Early Days

[Gimpgirl]

Hey baby....



Yet another great update. And I am as big of a dork as you are....wait I'm a bigger dork than you.....ok lost my point. But I'm glad that you incorporated X-Files in with our girls because that is just the greatest. And I so can't wait for more......post more soon baby.....please...*pout*.....



I love you...



Michelle

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

[Tempest Duer]

Well, at least she didn't wait around for fifteen minutes before knocking. Cute update.

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

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[pikescoob]

I was all smiley when I got to read three updates! *grin* I love their early moments together and all the blushing. I hope you keep up your regular updating cuz I'm really looking forward to more *grin*



Michelle

[SJ]

Great updates

[Lost in blue]

Happy Valentine's Day everyone, epecially my baby- I love you Thank you everyone for the feedback, it helps a lot!! Anyway so here's the new update, our girls hanging out for the first time. Hope you all enjoy it:



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The door opened and then before her was a slightly awkward looking Tara. Willow barely noticed the other girl’s awkwardness however as she was too enraptured by the girl before her. Tara was wearing a simple blue top but it seemed to perfectly compliment her blonde hair and offset the deep blue pools of her eyes.

“H-hi Willow. W-would you like to come in?” Tara asked nervously as she stood to the side to allow the other girl to enter. Willow snapped out of her daze and smiled warmly at Tara and entered Tara’s room.

“Oh wow!!” Willow gasped astounded by the sight that was before her. Tara’s room was simply…. magical, there was really no other word for it. There were fairy lights around the door, spell books filled the bookshelves and little candles were lit all around the room in preparation for doing their spells. Willow continued to look around in wonder and then turned towards Tara, “it’s so romantic.” Realising what she had said both girls blushed profusely.

“Ummm so did you wanna do some spells?” Tara asked, trying desperately not to blush too much. Suddenly Willow’s embarrassment was gone.

“Oooh yes. You know, if you don’t mind. I ummm, I spent most of the afternoon in research mode. I found a few easy spells we could do. I know you’re probably all super-wiccan-girl n’all but I thought maybe we should start off with simple things first, if that’s you know, ok with you?” Tara nodded and smiled in agreement. The girls set up a space for themselves on the floor and began practising some spells, individually and then together, both noticing how much stronger the power was whenever they performed the spells together. The kept to relatively simple spells, floating pencils and other easy objects. Tara also taught Willow how to make a tiny tinker bell light, useful for finding your way in the dark. Before they knew it it was getting late, Willow reluctantly decided it was time to go, Sunnydale after all was not a safe place late at night.

“Ummm, well I guess I should go, it’s getting kinda late n’all. I don’t want my Buffy, my roommate, to worry.”

“Yeah, I guess it is kinda late. Will you be ok going home by yourself? Do you want me to walk you back?” Tara asked concerned, she had already witnessed Sunnydale after dark.

“No, I’ll be ok. Anyway if you walk me back then you’d be alone on your way back so I’d wanna walk you back, then you’d wanna walk me back, we’d end up just walking back and forth.” Tara giggled at Willow’s ability to babble, refraining from admitting that she would be happy to walk back and forth all night if she got to stay in Willow’s company. Tara could see Willow had a look of resolve on her face so she knew there was no arguing.

“O-okay. But will you call me when you get back, just so I know you’re safe?”

“Yeah of course. Ummm Tara?”

“Y-yes Willow?”

“I ummm, I had a really good time tonight.” Willow smiled nervously.

“Oh ummm, me too, I mean so did I. I had a really good time. So you ummm, wanna get together again sometime, I mean for spells and stuff?” Tara asked tentatively, not wanting to push the girl into spending time with her just to be nice.

“Yeah that would be great, we can do spells and….stuff. Ummm, shall I maybe call you? I mean other than calling tonight to let you know I’m safe?”

“That would be great.” Tara was happy to leave the ball in the other girl’s court for now.

“Great. Well I’ll see you again soon?” Willow was stating rather than asking. She moved towards the door.

“Yeah, soon.” Both girls shared a smile and then Willow left.



Willow made it back to her room safely, Buffy wasn’t back yet. She changed quickly into her pyjamas and picked up her phone and settled onto her bed. She dialled Tara’s number. Tara picked up on the first ring, she’d been worriedly sat staring at the phone.

“Hello?” Tara answered eagerly.

“Hey Tara, it’s Willow. Just letting you know I got home safe.”

“Oh good,” Tara’s sighed, relief evident in her voice. N-no problems on the way? No nasties along the way?”

“Nope no nasties, my journey was nasties free.” Willow smiled into the phone, she enjoyed this silly side she was seeing of Tar tonight. Tara was giggling softly on the other end of the line. The girls talked for a while longer, mostly just being silly and giggling. Before they knew it they had been talking for a couple of hours. Willow glanced at her clock.

“Oh my, oops.”

“W-what?”

“I just realised the time, I’m sorry I babble too much and you have lectures in the morning.”

“So do you.”

“Yes but I’m the one who’s all with the talking and keeping you awake.”

“Will, it’s ok. We’re both to blame for the lateness. And if it makes you feel better I’ve very much enjoyed talking to you.” Willow grinned at Tara’s words.

“I’ve enjoyed talking to you to. But I guess we should both try to get some sleep or we’ll both be all sleepy and grouchy in the morning.”

“Not a morning person huh?” Tara giggled imagining a sleepy and grouchy Willow, she had a suspicion it would be very cute to witness.

“Argh don’t tell me you’re one of these ‘I like mornings and getting out of bed at the crack of dawn’ weirdo’s.” Willow pulled a face.

“No not really, I’m just used to having to get up early. I ummm, I used to have to get up early at home.” Tara went quiet for a moment. Willow took her sudden silence as a sign that she was tired.

“Well I guess we should get to bed, even if you’ll be all cheery I know I’ll be Miss Grumpy in the morning.” Tara giggled softly again as the image of morning Willow re-entered her mind.

“Ok Miss Grumpy, sweet dreams.”

“You too Miss Cheerful. Night.”

“Goodnight Willow.”

