Fic: Tainted

[BTVSfunatic]

I am reading one more fic now because of you!!!!

Gr-Arg! LOL. Cant wait to see where your taking this one!



Good so far!

Jen

Willow:I knew it. I knew it! Well, not knew it in the sense of having the slightest idea, but I knew there was something I didn't know.

[YouGetMe]

New at posting an update and writing a part to myself. Hope you like.



Title: Tainted

Author: Holly a.k.a Taras Shadow *coughs* And me...Leah.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN, and other characters belong to me.

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome

Pairings: W/T- eventually.

Rating: PG – NC 17. I will give fair warning a head of time.

Summary: AU Tara loses people she loves at a young age. Now learning to live with the one person she cannot stand is going to be challenging…until she meet’s another one like her…but can they see eye to eye and help each other through life’s demanding ways…



~Part 2b~ Sinking Into Reality

**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



An hour later, after Tara and Tray hung onto each other, offering comfort and safety, one of the workers came out and told them someone was there to see them. Tara’s heart rate sped up and a bolt of hope coursed through her body. < I knew it…it was all a mix up, a misunderstanding…Dad and Karen couldn’t be dead. >



Tara ran past the young worker and Tray, and ran straight for the main office. She stopped dead in her tracks realizing that there was no Karen, no dad… “Mom?” She managed to spit out. “W…what are you doing here?”



Belinda looked at her frail daughter and smiled softly, “I heard about your father…I am so sorry.”

She went to hug Tara, but the teenager stepped back.



“What about dad?” Tray-Al asked coming up behind her sister.



“Sweetie…” Belinda tried to reach for her youngest daughter again.



“Don’t. Touch. Me.” Tara had her jaw clenched; trying to protect herself from what she already knew was a reality nightmare. She didn’t need her mother’s sympathy now…especially not now. “Why are you here?”



“To take you home.”



“No…” Tara laughed a bit, “…I will not go with you.” She calmly said. “You can’t make me go…”



A young man grabbed Tara by the hand and pulled her to the side a bit. “Tara, sweetie, I know this is very hard for you and your sister as well.” He smiled warmly. “Your mother is here to take you home…”



“What?” Tray snapped over hearing the conversation. “Are you serious?”



“Tray, your mom has a right.” The same young man replied



Tara interrupted what felt like cold tension, “I really don’t want to break this matter into anything worse but…she lost that right when she lost us.” She reached out for Tray’s hand for comfort and looked straight at her mom. “When Tray-Al ran away, you didn’t even notice did you? And now you want to take us away. Thinking nothing ever happened at all? Did you forget why everyone left you?” Tara looked Belinda straight in the eye and found them empty.



“Tar…Tray, I’m sorry.” That’s all Belinda could say. No words could ever fix the things she has done. It’s been years since she’s seen her girls. Years.



“Tray. Tara…your mother is still the parent here. She never lost custody, never was arrested.” The manager explained.



< Is this guy totally blind? > Tara screamed in her head.



“But…” The manager paused, “Miss Maclay still has a week to go in rehab.”



“So…what…where are we going to stay?” Tray asked looking at Tara.



“You’ll be staying here with us until next week.”



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Belinda smiled and said bye after a little while alter.



Her daughters watched as one guy who slipped into the back with her escorted Belinda into a cab. They watched the car lights fade into the distance.



Tray sighed and walked back towards their cots. < This is so not good. >



Tara followed a couple of minutes later her sister, and watched in confusion as her sister unpacked, then packed up her belongings again. “Tray?”



Tray-Al jumped a bit, not knowing anyone was behind her. “Jesus Tara, you scared me.” She smiled softly.



“Sorry.” Tara smiled back. “What are you doing?” She questioned watching Tray rustle through her stuff.



“Well, like you said, Dad and Karen are coming to pick us up…” < Denial gal strikes again! > Tray signalled for Tara to sit right beside her. “I know, they really aren’t, but I’d like to think so. I don’t want to go back with mom. Tara…I don’t want too.” She guided Tara’s head to lie on her shoulder, stroking the long blonde hair. “Here…let me brush your hair, then we can go to bed and you can rest for another day here tomorrow.” Tara moved onto the floor, snuggling in between her big sister’s legs, she closed her eyes, loving the way Tray-Al played with her hair. “Tare, your hair is so long, you should wear it down more often, you’re beautiful.”



Tara never had a hair cut in her life. Only trims here and there, but she refused to cut her hair since her dad and Karen always complimented on it. The long strands reached past her waist, and on good days, Karen would help her make her hair all wavy. “I wear it down. But it’s like my very own blanket, sometimes it’s too hot to keep down.” Tara smiled before getting up. “Tray,” She sighed taking the brush and placing it back into Tray-Al’s bag, “Why do you think mom wants us?”



“Because, believe it or not, she loves us. We may not want to believe it, because of the hell she put us through, but she does Tare Bear. Mom loves us, in her own unique way.” Tray sadly said and guided Tara down to the cots, wrapping her arms around her sister, she kissed her cheek. Finally noticing that Tara had fallen asleep, she whispered, “I will always love you Tara…always. Forgive me.”



Tara shifted a bit, hearing her sister’s voice, before letting herself fall into a deep sleep in the arms of her only family member.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



The next morning, Tara wake up and turned to check on Tray. But it seemed that Tray-Al was already up, her cot was made and a little cold.



