"Nothing Special written all over"

[JustSkipIt]

Hi there. I like how you are starting with the AU (which I love) and the meeting and neither seems to know why they feel so attached.



One thing though: I would really like it if Tara has some power and something really special about her. If she IS able to get out from her father and his abuse on her own. Otherwise it's just Willow, this beautiful rich woman taking Tara in like a lost puppy. I'd rather see them being more equal.



Great start. Debra

[Taras Shadow]

Elizabeth!



Okay, how in the frilly heck did I manage to skip this awesome fic? *falls to knees* Forgive me?



I absolutely love!! AU fics are one of my favourites and I just...love...as I've said already.



Cannot wait for the next update!



~Holly~

"I've got this ache, and I thought it was for sex, but it's to tear everything to fucking pieces." Ginger - Ginger Snaps

[thebardgirl]

okay.....i'm gonna have tah say...i'm in utter and complete shock, dudes. i mean, i was hoping people would respond, but i never thought in mah wildest dreams you guys would be soooooo cool....(not that you aren't cool, course i don't know that for a fact because the weather's been wierd and uh...*smacks head* ahh well...) you get the point right? i mean seriously, i'm just this little 17 year old typing away for fun, hoping against hope people will be nice...and WOW! you guys ROCK! (like a dock with an elephant on it!!!) anyhoo....i suddenly realized, that you guys need an update and here am i making promises of continuous updates...and well...mah computer decided to die. needless to say i've gone through anger, denial, saddness, and accpetance all in the last 3 days, while being forced to read the bible for english, but i'm here! and i am responding as we speak!!!!





foreverpiper-ah yes, well i'm 17 and i don't have my drivers license....i'd prefer to bike...and if it was legal...ride mah fav. horse, slaighter like a crazy person around town....that'd be fun although people might think i was trying to pull a lady gadiva and that'd be a little wierd to think and...hmmm...i'll just stick to thanks next time. ah heck. thanks for the sweet words, dude. you like mah descriptions? that's fab of you!



Doppelganger5x5-you like it more? oh that's...that's positively cool. you're brightening mah day.....*gets blinded by light* well...it was nice at first. and i'm sorry for the delay.



Sappho-okay, so you don't think updates are EVER long enough? hmmm....i'll have to amend that some how...don't know where or when....but it shall be done.



The Rose24- uh oh....you're not gonna smack me about if you read todays update are you? cause umm....well....you'll see. and yes! hurt-tara is like watching me try to dance; it just isn't right.



the vamp nurd- isn't it though? you cant imagine how many times i wanted to use it in this...and i can't remember now how much exactly, but it certainly is the best for innocent romantism....ahh *sigh* amor....



sam darls-for you sam always more! cause you're cool like that...and ahh...look a rose....although electronically created, its still smells sweet coming from you.



snuggle79-oh no, some one who's late in reading? do you know how i deal with these types of people? well...i kinda give 'em lots and lots of updates and then tell them to read and then reply from that point on. i'm sorry. the punishment fits the crime. and thanks for such cool words.



xita- ah! you have read? oh i'm so humbled by your appreciation. you have no idea what it means to me to be able to come here where such people reply and are accepting. and your opinion in my writing is so kind. thankyou.



singgirl-you like? fabtabulous, unfortunately i'm now gonna really have to gear up with weaponry against the force of displeased kittens....what if i was to say. temporarily... TEMPORARILY tara sorta kinda....didn't stay? *hides*



LostWithoutTara-and yes! i hope so too....only i can't remember at the moment...hmmm...well we'll see.



nika-dude....you likes this? well, i likes this reply....i really likes this.....although...i do not know who chucky is so we'll say that i'm saying it in my best cave-woman voice.



wiltar-you think its good? *makes "YES!" motions with arm* thank you patricia!



Tempest Duer-its special? oh....i think i'm gonna cry now...and i have a style eh? cool! i'm so happy you're enjoying it!!



tiredsoul-ah thankyou, mah sense of humor is well, interesting to say the least, you know you're yet another to say i've got willow babble down, well, i'm actually a bonified babbler mahself, so i think that's where it comes from.



JustSkipIt-okay, i TOTALLY (not to sound too much like a valley girl) agree with you on that. TOTTALLY with Tara being powerful, only, that bit comes in later, i kinda have this whole pyschological switcheruu coming up well, actually its a bit away. i'm sorry to inform you its not just yet i have Tara become more secure. sorry, i hate to disapoint. i guess i found it kind of romantic for one to help the other. At times i can tell this might be predictable for you, but i hope that you'll continue to read and like what i do with it. maybe if i write another story i'll try that idea first, before falling back into same-old same-old. thanks for reading.



Tara Shadow-hey, dude, its no big, trust me i feel bad for missing fics every day. and besides uhh *picks holly on her knees* uhh its nothing to fall to the floor for. besides, unlike MOST fics, i'm kind of a weak writer when it comes to intimacy....so...i apologize if you expect it....i can't do what you do so well in nanlt... ah gah, but i'm glad you like it now, at least.



IMPORTANT NOTE THAT YOU BETTER READ CAUSE I'LL COME AT YOU WITH BANANA PEALS IF YOU DON'T! -Okay, you guys have been waiting for 3 days right? when by the rules of Elizabeth that would mean i'm three chapters behind? well, then i'll guess i'll have to just hand them all three over now....plus a little bit....is that okay? i'm sorry for the computer pain thingy. forgive me?





Chapter 4



“You really let her just come right in, without even checking to see if she had a disease or a criminal record?”



“Buffy, first of all, she’s clean, and second of all she was almost unconscious; I had to drag her in, and third of all, Hey! She’s really a wonderful person, and I’d appreciate it that you wouldn’t bad mouth my Good Samaritan deeds,” Willow retorted. It was lunch break at the WAMK building and the two friends were discussing the important business issues at hand…as well as gossiping about anything and everything. Willow had at first steered clear of the Taracapade, partly to discern Buffy from the idea that she had done something irrational or stupid. She hated it when Buffy talked down to her, just because she was one month older than her didn’t give her the right to turn into Mrs. Counselor on her.



