FIC: The Gift of Sorrow - Rainbow Writer's Season 7 Pt. 1,2

[xita]

Oh, it's getting real exciting. But I think it's time they met. I hope... They need each other to get to the next stage. I don't see how Tara can continue to stay away when she is feeling Willow so often and with such intensity. An aside, your Buffy is what she should be on the show, a friend, a caretaker.



Thanks for your updates

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

Willow and Tara Love

Truly and Forever

[willntlover]

Yay! This story just keeps getting better and better.

Update soon?

-Will

Edited by: willntlover at: 6/17/02 8:28:53 am

[oneinten]

Hurrah updates! I love this story and it's coming along so quickly! I love how Willow and Tara are still so connected. Our girls will be reunited soon! Yay!! Question: will this shock Willow to much or totally bring her back?



Please send more soon!

[Loco2]

brilliant, brilliant updates!! i think i actually understand Anya in your fic, jesus, you write well. but willow's lost, i sure hope that three way link works....

”What do you think I am, a skeleton thief? You want to search me?!"

[Puff]

Wow what wonderful updates, this story is just amazing. I hope Tara finds Willow soon

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[KathleenWolf]

Hi… I think Beth promised thank yous… I beg ultimate forgiveness from all the Rainbowmittens for not being quicker with these… some of you gorgeous readers have posted with every part… and please keep it up we love you!



Tommo: yes the mill has been working overtime but as you can see from the updates we are almost to the good stuff when the jam tarts so to speak start being produced… is this board getting obsessed with jam tarts? I think I need to get one… totally agree on your Anya having to give Tara the information… Buffy would have waited till mmm forever to spill the information… and thank you for all your support of our Xander it means so much that we’re making him likable… come on you trust us to put Anya and Tara in a room right? It worked out okay… … and the line about being stuck is one of my all time favorites now thank you for loving it as well… And I hear your prompting about true love finding a way always, loud and clear… salute



Puff: thank you for bringing the tarts and starting the addiction… thank you for waiting, and reading… keep your fingers crossed, Tara’s memory is getting better all the time… and hopefully the reunion is not that far off… and the bugs, well could we have a story without some bigbad? It’s like a BVS rule, but I think the who what and how will surprise everyone



WiccansIlusion: Anya is probably our biggest asset right now in this situation… she can get everything out in one fail swoop…



Witchbitchwillow: oh ellie our constant Rainbowmitten here asking for updates… we so, so adore and appreciate that you know… and nothing gets Beth posting quicker than a ‘please more’… and cliffhangers are necessary or all that great harness equipment would go to waste… and keep begging we like begging



LeatherQueen: yes feeling much better, thank you for your concern… we love Anya too… I’m glad that you feel we’re doing her justice…. And could we really keep Anya and Xander apart? Oh no she wants to torture him more than that! applesauce is the comfort food of the day! There’s some on the sweets table too just for the added effect…



Loco2: thank you for reading… and worrying about us…. And loving our little story… and I’m working on getting Beth to update so you can see the result of the link… fingers crossed



BowieinBerlin: cue the snoppy dance for sure… blush… thank you, we really do try really hard to not impose our own ideas of who they are and go directly with what we have been shown and know everyone expects… with a little leeway for the plot of course… mmmmm call for mammoth update… I’ll give the suggestion to Beth… unfortunately with mammoth you get less updates in total so it’s a point to weight out… laugh, no no insect joke, though Tara hasn’t had her say on the bug attack yet so you never know… and hang in there… the reunion is coming… soon



TheRose24: we did have a big dilemma about getting all of what was going on out to Tara so that she could move on with it… and well Anya (god bless her cotton demon socks) is the best one of all for that… oh and the torture won’t be too much longer… you’ll have to harass Beth for updates… I think she’s hiding in the puddle again if you want to find her… oh and B&B will be updated (soon hopefully) Beth and I have just gotten in a GOS writing rhythm but I’m sure soon…



Ennui24: thank you so much… Xander we are working very hard with, baby steps baby steps… but so far the response from everyone has been overwhelmingly positive… thank you for reading



Pikescoob: Anya loves to be knowledge girl so true… thank you for reading, and liking Madalene’s interaction… oh and the bugs.. you’ll see!