Rubbing her eyes and yawning, Tara made her way into the dining area where all of the other teens and kids were seated for breakfast. Scanning her eyes along the room, she searched for her sister, but no Tray was to be found. The only person that caught her eye once was a red head who looked back at her with a tiny smile. Tara tore her eyes away and went to look in the backyard.



Checking out the backyard, Tray was nowhere to be seen. < Tray! >



“Miss Maclay?” A woman’s voice sounded distant. Tara turned around to face the small woman and nodded. “May we talk?” She led Tara to a small corner office, where two policemen and the manager sat.



< Oh no no no no! > Tara screamed.



“Tara, how was your sleep?” The manager asked politely.



“Good I guess.” Tara shrugged a bit confused. < It was sleep, on a couple of rocks that you call cots… > “Can this wait? I need to find Tray-Al…”



“So do we.” Said one police officer. Now Tara was just plain scared and lost.



“Have you seen her?” The small woman who got Tara earlier asked.



“And who are you?” Tara shot back, not meaning to sound so harsh. < I hate this…where the hell is Tray? Why are you so evil God! >



“Pardon me, I’m Alice Algirk, from the Runaway Children’s department.”



“Wait…” Tara laughed slightly. “Are you saying my sister ran away? Because you’re lying. You don’t know her. She wouldn’t leave me like that.” Tara stopped to think about things for a moment, searching for any clues that Tray left her to let her know that she was taking off.



. I don’t want to go back with mom. Tara…I don’t want too.” She guided Tara’s head to lie on her shoulder, stroking the long blonde hair. “Here…let me brush your hair, then we can go to bed and you can rest for another day here tomorrow.”



“I will always love you Tara…always. Forgive me.”



< No Tray-Al…you can’t leave me. You didn’t just leave me. > Tara sank to the floor and cried. Life just seemed to hate her…or so she thought.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



The week had passed by and there was no sign from Tray-Al. Tara never talked to the others much, although she did seem to want to talk to the red head. But she didn’t have much to say at this point.



Her family, her world had been corrupted, Her life seemed to have ended right then, it only took a matter of two weeks to turn her life upside down and an endless nightmare that she couldn’t escape.



And to Tara, it felt like no one would ever, or could ever love her, hold her, the way her family did. The way Tray, Karen and her dad did.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



“So lonely.” The red head whispered, laying on her stomach watching Tara read a book.



“What was that?” Another teenager asked.



“Nothing.” Willow stared at the blonde. “She just looks so lonely.”



The other girl laughed. “Is Willow becoming a softy?” She smirked.



Willow took a quick glance at the girl beside her before looking back at the blonde. “Just for her. Isn’t she gorgeous? And that hair…”



“I guess she’s ok.”



Willow shrugged and got off her cot. “Whatever, I’m going out for a smoke.”



Walking past the blonde, Willow purposely brushed her fingers across the blonde’s upper arm. She caught the eyes of the beautiful blonde and smiled.



Tara watched the red head walk outside the back door and unconsciously got up and followed.



“Well hey there beautiful.” Willow grinned sitting on top of the picnic table. Her hands looked bruised and cold to Tara.



“H..hi.” Tara ducked her head shyly.



“I’m Willow.” The red head bounced off the picnic table a walked over to Tara holding out her hand.



“Tara.”



“Well Tara,” Willow smiled, “Glad I finally get to hear your voice and actually hold you. You don’t look so happy, someone needs to hold you.”



Tara grinned shyly and sat next to Willow. “Thank you.”



Such simple words, but it will go a long way…



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



~Leah … and of course Holly



I’m not evil, maybe hungry, but not evil. Holly

“I’m never evil.” Willow whispered. “Just a little…hungry.” Never A Night Like This

[SilverWingedNemesis]

GO LEAH, IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY....err um...anyway---



GRRREEEAATT update!! I am absolutely loving this fic!! You two are definatly amazing!!



This fic has definatly got me intrigued!

Quote:

---

“Glad I finally get to hear your voice and actually hold you. You don’t look so happy, someone needs to hold you.”

---

Can I just say...AWWW and I think I'm going to like this forthright, assertive Willow you got going here!! *grins*



Can't wait for more!!! *hugs*



Great Job!!



~NICKOLE~

[willntlover]

OMG! Willow's suave.



As for the rest of the story, it was really cool! I hope Tara doesn't have to go with her mom.



-Will

"Hear that baby? You're my always."

[Tara22]

LEAH!!!!



That was fantastic!!! Great!!!!



OMG! It is so sad... poor poor Tara, losing her parents, having to go live with her mother, and then losing Tray...



I was so teary during the part where Tara found out Tray had run away

Quote:

---

. I don’t want to go back with mom. Tara…I don’t want too.” She guided Tara’s head to lie on her shoulder, stroking the long blonde hair. “Here…let me brush your hair, then we can go to bed and you can rest for another day here tomorrow.”



“I will always love you Tara…always. Forgive me.”



< No Tray-Al…you can’t leave me. You didn’t just leave me. > Tara sank to the floor and cried. Life just seemed to hate her…

---

Quote:

---

or so she thought

---

But, wow, and then we see Willow... a hard girl with a soft spot for Tare....



I'm loving this!!! Both of you are absolutely fantastic writers!!!!!



oh, yes, now is my turn to thank you both for the double replies!! They got me so excited that I..er..thanked you twice!! *grins*



GO YOU LEAH!!!! *grins*



and GO YOU BOTH for the fantastic idea!!!



