FF: RW Series 7.3 "Shadows of Twilight"

[foreverpiper]

Yay! Couch smoochies! And I loved the Buffy/ Dawn bit. Will Smith, hehe!

[Kalita]

I remember thinking, 'what are they going to tell this doctor later?', when I read the first scene with her. Interesting that it's indeed a plot point.



And hugs are cool. And I want a Tara sandwich, too... yes, with bread and meat and stuff, not weird analogies, gutter-brains.

"Numfar... Do the dance of shame."

[Puff]

Great update. Yay Willow is getting better it's so great to see and I loved Buffy asking Willow if she wanted her to take Dawn and xander out one day and then Willow asking if she couldn't go as well. Go Buffy

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

[Scout]

“Could we tell her that we found out Tara wasn’t really dead? That she was in the witness protection program?”

“And the whole dying in Willow’s arms we made up for the sake of detail?”



OMG, that was so funny. hehe



Yeah, I've been wondering how they were going to explain to the doctor why Willow was suddenly better. Should be interesting. And Buffy was so sweet about Willow's hug. I like the way you write Buffy - almost better than the show.



Thanks!

[xita]

Buffy's reaction to Willowhug was great. This is what I like about this fic the most, the obvious love between the characters.

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

"Oooh Xita!" - Amber Benson

[Miss1234Kitty]

Oh wow. See, this is what happens when I go to sleepovers (get your minds out of the gutters it wasn't like that!). I miss updates AND Charmed episodes. Thank goodness for golf, so Buffy wasn't on anyway.



But I missed about 5 updates! They were brilliant, Kath and Beth, absolutely beautiful. I know in the show they never actually said that Tara was artistic, but I always felt she was and I guess I'm not the only one!



Smoochies very good. Buffy and Dawn and Xander go away now! Yes, I am still rooting for a Mads and Xander relationship though I'm pretty sure she's gay.



Hey, Buffy and Mads... no. Don't think so. Scary images.



Gem

Tara: There's just so much to work through... and can you just be kissing me now?

[VampNo12]

Oh I really enjoyed this update guys, it put a smile on my face. Continued smoochies with an embarrassed slayer entering was wonderful. I also liked how Tara got Willow thoughts out being "bad" by calling her "Willow Rosenberg Maclay", followed by Willow saying "Yes Miss. Maclay Rosenberg" (you get a sense of Willow moving away from the "holes", feeling guilty for a moment, and now feeling calm/jovial).



I loved how Buffy was trying to convey that W&T could use the summer house for some alone time (ie sex), without actually saying the words. And it was so cute how Willow at first wanted herself and Tara to go with the gang, until her blush hit, realizing what Buffy actually meant.



Lastly, I loved how Willow was the one to engage Buffy in a hug, she is subtly showings signs of improvement. However, I can understand Buffy's perspective, she is happy about the hug, but also fears this improvement might be only temporary (ie she is still taking drugs). And I loved the Dawn/Buffy interaction (ie "witness protection program", "twin sister", and etc), ! I too am interested what they will tell the doctor, and I can't wait for the next part!

Edited by: VampNo12  at: 7/19/02 1:33:52 pm

[Mike of the Nancy Tribe]

Can't believe how many parts of this I've missed! But all caught up now, and loving it. Seeing the love grow all over again is just wonderful, and I can't wait for more. My love to both of you for this great story.

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




Always.........

[funkyasian]

yay!! willow is getting better!! so is tara!! i'm so happy about that...la la la...*steph's skipping again*



steph

[spazz07]

I loved how when Willow was with Tara it seemed that the voids where far away and she could ignore them and Tara forbiding Willow to use tyhe "b" word. The interaction with Willow and Buffy was full of sweetness and Buffy and Dawn discussing an explanation for the doctor was can't wait for more ladies



Cheers

Nath

If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.

[KathleenWolf]

ooo my willow hug getting much response...



