Early Days

[Lost in blue]

Title: Early Days

Author: Lost in blue (Helen)

Email: lostinblue1004@hotmail.com

Rating: NC-17, just to be sure (although fairly innocent-ish)

Disclaimer: The characters in this fiction are not mine, they unfortunately belong to Joss and co and all that, blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda. Please don’t sue me- I have no money anyway.

Feedback: Yes please, good, bad, even *gulp* the ugly. This is my first time posting a fiction so any feedback is gratefully received.

Summary: This is just my view on those early days (hence the title) when our girls first met back in season four. I know this has been done a hundred times and by far better writers but I thought I’d have a go.

Notes: This is dedicated to my girlfriend Michelle (Gimp Girl). It’s our 9 month anniversary today. Happy Anniversary baby. I love you.



----





Looking around the group Willow finds herself a little disheartened. She thought by now perhaps the wicca group would have moved on, she’d hoped the previous meetings were just a slow steady lead into bigger things but still nothing, zip.



Why do I still keep coming to these stupid meetings? They’re just a bunch of wannablessedbe’s



Yet Willow felt something compelling her to stay. There something pulling at the core of her being, there was something special here.



Maybe there is something here and I’m the one supposed to start it. Perhaps if I give them a gentle prod in the right direction.



The girls were busy talking about bake sales and newsletters whilst Willow thought about the best way to approach the subject of actually practising as Wiccans. The girl Nicole was still talking, she seemed to like talking a whole lot.



“Also, who left their scented candles dripping all over my

woman-power shrine?”



Ok that’s enough hooey, time to broach the subject. Start slow, don’t wanna scare them away.



Willow took a deep breath and did something she usually hated to do, she interrupted.



“Well, this is good, this is all fun... a bake sale, some baked goods there... But there's

also other stuff... that we might show interest in... as a wicca group...”

“Like what?” Nicole asked harshly, apparently disgruntled by the interruption, or perhaps just the sound of someone else’s voice other than her own.

“Well, there's the wacky notion of spells... you know: conjuring, transmutation...” Willow suggested hopefully.

This time it was the girl Cheryl who piped up, “Oh yeah, and then we can all get on our broomsticks and ride around on our broomsticks!” Willow couldn’t decide which girl she disliked more.

“You know, certain stereotypes are not very empowering...” Nicole practically spat at her.



Ok so maybe that was too much too soon, they look kinda freaked, well more pissed off. I’m thinking that’s a definite no on the spell front. It looks like I’m wasting my time here after all. Oh well I tried I guess, I just won’t come here again.



Willow felt somewhat deflated but then she heard a soft voice pipe up.

“I think that-” the girl paused. Willow looked intently at the girl.



Maybe



But Willow didn’t have time to contemplate the other girl further as Cheryl carried on as if the other girl hadn’t even spoken.



“One person's energy can suck the power right out of the circle, no offence.”



Willow felt uncomfortable. The negativity from the group towards her was coming off in waves. She fidgeted slightly in her seat sensing she had definitely made herself unwelcome.



Ok maybe I dislike those girls equally. I can’t believe the way Cheryl just ignored that other girl, like what she has to say is so much more important….



Willow was pulled out of her inner rant by the sound of the reappearance of the quiet girl’s voice.



“Well, m-maybe…” The girl stuttered. She seemed so unsure of herself, like she wasn’t used to speaking in front of a group of people or maybe anyone for that matter.



Willow gazed at her again, she knew she could feel something.



Something…. But what is that?



“Yeah? Tara? Guys, quiet. You have a suggestion?” Cheryl smirked slightly as she saw the growing discomfort in the quiet girl. The quiet girl, Tara, just shook her head and looked down, hiding behind her hair. Willow felt her heart falter slightly, she could feel the girl’s discomfort. She didn’t even listen to the rest of what was said by the group, it had become painfully clear to Willow that they were not her kind of people. Willow didn’t care for people who would treat anyone the way the group treated Tara. Sure she didn’t know the girl but she knew what it was like to be treated that way, like an outcast, an outsider. Willow may be more confident now but there was still that part of her that was still back in her geek days with the likes of Cordelia and Harmony putting her down every chance they got. Tara looked up at Willow, she looked straight into her eyes. Willow felt a shiver run down her spine and then it was gone as Tara looked down again.



