FIC: The Edge of Silence

[Murasaki S]

Wow. My first post since the message page got revamped. It's intimidating. Anyway, just caught up with the last two parts. Jo's so eager to get into the life and do the dating thing with Dani, it's very cute. I like the parts of Superstar where Jonathan was playing counselor to Buffy and Riley. Buffy needs someone like that in her life. It should be Wiilow, but she hasn't opened up to Willow since season 3 and it's made their relationship very flat.

I can tell Jo and Dani made the most of the movie

I have faith in Willow, she's going to come through and go to the dance. After all if she wants to make sure all of Tara's lesbian friends realize Tara's taken, she'd better show up. Tara's so sweet about beign turned down though. And I liked how confident she is that Willow's hers.

[MadeinNZ]

Wonderful chapter. Two different relationships in two different places. Plus smoochies!



I really enjoyed the bed imagery. The power of smell. And still Willow holds back. So close. But I'm glad she didn't immediately warm to the dance thing. That would have been too easy.



And I see your Mickey Mouse phobia has reared its ugly head. I'm sure there's a support group out there somewhere for you (although I'm guessing its not in Anaheim).



Plus smoochies!

Edited by: MadeinNZ at: 12/10/02 10:56:43 pm

[Insanity]

Uhhm. maybe there is a chance, that Willow will go to the dance???? Oh please!!!



And Jo is so cute.. Love her even more . I wonder which movie they missed *ggg*



and.... do I really have to wait untill NEXT tuesday für the next update??

Oh that's sooo not fair *g*

Insanity

"Nobody messes with my girl!" Tara, Bargaining

[mollyig]

Tara's nervousness so apparent, with the re-emergence of the stutter and her wishing she had her bag to hug. She's being so patient with Willow, but Willow is still being avoidy, changing the subject after Tara invited her to the dance.

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[dekalog]

Thanks for the Tuesday posting - very, very appreciated. The way you weave your story is lovely, the intricacies, the smoochies the dreaminess. Jo is great, and I love her little rambling's as she is trying to decide the 'proper' way to do things - kinda reminds me of someone when they were first trying to impress the ladies

[samiamiguess]

Huh, an update must have slipped me by last week when I was away, not sure how that happened but at least I got to read two today.



I must admit Jo's really grown on me, now if only Willow could trust her heart a little more. It makes me so uncomfortable to see Tara hurt as she is. Willow's almost there, I wonder what it will take to make her see what is really important here?



Really enjoying this, thanks so much

Sonya

[pikescoob]

Mel!! Loved the update! Woah! Things are really heating up between Jo and Dani. I'm really becoming a Jo fan Loved it when Jo thought they'd prob end up wet anyway *ahem* Ooooh Tara with a one-track mind! Gotta love that! Can't wait to see how the evening goes with Tara hanging out with all of Willow's friends. Hehehe, no prob relaying that W.V. message for you, I wasn't sure if you'd caught the game at all



--Michelle

[tkheaven]

Great update! Things are really heating up between Jo and Dani...let's see if it rains once they get to Dani's room



I'm such a sucker for romance and have a vivid imagination so...

Quote:

---

“You give me everything,” Willow whispered as their lips parted. “Without ….”



She stopped the words with a kiss, refusing to allow Willow to say them. Her mouth swallowed them, and she changed them. Nothing became something dear and loved; she watered Willow with her love, letting her drink deep. She rested one hand palm down on her lover’s chest, feeling her heart beat, her lungs fill. And she matched it – heartbeat and breathing – effortlessly falling into the synchronicity they’d shared just a week earlier.



Together they breathed.



Together they loved.

---

...that just did it for me....maybe I woke up in that lovey/dovey/snuggly mood...

Tk's new and improved "GrrArgg"...Tk's Heaven

---

"I've become really protective of her. I want to make sure if Tara comes back, it's for good reason." -Amber Benson
Tara ate her, devoured her from beneath. -The Edge of Silence giving new meaning to this season's catch phrase.
"Got it: that's a 'yes' to petals; a 'no' to pricks. I should remember that more often." -On Second Thought

[xita]

Hmm, love the angst. Love the desperate way Tara wanted Willow to answer her and say she was going to the dance. I want that darn Willow to go to the dance with Tara. Tara deserves to show the world how happy and loved she is, even if Willow can't see it. Though she clearly sees Tara loves her and that's a good sign.

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

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

[barnabasvamp]

Oh Jo, so sweet and nervous...



Tara wanting to show off her girl, and Willow still so hesitant. The dance would certainly be a start!

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[singgirl]

Yay!! another update, oh the happiness you bring me!

Pax -Bev

[infinitelight]

For 7a:



"Missed, fuckface."



Okay, I recognize that Sarah is evil and bad and wrong. But how am I supposed to dislike her with dialogue like that? And she can even swear in Fyarl! My kinda woman. Well, except for the vampire thing.



I always liked Superstar for the way the dynamic between all the characters was at once so familiar and so strange--one 'twist' in the universe changes so much and yet leaves so much remaining (I love The Wish for the same reason. Vampire Willow has almost nothing to do with it. Almost). One of the reasons I read fanfiction and particularly W/T fanfiction is the hope that I can see the familiar through new eyes; see parts of the story I never noticed or envisioned on my own. For this reason I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Jo and Danielle's date with Buffy's conversation with Jonathan. Interesting how many relationships are hanging in the balance all at once .



