New Fic: Five by Five

[Taras Shadow]

Willster: Thank you! As for Buffy coming or uh, going to visit Faith...yes, you shall see. Won’t be long, I promise.



The Rose24: Willow is going all out I figured she rather live in Alabama with her girlfriend, than live in NY without. Thank you for reading!



Shadowed Grl: First of all, welcome to the board! A big fan? This one is one of your most favourite? Ah, see Jolie, when I started writing this, it was all just mumbo jumbo, but as it carried out, it became an actual story line. So I decided to post it, specifically for the Kittens. I’m glad you’re liking my work, makes me feel better about writing. So thank YOU.



wimpy0729: Yup, gotta love sneaky Willow! Thank you for reading and leaving such wonderful feedback.



Arwen276: More? I shall have more soon! Or you shall more soon... I’m working on the ending. Thank you for reading!



peggy of sunnydale: Oh wow (blush overload). Thank you! I love writing these stories for you all. It gives me such a good feeling knowing that you can enjoy it. As for BTAT, I’m working on the next update and hopefully I’ll have it done some time this week. Thank you again.



littlecrazy80: Yes! Willow is moving to Sweet Home Alabama! Ouu, by the way, loving your sig. Thank you for reading! Always loving the things you say.



sam darls: Thank you Sammi Poor Tara Let’s just hope I make the surprise as good as we’re all thinking.



irishlassie101: Yay! Things are going purrfect so far. and yes, lots o’smoochies ahead. Thank you!



browsingviewer: Thank you! And I notice it’s your first post, so I shall welcome you to the board. I’ll have Tara’s reaction in a few days...if *I* can wait that long. Thanks again.



Red Jassy: I see Willow as the type of person who would change everything just to be with Tara (though it didn’t look like it as much on S6 ) But in this story, Willow will do anything just to be with Tara again. Ah love. Thank you Red, always a pleasure reading your replies.



shuyaku: Uh huh, Willow is gone, headin’ on the highway to go and get her Tara. Go Willow! Thank you for reading.



Grimaldi: Thank you. I hope to have the surprise up soon!



~



Thank you to all the Kittens who are reading and who have leftback, but I missed out on. Love yas all.



~Holly~

Baby, baby, baby when all you're love is gone, who will save me from all I'm up against out in this world

- Bright Lights - Matchbox Twenty

"Show me where to touch you." - Tara, It Ain't Fickle (Luciddream)

[Stroke of Luck]

Hi Holly!!!



I finally catched up :d and i have to say that ur story rocks. I wanted to read it in one row but once a while someone disturbed ME GRRRR haha nah it was ok but still i wanted to keep on going, cuz i was so INTO that story.



And i kinda see myself and my baby in that story...(pressie and moving to her) and i was like AWWW, sigh..how cute...



Cant wait to read how Tara will react hehe YAy



Need the next part asap!



Cu

SoL/Natti

Even in death Baby, i´ll never leave u!

[Taras Shadow]

This one is for Mikaelah! Enjoy!



Title: Five by Five (High)

Author: Holly aka Taras Shadow

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

Pairings: W/T mainly

Rating: PG 13 or R - You decide

Summary: It's been five years since High School ended for the Sunnydale crowd, will thing be the same when a reunion takes place? Or will somethings remain the same?



Chapter Ten - I Wanna Love You Forever



Tara hummed a tune while placing a pot of water on the stove. She was a little worried about not hearing from Willow at their regular time, but figured the redhead was running late in a meeting of some sort.



“Mama?” The blonde called out and turned the stove on high. “Has Willow called?”



Patricia came into the room and smiled warmly. “No, I’m sure she will in a bit though, she hasn’t missed a call for two months now.”



“I know,” Tara sighed and smiled. “Faith won’t be home for dinner, she’s meeting up with a friend.”



“Just you and me?” Patricia grinned and began to set the table for two. “Oh, I meant to ask if it’s okay you open the store tomorrow? I have to help out Mrs. Thompson with her groceries and errands.