Love

Chel

***

"Oh, sorry. Uhh, I forgot that that doesn't seem normal, to the rest of society. It's just, we, well, we both really like cows. Really like them. To the extent of wanting to buy one, when we're older."- The Crying Game (by Vix84)

Edited by: Tara22  at: 12/3/02 8:47:07 pm

[DaNzS]

great fic classmate holly lolly and lolly leah!

[Taras Shadow]

Leah You damn sneak.

I go to school, come home and you didn't even tell me there was an update? *growls*



But sweetie, what a great job!! Beautiful even. *sighs* You definitely have this writing thing down so far.



Please do more... *begs on knees* I will definitely uh... where my uniform this weekend...







But really, LOVED the update. ANd these kitties loved it too...and you never ended it in a cliffhanger.



~Holly~



Show me where to touch youTara-It Ain't Fickle

[deixs]

Great update Leah!



You defenitely have Holly's style!



Stef

[Grimlock72]

Hmm... why's Willow in that shelter ? Surely Willow didn't run away from home now did she ? Maybe she was placed their because her parents were away most the time ?? Heh...seems Willow is a bit tougher in this fic.



As for Belinda wanting to see her children all of a sudden.... to little to late really. She obviously was a bad parent, maybe she's better now but she has a long way to go if she wants to reconnect with her children. She's still in rehab and happens to come out in a week, how convenient.... not sure about her.



So Tray ran away, thats really not a nice thing to do to your little sister. Leaving Tara all alone like that .



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[Taras Shadow]

Hey lil Kitties…and by lil I mean cute Here is another update for this fic. Sorry it’s short, and sorry if the end is like a cliffhanger…it’s my fault Ok, so here we go…in the next part, we will find out why Willow is in the shelter in the first place…*looks at Grimmy and smiles* that will be revealed. Secondly…THANK YOU for the feedback…we love you guys. *sniffs* So here it goes…Enjoy



Title: Tainted

Author: Holly a.k.a Taras Shadow and Leah - YouGetMe

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN, and other characters belong to me.

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome

Pairings: W/T- eventually.

Rating: PG – NC 17. I will give fair warning a head of time.

Summary: AU Tara loses people she loves at a young age. Now learning to live with the one person she cannot stand is going to be challenging…until she meet’s another one like her…but can they see eye to eye and help each other through life’s demanding ways…



~Part 3a~ The First Time You Came To Me

**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Belinda was making a small effort into getting her daughter back. She was informed that Tray-Al had ran away a couple days prior to when she was released from the rehab centre. Praying for herself and for her daughters, Belinda waited patiently until that day when she got to pick up her young daughter. She wanted to try and prove that she was capable of being the mother she always intended to be.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Tara stood at the back door looking at her newfound friend. She loved to watch the petite red head, the way her fiery red shoulder length hair blew in the breeze, spackles of the sun reflected off and looked like bright fireworks or a nice gold-ish halo. Or her eyes, the way those emeralds would look at her and hold her safe. Tara felt safe with Willow. Tara felt safe with the new friend.



Willow was no longer a stranger; they had talked late a night for the past couple of days. Willow even fell asleep with Tara on the blonde’s cot.



“How can you smoke?” Tara asked, finally breaking into her own thoughts. She approached Willow and stood beside her looking out onto the streets past the big metal fence.



“Not sure…” Willow grinned throwing the butt on the ground, “A bad habit I tend to kick and well…I used to think that no one cared for me ya know? So what’s smoking going to do to me.” She leaned her head back against the brick wall of the shelter.



“You know, you’re not go to get any healthier…” Tara said sarcastically with a smile.



“Aww baby, you’re not starting to really care for me are you?” Willow wrapped her arm around Tara’s waist and nuzzled her neck playfully. These were the moments she loved watching Tara blush.



“I care a lot about you.” Tara said looking at Willow with a straight face. < A Willow nuzzle! >



Willow studied Tara for a moment. Her eyes searching Tara’s own. < I just want to crawl into her skin and make all of her better > “Thank you.”



“That’s why you need to kick the habit of smoking, because now you know that someone does care about you.” Tara whispered looking down at the ground. She felt Willow’s fingers flex against her waist and then a finger under her chin, guiding her up to look at her.



“Hey, don’t you hide from me…not now.” Willow smiled. “I’ll kick the habit, but I can’t promise it’ll be cold turkey.”



Tara nodded and turned so she was facing Willow completely. “If you need help, I could always be there for you.”



“You already are.” Willow pulled her into a hug and stroked the long hair. “Come on…” She took Tara’s hand into her own and started for the door. “You better finish packing, you’re leaving today.”



“Oh right…” Tara said disappointed. It was already time for her mother to pick her up, something she really wasn’t looking forward too.



Willow noticed the disappointment in Tara’s voice, and when she had said that she was going home today, she felt Tara tense. “Tara?” She watched Tara look at her with sad eyes. “You do want to go home don’t you? I mean, you don’t really want to stay here now do you?”



Tara just shrugged and looked away. < Sure I don’t really want to stay here…but I definitely don’t want to go home… is that what home is anyways? My mothers…? And besides…you’re here Willow…you’re here…>



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***

Willow came running into the small dining area where Tara waited for her mother. “Tara,” She said softly, “Your mother’s here.”



