The Lovers, The Dreamers And Me - Ch. 50 (11/15/13)

[Willow_Friendly]

It's hard to believe that willow did not notice that Tara is wearing a bikini i mean it should be the first thin you notice right? Anyway i'm glad that the whole computer fiasco is cleared up. And i like to know why faith did't show Tara the photo on the phone but showed it her mom behind her back instead it makes her look distrustful.

Great work can't wait for the next chapter!!!!

[Grimm]

AWEEEEEEEESOME!!! Thank you, Wimpy. That was absolutely perfect .

I really like Tara's Mom. She has a wicked sense of humor.

Working on their communication would be a good thing. But, I think they will have fewer problems now that the cat is out of the bag.

LMAO @ the cigar in the tunnell metaphor.

One, well 2 questions...Is big D by any chance Dawn?...and what was the little something extra that she put in Willow's bag?

Can't wait to find out about the Virgin sparks.

[wimpy0729]

Hi guys. Thanks again for all the great comments. You keep making this so much fun.


Finey_McFine: Hey Shelby! Yes, Buffy came through again and most of the world probably doesn't even realize it as usual. lol

They finally got the mess cleared up, thank goodness. But they still have a ways to go learning to communicate better with each other. They just need some time and some nice long talks to get to know each other better. Some of that is coming up, unfortunately, before there are any answers about the sparkage. Just a few more chapters before we get to that, so just a little more patience. Thanks for the feedback!


vampyregurl73: Hi Heather! Yep, finally on the right path and everything's out in the open. At least as far as that goes.

Tara's reaction to what Willow told her was basically because she considered herself "a freak" because she was still a virgin at her age, and probably didn't think there were many people close to that age in the same situation. It's possible, but not likely, so she thought that was the only explanation. And again, they need to get to know each other better and work on their communication. They're getting there.

More clues on the tree observer coming up very soon. More on the sparkage coming up in a few chapters too, so keep hanging in there.

Tara running in a bikini = nice bouncing boobies = lots of smiling kittens. Oooh, picturing it in slow-mo now. I'm even giving you a wet Tara in a bikini, so see, I'm definitely not evil. If I was evil, the sparks could mean they have to live on opposite sides of the world to prevent an apocalypse or something. Muwahaha. Thanks for the feedback!


Willow_Friendly: Hi there. Very good questions. Yes, I agree -- to you, me and most other hot-blooded kittens, Tara in a bikini would be the first thing noticed. However, Willow was in the "making things right with Tara zone", and that was first and foremost in her mind. Once that was taken care of, she definitely noticed the bikini, and she notices it even more in the upcoming chapter.

As far as Faith and the picture on the phone situation -- at that time, Tara wasn't hardly talking at all, basically avoiding anything and everything to do with that night, so Faith went to the next best person she could ask about it. You'll soon see that Mary was the right person to talk to about it and why in just a few more chapters.

Thank you very much. More coming up directly below, and we get to see wet Tara and wet Willow fun. Thanks for the feedback!


Grimm: Hi Grimmy! LOL Thank you. I'm so glad you liked it.

I'm happy you like Mary. You'll get to see exactly how much of a wicked sense of humor she really has and why she got the nickname of Mama Bear in a few more chapters.

Yep, the big cat is out of the bag FINALLY, and they're definitely going to be getting to know each other better so hopefully nothing like this happens again. But it still may not be totally smooth sailing. Just sayin'...

LOL I think you're the only one that said anything about the tunnel/cigar thing. Yeah, that's a reference to canon Faith, and I just had to slip that in there. Glad you liked it.

And oh Grimmy, your questions are killing me because I want to tell you so badly. Good catch btw about the little something extra in the bag. Did you happen to catch any other clues at Big D's store? You'll be happy to know that at least an answer to one of your questions is coming up directly below. The info on the sparks, unfortunately, is still a few chapters away. Just a little more patience. Thanks for the feedback!

[wimpy0729]

TITLE: THE LOVERS, THE DREAMERS AND ME


AUTHOR: Wimpy0729

RATING: R

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and other BtVS characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, etc. All other characters, human and otherwise, belong to me.

FEEDBACK: Yes, please.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Happy Friday! I hope you all had wonderful holidays. I had to work and things are crazy around here, but thankfully, this place and you guys help to keep me sane. No beta, so all mistakes are my own. For any glaring errors, please PM me.

Thanks again to all for reading and/or replying.


___________________


CHAPTER 20



"All she said was that they were going for a drive...to talk," Mary relayed to Faith, who had joined her after she called the brunette to let her know what was going on.

"So they seemed okay?"

"As far as I could tell from where I was doing my stealthy eavesdropping," Mary said with a wink.

Faith laughed as she petted Chosen, then kissed her on the head. "I guess you did good then, girl."

"Maybe we should put these roses in a vase for my daughter. It's no telling how long this talk is going to take."

"I'll take care of it," Faith said as she filled a vase with water. She removed the first dozen from one side of the backpack and arranged them carefully in the vase. She pulled the second dozen from the other side and did a double take.

"Mama Bear, since when did they start putting corks on the end of rose stems?"

"Never that I know of, why? Oh..." Mary carefully removed the half skewered cork and looked at it. "Hmm...champagne. Someone has good taste."

Faith added that bunch of flowers to the vase and was fussing over them when the light bulb flickered on above her head.

"Willow said Tara brought champagne on their trip to the creek."

"Well, sounds like she was doing a little wining and dining. I'm proud of her. Maybe they just kept it for a souvenir."

"Maybe," Faith said as she removed Chosen's backpack and Mary stuck the cork back in the pocket.

"Hey, what's with the blood on the porch?"

"It seems my daughter was in too much of a hurry to bother putting on shoes."

"Yeah. I've never seen her move so fast," Faith laughed. "By the way, were those books helpful at all?" Faith asked as she sat back down and sipped her coffee as she leaned with the table, somehow managing to make it look cool.

"Well, we're still going through them, but yes...it appears to be what we suspected."

"And you're not telling me, are you?"

"Absolutely not. Not until I talk to the girls."

"You're a mean woman, Mama Bear," Faith teased as she looked out to the mountains. "I wonder how they're doing."

_______________________


Willow squealed as she tried to escape the blonde stalking her. "No, Tara! You are NOT dunking me again!" she yelled, wiping water from her face.

"I wouldn't do that, Willow," Tara said sweetly.

"Right. That's what you said the last two times!"

"I mean it this time. Truce?" she asked, holding out her hand.

Willow looked at her skeptically.

"Come on...please? I want to show you something."

A red eyebrow curved upward and a hopeful smile emerged as she glanced down at the blonde's chest, which was very well displayed in her bikini. Willow momentarily wondered how she was able to sweat while standing in 3 1/2 feet of fairly cold water. <Oh yeah...those nipples>

Tara grabbed her hand and pulled her into her arms. "Am I going to have to dunk you again, sweetie?" Tara asked, then her voice dropped to a low, sensuous tone. "Because, if I showed you my breasts..." <Willow gulped> "that wouldn't exactly be taking things slow, like we agreed...right?"

Willow pouted, which Tara realized would've gotten her anything she asked for at the moment.

"Ya know," Willow started, "I could make a totally tasteless joke like...'I'll show you mine if you show me yours'. You know...'a little tit for tat'," she smiled slyly, "but I won't. You are a beautiful woman, Tara, and your body is amazing. But for right now, I'm enjoying having my own little fantasy in my mind about what your delicious breasts look like...and picturing the things I want to do with them."

Tara's breathing was getting deeper at the thought of what Willow could be thinking of doing to her body.

"I mean, your nipples even have starring roles all on their own. It makes my mouth water just thinking of them."