Thanatopsis: thank you for reading… and Anya is perfect for the tell all job… and getting the knowledge to Tara was an important part of moving on… and thank you for underlining what Sassette said…



VampNo12: thank you for worrying about it… but yep one Rainbowwriter safely at home and the other on the mend… laugh… how could we not in all of that have Anya trying to waggle a wish? I mean she’s been a vengeance demon now all summer and for all we no she hasn’t been able to get anybody to wish so she’s itching for one… I’m glad the vein of humour we were trying to put into the scene came forward… it’s important to us not to lose that aspect of the show… and we are working hard in the updates to show a variety of character interactions (something else we thought missing from season six) so happy that it’s working and your enjoying it… Willow’s admission that she ‘knows’ Tara is dead was such a hard scene, especially holding Buffy back from just blurting out that Tara was alive… but everyone is trying to do what’s best for Willow… which means slow and we know that is driving you readers insane but thank you for holding out with us… laugh… the WWF babes was a little humour I picked up from my not so smart brother, shaking head… and it seemed so right for Xander trying hard but not quite getting there… glad you like Buffy’s wariness of Madalene, though I’m not saying is a good or bad thing yet… we can’t have a remiss Slayer now can we



Mix: we couldn’t resist the surname thing… so glad you enjoyed it too…oh one should never read at work thanks for doing it thought!



Mollyig: Glad the scene made it through to a good thing by the end… thanks for reading



Miss1234Kitty: even with the heavy burden of Anya telling Tara everything we were so trying to keep a vein of humour … so glad you enjoyed and hey we updated where is the rest of our worshipping line? cliffhangers and angst was fully disclaimed, sorry if we caught you off guard… but we’ll try to be nicer in the future, sorta



Xita: Tara knowing about Willow’s downslide is the best way for her to get the ability to help Willow get back… smile… so glad we’re on the right path… and yes there is a connection between them… we promised Willow Tara goodness and we will deliver! Just may take a few more updates… smile



Jdcioffi: the laughfest between Tara and Buffy about their ‘odd’ lives was Beth’s idea to be honest but I loved it myself… sometimes when things get overwhelming you have to see the absurdity in them



Talosdragon: we’re glad to be back, thanks for the welcoming return… come on then… get that chapter off the hard drive! Nudge nudge



Willowfan: Does Anya think persay?… smile… yes we’re back… thank you for worrying so much … yes Tara and Willow connected, and we don’t mind repetition, it’s nice to know the scenes are making so much of an impact … we love you too!



Little wicca dude: so glad it was worth the wait… and that the updates are adding more and more to your enjoyment…



MadeinNZ: so good to be back thank you… and Buffy is meant to be the protector… pre big portal jump problems she knew that and revealed in it (IMHO) and we’re trying to get back to her headspace where she realizes the good she can do if she tries… and we’re so glad we keep you guessing in a good way, we like to foreshadow but have it so that there is still an element of wowness…



ResearchGrrl: I’m sorry but I can’t say we’re sorry your hooked … but so sorry to hear you had to be away from your GF… and whisper SIHA very softly but thank you for your continued support of all that we write.. to know that we have helped you feel better about season six is the ultimate compliment… so thank you so much



Sparrow: thank you for reading, those of you who read is our real gift… even SIHA (hopefully to be edited by me and updated on the groupsite soon)



Dark Wiccan: glad to have you back at the ranch… so glad your still enjoying…



Ressick: WHOO HOO to you too! blush… thank you, and thank you for reading you darling



Jenpurr: your welcome for the updates… we so aim to please, the RainbowWriters are please mongers… smile… hopefully the wait won’t be too long… well not that long…we’re much closer promise… we do have much more on Tara of course but good stuff we think… and Giles so needed to be in the loop… updates should be more later if not sooner… and Tara is on her way to Willow… see I told you we wouldn’t keep you in suspense that long… (handing over tissues) it’s okay… you can cry but we promised they’ll be together soon…