Tara bit her lip and stood up slowly. “Are you going to be ok?” She asked Willow.



“Of course I’ll be ok.” Willow grinned moving closer to Tara, finally reaching her, she grabbed Tara by the waist and smiled touching their foreheads together. “I promise to visit you…you gave me your address…and I can always sneak into the administrative office and grab your number.” She felt Tara wrap her own arms around her tentatively. With one hand she tucked a long strand of hair behind, “I promise to visit you.”



“You better, I’d be hurt if you didn’t.” Tara smiled. “Thanks Willow…for everything.”



“You deserve better then this my girl.” Willow said kissing Tara’s forehead and hugging her one last time before letting her go. “And smile.”



Tara smiled; she grabbed her bags and took one last look at Willow before walking out to where her mother waited patiently.



“Hello Tara sweetie.” Belinda gave Tara a small hug. “I’m sorry about Tray…I promise we’ll do our best to find her…”



Tara held up her hand. “Please mom, please don’t make this worse anymore than it already is…and please don’t make any promises.”



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



“Wow, someone’s all pouty today.” A girl came up to Willow, who rest resting on Tara’s old cot.



“Leave me alone Angela.” Willow said turning onto her back and continued reading the book Tara had let her burrow, a book about a small girl who loses her way and finds the right path many years later.



“Miss your little girlfriend?” Angela snickered.



< Tara? My girlfriend? Like she’d give someone like me the time of day > “I said leave me alone Angela.”



“Or was she your bitch…”



Willow threw the book down beside her and pushed Angela onto the ground. “You so don’t want to mess with me right now.” She warned holding her down.



“Don’t I? But you look so cute when you’re all angry and defensive.”



Willow’s grip loosened a bit and began to stand up.



“Oh, but don’t get me wrong…I’m so not interested in you like that. I mean, Tara is it? She seems way more into girls than I am. But I never figured she’d be a Willow Rosenberg type…are you that desperate for a little girl on girl action?” Angela laughed pushing Willow off of her slightly.

Willow clenched her fists, just waiting for the taller girl to say something horrible about Tara. “Angela, get out of my face before you regret it…I swear.”



“I mean, you could do so much better…that girl was just begging to be humiliated…too bad I missed my chance huh? Tell me…was she good? Did you…” Angela was not allowed to finish that sentence. She found herself knocked onto the ground again, pain searing through her jaw. “You bitch!” She screamed and plunged at Willow.



The two teenage girls wrestled on the floor, Willow took a pretty good punch to the corner of her lip. But Angela had gotten Willow’s fist right in her nose. Both ladies were bleeding, but none seemed to care. Willow just felt so protective of Tara; no one messes with her girl.



“Hey!” A worker yelled prying the two girls apart. “What the hell is going on here?”



“She started it!” Angela yelled pointing to Willow, who was wiping the blood from her mouth and breathing heavily.



“Is that true Miss Rosenberg?” The older woman asked.



“Does it matter?” Willow snapped. “Angela can be the angel all she wants, but again, I swear if you ever talk about Tara like that again…I’ll kick your ass so hard…that’s not a threat…that’s a promise.”

The red head stormed off towards the ladies washroom and slammed the door.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~**



Tara sighed and watched as they pulled up to a familiar grey house. Everything looked so dark, the sun was shining, and no clouds in sight, but everything to Tara just looked so dark.



Walking into the house, Tara noticed the place seemed a lot smaller then she remembered.



“Welcome home.” Belinda said all cheerily. “Your room is tidy, it’s the same room, and I’ll be cooking dinner.”



Tara smiled weakly. < This is going to be ok Tara, I can live like this, and at least I’m not homeless… the bright sides Tara, look on the bright sides > “I’m going to go and get settled in.”



“Ok. Come down when you’re done, we can do a little catching up.” Belinda smiled and patted Tara’s shoulder.



Walking into her room, she noticed that nothing had really changed. The same Care Bear wallpaper that her dad put up when she was four, the baby blue dresser and nightstand. All her childhood books were on the shelf, neatly stacked. Sitting her the bed, she noticed it was new and bigger. “Baby Love.” She whispered smiling to herself while picking up a small stuffed bear. She named her bear that when Karen first gave it to her. Baby love was what Karen had told her she had, a love that seemed so small, but was so well known around the world. Cute like babies, and the love people give to them. “I miss you Karen and daddy.”



Tara sat in her room for a while, on the windowsill couch, just going through her old things that she had left behind when she moved in with her father. She’d often lose herself in a daydream. She couldn’t stop thinking of her dad or Karen. < How can they be gone… > But mostly, her mind would stick with Tray-Al. Not knowing if her older sister was ok or if she was in danger, also, it bugged Tara because even though she didn’t want to feel this way, she did…she felt angry towards Tray.



“Tara? You’re wanted on the phone.” Belinda yelled up the stairs.



Tara ran down the stairs knowing that it couldn’t be Tray, her mom would’ve said something. Picking up the phone she looked at Belinda with confusion. “Hello?”



“Tara…it’s me.”



“Willow?”



“Yeah.” Willow said. “Listen, I kind of sort of ran away…” Willow said quietly.



“You what? Will…” Tara walked into the back room so her mom couldn’t hear the conversation. “Aren’t you going to get caught? Why did you run away?” She whispered.