Hee. Three bears. I love the way Jo's mind works.

'Better to light a candle than curse the damn darkness.'

[Hotfoot]

Just wanted to say how much I continue to enjoy this story and always get a real thrill out of a new installment. Brilliant stuff.

[tiredsoul]

Damn. Are we at NMR yet? I want her to tell her. Make her say it.



It's amazing that in the span of these episodes on TV all this could have been happening. What they wrote made me tune it from week to week, but what you're writing is making me check every day for an installment. Hooked, lined and sunk.



Thanks for that.



Off to read some mystery ... thanks for the tips.



--celia

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

"That was just rude. Now I forget what I was saying."

[mad4it79]

I have only posted on the kitten board a couple...if that...times. However, I have just finished reading all of your installments for "The Edge of Silence", and now I have to wait for an update. Oh how that sucks. I

haven't had to wait for any of it since I started reading. This story is so amazing! I can believably imagine Willow and Tara doing and saying everything you write. There really just aren't enough words. It makes season seven a little more bearable. When I get finished watching that crap I can come and read this...since this is where I wanna be with the whole Buffy addiction anyway. Hope that makes sense. Well, I just wanted to tell you that I'm in love with your story and seriously cannot wait for an update.

[Triscuit7]

Well Kittens, I’m living the retail life right now, so I’m combining thank-yous for feedback for Chapter 7a and 7b. And may I say, I hate being behind?!!! Update will be on Tuesday unfortunately, not before. I just have too much retail and not enough writing to manage two updates a week right now.



funkyasian

Hi Steph – Hmmm, Jo is cute…and somewhat naïve, but at the same time she can be quite wise. And she knows what she likes. I’m glad you’re enjoying her. Thanks for reading, sweetie.



Insanity

Hey – I’m not a Jonathan fan either. Think how much would be different if Buffy had been late in high school when he was going to kill himself in the belltower – although he was the moderating influence among the Nerds, so maybe I shouldn’t ill-wish him. Nah – he should have died. And of course, the movie Jo and Dani missed would have starred Jonathan. Will Willow go to the dance? That is the question, isn’t it? But the dance is at the end of the month, so a lot is going to happen first. Thanks again



SilverWingedNemesis

Hey Nickole – Jo…going for a loop. Now that is an intriguing image – Jo doing loop-di-loops around the coffee shop – which probably means that even after a night’s sleep, I still have retail brain. Willow and Tara goodness will be in the next update (I promise) – no sex, but goodness. Thanks.



darkmagicwillow

Hey DMW – It could be that you’re right, that Willow’s jealousy might cause some problems, or maybe not. Jo has really evolved from the character I first imagined and I’m pleased that she is a good viewpoint character. She’s also easy to write which is a plus. She’s a Kitten at heart. And btw, thanks for mentioning her in that other thread. I wish the same for NotWillow – it won’t happen, but I can at least imagine it. Never worry, though, that Tara won’t wait for Willow. She will. Always. Thanks again for reading.



MadeinNZ

Hey Nicky – Breasts never get old – well, okay, the concept never does anyway, the reality on the other hand (there’s a song flitting thru my head right now – definitely retail brain – sorry). The imagery of the non-touching bits was important; Jo is hooked, I think, and that bit shows how much. Heh – you want Jo and Dani hopping into bed on the first date? Hmmm. Well, methinks Dani might be that kind of girl (what with Sarah and all), but is Jo? I’ll think it over, sweetie. Mickey Mouse - yeah, annoying thing. I have a picture of a cat eating him, but that’s probably not a surprise. Thanks, sweetie.



Puff

Hey – Dani does know what she likes, and that has been good for her here with Jo - not so good with Sarah. Ahem. As for Willow’s line about being braver – well, see that’s the thing. All the time on the show Willow denies that she is (and she does so here too), but…she is brave. She shows it time and time again on the show. She’s there up against the vampires, against Faith, against various demons, against Glory – and she’s there without Slayer powers, without much magic or power until the end of S5. This is why I feel that Buffy may be the protagonist of the show, but it’s Willow who is the show’s true hero. In the end it’s also why it’s possible to dislike Buffy (S6 & 7), but it’s why even when Willow goes dark (or even Not), I still have to like her – I ache inside, but I still like her. Buffy OTOH - pffft. Thanks.



