AU Fic: SUNRISE

[LeatherQueen]

Hey, excellent start to a new story. I just read it all at once, and I'm looking forward to the next parts.

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


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[ExtraFlameyWT]

The Rose24: Thank you...I'm glad, too.



xita: Yep! Good for Tara! You're very welcome, but you don't have to thank me...I write because I love to.



Jen: I don't like cliffhangers "so" much! Hey, I knew you were joking...it's very easy to pick on me--ask Laurel. And I had guessed on the whole frog thing.



ally02: I'm glad you were able to stay sane! *thinking about Tara's sassy eggs...*



Hannah: Thank you! I'll try not to keep you waiting...



nika: Thank you very much...that's my favorite part I have written so far. I'm glad you liked it.



Lisa: Sorry for no breakfast, kisses, and gay love. Hehe, and addictions must be fed, right? And I have to say that I LOVE your avatar!



StRaWbErRy: I'm glad you didn't drop dead, again! I know, but don't you think that they should get over their shyness?



Em: Hehe...thank you. Thanks for forgiving me for being a tease, too. I'm glad I'm able to cheer you up. Please don't thank me, I really don't need thanks. You all reading this keeps me writing it. I'm just glad to know that you like it.



Ellie: Thanks for letting me stay with you in your hammock!



KathleenWolf: Thank you very much...I tried to make it as realistic as possible. I really appreciate the feedback.



WillowTaraFan98: I'm glad you think it's cool! I hope there are updates soon, too!



SlayerTazz: I love wows...and dates are very good.



The Rose24: Hehe...go Willow! I love that she makes the first move with the hug. And, she kicks ass!



Hannah: Thanks! There will be an update either tomorrow or Sunday!



KJchicago: A kiss? Maybe...but not too soon. Thanks for the feedback!



LeatherQueen: Thank you...I hope to post more soon!



Damn...I want to post more today! If I wasn't so stuck on Part 9, then I'd already have the first eight parts up! Thanks for being patient...and I think I will update later today.



Aimee

*****
"Pope John Paul today confirmed his opposition to gay marriages, said they're unnatural. Gay marriage is unnatural. Then he put on a pointy hat, his dress, and returned to never having sex at all." -Bill Maher

[Drakkenfyre]

Hey sweetie, Sorry I missed you the other night. Oh well, I just read the update. You know how much I love it when Willow gets all large with the butch!!! Keep going girl!! Go on do it, poke the dragon!!

"In my world there are people in chains and we ride them like ponies."

[ally02]

Pah, like some smelly men with their maness can get Willow!!! **I guess I won’t see the sunrise tomorrow, either. Then she brightened. I WILL get to see Tara, though!** How cute is that?!? Very I tell ya! Awwww. Ok going to bed to think more about Tara's sassy eggs



love Aly xxxxxxx

You cannot have more catnip! You have a catnip problem!

[TheWhiz]

I've just read this fic, through in one reading!!

I think its fantastic, well done Aimee! How do you do it?! Wish I had your talent as a writer!

I love the setting of this fic, very romantic, not a monster in sight-unless you include the drunk!!

Look forward to the next part

"I am a whiz...If ever a whiz there was"

[Blue77]

Hey girl,



What did I tell you? This fic is hot and I can highly recommend the next couple of parts having had the privilege of reading them!!



Well Done and good luck with tricky part 9, and if you're really stuck and there's no-where left to turn ... I'm always a good last option!!



Sam

"She should have died hereafter: There would have been a time for such a word ...

...it is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Shakespeare/Macbeth

[Drakkenfyre]

Sam, love. You already know how much I love you but I really must say this. If anyone is the last ditch resort for Aimee I do believe it would be me!!!! I am the least talented of the lot. Henceforth, the last resort. Here endeth the lesson.... I love you both!!!!! Laura

"In my world there are people in chains and we ride them like ponies."

[ExtraFlameyWT]

Laura, Sam...please stop bickering about who would be a last resort. Neither of you would be. You are the two that I would go to first. You should know that. Sam..I think I may need your help on this one.