Tara gulped and licked her lips. Now she was thinking of the redhead's nipples. Wondering what color they were...how big they were...how they would feel when she wrapped her lips around them...

Willow was going to elaborate to tease Tara some more when she heard a splash, then saw Tara rising up out of the water, head thrown back, with water cascading down her face and chest and...

"I just want to eat them up!"

"What?" Tara asked as she shook the water from her ears.

"Oh, fuck it," Willow said as she pinched her nose closed and sunk down under the water and stayed...and stayed...until she came up sputtering, much to Tara's amusement.

Tara took her by the hand and pulled her close. "How about we cut out all the breast and nipple talk...for now?"

Willow smiled and nodded as she leaned in to kiss those lips once again. "For now."

_______________________


"Tara, how can you call that a waterfall?! It's more like a...a water trickle."

Tara just shrugged. "I'll admit it's not very impressive, but we haven't had much rain this summer. I just wanted to show you something pretty," she said shyly.

"Tara," she said as she reached for both of the blonde's hands, "don't you get it? When I'm with you, you're the prettiest thing I could ever see. Both times you've brought me here have been two of the best days of my life, all because of you."

"Willow, I can never apologize enough for the way that date ended. I wanted it to be so special...and then, well..."

"Kablooey," Willow said smiling sadly, and Tara nodded in agreement. "How about we just say that our first real date ended here...because then...it was absolutely perfect," she whispered as she wrapped her arms around Tara and kissed her gently, standing beneath the water trickle.

Tara squeezed the thin hips as they pulled apart, gazing lovingly into bright green eyes. "Come home with me."

"Okay...I mean, huh?" Willow would have agreed to anything Tara said right then.

"Let me make you dinner. It's been a long day, and you can...stay...if you want," she said hopefully.

"That sounds very tempting..."

"Will, we haven't seen each other in more than three weeks, and with our schedules, who knows how long it'll be before we see each other again. We have a guest room, or...you could stay with me. I just want to hold you. Please?"

"Oh, baby, that sounds wonderful, but I'll need a change of clothes since someone decided to throw me in the creek fully dressed," she teased. There was nothing she wanted more than to spend time with Tara right now.

Tara's smile was radiant as she hugged the small redhead. "Thank you," she whispered into the freckled ear. "I'm sure we have something for you to wear."

"Okay, as long as it's not leather, because you know, that chafes my delicate areas if I sleep in it."

"Don't even start that again," she warned, and Willow laughed as Tara's blush started creeping up her neck.

"Okay, but you need to get that bikini off as soon as possible."

At Tara's raised eyebrows and shocked expression, she added, "Oh! I didn't mean...although...come to think of it..."

"Willow..."

"You just look too good in it, and it's not fair if you expect me to behave!"

"Okay, I promise. I'll take it off as soon as I get home," Tara said with a cheeky grin.

Willow groaned. It was going to be a long night.

After their long talk and the revelations they shared, they decided that since they were starting over, they would try to go slow on the physical stuff, at least for now, and take more time to really get to know each other. They didn't say it was going to be easy.

"So, are you ready to face the Spanish Inquisition?" Tara asked as she led them up the bank.

"Well, nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition, but I think I pretty much already had it."

Tara giggled. "Did she make you sit in the comfy chair?"

"No, but she poked me with the soft cushions," Willow joked and bumped the blonde's shoulder.

"Seriously, I'm sorry about that. How bad was she?" Tara asked as they folded up the blanket and headed back to the truck.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. I was too nervous thinking about you to pay much attention to well...about anything really."

Tara smiled sadly as she opened the door. "I just keep wanting to say I'm sorry, Willow." She held up her hand to stop any interruption. "I know...I do...we said no more apologies, but I feel horrible. Even though it was a misunderstanding, I hurt you so bad." Tears started to well in the blonde's eyes, and the only place she could look was the ground.

"Hey," Willow said as she took the blanket and tossed it in the front seat. "Listen to me. I know I said stuff that hurt you too. It kills me and 'sorry' wouldn't even begin to cover it, but now it's over. It's all in the past. Forgiven and forgotten, got it?"

Tara nodded as Willow leaned against the truck and pulled her into her arms. "Shh...no more tears. I can't stand to see you cry, baby," she whispered as she gently stroked the soft blonde hair. "From now on, all I want to see is your beautiful smile and hear your sexy laugh."

Tara sniffed and rubbed her face on Willow's shoulder. "You...you think my laugh is sexy?"

Willow squeezed her tight and whispered in her ear. "Baby, everything about you is sexy. Well, except maybe how you just wiped your nose on my shirt. And even that...well, I'm just glad I'm here for you to do that on. I want to be there for whatever you need, Tara. I mean it."

Tara pulled back enough to look into her sparkling green eyes. "Thank you...for everything. For coming here today to straighten all this out. When I saw Chosen...I didn't know what to think."

"She was my secret weapon," Willow said grinning.

Tara chuckled and cocked an eyebrow.

"See, I knew you could ignore my calls, or refuse to see me, but I knew you wouldn't turn her away."

Tara lowered her hands, sliding down past the thin hips, took a cheek in each hand and pinched, grinning mischievously the whole time.

"Ow! Oww! Tara!" Willow whined and squirmed, but Tara held her tight.

"That was sneaky," <pinch>

"Ow!"

"and devious," <pinch>

"Oww!!"

"and BRILLIANT!"

Tara picked her up by her butt and spun them around laughing happily. "My girl's a genius," she said proudly as she sat her back on solid ground. She cupped Willow's face and pulled her in for a very enthusiastic kiss.

Willow pulled back and smiled at the glowing face of her girlfriend.

"Your girl?"

"Oh, yes," Tara said breathily as she leaned back in for another quick kiss.

"Yay! Then it's your official duty to rub my sore ass later."

Tara raised her right hand. "I solemnly swear that I will rub your ass to the best of my ability...and pleasure," she said, leering at her girlfriend.

"Tara."

"Yes?"

"Take me home."

[sarahncrys1017]

That update made me laugh.

Thanks! I needed it.

Can't wait for more.

[Willow_Friendly]

I don't think Willow knows what she getting herself into with Tara and loved the monty python quote. And i was wondering when you'r gonna be introducing THE BIG BAD because he or she should be sticking it's ugly head out right about now.

Great Update!!!!

[Finey_McFine]

Hi Pam!

Wonderful chapter, especially after all the drama. I love their making up antics, especially in the water. I see they are still horny as hell, at least that didn't change. I loved everything about this update...even the snot wiping on the sleeve. Glad to see them back on the right track, although, I can't seem to shake a lingering since of doom. I kinda feel like just as they start to come together, something is going to pull them apart.

So, on an extreme side note in regards to the water trickle. Years ago when we lived in Vegas, my wife and I used to love to go hiking up on Mt Charleston. My cousin told us that we should hike up to the "waterfall." So, we got a trail map and headed out. It was labeled as an advanced trail with switch-backs and it was several miles long, but hey, we were in our 20's so what the hell, right? WRONG! We're from flat ass Florida and knew nothing about these so called 'switch-backs.' So off we went and three hours later, after I seriously thought we were going to die from exhaustion, we reached the "waterfall." It was literally no more than a leaky faucet! We stood there just staring at it for like five minutes, then my wife said, "I'm going to fucking KILL your cousin." Then turned around and started marching back down the trail. Needless to say, I don't think we ever went hiking up there again, lol.

Anyway, lover it and can't wait until next Friday!!

[Grimm]

Okay, so Dawn/Big D is the one watching them and the cork was the little something extra that she put in Willow's bag?....Makes me feel a bit better about that situation. My only request would be that " H" not turn out to be that bubblehead, Harmony .