“Whatever Mother Theresa, all I’m saying is that it’s a little strange to meet a person one morning and that night take them into your home as a guest. I mean, you still had me fill out the form for dorms when we were rooming together at UCSD, what’s up with that?” Buffy asked rather miffed.



“Buffy, for the thousandth time, they make you fill out the forms, whether or not you sent in a request already, and also she was just not feeling well,” Willow said exasperated.



“What was wrong with her?”



“Oh, you know, the 24 hour flue just hit her right then, poof! But she’s all better now,” Willow lied, “I hope,” she said under her breath.



“24 hour flue?” Buffy asked disbelieving.



“It can happen,” Willow replied coyly.



“Will, seriously, what was up with this girl? If she was so wonderful, why are you making her out to be a leper or something? If she was stoned, just say it,” Buffy said annoyed.



“She wasn’t stoned,” Willow said through gritted teeth, “She was just going through some personal problems and due to that she was exhausted and needed a place to stay.”



“Personal problems? Okay, that’s fine if you don’t want to tell, but you do realize that’s the worst vague thing to say to a gossiper, right?” Buffy pleaded imploringly.



“Yeah, yeah, well it isn’t my place to divulge any information that was really none of my business either until she sort of fainted from all the bruises her father gave her,” Willow said before she could stop herself.



“She what?!” Buffy almost shouted. The rest of the eating-in crowd looked over for a moment, saw where the commotion was coming from and went back to work.

“Oh, damn…” Willow squeaked quietly, placing her head on the table, banging it repeatedly. “You wanted to protect Tara, now you just outed her to the world, well really just Buffy, although there are times when she thinks she’s the world, but Gees, you really couldn’t have just said she ‘fainted because of her strange habit of not drinking water, or, or, perhaps that ‘she couldn’t quite cope with walking back to her place so feinted being faint’?!” Willow was on a roll in babble land, only to be interrupted by Buffy calling her back to ground zero.



“Hey, Willow, it’s okay, I mean, who am I gonna tell? Besides, seeing as how much you care for this person, no beans will be spilled, okay?” Buffy took on a face of complete, blind understanding that Willow rarely saw. But when she did, she knew Buffy was being honest.



“Thanks,” Willow said calming herself down, “I just, she’s really, she’s just a really nice person, she doesn’t deserve this, and I felt so bad. If you had only seen, I mean, I’ve seen bananas less bruised.”



“Ew. Bad image Will. But, yeah, I get ya,” Buffy said glancing at her watch, “Ah, I’ve got to go back to work.”



“But you work for me,” Willow said pointedly.



“Oh, well what I meant was I got to go back to the computer and pretend to work while I really just check my email and play video games,” Buffy corrected.



“That’s better.”



“I try.”

       





Chapter 5





Willow was walking on her normal route again towards her job, as usual. Repetition was starting to drag the redhead down, though. It became almost unnecessary for her to think about what she was doing. It was insane. Go in, go out, plug in your work, get money in return, make a brilliant new program, make $100,000. Okay, okay, so the money was nice. But she just didn’t have it in her anymore. It wasn’t new and exciting like it used to be, the flame was gone, and the passion for her hobby seemed less and less compared to the emptiness without a companion. It was a shame really, to loose interest in your needs because of one want.



The WAMK building loomed in front of her, promising the same day as before; at least she had Buffy to entertain her, annoying or not.



Willow walked slowly down the street when something caught her eye. The reflection of the sun caught up with the one clear window of an old beaten up restaurant. The very same window Willow sat at when she first…



Tara.



Her friend. Someone new, someone she could see herself going to college with, hanging out at parties with, or studying with, etc. But that would never happen. They were both in the real world. One was at the top, but did she deserve it? And the other, the other was at the bottom, and she definitely, definitely didn’t deserve such treatment. She was too kind, benevolent, wonderful, and intelligent to be there, and yet, she was. Willow’s mind was rattling with these thoughts, when she heard a loud bang, too loud to believe it was merely one car backfiring, although it wasn’t uncommon in this area.



She heard another and realized that the window she was looking at was opened slightly for the world to hear the cacophony on the inside.



“LISTEN TO ME GIRL, I DON’T CARE IF YOU DON’T LIKE MY WAY OF DOING THINGS, BUT THIS IS MY PLACE, AND SO YOU WILL LIVE UNDER MY RULES, GOD DAMMIT!” Came the loud voice.



Willow raced back to the door of the café. She knew that voice all to well; she also knew what it was really threatening. She pulled fiercely at the door’s handle; it wouldn’t give. The noise inside grew louder; he was banging something now, perhaps throwing something. Why would he be throwing his silverware? Willow only had a split second to realize the target, “Oh, God no,” She pulled at the door knob once more with all her strength, prepared to defend her friend to any lengths necessary; she wasn’t going to let him touch her again.



The door screeched open with extreme resistance from the stubborn redhead. She raced inside to see an empty and lonesome front seating area, it wasn’t opening hours just yet. Another loud bang, another yelp from the man she was already loathing. She moved quickly towards the back counter, getting over the obstacle that was the bar stand, and running into the back kitchen. The ‘kitchen’ itself wasn’t what she could even had hoped for in such a dump as this. The stove, pots, pans, and floor all had the same charcoal color that spelled out h-a-z-a-r-d-o-u-s in more ways than one. She was grateful to have not drunken that moca.



Willow’s presence at first went unnoticed by the larger, threatening man. From her concealed view behind him she saw everything. What she saw, though, made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.





Chapter 6



“YOU HEAR ME?!” Came the man’s voice with breath as heavy as a steam engine, echoing off of the small kitchen. A huddled figure was crouching in the corner, trying and hoping to make itself invisible, or better yet, completely non-existent.



“I DON’T WANT YOU RUNNING ‘ROUND AT NIGHT SLEEPING WHEREVER YOU DAMN WELL PLEASE, YOU LIVE WITH US GOD DAMMIT! YOU WHORE, YOU WORTHLESS GOOD FOR NO--” The man was cut off, surprisingly, he managed to hear over his own screams.



CLASH! A pot had fallen directly behind him. The stupid stuff was always falling down in this kitchen, especially when Tara forgot to do something right. He turned around with the intent to pick it up, but was stopped by the small figure standing in front of him.