And to everyone else, thanks for the feedback. I will get to your individual replies later, but I just got home, and I can't update like I had planned. I would, but I can't get to my floppy with the update on it! I'm so mad, I have too many people visiting...so, I will update tomorrow, I promise!



Have a good night, everyone! See you tomorrow!



Aimee

*****
"Pope John Paul today confirmed his opposition to gay marriages, said they're unnatural. Gay marriage is unnatural. Then he put on a pointy hat, his dress, and returned to never having sex at all." -Bill Maher

[ExtraFlameyWT]

WOO HOO!!! I found my floppy! Yay! Okay, here's the update...once again, I'll reply later. I'm so bad with that.



TITLE: Sunrise

AUTHOR: ExtraFlameyWT

DISCLAIMER: Don’t own them, they belong to Joss, ME, UPN, etc.

SPOILERS: None

RATING: PG-13

FEEDBACK: Yes, if you feel the desire to do so…please feel free.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is an AU fic, and all thoughts are in italics..

SUMMARY: This fic takes place mostly on a cruise ship..Willow and Tara have both been sent on vacations by their friends.



SUNRISE



PART 6



The lightning and thunder crashes were getting closer. It’s different, Willow mused, being out on the sea in a storm.



A crack of lightning and the skies opened. The rain came down loudly, in sheets. She listened to the steady flow of the rain outside her cabin door.



She looked at her watch, 11:15 AM, not 3:00 yet. I wonder what Tara’s doing…maybe I should go see her.



* * * * *



*CRASH* A flash of light and then another booming roll of thunder. Tara sat on her bed in her single cabin. She was shaking uncontrollably. She hated storms. They always reminded her of her life at home. Her father’s beatings were very much like thunderstorms.



There was the buildup of energy, so much that the air seemed to crackle with it. And then it came. The lightning, and the loud rumble of thunder.



Tara felt the tears in her eyes, and did not move to wipe them away.



*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*



Tara looked up. Who could that be? She walked to the door and opened it. When she saw Willow standing there, she hastily moved to brush the tears from her eyes. She wasn’t quick enough.



Willow reached out and stopped Tara’s hand from completing it’s action; she could tell that the blonde had been crying.



“Tara, what’s wrong? Did something happen to you?” Willow asked, worriedly.



Tara shook her head, and used her free hand to wipe away any stray tears. There was a loud clap of thunder. Tara jumped back, and in doing so, pulled her arm away from Willow.



Willow asked softly, “Tara? Are you afraid of the storm?”



“N-No. It’s not that…” Tara whispered brokenly.



“Then what is it?” Willow asked, wanting to keep this woman safe more than anything else in the world. She no longer denied the attraction. It was definitely there. But the fact of the matter was, she was totally in love with her.



Tara didn’t answer, just looked away. She couldn’t tell Willow about her life at home. She’d turn away from me.



“Tara, I want to help. Please let me help,” Willow said pleadingly, taking the blonde’s hands in her own.



Tara turned her head to face Willow. She felt the tears rise in her eyes again.



“Shh…Tara, it’s okay. I’m here for you.” Willow gently wiped a tear from Tara’s cheek. “You can tell e anything.” Nothing could keep me from loving you, she added silently.



“Oh, I want to!” Tara blurted, “I trust you more than anyone in my whole life. Tara looked down. I just don’t want to lose you,” she whispered softly. “I can’t,” she continued, her voice thick with emotion.



“Tara, look at me.” Tara looked up and into Willow’s sparkling green eyes. “I swear to you,” Willow covered her heart with Tara’s hand. “I swear that I will always… always be here for you.”



“Oh, Willow,” Tara cried.



“Shh…it’s going to be all right. Everything is going to be just fine,” Willow whispered into the blonde hair. Any other time, she would be in Heaven, just holding Tara. Not now, though. Now, she could only feel worried for her love. What has happened to her?



As if reading Willow’s thoughts, Tara answered. “It reminds me of the b-beatings.”



Willow was speechless. “The beatings?” She questioned, when she regained the ability to speak.



