Tara22 - despite cannibad plants growing in every second backyard, Sailsbury is not as bad as it seems
Saule77 - Well if you wanted to complain i could always push the updates a little further apart, lucky for you though you're not gonna
LInda is cool, though i think our gals will tread a little more carefully around the office from now on
Level-headed Tara, they are both gonna have insecurities at one point or another, it happens to everyone, its just a matter of the person you love being strong for you when you need it, lucky Willow and Tara have that
BV - Yeah nice way to greet the folks
That's not what i heard some of the gals say, naughty by nature
All will be revealed in the upcoming part
Deb - Yeah, deffinitely not a part to read in the office
Glad you liked the moving in, parent act will all unfold below
Holly - Glad you're liking it, the next part is just below, so if you scroll a little lower... yeah rigth about... got it
Xita - Yeah had to throw some insecurites in somewhere, glad you liked it. Yeah i kinda made it hard for Tara to hide her with Willow coming out and wrapping her arms around her and being all cuddly.
Okay its late so i'm just gonna post, so without any ramblings and without furtehr ado...
Title – All You Wanted
Author – Nathan
E-mail –
nathspazz@yahoo.com.au Feedback – Well I am a feedback whore so it would be greatly appreciated
Spoilers – None, it’s AU so yeah
Rating – Between PG and R18+ ample warning will be given.
Disclaimer – Willow and Tara and any other character that appeared in the syndicated television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is property of Joss and Mutant Enemy, I’m only borrowing them and am not making any money off them. All the others are mine though. Also the title for the fic is a Michelle Branch song so credit goes to her and part names will be named after various songs I like that fit nicely with the story so credit will be given there.
Summary – Set slightly in the future, 24-year-old Willow and Tara run into each other, it’s set mostly in New York so no Sunnydale or hell mouth or anything. Just good ol’ fashioned romance.
Part 18 Ode to my Family (Cranberries) “Parents, you never said anything about your parents coming Tara, its maybe the kinda surprise I would have liked to prepare for.” Willow stated to Tara, though never letting her grip around the blonde’s waist loosen. Tara’s mom just laughed half heartedly at Willow’s statement, causing the redhead to send her a glare that said if looks could kill.
“Surprise you’d like to prepare for, try having a daughter you don’t see for six months and then when you finally do, first thing you find out about her is that she’s gay now.” Susan’s head was spinning as she still tried to take everything that was happening in.
“Okay, none of this is going how I planned it.” A panicked Tara stated, very concerned about her relationships with the people she loved more than anything.
“I’ll say.” Susan responded as she grasped Steve’s hand who was still just looking at her as if it was the first time he’d seen her.
“Daddy say something.” Tara pleaded with the older man.
“Wow!” Was all the man could utter, blinking his eyes several times.
“Wow good, wow bad.” Tara tried to gauge her father’s reaction.
“Wow, different.” He replied, still not quite fully aware of his surroundings as he tried to take in the hugeness of what had just been told to him.
“You’re gay now?” He wanted to make sure he’d heard right and not misinterpreted it some other way.
“Uh huh, Willow and I are very happy together, we love each other with all our hearts.” Tara looked up at Willow and when the redhead returned her gaze, she could do nothing but smile as she saw herself reflected in the redhead’s green eyes. Despite everything, Susan and Steve could see the happiness in their daughter’s eye when she looked at the redhead, this they couldn’t deny.
“So um, do you have a spare room for your folks or are we going to have to find a hotel?” Susan broke the silence with a forced smile, “I mean, I’m assuming you two share a room.” She pointed out to the two girls, though the thought of her little girl sharing a room with someone, boy or girl, was enough to make her a little feint.
“Um yeah, Willow and I share that room.” Tara pointed to the room on the left, “we were going to turn that other room into a guest room but this is just our first day here so its kinda the box room.” Tara replied sheepishly, Steve and Susan looked around the living room, with all the boxes there, they were afraid to think what the box room looked like.
“The sofas a fold-out if you want to use that, or you could take our room and Tara and I could bunk out here if you like.” Willow replied, wanting to get on the good side of people who were hopefully one day, going to be her parents in law.
“No dear, its fine, we’ll take the sofa thanks.” Susan replied, though her smile was still forced her tone was sincere. Tara breathed a sigh of relief, as everything seemed to calm down somewhat.
… … … …
“I can’t believe you brought a car just to impress my family.” Clare stated as Sam continued driving her new Lexus GS 300 down the highway to the cabin getaway, a few hours out of Hartford. “I mean I didn’t even know you had a license, you cab a cab or the subway everywhere you go.” Claire continued to worry about Sam.
“Look, I want your family to know that I’ve got a good job and that I’m not a bad person.” Sam stated her main worry as she continued driving, the recent fall of snow made the road slippery so she was careful to keep her attention on the road in front of her.
“I don’t really think its gonna matter how nice you are, they’re just gonna think I’m going through a faze and that you are just part of that faze.” Claire’s words did nothing to reassure Sam about the upcoming weekend.
“I just don’t want any more, speeches about how I ruined your life.” Sam was rather upset now, the conversation with Claire’s mother flashing across her memory.
“If I thought you had ruined my life I wouldn’t still be with you Sam, and quite frankly, I’m the only one that matters on that front.” Claire’s words soothed Sam’s nerves somewhat.
“Then if you’re the only one I’m trying to make happy, then why are we doing this weekend thing again?” Sam sounded less upset now, though she would always be looking for a way out of this weekend.
“Because they’re my family, we do this every year just before Christmas because for some reason or another, nobody wants to be around each other come Christmas. You’re doing this for me like I’ll have to do when something comes up with your parents.” Claire tried her hand at explaining things again.
“See what would you say if I got you out of every family outing with my family, in fact I could arrange it so you never even have to meet my parents.” Sam continued to try and bargain out of the weekend, if she pulled that one of it would be win, win her way.
“Sam, I want to meet your parents… one day.” Claire responded with a mock tone of shock and a slight giggle.
“Can’t blame a gal for trying.” Sam smiled; she then sighed at the resignation that she’d be spending the weekend getting tortured by Claire’s family.
… … … …
“They hate me, they’re never gonna want to speak to me again. When I wake up they’ll be gone, moved house and changed number so I can never contact them again.” Tara wailed as she lay in bed, waiting for Willow to finish getting ready and join her.
“You’re overreacting baby, they don’t hate you, me maybe, but you they love.” Willow replied as she came in from the en-suite bathroom, flossing her teeth.
“No sweetie, they don’t hate you, they don’t even know you so how can they?” Tara reassured her girlfriend as continued thoughts of worry skipped across her brain.
“Well lets see, oh yeah its my fault your gay.” Willow pretended to be thinking hard before coming up with that, she had trouble getting along with her own parents, let alone the parents of the woman she loved.
“Will, its no one’s fault, it’s just the way I am, and I’m glad because it means I get to be with you, and I’m going to continue being with you with or without their blessing.” Tara stated, pointing toward the door with her parents in the living room.
“Tara, I don’t wanna be the reason you and your parents stop talking, I’ve listened for hours on end about the happy times you’ve had with them and I know how miserable it would make you if they didn’t accept us.” Willow stated with worry, hurting Tara was definitely not something on her “to do” list.
“Willow I’m not gonna lie, if they don’t accept you, me, us, then I’d be devastated But if they can’t accept me for me then it’s their problem and not mine, I’m not going to pretend to be someone I’m not just to please them.” Tara’s words once again had a calming effect on Willow. She was amazed at no matter what the circumstance; Tara could always say something and make things right. She finished cleaning herself up and slipped into bed next to Tara, wrapping her arms around the blonde.
“Have I told you today, how much I love you?” Willow asked getting in nice and close to Tara. The closeness of the redhead and her question brought a smile and even a small chuckle to the blonde’s lips.
“A few times actually.” Tara replied, emphasised by another small giggle.
“Good, because you deserve to know exactly how much I love you Miss Maclay.” Willow said, her voice serious and in a soft loving tone.
“And how much would that be again Miss Rosenberg?” Asked Tara, another giggle escaping her lips. She couldn’t help but be deliriously happy whilst lying in the redhead’s arms.
“With every last inch of my heart, I don’t think I could possibly love you any more than I do already though I try every day, its just not possible.” Willow answered in the same soft, caring tone she used earlier, leaning in and planting an ever so tender peck on Tara’s lips. The blonde closed her eyes; they remained shut several seconds after the contact ended as she savoured up the sensation.
