Disclaimers etc. are same as before.
This part is rated R Chapter 10 “Thanks baby - that was the best picnic meal ever! It was all the more delicious ‘cause I shared it with you.”
Willow beamed happily at her sweet and sexy girlfriend.
The redhead had tried really hard to behave herself and stop thinking naughty thoughts while she and Tara had been enjoying their meal amid cosy chitchat. Though it must be said that she couldn’t help giving quite a few more covert glances at the blonde’s ample chest – Willow always found her girl so beautiful and sexy, but the corseted green dress Tara was wearing now had Willow extra wowed and in a swoon!
Tara smiled back at her girl with twinkling blue eyes.
“Aw thanks sweetie – it was an extra special meal for me too. Everything is so special when I’m with you..…” Tara moved closer to her girlfriend and they held hands while facing each other and smiling dreamily into one another’s eyes.
Soon Tara broke eye contact to glance into their picnic basket, then looked up and said
“Wow! We didn’t do too badly tucking in! There’s only a little chocolate cake, a bunch of grapes and half a bottle of soda in here - oh! and let’s not forget our mobile phones – um, not that we were gonna eat those….” she trailed off giggling.
Willow giggled merrily along with her and then spoke.
“Well, you do put together a mighty fine selection of picnic food baby – so no surprises with the almost empty basket!”
“Sweetie – would you like some more cake? Tara lovingly asked even as she gave an answering and grateful smile in response to the compliment her love had just paid her.
“No thanks Tara, even my chocolate addicted sweet tooth needs to take a break sometime – um, but there is something I would like to do….” Willow said glancing down bashfully as her words trailed of in her state of shyness.
Tara moved closer to her girl. She pushed the basket towards the trunk of the tree and then gathered her lover warmly into her arms and leaned in to whisper flirtatiously into the redhead’s ear.
“Let me guess – you want me to lie on your lap while you feed me grapes, but my sweet, shy, precious, honey you’ve been too shy to ask – yes?”
“That’s what you want, isn’t it cutie?”
Tara ended with a nip at her lover’s earlobe and a seductive tone to her voice.
Willow blushed a very bright red – blushed all over and to the very roots of her hair. She was blushing with a mixture of embarrassment as well as desire at her lover’s touch. Plus the redhead was flustered and soon became wide-eyed and gripped in a trademark babble fest.
“Oh God! Tara how did you know? I mean, I-I didn’t…. oh God! C-can you read my mind or hear my thoughts now….? I didn’t mean to be all perv-y and constantly but covertly ogle your um, cleavage – but you’re so beautiful and in that dress – um, just wow! and you make me swoon and drool a-and I’m sorry I was ogling you – I tried to stop and be all romantic and stuff instead, honest I did – but then I’d look at you and wow! the perv-y ogling starts up again – I couldn’t help it, you’re just so hot and sexy! and beau…. Mmmph”
Willow was abruptly interrupted by Tara’s warm, luscious lips claiming hers in a fiery and sensual kiss. She was tilted backwards and was practically draped across the blonde’s lap, feeling as though her bones had melted as she was thoroughly kissed. All babbly thoughts flew out of her mind and left her with only the delicious sensation of being kissed senseless by her hot babe of a girlfriend.
When Tara broke the kiss to come up for some air, she was panting – and if Willow had been in any state to notice – she would have seen that her lover’s sapphire blue eyes were rather glazed over and almost unnaturally bright with a feverish and passionate desire.
But Willow was drowning in a sea of desire also – and it was seconds later that her usually hyperactive brain started to function a bit as she focused on the beautiful sight of her girl leaning over her with a mirroring look of such love and passion.
In a soft tone of immense joy and lingering desire Willow uttered her first coherent words in a long while.
“Oh babe, I love it when you call me cutie”
“Cutie” whispered Tara sensuously with her trademark lopsided smile. Her smile was quickly replaced by a full-blown laugh of joy when she saw her girlfriend start to blush all over again.
“Oh Will, I thought I was the shy one! You’re so cute when you’re shy. But I’ll stop teasing now…. And sweetheart? Don’t ever apologise for staring at or ogling me as you put it… I could NEVER think you’re perv-y! I’m yours sweetie – I’m all yours. You can ogle me anytime you want. It thrills me that you find me beautiful…. And you know - I’ve been doing a lot of covert staring at you all day too! Who can blame me? You’re so gorgeous and sexy! And all mine – yes?”
“Yes baby – I’m all yours too and loving it!” Willow said in an enraptured voice with a dreamy and slightly awestruck smile on her face.