“This is the STAFF’s area, ma’am,” He said coolly, “Get out.”



“Oh, I’m sorry, I was just wondering when you opened?” The figure on the floor wasn’t moving.



“Listen, ma’am, we don’t open for another 15 minutes, hey, how’d you get in here?” He asked suspiciously and rather angry.



“Oh, well, the door was open and I though it was alright, to come in. Nobody was answering when I called, so I figured I could check out the place, and look for the service.”



“Ma’am, like I said, we’re not open as-of-yet,” He said with a gruff and annoyed voice. The large Michelin of a man was no dummy, Willow could see, he deliberately stood blocking her view of what she came in for, and wouldn’t leave without. The question was how to do it.



“Right, fine, sorry to bug. Oh and by the way, I saw a young man, looked sort of like you, he was cursing about blowing the grocery money on a card game?”

“What?! DONNIE! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?” He said yelling while shoving past the redhead, foaming at the mouth looking like a steaming teakettle.



Willow stood for a moment watching the man move towards the front door and finding Willow’s present. Luckily for Willow ‘Donnie’ seemed to catch up with father dearest causing the two to go into a wild argument the whole world could hear. She turned around, closing the door slightly to keep the noise out.



What she saw before her was frightening enough; Tara had bruises all over in the shapes of an assortment of pot and panhandles. She was crouched like a mouse against the corner of its hole waiting for the last strike of the cat, preferring death to its tortuous and elongated cruelty.



“Tara?” Willow whispered quietly, but urgently. She needed to know Tara was conscious. It was the only way to get her out without too much confrontation.



“Tara? Please, talk to me?” She said nudging the figure with her fingers.



“Listen to me, it’s Willow, I’m here, okay? Look, I’ve got to get you out of here. He’ll be back soon and I can only buy so much ti--”



“I-I-I c-c-c-can’t l-l-leave,” came a muffled voice.



“Of course you can. There’s a door right out there I intend to use with you right after me,” Willow said surprised and confused.



“No, you d-d-don’t unders-s-s-tand,” Tara finally looked up from her arms that hugged her tightly for support. Her face was covered in tears, red as Willow’s hair and speckled with bruises on each cheek. But the worst part as far as Willow could see was her eyes. They were two black mounds, no longer the blue she loved, spewing out tears in hopes to heal themselves. “I don’t h-h-have anywhere else t-t-to g-g-go,” She said before sobbing uncontrollably. Willow thought for a moment and an idea hit her.



“Tara, if I got you out, and found you a job, would you take it? Tara merely nodded slowly, Willow could see the pain that one movement caused her.



“Come with me,” Willow said grabbing Tara’s hand, ignoring the gravitational resistance.



Willow walked out in open view, forgetting all she had originally told Tara’s father. If he wanted a fight, he’d have to deal with her, legally that is. He’d squash her in a moment in any real physical quarrel. But in the technical world she could castrate him before he could say “sorry”.



He was semi-yelling at his dull son who seemed the spitting image of his overbearing and abrasive father. When he saw Willow, pulling Tara behind her as a crutch, he fully let loose upon her.



“What the HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING? DIDN’T I TELL YOU TO LEAVE, LADY? WE’RE NOT OPEN RIGHT NOW!”



“Uh, actually dad technically we’re now--”



“SHUT UP,” He said turning sharply to his son, and then back to Willow, “LISTEN LADY, I DON’T KNOW WHO THE HELL YOU ARE, AND I DON’T CARE. JUST GET THE HELL OUT,” He screamed.



When Willow stood her ground supporting Tara, silently, he seemed even more enraged.



“WHO THE HELL DO YOU THNK YOU ARE?! GET THE HELL OUT!”



“To answer your first question my name is Willow Rosenberg. You might have heard of me,” She said with one of Tara’s hands draped over her shoulder clutched in Willow’s right. “You see that large building down the street that has the big sign saying WAMK? That’s MY building, one of seven actually,” Tara’s dad seemed stunned, his only defense to stand still wide eyed and threatened. “You see, I was thinking of sponsoring this restaurant to help build up its PR, but now, after witnessing the treatment of the employees I think I’ll just not,” Willow said.



“Mrs. Rosenberg, ma’am, what you see here, this girl, she…It’s family business!” He yelped pointing wildly at Tara as if she was the plague.



“Ah, yes, and it’s MY business when local restaurants are keeping unsanitary conditions in their cooking area and also beating their staff,” Willow replied.



“What business is it to you? I thought you were the computer person?” The man said getting angrier by the minute.



“I am. But I’m also the Deputy Director of the Humanity Department in City Hall. You know, social services, community outlook, etc. I have friends in very high places, sir, so I would back down if I were you. Course, judging by the way you take care of this place, I wouldn’t be surprised it if died on its own without my help,” Willow said.



“What’re you implying? You’re not going to take off with my staff members, that’s insane, and illegal,” He growled.



“Actually, it’s not, you see I offered her a job back in the kitchen, she took it. She’s of age, you have no legal power over her, and I can provide rooming and wages for her until the day she does not require it,” Willow said squeezing Tara’s hand slightly.



“You can’t….that’s not….YOU WON’T GET AWAY WITH THIS!” He screamed. Willow walked past him and out the door, purposefully ignoring the rants and raves of Tara’s father. Willow turned around just enough to face him for what she hoped would be the last time.



“Oh, and by the way, you might check the doorknob, it’s kind of faulty. Broken doorknobs are a violation of code H-56437 of the safety requirements of private ownership within city limits. You might try fixing it before I send the inspector over,” she said, and with that she left with Tara clutching to her for support and the two men standing in the back dumbfounded and inspecting the hole in the door where the knob should have been.





Chapter 7



“Willow?”



“Shush. Get some rest.” The two women had made it back to Willow’s apartment. Tara had been bruised all over and was so achy it was impossible for her to completely undress and clean up. So Willow had her sprawled out on her bed with pillows supporting every limb possible.



“I want t-t-to ask you s-s-something,” Tara said weakly with a croaky voice. She barely moved and her eyes, especially the right, were swollen badly.



