
“D-do you know what h-he has done to me for years and y-years?” Tara took in a shattering breath.
“I know that your mother found out that he was touching you and after she found out she planned on leaving him. But unfortunately, she died. I believe it was complications with her pregnancy.” Ann said plainly.
Tara’s glass hit the floor and her limp body fell on Willow.

“Tara. Tara. Come back to me. Baby? Come on.” Willow rubbed Tara’s cheek.
Tara moaned as she moved her head back and forth. She slowly opened her eyes. “Willow?”
“I’m right here baby.” Willow kissed Tara on the lips.
Tara pulled Willow down on top of her with their lips never parting. Willow moaned at the abrupt movement. Tara licked Willow’s lips asking for the invitation. Willow complied. Their kiss became passionate. Tara pulled up on Willow’s shirt. Willow pulled back taking in gasp of air.
“Baby, we can’t. For one thing we are on the couch and Ann is in the kitchen doing the dinner thing.
And even though I would love to lay her and let you…well ya know…I think we need to get up.”
Tara smiled at the babbling redhead. “I love you.”
Willow smiled and stood up. She held out her hand and pulled Tara up too.
“Dinner’s ready you two love birds.” Ann smiled and turned back around and entered the kitchen.
Willow, still holding Tara’s hand, led her in the kitchen.

Dinner was a quiet affair. Tara would occasionally look over in Ann’s direction but dropped her head back down.
After clearing the table Ann cleared her throat. “Tara, would you like to talk more.”
“No n-not now. I think I’ll g-go Take a shower.” Tara walked out of the kitchen.
Willow walked back in the house from smoking.
“Hey Tara. Where ya goin’?”
“I’m g-going to take a shower. This d-day has been very…”
“Complicated?”
Tara nodded. “And I j-just need to relax.”
“Oh O.K. Well, I’ll…umm…take one after you’re done.” Willow shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
Tara closed the distance between them, “You know y-you could come with me.” She said seductively.
“Uh… I think I’ll keep Ann company until you’re done.”
Tara smiled, “Well sweetie, s-suit yourself.” She kissed Willow and walked up the stairs.
Willow watched her. Willow smiled and shook her head as she walked further into the house.

“Willow dear, are you finding everything to your liking?” Ann asked as she finished up the dishes.
“Yes. Thanks for everything. And dinner was great. I haven’t had a home cooked meal in so long.”
Willow sat down at the table.
“Oh poor thing. Doesn’t your mother cook for you?” Ann took a seat across from Willow.
“Uh…well…no. She’s never home. She works a lot.” Willow fiddled with her hands.
“I’m sorry. Well, as long as you’re here, you will not go without a home cooked meal.” Ann reached and patted Willow’s hand.
“Thanks. That sounds great. Umm…so I would like to hear more of what you were talking about, that is before Tara passed out. Big news for her. Kinda took her off guard. But she’s practically been through hell and back so I think she will be able to handle more than what we can give her credit for.”
Ann looked at Willow with amazement.
“What?” Willow asked.
“You got all that out without taking a single breath.” Ann giggled.
“Well, I have a tendency to ramble on and on.”
“I think it’s cute and I’m sure Tara does too.”
Willow smiled and nodded. “So she tells me.”
“As far as telling you anything, Willow, I would like to discuss it with Tara as well. She really needs to understand a lot. I would however like to hear how you two met.”
“Oh well, we met at school. And she just captivated me the first time I saw her. I just hated when I saw her the other morning and she had this huge bruise on her face. Then the day went on and her father came back home and started raping her and so I knocked him out and locked his ass in the basement.”
“You…you locked him in the basement!?” Ann’s face was of total shock.
“Yeah sure did. I called the cops and I hope they picked him up. But we found all this information about her mom’s will and different other things. And so that’s why were here.”
“Oh lord; I don’t know what to say. It’s amazing you girls got out of there with your lives.”
“What’s a-amazing?” Tara asked as she entered the kitchen.
“Hey baby. Do you feel better now?” Willow asked. She got up from the table and made her way over to the blonde. She gave her a slight kiss on the lips. “I’m gonna go jump in the shower.”
Tara gave Willow a hug and watched her leave the kitchen.
“What were you all t-talking about?” Tara asked as she took Willow’s seat at the table.
“I was telling Willow it was amazing how you all made it out of your house alive. You were risking a lot dealing with him like that.”
“I j-just hope that he d-doesn’t get out. I h-hope he stays in there and rots.” Hatred shown in Tara’s eyes.
“Willow told me that she called the police so they will take care of everything dear.” Ann said reassuringly.
“She did what!?” Tara exclaimed. “Without evidence t-to h-hold him, he’ll c-come look f-for m-me. Oh god!” Tara left the room and ran upstairs.