The witches instinctively leaned in for another soulful but more leisurely kiss – a kiss conveying their deep and unshakeable love for one another.
Moments later they pulled apart and Willow spoke first.
“Um Tara? Can you hear my thoughts now? ‘Cause that would be something…. I mean when I do it, I have to sorta make a conscious decision to do so and I…..”
Tara gently interrupted and said “No sweetie, at least I don’t think so…. The answer is much more simple - I just kinda got the impression that you and I were thinking the same thing as we packed fruit into our picnic basket this morning….. why do you think I saved a bunch of grapes in here….?” Tara trailed of as she blushed slightly.
“Oh Tara love – you know me so well! Um, so you’ve been wanting to feed me fruit all the while too?” responded Willow.
“Yes I have honey – so you first and then we can swap places” Tara replied with a smile as she scooted to rest her back against the tree trunk and then she patted her slightly upraised legs at the thighs indicating that she wanted Willow to lie on her lap.
Willow was only too happy to comply, so with an answering grin she eagerly moved to settle herself face up in her girl’s lap, sighing happily as she got comfortable.
Tara lovingly stroked the fingers of her left hand through her girlfriend’s red tresses remembering to massage the scalp soothingly also. As she did this she used her right hand to feed Willow large, tasty, juicy grapes at appropriate intervals.
Tara spared a moment to think wryly to herself how smitten and in love she was with her girlfriend, seeing as she found even the redhead’s manner of eating rather endearing and even ‘God help her’ sexy!
They were enraptured with each other. They cherished that particular moment as one of those special moments were their hunger, desire and passion for each other was simmering just beneath the surface – but yet they were content enough not to have to act on it.
They just shared lazy, flirtatious smiles as well as giggles now and then. They also shared sexy, meaningful looks, anytime Willow’s tongue would sensuously make contact with her Tara’s fingers as she was being fed.
Soon Willow had to utter words straight from her heart and soul in the sincerest of tones as her eyes locked and delved into those of her beloved.
“I love you Tara Maclay – you’re my everything and my always. I love you with all that I am and I will love you forever.
Tara teared up and became choked with so much emotion – but she knew Willow could see through her eyes, the windows to her soul, how much those feelings were returned in the exact same measure.
After gazing at Willow with her heart in her eyes for several seconds – Tara opted for some levity and asked “Will you still love me when I’m old and grey?”
Willow sat up and started gently to stroke her fingers through Tara’s hair slowly and lovingly – she too felt the need for some levity so she responded in like manner.
“Are you kidding me, babe? I bet you’ll still be one hot Mama yamma! Grey hair or not – of course my eyesight would probably have gone a little kaflooey by then, seeing as I’ll be old and grey too - but I just know I’ll still swoon when I see you with the sun glinting off your beautiful silky hair as it’s doing now or when you look at me with your gorgeous sky blue eyes. I’ll love you forever my Tara” Willow ended on a more serious note.
“Just as I shall love you forever, my darling” Tara responded with a tremulous but ecstatic note in her voice.
Smiling radiantly Willow broke their gaze and shifting slightly to readjust her position she indicated for Tara to lie in her lap as she said
“Your turn now, baby”
Soon Tara was the one on the receiving end of being fed tasty, plush, purple grapes and having her scalp soothingly massaged. She also returned the favour of tantalising her lover’s fingertips with sensuous little licks and touches.
Willow was trying really hard not to drool all over her blonde beauty - she loved everything about her Tara. She found herself being distracted not only by her lover’s luscious curves and bosom, but also by the simple grace with which the blonde ate. Her girl did everything so gracefully.
Both witches were thoroughly enjoying this special alone time and they were basking shamelessly in the outpouring of love they bestowed upon each other. They shared a special love and bond – the type of love that was only ever shared by true soul mates.
“Willow?” Tara called softly to her love after a while.
“Yes love?” the redhead cooed sweetly back as she gazed down at her baby.
“Um, not that I’m complaining – but why have you suddenly started to call me babe? – I mean you’ve always called me baby, but the night we er, quarrelled you called me babe for the first time – and you’ve been doing so a lot since then….”
“Well just look at you, Tara – you are one hot and sexy babe! So who can blame me!” Willow replied practically drooling – then when she noticed she was making her girl blush shyly she added.
