New Fic: Wicked

[Willowtree252]

aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh just a dream sweet sweet dreams of now get home and get to know Willow and have some real

[notl33t]

highlandlass25 - I'll try to include more cute W/T moments in this story.

Really, thanks for the feedback Kittens, you guys rock!

Chapter 5: The Plunge

“No, no I don’t," Willow said, contemplating banging the phone against her forehead. "No, not under any circumstances. Thank you, but no thanks,” Willow stated adamantly. “Goodbye!”

Willow hung up the phone, indignant at being called by some sort of evil telemarketer from outer space. Some people just couldn’t take no for an answer.

Willow sighed, despondent. Thanks to the late MBTA bus and one telemarketer, it was 7:30pm and Willow still hadn’t asked Tara out. Willow squared her shoulders and walked into her bedroom, sizing herself up in the mirror.

Willow was no stranger to dating. She had dates. Lots of dates. Well, semi-dates and some sorta-dates and almost dates. And relationships, oh yes, and lots of hot mama-yama action. Well, at least two that probably counted.

She turned to the side, checking herself out. Not too shabby. Black work pants, long sleeved shirt, perfect for spring weather. Perfect for the Seduction Plan.

With her self assessment over, Willow straightened up and headed out of her bedroom, making a beeline for her front door.

Willow heard a gentle knocking on the door before she reached it.

“Who is it?” Willow inquired.

“It’s me,” Tara said from the other side. “Can I come in?”

“Sure,” Willow smiled as she swung the door open. Tara teetered into her living room, grinning prettily all the while.

“So,” Tara smiled as she plopped down on Willow’s couch. “Bunny slippers?”

“Oh, yes,” Willow blushed. Maybe she'd overlooked one small thing. “High fashion, you know. All the rage in London these days.”

“Or where you stayed . . . Devon, right?”

“Yeah. Big on travel. I am.” Willow could feel the grin radiating off of her face.

“I remember, you’re a big knowledge woman.”

“Ah, well so are you. Still in your scrubs?”

“Yup, an even higher fashion than your slippers, methinks.”

Willow awkwardly fumbled with the hem of her shirt, an action Tara found irresistible. Tara had meant to go to sleep after making dinner, but couldn’t resist the thought of talking to a living, breathing Willow.

Looking up, Willow realized how strange it was that she wasn’t on the couch next to Tara. She immediately jumped on the couch to Tara’s right side, making Tara squeak with amusement.

“Uh, well, how are you?”

“Um, not so great this week.” Tara stopped, ducking her head forward. “There was . . . I’m not sure if I should talk about this, I’m still. I still. I’m not sure what . . .”

“Oh, we don’t have to!” Willow protested. “Let’s just talk about . . .”

Willow scooted over towards Tara, then stopped when Tara squeaked. Willow scooted again, Tara squeaked again. Willow smiled reassuringly, scooting until she could rest her head on Tara’s shoulder. Tara smiled, which encouraged Willow to reach out and lightly grasp Tara’s right hand. Willow tried to look away from Tara’s eyes, knowing that if she did, she was a goner.

“Mmm.” Willow hummed as she gazed into Tara’s eyes, the Plan falling into dust.

Overwhelmed, Willow made moon-eyes at Tara’s eyes. Tara grinned, all the ugliness of the past week a distant memory. Willow was well and truly lost in Tara’s eyes. Maybe it was the mooneyes or the exhaustion, but Tara figured that the time had come.

“Willow, will you go out with me?”.

Tara tried to look away, but Willow looked so shocked, she couldn’t. Willow jumped up off of the couch, then sat back down. Tara gazed down on the floor, wondering if Willow would ask her to leave or if Willow was going to yell at her.

“Willow? Are you okay?” Tara asked shakily, hoping that Willow would say yes.

Willow leaned over slowly, pulling Tara’s right hand around her waist.

“Willow, what . . . “ Tara’s protest died as she noticed Willow’s proximity.

Willow’s mouth was insistent, and so, so soft. Willow’s hands lightly caressed the sides of Tara’s face, keeping their lips in a warm, heavy contact. Tara could feel Willow tracing fire down the sides of her face, pausing briefly to lightly cup her palms around the back of Tara’s head. Leaning back, Tara pulled Willow on top of her and luxuriated in the feeling of their bodies together.

Willow pulled away, breathing heavily. Tara’s eyes were still closed, but she managed to wrap her arms around Willow’s shoulders.

“Mmm . . . I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Yes!” Willow cried. “It’s a very yes. The most yes.”

“The best yes.”

“So, this going out of which you spoke . . .”

“I believe you were also speaking about it.” Tara giggled.

Willow grinned wolfishly, placing both of her hands near Tara’s head.

“Yes, I was trying.”

Willow leaned in for another kiss as Tara remained still in anticipation. They both paused as their tummies let out simultaneous growls.

“Erm, I made dinner.” Tara remarked as she pulled herself slightly away.

“Oh, that’s good,” Willow said. “So, should we?”