“What is it?” Willow sat down on the edge of the bed, intent on hearing whatever big bad question Tara had poised for her.



“Are you really a Deputy Director of a Humanity Department?” Tara said with a slight smile, although the fat lip could have been what had created her lopsided grin.



“Oh God no, I made all of that up,” Willow said offhandedly, “But I do own a computer company just down that way, and you do have a job as my personal assistant starting whenever you feel ready, if you’re up to it,” she added on quickly. Tara seemed overwhelmed by this information, so Willow slowly made her exit before fluffing the pillows for the billionth time. She had phone calls to make, appointment to be canceled and Buffy to beg to actually take messages this time.



“Willow?” Came the toad-like voice.



“Yes?” Willow said, turning back instantaneously.



“Thank you,” Tara whispered.



Willow smiled broadly and left Tara to the comfort of her room in the afternoon sunlight.















Whew.....*falls out of chair* that's alot of writing....for me at least....uhh okay, i'm sorry if that' not what you wanted, cause that's kind of where i was going with it all along, but tell me what you might like and i'll stow it away for future ideas. thank you so much again for your wonderful wonderful words. and my lord, i didn't know i could type this much, but eh, i hope you're happy now.

-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[screeminguitar]

Hey there Bardgirl! Only 17?! Wow,.. (**dismissing thoughts of a hot young writer now***)Ahem!!! I mean your writing certainly precedes you! Bravo!!

I love how Willow is totally like a knight in shinning armor!

I hope the nurturing turns into luvin' for our gals. Hint..hint..

From one guitar rocker to a rockin' writer--you go girl!!

Thanks, and, looking forward to more pweese?!



Rock on girlfriend!!

Marie

[foreverpiper]

i was gonna go to bed (i just finished my homework and it's 1am) but i decided to check up on this fic and YAY!! there was an update!



dude!!! This chapter (or should i say chapters) totally rocked!! I loved the whole thing!! Willow coming in to get Tara once she heard the yells!! God i hate Tara's dad! Abuse really sucks! Loved the way Willow totally took care of the situation! I would have loved to see the look on that creep's face when Will told him all that stuff!!



once again bravo on the excellent update! i loved it!! hee, or did you not get that from what i said?



and 17!! alright!! another teenager!!! i myself am mearly 15, therefore...not lisence...hell i dont even have my permit yet!! *grumbles*stupid-fifteen-and-a-half-law*grumble*



anyway! i'd love to do a oldschool and ride around on horses again! that'd be so awsome!! ok, well now i'ma get some shut eye i'm so beat! Night!! Hope there's another update soonish!!

Galahad: What a strange person. French Dude: I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries. Galahad: Is there someone else up their we could talk to? French Dude: No, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time. - Monty Python

[thebardgirl]

Quote:

---

(**dismissing thoughts of a hot young writer now***)Ahem!!!

---

yea, you're definitely wrong in the hot writer description thing, imagine a short, sholder-length brunette, slightly plumper than America would want who looks like a 12 year old. but i loved that....that REALLY made me laugh.....and you think i write well for my age? *sigh* if only my teachers would agree...or the SATs....or the AP exams....ah well....the kitten board is more important to me anyway. thanks for reading!



AH! YOU SNEAKY GIRL! you crept in just as i was about to depart, thanks for the kind words and i'm glad you liked it, DAMN! you read fast! (am i the only one who can't?) ah well, thanks dude.



-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

Edited by: thebardgirl at: 9/24/03 10:06 pm

[screeminguitar]

Hey dude!!! What makes ya sexy is the writing and the youngness of you!!. Looks? Ppffhhha.. don't matter in my book--it's a vain representation of our true self! Don't forget!! 'Kay?!!!

I can relate to the shortness--that is one thing I wish I could change, but, it makes me, me. Height challenged me.



Take care!! Marie

[bluewillowwitch]

,

I love this fic so far! I love the concept. and are so cute together. I felt so bad for . I'm gad was there and cool under pressure. I can't wait to more. Update soon, please?







bluewillowwitch

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[sam darls]

Hey sweetie...Oh my wow..just wow, I loved the whole of those chapters, they were so great. Go Willow. Love sammi xx

[the vamp nurd]

The vamp nurd reaches for her pom poms strikes a cheerleading pose.



Gooo Willow!



THE vamp nurd goes back to lurkdom.

Sorry I missed church, I was busy becoming a lesbian and worshiping Satan



Open up Pandora's kiss.



Bardlet no #27

[Washi]

Hey Liz (hope you don't mind me calling you Liz),



I read the latest three chapter now and Holy hell, that was great! I loved the way Willow got in and saved Tara like the Knight with shining armour. In a way, this is so a modern fairy-tale. I love it.

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



"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa



The course of love doesn’t always run smooth, especially for the neurotic and accident-prone. ~ LadyB

[justin]

That was a great update. It was great seeing Willow defending Tara like that.



I have a horrible feeling that Mr Maclay's going to cause trouble later on, especially if he finds out that Willow was bluffing.



I'm looking forward to the next part .

Anya in a wimple...I'd pay full admission for that. Gods Served And Abandoned - by Antigone Unbound

[snuggle79]

Willow the hero!

And you're also the hero for giving us this story!

I love how Willow helps Tara to get rid of her father!

Simply amazing!

Awesome update, oh and thanx for letting me in!

snuggle79

I don't get wild. Wild on me equals spaz.

This is how everyday should end and start ..and all the stuff in the middle

The greatest thing you'll learn, is just to love and be loved in return.

Edited by: snuggle79 at: 9/25/03 8:56 am

[LostWithoutTara]

Wow! Fantastic updates! Go Willow - I was cheering her on as she verbally kicked Mr Maclay's ass. And hopefully Tara will be okay now.