LiangFeng: dead or passed out Willow we are trying to avoid… but glad you see our dilemma and thank you for reading



Sassette: how is a writer whose got stories and vignettes and such on the go be called a slacker? Please, never ever would we say that or stand for it… that you’re reading is a great thing to us… feedback can come at your leisure… blush… all this praise… oh my!… thank you so much… you’ve pointed out the subtle character and plot pieces we are working so hard on and you totally made Beth and I gush for days… if this is what you call slacking, please continue!



WTSnuggles: Beth so loved your just after midnight call for updates… and thank you for seeing all that we are trying to do with the girls and thank you for reading



MaClayMagic: it is so rewarding to know that we have helped you get on from season six in any way… thank you… and well Anya does have a good butt, not as good as Tara or Willow but right up there in the top few, especially for being 1200



BethanyB3: so glad we are keeping a balance between humour and seriousness that you can enjoy… and Anya does have a good butt even for 1200… smile… and your right Willow and Tara are always connected, we’re working hard to get them back together too



Evilsgood: the bugs and the cold glass connected? Mmmmmm I think they can be counted as separate… but if we find a link you’ll get full credit!



Tiggrscorpio: well big bug swarms never are… and so glad that our ‘new’ character is finding a place among the canons… thanks for reading



Fidds: glad you like cliffhangers, so do we… smile… thanks for reading



Molsongrrrl: yes Giles is on his way… impatient is okay… and the reunion is coming promise, how could Tara stay away with her Willow lost and scared? Never!



Lipkandy: we enjoy a hooked reader… make sure to get a harness and hardhat for the Cliffside…



Ghostwriter: thank you for joining our little group… and thank you for enjoying our Xander, and well for reading



Karzia: mmm skittles I love the purple… thank you… and lots of updates is something we’re glad to provide… hopefully beth will post and resolve the cliffhanger soon



KrisBo5: hang in there… harness and hardhats are on the shelves and the sweets table is there and the cuddle puddle… Pixie we need you back to give directions!…. so glad your enjoying, thanks for reading



Darkmagicwillow: thank you so much… we are trying so hard to clean up season six and knowing your reading helps motivate us so much.



Rane018: sorry… you know us we like curves, womanly ones especially… but I promise Beth will have lots more up soon



Willntlover: we are trying to keep improving… thank you for reading



Oneinten: so glad we’re keeping you all excited… but as to Willow’s reaction I can’t spoil something that big now can I?





OH MY GOD THAT IS LONG!

Sorry everyone… but I had to try and touch base with you all cause we soooo appreciate you all for reading and being moved enough to write us what your thinking and what your worrying about and what you like etc…



You all make writing such an instantly and longlastingly rewarding endeavor for Beth and I… and we hope that we give you as much in the story as you give back to us in praise and love



I have a feeling the update will be soon



Willow and Tara forever





love K (and B)

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

[Beth Dragon]

I feel like I should do something - so I'll post a little scene to give you a little update before this evenings work.

Love you all, Beth





It had been an erratic and frantic drive at first but slowly Xander had got used to Anya’s slightly disembodied voice trying to direct him through small pictures and interpretations of where in Sunnydale they should go.



Their first clue that the hacker was near trees hadn’t done much to help them as they all knew Sunnydale had a lot of trees. But slowly the linked women in his back seat had managed to broaden their visions and had directed him here.



“Okay what now? I can’t drive through the middle of it.” He turned as he shut the car off as he pulled into the parking lot of the park.



“We go on foot.” Anya pulled her hand free of the others suddenly. “She’s close enough now to find her without our help.” The demon assessed, but then she glanced at Tara. “Well apart from the none walking thing.” She admitted. “Beady eyes can carry you.” She leaned over and pushed open the door next to Tara.



“I’m assuming that’s me.” Xander jumped out of his side and moved to pick Tara up again.