LeatherQueen: yes just a little bit of Willow peeking out... and hey I have no idea if it is correlated to the smoochies



foreverpiper: oh yeah just need an MIB flasher... I personally think it would make Buffy's life so much easier



kalita: do you want ham or chicken on the sandwich??? Tara asks only cause if you want anything else she's sending me to the store... and yeah we definatley have to deal with Dr. Clabet, no easy way I proimse



Puff: well Buffy does have some tact... and hey the slayer's been alone for awhile and there is nothing that she wants more than Willow being happy



Scout: why thank you... Buffy is a joint effort in scenes for Beth and I so that you think she's done well is such a bonus to us as we try to ensure continuity between her scenes... so again thank you



Xita: we are all about the love... oh and the angst... but only angst that helps bring out and make the love shine... we could be called the lovewriters... but I think the rainbowwriters has a better ring



Miss1234Kitty: well I hope you had a good sleepover (and golf preempting buffy? horrible!) laugh... so you think Mads is gay? mmmmm we should do a poll... cause that's something that we don't even know... I think she might have a chance with Xander if he wasn't hopelessly in love with Anya... and hey come on (think about her and Buffy)... in the right set up? mood? ... laugh...beth is going to hit me and say no i'm sure



VampNO12: I must say thank you cause you always have such insightful feedback ... Tara has completely figured out that Willow's cognitive thoughs are very self defeating and is doing her best to help reshape them for what help that will afford... and yes the Slayer is totally waiting for the fallout, nothing in the last few years has come easy to her (damn you Josh!) and she doesn't want to be caught napping



Mike of the Nancy tribe: so glad you got caught up... and if you got behind cause you were writing Endless then you are sooo forgiven... I'm going to point it out to Beth cause I know she will love it



funkyasian: ahhh skipping... we like to encourage skipping... so glad you enjoy



Spazz07: so glad that our long run on scene had some great hallmarks... we thought it was important to highlight the good and the bad from Buffy's perspective



hopefully more update later

thanks for reading

kath and beth

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

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

[MadeinNZ]

Well, that was all good. Willow is gradually sneaking back to reality. Loved Buffy's reaction to the hug as well. It seemed like such a small thing at the time but then you realise how significant it is.



I also liked it that Willow realised her and Tara weren't ready to sleep together yet. It would be so easy to have them jump into bed (cause those are always popular scenes to read) but its great that its not being rushed. Makes the actual event much more meaningful (and sexy..... it will be sexy right?).

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


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

[Jennpurr]

Quote:

---

JennPurr: okay I'll spoil something... there will be a love scene... when I'm not telling, but yes of course there will be one... who could deny the power that is the physical love between Willow and Tara? not I or Beth that's for sure... oh and I think she is singing in some of them, they were sorta random shots I took while she was on stage saturday... most gotten eaten up by the red hue of the background but a few were worthy... the ones that Beth have are from the arranged photo session, but I passed along your request in my morning email to her... glad you enjoyed!

---

I knew you guys wouldn't let us down. I'm looking forward to it, whenever you DO decide to write it. And I thought it looked like she was singing. Those pics are cool. Hey, thanks for passing on the message. I hope she does post them.





Awww... I loved Buffy's reaction when she went back upstairs. Will is doing better, you can tell that with every update. And gotta love the smoochies. Thank you. That was a very sweet scene.



I liked sneaky Buffy, too. Trying to set it up so our girls could be alone, but I kinda agree, that they aren't ready yet. I think they need to do a little more healing first. Looking forward to more.



Thanks ladies.

Jen

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


"Talented Tongued Tara." Willow snickered.- "Unexpected Consequences," by Lisa

[Karzia]

OK, I present myself before the skittens aka.... Rainbow Mittens for punishment not only have I just caught up on "ep1" but I also just now caught up on this new instalment of the WAY THINGS SHOULD BE.



Kath/Beth you guys rock and Skittels all around, I will send bowls of the sour ones when the time comes around for "gay type loving" But till then the tropical ones are your reward for the awesome smoochies.