“Actually, I . . . it’s only for myself. I’m sort of tired.” Tara replied as her right hand pulled through Willow’s hair slowly.

“No, that’s cool, I didn’t, that is, I didn’t think it would necessarily be an immediate thing.” Willow sighed, leaning her head against Tara’s hand. “Um, when would we go out?”

“Tomorrow night good for you?” Tara spoke with her eyes still shut. “I was thinking dinner out and a movie.”

“Yes. Great for me, in fact. I haven’t been out out since, well, since I moved here.” Willow sat up, pulling Tara upright. Tara wobbled slightly. “Tara? Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m, uh, I’m just, really tired.”

“Do you need help to get back up to your apartment?”

“Oh, no, I’ll be fine.” Tara finally opened her eyes, getting up from the couch and walking slowly to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Willow waved as Tara pulled the door shut behind her. Willow sighed, wiggling her hands at her feet. “Bunny slippers, you are hereby promoted to lucky slippers.”

Tara took the stairs two at a time, willing herself not to whoop with joy until she was in her apartment.

[Willowtree252]

DibsThis is so sweet and Tara asking Willow out lucky bunny slippers indeed and there first everything is just wonderful I love the way things are going between them

[PancakesinBellies]

I like it.

[tazraven]

Alright everyone... a collective aaw. Willow in bunny slippers and Tara in scrubs. Both of them being so nervous about asking the other on a date. Tara's squeaks. Just too cute. Great job =).

~Sara

[GrimCityGirl]

so far this is fucking awesome, keep it up!

[JustSkipIt]

That's very cute. At first I was afraid it was another dream. Nice that they're on the same wavelength.

[willohand]

See what a little lack of sleep will do for a girl? Go tired tara. Ya got to love willow and her cute little bunny slippers...

[musicmad10]

Wicked ! Really! Its great, yay for the date! Hope you update soon

Hannah

[notl33t]

Same Disclaimers, same descriptions, see the first chapter for all of that stuff. Kittens rock! Feedback rocks! You guys are doing great on both fronts. Oh, the rocking.



Chapter 6: Check-in

The sun was up, but Willow was still wearing warm flannel nighties. At some point during the night, she had a hard time getting to sleep, which was not aided by the lingering thoughts of The Incoming Date.

Willow sighed, wishing her couch felt a little bit more like Tara. The TV was off, but her trusty cellphone was lying right next to her. The fact that her Council liaisons hadn’t called despite the fact that it was check-in week continued to niggle her ever since Monday. It would be an unwitchy check-in, but a check-in nonetheless.

Willow tried wiping the sleep from her eyes, but was rewarded with the theme song from Charlie’s Angels. She dived on her phone a moment later, flipping the cellphone open as quickly as possible.

“Hello?”

“Good aftuhnoon, madame. May I plea-yawse speak to Miss Willow Rosenberg?”

“Xander, what?”

“I do not have the foggiest clue as to whom you could be talking about. This Kuh-zander of whom you speak is naht on thuh line.”

“Xander, this isn’t funny anymore. I know you’re not Giles!” Willow started pointing her finger and waving it, until she realized that Xander couldn’t see her.

“Nice try dorko, give me the phone.”

“Hey! Hey, that is my cellphone!” Xander protested. “Ow! Buffy, that hurt!”

“Buffy? Buffy, is that you?” Willow smiled. “It must be you.”

“Yup, how’s my best friend? Willow, I have so many things to tell you about, but . . . ” Buffy paused. “I hate saying this, but we’ve gotta rush, we have to catch a train and then there’s a lot of rushing around, some sort of cryptic thing we’re dealing with. We’ll have to check-in now, maybe call you back later.”

“Yeah, later. No, no later. That is, not if it’s a today later.” Willow sighed. Talking to her best friends always happened later, whenever later was. “Fire away.”

“Okay, last time Giles sent questions, but today the leader of the Coven decided to send us some questions to get answers from you.”

“Questions about the abduction or just questions?” Willow’s hand started to shake, she switched the cellphone to her other hand.

“So far as I can tell, just questions. Two questions. God, this is weird. Xander, do you remember if there’s anything else we have to ask? Xander, I’m talking to you. Xander, stop pouting, I’ll give you your phone back in a second.” Buffy huffed. “Fine, fine, talk to her for a little while, but we have to get out of this inn in about twenty minutes, so make it snappy. We still have to ask the questions.”

“Whoo!” Xander crowed. “How’s the Willster doing?”

“I’m, uh, I’m pretty good now.” Willow smiled, remembering Tara. “Really good now. All good. Um, how are you?”

“I’m pretty good. Me and Buffy are hunting down this dimension-hopping demon thing. It’s a pretty good assignment, we haven’t seen any action in weeks. Really, really relaxing. Sometimes. When its not scary.” Xander trailed off, looking down at the questions. “Are you ready for some questions?”

“Yeah, but is there something you wanted to tell me?”

“No, no, it can wait. Maybe later. First question: have you done any spells recently?”