Tara smiled. “No problem,” she went to add pasta to the boiling water, but the phone rang. She grinned even wider and reached for the cordless. “Hello?”



“What are you wearing?” A sultry voice purred over the phone line.



“Willow!” Tara laughed and blushed. “I can’t answer that...”



“Why? Are you naked in a room full of people?” Willow teased.



“No,” the blonde smirked and moved into the living room. “You sound...different, are you using your cell phone?”



“Yes, I just finished checking into some business stuff and now I’m heading home,” Willow bit her lip and smiled, looking over her side to see Faith smirking in the passenger seat.



“Oh, busy day?”



“You can say that,” Willow sighed and turned onto a quiet street. “Did you want me to call as soon as I get home? My battery is kind of low, but I didn’t want you to worry about me.”



Tara smiled and placed her hand over her heart. “I’d love for you to call me, I love you Willow.”



“I love you too Tara,” the redhead stopped where Faith told her too and turned off the engine. “Looks like I’m home,” she smirked, knowing that the house she was about to go into, was Tara’s. “I’ll call back in just a few minutes baby.”



“Okay,” Tara smiled and hung up the phone, prancing back into the kitchen happily. “I’m so in love Mama,” she sighed and poured in the pasta noodles.



The older woman smiled and shook her head, happy for her little girl.



The doorbell rang and Tara wiped her hands on the tea towel before making her way towards the front door. They weren’t expecting any company that she was aware of, so Tara was prepared to decline any door to door salesmen. But what she wasn’t prepared for was the sight she’d see when she opened up the door.



“Why, is that you Tara Maclay?” The redhead smiled warmly, fighting to hold back and not grab the blonde in her arms and kiss her senseless.



“W-Willow?” Tara’s blue eyes were large and her smile was never any larger. “Is...you’re...how?”



Faith came out from the side of the porch and winked at her best friend. “I see you’ve met my friend,” she smirked. “I’ll be inside,” she moved past Tara and gave a thumbs up at the redhead.



“Faith knew?”



Willow giggled and held out her arms, waiting for long overdue hugs and kisses. “I called her last week,” she sighed when Tara enveloped in her embrace. “Home,” she whispered, placing a few kisses along Tara’s neck, up her jaw, finally reaching inviting lips.



Tara tangled her hands in long red tresses and parted her lips, moaning quietly when Willow’s soft tongue passed her lips and they sank into a deep heartfelt kiss.



Willow wrapped her arms around Tara’s waist, holding her close, falling into the kiss, allowing herself to let go. She made it. She was finally with the one that got away, and the redhead was going to everything and anything in her willpower to keep them together.



Pulling back from the kiss, Willow rubbed noses with Tara. “Told you I’d be back,” she grinned, caressing the blonde’s lower back.



“How long?” Tara whispered, cupping Willow’s face, smoothing her thumbs over the soft skin.



“For as long as you want me,” the redhead smiled and kissed Tara softly. “So much to tell you!”



“Apparently,” Tara smiled cheekily, “for as long as I want you?” she watched her girlfriend nod with a sincere smile on her face. “Forever?”



“Then I’m yours, forever and always I am yours, Tara Maclay,” Willow smiled brightly and kissed Tara again and again. “I’m home.”



***



TBC...



~Holly~

Baby, baby, baby when all you're love is gone, who will save me from all I'm up against out in this world

- Bright Lights - Matchbox Twenty

"Show me where to touch you." - Tara, It Ain't Fickle (Luciddream)

[tinnakaren]

*claps hands excitedly like an idiot*



This is so incredibly great. I love this story! Thank you for continuing with it

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

Tinna Karen

-tölvunörd í fyrsta ættlið

[Mikaelah Braenna]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww!!! Thank you Holly!

I absolutely love this...

I adore you!!

Keep up the great work hun...



~Mikaelah

Willow: "Where would you go? If you felt lost and alone? ..."

