Title: Contentment
Part: 16/?
Email address:
mtnlaurels34@hotmail.comDistribution: I just like to write...but it would be fun to know if this shows up somewhere else.
Feedback: This is my first fic, but I already think I'm going to be a feedbackaholic...your insights will help me steer some of the "fun" aspects of the W/T relationship *wink,wink*
Spoilers: This is completely AU! No spoilage here.
Rating: PG-13?
Disclaimer: Yeah, so I just thought it would be fun to play with the Willow/Tara relationship. I have no rights whatsoever...most of the other characters in this fic are new, so that should be fun.
Author's Note: Imanerd that only just realized I named the damn horse in chapter 12 or 13 "Doc" it will be easier to change the name of the animal than the nickname of a character in this next section...Sorry. I'm an idiot. This was just a fun chapter cause I can't take any more emotional stress right now...enjoy. Have a good week. Forgive my stupidity.
Laurel
Ch.16
Knock, knock, knock Flesh rapping against the wood of the front door brought Tara out of her last moments of sleep. Slowly, regretfully, the blonde disengaged herself from beneath a deeply sleeping Willow.
Annie stood at the front door, a huge smile on her face. Before she could shout her cheerful greeting, Tara put a finger to lips and jerked her head in the direction of the couch.
The younger woman nodded in understanding and dropped her voice before speaking. “Did you guys sleep down here all night?”
“It’s a long story kiddo. Let’s just say the storm woke us up and we ended up talking down here ‘til we fell asleep.”
Ann nodded once more, “Well, no one has made it back yet...I think they’re only just now waking up. At least another hour before the first group makes it back. Mind if I have breakfast with you? I mean, I can go pick something up and come back later. I just thought...”
“Sweetie, you know you don’t have to ask. Wanna help me cook?”
Annie hugged her aunt quickly, “I’ve got the coffee and juice. You get the pancakes.”
“Sounds like a plan. Why don’t you get us started and I’ll wake Wil.”
Moving towards the kitchen, the teen tossed an “Okay” over her shoulder before grabbing the empty coffee pot.
Tara knelt on the floor beside the couch and traced the curves of her beloved’s face with her eyes. She lifted a hand to caress the soft skin of Willow’s cheek then kissed her forehead.
“Sweetheart, it’s time to wake up.”
Willow’s eyes partially opened to focus on Tara. Their lips were only inches apart and the half-conscious woman instinctively moved to bridge the gap. Tara’s senses swam from the desire evidenced in her lover’s kiss and she returned the yearning before forcing herself to pull away.
Dark green eyes fixed on Tara’s face in near hurt while the blonde kept reminding herself silently that her niece was in the next room. “Wil, Annie’s making coffee in the kitchen.”
Instantly, Willow’s eyes cleared. “I’m sorry, I didn’t...”
“You didn’t know she was here. We were trying to be quiet, but we’re gonna make breakfast and I figured you would want to get dressed.”
“Good morning, Ann!” Willow called out to the teen nearby.
The younger woman continued her chore as she replied. “Hey, Wil! Sorry I woke you two up so early; normally Tare’s up. I just forgot...”
“S’okay, sweetie. I’m just lazy. We’re glad you’re here.” the redhead called out once again.
Tara smiled at Willow’s lie, knowing that she did it to make Annie feel welcome. “I love you Willow.” the director announced without taking her eyes off the woman on the couch.
Willow stole another quick kiss “And I love you, too. Glad we agree.”
Ten minutes later, Willow emerged from the bathroom dressed in jeans and a bright colored t-shirt.
“You look so cute, Wil!” Annie exclaimed. “Can I braid your hair? The girls will love it.”
Willow’s bottom lip poked out in mock disgruntlement. “Sure, make me look even younger than I already do. I don’t care!”
“C’mon. It’ll be fun!” the teen pleaded.
“You know I can’t say no to you when you do the puppy-dog-eye-thing Ann. Yeah, you can braid my hair...”
The girl giggled happily as Tara laid the plate of pancakes onto the counter top. Leaning close, the director whispered for Willow’s ears only. “Cutes’ all well and good for some people, but I always thought braids were sexy.”
Willow chuckled at the blonde’s slow wink and settled herself onto a stool so that they could begin the meal.
Tara listened as Willow and her niece planned out their day wishing, as always, she could set aside her own responsibilities and join them.
Her thoughts were interrupted as her cell phone rang at her side. “Hello? Hey, Tammy. What’s up? Uh-huh. I’ll be down there in about ten minutes, ok?”
“What’s wrong?” Willow asked.