“No. Haven’t for about a year.”

“Okay, second question: have you recently met anyone who practices any magick?”

“Nope. At least, I don’t think so. One of my co-workers seems to be tossing his seduction technique in my direction . . . it’s failing so far.”

“Poor guy. You haven’t had the ‘I’m a lesbian’ talk with your office yet?”

“I’m hoping it never comes up. I mean, coming out once was bad enough, but to continue? That’s just indulgent of me.” Willow answered truthfully. “I’m getting sort of indulgent with my lesbian self. Did you get my email?”

“Yes, ma’am. I say go for it. Plus Buffy did a background check, this Tara chick seems really nice. And very punctual with her bills.”

“You guys ran a background check on her?” Willow hissed.

“Um, maybe? Hey, look Buffy wants to talk to you!” Xander scampered away.

“Xander, don’t forget to pack the second tome in the hideaway section of my carry on.” Buffy confidentially into the phone. “Willow, do you feel safe where you are?”

“Yes.” Willow admitted. It was hard to stay angry at either Buffy or Xander, especially when they were just trying to keep her safe. “It’s pretty safe. My apartment’s tight as a drum, my landlord’s okay. My jobs oodles of fun. Well, not so much fun fun as ‘hey lookit me, I’m an adult now’ fun. Cambridge is nice, y’know.”

“How safe do you feel? Do you think that someone else could take you again?”

Willow sighed. “I don’t know Buffy.”

Buffy sighed. “Here, Xander wants to talk.”

"Willow, we should talk, in person. We're both scared and we want to see you. We could fortify your new place with all sorts of anti-Willow-killer things, whaddya say?"

"That would be great oh runner-of-background-checks and things I don’t need.”

“Hmm . . . is that a yes or no?”

“It’s a yes, doofus.”

“Well, if that’s a yes, then, Buffy and I will show up sometime soon-ish. Or maybe not so soon-ish. A month, maybe two months? Buffy, you know you’re no good at charades, just say the words out loud. Ow!”

“That righteous punch was because I am so good at charades, liar.” Buffy giggled. “Anyway, we’ll drop in in a couple of months, when things are less frightening. But we may not be able to give you a lot of warning. Or really any warning at all.”

“That’s okay. Mi casa es su casa. Drop in anytime guys.”

“Love you lots, bye.”

“Bye Buff, bye Xander.”

[Willowtree252]

Dibs ya the gangs all here it is so them to want to check out Tara to keep Willow safe. Why do I have a feeling that these questions have somthing to do with a big bad thats coming and Willow is going to be all oh my goddess your a witch with Tara thats so cool. As for the drop in anytime well here comes bad timing hehe

[sadie]

Aww love this!!!

Looking forward to The Date!!

[willohand]

huh?

[notl33t]

willohand - Yup, i'm coming out of the far left field. I will probably need to rewrite previous chapters to make the last one make more sense. But I'm more about scarce plot points than not, so sometimes this story will get very confusing with W/T in the middle of it all.

Yes, bigger things are afoot than just pure W/T love. *sigh* If only I was less angsty, then I could give them a pure happily ever after tale. This is the last chapter I have left that was written before heck broke out all over my life. Another update will probably happen, at the earliest, two weeks from now. Feedback me suggestions and the writing might go faster.

Oh, and all of the W/T cuteness in this chapter are for my mom and dad. They slay me with their romantic cuteness.

But anyway, here's the upDATE.

Chapter 7: First Date

“So, the movies were all sold out.” Tara said dejectedly to Willow as they strolled back home after getting off of the bus.

“So, you definitely get a failing grade for the movies portion of the date. However, I don’t think this entire date is a failure. The awesome Brazilian restaurant’s was also closed for renovations, but hey, the local pub was awesome.” Willow pointed out. “So the combined failure and passing grade cancel out for the dater.”

“But it was awesomely loud.” Tara sighed. “We barely got to talk at all. I’m not sure if I should get a passing grade for that.”

“Hmm, but we did snuggle and drink beer.” Willow grinned. “Snuggling and alcohol are definitely pluses. No minuses there. You could get a top notch grade on this date, Doctor Maclay.”

Tara grinned, enjoying their game. “Maybe I should have driven us instead?”

“Nope. The not-driving is very much the extra credit you need to balance out the sold-outedness of the movies.” Willow touched Tara’s arm softly, then leaned in. “Wanna know why?”

“Um, why?”

“Because conserving gas is important.” Willow licked her lips. “And I find conservation very, very sexy.”

Tara leaned in for a kiss. Their lips joined softly.

“And also, because kissing in a car while the car is in motion usually leads to crashing of the fatal variety.” Willow whispered as she slowly pulled away, taking Tara’s hand with her as they continued down the block. “And that would mean all twenty-five of the kisses we’ve shared while walking and waiting for the bus would never have happened.”

“Oh! What’s my grade for kissing?”

“That’s an easy one. At this point in the date, C plus.”

“Why so low?”