“What does this Willow look like?” Madalene moved out of her side of the car. “Cause I might have trouble finding her if I don’t know that.”



“You can’t find her, it has to be someone she knows.” Tara looked over to Madalene as she looped her arms around Xander’s neck. The Wiccan’s voice was tired, as were her eyes.



“She’s got this whole stranger freak out thing.” Xander tried to put it nicely.



“And you’re strange.” Anya pointed out as she began heading towards the trees looking back for Xander to follow.



“So I’ll just stay here and keep looking out for another horde of bugs then.” Madalene cursed looking nervously around.



“That would actually be helpful. Oh and Buffy, whose head might be exploding.” Xander smiled at her as they moved off towards the tree line.



“Xander have you actually thought how we’re going to do this?” Anya drew up beside the dark haired young man and whispered as quietly as she could.



“Not particularly.” He whispered back as they entered the forest.



“Well surely I’m not the only one thinking that walking up to a screwball Willow with her ‘dead’ lover in your arms rates low on the good idea scorecard.” She hissed at him.



“We really don’t have a choice do we?” Xander looked at her unable to come up with another scenario.



“It’s alright. She doesn’t have to see me.” Tara whispered from Xander’s arms.



“Its not that she won’t want to see you Tara, it’s just. If she’s having one of her upset moments she...” Xander tried to explain. He stopped himself as he looked at the tired blonde in his arms. “Don’t worry it’ll be fine.”



“No, I mean it.” Tara shook her head. “Right down there.” She instructed after closing her blue eyes for a moment. “Put me down, somewhere near that rock.” She nodded forwards.



“Are you sure?” Xander moved over to the rock and carefully moved to put Tara down in a sitting position.



“Yes, she’s close, I... I need to rest.” Tara explained her breath a bit laboured. “You can find her from here.” Tara reached up momentarily and closed her hand around Xander’s. “She’s ok.” She promised before letting it go and leaning her head back her blue eyes closing.



“Okay, you stay right here.” He nodded and reluctantly Xander moved off with Anya calling Willow’s name as they frantically tried to find the redhead.



******

[WTsnuggles]

Did you hear me me scream update



So looking forward to the rest. And look no were near midnight and I am asking for more updates.

Snuggles.

"You take my soul with you. Tara "Once more with feeling.

[Loco2]

thank you thank you thank you! made my point have i? good.



*beady eyes will carry you* that made me laugh. Anya's hilarious.

”What do you think I am, a skeleton thief? You want to search me?!"

Edited by: Loco2 at: 6/17/02 11:25:21 am

[fairydust]

okay, I definitely need more.

When will Willow see Tara? And when she does, I wonder how she'll react......cant wait to find out

*****Faye*****I LOVE YOU JENNA

[fidds]

oh yay! great update!

i hope Willow sees Tara soon.

can't wait for the next update



*Hannah*

********************************************
I just needed someone to talk to, you were just too busy with yourself, you were never there for me to express how i felt ,i just stuffed it down- *STAIND -FADE*

[tiyodragon]

"Beady Eyes???"



That was hysterical. Anya wants to love him and hate him all in the same breath and not giving in to either....fabulously human.



The Willow angst is making my stomach do flip-flops, please tell us the next update will be soon. It's so very hard to see her in so much pain.



You guys are awesome! Am loving this fic! Keep up the good work.



*props elbow on desk with cheek in hand huffing loudly*



*patiently stares at computer screen*



*thinks to herself 'maybe if I tell jokes they'll update sooner?*



(begins scanning joke book 'Redneck Martial Arts')



tiyodragon

[Little M]

Oh wow, a lot of updates!!!!! It took me a while to catch up and it was great! I hope they find Willow..she's so lost. It must be so painful, knowing something is wrong with you and wanting to be better and having moments when you're completely of the world and having seizures



I hope u can write more soon

Miriam

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

'I go online sometimes, but everyone's spelling is really bad..it's depressing' - Tara

[Miss1234Kitty]

That's scary. I'm sitting in the exact same position that tiyodragon just described. It's so sweet, Tara barely knowing Willow but still loving her.



