Fic: No More

[Zahir al Daoud]

Ah! This is such a sweet story. Thanks for writing this. *sniff*

"O Let my name be in the Book of Love!
If it be there I care not of that other Book above.
Strike it out! Or write it in anew, but
Let my name be in the Book of Love!"
--Omar Kayam

[mollyig]

Ah so cute both with the little freudian slips.



I think its lovely that Willow wanted to talk to Tara about this, it shows the absolute trust that has formed between them.



Great update.

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[jdcioffi]

She don't ...



We know what she does want though ... (((( ))))



Excellent update ... as ever, , JD

"Was there a voice unkind in the back of your mind saying, "maybe..." (Jeff Buckley - The Last Goodbye)

[TwiLightJoy]

She sat back in stunned silence. For some reason … she didn’t want to be back with Oz. And she wasn’t entirely sure why, only that it was somehow the truth, a truth she hadn’t even been fully aware of until this very moment. Willow ran a hand through her hair, wondering what had made her awaken to the fact. Something inside her had just … told her. That meant some part of her knew, had a good, solid, rational reason, because it wasn’t at all what she had expected.



Had she assumed she’d have the ‘happily ever after’ ending with the first guy she’d ever had a real romantic relationship with? Well, okay, she had to admit that was kind of a long shot, but she had definitely supposed they would have ‘happily for quite some time’ at least. And now she only had to figure out why she’d decided to say no. When she had been over at Buffy’s, she hadn’t known at all why she’d so much as hesitated, and now…? Much more than hesitation.



She doesn’t want Oz back. She doesn’t want Oz back. These words seemed to be on repeat in Tara’s head. She didn’t dare hope that the redhead’s feelings for her were anything more than friendship, not yet, even though there were moments, moments like the one that had just happened, when their eyes met and they just … connected, in a very deep way. Willow herself had admitted to feeling a connection between them, once, and since they’d done the spell on Saturday, it felt that much stronger.



Not just because of the magic, either, though with Willow’s innate grasp of the power and Tara’s practiced control over it, the spell’s effects had been astoundingly perfect. Yes, it was more than just that – she recalled for the thousandth time the feel of Willow’s small, delicate hand in her own, the easy banter between them as well as the long discussions, the comfort that each girl took in the other’s presence, and the trust they had built. Tara had easily recognized an incredibly strong attraction to the smaller girl, from the very first time she’d lay eyes on her. Already she belonged to Willow, heart and soul. If only the object of her affections would realize it.



The girls sat side by side on the couch, speechless, for long minutes. “So you should, you should call him,” Tara began, finally breaking the silence. “I mean, he probably would want to know what you’ve decided. He should know,” she corrected herself.



Willow nodded. “Yeah, he does. I’m just not thinking it’s a phone type thing, though. And I’m still kinda…” she grimaced and held her heads out, watching them shake before closing them into fists and pulling them back towards her body. “It’s not what I expected I would decide. It’s kinda scary, you know, I thought … I thought I’d want to be with him forever. And it isn’t that I don’t care about him. I really do, but I just … don’t want to be his girlfriend. He deserves someone who does, with all their heart.”



“What about what you deserve?” the witch asked in a small voice, almost inaudible over the soft hum of the fish tank’s filter. But the look she gave Willow spoke clearly of unconditional support, complete trust, and yes, love. “I know you’re worried about Oz, but he isn’t the only person involved in this. I can tell that you’re unsure of a lot of things, so any time you want to talk or whatever, I’m here. And I’ll always be here. I’ll listen and I’ll help you sort through this.” A hint of a smile crossed her face. “I know there’s a lot in life that can’t be promised, but I promise, Willow, you’ll always have me.”



And somehow, those words, the absolute honesty behind them, reassured Willow a great deal. While that was quite a statement to make on a Hellmouth, she didn’t doubt Tara meant every word.