Every time you walk away, I pretend that I'm okay

[thebardgirl]

Hey! Hi! Hello! and hiya if you prefer.....you know what i'm noticing? people are starting to use 'dude' now in replies....and either i'm starting a trend for this thread...or i've really disturbed the normal way of speaking here at the board. ah well let's respond to people....it's always such a pleasure to respond back to people.



screeminguitar-you're making me blush like a silly moron now....i mean...the words "sexy" and "me" don't go together. in fact...they hate each other so much that it's better they don't meet at family occasions. but thanks anyway for the compliment. glad you're enjoying the story.



bluewillowwitch-thanks so much for the great comments...it is rare i get such a plethora of pictures to describe some one's response. too cool.



sam darls- thanks. i'm glad you liked. this has got to be the first favorite part of mine. the second fav or mine is a bit away. but i'm glad you enjoyed it all the same. and now Willow's getting a kiss, this electronic stuff is way too cool.



the vamp nurd-you know, most of my friends are cheerleaders...its interesting how i can picture a vampire in a cheerleading costume....an odd image. one moment cheering. the next, sucking on someone's neck. hmmm that could be an interesting idea for fanfic. *goes off to ponder this* the trick is, who should be in the cheerleading costume? hmmm....difficult decisions lie ahead now....



Washi-you can call me frazzlepazzle for all i care that is if indeed washi, the ruler of all smut fic has come to read mah little story? you DO realize this story is just well, itself? its not very adultish....cause i'm definitely weak there...but its so cool that you like it, and yea, knight in shining armor definitely...that's what i was going for. and hey! YES! a modern fairy tale! that's what i was thinking....right on dude.



justin-don't worry, never fear! mr. maclay will not be there....ever again actually....i'm letting this one slide. and thanks for the saluds.



snuggle79- a hero am i? well....i'll have to get me a cape....and then i shall fly far far away to a galaxy (also far far away) and meet some small green guy who likes this talks. and i hope you keep reading happily.



LostWithoutTara-you like? yay *dances about the room scaring cats and dog* i'm glad you're happy then; and yes kicking mr. maclay sounds like fun. with spurs. hmm does this make me a satanistic wierdo? ah well, it's all one.



update? i think i will just so i don't feel irresponsible tonight.



and i forgot this last time so i will make amends where i bore.



Title: Nothing Special Ch. 8/19

By: Me, thebardgirl, or Elizabeth, whatever you prefer.

Email address: uhh…I don’t check it that often, but it’s daytripper20022@yahoo.com

Feedback: Well, if I can actually attain readers, meaning readers who like it, meaning you’ll like it enough to respond, YES! Please tell me what in the frilly heck I’m doing wrong or right! cause you wouldn’t believe how much that’d cheer me up.

Distribution: What does this mean? Could someone please explain? *reads faq* ah. Well, I don’t mind what you do with this, just email me first for permission and a heads up.

Spoilers: ha! There are none!! Because this strange bit of writing is an au.

Rating: Well, I’ll admit it, I’m a coward, and am proud to be one, so It’s at the most PG-13. Sorry dudes and dudets.

Pairing: Uh, well this is a no-brainer, can you guess?

Disclaimer: Well, I don’t’ own any of these characters, and you’re all saying, “Duh” right about now, so eh, you get the picture it’s all from Mutant Enemy and Joss Whedon, etc. etc. etc.

Summery: Willow works at her own company, and then meets someone. Again you’re saying, “DUH!” But, eh, I tend not to give to much away; it is an au. I’m not sure whether or not it will stay where it is, meaning it seems like there’s no buffyverse, but I’m still thinking….











Chapter 8



“You did WHAT?!” Buffy yelled across the room.



“I just gave her a job, Buffy, it’s no big,” Willow said annoyed.



“I know you liked this girl Willow, but except for me, you never and I mean NEVER hire anyone who doesn’t do a spic span job at their uh…”



“Job?”



“Yes! I mean, what gives? What are you planning to give her a million dollars with a jaguar to go with it? Did you put on contest or sweep stakes I didn’t know about? Because I seriously don’t see why out of nowhere you would ju--” Willow clapped her hands around Buffy’s mouth dragging her into her office completely and holding her firmly to get a word in.



“First of all, she’s going to earn her pay, I haven’t had time to test her out so we’ll see when she comes in on Monday. Second of all, she’s recovering from serious injuries made by her father only a day or so ago. Thirdly, I really need a personal assistant that actually attempts to work, unlike the most recent hired help,” Willow added with a glare at Buffy, “And fourth, I feel I owe it to her to give her a job since I got her fired from her last one.” Willow finished releasing Buffy from her death grip.



“You got her fired?” Buffy said quietly and concerned.



“I had some problems with the whole ‘let’s-beat-up-the-waitress-thing-for-staying-at-some-strangers-house-last-night’, and so I sort of blew up at him and pulled her out,” Willow explained.



“How’d you manage that? If he’s able to attack a grown woman and get away with it, how’d you manage?” Buffy said eying the small redhead.



“Well, I sort of fibbed and told him I was this social services person and could crush him like a bug. He sort of backed down then,” Willow said a little worried at the response Buffy would give to her less than candid action.



Buffy stared. She didn’t know Willow had it in her to do such a brave deed, let alone stand up to a man that Willow described as the marshmallow-man from Ghost Busters.



“You’re not mad, are you?” Willow asked hesitantly.



“No, not mad. Just, worried and…impressed. You really pulled a beaten woman out the hands of her attacker right under his nose and set her up with a well paying job and a room to stay in until she recovered?” Buffy asked summarizing everything.



Willow was a little worried by how Buffy was phrasing everything. I mean, it’s not like she’s a fire fighter who rescued a baby from the window of a burning building or anything. She was just helping a friend. Wouldn’t she do the same?



“Well, I’m not sure I’d put it that way, I mean I’m no Wonder Woman or anything. You’d do the same, wouldn’t you?” Willow asked hesitantly. She didn’t know how to explain her actions, she just did what she felt was right.



“She’s just a wonderful person who shouldn’t be hurt and if she were anymore hurt she’d be…she’d be somewhere where I couldn’t reach her. And I really like her; I’ve found a new friend Buffy. I can’t let some jerk take her away from me. Besides this way I can keep an eye on her until she wants to leave…” Willow’s words faded in Buffy’s mind. A short attention span was difficult to deal with but manageable in the Buffyverse. She could entertain herself with her thoughts as she intently watched Willow’s fanatic hands rise in the air only to crash down again explaining everything without the need of Willow’s words.