“What? It’s true - you ARE such a babe! So don’t go all shy on me now – though it’s poetic justice, what with how you’ve been making me go all blush-y lately! But seriously – to answer your question baby….. well, I honestly don’t know why – in fact I probably wouldn’t have noticed if you didn’t mention it. I guess maybe I just used it at the height of emotion or something and then it just kinda stuck afterwards.”
“I-I was very scared and worried at how I nearly totally messed up that night – and I needed to tell you how much you meant to me and I remember my mind was full of lotsa lovey-dovey words so I guess….” Suddenly but gently Tara interrupted her with a gentle finger placed over her babbling lips.
“Breathe sweetie, breathe. It’s okay, I get it – I was just curious is all. And I love how you call me babe….”
As Tara removed her finger they both shared goofy smiles then Willow piped up again.
“Tara?”
“Yes sweetie?” replied the blonde.
“What would you like for your birthday on Wednesday?”
Willow was already giddily making loving plans in her mind of just how she was going to make the day special for her beloved girlfriend.
“Oh sweetie – nothing really, I don’t wanna make a big deal of it….”
“But Tara! It’s your twenty-first birthday. It’s gotta be special – I wanna make it special for you”
“Oh Willow, it‘ll be special because I’ll be with you. You’re all I want and need for any day to be special”
Willow leaned down to kiss her girl tenderly on her brow before she spoke.
“Dear love, you say the sweetest things to me. But please baby – I want to do something special to really mark the day. So won’t you tell me something I could get you or do for you especially?”
“I mean you only get to be twenty-one once – er, except if you’re Buffy with the whole confusing dying twice thing and not really knowing exactly if she’s therefore technically gonna be twenty-one on the day her appointed twenty-first was meant to be or….”
Willow trailed off on seeing the bemused expression her girlfriend was throwing her way and then she coughed slightly and grinned a little sheepishly then said
“Sorry baby – I got rather side tracked. But back to your birthday, it’s so typically sweet of you to say you don’t want anything special, but it makes me so happy to get to do things for you…. Tell me anything you want and if it’s in my power I’ll get it for you. I so wanna do something special - please baby?”
Tara sighed then responded.
“Will – you spoil me – you know that? See honey – the thing is my birthday is exactly a week after Halloween and we already did festive stuff for that and had Anya and Xander’s engagement party, so I really don’t feel up to any more fuss.”
Tara sighed again when she saw her girl start to pout pitifully, then she said
“Aw sweetie – please don’t be upset, it’s no big really. I just….”
“But Tara, it is a big deal! It’s your twenty-first birthday, everyone knows twenty-first birthdays should be celebrated in style! Come on baby – please?” whined Willow with another pout and a pleading look.
“Okay, tell you what Will – why don’t you surprise me? Huh sweetie? But please keep in mind that I’d rather not have any fuss and I trust that I’ll have a lovely day whatever you plan, so long as you’re with me – how does that sound?” asked Tara.
Thinking of the possibilities, Willow slowly started to smile, but then a slight frown wrinkled her forehead just before she spoke.
“I guess that’s fine – but I really wish you’d be more specific love. Are you sure there isn’t something special you’d like me to get for you?”
“Well honey, maybe there is one thing…..”
“Yes Tara? Anything for you love, anything.”
“Okay – you know about our magic? How you said we need to make special time to cast together and stuff?” off of Willow’s eager nod Tara continued.
“Well honey, I really miss that a lot – you know, how it used to be when we first met? How we communicated as we shared our magic and cast together? Um, well that’s what I would like for my birthday – for us to start to do that again regularly and as soon as possible…. You know, just for us? And not because we’re trying to help avert an apocalypse or, or something.
The slight tremor of emotion in Tara’s voice as she said ‘or something’ did not go unnoticed and also spoke volumes to Willow. Gently and almost reverently the redhead gathered her girl into a closer and extra warm and loving embrace and then she quietly spoke with all her love lacing her words.
“Baby – consider it done. I wish you’d told me something that would involve my spoiling you with a treat as you so deserve – and I’m not saying I’m not gonna spoil you anyway….. but it also means a lot to me that our sharing our magic means so much to you as it does to me.” Willow said and then kissed her girl sweetly on her brow once again as they shared a soulful look of immense love and communion.
Sighing happily, Tara raised her hand to stroke Willow’s cheek affectionately - enjoying the feel of her lover’s smooth silky skin against her palm and fingertips.
Willow sighed back and nuzzled her cheek all the more into her girlfriend’s loving touch then she spoke.
“Baby, um, please can we lie down and snuggle until it’s time to go home?”
“Of course we can sweetheart – I was just gonna suggest the same thing. And Will?”