Buffy especail has been a very interesting character. She vaslating between elation and worry is quite moving. Plus it seems our "little" Dawnie is growing up.



Keep up the good work, I promise not to be AWOL again for awhile, but RL a bitch. Oh glad to hear you Mom's doing well, but equally bummed about the beloved pets

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

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



Taste the rainbow

[KathleenWolf]

MadeinNZ: I promise it will be super sexy... ... it'll be the episode that slips over to HBO for the whole totaly NC17 experience... or at least we plan on that!



Jennpurr: it was a fantastic experience meeting her, though my main purpose for going was to get Beth her autograph, though she's lovely as she signed pics to us saying 'happy 3rd anniversary Rainbowwriters' which was very cool... oh yes much more with the healing, with Willow being at a diminished capacity Tara can't even think of crossing lines until her dear redhead is much better in her own mind



Karzia: did I hear the B word? shaking head... oh no no no no B word here... you caught up, you read... we are happy and you are not bad... and that you think our way is the way it should be, we are much happy writers... and I can't wait to gorge myself on tropical skittles, and I will so be waiting for the sour ones once we get to loving... ... we hope RL is nicer to you and anytime you can stop by to read our stories we appreciate you spending your time with us



oh and here is the last update for today... donning my beth disquise again... scene 13 hope you enjoy.. just a little short one



******



Xander reached up and rubbed his hand through his hair before he pushed open the door to the magic box, knowing the slight tinkle of the bell above would announce him.



Anya looked up instantly almost frightened at the sound of the bell. A noise that usually brought her joy as the chance of a sale presented itself but now filled her with worry and dread.



“Just me.” Xander put up his hands when he saw her face.



“But what are you doing here?” The vengeance demon looked at her watch and then at the young man.



“I was able to finish up the dry walling early so I came by to see how you were doing.” Xander wandered over to the counter. “You seemed nervous last night I thought maybe a little company might help.”



“How I’m doing? I’m doing terribly, how do you think I am doing? Stores are being looted daily and there’s just me all alone in this shop.” Anya blurted out. “I know I could in theory eviscerate them but its still frightening. Damn this fear, I never understood it before being human.”



“You’re not alone now.” Xander tried to soothe her.



“But I was.” Anya pointed out though she looked at the young man with a softer glare.



“I know you were, but you got through okay and now I’m here.” Xander smiled and sat down on a stool. “Now who or what would be stupid enough to rob you while I’m here?”



“Mmmm him!” Anya pointed out as a homeless guy shuffled passed the store window clutching a bottle wrapped in brown paper bag.



“That’s just Freddie, he shuffles past all the time.” Xander shook his head. “You know it’s okay to be worried.”



“No its not, I never used to worry about anything and I thought I would stop now that I’m a demon again but it hasn’t. I still worry. I worry that Willow will never be the same, I worry that Glory will come back and make us leave. I worry that Tara will die again or that I’ll be alone forever.” Anya gripped her hand around a twenty-dollar bill tightly.



“That’s a lot of worry for such a pretty girl.” Xander admitted knowing that he hadn’t done anything to help make her life easier, in fact he’d only made things worse.



“Don’t call me that!” Anya burst into tears.



“What?” Xander fell back out of the stool to stand as her sudden tears startled him. “It’s true, you’re pretty and you’re a girl and that’s a lot of worry.”



“I am not I’m a demon and this shouldn’t be happening.” Anya sobbed and disappeared down behind the counter.



“An?” Xander watched her duck down and waited for her to reappear. After a few moments when she didn’t he moved around under the break in the counter and bent down close to her. “You’re not a demon, I mean well you are but you’re still you.”



“But I shouldn’t be, the me I was she was useless and the me I am now is too. I was a bad human being and now I’m a bad demon.” She continued sobbing.



“You’re not a bad anything.” Xander shook his head shifting to rest his hand on her back. “You’re a great woman and a great demon, you’re super great at both.”



“Then why did you leave me?” She looked up and snarled at him.