TromDeGrey

Hey. Happy Dance. Thanks for reading.



mollyig

Hey there – The thing about villains on BTVS is IMHO that often they’re not terribly scary. Angelus was. Drusilla was. Early-Spike was. The others not so much: The Mayor and Glory were too campy and the First Evil is simply irritating. So if you’re finding Sarah menacing, that’s great. Tara is confident with Willow unless Willow is uncertain. Just as they’re more powerful together magically, they’re more confident individuals when they’re together. And Willow was not in the same mental space as Tara for Chapter 7b hence Tara’s lack of confidence again. Thanks again for reading.



barnabasvamp

Hey BV. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed these latest updates. As for aggressive women, - ahem – may I simply say, I’m glad it’s Jo and not me. I would faint or maybe run away. Thanks.



tommo

Hi Ruth. Dani and Jo. Shall I send them to bed now or wait a few days? A little courtship? Snuggles? A bit of angst? Thanks sweetie.



singgirl

Hey Bev. Yay feedback! Thanks.



tkheaven

Hey there. BTW I like your avatar too. Will it rain in Dani’s room? Hmmmm, patience sweetie. Sometimes you have to wait for good things to come. And I’m glad that you liked the romantic imagery in Tara’s actions when Willow was about to say she was nothing. Thanks for reading.



xita

Hey sweetie. What can I say - I couldn’t resist using the Espresso Pump for the date. “That evening” is looming larger. Thanks again.



Tulipp

Hey Juli. Heh – it seems I’ve been obsessed with hands since I first saw Hush, and let’s just say that the NetherRealms spell only intensified my obsession. I'm glad that the inclusion of Jonathan in this fic is going smoothly. Interestingly, Superstar may be my least favorite S4 episode and it’s all because of Jonathan. Sooooo…. Thanks.



Infinitelight

Hey Claire. Slow is good, remember? : --> BTW I’m glad we seem to be on the same wavelength with you anticipating what you’d like to see happen. Concerning Jo (and her relationship) you wrote that “in many ways she has progressed much further than Willow already”. Well, part of that (the Willow part) is me trying to stay close to BTVS canon. Willow wasn’t comfortable in public until NMR and not totally comfortable until S5. Jo, otoh, is an original character so I’m able to do pretty much anything with her that she wants to do. As you noted she is perceptive even if she is a social klutz. But concerning her level of comfort with coming out … she is a social klutz. She knows she is (she’s had a lifetime of knowing it) and well, she does care what people think about her, but doesn’t obsess about it. You wrote: Sarah is evil and bad and wrong. But how am I supposed to dislike her with dialogue like that?" Yippee! I wrote a likeable villain – heeee…. And “three bears”, ahem – I couldn’t resist. Thanks.



Vampivy

Hey Patty. “Hands! Hands!” Yep, Jo has a bit of a fixation. Thanks for reading.



LeatherQueen

Hey LQ. It seems that you’re not alone in liking the juxtaposition of Buffy/Jonathan and Jo/Dani. Heh – and well, I couldn’t help but mention the possibilities of getting wet(ter), now could I? Thanks again.



WillowSpiritus

Hey there. I’m glad that you love this fic. And yes, it is a W/T fic, but right now I need Jo and Dani. I’m just pleased that the Kittens are liking them so much. Thanks.



RaiStarr

Hey Rai. Slow is good, fast is good. I’m glad that you’ve enjoyed it so far. Thanks for reading.



tiredsoul

Hey Celia. “Make her say it.” Hmmmm, Willow and her inability to say three little monosyllabic words are causing such agitation. Patience – it will happen, and you won’t have to wait until NMR. Heh – you’re amazed that all this could be happening in the span of these episodes? Well, so am I. This just keeps going and going. Writing this, from the end of “The River in Me” until the night of “Superstar” has taken me months and in canon it covers the time period from “Who Are You?” to “Superstar”. Which if my calculations work out is the span of less than one week: Sat PM/SunAm “Who Are You?”, Sunday “River”, Mon-Fri the first 6 chapters of “Edge”, and Sat/Sun “Superstar”. I’m still surprised at how much can happen…. I hope you liked the mysteries. Thanks again.



LostSoul

Hey. Computer problems are just evil. Thanks for reading.



Murasaki S

Hey there. You’re right that Buffy hasn’t opened up to Willow since S3 and it has affected their relationship. And I really like your rationale for Willow finally going to that dance. Thanks again.



dekalog

Hey. Intricacies. Yeah – well, part of me wishes that I could include more Anya, but that would mean more Xander and well, I think not since this S4 and they really had only one thing on their mind. Ahem. No, I think definitely not. But Anya will be back…soonish. As for the “proper” way – it’s important, right? Thanks.



samiamiguess

Hi Sonya. I’m glad that you like Jo more. On Willow, you wrote: "I wonder what it will take to make her see what is really important here?" She knows, she just can’t say it. She will…in time. Thanks for reading.



pikescoob

Hi Michelle. I’ll add you to the list of members for the Jo fan club. Tara having a one-track mind is only fair. So often, it’s Willow who has the one-track mind. Thanks again.



Hotfoot

Hey there. I’m glad you’re enjoying the story. Thanks.



mad4it79

Hey there. Wow, I de-lurked you…fantastic. I’m pleased that you feel that my Willow and Tara are consistent with the canon Willow and Tara as acted by Aly and Amber. That makes me feel very good. Also I’m happy you’ve been able to read “Edge” so far without having to wait for updates. I’m still watching S7 too, but on tape now, so that I can fast forward over it all except the NotWillow bits. Thanks for reading.

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




I brought marshmallows!

Edited by: Triscuit7 at: 12/15/02 10:19:44 am

[MAISEY12]

This fic, just gets better and better. Poor Willow, she obviously wants to be with Tara, in public and in front of her friends, but she's not quite ready. Tara, will wait, even though, she wants to show Willow off, so much.