I'm gonna have to go back and read thru this Fic again because I have a few suspicions on what may be going on. I will pm you, as usual, my neurotic fears and accusations .

Loved the wet yummies in the Lake. Can't wait to read about the slumber party, even though there will be actual " slumbering " involved .

[wimpy0729]

Hi guys. Thanks again for all your interesting comments. It's so much fun hearing what everyone has to say.


sarahncrys1017: I'm so happy that made you laugh. If I've made at least one person happy, I've done my job, so thanks. More coming right up. Thanks for the feedback!


Willow_Friendly: You're absolutely right -- Willow will definitely have her hands full with Tara in lots of ways.

I'm glad you liked the little Monty Python part. I was hoping people would get it. They still make me laugh even after all these years.

Ooh, the Big Bad -- he/she/it might just be looming on the horizon. Stay tuned. Thanks for the feedback!


Finey_McFine: Oh, Shelby, your extreme side note had me rolling on the floor. That kind of hike sounds grueling to start with no matter how old you are, and then for that kind of anticlimax. Yeah, I would've been pissed too.

Yes, they get a little reprieve from the drama for a little while. They seriously needed some re-bonding time. Still horny? Absotively, but they are going to try to take it a little slowly. We'll see how well that goes. We'll also have to wait and see about any forthcoming doom, etc. but...could be heading their way, maybe not. I'll never tell. LOL Thanks for the feedback!


Grimm: Well Grimmy, I can only tell you one thing right now -- No bubbleheaded blonde, so at least you get that request granted. You might have to wait a little while to find out more about Big D, but she was the corker.

They very much needed some fun time together in the creek. They're starting over and need to reconnect in lots of ways. One slumber party coming up, but no pillow fights or hair braiding. You know, we lesbians save that for special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, etc.

As usual, I look forward to your interesting PM's and even occasional shit slinging. Thanks for the feedback!

[wimpy0729]

THE LOVERS, THE DREAMERS AND ME


AUTHOR: Wimpy0729

RATING: R

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and all other BtVS characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enema, etc. All other characters, human and otherwise, belong to me.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have no beta so all mistakes are my own. For any glaring errors, please PM me.

Thanks again to all for reading and/or replying.


______________________


CHAPTER 21


"Hurry up, Faith!"

"Damnit, T, hold still."

"But I need to get dinner started."

"No, you need to let me finish cleaning your feet and get you bandaged up."

"Ow!"

"Serves you right. What were you thinking going swimming in the creek with these cuts?"

"They didn't hurt until I got home. I guess I had other things on my mind."

Faith noticed the smile on Tara's face and had to smile herself. "So, you guys made up, huh?"

"Oh, yes," Tara sighed happily, "and she's spending the night."

"Good. About damn time," Faith said as she put socks on over Tara's bandaged feet. "You need to wear your slippers over these."

"Okay. Can I go now?"

"Yeah, yeah, get outta here. You act like you're in a hurry or something," she teased.

"I am. I've got a lot of lost time to make up," Tara said, smiling over her shoulder as she hobbled out of the bathroom.

_______________________


Willow had gone to the bathroom in the hall for a shower while Tara used the one in Faith's room. Tara found a pair of Faith's sweats for her and one of her own t-shirts. Unfortunately <not>, Tara smiled, Willow was just going to have to go commando until her clothes were washed and dried. Her smile faded however, as she recalled how shocked she was at how much smaller Willow was than when she'd last seen her. She looked like she hadn't eaten since that night, and a pang of guilt shot through her.

"Forgiven and forgotten," she reminded herself. "Now we're moving on, and the first thing I'm going to do is give her a nice big meal." Tara was talking to herself in the kitchen while she looked through the cabinets for pots and pans.

"Faith! Where did you put the ..."

She turned and saw her smiling girlfriend staring at her from a seat at the island. Just to see the redhead sitting right there, in her kitchen, smiling at her like that, after everything...made her knees nearly buckle. Tara stood up and leaned back against the counter. "I didn't hear you come in."

Willow just shrugged. "I didn't want to disturb your..."

"My bending over?" Tara asked teasingly, one blonde eyebrow arched.

"Hey, I'm just sitting here behaving myself," Willow defended, "and enjoying the view," she admitted, smiling impishly.

"Well, as long as you're behaving yourself, I'm not going to complain."

"No complaints here either...nope, not a one."

"Good to know," Tara said grinning, as she went back to work.

Willow wiggled in her seat and smiled contentedly as Tara bent over once again, quickly, unfortunately, retrieving the pot she had been looking for.

"Faith's outside watching over the steaks. They should be done soon."

"Sounds good."

"Do you like broccoli?"

"Sure," Willow answered happily, "if it's covered with hot fudge and topped off with sprinkles."

Tara giggled as she turned on the burner. "I take it that's a 'no'?"

"Not much for the green stuff."

"How about..." Tara asked suggestively, as she slipped in between her girlfriend's legs, wrapped her arms around her neck and whispered in her ear, "if it's covered in my thick...creamy...special sauce?"

Willow gulped as Tara finished with a long, slow lick up her sensitive ear. Tara smiled as she felt her girlfriend shiver.

What Willow really wanted to say, was that she'd eat anything covered in Tara's creamy sauce, but instead she just squeaked out an 'okay', and tried to remember how to breathe.

She watched Tara return to her cooking in a daze, then her eyes grew wide as she felt her own creamy sauce oozing unbidden onto <FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! Faith's borrowed sweatpants!> She squeezed her legs together and eased herself off the stool. "Be right back," she whispered, crimson faced, as she walked quickly and carefully to the stairs.

Tara turned and watched her go with a smirk. <Oh, Tara...that was just evil> She turned the burner off and made a quick trip downstairs to the dryer, then ran up to her room and found a pair of her own drawstring scrubs.

Willow was in the bathroom frantically trying to dry the crotch of Faith's pants. Toilet paper was useless and did nothing but leave little white shredded bits of tissue sticking annoyingly to the wet spot. "Shit, shit, shit." She looked around and saw something beside the sink. She was standing with her pants around her knees, blowdryer in hand pointed at the tissue-covered stain when she heard a knock on the door. <Double shit>

"Sweetie, your clothes are dry. I brought your panties and some scrubs if you want them. I'll just leave them right out here, okay? Oh, and the hamper's in the corner."

Willow sagged against the wall and sighed in relief. "You're an angel."

"I wouldn't say that," Tara chuckled. "Hurry up. I can't wait for you to taste my..."

"I'll be right down," the redhead interrupted quickly as she lightly banged the back of her head on the wall. <Oh, she's killin' me>

About an hour later, Faith had retreated to her room and dialed Buffy's number as soon as she closed her door. She knew she'd be going nuts wondering what was going on. Bubba and Chosen were asleep on the floor side by side, the big dog snoring lightly, and Willow and Tara were on the couch with Willow's head draped across her girlfriend's lap. Willow sighed as long, slender fingers moved in slow circles over her very full, satisfied tummy.

"I can't believe I ate so much," she whined, scrunching up her face.

"I'm glad you liked it," Tara said smiling, as she continued stroking the soft, warm skin. "Feeling better?"

"Soo much better," Willow said as she slid her hand up around Tara's neck and pulled her down into a gentle kiss.

"Mmmm..." Tara moaned as Willow massaged her scalp and deepened the kiss. It was slow and sensual as their warm tongues tenderly explored. They reluctantly ended the kiss and pulled back, faces flushed and smiling.

"Roll over," Tara whispered.

_______________________


"And you haven't heard from him since?" Willow asked from her prone position, as she rested her cheek on Tara's thigh.