“Cause I’m a scared idiot...” He paused having been trying to prepare himself for this question every night. “And cause I never wanted to hurt you, not long term.”



“But you are hurting me.” Anya scowled. “You, being here, being nice to me that hurts.”



“Oh.” Xander pulled his hand back frowning. “Should I go?”



“No, oh I don’t know.” Anya frowned hard as she tried to figure out what she did want. “It hurts to have you here because I have these feelings.” She stopped crying. “But you make me feel safer at the same time.”



“I know I hurt you Anya, I just... I couldn’t get married to you with all this worry that what I was doing was going to ruin your life. I want you to be happy and safe, you deserve that.” He tried to explain more.



“Well I guess being a demon I’m super safe.” She bit sarcastically.



“Anya, being a demon doesn’t mean that you’re safe from your own worries.” Xander shook his head.



“Why are you being nice to me?” Anya said suddenly questioning his motives.



“Do I have to have a reason?” Xander questioned sitting back against the wood of the counter.



“It would be nice yes. Reasons are good.” She pushed him.



“Because you looked so worried last night, afraid... and I don’t like seeing you like that.” Xander ran his hand through his hair again. “I wanted to make you feel better.”



For a long moment the vengeance demon looked at Xander, trying to figure out just what she wanted to do.



“There’s some garbage that needs taking out.” She pointed to a pile of boxes round the back of the bookshelves as she decided.



“Hey I can do that.” Xander perked up with a slight smile.



“And then you can look at that bookshelf, it leans and the orbs keep almost falling off.” Anya pointed absently towards a shelf.



“Carpentry, my speciality.” He grinned more.



“And then…” Anya paused pushing up to stand. “Well I’ll think of something.”



“You think I’ll deal with the trash.” He hopped up and headed towards the boxes.



******

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

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

[LeatherQueen]

Xander and Anya are finally talking some things out. Very nice.

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


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[foreverpiper]

Oh this was so sweet! I love X/A...not as much as W/T of course, but i still love X/A! Thanks for this part.

[Jennpurr]

Hey Kath, I hope you don't mind me asking these questions. What is Amber like? I would love to meet her. I just doubt it will ever happen. Is she sweet, down to earth, how would you describe her?



I loved the update. I'm glad you have Xander/Anya communicating some more. I wonder what will happen with them next season. I would like to see them work it out. Anya's not my favorite, but I thought her and Xander were good together.



I'm glad I was thinking along the same lines as you both were, about Tara and Willow's healing. Thanks for showing them getting better though.



Can't wait for more.

Jen

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


"Talented Tongued Tara." Willow snickered.- "Unexpected Consequences," by Lisa

Edited by: Jennpurr at: 7/19/02 7:25:38 pm

[Puff]

Ah great update. Xander and Anya are another couple that needs to get with the communication.



Although I like you doing the updates Kath I hope Beth is ok as well

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

[Karzia]

Yeah,........It is so nice to se X/A getting to talk.



However..... why do I have this feeling that this is the calm before the storm.........hummmmmmm

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

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



Taste the rainbow

[TesniStryngefyre]

While I agree that they definately aren't "ready" yet, all I can say is... LET THE HEALING BEGIN!



;-)



AJ

----------

TARA: Every time I... even when I'm at my worst ... you always make me feel special. How do you do that?

WILLOW: Magic.

[VampNo12]

This was a sweet, and enlightening scene between Xander and Anya guys! I love how you are portraying Anya's vulnerability, especially being able to show this side to Xander (the man who deeply hurt her). Poor Anya she probably thought returning to her demon roots would make life easier, take her away from the pain and loneliness, but instead these feelings persist. However, Anya being able to communicate her feelings to Xander, shows that although still hurt, underneath she still loves them. This scene just wonderfully demonstrates that W&T aren't the only couple that needs to heal, and maybe this talk will be a positive first step in the healing process. Can't wait for the next part.