Jo, she seems really into Dani, it won't belong, I hope before these two get it on.



Another great update Mel.





Thanks





Ann-Marie

[saphire tear]

I miss this story.....**pouts**

[Triscuit7]

Hey - just a little feedback then I'll update.



MAISEY12

Hi Ann-Marie. Willow does want to be with Tara, wants it very badly, but you're right she still has some issues. As for Dani and Jo, well Thanks for reading.



saphire tear

Hey there.

Quote:

---

I miss this story.....**pouts**

---

Ahem. Next post, sweetie. Thanks.



Ciao, Melissa

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




I brought marshmallows!

[Triscuit7]

Hey Kittens



Here is the regular weekly update.



Disclaimers for both regular and shooting scripts for Season 4 Superstar.



Rating PG-13 to R for actual and implied violence.



Angst-level - at least an 8.



No Screaming Anguished Cliffhanger.



Uh, have fun.



*****

Two plastic-wrapped packets dropped from the ceiling, one obviously blood, the other probably meat. The Fyarl demon aborted his lunge for them as she stepped forward and claimed the bounty. Catching movement from the corner of her eye, Sarah turned toward the clear wall.



Dark eyes watched as two men – one tall, one short – passed her cell. Those eyes narrowed in consideration as she turned to her large companion.



“Who was that?” The question emerged from her rosebud mouth in the hoarse growls of Fyarl as she idly tossed the meat from hand to hand. Her companion started to answer, his eyes tracking the meat, but Sarah shook her head, “Not Jonathan, you fool. The other one … the soldier boy.”



She listened carefully to the Fyarl demon’s lengthy explanation, and slowly a smile curved her lips. She tossed over the meat and watched the Fyarl’s teeth demolish it. This Adam creature’s plans could work in her favor. The chaos would allow her to escape and it might even bring the foolish boy close to her. If it didn’t and he somehow survived, well, she had all the time in the world to kill him.



Sarah considered the smaller packet for a moment, and then tossed it to the demon, too, watching as it drank the meal intended for her. She had an utter lack of trust in her captors. She could go hungry for awhile – at least long enough to determine whether the food was dosed with anything. She settled down in a loose-limbed crouch, patient, her attention mostly turned inward to lovely visions of what she would do to the fool who had deigned to assault her.



*****



As doors went, it looked pretty much like any other door in any other dorm on campus. Jo closed her eyes, trying to fix it in her memory, but it remained just a door like any other, completely unremarkable. She thought that it should be special somehow. This was such a big step to take, and the door into her soon-to-be lover’s room should be different. Her female lover’s room. It should be different, shouldn’t it?



“Jo?”



Dani’s voice called to her; opening her eyes, she saw concern on her face. “Oh, sorry. I was just trying to remember all of this.”



“Oh.” Dani gazed at her, an amused smile playing on her lips. “Shall I help?”



“Help? How ….?”



Dani covered her mouth with her own and they kissed, long and slow. Jo marveled again at how it just felt so good. Soft, and warm, and sweet. Dani’s mouth still tasted faintly of coffee, and she supposed hers did, too. Her hands stroked up and down Dani’s back as she nibbled the tongue that was delicately exploring her mouth. Dani’s hands were not still either, and she shivered as they slid up her sides, just brushing her breasts.



“Jeez. Can’t you take it inside?” The voice was not particularly friendly. “Why should I have to watch you?”



“Is someone making you?” Dani retorted, but pushed her door open and guided her in, pulling the door closed behind them. It was not quite in time to block out the other girl’s reply.



“Fucking lesbos.”



Jo stiffened.



“Uh, sorry,” Dani apologized.



“I guess that comes with the territory,” Jo observed, trying to relax again. “It certainly made an impres ….”



“That one, well, she’s just a bitch. Don’t worry about her,” Dani interrupted. “And, Jo, that wasn’t the memorable I was aiming for. This was.” Warm hands cupped her face and Jo found her lips covered again with Dani’s.



It was amazing how kissing a girl could ease her tension.



*****



It watched, obscured by shadows and mist, as a young woman paced back and forth outside its alter ego’s mansion. Its ears swiveled and it listened uncomprehendingly as it crept closer.



“Hello, Jonathan, I don’t know if you remember me …. Hi. Sorry about coming to your house like this …. Hello. It’s Karen. Remember me?”



It was close enough now; knuckle-walking, it left the darkness behind.



“Where are you at, anyway? Are you, like, never at home?”



Slowly, carefully it advanced upon its dinner, until at last it was in position. The food screamed and it echoed the cry with a roar of its own. Rearing up on its legs, it swung an arm, but it had miscalculated and its claws missed the soft throat. Instead the blow just smashed the food to the ground.



But that would do.



It loomed over the food, but the food struck out again and again with a hard thing. The hard thing hurt, and it flinched as the blows continued to come. The food scrambled away. Slashing with one arm, it caught the food, but held it only briefly before it lost its grip. It watched its dinner gain its feet and begin to run.



Sniffing the air, it roared again.



Blood. The food was not lost after all. It followed. If not this food, there would be other food.