“I think we’re only done with about 70% of the kissing at this point.” Willow looked over to see how red Tara’s blush was becoming. “Maybe even less.”

“Well, overall, um, I guess.” Tara, highly flustered, tried to change the subject. “But the bus is a definite no on a date, I think.”

“The conservation angle works for that. But the ‘well-being of the datee’ in question was imperiled with the deadly cold. Don’t forget that the bus we tried to catch to get to the theatre was five minutes early, so we ended up waiting for twenty minutes in the bitter cold.”

“In early February. Don’t remind me. The T –“

“Sucks!” Willow snorted. “The next time I’m early for work, remind me to light candles for both the God and the Goddess.”

Tara stopped abruptly, and stared at Willow.

“What?” Willow halted, turning to Tara.

“Nothing, you’re, it’s just.” Tara waved her hands dismissively. “Um, ignore that.”

“Okay, I will.” Willow smiled back. “But you’re gonna have to bribe me.”

Tara smirked, and then lowered her eyes even to Willow’s. “Do you want to come up to my apartment?”

“Yes, eventually.” Willow squeaked and then continued. “We could work up to that. This is a first date. And if you pass the first date, other dates will follow.”

Tara closed her eyes. “So am I passing right now?”

Willow nodded and leaned forward. She closed her eyes as their lips touched. Tara’s tongue slowly touched Willow’s lips and they both moaned. Tara touched Willow’s tongue lightly with her own tongue, grabbing Willow’s scarf with her right hand and cupping Willow’s face with her left hand. Willow grabbed Tara’s shoulders as they continued to kiss.

“Tara.” Willow moaned between kisses. “Please. Mmm. We should go to my apartment. Oh. Inside. My hands are cold. Mmm. My nose is cold. Please.”

Tara pulled back, her breaths curling violently in the cold air. “Okay.”

Willow and Tara continued on, holding hands in companionable silence. Tara pulled out her key as they got closer to the house and let Willow in first.

“Less cold now?” Tara said as she shut the front door.

“Yup.” Willow reached for Tara and they resumed making out in front of Willow’s door.

Tara’s hand was almost done with undoing all of the buttons on Willow’s coat when the theme to Charlie’s Angels started playing.

Willow moaned. “I’ll just shut it off. If I can just find it. Or if you can. Mmm.”

Tara started kissing Willow’s neck as Willow started fumbling around for the Evil Cellphone.

“Oh no.” Willow moaned as she saw her Caller ID.

Tara stopped. “Is something wrong?”

“I, uh, I have to take this.” Willow flipped open the phone. “Hi. Yeah. Yes, this is a bad time. Yes, I know. No. Do you really need me there? Um, hold on.”

“Bad timing?” Tara sighed. Seriously bad timing. “I’ll uh, see you later?”

“Can I see you again?” Willow asked earnestly. “Really, really soon.”

“I’m free next Saturday. If you’re free.” Tara enveloped Willow in a friendly hug. “Maybe sooner. We’ll email, call, knock? And if you need someone to talk to, you know I’ll make time for you.”

Willow and Tara kissed one more time. For quite a long time.

“Good night Tara.”

“Good night Willow.” Tara hummed a happy tune as she walked up to her apartment, dreaming of next week or even sooner.

Willow waited until she heard Tara’s door close before she headed into her apartment. She shut the door and dropped her winter things on the couch.

“Okay Buffy, I’m all ears.” Willow stated into the cellphone. “When do I have to go to the hospital?”

“Actually, Will, I’m all ears. That sounded like you were ending some pretty hot-and-heavy action. ‘Really, really soon.’ Desperate much?”

“Buff, I am so not desperate much. I’m, y’know, young and hip and dating.” Willow sank into her couch. “That was a first date. A good first date.”

“First date? That sounded like a third date to me. Come on, out with it. I need my vicarious smoochies.”

Willow paused, but then relented. “It sort of feels like we’ve been dating ever since I moved here. I see her every day or so. We hang out once a week. Just, y’know, not with the smoochies until last night.”

“Oh. I thought you said that you couldn’t handle anything serious and that’s why you didn’t ask her out last week. And y’know, there are lots of hot fish in the sea. I believe that’s what you said.” Buffy teased. “I believe you mentioned that chemistry does not make up for a lack of experience, which you were itching for. Weren’t you itching? I could have sworn you were itching.”

“I’ve had, a, um, a change in plans’. I think I’ve applied ointment. Or had it applied to me.” Willow smiled. “And I tried the whole singles scene.”

“Yeah, for five seconds! I wouldn’t call bar-hopping with your co-workers ‘trying the whole singles scene.’ And you, what, flirted with two or three random girls, didn’t call them. That’s not trying the whole singles scene, Will.” Buffy remanded.

“Well, the singles scene in my house was much better than anything else.” Willow stared at her warm fingertips, remembering the feel of Tara’s body. “Much, much better.”

“Be that way.” Buffy lectured. “Either way, whether you’re itching or not, you’ll be happy to know that Xander and I give you and her our blessing.”