What the frilly heck was that? Maybe she’s evil…. No, she doesn’t feel evil. There’s definitely something about that girl though.



Willow spent the rest of the meeting examining the shy blonde, trying to analyse what it could have been that she felt when the girl had looked at her. She decided to approach the girl after the meeting, try to find out more about her. As the meeting came to a close Willow stood and bent to pick up her bag, when she stood back up all she saw was the retreating figure of the quiet girl.



Willow sighed aloud, feeling crushed and somewhat deflated she decided it probably wasn’t meant to be and left to meet up with Buffy, trying to ignore the lingering niggling feeling in the back of her mind.





....to be continued



----



ok so that's one part posted, more will be posted soon if requested. Hope it didn' suck too bad, it kinda starts slow. Ok I'm gonna go hide again now.



Love Helen xxxxx <--- that icon will make my baby laugh: ooh look a pink elephant!!

"I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy" Dory, Finding Nemo

[Gimpgirl]

Hey honey....



Ok so where to start first? Well, must start with the Happy Anniversary baby. Nine months and you are still putting up with my weirdness.....makes me love you more. I feel so special that you dedicated this to me....me so special..... .



Anyway-onto replying to the story. I just love your writing baby. You have such a talent....*cheeky grin*....for writing you sicko....*smirk*. I really love the story and can't wait to read more.



I love you baby....... . Me loves my baby.



Michelle

"just when you think you got me figured out the seasons already changing...."-Meredith Brooks

[TexanZeppo256]

Hey Lost In Blue(Helen)!



Which do you prefer anyways? LIB or Helen?



Getting back on track though, i gotta say that I really like the direction that this story is heading in. I haven't seen too many S4 fics from Willow's perspective that were this good.



I really like how you have Willow feel the spark between her and Tara, yet not know what it is or what it means. A lot of authors make the mistake of having Willow say to herself, "gee, I think i'm kinda gay" 20 minutes after meeting Tara.



Granted that's full of fluffy goodness, but it's also very unrealistic. So kudos to you! You're doing a great job so far.



And take it from some one who doesn't have a biased opinion (no offense to michelle); your writing style and quality is really good, very realistic, and kinda adictive.



So write fast and be sure to give us our next fic fix!



*flashes the Vulcan Hammer*

Live long, prosper, and have many orgasms!

---Ryan

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



There she is! There she is... Ahh... Not so wounded as we were led to believe... So much the better. --Khan, "Star Trek II: WOK"



From The Land of Tolerance,

---The Texan Zeppo

[Goffgurl07]

Hey Lost in Blue!

Just wanted to tell you that your story is off to a great start, and that I can't wait to see more!

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

"Can I make it right, can I spend the night....alone."-Angie Hart Blue

[pikescoob]

Helen!! Happy Anniversary to you and Michelle...she's a good friend of mine and to see her so happy is awesome...you two are just so darn cute *grin* I'd like to put in a request for more cuz I think you write really well...I'll definitely be checking for updates *grin*



Michelle

[Tempest Duer]

Happy anniversary, you two.



And this is a nice-looking fic. I'm a sucker for "how they met" stories. What can I say?

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[SJ]

You have a great writing style

[sam darls]

Wow.I loved this . Can't wait for more. Love sammi xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

[Lost in blue]

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement, it makes my heart all warm and fuzzy. Anyway I’m way to impatient so here’s an update, hope you all enjoy it.



(*N.b: Thoughts in Italics)



----



(Later that evening)



Willow was in her and Buffy’s shared dorm room. She’d been studying, telling herself she just wanted to be prepared for her upcoming tests but really she was just trying to take her mind off of the situation with Buffy and the other scoobies. Things hadn’t been right between them for quite some time, Willow was feeling lonely and in a way rejected. Then there was that feeling still in the back of her mind. The quiet girl. Tara. The shy blond girl was still creeping into Willow’s thoughts, that feeling she had felt was so powerful. She had felt it, almost like an electrical current running through her, filling her, she’d felt so alive for those few seconds, more alive than she’d felt in months, than she had ever felt.