“Yeah baby?” responded Willow
“Thanks for a perfect day out and a perfect picnic.” Tara said.
“Aw thanks too baby, everything I do with you is so special – but I think this picnic has been extra special and magical, ya know?” the redhead said as she and her girl stretched out and cuddled into each other’s warm embrace.
“Mmm, oh yes, plenty of magic – and not just of the float-y variety” Tara replied with a suggestive grin and a sweet kiss on her girlfriend’s nose. Then she continued speaking as she cuddled Willow closer.
“Honey, did I ever tell you how much I love your name?”
“You do baby? Why?” asked Willow
“Well because it suits you so well – you’re very special darling, just like willow trees are special.”
“Aw Tara, you say the nicest things to me - but how do you mean willow trees are special?”
“Well take the weeping willow tree for instance – I find it fascinating that it got its name because when rain drips down from it’s leaves, it looks like it’s crying. But what makes it so special is how fast growing it is – for a tree its pretty smart, just like you honey. It can grow by taking in nutrients through its branches if they are stuck in the ground rather than the usual way via the roots beneath the trunk.”
“Also the willow tree is known for its very beautiful green leaves that sometimes get a lovely silvery colour on the underside. And you honey – have the most gorgeous green eyes I’ve ever seen….” Tara trailed of to look down slightly to smile at Willow who was gazing back with an almost childlike and enraptured expression on her face. Then she continued speaking.
“And honey – there’s another type of willow tree called the red baron willow ‘cause its trunk and branches have an amazing reddish hue – and you my Willow have the most amazing red hair in the whole world. So see, Willow and special go together – and you are so very special to me my sweet love.”
At that point Tara turned on her side to bestow a tender kiss on Willow who was smiling tremulously with joy, looking uncharacteristically at a loss for words.
When they parted lips, Willow sighed happily with love shining brightly in her eyes to equal that which Tara had expressed with her words. But soon a frown marred her forehead making Tara speak in a worried but gentle tone.
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” she asked gazing closely at the redhead.
“It’s just…. a thought just flashed in my mind of how there is also a willow tree called black willow…. and I…. I mean it kinda made me remember the dark magic I’ve used recently and I just hate that I….. that maybe it means I can become all dark and bad – I don’t wanna be bad, I’m so scared that I’m gonna mess up somehow…..”
Tara had deliberately waited to hear what was on her lover’s mind and now she reached out to calm her fears. She placed a gentle finger on Willow’s lips and spoke decisively.
“Hush darling. Listen to me – you are so very good. Sure you’ve made mistakes – but everyone makes mistakes sometimes. The mere fact that you’re so worried about it shows how good you’re. When you used dark magic you did it out of your immense love – honey, you saved me from Glory! You found me and brought me back home! Just as you brought Buffy home too.”
“Willow, what we do - our life style is so tough, but we get through it as best we can. Baby, just let’s continue to be honest and open with each other and we can get through anything. Together, always together – okay?” the blonde ended gazing directly and reassuringly into the redhead’s emerald eyes.
“Yes Tara – always together. Thanks baby, I feel much better now” Willow said with a sigh and a grateful smile.
“That’s my girl. Come here“ Tara said pulling Willow close to share a tight comforting squeeze, then she quietly added.
“You’re special my Willow tree – always special.”
Tara got an extra squeeze and a soft mushy kiss on the neck from Willow as soon as she said that - then she continued talking soon after.
“Sweetie - you know, the black willow tree thing? Think nothing of it, even oak trees - like this our favorite one right here – come in the black oak and red oak varieties, it’s just a classification thing – and none of them can ever be as special as you, my Willow – I mean come on they’re just trees!”
Tara giggled on her last statement and was rewarded when Willow giggled merrily along with her. All was right with her world again – she needed her Willow happy as much as humanly possible.
A ‘cuddly’ moment later – Tara pulled slightly back from Willow and said
“Hey baby, speaking of trees and growing – you still owe me an explanation of what operation GROW means, and this time no stalling! Last night you distracted me with delicious Willow kisses when we were in bed – but now it’s time to spill and no arguments!” the blonde authoritatively spoke with a raised eyebrow.
With a tiny mischievous grin and delight at the emergence of her girlfriend’s take-charge side. Willow sat up and pulled Tara up into a sitting position also, then replied.
“Ooh yes ma’am! Well for one thing it’s GROWW with two letter Ws and not one. But before I tell you the rest I want some Tara smoochies!” Willow made a pouty face at her girl who rolled her eyes playfully but made to oblige by pulling the redhead in for a slow dreamy kiss.