Tara: "To You..."

~~Truly and Forever~~

[Stroke of Luck]

WOW that was pretty fast for me lucky me hehe



sigh isnt she cute wonder how Taras mom will react, but i bet she is all over Willow



hehe great update



Cu

SoL/Natti

Even in death Baby, i´ll never leave u!

[AmbeRocks]

i love it, i love it, i love it!!



this story is wonderful!



jen

There is such a variety of well-invented things that the earth is like the breasts of a woman: useful as well as pleasing - Nietzsche

[SilverWingedNemesis]

YAY!!!



wow.. man this just.. totally pulling at the heart strings.. so much emotion. had me smiling.. had me feeling in love all over again.. and even had tears in my eyes on some parts too..



i can't wait for more!!!



love ya!

Nickole

[irishlassie101]

SIGH



that was sooooo sweet...giving up her old life for love...



SIGH

[wimpy0729]

Hey Holly! Oh wow! I loved this so much I've got a big silly grin on my face that I can't get rid of (not that I want to). I love these kind of surprises.



More soon please!



Wimpy

[The Rose24]

It's safe to say Tara is happy to see Willow.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[bindingwiccan]

ahh sometimes i just wanna squeal after reading your fics but you know i love em



love,

Kels

[lil wiccan]

AAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWW that was sooooooo sweet... great update...hehehe...

"How can i/ Beleive that my heart will find/ Someone like you/ You see the really me/ No in betweens/ I had nowhere to hide/ You took away the walls around me/ Make me feel safe to share my truth/ I see the heavens open/ A heart that once was broken/ It's holding nothing back/ Now that i found you

[littlecrazy80]

That was so sweet.



*lil´c*

"Okay, we’re here, we’re queer, let’s kick this shit into gear," Five by Five (Taras Shadow)



SweetAmber

[Red Jassy]

hi holly.

aww.. that was sweet and 0h gAwd.. this scene/part is so endearing..

Quote:

---

“How long?” Tara whispered, cupping Willow’s face, smoothing her thumbs over the soft skin.

“For as long as you want me,” the redhead smiled and kissed Tara softly. “So much to tell you!”

“Apparently,” Tara smiled cheekily, “for as long as I want you?” she watched her girlfriend nod with a sincere smile on her face. “Forever?”

“Then I’m yours, forever and always I am yours, Tara Maclay,” Willow smiled brightly and kissed Tara again and again. “I’m home.”

---

gosh.. beautiful holly.. beautiful indeed.

thank you for sharing that wonderful scene..

more please.

wish there is somebody that would say those words to me as well like willow did.. gosh.. so sweet.. probably i'd melt . hehehee..

ciao

redjassy

---

Cause you were made for me/Somehow I'll make you see/How happy you make me

/I can't live this life/Without you by my side/I need you to survive/ So stay with me/
You look in my eyes and I'm screaming inside/]that I'm sorry. » Evanescence

Edited by: Red Jassy at: 3/29/04 5:51 am

[Arwen276]

awwwww



that's so sweet!!



*wipes away happy tears*



snif,



They're so cute...and finally HOME!



Home is where the heart is .... *slaps herself :'sap!'*



I'm a sucker for sweet romance...



~Arwen

Hear That Baby? You're My Always... Willow

[Taras Shadow]

Hello Kitties! Sorry there are no individual replies this time around, next time! For Mikaelah, she knows why and for all you other devoted die hard Willow/Tara fans. Thank you! and Enjoy!



Title: Five by Five (High)

Author: Holly aka Taras Shadow

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

Pairings: W/T mainly

Rating: PG 13 or R - You decide

Summary: It's been five years since High School ended for the Sunnydale crowd, will thing be the same when a reunion takes place? Or will somethings remain the same?

All Mistakes Are Mine



Chapter Eleven - All My Life



Tara dropped the last box in the small apartment of her girlfriend’s. Wiping her forehead, she sat down on the soft couch and sighed.



