A short time later
Xander opened the door to the magic box shop and allowed Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister to enter. She looked a little bored and crossed the shop floor and sat down in an empty chair next to Michelle.
“Hey Michelle.” The young teenager asked her.
“Hi Dawn, are you looking for your sister?”
“Yeah where is she?” Dawn asked.
Michelle pointed to the door that led to the training room. “She’s training with Giles again; I thought it best to wait out here.”
“Where’s Tara?”
“Twinkles is over there.” Michelle said pointing to the corner where Tara was standing with a smaller redheaded girl.
Dawn looked at the new girl. “Who is that?”
“That’s Willow, she’s new in town.” Michelle said. “She turned up last night so Buffy said, seems to have taken a liking to Twinkles.”
Dawn looked pleased. “Well she’d better not break Tara’s heart or I’ll break her nose.” The teenager said defiantly.
Michelle laughed. “I don’t think that’s going to happen, I saw her earlier stand up to Anya and told her to leave Tara alone.”
“I like her already.” Dawn said. With that she stood up and walked over to where Tara was standing with the new girl.
“Hey Tara.” Dawn said cheerfully.
Tara turned to see her best friend’s sister; she smiled and threw her arms around her. “Dawnie, good to see you.” She said. “How was school?”
“Pretty crappy really.” Dawn said. “Glad to be finished for today and hey weekend tomorrow as well. Are you still coming over tonight?” She asked the blonde.
“I am Dawn and I will be bringing pizza as promised.” Tara said.
Dawn totally adored spending time with Tara, ever since they had known each other she loved to spend time with the blonde Wiccan. Tara always treated her as a person never as just a little kid, and for that she was grateful.
Willow watched the interaction with the two girls even before she was turned she hardly had any friends. Now being a vampire most people shunned her, only her deceased lover Sarah had ever given Willow a chance.
Tara could sense the vampire’s discomfort; she reached down and took Willow’s hand giving it a little squeeze. The move completely surprised Willow, she boldly returned the squeeze and turned to face Tara how gave her a gentle smile.
“Thank you.” Willow said. “How did you know?”
“I I I sensed it, I’m pretty good with people’s feelings around me.” Tara answered her. “I just thought you could use a little reassurance.”
Dawn felt herself grinning. “Well Tara, and who is this pretty young lady?”
“Sorry my manners.” Tara apologised. “Dawn this is Willow, she’s here to help us.”
“Hi Willow.” Dawn said cheerfully.
“Hello there.” Willow greeted her, she looked at the young brunette for a moment, and she at least cared for Tara so Willow would make an effort to be nice to her.
“Hey Tara, want to bring your friend as well?” Dawn asked her. “That’s if you want to”
This floored Willow straight away why was it that this girl she had only met moments ago invite her into her life just like that. No one had ever shown her that level of kindness before. She said nothing though as the question was directed to the beautiful blonde girl next to her.
Tara gave the young girl a big smile and then turned to the vampire next to her. “Um Willow, would you like to?”
If it meant that Willow could spend a little more time with Tara then she would jump at the chance. She gave her a big smile and nodded. “I’d love to.”
Dawn grinned at the redhead. “Then you are totally welcome to come over.”
Willow was still a little puzzled. “Even though you don’t know me?”
“Hey Tara likes you so that’s good enough for me.” The young girl said, she then picked up her bag and walked towards the door that led to the training room.
“That was unexpected.” Willow said.
“What do you mean by that?” Tara asked.
“That girl she barely knows me and she invites me to a pizza evening with you.” Willow said.
“Dawn is special we’ve become pretty good friends, she sort of looks up to me.” Tara told her. “I guess because you’re with me she thinks you’re ok.”
“I guess that makes you very special then.” Willow giving her a smile. “Do you tend to have this effect on people much?”
“E e effect.” Tara said confused.
“Making the people around you feel happy.” Willow said grinning now.
Tara shook her head. “Um no I don’t think so.”
Willow took both of her hands and held them tight. “I think you do, I’ve only known you a few hours and you make me feel very happy.” She said and gave the shy blonde a little wink. “Besides you’re by far the cutest girl I’ve met around here.”
Tara looked a little shocked. “C c c cute.”