“Willow.” She knocked on the door. “Willow.” She knocked louder. “Willow!” She banged the side of her fist on the door.
The bathroom door swung open. Willow stood there dripping wet with a towel half wrapped around her. “Tara! What’s wrong?”
Tara walked into the bathroom and closed the door. “Why d-didn’t you t-tell me you called the p-police about d-dad before w-we left the h-house?”
Willow noticed Tara’s stutter was more obvious. “I thought I d-did.”
“No you d-didn’t. You know w-w-without evidence, they c-can’t hold h-him.” Tara was shaken.
“Baby, I told them what happened to you. They said they would keep him until you get back. I really thought I told you but I’m sorry if didn’t.”
“Willow, I d-don’t intend to go back.” Tara said plain out.
“We’ll find another way baby. He won’t let him get away with the things he’s done. I promise.”
Tara sighed. “I hope you’re right.”
“O.K. All settled. But…um…I need to get finished with my shower. Some beautiful gorgeous blonde kind of interrupted me.” Willow smiled.
Tara kissed Willow. She smiled and walked out of the bathroom. She walked into the guest bedroom and saw Ann standing with blankets in her arms.
“I thought you might want these. It could get a little chilly tonight.”
“Thank you.” Tara said taking the blankets and laying them on the bed.
“Is everything alright dear?” Ann asked. “I know you were a little upset when you ran out of the kitchen.”
“Everything’s f-fine. Just a l-little misunderstanding is all.” Tara said.
“She didn’t tell you she called the police did she? That’s strange though. Oh well, as long as you two made up.”
“It’s f-fine thank you.” Tara pulled the covers back on the bed.
“Alright Tara, if you say so. I’ll be going to bed now. Goodnight.” Ann walked out and closed the door.
Tara stood there gazing off, She felt warm arms wrap around her waist.
“Hey sweetie.” Willow said resting her chin on Tara’s shoulder.
“Hey.” Tara said dryly.
Willow walked in front of the blonde, “You alright? You seem kinda distracted. Are you upset with me?”
Tara stepped around Willow to arrange the pillows.
“Tara if there’s something wrong, please tell me. I can’t stand the idea you might be mad especially at me.” Willow paranoia was setting in.
“Why are y-you hiding things from m-me?” Tara asked folding her arms around her waist.
“Hiding? I didn’t realize I was hiding anything.”
“Well, some things w-with you don’t add up.”
“What do you want to know Tara? I’ll be happy to explain anything to you. But I want you to know that I am not hiding anything from you. Yeah I may have forgotten to tell you I called the cops, but what’s the big fucking deal. I’m sorry O.K.” Willow was trying her best to explain.
“You don’t g-get it. It’s not that easy.”
“Well what the hell do you want me to do Tara. I can’t reverse time and change it.” Willow wasn’t getting the point of why Tara was so upset.
Tara could tell Willow was getting upset and she didn’t want to deal with a pissed off redhead tonight. “You know, we’re not going to do this now. I’m tired.” Tara got under the covers.
“O.K.” Willow said lamely. “We’ll just forget it ever happened.” Willow turned off the lights and crawled in the bed.
Tara snuggled up to Willow and giggled, “Ooh, your feet are cold.”
Willow smiled “You better warm me up.”
“Mmmm. You know, this is h-how everyday should end and st-start and all the stuff in the m-middle.” Tara pecked Willow on the cheek.
“So you’re not mad?” Willow asked unsure about the turn of events.
Tara started making circles on Willow’s arm with her finger, “I d-don’t want any more s-secrets.” She exhaled then took in a deep breath. “I’ve been shielded away from everything in l-life. I couldn’t even m-make my own d-decisions. I am starting a n-new life Willow. I’m j-just shaken up.”
“Well sure, with all you’ve been through.”
“It’s j-just hard. I f-feel like an outsider.” Tara said shyly.
“Tara, you’re not an outsider.” Willow reassured her.
“Well, yeah I k-kinda am.”
“No. No you’re not.”
“Willow, its O.K.”
“Am I making you feel outta place?” Willow said worriedly.
“No. You j-just have a different life than I d-do. You know, you’re in the crowd with Faith an-and Buffy and that g-guy from the bar, Spiff? Sparky?”
“Spike.” Willow corrected.
“Yeah, him t-too. I j-just feel like I’m n-not in the same class.”
“Tara, you are in a class all by yourself. I know you’ve had it bad, really bad but I’m here to help you any way I can.”
Tara blushed, “Thank you. I love you Willow.”
Willow kissed Tara gently, “Let’s just get some sleep and put all the bad stuff behind.”
Tara yawned. “Bad stuff g-gone. Goodnight darling.”
“Goodnight baby.” Willow kissed Tara on top of the head. She listened as Tara’s breathing slowed down to a rhythm.
Willow closed her eyes. She snuggled closer to Tara and was soon asleep.

_________________
"Oh yeah?! Well...so's your face!
-Fear Itself


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 6 (updated 5/07)
PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 7:21 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:47 am
Posts: 432
Wow! So I missed a couple updates! What is going on with Willow? What is she into? And why can't she tell Tara about it? Poor Tara! Her father is absolutely terrible. Why would he kill the neighbor lady? Is he more than just an abusive/rapist father? Or is it just for the money. Please update again soon, I really want to know what happens next. Way too many questions!

_________________
Willow: "Anya, I have faith in you. There is no one you cannot piss off."


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 6 (updated 5/07)
PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 8:22 pm 
Offline
7. Teeny Tinkerbell Light
User avatar

Joined: Fri Oct 14, 2005 12:07 pm
Posts: 556
Location: Reno Nevada
:wave
:thud Wow!!! This update was AWESOME!!! I wonder when Tara's dad is gonna come in and fuck everything up. I hate that asshole. But I'm setting myself up to believe his pop up is gonna come in totally unexpected.
Oh Willow at the mall had me :lmao. Oh and by the by Willow and Tara's first time was rock um sock um!!!!
Definally cant wait for the next update. :kgeek

_________________
" God, Alice, when are you gonna make up your mind between dick and pussy. And spare us the gory bisexual details."
- Dana (L Word)


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 6 (updated 5/07)
PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 10:08 pm 
Offline
6. Sassy Eggs
User avatar

Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2005 2:54 pm
Posts: 366
Location: minnesota
awww yay happy update i wonder where taras dad is i hope willow kills him :) GO WILLOW! or actually it would be awesome if tara killed him :) that man has no reason to be alive id kill him myself! Ok so maybe not.. but i could!.. Well anyways loved the update and cant wait for more so please update soon?
Erin

_________________
"No candles?...Well I brought one..it's ExtraFlamey" Willow, New Moon Rising


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: New Fic: STRATAGEM :CHAPTER 6 (updated 5/07)
PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 10:22 pm 
Offline
7. Teeny Tinkerbell Light
User avatar

Joined: Fri Oct 14, 2005 12:07 pm
Posts: 556
Location: Reno Nevada
AlysonGoddess wrote:
actually it would be awesome if tara killed him that man has no reason to be alive id kill him myself! Ok so maybe not.. but i could!..

Ditto......

_________________
" God, Alice, when are you gonna make up your mind between dick and pussy. And spare us the gory bisexual details."
- Dana (L Word)


Last edited by willowbaby05 on Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:45 am, edited 1 time in total.

Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 47 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 8 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  

W/T Love 24/7 since July 2000
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group