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 PG-13 I think.
Notes: Thanks to my wonderful beta reader Drakkenfyre who has made it possible for me to update daily. And love as always to spuckie. It's lighter than the last part but still not pleasant.
Part 13
“Hi.” Tara clutched her towel around her tighter as she took in Willow’s wide-eyed gaze.
She had decided to go and take a shower and opened the door only to find herself almost running into the redhead. “Um… Would you like to come in?” she offered pushing the door open a bit wider with her foot and taking a step back. Tara noticed they were starting to draw a crowd in the hall and might very well be the topic of conversation in the dorm for today.
Willow stepped forwards and Tara turned and closed the door behind them. Catching the towel deftly as it slipped from her shoulders and then clutching it to her again.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, you were just going to go and shower right? I could come back later?” Willow suggested her eyes still wide like saucers.
‘Was she even blinking?’ Tara wondered. She sure was looking over her rather openly. Although Tara wasn’t quite sure what the look in those green eyes could be described as. That was until they opened even wider, then that look could not be misinterpreted, it was pity.
Tara’s head dropped down and she took a step back as Willow stepped towards her.
“That’s some bruise you have there.” Willow said softly.
“I fell.” The lie was automatic and Tara hated herself immediately for using it. But the redhead didn’t let her off so easily by actually accepting this like so many others had in the past.
“How many times?” She asked.
Tara chuckled and looked up, seeing the serious look on Willow’s face she let her head drop again, the blonde hair creating a curtain that blocked her face from the redheads.
“What happened Tara?” The voice was so quiet and soft that Tara almost didn’t hear it. Maybe she could pretend she didn’t? “Please. Who hurt you?” Willow continued to ask letting her voice increase in volume slightly, although it lost none of its softness.
“I’m alright now.” Tara said instead of answering the question.
“Tara. Please. I want to help.” Willow said, her voice sounded so sad and hurt that Tara found herself looking up once more. Willow had tears running silently down her face and was so close now that Tara could hear her breathe. Reaching up, she slowly wiped away the tears letting her fingers trace the lines of Willow’s face for just a fraction longer than was really necessary before falling back to her side.
“You are helping Willow. I want to tell you what happened to me, I really do. But I am not sure I’m strong enough to yet, it’s still too painful and fresh in my mind.” She searched for the right words and then continued. “Remember last night when you said you wanted to share things with me?” Willow nodded “Then you understand how much I want to tell you this, but please not now.” Tara searched Willow’s face for understanding and saw that she had it.
“But you are alright now?” Willow asked a look of worry crossing her face.
Tara nodded and found she was reaching for Willow’s hand. She held it in between hers “Yes, now I am alright.”
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You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson
I am very gald that you are enjoying the story and hope that you continue to do so. Getting response from people that don't post very often is very nice as I know it takes a lot of guts to do it. But don't be scared I won't bite 