Fic - Living in Shadows

[funkyasian]

wow, that should get someone's attention...you know...usually that's a insult, calling someone a witch...but somehow tara makes it sound so...natural? more please...



steph

[xita]

So sweet, all the little touches and looks but mostly that Tara just knew Willow was a witch and couldn't keep her mouth shut .. hee.. thanks for the update!

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

"Oooh Xita!" - Amber Benson

[Thanatopsis]

Willow's so cute, can't keep her hands off Tara.

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Too many of us live desert lives. ~Charles de Lint

[FaithWL]

*waves* Hewwoo Dutch girl here again :p

I just had a really bad day, and then i read this :d

Cheered me up :D Ty for that, Great chapter, once again.

And, i've been thinking bout what you said.. The scene i described cant be from "this years girl" cause they didnt have Miss Kitty there (did they? :s )



So...I'm actually reading scripts right now to find the damn scene :p. Ty again for cheering me up :d



*-XxX-* Stefanie

Tara: "There are 4 things i love... Willow, obviously, Sleeping, eating and showering."
Xander: "And preferbly all 4 combined?"
Buffy: "Xander!"
Xander: "What? Sleeping with Willow, showering with Willow and eating......uhm..never mind."

[mollyig]

Aw bless. You can just picture the two of them giggling together. Lovely that Willow offered her jumper to Tara so she could be comfortable.



I think its good that Tara just spoke without thinking, otherwise it might have been a while before either of them worked up the courage to address the issue.

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

[Puff]

Feedback time



Tigg

Well who can blame Willow? And I kind of wrote Tara from a bit of my experience, things change with the right person



Tulipp

Yes Willow is acting differently and Buffy has picked up on that, I don't think Willow had shown any signs of attraction to other women before. I'm glad you are still enjoying it and part 8 will pick up directly where part 7 ended.



KrisBo5

Hee hee glad I made you smile and yes Buffy IS freakishly strong I hope you are still enjoying the story.



Steph

Yes attention has been gained, unfortunatly it got Willow and Buffy's attention. Read the next part to find out more. Thanks for the feedback



Xita

I like the little touches and I think for Tara especially it shows her level of comfort around Willow that she lets the other girl touch her And yes Tara just couldn't help saying it. I hope you are enjoying the story.



Thanatopsis

Poor Willow hasn't worked out what she wants from Tara yet, she just knows that there is something she wants. Glad to see you are still reading



FaithWL

*waves* glad to cheer you up my friend and at second (and deeper) thoughts the episode is The Yoko Factor, because college has finished and Maggie is dead etc



mollyig

Thank you for the feedback, I hope you are still enjoying the story And yes who'd have thought but Tara is all about the courage.



Anyway than you for taking the time to give me some feedback it makes the writing worthwhile. And part 8 will be up this afternoon

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[FaithWL]

*waves*



We should have known... Lol

Well i'm gonna watch that ep tonight then :d



*-XxX-* Stefanie

Tara: "There are 4 things i love... Willow, obviously, Sleeping, eating and showering."
Xander: "And preferbly all 4 combined?"
Buffy: "Xander!"
Xander: "What? Sleeping with Willow, showering with Willow and eating......uhm..never mind."

[Puff]

Title: Living in Shadows

Author: Puff

Feedback: This is my first and only attempt at a long story so if it sucks sorry. Please send comments etc to puff614@hotmail.com

Summary: Dark Tara centric story. Willow does appear but I am warning you there will be some badness. This is AU as well. That stands for my reality.

Spoiler Warning: None at all.

Disclaimer: I didn't create these characters. I do, however, love them. I'm not making any money off of them though.

Rating: R – G This part is a G I think.

Notes: Thanks to my wonderful beta reader Drakkenfyre and I hope you are resting well And love as always to spuckie.



Part 8



“W-w-witch?” Willow stuttered looking anxiously at Buffy, as though Buffy could maybe answer the question for her.



Tara was embarrassed by her outburst. Worse yet, she had embarrassed Willow.



Buffy looked from one girl to the other and then stared hard at Tara. “How did you know?” her voice was harsh and quiet. Tara recoiled from it suddenly afraid. Buffy stepped closer, forcing Tara to take a step back until she felt the tree against her back again. “I asked how you knew?” Buffy asked again. Stepping closer to Tara.



Tara felt panicked. She had nowhere to run and could only seem to focus on the freakish strength the blonde had shown throughout the day. Her eyes darted around and she felt her breath come in short gasps. Her body tensed waiting, expecting.