****



Neither of them, monster or girl, was aware that there had been a watcher in the shadows. A young brown-haired man stepped out into the open and laughed. Bending over where the girl had fallen, he reached down and stroked the grass with his fingers. Morphing into vamp face, he licked the blood from them. Briefly, he considered following the pair – the monster might leave something … edible – but the Boss would want to know about this. Laughing again, he set off into town.



****

It was all moving so fast. But fast was good. Jo moaned as Dani’s hands left the sensitive skin of her sides, back, and belly, and cupped her breasts. Thumbs rubbed her nipples into hard aching points through the fabric of her bra. Jo watched Dani’s tongue lightly lick her lips before covering her mouth again. The room swirled as Jo was kissed breathless. Good. It was just so good.



With a groan she broke free of Dani’s lips, and kissed along the woman’s jaw. Nuzzling her ear and dropping to her neck, she heard Dani’s breathing catch. Jo pushed her beautiful hair away and began loving her neck in earnest. There was no doubt in her mind that Dani liked this. Dani’s hands pulled her close, trying to meld them together.



But the pretty high-necked pullover was fast becoming a hindrance. Jo pulled down on the collar, baring unloved skin. Her lips kissed and her tongue licked, swirling, and Dani pulled her closer still.



Her eyes opened, distracted by something …. She brushed her lips and tongue over the skin on Dani’s neck – skin that was not smooth. Not rough, exactly. Scarred?



“MMmmmm, don’t stop, Jo.”



Jo kissed her neck again, wondering, but not willing to ask. She found Dani’s mouth briefly, but her lover wanted kisses on her neck, not her mouth. Dani’s hands pulled her mouth back to her neck while Jo’s hands untucked the pullover. They found the softness of Dani’s sides and back.



They also found more scars. Almost unaware of what she was doing, Jo traced one – a line that began on Dani’s left side. It followed the path of a rib and then curved up so that the end was covered by her bra. Her finger followed it beneath the fabric and traced it as it looped back on itself. Tracing the oval a second time, Jo had no doubt that it was a bite.



A bite that had been deep enough to scar was obviously deep enough to bleed. Her head lifted and she gazed into Dani’s eyes.



“Take off your shirt.”



*****

Buffy fidgeted slightly on her stool, uncomfortable with her seat, uncomfortable with the majority of her companions – uncomfortable most of all with Riley. She watched as Tara leaned over to whisper something in Willow’s ear. Hell, she was even uncomfortable with the shy, blonde witch, and she’d finally realized why. She was jealous. Willow had a friend who wasn’t her and wasn’t Xander. She scolded herself – being jealous of their friendship was just wrong. It was good for Willow to have a witchy friend. It was. Even if it meant she had less Willow time.



The two witches leaned apart and in unison slipped off their stools. “Hey, this is nice, but we’re going to head up closer to the stage,” Willow explained. Tara just smiled.



They, at least, looked comfortable and like they were having fun – which was more than could be said for the rest of them. They headed off through the dancing couples, Tara leading the way, her hand on Willow’s elbow.



Buffy looked away and sighed. She knew what her problem was, even what Riley’s was, but she had no idea why Xander and Anya were grumpy. She suspected, however, that she would soon find out – and wish she hadn’t.



“I did not.” Anya’s voice broke the tense silence. Buffy nodded inwardly. Yep, here it came. They were sooo predictable.



Xander spoke in clipped tones. “Last night … with me. You said, ‘Jonathan’.”



Oh, yeah. This was definitely going to be one of those Too-Much-Information moments, and she wished in vain for an attack of deafness.



Anya disputed his statement. “Nuh-uh. It was like ‘aaaah’”

“Maybe it was ‘aaaaanathan’. Still not fluffing up the ol’ ego.” Xander refused to let the ex-demon win this argument and he leaned closer to his girlfriend.



Buffy sighed again. They were such a weird couple.



“They’re quite a couple, aren’t they?”



She started at the soft male voice, suddenly aware that her … boyfriend … had leaned close to her. In a movement that she disliked even as she did it, she shifted away from him. “If it turns into a fistfight, I’ve got a fifty on Anya.”



He didn’t seem to react to her distancing herself, and simply said, “I wonder if they’ll last ….?”



Taken aback, Buffy looked at the tall man whom she loved – or thought she loved – and wondered the same thing about them. Now uncomfortable himself with the conversation, he edged away as far as the stool would allow him.



Steeling herself, she tried to voice her feelings. “Riley … I … think …,” but it was too hard. Her eyes found her best friend in the crowd. “Willow’s having a good time.”



Riley looked relieved and part of her heart ached to see it on his face. “Uh-huh. I haven’t really talked much to her friend yet.”



“Tara.” Buffy supplied the witch’s name. “She’s nice. Kinda shy.”



“Uh-huh.” Riley started to say something else, but turned to the stage as the band played a fanfare.



Why did this have to be so awkward? She watched as her former classmate and current cultural icon took the stage. The Bronze exploded in applause, and the foot of the stage was suddenly surrounded by young women – and not a few young men. She sighed. It was just so easy for some people.



She shifted her attention to Jonathan as Willow and her friend returned to the table.