"No, and I was so young I barely remember him. Mom said the last time she caught him cheating, that was it. She deserved better and so did I, so she filed for divorce and we moved here. She got a job at the hospital and we've been here ever since," Tara explained as she rubbed light, gentle circles around her girlfriend's butt, as promised earlier. It wasn't a sexual act, but more of a calming touch as they shared bits and pieces of their past.

"How did she choose this town?"

"Sofia lived here. They'd been friends for years, plus it's so pretty here. Mom just fell in love with it."

"It is pretty."

"What about you...your family?"

Willow sighed and started stroking the thigh that she was resting on. "Not much to tell really. Just mom and dad and myself. They traveled a lot for their jobs...still do, so they're not home much," she said quietly. "But I had Xander, and then we met Buffy."

Tara could tell Willow was being a little evasive and wasn't sure how far she should push. "Who did you stay with when they traveled?" she asked gently.

"It was pretty much just me and Mac at home."

"Is that a relative?"

"Where did you get these muscles, Tara? Your body is amazing."

Tara could see this was the end of that conversation, and filed that information away. "Oh, well I work out with Faith sometimes...and thank you," she said shyly.

"No, thank you. That day I saw you at the carwash...your sexy shoulders, those tight jeans and that tank top...mmm...yummy!"

Tara just laughed and lightly smacked the cheek she was rubbing. "You weren't so bad yourself...flaunting this sexy little ass."

"I...I," Willow huffed, "there was no flaunting of any kind." She tried her best to act indignant, but failed miserably. "And besides, what were you doing...trying out for a wet t-shirt contest?"

"I had a little accident with the hose," she mumbled.

"I'm glad," Willow admitted honestly, and kissed the bare thigh in front of her. "I'm also glad you have these boxers on."

"Me too," Tara sighed. "Thanks for staying tonight. I really have missed you," Tara said, moving her hand up to stroke the long, silky red hair."

Willow turned around to face her and cupped a soft cheek with her palm. "Me too. I...I felt like part of me had been ripped away...and..."

"You just felt empty?"

"Exactly."

"Me too...but now I feel whole again," Tara whispered as she leaned down and their lips met.

"Mmmmm...me too," Willow whispered back as they broke the kiss.

"Are you ready to go to bed, sweetie?"

Willow smiled sleepily and tried to stifle a yawn. "Can we maybe just stay here? This is kinda nice."

Tara lifted her girlfriend's head off her lap and stretched her body out behind her, wrapping her in her arms. "It's perfect," she said, squeezing her tightly and kissing her on the cheek. "Goodnight, Willow."

Willow interlaced her fingers with the ones around her middle and brought that hand to her lips. "Goodnight, baby."


***********************************

It was dark...so dark, with only small slivers of light seeping through the old cracked stone. She had been waiting in this tunnel for so long. Waiting for what? For who? All she knew was that she needed to wait. She was cold, but that didn't matter. She would keep waiting. It was very important. Someone else was there, keeping watch over her while she waited in the dark. She could hear her pacing the gravel floor behind her, constantly whispering her prayers as she kept her eyes on the dark tunnel behind them. Something was coming.

"We must go, My Lady. It isn't safe," she said urgently.

"I cannot go. I must wait...no matter how long. You can..."

She heard a thump behind her and turned to see her friend on the ground. She knelt beside her, then...blackness. Suffocating darkness. She thrashed about trying to break free, trying to get back to where she needed to be. She pounded the walls and dug at the dirt, shaking with anger and crying out until her lungs burned. "Dear Goddess, this can't be happening -- it's not the way it's supposed to be! I've been waiting! I will wait...forever!" Then there was a blinding light.


************************************


Tara was startled awake by her girlfriend struggling in her arms. She was mumbling, flailing her arms, kicking and ended up forcing Tara's arms away and crashing to the floor.

"Willow!" Tara scrambled to the floor, carefully approaching the confused redhead.

"Willow...honey, are you okay?" Tara said, gently placing her hand on a shaking arm.

Terrified green eyes looked up at her. That look broke her heart into a million tiny pieces, and she held her breath.

"You're here," Willow whispered desperately. "You're really here," she said as she leapt into Tara's arms and clung to her as if her life depended on it.

Tara squeezed her tight. "I'm here, baby. I'll always be here," she whispered, and she meant it. She felt Willow shaking in her arms and warm tears against her neck and she squeezed her tighter.

Slowly the tears subsided and the shaking slowed as Tara ran her hands soothingly through her hair and down her back. Willow pulled back and wiped her eyes. "Tara?"

"Hmm?"

"Why are we on the floor?"

Tara brushed tangled red hair back off her face and smiled softly. "I think you were having a nightmare, sweetie, and well...here we are."

"Oh, man," Willow said as she rubbed her hands over her face. "Yeah. It was horrible," she said, furrowing her brow.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I...I don't remember much. I usually don't remember my dreams, but this one, yeah...at least bits and pieces. There was lots of darkness...feeling closed in, and I was trying to get out."

Tara swallowed hard and looked seriously at her girlfriend. "Willow, were you...did it seem like you were in a tunnel...with stone walls?"

Willow slowly nodded her head. "Yes. It was cold...and there were old stone walls everywhere."

"Oh my God," Tara whispered.

"What?"

"Were you walking, like for a long time?"

Willow contemplated for a moment and shook her head. "No. I wasn't walking. I was just kind of already there. And I was there, waiting for a long time...lots of darkness...feeling suffocated. I was screaming and trying to get out...then there was a bright light. That's all I can remember. I'm sorry."

Tara hugged her close, for her own comfort as well as Willow's.

"It's okay. It's going to be okay," Tara whispered into the soft red hair. The truth was, she had no idea what was going on, and she just hoped and prayed that her words were true.

Faith had rushed down the stairs when she heard the noise, but stopped half-way down and took in the scene. Her breath caught when she heard Willow describing her nightmare. She knew this was too freaky to be a coincidence. She crept back upstairs, got cleaned up and dressed and made her way back down the stairs. Willow was sitting in Tara's lap on the floor and things seemed to have calmed down.

"I'll put the coffee on, then I'm headin' out." She heard Tara mumble a 'thanks', quickly started the coffee pot, then left for Mary's.

[Willow_Friendly]

Dibs!!!!

Tara really needs to talk to her mom about these dreams she and Willow are having. And who is Mac is it pets name or a imaginary friend maybe

[Finey_McFine]

My guess is that 'Mac' is Willow's laptop, lol. Sounds about right:)

Anyway, I was glad to see the girls didn't get too carried away. Although, I don't think they can go much longer with all this teasing. Poor Willow...it certainly wasn't a trickle! More like Niagra Falls. This was a great update up until the nightmare, because now I'm worried. Tara's Mom NEEDS to tell them ASAP at this point. I was very glad to see Faith take action and head out right away. Something weird and prophecy-ish is going on. Hopefully it has funny consequences and not of the life or death variety. I also have another theory about the nightmares...more specifically having to do with the metaphor surrounding the "dark tunnel." I'll just leave that for another day and maybe a PM.

Can't wait until next week!

[Willow_Friendly]

I should've thought of Mac being a laptop!!!!!! this is Willow after all

[sarahncrys1017]

Finally! I mean... yay an update!!!!

I really wanna know about the dreams too and what info Tara's mom found out.

Oh... call me slow... but I decided to start from the beginning again and I realized something. When Faith first talked to Willow and Buffy, she mentioned that they were from Rancho Carne... then, in a later chapter, Tara mentioned that Faith tried out for cheerleading... so I thought of 'Bring It On'. Like I said, call me slow and I'm not sure if anyone else has brought it up.

Anyhoo, great update anyway! Impatiently waiting for the next!

[Missocki]

Yeah! the girls sorted that mess out! smoochies, very good.