“Buffy stop. You’re scaring her.” Willow laid a hand on Buffy’s shoulder pulling her back a step and making the blonde look at her.



“I asked her a simple question Will.” Buffy reasoned. Trying to step forward again but finding the redhead was holding her back. In fact, she was pulling her further away from Tara who was now pressed firmly against the tree her hair falling in front of her face.



“Look at her Buffy, she’s terrified. Of you.” Willow whispered into her friend’s ear. Buffy looked. She saw Tara’s hands clenched by her sides. Tara’s entire body appeared to be rigid. Buffy instantly regretted forcing the other blonde back against the tree.



“Oops.” She said somewhat sheepishly. “I’m sorry Tara.” She softened her voice and crouched down slightly trying to look into the other girl’s eyes. Tara seemed to try and press herself further back into the tree. Buffy could see her body shaking. “Willow?” she questioned softly.



Willow stepped forward passed Buffy, she stood so that her body was pressed against Tara’s side pretending not to notice when the blonde instantly recoiled from her touch. “Shush,” she breathed soothingly into the blonde’s ear “No one’s going to hurt you. I promise.” She reached out and carefully touched the blondes' tresses tucking them behind Tara’s ear; pleased when the other girl didn’t flinch. “You’re safe now.”



Tara looked up at those words; she tried to will her body to relax. Unclenching her hands, she looked into Willow’s face. “Safe?” She asked. Her voice was barely above a whisper and Willow leant forwards to hear. “I haven’t been safe in so long.” She sighed and was not surprised when she felt the redheads arms go around her in a hug relaxing into it at first because it felt so right and comforting. Then her body started to react and she pulled away embarrassed, her cheeks flushed and she was convinced that Willow could hear her heart beating frantically. Hopefully, she would put it down to fear.



Willow leant in close to Tara and said very quietly “We need to talk.” The green eyes pleaded with her to agree.



‘Who could deny her anything?’ Tara wondered as she found her head nodding at the redhead’s plea. Buffy approached again, Tara felt nerves beginning to claw at her and would have backed away again but Willow choose that moment to take Tara’s hand in hers. The jolt passed between them again but this time their only response to it was a tightening of hands.



Suddenly, Willow smacked her forehead with her free hand causing both girls to look at her in astonishment. Willow turned and looked into Tara’s eyes and smiled “You’re a witch.”

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[Tulipp]

Go, threatening Buffy! But, of course, poor Tara, to find these nice women and then to feel backed into a corner by one of them. But of course that gave Willow the opportunity to comfort her, so I have to say, Go Puff! Nice plotting!

We're sorcerers. The night is still our time. A time of magic.
–Ethan Rayne.

[Thanatopsis]

That was great. I love Willow comforting Tara. She knew just what to do.

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Too many of us live desert lives. ~Charles de Lint

[Tiggrscorpio]

Buffy is just a big old brute. I know she's protecting Will, but back off Slayer. Our girls need to get together. Okay, so they've both "outed" each other as witches. What's next?



Great update, Puff. Waiting for more!

*****

She's my everything!

[funkyasian]

hahaha...both parts ended in the same manner...very good...definitely great update though...count on buffy to intimidate tara...but admirable though...she only wanted to protect her friend...could've found another way though i'm sure...can't wait for more



steph

[KrisBo5]

Still enjoying the story, yessiree! And loving how Willow just knows what Tara needs; how protective and wary Buffy is. Great job!

Kris

"Frell that!"

[Puff]

Tulipp

Hee hee thanks Buffy's just being overly protective of her best friend and Willow gets to be Tara's knight in shining armour.



Thanatopsis

Willow always knows what to do when it comes to Tara. Glad to see that you are still enjoying it



Tiggrscorpio

Oh it's nice to read that people are enjoying this and as for what happens next...well...wait and see



Steph

I am glad you enjoyed this part, poor Buffy was only doing what a best friend does. Part 9 will be up later today.



KrisBo5

Yay it's great that you are enjoying the story And Willow knows just how to treat Tara, which works out just great for the both of them.



Part 9 will be up later today after my maths test

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[mollyig]

Willow's instinctual comforting of Tara - just lovely.

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

[FaithWL]

*waves* Woohoo!!



Ah, more cheering up happend:d 10 hour long work day does not help me. but this story does:d

Thank you, again. I love this story!

(I am now going to bug you for the update in Yahell:p)



*-XxX-* Stefanie

Tara: "There are 4 things i love... Willow, obviously, Sleeping, eating and showering."
Xander: "And preferbly all 4 combined?"
Buffy: "Xander!"
Xander: "What? Sleeping with Willow, showering with Willow and eating......uhm..never mind."