But 'beady eyes'! You've got me singing the musical songs now! 'When I get so old and wrinkley that I look like David Brinkley'... *g*



I had lots of worshipping lines all ready. It's not my fault if you write such good cliff-hanger-y updates that they fly straight out of my head. That's a compliment in itself. I promise next time I will write the worshipping lines down so that my little brain can't forget them.



Gem

[WiccansIllusion]

Well, mini updates are better then no updates



thank you!

'It's good to be a chicken casserole'-Sass, answering darkness

'My heart is cleverer then I and it knows what to do.'-MC Legends of the Kiss

[VampNo12]

Beth and Kath just read the latest two updates and they were fantastic! Again I love how you weave humor into the angst, which was clearly shown through Anya in the first part. Her implying that Tara linking with only Madalene won't work (due to her not knowing Sunnydale) with her lack of tact, but then saying ("Can it be noted that I could have said or about as much as Xander knows about commitment or love..." made me laugh-out loud, it's so Anya. Another funny comment when Anya, Tara, and Madalene link together was "This is magic not kink" (to Xander). I really love how you portray Anya (who even though a vengeance demon) wants to help Tara a friend, and though she's angry with Xander deep down you know she still loves him.



As for the second update I am getting excited with Tara being so close to Willow, and yet hiding by the rock so she doesn't do further damage to Willow (ie in Willow's current state seeing a "dead" Tara might not be what's best at the moment). Here's hoping Willow is rescued soon, and then we can start seeing W&T truly "finding" each other not only through thoughts/link, but also in person. Looking forward to seeing the what happens next!

[KathleenWolf]

cause we don't need me waffling for 5 pages ever again...



WTSnuggles: we did hear you scream... and Beth promises another update later tonight



loco2: your welcome your welcome... we take points well... love the avatar... anya rocks!



fairydust: well it won't be an easy fix of course but the first step is the girls together... hope we don't disapoint



LeatherQueen: sarcasim is a lost art and Madalene has every intention of not being left out of the lessons



fidds: update tonight... hope you can hold on that long... thanks for reading



tiyodragon: you have nailed Anya's dilemna right there... love him/hate him she just can't decide... though redneck jokes? mmm Beth had to ask me about that one, I don't think redneck jokes translate to the Brits



Little M: glad you were able to catch up... and so glad you're enjoying... update very soon promise



Miss1234Kitty: okay with a comeback like that we will totally allow amnesia on the worship and I think the puddle should start up a rowing rendition of all the songs from OMWF... everyone now...



WiccansIllusion: we try... hopefully the next one will be longer



VampNO12: thank you as always for reading and for picking out so many parts that you enjoy... as for Tara, she always knows whats best for Willow and how this plays out hopefully we get some answers in the next update

laugh

take care

K

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

Edited by: KathleenWolf  at: 6/17/02 2:00:28 pm

[sparrow]

Holy fricken woo. Take charge Tara is on a mission to help her girl. It's the whole soul mate thing, true love will always bond you with you beloved, that is Tara's and Willows connection.

How do you guys do it. All this great writing, full of clever notions, angst and passion-sometimes drool passion which is my favorite. Ok, I really need to find myself a girlfriend. Hope your both doing well and hope you two are together soon, must be hard living apart.

And, yet, I just can't seem to care


I'm not coming back

[Willowfan]

They are SO close to meeting again and you stop?!?!

Cliffhanger now?!

Oh man...that's so...so...mean...but I loved the whole thing....I love it all.

I can't WAIT for an update now...when they see each other again...I bet all the memories of them come crashing back into Tara....and Willow freaks out.

Can't wait for more.

Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

[witchbitchwillow]

i read half of this but then had to go out and ive been wondering what the hell was going to happen all night. then i get back and you leave it on a cliffhanger, again!!! grrrrrrrrrrr.



more soon please!