“Well I won’t get caught because you won’t tell anyone right? And I ran away because I really wanted to see you.” Willow smiled. “Although that’s true…I ran away because God Tara…I couldn’t stand it there much longer. I’m not leaving that place soon…”



“Breathe Will.” Tara said quietly. “Is there anything I can do for you?”



“Well…I do need a tiny favour…but all I wanted to do was to let you know that I was no longer at the shelter.”



“You need a place to stay?” Tara asked. “Because you can stay here you know. With me. You can stay here with me.”



“Are you sure?” Willow asked a bit hesitant.



“Yes, my mom won’t mind.” Tara let out a small giggle. “So can I expect you anytime soon?”



“Oh, very much soon.” Willow grinned.



Tara hung up and told her mom that her friend needed a place to stay and if it was alright with her, could she stay there. At first Belinda wasn’t really receptive to the plan, but Tara had managed to convince her that Willow was allowed to stay. The blonde didn’t really know how it worked, but Belinda believed her. And it was a sigh of relief when the older woman decided not to call the shelter to check up on the plan.



< Willow’s coming…now I’m all happy again. >



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



More hopefully for tomorrow. Cross fingers. Bye!



~Holly~ and Leah



Show me where to touch youTara-It Ain’t Fickle

Edited by: Taras Shadow  at: 12/4/02 2:58:36 pm

[PJ Freak]

Wow!! ok I love this!!! Gotta admit I'm not really into sad fics but this is just awsome!! I dunno why but I'm really loving this!!! is so good!!!



Congrats and update soon



Isa

---

Pacey and Joey's Creek

---

[SilverWingedNemesis]

*CROSSES FINGERS*



YAY!! *GIGGLES*



*SIGH* I just love this!! You two are WONDERFUL!! *HUGS* WOW...



I don't know where you two get your inspiration, but..this is amazing! I can't wait to read more!



Great job!!



*HUGS*



~NICK~

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

"Here that baby? You're my always"

[JustSkipIt]

Hi Leah and Holly of course. .



And congrats on your first post. This fic is totally adorable although very much a downer. In a way the opposite of Night. I mean there, Willow is grown-up, independent, confident, and rich and Tara is self-assured, beautiful, and totally able to take care of herself. Whereas here we have sorrowful Tara and angry Willow. Neither can take care of themselves or get much freedom. But their connection is there and that's what's always important. Seems very natural. Great job girls. Debra

---

"I think this line's mostly filler."

[Grimlock72]

Heh,



Staying with Tara at a known adress isn't really the smart thing to do for Willow. She'll be found in about a day at most. Assuming they actually go to search for kids which aren't going to be picked up anytime soon.



And Willow smoking ?? Eeeeww.....



Belinda might be an addict or whatever but she must have been doing something right to keep that family-size house for so long all on her own. I think Tara's room could do with a make-over .



Willow defending Tara's honour rocked, she can do that again anytime she feels like it .



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[duck shoot]

Hi Holly and Leah ,



I don't really post much, being shy and all , but it seems that your fics keep bringing my out of my quiet little corner of the world . As I have said about your other story, I am also enjoying this one. It is such a different feel and I like it a lot even though it is a little sorrowful. Willow seems to be the strong one, but she still needs to know that someone cares about her, and Tara is that person. Maybe now she can stop smoking.



Great job , can't wait for the next part .



-duck shoot

''I think we already deja'd this vu.''- Willow

[Tara22]

HOLL!!!!



I love it!!!! Oh gosh!! This is just getting so good!! Not that it wasn't before....but..yes!!! Will and Tara together *sighs happily*



I love it... They are so good for each other...

Quote:

---

Tara felt safe with Willow.

---

*sighs happily* I love this!!!



oooh...and.....

Quote:

---

< I just want to crawl into her skin and make all of her better >

---

that is so beautiful!!!



and then the Willow showing that rotten thing Angela! Go Will!!! and then running away... Poor Willow is going through some hard stuff...



but Tara is there for her, just like Willow is there for Tara, and now they are gonna be living in the same house.... I am SO excited for more Holly and Leah!!!



You girls totally rock!!!!



Love

Chel

***

"Oh, sorry. Uhh, I forgot that that doesn't seem normal, to the rest of society. It's just, we, well, we both really like cows. Really like them. To the extent of wanting to buy one, when we're older."- The Crying Game (by Vix84)

[deixs]

Great update Holly!



Willow already being so protective over Tara.

Keep on writting girl!!!



Stef

[littlecrazy80]

Great update!

So Willow is staying at Tara´s?



*lil´c*



Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

[YouGetMe]

Hollylollipop! The greatest flavour



Oh, love what you did with this Hehe, As I sit here and watch you watch Dead Man on Campus with Aly...sorry about the lack of movie channel so you could watch Lost and Delirious...



So about this fic...is Willow staying at Tara's?? Because ya know, if she is... *waggles eyebrows* Oh right, I write the next part. Here I go!



Love you



~Leah



I’m not evil, maybe hungry, but not evil. Holly

“I’m never evil.” Willow whispered. “Just a little…hungry.” Never A Night Like This

[RalSt31]

You've just got to love protective Willow, she is so damn cute, although the smoking has to go ... especially now she has a Tara-shaped reason



Really enjoying this fic. It might be a tad angsty but I trust you'll see them right in the end.