“Someone looks tired,” Willow grinned, coming out of the small kitchen area, holding out two cold bottles of Coke. “Looks like all the boxes are here, now it’s time to unpack!”



Tara groaned and tugged Willow closer, pulling her down onto her lap. “Why don’t we take a break,” she smiled.



“All work and no play makes Tara all...bothered?” The redhead raised an eyebrow and placed a cold bottle of Coke on Tara’s chest, causing the blonde to hiss. “Mmmkay, let’s take a break,” she murmured, moving the bottles onto the floor, then moved to straddling her beautiful girlfriend. “Are you staying the night?” she asked, her lips taking an adventure behind Tara’s ear.



“Ah,” the blonde moaned and moved her hands up and underneath Willow’s shirt, caressing her back. “As long as you don’t mind me waking up early and having to go to work,” she grinned and tilted her head back a bit.



“I have to get up too, I need my Tara snuggles,” Willow whispered, her mouth trailed over Tara’s lips, sliding her tongue inside her sweet haven.



“Will, you’re vibrating,” Tara groaned when she felt the redhead’s leg shake a bit.



“Huh?” Willow pulled back with a confused look. She followed Tara’s finger, which pointed to her jean pockets. “Oh!”



Tara giggled and returned to her journey, her lips moving across her girlfriend’s jaw as Willow proceeded to successfully get her cell phone out of her pocket, but with Tara’s lips delicately loving her skin, she was having some trouble. “Kay, got it,” she said breathlessly and pulled back, earning a whimper from the blonde.



Tara sat back and moved her hands to Willow’s thighs, caressing them lightly, her fingers inching more and more towards the redhead’s heated center. She bit her bottom lip and grinned sexily at her girlfriend. “Who is it?” she asked as Willow screened the missed phone call.



“Uh,” Willow licked her lips and bit back a moan as she felt fingers move to the inside of her thighs and up more. “Tara,” she sighed.



“It’s me?” The blonde moved her hands quickly and grabbed Willow by her bottom and pushed them closer together. “I’m right here,” she murmured, blinking through her long eyelashes, looking up at Willow with a lusty gaze.



“Buffy can wait,” Willow growled and pushed Tara hard against the back of the sofa, ready to give her blonde some serious loving.



Tara pulled Willow back and smirked. “What about unpacking?” She found herself quickly pinned on her back with a very aroused redhead taking a hold of her every last scent.



~



Willow walked up the street slowly, thinking about how fun it would be if she and the new girl, Tara Maclay, could just hang out without having school work to do all the time. Since Tara transferred a month into the school year, Willow was asked to tutor the girl until she caught up with everyone else. Of course the redhead happily agreed to help the beautiful girl.



“Hello Willow,” Mrs. Maclay smiled from the driveway. “Staying for dinner tonight?”



Willow smiled but shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to impose Mrs. Maclay.”



“Nonsense,” Patricia smiled at the young teenager. “There’s more than enough to eat tonight,” she looked back towards the house. “Tara should be in her room.”



Willow nodded and went into the house, politely taking off her shoes, she made her way towards the blonde’s room. Stopping at the open doorway, she watched as Tara was laying on her stomach, listening to her discman and studying. Willow smiled and knocked, even though she knew that her friend wouldn’t be able to hear her.



Tara looked up when she saw a shadow move out of the corner of her eye, she grinned when she noticed a familiar face. “Hey,” she took of her headphones and sat up, closing her Science book. “I never noticed the time.”



“I was a little early leaving my house,” the redhead confessed, taking off her shoulder bag, “but I’m on time.”



“Good,” Tara nodded slowly and looked around her room. “I was studying for an hour, do you mind if we just chill before we get started again?”



“Oh, no problem, I’m here for supper anyway,” Willow smiled.



“Wow, my parents must really like you,” Tara grinned and pulled Willow down onto the bed. “So, going to the dance with anyone?”



