Chapter five Replies Stace: Ok not sure where your going with the cockney & the bomber jacket, but glad you like spunky Tara..I’ll make an Aussie out of you yet. Can't promise evilness in the Jennifer department, you’ll just have to keep reading.
Miss Jackie: If this chapter completely sucks it’s on your head Lovey. You know I am rendered completely helpless against your begging. You should use your powers for good & not evil.
Wimpy: I hope this chapter gives you at least some of that insight that you were after
Lil’ Sis: Hope this update takes your mind of some of the pain and that you like what I have done with “that bit”, fingers crossed others will have the same sense of humour as you..If I get rubbished on the KB, I’m holding you personally responsible for encouraging me to finish writing it.
WickedReds: Another one on the spanking willow band wagon, not sure is she will wake up to herself anytime soo. Glad you liked the Dawn/Tara stuff, Dawn kinda shit me to tears on the show.
tarawhipped: Hehe! What a great reply…thanks a bunch, hope I can give you some relief with this update.
LizPuRRThe Rose24Irishgrl3photographer02: Hopefully this update might give you a bit of an understanding. I could rant about whats cracking with Willow, but all will be revealed downstream.
alysagoddess85: I believe that the reasoning behind the language will become clearer as the story goes on, I hope this is enough for the time being. Glad your liking the older Dawn.
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Title: No One Expects the Spanish Inquisition
Author: ittybittyone
Rating: I dunno, not from around these parts..I think PG at first but eventually NC17 ( I think that is the naughty one)
Disclaimer: Has anyone really been sued for not putting this in?
Feedback: Go nuts, I need all the help I can get
Summary: Tara left Sunnydale after the fight. Willow didn’t spazz out & go feral. This is Three years later.
Chapter SixTara spent the next few days keeping herself busy with preparing for her first week of teaching. She figured that she would give Willow some space rather then trying to pressure her to talk, she knew that If Willow needed or wanted to talk there was nothing in this or any other world that would hold her back from expressing it.
Tara read up on some of the history books she would have to go through with her students, she was looking forward to telling them her first hand experience on the places she had visited. Looking through some of the books brought back happy memories of when she was in Europe, one particular piece reminded her of when she was kicked out of a Gallery in Italy.
There had been a statue of a partially naked women which Tara was particularly drawn too. Her interest had caused her rather outlandish travelling partner Nicki to suggest she stand near & take a picture. Tara was embarrassed at getting caught eyeing the piece so closely. Before Tara could protest, Nicki had given Tara’s camera to a near by man and politely asked if he could help them out. Nicki had promptly dragged Tara behind the statue and pressed Tara’s body between herself and the statue. She then proceeded to grab her hands from behind and suggestively caressed the statue’s breast. Tara had struggled to get out of Nicki’s grasp which made it appear that she was getting excited by the piece. This scene only encouraged the photographer who had began laughing at the top of his lungs whilst continually snapping photos. It was during this scene that a tour guide and group, rounded the corner and took stock of the scene that was unfolding.
It was seconds later the two girls and their would be accomplice photographer were promptly removed from the Gallery with what can only be presumed to be a warning never to return. Tara’s Italian was still very sketchy at that stage but the tone that was used was not very welcoming. “Oh my God Nicki, I can’t believe you just did that, I don’t think I have ever been that embarrassed in my life”. Tara breathlessly exclaimed. “Oh My God Tara, that was bloody hilarious”. Nicki spat out whilst trying to catch her breath between fits of laughter, “That security guy…what the hell was he saying, did you see the way he threw his arms about I thought he was going to take off”
After Tara took a second to digest what had just happened and seeing the state of her friend Tara lost control of herself and burst out into fits of giggles...” Oh crap, how bad must that have looked to that group, and with the groping and the photos, and I was yelling out your name all frustrated…How embarrassing”
“Oh god ….Tara the photo’s …we have to get them developed …straight away…. Your face….Oh my god….I can’t wait to see the look on your face” Nicki was now crouching on the ground gasping for air.
Tara was now next to Nicki and pushed her over which started another round of hysterics. “How about the camera man…how many pictures did he take…and what a total perv” Tara laughed out
“Oh Tara …what must he have been thinking of us asking for the pictures” Nicki said still from the floor.
Every time Tara would start to gain control, Nicki would make Camera flashing sounds or proclaim “make love to the camera” and Tara would lose all control again.
It was that event that sparked a pay-back competition that would last the next 7 months whilst backpacking around Europe.
Tara found herself laughing out loud at the memory “won’t be sharing that one with the students” she thought to herself. Buffy walked into the room on hearing the laughter. “Hey Tara, I had no idea Art history was so funny”
Tara jumped at the comment bringing her out of her daze. “Shit Buffy, you scared the crap out of me”.
“Oh sorry Tara, didn’t realise you were all dreamy with the art there”
“What?” Tara asked confused…”Oh, no nothing like that, it just reminded be of something that happened in Italy. “We were at this Art Gallery and…um…you know what never mind” Tara finished with a blush.
“Why do I feel like there is a whole lot of juiciness there that you’re not telling me” Buffy said with a pout.
“Buffy have you never heard of the phrase. “What happens on tour stays on tour”.
“OOOOK, this is news to me” Buffy moved into the room more and sat on the bed.
“Well Buffy it means just that, what happens whilst being away, well it does not get repeated after the fact, its forever locked away and archived to the never to be spoken about again shelf”. Tara explained with a nod.
“Well now you totally have my attention, come on spill...how many other stories do you have locked away there Tara”
“Oh no, Not a chance in hell Buffy” Tara said with a firm shake of her head.
“Ha funny you should say that, this is the hell mouth, not quite hell, so spill”
“Hey you guys” Dawn said poking her head in the room
“Hi Dawn” both girls replied. Tara sighed in quiet relief, Buffy had a knack for breaking her resolve.
“Don’t think for a second your getting out of telling me that story so easily Maclay” Buffy said to Tara under her breath.
“Didn’t either of you hear the phone ring”.
“We must of missed it, who was it” Buffy asked.
“It was Anya” Dawn put on her best Anya impersonation “she said to remind you that it is Xander’s birthday the day after tomorrow so don’t forget to buy him a gift. She also said anything lovely for the house would be especially appreciated… by Xander”
“Ah leave it to Anya to manage a present for herself on someone else’s birthday” Buffy said with a laugh. “Mind you it had kinda slipped my mind, I haven’t got him anything”
“Neither have I Buffy, I’m glad she rang, do you want to go shopping tomorrow?”
“Sure Tara, how about you Dawn, you want to come with?”
“I’m in, I have a class in the morning, but I should be done around lunchtime, I’ll meet you at the mall around then”
Tara got up from her spot on the floor. “Ok it’s settled then…So you both home for dinner I was going to maybe cook some Risotto.
“Oh dinner” Dawn interrupted “I forgot, Anya said that she is having everyone over for dinner on Xander’s birthday and according to Anya you are heavily involved in the preparations, Basically Tara .. I think that means you will cook while Anya talks and sips wine”
“Hehe, that sounds like our Anya, she has been a little peeved about missing so much best friend time….Plus I apparently owe her big time for not telling her first that I was coming back to Sunnydale. I am pretty sure I will be paying for that for the rest of my life”
“She remembers stuff from twelve hundred years ago Tara, there is no chance she will ever forget” Said Dawn with a smirk
“So guys dinner…you going to be here?” Tara asked.
“Well I’m here for dinner, but will go out for patrol later…you have cooked the last few nights Tara, how about you keep giggling at the art and Dawn and I will fix something up”
“Giggling at Art?” Dawn enquired.
“Never mind long story” Tara said dismissively
Buffy gave Tara a sly smile and raised her eyebrow. “I won’t forget you know, …..Come on Dawn lets go throw something together”
“Hope your not fussy Tara” Dawn said as Buffy pushed her out the door.
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Dawn and Buffy were in the kitchen together preparing the dinner.
“Hey Buff.. have you seen Willow lately?” Dawn asked concerned
“I kinda dropped in on her before work…why?”
“Well Tara and I bumped into her the other day at the Espresso Pump, did Tara mention it to you?”
Buffy put down the spoon she was holding and gave Dawn her full attention “No she didn’t..why what happened”
“Well Willow was pretty nervous and super uncomfortable but she was kinda well…kinda a little well mean” Dawn said with reservation.
“Damn, was Tara OK” Buffy’s concern was evident to Dawn
“She held it together, but only just Buff, she is putting on a really brave face but I know this is killing her. Willow seemed like she was pretty angry with Tara”
“I think Willow is just trying to deal with all this Dawn, I am sure she thinks Tara is going to leave again. Maybe she is, I’m not even sure Tara knows what she is doing”
“Well I will tell you this Buffy, if this is how it’s going to be, I am willing to bet you any amount of money that Tara won’t be staying. I think she kinda thinks that she left it too late to come back and that Willow is actually happy with… that girl” Dawn spat out
“Jennifer, her name is Jennifer Dawn. And there is no point in you hating her just because she isn’t Tara. I want to see them both happy just as much as you Dawn. I honestly don’t think either of them will find it unless they deal with this history between them”
“I don’t hate Jennifer Buffy it’s just well…..Its not right, you cant tell me she makes Willow happy, or is ever going to be able to make her happier then she was when she was with Tara”
“I really don’t know Dawn, I honestly don’t think Jennifer is forever material, but I think Willow needed someone, I just hope Will is truthful to herself when she decides how she feels. I think at the moment she is just being cautious and scared”
I suppose your right Buffy, I hope she does come around, because you know how Tara is. She won’t fight for Willow, she will just accept what she thinks Willow wants. I just don’t want her to leave again Buffy. It feels so right that she is back.”
“I know Dawn, I know, I don’t want her to go either” Buffy went over to her sister and pulled her into an embrace. “I think that they will get through it Dawn, I have to believe a love like theirs will find a way. Buffy said with a far away voice.
Dawn smiled into Buffy’s shoulder, she pulled away and looked at her. “You will get there Buffy, I promise there is someone out there for you”
Buffy gave Dawn a half smile. “Let’s not hold our breaths hey Dawnie, one step at a time. We need to work on the witches first”.
“I think your right about getting them to talk, as much as I thought I would never say this I have a funny feeling Anya is kind of on the same wave length.” Dawn said with a laugh.
“What do you mean, how so” Buffy was confused
“It was just how she emphasised how everyone was going to be at their place for Xanders birthday and something about keeping Tara busy so she isn’t nervous and then something else about chicken breast which I totally didn’t get. She sort of stopped herself mid sentence which struck me as odd for Anya”
Buffy laughed. “Wow!.. Anya seems to have this way of being more human when it comes to Tara…How come it only comes out for her? I think maybe she does have the right idea though, them spending time in the group situation might be the best way to ease Willow into it”.
“I hope your right Buffy, Willow needs a bit of a shoving, she sort of gave the impression she was going to make herself busy the next couple of weeks and be all avoidy. And you know what Willow resolve is like” Dawn replied with concern in her voice.
“I guess so, we can only do so much Dawn. All I know is that the most effective weapon against the famous Willow resolve is Tara, and we are now finally armed” Buffy said in her best slayer speak
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“Honey you going to get that or what?...Hon?…..Hon?…Yo Willow” Jennifer finally yelled.
“Huh wha huh? Willow answered confusedly.
“Never mind" Jennifer picked up the ringing phone "Hello…Oh Hey Anya, its Jennifer, How are y…yeah sure I will get her for you” Jennifer put the phone to her chest. “Will it’s for you, its Anya” she mumbled in a bored tone. “God that women is rude, she just cut me off, what’s her problem?” she said in annoyance
Willow shrugged and answered in a quiet tone “she’s just... different, you’ll be fine once you get to know her”.
Willow took the phone and answered. “Hey Anya, what’s going on is everything ok” she asked with slight concern. “Yes of course I remembered to get him a present Anya, he’s been my best friend for how many years now?……No I am not going to tell you what it is so I can change it if you don’t like it ……… Umm…dinner…hold on just let me check.
“Jen, Its Xanders birthday on Friday, and well...Anya was having everyone over for dinner, do we have any plans on Friday night?”
Jennifer rolled her eyes. “I guess we do now”
“So you’re ok with us going?” Willow asked arching her eyes.