Standing up, Tara breathed deeply. “Something’s wrong with one of the horses and Tammy wants me to come take a look. Sorry, I need to go. Do you mind cleaning up a little while I get dressed?”
“No problem. You cooked, we’ll clean...it’s a good system.” Willow grinned cheekily.
“Thanks.” Tara hugged her niece and dropped a kiss of Willow’s forehead.
--
“I think she’ll be alright with some rest, Tammy. Just to be safe, go ahead and call Doc.”
Tammy’s expressive eyes shot wide at the suggestion. “You want me to get Michelle down here?”
Blushing only slightly, Tara turned a defensive face to her Equestrian Director. “She’s a good vet, Tammy. You know it and so do I. Call her and tell her about Measles...see if she can stop by later.”
The staffer took a deep breath and grinned at her employer. “Might not be my place to ask this but, ah, how’s Willow gonna feel about your ex coming for a house call?”
I have absolutely no idea... “I’m sure she’ll understand. That was a long time ago”
Oh please let her understand....
Tammy continued to laugh inwardly at her ‘fearless leader’ as she turned to find the number for the town’s youngest veterinarian.
This should be interesting.--
“OK Ann. You’re in control of the camera for this next bit.”
Grinning broadly, the younger woman taunted Willow. “The Nature Study group is just catching tadpoles, Wil. The don’t even have legs yet...can’t hop on ya.”
Willow turned wide green eyes to her teenage companion. “No, no, no. I’m fine. I’m finer than fine. I’m Fine-y McFine. I just want you to have this, uh, tremendous opportunity to get close to the kids and help with the video—this is for you more than for me. Really. Now, go on over there and get the footage and I’ll just wait over here so I don’t disturb you.”
“Coward!” The young woman shouted over her shoulder.
“Nag.” the redhead responded naturally.
Am I a coward? Yes. I’m a big nerdy coward afraid of beastie little things smaller than...peas. Peas are green, too. Why are tadpoles, like, black and not green like full-grown frogs and like peas? I need to look that up; it’ll drive me nuts. Maybe we can add a little fun section into the evening programs ‘Random Facts with Miss Willow!’ When did they all start calling me miss? When did I get old? Willow continued her musings along this vein until she heard a little voice calling to her from nearby affirming her silent conversation. “Miss Willow! Look what I just got! I got five of’em at once!”
Looking up in time to catch sight of Serena, an inquisitive little blonde girl that was anything but what her name suggested, Willow noted the cup full of angry tadpoles and attempted to back away from the child’s all too quick approach.
“Oh yeah! Those are cute sweetie! Ah, why don’t you go show Ann the, um, things you caught. Ok? She has the camera. Go show her.”
“Miss Willow, don’t be silly. I caught them for you. They’re a present!” The little one announced grinning proudly.
As the other children noted Willow’s presence, they too became interested in impressing the nice, pretty lady.
The redhead had to concentrate on not squealing in distress as the children pressed forward with their little gifts. She did, however, catch sight of Ann getting the entire episode on tape as well as the other staffers laughing at her obvious discomfort.
“Oh, go on ‘Miss Willow’. Take the nice presents from the kiddies. They love you.” Rachel teased happily.
--
Tara could hear the Nature Study group nearby as well as the children’s pleas to gift Willow with amphibian friends. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she heard Rachel goad her love.
Michelle Stahl stood talking with her friend about the condition of the horse in question when she caught sight of the faraway look in the director’s eyes. “And when he starts flying again, everything should be alright. Just make sure the campers ride him with seatbelts on or else they risk falling in the lake.”
“Ok, Doc. I’ll make sure the kids...Wait, what?” Tara shook her head as the words penetrated her mind finally.
The dark haired vet smiled.
Finally. Something has shaken the unshakable. I gotta meet this woman. “A little preoccupied there, Cap?”
Tara returned the woman’s smile. “Maybe just a little bit. So, my horse is ok, you think?” neatly attempting to change the topic.
“Yeah, Measles will be fine. Just give him a few days to recoup.” she drawled easily. “You, however...I think a number has been done to you. You may never recover. Who is she?”
A happy smile warmed Tara’s heart, graced her lips, and lit her eyes. “My best friend.” she stated finally.
“Hmm. Do I get to meet her?”
Concerned blue eyes turned to meet the almost black gaze of the vet. “Doc, I don’t know...”
“Aww, c’mon. I won’t embarrass you too much. I won’t tell anyone about the way you seduced me six years ago...HEY!” the darker woman complained when Tara swatted her arm playfully. “No hitting of the medical personnel. I’m one big sensitive instrument!”