Don't know what's up with the dreams and why/what Faith knows... A little worried there, but it does keep things interesting...

[wimpy0729]

Willow_Friendly: Hi there and congrats on the dibs! Yep, they definitely need to have "the talk" and that is coming up next chapter.

Well, what can I say? You guys are too smart and figured out who Mac was, but like you said, "this is Willow after all". LOL Thanks for the feedback!


Finey_McFine: Hey Shelby! Yes, Miss Smarty Pants, you figured out my not so well-hidden clue about Mac. LOL

The teasing stuff at the beginning of a relationship is fun, don't you think? There just may be a little more of that coming up. Willow definitely had more than a trickle, which is all good and fine, unless, of course, you're going commando and wearing someone else's pants. Poor thing.

The 'big talk' will be coming very, very soon, so just a little more patience, and the big question will be answered. And metaphor...well, you'll just have to wait and see, but I'd love to hear your interesting theories on that. In the meantime, how about a little more hot tub fun? Thanks for the feedback!


sarahncrys1017: Hi there! Not much longer until Mary talks to the girls and the explanation of the dreams, etc. is revealed.

LOL Yes, that was a little shout out to 'Bring It On'. Although, I didn't think Eliza looked much like a 'Missy'. Go Toros! Thanks for the feedback!


Missocki: Yes, all that mess finally cleared up and smoochies are always of the good.

We'll be finding out about the dreams and lots more very soon. How's next week sound? Thanks for the feedback!

[wimpy0729]

TITLE: THE LOVERS, THE DREAMERS AND ME


AUTHOR: Wimpy0729

RATING: R

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and all other BtVS characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enema, etc. All other characters, human and otherwise, belong to me.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have no beta, so all mistakes are my own. For any glaring errors, please PM me.

A huge thanks again to all for reading and/or replying.


____________________


CHAPTER 22



"Something strange is going on!" Faith ranted as she paced Mary's kitchen.

Sofia was still there after researching with Mary all night long. She casually sipped her coffee and watched her go back and forth, which reminded her she needed to TIVO Wimbledon this weekend.

"Sit down, dear. You're wearing a hole in the linoleum."

"Sit down?! Those two are having almost the exact same nightmare! Isn't this freaking you two out at all?"

"Of course this is worrisome, Faith," Sofia said, "but we've been looking into this for several days, and to be honest, something like this isn't totally unexpected."

Faith stopped pacing and glared at her watcher. "You mean you knew this was gonna happen?"

"We knew it was possible they may be...affected in some way, yes. We just didn't know how," Mary answered as she poured herself a fresh cup of coffee.

Faith collapsed into the vintage kitchen chair and looked closely at both of them, who oddly enough, seemed perfectly calm. "So you're sayin' there's nothing bad going on here?"

"Well, obviously, the nightmares are disturbing. Now that the girls have worked through their issues, we'll talk to them about this."

Faith sighed grumpily. "I'm guessing this talk doesn't include me, right?"

"We're sorry, honey, but this is just something we need to talk to them about first."

Faith couldn't help noticed the little half smile that Mary was trying her best to hide. She knew this was driving the brunette crazy.

"Fine, fine. I suppose you want me to go tell them you need to talk to them too, right?"

"If you would be so kind," Mary said as she patted Faith's hand. "And Faith...just them. This is private, so no sneaking back down here and eavesdropping."

"What?!" Faith said aghast, "You think I would do something like that?"

Mary just smirked. "Of course you would, dear. You learned from the best," Mary said with a wink.

"Damn," Faith said with a crooked nod, "You got me there. I promise...no sneaking."

"Thank you. And could you please send that picture to my phone?"

"Sure thing, and I'll send the girls right over."

_______________________


"Aww, baby. I swear I'm not laughing at you."

"Yes you are," Willow pouted with her arms folded over her chest.

"I'm just laughing at the suit."

"It's your suit!"

"That's the closest thing I had to your size, sweetie. Now come in here with me...please?" Tara asked, holding out her arms.

Tara kept trying to entice her girlfriend into the hot tub, but the borrowed swimming suit was so big on her that it ended up hanging loosely and was dangerously close to revealing her small, but pert assets.

"Come on. You can just stay under the bubbles and nothing will show, or...you could just take it off," she said, half teasing and half-way hoping she would.

Willow stared down at the white bikini the blonde was wearing and knew the bubbles weren't going to cover up much, and luckily neither did that bikini, especially when it was wet. She licked her lips as she took in the gentle swells of perfect flesh protruding over the edge of the thin material and the vague outline of each rosy areola topped off with those mouthwatering nipples.

Tara stood up, arms still extended, with one eyebrow raised. "Please, baby?" she whispered in a sultry voice that almost made the redhead's knees buckle.

Willow slowly raked her eyes completely down the blonde, over the womanly hips and locked on the nearly see-through bottoms, expecting...or hoping to catch a glipse of another outline. Her breath caught and her eyes glazed over at what she didn't...and did see. Her heart raced uncontrollably as she forced her eyes back up to the smoky blue ones looking at her hopefully. Suddenly, her borrowed suit didn't matter anymore, and she was drawn helplessly into her girlfriend's waiting arms.

Tara pulled her close and whispered in her ear. "Are you okay?"

Willow gulped and melded her body tightly to the blonde's. "H-hot."

"The water's too hot, sweetie? I can turn it down a little."

"No. You...sooo hot," she said breathily and Tara felt a shiver go down her spine.

"Oh...really?" Tara asked as a pink flush spread across her chest.

Willow nodded and leaned into the blonde until she came to rest on the seat. "I'll just settle for the bubbles today," she said, straddling her lap, "but maybe next time."

Tara wrapped her arms around the thin waist and pulled her close. "Next time," she whispered as her lips began trailing soft kisses down the freckled neck. She felt Willow swallow hard as she sucked a little harder on her pulse point and slender fingers tightened in her hair.

"I really...oh fuck harder...love your bikini," Willow whispered as the full lips played over her sensitive skin.

A flush came over Tara again as she murmured between the sucking and kissing, "Never wore it...mmmm...before...mmm...too thin...mmm...only you." She ran her tongue lower and swirled it down over the juncture of the neck and shoulder and felt Willow shiver.

They felt the familiar tingle and a moan escaped from somewhere deep in Willow's throat as Tara's teeth nipped the tender flesh. "Ohhh...yes." Willow was shuddering with excitement already, and Tara had only been touching her for a few seconds. "What you do to me," she gasped, grasping the blonde hair tighter, holding Tara's mouth in place and pressing their bodies tightly together.

"Mmm..." Tara moaned into her neck as she felt the rock hard nipples rubbing against her chest, and her hips started rocking as if they had a mind of their own.

Willow pulled Tara's lips to hers as she began grinding her own hips down matching the blonde's rhythm. The kiss was hard and deep as their tongues dueled roughly. Tara moaned as she slid her hands down grasping her girlfriend's ass, pulling her hard against her thrusting pelvis. She was losing control, and fast. She forced herself to hold Willow's hips still as she struggled to stop her own movement. It was too much for her, but she just couldn't seem to control herself when it came to this woman. She gently ended the kiss with soft pecks and wrapped her arms around her waist, fighting the urge to reach back down to that perfect little ass. She could feel her own heart pounding furiously against Willow's and the fire in their centers as they both tried to get their breathing under control.

Willow pulled back enough to rest her forehead against Tara's and gently ran a finger along her jawline smiling. "Oh, baby," she panted softly, "you drive me absolutely crazy."

Tara ducked her head and looked up through her long eyelashes...and Willow melted.

"You do too."

