Geek Love

[diamondforever]

Faith Smack-down! Is it safe to say that this is her turning point? Anyways, that was cute, and I envy this Willow-Tara date as I am much wishing to see Wicked myself!

Great update.

[Willowtree252]

I so love this story i can,t tell you how much. I have a feeling faith is darkslayer and trouble but willow has back bone and tara is crazy about her. I can,t wait for soon I hope

[db]

Ooooh. *Chemistry*.

*sigh* I love Willow/Tara chemistry, and you did it so well.

Not to mention the whole mental image of Tara being all hostessy and bake-y is real dreamy.

I think Tara just asked Willow out on a date. I mean, she did, right?? Yay! A first date!!

I loved this update. It is so hopeful and they are all flirty and it is so cute and good! Things are looking up!

... so why do I have the feeling that some sort of impending doom is in the air? Is it that things are going so well? Maybe it'll just all go smoothly?

Naw... you're going to torture them just a little bit, I am just sure of it.


...and, of course Tara needs a mac. I am pretty sure we all do!

db

[Auriam]

Way to go !
Willow finaly take charge against Faith sooo gooood
soo sweet the

Tara seemed to finally relax, Willow hadn't noticed when she had become tense. "Keep Saturday free?"

"All yours," Willow promised.

yayyyyyyyyyyyy
please some Willow/Tara goodness soon !

Aurélie

[Thianne]

i've been a bad, bad person, and a bad, bad friend.....and i'm about to be bad, bad again....since this is not gonna be a "real" feedback.....just a short one to say that i'm still reading and still enjoying. i can't help but love the increasing flirtiness and comfort between them. i'm so glad willow confessed the surfing lie to tara, and i just love they way things are progressing.

still loving the fic.....so keep posting

sorry for the short feedback

[FineyMcFine]

Well, I guess the stalker arc was going to be short-lived anyway - it's called Geek Love, not Geek Intrigue Mystery, after all.

Seems like they are totally flirting, dude! That's good stuff. I'm still curious about why Tara is trying to suppress her feelings, though. I suppose you'll reveal it in due time.

Great to see Willow standing up to Faith. I guess knowing Tara is boosting her into doing things she wouldn't normally do.

Very brazen of Willow to log onto her chat group on Tara's computer. I guess Tara doesn't seem like enough of a computer expert to find out what Willow was up to. Also, I KNOW this is fiction because uberqueen set the topic on their channel, and I certainly don't know how to do that. Heh. Good stuff watty!

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Watty,
So again, I didn't notice you had updated and then finally I was like, "it keeps being at the top. Maybe I should check." So there it was.

Glad that Willow went off on insane Faith. I'm starting to think that you and Sally are working against my love for Faith by making her the minor villian in your fics. Actually, I'm convinced of that--forget starting to think.

W/T's tea date was very cute and I'm glad that Willow fixed Tara's computer even if she is propagandizing a Mac. Ha ha. I guess if Tara's got the $ to spend, she can get a Mac. Bold (or maybe stupid) of Willow to log onto chat while Tara was on the phone.

Here's my current worry. I'm beginning to think that they're nearing that point in a friendship/dating relationship where they are about to drift into being friends and it being too late to ever make "the move." You know, like 17 years from now they'll be chatting about "why weren't you interested in me?" and "are you kidding?" "but you didn't ever try to kiss me..." Like they're moving into a phase where they have to just stay friends because of inertia. Of course I know that's not so because this is the KB and all but it's worrysome to me. That and I'm kind of... goal oriented? Agressive? Ok, some people have said slutty but that was a long time ago. So I'm probably skewed.

Anyway, great job and I'm off to write now.

[PancakesinBellies]

Oh, Willow's so funny. I mean, at least she is to me, because when I started dating my fiance we were both like that: neurotic and unsure. I declare it to be precious and look forward to the next update. Great job!

[stenen]

ooh, I love this fiction!
The chemistry between the girls is really great.
And Willow is so cute and funny

Keep up the good work!

please update soon

It will make my day! Really

[Boschi]

Ah, nothing like a little danger to spice things up.
All the same, let's just have Faith get what's coming soon, shall we? How about Warren as her obsessed stalker, forcing her to leave town and travel fugitive-style from town to crappy town, skulking in bad motels and eventually being arrested for a failed attempt at prostitution when she makes a desperate play for a small town mayor?

No? Perhaps a bit over-the-top and vindictive? Ah-well. Sounds oddly familiar though.

At anyrate - loved the tea time. And thanks for describing the sponge cake.

- Boschi

[Candleshoe]

Ooh, tea. Being Mother...china cups.....tea and cake. *sigh* I love tea-time... And your Mac obsession made me laugh out loud...

I like the fact that this is such a real story. They aren't effortlessly falling in love, they aren't magically transported to that world where they finish each other's sentences and chew in time. I like that there are awkward moments and strange silences. I like that they are both working at this, and I can see why they want to.

Cool Accused story, by the way! Your lesbo street-cred just went up a couple of extra notches...

[Thianne]

And your Mac obsession made me laugh out loud...

eh, i think that was a common reaction it's so cute though!

ETA: eh, i forgot this:

*sigh* I love tea-time...

Shoey, you're so english

[Willow Watcher]

Oh how I love this story. It's so cute and Willow is just adorable, Tara is sexy, Anya is annoying and Faith is a bitch...Perfect Script! Hope you update soon.

[watty]

Alex

Yes, Willow is normally an anxious geek, but the "stand up to drunk on train" episode has shown that she's capable of courage and to do the right thing. She isn't exactly covering up her geek nature, it's just natural for her to not shove it in people's faces, and there is still some residual embarrassment factor in society that makes geeks think they don't fit into high society. It's merely a side effect of how different echelons of society operate.

I don't buy her excuse that she was just checking Tara out

That's really it. This isn't a very deep fic.

I get the feeling that there will be no more badness.

Well, that is until evil!watty decides to put in some angst.

~~~~~

simplyblue

Good points, all. Willow surfing made me all smiley too, and Tara, while having trust issues, recognized Willow's attempt at saving the little lie.

annotated scrapbook and bags of bat-gear? Maybe just the teensiest bit OTT

then again, it's Willow, who never does research or organization by half.

I'd Tru-ly like to know. (Groan--that was bad, even for me.)

Macs rule.

OMG, you've really done it. You're only feedbacking probably the biggest macweek in the whole of the kb, and definitely in my circle of friends. Blah, why would Tara want to taint her new macbook with Wiindoze *grrrrr*. I'll try not to spoil things about which machine Tara will end up getting, but logically she should be gettting either the macbook (she doesn't need the mbp, though since the Core 2 Duo versions just shipped ... sigh) or an iMac.

Hope your cold is better, take care.

~~~~~

diamondforever

Faith Smack-down! Is it safe to say that this is her turning point?

I'd say yes. She may start thinking a little more about something that is not herself. Oh, and Wicked rules!

~~~~~

Dianneswillowtree

I have a feeling faith is darkslayer and trouble

Oh, Tru-ly you may be right.

~~~~~

db

Ooooh. *Chemistry*.

Ooooh I like the sound of that. I wanted it to kind of creep up on them, their chemistry. Not something that they're aware of, or this electrical connection that seems to happen, cos well, I've never experienced it so I don't know if it's real or not.

I think Tara just asked Willow out on a date. I mean, she did, right??

Really, there's no point denying it. Yes, yes. And YES!

why do I have the feeling that some sort of impending doom is in the air? Is it that things are going so well? Maybe it'll just all go smoothly?

May be you know me a little and you know that I won't let them, or the readers, off so lightly. Evil, I am.

of course Tara needs a mac.

Did you ever had any doubt?!! I have a reputation to maintain.

~~~~~

Auriam

Thanks! Faith pushed Willow one time too many, and Willow isn't a meek little geek that her mild-mannered exterior suggests.

please some Willow/Tara goodness soon !

Update, as usual, this weekend.

~~~~~

Vale

i've been a bad, bad person, and a bad, bad friend.....and i'm about to be bad, bad again

heh, are you talking about bad? Or are you talking about bad? (I almost winked, now I'm bad.) Thanks for continuing to follow this. *hugs*

~~~~~

Sally

it's called Geek Love, not Geek Intrigue Mystery

Slam-dunk! Very very perceptive of you to pick this up (though, you're always perceptive) -- I am glossing over a lot of details, but I wanted to keep the pace of the story at a light clip and not to delve too much into motives and reasons.

Oh yes, they're so totally flirting. Why are they both suppressing their feelings? It's really nothing too sinister, just shyness and not sure of what to do. The fact that they are from different backgrounds is a subconscious red-flag, and it'll take more time together to banish that.

Very brazen of Willow to log onto her chat group on Tara's computer.

Bordering on rude, now I think about it more. I'll try to justify it by retconning that she wants to check out Tara's internet connection and was checking with the group. In actual fact, it's probably more likely that she's far too addicted to that IRC channel than she'd be willing to admit.

I KNOW this is fiction because uberqueen set the topic on their channel, and I certainly don't know how to do that.

Oh I'm sure harley or wattysbrain would have shown uberqueen -- these two are most likely the ones in the chat most often. Thanks for taking the time to leave fb.

~~~~~

Debra

I'm trying to keep to a weekend posting schedule, which is only limited to whether I have internet access. Ah, the luxury of having a completed fic.

I'm starting to think that you and Sally are working against my love for Faith by making her the minor villian in your fics.

Ah, the conspiracy theory. Faith is a great character, it's easy to give her the role of the scoundrel. She is multi-dimensional, and I think testament of how well ED played her. Heehee, your love for her won't decrease though, would it?

Bold (or maybe stupid) of Willow to log onto chat while Tara was on the phone.

Like I replied to Sally, I think she was rude. I agree with you about the boldness and stupidity. Don't think she meant anything bad, but it's akin to going on a date and emailing your friends on your Blackberry with details about the date. In this day and age, there's a little proprietary line that seems to be crossed more often.

I guess if Tara's got the $ to spend, she can get a Mac.

You're lucky I'm tired tonight, and wanting to read my book (GoA: Accursed, btw). Otherwise, I'd put together a spreadsheet to show that if you took a Mac and a Dell with similar specs, the Mac will come out cheaper. Yes, the machine itself may be more expensive, but the built-in hardware like iSight, mic, speakers, bluetooth, firewire coupled with included software like the iLife suite alone -- these all cost additional on the Dell, and they add up. Anyway, the subject of Mac vs Dell has been debated at length on the web (I just googled it), and you're probably laughing hysterically or shaking your head in mirth at yet another pro-mac rant from me.

Re: your current worry. Very good point, because a lot of potential relationships probably flounder because neither side managed to take the one step that will bring them together

Like they're moving into a phase where they have to just stay friends because of inertia.

There is definitely that danger. Tara is too shy and reticent; Willow lets the geek part take over her personality too much and won't know what to do next. Then again, their friends are there to push them, whether or not they mean to. Anya's put-down of Willow seems to propel Tara into action, and that sometimes is all it takes. I did hint at further angst ... heehee, not saying any more now.

p.s. if I haven't already, I promise I will leave fb for Waiting for Dani this weekend. I love that story! And yay (with a double of yippee!) for more writing.

~~~~~

highlandlass25

Thanks! And I'm glad you can share the neurosis and uncertain nature with Willow. It's so sweet, in a geek sort of way.

~~~~~

stenen

Hi and welcome to the thread. I'm glad you're liking the story. Updates every weekend usually.

~~~~~

Boschi

I'm trying to keep this fic light and fluffy (like the butter and sugar mixture when you make a sponge cake) so no Warren or fate worse than living in Hello Kitty Land for our Faith.

See? I mentioned sponge cake.

~~~~~

Shoey

I love tea-time

Thought you might enjoy the tea rituals. I could have added clotted cream and scones, but may be another time when they want to play English tea-time. :hm did that sound naughty to anyone? Thanks for the observation about the realness of their courtship and how they're having to work very hard to fall in love. If this weren't Pens, there'd be a danger that they'd never make it to the next step, cos they're both too timid, and scared of being rejected ... these are emotions we know so well in RL.

your Mac obsession made me laugh out loud

it has that effect on people. That, or they roll their eyes loudly. I'm glad I have Jodie street-cred, it's so important to have that in your books.

~~~~~

Willow Watcher

Willow is just adorable, Tara is sexy, Anya is annoying and Faith is a bitch...Perfect Script!

perfect one word description of the characters! Love it. Thanks for reading.

~~~~~

[br]

[Belli Bear]

god dammit watty, i knew i'd give in.. i just KNEW it. Ever since you started this fic i've been trying my hardest to ignore it . But nooo, every day! it's all THERE and in my face! Coz I said to myself, SELF! this fic here is by watty.. which means its gonna be really good.. and ur gonna fall in love with it.. and the time between updates is gonna eat u up like some type of flesheating bacteria thing.. and its gonna drive u INSANE! stay. away. until its ATLEAST halfway thru.

*le sigh*

alas.. i could not stay away i just read all of it and WOOW i love their interaction.. i love the realistic awkwardness and all the ill timed interruptions! i love Faith's brash annoyingness and Anya's obnoxious views and yes! i even love Cordi's selfcenteredness. Every single character makes a perfect backdrop for our would-be couple!

I only hope Tara doesnt get too freaked out by thoughts of Sam on their Wicked night out (ha..ha.. oh i pun so well..erm..) and temporarily ruin things with Willow!!

So you have my attention now. Or rather you have my obsessiveness to consider im sorry to place this burden upon you.. but you MUST update AQAP! Or else the consequences will be.. *sigh* i dont even wanna go there..

glad we got that sorted!

-Bell

[Artemis]

Go Willow! The Geek Warrior triumphs again I like the balance struck with Faith - still self-involved and fairly oblivious to the effect her actions have on others, but still able to recognise she's done wrong when it's thrown into her face. Not totally repentant, because that'd be too big a shift compared to her earlier behaviour, but not totally unashamed either, because that'd make her seriously messed up in the head.

Willow and Tara's flirting is really cute - I like how Tara's the more socially confident of the two, but that she so obviously and genuinely enjoys Willow's company. And that she's not just making allowances for Willow's geekiness and nervousness, but genuinely attracted to that hesitant, honest side of her - Willow (surfer incident notwithstanding) is very up-front and open. She doesn't have the ability to construct and maintain and artificial facade in a social situation, which must be a huge attraction point for Tara, who we saw early on was so jaded of those in her regular social circle, constantly monitoring and editing themselves to give off the impression they think will serve them best. Willow's just Willow, and Tara's obviously very smitten.

Yeah yeah, you and your love for all things Mac... You know, comparing them to Dells isn't really fair - PCs are meant to come from some tiny third-party shop no-one's ever heard of, arrive in a jumbled mess of components, crash five times in the first week, get tended to by whichever of your friends understands all that driver stuff, and emerge butterfly-like around a fortnight later as a lean mean Sims machine. Dell is just PCs trying to be Macs, which is never going to work. Gimme anonymous store-above-a-chinese-restaurant custom-assembled PC technology any day.

And this 'darkslayer' character popping up - I'm not sure what to think about her. Obviously, from her screen name, and Tru, and the references she makes, it's almost certainly Faith, but what's she up to? I took her regret at having caused Tara distress to be genuine, but there's something kind of ooky about her showing up like this - almost like she's pseudo-stalking Willow now, too. Or perhaps she's just trying to explore who Willow is, having had it thrown in her face how ignorant she was of this person she works with. Evil or not evil? Hard to tell. But I trust the Geek Warrior will be ready to leap to Tara's defence should she be needed.

[Thianne]

heh, are you talking about bad? Or are you talking about bad?

it depends on how bad do you want me to be, honey

[willohand]

I love it that willow gopt up in faith`s face and gave her a good doze of truth.
As for willow and tara i cant believe how cute they are. on to the play i say.what is willow going to wear? oh what fun it is reading her and her pals come up with an outfit...

[watty]

Belli Bear

Heehee. I'm am truly madly deeply evil, I am. I made you read the story! Go me!

stay. away. until its ATLEAST halfway thru.

Part 15 today, plus I think it's not a huge secret that this is a completed fic which I'm posting every weekend (unless I'm out of town and can't get online). If it makes your obsessiveness feel better, we are past the half way mark. So, it's my way of saying welcome and do please continue to read, thanks for your support.

I like how the readers have reacted to the quartlet of Willow, Tara, Faith and Anya. They are so different, yet they complement each other in this fic. Like you said, Faith's brashness contrasts Willow's willow-ness (™db) and Anya's staunch upper-classness is a good foil for Tara, since she pushes Tara to think outside her own immediate social circle.

~~~~~

Chris

I like the balance struck with Faith - still self-involved and fairly oblivious to the effect her actions have on others, but still able to recognise she's done wrong

Thanks! If anything, Faith's character development is just as prevalent as Willow's or Tara's, though it wasn't completely intentional. I need her as Willow's anti-thesis, yet I can't have her antagonise Willow so much that she gets kicked out. It would have been unbelievable if she was repentant, because that is simply not her. If you like Faith, you'll be pleased at her future role in this fic, she will still be frustrating, but there will be some refining moments. Several people have commented on the newest online geek, and whether "Tru" is Faith. It'll be revealed shortly, and it won't be a huge surprise. What does she want? The same as her ill-advised stunt with the stalking, but does she realise what she wants, and the effect she has on others? That is a question to be answered.

Willow's just Willow, and Tara's obviously very smitten.

Yet Tara is hesitant, she is taking small steps, which is intentional. Her whole upbringing would not have condoned plunging headlong into a relationship, any relationship. Think about her as still living in the remnants of a more genteel society. You're right, she was the one who got Willow's address, sent her the cups, initiated the beach "date" and now inviting Willow into her own home. Very slow, but I don't think too plodding.

Willow's willowness, I must admit, is very much self-projected. Awkward and nervous in a geek, when interacting with real people, is a natural state. Add on how Willow sees Tara (goddess, amazon) and there's the awestruck factor. There's a little way to go before they can admit their deep feelings, they need to fully admit them to themselves first.

about the shady PC merchants. There's a huge shopping mall here that consists of just these shady shops, more often a tiny desk or counter filled with motherboards and old monitors. You'll never be able to get rid of my mac-love, but I do find these places interesting, not only the sense of collusion and community that the geeks (well, mainly teenaged boys) there have. Okay, I admit it, there are very rare moments that I miss my Dell, mostly when I want to start a yahoo conference, but I'm just lazy -- I can do it on my mac, but I don't like looking at an XP window on my mac, that's all.

Oh, since I stole "willowness" from db, I'm totally snagging

the Geek Warrior

Thanks Chris!!!

~~~~~

Jailbait

it depends on how bad do you want me to be

eeeeeeep!

~~~~~

willohand

Yep, Willow gave Faith a bit dollop of truth alright. Willow and Tara of course are cute! As for Wicked ... I won't say anything because the update is just coming up.

[br]

[watty]

Title: Geek Love
Author: watty
email: hiddenwatson at gmaildotcom
Distribution: please email me first
Rating: PG-13 to R
Disclaimers: BtVS characters and concepts belong to Mutant Enemy, Fox, The WB, UPN and others. Densha Otoko characters and concepts belong to Fuji Television, Toho Ltd and others.
Summary: Contemporary AU. Shy geek rescues and falls in love with perfect woman. No, does not compute.
Notes: this is based on the Japanese phenomenon, densha otoko ("train man"), which was supposed to be a true story and which begat a book, several manga series, a film, and a tv series. This is also my first attempt at fluff. Hee.
Notes 2: the IRC channel #geeklove actually exists on irc.blitzed.org, thanks to MistressWashi for setting it up for me.



Part 15

"Other World Con?" Willow almost dropped the phone as she exclaimed.

"Yes, did you receive a blue envelope in the mail?" Andrew excited voice was not a surprise to her.

"I haven't looked at the mail, hold on."

She rummaged through the pile of unopened mail and her eyes popped wide open when she saw the blue envelope with "Comic Kingdom" written on it.

"What's the color of the address label?" Andrew seemed to be on the verge of hysteria.

"Blue. Is there some significance?" Willow asked.

"Will, have you been too engrossed in your new girlfriend that you forget your geek-infested roots so quickly? Blue label means you have been chosen!" Andrew said breathlessly.

"Chosen? For OW Con? Oh my god, that's the thing we applied for?" Willow was so delighted with the news that she forgot to admonish Andrew about the 'girlfriend' remark.

"Yes! We'll have our own booth too!" Andrew whooped.

"A booth? A stall to ourselves?" She was jumping up and down like a child on a sugar high.

"And special passes to the midnight screening, Q&A sessions with Karin and invite-only photo opps!" Xander had snatched the phone from Andrew and added his news. "We scored big time, Will!"

"Xander, all these years of applying, and this year we made it. I have to sit down, I can't believe it," Willow sighed happily.

"So, we'll meet at the convention hall? First thing Saturday morning? We want to be the first 100 to get in. They're giving away signed posters for the first 100."

"Sur--" Willow was about to agree when suddenly she realized ... "Saturday! Wait, um ... Xander! Hello? Hello?!"

The boys had rung off before she could say anymore.

Saturday was the date with Tara.

*****

[blockquote]
[20.13] Connecting ...
[20.13] Logging in ...
[20.13] *** Welcome to CGI:IRC 0.5.3 (2003/10/29)
[20.13] -sausage.cgiirc.blitzed.org- *** Looking up your hostname...
[20.13] -sausage.cgiirc.blitzed.org- *** Found your hostname, cached
[20.13] -sausage.cgiirc.blitzed.org- *** Checking Ident
[20.13] -sausage.cgiirc.blitzed.org- *** Got Ident response
[20.13] *** -
[20.13] *** - This is a CGI:IRC server connected to the Blitzed IRC Network
[20.13] *** hiddenred [www-data@n20407818022] has joined #geeklove
[20.13] *** mode/#geeklove [+nt] by ChanServ
[20.13] *** Topic is: fun times, good times
[20.13] *** Topic set by uberqueen [Fri Sep 22 23:57:09 2006]
[20.13] *** Channel created on Wed Sep 27 19:01:38 2006

well now, here's our lovesick geek

who're you calling lovesick?

aren't you? I mean, I'm at a point where I can't think of Willow without thinking of Tara, even though I don't know how you look like

lol elvis, you speak for all of us here

admit it, Red, where do you want to be right now? You'd rather be with her than us, don't you? And I won't be offended if you say yes

right this minute? No. I'm in a major major funk

why?

Tara related?

yes Tara related, there's something I need to tell her but I don't know how

you decided to tell her you love her?

no, not that, not ready for that

*** uberqueen has joined channel #geeklove

hi Sally

*harley jumps on Sally and gives her a big hug ... and grope

hi everyone! Car! stop it! we can't let everyone know we're carrying on an illicit affair

Will, things are going well aren't they?

yes, we talk on the phone almost every day

Saturday she's taking me to see a musical. heh, I know nothing about musicals

she invites you to tea at her house, and then takes you out on a date *faints*

which musical?

wicked

WOOT!!! lucky bastard!

*wattysbrain changes into her Wicked t-shirt in celebration

*uberqueen gasps at watty's rack

*wattysbrain covers herself up hastily

lol Sally stop ogling watty's rack

sorry

lol



Anyway what's the problem? she obviously has feelings for you

what if she doesn't?

Will, at this point I don't think that's a possibility, she's probably waiting for you to make the next move

I agree with Cam. You've come this far, there's no turning back, she isn't going to reject you

tell her when you see her on Saturday

um there's a *slight* problem re: saturday, hence the panic

you don't want to see her on Saturday?

no no no! I want to see her. But Andrew called today, we have tickets to Other World Con which is happening on *SATURDAY*, plus we have a booth! do you know how many times we applied for a booth?

you have a booth? that's harder to get than gold dust

you're panicking cuz you can't decide if you should go on your date with Tara or the con. Isn't that a no-brainer?

no it isn't, Car. I *am* in a panic, I want both!

date! date! date!

understand the excitement about a booth at OW Con, but ... it's TARA

but Xander and Andrew and I have been waiting for this booth opportunity for years. This is our chance to make some serious money off our collections

I know what you mean, I'd be undecided too

call me dense but you promised Tara first

wait, why not have your cake and eat it? what about taking her?

I can't let her see the ugly geeky me

it's once a year and stall opps are probably once in a lifetime, can't you explain to her?

I've been neglecting Xander and Andrew, they're not happy with me already

which is more important? missing the convention or missing the date with Tara? You need to get it straight in your head

I know, I know

- snip -
[/blockquote]

*****

"You're an idiot, Willow," Faith shook her head as she signed off on the terminal at the internet café.

*****

Willow was sitting alone by the fountain with her tuna sandwich. She was feeling extra angsty, the question of convention vs Tara weighing heavily on her mind.

Her cellphone rang, and instead of the elation previously, she was dreading this caller.

"Hey Will."

"Hi Tara. How was the dinner with your friends?"

"It was good. Cordy was surprisingly restrained about her love-life stories."

"That's good."

"I got the tickets for Wicked. One of the reasons for dinner was to see if Anya's friend came through. The good seats are sold out weeks in advance but she knows someone who knows someone, they got us first dibs on returns. And I have them!" Willow could picture Tara actually dancing around in joy. Her heart sank.

"Oh. About that."

"What's wrong?" Tara said abruptly.

Willow took a deep breath before continuing. "Work. I have to work this Saturday. We, um, we have to install new upgrades during user downtime. It's an important upgrade."

"Oh."

Her heart broke, she looked across the park at Tara's office. How she wanted to run to her and fall at her feet, asking for forgiveness. "I can try to get someone to cover, you got the tickets."

"No, no. Don't do that. Work comes first," Tara's voice didn't hide her obvious disappointment, nor her attempt to be rational.

"What about the tickets?" Willow wasn't sure why she was so obsessed about the tickets.

"I'll give them to Anya or Cordy, don't worry. What about meeting up on Sunday to buy my computer?"

"You still want to?"

"I want to. Call me tonight?"

"Oh Tara. Yes."

Back at her desk Willow took out the blue Comic Kingdom envelope and sighed heavily. Her mind was on the terrible lie she just told Tara. She didn't notice she was idly doodling on the envelope.

"Whatcha doin'?" Faith slapped her on the shoulder and made her jump.

"NOYB, Faith," Willow retorted.

"Ooh, aren't we feisty today," Faith smirked. She snatched the envelope and started inspecting the doodles.

"I made it clear the other day, Faith. I don't want anything to do with you, so buzz off," Willow warned.

"Sunday. Tara. Computer. How many more hearts can you draw on this?" Faith read the words on the envelope and eyed Willow wickedly, waving the envelope so it was just out of Willow's reach.

"Whatever, Faith. Give me my envelope back," Willow hissed.

"I got confirmed today, permanent staff with benefits. What did you do? Lie through your teeth?" Faith handed the letter back to Willow and leaned on the desk in an alluring, but to Willow irritating, manner. She had suddenly turned nice, though her version of nice was still grating.

Willow shrugged. When her boss asked her about Faith's performance, she was guarded in her assessment. It was her boss' decision on whether to convert Faith and she didn't want any of her comments to be the deal-maker or -breaker. "May be it was your 'friends' in high places. Like the head of corporate services or the audit manager. Your lunch hour activities came through for you," she smirked.

"Very good! Rosenberg the Geek gets a backbone and turns snarky, bravo! Anyway, I'm not here to chew the fat with you, we're going out for dinner tonight and I'll even treat," Faith said.

"Thought you won't be seen dead in a restaurant with me," Willow returned the smirk. She had very little interest in going out with Faith, the girl had been a thorn at her side ever since she transferred to her department.

"You seem to have improved. Hey, it's a one time offer. Don't forget, I'm paying," Faith reiterated.

"Yeah, knowing you, we're 'celebrating' at McDonald's," Willow grumbled.

"Ha ha, guess what? You're wrong. I want to try out that new place over by the cowboy gear store, you know the modern fusion one?"

"I haven't said yes, Faith," Willow said.

"And here I am, busting my guts to be humble and nice. What a waste of effort you are," Faith snorted, and jumped off Willow's desk.

"Okay, okay. I'll go. Don't throw a hissyfit," Willow conceded.

*****

"Can you not come here if you're going to sigh non-stop?" Donnie's voice drifted into Tara's consciousness. He was checking the cleanliness of the glassware at the bar while she was seated at one of the corner stools.

"Sorry," Tara apologized distractedly.

"Everyone's sighing," he continued.

"Sorry," Tara said again.

"You're not even listening to me," Donnie mumbled as he put the wineglass he was inspecting back on the shelf and went to greet the newcomers to the restaurant.

"Would you like to start with a drink?" he asked the two young ladies who had just sat down. With practiced ease he registered how the confident brunette was clearly in control of the fumbling redhead; not for the first time in his life, he wondered what attracted people to each other.

"Um, I'll have an iced tea," said the redhead.

"You don't drink iced tea at a place like this," the brunette snapped.

Donnie kept his face neutral. "I recommend the citrus peach cooler with aloe vera, it's one of our specialties. Or if you're looking for something alcoholic, the zinfandel is very good," he suggested.

"Long Island Iced Tea, since she is so intent on iced tea. Make it two," the brunette ordered, then turned to the clearly uncomfortable redhead. "Honestly, I can't take you anywhere."

Donnie took his leave of the bickering couple, but was secretly relishing the opportunity for an amusing show tonight. He handed the drinks order to the bar staff and sidled up to Tara.

"Look at those two women, I don't think I've ever seen two people so not suited for each other," he pointed the two customers out to Tara.

Tara followed Donnie's gaze and her face dropped. She felt a buzzing in her ear, and suddenly she wanted to faint. It was Willow, with a striking brunette who oozed sex appeal and attitude. The way they were talking suggested that they were more than casual acquaintances, more like squabbling ... lovers. She grimaced and sighed.

Over at the table, Faith and Willow had given their food order to another waiter. Faith's attention turned to Donnie, who was talking to Tara at the bar. "I like it when the manager personally greets his customers. This one isn't bad looking either. A bit too short for my taste, but he has potential."

"And I'm interested because?" Willow retorted. She was trying not to draw attention to them, choosing to organize the contents of her backpack instead.

"Oh, that's a cutie he's talking to! Now that's one hot woman, don't you think?" Faith nudged Willow and nodded at Donnie and Tara.

Willow rolled her eyes at Faith and looked toward the bar, irritated at Faith's inappropriate remarks. She saw who Faith was gawking at and literally jumped out of her seat. "Oh, no!" she shrieked, and dropped everything inside her backpack onto the floor.

"What the hell?" even Faith wasn't prepared for Willow's strange reaction.

Willow was trying to maintain her composure while trying not to look at Tara. "It's .. it's ...her!" she stammered as she scrambled for her stuff.

"Don't tell me, that's the girl you're obsessing about?"

"Of course not!" Willow denied, too quickly and too vehemently.

Faith sat back at her seat with a smug look on her face. "I see. She seems quite occupied and taken. I wonder if that's her boyfriend," she said slowly.

Willow stopped abruptly and stared at Tara and the manager. Her face turned from disbelief to despair in a few seconds. The files and papers still scattered underneath the table were all but forgotten.

Tara had heard the commotion and was watching Willow and the brunette. Willow was being her cute spazzy self again, but the brunette seemed to be ribbing her. With a whimper and a pitying look for herself, Tara turned her back to them.

"Who's that? Do you know them?" Donnie asked.

"T-t-the redhead," Tara frowned, and surprised herself by feeling tears well up in her eyes.

"Is that her?" he noticed Tara's change in demeanor, her shoulders slumped and she seemed to be closing in on herself. "So what's she doing with that other chick? Is that her girlfriend?" he asked slowly.

Tara turned back to look at Willow and Faith, seeing them whispering together, and turned her back again. How could she be so stupid.

"Time to make with the jealousy," Donnie put his arm around Tara and his eyes twinkled in mischief.

"Donnie!" Tara whispered urgently.

Willow watched forlornly as Tara turned around, gazed coldly at her before turning back to the manager. She almost screamed when he put his arms around her and there was so much familiarity in that gesture. How could she be so stupid. Suddenly, she found Faith's arm around her.

"Look at them with the snuggly. Hmmm, let them might think we're together. Wouldn't it be fun?" Faith purred.

"Faith!" Willow whispered, while trying to shake Faith's arm off her shoulders. Faith, however, had an iron grip.

"Okay, let me check it out Something's bugging me." Faith jumped up from her seat and walked purposefully toward the bar.

Donnie was doing the same with Tara. "Let me take care of this." And he walked toward a confrontation with Faith.

They met in the middle, and asked the burning question, "Can I ask you something?"

*****

"I should have known you'd come to my rescue again," Tara said.

"Faith has a lot more bark than bite, she's mostly harmless," Willow reassured.

Willow was walking Tara home after dinner. It felt good.

"You know, I really thought she was your girlfriend," Tara admitted. "And I was jealous."

"No reason to. I mean, I don't ... I don't have a girlfriend. Or anyone. I've never gone out with anyone," Willow admitted.

Tara stopped. "How come? You're attractive," her whisper was like honey to Willow's ears, causing her to blush furiously. Immediately embarrassed at her declaration, she turned and hurried swiftly away.

"Wait, Tara, wait!" Willow ran to catch up with Tara. "Don't go. That's the nicest thing anyone has said to me."

"I mean it, Willow. I'm not saying it for the sake of saying it," Tara's voice had grown very small and soft.

"I know," Willow ached to reach out and cup Tara's face, but her hands refused to co-operate. "Tara, I need to talk to you. But not today. I hadn't planned on seeing you and I'm not ready just yet. Next time we meet, I have something important to tell you. At least, they're important to me. I have these ... feelings, and I want to tell you properly." The voice was hers, the courage seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once.

Tara's face was very soft in the streetlight. "Next time," she promised.

"I know I just sprang this on you, and now I'm not playing fair, with the not saying and not telling. You must think I'm a dummy," Willow felt like she was about to explode into thousands of pieces, so hard was her heart pounding as she struggled to get the words out.

"Shhh. I know," Tara placed her hand on Willow's arm and ran her fingers slowly downwards until she reached Willow's hand. She could feel the tingle of the tiny hairs on Willow's arm. "I think I know what you want to tell me. But I'll wait. I want to hear it from you."

"I--" Willow had run out of words.

Tara leaned in and softly brushed her lips against Willow's. It was a tiny butterfly touch, but her eyes were closed as if she needed to fully channel her emotions through that one brief contact. Willow felt like she could hear and smell and taste all of Tara, and it was only one gentle peck.

No further words were needed. Their hands gravitated together and they walked hand-in-hand down the street to Tara's apartment.

*****

[br]

[Thianne]

dibs! this computer is so slow

ETA: oh *sigh* first of all, you're one evil brownie! evil, evil brownie! how could you make willow lie about saturday? how could you?!? that's just...bad. bad, bad news!