“Yes, I know. Could you not run background checks on everyone in my life now?”

“We’re your friends, we can’t resist. The only complaint I have is that she’s weirdly punctual with her bills. Other than that, she’s good. Plus, doctor! Have you mentioned her to your parents yet?”

“Uh, not so much, but I might have insinuated that I was interested in dating a doctor. A female doctor.”

“How’d they take it?”

“Mom brushed it off, but I could tell she was excited that I had met someone new. Dad wanted to make sure that I was practicing, I don’t think I can say this out loud.” Willow closed her eyes in embarrassment.

“Oh, The Talk again? Is that the fortieth time you’ve gotten that since you were sixteen?”

“Yup, but this time there was talk about lube and cuffs and consent. I don’t want to know what my parents have been up to, and yet, oddly enough I sort of do.”

“Not gonna go there.”

“I’ve already thought about it and came back.” Willow grinned. “Several times, in fact.”

Awkward silence prevailed for several minutes.

“Okay, can we never talk about your parents and sex again?”

“Yes ma’am. So anyway, hospital?”

“Oh, right.” Buffy took a deep breath. “The Council needs you to go to a crime scene tonight. There’s a body we need you to look at. Possible demon action.”

“Ugh.” Willow grimaced. “Who do I report to?”

“Call me when you’re there. I’ll be right here, waiting.”

“Okay.” Willow got up from the couch and gathered her things while praying that she wouldn’t have to sneak into a morgue or funeral house yet again. Although she missed Sunnydale, she didn’t miss it that much. “How do I get there?”

“A driver will pick you up from your house in five minutes. Don’t tip him, it’s all taken care of.” Buffy took another deep breath. “I need you to go in there and be a set of eyes and ears. The report I’ve got says one dead body.”

“Okay.” Willow sighed. “I wish you or Xander were here with me.”

“I’ll make it up to you later, with prezzies and everything.” Buffy said earnestly. “Plus, Xander and I might be up for some time off soon.”

“Ooh, soon? How soon?”

“Soon soon. Well, more like two weeks? But still, that’s pretty soon.” Buffy perked up. “And that’s my pager, which means you’d better move along.”

[PancakesinBellies]

Hmmm...what an interesting development. But yeah, some more background might be necessary. The problem with few plot points is that it seems like you changed your mind mid-story and that can reflect badly on you as a writer (I'm *not* saying that you're a bad writer, just warning you about the pitfalls of not setting the scene, so to speak).

[Willowtree252]

What a way to end the first date I thought forsure heavy petting Willow is being a bigmystery but there is somthing big coming I can feel it 2 weeks I know real life suck hehe

[sadie]

VERY interesting!! and a WEEK!?! A WEEK till the next date or what?

Ahhhhhhh a whoooole weeeeeeek :'(


lol okay, love this story!! thanks

[GrimCityGirl]

woot i do love this, can't wait to see what happens next, keep up the good, frequently updated work lol

[notl33t]

PancakesinBellies - I fully agree.with the need for more background. My beta and I are trying to do this for the long run, which means that the repost for this fic will be longer, restructured and more filled in.

Thank you to all of the Kittens giving me feedback and props, and even those who lurk. All of the disclaimers and notes from the first chapter still apply.

Chapter 8: Corpse

“I’m gonna kill Buffy.” Willow muttered as she walked in the darkness, shivering in her coat. “Body means hospital. Hospital means indoors. Indoors means warm. Indoors means no trees. Ow. Stupid branches.”

“Are you okay, Miss Rosenberg?” The Tall Man said to her from somewhere behind her. The Tall Man, supposedly a Council Agent, had neglected to introduce himself as he sped her away to parts unknown. “Owch!”

“Oh, I’m fine!” Willow said, grateful that the darkness hid her shivering form as well as her anger. Unfortunately, the darkness hid most of the things barring their way. Willow kept smacking head-on into branches. As she moved past branches, the branches sprung back into the him. He and she together did not a Stealthy Team make. “Are you okay?”

“I’m all right, Miss Rosenberg.”

“Please don’t call me that. Call me Willow.” Willow sighed, wishing she was stuck in her apartment with Tara instead. Willow whacked into another set of springy branches. “Stupid branches.”

“Owch!” The Tall Man cried. “Miss Rosenberg, could I take the lead?”

“Sure.” Willow ceded the lead awkwardly in the dark. They brushed against each other in the dark as they switched positions.

Oddly enough, his stride was long enough that the loud Springy Branch Action deceased. They made their way into an empty clearing. Tall Man immediately halted once they could see a hill in the distance.

“You should stay here, Miss Rosenberg.” He raised a flashlight and a mean looking stick. “I’ll go and make sure we won’t be disturbed.”

“Umm, is this a sneak-around job or are we cooperating?” Willow asked.

“Well, uh.” The Tall Man sputtered in a manner similar to Giles. “Sneak-around, if I understand you correctly. Wait here. Don’t move from this spot, I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you, Tall Man.” Willow sighed, leaning against a small tree. "That was weird."