The Sunnydale High Class Protector effortlessly caught a mike tossed to him from the wings. “Good evening, everyone. This song is dedicated to some friends of mine. A very special couple, who have been going through a tough time.” The music rose and he began to sing.



“When I hear that serenade in blue, I’m somewhere in another world alone with you.”



****



Willow’s eyes misted slightly and she slipped her hand beneath the table, not surprised in the least to find her own serenade-in-blue’s hand seeking hers. She watched as Riley stood and offered his hand to her best friend.



“Sharing all the joys we used to know many moons ago.”



Tara squeezed her hand gently as Buffy took his hand and they walked to the dance floor.



“Once again your face comes back to me.”



She glanced quickly at Tara. Yes, that face – she’d dreamed about that face for months now.



“Just like the theme of some forgotten melody in the album of my memory – serenade in blue.”



Tara’s full lips curved up in a soft smile, and she felt her own lips curve up in an answering smile. She gazed into the calm blue eyes seeing her love reflected.



“It seems like only yesterday, a small café, a crowded floor, and as we danced the night away, I hear you say forever more, and then the song became a sigh, forever more became goodbye – but you remain in my heart.”



Her lover dropped her head slightly, pointing it at the other couple at the table, and Willow glanced over at her oldest friend and Anya. The ex-demon was snuggling up very close, and she found that she had to stifle a giggle. Anya might be next to Xander, but from her expression, she was very definitely “with” Jonathan.



“Tell me darling is there still a spark?”



Willow’s attention shifted to her best friend, who was hugging Riley very tightly now as the song wound down to a close.



Tara leaned close again and softly said, “Looks like the crisis is over.”



“Or only lonely ashes of the flame we knew? Should I go on whistling in the dark, serenade in blue.”



She sighed, partly in contentment, partly in exasperation. “Good thing. Finding new boyfriends for her is exhausting. I don’t know if I’ve got another in me.” She gave Tara’s hand a final squeeze and then released it.



Her lover bounced on the stool as the band segued into another number. “Omigod. He’s gonna do something off the new album.”



Jonathan picked up a trumpet and began to play as the crowd went crazy.



“Xander?” Anya’s voice was throaty.



“Yeah?” Xander’s expression was just as rapt as hers as he watched Jonathan blow his horn.



“Let’s go have sex now.”



“Yeah, okay.”



Willow watched them leave a bit grumpily.



“Must be nice,” she muttered.



Tara smiled at her. “It is. Being here with you. Very. Nice.”



****



“Take my shirt off?” Dani asked hesitantly.



“Yeah.” Jo took a step backward, away from the woman she was so incredibly attracted to.



“But …. I ….” The brown eyes looked away. Her hands were visibly trembling she pulled it up over her head.



Jo swallowed hard and whispered, “Your bra too.”



Dani nodded and undid the clasp, shrugging out of the bra, as large tears rolled down her cheeks.



With a hand that trembled almost as much as Dani’s, Jo traced one of the scars – one of the bite marks – then dropped her hand.



“Are you satisfied now?”



She gazed into Dani’s eyes, reading the woman. Anger. Disgust. Both directed inward. And hurt. Worlds of hurt.



“No, Dani. I’m not.” Jo folded her arms one over the other and tried not to hug herself. “Did you think I was too naïve to notice? What were you going to do?”



“I was … it was going to be dark when I undressed.”



“And I wasn’t going to notice?” Jo repeated. “I may be new at this, but … get real.”



Dani’s chin came up. “The door’s over there; you can leave.”



“No.”



“What?”



“I said no. One word, two letters. Easy to say. No.” Jo shook her head. “That gesture means ‘no’ too, by the way.” She cocked her head to one side. “I’m not that easy to get rid of. Just ask Tara. Or Willow. Willow would be better, actually.”



Dani’s face changed with every word she spoke, until at the very end she settled on confused. “Huh? Who’s Willow?”



“Willow is Tara’s snarky girlfriend. The two of you would either hit it off, or kill one another. I’m not sure which yet.” Jo reached out and gently wiped a tear from Dani’s cheek. “Do you really want me to leave?”



“No, but….”



Jo interrupted, “See, easy word. And no buts.” She smiled. “Do you have cocoa or something I can make for us while you get comfortable? Uh, comfortable in a dressed way, not an undressed one.”



“You don’t have to do this. You don’t have to stay. I’d understand.”



“Huh. Still trying to get rid of me. Nope. Do you want me to just look through your stuff? ’Cause I will. I’m not shy that way. Just ask ….”



“Tara or Willow?” Dani supplied.



“Yeah.” She lifted one eyebrow questioningly. “Drinkables?”



“There, over on my fridge.” Dani pointed, then turned away to rummage through a dresser drawer.



Jo watched her for a moment, then walked the short distance to the opposite side of the room. No cocoa, but there was International Coffee. She measured the powder into two mugs, and then filled them with hot tap water. Discreetly she avoided looking over to where Dani was dressing, and fumblingly figured out the microwave.



“I put on my PJs. Is that okay?” Dani asked hesitantly.