“My f-father and b-brother used to beat me,” Tara said.



Willow felt emotions fill her body, such as she had never felt before. She was beyond angry. How could they? she fumed. “When?”



“They started when I was young, around eight. But they didn’t get too bad until my mother died, when I was seventeen. She used to…she used to take the beatings for me,” Tara whimpered, closing her eyes tight at against the images clouding her mind.



“When did they stop?” Willow asked through clenched teeth. Her body had gone stiff with rage, but she still kept her arms protectively around Tara’s body.



“A few months ago.”



“What?” Willow asked, surprised by this admission. “How did they go on for so long, Tara?”



“I w-was too afraid. They told m-me I was b-bad. And I h-had to be p-punished.” Tara paused, trying to keep from losing control, and breaking down. “My mom always told me to be s-strong. I never was…I let her down.”



“Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry.” The anger had not left her, but Willow felt it overrun with sorrow for this woman’s past. Bad? Why would she even believe them? She laid a soft kiss onto Tara’s forehead, then pulled the blonde into another embrace. “You are not bad. If there’s one thing I can tell about you, it’s that you are a remarkable and caring person.”



Why didn’t she leave me? Tara wondered. “You don’t know me, Willow,” Tara said plainly.



Willow pulled back so she could look into Tara’s eyes. “You’re right. But I feel like I do. And I want to know you. I really do.” More than you can know, she added in her head.



Tara couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Y-you don’t hate me?”



The thought was so absurd to Willow that she laughed, then she saw Tara’s look of terror, and her face softened. “Tara. No,” she paused. “Why would I hate you? You were not responsible for your father’s actions.”



“I don’t know,” Tara sighed. “I just—I just thought you would.”



Willow gave the blonde a squeeze and said softly, “I could never hate you.”



Tara’s face shone as her lips turned upwards to quirk into a half-smile.



END PART 6



*****



Okay...now there might not be an update till Monday, but that's only because I want to have at least another few parts done so I can fall back on them. Thanks for your support!



Aimee

*****
"Pope John Paul today confirmed his opposition to gay marriages, said they're unnatural. Gay marriage is unnatural. Then he put on a pointy hat, his dress, and returned to never having sex at all." -Bill Maher

[LeatherQueen]

It's so nice to see Willow comforting and reassuring Tara in this part, when she desperately needs it. And it's wonderful to see them growing closer so quickly. Great update!

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


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[fidds]

great update

poor Tara , but i'm happy that Willow was there for her

very sweet



*Hannah*

********************************************
I just needed someone to talk to, you were just too busy with yourself, you were never there for me to express how i felt ,i just stuffed it down- *STAIND -FADE*

[TheWhiz]

Great update

Nice to see the friendship, trust and love building between them. Lovely.

"I am a whiz...If ever a whiz there was"

[witchbitchwillow]

Willow can be so kind and caring when it comes to tara. i liked the link between the thunder storm and the beating, good link even if it was a depressing. i relaly think that tara needed to tell willow though because it gives them a much stronger link.



more on monday would be great!



love ellie x x x x



ps- ive exchanged the hammock with a four poster bed, but ure still welcome to join me as long as it doesnt distract you from writing the updates.

*thats me as a vampire im so evil and skanky and i think im kinda gay*

*no candles? well i brought one its extra flamey!*

[ally02]

Awww Willow is so wonderful! Poor Tara! Awww, there isnt enough awww for this. Waiting patiently for monday



love Aly xxxxx

You cannot have more catnip! You have a catnip problem!

[vmpIrslAr]

Oh man you such an INCREDIBLE teaser!!!! These short updates are keeping me at the edge of my seat. Please please be kind and let us have a little more....*a kitty-eyed pleading, desperate look*

VmpIrslAr out.



"she's my everything."

[SlayerTazz]

Awwww, that was a sweet update - still don't like Tara's father and brother - but loved the update. Thanks.

A dream is a wish the heart makes.

Willow: "You had two eggs, sunny-side-up. I remember because they were wiggling at me like little boobs."

Tara: "Sassy Eggs."

[no birthday cake]

i second the short update/end of seat deal.

even though i always want to see more of what happens, i like a little suspense

[The Rose24]

The trust is building between W/T. I am glad Willow is there to comfort her just like Tara has always been there for Willow.

I can't wait for the next update.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[Kieli]

All right Aimee now this leavin' me hangin' stuff, it has GOT to go! 'Cause I am on pins and needles waiting to see what happens with them in the storm....cuddles? Smoochies? WHAT?!! *downs her ADD meds in one fell swoop*





Toni

Love is tricky. It is never mundane or daily. You can never get used to it. You have to walk with it, then let it walk with you. You can never balk. It moves you like the tide. It takes you out to sea then lays you on the beach again. Today's struggling pain is the foundation for a certain stride through the heavens. You can run from it but you can never say no. It includes everyone."--Amy Tan "The Hundred Secret Senses"

[ExtraFlameyWT]

Hey guys, thanks again for all the feedback! I really appreciate it. I could post Part 7, but then you probably wouldn't have anything till the end of the week, like Friday. Things are crazy here. RL is getting in the way. Too many people are visiting me, and I can't get any time on the computer. So, I'll try to give you Part 7 tonight, but no promises. Thank you so much everyone...I'm sorry for the short updates leaving you all hanging.



Aimee

*****
"Pope John Paul today confirmed his opposition to gay marriages, said they're unnatural. Gay marriage is unnatural. Then he put on a pointy hat, his dress, and returned to never having sex at all." -Bill Maher

[ExtraFlameyWT]

Laura: Hey! I'm happy to see you! Thanks, you know I love you...



ally02: I know! Who do those guys think they are?! Thanks again, Aly.



TheWhiz: It's great to see you! Sorry I haven't been able to talk in a while...I have a VERY good explanation though.



Sam: Hey DUDE! I've really missed you...Sorry we didn't get a chance to talk this weekend. I'm coming to you for help on Part 9...you are NOT a last option!



Laura: No...you aren't either!



LeatherQueen: I know...Willow comforting Tara is good! Thanks!



Hannah: Thanks, I promise Tara will be happier in the next update...



TheWhiz: Thank you! Friendship, trust and love are all VERY good things in my book!



Ellie: Yeah, I'm sorry about it being a little depressing...Thanks, though. Hehe..I'd be happy to join you!



ally02: Awww, thanks!



vmpIrslAr: I'm sorry...I really don't mean to tease you guys so much.



SlayerTazz: Thank you...I don't think anyone likes Mr. Maclay and Donny. And they shouldn't.



no birthday cake: Thank you!



The Rose24: I'll try to post more tonight! I really will!



Kieli: I'm sorry! Thanks for the feedback, though!



Okay, got the feedback out of the way... Now I can post Part 7 and be ALL caught up.



Aimee

*****
"Pope John Paul today confirmed his opposition to gay marriages, said they're unnatural. Gay marriage is unnatural. Then he put on a pointy hat, his dress, and returned to never having sex at all." -Bill Maher

[KathleenWolf]

just caught up with the last two parts... and mmmm very nice... smile



storms can be such a horrilbe thing for people and I'm so glad that Willow had the courage to just go and see Tara when she needed her most...



can't wait for more updates

bravo

kathleen

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

[wiccanwiggle]

Well I loved that update and can barely wait for more!



But we all know what it's like when RL gets in the way so i'm sure we can restrain ourselves in someway (eg pass around Kieli's ADD pills ) until you can dish out the next paddle on the Love Boat!!



Stay cool Aimee



Flo xxx

Everybody's Gettin' Spanked But Me...!

[Kieli]

You want my ADD meds, eh? Well I warn ya, one pill and you'll be like Speedy Gonzalez on crack. This stuff makes his cousin Slowpoke Rodriguez actually run at Warp Five. Not for the faint of heart, my friend. Hmmm....that's probably how I can get rid of this pesky Writer's Block monster...the one that looks like Stich

Love is tricky. It is never mundane or daily. You can never get used to it. You have to walk with it, then let it walk with you. You can never balk. It moves you like the tide. It takes you out to sea then lays you on the beach again. Today's struggling pain is the foundation for a certain stride through the heavens. You can run from it but you can never say no. It includes everyone."--Amy Tan "The Hundred Secret Senses"

[Rane018]

sneaking this in... hehe, my brother is pateintly waiting for me to get offline. like we dont have cell phones or something ya know? he just wants to go online, i'm sure.



Ok, so to the story...



I've thought about an AU fic like this forever. Like Stein's QED where she's on a transatlantic cruise and meets up with these two women and she has an affair with them. obviously part of that story wouldn't apply to this one but i always found it a cool idea. like willow is off with buffy heading to england and she meets tara heading to Ireland... but the story is set in the 1930's or 40's and ok, back to your story again. hehe...



i love it! the chapters are too short though! hehe...



crap. i'll write more soon. i gotto go. hehe...



edited to add: ok so i log off and now he's all like *i'm going out for a minute* argh!



ok so what i wanted to say was i love their thoughts. i do think there should have been a bit more development between the two before the disclosure (a few days of good ole crusing with so many things to do on a ship. trust me i've been on like 10 of them) i know willow and tara feel strongly for each other and we know that now due to the fact we've watched them for two years but tara didn't tell willow anythign about her family secret until almost a year later. even so i'm loving this!



anyhoo, i'm looking forward to the next update!

Edited by: Rane018 at: 6/30/02 12:54:53 pm

[Kieli]

Geez Rane, picky picky picky just givin' ya a hard time, sweets.

Love is tricky. It is never mundane or daily. You can never get used to it. You have to walk with it, then let it walk with you. You can never balk. It moves you like the tide. It takes you out to sea then lays you on the beach again. Today's struggling pain is the foundation for a certain stride through the heavens. You can run from it but you can never say no. It includes everyone."--Amy Tan "The Hundred Secret Senses"

[Rane018]

picky picky? it's constructive criticism! hehe... i do love the story though. hugs

[ExtraFlameyWT]

KathleenWolf: Thank you...I'm glad that Willow was there to comfort Tara, too.



wiccanwiggle: hehe...good luck with the ADD pills. I'm sorry..RL is being a bitch. Thanks for the feedback!



Kieli: Good luck getting rid of that Writer's Block monster...if you find a way, please let me know...I really need to get rid of it.



Rane018: Wow...that sounds cool, the 30's or 40's one. Sorry about the short chapters it's just how I write. People have commented on it before, I'm really sorry. Thanks for the constructive criticism.



Aimee

*****
"Pope John Paul today confirmed his opposition to gay marriages, said they're unnatural. Gay marriage is unnatural. Then he put on a pointy hat, his dress, and returned to never having sex at all." -Bill Maher

[ExtraFlameyWT]

Okay, here's Part 7...I hope you enjoy!



TITLE: Sunrise

AUTHOR: ExtraFlameyWT

DISCLAIMER: Don’t own them, they belong to Joss, ME, UPN, etc.

SPOILERS: None

RATING: PG-13

FEEDBACK: Yes, if you feel the desire to do so…please feel free.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is an AU fic, and all thoughts are in italics..

SUMMARY: This fic takes place mostly on a cruise ship..Willow and Tara have both been sent on vacations by their friends.



SUNRISE



PART 7



I can’t believe she took me to dinner! Tara thought in wonder of Willow’s actions after Tara’s confessions. The redhead had stayed and just held her for over an hour. She held me so tight…I’ve never felt so comforted in my whole life.



After Tara had calmed down enough, Willow had suggested that they go get some lunch. After they ate, they walked to Willow’s room, so she could change. She had come out in an evening dress, and asked Tara if she had anything to wear to dinner.



Tara glanced over at Willow. She looks so beautiful. Neither had said a word since Willow had suggested they take a moonlit stroll.



Tara had been only too happy to oblige.



During dinner Willow had gotten excited while talking about the classes that she taught, and she grabbed Tara’s hand. Willow hadn’t noticed her own actions, or how she was stroking Tara’s fingers while talking. Tara had definitely noticed.



Subconsciously, Willow took them back to where they had just met, only a day earlier. She took Tara by the hand, and pulled her to the side of the ship. Willow turned and faced the blonde. She smiled cautiously, then pushed Tara’s windswept hair behind her ear.



Tara’s forehead creased in concern, and Willow’s fingers gently brushed the lines away. The redhead let her hand drop slowly over Tara’s cheek, stroking the soft skin there.



Willow finally pulled her hand away, and Tara’s heart fell. Like she was really going to kiss you, Tara. She’s straight! Get it through your head!



“Tara? Is everything all right? Did you not have a good time?” Willow was worried by the look on Tara’s face. She looked pained.



Tara smiled at Willow, but it was strained. “Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. I had a great time today. I’m sorry for this morning, though. I didn’t mean to unload all my problems on you. I know you probably don’t even care, I didn’t mean to bore you-“



Willow stopped Tara before she had a chance to say anymore. “What do you mean, I don’t care? Of course I do! You have never once bored me, and I would never turn you away if you needed to talk. And, if you recall, I asked. So why would you think that I don’t care?”



Tara blushed at Willow’s words. “I don’t know, I just thought-“



“Don’t ever think that. I care about you a lot.” I feel like I’m lying to her, not saying how much in love with her I am, Willow added silently. “Okay?”



Tara’s heart swelled with love for the redhead. “Okay,” she replied.



They fell silent for many minutes, just watching the water around them, then Tara spoke. “I do, too.”



Willow looked at Tara, and asked, “You do what?”



“Care about you a l-lot.” It’s now or never, Tara thought. “In fact, it’s m-more than that. I lo-“ Tara was cut off by someone running right into her. She let out a little cry of pain, as her ankle twisted and she fell to the ground.



Willow dropped to the floor with Tara, trying to help her. She pulled the blonde into her arms, then looked up to see what it was that had knocked her down. She looked right into the eyes of the drunk she had given a good punch in the nose the night before.



“Sorry, ladies,” he slurred. Then he saw Willow, and said, “Hey. Don’t I know you? Oh shit, I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’ll just be going.” He ran off, tripping and falling, but getting right back up to continue fleeing from Willow.



“Are you okay, Tare? What happened?” Willow asked the woman lying in her arms.



Tara snuggled into the embrace of the redhead, and said, “I’m fine. I just twisted my ankle. What was that all about?”



Willow shook her head. “It was some drunk I ran into last night. I hit him in the nose, and he left me alone. My best friend, Buffy is a self-defense instructor, so she makes sure I know how to defend myself.”



“I think I like Buffy. If she makes sure you’re kept safe,” Tara said, not realizing what she was saying.



Willow smiled, “I’m always careful.”



“You’d better be,” Tara quipped.



“What were you saying before the jerk knocked you over? I don’t remember…” Willow trailed off, leaving Tara to fill in the blanks.



Tara froze, no longer comfortable in the redhead’s arms. “It was nothing.”



END PART 7



*****



Okay, I just realized this is kind of a cliff-hanger...I'm sorry in advance! But, remember, everything ALWAYS turns out okay in my stories!



Thanks again for the support...I don't know when I'll be posting Part 8, so please just bear with me. If I can't post it by Friday, I'm REALLY sorry. It should be up by then, though. Have a good one!



Aimee

*****
"Pope John Paul today confirmed his opposition to gay marriages, said they're unnatural. Gay marriage is unnatural. Then he put on a pointy hat, his dress, and returned to never having sex at all." -Bill Maher

[Kieli]

*POKE* All right, Aimee kid. I got rid of Stich so that you could stop with the cliffhanger business and what do ya do? You hang me over a cliff anyway. Not cool!

Love is tricky. It is never mundane or daily. You can never get used to it. You have to walk with it, then let it walk with you. You can never balk. It moves you like the tide. It takes you out to sea then lays you on the beach again. Today's struggling pain is the foundation for a certain stride through the heavens. You can run from it but you can never say no. It includes everyone."--Amy Tan "The Hundred Secret Senses"