and the kiss, and the jealousy.....it made me go all "aaaaaaaaawwww!" that's just too adorable.

watty, this was a great update. and see that you clear things between them, missy!

and btw....i made you eeeeeep at me yay!

[diamondforever]

That was the most beautiful reaction from Tara. Finally, things are coming out into the open.

[SithLordWiccan]

You know, watty, I was almost willing to believe that you had honestly made Faith turn over a new leaf. I said I didn't buy it, but for some reason, I knew I could try to make myself believe otherwise. And of course, since that's something I wanted very much to do, of course it didn't happen. It seems that even when she's trying to be nice, Faith can be a pain in the ass. Of course, given the little scene near the start when she was at the cafe, you're likely going to tell me that the whole reason she did this was because she just wanted Willow to come clean to Tara, but you don't really expect me to believe that, do you? (OK, I can certainly sympathize, since I've been saying as such for the past few chapters, but since it's coming out of Faith's mouth, whom I've hated since day one in this fic, I'm not as likely to believe it coming from her as I am from anyone else.

And speaking of which, as much as I've enjoyed Willow in this fic thus far, I can't really help but restrain myself from smacking her upside the head. I mean, going to a convention is good and all (I've always wanted to go to San Diego Comic-Con), but there is nothing in this universe that can compare to going on a date with Tara. Of course, if she were smart, she'd find a way to try and get both. (No offense, Willow, but everyone but you can see that Tara will love you no matter what you do, so please wake up and see what the rest of us do before I have a heart attack. I don't think I can take much more of this drama. )

Anyways, good update as always, watty. But I'm begging you, please have Willow get a clue and talk to Tara about her geek infested roots soon. Because as much as I've hated Faith, I'm really starting to dislike her now, too. Of course, it's a different kind of hate. I hate Faith because she's a bitch. I'm hating Willow because she too clueless to realize the obvious. Hell, even I would have caught on by now, and I'm the world's greatest example of a clueless dumbass.

[justin]

So I'd been busy watching another site, wandering when you were going to update this fic, only to come here and find a whole load of updates that I'd missed

d'oh!

Anyway I'm really enjoying this story. I was at Willow's imagined Ghost/Misery scenarios. Also at Willow's attempts to learn to surf in order to impress Tara. I'm just glad the rain stopped her from nearly drowning herself.

They definitely seem to be drawing closer and it looks like Willow is going to admit her feelings for Tara. Now what better place to do that than at a geek convention?

One thing that confused me in the last update was that Faith didn't seem to recognise Tara, even though she'd been stalking her.

Looking forward to the next part

[Auriam]

Watty well you used to be better ! ! !
I'm kidding sweety !
You Really are good !
The all retaurant action were good write ! I didn't see that coming.
And OH MY GOD Tara kiss Willow, she did it !
That's wonderful !
The all, i want to be ready to tell you that i want to tell you are soooo cute ! yayyyyyyyy Willow
It's really a joy to read you, the update are never that i think it will be. It's very very lovely !
Keep doing you are all my love !

Kisses Aurélie

[Selena Taiki]

I am totally convinced that Faith is stalking *Willow* not Tara. I mean shes been harasing the girl at work, has on online persona to be friends with Willow, and checks out the girl that Willow is interested in. Very creepy.

I am loving this fic, even if I do want to hit Willow with something heavy. I can live with the fact, barely, that she gave up wicked tickets but she needs to be honest with Tara. She is so gonna get busted.

[KloeFrost]

God, same HERE!
I was just going to say what Selena Taiki said, but then I realised that someone had said it already and...o well.

[db]

That butterfly kiss was the sweetest thing *ever*.

But, Watty! I'm scared. Willow lied about the convention and Tara hates lies. Why did she lie -- or better yet, why did she chose the convention over Tara? And now they've kissed and Tara is going to feel vulnerable and hurt if she finds out. Plus she is going to feel extra betrayed because Willow was being devious *and* smooching on her at the same time. Watty! Willow's making bad choices!!! My world is going to implode! Save her?

Oh, and also, while I am being demanding: More smoochies please.

db

[FineyMcFine]

watty, what a nice surprising development! What a lovely lovely kiss and a lovely admission of attraction on both their parts.

Also, I think it's a surprise that Faith appears to be one of the geek group. OR, she is a stealth logger-onner on the chat room and got the address when she was privately stalking Willow's computer.

I was confused about why Faith didn't seem to recognize Tara in the bar when ostensibly she was stalking and taking pictures of Tara before. Was it dimly lit, or was it someone else stalking Tara and Faith was covering for that person because she beat the crap out of them, perhaps? Maybe it was Xander or Andrew and Faith wanted to protect Willow from knowing that one of her friends had betrayed her?

Down, Sally - not Geek Intrigue!

As everyone else, I'm sad that Willow lied to Tara again. I thought she had learned her lesson. I don't see Tara coming to Comic-World so it's not like she'll catch Willow lying to her, but anyway. It's a tough call - I wonder why Willow couldn't have deputized Andrew and Xander to sell her comics. Alas. I hope it gets worked out with minimal drama.

Looking forward to more, watty!

[Willowtree252]

Ok so let me get this right yall think faith has the hots for willow not Tara wow that flew over my head. This is such a wonderful story but I feel pain coming I am so worried what faith is up to. I love cant wait for more!!!!!!