“Everything’s going to be okay, isn’t it?” Tara asked, her giggling tone had gone and in it'’ place was a soft, worried tone that just needed a little reassurance from her lover, and of course, Willow wasn’t one to disappoint.
“As long as were together baby, it’ll always be alright.” Willow’s words were all Tara needed and with a reassuring smile, settled herself down, nestling her head into Willow’s shoulder to get a good nights rest. Willow’s tenderly stroking Tara’s hair also closed her eyes to drift of into Tara filed dreams.
… … … …
Sam and Claire pulled up at a very richly decorated log cabin, Sam guessed it big enough to hold a large number of people and wondered just how much family Claire had. By the size of the place, it was also obvious that Claire had a not so humble childhood as expensive cars filled the drive way and posh looking older people could be seen in through the window. Erica, Claire’s mother came out to greet them and lead them inside.
“Claire, so glad you could make it.” She smiled brightly and hugged her daughter. “Samantha.” She greeted Sam with a less joyous tone to her voice.
“Yeah we got here, in Sam’s new car.” Claire smiled, flashing of Sam’s new Lexus to her mom, trying to score her gal some points with her mom.
“Yes very impressive, tell me Samantha, is it automatic or manual?” Erica asked Sam in an eerily nice tone.
“Manual, five speed.” Sam smiled, proud to show of the ability that she could drive a manual and not just an automatic.
“Well if you’re driving stick, then why isn’t my daughter.” Erica’s tone turned very condescending and Sam should’ve guessed a snide remark was just around the corner.
“MOM!” Claire grasped out in disbelief, in total shock of what her mother had just said.
“What?” Erica’s chirpy tone returned and she picked up a glass of whisky that had been hiding as she whisked of in a happy daze; her moment of torturing Sam was over for now.
“How long is this weekend?” Sam asked in a disgruntled manner.
“Only 48 hours to go baby.” Claire grasped her hand as they made their entrance to the household.
… … … …
Willow awoke early once again and gently eased Tara off of her after lying for half an hour just watching her sleep. She decided to go and find the kettle and make her love some coffee and bring it into her. She slipped out of the room without a sound and startled herself when she saw Tara’s parent, already up and reading the paper. They had obviously already found the kettle as it sat on the kitchen bench and they sat drinking their cups as they glossed over the New York Times.
“Um hey.” Willow asked in a meek voice, gently waving in their direction as the two older people looked up from the paper and eyed Willow.
“Willow right?” Steve broke the silence that ensued, asking the redhead her name.
“Um yeah.” Willow confirmed, her knees felt like they were about to give way beneath her so she just flexed them to keep the blood circulating.
“Well don’t just stand there woman, come sit down, we wanna know about the young lass that’s courting our daughter.” Steve motioned to the seat across from him, he sounded polite and chirpy and Willow knew she couldn’t refuse so she reluctantly made her way to the table to sit down.
“I’ll make coffee.” Susan gleefully stated as she jumped up from her seat and switched on the kettle.
“No offence, but last night you seemed a lot more tense.” Willow stated as she cautiously slid into the chair that Steve had pointed to.
“I’ll admit, it’s a shock, a big one. But Susan and I are big enough people to give this a go, besides we love our daughter unconditionally and we just want her to be happy. So Willow, tell us a bit about yourself.” Steve smiled at the girl and crossed his arms as he waited for the redhead to begin. Susan brought over the cups of coffee and settled into the chair she occupied before and also waited to hear out what Willow had to say.
“Okay, I’m a Data Analyst at the place where Tara works, it’s where we met. Actually that’s not true, we bumped into each other on the street the day before Tara started.” Willow smiled as she thought back to that first day, bumping into Tara who was wearing that cute kitten shirt that she also had an exact copy of.
“We spend a lot of time together at work, on various projects and such, it’s probably how we became so close.” Willow shook her head from her daydreaming and refocussed.
“I’m Jewish, born and bread in New York, Queens to be exact. I’m twenty four years old and I also went to NYC.” Willow pointed out some facts that she thought he might like to know.
“So is this… you know?” Steve started to ask; obviously uncomfortable with the question he was trying to ask.
“I’m not sure I do.” Willow answered honestly, she had no idea what the man was trying to ask.
“Is this your first time… I mean with a girl… In a relationship?” Steve finally managed to spit out.
“With Tara you mean? Um yeah, kinda on a long barren field before Tara, though I did have a high school love that didn’t end so well.” Willow replied, hopefully her answer would be enough to put the matter to rest.
“So this high school love, was a he then?” Steve continued asking, Susan just looked on with great interest, as if the conversation they were having was the most riveting in the history of conversations everywhere.
“Um yeah?” Willow answered as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
“So what made you switch sides?” Steve asked, like it was an average everyday question like “How are ya?”
“I don’t know, just when I met Tara, I started having these wonderful feelings for her and then wham! Here we are six months later with a place together and at a very happy spot in our lives where we both love one another and enjoy nothing more than being in each other’s company.” Willow’s reply came out a bit panicked, though upon further inspection of it, she was pretty pleased with her effort. To her shock was the look on Tara’s parents’ face. It wasn’t one of shock or repulsion. It was one of love and acceptance, they seemed genuinely happy that Tara had found someone such as Willow to spend her life with, and that filled Willow with a sense of pride.
“Willow, I know yesterday was more than a bit awkward, but Susan and I, all we really want is to see Tara happy, and despite all the awkwardness that was in the air yesterday. It was never clearer that you make her happier than we’ve ever seen her, and you should’ve seen her on her seventh birthday when we got her this dollhouse that she so badly wanted.” Steve chuckled, as did Willow as the image of a younger version of her loved one getting all excited about a doll house.
“Look Mr and Mrs Maclay, I just want you to know, I would like to promise a lot of things to you right now but I won’t. I’m not gonna stand her an whittle of every promise under the sun because you and I both know that its impossible to promise these things. What I can do is promise that I will never intentionally bring harm to Tara, physical or emotional, I’ll love her with all my heart and always promise to look out for her and keep her safe. It might be hard to believe but in the six months we’ve been together and the small time before that, Tara has become very dear to me, so much so that I would do anything for her. I just want you to know that I may not have a penis or a may not be able to give you grandchildren in the most conventional way, but I promise I’ll love Tara like no one else can.” Willow layed her cards on the table, hoping she could reach out to Steve and Susan and gain their acceptance, not for her, not for them but for Tara, she’d do anything for Tara.
“I know you’re doing this for Tara, and that’s why I think of you and my little girl together and it doesn’t repulse me or scare me. It fills me with a sense of satisfaction that my little girl is getting every ounce of love she deserves.” Steve replied as he smiled at Willow.
“So this means you’re okay with me dating Tara?” Willow quenched at bit as she waited for the answer.
“It means we’re okay with you dating Tara.” Susan finally spoke up with a giggle, as Willow’s collective sigh of relief could surely be heard for many a mile down the road.
… … … …
Sam was lounging around in a game room she’d happened to come across on her tour. She’d slipped out of the family mingling after a while after some rather ruse comments made to her in regards to her relationship with Claire. Claire was still trying to fend off the relatives in a large lounge room, some of the relatives she was happy to see, others not so much.
Sam had stacked up a set of balls on a pool table and whacked the cue stick as she broke the pack open.
“Need a partner, more to the point someone to whip your ass?” Erica asked coming into the room, still brandishing that glass of whisky she was holding earlier.
“Sure, beating you senseless in a game of pool just may make up for not being able to do it in real life.” Sam responded and handed the cue to Erica. The older woman smiled and took the stick from her. She lined up the number six ball and fired, slamming it into the corner pocket.
“Nice shot.” Sam nodded; impressed with the way that Erica handled herself, impressive indeed.
“You get stuck in a loveless marriage for thirty-five years you pick up a thing or two about pool.” Erica replied as she slammed the number five into a side pocket.
“You know Samantha, I admire you.” Erica’s words caught Sam off-guard as she spat out the drink she’d just taken a sip of.
“What?” The brunette asked in shock and amazement.
“You heard me, you at least had the guts to go out and get the person you wanted to be with. Me I just went the way society dictated.” Erica, sighed and slammed the number three ball into the same pocket she’d suck the six.
“You had a crush on a girl?” Sam asked confused.
“No!” Erica couldn’t help but laugh at the statement. “When I was younger, still being courted by Claire’s father there was this boy.” Erica smiled as reminisced about a lost love.
“What was so different about this boy, what prevented you from seeing him?” Sam asked, the older woman had pipped her interest.
“I’m from a rich family, we’ve always had money, back in my day it wasn’t acceptable to date boys from the other side of the tracks so to speak.” Erica replied, Sam suddenly picking up on where this was going.