Tall Man returned. “Better move fast. I’d say we’ve got about half a minute. Do a whole run-around of the scene, call Buffy now. I’ll be behind you the whole time.”

“Okay.” Willow whipped out her cell phone, wishing she could operate the number keys with her gloves on. “Where’s the scene in question?”

“Hill. Just keep walking straight ahead. Or run.”

Willow shrugged, flipping open her cell phone and dialing Buffy’s number. Tall Man handed her a flashlight, which she gratefully switched on. Willow ran up the hill, cursing Buffy’s name silently as she went.

“Willow?”

“Hey, Buff.” Willow said tersely. “It’s really freaking cold out here, so this is gonna be quick.”

“I’ll make it up to you.”

“My toes are blue.”

“Mochas?”

“Mochas are not a cure-all, Buffy. Let’s just get this over with.” Willow paused, taking in her surroundings. A man’s body lay on the hill, facing upward. Willow’s eyes teared up and she silently prayed for him.

“You okay, Will?”

"Yeah, I’m okay.” Willow pulled on her Resolve Face and began casing the scene. “Okay, Buff, body on a hill. This place is really secluded. Body facing west, splayed. No occult markings. No blood. Still got all his clothes on. Looks like someone whacked him with some sort of energy thingy, maybe a fireball. Straight into the chest. Signs of struggle, looks like someone tied his hands. He's blindfolded. Gagged." Willow paused as cold tears fell from her eyes.

Willow lifted her hand to wipe her tears away, lighting the body’s hands accidentally. A small flicker of light against hair intrigued her and she leaned down to inspect the body’s hands.

"There's this . . . it looks like a piece of brown cloth, maybe some black hair in his hands. I guess you could cross-reference demons that wear brown cloth, have black hair."

"And shoot energy balls out of . . . hands? feet? eyes?" Buffy asked over the phone.

"Well, if this guy was standing up before he got whacked, I'd say shooting energy balls out of hands. Or tentacles. Maybe spiky thingies or ooh, ooh, I know, wands! Possibly a wizard or witch or warlock or a mage with a stick. Maybe. I'd go with hands." Willow paused for air, sniffling. "I wish I didn’t have so much experience with this stuff."

“I know, Will, I know.” Buffy sighed, wishing yet again that she had been chosen to be in Slayer instead of being the Slayer.

Willow looked up at the body’s face. Tears ran hot down her face. “Something’s wrong. There’s something wrong with his eyes.”

“What?” Buffy interjected. “What’s wrong with his eyes?”

“He doesn’t look scared or angry or frightened or surprised. He looks like he’s completely gone.”

“Gone?”

“It’s just a feeling, but, something’s wrong.” Willow paused. “I don’t know how to say this really, but I’ll try. His eyes are completely empty of emotion. He didn’t know that he was going to . . . “

“Any bite marks?”

Willow snorted. “Nope, first thing I checked for.” Willow shook her head, still sniffling. “This is all wrong.”

"Miss Rosenberg, the lights are coming back. We'd better disappear." The Tall Man came up behind her.

"I guess we’d better disappear." Willow said into the phone.

"Thank you so much, Will. Love you.” Buffy whispered. “Could you put Tom on?”

"Tom?" Willow glanced at him, then handed him the phone as they briskly walked back to the edge of the clearing.

Tom smiled as Buffy started to talk. "Hello, Miss Summers. Nope, not bad. How are you?"

Tom smiled and kept talking as he moved a funny branch over their old footsteps magically wiping their trail clean. Willow crunched ahead of him, looking back occasionally, thoughtfully.

[Willowtree252]

Dibs This is going to be real spooky and I like it!!!!! Romance and Substance in the story this I can sink my teeth in to. I am loven it more soon please

[willohand]

again with the huh?
I loved everytrhing that went wrong with their first date. So freakin cute those two...

[notl33t]

Dianneswillowtree: I certainly hope its spooky. I've been getting tips on how to write spooky from other fanfic writers, but I'm always afraid that it comes across as far too cheery. Thank you for the writing kitten, it typed at me and made me write more story. This is a really cheery update with no intended spookiness.

willohand: I wanted their first date to go really well, I'm not sure why it turned out the way it did. *sigh* Hopefully, I get to write some more PG-13 W/T action soon.

I'm amused that it really took me this long to write another Chapter, but the end of the semester near about killed me. I've also been tossing around another W/T fanfic idea in my head that has also been keeping me occupied.

Chapter 9: Friends

Tara shuffled into the restaurant around 9:30 am.

“Hey, Tara. You’re late.” Kevin sighed, running his hands through his short, spiky hair.

“Hey Kevin. Don’t blame me, blame the T.” Tara said. She pulled off her winter things and tossed them in an empty chair. “Don’t pout. Waking me up at 8 on a Sunday morning, when I don’t have to be at the hospital, is a criminal offense.”