*commences the begging*



love ellie x x x x

*thats me as a vampire im so evil and skanky and i think im kinda gay*

*no candles? well i brought one its extra flamey!*

[tommo]

Personally, you could take all month to build up the tension for me. I'm loving it. And you've caught the frisson of Anya and Xander's relationship quite beautifully. Thanks.

----------
Squish. Squish. Squish.

[tiyodragon]

Favorite Rainbow Duo,



Sorry for the confusion.



***Rainbow says:... though redneck jokes? mmm Beth had to ask me about that one, I don't think redneck jokes translate to the Brits***



Definition (mostly) - Redneck - a creature short of brains, large of beer belly, and brimming with ingenius ways in which to extricate himself from the gene pool.



They are the largest class of recipients of the 'Darwin' award. The places most frequented would be county fairs, beer stores, and front yards where the grass is at least 2 feet tall.



Redneck Martial Arts refers to those ingenius ideas.



tiyodragon

[Tulipp]

I've been reading this since you started but haven't yet commented. I love it; you are doing such a good job of building these two characters who are utterly recognizable even in these painful new situations. I am in desperate suspense, but the good kind. Seeing Tara (I hope) take care of Willow will be such a good counterpart to W taking care of T in S5. Keep writing!

[Beth Dragon]

Ever so slowly Willow opened her eyes. Her bottom lip shook against her teeth as she began to appraise the world around her. The darkness that had been chasing her had cleared for a moment. The multitude of colours around her toned down to a more soft confusion as sunlight filtered through the canopy above her. The once grabbing angry arms were now again only branches swaying in the wind. She uncurled her clenched hands, a little surprised at the sight of dirt caked under her fingernails and streaked down her arms.



Finally pushing up to stand on her shaky legs she began to look around, a small part of brain trying to figure out where she was. She didn’t understand what was going on though. She’d been so afraid, so very afraid and then there had been the little voice. A little voice she’d never heard before telling her she was safe, so safe and that it was coming to help her.



“Where are you?” Willow whispered as she took a few tentative steps forward.



Putting her hands up to the trunk of another large tree something drew her forward. Something made her keep walking despite the fact that every echo of the forest made her nerves screech against one another inside.



Slowly, afraid of what may lie in the next clearing she eased her head around the trunk to look past it. A tousle of red hair and only one green eye was visible before she darted back behind the tree.



There was someone there. She’d only seen the toe of a black boot, but that meant someone was there. Her breath rose harder in her throat, only to grow more constant when the little voice seemed to echo its words in her head again and she found the strength to look back around.



“Tara?” Willow whispered with her head poked out from behind the truck of the large oak as from her spot she could finally make out the figure of the blonde about twenty feet in front of her leaned against a rock.



Parts of the redhead’s brain battled against one another. One knew this couldn’t be true, her Tara, her heart was dead and buried, long buried. But this woman, this creature of the forest was exactly like Tara in every way. Even the very echo within her body from the blonde’s aura was the same it had been when Tara was alive.



Willow felt her breathing come in and out of her lungs in a staggered way as her eyes studied every detail before her. She was afraid to even move as if Tara was a hallucination that would disappear if she disturbed her. Her hand shook against the tree as she slowly rounded it and pushed off to begin a quiet approach towards the blonde. Her movements were painfully slow, as if she was a small rodent venturing into the grass under the eye of a cunning hawk. The only sound that she made was the light scratching of her sneakers through the leaves as she shuffled closer.



‘Maybe I did die, maybe the bad things in the forest got to me, maybe Buffy was too late.’ She felt thoughts whirl around at a million miles a minute. ‘But it’s okay, even if I am. Tara’s here, Tara came to meet me. It’s all better now.’



Tara had been dimly aware that something was approaching, but she had neither the energy nor the focus to do anything about and nothing in her inner essence caused her to start or worry about what it was. In fact nothing in her even flinched, not even when the soft footfalls sounded so close to her that she could feel the disturbance in the leaves on the forest floor.



