My first fic.. no title as of yet

[sunspud]

Title: None as of yet… any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Author: sunspud

Disclaimer: These characters don’t belong to me. If they did, I’d be much happier, but I must give all credit to Joss, ME, etc.

Feedback: Yes, please. This is my first fic, so if you like it I’d really like to know. If you don’t please tell me that too, and I promise I won’t post anymore.

Pairings: W/T…eventually.

Rating: I’m gonna go with PG for the first part…will let you know if that changes.

Summary: I’m gonna say this is mostly an AU fic. References will be made to the horror that was Season Six, but seeing as how I didn’t like that ending I had this idea rolling around in my head for a while. It’s set somewhere after Gone. Willow ended up leaving Sunnydale after the events surrounding the car accident. No one has seen or heard from her in six months. Then, one day Buffy gets a call from Angel…

Note: I wrote this without a Beta reader so I take full responsibility for all mistakes. After reading this, if anyone wants to beta read for me, you can email me at sunspud5@hotmail.com.



And now, on with the story……



CHAPTER ONE



“Dawn!! Get your butt down here right now or you’re gonna be late!” Buffy yelled for what seemed like the millionth time. She was about to yell again when her rantings were interrupted by the sound of the phone ringing.



“Hello?”



“Buffy? It’s Angel.”



“Angel, hey. Uhh… what’s up? Please don’t tell me there’s an apocalypse ‘cause I really don’t think I could handle that right now.”



“No, no apocalypse, but there is something I think you should know.”



From the sound of his voice, Buffy couldn’t tell if this something was going to be good or bad. “What is it?” she tentively asked.



“It’s Willow. I found her.”



“What? Where? Is she ok?” At that moment Dawn chose to finally come down the stairs.



“Buffy, who are you talking to? And did I hear you say Willow??”



“I’m talking to Angel, and yes, you heard me say Willow.” Adopting her Slayer-tone she turned her attention back to Angel. “Tell me everything you know.”



3 DAYS LATER



The next three days passed rather quickly for the Scooby gang. Everyone was preparing for the trip to L.A., which is where they discovered Willow was living. They were all gathered in the Summer’s living room going over last minute preparations. Now, with only one thing left to do, Buffy paced nervously back and forth in front of the couch. Finally, she broke the silence.



“So, we’ve all decided that I’ll be the one to call her right? I mean, I told all of you so I should be the one to tell Tara too. Oh, God, why am I so nervous?”



Xander, being the wise man he was, piped up and said, “Just call her, Buffy. If she wants to hear it then she’ll listen, if she doesn’t, she won’t. Either way, she deserves to know.”



Stopping in her tracks, Buffy let out a long sigh. “You’re right Xander. You guys think I should tell her over the phone, or tell her in person?”



“I think there would be less of a shock-factor if you told her in person. You could invite her over here so we could all be here while you tell her.” Dawn said.



“Okay. Here goes everything.” Buffy picked up and dialed the blonde Wicca’s number. After the fifth ring, which seemed like twenty to Buffy, the call was finally answered on the other end.



“Hello?”



“Hey, Tara. It’s Buffy. You got a minute?”



“Hey, Buffy. How are you? Sure, I’ve got a minute.”



“Well, do you think you could come to the house? There’s something we kind of need to talk to you about.”



“Is everything ok? Is Dawn alright?” Tara asked, fearing the worst.



“Everything’s fine, and Dawn is fine too. She’s right here beside me. In fact, everyone’s here. There’s just something we need to tell you… it’s about Willow.”



Hearing her ex-lover’s name made Tara’s breath catch in her throat. “W-Willow?” she repeated. “I’ll be right there.” With that, Tara hung up the phone and quickly headed to the Summer’s home.



Twenty minutes later, Buffy, Dawn, Xander, and Anya were all seated in the living room when they heard a knock at the door. Dawn immediately jumped up and yelled, “I got it!”



Opening the door, Dawn threw her arms around Tara and enveloped her in a hug. “Tara! I’ve missed you so much!”



Laughing, Tara said, “You just saw me last Friday, Dawnie.”



“I know, but it feels like forever. Come on in. Everyone’s in the living room.”



Tara stepped into the house and made her way to the living room. After everyone had said their hellos and were seated comfortably again Buffy got down to business.



“Okay, so like I said over the phone we need to tell you something about Willow. See, I got a call from Angel a couple of days ago, and he said that he had seen her, in L.A. Apparently, that’s where she’s been the past six months. Angel said he saw her one night after patrol. They talked for a while, and she told him about everything that happened here. He said that she had quit using magic, and was now working somewhere in L.A., she wouldn’t tell him where. He said she looked really sad and depressed, and he asked her why she wasn’t here in Sunnydale. She told him that she felt so horrible for the things that she had done and that she didn’t deserve to be around us. She also said that she needed to work things out on her own, and she couldn’t do that while staying here. So, we’ve all decided that we are going to L.A. to see Willow, and try to get her to come home. We’d really like you to go with us, but we understand if you don’t want to, or you just can’t.” After her long story, Buffy sat back in her chair and waited for Tara’s reply.



“Wow.” was all Tara could manage at first. After several seconds she finally found her voice again. “When are you leaving?”



“Tomorrow morning at 9:00 am.”



“I don’t know what to say, Buffy. I mean, I’ve been so worried about her, wondering if she was ok, but now that I know I can’t help but be angry at her for just leaving like that. Still…I…I…I’m coming with you. If what you say is true, how can I not go?” In a quieter voice she added, “I still love her.”



The rest of the Scoobies breathed a collective sigh of relief, believing the hard part was over. Now, all they had to do was get to L.A. and find Willow.

[deixs]

Great start!!I hope you will post an update soon!!!