~~



Smooth, warm skin against her own. Willow sighed and pressed closer to the warmth, letting it gradually penetrate into her, the cold that had surrounded her fleeing to a place far from here. A gentle hand brushed copper strands back, then trailed down, softly brushing against her ear in just the right spot and then slowly tracing along her jaw line. Willow’s eyes remained shut and she sighed quietly, almost a purr. Another equally gentle hand and warm arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her even closer. The hand around her waist slowly moved up her spine, trailing those delicate and familiar fingertips, then back down again in a circuit.



Then the softest lips gently contacted her skin, first on her forehead, then her cheek. Willow purr-sighed again and snuggled tightly against the warm, silky skin of the person who held her. The sweetest, most tender kiss of her entire life was then placed on her lips. Once she got her breath back, Willow’s eyes finally opened to meet the most beautiful blue gaze in the known world. Delicate brows arched in silent query. Willow finally managed to respond, “Tara?”



Tara nodded slowly, her lips curving into her trademark half smile. Willow was still cradled in that pleasantly warm embrace, and had no thoughts of leaving it, or Tara. She simply smiled in reply and wrapped her own arms around Tara’s body, taking a moment to appreciate the blonde’s silken skin and generous curves, quite the opposite of anything she’d ever experienced. She had held Tara before, but never had it been anything like this. The pair somehow floated in midair, surrounded by golden warmth and feelings of peace, acceptance, and hope.



And that was when Willow woke up, alone in her bedroom and feeling more empty than she ever had when Oz hadn’t been speaking to her. Unaware she was even doing so, she rolled to look at the pillow on her right side, the pillow Tara had used when she’d stayed over, and sighed longingly. She then reached out and pulled the pillow in, resting her head on it, unnoticing of the tears blurring her vision. She couldn’t escape the feeling that her dream had been significant, but couldn’t remember much of anything except for the feelings. What was she missing? And why did it hurt so much to wake up and find herself alone?

IttyBittyKitty: "creme filled though...a little subtle there?"
TwiLightJoy: "There are reasons for everything, I tell ya! Chocolate-frosted reasons!"
IttyBittyKitty: "that is quite enough of YOUR sass!"

[AmberBensonRockzMyWorld]

Joy this fic ROCKS!...Awsome update. I loved it...HeHe...Willow doesn't want Oz...Such a smart girl that Willow is. Another update soon?...Please?

Much Love,

Lisa

~~~

Must I dream and Always see your face.~ Jeff Buckley "Last goodbye"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Recomended Reading: IttyBittyKitty's fic...
"7th Hellvan"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Ittybittykitty]

Joy, Do I even have to say it? This is so freaking good! Between this and giving me help with my...uhm...homework you're the best! Honestly you are!

Shameless plug- Read my fic 7th Hellvan. It isn't half bad:)! "Innerbed".

[tommo]

Oh that was beautiful, the way that Willow was dreaming about her love. The tenderness in Tara's touch was just so perfect. And this...

Quote:

---

“I know there’s a lot in life that can’t be promised, but I promise, Willow, you’ll always have me.”

---

See, that's why they're together. That's why it's perfect. I really admire that you've put this line in, because I think it's really important for Willow to have something and someone reliable in her life. And we know that Tara's that someone.



Thanks for this, it's a joy to read.

----------
"The only thing going for me -
were those moments - just
moments - when Tara would look at
me and I was wonderful."

[LiangFeng]

What number am I? 10000? Damn, I should pay more attention to your posts! I too, must say that the update was beautiful.I love this and need another chapter SOON!

Isn't it beautiful? If we could walk hand in hand. I'd want to go to your town, your home, in your arms.--Rikki, "Suteki Da Ne"

[TromDeGrey]

Oooh! Just caught up with this one and I just LOVE it!!!! The tension of Tara's escape, new school, new friends, and of course the gravitational pull of planet Willow. This is so much fun!! I really love how you're getting the girls together slowly too. There's that immediate connection between them but it isn't all "HELLO!! Gay now!!" Total blast, Joy! Can't wait for more!!

"Live or die, but don't poison everything..." -Anne Sexton

[darkmagicwillow]

I really like this fic. I like how you've worked Tara into the earlier seasons and how Willow's coming to her realization about why she doesn't want Oz slowly even though I feel like pushing her towards who I know she wants.

--
"Omnia mutantur, nihil interit. "   "Everything changes, but nothing is truly lost."

[xita]

That's a great dream, but Willow doesn't remember it , that's a great twist. Realization is coming slowly to her... but it's coming Thanks joy!

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

Childie -"Not all girls are raving bloody lesbians, you know!"

George - "That's a misfortune of which I am perfectly well aware."

The Killing of Sister George

[KJchicago]

Joy - just caught up on the last few parts. YAY! Willow is suppressing her feelings. Too bad she forgot her dream. Poor Tara having to wait for Willow to figure things out. Like their connection. Tara deserves Willow's trust. No matter what she is a supportive friend, compassionate and so easy to talk to. I could just picture Tara grinning and leaning into Willow.



Look forward to more - Thanks!

[spazz07]

Loved it Joy, every last word of it It's good to see Willow slowly realising her feelings towards Tara and Tara just giving her total wholehearted suporrt is realy great. I love the slow build up to their relationship and i love the friends first thing. It's a pity Willow didn't remember the dream but she knows something significant is happening to her, it's just a matter of when now



Cheers

Nath

Isn't it funny how you feel your most tired five minutes before you have to get up.

[mollyig]

I know there’s a lot in life that can’t be promised, but I promise, Willow, you’ll always have me Now that made me all weepy. That was lovely.



Cruel that poor Willow doesn't remember that dream. I'm sure she will figure things out though - she's a brainy type!

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[TheWhiz]

Beautiful updates.

update soon??!! I need to know what hapens next!

"I am a whiz...If ever a whiz there was"

[Ephiny2002]

Joy, this chapter rocks!!! It was awesome! Ah, Willow...I hope she figures it out soon. It's going to be great! Does Tara get to be caught up on the Mayor stuff, too? Cuz that'd rock! Anywho, have a great weekend, can't wait for the next chapter!!



--Ephiny



"Fine, I don't need to be snuggled."

"Vixen." --Family

[Magrat70]

Joy, that was gorgeous I can't wait for the next chapter

These five words in my head scream "are we having fun yet?"

Chad Kroeger

[MissQuirky]

Lovely update!! Tara is just so sweet telling her she will alwayz be there 4 Will! That was a Great dream Will had, she needs to start realizing who she wants and go 4 it!! I sooo can't wait 4 ur next update!

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[Willow Rocks]

I have just read the fic from the start and i must say it is one of the best fics i have read, but i need my smoochies!

[TwiLightJoy]

Hey Kitties, thanks for reading and I'm glad you're liking the fic! It's a lot of fun to write and share with you guys. I have the next chapter almost finished, but went to San Diego today as kind of a last minute thing. I'm having a great time ^_~ and the next update should be coming when I get home some time tonight.



~Joy

[TareBearRS]

Tara is being so great, just being there for Willow.



Willow deciding she doesn't want to be with Oz again and then having this dream about Tara and not remembering it AARRGG. Come on Will remember!!!!!!



Hope for more soon!!!!!!



R.

[tkheaven]

this is so good....can't wait for the next update!

Tk's new and improved "GrrArgg"

-----------------------------
Tara was similarly riveted, her body on slow burn as Willow's lips parted and her mouth opened, the food slipping inside and being consumed. Never in her life had Tara ever wanted to be a chicken casserole so badly...Later that night..."It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured, before passing out. ~ Answering Darkness by Sassette

[TwiLightJoy]

Yes I am evil. I got home from SD at around midnight but was going off 4.5 hours sleep and can't write like that. I'm gonna recharge and post some time .. in the near future .. I promise! You guys rock my socks!



~Joy

IttyBittyKitty: "creme filled though...a little subtle there?"
TwiLightJoy: "There are reasons for everything, I tell ya! Chocolate-frosted reasons!"
IttyBittyKitty: "that is quite enough of YOUR sass!"

[TwiLightJoy]

Good morning ... heehee. I gotta go to work, but I thought it would be nice if I put the chapter up first, since I keep saying I'm going to. So after much delay, here it is. ^_~ I haven't had as much revision time as I like so the ending is kinda lame, but it's better than nothing, right?



“Tara, I had no idea!” a jocular voice exclaimed. “So much for the Miss Innocent crown!”



Tara crossed her arms across her chest, trying her hardest to look offended, which was hard when she was fighting off the giggles. “I’m trying to tell you something serious here! Quit reading meanings into it!”



Michael threw his head back and laughed. “I can’t help it if there’s meaning already there! You’re just trying to make it seem like there isn’t.” He grinned and examined his gift. “Really, I couldn’t think of anything more appropriate myself. Look at it, Amy. Just try to tell me that flute doesn’t look like -”



Amy clapped a hand over the Goth’s mouth. “What he’s trying to say, Tara, is that the Kokopelli carving is wonderful.” The god was rendered in the traditional silhouette style in beautiful dark-stained cherry, mounted on a solid base.



“I still don’t buy that he was supposed to be a fertility god, though,” Michael piped up, finally free of Amy’s grasp. “Not when he’s always portrayed with the flute like that. He’s not celebrating the bounty of the crops, if you get my meaning.”



Amy chuckled and shot back, “We got your meaning five minutes ago. Just say thank you and let it go.”



Obediently, the midnight-clad young man turned to Tara. “Thank you, Tara, really, it’s great. He’ll go on the mantle right here in the den, I think. And I do believe we saved the best for last.” Amy ducked back with a grin and retrieved a small box from her overnight bag.



“But I already got gifts from you!” Tara protested, holding up the skirt that Amy had given her and the faerie book from Michael. “You don’t have to give me anything else!”



“Well, this one is from both of us,” Amy said. “And we had it picked out a while ago. Plus we missed your birthday, so if you want, just think of it as a belated birthday present.”



Tara couldn’t help but smile. “You didn’t even know me on my birthday,” she reasoned, “but thank you.” The golden-haired girl took the box Amy offered, carefully opening it. Inside was a tiny pentagram on a delicate-looking silver chain. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” she gasped, gently lifting it from the box to admire the workmanship. Michael and Amy beamed, watching Tara delight in her gift, then helped put the necklace on her. “Thank you so much!” she repeated, wrapping both her friends into a hug while they were in easy reach. “You’re the best friends I’ve ever had!”



“Aww,” Michael smiled, “I love you guys!” And though his tone was characteristically light, both girls knew he was being truthful.



Amy was the first to release the hug, pulling slightly back to regard her friends thoughtfully. “Mmm … you’re not bad.” Tara and Michael simultaneously put on looks of mock surprise, which caused Amy to burst out laughing. “Okay, okay, you win! You win! You’re the best!”



“And what, may I ask, do you two have planned for the holiday?” Michael inquired, taking his seat once more in an oversized recliner.



Amy shook her head. “Same old family get together thing. Should be loads of fun.” She did not sound excited in the slightest. “I’d rather hang out here with you. Your family always has something cool going on,” she told Michael.