Willow looked deep into Tara’s eyes and as she did she felt herself almost falling into them. Tara had a good aura around her, as much as she tended to avoid contact with humans, the redheaded vampire found herself wanting to stay as close to Tara as possible. Being around her was intoxicating and there was no doubt in Willow’s mind that she was the most beautiful girl she had ever seen.
Willow felt her stomach growl and she sighed, Tara heard the noise and took Willow’s hand.
“A a are you hungry?” Tara asked her.
“I am a little.” The vampire admitted, she waited for the look of disgust on the girls face at the fact she needed blood. Even Sarah her late girlfriend had often preferred to avoid being to close to her when she drank blood. Willow was surprised by the calm look on Tara’s face. “Wow.” She commented.
“Wow?” Tara asked puzzled.
“Well its just most humans recoil and go Ewwwww when ever I need blood, but you didn’t.” Willow replied.
Tara smiled. “It’s ok Willow, I see the real you.”
Willow felt touched by the blonde haired girls concern and words, she suddenly found herself wanting to kiss her so badly. But once again she could feel her stomach getting the better of her. “Damn it.” She thought to herself. Looking into Tara’s eyes she shrugged her shoulders. “I guess you don’t have any blood here?” Willow asked her.
“Sorry Willow.” Tara said. “But there is a butchers shop nearby, I I I could go get you some?”
Willow’s eyes lit up. “Tell you what I’ll come with you, maybe keep you company.” She said hopefully and not to mention she just didn’t want to be to far from the beautiful shy blonde girl.
Tara gave her a soft and gentle smile. “I I I I’d like that.” She gave Willow’s hand a little squeeze and then let go and walked over to her friend Michelle.
“Um Michelle.”
“Hey twinkles.” Michelle greeted her. “Everything ok and more importantly how are you two getting on.” She said pointing to Willow who was standing near the door.
“F f f f fine.” Tara said instantly stuttering. “W w we need to go get some blood.” Tara knew that there was something about Willow that she liked.
Michelle smiled warmly at her friend. “Hey Tara don’t worry sweetheart, I like her and I know for a fact she likes you.”
Tara managed a half smile. “Thanks I don’t know really yet Michelle, just still raw after what happened with my ex Bianca.”
Michelle shook her head. “Tara honey I get the feeling that girl over there is nothing like your ex, I’m sorry but she was a total bitch to you.”
“I know.” Tara said sadly.
“Put her out of your mind Tara please it’s been over a year now, I know that girl is a vampire but you said so yourself she has a good soul.” Michelle told her. “Tara you have punished yourself enough over your ex girlfriend, time for you to move on I think. There is a pretty girl over there called Willow, and she likes you.”
Tara gave her a little nod and touched her hand. “Thanks Michelle.”
“Tara just ask yourself one thing?” Michelle said.
“What’s that?”
“I know she’s a vampire or half a vampire, but do you like her?”
Tara looked over her shoulder to the girl who was watching her, again she could see the aura around her, but there was more than that. Willow was beautiful from her attractive green eyes to her stunning redhair. She had a cute nose and she was very beautiful, she could see Willow was now smiling at her and that sent a little giddy feeling through her body.
Tara turned back to her friend. “Yes.” She said. “Yes I do like her.”
Michelle gave her a big grin. “There you Tara, that’s a good start, go with her talk to her get to know this girl.”
Tara had to laugh. “You’re giving me pep talk on asking a girl out?”
“Hey I still owe you for setting me up with Buffy, go on Tara you deserve some happiness in your life.” Michelle told her. “You’re a lovely girl and a good friend and I have good vibes about this Willow too.”
“Ok ok we’ll talk.” Tara said giving into her best friend. “I’ll see you later ok?”
“Have fun.” Michelle said and winked.
Tara smiled and rolled her eyes at her friend; she then turned away and walked towards the redhaired vampire who was waiting for her. “Ok I’m all set lets go.” She told her.
Willow linked her arm in Tara’s and then led her towards the door; she smiled inwardly as she had heard most of what Michelle had told Tara. Considering that Tara’s friend hardly knew her and with the fact of her being a vampire Willow was very surprised at Michelle’s prompting. “At least some humans are nice around here.” She thought to herself.
Willow opened the door to the magic shop and stepped out into the sunlight, again Tara was amazed to see the vampire in daylight but with no ill effects.
“This is going to take some getting used to I think.” Tara admitted.
“What’s that?” Willow asked her.