“This other boy was from the other side of the tracks.” Sam answered; Erica gave a sad smile and nodded.
“So instead of following your heart with the poor boy, you followed society’s ways and married the rich guy.” Sam just about hit the nail on the head.
“And so the story goes, turns out, he’s happily married and has three wonderful kids, even grandkids now. Delightfully happy, I can’t help but wonder what if ya know.” For the first time since she met her, Sam actually felt for Erica.
“How do you deal with being in a loveless relationship? I mean Claire and I don’t always see eye to eye but we love each other, I don’t think either of us question that.” Sam asked in a bit of amazement to how Erica got on.
“Like I said, it’s why I admire you, having a loving relationship. There are only two things that help me get through the day; alcohol.” Erica proceeded to hold up her drink and took a sip. “And my little girl, it’s probably why I came down on you so strong because I really want nothing but the best for my little girl. It’s why your fancy car doesn’t impress me, because Claire knows that once I die, she’s set for life. I just want her to be happy and with someone she loves, and if that someone happens to be you Samantha, then all the best to her.” Erica smiled up at the younger girl.
“You’re not really drunk and not gonna remember a word of this tomorrow are ya?” Sam asked with more than a little apprehension.
“Not yet, but soon hopefully, if I have to listen to one more story about how someone got more money I’m gonna kill myself.” Erica exasperated, Sam giggled as she finally got a shot on the table, noticing that Erica only had a couple left to sink and they were both in ready made spots for being pocketed. Sam looked up at the older woman.
“Thirty five years is a real long time.” She smiled and they both giggled.
… … … …
Tara finally arose and peeked her head out of the bedroom door. She was shocked to see Willow and her parents huddled around the table, carefully examining something spread out across the table. She walked over, placed her hands lovingly on Willow’s shoulder and looked down at her. Willow turned her head and returned the smile, place a hand on Tara’s that rested on her shoulder.
“Whatchya looking at?” Tara asked in her best happy, early morning tone she could muster.
“Just the photo album.” Susan looked up at her daughter and smiled, noticing the loving hold that the two girls shared. The picture in the album was one of Willow and herself swinging on a tyre swing. They had looks of pure joy as they clung desperately onto the chain and each other. Alex had taken the picture for them on the day and it was one they treasured deeply.
“So?” Tara asked, wondering just where everyone stood at the moment.
“We’re happy for you sweetie. We’re happy you’re happy and we don’t think you could be any happier with anyone but Willow. I think we’ve made it clear that if she hurts you we’re coming hunting for her in an unpleasant way.” Susan smiled reassuringly at her daughter.
“Crystal clear.” Willow backed up Susan’s earlier words.
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” Tara smiled as she once again gazed lovingly into Willow’s eyes.
“Okay, so we’ve looked through your albums, we brought the family ones to show of, we have baby pictures in the car.” Susan smiled as she folded the album closed. Willow perked in glee as Tara buried her head in embarrassment.
“I would love to see these pictures Mrs. Maclay.” Willow stated with a mischievous grin.
“No, they’re ugly, nothing to see.” Tara quickly tried to derail this idea.
“Nonsense dear, they’re the cutest, remember the one we have of you going potty in the backyard because you thought it was the right thing after we gave Max the puppy a treat for doing it. I’ll just run and get them.” Susan quickly got up and made haste for the door. Tara’s face only turned a deeper shade of red as Willow’s grin grew bigger and bigger.
TBC…
Am i just a softie or what
Hoepd you all liked how the meeting of the parents turned out, hopdfully more on the weekend
P.S.
notice the quick update once again Ashley, i think this warrants niceness
Cheers
Nath
Isn't it funny how you feel your most tired five minutes before you have to get up.
Edited by: spazz07 at: 10/12/02 2:50:03 pm
by oneinten » Mon Oct 07, 2002 9:28 am 
.
Even if ya left us hangin there in the end like that, i Loved it!! 
All Woo Hoo 4 them! 
at: 10/7/02 12:35:33 pm
) .....awww Nath i could never hate ya 
Hopefully i'll have the next part up as quick as the last one 
to you all 
...
Can't wait to see their reaction! Although from the way they were in the first chapter, I'm not too worried...
Little ole me?? 
, but you know that already!
Very good! 