Again, Thank you everybody for the feed back.
You
Will get to know how Hadley became Tara's daughter. Warning though, it is a little 'dark', but in the end, when Hadley was welcome to the world, nothing but bright stars appear
!
So, here we go!
Title: Never A Night Like This
Author: Taras Shadow
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN…except for Tori, Hadley, Jessica Paris, and Orlando-they belong to me
Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome
Pairings: W/T, X/A, B/?, D/? (and a little something on W/JP)
Rating: PG 13 – NC 17. I will give fair warning a head of time.
Summary: Willow is one of the hottest models in the world. When she comes home for her holiday, she meets a nice family that is new to Sunnydale. Can she find love, and continue her much loved career? This is an AU fic. There will be a little angst between some characters, but nothing big for I want to keep the angst issue light. Thoughts are in < > Flashbacks are in **
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~Part 3~“Check out the busy Wills.” Xander smiled putting down a very heavy box.
“We have company, I need this place to be spotless and child-friendly.” Willow threw the chicken in the oven. “Buff, I thought I asked you guys to help get things in order while I ran and had a shower. Now I am getting all sweaty again, and I don’t like being all sweaty when it comes to looking pretty for someone…I mean, when I just had a shower.” Willow babbled looking at five very amused faces.
“Will,” Anya raised her hand a bit, not really wanting to get her head bitten off by a very frustrating looking red head. She waited until Willow looked at her almost apologetically. “What ever happened to your girlfriend from Canada? I mean, you two were all with the big plans the last time I heard.”
“Anya, baby, did Dawn ever show you the magazine with the very good-looking Canadian model on the front, and the other good-looking red head, that had a big heart ripped shape between them?”
Xander asked carefully.
Jessica Paris, a Canadian actress/model, was introduced to Willow in Hollywood at a party bash two years ago. They went out together and eventually things got a little more serious. The two became Hollywood’s favourite ‘gay’ couple, and when word was out that ‘vows’ were in store for the couple, the media went crazy, invading their already little private life.
This caused a conflict between Willow and Jessica, knowing that they were going to have to part ways eventually. Willow wanted to remain in California or the states close to it because of her family, friends, and the home schooling she does while she’s away from UC Sunnydale. Jessica wanted to head back home to Montreal and stay there with her family and friends. Neither women wanted to part, so they called it off. The tabloids had a field day with all of this, and made up their own stories of why and how they parted.
“Oh yeah!” Anya remembered. “I just read that she was hopefully going to try and work things out with you two. I just got confused.”
“That’s ok. Jess and I had a great year and a half. But it just wouldn’t work. Besides, I’m finally over that, and ready to move on.” Willow slowed down a bit. “See, this Willow is all calm.”
DING DONG
“Oh Goddess, they’re here!” The red head rushed over to the mirror in the foyer, and checked out her hair, and smoothed down her burgundy peasant top, and black skirt. She tried to walk calmly over to the door. Taking a deep breath before opening it. There stood a very beautiful Tara wear a snuggle fit white blouse, with dark denim jeans that hugged every curve perfectly. The little girl was wearing a baby blue dress that matched the same colour as her eyes. Beside her was a young teenager, hair long, about the same length as Dawns, wearing a sweater, and khaki’s.
“Hi Willow!” Hadley stepped forward and hugged the red head, wrapping her tiny arms around her hips. Willow laughed, and picked up the small girl.
“Well hey Hadley, seems like years ago since I last seen you.” Willow grinned, and caught they eye of Tara. “And who are these beautiful women standing out in the almost brisk breeze?”
Hadley giggled. “That’s my mama silly. You met her earlier.” She knew Willow was kidding, but decided to play along anyways. “She does look like a stranger though doesn’t she? Usually she wears her hair up in a sloppy bun, but tonight she looks extra beautiful.”
“She sure does.” Willow replied, “Well…”She looked at Tara and Tori, “You guys gonna come in, or spend the evening out on the porch?” Before Willow could close the screen door, Brady came running in out of nowhere towards Tori and Tara. “Brady! Down!” Willow softly scolded as the puppy jumped up on Tara.
“Oh puppy!” Hadley jumped out of Willow’s arms and went straight to the puppy, who started to lick her all over the tiny face. The giggles of the little girl released some tension and nervousness.
“Tara, you look…amazing.” Willow said finally. “And you,” she turned towards the silent teenager, “must be Tori. I’m Willow.”