“You being a vampire and here we are in broad daylight.” Tara replied. “It’s well you know cool.”
“I still prefer the night time though.” Willow said. “So much nicer and I feel more alive, well dead but you know alive in my spirit I guess. It’s a shame I’m not alive as then that would be even more fun at night.” Willow said.
Tara giggled. “I think I got that.”
“I was doing it again huh?” Willow sighed.
“What?”
“Babbling.” Willow said shaking her head. “I do that a lot, even the undead are not immune to babble.” Willow withdrew her arm from Tara’s.
Tara smiled at her she let her hand slide down her side and then took Willow’s cool hand in her own. “I I I I think it’s kinda cute.” She told her.
Willow stopped a moment and looked up into the blonde girls eyes. “You know so are you?” She said grinning and grateful that Tara had taken her hand.
Tara felt her cheeks blush at the compliment for the first time in her life she felt a connection with someone so strong and powerful, Tara gave Willow’s hand a gentle squeeze and they continued to walk along the street towards the butchers shop.
They walked in silence for a little while but they didn’t let go of each others hands, there were a few glances from people around them, a couple of guys leered at Tara but retreated after Willow shot them a look that sent shivers up their spines.
Willow saw the little smile on Tara’s face. “Sorry I had to do that, they were leering at you.”
“M m m me?” Tara said surprised. “Why would they do that?”
Willow stopped her and took her other hand and faced the blonde. “Because hello you are so gorgeous girl, I mean look at you Tara you have to be the sexiest girl around here.”
Tara looked away for a moment feeling shy. “I I I I I’m not.”
“You are silly, Tara you should really look at yourself you are really beautiful, I mean with the eyes your hair your figure its perfect.” Willow told her as she gently turned Tara’s head back to face her.
“Willow can I I I ask you something?” Tara said.”
“Sure of course you can.” Willow replied.
“Do you really like me?” Tara asked again she blushed but this time she didn’t turn away.
Willow rolled her eyes. “Well I am not one to hold back with my feelings, and yes I do like you. I find you very beautiful Tara and I’m really glad your gay.”
Willow felt herself wanting to just not give a care to all around and pull the blonde close to her and kiss her. However she guessed that Tara wasn’t used to public displays of affection and she hadn’t admitted that she liked her anyway.
Tara smiled she could sense the emotion coming from the vampire. “I think you are very pretty too.”
“Do you like me as in you know find me datable?” Willow said hopefully. “Even though I am a vampire, kinda evil and get a little cranky at times.”
“You’re not evil Willow I sense that much from you.” Tara said. “You have a dark side but we all do, but deep down you’re a good person.”
“Thank you.” Willow said. “Been a long time since I’ve been called that.”
Tara looked puzzled. “What sorry?”
“A person.” Willow replied. “It’s usually creature, thing or monster.”
Tara looked sad for a moment. “You’re a very beautiful girl.”
Willow giggled. “Well we’d better get that blood before I get light headed enough to kiss you in public.”
Tara laughed too and her cheeks only went a little red. “It’s not far Willow.”
Tara took her hand again and they walked off towards the butchers shop, the blonde felt a little light headed herself but she knew that was because of the feelings she had for the redhead by her side. “Michelle’s right it is time to move on.” She thought to herself.
***
A little distance away two shadowy figures watch the two girls walking away from them. They had spotted them a little distance from the magic box but had not seen them leave the shop. Although they had seen the blonde haired girl before with the slayer, they had no idea about the redhead next to her, and they could clearly see even from a distance that the redhead appeared to be interested in the slayers blonde haired friend.
“She is new.” One of them said to the other.
“Yes I’ve not seen her before Murk.” The other said.
“Link perhaps she knows the whereabouts of her most majestic ones key.” Murk said. “Perhaps we should follow them?”
“No we should wait here, that way is a dead end so they have to return this way. Then we shall act and capture the redhead and the slayers friend too.”
“Our most silvery effervescent one will be overjoyed at these two gifts.” Murk said as he pulled the hood tighter over his scabby face.
“I have a good feeling about this, they will please the mistress and she will reward us well for bring them to her.” Link said agreeing. “Let us wait for them and be ready to claim our reward.”
***
Tara and Willow reached the butchers shop and Tara gave Willow some money to help her purchase some blood. Willow was very grateful and as they snuck outside Willow looked around to see if anyone was watching her. Tara watched as Willow put her bag down on the ground.