Shaking her head, the redhead smiled sadly, “Like someone would ask me,” she sighed.



“Are you kidding me?” The blonde drew back and allowed her gaze to follow up her new friend’s body. “A knockout like you?”



“Are you flirting? I think this is flirting, you’re flirting!” Willow giggled and threw a pillow at Tara.



“Can’t help it,” Tara bit her lip. “Don’t best friends usually flirt with each other?”



The redhead paused and gave a small hopeful smile. “I’m your best friend?”



Tara nodded shyly. “I...I never really had friends back home” she confessed, “most of my friends never asked me to do anything with them.”



“What?” Willow’s eyebrows raised, her voice did too, in disbelief. “How can someone not ask you to do something, what, with a knockout like you?” she grinned.



Tara laughed and shrugged her shoulders. “It’s okay, I love having you as a friend way better.”



Nodding, the redhead agreed. “And best friends tease each other, well Buffy does anyway.”



“Oz looks like he’s interested in you,” Tara changed the subject, biting her lower lip to hide her twinge of jealousy.



“Oh, yea, he kissed me in pre-school,” Willow giggled. “But I don’t really see him like that, he’s just a friend.”



“Friends are nice,” Tara smiled warmly.



“See, I don’t really go to the dances and such, I’m more of a wallflower type person. If you’re looking for a good time at parties or dances, ask Buffy and Faith.”



“I’m more of a wallflower too,” Tara sighed and reached out to pick a piece of fluff off Willow’s shirt. “So did you want to just hang out here when there are dances and parties?”



Willow smiled widely as she bounced a bit. “I’d love too!”



Tara chuckled and reached out for her notebook. “We should get started on something before dinner is ready,” she smiled.



“Okay, last week we were working on atoms and this week...”



Tara listened intently on Willow’s sweet voice. She found herself lucky to have such an amazing friend in the redhead. She was one lucky newbie to Sunnydale High, she was sure that these next three years in school will be nothing but fun and exciting, as long as she had Willow.



~



Laying naked on the couch, Willow wrapped herself and Tara up in a blanket. “Wow,” she breathed heavily. “Where’d you learn how to do that thing with your tongue?”



“Read it,” Tara giggled and peppered kisses along her girlfriend’s shoulder. “We own a bookstore remember?”



“Yea, I remember,” Willow grinned and pulled Tara closer. “You’re opening up tomorrow?”



Tara nodded and closed her eyes. She felt rather relaxed from their love making session, that she could fall asleep right there in Willow’s arms. “Mmm, Will?”



“Yea?” Willow snuggled as close as she possibly could.



“This job you have here, is it...secure?”



“Yes baby, it’s secure,” the redhead turned around and faced Tara, kissing her lips softly. “I’m not going anywhere.”



“Good, cause I wanna keep you forever,” Tara replied, cracking her eyes open a bit. “My Gods, I think you wore me out, I can barely open my eyes.”



“Go me!” Willow beamed and pushed Tara onto her back before straddling her naked and glorious girlfriend. “Have I ever told you that you have the most erotic and beautiful body?” she made swirl patterns on Tara’s smooth stomach.



Tara chuckled and moved her hands to Willow’s hips. “Did I not just tell you I have no energy left?”



“You did,” Willow giggled and lowered herself so they were close enough to kiss. “Doesn’t mean I can’t look at your beautiful body, does it?”



“I guess not,” Tara sighed dramatically and captured Willow’s lips in a soft kiss.



“Let’s get my gorgeous Tara to bed,” Willow got up and pulled Tara up with her. “We can snuggle in my bed and it’ll be slightly more comfortable.”



“True,” Tara wrapped her arms around Willow’s waist from behind, as they walked down the small dark hallway. She began to kiss the back of Willow’s neck softly. “You have such sweet skin,” she whispered in the redhead’s ear.



“All yours,” Willow sighed and turned around, her breasts pressed up against Tara’s own. “Shall we call it a night?”