Willow hung up her phone smiling. She fell straight into a very happy, deep sleep. She didn’t even wake up when Buffy got home.



.....to be continued.



----



Ok so there it is. Hope everyone has a really good day today.



Love Helen xxxx

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

[Gimpgirl]

Hey baby.....



Happy Valentine's Day. Very well done update as well baby. I hate to say I told you so....but, well I did. I so can't wait for the next update, but then again you are the one who has made me impatient.



I love you.....



Michelle

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

[pikescoob]

Willow babble is just so adorable *grin* I'm sure at some point the girls will really get to see how the other is in the morning Can't wait for the next update *grin*



Michelle

[Lost in blue]

Ok so I'm really sad, that and kinda bored, so I'm putting up another update. Thank you to my girl Michelle and our good friend Michelle (no that doesn't get confusing!!) for the recent feedback- you girlies both rule!! Anyway on with the update:



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Willow awoke the next day feeling tired and grouchy, then she remembered the previous night and grinned to herself. She sat up in her bed and saw Buffy already up.

“Morning Buffy.” Willow said over-cheerfully.

“Wow. Morning Wills. Aren’t you a little happy? I mean you’re normally so grouchy in the morning.” Buffy couldn’t help but smile, she was glad to see her friend doing so much better these past few days, she just couldn’t help but wonder what had brought on such a turn around.

“Well it’s a whole new day, there’s lots of new learning to be done.” Willow grinned.

“Only you could get so excited about learning Will.” Buffy said rolling her eyes.

Willow bounded out of bed and made her way towards the showers.



The next few evenings were all spent at Tara’s. They started off doing a few spells, Willow had noticed their connection increasing. She could feel the magic flowing between them during spells becoming more intense the more their bond grew. Doing spells however was becoming more and more of a pretence, an excuse to spend more time with one another. They always ended up just sat on Tara’s bed, talking about various lecturers and TV shows and music. Most of the time that they weren’t together or in lectures they would spend on the phone to one another, sometimes talking and giggling over the silliest of things, sometimes not even saying anything, just enjoying the comfort of the contact with the other.



The days flew by, Willow didn’t really pay attention to her lessons as her mind was lost thinking of a pair of blue eyes and a soft, gentle giggle.



The next evening Willow accompanied Giles and Xander to a crypt. The crypt looked like it had already been taken care of. Willow sighed at having wasted valuable Tara time but then brightened as she realised that they had nothing to do so she could probably go. Willow made a vague comment that it looked like the initiative had already taken care of everything, hoping this would mean they could go already. Maybe it wasn’t too late to go round Tara’s still. Willow felt guilty when she realised that Giles had not known about Riley, Professor Walsh and the Initiative. She knew he had been a bit out of the loop lately, she just didn’t realise how much. She wanted to stay and make sure Giles was ok but he told her and Xander to leave. Seeing the look on his face they were both quick to comply. Willow knew she and Xander were both keen to leave anyway in truth. Willow suspected that Xander was keen to get back to Anya, and if she was honest she really wanted to get back and see if Tara wanted to do anything, at the very least they could talk on the phone for a while.



Xander and Willow reached her dorm room, she could tell he was feeling awkward about wanting to leave.

“It’s ok Xand you can go.”

“You sure? You gonna be ok? I wouldn’t want anything to happen to my lil Willster.”

“Xander I have to walk into my dorm room by myself, last time I checked it wasn’t all that dangerous a situation to be in.” Willow rolled her eyes at her friend’s worrying.

“Ok, ok I get it, you can look after yourself. My little girl all grown up.” Xander said mock-emotionally.

“Yeah whatever. You just get back to your girl, I’m sure she’s waiting for you.”

“Yes. I am man. Must satisfy my woman.”



Yeah good luck with that!!



“Ewww, too much information!! Bye Xand.” Willow said pushing Xander lightly away.

“Ok, ok, I can take a hint. I’ll see you later Will.” With that he turned and disappeared down the corridor. Willow opened her door and immediately went over to her phone. She sat there for a moment, phone in hand, wondering whether she should call Tara or not.



Ok on the one hand it’s kinda late, and she’s probably all tired after I kept her awake most of the night. On the other hand I did promise I would call her, I don’t want her thinking I was just saying it to be nice.



That decided it, she would at the very least give Tara a call.



“Hello?” A soft voice answered the phone, Willow smiled immediately at the sound of Tara’s voice.

“Hey Tara, it’s Willow. I’m sorry I know it’s late n’all.”

“No it’s ok Willow, I was awake anyway.”

“Oh good. I was all worriedy that I might wake you up, especially after I kept you awake most of last night. Anyway I was wondering, I know it’s late but I was wondering if you’d like to do something? I found this really neat spell today when I was in the library.”

“Yeah that would be great, would you like to come over now?”

“If I’m not intruding, if I am just tell me and I’ll leave you alone.”

“No Will, you’re never intruding. You can come straight over.”

“Ok, well I’ll see you in a few minutes ok?”

“Ok. See you soon. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Willow hung up the phone, picked up her notes on the spell she’d read about earlier that day and a few ingredients then went straight out the door. She practically ran the whole way to Tara’s. She arrived a little out of breath. Taking a few steadying breaths she knocked on the door.



------



“Hey Willow. Are you ok you seem kinda out of breath?” Tara asked concerned as she let the other girl in.

“Oh ummm, I’m fine. I just took the stairs a little quicker than I should have.”

“So ummm, there was a spell you wanted to do?”

“Yeah. Ummm if you could use this to make a four point star whilst I look over my notes again?” Willow asked passing Tara a white powder.

“Sure.” Tara knelt on the floor and started to pour the powder into a four point star. Willow knelt down opposite her.

“I'm glad you wanted to get together. I know it's late.”

“Thanks,” Tara finished the star and looked up at Willow as she spoke, “I was happy you called.” Tara was genuinely grateful that Willow actually wanted to spend time with her, it was something she wasn’t used to.

Willow placed the rose on top of the star and took Tara’s hands. Both girls smiled faintly at the energy that flowed through them as the linked together.