“Tara can you look away for a moment.” Willow asked her.
“Sorry?” Tara asked then she saw Willow draw out one of the containers and she guessed. “Oh yes of course.”
Tara turned her back and she could hear Willow drink down the blood she closed her eyes and then turned around to face Willow opening her eyes. She was amazed to see that Willow’s face had not changed into the normal bumpy forehead and yellow feral eyes. All Tara could see where two longer fangs but she still looked the same beautiful girl.
“Tara I thought it best you didn’t watch me feed, no humans like it.” Willow said frowning.
“Sorry it’s just your face remained the same, you still looked so beautiful.” Tara said defending her actions.
Willow lowered the now empty container and licked her lips clean of the blood. “You are so different to any human I’ve known, most of you are scared of me why aren’t you?”
Tara smiled. “Because I see your heart and it’s good heart.”
“It doesn’t beat though does it?” Willow said.
Tara stepped up to her and placed her hand on Willow’s chest she closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them. She kept her hand there for a moment then her eyes widened and she recoiled as in she had received an electric shock.
“Oh god what’s wrong.” Willow said panicking.
“Y y y your heart.” Tara said. “I I I I it’s beating.”
“What!” Willow said. “That’s impossible I I I’m dead.”
Willow reached up with her own hand and pressed her fingers tight against her own chest, she held it there for a moment suddenly she felt a beat just one, but it was a beat. “Oh god.”
“C c can you feel it.” Tara said. “It’s very faint but y y you have a heartbeat.”
Willow felt another beat it was very slow but she could feel something. “That hasn’t happened since I was turned.” She said puzzled. “What the hell is causing this?”
“I I I don’t know Willow, but maybe Mr Giles can help, I I I think we should get back to the magic shop.” Tara suggested.
Willow nodded in agreement. “Sure.”
Tara picked up her bag and Willow picked up hers, both girls started to walk back towards the magic shop. Willow was clearly disturbed by the fact her own heart had started to beat again, even though it was very faint it was still a heart beat.
“This is pretty weird.” Willow said as they hurried back to the magic box shop. “I have to know what the hell is going on.”
“Don’t worry Willow we’ll find out.” Tara said.
As they passed by an alleyway two pairs of hands reached out and pulled the girls violently into the alley throwing them to the ground.
“I wonder what is so important.” Link said to the two girls.
“Perhaps they know the location of the key, let us bring them to Glory she will convince them to tell her about her key.” Murk said.
“W w what do you want with us.” Tara said her voice shaking.
“Only to bring you to our most magnificent and all powerful Glorificus.” Link said. He lashed out and struck Tara across the face sending her flying into the wall, she collapsed and lost consciousness. He moved towards the fallen blonde girl and picked her up.
“No!” Willow said as she saw Tara being picked up. “Leave her alone.”
“Take her to Glory.” Murk said.
Willow looked up burning rage in her eyes, she glared at the two slightly hooded figures and she stood up. Her fangs extended and she let out a growl of anger as she faced them.
“Ok it’s never a good idea to piss me off.” Willow hissed at them, in a lightning fast move she closed the gap on one of them.
Murk had never seen anyone move so fast in his life this girl was clearly not human and he felt her fingers around his neck.
“What are you.” He gasped barely able to breathe.
“Willow.” She said and in a move so fast she snapped his neck and he dropped lifeless to the ground.
Link stared in shock as the small redheaded girl had effortlessly killed Murk; he had never seen such strength before shy of his own god Glory. He started to back away from her, he knew that with his prisoner he would never make out of the alleyway. The strange girl would be upon him and he would not survive the encounter.
“Put her down now.” Willow screamed at him.
Link did as he was told and threw Tara’s unconscious body towards Willow, as the redhead was already running towards him, Tara’s body hit her and she went down with Tara on top of her.
Willow caught the sight of the hooded creature fleeing down the alley, with all her strength she gently moved Tara to the ground and checked her vital signs.
Willow was relieved to see that Tara was breathing and her pulse was strong, she was only slightly hurt but she had go get her back to the magic shop quickly.
With no effort she picked up Tara gently in her arms and carried her back towards the magic shop. It didn’t take her long to find the shop and she kicked the door open and walked inside still carefully holding Tara in her arms.