“Yeah, God forbid we should ever be late.” Kevin grimaced. “Don’t mention the hospital. I feel like I’m always at the hospital, at the hospital, ugh. And you are, too. You’d be there right now if you had a patient in the ICU, and I’d be here, languishing.”

“I’m sure.” Tara admitted sarcastically, sliding into the seat opposite him. “It’s nice to see you. Outside of work.”

Kevin looked Tara’s clothes and then looked down at himself. “Whoa, are we both not wearing scrubs today? I feel like I should throw a little party.”

Tara smiled as she pulled open the menu. “That’s okay. Parties are highly overrated.” Tara dropped her nose into the menu. “What are you ordering?”

“A little more conversation, maybe.” Kevin sighed. “You’ve been so mysterious lately with your housemate crush. Willow says this, Willow says that, Willow, Willow, Willow. And the rest of the time you never talk to me anymore!”

“She’s just so funny and smart, she makes up these witticisms that I want to share with you.” Tara pointed at the menu. “Have you had the Boursin Omelette before?”

“Nope. I’m hooked on steak and eggs. I’d eat it every day if I could.”

Tara chuckled. “There’s nothing wrong with changing things up every once in a while.”

“Says Miss Boring.” Kevin shot back. “I bet you haven’t been on a date in three months.”

“That’s not true at all.” Tara paused as the waitress materialized next to their table.

“You guys ready to order?”

“Ah, yes, thank you.” Kevin spoke up first. “Steak and eggs, with orange juice.”

“Eggs?”

“Over easy.”

“Rare, medium rare or well-done?”

“I’m feeling adventurous. Rare, please.”

“And you?”

“Albine Omelette, please. Plain bagel, plain cream cheese. And, um, orange juice, too.”

Kevin fiddled with his water glass morosely as the waitress left to fill their orders.

Tara leaned forward. “Hey, you. Anything new going on with you in your life?”

“Just the same old things. Work, sleep, sleep, work, sleep at work.” Kevin illustrated with his hands. “Praying for new things to happen all the time.”

“Getting new things to happen all the time?” Tara asked innocently.

“Nope, not a one.” Kevin pouted again, striking a dramatic pose. “My best friend has been ill with girl-chasing sickness. I haven’t had anyone to go out with in weeks. Oh woe is me.”

Tara sighed indulgently.

Kevin looked over at her and did a triple take. “Are you wearing your cleavage-revealing shirt and your tight jeans at the same time?”

“Maybe.” Tara cocked her head at a jaunty angle. “Maybe I know that Willow is going to get her newspaper around noon, exactly when I’m planning to get home.”

“So that she can get a faceful of Tara instead of a faceful of the news. You are such a stalker.” Kevin raised his hands. “Can’t you give her just one day of rest? It’s Sunday, have some mercy, woman.”

“No rest for the wicked, besides, I really like her.” Tara played with her water glass. “She’s funny and smart. Mmm.”

“And vaguely artistic. And ridiculously intelligent.” Kevin grinned. “And she’s a genius. And she’s sweet. And she’s funny and smart.”

“Do I really sound like that?” Tara asked.

“Only every time you open your mouth.”

The waitress set down their plates. “Anything else?”

“No thank you.” Tara looked up at Kevin as they both grabbed their forks to eat in relative silence.

“Anyway, what date are you on?” Kevin said between mouthfuls of tasty steak.

Tara sputtered. “This is not a date, Kevin.”

“Mmm, I love steak!” Kevin moaned. “I meant date number. Are you guys on number three already?”

“No, last night makes one.” Tara mumbled around her food. “Thank goodness.”

“Ooh, I wanna hear all about it, but first . . . “ Kevin glanced around to make sure no one was watching their table. “ . . . I’m just gonna experiment by saying: Willow.”

Tara looked out the window and sighed.

“Oh, young love.” Kevin shook his head.

Tara told him about the date proposal and the date gone awry, leaving out the kisses and the cuddling. Their waitress returned with two orange juice glasses just as Tara finished the story.

“I feel like all of the juicy parts of this story are missing.” Kevin whined. “There was kissing, right?”

“And hopefully, there will be more later.” Tara raised her orange juice glass. “To romantic dates.”

“To Tara the Stalker.” Kevin clinked her glass with his. “And to Willow, who is both funny and smart.”

[spells42]

This is cute, with an undercurrent of ominous. I like. More soon, please?

Anne

[wimpy0729]

Wow, I can't believe I just found this story, and I'm so glad I did. It's cute, funny and it's getting very interesting. I loved the Buffy/Xander squabbling.

I can't wait to see what's next, so please update soon.

Wimpy

[MiniShrink]

Loving it so far, and I have a feeling Buffy and Xander's edginess about someone trying to kill Willow can be traced to Faith. I hope Anya's in this.

[notl33t]

spells42 Sweet. I'm happy you like the fic. It takes me a while to churn out chapters, something like two weeks to a month. Hopefully, they're all consistent character and writer-wise.

wimpy0729 I love compliments! Thank you, I really enjoy making Buffy and Xander squabble and I'll try to keep updating more regularly.