[Puff]

Sorry for the lateness of the update I had a maths test which hopefully went well and then I went to spend quality time with my horse (who I had been neglecting because I was writing this) he was such a sweetie.



Anyway first off feedback...



Mollyig

Thank you, I'm sure there will be more of Willow acting purely on instinct towards Tara as well



FaithWL

*waves* Ah thank you, it makes me very happy to know that I have managed to cheer you up. Sorry I was offline earlier...you can bug me tomorrow instead



Title: Living in Shadows

Author: Puff

Feedback: This is my first and only attempt at a long story so if it sucks sorry. Please send comments etc to puff614@hotmail.com

Summary: Dark Tara centric story. Willow does appear but I am warning you there will be some badness. This is AU as well. That stands for my reality.

Spoiler Warning: None at all.

Disclaimer: I didn't create these characters. I do, however, love them. I'm not making any money off of them though.

Rating: R – G This part is a G I think.

Notes: Thanks to my wonderful beta reader Drakkenfyre who has made it possible for me to update daily, hope you are feeling better And love as always to spuckie.



Part 9



“That’s how you knew about me isn’t it?” Willow asked “You just understood it better.” She gazed at Tara with a new level of respect.



Slowly Tara nodded “Yes. Although I’m not sure about the better part.” She smiled wryly “I don’t have much experience with…” she looked at their joined hands “…this.”



“Have you been practicing long?” Willow asked, practically hopping from one foot to the other. Pleased to find someone else that shared her love of witchcraft. After Amy had turned herself into a rat and Michael had disappeared as so many people in Sunnydale do, Willow had only been practicing by herself.



“Always.” Tara said truthfully “My mom. She had a lot of power.” Her head ducked forwards making her hair hide her face. She felt Willow reach forward and push the strands back. It was still painful to think of her mother. A sharp pain that accompanied any thought of the beautiful person she had been. ‘Strange,’ Tara thought. How her mother could ever cause any pain. ‘So unlike her.’



Tara looked up. Not surprised this time to find herself staring into pools of green. They still managed to take her breath away. The sorrow in Tara’s eyes must have been obvious as neither Willow nor Buffy questioned her any further.



“We better hurry back,” Buffy said, not sure what exactly was going on between her best friend and the blonde girl “The talks will start again in 10 minutes.”



The second series of talks covered grants, scholarships and general money issues that any of the students might have. Tara was pleased to have her mind occupied this time and she even wrote down a few notes and names of people that she might have to contact later.



All of the students were then divided into groups of about ten and taken around the campus by student volunteers. Willow, Buffy and Tara were placed in the same group and followed their group leader around as he pointed out places that would be of interest to them. Tara tried to appear fascinated by what the man was saying. She had been on campus for a week and knew her way around. Really she was letting her mind wander. Pondering the events that had transpired during lunch.



‘A witch. I can’t believe I found someone else that knows magic. Who I can share what I know and learn from as well. Willow doesn’t seem bad or evil though.’ That idea confused Tara and she wondered what her family made of her magic use. Then there was the attraction that she felt to Willow. ‘Well you always knew you felt that way Tara.’ She reasoned with her self. And it was true; the first crush Tara ever had was on her fifth grade teacher and although she had never been brave enough to do anything about any of her crushes she had also never felt that way about any of the boys she meet. So in the end, it was just something else that she had accepted about herself. And Willow was beautiful and seemed really clever ‘And did I mention beautiful?’ She braved a sideways glance at the redhead who she was desperately trying to avoid and let her eyes wander quickly over her features ‘Definitely beautiful.’ Her eyes dropped quickly to the floor again incase Willow noticed her looking. Tara continued to follow the group lost in her own thoughts.



About halfway through the tour Willow stopped Tara and turned her around so they were facing each other. “We need to talk.” She said by way of explanation.



“B-but here?” Tara bit her lip embarrassed about stuttering. It made her feel so stupid sometimes. She watched Willow as the girl looked around obviously taking in their surroundings and finding them relatively alone. The group had quickly moved on and Buffy hadn’t seen them stop yet.



Willow shrugged her shoulders “Is there any place else you’d rather go?” She asked.



“I don’t think we should miss the talks Willow. And won’t Buffy get worried about where you are?” Tara avoided the question. She heard the redhead sigh.



“OK. Can I come to your room later then?” she saw the panicked expression on the blondes face and quickly changed her request “Or we could meet somewhere later? Please Tara.” Willow pleaded. “ I think we need to talk.”