“Rebecca Michelle Stahl, if you say anything of the sort to my Willow, I am going to kill you.”
The young vet smirked a little at the vehemence in Tara’s voice. “Mighty possessive, aren’t we now? Yep. Now I’m all kinds of curious. You coming with or do I have to find her all by myself?”
“I’m going with you...to make sure you don’t say anything to upset her.”
Oh, this is going to be way too easy. It used to take forever to get Tara this riled up...--
“Ann, who’s that woman with Tara?”
The teen turned to follow Willow’s gaze. “Doc!” Annie squealed as she ran toward the approaching woman.
“Yeah, that’s right Annie-girl. You’d better come give me a hug ...or I’ll trounce you!”
Willow gave ‘Doc’ the once over deciding immediately she didn’t like the exuberant hugs Ann was giving the woman...nor did she like the familiarity amongst the trio.
Michelle noted the glint that entered the green eyes sizing her up.
I’d expect nothing less from a redhead. Tara’s got her hands full...good.
“Little Bit, I want to breathe please.” she smiled at the young woman as she extricated herself from the clingy arms that held her.
Tara reached for Willow’s hand and focused on the not-so-happy look her lover sported as began the introductions. “Uh, Willow. This is Dr. Michelle Stahl. She came by to check on Measles.”
“Doc, this is my girl, Willow Rosenberg.” the pride was evident in Tara’s voice and it had a slightly calming affect on Willow’s quickly rising jealousy.
Michelle extended her hand in greeting “It’s nice to meet you Willow.”
“And you, Dr. Stahl.” the redhead replied woodenly.
The veterinarian inwardly laughed at Willow’s ‘heart-felt’ enthusiasm. “Why don’t you call me Michelle or Doc, even...that was my old camp name.”
“They called you ‘Doc’ even back then?” Willow questioned.
Dark eyes danced mischievously as Michelle addressed Willow’s query. “I sorta got the nickname after someone said I was good with my hands—thorough and all that...” shooting a wicked look at Tara squirm, the vet continued. “We only kept the name because it so happened that I decided to become a veterinarian so the name remained valid—isn’t that right, Cap!”
Tara had to squeeze Willow’s wrist to keep her from attacking the woman. “You know better, Michelle. Now, tell her the truth.”
“Okay, fine!” biting down on her lip to keep from laughing at the evil looks Willow was sending her way. “My second year as a cabin leader, we were out on the overnight trail ride when one of the horses pretty scratched up. I was handy with the first aid kit, took care of the animal, and got a new nickname...it stuck. Happy now?”
Tara felt Willow relax minutely, and so nodded her approval. “Yes, thank you.”
Annie chimed in once again, “Hey, Doc! Wanna come have lunch with me? Please, please, please...I know Dad will want to see you and he’s supposed to be coming.”
“Is that ok with you Tara?” the taunting woman asked her old friend.
“You know you don’t even have to ask...in fact, you should stay for the closing program tonight. I remember how much you used to enjoy that.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d actually like to come back for that...I have some work I need to get to this afternoon, but if it’s ok, I’ll come back after dinner.”
Tara nodded and grinned. “We’d love to have you, Doc.”
Annie was already halfway up the hill waiting for Doc to follow her to the cafeteria. A full grin split the veterinarians face at Tara’s words. ...
just one more good jibe. I swear no more. “Anytime.” she added gleefully, slapping Tara’s behind seconds before running up the hill.
Tara grabbed Willow just before she could take off after the laughing woman.
“What was with all the touchy, touchy of the..the..” Willow sputtered, so upset she couldn’t even babble.
“Wil, Doc was just being herself. She likes to test people to see how far she can push them...”
“Not me, not far before I kick her ass.” Willow began to grumble under her breath.
Tara wrapped her arms around Willow and felt the woman stiffen. “Are you mad at me for not telling you, Willow? How was I supposed to...”
“I don’t like her. And your hugging me...and people can see. Everyone said my braids were ‘cute’. And the staff let the kids chase me with the frogs. An-and did you really used to date her?”
A smile played at Tara’s lips over Willow’s pouting as well as her jealousy. “You know what I think?”
“You probably think I’m being silly...”
Tara kissed Willow’s forehead. “Don’t put words in my mouth. I was thinking...” Tara softened the rebuke by dropping lower to place a kiss on the tip of Willow’s nose. “...maybe we should skip lunch cause I have something I really want to show you in the barn.”
“What is this ‘Torture Willow Day’...are you going to make me play with the horses again?” Willow complained as she followed Tara’s lead.