Tara felt like she was about to burst, and not just from the sexual energy, but so much more. Ever since their reconciliation, the depth of her feelings for this woman hit her full force, and she knew without a doubt that her heart and soul belonged to Willow. She ran her fingers through the silky red hair, then tenderly cupped her face and looked lovingly into those sparkling green eyes.

"Willow...I..."

Faith's bike roared up to the garage at that exact moment.

Willow's attention stayed on her girlfriend and she laid her hands over Tara's. "What?" she whispered, looking intently at the blonde and holding her breath.

Tara smiled and softly kissed her. "I'll tell you later."

"Hey, you guys nekkid in there?" Faith asked as she strode up across the deck.

"Yes, as a matter of fact...now go away."

"Aww, T...is that any way to talk to your oldest, most dearest friend?" Faith asked with saccharine sweetness, tilting her head and flashing her dimples.

"Yes. Now again...Go. Away."

"Sorry, sweetcheeks, but you two will be the ones going away. Your mom wants to see you both ASAP."

"My mom? Why?"

The brunette just shrugged her shoulders and walked in the house. "She wouldn't tell me, no matter how hard I tried," she grumbled.

Tara frowned. "Right now?"

"Yes, now quit whining and get those cute asses out of that water."

"Hey! Quit looking at our asses."

"I'm only human, T," Faith grinned, joining them again on the deck and popping the tab on a soda. "Nice day for a swim," she said, ignoring the other girls as they got out of the tub and dried each other off.

"We may be back to join you in a little while," Tara said, looking to her girlfriend for confirmation, who nodded in agreement.

"Can you keep an eye on Chosen until we get back, Faith?" Willow asked, petting her obviously happy dog.

"No problem. Now hurry back so you can tell me what all the hub-bub is," she said, smiling.

The girls threw on their shorts and tank tops, and of course shoes this time, and headed to Tara's truck.

"Thanks. We'll be right back."

Faith's smile faded as they pulled out of the driveway. She was dying to know what was going on, and wasn't known for her patience. She looked down at Chosen and could've sworn she was smiling. "Hey, girl, you wanna go for a swim?"

The dog jumped up, putting her paws on the brunette's shoulders and licked her face. Faith laughed and kissed her on the nose. She shed her clothes quickly and jumped in, with Chosen following her and Bubba not far behind.

[sarahncrys1017]

Dibs! Ah... an update. Granted, we knew it was coming, but still.

I can't wait to find out what's going on between our girls (they're so hot).

[Willow_Friendly]

Wow.....That was one hot hot tub scene and Tara in that white bikini They must clean that tub more more often now that Willow and Buffy are there lol.

[Missocki]

Oh those poor girls! Trying so hard not to go too fast. It's both adorable and maddening. I, like Faith, am dying to know what the frilly heck is going on!

[bluepaintbox]

Great update, thank you.

[love_2003]

Loved the update. Looking forward to what Sofia and Mary have to say to Willow and Tara.

[Finey_McFine]

Of everything good happening in this update and there was much in the way of good, I loved how random this was...

Sofia was still there after researching with Mary all night long. She casually sipped her coffee and watched her go back and forth, which reminded her she needed to TIVO Wimbledon this weekend.

I LOL'd when I read it, because truthfully, it was totally something I would have thought of.

So, maybe we'll find out what the deal is in the next chapter? I have a feeling that when we do, Willow will be stunned and Tara will be upset or I could be completely wrong. I just hope the cure, is lot's and lot's of kisses and gay love!!!

[faolan228]

Woah, I've had a lot to catch up on! Glad to see that when all doubts are pushed aside and there isn't any conflict, the girls just gravitate to each other and do what comes naturally.

Also, you're making me ship Chosen/Bubba even more lol staaahhhp

[wimpy0729]

Hi guys. Have I mentioned lately how much I enjoy hearing your wonderful and interesting comments? They truly make all this worthwhile. HUGE thanks to all of you!


sarahncrys1017: Congrats on the dibs! Glad you got excited there was an update even though you knew it was coming, and more will be coming, but unfortunately that is the only kind of coming there will be for a little while longer. Poor girls.

The big question will be answered, finally, below. Thanks for the feedback!


Willow_Friendly: I'm glad you enjoyed the hot tub. And yeah, I'll admit it -- seeing Tara in a hot tub wearing a white bikini is one of my own fantasies. I sure hope they are cleaning it often. Who knows what might be floating around in there now. Thanks for the feedback!


Missocki: Oh yes, the waiting is quite maddening, but lots will be explained very soon. Thanks for the feedback!


bluepaintbox: Thanks a bunch, and it's my pleasure. Thanks for the feedback!


love_2003: Hi there and thanks! Mary and Sofia are finally going to have a long talk with the girls directly below. Thanks for the feedback!


Finey_McFine: Hi Shelby! I'm glad you liked the Wimbledon part. Great minds think alike I guess. LOL.

Well, here it is...the big talk is coming up and it definitely throws both girls for a loop. It kinda threw me for a loop too -- hours and hours of googling and finding out lots of very interesting facts, tweaking and re-tweaking chapters, and cursing thesaurus.com because it wasn't giving me just the 'right' word I wanted. (Have I mentioned my gf thinks I'm crazy? lol) This will, hopefully, explain a lot of stuff that's been brought up.

Kisses and gay love should be the cure for anything! Thanks for the feedback!


faolan228: Hi there and good to see you back! I hope all is well in your world.

Yes, once everything got straightened out, they're definitely doing what comes naturally.

I'm so glad you're enjoying Chosen and Bubba. They are pretty darn loveable. Thanks for the feedback!

[wimpy0729]

TITLE: THE LOVERS, THE DREAMERS AND ME



AUTHOR: Wimpy0729

RATING: R

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and all other BtVS characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, etc. All other characters, human and otherwise, belong to me.

FEEDBACK: Yes, please.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I have no beta, so all mistakes are my own. For any glaring errors, please PM me.


As always, a ginormous thanks to all for reading and/or replying.


__________________________________



CHAPTER 23

(AKA - WTF IS UP WITH THE SPARKS?!)




"Would you two like another cup of coffee?" Mary asked the girls, obviously nervous and putting off what she really needed to tell them.

"No thanks, Mama. What I want is to know why you're giving us this history lesson in mythology. We both know all this. Is that really what you wanted to talk to us about?"

Mary sighed then reached in her pocket and slid something across the table. Tara picked it up and smiled, then cocked her eyebrows and looked at her mom and then Sofia. Willow just kept smiling at the picture.

"Where did you get this?"

Mary shrugged and sighed again. "That's not really important, dear. Just look at that picture and tell me what you see."

Tara frowned at her mother's evasiveness and looked back at the picture. "It's us...on our date."

"Yeah, I took it on my phone," Willow spoke up, then looked at her girlfriend with raised eyebrows. "I didn't give it to her. I didn't even show it to any..." A sudden look of realization came over her face and she scowled. "Buffy."

"That's not the point, girls. Look at the picture."

"It's us...kissing," Tara admitted with a blush.

"What else?" Mary was getting frustrated at the girls, who were missing the entire point, so she pointed right at what she wanted them to notice.

Tara and Willow finally got it and looked back up at her.

"Sparks."

"Thank goodness. I was starting to think I dropped you on your head one too many times as an infant."

"What?!"

"Nothing. Girls, have you ever seen anything like that or read about anything like this before?"

Willow and Tara looked at each other, and both shook their heads 'no'."

"Alright. So, I understand you've been having dreams?"

Willow turned to her girlfriend again, letting her answer.

"Yes. We've both had dreams...more like nightmares really."

"And they were similar, yes?"

The girls nodded. Earlier that morning, once Tara got Willow settled down from her nightmare, she told her about her own. To say they were similar was a vast understatement.