RalSt

[quarian]

Wow Leah and Holly, both you ladies are very talented writers. I love Never a Night Like This but also this fic, which is so different, with a real different look at our favourite gals. Willow being all tough-protective but still our loving Willow.



And Leah, hehe with the eyebrows-waggling..update update!

--

Reality continues to ruin my life. - Calvin

[Taras Shadow]

Hey all!! A big thank you to those who left feedback and those who read. Very much appreciated! Just thought I’d let you know that Leahwrote most of this part…she typed it all, but didn’t have the time to post it because she’s late for a meeting with a town thingy…so here it is. It’s great I think. Yay for Leah. *sniffles* She’s growing up so fast. Anyways……Things are about to get interesting I believe…



Title: Tainted

Author: Holly a.k.a Taras Shadow and Leah - YouGetMe

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN, and other characters belong to me.

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome

Pairings: W/T- eventually.

Rating: PG – NC 17. I will give fair warning a head of time.

Summary: AU Tara loses people she loves at a young age. Now learning to live with the one person she cannot stand is going to be challenging…until she meet’s another one like her…but can they see eye to eye and help each other through life’s demanding ways…



~Part 3b~ The First Time You Came To Me

**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Tara opened the door and found herself face to face with her red head and the small gash on her mouth. “Hey…come in.” She stepped aside. “What happened?”



Willow shrugged off Tara’s concern, “Nothing.” She smiled and hugged her. “I don’t know how to repay you. I owe you like…my life for this.”



“Anytime…uh, not for owing me your life, but I’d do this for you anytime.” Tara smiled warmly grabbing Willow’s duffle bag. “Come on, I’ll show you to my room.”



“Oh goody, I get to see your room already, I thought for sure it’d be after a couple of dates before I’d see your room.” Willow teased.



Tara stopped in her tracks and turned to look at Willow. “What did you…say?”



“I was kidding Tara.” < Not really but hey…>Willow squeezed the blonde’s shoulder. “So where is this room of yours.”



< Right. She was kidding…my luck, she was kidding…where did she get that cut on her lip? > “Oh r-right, this way. She led Willow up a small staircase and down to the end of the hall.



“Care Bears?” Willow snickered looking around.



“Uh yeah.” Tara blushed. “This house is actually the house I was raised in before I moved to my dad’s. My mom managed to keep up with the payments with the house, and I so don’t want to know how.”



“How is that going so far? I mean, I feel bad for staying here…kind of a bad time…”



“No. I mean, I’m glad you’re here. Things are awkward between my mom and I, I’m just thankful that you’re here.” Tara guided Willow to sit on the bed. “Can I ask you a tiny question though?”



“Sure, what is it?” Willow leaned back on her elbows her hand pulling Tara down with her as she did so.



“You don’t have to answer, but I was just wondering, how come you’re at the shelter?” Tara rolled to her side looking at Willow.



“Talk about tiny question.” Willow laughed and winced as the sore on her lip cracked open a bit. “Ow.”



“Oh…” Tara sprang up from her bed and ran to the bathroom. Sitting back on the bed, she raised the warm washcloth to Willow’s lip and dabbed the dried blood around it. Her eyes locked with Willow’s and smiled shyly. “S-sorry.”



“Don’t be. You never hurt me…but I see you have some stuff that will probably sting.” Willow smirked looking at Tara’s lap, finding a medicine bottle and gauze strips.



“Ah, but you’re Miss Tough, I’m sure it won’t hurt you.” Tara raised an eyebrow and opened the cap on the bottle dipping the gauze inside and leaned forward looking at Willow for silent permission.



Willow smiled and leaned in towards Tara, granting her permission. Feeling the cool medicine hit her open sore; she winced a bit as it stung for a second. < You know Tara…you could’ve just kissed it better. > She grumbled inside her head.



“There we go, I’ll put some more on later…unless you want to do it yourself, that’s totally ok.” Tara placed the bottle on her nightstand and the gauze in the garbage.



Willow studied her, she was completely in like and she had no clue why. Not once has she ever felt like this to anyone before. Not one. She liked to be alone, just her and her thoughts. She didn’t need anybody else in her else in her life. So why is it so hard to be around Tara without wanting to crawl inside and live there forever. “I wasn’t wanted.” She whispered.



“What?” Tara looked at her, not really hearing the small voice.



“I was at the shelter because I really wasn’t wanted by either of my parents. Or so I believe. My dad took off after he found out my mom was having an affair with her accountant. So I haven’t heard from him in a year, my mom never paid attention to me in the first place, so when she picked her new boyfriend over me, I went ballistic.” Willow walked towards the window and looked outside.



“Ballistic?” Tara questioned.



“I was this super whiz kid. I still am, but I never mention it. My grades were high, and I had an obsession with computers. But I threw all that away when I started hanging out with these kids that skipped school all the time.”



Tara sat there quietly for a moment before speaking up. “So your mom sent you here…and by here I mean the Shelter?”



“I put myself there really, I asked for it. This girl I know, who I haven’t seen in weeks, her and I stole some stuff at this store, we got caught and my mom looked at me with the coldest eyes and said, ‘Willow, I’m deeply ashamed though not surprised, what am I going to do with you?”” Willow mimicked her mother. “I told her not to bother doing anything…I was leaving, and now…here I am, all leaving-ish.”



Tara chuckled lightly. “Leaving-ish? Is that even a word?”



Willow turned around and looked at Tara, “It could be young one. You have much to learn about Willow words.” She sat back down beside and brushed long blonde hair off of Tara’s shoulder. “So that’s my story…and I know I can’t stay here for long because they’d look here for sure.”



“So you’re really running away?” The sad voice in Tara was not lost on Willow.



“I’ll try not run to far ok?” Willow pulled Tara close and breathed in the clean smell of Tara; earthy and lavender, sighing she slipped her chin into the crook between Tara’s shoulder and neck.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Tara and Willow made there way down to the kitchen after talking for a while. Belinda was just getting plates out. “Mom, this is Willow…Willow, this is my mom.” She introduced them for the first time.



Belinda gave a warm welcoming smile, “welcome Willow, are you hungry?” She grabbed an extra plate from the cupboard and placed it on the table.



“Thank you, I’m starved.” Willow sat down at the table.



Conversation at the table seemed to course through Willow and Tara mostly. Talking about the shelter and the little funny stories they would tell late at night. Belinda watched the two interact together, she sat back and let out a small giggle. “Sounds like you two could be the real sisters.” Tara looked at her with a pang of sadness and this did not go without notice on Belinda. “I’m sorry Tara, I just meant…”



“We know what you meant Mrs…” Willow left her sentence hanging.



“You can call me Belinda.”



“Ok…Belinda. It’s just that Tara has lost a great deal of her life. With her father and step-mom killed, then her only comfort runs away…and all I can think of is that Tray must’ve had a good reason to run…her and Tara were so close.” Willow managed to explain everything Tara was feeling. Not going into details, but she grasped the concept. “But don’t worry…” She looked over at Tara and wrapped her arm around the blonde’s shoulder, “I looked after her.”



Belinda looked on without nothing to say. She couldn’t tell if Willow was referring to her, because surely, Tara must’ve said something about her to Willow, they were obviously that close. < I don’t think I’ll ever earn back my daughter’s trust again…and should I really care that much? Not like she’s my real daughter. Michael leaving her after Tara was born because she got pregnant by a different guy… oh well…whose loss is it anyways? >





**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



A woman, whose hair was a light brunette with piercing blue eyes opened the door to a young lady. The woman looked to be about in her late thirties, but her beauty sure made her look younger. “Hi.” She warmly welcomed.



The younger blonde stood motionless giving a small wave before deciding to use her vocals. “My n-name is Tray-Al…I was referred to hear from the City Hall.”



Those piercing blues eye lit up and a smile appeared on her lips. “Right…come in. I’m Mrs. Summers, but people call me Anna.” < Oh my…the time has arrived…finally. >



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



“There you go. You can have the bed.” Tara said smoothing out the covers on her bed.



“Are you sure? I mean the bed you made on the floor looks pretty damn comfortable.” Willow eyed up the small mattress on the floor.



“I’m sure. I don’t even know if I can sleep tonight. So why waste such a comfortable space.” Tara shrugged crawling on the floor and slipping underneath the covers.



“Oh…you’re so sweet.” Willow crawled next to Tara and snuggled close.



Tara let out a giggle when Willow got comfortable. “Will…why are you on the floor?”



“Because I may not be able to get to sleep either…therefore, the bed should remain empty.” The red head tugged her way underneath the same covers and threw her arm around Tara’s waist. “Now I’m comfortable.” She whispered.



“And safe.” Tara whispered back.



“Yes, very safe.” Willow agreed nuzzling Tara’s neck again and kissed it before pulling back. “Are you always smelling so fresh?”



“After my showers yeah.” Tara snickered. She felt Willow’s fingers play with the bottom of her nightshirt.



Willow couldn’t help but be close to the blonde, physically close to her. She’d jump at the chance to touch her or even place a tiny kiss here or there. This side of Willow was not afraid of being so bold, especially since Tara had no desire to shove her away. She needed Tara, like Tara needed her.



“Can you do that again?” Tara asked quietly.



“Do what?”



“Kiss my neck…” Tara blushed a bit.



Willow looked at Tara with amusement in her eyes and kissed the soft flesh again. “Like that?” She asked.



“Yeah.” Tara sighed. < In like with Willow…and I’m not even freaking that she’s a girl…but oh God, she can kiss me anytime. >



“Can you sleep now?” Willow asked resting her head on the blonde’s shoulder, holding her close.



“I think I can manage.”



“Good.” Willow whispered. “Night.”



“Night Willow.” Tara laced their fingers together boldly before drifting away slowly.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



“Mom! Where did you put the lotion again?” A young blonde, about a year younger then Tara came running out of the big bathroom and into the living room area where Tray-Al and Mrs. Summers sat.



“Buffy, come and sit down for a moment. I want you to meet Tray-Al.” Anna Summers said sweetly.



Buffy sat next to Tray and offered her hand. “I’m Buffy.”



“Tray-Al.”



“Oh, pretty name.” Buffy smiled and sat back a bit.



“Likewise.”



“Tray-Al is from New York. She’ll be staying here for a while.” Mrs. Summers said.



“Oh goodie, now I have another shopping buddy. We can totally check out the new sale prices and fashionable stuff.” Buffy bounced with excitement.



“Let’s not get carried away, what if Tray-Al doesn’t like shopping?” Anna smiled.



“Well of course she likes shopping. You’re what…sixteen right?” Buffy looked at Tray.



“Seventeen actually.” Tray-Al whispered.



“Tray had been referred to us and I offered for her to stay. I was hoping you could show her around tomorrow while I go pick up your father from the airport.”



“Sure…lucky tomorrow’s Saturday. Oh, mom, can I take her out now? You know, to the Cali Centre?”

Buffy filled her blonde hair back a bit.



“Not tonight. Tray needs her rest, she came all the way from New York…and I imagine that’s a long trip from there to here in California.” Anna smiled warmly again. < She has such beauty. >



“Ok, how about I make up your bed in the spare? Then we can talk.” Buffy smiled and jumped up off the couch totally forgetting about the lotion and just fixed on not being the only child for once in the house.



“Why don’t you go freshen up? There are towels in the hall closet, Buffy has extra clothes, you look her size, so you can have a shower.” Mrs. Summers offered. “We can talk later about why you ran away from home.”



Nodding her head, Tray became sad again. < Does Buffy ever remind me of Tara…Tara will never forgive me…never.>



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



I don’t work tonight *dances* so party yay! You’re all invited…but it might take you a while to get here and our house is tiny… Anyways, off to add a little more on my other fic



~Holly~ and wonderful ~Leah



Show me where to touch youTara-It Ain’t Fickle

Mommy, how come monkey’s can’t talk?-Odette

Edited by: Taras Shadow  at: 12/6/02 1:17:38 pm

[Tara22]

LEAH!!!!



THAT was soooooooo good!!!!!!! *bounces*



I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! All the Willow and Tara sweetness... they have such a connection after such a short time and it's beautiful



and then how Willow got to the shelter... it's so sad... It's so wonderful that she and Tara found each other they are like.... (ok, stupid examples...) ummm...oh! bagel and cream cheese! cookies and Milk! little sequins and glue! you get the idea? They complete each other, in the sense that they are so good for each other...



Willow's understanding how Tara was feeling at dinner... that was just one of the many signs... I love it!



and, oooh....

Quote:

---

---

I love it!! and the snuggles and neck kissings

Quote:

---

she was completely in like and she had no clue why. Not once has she ever felt like this to anyone before. Not one. She liked to be alone, just her and her thoughts. She didn’t need anybody else in her else in her life. So why is it so hard to be around Tara without wanting to crawl inside and live there forever.

---

That was just beautiful! *grins* I love them!



and OH MY GOD...Tara isn't Belinda's daughter!? who's daughter IS she!?



and about Tray.... oh my.. how did she end up in Sunnydale with Buffy and her mom (Anna? neh, I like it )



so many cliffies... great update Leah!!! I can't wait for more!!!!!





GO YOU LEAH! GO YOU HOLLY! IT'S YOUR FICLET!!



Loving this!!!!!!! (Can you tell?)

Chel



***

"Oh, sorry. Uhh, I forgot that that doesn't seem normal, to the rest of society. It's just, we, well, we both really like cows. Really like them. To the extent of wanting to buy one, when we're older."- The Crying Game (by Vix84)

Edited by: Tara22  at: 12/6/02 4:11:36 pm

[SilverWingedNemesis]

OH WOW~



HEHE. Shy little Tara isn't so shy is she? and Willow is just as bold!! I LIKE IT! And kissing her neck... *sighs* awww..



So Willow is still gonna run? Where to? HUm....and Tray-al ended up at Buffy's? Wicked..hehe



Can't wait to read more!! This fic is great gals!!



*hugs*



~NICKOLE~

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

"Can I keep you?

[hondosfirst]

Well you did it again.This is awsome!!Such contrast to the charecters in NANLT but when we start to see the two interact we have the same as the the other.a beautiful love for one another that outshines anything either has ever had.That perfect fit is showing and you have barley even touched the surface of these two.Thank you again and of course your perfect fit ,for her contribution.1000 applause for you both.Now,im off to read NANLT cause I see you have that updated.Me thinks it may be "thudding time in never land"yes?

Thanks H&L,

Tex Rose

[xita]

Willow as a tough girl, I like that. Of course Tara knows just how to find her soft spot

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

Buffy?

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

[deixs]

An excellent update as always!

I can hardly wait for more!



Stef

[Grimlock72]

Willow being tough and protective is the Willow I like She has a soft spot called 'Tara' of course, heh. Didn't like Belinda's thinking very much "who's loss is it anyway" doesn't sound all the parental to me.



Now how did Tray end up in Sunnydale CA having run away from New York ? Why did City Hall refer her to the Summers ? Are the Summers a foster home or such ?



No Dawn.... bonus there



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[sheila wt]

Wow, Tray in Sunnydale? Smal world, isn't it? That's going to be a lot of fun...



I love tough Willow too. Who doesn't love seeing her defending her girl? It's just too cute for words. You're doing a terrific job showing how their relationship is growing.



I'm so into this fic, I just can't wait for more!!!

--------------------------
"She had tasted Willow on her tongue, and she had worn Willow on her skin. There wasn't a shower in the world that could have washed that away." (Terra Firma, by Tulipp)

[Taras Shadow]

Hey Kittens!



I just wanted to let you know that this fic may be delayed for a bit longer. However, I shall try and work on more of it later this evening.



Leah would, but she is currently out of town for (I'm not exactly sure how long...) plus it's my turn huh?



Thank you all for the feedback, we appreciate it a lot!





~Holly~



Show me where to touch youTara-It Ain't Fickle

Mommy, how come monkey's can't talk?-Odette