Willow was jolted out of her thoughts by a commotion outside her room. There was a loud pounding outside, one that was only matched by the pounding of her own heart. Tentatively she approached her door and placed her hand on the door handle.



Ok, stay calm. Think rationally. The Gentleman are out there looking to steal people’s hearts, is it wise to be in such a hurry, hurry to open the door when you don’t know what’s on the other side?



The pounding continued, getting ever closer.



On the other hand, someone could be in trouble. Maybe someone’s being chased by the Gentlemen.



An image of someone terrified and being chased filled Willow’s mind. The thought of someone scared, alone and in danger strengthened Willow’s determination. She put on her resolve face and opened the door. Just as she stepped through the door she felt a weight crash into her and send her flying to the ground. Momentarily she thought the Gentlemen had got her but then felt a wave of relief as she looked up and saw a girl before her, it was Tara. The relief was short lived however as she felt a pain shoot through her ankle and then the feeling of terror returned as she looked up to see that the Gentlemen had been chasing the quiet girl. Tara quickly helped her to her feet and offered her some support and half carried her as they ran to the staircase. They ran down the stairs as fast as they could in their predicament. They ran into the laundry room and locked the door behind them but it didn’t seem like the door would hold for long. Willow hobbled over to the soda machine and tried to push it towards the door but to no avail. She flopped down to the ground and nursed her throbbing ankle. She then looked back to the soda machine and put her resolve face back on. She stared intently at the machine, trying to conjure up all her power that she could. The machine shuddered slightly but then stilled once more. The sound of the pounding on the door seemed to intensify as Willow silently sighed feeling defeated. Then she felt Tara’s hand on hers, a gesture of comfort she thought but then she felt it. That feeling she had felt when Tara had looked at her, only this time it was increased. She looked up at the other girl in wonder, as she made eye contact the feeling magnified. She could feel their connection, there was power flowing between them like an electrical flow. She knew exactly what they needed to do, like Tara was telling her somehow without speaking, but Willow sensed there was no need for words between them. In unison they turned their heads to look at the soda machine and sent their combined energy towards it. It flew across the room. Willow stared at it for a moment in wonder, feeling slightly stunned. She looked at Tara and saw that the girl was staring at her in equal wide-eyed wonder.



What the? What was that?! Who is this girl?



Willow knew that there was something special her. She had read of other witches who practiced together, that shared a connection. She had only ever read about it happening to witches who had known each other for years, or at the very least a few months. They had to know each other so that they could become attuned enough to one another to be able to perform the same spell at the same time, with out even the need for words before hand. Their minds had to be in perfect synchrony.



But we only just met. I mean the first time I really noticed her was today. How can we already have that kind of connection? Maybe it was just the power of the moment or something…. Or maybe it’s something else, something more.



A small voice started to creep into Willow’s mind. She shook her head, as though the act would clear the thoughts from her head. Then she noticed something, the pounding had stopped.



Could it be?



She listened a few moments longer and then when all she heard was silence she felt relief wash over her.



..... to be continued

----



Ok so that's another part done. Hope it was ok. Another part will be up soon.



Love Helen xxxx

"I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy" Dory, Finding Nemo

[Gimpgirl]

Hey my baby.....



Very good update. And now you can't deny that you have a good writing style because everyone who has read your story thinks so. My baby is so great.



Anyway-back to the encouragement and praise. Even though I can't be unbiased and wouldn't want to be, you are a very awesome writer honey. Your poetry and your story writing are some of the best I have read. And I better stop before I make you blush.



More updates please......



I love you baby...... (oh look a pink elephant *smirk*



Michelle

"just when you think you got me figured out the seasons already changing...."-Meredith Brooks

[tiger17]

I love this fic so far, can't wait for the next update...hopefully that will be soon

Edited by: tiger17 at: 2/10/04 8:27 am

[amazonaa]

hey this is my first reply and i think you did great





keep up the good work.





brittney

[thesongwriter]

hey there!



even me, who isn't on cloud nine and sees through pink glasses aka is in love with you (well...at least i don't think so ...tell me if it's otherwise!), thinks it's really great! *g*

wonderful writing style, please write more and update soon, k?



bb sam

[shuyaku]

I've been trying not to get sucked into another story - between work and school and other stories - I'm stretching it already. But damn I'm hooked! I love the "how they met stories." You do have a great writing style. And I love that you are impatient and feel the need to post often



Keep up the great work.