“We’ll start out slow.”

“Okay.”

Willow closed her eyes, Tara took the cue and followed suit. They both sat there for a few second in silence.

“Ummm Willow?”

“Yeah?”

Tara slowly opened her eyes not sure what she was meant to be doing.

“Start out slowing doing what?”

“Oh,” Willow opened her eyes, she proceeded to give Tara instructions. Tara tried hard to focus but Willow’s voice was so soft, it flowed over her.

“We're gonna float the rose. Then use the magics to pluck the petals off, one at a time. It's a test of synchronicity. Our minds have to be perfectly attuned to work as a single delicate implement.”

“Cool.” Tara smiled softly at Willow, entranced by her voice.

“And it should be very pretty.” Willow added with a smile.

The girls took each other’s hands again and closed their eyes. The room fell completely silent as they both got lost deep in concentration. They both felt a soft breeze flow through the room. Slowly they both opened their eyes in unison and turned to see that the rose was now at shoulder level. The girls released one another’s hands. Tara was the first to speak, softly and quietly, her voice awed.

“It worked.”

“Now for the hard part. The petals.” Willow’s voice too was soft.

The girls both concentrated their energies again, both looking intently at the rose. Suddenly the rose darted around the room. Both girls jumped to their feet in surprise. The both watch the rose erratically flying around the room, ducking as it headed towards them and then to the ground and onto the four point star. They both stare at it in disbelief.

“What the heck was that?” Willow asked in shock.

“I don’t know, but, uh, the petals are off.” Tara tried to lighten the atmosphere, sensing the other girl was as freaked out as she was.

“Did you feel that though? It felt as if there were another power at work, a strong power, it felt kinda dark.” Willow was feeling a little nerved by what she had felt.

“Ummm, I don’t think we should do any more spells tonight, and ummm, it may not be wise for you to go walking across campus alone tonight. You can ummm, stay here though if you like?” Tara offered, there was no way she was risking Willow being in danger, she didn’t know what they had just felt but it had felt bad.

“Are you sure you don’t mind? I’m a little nervy, nervy after that. Maybe we should just tidy up and go to bed.”

“Ok.” Neither girl spoke as Willow cleared away the things from their spell and Tara blew out all of the candles. Both girls were lost in thought, wondering what it was they had felt. Once everything was tidied up they decided to get ready for bed. Tara found a pair of shorts and t-shirt to change into. Both girls changed a little awkwardly, trying not to look at the other girl as she changed. They both climbed into the bed and settled themselves under the covers, Tara turned out the light. Both girls lay there staring at the ceiling through the darkness. Neither of them felt tired, both too wired after the events of the evening. Willow broke the silence.

“Tara?”

“Yes Will?”

“I can’t sleep.”

“Me either. Wanna do something? We could watch a video or something?”

“Ok, but can it be something happy? What do you have?”

“Ummm, not that many. I ummm, didn’t really get to have many videos as a kid. Most of the ones I have are ones I’ve bought since coming to Sunnydale. D-do you wanna choose?” Tara turned the light back on and walked over to her bookshelf, Willow followed. Willow glanced over the titles, how was she ever going to choose? Tara certainly had good taste in movies from the few she had. Willow noticed that a lot of the films were children’s films, she smiled. She had known since meeting Tara that she was a sweet and innocent kind of girl, Tara’s sweet video choices only strengthened Willow’s opinion that this girl was different. She was sweet, kind and had an innocence usually long gone in someone of her age, just like Willow herself. Willow felt the bond between them silently grow.

“Ooh Matilda, I love this movie. The book is better, I loved it as a kid. The whole ‘smart girl who nobody understands’ thing, I could always kinda relate. I always wanted to find my own Miss Honey.”

“M-me too.” Tara smiled. She didn’t want to mention just yet that she also related to the bad family part of the book too, and that part of her had always felt some hope in the way Matilda got her revenge. Not that Tara was a vengeful kind of girl, but the thought had somehow been empowering when she had felt at her worst, at her most beaten down. She couldn’t help but see Willow as being a bit like her own Miss Honey. Willow understood her, she was the first person to accept her and take notice of her.



The girls put the video on and snuggled back into the bed. The were lying close to each other but it felt natural, comfortable. Neither girl saw much of the film. Tara fell asleep after a few minutes, warmed by the comfort of Willow’s presence at her side. Willow was too busy watching the angelic looking Tara’s sleeping form to pay the film much more attention. Tara looked so sweet and peaceful in her sleep. Tara murmured softly and frowned. Willow reached out and stroked Tara’s soft, silky hair. Tara made another small sound and the frown disappeared, Willow’s fingers continued to play gently in the soft locks. She didn’t know how long she had been sat this way, just watching Tara asleep, she didn’t particularly care. Willow had never felt so content to just sit still. Willow was always rushing around, just like the way her mind never kept still. But right now there was nothing else in the world except her and Tara, and all was still and peaceful. Eventually Willow heard the film end so she quietly got up, turned the film off and then climbed back into bed. She paused next to Tara for a moment and then hesitatingly put an arm around her and laid her head on Tara’s shoulder. With in minutes she fell into a comfortable, deep sleep.



.....to be continued



----



That's it for another update. I'll put another one up tomorrow. *yawn* All that peacefulness has made me all sleepy *stretch* Must get to bed. Hope everybody has a really soppy romantic day, even if you just spent it on the kitten board, with all the soppy stories around today its a good place to be Night!!



Love Helen xxxx

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

[The Rose24]

Awww. What a sweet update.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[tiger17]

This is an awesome fic, I am totally hooked on it. Keep on updating cuz I wanna see where you take the girls



Oh yeah, I love the way you write this, it's all sweet...great work

[SJ]

Sweet updates

[Lost in blue]

Ok well I'm gonna be out all day and evening as it's my oldest sister's birthday today so I thought I better get today's update up before I leave. Actually like last night's update it's actually two parts posted together coz I'm just too impatient- I know, bad me!! Anyway hope you all enjoy it, thanks again to everyone for the encouragement and for sticking with it, it gets better I promise, at least I think, I dunno. Anyway enough babbling, on with the update:



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Willow awoke to someone gently shaking her shoulder, She heard a soft angelic voice. “Willow? Will?”