Stef

[willntlover]

Cool!!! Are we going to see the LA gang too? CAn't wait to see how Willow is doing.



-Will

"Hear that baby? You're my always."

[Grimlock72]

Heh,



I've never understood why people who run away from Sunnydale always run to LA. It's the worst place to get away from it all; Angel is there with lots of evil vamps around... Willow would have been better of in New York or such, no nosey people to find you.



Wonder if Willow knows Angel called Buffy, she can probably guess as much. Did Buffy kick Willow out of the house after the car accident or did she leave because she felt she couldn't get it under control in Sunnydale ? I'm not so sure not doing any magic is the way to go though, that doesn't solve all that much.



Ah well, we'll see what happens when they eventually meet. Assuming Willow wants to meet or speak to them of course. If Angel didn't tell her about phoning Buffy that might become a problem...



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[fidds]

wow great start- can't wait to see how the scooby gang get on in LA



*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*

[sunspud]

just had some time to write reply to the feedback so here goes!



deixs: thanks so much! i'm glad you liked the beginning. i should have an update sometime later tonight.



willntlover: there will be some parts with the L.A. gang, but i mostly wanted to focus on the willow/tara part. i don't really watch angel so i don't know much about their characters, but you can't have an L.A. fic without at least some of the L.A. gang being in it, now can you?



Grimlock72: i appreciate your comments! made me think really hard about what i wanted to write next. you're right.. seems like everyone ends up in L.A. when they run away. i think i just have it on the brain cause i'm planning a trip there next year.. who knows? anyway.. as for the rest, i'm not really sure where exactly this fic is headed. so, i guess we'll just have to see. again, thanks for the comments!



fidds: thank you very much! hopefully an update will be available tonight!



see you all later!!

[tommo]

You certainly seem to have a good grasp of dialogue, and that's one of the ways in which characterisation comes through clearly. You also seem really confident as to which direction your story is taking, and that comes through in what you've written.



However, you may want to think carefully about narrative. Focusing on the five senses really helps to create a sense of atmosphere; writing what people see, hear, feel, etc. And adding in actions and reactions also gives your reader an "all round view" of what's going on. It just helps to make the story more full and rounded in terms of 'readability'.



Hope that's alright and it doesn't seem too critical. The best thing about Pens is that it's one of the most supportive and constructively critical places to write and post.



If you are looking for a beta, and I strongly recommend beta readers to everyone who writes, then feel free to peruse the beta thread and pick any one of the wonderful kittens in there. You can find it here .



Good luck, and thanks for writing.

Oooh Oooh Oooh Oooh; Oooh Oooh Oooh Oooh; Oooh Oooh Oooh Oooh; Ah Aaaahhhhhhh

Oooh Oooh Oooh Oooh; Oooh Oooh Oooh Oooh; Oooh Oooh Oooh Oooh; Ah Aaaahhhhhhh

~ Your Disco Needs You - Kylie Minogue

Edited by: tommo at: 12/9/02 10:32:20 am

[sunspud]

Hello again! I'd like to say thank you to Ruth before I post the next part of the story. If you could have seen the smile on my face when I saw that you had commented on this little story!! I have a great fondess for your writings and I really appreciated your comments. I took your advice and I hope that I did better with it in this next part. Oh, and it didn't seem critical at all... I love writing and anything that will help improve it can never be critical. So, thanks again!



**********************************************



Title: None as of yet… still tryin to figure that one out.

Author: Brandi

Disclaimer: These characters don’t belong to me. If they did, I’d be much happier, but I must give all credit to Joss, ME, etc.

Feedback: Yes, please. This is my first fic, so if you like it I’d really like to know. If you don’t please tell me that too, and I promise I won’t post anymore.

Pairings: W/T…eventually.

Rating: PG for the first part…will let you know if that changes.

Summary: I’m gonna say this is mostly an AU fic. References will be made to the horror that was Season Six, but seeing as how I didn’t like that ending I had this idea rolling around in my head for a while. It’s set somewhere after Gone. Willow ended up leaving Sunnydale after the events surrounding the car accident. No one has seen or heard from her in six months. Then, one day Buffy gets a call from Angel…

Note: This will be just a short update. The second part of Chapter two will be up tomorrow. I just wanted to get this out there to see what people thought. The song in this part is Bother by Stone Sour. Every time I hear it, it reminds me of Willow. I hope that you can see what I see when you read the words. Oh, and Willow has somewhat of a voice in this fic b/c as much as I love her, the poor girl just can’t sing. Oh well…



CHAPTER TWO



*Two weeks ago*



Willow stood outside Caritas. She nervously wiped her sweaty palms on her black slacks. She checked her ensemble again… black slacks, with a white shirt tucked into them. Black boots, and a long trench coat completed the outfit. Geez, black enough for ya, Willow? Oh well, fits my mood, I guess. Ok, now just got to walk through the door. I can do this. I have to do this. After her mental pep talk, she pushed open the door and walked into the bar.



After giving her song selection, and talking with a demon that, from the Scoobies dealings with Angel, she knew as Lorne, Willow walked up onto the stage and grabbed the microphone. She looked out into the crowd and her eyes roamed over the faces. Seeing everyone staring at her, waiting for her, she almost lost her nerve. But, she thought again of why she was doing this, for Tara, and as the first bars of the song started she steeled her resolve and opened her mouth.



Wish I was too dead to cry

My self-affliction fades

Stones to throw at my creator

Masochists to which I cater

You don’t need to bother

I don’t need to be

I’ll keep slipping farther

But once I hold on

I won’t let go ‘til it bleeds.



With the first chorus over Willow felt all her emotions surge through her veins. She couldn’t believe the things she had done. The room sat silent as they witnessed the redhead on the stage pour her heart into the song. She took a long steady breath and began the next verse.