Tara found herself sighing at the request, she wasn’t happy about the idea of meeting publicly. Surely some of the things they should say to each other should not be said where others could listen in. But that left her room as the only option. “OK, um my room?” Tara suggested nervously.



She watched as the redhead’s eyes lit up. Willow was obviously trying to act calmly about everything. “Does 6pm sound ok?”



Tara nodded.



“I kind of need the address.” Willow said kindly when she saw that no more information was forthcoming.



“Oh yes of course. It’s 614 Wilkinson.” Tara smiled nervously. ‘Was her voice shaking?’ She watched Willow; the redhead was obviously taking in the information and storing it away. She could almost see the wheels of her mind work. ‘I could watch her all day.’



“Guy’s! I thought I’d lost you.” They both heard a voice call out to them. Tara looked around to see Buffy jogging towards them.



“Sorry Buffy,” Willow said “I needed to talk to Tara for a minute and we kind of lost track of time. We were just about to set off and join you lot again and…”



Buffy held up a hand stopping the redheads’ start of what could have been an impressive length babble for one breath. “It’s ok Will. We should head back though. They are finally going to give out the course catalogue and schedule so we can choose the classes.” Buffy said. All three girls headed off in the direction of the administration building again.

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You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[Sassette]

Gosh, Puff ... what a fun story! I mean, the first part, with the uckies, that wasn't so fun ... but I love an AU fic that starts with Tara at home and making good her escape ... and this is a damn fine one *G*



Thanks for writing it - I sat down and read all of the parts today, and I really enjoyed it *G*



-Sass

______________________________________

I Think The Hellmouth Tastes Like Chicken -- Autumn

[Tiggrscorpio]

Great, they're gonna meet and talk. I wonder what Willow wants to discuss. Guess I have to wait to find out. And Tara's already crushing on her girl. Can't wait until Willow feels the same way. Thanks, Puff!!

*****

She's my everything!

[Tulipp]

I like how Willow has this undercurrent of seriousness even as she is excited about meeting Tara: the Big Talk in the Dorm Room. Can't wait!

[Thanatopsis]

Hmmm. Big serious talk in Tara's room. Interesting how they both seem to have an inkling of the connection they share.

--------------------
Too many of us live desert lives. ~Charles de Lint

[xita]

Oooh, i can't wait for the big talk , i loved the way they both knew about each other being a witch, through that one touch.

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

"Oooh Xita!" - Amber Benson

[mollyig]

Ah Tara's furtive glances at Willow - so cute. Glad Willow is eager to befriend her - most promising!

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

[FaithWL]

*waves* I'll read this tomorrow, but i can tell it'll be great.

Quite busy today, so you will just have to wait for me bugging you. Wellz, be back tomorrow. *waves again*



*-XxX-* Stefanie



P.S SWEET 16!!!!!:d

Tara: "There are 4 things i love... Willow, obviously, Sleeping, eating and showering."
Xander: "And preferbly all 4 combined?"
Buffy: "Xander!"
Xander: "What? Sleeping with Willow, showering with Willow and eating......uhm..never mind."

[Puff]

Sassette

Wow I'm so glad you like it, I have too say how great it is to get feedback from a writer you admire There will be more uckies but Willow is around now so everything will work out well in the end. I hope you keep reading and enjoy the story.



Tiggrscorpio

Thank you again for your feedback And yes the big talk is coming up soon, I hope you like it.



Tulipp

Willow is such a cutie, I always thought that she was bowled over by Tara and the feelings she had for her. Hopefully the next part does the talk justice



Thanatopsis

Tara's room seemed like the obvious place to have such a talk and yes they both definetly feel something for each other...some sort of connection. I hope you enjoy the next part



Xita

Ah yes all that through one touch, well maybe a few more that one as Willow didn't get it right away. It's so nice to get feedback from you, especially when I know how busy you are with the board. So thank you for still reading



Mollyig

I love the glances and the touches,so I'm glad you like them as well



FaithWL

*Waves* Happy 16th Birthday to you I hope you like the updates



Edited because I am an idiot and forgot too say that part 10 will be up later today

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

Edited by: Puff  at: 7/31/02 9:39:25 am

[KJchicago]

Puff - just got caught up on this Fic. I am really liking your AU. Looking forward to "Witchey goodness". And, it's pretty cool that Buffy has a clue that something is going on btw T-W



Love the fact that Willow is going to Tara's dorm room.



Shagadelic baby!

[TareBearRS]

Ok i just started reading this one and MAN you gotta hate her family.

I'm glad she found the courage to run away and i hope for better times,

Ok gonna continue reading now......



R.

[TareBearRS]

Ok fully caught up now!!