“Yeah, I mean, I know. You’re like the greatest ever…I mean, beauty wise. And fashion.” Tori spit out.
“Thank you. Why don’t you ladies come into the living room and make yourselves at home.” Willow took their coats and hung them up. Then trying to urge them forward, she placed her hand on the small of Tara’s back guiding her to the living room.
“Lovely home.” Tara managed to say. “It’s all…warm and cozy.” She turned too look at Willow, causing the red head’s hands to slide around her waist, onto her stomach, and smiled. “Thanks for inviting us for supper.”
Willow swallowed, then noticed Brady jump up on the couch again. “Brady, come on girl.” She walked over to pick up the puppy. “Sorry, she’s kinda loves that couch. Dawn!”
The teenager came running into the living room. “What?”
“Did you tie up Brady, or just put her outside free to roam?” Willow playfully asked.
“I was going to tie her up, but then watching you get all flustered about having a beautiful wo…”The teens mouth was clamped shut by Buffy, who came out after her.
“Sorry, little sisters. Never can live with them or live with out them. This is Dawn,” Buffy released her hand to allow Dawn say a small ‘hi’, “And I’m Buffy, one of Willow’s best friend.”
“Nice to meet you two. I’m Tara, this is Tori, and that little girl who is playing with the pup, is my daughter Hadley.” Tara shook the hands of the Summer girls.
“Yeah mama?” Hadley heard her name and thought she was being called.
“Nothing sweetie, this is Dawn and Buffy, Willow’s friends.” Tara said playing with the blonde curls of her daughter’s.
Hadley smiled, and shook their hands as well. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“Awwww!” Dawn smiled and knelt down to be eye level with the little girl. “Aren’t you just the cutest little girl.”
Hadley blushed and put her head down, allowing her curls to cover her face.
“So, how about we move this into the dining room then. Supper should be ready. Dawn, did you want to help us in the kitchen?” Willow asked. Dawn nodded her head.
“I wanna help to. Can I mama?” Hadley grabbed her Willow’s hand for emphasis.
Tara looked at Willow, and saw the red head nodded. “That’s fine sweetie. Just be good.”
“I’ll help too.” Tori spoke up for the first time since her ‘crazed fan’ stutter. Dawn smile gratefully.
“More help, the better.” Dawn smirked, and watched Tori pick up her niece and followed them into the kitchen.
Buffy stood there quietly with Tara in the foyer. “Why don’t I show you to the dining room."
Introductions were made around the table by the rest of them. Willow had placed herself purposely beside Tara, and Buffy. Hadley sat on the other side of her mother, then Tori, Dawn, Giles, Anya, and Xander.
“So where is it that you lived before?” Anya asked as Willow and Buffy started cleaning the table off. Tara asked to help, but Willow insisted that she was a guest and should remain seated while they get desert.
“Oregon.” Tara answered. “It was a very small town, everyone knew everyone. I know Sunnydale is smaller, but it sure beats Lillian.”
“Mama moved us here because she said that Tori would get a better education and so will I. Plus, it’s a change from Lillian Oregon, and we wouldn’t of met Willow and you guys.” Hadley’s eyes sparkled brightly.
“Oh, you’re going to school here?” Dawn asked Tori.
“Yeah, my senior year. I enrolled earlier today, so Tuesday I begin school at Sunnydale High.”
“Really? Me too! I mean, not my senior year, but sophomore. The school is new too. The old one kinda burnt down. After Buffy, Willow, and Xander graduated.”
“Who graduated?” Willow asked coming in carrying plates and forks for everyone.
“You.” Hadley smiled. “Dawn was telling us about the old school.”
“Right! That school gave me the creeps.” Buffy shuddered at the memories of all the demons that stirred up hell…literally.
“Cake?” Tara asked raising an eyebrow at the red head, smirking.
“Um, yeah. I was going to save it for my dog’s birthday, but then how pathetic would that be. I mean, Brady is just a pup, and chocolates not good for her anyways. I hope you like chocolate…I mean I didn’t even bother to ask…”
“Willow babble.” Tara smiled, reaching over to grab Willow’s hand, squeezing gently, before letting go.
“I can’t believe I just witnessed the nervous Willow babble.” Tori giggled.
Dawn placed a hand on Tori’s shoulder, and leaned in to her ear whispering. “You’ll witness it a lot more now that Tara won her affection.”
“What?” Tori swallowed, trying to forget about the warm breath swirling by her ear.