MiniShrink I can't give anything away,but more characters will show up in about five chapters or so.

Original Disclaimers still apply. Follows canon until BtVS S3.

Chapter 10: A Case of the Mondays

By noon, Willow had emailed a bunch of files to Buffy and Xander from her hidden floating-pencil folder on red-cauldron, her wonderful new computer. The attachments were mostly news briefs on the police actions that were related to the weekend killing. Then after shaking her mind free from darker thoughts by playing Bubble-Bobble on an emulator for fifteen minutes, she turned her mind to more serious matters and started testing code that she had written on Friday. She needed to make sure that there was nothing wrong with the code by the end of the week.

It had been a decent mostly work-filled Monday in Willow’s book. Up until her boss had come into her office around 3pm and closed the door.

“No, you have to be kidding me.” Willow grimaced. “You’re not kidding me. You’re evil. You’re trying to kill me with overwork.”

Shaun laughed, putting on his best ‘I’m the Boss’ smile. “Actually, I’m not kidding.”

“I’m already working on something.” Willow pointed out. “By myself, not with anyone else.”

“I know it may seem like a lot more work since I would essentially be placing you with two different projects.” Shaun sighed. “The truth is that the company doesn’t need any one worker to finish a full project alone. Everyone gets paid salary anyway. It’s easier to have a second person on a project than just one since the second person can catch mistakes the first person makes. In theory, twice as much work gets done for the same amount of money.”

“Oh.” Willow closed her eyes in frustration. “Would I get the chance to deliver what I’m working on now before starting on the other project?”

“Can you deliver before tomorrow?”

“I’ll take that as a no, then.” Willow opened her eyes. “So, this is non-negotiable, ‘Me-Boss-You-Jane’ ultimatum-ness, huh?”

“I don’t know about the Jane stuff, but yes, you will have to take on some more work. Actually, this is us negotiating.” Shaun acquiesced.

“Would I get a pay raise if I agreed?” Willow leaned towards him, her curiosity piqued. “A pay raise would be nice, or even sneaky benefits, like a car or something.”

“No. But you’ll get a lot of gratitude. And I won’t fire you.” Shaun smiled. “Come on, Willow. Say yes. You strike me as someone who likes challenges.”

“Oh, yeah, the more challenging the better.” Willow said half-heartedly. “Challenge, challenge, challenge me until I keel over from exhaustion. That’s me all right. Not that there’s a lot I can do to protest. Maybe I can make signs. Small Post-It signs.”

“Willow . . .” Shaun started.

“You’d really fire me?” Willow looked into Shaun’s eyes.

“No, but I’d still have to make you work on two different projects at the same time. That is non-negotiable.” Shaun stated firmly.

Willow put on her Resolve Face. “Would I be put on the other project right away?”

“Yes, that is also non-negotiable.” Shaun tangled his right hand into his short gray hair. “To be honest, I was going to try pairing you with other people to work on other projects before this, but you were doing good work alone. I’ve been under pressure with one project that needs to get done.”

“As in, needed to get done yesterday?” Willow cut in sympathetically. “I’m not trying to be difficult. I want to be helpful. This is me and my Helpful Face.”

“Thank you for your, uh, Helpful Face. And for not being too difficult.” Shaun straightened up. “I’ll send you an email with all of the project details, but overall your best resource will be Bob.”

“Bob?” Willow’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”
“Yes and, I’m sorry that I’m dragging you into this. I’ve already tried everything I can with his project, but he isn’t being the most cooperative person. Short of working with him myself, which I don’t have time for, I don’t see any other possible solutions.”

“I guess I feel sort of honored, then.” Willow admitted. “I’ll try not to let you down.”

“I don’t think you will.” Shaun went to open her door. “Try to meet with him before Friday to at least get some headway on it. The sooner its finished, the sooner you won’t have to work with him. Good luck.”

As Shaun exited, Willow put her head down on her desk.

“Dang.”

[wimpy0729]

Well Crap! Willow has to work with Bob and do a lot of extra work? Does that mean no Tara time? Double crap!

Please update soon and get us past all this crappiness.


Wimpy

[Halo]

Hey, I just read the whole story and I really like it! ^^ your developments of the story are interesting too, with the two hard jobs but still the universe of the slayer ... And I suppose there will be magic too
I just hope that Willow is going to get rid of Bob quickly!

[Still Waters T]

Really cool fic! I also just read the whole fic, and I'm intrigued. Not just because the setting is in my favorite city but also because I'm curious about the story behind the kidnapping; I'm curious about why Willow was kidnapped, and by whom, and for how long. Was it maybe during some point in her supposed 2-year-traveling, if not for most of it? Plus, your Willow and Tara are just too cute!

Hope you update soon, cos I really wanna see what happens next.

[EmeraldArcher]

Hello, there,

Just finished reading your last post. I like that your characters are so familiar but still in a different universe, basically. The story is interesting, and I am curious to see where you are going with it. I like the development of Willow's work environment.

Keep up the good work and thanks for writing!

EA