I really like it!!

Can't wait for the next update and how their'e talk will go!



R.

[Puff]

First off some responses to feedback



KJchicago

Nice to see you here and I hope you continue to read and enjoy it



TareBearRS

I am glad you are enjoying the story, here is part 10



Title: Living in Shadows

Author: Puff

Feedback: This is my first and only attempt at a long story so if it sucks sorry. Please send comments etc to puff614@hotmail.com

Summary: Dark Tara centric story. Willow does appear but I am warning you there will be some badness. This is AU as well. That stands for my reality.

Spoiler Warning: None at all.

Disclaimer: I didn't create these characters. I do, however, love them. I'm not making any money off of them though.

Rating: R – G This part is a G I think.

Notes: Thanks to my wonderful beta reader Drakkenfyre who has made it possible for me to update daily, now no more going and being heroroic today And love as always to spuckie.



Part 10



Tara lay on the bed, trying to concentrate on the important decision of what classes to choose. In actuality, her mind was counting the seconds. Willow was going to arrive in 5 minutes. She looked around her room noting how little she had. At least everything was tidy. There weren’t any dirty clothes lying about. ‘That’s because there’s not enough of anything to lie about.’ Tara chuckled. Turning back, she made an effort to look at her class choices again.



“ I could do Art history 8.30am till 9.20am Monday to Thursday, then English Literature 10.10 till 12.30 Mondays and Wednesdays and then maybe Philosophy 11.20 till 1.40 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “ Tara said her proposed schedule outloud. Grimacing, a bit, at the early morning start, but happy that she would have every afternoon free.



A knock sounded on the door and Tara quickly stood up, walking over to the door she looked cautiously through the peephole. There stood Willow on the other side. ‘She looks so nervous,’ thought Tara. She quickly opened the door and stepped back to allow the redhead in.



“Hi.” She said looking at Willow and feeling a blush rise to warm her cheeks.



“Hi. I brought some food, I wasn’t sure it you had any dinner as it’s early. Besides, I think better on food.” Willow explained. Holding out a bag of potato chips and some salsa.



“Thanks. Um, can I get you a drink? I’ve got water and…” Tara looked around “…well just water.” Embarrassed, she felt the blush get deeper until her face felt on fire.



“Water would be great.” Willow said gently.



Tara felt her blushing settle down until there was just a lingering warmth. Walking over she pulled out two bottles of water from a draw in her desk. Tara was suddenly worried that maybe she should have gotten some drinks in, been a bit more prepared. But Willow took a bottle and opened it sipping from it slowly.



“Thanks.”



Tara took a small drink as well and then set her bottle down on the floor. “So… Um… talk?” she asked sitting herself on the bed.



Willow took the chair by the desk turning it around so they faced each other. Tara suddenly became even more nervous about what this conversation was about. She felt her throat choke up; she reached down and grabbed her bottle quickly having another sip.



“Yeah, I actually had a whole speech planned out you know,” Willow joked, “I even wrote it down and everything. Then I read it back and it didn’t sound right. So I’m just going to talk along and hopefully it will make some sense. Is that ok?” Tara nodded and Willow continued. “I know we only met today and I don’t even know your last name. But there’s something about you that makes me want to protect you and get to know you. And I want you to get to know me. The magic thing is just a bonus I think. And right about now I’m starting to think that the written down version sounded pretty good.” She paused briefly and took a deep breath. “ I feel like I want you to know all about me.” Willow searched out Tara’s eyes trying to see some understanding in them. When she did she kept the eye contact and continued. “Stuff I haven’t told anyone before even. And I want to know about you…when you’re ready to tell me. And I don’t normally use that many words to describe things.” Tara looked at her and raised one eyebrow “Ok I do…. but you get it. Yes?”



Tara looked down at the floor, suddenly overcome with emotions. “What if you don’t like what you find out?” She asked softly voicing one of her fears.



“I would.” Willow sounded sure of herself.



”But why? I’m nothing special.”



”But you are.” Willow said softly, causing Tara to look up again.



“Maclay.” Tara said quietly.



Willow grinned at her. Thus causing Tara to automatically smile back.



“I want us to be friends. Is that ok with you Tara Maclay?” Willow asked. Tara noticed the redhead’s hands clenching nervously in her lap and a foot was tapping against the floor.



“Yes. Friends sounds good.”

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[KJchicago]

YAY! I get to be the first to reply on Part 10. This scene was so adorable. I liked Willow's speech. I think you write W-T very true to character. Also enjoy how you describe Tara thinking to herself.



Look forward to next installment!