Willow opened her eyes to see Tara’s beaming face looking down at her. Tara hadn’t been able to stop smiling since waking to find Willow’s arms wrapped around her. Now though Tara was up and already fully dressed.

“Hey.” Willow smiled.

“Hey, sorry to wake you. I-I didn’t know what time you needed to be up. I-I’m not trying to get rid of you or anything.” Tara grinned a cute lopsided smile at Willow that made the young wiccans nearly melt into the mattress.

“Ummm, that’s ok. I don’t have lessons until later this morning but I promised Buffy we’d meet for breakfast today.” Willow said getting up.

“Oh o-ok.” Tara replied, handing Willow her clothes from the night before.

“But we can maybe meet up again, maybe tonight?” Willow added brightly.

“O-ok cool, I-I’m free tonight so….” Tara paused, Willow was changing in front of her, apparently no longer bashful. It was making Tara feel a little flushed as she tried not to openly ogle the gorgeous red head. Tara could feel her head go all dazed and her heart fluttered erratically in her chest. She couldn’t remember what she had been trying to say.

“I’ll call you?” Willow finished for her.

“O-ok.” Tara cringed at her sudden apparent lack of vocabulary.

“Ok. I’ll see you later.” With that Willow smiled at her and then was gone. Tara stood still for a moment, her mind still dazed from the amount of Willow her senses had just been delighted with. She felt confused. Willow had evidently fallen asleep after her as the video and TV were both switched off when she awoke this morning. And she had woken up to find Willow’s arms around her. And then Willow had happily changed in front of her, and not to mention that look she had had on her face.



What was that look? Does it mean anything? Or am I just seeing too much because of my own feelings?



Tara sighed, confused, her thoughts flying around in her mind. She didn’t have time to stand there pondering this now, she had to get to lectures.



Tonight. She thought to herself. Tonight I will see her again. Maybe if…. I don’t know. Maybe I can just see something, a sign maybe. A look. Or maybe she’ll say something, anything, just so I know what she feels, whatever it might be.

Tara couldn’t help but feel a tinge of hope at the back of her mind and in the very depths of her heart, even though the forefront of her mind was still screaming at her that she didn’t have a chance, and that she didn’t deserve one.



----



That night Willow returned to her dorm room exhausted. It had been a long day of worrying over Giles being attacked by a demon, which as it turned out Giles had in fact become a demon, courtesy of his old friend Ethan Rayne. Now it was all over and Willow was just glad for the feel of her bed beneath her. Willow lay on her bed, reflecting on the days hectic events. Slowly her thoughts, as was becoming the norm of late, turned to Tara.



Tara!



Willow sat up in her bed. She had been meant to call Tara today. Quickly she grabbed her phone but then paused and returned it to its cradle. Instead she pulled her shoes back on and headed out the door. Before she knew it she was at Tara’s door. Willow glanced at her watch and winced as she realised that once again she was disturbing her friend at a late hour. She paused but then decided to knock anyway. She fidgeted nervously; there was no answer for what seemed like an eternity. Willow was just about to turn and leave when the door opened. Tara stood before her looking sleepy in her pyjamas, her hair mussed from sleep.

“Willow?” Suddenly some of Tara’s sleepiness evaporated and she smiled.

“Oh Tara, I’m sorry- you were sleeping and here I am all waking-up girl and I’m sorry, I’ll go.” She turned to leave but was stilled by Tara’s hand on her arm.

“Will its ok, I’d rather spend time with you and you’re here now anyway. Would you like to come in?” Tara stood to the side, inviting Willow in. Willow smiled sheepishly but accepted the invitation. Tara closed the door behind them and both girls settled to sit on Tara’s bed.

“So did you want to do a spell or something?” Tara asked, wondering what brought Willow here so late.

“Oh ummm no, well unless you want to. What I mean is, I was supposed to call you tonight so we could do something, but then this thing came up and I got kinda sidetracked but then it’s all okay now and so I got wondering if maybe you still wanted to do something and so I was gonna call but instead I ended up here instead and woke you up and I’m really sorry.” Willow finished in one breath.

“Will, its ok. You might wanna breathe there.” Tara grinned crookedly at Willow. “Like I said, I’d rather spend time with you. And it’s ok that you were busy, I understand. I know you would have called if it hadn’t been something important.”

“But you’re important too,” Willow insisted, “and I should have called you sooner rather than just coming over so late and waking you.” Willow was still wearing a guilty pout.

“Will its ok, I get it. And its not that late, I wasn’t really sleeping anyway.” Tara tried to reassure her. Willow saw straight through it.

“You’re just trying to make me feel better.”

“Well ok, maybe I was sleeping a little. But you’re here now so shall we do something. Did you wanna do a spell or something?”

Willow thought about it for a moment. She really was too tired to do any spells. In her sudden desire to see Tara she had momentarily forgotten her exhaustion, now she was here though her tiredness began to catch up with her.

“Ummm, well to be honest I’m kinda tired. Maybe we could just watch a video or something?” Willow stifled a yawn.

“Or we could just drop the pretence of a video and go straight to sleep?” Tara suggested; a slightly teasing tone in her voice.

“Ok, I just thought it might seem kinda weird, me coming all the way over here and just going to sleep. But to be honest its kinda lonely in my dorm, Buffy is always out late these days.”

“Its ok Will, I get it. I-I get lonely too sometimes. It’s nice to have someone else here to be honest. I feel safer when you’re here.”

Willow smiled, not just at being understood but at the fact she made Tara feel safe, she liked that. In all honesty she never felt safer than she did when in Tara’s presence. When she was here with Tara it felt like nothing could ever harm them.

“So we should just go to bed, to sleep I mean.” Willow smiled, blushing a little.