"Tara?"

"Well, we both remember a tunnel, with stone walls...darkness and feeling closed in. Willow saw a light at the end of her dream."

Mary sighed and reached across, taking their hands in her own.

"Girls, those aren't just nightmares. I think they're...memories." She watched as the emotions rolled over their faces and Tara looked her right in the eye.

"Wait...just wait. I think I would've remembered something like..."

Willow interrupted. "When I woke up..." she whispered, "I didn't remember falling off the couch..."

"I just thought you were confused, being in a strange place and all."

"I was in a strange place alright. I had been in the tunnel before being...locked up, I guess...waiting..." She looked up at Tara wide eyed as realization dawned, "for you," she whispered before her eyes rolled back and she hit the floor with a thud.

"Willow!" Tara ran to Willow's side and gently patted her face.

"I told you this was going to happen," Sofia said as she got the smelling salts out of her pocket and snapped one under Willow's nose.

The redhead quickly awoke, shoving Sofia's hand away. "Man, I hate those things."

Tara ran her hands over her girlfriend checking for injuries as she helped her sit up.

"What happened?"

"You passed out, baby. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm..." she looked questioningly up at Mary. "Who am I?"

"Great, mom! Now you gave my girlfriend amnesia!" Tara said as she glared at her mother.

"That's not what she means, is it, dear?" Mary asked kindly.

Willow shook her head slowly. "No. I know I'm Willow Rosenberg, but ...who was I?"

Mary sat on the floor beside her daughter and Sofia brought a book over from the table joining them. She handed it to Mary, who opened it to a marked page.

"There's really no easy way to say this, girls, so I'm just going to say it. There were several Priestesses of Vesta...the Vestal Virgins, who were put to death... wrongfully so. It was a terrible tragedy."

Tara wrapped a comforting arm around her girlfriend, who gratefully leaned into her as they listened warily.

"If the Vestal Virgins tending the fire let it go out, they were severely whipped, but if they violated their vow of chastity, they were declared impure and put to death...by being buried alive."

Mary paused and gave them a moment to let that sink in before she continued. "They were given enough food and water for a day, with the reasoning that if they were innocent, Vesta would save them."

Willow became deathly pale again and Sofia ran the salts quickly under her nose once more.

"I'm okay...I think."

Tara watched with concern until the color started to return to her girlfriend's face as she gently stroked her hair. "Do you need to lie down?"

"No. I think I'll be okay."

Tara squeezed her tight and Mary got her a glass of water.

"Do you girls need a break? We don't have to do this all at once," she said kindly.

Willow and Tara squeezed each other tighter and they both shook their heads. Mary nodded and continued.

"There was a myth...or so it was thought...about two Vestals, who were very close. They were in love, but never consummated their relationship. They were first and foremost, devoted to Vesta, and swore to uphold their vow of chastity until their 30 years of service as a Vestal was up. They were going to wait many more years to be with each other, but...they were buried alive based on false accusations. The Goddess was incensed by what happened so she went to the Vestals. Unfortunately, it was already too late for one, and when she appeared to the remaining Vestal to save her, she told her the news. On finding that out, the distraught Vestal didn't want to be saved. Her only request was to be taken to her love so that she could die with her in her arms. The Goddess granted her request, but she also did one more thing -- she blessed them so they would get to return one day to be reunited."

Both girls sniffed and held each other tighter.

"There's also a mention of one of the Vestal's attendants killed at the same time. We haven't found much more on her. Sofie, do you think the Council would have any other books on this?"

"I can give them a call. Perhaps Giles could look into it further also."

"Good, good." Mary shook her head and sighed. "It just seems like we're missing something."

Willow frowned as more memories returned. "There was someone else with me...I think, the attendant...in my dream," Willow whispered as tears began to form. "She was there to protect me, but...I heard her hit the ground and turned to look but it was dark. I knelt down and felt around and just as I found her, everything went black." She wiped her tears and took a shaky breath before she continued. "She was my friend, and she died because of me," she said sadly as she lowered her head and spoke so low it was barely heard. "It's all my fault."

"No, sweetie...not you. Don't even think that," Tara said as she pulled Willow to her chest. Willow clung to her as the feelings of guilt washed over her. "It wasn't you, Willow," she whispered fiercely and kissed the top of her head.

Willow calmed down after a few minutes, and Tara pulled back a little and looked at her. "Are you okay, baby? Do you want to continue?"

Willow nodded and used the tissues Sofia handed her to wipe her eyes and blow her nose.

Tara turned her attention back to the two older women and asked what she and Willow really needed to know.

"You...think it's us?" Tara asked shakily.

Sofia grabbed another book and opened it to the page she had marked with a sheet of notebook paper.

"Embers from Her Sacred Fire burn within their souls, and they will be drawn as moths to the flame. Love's fire will be rekindled and the embers will ignite."

Sofia slid the book across toward Tara's lap and pointed at the page. "Incendere Amor -- Burning Love. Here's a sketch."

The girls stared slackjawed back and forth from the drawing in the book to the nearly identical image on the phone at the sparks swirling around their heads as they kissed.

"Hunka-hunka," Mary whispered under her breath and Sofie smacked her on the leg.

"Yes, girls...we think you are the blessed Vestals, but...there's one more thing." Mary hesitated and glanced at Sofia, who nodded for her to continue.

"Um...there is a stipulation of the Goddess' blessing that when the Vestals are reunited...for everything to fall into place, they have to be just as they were when they died...virgins."

Willow and Tara shared a look and blushed profusely.

Willow's mouth worked silently, doing it's best to form actual words without success. Tara squeezed Willow tighter and answered for them both in a whisper.

"Yes."

Mary and Sofia smiled and nodded, then the Watcher flipped to another marked section.

"And they will bestow their purity, one to the other, and their love will be blessed for all eternity."

"Um...bestow?" Tara hesitantly asked her mother, her voice barely a whisper.

Mary cleared her throat and Tara watched the faint pink rise up her mother's neck.

"Well...um, yes. You know...bestow."

Tara took the glass of water from Willow and downed it in one large gulp.

Mary could see the girls were understandably overwhelmed. "Okay, let's take a little break." She took Tara by the hand, helping her off the floor, and led her upstairs. Sofia helped Willow back into a chair and gave her another glass of water.

Mary tread gingerly with her daughter and sat beside her on the bed. "Honey, are you okay?"

"Okay? OKAY?! How can you even ask me that? I just found out that I'm some kind of...of reincarnation of a Vestal Virgin...or something...and I was apparently buried alive...and we..."

"Tara, I can tell how much you care for each other. And you've been blessed by a Goddess. It's a shock, yes, but it's such an amazing gift." She looked at her pink-faced daughter and frowned. "What is it?"

"Mama, I...I love her...I do..."

"But?"

Tara looked down, and ran her hands up and down her thighs nervously. "I want her...like REALLY want her. I feel like I'm out of control sometimes with just how much, but..."

"What, sweetie?"

"God, I even hate saying this, but...I'm so scared," Tara whispered as she revealed her greatest fear. "There's this feeling...like something horrible will happen if I allow myself to...let go...with her."

Mary hugged her shaking daughter tightly. "Oh, honey, look in your heart. I think, from what we've found, the Vestals had it ingrained in them to remain chaste, not to mention the fear of what would happen if they broke their vow. I can't imagine how hard that would be, especially if you were in love. All that on top of what was done to them and all the years you've been apart. That would have to be...well, I can't even imagine how traumatizing it would be."

"So, you think it's like a...a residual from that? There's nothing wrong with me?" Tara asked hopefully.

"I'm positive that's what it is, and there's definitely nothing wrong with you. She loves you too, you know."