Wish I was too dead to care

If indeed I cared at all

Never had a voice to protest

So you fed me shit to digest

I wish I had a reason;

my flaws are open season

For this, I gave up trying

One good turn deserves my dying

You don't need to bother;

I don't need to be

I'll keep slipping farther

But once I hold on,

I won't let go 'til it bleeds.



Preparing for the last verse of the song, Willow felt tears sting her eyes. She let go of every last ounce of pride she was holding onto and sang the words that described the torment inside her heart.



Wish I'd died instead of lived

A zombie hides my face

Shell forgotten

with its memories

Diaries left

with cryptic entries



And you don't need to bother;

I don't need to be

I'll keep slipping farther

But once I hold on,

I won't let go 'til it bleeds.



You don't need to bother;

I don't need to be

I'll keep slipping farther

But once I hold on…

I'll never live down my deceit.



She put the microphone back on the stand, walked down the stage, and sat at a table in the back. For several seconds, not a sound was heard as everyone digested the emotions they just experienced through the obviously devastated redhead. Then, a small man in front stood up and clapped. He was followed by the rest of the crowd until the whole placed was filled with the sounds of clapping and cheering. Still, Willow sat at her table and silently thanked whatever god or goddess had helped her through that song.

[sunspud]

Title: None as of yet… still tryin to figure that one out.

Author: Brandi

Disclaimer: These characters don’t belong to me. If they did, I’d be much happier, but I must give all credit to Joss, ME, etc.

Feedback: Yes, please. This is my first fic, so if you like it I’d really like to know. If you don’t please tell me that too, and I promise I won’t post anymore.

Pairings: W/T…eventually.

Rating: PG for the first part…will let you know if that changes.

Summary: I’m gonna say this is mostly an AU fic. References will be made to the horror that was Season Six, but seeing as how I didn’t like that ending I had this idea rolling around in my head for a while. It’s set somewhere after Gone. Willow ended up leaving Sunnydale after the events surrounding the car accident. No one has seen or heard from her in six months. Then, one day Buffy gets a call from Angel…

Note: I realize this chapter skips backwards in the time line. Hope it's not confusing to anyone. I pray that I was somewhat on track with the characterizations. I enlisted the help of a friend to get them down. Also, I hope to have Chapter three up later tonight as well. Almost done with it, just have a few things to go over. Thanks to any one who's reading!!!



CHAPTER TWO Cont. (also a short update)



*Five days ago*



Angel was walking past Caritas when he felt someone grab his arm. Turning sharply he found himself staring face to face with Lorne.



“Hey, Lorne.”



“Hey, Daddy-o. What’s happenin’?”



“Just out for a walk. You?”



“Just had to get some fresh air after hearin’ that Gorlack demon do his number. Whew, man, those dudes can’t sing. I’d rather listen to a cat howlin’ in the rain than hear him sing again.” Says Lorne adding a little shudder to his disgusted looking face.



Angel, a sly grin on his face replies, “Sounds pretty horrible.”



The Host snorts sarcastically and then says, "Hey hep cats, I'll tell you something else that registered high on the freak-o-meter. This little piece of no no came in here last week and took the mike. Now understand, this PYT was putting off the serious mo-jo vibe and I mean that in the Wiccan way, but she was all congested, like she was refusing who she really was. The thing is, her path and yours, Angel, they're copasetic in a big way. Seems you two used to do the hoo-doo back when you were still in Smallville, and now she's all alone. Too bad too, cause she's gonna get herself and her blonde friend all kinds of killed...”



Angel looked confused as he tried to process everything the Host had just told him. “Wiccan way? Smallville? Hoo-doo? What are you talking about? Wait… Willow?” came the only name he could think of.



“Hey, whatever you say, man. I just tell it like I see it.”



“Her blonde friend… it’s gotta be Buffy. Can I help them?” he hurriedly asked, needing to know if he could keep them safe.



“I don’t know, but you can try.” Was the only answer that could be given.



With that, Angel headed off to see if he could find Willow. He walked around for several hours. Just when he was about to give up hope he saw her. She was sitting on a bench underneath an enormous oak tree. She wasn’t moving or anything, just quietly sitting, as if she were contemplating her life. He softly approached and cleared his throat as he stood behind her.



Willow sat on the bench and thought to herself. She had been thinking about the same things ever since she had gone to see the Host. She couldn’t decide what to do about them. If what he said was true, then she and Buffy were in great danger, but without knowing what kind of danger exactly there was no way of knowing how to stop it. Given that, plus the fact that she hadn’t seen or spoken to Buffy, or anyone for that matter, in the past six months, she hadn’t a clue as to what to do. She was broken out of her thoughts when she heard someone approach and clear their throat. Turning around, she felt a small portion of her heart fill with hope as she looked into the face of an old friend, Angel.



“Hey, Willow. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”



“Angel. It’s good to see you. I’m guessing that you’ve spoken with Lorne? He said he knew you.”



“Ran into him tonight, actually. Been looking for you ever since. What are you doing here, Willow?” Angel couldn’t help his curiosity. What had brought her here, so far away from her friends, from her life?



Willow stared at Angel. She couldn’t answer his question without breaking down, so she did just that. As sobs wracked her body, Angel sat down and gathered her in his arms. They stayed like that for several minutes. After her sobs had resided, Willow began to explain to Angel everything that had happened in the past six months starting with the resurrection of Buffy. She told him of her addiction to magic, the spell she had used on Tara, then on Buffy and Tara both. Of Tara leaving her, and Amy taking her to see Rack. When she got to the part about the accident with Dawn she looked so forlorn that Angel silently put up his hand to stop her.



“You don’t have to tell me anymore, Willow. I know about Lorne’s vision, and we’ll just work on that. The sun’s about to come up… I’d better be going. I’ll contact you again in a few days.”