Tara stopped, causing Willow to bump into her back. “Fine, if you don’t want to frolic in the hay, you know, fine by me...I’ve got paperwork to do.”
“Frolic? We get to frolic. Like, you know cavort or romp...roll about in the hay? I can do that. I’m a jean wearing country girl...look at my pigtails!”
--
“Hey, Willow.”
The redhead turned from her place in front of the computer screen to find the veterinarian standing in the threshold of the office door.
“Hey, there...you. Tare’s out with the kids gathering firewood for tonight; I can call her if you like.”
even if I don’t...“Actually, I came early to talk to you, if that’s okay...”
“Uh, sure. About what.”
this is a no-brainer, brainiacWillow chided herself.
“About what I said this afternoon. I was joking...really, just trying to piss you off—and it worked. But I was wrong. I’m sorry for taking things so far.”
Willow sat silently, not sure how to respond.
“Wil, I was Tara’s first girlfriend...I know you know that much. But you need to know something else—she’s completely in love with you. You should have seen her, the look on her face when she just heard someone
say your name. She was lost completely. I’ve known her for years, I’ve known every girl she’s dated...I have never seen her with anyone the way I see her with you.”
Left momentarily speechless by the doctor’s words, Willow opened and closed her mouth several times before words passed through her lips. “W-why did you two ever break up? I’m a glutton for punishment...Why?”
Sadness tinged the dark, solemn eyes of the young vet. “Because I didn’t know how to love anyone, not even someone as easy to care about as Tara...but I learned so much from her. I’m sorry if I ever hurt her, but—as strange as it seems—I’m glad she loves you as much as she does. I just hope you love her back.”
“I do.” Willow responded immediately, surprising herself with the gentle voice with which she addressed the woman she nearly hated only hours before.
“Good!” the brunette put her hands together with a smile. “Now, time for a peace offering! I have a present for you.”
“Michelle, you didn’t have to get me anything, really. It’s not like the kind of thing you give presents for I don’t think.”
“Well, it’s more like you’re doing me a favor. I just happened to notice you don’t have any pets or fun camp mascots hanging around here--we used to have a pig.”
Pulling a box to rest in front of Willow, Michelle motioned to the box with a wave of her hand “Since any fool can pick up a cat or dog, I thought I’d bring you something extra special to symbolically end this negotiation of peace.”
Willow carefully pulled back the flaps of the cardboard box to reveal: “A baby lamb!”
“Yeah, I’m a sick-o, so I named the poor animal Lambchop, but you can change that if you like. I just wanted her to have a good home and I could think of none better than here.”
--
Everyone was putting together the last minute touches for their performances for the closing activities.
Most of the little girls spent their free time that evening braiding each others’ hair to resemble the style Willow had worn earlier that day. As the computer consultant crossed the camp ground, their new pet held closely to her chest, she marveled at how much the children pick up on without anyone having to say a word.
I think I’m only beginning to understand what Tara seesWillow opened the door to Tara’s office below the cafeteria to find the blonde sitting behind her desk, talking to a parent over the phone, reading over a campers’ medical records. As soon as she hung up, the director swiveled completely around to face Willow.
“Where did you acquire that little...what the heck is that? A lamb?”
“Yep. Mom, meet our new baby, Lambchop. Lambchop, meet your other Mommy.”
“Doc?”
“Yes. Lambchop was an offering of peace. And we accepted. Now hold the animal so I can kiss you properly.”
Tara laughed as Willow gently placed the sleeping pet onto her lap and quickly removed her reading glasses before placing them on the desk.
“Oh! This is a serious kiss—the glasses have been removed! What did I do to deserve such a prize from you?”
“You exists...that’s pretty much enough.” Willow’s lips quickly found Tara’s. They were just beginning to respond to the playful touch when Ed’s discreet cough interrupted them.
“If I’d have waited much longer, you’d have been mad at me...don’t give me the evil eye. The campers are getting ready to assemble...thought you might like to know.”
“No” Willow responded playfully and set about kissing Tara’s grinning mouth once again.
“Okay, okay. We’re coming now...a girl can’t make out with her girl around here anywhere...”
“Except the barn.” Tara whispered for Willow’s ears only.
“Yes, except for the barn...but we’ll keep that little secret to ourselves, right?”
“Right. Oh, of course.”
“Right. So, what do you think of our new camp mascot?”
Tara eyed the young animal in her lap. “I
think... Doc has a weird sense of humor.”
Willow laughed and nodded her agreement.
TBC--whaddya think?
Edited by: mtnlaurel at: 6/9/02 7:32:54 pm
Who cares about that other girl, what's her name again? Amber who? 