Tara nodded and kissed Willow gently, pushing her back onto the neatly made bed. “One more round though,” she whispered huskily, crawling over Willow’s body.



***



TBC...in a few days.



~Holly~

Baby, baby, baby when all you're love is gone, who will save me from all I'm up against out in this world

- Bright Lights - Matchbox Twenty

"Show me where to touch you." - Tara, It Ain't Fickle (Luciddream)

[littlecrazy80]

Yay! I love the flashbacks! More please?!?!?!?!



*lil´c*

"Okay, we’re here, we’re queer, let’s kick this shit into gear," Five by Five (Taras Shadow)



SweetAmber

[AmbeRocks]

that fic makes my day like... almost everyday! i'm really enjoying it, please don't be too long for the next update!

jen

There is such a variety of well-invented things that the earth is like the breasts of a woman: useful as well as pleasing - Nietzsche

[sam darls]

Ooh..they were so great, and so adorable Love sam 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)

[justin]

This is a great story. I'm glad that you decided to continue it past the reunion.



I'm looking forward to more

Postel's Prescription: Be generous in what you accept, rigorous in what you emit.

[Shadowed Grl]

Holly!



Wow. One thing I love about this fic is the flashbacks and how you capture their close friendship. Plus getting them together after the reunion yay! I hope to see more soon.



-Jolie

[Mikaelah Braenna]

Somedays ... I wonder what I would do without you Holly.

You accomplished what you set out to do ... thank you!

I love it ...



~Mikaelah

Willow: "Where would you go? If you felt lost and alone? ..."

Tara: "To You..."

~~Truly and Forever~~

[amazonaa]

that was great.



good job.





brittney

[wimpy0729]

Hey Holly!



Still lovin it! One more round -- hee hee!



Wimpy

[The Rose24]

You have a lot more stories to tell, and I am glad you are continuing as well. The ladies are sooo sweet.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[Arwen276]

I love it,...

the flashbacks are very nice, it's really sweet to see them building up to the present, no matter how harsh the fracture that occured 5 years ago was...

It's like they picked up at the same spot five years later.



more??



~Arwen

Hear That Baby? You're My Always... Willow

[bluewillowwitch]

Holly ,

Just finished all the updates. I love them! It is so cute. and get together but then are torn apart but the moves to Alabama to be with . Just beautiful. And they sure are horney little things aren't they. I can't wait to see what happens to our lovebirds next. Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[Red Jassy]

hi

great update... more of Willow n Tara lovin'. more

yay .. thanks..

ciao

redjassy

---

Cause you were made for me/Somehow I'll make you see/How happy you make me

/I can't live this life/Without you by my side/I need you to survive/ So stay with me/
You look in my eyes and I'm screaming inside/]that I'm sorry. » Evanescence

[Taras Shadow]

Thank you so much Kittens, for the lovely feedback. I know, for sure, there will not be another update until at least Monday. RL has picked up and I start my Computer Night classes tomorrow night! Yay! So Enjoy!



Title: Five by Five (High)

Author: Holly aka Taras Shadow

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome.

Pairings: W/T mainly

Rating: PG 13 or R - You decide

Summary: It's been five years since High School ended for the Sunnydale crowd, will thing be the same when a reunion takes place? Or will somethings remain the same?

**All Mistakes Are Mine



Chapter Twelve - Caught Up In A Dream



“So what are your plans for tonight?” Sheila asked her daughter while getting ready for work.



“Oh, after school, Buffy and I are going to go over to Tara’s place for dinner, and Mrs. Maclay said it was okay for us to spend the night too, so can I?” Willow babbled.



Sheila smiled and kissed her daughter on the forehead. “You know, I really like Tara, she’s a good influence on you. Just let me know when I can return the favour and have her over here.”



Willow grinned and hugged her mother. “Thank you!”



“You’re welcome, I’m guessing you’re coming home to pack overnight clothing?”