“Well, Willow doesn’t babble unless she’s nervous right? And she only seems to babble when Tara looks at her with the eyebrow, lop-sided grin thing.” Dawn explained before leaning back into her chair and started to eat her slice of cake.
Tori stared at the brunette for a minute before smiling. “I like you.” She said no trace of shyness.
Dawn smiled. “That’s good to know.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~
Willow slipped outside after hours of talking with everyone. It was getting late, and she wanted to clear her head before heading to L.A. tomorrow for another photo shoot.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Tara asked stepping outside on the porch.
Willow turned her head towards Tara, and let the biggest grin come over her face. “For you, it’s on me.” She scooted up, and patted the empty spot beside her on the porch swing. Tara sat down beside her and shivered at the coldness. Willow ran into the house and grabbed a blanket. Tara smiled as the red head snuggled close so that they could share the small blanket.
“So what are you thinking?” Tara softly asked.
“Stars, and tomorrow’s torturous day.” Willow shifted so that her head was close to Tara’s shoulder.
“Stars are always good to think about. But torturous is never a good word.” Tara closed her eyes smelling the sweet strawberry scent radiating off of Willow. “You do mean stars as in the sky right?” She asked a bit sheepishly.
“Of course. Thinking about all the stars I meet is just…never good. Besides, looking out at the stars here is just so peaceful. That’s why I love coming home on the holidays, stars. In my loft in Beverly Hills, to many lights from the city, that I can’t even see one single one.”
“Oh, you’re only on holiday?” Tara asked quietly.
“Yeah, until after the actual holidays. I gave myself three and a half months off because I needed it. To get away from everything, the camera’s, lights, rowdy people.” Willow sat up and turned towards the blonde. “Which is good because holiday’s means I can show you around Sunnydale. I mean, you’ve lived here for a month already, this I know, but still ever been to the Bronze?”
“No, can’t say I have.” Tara smiled, desperately trying not to reach out pull Willow’s lips close to hers. “Willow?”
“Yeah?”
“Why are you being so nice? It’s not that we don’t appreciate it, it’s just we’re…”
“Strangers?” Willow finished. “Tara, I know, I just met you today. But what and whom I met, I like. And I have a confession to make; I fell in love with your little daughter. She’s amazing, and I meant what I said earlier…you’re both beautiful.” She noticed Tara grinning. “What?”
“And here I thought you were gonna say you fell in love with me.” Tara teased, but blushing as she did so.
“Hmmm…”Willow sat back and just smiled.
“Thank you Will…for everything today.” Tara said as she started a smooth pace with the swing.
“My pleasure. Where is Hadley?” Willow asked realizing that she hasn’t heard the cute little blonde giggle in at least an hour.
“Sleeping. She fell asleep on the couch with Brady.” Tara bit her bottom lip just in case she got Brady in trouble.
“She’s gonna spoil my puppy.” Willow laughed.
“From what I hear from everyone else, you already spoil that puppy.” Tara smirked, she let her hand fall to the nearest spot, which was on Willow’s hand. She felt the red head lace their fingers together.
“Busted!” Willow murmured, trying not pounce on Tara, and kiss her senseless. “You found me out Miss Maclay. How shall I be punished?”
“No punishment.” Tara simply answered. “You’re off the hook because you introduced Tori to Dawn, who are in the spare room, trying to ignore ‘grown-ups’, and Hadley just loves you, and you’re little dog too.” Tara finished the end of her sentence by tickling Willow around her torso. Willow tried to get away, laughing hard, but no use, the ticklish sense was no longer that ticklish, it was more of a warm touch.
“Why don’t you three stay here tonight?” Willow asked out of nowhere. Tara was now curled up beside her trying to catch her breath, with her hand looped into Willow’s.
“I shouldn’t. I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Pfft!” Willow turned her head so that they were almost nose-to-nose. “I have a three spare rooms Tara. You can pick anyone you’d like.”
“I don’t know…”
“Please?” Willow begged. “I’d have to worry about you getting home safely. Hadley’s already sleeping, I have a lot of extra clothes here for you, Tori, and Hadley. I mean, you and Tori can raid my closer, and I have my old kid clothes for Hadley. Please?”
“You really want me to stay don’t you.” Tara saw care ness in the emerald orbs.
“Yeah…” Willow leaned in, and her lips met Tara’s. It was very brief, before they were interrupted.
“Tara!”
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I will be putting up part 4 tonight, and possibly part 5.
Hope you liked.
~Holly~
Show me where to touch you- Tara-It Ain't Fickle