But something strange happened. Buffy saw something in Willow’s eyes right then. She didn’t know if Willow felt it or recognized it herself, but Buffy did. Something was up with this girl, all right, only she seemed to be clueless as to what was happening.



“Will, breath,” Buffy finally cut in. Her thoughts were tumbling over one another as well. This Tara, or whoever, had certainly made a strong impression on Willow. Whatever she was like Buffy was determined to become a good friend to her as well. Come Monday, Buffy would be sweet, adorable and kind as ever.



“Huh?” Willow snapped back to the conversation that originally involved two speakers, not one. “Oh, sorry, I just, I kind of lost control there for a second.”



“It’s okay, Willow,” Buffy said, now knowing what she knew, she felt she couldn’t just let Willow know that she knew, you know? She had to be discreet and understanding and also wicked cunning. So Buffy decided to end this conversation right now; it was doomed anyway to end with Buffy apologizing for ever disregarding Willow’s actions, and she had to get going on whatever it was she was going to do.



“Look, Will, I’ve got to go and get some things copied and some files filed, but I’ll talk to you later?” Buffy said hopefully.



“Uh, sure, Buffy, that’s fine,” Willow said frowning puzzled. “Great, now she’s freaked. You have couldn’t just told her that she was a cousin twice removed, could you? You had to mention she was a stranger you met a few days ago, didn’t you? Now she thinks I’m some cult crazy who ‘saves’ street children or something but really turns them into her sweatshop workers at night. I mean, I know she’s lying,” Willow thought as Buffy made her exit, “I never give her files or ask her to copy stuff…”







hope you enjoyed, bye!

-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[bluewillowwitch]

thebardgirl ,

I loved this update! I think it is so sweet that saved and gave her a place to stay and a job. I hop Buffy chills. I have a feeling, that and are going to become inseperatable. I can't wait to more. Update soon, please?







bluewillowwitch

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

Edited by: bluewillowwitch  at: 9/25/03 6:48 pm

[Rachel o4]

hey, i like the fic and im glad buffy's actually got a clue in this story.

~Rachel

[Tempest Duer]

Yes, you do have a style. You're also in the wonderful habit of updating well and often. I like your writing and I think your teachers are stoopid (and I don't mean "stupid") to not appreciate your talent.

Choosing not to decide is still a choice.

[The Rose24]

WOW. That was quick thinking on Willow's part. I knew you wouldn't let our Tara suffer much more.



I have a feeling Tara's father is not going to let Tara go that easily. I hope Willow and Buffy take care of him for good.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[Lady6string]

Willow is SO wonderwoman. I could totally see her in that outfit...



Anyhow, I like how you have Willow dealing with feeling burnt out with work and stuff, that makes Tara's entrance into her life that much more significant. So now we have Tara helping Willow with her burnt out issues, as well as Willow helping Tara by being wonderwoman.



I LOVE this story... update soon please!



~Cyn



P.S. How many guitar rockers do we have around here?

[Sappho]

I'm a guitar rocker (to Cyn). Oh bardgirl, I've always said (and written) dude. It's an irreversible side effect from growing up with the ninja turtles. I also constantly say "excellent" and "rad" quite often, among other turtle sayings. I was (and still am!) a big fan. Excellent update-age man! I am actually almost sorta content with the amount of your story that I read tonight. You should always write that much! (Sorry, I know you have a life and duties to this world other than entertaining the kittens ) Keep it comin'!

~Sappho

Willow: Yeah, that’s me. Reliable dog geyser person.

***

Anya: Give me a beer. Bartender: I.D. Anya: [Looks at him w/ disbelief] Bartender: I.D.

Anya: I’m 1,120 years old!!! Just give me a friggin’ beer! Bartender: I.D. Anya: [Sigh] Give me a Coke.

[sam darls]

Hey Elizabeth...wonderful update, it was so sweet..and I can't wait for more.. love sammi xx

[the vamp nurd]

Quote:

---

the vamp nurd-you know, most of my friends are cheerleaders...its interesting how i can picture a vampire in a cheerleading costume....an odd image. one moment cheering. the next, sucking on someone's neck. hmmm that could be an interesting idea for fanfic. *goes off to ponder this* the trick is, who should be in the cheerleading costume? hmmm....difficult decisions lie ahead now....

---

Amber benson in a cheerleading outfit.... yum



The vamp nurd blinks.



OK, I'm back.



Go Willow. Buffy seems brighter than usual...



Thought of the day, imagine AB in a cheer leading outfit and AH in a wonder woman outfit.

Sorry I missed church, I was busy becoming a lesbian and worshiping Satan



Open up Pandora's kiss.



Bardlet no #27

[snuggle79]

hm, Willow in a Wonderwoman dress...

So, did you get your hero cape and stuff already?

Great update

snuggle79

I don't get wild. Wild on me equals spaz.

This is how everyday should end and start ..and all the stuff in the middle

The greatest thing you'll learn, is just to love and be loved in return.

[justin]

That was a great update. I was at Willow's comments about helping to get children off the street then putting them to work in her sweat shop.



So is Buffy going to help And recognise their feelings for each other. I hope so.



I'm looking forward to reading more.



And I definitely like the idea of Tara as a cheerleader and Willow as wonder woman.

Anya in a wimple...I'd pay full admission for that. Gods Served And Abandoned - by Antigone Unbound

[LostWithoutTara]

Great update!

Every time you walk away, I pretend that I'm okay

[WintersDreamer]

Hope you enjoyed bye?....



Get back here !

I NNNNNEEEEEEEEDDDDD another update!



Great story!



I'm waiting for you to put some SHREK humor in as well!

[thebardgirl]

Ach and alas to thee! hmmm....well the responses just keep on coming. i'm surprised and bewildered, and oh-so-pleased. and i don't know if the newcomers remember (or know) this, but this fic is already written; i spent a few months typing it out after making it up when i was in Germany, one fateful, stormy night (duh duh duh) but, i do see that alot of you are asking for add-ins that weren't originally there. and heck, they're good ones...at least some of them are. so you MIGHT recognise some words here and there, that are from previous responses. i don't know, though, purhaps i'm being too vague. oh, and by the way:

i leave for one day, ONE DAY and you guys manage to stick AB into a cheerleading outfit and AH into a wonderwoman costume. *sigh* *thebardgirl slaps self* what does a girl hafta do to keep those naughty naughty visions...out...of...*goes back to thinking of AH and AB* *sigh* *slaps self again* You're turning me into a masochist!!!



eheh....and onward with the replies. besides that first big one that is.



bluewillowitch-Buffy unfortunately does not chill. in fact, she is chilless. She is a CHILLESS CHILD!