Oh by the way no need to thank me for my feedback. The way you guys weave this story (as well as your other stories), plus the amazing character portrayals makes it my pleasure to give my feedback !

[The Rose24]

Two more great updates ladies.



I love the W/T smoochies and the fact that Willow is getting better. Oh, how I miss her. I also love the way Buffy Hints at giving W/T some alone time to do you know what. Willow's reaction is very much in character because she is not sure Tara is ready or herself, for that matter, is ready.



And Xander and Anya. I love them as a couple too. Nice interaction at the Magic Box.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[spazz07]

I normally can't stand Xander after the way the writers ruined one of my favourite characters early in the piece. Its so refreshing to see him back as a guy who cares about the other people in his life and not the self centred freak job Joss has so successfully transformed him into. Thanks again ladies



Cheers

Nath

If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.

[little wicca dude]

hey guys



i just read the last few updates all at once, this is very cool i'm really loving this fic



cant wait 4 more



luv jill xxx

"did i just say that? did i just say that too?"

My Scooby Page

[Loco2]

woop woop! wonderful updates, though the fact that everything seems to be getting so much better....hmm....does this mean that some big looming evil is going to pop up?



thanks for these, they were lovely,

steph

"Dr. Becker, have you seen the skeleton?" "What do you think I am, a skeleton thief? You want to search me?!"
"Oh, bugger off, you brolly!" - Anya to Giles on his use of the english language
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[KathleenWolf]

ugh... well here I am at work trying to put in some overtime... but thank god I have the office to myself and internet access so here goes



LeatherQueen: they are indeed... we thought we needed to touch in with them a little and it seemed the perfect afternoon



Foreverpiper: of course W/T come first... X/A is just something we knew needed to be fixed as well



JennPurr: oh my of course not... to be honest I was completely and utterly amazed by how personable and genuinely friendly she was... the first meeting I had with her was the photo session the first day and (okay indulge me in a story) I was getting two polaroids done of us (one for me one for beth) and she questioned very casually 'oh why two?' and I somehow managing to talk said 'one is for my fiancee, beth she adores you' and she said 'why isn't she here then?' , to which I had to reply 'she's in england', amber looking at me sideways 'why is she in england?'.... 'she lives there' i reply frowning as I always do then begin to babble a little about how our third anniversary was the next week and oh look our unity bracelets (which amber then proceeds to grab my hand and fondle the bracelet!!!)... amber with the huge pouty face "I don't know how you do it, that is so brave and you know when you find someone who you click with you just have to take whatever comes (me paraphrasing)... but this is lovely (about the bracelet)"... so needless to say I walked away from the shoot feeling like I could fly... later in the autograph line (me ladden down with my beth and kath amber stuff) I tried to explain why I had two of everything and offhandedly said "i'm the bracelet girl though I doubt you remember" and she gave me the biggest smile to say 'of course I do, don't be silly give me (to the shirts I had offered to get in line again for her to sign after the photos)... both times I met her on sunday as well she was incredibly friendly and seemed to be getting to know some of us by sight at least... for the photo time pic in my briefcase with two other wonderful kittens I met at the convention she grabbed us and said "come on all the beauties in the picture now"... she was soooo sweet!... oh and we're glad you like that bit of the story (brain muddled from amber memories)... the other thing I had the great pleasure of doing was meeting her mom and talking with her for a bit (in the Sunday Q&A I actually asked Amber about how she thinks she would have done in acting without such unwaivering family support... and she was laughing when I said I had spoke with her mom... she said "so it's your fault" i'm not quite sure what she meant laugh )we've always taken the few that if your friends are hurting than of course some part of you are hurting so X/A working it out will do a world of good for W/T



Puff: they so do need communication, I don't think they had any chance for any on the show and we are trying to rectify that here... poor Bethie has had a hard week/month/summer but she's hanging in (brave solider that she is) I'm not sure if she'll be able to do updates today either but I pass on all her love and adoration for all of you



Karzia: mmmm calm before the storm feeling? ... mmm could it be cause your reading a RW fic? evil



TesniStryngefyre: oh yes much with the healing to get ready for the ready



VampNO12: we definately think that having been human and then demon for so long, having to have now done human again only to go back to demon that Anya has alot to work through... fear is a very non-demon/human thing... everyone ane everything has it, she just has to come to grips with what she should be afraid of now as a demon again... oh you with all the nice lovely praise... thank you! we are just so honoured you spend time reading are work and that you enjoy it



TheRose24: totally true I think that despite her headspace Willow knows when or when not as the case that her and Tara are ready for that level of intimacy... after all Tara's only been back about 4 days now so there is opportunity to wait and soak in the happyiness of just having her back



Spazz07: oh I have to agree... I mean I'm not on the Xander is the king bandwagon but he had an element that was necessary and endearing which Joss totally just ripped out of him leaving us with just another stupid prat of a guy... we wanted so much to bring him back to what Xander truely is... a nice guy who tries his best, doesn't always get it right but he tries



little wicca dude: so glad you're enjoying... hopefully there will be another update later today



Loco2: you suspect us of the big looming evil???? I mean we are the Rainbowwriters... do we do big looming evil? and little looming evil even? ... laugh... oh wait! slapping head... we do both, sometimes at the same time love the wooping!



okay back to work

take care

and thanks for reading

kathleen

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

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

Edited by: KathleenWolf  at: 7/20/02 6:40:36 am

[funkyasian]

work...on a saturday morning??? that absolutely sucks...you're a better woman than i am...i'd look at my boss and laugh at him if he wanted for me to come in on a weekend...unless he made a *really* attractive offer...well, hope you get lots and lots of ot...and have a great weekend...



sorry i had to put my sympathies and 2 cents in about working on a weekend...



steph

[KathleenWolf]

no worries steph...



my work does make it very attractive... time and a half, which I can bank for vacation time later which means I have more time to spend with my Beth... so it's all good in my books!!!





oh yes i have a beth track mind

he he he



edit: oh my when did I get Willowhand! mmmm that has got to be a good sign!

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

To The Land of The RainbowWriters

Edited by: KathleenWolf  at: 7/20/02 6:56:22 am

[KathleenWolf]

just a little sweet scene for a saturday morning... can you tell I'm getting bored at work?



“Are you sure Buffy?” Tara asked as Dawn skipped through grinning broadly holding up Tara’s summer weight jacket. The Wicca glanced at the teenager as she held an arm out on automatic for Dawn to slip the coat on.



“Yeah, go on.” Buffy leaned against the railing and smiled. “I’ll go on patrol later when you guys get back.”



“See.” Dawn looped her arm through Tara’s and pulling her lightly to the door.



“We won’t be long.” Tara assured the Slayer as she smiled and moved with the teenager.



“No worries, remember we need chocolate!” Buffy encouraged as closed the door.



“She means she needs chocolate.” Dawn laughed as they moved down the walk.



“I remember chocolate.” Tara grinned as she enjoyed the feeling of being outside and mobile. “Its something that it’s okay to need.” She was a lot steadier on her feet but she was slightly tired and therefore glad that Dawn had her arm.



“Oh yeah.” Dawn nodded enthusiastically.



“So, I was thinking something…” Tara began as the made their way down the street. Dawn waited for her to continue holding tightly to Tara’s arm. “Do you think people would think I was crazy if I suggested something?” When Tara had thought about this earlier it had seemed like a good idea but now she was feeling less confident.



“Crazy? You?” Dawn shook her head. “No way.” Tara chuckled softly loving how quietly biased Dawn was.



“I was thinking of suggesting we had a photograph done. You know of the gang.” She glanced at the teenager.



“So not crazy, great idea.” Dawn squeezed the arm in her own a little. “I don’t think we’ve had a photo since...” She tried to think. “I don’t think we ever had a photo.”



“Earlier Willow and I were looking at some photos and I thought, it would be nice now that we’re together again.” Tara explained her reasoning a little more.



“We could buy one of those cameras at the store, just to get some right away. Then we could go to the mall and see one of those studio photographers.” Dawn mused as they turned a corner.



“I hadn’t thought of a studio.” Tara admitted charmed by Dawn’s enthusiasm. “But that sounds like such a good idea, but we should so get a camera.”



“I’m full of them.” Dawn grinned. “So you and Willow looked at the album of love?” She pushed slightly for details.



“We did, we didn’t get very far, page three I think.” Tara chuckled remembering the soft feel of lips on her own. “Then we got em, distracted.”



“Distracted?” Dawn’s eyes lit up.



“You know what I mean.” Tara chastised the teenager lightly but her eyes were bright and smiling.



“But it’s more fun and there is much more smiling and blushing if you tell me.” Dawn giggled.



“You know sometimes I wonder where you got your mischievous streak?” Tara squeezed Dawn lightly.



“Oh you know, now stop stalling and spill.” Dawn gave her a serious look.



“There was kissing.” Tara blushed hard and fast as she looked down.



“Kissing.” Dawn leaned closer. “Good kissing?”



“Dawn!” Tara looked up at the teenager. “Yes.” She added in a whisper.



“What? My favourite couple are with the smoochies again. Do you have any idea how happy this makes me?” Dawn looked at the blonde smiling. “Warren messed it up last time, I was expecting years and years of smoochies and a wedding where I got to be in a much better dress than I was at the wedding that never happened.”



“You thought Willow and I would get married?” Tara checked a little surprised by the teenager’s comment.



“For sure.” Dawn nodded enthusiastically. “I mean it’s not like Buffy’s ever going to have a boyfriend long enough, you guys were my great hope of a storybook ending.”



“I was going to ask if Buffy had a partner.” Tara was happy that unwittingly Dawn had answered one of her unasked questions.



“Trust me Buffy’s less than stellar romantic history is something you’d be better off forgetting.” Dawn frowned slightly. “She hasn’t been with anyone since Spike which is a good thing I think.”



“She will find someone I am sure, it must be hard with…” Tara paused. “You know.”



“Being the slayer?” Dawn made sure they had the same point of reference.



“Yes.” Tara smiled at the ease with which Buffy’s little sister came out with it.



“Yeah I guess. If she hadn’t of been such a dork with Riley she’d probably be with him now.” The teenager explained. “But then again he was sorta boring, I think she needs someone who challenges her, don’t you think?”



“I would have thought so.” Tara nodded feeling so relaxed as they walked and Dawn talked.



“She’s not as lucky as you and Willow, I hope I find my Willow one day.”

Dawn sighed dreamily. “Well I mean I think it’d be a William but you know it’s cool.”



“Willow or William, there’s the right person for you somewhere out there and who ever it ends up being they are going to have to pass the Tara test because you know you’re our Dawnie.” The Wicca gave a lopsided smile.



Dawn smiled back at her for the longest time before speaking.



“You know I love you right?” She checked softly. “We never used to say it, especially after Mom died but since...” She paused. “It’s important to say it.”



“It is and I know.” Tara assured her quickly. “I more than know.” She stressed lovingly.



“Good.” Dawn hugged the blonde’s arm.



“And Dawn…” Tara didn’t look at her companion but focused on looking up towards the stores. “You know I don’t remember everything but I do remember how much you mean to me.”



“It doesn’t matter if you remember the details. The feeling, that we’re family that’s the most important part.” Dawn whispered swallowing hard as she felt her heart beating up into her throat. It was all really real, Tara was back and she knew that no matter what they faced it would be okay now.



“Oh, Dawn look, swings.” Tara pointed suddenly across the street. “Are you too big for swings?” She glanced at the youngest Summers.



“Are you crazy?” Dawn laughed. “I love swings.”



“Can we have a detour?”



“Yep.” Dawn looked both ways to check the road was clear before leading Tara across.



******

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

To The Land of The RainbowWriters