“Yeah ummm, I guess.” Tara got Willow her usual pair of shorts and t-shirt. Tara tried in vain not to watch her change, blushing as her eyes fell upon Willow’s bare tummy. She affixed her gaze on Willow’s bellybutton, not daring to look any higher but unable to turn away. Both girls climbed into what were now “there side” of the bed. Soon they were both asleep, exhausted but ever calmed by the others presence.



.....to be continued.



----



<--- I so love this emoticon, kinda looks like me when I'm on my computer, cept it's really cute!! Anyway I guess I better get my butt moving. Hope everyone enjoyed the update, thanks again for all the kind words- I loves me kittens!! There'll be another update sometime tomorrow, maybe even later tonight depending how late I get home.



Love Helen xxxx

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

[The Rose24]

Aww. it is so sweet Willow decides to go see Tara instead of calling her on the phone. I am sure they would rather see each other face to face anyway.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[LizPuRR]

Great story, fun to read....

Can't wait for more......



Keep the undates coming.....

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

"That's right puppy, Willow's gonna make you bark."-yes please!!



Vamp Willow, The Wish

[SJ]

Great update

[Lost in blue]

Hey everyone, thank you to everyone again for the kind words. I'm doing my best not to rush the progression with our girls but it's so hard not to want to get right into the happy fluffy stuff. Still here is another update to bring our girls closer together, hope you all enjoy it:



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Once again Willow awoke in the comfort of Tara’s embrace. She opened her eyes to find that Tara was still sleeping which was unusual as she usually woke before Willow. Willow watched her, she looked so peaceful, like such an angel. After a while Tara stirred and opened her eyes, she smiled the second her gaze locked onto Willow’s.

“Hey sleepyhead.” Willow smiled.

“Hey. What time is it?” Tara asked groggily.

“It’s still early, nearly 7 o’clock. I was gonna wake you soon in case you had to be somewhere but you just looked so cute asleep.”

“I look a mess in the mornings.” Tara blushed and attempted to cover her face which was impossible seen as Willow’s arms were still lazily wrapped around her, preventing her from doing so.

“Nah don’t be silly, you look adorable. And you make this cute little sound and…. I’m embarrassing you I’m sorry.”

“No, no, it, it’s ok. I’m just not used to hearing things like that.”

“Well you should be. So I guess I should get going soon, need to shower and change before lectures, don’t want to be all smelly-Willow.” Willow grinned impishly. Tara giggled softly, Willow just got cuter with every second she knew her. Willow got up and changed back into her clothes.

“D-do you wanna come over again tonight?” Tara asked bravely.

“Oh, I would love to but, I’m supposed to go to Xander’s tonight, I kinda already promised. But I could come over after? To be honest I could do with an excuse to make an early exit.”

“Oh no, if you already have other plans, you don’t need to worry.”

“It’s ok. I want to. And like I said, I could do with an early exit. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with Xander, its just Xander and Anya…. well it can get kinda annoying, you know- too coupley.”

“Ummm, well okay. So I’ll see you tonight?”

“Yeah. I’ll try to get away as soon as I can.” And then Willow was gone. Tara gazed at the door. It was going to be another long day until she got to see Willow again.



----



That evening Willow was sat at Xander’s feeling bored and already getting increasingly annoyed with Anya. She glanced at her watch.



Ok, still kinda early.



Willow could hear Anya saying something to Xander, she was asking how long Willow would be there, complaining that they couldn’t have sex whilst she was still there. Willow glared at her.



Maybe it’s not so early. I think I’ve been here long enough to stay in the ‘good friend’ books.



“Hey guys, I ummm have to go.”

“No Will, you don’t have to go- ignore Anya.” Xander tried to assure his old friend that she was welcome to stay.

“No Xand, it’s not her. I mean its ok. I have other things I need to be doing, you know- homework stuff.”

“This means you’re leaving? We can have sex now? Well don’t let us stand in the way of your education.” Anya said enthusiastically.

“What Anya means is that it has been great seeing you Willow, we’ll have to do it again sometime.”

”Oh yeah, that too.” Anya said still grinning that she would get Xander to herself soon.

“Do you want me to walk you home Will?” Xander offered.

“No its ok, it’s still kinda light out. I should get back before dark and if not I’ve got some holy water on me for protection. I’ll see you guys later.”

“Okay but….” But Willow had already gone.



Willow virtually ran all the way to Tara’s, it was getting dark quicker than she had anticipated, and if she was honest she couldn’t wait to spend more time with Tara. She arrived at Tara’s door in record time and excitedly knocked on her door. Tara opened the door with in seconds, she had been waiting for Willow all evening. Tara had one of her study books open on her desk but she hadn’t managed to read more than a few pages before her thoughts as ever returned to Willow.

“Hey Will.” Tara said brightly as she invited the girl in. Both girls took their usual places on Tara’s bed.

“So ummm, what do you wanna do tonight? Did you want to do a spell or watch a movie or something?” Tara asked.

“I dunno, I just feel like talking or something. I mean if you don’t mind?”

“Yeah ummm ok, what do you wanna talk about?”

“How about you?” Willow suggested.

“Me? W-what do you wanna know? I- I’m really not very interesting.”

“Don’t be silly of course you are. I wanna know everything. What was your childhood like?” Willow asked.

“Oh. Ummm, well it was just you know, just a typical childhood I guess. I didn’t really have any friends though.”

“Really? Why not?” Willow was genuinely surprised by this revelation, she knew Tara was shy but how could such a wonderful person not have many friends.

“P-people kinda just didn’t seem to like me I guess.”

“Well then people are stupid. I never had many friends either. In fact between Kindergarten and High School the only friend I really had was my friend Xander. Everyone else just saw me as a geek which you know just coz a person likes school and books people assume she’s a geek.” Willow said in mock-indignation. Tara giggled.

“P-people thought I was a g-geek too. M-mostly coz of my stutter.”

“Ugh people are so dumb. Well it was there loss. Who cares about them anyway? We have each other now, we can be nerds together.” Willow stated resolutely.

“O-okay.”

“So what about other things. What are your family like? I mean you mentioned that your Mother was a witch, did she teach you?”