Tara smiled and sighed with relief. "I think she does too. But, Mama, I just want to...she makes me so...crazy. I'm afraid I'll...lose control," Tara whispered as she hid her red face in her hands. "I can't believe I'm telling you this."

Mary just laughed and patted her on the back. "Oh, honey. If you're going to lose control, that's the best way to do it.
You're just...oh what's the word? Oh yeah...horny."

"Mom!!"

"What? You love her, she loves you...you want her. Just talk to her, and when the time is right, and you two decide to do your bestowing, please give me a heads up, because I plan on being at least a county away."

"Could this get any more embarrassing?" Tara murmured.

"I'm just saying...there are some things a mother does not need to hear. Should we have 'the talk'?" Mary teased.

"No!"

"Do you need any tips? Because I saw Shane do this thing on The L Word..." Mary was on a roll.

"NO!! Please, I beg of you to stop! And what were you doing watching that?!"

"Oh, that Alice cracked me up, but I quit watching after they killed Dana off. Stupid asshole writers."

Tara nodded in agreement, then reached over and wrapped her mom in a fierce hug. "I love you, Mama."

"I love you too, baby. Now, let's get back down there. I'm sure she's probably a little worried herself right now."

"Oh shit...Willow!" Tara yelled as she ran out of the room and back downstairs. She stopped just outside the kitchen door to observe Willow and Sofia looking through a book.

"I still can't believe they could do that to them!"

"I know. It was horrible. The priests thought that if the flame went out or if they broke their vow, the Vestals were impure and that terrible things would befall Rome. Although, in some ways, they had it pretty good. The Priestesses were well taken care of. They lived in a palace, were actually paid, could own land, and they were free of control of men. It was considered quite an honor. Most of them stayed on after their 30 years was up because they had it so good."

"Yeah...good," Willow said sarcastically, "except for the constant threat of being buried alive just for getting a 'happy'."

Tara held back a chuckle. Willow was just too cute sometimes. Her heartbeat quickened at the thought of giving Willow a very happy 'happy'. She felt silly for getting so upset before. She knew in her heart, soul deep, that she was supposed to be with Willow. They just needed to have a good long talk. She didn't think she could get away with just saying, "Hey, Willow, I love you and really want to screw your brains out," even though part of her really, really wanted to do just that. No, there was so much more to it than that, but it didn't need to be as complicated as she was making it. <Stupid sexual repression> She smiled as she felt the huge emotional weight lifted from her shoulders. <I love her and can be with her now, in every way...and it's okay. More than okay, it's right...the way it's supposed to be.>

"Hey," she said as she stepped all the way into the kitchen.

Willow ran over and threw her arms around her. "Are you okay?" she asked as she pulled back and looked into sparkling blue eyes. Tara's full smile made the redhead's stomach to flips and somersaults.

"I'm great. How about you?"

"I'm good, just thoroughly pissed off at the stupid Roman priests who did that to them. Did you know that if there was some major catastrophe, they blamed it on the Vestals? Especially if there was some political bullshit going on! They just said, 'Hey, you must be impure, so here's a lantern and a loaf of bread, now walk down into this hole and then we'll cover it up.' AND, they were supposed to walk down there of their own free will. They weren't allowed to spill the Vestal's blood. Sofia said that's probably what happened to us...uh...them. They knew they were innocent, but made up some excuse and ambushed them. They probably didn't even give them a real trial or a chance to defend themselves. Bastards!"

Tara smiled adoringly at her and softly kissed the fuming redhead, who immediately relaxed into her arms.

"Mmmm..."

"Willow?"

"Yeah?" Willow said dreamily.

"We're here now."

"Yeah. Thank the Goddess."

"Thank you, Goddess!" Tara yelled towards the ceiling.

"Oh, honey, I'm not really a Goddess," Mary said as she entered the kitchen.

Tara rolled her eyes and Willow giggled. She really did like Mary Maclay.

"Do you girls have anymore questions?"

Willow shook her head. "No, not right now, but I'm sure I will later."

"Tara?"

"Um, yeah. The nightmares...will they keep happening?"

Sofia turned a few pages in the book until she found what she was looking for. "Well, it doesn't say specifically. It just says, 'if torn asunder once reunited, there will be chaos and unrest', blah blah."

Willow and Tara shared a knowing look. That pretty much summed up their time apart.

"Oh, here it is. 'The blessed Vestal's turmoil will cease once they have joined in glorious'...oh."

"What? Glorious what?"

"We'll keep on researching and let you girls know what else we find, okay? Buh bye now."

Willow looked over Sofia's shoulder and read silently, then blushed a nice, deep maroon. "Oh."

"Willow?" Tara asked, with a blonde eyebrow arched.

"Hey! How about we go take that swim now, huh? It's a beautiful day!" Willow said cheerfully as she pulled the blonde out the door.

"You're not gettin' off that easily, Miss Rosenberg."

Willow just smiled as she opened Tara's door and slid over. "We'll see about that," she mumbled as she leaned over and kissed her girlfriend. "Let's go get wet."

[Finey_McFine]

DIBS! More when I'm on a real computer and not laying in bed with my iPad.

I have but one thing to say about the plot twist. PURE. GENIUS. Seriously, I did not see that coming. Plus, I too had to go back and read up on the Vestal's history. Yeesh! They whipped them to death before deciding to bury them? How lovely, said no one ever.

So, lets's review some of Mary's greatest hits:

"Thank goodness. I was starting to think I dropped you on your head one too many times as an infant."

"You're just...oh what's the word? Oh yeah...horny."

"Do you need any tips? Because I saw Shane do this thing on The L Word..." Mary was on a roll...

"Oh, that Alice cracked me up, but I quit watching after they killed Dana off. Stupid asshole writers."

"Oh, honey, I'm not really a Goddess,"

My favorite line from Tara:

"Great, mom! Now you gave my girlfriend amnesia!"

Not to go too far off topic, but when they killed off Dana...I. Was. FURIOUS!! Why the fuck couldn't they have killed Jenny in S1? Why did we have to endure season after season of her insipid bullshit? I for one would have been much happier watching a little 'Dana dance' in every episode. Then, to add insult to injury, they go and ruin the 'Soup Chef' too. I didn't get into Buffy until well after the series ended, but I can imagine how people felt when it was airing because that's how I felt about Dana.

Okay, sorry...back to the subject. Wonderful. Perfect and I can't wait until Friday!!!

[Grimm]

Well.......damn .

That was a hell of a twist! .

Sucks what happened to them in the past. But, I look forward to the " EVENT " that will put a end to the nightmares .

I really love Tara's mom .

I have a guess as to the identity of Willow's loyal friend. They have all come full circle it seems.

[Willow_Friendly]

Poor Willow taking the news about there past life pretty hard And I'm surprise Tara didn't pass out from embarrassment when Mary was suggesting a position she can try on Willow from watching The L Word. And maybe Buffy is the missing piece there looking for she is Willow's friend after all.

[leos_pride]

Hi Wimpy!

Sorry I haven't been around to comment but I have been eagerly reading updates! YAY! We finally know what is going Memories! Of course! Being an avid "Van Rosenberg" reader here on the board I should have thought of that possibility. Great twist! And how awful what their past lives went through But at least kisses and gay love are the cure-all here

I LOVE the way you write Tara's mom. She is a woot and half! So umm can we have the next update like now please? I don't want to wait to see what happens next! I seriously cannot get enough of this story and I got spoiled with your very generous double posting strategy. You know when you were torturing all of us kittens with that nasty bit of "chaos" shall we call it? Thank you for fixing it so quickly, it was getting messy around here when I was all the time

Anywho keep up the great work!

~Leo