“How will you know how to find me?”



“I have my ways.” He answered and then strolled off into the coming dawn.

[SilverWingedNemesis]

OH MY GOD!! I LOVE THIS!!



YOu SOOO have to update again soon!!!







Great start to your fic!!



I can't wait to read more!!



Keep up the great work!!



~NICKOLE~

-----------

"She's my everything"

Edited by: SilverWingedNemesis at: 12/15/02 4:49:54 pm

[sunspud]

SilverWingedNemesis: I'm really glad you like the fic! And you're begging? For an update? From me? Well, then.. I guess I must supply. Here you go!



**********************************************



Title: None as of yet… still tryin to figure that one out.

Author: Brandi and Rick

Disclaimer: These characters don’t belong to me. If they did, I’d be much happier, but I must give all credit to Joss, ME, etc.

Feedback: Pretty please? With Tara on top??

Pairings: W/T…eventually.

Rating: PG for the first part…will let you know if that changes.

Summary: I’m gonna say this is mostly an AU fic. References will be made to the horror that was Season Six, but seeing as how I didn’t like that ending I had this idea rolling around in my head for a while. It’s set somewhere after Gone. Willow ended up leaving Sunnydale after the events surrounding the car accident. No one has seen or heard from her in six months. Then, one day Buffy gets a call from Angel…



CHAPTER THREE



*Present*



The trip to L.A. was long and uneventful. No one knew what to say, so they all opted to sit in silence. When they finally reached the city it was the middle of the afternoon. They decided to check into a hotel and wait for nightfall. They had arranged to meet with Angel later that evening. Checked into their rooms, Xander and Anya in one, Dawn, Buffy, and Tara in the other, they all met up in the girl’s room to relax. The silence from the car followed them until finally it was broken by Dawn.



“So, what do we do now?”



“Now, we wait until we can talk with Angel. Find out if he knows how we can find Willow. Plus, he said he needed to tell me something else, but it was better if it were in person. Said it involved all of us.” Buffy answered.



“Well, doesn’t that sound nice.” Xander sarcastically said. Then, more seriously he asked “What do we do if we find Willow?”



“If we find Willow? Then, I don’t know. I just don’t know.” Was all Buffy could manage at that moment in time. With those words the group drifted back into a comfortable silence, and waited for the night.



*Later that evening*



As they approached the karaoke bar, the gang spotted Angel leaning against a wall in the shadows. He straightened up when he saw them coming. As he looked over each of their faces he realized how much they had changed, yet they still looked like the same people, just older, more tattered, and a bit wiser. As his eyes fell on a blonde in the back he didn’t recognize he figured that must be Tara. No wonder Willow’s so upset, he thought. He pushed his thoughts aside as the group stopped in front of him.



“Buffy, guys. Glad you made it.” He said.



The Scoobies said their hellos and after introducing Tara and Angel, Buffy brought to the front the reason they were all gathered. “So, have you seen Willow again? And what do you have to tell me that you couldn’t say over the phone?”



“Why don’t we move over here so we can talk more privately?” he gestured to a secluded spot farther down the wall.



The group moved away from the door to the bar and Angel began his story, starting with when he ran into Lorne a little over a week ago. When he finished he stood silent and waited for their reactions.



Buffy was the first to speak up. “So, Willow runs away, she’s working through her addiction and doing really well, we come to find her, and now…the two of us are in mortal danger. And it’s not even Tuesday. Geez, can’t I go anywhere and not have trouble follow me?”



“Hey, it comes with the whole slayer-gal package.” Said Xander. Upon receiving a pointed look from everyone he added, “Shutting up now.”



Angel, not knowing what else to say, suggested, “Why don’t we go inside and see if Lorne has seen any more of Willow?”



He led them into the bar known as Caritas and over to a table in the back. He spotted the demon owner and motioned him over.



As the Host approached he said, “Angel, my man, come to serenade me?”



“Not quite, Lorne. We wanted to know if you had seen Willow around.”



“Ah, your redheaded Wiccan. That’s onnnne de-pressed girl! Matter of fact I have seen her. Been a regular ‘round here the past couple of nights. Can’t get her to sing tho. Just sits at the same table not sayin’ a word, quiet as a mouse.”



No sooner had the words left his mouth than the object of their discussion walked in the door. Sensing her ex-lover’s presence Tara turned toward the door and whispered “Buffy.” As the rest of the gang turned to see what had caught Tara’s attention, the blonde Wicca’s eyes met the redhead’s and time seemed to freeze around them. A million thoughts were running through each of their minds. Tara, looking at her ex, felt a pain in her heart. She looked so sad and had definitely lost weight. Willow had never expected to see Tara here. Buffy, yes. After her talk with Angel she was hoping that he had called Buffy and had at some point explained the things Lorne had seen during her song. The rest of the gang she wasn’t really surprised to see, but Tara, she hadn’t even allowed hope to enter her heart for fear it would obliterate what was left of it.



They were both broken out of their trance as they each registered Buffy slowly walking towards Willow. The Scoobies watched in silence as she approached her best friend.



Willow stood rock still. Buffy stopped directly in front of her and released the breath she had been holding since she started moving. Not knowing what to say she wrapped her arms around her friend and exhaled, “Willow.” Shocked by the arms around her, Willow slowly returned the hug and choked out the only word she could manage, “Buffy.”



Drawing back from the hug, Buffy took Willow by the hand and led her over to the rest of the group. They would talk later. Right now, Willow needed to be loved, and they were all going to see that she got what she needed. Xander, Dawn, and even Anya embraced Willow as she joined them.