“Y-yes she did.”

“She must be a really good teacher.”

“Y-yes she w-was.” Tara’s voice was small now, faltering a little as she tried to keep her voice and emotions steady.

“Tara? What is it? Did I say something wrong? I didn’t mean to upset you.” Willow was close to tears now, she hated that she had upset this sweet girl, even if she didn’t know how she had done so.

“N-no Willow. It’s ok, it’s not your fault. It’s just my Mother, she, she passed away.”

“Oh my, oh Tara I’m so sorry.” Willow pulled Tara into her arms.

“I-I’m sorry.” Tara sniffled into Willow’s shoulder.

“What for?”

“F-for crying. I, I haven’t. Well I have but not really. I haven’t really let it go, since it happened. I- I had to be strong, take care of things at home, I-I couldn’t let myself feel the pain, I- I had to be strong.” Willow started to softly stroke Tara’s hair.

“Shhhh, it’s ok. Let it out. It’s ok, let it out.” She murmured repeatedly softly into Tara’s ear, one hand still stroking her hair, the other now gently rubbing her back as the other girl broke down in her arms. Willow could feel Tara’s pain and wished she could have been there for her when it had happened, how she must have needed someone. After what could have been minutes or hours Tara’s sobs quietened. Not letting go of each other Willow spoke up.

“Would you like to talk about it?” She asked softly, not wanting the girl to break down again.

“A-are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Of course not. Take your time.”

Tara took a few steadying breaths and moved so she could face Willow rather than talking into her shoulder. Willow placed an arm tentatively around her shoulder and moved her other arm so she could hold Tara’s hand as she talked.

“We, we knew that she was sick. I-it wasn’t sudden, but, it doesn’t make it easier. I always thought it would be easier, you know that you’d have time to get used to it, but you don’t….you never really get used to it.”

“At least you got to say goodbye.”

Tara smiled, “Yes. It was so hard to do, b-but I’m glad that I got the chance to.”

“What happened after?”

“Well everyone was, well you can understand,” Willow nodded, “a-and it was my duty to take over. I h-had to take care of th-things.”

“That must have been so hard.” Willow said softly, caressing Tara comfortingly as they talked.

“I-it was. But you have to be strong you know? I know she wanted me to be strong. She wanted me to get away, I mean she wanted me to go to college. She always told me I was smart, and b-beautiful. I-I think my M-mother was p-probably the o-only person who loved me.”

“What about your Father?”

“He ummm, wasn’t too big on affection or e-encouragement.”

“She was right you know.”

“What?”

“Your Mother- you are smart and beautiful.”

“N-not really.” Tara looked down, Willow could see the already familiar movement through the dark. She lifted her hand to Tara’s face and tilted it upwards.

“Yes you are, you should know that.” They stared at each other for a moment.

“Th-thank you Willow.”

“What for?”

“F-for listening, for being kind to me, I-I’m not really used to that.”

“Well you better get used to it Missy coz I’m going nowhere and I’m gonna remind you how special you are every day, no arguments!!”

Tara giggled, “Y-yes m’am.” Tara stifled a yawn, all the crying had left her exhausted.

“You wanna go to sleep?” Willow asked.

“I-if you don’t mind, I’m kinda tired.”

The girls moved to lay back down, Willow gathered Tara into a comforting embrace and they both slept in the comfort of each other’s arms.



Willow awoke the following morning feeling a little flushed. She had had a very vivid dream. She opened her eyes and found herself looking straight into a pair of deep blue pools. Willow’s breath caught in her throat as she saw that Tara’s expression was matching her one. The girls were still in each others arms, their faces only inches apart. They both looked between the others eyes and their lips. Willow felt herself drawn towards Tara, she wanted to kiss her, she knew that, she also knew that she wasn’t ready. Not yet. She knew she had feelings for this girl but she wanted to be sure she knew what, she didn’t want to hurt someone as precious as Tara, she was too good for that. Willow looked away blushing.

“Morning.” Willow’s voice was raspy from sleep.

“Ummm, m-morning.” Tara replied uncertainly, sure that Willow had seen her feelings when she’d looked into her eyes. But she hadn’t seen revulsion, in fact she had seen something similar returned to her.

“I guess I should get going. I need to shower and change before classes. Ooh and I was meant to meet Buffy for breakfast, I completely forgot.”

“Oh, umm, ok.” Tara couldn’t help but feel crestfallen, clearly Willow was making her excuses and running, maybe she’d been a little too much last night.

“But we could meet up during the break this morning if you like?”

Tara felt her mood lift, she hadn’t scared Willow off.

“Yeah, ummm, where would you l-like to meet?”

“Ummm, how about commons room, if I remember your schedule correctly it’s situated pretty much right in the middle between our classes.”

Tara smiled, Willow knew her schedule.

“Sure, so I’ll see you later?”

“Sure. Bye.” Willow waved and offered Tara a warm, reassuring smile as she left the room. As Tara was getting ready for class she spotted an old heirloom that she had found in her attic at home, she wanted Willow to have it, a small thank you for listening last night.



.....to be continued.



-----



Hmmm wonder what the little gift can be..... nope you so can't tell where this is heading *grin* Anyway hope you all enjoyed the update, feedback as ever appreciated.



Love Helen xxxxx

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

[tiger17]

Such a sweet update, with Willow listening to Tara about the death of her mother and then comforting her. I love it so far keep on writing such great stuff

[Gimpgirl]

Hey honey....



I haven't been neglecting this site at all. My computer has been a butthead and we had to do a bunch of stuff to it. Anyway-to catch up....wonderful updates baby. You know how much I love your writing and I can't wait for more.



I love you.....



Michelle

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

[The Rose24]

I'm glad Tara has the strength to tell Willow her feelings. They really need each other.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[Tempest Duer]

Okay, much big with the "aww"-ness. This is so cute!

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

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[warriorlove]

GREAT UP DATE...MORE! PLEASE MORE!!

I can take care of her...even if she never...she's my girl.