“Yea, after dinner we’re going to the movies, then on the way back, I’ll pick my stuff up.”



“Okay Willow, have fun!” Sheila smiled and waved to her daughter as Willow hopped out of the vehicle.



***



“Let’s play a game,” Buffy jumped up and down excitedly.



“What kind of game?” Willow frowned as she sat on Tara’s bed, threading her fingers through the blonde’s hair.



Tara swirled a lollipop in her mouth and locked eyes on Faith, who was waggling her eyebrows. “What?” she quirked a smile.



“Nothing,” Faith smirked. “Hey Red, how soft is Tara’s hair?”



Willow blushed and stopped her movements, slowly bring her hands back to her lap.



“Hey!” Tara scowled and crawled up onto the bed. “I was enjoying that!”



Faith snickered and shrugged. “I just asked a question...besides, you never let me run my fingers through your hair.”



Buffy raised an eyebrow, a twinge of jealousy shot through her and she knew that a twinge of jealousy shot through Willow as well, knowing how close Tara and Faith were becoming.



Willow backed up a bit and rested against the headboard. “So what game?” she smiled weakly.



Tara frowned at the redhead and noticed the mood shift in her best friend. “You okay Will?”



Willow nodded. “I just don’t really feel like playing Truth or Dare.”



“Why? Gotta secret?” Faith raised an eyebrow.



“Faith, leave her alone,” Buffy said, moving up onto the bed as well. “I was actually gonna suggest a board game.”



“Oh! I have plenty of those,” Tara smiled and got off her bed.



“I’ll help you with those,” Faith stood up and followed the blonde out the door.



“Everything okay?” Buffy asked Willow as they sat in the room alone.



“It’s just...I’m a little jealous,” the redhead muttered.



“Of what?”



“Faith and Tara...they’re so close and I want to be that close.”



Buffy smiled softly. “Wills, you are way closer to Tara than Faith is...you heard her, Tara won’t even let Faith touch her hair.”



“I know, but...” Willow sighed and smiled. “I just want to be with her...I mean, with her.”



“Maybe someday you will,” Buffy tried to put on a good smile. “And ignore Faith, how do you think I feel? I’m supposed to be her girlfriend and she’s hitting on Tara.”



“Exactly.” Willow scowled. “Tara’s supposed to be...mine.”



“Okay!” Tara came in the room carrying some boxes. “Plenty to choose from!”



After hours of playing various board games, the girls decided it was time to make the sleeping arrangements. “Two of use get the bed the other two can share the mattress on the floor.” Tara dropped a couple of pillows down onto the floor.



“Well...why don’t you and Red take the bed?” Faith smiled.



Willow’s heart raced and looked over at Buffy then back to Tara. “I...I don’t mind.”



Tara grinned and jumped up on the bed pulling Willow with her. “Okay!”



“Besides, B says I grope her in her sleep, I think it’s safe to say you two will be safe from the groping.”



Buffy nodded and smirked, pulling down the covers of neatly made mattress. “I love this sleep over,” she sighed and curled up under the blanket.



“I’ve had better,” Faith shrugged, followed by a loud “hey” when Tara threw a pillow at her. “Tare, I’ve slept over at Buffy’s where I can actually touch...I mean, run my fingers through her hair.”



Willow snickered and cuddled up to a pillow, waiting for Tara to turn off the light and join her back in the bed. “I had fun,” she whispered once the lights went out and Tara crawled beside her.



“Me too,” Tara whispered, her blue eyes searching for Willow’s green eyes. “I’m glad you made it.”



“And what? Miss my best friend’s sleep over?” The redhead grinned and moved slightly closer. Her skin was humming, yearning to be closer to the blonde.



“Snuggle?” Tara asked, inching closer as her arm wrapped around the redhead’s waist.



Willow sighed and smiled, loving the feel of Tara’s body against her own. She felt lips so close to her ear, “goodnight sweetie.” Willow shivered. “Goodnight Tara.”



