Lola - Great to see you back, i hope you had a great holiday.
The ranch part was a favourite of mine also, i'm glad you like so far.
Puff - Glad you like the fluff.
Competative Buffy is a favourite of mine also, thanks for the words of sympathy.
Okay lucky me, after being stuck putting eyedrops in every hour last night, today i go and do something stupid like tear my hamsting, so now i'm putting ice on it every hour and stuck home once again. He he call me Mr. Accident prone huh. Gotta laugh though, i'm just not meant to enjoy this weekend, however it gave me ample time to get an update tonight so with every negative come a positive.
So without much further ado...
Title - More than a Feeling
Author’s Name - Nathan
Rating - M15+ recommended for mature viewing audience. But hey I’m not ya mum so I ain’t gonna spank ya, unless ya want me too.
Disclaimer - These Char’s belong to Joss and ME and totally not mine.
Also title is also a song by Boston but so also listen to it if you get the chance cause its good.
Feedback- Totally, unless you don’t wanna say anything, but u could if u wanted to.
Summary - Totally AU, this fic doesn’t have a hellmouth, demons the weekly apocalypse or even vamp’s for that fact. It’s set the summer before senior high (I may not be a Yank but I’m pretty sure I know how ya calendar runs). Oh yeah lots of Willow & Tara goodness.
Part 16 to this quirky fic.Willow was in the kitchen fixing breakfast in bed for her love. She was the one normally over spoilt by the blonde on Saturday mornings but as they had spent this Friday night at her house Willow thought it only appropriate that she fix the pancakes, though they’d never be as yummy as Tara’s.
She hummed a little tune as she sat over the oven with an egg flip, randomly flipping the pancakes over before resting them on a plate to her left when they were done. Even though she wished she were snuggled up next to Tara she rationalised that doing something nice for the blonde was worth it, besides she’d be eating breakfast snuggled up to her soon enough anyways. Willow was collecting an assortment of honey, syrup, sugar and lemon for the pancakes when her mother walked in, in her dressing gown, obviously having just awoken.
“Willow sweetie, I thought you spent Friday’s over at Tara’s?” She asked still half-asleep wondering why her daughter was in the kitchen happily making breakfast.
“What you don’t want me here?” Willow asked in a mock hurt type voice.
“No sweetie it’s not that, your father and I love having you and Tara here, it’s just you’re normally not.” She clarified. “Tara is here right, you’re not eating that yourself?” She added, making sure.
“Of course she’d here, I’ve had enough Taraless nights to last me a lifetime.” Sheila smiled at the happy face her daughter got when she thought of the blonde girl. Anyone who could make her daughter that happy was a great person in her books.
“While you’re here do you mind if I ask you a favour?” Sheila asked nervously.
“Sure, what is it?” Willow asked, not taking her eyes of the pancakes.
“Jackie Dalton has been trying to get us to set you up with their son Jarred, she seems to think that marriages are still pre-arranged. She has been begging me to bring you to a party to meet him, so if you’d come tonight it’d be a great relief to get her off my back.” Sheila asked nonchalantly as she flicked on the kettle to make herself a cup of coffee. Willow was now staring at her mother in disbelief.
“Kinda in love with a girl upstairs.” Willow answered as mater of fact.
“I know sweetie and I didn’t mean for you to take it the wrong way, all you have to do is show up, blow him off and we can come home a happy family. You could even bring Tara if you think our social get togethers are a little boring for your tastes.” Sheila rationalised.
“Well the offering of me to invite Tara kinda wound me in, but only if she accepts, if she doesn’t want to go then I don’t either.” Willow stated firmly. Her mother got a devilish grin across her face.
“Oh and sweetie, it’s formal so dress nice.” Sheila stated as she returned to her bedroom with her cup of coffee.
……………..
Willow entered her room sideways as she carried a large tray of food with her. Tara lifted a weary head from her pillow as she heard someone coming through the door. She smiled the biggest smile when she realised it was Willow with a tray of pancakes.
“Circles of funny shapes?” She asked from her position on the bed.
“Well since you are the expert pancake maker and I’m but I mere novice, I only know how to make circles.” Willow said rather glumly as she hated that she couldn’t make Tara funny shape pancakes.
“Ohhhh, sweetie, it’s okay I like circles, they’re so… round.” Tara replied sweetly. Willow’s face shifted slightly as she accepted her girlfriend’s response.
Willow crawled in beside her love as she placed the tray in front of them so they could pick and choose as they pleased. They both picked up a pancake and smiled at each other as they ate their breakfast. I light hardy meal was followed of course by more snuggles. Willow rested her head on the blonde’s shoulder as Tara playfully teased her red locks.
“My mom asked me something before, and I only agreed to it if you agree to it.” Willow was sure to add.
“What is it sweetie?” Tara asked a bit confused.
“She want’s me to go with her and dad to their little social gathering tonight and they said I could bring you. Of course they want to take me to meet this boy so I can shoot him down and get his parents of their backs. Of course if you don’t want to go we can do something else.” Willow babbled at the speed of light, Tara smirked at Willow babble. How she loved it when the redhead lost herself in words.
“What if this boy is the most charming person you’ve ever met and sweeps you of your feet?” Tara asked in mock curiosity.
“Not gonna happen.” Willow stated flatly.
“What makes you so sure Miss Rosenberg?” Tara asked, using the same tone as before.
“Because I’ve already been swept of my feet by the most charming person in the history of the universe let alone who I’ve ever met.” Willow replied as she scooted up and planted a quick kiss on the blonde’s lips and pulled back slightly.
“Okay where’s he hiding, he’s under the bed isn’t he?” Tara asked playfully.
“Well first of it’s a she but you’d be close with under the bed, she’s kinda under the covers.” Willow smirked back at Tara. Tara lifted the sheets above Willow and pretended to be looking for someone down there.
“All I see is you, a completely overdressed you but you none the less. Are you in love with yourself?” Tara asked, holding back her giggles.
“No it’s you silly, as for the overdressed part, if you got a problem with it why don’t you do something about it?” Willow asked with a raised eyebrow and that certain glint in her eye.
“Is that a challenge?” Tara responded with her same playful tone.
“All I’m saying if you think I’m wearing to much material then all you have to do is get rid of some.” Willow added as she shifted her head as if she was trying to be cool about it but the smile crossing her lips tended to give her away.
“Some of it, I think all of it has to go.” Tara replied as she pulled Willow into another embrace as she started to remove the silk pyjamas Willow had put on to make breakfast.
…………..
Tara sat in the Rosenberg lounge room eagerly awaiting Willow to come down the stairs for the big night. After Willow had told her that it was formal she knew she had to do something. She still felt a little uncomfortable around Cordelia at the moment so she’d, had to reply on Anya to help her pick out an evening gown and get ready. She was wearing a dark blue evening gown that accentuated her blue eyes perfectly and had her hair done up in a bun. Her mouth dropped as she saw Willow walk down in a light black evening gown with a dark black cardigan covering her shoulders. Tara gasped at how beautiful it all was.
“Wow, wow, wow you, you look absolutely stunning.” Tara barely managed to get out as she struggled for breath. Willow’s lips spread in a feverish grin as she greeted the blonde halfway across the room and stole some much-deserved smoochies before her parents interrupted. Willow just stay there in Tara’s arms before being given hurry along by her mother.
On the car ride to the party Willow and Tara had playfully flirted and kissed in the back seat, giggling at inappropriate times throughout the journey. Ira had made sure to concentrate on the road ahead as his little girl was having too much of a good time in the back seat of his car. Sheila just smiled knowingly, she adored the kissy touchy stage their relationship was in even if it had been over four months now.
They exited the car as a valet drove of to park the vehicle. Willow went to instantly entwine her hand with Tara’s before pulling back. They didn’t want to cause a scene so they just looked at each other. There’d have to be a meeting in the bathroom for some smoochies rather soon Willow thought to herself.
Willow played with her hands to keep them busy, the urge to reach out and hold Tara was overwhelming. To compensate in the most minor possible way, they would often brush shoulders as they walked next to each other, always sharing a knowing smile.
“Sheila, Ira I’m so glad you could make it, ah Willow it is such a pleasure to see you again.” Jackie overenthusiastically hugged Willow who was looking a little wierded by the action, Tara covered her mouth to stifle the giggle she felt when she saw Willow’s face.
“You too Jackie, I’d like you to meet my girlfriend Tara.” Willow responded, hoping to get through the blowing of her son part rather quickly. Unluckily Jackie was a rather naive soul, and thought nothing of the introduction.
“You have to see Jarred, he’s at Yale you know, have you decided what school you’re going to next year yet? Jackie asked as she walked Willow obviously in the direction of her son.
“I’m staying here in Sunnydale with Tara, my girlfriend.” She said looking over her shoulder to where Tara was still standing with her parents smiling at her. Willow pouted at the blonde to save her as the older woman next to her continued her rambling.
“A smart girl like you should be in the best of schools. I’m sure Jarred would be more than willing to make you feel at home at Yale. Talk to him and I’m sure he’ll be able to convince you that Yale is the way to go.” Jackie shot out as they approached a nervous looking boy who was holding a glass of punch in his hands.
“Willow Rosenberg, this is my son Jarred, Jarred this is Willow, the girl I’ve been telling you about.” Jackie introduced them as they both meekly waved at each other saying hi and looking at the ground. Jackie’s work was now complete so she took of looking for Sheila and Ira, to discuss baby names for their new grandchildren Willow was sure.
“So, your mom tells me you go to Yale what’s that like?” Willow asked to break the ice as they both nervously stood around each other.
“It’s okay, you know whole lot of rich kids with nothing better to do than party and have sex.” Jarred replied, nervously twiddling his thumbs. Willow gave him a crooked smile as they both fell back into a nervous silence. Willow was constantly looking around for Tara, hoping the blonde would help pull her out of the jam she was in. She did glance Jackie over talking to her parents who looked considerably bored to death. Jackie waved as she noticed Willow looking in her direction, which Willow returned out of curtesy.
“So what’s your family doing for Christmas?” This time it was Jarred’s turn to break the ice.
“Jewish.” Willow stated as she pointed to herself. Jarred’s face turned red, probably from the foot he just stuck in his mouth. Willow laughed a little on the inside at how she had just affected the boy, although careful not to show it on the outside, mindful not to hurt his feelings even more.
“Sorry about that mistake then.” Jarred corrected himself.
“Hey no biggie, we all make mistakes from time to time.” Willow smiled back, starting to be herself a little more. Her relaxed state eased some of the tension that Jarred was feeling and he to visibly relaxed a little.
After a clumsy attempt at a dance and a feeble attempt a being gentlemanly with Willow, Jarred was getting nowhere fast. In fact Willow had slipped away to find the blonde girl she entered the party with.
“So do I have a bit of competition or what?” Tara smirked when Willow walked over to her.
“You are coming back over with me missy and you are going to introduce yourself as my girlfriend so we can find a bathroom here and make with some serious smoochies okay.” Willow stated rather bluntly and got a firm “Yes ma’am.” From Tara.
Willow took Tara’s hand and walked back over to where Jarred was once again nervously standing alone. Once they got there Willow stood brightly next to Tara who had a drink in one hand and smiled at the boy across from her. Willow was waiting for Tara to end her misery so they could get on to the important part of the evening.
“I’m Tara, Willow’s friend, she was just saying how cute she thought you were and what a divine dancer. She’s a little shy one and was kinda hoping you would ask her again.” Tara smiled evilly to her girlfriend who stood open-mouthed and in complete shock. Tara knew she was delaying smoochies but Willow’s face was priceless.
“Do you, I mean want to dance?” Jarred asked nervously in the redhead’s direction. Willow being the kind soul she was could not embarrass the young man like that so she just offered her hand which he nervously accepted. Tara smiled with glee as she watched Jarred hopelessly try to lead Willow around the dance floor. Willow spotted the evil Tara grin and decided to play her own back. Taking the initiative she took the lead in the dance as it started to heat up. Amazingly without the pressure of leading the dance, Jarred’s abilities were increasing by the second. Within a few moments they had gone from bumbling idiots on the dance floor to the hottest thing since the easy bake oven. Tara gulped as she realised she may have underestimated the psyche of one Willow Rosenberg.
Jarred was now sliding his body up and down Willow’s body and Willow was able to catch a glimpse of Tara’s shocked face. It was Willow’s turn to wear the evil grin.
After the dance Willow and Jarred made their way over to Tara who was trying her best to look nonchalant.
“Wow, thanks Tara, if it weren’t for you I’d have never had the courage to ask Jarred here for a dance.” She smirked in Tara’s direction.
“Wow Willow, that was fantastic, had I knew you could dance like that I would have given you the led to begin with and missed all that sloppy stuff from before.” Jarred smirked as he and Willow now had an arm wrapped around each other. Tara’s mind was in overdrive, she had to admit that the cunning redhead had won this round. Having had enough of the games, Tara moved into Willow’s arms as she cupped the redhead’s face and planted a firm yet telling kiss on her girlfriend’s lips. Willow let out a sigh as Tara pulled away.
“Sorry Jarred this ones taken.” Tara smiled apologetically at the boy who still had an arm wrapped around Willow. To her surprise he was not shocked or hurt, but relieved. He let out a collective sigh as the relief flooded over him.
“Gay too, if the not being able to lead on the dance floor wasn’t a give away.” Jarred smiled down at the two girls who had distanced themselves a bit as they didn’t want to be the centre of attention at this social gathering.
“Might also explain the amazing Gucci suit your wearing, nice by the way.” Tara smiled back.
“Well that dress does look darling on you too.” Jarred replied in Tara’s direction who was now blushing.
Willow was happy on the exterior but inside she her mid was running full tilt trying to work everything out.
“Your mom doesn’t know, does she?” Willow finally asked after getting everything in her head sorted out. She had an almost concerned tone about her voice.
“No.” Jarred’s head slumped a little at the fact he still hadn’t come out to his mother.
“She seems nice enough, I was talking to her while you two were “getting to know each other.”” Tara stated, marking the quotations with bunny ears.
“Huh, why do you think she was so insistent that Willow and I hit it of. She lives in her own fantasy world where she’s afraid to go out of the circle.” Jarred almost spat out, he loved his mother dearly but god she could be so naive sometimes.
“Maybe you have to take her hand and lead her out of the circle, show her it’s not all doom and gloom.” Tara added sympathetically. Jarred smiled back at the understanding duo, he’d feared coming here but was now glad he did.
“If you want, we’d be more than happy to help.” Willow offered cheerily.
“Help with what?” Jarred asked cautiously, not quite sure what the quirky redhead was asking.
“With the whole coming out to you mom silly.” Tara added with a giggle, “Our parents are really cool about us being together.” Tara added on top of her previous statement. This last piece of information had Jarred really confused.
“You mean to day that your parents no your gay, and happily dating Tara here, yet they still got you to come along, why?” He directed at Willow who was now giggling.
“Seems your parents have the same effect she has on you, on other people. My parents got sick of her constantly trying to get us together although we’d never met. They let me bring Tara so that I wouldn’t be completely bored all night.” Willow smiled at Jarred who just laughed in response.
“Yeah my mom does seem to do that to people.” Jarred smiled at the girls. “So what’s the plan of attack then if were gonna do this.” He asked about how he was gonna come out to his mother.
“Leave it to us when the moment arises.” Tara reassured him, smiling knowingly. “Anyway I think it’s my turn for a dance.” She offered her hand out to the young man as Willow watched smiling. She wanted to see just what Tara could manage on the dance floor.
Jarred was obviously into his dancing as he pulled some provocative moves on Tara. These moves caught the attention of most of the people in attendance, not least of all Jarred’s mom. She was staring in shock at the performance on the floor and even more of a shock was that it was with Willow’s friend and not Willow. She looked over to where Willow was watching the dance and noticed a big grin on the redhead’s face. She knew she had to get to the bottom of this, her inquisitive nature required it.
After the dance was finished most people were still watching the pair as they made their way over to the redhead. Jackie pull Sheila and Ira over to the group to sort this little mess out. When she finally got there she pulled Tara over to the side to talk privately with her.
“Tara is it, right I’m just gonna clear something up, Willow’s parents and I are trying to match Jarred and Willow up, so if you don’t mind backing up a little it’d be swell.” Jackie stated to Tara a little to loud as the rest of the group was able to hear quite effortlessly what was being said.
“See here, Jackie is it, I tend to think you’re not on the same wavelength here at all.” Tara replied in her nicest possible voice. Tara’s response got Jackie worked up and the water was about to boil over the edge.
“What you think you see a single respectable college boy you can just jump on him, what type of lady to you present yourself to be if that’s your attitude?” Jackie asked in a rather harsh tone. Tara’s only response was a giggle, which caused Jackie to become even more upset.
“What is it, do I amuse you?” Jackie asked now irritated by the blonde girl.
“Well you do, but I don’t think Sheila or Ira or even Willow for that mater even considered the possibility that Willow would fall for Jarred.” Tara replied in her same nice tone, as she played the calm, cool and collected very well. By this stage most of the people at the gathering were listening in on the conversation, as Jackie remain oblivious to all around her.
“Why, is there something fundamentally wrong with my line of genes?” Jackie almost shouted at the blonde who was trying ever so mightily to contain the burst of laughter that was probing her lips.
“I would say yes to that but Jarred is a very sweet young man.” Tara replied, still no cracks in her tone.
“Then please enlighten me as to what exactly is the problem here?” Jackie asked in resignation.
“Well you see Willow there?” Tara asked pointing to Willow. Jackie turned her head to look at the redhead who was making her way over to the blonde’s side. “When she introduced me as her girlfriend, she kinda meant the same type you wanted her to be for Jarred.” She stated proudly as she raised their now conjoined hands as a sign of proof. Neither Willow nor Tara cared any more about the gossip that would float around the room.
Jackie stood looking stunned, she turned around to her son. “What do you think of this?” She asked horrified.
“I think it’s great. They look really happy.” Jarred smiled over to the girls who smiled back at him.
“Great, it’s disgusting, it’s wrong, it’s perverted, what type of people live this kind of lifestyle?” Jackie asked disgusted.
“Your son.” Jarred replied, Jackie’s face turned to an even more stunned look than it had previously, which is saying a lot. The information overload was all too much for the woman as blackness over took her and she fainted.
…………..
“Care to dance my love?” Willow offered her hand to Tara who gratefully accepted. They moved onto the dance floor just as a slow number came on. They wrapped their arms around each other and began a slow waltz, ignoring the few slide remarks and over the top glares that some of the people shot their way. They looked deeply into each other’s eyes as they continued to dance.
“You have the most beautiful eyes you know that?” Willow stated as she continued to look deeply into large pools of ocean blue in front of her.
“I feel so safe in your arms, the walls could fall down around us and as long as we were together I don’t think I’d notice.” Tara stated, as she looked into the emerald pools of green the adorned Willow’s beautiful face.
“I can’t believe how much in love with you I am. When I think I can’t possibly love you any more than I do, all I have to do is look at you and I fall that little bit further in.” Tara added as she brought one hand up to wipe away some stray strands of hair that had crept across the redhead’s face.
“I love you too baby, so much it hurts, but being with you makes it all okay. I’ve never been this happy before and I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Willow replied as they both leaned in and gently brushed lips. Their kissing became I little more intimate as it progressed in time.
By the end of the song their kissing had progressed to such a stage that they didn’t realise that they were dancing and no music was playing. They were brought back to reality by Jarred clearing his throat to get the girls attention. They both pulled their lips apart and looked in his direction smiling, still firmly hold each other though.
“Glad to see I could finally pry you two apart, I’ve been standing here for five minutes.” He stated smiling, it only caused Willow and Tara to join in a small round of giggles.
“Is your mom okay, how’s she taking it.” Tara asked sweetly.
“She’s okay, or she will be, she’s said “My son is gay.” Like a million times and it’s kinda funny.” He laughed at the sight in his head.
“I’m sure she’ll be alright eventually, she may even be a voice for gay rights in the community some day.” Willow stated as mater of fact. Jarred just laughed of the redhead’s claims.
“I’m not sure it’ll come to that, but I wanna thank you guys for giving me the courage to do what I did tonight. Your relationship gives us all hope so I hope you make it.” Jarred smiled at the girls.
“So do we, so do we.” Willow said, looking deeply into Tara’s eyes once again.
TBC...
Okay another update tomorrow and that'll be the last before the birthday special on Wednesday. He he a couple more days of the troublesome teens before hitting the.... well troublesome twenties
P.S. Sorry Miss Moderators Fantasticos about the double post before, i'm not quite sure how i did it, i think i've been hit in the head one to many times, hence the name spazz
once again my humblist apologies
Cheers
Nath
If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.
at: 7/18/02 3:49:27 pm
It gives me a bit of time to work on my update though so a good chance i'll get an update up tomorrow though i'm still not prepared to promise anything except a bit more of Ira and Sheila in the next part 
keep up the great work.
. And for a second I thought they were almost going to have a fight, not that I would have minded because sometimes I think those are necessary but not unlike the show, where they didn't fight for a year. Still it was good not to see them fight over stuff that isn't about them! I await the birthday fic now