[Lost in blue]

Hey everyone. Thanks again for the feedback, it’s always much welcomed. Hope you all enjoy this update:



----



Later that morning Willow hurried her way towards the common room. When she arrived she saw Tara already sat in one of the chairs looking at something in her hands.

“Hey what you got there?” Willow asked, Tara jumped slightly, “sorry.” Willow quickly apologised.

“That’s o-ok, I was j-just lost in thought.”

“So what’s that you’re looking at?” Willow asked again, her curiosity always getting the better of her.

“It’s the Dolls Eye Crystal.” Tara told her as she held it towards her.

“This is so cool. I've been trying to find a dolls-eye crystal my entire life.” Willow paused for a moment, “well, since June, anyway. Where'd you get it?”

“It was my grandma's, I think. I found it a long time ago in my attic.” Tara paused looking slightly bashful, “I-I want you to have it.” She held out the crystal to Willow.

“Oh, no. Tara, that's really sweet. But I can't. It's like a family heirloom. I just wouldn't feel comfortable.” Willow could see the disappointment on Tara’s face, she thought quickly, hating to see pain on the other girl’s face.

“But, if you wanted to try out some spells with it sometime, I wouldn't say no.”

Tara smiled, brightening at the thought of seeing Willow some more.

“Maybe tonight. I mean, if you're not doing something, you could come over and we could... do something.”

Willow felt her heart sink. Not tonight, why tonight? Tonight was when she was meant to spending some quality Scooby time with just Buffy and Xander.

“Tonight. That sounds really nice, but tonight... I've already got plans. With people. Other.”



Ok this is coming out all wrong, and now she looks sad and hurt, way to go Willow you’ve hurt her feelings.



Tara busied herself with putting the Dolls Eye Crystal into her bag, knowing if she looked at Willow she would lose any composure she had remaining.



“Oh. That's okay. A-another t-time.”

“Absolutely. It's just that it's kind of a specific crowd and you might feel out of place.” Willow wanted desperately to say something else, anything so that Tara would know she hadn’t meant any of this as a rejection of her. Before she could say anything else though Tara stood up to leave.

“I'd better get to class.”

“I'll see you later, okay?” Willow asked hopefully.

Tara simply nodded and hurried away from Willow. Willow watched her, she wanted to run after her and say she’d changed her mind and that she’d rather spend time with her anyway, which really was the truth.



----



All Willow could think of the rest of the day was Tara and how guilty she felt. At least she had that night at the bronze to look forward to, that would take her mind off of things.



That night she arrived at the Bronze to find Xander already there, with Anya? Willow looked around but couldn’t see any sign of Buffy.



Great. This is just great. It’s been a couple of hours now and still no Buffy and if I have to put up with those two much longer. Why did he have to bring Anya anyway, tonight was meant to be just the core-scoobies and besides which she’s just so…. annoying.



When Buffy did finally arrive she was accompanied by Riley and the other commando guys. Within minutes they had all been beeped away again. Willow sighed to herself and then made her excuses to Xander and Anya who were by now too wrapped up in each other to really notice. Xander managed a small wave but didn’t even look round at her.



Willow spent her whole journey home lost in a mixture of thoughts. She was hurt and angry at her friends. She couldn’t help but wish she had agreed to see Tara and blown them off instead, then she never would have hurt the sweet, shy wiccan. Willow began to contemplate Tara. Over the past few weeks the girl had been there or her more than her friends had the past few months. She decided she would apologise to the girl, but not over the phone, in person. Willow looked at her watch, it was a little late but she decided to chance it. On her way over to Tara’s Willow went over and over in her head various scenarios and what she would say to Tara. And then Willow found herself at Tara’s door.



…..to be continued.



-----

Ok so there it is. Hope it was ok. I will put more up maybe later today, but more likely it will be tomorrow. Depends if I just get too impatient *grin*



Love Helen xxxx

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

[shuyaku]

I swear I just love that you are impatient It's like a daily dose... kinda like vitamins only way more pleasant.



one dancing elephant just for you!

-shuyaku

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

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

[Gimpgirl]

Hey honey.....



I didn't even realize that you put an update up, but I'm glad I checked the board for one. Yet another great update baby and I so can't wait for more. And you impatient? Never..... .



I love you......



Michelle

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

[pikescoob]

Yay! Updates to catch up on! I'm jealous of their snuggles...I want snuggles when I sleep *pouts* I always feel so bad for Tara in that scene when Willow turns down the crystal and then the way she explains her other plans with a crowd Tara'd feel left out in...the sad look on Tara's face, makes me wanna hug her...anyway, I'm sidetracked...I'm lovin this! I have a feeling smoochies are coming soon! *grin*



Michelle

[The Rose24]

Ugh! You cut it off again. The scene in the doorway is one of my favorite Willow and Tara scenes, and we all know this is a turning point in W/T's relationship. I think they move past the friendship stage.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[SJ]

Great updates

[Lost in blue]

Hey everyone. I'm in such a good mood today, mostly coz I've just borrowed season 5 of the X-files on DVD from my Daddy. Of course if England lose the footy tonight the whole good mood thing may need a re-think. Anyway less babble, more update. Hope you all enjoy it:



----



Willow took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She then stood there, her mind going into full nervous mode. For the thousandth time since leaving the Bronze she was going through what to say when, if the door opened. What was taking so long? Willow began nervously wringing her hands.



Why am I so nervous anyway? It’s not the first time I’ve been here. Of course I’m all worriedy coz of being all mean and stuff earlier, it just didn’t come out right. I mean it was true that I already had other plans and it was meant to be just the core scoobies other wise I would have invited her, wouldn’t I? Well why wouldn’t I? Although I do kinda like having her all to myself, ugh that’s all selfishy Willow. She looked so sad when I turned her down, ick there’s that stomach achey feeling again. Well I’m here now and if I explain then maybe I can make it all good again and then no more achey.



Willow was so busy babbling in her head she nearly didn’t notice Tara had opened the door. She was brought out of her inner babble by Tara’s soft “Willow?” It was a gentle question, almost a sigh. A tinge of disbelief, and a faint trace of hopefulness.