She turned around. Dani sat awkwardly on her bed, dressed in pink and white, footed Hello Kitty pajamas. “PJs are great. Nice and comfortable.” Jo was amused at herself; up until thirty seconds ago she had hated the color pink. The microwave dinged and she removed the mugs. Carefully, she carried them over to the bed; handing one to Dani, she settled on the floor, her back against the bed. Near enough to touch, but not trespassing in Dani’s space.



Gingerly she sipped the scalding liquid and waited.



Patient.



****



Buffy’s head swiveled to the commotion someone was causing in the crowd. She exclaimed softly as the young woman who’d been at the Espresso Pump that afternoon burst into view. Her clothing was torn and her hair was wildly disarrayed. Mud and blood streaked her skin.



She tried to catch the girl as she careened off her, “Hey, what happened to you? Can I help?”



Hands frantic, the girl pushed her away, heading for the stage and Jonathan, who quickly killed the music. Buffy followed, Riley at her heels, clearing a circle around her. The Bronze was silent except for the injured girl’s sobs.



Jonathan vaulted down from the stage and took her hand. “Karen? That’s your name, isn’t it? I signed my book for you.”



Buffy saw nothing in the girl’s eyes, but Jonathan continued to speak softly and gently to her. “Tell me what hurt you, Karen. I can help.”



The Slayer found Willow and Tara in the crowd and beckoned them over. “Hey – I think we’re going to be busy for awhile, uh …. Where’s Xander and Anya?”



“Went home to … you know?” Willow answered with a blush. “Is she going to be okay?”



Buffy looked over her shoulder, where several of Jonathan’s men were preparing to carry Karen out to his car. “I think so, but we’re going to head out to Jonathan’s to find out what’s going on. Can the two of you stay here? Make sure things are okay?”



“Sure,” Willow agreed. Tara nodded.



“You guys are the best!” Buffy exclaimed. “I’ll be back later, once we’ve figured out what did this.” Collecting Riley, she followed after Jonathan and the others.



****



“I don’t know why you’re doing this.”



Jo swirled the last couple of swallows around in the mug. It figured. Dead silence while the coffee cooled to something approaching drinkable, more silence while they slowly sipped it – and then the first words out of her mouth were pure snarkiness. She rested the mug on one knee and tipped her head onto the mattress so that she could see Dani – or more of her than a pink- and white-checked foot.



Tears still filled Dani’s brown eyes, occasionally escaping to run down her cheeks. Cheeks that were flushed pink, but pale compared to her nose. She watched as Dani wiped her nose with the back of her hand.



The whole picture – the tears, the runny nose, the reddened eyes – should have been unappealing. Instead, she thought Dani was even more adorable than before. But she still had questions.



“Well, I wanted something to drink, but I thought maybe I should sit on the floor, because what you’re sitting on is ...” Jo took a deep breath and continued, “… a bed – and, well, I didn’t want to give you the wrong impression. Okay?”



Dani seemed on the verge of saying something even snarkier, but Jo shifted her head over until it rested on the nearby foot. She watched Dani’s mouth open and close several times.



“If you want to talk, I’m here.”



****



“Now wh-what?” Tara asked.



Willow looked around at the still-disturbed fans. “Well, to be perfectly honest, I don’t really know. This is, uh, sort of anomalous. Usually there’s more screaming – lots of screaming – and running away. People just don’t hang around – not in Sunnydale.”



“M-Maybe the band should play something?” she suggested.



“Huh.” Willow considered and then smiled. “Good idea.”



Tara returned the smile, lifting her chin a little at the compliment. The smile turned into a grin when Willow grasped her hand and led her toward the stage. She rather hoped it took Jonathan and Buffy the rest of the evening to figure out what was going on.



****



Jonathan loosened his tie with one hand, letting the ends dangle on either side of his neck. He was quietly amazed that the young woman he was holding was still shaking so hard. He tried to release her to get out of the limo, but she clung to him frantically. After struggling for a few moments, he gave up and just pulled her out with him as Buffy and Riley stepped up beside him in the drive.



“There.” He lifted his free arm and pointed. Immediately Karen whimpered and buried her face in his chest. A small smile tugged at his lips – he could get used to this. He pulled her into motion and the rest of the small group forged ahead to where a small group of police milled about.



“What’s going on?” Buffy demanded. “Why are you here?”

Jonathan met the Sergeant’s eyes, and cocked his head inquiringly.



Ignoring the Slayer, the Sergeant spoke directly to him. “Mr. Levinson. Someone on your staff reported a disturbance. When I realized it was your house, I thought I’d better come down in person.”



He carefully detached Karen from his body and handed her over to Riley. He bent to examine the trampled ground and immediately found the binoculars. The Slayer mimicked his every move; for a moment, face hidden, he smiled more widely. Standing erect, he reassured the uniforms. “That’s all right, Sergeant. I have it under control.”



“Of course, sir!” The sergeant almost bowed. “Glad to see you’re all right, sir.” Waving his men to leave, he quickly followed them.



Buffy picked up the binoculars, carefully holding the various bits together. “There’s something on these. Maybe she hurt it.”



He shook his head. “No. I saw that. I’m afraid it’s just condensation.”



“Oh. It doesn’t seem like ….” The Slayer frowned and then her face cleared. “Yeah, sorry.”