Stopping within reach of the blonde Willow eased down onto her knees. Everything was okay now. Tara had come to bring her home again. She leaned her body forward and gently tucked down, the last of her movements bringing her head down to rest on the blonde’s lap.



“Home.” She whispered as she closed her eyes content for whatever oblivion to take her and stop the plain.



“Willow?” Tara didn’t open her eyes as she felt something light come to rest against her lap. Her hand shook as she forced enough energy into it to move it and lightly place it on what she knew was a crown of soft red hair. “Oh Sweetie.” She whispered, letting her fingers trail through strands of red before she gave in to the overwhelming feeling of exhaustion within her.

[MadeinNZ]

Uh-Oh!!

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


"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

[Rane018]

sigh....

[twisty6]

ive been reading some of the fanfics on this board, and this is one of my favorites, so i finally decide and plucked up the courage to say something.

i love this fanfic and its is gettin better, cant wait to read more

[LiangFeng]

I raise your "uh oh" and give you a "holy crap"!

"I go online sometimes. But everyone's spelling is so bad, it's really depressing."

[Karzia]

Oh WOW!!!!!!! You guys get more than just normal Skittles, you also get the fancy "tropical" ones



This update left a sweetly melenocholy(<--sp.?) picture in my mind...... Tara seated in the forest clearing, Willow's head in her lap. and suddenly the clouds part and a shaft of sunlight illumanites the clearing basking our girls in light



Thanks guys this one was special.

"This may be the Hellmouth, but it's our Hellmouth"

--------Tara in "Left of Center"
-------- by: Jomarch



Taste the rainbow

[Beth Dragon]

******



“What do you mean you cant remember where you put Tara either and no, don’t give me the ‘all the trees look the same speech.” Anya stood stock-still and glared at Xander. “And to think I was actually beginning to like you again.”



“I am doing my best Anya.” Xander rolled his eyes. “I’ve ran in so many circles I’m lucky that I didn’t turn into a squirrel.”



“You do realise that if while we have been aimlessly wandering something big and bad has crawled out of the woods and eaten Tara, Buffy will kill you.” Anya pointed out matter-of-factly.



“I will kill both of you.” Buffy came around from a tree with Madalene in tow. She’d stumped across the spellcaster as she dashed across the parking lot. “Now where did you leave her?”



“It was a clearing with a big stone.” Anya filled in for her ex who was stood there not sure what to say.



“Well I can’t do my little star spell until it’s dark.” Madalene looked up to the sky apologising to Buffy.



“Then we keep looking.” Buffy seemed confident though inside she was shaking with worry. Now both Tara and Willow were missing, this was not a good thing her books at all.



“It was Tara’s idea Buffy.” Xander skipped forward the coward in him gaining headway over the rest. “Not ours. We didn’t want her put in danger.” He tried to catch the Slayer’s eyes as she strode off into the trees again.



“Put the girl who can’t walk down by a rock Xander, not the smartest move I’ve ever heard.” Buffy snapped off a branch in her way. “I mean what do we expect now... best case scenario is Willow has found...” She stopped dead in her tracks her eyes wide. “Tara and is curled up in her lap.” She finished her voice squeaking in shock.



“Now come on Buffy that’s like story book stuff…” Xander mocked before stumbling to a halt next to his friend.



“Okay someone pinch me.” She whispered as she took in the scene with complete disbelief.



“I’ll do you if you do me.” Xander flashed her a grin.



“Seems they didn’t need us after all.” Madalene added softly as she came to rest at the Slayer’s shoulder.



“Well would you look at that.” Anya said not lowering her voice at all.



“An Honey, less with the volume.” Xander turned and put his finger to his lips.



“We should get them home. You still have to tell me about this bug thing.” Buffy took a relieved breath.



“I am not your honey.” Anya put a hand on her hip and scowled.



“You want Willow and I get Tara?” Xander ignored the comment and looked at Buffy.



“If we can pry them apart.” Buffy smiled happily as they moved closer. Though if she was honest, she wished her Slayer strength involved being to carry them as they were.