Moans of enjoyment could be heard as the two witches savoured the sweet sensations of their loving lip lock. Then they soon parted lips and hugged each other where they sat.
Willow slowly opened her eyes with the full intention of telling Tara about operation GROWW. But her eyes caught sight of a scene in the distance that shocked her quite a bit and her mouth fell open as she uttered.
“Anya?!”
“Hey! Not quite the response I was looking for after kissing you Willow! What do you mean by calling out Anya…?” said a very surprised and rather disgruntled Tara as she pulled back to stare at her girlfriend with a look of chastisement.
“No look baby, seriously! – it’s Anya and she looks kinda upset. Oh and she’s not alone - behind her is…… Dawn?”
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Sure enough as Tara turned to look behind her she saw Anya in the distance but closing in very fast. She looked rather distraught as she half ran towards the two witches with Dawn trying to catch up several metres behind.
“Hey Anya! Wait up – please. Please calm down – I wish you’d told Buffy and I what was wrong, maybe we could have helped without barging in on Willow and Tara’s alone time. Anya, come on – wait up…..” Dawn called frantically after the blonde ex-demon.
“No Dawn – I’ve got to talk to Willow, she’s the only one who can help me….” Anya shouted determinedly over her shoulder as she quickened her pace in her highly distraught state.
By now Willow and Tara had stood up wide-eyed and in a slight panic for fear that something had happened to a member of their family.
“Oh God! Anya, Dawnie what’s wrong – is someone hurt?” called out Willow as the two new arrivals neared the picnic spot.
“Willow – you’ve got to help me, please….” said Anya who now had tears streaking down her face.
No one was more surprised than Willow when the ex-demon launched herself sobbing into Willow’s arms, she just couldn’t fathom why Anya always seemed to be ending up in her arms lately! But this time her feelings were more feelings of extreme worry rather than feelings of perplexity.
Willow gazed desperately at her girlfriend for some help as Anya sobbed uncontrollably in her arms. Tara moved closer and gently reached for Anya’s shaking shoulder then rubbing it gently and feeling extremely worried she spoke.
“Anya – what’s wrong? I hope no one is hurt …. please tell us what’s happened….” she was interrupted by Dawn who came panting up to meet them.
“Tara, Willow – I’m sorry. I really didn’t want us to barge in on your picnic, but Anya made me tell her where your favorite picnic spot is….”
“Dawnie, never mind about that – is someone hurt? Please just tell us what’s wrong!“ Willow said getting more worried by the second.
“I don’t know, Anya wouldn’t tell Buffy and I what was…..” Dawn started to say only to be interrupted by Anya who finally pulled a little away from Willow’s now soggy shoulder.
“It’s Xander!” wailed the ex-demon and started to cry all over again.
“Oh God! – what Anya, what? – is he hurt?” said Willow with a frightened voice.
“No, but…. he, he’s called off our wedding!” Anya wailed again and broke down in pitiful tears.
“WHAT?!” squeaked the other three girls loudly and in unison.
After their outburst – Willow just stood there helplessly acting as a prop for the still sobbing Anya, Dawn just looked on rather shocked and dazed at Anya’s revelation and Tara – Well Tara bit her lower lip and couldn’t help but feel worried that her talk with Xander yesterday might have indirectly been the cause of Anya’s evident hurt and pain. So she stepped closer to her friend and rubbing her back gently she said
“Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry. I’m really sorry – um, did you guys have a fight or something?”
Anya pulled completely away from Willow and tried to compose herself. She pulled out a tissue from the pocket of her lightweight jacket and used it to dry her tears as best she could then she looked at Tara and spoke.
“That’s just it – we didn’t have a fight. He’d been acting quiet and moody all day and then he said he needed to talk to me about something. So I sat down to listen and he first wasted time with a long confusing story about his childhood and weird parents and so on…. then he, he said he loves me as much as ever but that he thinks we should call off the wedding for now and, and….”
Anya started to cry again as her three friends looked on sadly. Then she tried hard to compose herself again and this time looked at Willow, then sniffling pitifully she said
“Please Willow – you’ve got to help me, please. I just don’t know what to do. Can you go and talk to him for me? You’ve been his best friend since you were babies – he’ll talk to you – he’ll tell you what I did wrong. Make him tell you Willow – so then I’ll know how to fix it and make him want to marry me again…” she trailed off and bent her head to hide her red rimmed eyes that were filling with tears again.
The poor ex-demon couldn’t help but feel sorry for herself as she despondently thought to herself that being human sucked big time!
Willow snapped out of her slightly confused but sympathetic daze – she really felt SO bad for Anya. It was tough for Willow because this made it two days in a row that she had to see Anya hurt or in pain – and it wasn’t a nice feeling at all. She and Anya hadn’t seen eye to eye for a long time, but she had since come to learn that beneath Anya’s brash exterior she was just as sensitive as the next person. She really needed to go find out what was up with her life long best friend – Xander sure had been acting weird and very insensitive and hurtful of late….
“Come on Anya – let’s get going, I’ll go talk to Xander now. You can go to our place in the meantime with Dawnie and Tara.…” At this Willow looked to her girlfriend who nodded and gave a small smile of encouragement back.
“Oh thank you Willow! I knew you would help me – you’ve really been so nice to me lately and I….” Willow interrupted gently.
“It’s okay Anya – we’re family and families need to stick together. I’ll do what I can and I’m sure things will work out. I mean at least you know that Xander loves you, he said so right?” off Anya’s nod and tiny smile Willow continued and said
“Things will work out, you’ll see – try not to worry too much, okay?”
“Thanks Willow” said Anya feeling a little better already.
“Let’s just gather our things then we’ll be ready” said the redhead.
As she turned around to go get the picnic basket she felt Tara embrace her around her waist. Then the blonde leaned in to place a kiss on her cheek and also whispered in her ear.
“See how good you are to others cutie? You’re so loving and good - never forget that! It’s one of the many reasons I love you….. cutie” Tara said with a little seductive dip to her voice at the end, then she grinned a little as she got the expected answering blush from her just made bashful lover.
Willow grinned back bashfully but lovingly even as she was swooning at having her girl call her by that term of endearment that was guaranteed to make her swoon every time.
Then she mouthed ‘I love you’ to Tara making Tara’s eyes light up and her grin to broaden a bit just before they both bent down to pack up their picnic basket then shake out and fold the blanket together.
When they were through they walked over to join Dawn and Anya. Both witches smiled a little when they saw Dawn awkwardly patting Anya on the shoulder in an attempt to comfort.
Dawn was more than willing to do her fair share to help Anya anyway she could – it was all part of the promise she’d made to herself - to make things up to Anya for stealing from the Magic Box - but more important to start acting responsibly instead of like a spoiled bratty kid.
“Dawn – how did you and Anya get here? You didn’t walk all the way did you?” Tara asked.
“No Tara – Buffy drove us over in the SUV – she’s waiting for us in the parking lot” Dawn replied with a grin because she knew what was coming next.
“Buffy drove?” groaned both witches in unison.
“Baby, seeing as we both wisely got our driving licenses recently - maybe we can persuade Buffy to let one of us drive? I know neither of us really enjoys driving – but I’m really not up to Buffy’s erratic driving after that lovely picnic we just had….” said Willow unconsciously patty her tummy as though to calm herself from the thought of losing her lunch!
Giggling a bit Dawn piped up as all four of them walked towards the parking lot.
“Don’t worry guys, you’re gonna be pleasantly surprised – Buffy actually drove good this time – didn’t she Anya?” asked Dawn glancing expectantly at the ex-demon.
“Yeah – yeah she did” replied Anya still sounding very sad and rather subdued.
Willow and Tara exchanged worried looks but said nothing – instinctively they all seemed to decide to continue their brisk walk to the parking lot in silence.
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They all walked into the parking area and skirted various cars towards were Dawn indicated Buffy and the SUV were waiting.
As they approached their desired parked vehicle that was now in their sight - Willow who was holding hands as usual with her girlfriend suddenly felt Tara go tense at her side. But as she was about to look across to check that all was well with her girl, she got distracted when she heard Dawn speak.
“Hey - isn’t that Oz talking to Buffy?” Dawn piped up a tad loudly.
On hearing his name, Oz looked up and smiled.
“Hey” he said, then paused until they got closer then he continued still smiling.
“I guess now I only need to make a house call on the male scoobies if I want to say hello after so long…. Hi Willow, it’s great to see you again – and you too Anya and Dawn - you sure have grown really tall…. and er, Tara how’re you?”
Anya just gave him a tiny wave but said nothing as she slunk away to get in and seat in the back of the SUV, giving Buffy a tiny watery smile when the slayer said hi and tried to look supportive. Oz wasn’t bothered by Anya’s demeanour because Buffy had filled him in on the fact that she was upset over something.
Both Willow and Dawn said “Hi Oz” but Dawn additionally giggled at his comment on her height and bounced happily over to seat in the front of the jeep with Buffy.
Tara mumbled “I’m fine thanks” and tried to look calm and friendly.
Willow shot a quick worried glance at Tara then looked over at Oz to ask
“How’s it going Oz? What brings you here again – you come here a lot?”
“Yeah, I have to do the meditations the monks taught me in natural open spaces….” He paused then looked a tad nervously over at Tara and then took a tentative step closer.
Willow had to glance rather sharply and worriedly at her girlfriend when she felt Tara squeeze her hand tighter and simultaneously go tense again.
It didn’t escape Oz’s notice that Tara had tensed up and had even tried ever so imperceptibly to move slightly away from him.
Inwardly he sighed sadly at this even though he had always known that meeting his ex-girlfriend’s girlfriend again would prove awkward – but he knew he had to say what he had regretted not getting a chance to say before he’d left Sunnydale.
“Tara – I never got a chance to tell you how sorry I am about what happened that day on campus. I’m really very sorry, I thought I had control of the wolf then but I didn’t…. I would never deliberately want to hurt you or anyone else and that’s why I’ve worked so hard to learn to control it – and now I’m glad I can control it totally. I just needed to tell you how sorry I am and I hope you’ll forgive me” Oz delivered this speech with utmost sincerity and with no sign of his trademark stoicism.
“Thanks Oz – I k-know you couldn’t control what happened, so there’s nothing to f-forgive…. but thanks all the same for what you said” Tara responded also sounding very sincere – then she turned to Willow and without really looking at her said
“I’ll just grab these and go wait in the jeep Will” that said she disentangled their entwined hands and took the basket from Willow’s other hand, then she backed away and walked behind the parked SUV to the other side and joined Anya at the back seat.
Willow had since deftly tried to hide her worry at the tension she’d felt in her girl – sure she knew that Tara’s meeting her ex-boyfriend again would be awkward, but she hadn’t expected the level of tension she had felt emanating from her soul mate.
So she smiled at Oz warmly but made her excuses to leave so she could be with Tara as quickly as possible.
“Thanks for what you just said Oz, it was really great to see you again – but we really have to go because Anya needs my help with something” Willow said speedily.
“Sure Willow, you get going – Buffy filled me in a little on that – I hope it all works out….. and we did the whole telephone numbers swapping thing so we can all stay in touch” he said smiling warmly back.
“Yeah, see ya around Oz” Willow said with another quick smile then she darted of to join her girlfriend in the back of the jeep.
Oz waved bye to them as Buffy pulled out of the parking lot and he got an answering wave from Dawn and Buffy.
“Hey Will, so Dawn has filled me in and says we’re dropping you off at Xander’s right?” piped up Buffy as she drove.
“Hey Buff, yeah that’s the plan” replied Willow a bit distractedly for she was now wishing she could go home and be with her girl.
Even though Tara had instinctively reached for and entwined their hands together as was usual and had also given her that sweet lopsided smile she loved, when she’d entered the jeep. Willow desperately wanted to talk to her girl and find out what was up with her regarding Oz. Surely Tara most know she had nothing to fear or feel threatened about regarding her ex.
“See Willow – didn’t I tell you Buffy could drive good now?” piped up Dawn
“Hey! Quiet you.” Buffy said with a mock fierce scowl for her giggling sister, then glancing at Willow through the rear view mirror she said.
“So Will – had a good picnic?”
With a quick affectionate glance at Tara who smiled affectionately back Willow replied without hesitation and with great enthusiasm.
“Yes Buffy – it was the best ever!”
“Good, good – now if I can just get Anya over by your side to give me a smile, I’ll be one happy slayer” Buffy said trying to boost the morale of a very subdued Anya.
“Yeah Anya – please try and cheer up a bit, Willow’s gonna do all she can – okay?” Tara said patting Anya on the leg encouragingly – she was rewarded with a tiny smile.
“Aha! – we got a smile, good, good.” said Buffy making Dawn giggle at her sister’s silliness and at the same time making her impressed at how loving the slayer was being, she was more impressed when she glanced back at Anya and got another smile from her.
As Buffy continued with her silly banter and surprisingly good driving – Willow seized the opportunity to converse quietly with her girlfriend.
“Tara? Baby? – Are you okay? she asked
“Sure honey – why wouldn’t I be?” Tara replied.
“I don’t know…. I mean, what was going on with you when we saw Oz just now? You were stuttering and you went all tense….”
“It was nothing sweetie, honest I’m okay” interrupted Tara with a little sigh.
“But baby – I know there was something up, you also avoided looking at me and you only do that when you’re upset….. Tara? You know you don’t have anything to worry about with Oz, right? – you’re okay with he and I staying friends aren’t you? Because you know, we could talk about that – you and I…. You’re my girl Tara and I’ll do anything to make you happy….”
Tara interrupted once again and this time she looked Willow directly in the eyes.
“I know that sweetie – you don’t have to reassure me on that, I know that I’m your girl just as you're mine. Why don’t you just sort out your visit with Xander first – then we can talk when you get home – okay?”
Willow searched deeply into Tara’s eyes as she thought with a tiny bit of worry that she must not be a very good girlfriend if indeed after all this time there was still something to talk about regarding Oz.
Then she nodded in answer to Tara’s last comment and then leaned in to capture her baby’s luscious lips in a deep kiss into which she poured all of her love – wanting so much for the kiss to symbolise how she totally belonged only to her beautiful blonde Goddess. She was thrilled to be fervently kissed back by her Tara whose response conveyed the same message in equal measure.
Suddenly both witches received a rude awakening from the bliss of their passionate lip lock – when Buffy loudly cleared her throat.
The slayer had tried very hard not to allow her enhanced slayer hearing to pick up on the witches’ private conversation – but since whatever it was ended in such a passionate kiss – then she guessed it was all good.
Buffy then spoke cheekily after the loud cough she’d given, half turned in her seat as she looked behind at a blushing Willow and Tara.
“If you two care to break up the heavy make-out session – please note that there’s a minor present and also notice that we’ve arrived at Xander’s apartment.” she stated grinning widely.
Dawn just giggled as she watched her two favorite witches try to compose themselves.
“Oh right – I better get going then. Anya, I’ll do my best with the talking to Xander thing” Willow babbled.
“Thanks Willow – I’ll be waiting at your place” Anya replied.
“Here’s your phone sweetie – please take a cab home if Xander is not up to driving you back – okay?” Tara said
“Yes baby – I will” Willow said as she took her phone then gave her girl one last quick kiss before stepping out of the jeep saying ‘Bye guys’ to the others.
“Awww” Buffy and Dawn said simultaneously.
“Will you two stop that! Buffy! – you promised you weren’t gonna tease me anymore” Tara huffed
“Bye Will” Buffy called after her friend then she glanced quickly at Tara and said
“Sorry Tara, it’s just that you two are so cute together and I can’t help….”
“Buffy! Stop – let’s just get Anya home okay.…” Tara said rolling her eyes at the slayer, then glancing at Anya who though still subdued managed a smile at the slayer’s antics and for Tara, when she felt the blonde witch squeeze her hand to offer comfort.
“Right Tara – home it is” said Buffy pulling the car out unto the road after a quick wink at Dawn who grinned widely back.
Despite the current Xander/Anya crisis – Dawn couldn’t help but feel happier than she had in a long time. Somehow she no longer felt somewhat alone, something seemed to have changed for the better. She couldn’t decipher exactly what it was – but something in her mind kept telling her it was down to Willow, for one thing it was the beloved red haired witch who had brought her sister back to her…. Anyway, Dawn was indeed a very happy teenager on that particular journey home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TBC.
Questions? Comments? – are greatly appreciated.
(Next update within a week.)
Merry Christmas in advance to all those who celebrate it.
Happy Holidays!
WFB
Edited by: WannaFriendsBe at: 12/24/03 11:30 am
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. I so did not like how that went down on the show, with Giles cutting Willow to the quick and never going back to apologize for it. 
Take-Charge-Tara could melt diamonds with that kind of heat. WOW! 
:"> Oh yeah, do tell Tara she doesn't need to apologize for wanting Willow, nope... 
I am glad they are all making up, you're really cleaning up that mess. Go GROWW!
. BUT I do know what you mean and it is indeed a good thing!!!!! 
Phew, finally managed to catch up on your last 2 updates. I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed both of them! And go Tara! 
Hopefully her talk has really awakened the Xander of old...the one who cared about others without judging them within an inch of their lives. 
(& also you, 'cos you are the one who wrote it after all 
.
Yay! An update, & it was well worth the wait (naturally) 
(& that can never be a good thing).
. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I dislike the guy, it's just, he's got Tara all upset & that's a big no-no!