Rachel o4-and yes, Buffy's got a clue as well, she's not clueless, although that film sort of goes with what kind of goofyness i'm into...hmmm....interesting image i'm getting here. buffy dressed as alicia silverstone.....wierd. and i'm so pleased you liked this fic! i hope you enjoy Rachel.



Tempest Duer- *blushes* you're so complimentory, i think i'll keep you for a while, put you in my pocket, carry you around and whenever i'm down pull you out for a good non-insult. sound good? yes.....*says like mr. burns* excellent...



The Rose24-yup, Willow's amazing mind has been put to the test, at least that's how i'm seeing it. and don't worry, although i don't like giving stuff away, mr. maclay will stay away. and that all rhymed in a creepy sort of way....he has been dealt with....



Lady6string-ahah! some one's getting all deepafied. you are completely correct, although i must add, wonderwoman.....i...i never thought that....and now, i can't get the image out of my head. Gosh darn you! *raises hand in Rocker-formation, with lighter in other hand, head banging* ROCKER'S UNITE! (although i play more classical and folk guitar....but we won't go there.....)



Sappho- AH! DUDE! MAN! COOLIO! the teenage mutant nija turtles.....ahh i remember my first donatello action figure with body transforming parts....ah *sigh* memories....i just watched them too....the first half of a double episode where Shredder comes back....ah....how wonderful adolescent violence was...i remember it well. And HA! my life exists of three things: guitar, school and the play i'm in. As far as i'm concerned, adding the Kitten Board to it is only a blessing; so don't say its ever a "duty" ....it's a way of life, man.



sam darls-hey sam, thanks for the kind words again, i hope you do enjoy this story, where it goes and stays, that is.



the vamp nurd-ah! YOU! there you go! you're the evil one who implanted that image into my head! i hope you're happy, i slammed my head onto the key board day dreaming today, scaring my cat, and getting an odd look from my dog. Combine a cheerleader outfit and wonderwoman and you have me catatonic.



snuggle79- gah? GAH? *thebardgirl cannot speak clearly* Since when do I get dragged (no pun intended) into this costume escapade? oh wait, i did say i was going to get a cape didn't i? well, i forgot to do that....hmmm well, today i got my garb for the shakespeare play; i snagged the lead and get to cross dress! yay me...so no cape...instead: male nickers....*tear* i'm so happy i've come so far.



justin-ahh! brilliant, i'm glad you picked up on my wierd humor. it keeps me sane to know i'm not the only one laughing, although sometimes i am and then i can't help but think why the people are staring at me with that look of wonder, confusion, and annoyance all at the same time. like what you're doing right now, i'm sure. and yes, buffy becomes a bit of a 'help'. course, my parents say "help", i say making me blush even further when they wipe off the ice cream from my cheek. "help" is relative.



LostWithoutTara-oh another appreciator of mah humor! whoo to that....and hell with it i'll add in a hoo as well. oh cool you're clapping? para mi? oh how sweet.



WintersDreamer-hmm....should i say "I HOPE YOU HATED IT! AND I'M NEVER LEAVING AGAIN! YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD GET RID OF ME, BUT NO! HEEEEREEE'S LIZZY!" MUWHAHAHHAHAHHAHAH!!!!" ? Just a question....Ooo shrek, eh? you know, i DO have a question about that as well:

do you know the muffin man?



hmmmm such intellectual conversation....wonderwomen, cheerleaders....and muffin men....three necessities of life....but, tally ho, you wanted updates so i will give it, i mean, i know it's wierd how quickly i update, but that's only because i can. if i was writing at the same time...heh...you'd be lucky to get one every 2 weeks. oh hell, i was only going to give chapter 9, but i like 10 so much, so i'll throw that in as well. Enjoy!



oh, and ditto the disclaimers from last time.....what? i'm lazy!







Chapter 9



When dawn awoke the city of Sunnydale once more with her rose-red fingers, (not to sound too much like Homer) Willow was already getting ready to face yet another day at work. It was the same work she’d been at for over 2 years now, manning the stations, pulling out the plugs, debugging the bugged and generally running the show. But for some reason Willow wasn’t down about it. She felt better. She didn’t understand why, it was just a normal Monday for everyone else, why not for her? Well, whatever it was, she was happy to have a good day. Having a happy state of mind was really the root cause for anyone’s good day, as Willow already knew. Only, it had been so long since she was happy.



She walked down her regular route in her newest suit and long boots that she sprung for on a general whim. It was an awesome sight to see the glorious redhead smiling while walking effortlessly in her most confident and strongest apparel yet. Which is what Tara had thought when she first saw Willow twirl past her own desk into her office.



“W-willow?” Tara said meekly. She had been informed of everything she needed to know by an almost insistent Buffy and had found herself a nice, discreet desk near Willow’s office. Willow had supplied her with all the necessities such as a computer, printer, stationary, etc. Now it was all up to her to write, type, remember, and fix whatever Willow needed. She could deal with that. It helped having already been her father’s secretary once before in a past flop attempt at an attorney law firm. He had driven her hard for the first 4 weeks, so she remembered well. She had never had to learn to type as fast as she did when she was around him. Now it seemed actually worth something.



“Yes?” Willow said sweeping around, her coat creating a huge arch in her movement, “Oh! Tara! How are you doing? You’re here awful early, I mean, I know I said 8 and here you are, but I’m not usually in until 8:30, course that’s only because I like to get breakfast, and you did get some breakfast right, because I showed you that nice café down the block and you should be eating to keep up your strength, not that you don’t have strength, you’re miss wonder-woman over here, I mean, not that you go around in a small skirt or anything. I mean, that skirt isn’t short at all, very un-short. Uh, I mean, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask, because I’m right there,” she said pointing towards her door labeled PRESIDENT Willow began to walk towards her office, wondering how she managed to get this far without being able to communicate, when she was called back again by the ex-waitress.