-shuyaku

Oh God, Willow—you’re giving me the gift of Karen Carpenter. Just when I think I grasp the full extent of your love." - Tara

"Why do birds suddenly appear? It’s because, you are queer…" - Willow (Gods Served and Abandoned by AntigoneUnbound)

[pikescoob]

Hey Helen...excellent update *grin* I'm really glad that you're continuing this and gonna post more. I like how you went through Willow's thought process for opening the door or not...how her pull to help if someone was in trouble overcame her reservations about it possibly being the Gentlemen...update soon *grin*



Michelle

[Tempest Duer]

Well, I'm unbiased and I think this is good. So there!

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[The Rose24]

I am loving this. Don't worry about doing another first meeting story. I love them and never get tired of them.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[wimpy0729]

Hey Helen!



I am so loving your story! I always wondered what happened to the girls after they moved the machine. Can't wait to see where you're taking this.



More soon please!



Wimpy

[SJ]

Great update

[Lost in blue]

Hey everyone, thanks again for all the lovely feedback- just what my poor brain needs after a crappy day. Anyway I'm off to nurse my head and call my girl. Hope you all enjoy the update, here it is:



----



“She did it!!” Willow almost jumped at the sound of her own voice, it had felt like so long since she last used it. Tara jumped slightly too, jolted from her thoughts as she had been gazing at Willow.

“Wh-what? Who ummm, did what?” She asked shyly, aware of the fact that she was still holding hands with the beautiful redhead but if Willow wasn’t going to take her hand away then she certainly wasn’t, she was enjoying the feeling still flowing now gently between them.

“Oh ummm. I mean, I think we’re safe now from ummm…. What do you think that was?” Willow wasn’t sure how much she should really tell the girl, they had still only just met after all. Tar however sensed that Willow knew more than she was letting on. She had seen her in the Wicca meeting, she had mentioned spells, and then there was her power, and she didn’t strike Tara as particularly stupid.

“They’re called the Gentlemen.” Tara stated matter-of-factly.

“You know about the Gentlemen?” Willow asked impressed?

“Yeah, I ummm, I read a lot. I-” But Tara was cut off by a pounding on the door. They both stared at the door anxiously.

“Hey, anyone in there?” they heard a voice call from outside. Willow got up and hobbled over to the side of the soda machine so she could try to call through the door,

“Yeah, give us a second,” She then turned to Tara, “do you think you can do that spell again?” Tara simply nodded in reply. She stood and took hold of Willow’s hand. They looked into one another’s eyes and once again felt their bodies fill with their combined power. They gave each other a small nod and snapped their heads towards the soda machine. It once again flew across the room, back to its original place. Tara then put Willow’s arm around her shoulder so that she could offer the girl her support and helped her across the room. They unlocked the door and found themselves face to face with a fellow student who was surrounded by a horrific mess, all that was left of the Gentlemen. He offered to escort them both back to their dorms which they gratefully accepted. He took Willow’s other side and they took her back to her room first. On their way up the guy did most of the talking, they learnt his name was Pete. He talked about what a weird week it had been and how some weird stuff happens in this neighbourhood, neither girl was really listening though. They just snuck the occasional shy glance at one another, both knowing something had happened tonight.



As they reached her dorm they struggled between opening the door and shuffling Willow inside. Willow wanted to ask Tara to stay. She didn’t know why but she still wanted to get to know this girl better. It was late though and she didn’t want to have to invite Pete to stay too, it would be rude not to but they couldn’t really talk with him there. Instead she decided to give Tara her number. She hobbled over to her desk and wrote her number on a piece of paper and then hobbled back over to Tara and Pete. She handed the piece of paper to Tara who simply looked shocked that it had been given to her and not Pete. Willow smiled softly at Tara, almost forgetting the presence of Pete who right now was shuffling his feet slightly awkwardly sensing he was intruding on an important moment.

“This is my number, you know if you maybe wanna get together sometime maybe. Tonight was really cool, you know, other than all the fear and terror.” Willow was blushing slightly knowing how her words were sounding. She was relieved to see that Tara wasn’t looking horrified at her but was beaming at her. Willow felt a warm feeling in her tummy.



Wow, what a smile. I hadn’t noticed just how pretty she is up close with all the whole being terrified n’all. Not that she wasn’t pretty far away but up close she’s kinda….wow. Those eyes are so....



But Willow was snapped from her thoughts by the sound of Tara’s voice.



“Ummm, thanks. I’ll maybe call you in the morning, see how your ankle is doing?”



Both girls shared a smile, lost in one another’s eyes for a moment, only brought out of their mutual gazing by an awkward cough from Pete.



“Ummm, I’m sorry to interrupt ladies but we should uhhhh, probably get going, it being late and we have classes tomorrow.” Pete gave them both an apologetic look. He’d like nothing more than to let them enjoy whatever it was they were sharing right now but he still had a test to study for in the morning. Both girls blushed at their open stare-fest.



“Sorry Pete, we didn’t mean to keep you waiting. Thank you for your help, I’ll be fine here, just make sure Tara gets back safe ok? I’m holding you responsible if anything happens to her.”

“It’s ok nothing will happen to her, I don’t wanna risk you kicking my butt” he said laughing lightly at the thought.

“Hey don’t be fooled by my sweet demeanour and slight frame, I can give a good glaring at with the best of them!!” Willow puffed out her chest.

“I’ve no doubt about that,” Pete chuckled gently again, “are you ready to go Tara?” Tara looked at Willow, she didn’t want to go but she knew she had to let the girl get some rest, she’d hurt her ankle after all. She felt guilt wash over her but then saw Willow smiling gently at her and knew it was ok. She nodded at Pete.

“Yeah ok. Willow I’ll call you in the morning?” She said in almost a question as she gently took the other girls hand.

“Ok.” Willow beamed at her, happy that her offer of friendship was seemingly being accepted. They shared a look again, one that told them that what they had felt tonight was mutual, that they had indeed shared something, a connection had been formed. Once again they were pulled from their gazing by Pete,

“Ok m’lady, your escort awaits. Good night Willow, be sure to rest yourself.” And with that he directed Tara out the door, much to the disgruntlement of both girls.



....to be continued



----



Well that's another part posted, hope it was okay. I will probably update again tomorrow- yes I know I'm impatient, someone tells me that all the time (hey baby )



Love Helen xxx

"I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy" Dory, Finding Nemo

[Gimpgirl]

Hey honey....



I have no idea what you mean about me telling you that you are impatient...... . I mean really....you tell me that more than I tell you that.....*smirk*.



Anyway-very well done update baby. I don't think that I have to tell you that it was awesome at all because you already knew that......and so does everyone else who reads this story. So, now I'm going to be the typical feedback person and request more, more, more.....please.



I love you baby..... (hehe, pink elephant)



Michelle

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"just when you think you got me figured out the seasons already changing...."-Meredith Brooks

[The Rose24]

One of my favorite scenes from "Hush". The moment W/T joins hands is just so powerful and hard to describe.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[Tempest Duer]

Hush really was a great episode. You're describing it well too.



Poor Pete, we all hate him for separating the girls. But oh well.

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[Lost in blue]

Another day, another update *grin* Aren't you all so glad I'm impatient?! Anyway here's the new update, hope you all enjoy it:



----



The following morning Willow was awoken by the sound of her alarm. She fumbled around trying to make the sound stop. She sat up realising it wasn’t her alarm but the phone. She got up, gently testing her ankle. It seemed ok, still a dull ache. She walked over to the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hi ummm Willow?” A shy voice asked.



Tara.



Willow grinned. “Yeah, hi Tara how are you doing?”

“I’m ummm, fine I guess. How’s your ankle?”

“It’s ok. A slight twinge but I can walk on it.”

Tara sighed relieved. “G-good. Ummm, so do you still wanna maybe meet up?” She asked hopefully.

“Yeah sure that would be great,” Willow struggled to hide her excitement, “I have a psych class today that gets done at 11, maybe we could meet after that?”

“That would be great. I have History this morning, it finishes at 11:15”

“Well that means I’d have just enough time to come meet you from your class, if that’s ok? I mean you might have other plans, I don’t want to be all pushy.”

“No, ummm, no other plans. That would be great. Do you know where it is?”

“Yeah, I pretty much have the whole college mapped out in my brain. So 11:15?”

“Yeah ok. I’ll see you later then.”

“Yeah, see you later. Bye.”

“Bye.”



Willow returned the phone to its cradle, smiling to herself. Just as she did Buffy entered the room.

“Who was that? Hey you’re looking awfully smiley today.”

“Oh ummm, it was nobody. I uhhh, I gotta go shower and stuff, don’t wanna be all stinky for class. See you later Buff.” With that Willow left the room.

“Bye Will.” Muttered a somewhat bewildered Buffy.



Their psychology lecture was going particularly slowly today, or at least it seemed that way to Willow. She kept looking at her watch and then at the clock on the wall as if her watch were lying but sure enough it said the same thing. She tapped her pen impatiently against her notebook and fidgeted in her seat. Then she spotted a concerned look from Buffy and tried in vain to still her restlessness. Finally the lecture was over and Willow quickly gathered her things, making for a quick escape so as not to keep Tara waiting. Just as she was about to make her exit though Buffy stopped her.

“Whoa speedy girl, where you off to? And what’s with the fidgety? I’ve never known you to not pay attention in class.”

“It’s nothing. There’s uhhh, this new book in the library meant to be coming today, I wanna make sure I get it before anyone else.”

“Oh, is it a spell book? Wanna get all with the witch-fu?” Buffy grinned finally understanding, knowing how much Willow longed to advance herself in that particular field.

“Yeah it’s ummm spells, hoping to learn some new spells. So ummm, I’ll see you later?”

“You sure you don’t want me to come with?” Buffy was kinda missing her friend of late, she wouldn’t mind them hanging out for a bit.

“No uh, that’s ok. I think Riley is kinda hoping for some Buffy time, he’s been making puppy eyes at you all lesson” Willow said pointing discretely in the direction of the aforementioned Riley.

“I doubt it.” Buffy mumbled, thinking of the events of the previous night. They seriously needed to talk. But Willow didn’t hear her as she hastily made for the door, vaguely waving at Buffy as she went.

“Bye Buff.” She stopped momentarily as she passed Riley,

“See ya Riley.”

“Bye Will,” he muttered without even looking at her, he kept his eyes fixed on Buffy but Willow was in too much of a hurry to notice or care.



Willow started to make her way towards Tara’s lesson but soon found herself face to face with the shy wiccan.



“Oh hey Tara. What are you doing here?” Willow asked surprised to find her already.

“Oh ummm, we finished kinda early so I thought I’d come and meet you. I- I hope you don’t mind.” She asked, slightly unsure of herself.

“No, no it’s fine, more than fine. It’s finey McFine fine.” Willow blushed a little at her babble but seeing that Tara was still smiling at her she relaxed. “So ummm, how are you doing you know after all the crazy?”

“I’m, you know, ok. No damage. How’s your ankle?” Tara asked, looking concerned.

“It’s ok, no lasting damage.”

“Good, that’s good. I was worried. You know if it hadn’t been for me…. I’m sorry I put you in danger.” Tara looked down. Willow took Tara’s hand for a lingering moment to get her attention. She took Tara to one side so as to be out of the way of the one coming bustle. Tara looked up at her, her eyes a little tearful.

“Hey, none of that. What’s a little pain in the ankle? The Gentlemen could have got you last night, they could have hurt you.” Tara saw the concern in Willow’s face and heard the pain in her voice as the realisation hit her. She was stunned that anyone would care about her, it felt good. She gave Willow a full beamed, beautiful smile.

“But you saved me.” Tara’s voice was soft and full of appreciation.

“Oh yeah, big hero. I just fell at your feet and gave you someone to carry along with you. A modern day hero. Hey maybe I should get a cape, but I don’t think I’d look too good in spandex.” Tara giggled at Willow’s babble and tried in vain to not get an image of Willow in such a tight fitting outfit. Tara blushed slightly.

The two girls carried on walking down the corridor.



“So you never did tell me how you knew about the Gentlemen” Willow was too curious to wait any longer to ask Tara about it.

“Oh umm, like I said I read a lot. Last night I was reading a book all about spells of silence that kind of thing. I was trying to find a spell that we could do to help the situation, the Gentlemen were mentioned in the book, the whole story of how they take towns voices and then they steal there hearts.”

“A spell we could do?” Willow interrupted wondering what the other girl had meant.

“Oh ummm yeah. That’s why I was out last night, I was coming over to see if maybe we could do a spell together.” They turned the corner and entered the common room.

“You were there looking for me?”

Tara nodded timidly, “I thought m-m-maybe we could do a spell... make people talk

again. I'd seen you... in the group, the w-wicca group. You were... different than them. They didn't seem to know...”

“What they were talking about?” Willow offered.

Tara smiled shyly at Willow, “I think if they saw a w-witch they would... run away.” Tara giggled lightly at the image of the look on the girls faces if they saw a real witch.

“Yeah,” Willow smiled in agreement, “so how long have you been practicing?”

“Always. I mean, since I was little... My mom used to...” a brief pain filled Tara at the thought of her Mother, “she had a lot of power. Like you.”

“Oh, I'm not -- I don't have much in the way of power, really, I mean most of my potions come out... soup. Also spells going awry, friends in danger -- I'm definitely nothing special.” Willow said modestly.

“No, you are.” Tara looked directly into Willow’s eyes as she said this, her voice was strong and sure, Willow was slightly taken aback by the girl’s sudden show of confidence. Tara looked away again, embarrassed by her forwardness. She cautiously glanced back up to see that Willow was simply beaming at her, her smile was more radiant than any Tara had ever seen. The two girls shared a prolonged look, they were both feeling that connection again. Willow was the first to speak again.

“So ummm, I was thinking, maybe you would like to do some spells together maybe sometime?” She failed to keep the eagerness from her voice.

“Yeah that would be, ummm great. Are you free tonight?” Tara too was failing to keep any excitement from her voice.

“Yeah but are you sure you’re not busy? I don’t wanna impose on your plans or anything.”

“Oh I-I’m not v-very big on the social thing.” Tara stuttered, slightly embarrassed to admit her lack of a social life.

“Me either,” Willow grinned, “well if you’re sure I’m not imposing then tonight would be great. What time, ooh and where do you wanna meet up?” Willow’s mind was already racing at the possibilities of spells and all the things Tara could teach her.

“Ummm, well maybe ummm 7-ish? I mean if that’s ok? And we could always ummm meet at mine? I have a single room so we wouldn’t be disturbing anyone.”

“Seven will be great. I ummm, have to get to class now, but I’ll see you later?”

“Yeah, I- I have class too but definitely will see you later.” Tara grinned despite inwardly cursing herself at her own awkward stuttering, she couldn’t help but feel relaxed about it in Willow’s presence, she didn’t seem the kind of girl to really notice or if she did she certainly didn’t seem to care.



The two girls smiled sweetly at one another. Tara gave Willow a small wave, with that she was gone, leaving Willow smiling softly to herself. A million thoughts of spells and magic raced through her head, finally she had someone to share it with, someone she could practice with. Tonight she could sense was going to change her life, she couldn’t wait.



.....to be continued.



----



Well that's it for another update, I will probably put another one up tomorrow.



Love Helen xxxx

"I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy" Dory, Finding Nemo

[good2cats]

Hi Helen,
This is a very sweet story.I enjoy your retelling of Hush.It's always great to read a When Willow met Tara story and you are doing a fine job.I look forward to tomorrow's update.
Be well,Karen

[shuyaku]

Daily updates (since this seems to be your favorite ) All I can say is YAY! Thanks for spoiling us.



Like I said before, I'm hooked.

-shuyaku

Oh God, Willow—you’re giving me the gift of Karen Carpenter. Just when I think I grasp the full extent of your love." - Tara

"Why do birds suddenly appear? It’s because, you are queer…" - Willow (Gods Served and Abandoned by AntigoneUnbound)

[Gimpgirl]

Hey honey.....



Very awesome update as usual. And I so can't wait for more. But then again you always leave me wanting more...*smirk*.



On that note, I'm off to Tae Kwon Do to get beat up...but update again soon baby....



I love you.....



Michelle

"just when you think you got me figured out the seasons already changing...."-Meredith Brooks

[The Rose24]

Lovely update. Our ladies are progressing nicely.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[Tempest Duer]

Heh... so Willow's going to be doing spells with Tara. I can't wait.

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[Lost in blue]

Hello peeps. I'm all sleepy but yay its Friday!! Anyway here's the new update:



-----



That afternoon went incredibly slowly for Willow. Unlike Tara she did not have another lecture that afternoon so she was left to her own devices on how to make the time pass a little more quickly. First she met Buffy for lunch. Buffy did most of the talking as Willow’s mind was elsewhere; she was just so excited about this evening. After a while of talking Buffy realised that Willow’s attention was not with her.

“….and I’m not wearing any pants right now. Will? Earth to Will?” Buffy waved her hand in front of Willow to get her attention.

“Huh? What? I was listening.”

“Yeah sure. Where are you at? You’ve not heard a word I’ve said today.”

“Oh ummm, sorry Buff. It’s just you know, that book I got this morning, it’s got some great spells that I’m just dying to try out, I guess I was just thinking about that.” Buffy simply chuckled at her old friend,

“Always keen to learn huh Will? Well I’m sure you’ll be floating more than pencils in no time, you’re a powerful wiccans I can tell,” Willow made to protest this point but Buffy cut her off, “No. Will, don’t argue. You are Will, essential Scooby and large with the witch-fu.” Buffy grinned at Willow who was still only really listening half heartedly.

“Yeah, I guess. So ummm, what are you up to tonight?” Willow was keen to change the conversation away from herself.

“Wow you really aren’t here today are you? I’m gonna be patrolling tonight, I’ll probably be out ‘til late so don’t wait up. I guess I better be getting to class.” With that Buffy stood up and the girls exchanged goodbyes.



Willow sighed, she still had hours until it was time to go to Tara’s. Willow made her way to the library to find some spell books, maybe look up some spells she and Tara could do tonight. She mostly looked up the simpler spells, not sure how advanced the other girl was. Her suspicion however was that the other girl was far more advanced than she was, she had been practicing for years after all. After an hour or so and many different coloured pens later however Willow found herself restless again. She stood collecting her notes and made her way up to her dorm. She spent the rest of the day flitting between her computer, her notes, her homework, her student directory to check again that she had Tara’s room number right and her new hobby of clock watching. Willow looked up at the clock again and sighed when she saw it was still only 5:30. She put her notes down and stretched.



Oh well, I could go get ready I guess, don’t want to leave it too late. Maybe I should take a shower, I don’t want to be all Stinky-Willow.



Willow showered and then dried her hair. Now she was faced with the question of what to wear?



Ok, it doesn’t really matter what I wear coz we’re just staying in. Then again I don’t wanna turn up all scruffy, but then if I dress up too much won’t that look like I’m trying too hard? ….That’s probably coz I am trying too hard. Argh. Ok, calm down. Just pick an outfit and go from there.



Eight outfits later Willow flopped down on her bed. She looked at her clock, it was now 6 o’clock. Willow sighed aloud.



Argh. Ok, come on, this is easy. Just pick an outfit or you’ll be late.



Finally Willow put on the first outfit she’d chosen and looked in the mirror. Looking at her watch she realised she didn’t have time to change her mind again. She picked up her notes and left for Tara’s room.



She reached Tara’s room in record time. She glanced nervously at her watch and realised she was 15 minutes early. She thought about maybe just standing there for the next 15 minutes but then realised she was being silly so instead she knocked on the door in front of her.



.....to be continued.



----



Well that's another part done. I may update again later tonight as this one was quite short, if not then I will by tomorrow. Oh and for anyone who's interested and is a big dork like me, the "And I'm not wearing any pants right now" line is said by Mulder in The X-files episode "All things" which was written and directed by Gillian Anderson (a.k.a Scully) .... ok and I'm done babbling now. Hope everyone enjoyed the update.



Love Helen xxxx

"I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy" Dory, Finding Nemo