After the last hug, Willow was now standing face to face with Tara. Both hearts started beating rapidly. They were once again drawn to each other’s eyes, and those eyes spoke volumes to the other’s soul. Still unsure, Tara grabbed onto the confidence she had gained over the past six months and slowly embraced her ex-lover. Willow returned the embrace, and for the moment, all their insecurities faded away. They each let the presence of the other surround them, and hold them in a safe place.



“Tara.” Willow breathed as tears pooled in her eyes.



“Shh… Willow. I’m here.” replied Tara, as her own tears slid slowly and steadily down her cheeks.



There was so much Willow wanted to say, but all she could muster up was “I…I’m so…but you’re here.”



Tara, still overpowered by her love for Willow, replied with words she knew Willow would understand. “I’m here. I found you… I will always find you.”



**********************************************



I'm hoping to post the next chapter tomorrow, but we'll just have to see. Thanks again for reading...

[willntlover]

Cool! I so didn't expect for them to be meeting up so early in teh story. But hey! Who am I to complain about extra Willow adn Tara snuggles like i could ever complain about that!



Thank you for the update.



-Will

"Hear that baby? You're my always."

[fidds]

oh wow yay 3 updates - i loved the last bit- sooo sweet



*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*

[Grimlock72]

Holy cow, I look away for a day at most and get three updates ? Neat



Willow singing on stage...my god that must have taken an AWFULL lot of courage for her. She doesn't like to sing and she positivly HATES performing in front an audience. I'll bet what Lorne told her wasn't what she wanted to hear either.



Two weeks after that she walks in the bar and sees all the scoobies there. I'm surprised she didn't run from that shock alone. Just wondering that IF what Lorne told her (which we as readers now less about then the people in this story, grmbl) actually concerns Buffy and Willow in danger, wouldn't you want to keep them apart ?



Tara and Willow... both having such much keeping them somewhat apart, still they managed to overcome that for the moment. Will come back to interfere soon enough. The last line was sad, touching and very true...



Still not sure if the group will be comfertable around each other from now on. Please don't let them all stay at Willow's place, pleeeeeeeease..... Tara is welcome to stay of course. IF she wants to. She's probably worried about Willow loosing weight. (well, Willow in general I think )



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[sunspud]

willntlover: heh.. i just love that little guy. he's so cute! anyway.. glad you liked the update. i decided i didn't want to drag out the reunion b/c, why prolong the enevitable? they were meant for each other. they're not officially "together," but it's a start.





fidds: i always loved that line from the show. i think it's one of the few lines that really shows their love for each other.. ya know?





Grimmy: i wanted to kind of keep the story moving so i could get to the main part. everything that lorne saw will come into play soon. i have to keep something a mystery! as for the song, i REALLY wanted it to have an effect on willow, and by having her sing it, it helped bring lorne into the story as well. i figure, she's run away from home, she has nothing left, so why let her fears about singing get in the way? does that make sense? not quite sure where the group will be staying yet, but i guess we'll see that in the next chapter. as before, thanks for your comments. they're muchly appreciated!





not sure when the next update will be up. i'm a little under the weather and trying to get my brain to work isn't quite going as planned. hopefully it will be up later tonight, or tomorrow. hope everyone's having a wonderful day! bye!



brandi

[sunspud]

Seeing as how I had nothing to do, I spent the evening writing and finished the next part. Hope you enjoy.



**********************************************



Title: None as of yet… still tryin to figure that one out.

Author: Brandi

Disclaimer: These characters don’t belong to me. If they did, I’d be much happier, but I must give all credit to Joss, ME, etc.

Feedback: Pretty please? With Tara on top?

Pairings: W/T…eventually.

Rating: PG for the first part…will let you know if that changes.

Summary: I’m gonna say this is mostly an AU fic. References will be made to the horror that was Season Six, but seeing as how I didn’t like that ending I had this idea rolling around in my head for a while. It’s set somewhere after Gone. Willow ended up leaving Sunnydale after the events surrounding the car accident. No one has seen or heard from her in six months. Then, one day Buffy gets a call from Angel…

Note: This part is strictly Willow and Tara. I hope it conveys what I wanted it to!



CHAPTER FOUR



As they pulled out of their hug, Tara slipped her hands into Willow’s and stared into her eyes. “You’ve lost weight.” She said.



“Yeah. Kinda haven’t felt much like eating lately.” Willow whispered in a soft voice.



“Well, that’s something we’ll have to work on.”



“Tara…” she paused, sorting through all the thoughts going through her mind, trying to find the right words to say. She lowered her head and whispered, “Why are you being so nice to me? Why aren’t you hating me right now?” The confidence she’d felt while in Tara’s arms had faded, and was replaced by feelings of self-hatred and loathing. Plagued by thoughts of all she had done, of who she had become, she couldn’t understand why ANYONE would want to even be near her. Yet, here Tara was. She had hugged her. Said she would always find her. What could that mean? She looked up at Tara and waited for her reply.



Tara watched Willow’s face in silence. She saw the pain she was going through. She saw the hate come across her face…hate for her mistakes. As she looked she couldn’t help but feel sorry for Willow. And yet, as she was looking, yes…there…in her eyes, there flickered a small ounce of hope. She chose that moment to speak up, praying that small amount of hope would remain. Her hands entwined with Willow’s as she led them away from the group.



Once they were alone she said, “I won’t lie to you, Willow. What you did…it hurt. More than anything.” Willow lowered her head again, shame flooding her features once again. Tara let go with one hand and cupped Willow’s chin, bringing her face level with hers again. “But, six months is a long time, Will. I’ve had a lot of time to think. When Buffy told me about you being here, and that you had gotten through your addiction…it made me so happy, Willow. It also made me sad, because I couldn’t be the one to bring you out of that. But now, I think you had to go through it on your own. I know you’re broken, Willow, but underneath, I can see your strength. You got through something that most people would have never made it out of. Do you know how proud that makes me?”