Tara and Willow both allowed their pounding hearts to calm down. Wrapped up in each others arms - it sure was the best sleep over either of them ever had. And more in the future to come.



~



Faith sat behind the counter of the Old Bookstore and waited for Tara to take over her shift. “Mama? Has anyone ever told you that this bookstore is the hottest little bookstore to date?”



“You wanna date my hot little bookstore?” Patricia came out from the back and smiled at the brunette.



“Nah, I prefer blondes,” Faith laughed. “But seriously, you should totally have like, a little sitting area in the corner and some nights you can even have an open mic night.”



“We really don’t have the money for that Faith, but awesome idea,” the older lady patted Faith’s shoulder.



“Awesome idea for what?” Tara asked, coming in from the back, with Willow close behind. “Am I late?”



Patricia grinned. “I never heard you come in last night.”



“Oh,” Tara blushed.



“She was with Willow, riding until the early-”



“Faith!” Tara and Patricia both yelled.



“Sheesh,” the brunette grumbled but threw a wink over Willow’s way. “Anyway, we were talking about how mama should make that corner a sitting area and have a little stage for an open mic night.”



“Oh, that sounds cool!” Willow jumped in.



“It’s a very cool idea, but unfortunately we can’t afford that, plus, we have no refreshments to offer to anyone,” Patricia gave a small smile.



“I can help,” the redhead smiled warmly. “I was going to move into a bigger place, but I love my little apartment and I have the extra cash.”



“No Willow, you spend that on yourself,” Tara’s mom waved her hand gently.



“I have a savings account set up that has me ready for a lifetime, that has Tara and myself ready,” Willow blushed when tara laced their fingers together. “the least I can do is help you, please?”



“How?” Patricia sat down on a stool and smiled warmly. She loved Willow dearly, she thought of her as one of her own and she watched the undying love pass through her daughter and the redhead. She knew all of Willow’s intentions with her life, their lives, were only good.



“Well, Tara and I were talking about starting up our own business, one that won’t interfere with my job right now,” Willow started, getting into business mode.



Faith sat back and admired the redhead for all of her efforts. She admired Willow for taking a huge step into leaving a life she’s been living for four years in New York behind, just to be with Tara.



“And the small building next to this looking for new owners...” Willow paused and smiled at Tara. “So if Tara and I were to buy or at least lease the building, we could knock down that wall, and have a small café for those who want to read...and when you have an open mic night, all profits will go towards the bookstore?”



Patricia stepped back a bit with wide eyes of wonder, her lips curled into a beautiful smile, resembling her daughter. “You...you would do that for the bookstore?”



Willow nodded. “Yes and you, but it’s totally up to you Mrs. Maclay.”



“Oh Willow,” the older woman laughed. “You can call me mama,” she pulled the redhead into a long hug.



Tara smiled brightly at her mama and Willow. “So, sounds like a good idea?”



“Awesome,” Patricia wiped the tears away from her eyes.



“And you wouldn’t have to change the style at all,” Willow added. “The café part can be designed to fit the bookstore.”



“Wow, that’s a way better idea than mine,” Faith finally jumped in. “Can I help run the café? Kinda hating my shitty job right now.”



Willow smiled and pulled Tara in for a soft kiss. “First thing after I take us all for lunch, I’ll give the current owners a call and see what their offers are,” she looked at the small group of people who quickly became her family.



“I must buy you two a very good wedding present,” Patricia laughed and smiled at the couple before going to the front desk and helping out a few customers that came in.



“Wedding?” Tara’s eyes went wide.



“Presents!” Willow bounced giddily.



***



TBC...



~Holly~

Baby, baby, baby when all you're love is gone, who will save me from all I'm up against out in this world

- Bright Lights - Matchbox Twenty

"Show me where to touch you." - Tara, It Ain't Fickle (Luciddream)

Edited by: Taras Shadow  at: 3/30/04 8:57 pm