Ok Willow you’re here, she’s here, now explain, apologise and then go from there, what is it you want to do anyway? Ok stop babbling, she’s looking at you so you need to do more talkage, less thinking.



“A funny thing happened with my prior social engagement. Pretty much ended when a friend of mine went off to do something with another crowd she hangs out with. Irony’s kind of ironic that way. Anyway, I know it’s late, but I-I thought maybe, I mean, if you still wanted to...do something...” Willow unintentionally did her best cute puppy-eyed hopeful look, one Tara would never be able to resist. Tara grinned a bright and beautiful smile that made Willow’s knees go a little dizzy.



Whoa what’s with the dizzy knees? Oops ok, she’s holding the door open to you, that’s your cue to enter so enough with the head noisiness and I hope my legs still work properly.



Willow smiled, concealing her inner babble and entered Tara’s room.



“So ummm, d-did you wanna do a spell or something?” Tara asked giving Willow another fond, gentle smile.

“Ummm” Willow paused for a moment to calm her thoughts into a more coherent order, “If it’s ok with you I thought maybe we could just talk for awhile?” Willow felt tentative, realising how late it was and that she may in fact be intruding on Tara. She took one look at the grin still on Tara’s face however and all her uneasiness fled as the usual calm Tara gave off enveloped her.

“Yeah, ummm, that would be great.” Tara sat on her bed and motioned for Willow to join her. “What did you want to talk about?”

Willow thought for a moment. She wanted to tell Tara everything, from her first ever memory to all that had happened to her today, she felt a strange desire to share all of herself with the shy and compassionate girl sat beside her. Willow’s current thoughts however were mainly still focused largely on the events of the evening. Tara sensed a sudden stir of emotions within Willow and she couldn’t help but see the fleeting look of hurt on the other girl’s face. She felt an overwhelming desire to take Willow into her arms but not being so bold she simply asked, “What happened tonight? You said something about your friend going off with someone else?” Tara asked the question softly, tentatively, placing her hand gently on Willow’s. Tara did not want to pry but sensed it was this that was bothering Willow. When Willow didn’t respond Tara tried to back track, “I-it’s ok, you don’t have t-to tell me.” She went to move her hand away but Willow stilled her movements by reaching her hand back out to lace their fingers together, enjoying the warm comforting feeling it always gave her.

“It’s ok. I want to tell you, I was just wondering where to start.” Willow smiled reassuringly at Tara.

“I hear the beginning is usually a good place.” Tara grinned. Willow returned her grin and chuckled softly, she loved the silly side of Tara.

“Are you sure? It may take a while!!”

“That’s ok, we have all the time in the world. I’m happy to listen, really.” Willow smiled at Tara’s selflessness and at the thought of a forever that included the kind-hearted, considerate blonde.



Willow turned a little so that she was facing the blonde a little more. They sat close but neither one felt uncomfortable by the close proximity of the other. Willow looked into Tara’s eyes and felt herself calm. Tara was looking so attentive that Willow couldn’t help but smile a little again.

“Well I don’t know. I guess it kinda started when we started college. The scoobies just kinda started drifting part I guess and we just kinda let it and now the tiny little drifting has just…. What?!” Willow paused seeing a slight look of mirth cross Tara’s face as she tried to suppress a smile.

“S-scoobies?”

“Oh ummm, I guess I need to explain…. I think I need to go further back to the start than I thought. Well you see it used to be just me and Xander, all the way from Kindergarten through to high school. Then along came Buffy and our entire world was kinda turned all kaflooey. You see Buffy…. well she’s ummm, she’s a vampire slayer.”

“You’re friends with the slayer?” Tara looked understandably surprised but at the same time impressed.

“Huh?! You…. you know about the slayer?”

“Ummm yeah, the slayer is the chosen one. She slays demons, mostly vampires, that kind of thing. They usually are based at one of the hellmouths…. like Sunnydale.”

“You know this is the hellmouth?” Willow couldn’t suppress the excitement in her voice, she was wildly impressed at the wondrous depths of this girl before her.

“Yes, I ummm, I do a lot of reading. So, what does all that have to do with Scooby Doo?”

“Oh, ummm,” Willow blushed slightly, feeling a bit of a dork, “well the rest of us kinda help Buffy out with stuff, mostly research, we kinda just adopted the group name of scoobies. The core group is Buffy, Xander, Giles and me. Giles is Buffy’s watcher, he was also our school librarian until it blew up…. long story. Anyway the four of us have always been really close, we’ve all been through so much together. There were a few others who have come and gone but the core always stayed the same. There was Cordelia, she used to go out with Xander, she was Miss Popular and used to love making others feel bad to make herself feel good…. She wasn’t all bad though I guess. I kinda got the feeling that it was a bit of a front, you know to hide her own insecurities? I dunno…. anyway now he’s dating Anya now, she’s just your normal, every day, average ex-demon.”

“She.... she used to be a demon?”

“Yeah, kinda weird I know. You get kinda used to weird living on a hellmouth….a-and then there was Oz.” A brief look of, Tara couldn’t quite tell what, passed over Willow’s face and she went quiet. After a few moments more of silence Tara tentatively coaxed Willow on,

“Willow?.... are you ok?” Tara couldn’t hide the concern in her voice.

“Ummm, yeah. It’s just Oz, well he was a werewolf…. he was also my boyfriend.”



.....to be continued.



-----



Ooh I'm so gonna be killed for leaving it there aren't I?! Heh heh, I love being evil *grin* Anyway I hope you all enjoyed it. Come on England!!



Love Helen xxxxx

Edited by: Warduke at: 2/28/04 9:29 am

[Gimpgirl]

Hey honey.....



Yet another great update. You really are impatient when it comes to putting updates up aren't you? No wonder you keep after me to get my updates up. Anyway-very awesome and I won't kill you for leaving it there, but other people may....but no worries...I protect you.... .



Ok going now...really.



I love you....



Michelle

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

[The Rose24]

I LOVE your frequent updates.



It will be interesting to see how Willow will go about explaining Oz.



Update soon please.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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