“Well, I think we’ve seen everything to see out here. Let’s go inside out of the damp.” With that, Jonathan herded them toward the house.



****



Resting her head on the PJ-ed foot, Jo watched emotions flicker across Dani’s face. She could tell when they became too uncomfortable and forced the dark-haired girl to hide behind her mug of cooling coffee. And she smiled inwardly when she recognized the moment when Dani decided



“Why?”



“Because not too long ago, I needed to talk about something, and someone did this for me,” Jo answered quietly.



“So you’re doing this because of karma?”



She nodded and rubbed her cheek on Dani’s ankle. “She sat and listened. Although she didn’t really know me then, she knew I was hurting and needed to talk.”



“Tara?”



“Yes.” Jo lifted her head and, shuddering, drained the dregs of her coffee. Time to share. “She’s my next door neighbor and …. well, she heard me crying in the bathroom. This was last semester – the week of Halloween. I had met this guy and, well, he was cute and funny and sweet. Very charming.”



“And a total prick?” Dani’s toes rubbed the back of her head a bit roughly.



Jo smiled slightly – so Dani wasn’t too coordinated with her feet? That might be good to know. She didn’t know why, exactly, but it might be. She rested her head back on the clumsy foot, pinning it. “Very prickish. He made a habit of sweet-talking naïve girls like me into his bed and making tracks once he had notched his bedpost. At the time I was hurt and angry, but at least I had someone to talk to.” She rolled her head to one side and gazed up at Dani’s face, grinning. “Tara thinks his full name is ‘that-prick-Parker-Abrams.’”



Dani laughed softly, but briefly, and looked deeply into her eyes. “I’m not like that … if you’re worried about a repeat.”



“I wasn’t.” Jo smiled, a bit ruefully.



“Really?”



“Not when I met you, no,” she murmured, her smile fading.



“But now?” Dani’s voice was almost inaudible.



“Dani, uh, let me get all this out, okay?” Jo waited until she nodded. “Uh, … we met last night. I loved dancing with you and kissing you. You’re right; I’m new at this whole girl-girl thing. It was wonderful, though. I hardly slept last night at all, and I haven’t done much but think about you all day. When we came here, I wanted you so badly that ….”



“But?” Dani interrupted, apparently unable to be quiet.



“There were no buts. I wanted you. I decided in that hall that if it was just for one night, I still wanted it to happen. And I still want it to, but …,” Jo frowned. “Okay, so there is a but. But right now I think you need a friend more than you need a lover. That – well, that’s something I, uh, we, can wait for. I’m good at being patient.”

Edited by: Triscuit7 at: 12/17/02 6:01:34 pm

[SilverWingedNemesis]

*SIGHS*



I'm loving this story..and it's getting very interestiong..BUT..



I need some Willow and Tara goodness!! *grins*



Please?? *begs*



Thanks for this fic! I'm loving it despite my pouts! *GRINS*





~NICKOLE~

[Rane018]

mel! that ending was great. i loved the fact you actually spoke of the bite scars when none of the bitten on buffy ever have em until it's story necessary. i'm not looking forward to the next chapter where i'm sure tara's going to be having that little confrontation with the demon but at leat willow gets tot ake care of her girl afterwards! you rock my darling! hugs and kisses to you and darcy girl!

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

[The Inward Sea]

Oh, yay! Goody, goody! an update!!!



*The Inward Sea runs to a hidden corner, cuddles with any available cat and puts her glasses on to start reading...*



Thanks, Mel!



Sea

[LeatherQueen]

Oh yeah, Mel, this was great! And I love that Jo is so compassionate about letting Dani talk, and wanting to be her friend. I knew I liked that girl for a reason.



I really liked the way you weaved this chapter in and around the episode. Very nicely done.



Oooh, and I especially loved this comment:

Quote:

---

“Willow is Tara’s snarky girlfriend. The two of you would either hit it off, or kill one another. I’m not sure which yet.”

---

Loved it!



Great update, Mel!!

"We've got the only librarian who can rip off your arm with his leg. People respect that." - Terry Pratchett

[singgirl]

I love this so much. I really like what you have done with Jo, great character developement.

Pax! -Bev

[deixs]

Great update!!!

I really love this fic!



Stef

[xita]

I like Dani and jo and all but I am missing my w/t I am rather greedy when it comes to those 2. Especially cause we are getting to the crucial points.



I loved the song, you know it was so good to see Willow was thinking about Tara. Also nice because all we got to see during it was b/r

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

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

[Insanity]

YAY Jo!!! She's getting better and better. Love her, done very well .

The dance is at the end of the month???... OMG!!! Guess I'll have a hard time to wait for that *gg* but i think your updates will help me with that...



Insanity

"Nobody messes with my girl!" Tara, Bargaining

[Fifigirl11]

I usually don't reply, I'm the silent type, but this update rocked! I love the mix of relationships going on, you truly have a talent for writing! Thanx!

Fifi

[barnabasvamp]

Wow, excellent update! I continue to be amazed as to how you can weave each of the story lines in and out of each other.



You keep the suspence aspect on edge....The tenderness of new love and developing friendship, and the caring between two lovers.



It just keeps getting better!

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin