by WillowsGirlXX » Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:56 pm
Next update done
UCL Sunnydale.
The battered old van drew up outside the UCL Sunnydale Campus and stopped, the engine continued running for a few moments then went silent. The driver’s door opened and a young man got out. Stretching himself for a moment he looked towards the campus, wondering if his ex was still there.
He ran his hand through his ruffled hair, locking the van door he started walking towards the front entrance. He found his way to the old dorm that he thought that she might still live in. 214 Stevenson Hall. Knocking on the door he waited for a moment. He heard footsteps, and the door opened to a young woman.
“Oh hey, sorry I was looking for someone else.” He said apologising.
“Sorry who where you looking for?”
“Willow Rosenberg or Buffy Summers, they used to live here.” He said.
“Sorry Willow moved out last year, last I heard someone say she was in England, following the death of her girlfriend.” The girl told him. “I don’t know Buffy though sorry.”
“Ok, thanks, sorry to bother you.” He said. The door closed and he was left alone again in the corridor.
“I know where to go.” He said, leaving the hall he walked back to the van.
***
1630 Revello Drive
“Goddess that was amazing.” Breathed Willow. She released Tara’s hand and sat back onto the pillow.
“Are you feeling any better now?” Tara asked her.
“Oh god much.” Willow said smiling. She pulled up her top to see the fading scars where the demon had sliced her belly open. “Wow they the scars are fading fast. Tara sweetie, your healing power helped, thank you.”
“We did it, together.” Tara said. “Is there still pain there?”
“It’s a little sore, but the burning pain is gone I feel so much better.” Sitting up she pulled Tara towards her and wrapped her arms tight around her lover’s waist.
“Tara sweetie, I know things have been a little weird lately with you know, you dying, me going evil, then you coming back to me.” She started to babble. “Tara I love you so much, I couldn’t bear to be away from you again. I need you Tara, you’re my girl always and forever. I love you.” She paused a moment, then looking straight into the blue eyes of her girlfriend she repeated the words, giving her everything, her heart and soul, mind and body. “Tara I love you.”
Tara just smiled lovingly at her girlfriend, she just held Willow close to her just wanting to be so near her lover. She didn’t want any moment of her life now without Willow, she kissed her firmly on the lips giving into the moment, just sharing the magic and the passion as they kissed.
“Oh goddess.” Tara Whispered. “Willow I love you too, I love you so much.”
Willow softly stroked Tara’s cheek softly brushing a few strands of her soft blonde hair away from her eyes. “Tara?”
“Yes my sweet Willow.”
“Marry me.” Willow said. “I love you so much, I want you to be my wife. Please marry me.” She said a tear rolling down her cheek.
Tara responded by kissing her again, pulling away she gazed into Willow’s pale green eyes. “Willow.”
“Yes.” Said Willow a hopeful look in her eyes.
“Of course I’ll marry you.” Tara said, her smile breaking into a huge loving grin.
Willow felt in an instant that even with the coming darkness, and the memories of her own trip into the dark side of magic, she knew that there was hope. The months of loneliness, the pain and anguish of losing her soulmate where fading. She still felt the pain of what she did to Warren and Rack, and she knew it was something she would have to live with for the rest of her life.
Her lover Tara had given her that hope; given her another chance and she had promised to help her deal with the magics and the pain. Willow looked deep into her girlfriend’s eyes and saw nothing but love, a love only for her. “As long as I have you with me Tara, I know I’m going to be ok.” She whispered softly. “My sweet Tara.”
Tara pulled Willow close again, she kissed her softly on the forehead and then gazed into her green eyes. “You’ll always have me Willow, I promise, my beautiful sweet Willow.”
***
Downstairs.
Buffy sat on the sofa just watching the television; it was one of the usual Saturday morning cartoons that she and Dawn used to enjoy as children. Glancing back to the kitchen she wondered if Min and Dawn where still making with the smooching, or had they finally decided to eat something.
Looking towards the stairs she imagined that Tara was still helping to heal Willow’s wounds, and knowing Tara as she did, that meant the physical wounds and her mental wounds. She sighed; Tara to her had always been a close friend, a comforter. She was always willing to listen and never judged anyone. “Welcome home Tara.” She said quietly to herself.
Here thoughts where interrupted by the phone ringing, she stood up went to the desk and picked up the handset. “Hello.”
“Buffy is that you?” She heard Xander on the other end of the line.
“Hey Xander, what’s up?” She said cheerfully.
“You’d better meet me at the High School.” He said to her, Buffy could tell he was nervous about something.
“Xander what’s wrong, and hello it’s a Saturday, so school not in session ok?”
“Buffy, it’s Spike.”
“Spike, what about Spike.” She said coldly, the memory of the man she thought she loved, until he tried to rape her in her own bathroom. That thought alone sent a shiver down her spine.
“He’s here at the High School; I was working down in the basement, working with my crew repairing the girl’s toilets, after you know the incident with the zombies.” He told her.
“Go on.”
“Well I saw Spike, he’s down here and he seems a little crazier than usual. Going on about ghosts or something, voices in his head.” He paused for a moment. “Anyway I think you had better get down here, he mentioned from beneath you it devours.”
Buffy eyes went wide; she had heard Giles, Willow and Dawn mention that sentence. “Ok, I’ll be there soon.”
She hung up the phone and realised she was shaking; something was coming, something bad. She could feel it crawling all over her for a moment. Shaking herself she took a deep breath and walked into the dining hall to see Min and Dawn eating breakfast.
“Hey Buffy.” Dawn said brightly, then seeing the look on her sister’s face. “Buffy is everything ok, you look a little pale?”
Buffy tried to smile. “Don’t worry Dawn, it’s nothing I can’t handle, I just have to pop out for a little while.”
“Are you sure?” Dawn asked her again.
“Yeah its fine don’t worry, besides you two girls have fun today. Any plans?” She asked.
“Shopping, I thought about showing Min some of the nicer parts of Sunnydale.” Dawn smiled.
“Nice parts of Sunnydale, which should take about ten minutes then.” Buffy giggled, then seeing the look on Min’s face she quickly added. “Just kidding.”
She turned to hear a knock at the door, shaking her head. “It’s Saturday, all I wanted was some peace and quiet.” She said quietly to herself.
She opened the door to a face she didn’t think she would ever see again, not after what happened nearly 3 years ago. He had barely changed in appearance.
“Hey.” He said.
“Hello Oz.”
Buffy stared at him for a moment, a few thoughts running through her mind. Was Oz back to try and win over Willow, possibly hearing that Tara was dead so he had come back to see if he could get back with her again. Or was he here for another reason, maybe even to help.
“Long time no see.” She said curtly.
“Yeah it has been a while.” He said, he could see the look of suspicion in her eyes, and he guessed that she was trying to protect Willow. He stood awkwardly for a moment, not sure of what to say. “How are things?”
“It’s been a little wacky of late.” Buffy admitted. “I can’t stop long as I need to get to the High School.”
“I thought we destroyed that?” Oz said.
“Xander and his people rebuilt it, done a good job accept for the Hellmouth still acting up.” Buffy told him.
“Buffy, just one thing, how is Willow?” He asked her.
Buffy knew he would ask about his former girlfriend at some point, it was only natural. “She’s fine, she recovering at the moment.” She said.
“Sorry, I went looking for you both at the college, but I was told she was in England, something about her girlfriend Tara being killed.” He said.
“You heard wrong, she was in England for a time, but she is back now, Tara is very much alive, and they are happy together.” She said to him, making sure he understood that Willow was still with Tara.
Oz caught that. “Don’t worry, I wasn’t back in town to try and rekindle things with Willow, she’s gay I know that. I have a wife so don’t worry. I am not going to hurt Willow or Tara or try to break them up.”
“I’m glad to hear that, wait sorry did you say you had a wife? You got married?” Buffy asked surprised and a little relieved too.
“Yeah.” Oz nodded.
Buffy managed a smile, she felt a little guilty at her words, but she had to protect her best friend. “Sorry Oz, it’s just been a wacky week.”
“It’s ok.” He returned the smile.
They both heard the footsteps coming down the stairs, Buffy turned to see Willow and Tara hand in hand walking down the stairs. “Bad timing.” She thought to herself.
“Hey Buffy, guess what?” Willow said grinning away.
“Willow, you look a lot better, what have you two been up to, no on second thoughts I don’t want to know.” Buffy giggled, forgetting that Oz was standing in the doorway just out of sight of the two wiccans.
“Tara and I did a healing spell; I’m feeling so much better.” Willow told her happily. “Tara and I have some news too, we thought you should know.”
She saw the door was open, and Buffy had obviously been talking to someone. She took a few steps and stopped, recognising her ex boyfriend.
Tara froze on the spot as she saw him, her eyes went wide as she remembered the last time she met him, she felt Willow’s hand grip her own a little harder.
“Oz.” Willow said.
“Hey Willow, Hi Tara.” He said.
“What are you doing here?” Willow asked him as she folded her arms across her chest.
Oz looked a little hurt. “Willow, please don’t worry ok, I am not here to cause trouble.” He could see Willow moving herself in front of Tara to shield her from him.
He looked at the two girls for a moment, he could sense their fear, but overriding that he could sense Willow’s deep love for the blonde girl behind her. He had come to terms with it knowing that Willow was happy with her, and that was all that mattered.
“Willow, please I came back to start up again at college, and to just say hello, that’s all.” Oz tried to reassure her.
Willow looked at her former lover; he had barely changed in the three years since she saw him drive off, after she had told him that she had fallen in love with Tara. She saw his left hand and the small band of gold on his wedding finger. “You’re married?” She asked him.
“Yeah just a little while ago.” He said smiling. “Glad to see your happy Willow.”
Willow smiled at him. “Thank you, what’s her name?”
“Sarah, we met in New York, when I was playing with my new band, she is the drummer.” He said proudly. “We fell in love.”
“Oz, I’m really happy for you.” Willow said.
He smiled and turned to Willow’s girlfriend. “Tara, don’t think I ever got a chance to say sorry to you. Sorry. He paused for a moment.
Tara managed a little smile. “It’s ok thank you.”
Willow still held onto her hand, she remembered that Oz had wolfed out in broad daylight and might have killed Tara if it hadn’t have been for Riley and the initiative. Yet despite Oz nearly killing her, Tara feared for him and told her that he had been captured. Her selfless act had shown her how much Tara cared about her. Risking even losing her to Oz, to Willow it showed just how pure and good Tara’s heart was, all Tara had wanted was Willow to be happy, and from that moment she knew Tara was the only one for her.
Willow just watched him, she didn’t sense any anger in Oz, but she still wanted to protect Tara.
Tara stood there, feeling the fear coming from Willow, she calmed herself and with her other hand gently placed it on Willow’s shoulder to reassure her. “Willow it’s ok.”
Willow relaxed at her girlfriends touch, how was it that every time Tara touched her, everything felt so much better. She loved that about her, Tara could always make her feel happy and relaxed.
Even being this close to the only man she once loved, all she could think of was her girlfriend. Oz meant something to her once, but now he was just someone she knew. A friend maybe, Tara was her world now, and nothing was going to tear her away from her again.
“Willow.” Tara whispered to her. “Are you ok honey.”
“I am.” Willow said, feeling her girlfriends love in her voice. “I’m with you Tara.”
Tara too relaxed, she felt her girlfriend calming down at her touch.
Oz, took this in, the connection and the love between the two girls was powerful. He was glad for Willow that she had Tara, he finally understood why Willow had chosen her over him. He felt a sense of calm and he smiled, Tara was Willow’s true soulmate, her everything. He looked into Tara’s blue eyes. “Promise me one thing Tara?”
She gave a half smile, not sure of what to expect. “Um ok.” She said nervously.
“Take care of your girl ok?” He said.
Tara just smiled. “I always will.”
Buffy felt a little relieved, the tension that had filled the hall was easing a little, remembering the happy tone in Willow’s voice before she saw Oz again, and she spoke. “So come on Will, what’s the big news.”
Willow too felt the tension ease, Oz said that she was Tara’s girl; she broke into a big grin and wrapped an arm around Tara’s waist. Buffy watched Oz’s reaction at Willow’s public display of affection towards her lover. He just smiled; Buffy again felt a sigh of relief.
“Tara and I are engaged.” Willow said beaming.
“Really?” Buffy said thrilled at the news.
“Yes really.” Tara said. “After everything that’s happened to us of late, I can’t bear to be without her.”
Buffy, Oz, Willow and Tara all jumped as they heard a huge yell of joy coming from the dining room. Moments later Dawn appeared with Min close behind.
“Oh my god, you guys.” Dawn said, totally excited. “I so love you guys.” She threw her arms around the two wiccans, hugging them both tightly.
Min folded her arms and giggled, in the short time she had known Dawn she had no idea she was that excitable.
“Ok oxygen becoming a serious issue.” They all heard Willow say, Dawn’s enthusiastic embrace was getting a little too much for the redhead.
“Sorry. I’m just so happy for you both.” Dawn beamed. “Can I be a bridesmaid?”
Willow just giggled. “Little early for worrying about that, but I think we can put you on the list.”
“Yippee.” Dawn said giggling.
Buffy embraced them both wiccans, although a little softer than her sister had done. “I’m so glad for the pair of you, I really am.”
She kissed Willow and Tara on their cheeks, she was thrilled they had taken this step they needed each other more than anything. “Sorry for bailing on you guys, but kinda have an emergency at the High School. Dawn have you seen my car keys?”
“I’ll take you.” Oz offered. “My van is parked outside; I can pass by the school on my way to pick up Sarah.”
“Thanks Oz.” Buffy said, she put her coat on and waited for Oz.
“Good you see you again Willow, you too Tara.” He said. “I’m really happy for you both, congratulations on the engagement.”
“Thanks Oz.” Willow said, both she and Tara gave him warm smiles.
“Nice to see you again Dawn, and sorry I don’t know you.” Oz said, looking at the new girl standing by Dawn.
“Min.” She answered. “I’m Dawn’s girlfriend.”
Oz said nothing just raised an eyebrow, he had to admit for the men of Sunnydale, dating prospects where looking bleak. He turned to Buffy. “We’d better go.”
Tara stepped forward. “Don’t be a stranger ok.” She said boldly.
He just smiled, turning away he left the house and Buffy followed him and closed the door behind her. Dawn turned to Willow, who was still holding Tara’s hand.
“Are you ok Willow?” She asked her.
Willow just smiled, she looked at Dawn then at Tara. She pulled Tara close and kissed her firmly on the lips, holding her lover tight to her body.
“I am now.” Willow said. “Are you ok Tara?”
Tara nodded. “Yes, I am Willow.”
“All I could think of when I saw him was just how much I love you Tara.” Willow said. “Tara, goddess I love you so much.”
“I know, I love you too my Willow.” Tara said, brushing a few wispy strands of Willows hair away from her face.
“Who was that?” Min asked.
“A guy I dated long time ago, before I met Tara and before I found out I was you know, gay.” Willow said.
“The werewolf?”
Willow nodded. “Old history now.” She said. Wrapping both of her arms around Tara’s waist she kissed her again passionately on the lips. “You’re my future Tara, you’re all I need.” She said her eyes filled with love for the blonde Wiccan.
“Willow my sweetie, I’m only for you.” Tara said returning the loving gaze.
Willow winked at her and took Tara’s hand, she led her to the stairs, and they slowly walked up the stairs heading towards their room. Dawn could tell by the naughty gleam in the redhead’s eyes that she and Tara where off for a little of what Willow had once said. “The hot girl on girl action.”
Dawn grinned, as she watched the two girls disappeared up the stairs, she turned to Min. Who had a knowing grin on her face, Dawn tried to remember her best Tara impression, recalling Tara’s explanation for Spike having the Buffybot a while ago.
“Maybe their going to play chess.” She said looking nervously at her girlfriend.
Min just giggled. “I’m sure, the naked kind that involves lots of heavy breathing and moans.”
Dawn frowned. “That wasn’t very convincing was it?”
“Nope.” Min laughed.
Min grasped Dawn’s hand and spun her into her own arms. She looked deep into the girlfriend’s hazel eyes and smiled. She kissed Dawn on the lips, Dawn wrapped her own arms around Min and responded by returning the kiss with a passion.
“So Miss Dawn, want to go shopping, or do you want to stay here and listen to those two playing chess.” Min giggled.
“Lets go shopping, I think they need some alone time.” Dawn said smiling.
“I like that plan.” Min said and kissed her again on the lips firmly.
***
Buffy sat in the passenger seat of the van; she was pretty amazed to see that he had still kept it going, it was old battered and was in dire need of repair. She and Oz had not said much since they left the house, but she decided to try and spark up a conversation.
“Oz?” She asked him.
“Yeah.”
“Thanks for taking me to the high school, I’m grateful.” She said.
“No problem.” He said in his usual short but polite manner. “Buffy, I’m glad Willow is ok, I know she is very happy with Tara.”
“They are very much in love, more so now, since Tara’s return.” Buffy said, and instantly regretted her choice of words.
“Return?” He asked her.
“Yeah, it’s complicated; Tara died, Willow lost control of her magic and came close to destroying the world, in her grief. Xander saved her, she went to England to seek help, she came back to find out Tara had been brought back to life.” Buffy said. “That’s the short version anyway.”
“Wait a minute, brought back?” He asked, concerned. “If you ask me that sound a little dangerous is she a vampire.”
“No Tara is human, she is the same Tara we know, and she is just back from the dead.” Buffy then giggled. “Kinda know how she feels too.” Sensing Oz’s confusion. “I died too, but was brought back.”
“Sunnydale is still the center of all things bizarre.” He commented. “This place never changes.”
“Oz, Tara is devoted to Willow, she loves her more than anything, and all we know about her resurrection is that it was routed in light, not darkness.” Buffy explained to him.
He nodded. “Ok, thanks, least I know she is safe.”
Buffy decided to change the subject. “So how long have you been married?” She asked him.
“Sarah and I married about two months ago.” Oz said, he brightened up at the mention of his wife.
“Cool and she’s here in Sunnydale?” Buffy asked him.
“Yes, I left her shopping, thought I would at least say hello.” Oz told her.
“I’m glad.” Buffy said.
“I love her.” He said.
Buffy felt a warm happy feeling for him, but she felt a little guilty as at least with Oz married, he wouldn’t be trying to upset Willow and Tara. This was a good thing as the past year had seen enough pain for the two girls.
Oz could tell Buffy was being very protective towards Willow and her girlfriend, he could understand it in a way. He then thought back to a comment Buffy had mentioned earlier.
“Buffy did you say Willow nearly destroyed the world?”
“Yup.” She nodded,
“Pretty intense.” He admitted.
“That was after she flayed the guy who shot Tara.” Buffy told him, she thought it best not to mention Glory who attacked Tara and Willow had actually hurt the hellgod in revenge.
Oz always remembered Willow as a sweet natured very gentle girl. She was bright fun and rarely bad tempered. To hear she had flayed a guy then nearly ended everything was a total surprise.
Buffy could tell he was shocked at the revelation that Willow had a dark side and a very dangerous one at that. But now Tara was there, perhaps she could help bring back the old Willow everyone knew. Already in the past couple of days, Willow was starting to return to the girl they all loved and adored.
The van pulled up outside the high school, Oz looked at the new building and he had to admit it looked impressive.
“Xander did a good job.” He remarked.
“Yeah he seems pretty settled in his career.” Buffy said, she faced Oz. “Thanks for the lift Oz, I’m very grateful.”
“Anytime.” He smiled.
“Oz, once you and Sarah get settled, you should drop by.” Buffy suggested.
He smiled. “We will thanks.” He paused and then spoke again. “Buffy, I really am pleased for Willow, Tara’s is her soulmate I really do wish them the very best, they belong together.”
“Thank you, it means a lot.” Buffy said giving him a warm smile.
Buffy opened the door and stepped onto the sidewalk, as she closed the door he gave her a nod and a little smile. He started the van back up and slowly drove off.
Oz was glad to see Willow was happy, he still missed her a little, but he knew she belonged to Tara, nothing could ever change that. He wasn’t sure about rejoining the old scooby gang as yet, but maybe in time. He saw the clock on the dashboard. “Better pick Sarah up.” He said to himself. “Hope she hasn’t bought half the town.”
Buffy watched him drive off heading in the direction of the town center; it was nice to see him, although a part of her still felt bitter about the way he had left Willow. She did think though that things had worked out for the best, as soon after she met Tara, and ever since Willow had met Tara, Willow had blossomed.
Taking a deep breath she walked up the steps and found her way to the main entrance where Xander had been waiting for her.
“Sorry I’m late, we had an old friend pop by for a visit.” Buffy said. “Oz.”
“Oz, really?” Xander said with surprise. “When did he get back, oh god is he here for Willow?”
“No, he’s married now, and to be honest I kind of hinted that Willow tends to get a little cranky if anyone hurts Tara.” Buffy said.
“Buffy, hinted? Or was that gave him the full low down about flaying and end of the world?”
Buffy went a little red with embarrassment. “Ok I let him know she gets really cranky. Was that a little over the top?”
Xander laughed. “Sometimes Buffy you’re as subtle as Anya.”
“Hey.” Buffy pouted. Her face then showed a serious side as she remembering why they where at the high school on a Saturday morning. “So where is he?”
Xander took a deep breath; he knew this would be hard for Buffy, but she need to see him. He had never seen Spike like this before, rambling and going on about ghosts. Something was up, and he knew the only one who might be able to figure it out was the slayer.
“This way.” He said.
They made their way down the stairs and into the poorly lit basement, water dripped from the pipes onto the floor. The sound echoed off the close walls. The whole place was creepy, and to think this was where Dawn and Min had fought for their lives only a few days ago.
She turned the corner to see the man who had once made her life hell, who she had sought comfort in when she was brought back from the dead, and then the man who tried to rape her in her bathroom.
“Spike.” She whispered quietly.
He was sitting on floor his head was in his hands and he was rocking back and forth. Buffy couldn’t quite hear what he was saying so she took a few steps forward.
“It’s coming, I can feel it, crawling in my skin oh god it burns me, why does it do this to me.” He said muttering to himself. “I hurt the girl, I’m a bad man, William you’re a bad man, cos I hurt the girl.”
Buffy approached him and knelt down in front of Spike; he still was ignoring her and just kept talking to himself. She had never seen him like this, he seemed different.
“Spike.” She said, there was no acknowledgement of her presence so she spoke again a little louder. “Spike.”
In an instant he stopped and looked up into Buffy’s eyes, a few tears running down his cheeks. “Oh god, the ghost, your not real, your not here.”
Buffy reached out and touched his shoulder. “I’m real.”
He cowered and hid his head in his arms. “No, god no, William you’re a bad evil man, you hurt the girl.”
“Spike, stop this.” Buffy said again. “What is going on? What happened to you?”
“Nothing, I know nothing, I’m not here, your not here.” He said.
“What is wrong with you?” She said again, this time gripping his shoulders. “My god what is wrong with you, snap out of this Spike.”
“Shall I hit him?” Offered Xander. “That always works in the movies.”
“Xander, I don’t think that is going to help.” Buffy glared at him. She turned to Spike and then slapped him across the face; Spike looked up shocked, he was too stunned to hit her back.
“Hey, I thought you said it wouldn’t help.” Xander protested.
“I changed my mind.” Buffy said. “Slayers prerogative.”
Xander rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Come on Buffy, I don’t think we are going to learn anything from him.”
“Xander wait.” Buffy said, she turned to Spike, who had pulled his shirt back to reveal a series of cuts across his chest. Her eyes went wide with shock. “Oh my god, what did you do?” She reached out to touch the scars.
“Hey, hey, hey! No touching. Am I flesh? Am I flesh to you? Feed on flesh. My flesh. Nothing else. Not a spark.”
“What do you mean?” She asked him. “Spike tell me?”
Spike looked at her, he was struggling to form the words, he just stared at her, finally he spoke. “I needed the spark, the spark for the engine.”
Buffy shook her head, something was wrong here, he was acting completely crazy. “Spike, have you completely lost your mind?”
“Well yeah, where have you been huh?” He said dryly. “I had to go try Buffy, to find it, put the spark back. I did it though, got my spark back. Angel should have warned me though, I tried to cut it out, it stings me, hurts and burns me, I did this for you.” He said.
Buffy let go of him and stumbled back. “Oh my god.”
“Buffy what?” Xander asked.
“Spike, I think he has a soul.” She said, her voice trembling.
Spike shrugged his shoulders and looked into Buffy’s eyes, trying to see what was going on in her mind. “Bit worse for lack of use.”
“Oh dear god.” Xander said. “You have to be kidding me.”
“I did it for you.” Spike told her. “It’s what you wanted wasn’t it?”
***
A Prison, not far from LA.
“Come on, girl. Over here, over here.” Shouted one of the women, they where playing basketball in the prison yard.
The main door into the yard opened as Faith walked out taking in a few breaths of the clean air. She liked to be outside, it gave her a chance to work out some of her frustration at being stuck in prison. She walked over the place where the gym had been set up. Looking around she went over to the bars and began to work out. Doing her pull up’s with total ease, she felt herself relax.
Behind her she didn’t see an older woman, with short hair slide a knife from out under her shirt and approach the dark haired slayer. She raised the sharp blade and prepared herself to stab Faith.
In an instant Faith sensed the danger, she turned herself around and kicked her in the face sending her crashing to the ground. Pulling herself up she flipped forward and landed on her feet. The woman was reaching for her knife again.
“Ok, you got my attention. What's your beef, Deb? You really ought to think twice” She watched as Deb grabbed the knife stood up and swung at her. Faith easily dodged the swipe and pushed her away. “Or not.”
Deb, just glared at Faith with hatred. “Nothing personal, I need the money.” She said trying again to thrust the blade into Faith.
Faith grabbed a bell bar which had huge weights on either end, she drove it straight into Debs face, smashing her nose and sending the woman onto the ground hard.
“For a nose job?” She said sarcastically.
A prison guard who had seen what was happening rushed towards them. “ok, Come on, come on.”
Faith saw the guard approach, she dropped the barbell to the ground and raised her hands. “Hey, hey, self defence. She attacked me, Eddie.”
Eddie nodded. “Yeah, I saw the whole thing.” He turned to his colleague and pointed at Deb who was lying on the ground holding her broken nose. “Get her to the infirmary.”
Faith glared at him. “Wait, you saw?” She said, a tone of anger in her voice.
Eddie backed up a little. “Hey, caught us by surprise. I mean, who'd be crazy enough to try to take you out?” He said staring at the knife that Deb had tried to kill Faith with.
Faith looked at the knife, it was curved and had markings along the blade, she had never seen one like it before. “Yeah who would be crazy enough.” She said quietly.
She turned away and picked up the bar bell she had used against Deb, placing it on the holder set into the bench she went back to the bar to continue her pull ups. She could feel the other women in the prison staring at her, mostly with fear in their eyes.
“I wonder what the hell that was all about.” She thought to herself.
***
1540 Revello Drive.
Pia glanced at her watch, it was early in the afternoon and she and her girlfriend had not long woken up. They had overslept following a night of passionate lovemaking, an attempt to shower and change before setting off had soon turned into more lovemaking.
“Jodie sweetheart are you ok up there?” Pia called out.
“I’m fine honey, be down in a couple of minutes.” Jodie replied.
Pia sat down on the sofa and stretched out her slender legs, she was feeling so much better than a few days ago. She had a tendency to worry to much, but things where looking up now.
Willow was back with Tara, the reunion of the two wiccans would be a big help in fighting the coming darkness. Now all they needed where two more people to join forces with Buffy and her friends. A potential slayer and the former rogue slayer. Pia still worried though, how would they find the potential, and could they get Faith to help them.
Pia barely heard her girlfriend coming down the stairs; Jodie saw that her lover was deep in thought again. She sighed and the walked up to her, she knelt down in front of her girlfriend and took both her hands.
“Pia sweetheart, what’s up honey?” She said softly.
“Just thinking about Faith, hope she is willing to help us, and help Buffy.” Pia said quietly.
“She will.” Jodie reassured her. “I promise.”
Pia smiled. “I still worry though.”
Jodie pulled Pia up from the sofa and into her arms. “Pia my sweet, you always worry, but believe me we can do this.”
“I know, once we get Faith you know they will come for us as well don’t you?” Pia said.
Jodie nodded. “I know, we will go to Buffy and ask for her help, hopefully she can help us.”
“I hope so.” Pia said her face a little sad.
“Pia I know you two have history, but please don’t worry ok.” Jodie reassured her. “How long has it been?”
“Long time, we broke up just before she became the slayer.” Pia said. “We didn’t go out for that long so I am sure she won’t remember me.”
“So please don’t worry, she will be ok, and she can help us and help Buffy too.” Jodie said.
“We can help her as well, we have a little power, nothing like Willow or Tara, but we can help them.” Pia said.
“We will, Pia it is going to be hard but we have a chance to stop this evil once and for all.” Jodie smiled warmly, she kissed her girlfriend on the forehead and then on her lips.
“I love you.” Pia told her.
Jodie kissed her again. “I love you too.”
Pia suddenly smiled, she turned her head to look out the window to see two people just standing outside holding hands just sitting on the step outside the house. Jodie saw them to and she couldn’t help feel that things where getting better.
“They look good together don’t they?” Pia said.
Jodie watched them for a moment. “They look perfect together, the prophecy is coming true.”
“It is.” Pia whispered. “Things are going the way they should now, I can feel it.”
“Lets go rescue a slayer.” Jodie said. “We can then finally introduce ourselves to Buffy, Willow and Tara. Do you have the ingredients for the spell?”
“Yes I do, ok, let’s do it.” Pia said. “I am looking forward to seeing Tara again.”
***
1630 Revello Drive
Willow sat outside the house, Tara next to her. They had spent most of the morning making love; it had been the first time since Tara’s return that they had made love. Willow felt completely at peace for the first time in months. Her union with Tara had gone a long way to healing her heart. They just sat there enjoying the warm sunshine and feeling the breeze on their faces.
Tara too felt complete for the first time since finding out she had died and been resurrected. She still wasn’t sure who had brought her back, but Giles and the coven in England assured her that it was not an evil spell. All she knew is she was happy, she was with Willow and that was all that mattered.
She felt that Willow still had some healing to do, but she would be there for her, to hold her and take care of her. She could feel the darkness that still lay buried with Willow, but every moment that she shared with the redhead, Tara could feel the darkness slipping away and Willow’s soul healing.
“I love you.” Tara whispered softly in her girlfriend’s ear.
Willow rested her head on Tara’s shoulder, feeling the warmth of her girlfriend’s body. “I love you too Tara.”
Tara turned her head slightly and kissed the soft red hair of her lover, she rested her head against Willow’s and they just watched the world around them go by.
“This is so nice; life is so much more peaceful like this.” Willow said quietly. She could feel the gentle wind blowing a few strands of her hair; it felt fresh against her skin.
“I know, I could stay like this for hours, just here with you.” Tara said, her mind calm, she felt so relaxed. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath and slowly breathing out again.
Willow moved her head and rested it against Tara’s chest, just listening to her girlfriends heart beat. “Thump thump, thump thump.” She said softly. “It’s a beautiful sound.”
Tara slid her arm around Willow’s waist, just holding her girlfriend close to her body, she smiled at her girlfriend. “You can hear it beating?”
“Yup.”
“It beats only for you my Willow.” Tara said. “Always for you.”
Willow felt a tear welling up in her eye, somehow Tara always knew the right words to say to make her feel better. She smiled as she felt the tear run down the soft skin of her cheek. She wiped the tear from her face, and then rested her hand back on Tara’s knee.
“Willow, are you ok sweetie?” Tara asked her.
“I’m fine Tara, just so happy to have you here with me.” She answered, her voice almost a whisper.
They watched as the door to the house opposite opened and two young women stepped outside, closed the door behind them and started walking to their car.
Willow noticed that they where holding hands. “Hey Tara, didn’t notice that Sunnydale had another lesbian couple. They must have moved in recently.”
“Don’t tell Xander, I don’t think he could handle it with the lesbian overload around here.” Tara grinned. “First us, then Dawn, and now those two.”
Willow laughed. “Well let’s set Buffy up and really give him nightmares.”
Tara burst into giggles. “I think maybe we should.”
They watched as the two girls got into their car and started it up, Tara felt one of the girl’s glance at her and she felt a feeling that she knew the girl from somewhere. The car drove off before Tara could get a good look at the girl’s face. She let it go, perhaps she could find out who she was later on. For now she was happy and contented to be close to her girlfriend.
“Tara, do you think Buffy will be long?” Willow asked her.
“I don’t know, why?” Tara asked puzzled at her question.
Willow sat up and looked into her girlfriend’s eyes. “Well we have the house to ourselves.” She said giving the blonde a knowing glance.
Tara grinned. “Vixen.”
***
Ok that part redone and posted. Starting to get the two new characters into the story now, big surprise coming soon and for one character some very serious angst.
Rachel
I Will Always Find You
Willow to Tara
Can't wait for more! 
and plenty of gay love and a wedding i am all yours 
Faith's out. It wasn't a perfect rescue, but I suppose it was Pia & Jodi's first jail break. I wonder where Faith knows Pia from?
It was almost a relief when it was Min's mother who died.