Willow just stared at Tara. Did she hear correctly? Tara was proud? Of her? How was that possible?



Tara took Willow’s silence as the opportunity to continue. “I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring. We have a lot of things to talk about, and it’s not going to be easy. But there is one thing I’m sure of. It’s what gave me the strength to come here. It’s what’s giving me the strength to talk to you now.”



“What is it?” Willow choked out.



“I love you, Willow. I never stopped. I couldn’t.” Tara lowered her head, her emotions taking control of her body. A single tear rolled down her cheek. Willow reached up with her free hand and wiped it away.



“Oh, Tara. I love you so much. I’m so sorry, for everything. God, I can’t believe that was even me. Sometimes I think it’s all a bad dream, and when I wake up I’ll be in your arms again. But, I know it’s not a dream. I did those things. That place I was in. It was so scary, but I couldn’t see past it. I had all this power, and it was all I could feel. When you left me, I thought that would be it, but it wasn’t. It didn’t stop me. That’s when I knew that I had to do this on my own. If you leaving me couldn’t stop it, I knew that anything anyone else did wouldn’t make a difference. That’s why I left.”



Tara looked back up at Willow. She lost herself in the emerald orbs, seeing the same love she felt reflected back at her. They stood like that for a while. Neither girl registered that they were moving closer. They didn’t notice how their arms instinctively wrapped around the other. Only when their faces were mere inches apart did their gazes waver. They each glanced at the other’s lips, and unconsciously wet their own. “Willow.” “Tara.” Their words mingled with their breath as their lips touched for what seemed like the first time in a lifetime. The kiss was slow and delicate. It was as if they were breathing life into each other. The love they had denied themselves for so long was finally being reborn. As they pulled back from the kiss, they rested their foreheads together. Eyes still closed, Tara softly said, “We should get back to the others. We need to figure out what’s hunting you and Buffy, and when we defeat it, we can get back to us.”



“Us? There’s an us to get back to?” Willow asked, the happiness in her voice not lost on Tara.



“Of course there’s an us. There will always be an us. Things happen, people make mistakes, but true love…nothing can ever stop that.” Tara gave Willow one of her lopsided grins. Willow thought she would pass out, having never expected to see that grin aimed in her direction again. Tara took Willow’s hand and led her back to the waiting group.



The Scoobies tried to look as if they hadn’t witnessed the whole reunion, but the smiles on their faces belied their efforts. Everyone felt as if a great weight had been lifted. They felt happier than they had in a long time, and none of them were going to give it up without a fight. They would do whatever they could to keep it.

[Rane]

i'm totally loving this fic. just a bit scared the blonde girl from the vision may just be tara and not buffy. but then again they're always in trouble. cant wait for another update!

"We're forgetting about the troll. Let's pay attention to the troll." Tara, Triangle

[deixs]

Wow, I missed three or four updates, I can't believe it!!

Please, continue with your good work!



Stef

Edited by: deixs at: 12/12/02 11:51:20 pm

[willntlover]

Yay!!!



Hope for our girls!! Now if only they can figure out who is coming after them.



-Will

"Hear that baby? You're my always."

[fidds]

yay! update - awww the interaction between Tara and Willow is really sweet - great 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*

Edited by: fidds at: 12/13/02 6:52:54 am

[sunspud]

Hi everyone. I only have a few minutes so I'll just make this kind of a general thank you. I appreciate all of you who are reading, and I'm really glad you liked the last part! Not sure when I will be able to update again. I have a friend in town that I haven't seen in almost a year!! Anyway... will try to update really soon!!



Btw, fidds, I love your sig!! Staind.. most excellent band!



Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday!!



Brandi

[fidds]

hey sunspud- yay! thank you - i know, that's my fav song from their album - hope you have a good time with your friend



*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*

[SilverWingedNemesis]

OH wow



That was so touching. I felt their reunion really tugging at my heart. *SIGHS*



After everything they've been through, i couldn't imagine what a relief they BOTH must be feeling. Even with this apparent new evil, they can draw strength just through the fact that they are together. *SIGHS*



GREAT FIC!



Keep up the great work!!



~NICKOLE~

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

"Willow...I got so lost.."

"I found you. I will always find you.."-Tara & Willow-The Gift

[pikescoob]

I love this fic!! That last update was just...*sniff* soooo sweet with the hugging and the soft smooch and the 'there will always be an us'. I especially liked the bit about how nothing can stop true love *sigh* I never used to be the romantic type but I think my girlfriend has changed that Can't wait for more! But it's cool if an update isn't for a bit, have fun with your friend! Oh and fidds I have to agree that your sig rocks



--Michelle

[sunspud]

No update yet.. just some quick replies. I promise an update very soon!



fidds: You're quite welcome! I am having a wonderful time with my friend.. thanks!



SilverWingedNemesis: Hey, it's great to hear from you. The power of true love.. it's amazing, isn't it? Thanks for reading!



pikescoob: It's great to hear from you too! I never used to be a romantic either, but something about the idea of true love just gets me, ya know? Thanks so much for your comments. Hope to hear from you again!



Well, I am off to try and concentrate on this fic. I'm "supposed" to be working, but who wants to do that???

[sunspud]

Title: None as of yet… still tryin to figure that one out.

Author: Brandi

Disclaimer: These characters don’t belong to me. If they did, I’d be much happier, but I must give all credit to Joss, ME, etc.

Feedback: Pretty please? With Tara on top?

Pairings: W/T…eventually.

Rating: PG for the first part…will let you know if that changes.

Summary: I’m gonna say this is mostly an AU fic. References will be made to the horror that was Season Six, but seeing as how I didn’t like that ending I had this idea rolling around in my head for a while. It’s set somewhere after Gone. Willow ended up leaving Sunnydale after the events surrounding the car accident. No one has seen or heard from her in six months. Then, one day Buffy gets a call from Angel…



CHAPTER FIVE



After Willow and Tara had rejoined the group, they had all decided to find a table and have a drink or two. They didn’t talk about anything specific… just random thoughts as they all enjoyed the company they had missed for so long. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Even Angel had graced them with a smile or two. Now, a few hours later, they said their goodbyes to Lorne and left his interesting, yet comfortable, bar.



Walking down the street, the group looked fairly normal. Anyone passing by wouldn’t particularly notice the way Willow and Tara were completely lost in each other. Dawn, who was walking behind them, wondered how they were even able to stay upright. Xander was doing his best to fend off his ex-demon fiancé, who had had enough reunion time and was ready to get back to their private hotel room. Buffy and Angel were on high alert. Their eyes kept darting into dark places, looking for anything that might cause trouble.



They safely made it to Willow’s apartment. It was about three blocks from the karaoke bar. The neighborhood was respectable, not ritzy or anything, but safe enough to be alone at night. The apartment building was three floors high. The outside was made of white brick. Each unit had its own patio. Willow lived on the second floor. The gang walked her up to her apartment. Buffy wanted to make sure that she got in safely… plus it gave them a chance to actually see where Willow had been living all this time.



The apartment was small. A one bedroom, one bath just big enough for a single person. In the living room there was a couch, a TV, and a small coffee table. There weren’t many pictures on the wall, but various photographs were placed throughout the room. Most were of Willow and Tara, and the others were of pictures of the entire group in various poses and couples. The kitchen was just off of the living room. A small breakfast bar marked its separation. There were two stools on either side of the bar, though it was obvious it wasn’t used much. The bedroom housed a small bed, and a desk with Willow’s computer equipment. The bathroom was inside the bedroom. It was small, but it worked.



After making sure everything was secure, the group prepared to leave. They would all meet up again in the morning. As they headed out the door, Tara lingered for a moment. Neither she nor Willow really wanted to be apart, but they both felt it was too soon to be staying together in the same bed, even if all that meant was sleeping. Tara left a tender kiss on Willow’s lips, and then met the rest of the group outside.



Finally back to their hotel, Anya and Xander hastily said their goodnights, and then raced off to their own room. Buffy, Dawn, and Tara all shared a knowing smile and silently chuckled at the excited look on Xander’s face. In their own room, the girls decided to call it night. They were all exhausted from the evening’s events and agreed that a good night’s rest was in definite need. Dawn and Buffy shared one bed, while Tara took the other. The three girls lay down and let their exhaustion overtake them.



After an hour of sleep, Tara suddenly bolted up in her bed. She had sweat pouring down from her hairline. She was gasping for breath, and both hands were holding the side of her head. Buffy, hearing her ragged breathing, sat up and looked over at Tara. She called her name, but when she got no answer she reached over and turned on the light. Panic crossed her features as she took in the sight of the blonde holding her head and rocking back and forth on the bed.



“Tara!” she yelled. “What’s wrong? What’s going on?”



“Buffy, it's Willow... sh... she...she's screaming in my head. There's so much pain.... she's dy… she's dying… she...." was all she could manage to get out. Suddenly, she stopped rocking and her head shot up.



"Tara! She's What!?!?" Buffy yelled again, the panic now evident in her rising voice.

       

"She's gone, Buffy. Willow's gone..."

**********************************************



Sorry for the short update, but it's all I had time to do today. I am going to try and get another update posted tonight, but we'll see how that goes. Hope you enjoy!!

[iceprincess2076]

AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!



Ok, with that out of the way. I have been reading your fic and loving it, but that was just.......MEAN!!!! Leaving it there. Jeez, talk about a cliffhanger!!!



Oh, please update soon!!!!!!!!!!!





ICE

[sunspud]

iceprincess2077: So sorry to leave you at the cliff. Let me help you back. There ya go... much better. I'm so glad you are liking the fic. I promise I will try not to be mean anymore... though I have been told I have a sadisitic streak. That must have been what happened. But see, I'm nice, cuz I spent the last few hours writing the next part, and now here it is for your reading pleasure.



**********************************************



CHAPTER SIX



Bufffy raced down the sidewalk. Surprisingly, Tara kept pace with her. Buffy had never seen Tara so determined. The others trailed several feet behind, just keeping them in sight. They didn’t really know the direction to Willow’s apartment, but Buffy trusted Tara’s connection with Willow to lead them there. They raced on, ignoring the screaming of their lungs and the throbbing ache in their legs. As they rounded corner after corner, Willow’s complex finally came into view. Never breaking her stride Buffy raced up the stairs, taking them two at a time. When she reached Willow’s door, she kicked it open and sped into the living room. Tara followed shortly after and the sight that greeted her made her heart clench and her stomach churn.



Willow lay on the floor. Looming over her was a figure cloaked in a black robe. From their viewpoint, the two girls could not make out a face. They weren’t even sure if it had one. Its hands were stretched towards Willow’s prone form, a green energy seeping from its fingers. It looked as if the energy was making contact with her skin, but just before it reached her a thin and weakening barrier repelled it. Willow’s eyes were shut tight. They couldn’t make out her words, but could tell she was chanting trying to keep the energy from reaching her. It was obvious she was weak, and she looked as though she were slipping into unconsciousness. In the few seconds it took to take in the horrific sight, Buffy leapt at the demon and knocked him to the ground. Willow let out an audible gasp, her exertions finally pulling her into a darkened realm.



Once Buffy had the demon, or thing, away from Willow, Tara raced to her love. “Willow, baby, please answer me.” She sobbed. Not knowing what had happened before they arrived, she could think of nothing that would bring her love out of her unconscious state. At that moment, Xander, Anya, and Dawn raced into the room.



“Buffy!!!” Xander yelled.



“Xander, get Willow into the hall.” She yelled back as she backhanded the demon in the side of his head (??) and sent him flying over the breakfast bar. She leapt over the bar and began mercilessly pounding the demon in his chest.



Xander raced over to kneel beside Tara. He gently picked Willow up and led the group into the hall. Tara sat next to the wall, and Xander put Willow on the floor beside her, her head resting in Tara’s lap. As she cradled her love, the four Scoobies heard a hideous howl followed by a bone-crunching thud. Xander raced back inside in time to see Buffy fly over the bar and hit the wall. She slid down its length and did not move from the floor.



“Buffy!!” he yelled again. Engulfed in a rage and a confidence he never knew existed he charged at the creature only to be met with a solid fist connecting with the side of his head. He slumped to the floor in an unconscious heap.



The creature had had enough. He had not come here expecting resistance from the witch, and he had certainly not expected to be met with the force of her friends. He raised his hands over his head and energy began to crackle all around him. His hands shot open, palms facing upwards, and as the energy flowed, the entire complex went black.



Outside in the hall, Dawn and Anya sat down next to Tara and Willow. “Tara, what’s going on?” Dawn asked, fear evident in her voice.



“I don’t know Dawnie. I can’t see anything. Goddess, Willow, wake up. Please.” Anya reached out and grabbed Tara’s free hand while taking Dawn’s in her other. Just when they thought there was no hope they heard the distinct sounds of fighting coming from inside. Thuds and grunts were all they could make out. They huddled closer together, fearing that either Buffy or Xander were battling the creature, and praying that they didn’t lose. They heard a crash and the sound of glass breaking, followed by an ear-piercing scream. Then, everything was silent.



None of the girls could move. Fear had taken them over. Fear for themselves, and fear for their

loved ones that were just on the other side of the wall. Then, just as suddenly as they had gone out, the lights flickered back on. They looked at each other for a brief moment before Anya and Dawn tentatively stood up and made their way towards the door.



Walking into the room, Dawn felt a wave of sickness pass over her as she took in the sight. On top of the broken coffee table, the creature lay motionless in a pool of its own blood. A sharp piece of glass was protruding from its neck. Dawn turned her head to the side and caught of her sister beginning to stir. She ran over to her as Anya knelt down and delicately touched her fiancé’s arm.



“What happened?” Buffy croaked. Being a slayer, she was used to being thrown into walls, but being knocked out was still new to her.



“We don’t know. You got hit, and then Xander got knocked out. All the lights went out and we heard fighting. We thought it was one of you guys, but when the lights came on you were all on the floor.” Dawn explained. She helped her sister up and they walked over to Anya. Xander was just beginning to stir, and Buffy helped lift her friend to his feet.



Once on his feet, he looked around the room. He too felt sickened by the sight of the dead creature in the middle of the room. He looked at Buffy and asked, “Willow?”



“She’s in the hall with Tara. She’s still not awake.” Anya answered.



“Come on.” Buffy said. “Let’s get out of here.”



The four walked back out into the hall. Buffy knelt down next to Tara and stroked Willow’s hand. “How is she?” she asked.



“I don’t know. Buffy, she won’t wake up. Why won’t she wake up?” Tara replied as tears fell freely from her face. She didn’t want to believe that after everything they had been through, she would find Willow again only to have her taken away once more.



Buffy didn’t know how to respond. She could feel the pain in her own heart and knew that it was miniscule compared to what Tara must be going through. She had to say something, though. As she opened her mouth to speak, she heard a sharp intake of breath. She looked down and saw that Willow’s was slowly moving her head, trying to open her eyes. Tara too noticed, and her attention was once more focused on the redhead in her arms.



Willow slowly opened her eyes and she thought she must be dead. She could barely make out the features of the figure staring at her. She had a heavenly appearance. Her blonde hair shrouded her beautiful face. “An angel…” she whispered.



“No, baby. It’s just me.” Tara said, a smile gracing her lips.



“Tara.” Willow sighed. She mentally decided that waking to see Tara, even after being unconscious, was by far a thousand times better than waking to see an angel.



“Willow, are you ok?” Buffy asked.



“Yeah, just feel a little dizzy. I would so love to get out of here though.”



“Can you walk?” Tara asked.



“I might need a little help.” Willow replied. She looked at Tara and gave her a warm smile. Tara felt her heart flutter. Even in her weakened state Willow could still take her breath away with a simple smile.



Buffy gently helped Willow to her feet. Tara stood next to her and wrapped her arm around Willow’s waist. Willow draped her arm over Tara’s shoulder. They made their way down the stairs, Anya and Xander following in a similar pose. Dawn walked over to Buffy and the two sisters followed the other’s lead and walked back to the hotel arm in arm.



As they passed the edge of the building, Angel stepped out from the shadows. He watched the group make their way down the street. A small half smile graced his lips as he whispered “No problem” to their retreating backs.



**********************************************



In the next part I will finally reveal what this ugly, and thankfully dead, demon creature thingie wanted with Willow.



Quick question... anyone know why I went from a blessed wannabe to a floating rose, and then back to a blessed wannabe? no biggie.. just curious...........



*Edited to say: Scratch that last quesiton. Like a good girl, I went and found out on my own. Amazing the things you learn when you actually try....

Edited by: sunspud at: 12/16/02 9:36:01 pm

[deixs]

I am glad that the others could rescue Willow, but why was Angel there?

Can't wait for the next update!



Stef

[deixs]

Thank god, Willow is safe!

What was Angel doing there?



Stef