“Oh god Tara.” Michelle said and rushed over to the two girls. “What happened?”
Willow looked at Tara’s friend. “We where attacked by two creatures, Tara’s hurt and I need somewhere to put her down safely so I can help her.”
“This way.” Michelle said and led them to the back room where Buffy was still training with Giles.
“Oh shit.” Buffy said as she saw Willow carrying in Tara.
“Tara and I where attacked.” Willow said as she carried her into the room, she moved to the couch and gently lay the Wiccan down.
“Tara wake up please.” Willow pleaded with her; she gently stroked the Wiccan’s cheek and turned to Michelle and Buffy. “Do you have any water I can wash her with?”
“I’ll go get it.” Michelle said.
“Thanks.” Willow said.
Moments later Michelle returned with a bowl and a towel and set them down next to Willow. “Is she going to be ok?” Michelle asked.
“She will be ok.” Willow reassured her.
Willow dabbed the towel in the water and gently washed the blonde’s face. “Come on Tara wake up please.” She then gently kissed Tara on the forehead and then again on her lips.
Tara’s eyes fluttered open and she caught herself staring into Willow’s green eyes. “Willow?”
“Hey Tara.” Willow said smiling glad that Tara was ok.
“What happened?” Tara said, she tried to sit up but winced in pain as she did.
“Shhh Tara don’t move ok.” Willow said. “You’re going to be ok but please just rest.”
“Are you ok Willow?” Tara asked.
“I’m fine; I’m just worried about you.” Willow said brushing Tara’s hair away from her eyes. “I’m going to take care of you ok?”
Michelle turned to Buffy and put her hand on her girlfriends shoulder. Buffy reached up and patted the hand. She faced her lover and smiled warmly. “Where’s Dawn?” Michelle asked.
“Just in the back with Xander and Anya.” Buffy said.
“Oh god I better go rescue her.” Michelle said, just before she left she knelt down by Willow’s side. “Twinkles honey your ok now?”
“I know I am.” Tara said as she gazed into Willow’s eyes, then she frowned and looked sad for a moment. “Willow your blood it’s in the alley way.”
Willow shook her head here was Tara clearly in some pain but she was concerned for Willow’s food. “Tara don’t worry ok I’ll manage.”
Buffy put her hand on Willow’s shoulder. “Where did you lose it?”
Tara answered. “Not far the alley near the um you know underwear store.”
“Ok I’ll go get the blood.” Buffy said. “Any surprises and at least I can handle them.”
“Thanks Buffy.” Willow replied and turned her attention back to Tara. “Tara are you sure you’re ok?”
Tara nodded. “I am thanks to you Willow.”
“Tara I know I am new here and we barely know each other but I was so worried about you.” Willow said, from the sound of her voice she was a little upset. “I don’t want to lose you as I’ve only just found you.”
Tara reached up with her hand and stroked Willow’s soft delicate cheeks; she gave her a little smile. “Willow you haven’t lost me I’m right here.”
Willow gave her a little smile in return. “I just could bear the thought of you hurt that’s all.”
“I take it you killed them?” Tara asked.
“I got cranky, one is dead the other escaped but I think I scared him.” Willow replied. “You’re safe Tara that’s all that matters.”
“Thank you Willow.” Tara said. “I owe you one.”
Willow grinned at her. “Tell you what kiss me and we’ll call it evens.”
Tara giggled. “I get to kiss you for saving my life?”
Willow gave her a mock pout. “Hey it’s a good trade.”
Tara sat herself up a little and gently pulled Willow close to her. “Well I’d like that very much.”
“Good.” Willow said.
Tara inched her lips closer to Willow’s and then their lips met in a kiss, it was a slow lingering gentle kiss that send little waves of pleasure through both girls.
Just behind them Michelle came into the room just as they’re lips parted, she grinned at seeing her friend overcome her natural shyness and finally kiss the beautiful redhead she had met.
“About time Tara.” She whispered. “You deserve a little happiness.”
***
Some
Rachel
yeah! the update was great. Tara was so sweet with Willow so Willow just fell harder for the blonde. What can I say, they are made for each other in any form. Now Dawn is on the picture though the key stuff is pretty secret yet. And Glory's minion has escaped, a shame, now they are going to know about Willow, surprise factor bye bye.