“You know you’re more than welcome to join us. You too, Tara. It’s always a good time at casa de Czajak,” he smiled, dark eyes shining happily. “My aunt Minnie is coming out from Arizona, she makes killer cheesecakes. Lots of cousins and aunts and uncles … it’s a big house and Dad likes to have it full during the holidays.”



Tara sighed wistfully. “I’d like to, but I’m not sure what I’ll be doing. There’s gonna be a lot of people up at my dad’s house, but I don’t even want to think about it. And I still have something I need to do before the end of break…” she trailed off.



Amy grinned wickedly. “Would this happen to have anything to do with a certain Willow Rosenberg? Because you know … you could just call her and ask her what she has planned.” She winked playfully. “That’s something people sometimes do.”



“I know!” the blonde huffed, smiling all the while. “I will, okay? I’ll call her.”



No sooner were the words out of her mouth than Michael tossed the cordless into her lap. “I don’t believe you. Call her now, so I can make sure you do it.” Tara’s blue eyes widened, unable to believe this. “Go on, call Willow.”



“Yeah, Tara, do it,” Amy said, nudging her arm towards the phone. “You know we won’t stop bugging you about it til you do it.” Tara still looked stunned and immobile, so Amy reached over and punched Willow’s phone number in, then handed the ringing phone to Tara, who looked at it in shock.



“Hello?” a voice answered.



“H-h-hello, is, is Willow there?”



“Yes, just a moment. Is this Bunny or Tanya? It sounds like Tanya.”



Tara cleared her throat. “It, it’s Tara.”



“Tara, right. Tara. Hold on a moment.”



“Oh my gosh, Tara! What are you blushing for? It’s not like she can see you!” Michael chided.



Tara ducked her head. “Shut up! Oh, no, I didn’t mean you, Willow! It’s Michael!”



Willow laughed. “You’re at Michael’s? Or is he at your place?”

“I’m there. I mean, yeah, at, at his house. Amy’s here too.”



“Hey and you didn’t invite me?” the redhead asked. “What’re you doing?”



The Wiccan replied, “Oh, we’re doing the, the gift thing.” When she hesitated, unsure what to say, Amy and Michael motioned for her to continue. “I, um, I have something for you, too … if you’re not busy, you want to maybe come over to the apartment and…?”



“Oh, wow, um…” Willow paused, and it seemed to Tara that she was just trying to think of a nice way to say no. “Actually, my parents are going out of town … they’re leaving tonight for this big conference thing. So if you wanted to, you could even come over here.”



Tara was sure she was grinning like a mindless idiot. “Really? W-when? I mean, what’s a good time?”



Willow’s voice was enthusiastic as she answered, “Oh, any time. But … I know you’ll probably be lonely on Christmas Eve, so if you want to stay over?”



“Yeah … I’d like that.” She was sure Michael and Amy would tease her, but that didn’t bother the witch at all. “So, tomorrow night,” she confirmed.



“See you then,” the redhead answered.

IttyBittyKitty: "creme filled though...a little subtle there?"
TwiLightJoy: "There are reasons for everything, I tell ya! Chocolate-frosted reasons!"
IttyBittyKitty: "that is quite enough of YOUR sass!"

[MissQuirky]

Great update!! I'm glad they bugged her into calling! Now there's a sleepover, Woo Hoo!! A cold winters night wut r they to do! Can't wait 4 more!

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[LeatherQueen]

Oh that was so cute. Getting to sleep over at Willow's house. Can't wait to read about that!

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


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[Zahir al Daoud]

You know, I find myself wishing this is the way it had happened on the show! Michael and Amy, for one thing, always seemed like interesting characters. *sigh*



Looking forward to every one of the upcoming updates with great pleasure!

"O Let my name be in the Book of Love!
If it be there I care not of that other Book above.
Strike it out! Or write it in anew, but
Let my name be in the Book of Love!"
--Omar Kayam

[spazz07]

See now i can totally see Willow giving Tara the most amazing Christmas present (herself)



totally loving this Joy and i hope you get another part up soon, hopefully one a little longer, i just need more of your fic dammit



Cheers

Nath

Isn't it funny how you feel your most tired five minutes before you have to get up.

[TareBearRS]

YEEE Great update.



Tara and Willow spending Christmas eve together and giving eachother special gifts, just wonderful.



I'm glad Micheal and Amy made her call.



Can't wait to see what will happen, i hope there will be missltoe.....



R.

[TheWhiz]

Really cute update!

Amy & Michael are great friends giving Tara confidence to call Willow.

Spending Christmas together-yay!

"I am a whiz...If ever a whiz there was"