“Willow? I actually was going to ask you something,” Tara said sheepishly, looking down at her “un-short” skirt. Should she wear shorter ones? Is that what the redhead meant?



“Oh! Sorry! I kinda got onto my babbling mode. It’s hard to switch off sometimes.”



“No, I was just going to ask you, how do you turn this computer on, because I was told everything by Buffy that there was to know, almost a little too much, except the mechanism of this machine,” she added embarrassed.



“Oh, no prob.,” Willow reached down towards Tara and almost collided with her knees as she went for the PC’s on button. “You just push this button here, and turn on the monitor here and Viola! Feel free to make up your own eight letter password if you like,” And with that Willow was gone.



Tara had not moved throughout the whole turning-on process.



“There’s an understatement if I ever thought one,” Tara thought ashamedly. She was definitely the luckiest girl here. She got to have a wonderful job with a wonderful boss. But she also was in a not-so-wonderful-situation. She could never tell Willow what she was starting to feel, but that was another problem. Right now, she had to think up a good password.



“Hmm….Exwaitrs? No. Traspswd? No. Hmm…” She thought, until it came to her out of the blue. It would be a perfect way for her to start every day, even if her heart was sore.



She typed in ********, or as the keyboard would betray it, mywillow.











Chapter 10



3 months have passed. Tara as the new personal assistant to the president of the WAMK building had proved to be a successful addition to the workforce. She was on time every day, never said a word against her superiors unless it would prove to be an asset, and always was on top of her workload. She couldn’t have been more perfect for the job. But…



But Willow was having difficulties concentrating. Every few moments she would discretely check up on Tara to see if she was fitting in okay, or if she needed help on her PC. But the trouble was she never had any problems. Of all the people to have the computer that doesn’t crash, get infected with viruses or take forever installing, it HAD TO BE TARA’S. Why? Why couldn’t Willow have given her the worst computer? Now she didn’t have a reason to see her, and make sure she was all right. It was difficult being new to a job, and Tara needed all the help she should get. Right?



Willow was sitting at her over-grown desk piled high with papers yet to be signed and copied. She was staring blankly at the wall across the room chewing on the edge of her pencil, wondering how she could get away with checking up on Tara again. She just hated the idea of Tara ever being hurt a second time, and for some god awful reason, couldn’t get enough of seeing her. It was like a disease. And she didn’t understand it. She liked seeing Buffy, but not every single minute. What was up with her? She shook away her thoughts only to be cornered again by a more terrifying idea.



“Maybe I am a creepy cult person who lures street kids into my warehouse to be forced into cheap labor? Oh god no! I’m like a Drug warlord of kids! I’m a the Willow Kid Lord! I’m all high with the lordyness against poor defenseless, sweet, wonderful, nice, blue-eyed women!” She thought with a pained expression on her face. When a stranger came into her office she didn’t notice at first, nor did she respond when the voice started to call to her. It took the intruder two attempts to ground the redhead on earth.



“Willow? Are you there?” Buffy asked again.



“Huh?!” Willow immediately realized that she was in fact not in Columbia, or that she had an alter ego named Chica Roja, selling a black market of young blue-eyed workingwomen.



“Willow you’re starting to scare me. I mean first you start taking up these long hours doing too much work, now you’re here even longer but hardly doing anything worth your while. What’s up with you?”



“Oh I was just thinking, you know about stuff, Columbian Drug lords and computers, lots and lots of computers,” Willow mumbled.



“Will? Uh…never mind, just remember to go home at a sane hour this night, okay?” Buffy asked again at the worried redhead.



“Buffy, I can’t just leave if something still needs to be done, okay? I need to stay a little extra some nights, it’s no biggie,” Willow replied almost begging the blond to let her work.



“A little extra?”



“Okay a lot, but it’s for a good cause!”



“Okay, fine, be that way. But you do realize I’m not going to let this go?” Buffy asked cryptically.



“Yes, yes, I know you’re just looking out for me, I’m not going to do anything rash, okay?” Willow pleaded.



“Okay, fine.” Buffy walked out and whispered under her breath, “Okay Ms. Rosenberg, two can play this game.”



She purposefully walked back in front of Tara’s desk, fluffing up a pile of papers, where Tara sat diligently typing and then asked a little loudly, “So Willow, when did you clock-in yesterday and clock-out exactly? If you tell me I’ll stop bugging you!”



“Fine Buffy, I clocked in at 8:30 am as I always do and left at 12 pm, that’s a 15 ½ hour day, are you happy now? Jees sometimes you can be such a butthead.” Willow said exasperated but happy to get Buffy off her back.



“That’s all I wanted to know!” Buffy said sweetly turning to walk backwards before seeing the shocked and horrified look on Tara’s face. “This is going to be so easy,” Buffy whispered to herself.



Tara didn’t know what to do with this information she just so happened to hear. She didn’t want to impose on Willow’s choices, but that’s what she did for her. Shouldn’t she do the same? It was going to kill the redhead at this rate if she kept it up. And if she knew Willow right, it would take a lot of power in one person to persuade her otherwise. She decided to put it off until tonight; if Willow was going to work these late hours, so was she, just to show how destructive it could be.









okay, seeing as i'm forbidden to say "i hope you enjoyed"....i'll stick with the goodbyeness, although that's not what you want either, is it? what shall i say? adieu? that seems to fit. only be warned, i shall return. *gets shades, and puts on crappy german accent* I'll be baach.





-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[The Rose24]

I have a feeling Willow is a little, shall we say, lovesick. She can't seem to concentrate on anything because she is always thinking about Tara.



Questions: Don't they stay in the same house? Is Tara just noticing this? How can Tara not notice? They really need to talk.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[thebardgirl]

oh cool The Rose24 responds fast, and unfortunately no, they are not in the same house. willow got Tara a nice place of her own; i think i tell you that some time soon; sorry i didn't in the first place. and heh....yeah willow is a little sick...not sure which kind, but she is.....glad you enjoyed it.



-elizabeth

p.s and yes! they do need to talk!

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.