“I guess so” Jennifer replied shrugging
Willow put her ear back to the phone "Great! What time do you want us there?” At that moment Willow walked into the kitchen and reduced the volume of her voice.
Yes ‘US’ Anya, of course I am bringing Jennifer…..7 sounds fine….Do you need us to bring anything? Ok I will see you then….Bye”
Willow hung up the phone and scrunched up her face in thought. “Ok that was perhaps the weirdest conversation I have ever had with Anya..if that’s even possible…Since when has she been so cryptic..At least when she’s so blunt I know exactly what she is on about….It sounded as if….. Willows brain finally twigged…. "Tara" Willow finally said out loud.
Jennifer was at the doorway watching Willow, seeing how her shoulder slumped as she said the single word. Willow was quiet again, appearing to be lost in thought.
Jennifer squared her shoulders and approached Willow from behind and gently placed her hands on both of Willows shoulders. “Hey you ok?”
Willow jumped at the contact and pulled away. She turned her body to face her girlfriend. “Yeah I’m fine…I ah…was just thinking…I ummmm haven’t got Xander anything for his birthday yet”
“I thought you said you got something to Anya”
“Well yeah I kind of forgot and I didn’t want to tell Anya” Willow quickly recovered
“Any ideas for a present” Jennifer played along, she knew Willow had other matters on her mind, but chose to ignore it for the time being.
“Nah nothing, I guess I will just have to go the mall tomorrow at lunch and pick up something” Willow lied.
“Well if you get stuck, I can try to go in the afternoon for you if you like” Jennifer offered
“I should be able to find something once I get there, Xander’s easy to buy for, thanks anyway” Willow said with a forced smile.
Jennifer shrugged, kissed the redhead on the cheek and returned to the living room.
Ok why the hell did I do that, it’s like a tangled web of lies and I’m so hopeless at it, I already have the stupid present. And that was just a dumb thing to lie about. Y
es Tara is here…Big Woop! Yeah she still looks Whoa, and yeah she has that whole smile thing going for her. But the reality is…there is nothing there.
You don’t leave for three whole years if there is something there. Why didn’t I just tell Jennifer. Oh that’s great Willow tell her what exactly? Your paranoid about seeing the ex-girlfriend. Yeah good one Will, that would have gone down really well….Kinda opens up the door to a whole bunch of other questions. Why are you paranoid? Do you want to see her? Does that sexy smile make you want to just throw her to the floor? Ok where the frilly heck did that come from, those thoughts are bad.
Evil thoughts! Bad, evil thoughts who the hell invited them in. Damn how the am I gonna just get over this and keep control until she is out of sight and out of mind again.
This birthday party is going to be another one to add to the lists of ruined parties.
Thank the goddess its not Buffys birthday otherwise we might get stuck in the house again.
There is no point in going back to where I was a year ago all alone and with no one. Thinking about all the why’s and what if’s. I didn’t go anywhere, She left not me! Its over… long gone. Just keep focus, avoidance is key! I will stay close to the others, avoid eye contact at all times, definitely no looking at her neck….oooo….or her tummy just where her shirt rides up…ooooo….or at her Frogs! Yes of course Frogs! Frogs! Frogs! Frogs! Disgusting slimey ewwww Frogs.
“Willow...the show is starting you still want to watch this or what” Came Jennifer’s voice from the other room.
“Ah Yeah sure coming” Willow shook her head vigorously and retreated to the living room
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Thank you to everyone for reading and also leaving feedback, Hope I still manage to keep your attention
Tray
The contemplator all those years, now you must adhere to your new career of liberation, You've been cast all by yourself, You're free at last! You broke the set now there's only singles, there's no looking back this time I mean it
Happy Now? - No Doubt
by WickedReds » Thu Oct 07, 2004 9:45 am 
a
wonderful update now i want coffee and we both cant have any! 
is her problem.. Stace has the right idea on resaon to smack willow... Now i'll sit an wait for the next update...
*races out of Tray's thread, tires squealing*
ultra cool dude for inspiration 
Jen is evil, and avoiding Tara? What is she doing? Update soon! Want to read more!
