New Fic : The Game Of Love.

[littlecrazy80]

I wanted Willow/Tara smoochies. Why don´t we get them? You are such a tease. Atleast we got a hug.



Your Tara is kinda interesting. She smokes, she drinks and she drives her car when she drank alcohol.



*lil´c*

"Okay, we’re here, we’re queer, let’s kick this shit into gear," Five by Five (Taras Shadow)



SweetAmber

[amberfan87]

heylooooooo



good morrnniing...

still no update and kissage?????



geez..this is my 2nd fb...

i want

i mean sure enough you are making us die in the thrill and the waiting..most especially the WAITING.can't you give us a little more consolation than just a mere hug? you know..what if tara really got drunk and had the guts to follow willow to the restroom and slammed her to the wall and kissed her sensless and gave her lots hickies...that wouldve been fun!!!! ..lol..anyhow, i trust you more than anyone in my life...lOL>.for this fic...

doesnt this story sound familiar?!huh...people!!!doesnt it?!

CIAOOOO

leslie

and p.s. jason roCks!!!

[lil wiccan]

DANG... ok yea that's a little too much...lol... and i don't think this fic is goin THAT slow... im not complainin cuz i still love it! heheheh.... but i still can't wait for tara and willow to get together...lol...

"How can i/ Beleive that my heart will find/ Someone like you/ You see the really me/ No in betweens/ I had nowhere to hide/ You took away the walls around me/ Make me feel safe to share my truth/ I see the heavens open/ A heart that once was broken/ It's holding nothing back/ Now that i found you

[WillowPowered]

I know they both really, really wanted to make with the kissing. Great update.



Jill

~~~~~~~~

Willow - Say, you all didn't happen to do a bunch of drugs did ya?



My Home Page | Amber Powered | Alyson Powered



There is a little bit of Amber in all of us.

[wimpy0729]

Oh okay, I'm with everyone else -- at least there was a hug (and therefore breast touch-age, right? ) They HAD to have noticed that! But there is definite need for kissage soon.



Can't wait for more -- cause you know, we keep hoping for you know, what's the word -- KISSAGE!!!



Wimpy

[Sheba]

Hello! Oksies I just woke up, ate my breakfast and here I am, to update this fic that thankfully u guys...erm...girls...seem to like! Now, first of all, u'll asked for smoochies, and now that I've given u'll smoochies, ure complaining Hehe! Ok so maybe they weren't Will Tara smoochies, but hey, gimme a break! LOL! Ok the next chapter's here, and I dunno how much I'm gonna write at this minute, so I dunno if there will be much Willow and Tara togetherness in this part...bear with me will ya?!



First of all....



BFR from Paris : Hey so now I'm BAD Sheba? *sits and pouts in the corner* Hehe I know Sheba's a catfood name. When I used to live in the US I'd see cans of it all over and be like ...LOL!



dare meli : Hey trust me will ya? The smoochies will come...just when they have to, ok?



Arwen276 : Bad BAD Sheba??? What are u and BFR from Paris teaming up against me now?*raises eyebrow* Ooh and favorite fanfic author...awww guys....



amberfan87 : Good morning to u too beautiful! Nice to see I've gotten 2 fb's from u! Hey it always starts with a hug! LOL ure fantasies are...interesting! Ok so what does this story remind u of? And hey, I totally appreciate that u trust me more than anyone else in the world right now!



Drumbly : Hey Jesse! I know u trust me love!!!Getting tipsy's good! LOL! Hehe how's it going with ya?! I'm online right now if u happen to be up...



Footman311 : Ure request for an update's about to be answered!



Hotty911 : Leave it upto me and the whole world would be insane huh?! And are u telling me everyoens hooked just because there's no Willow and Tara action??????



Busted : Great to see u've caught up with us! Hehe...so u like torture huh?



littlecrazy80 : Ok I've been called Bad, and now I'm even a tease??? What's happening??? And hey, Tara's always interesting...I think what I'm trying to do here is show her as a normal girl, who does stuff that some of us mught have done at some point in our lives, ya know?



lil wiccan : LOL thank God ure not complaining! Hehe I'm liking that ure liking the fic!



WillowPowered : EVer been in that situation ureself???*Sighs*



wimpy0729 : LOL yeah now that I think of it, there had to be some breast touchage! Hehe!



And now, without much further ado...



Title : The Game of Love.

DIsclaimers : Some people are lucky enough to actually know and have seen a Willow and Tara...unfortunately I am not one of those people...the two lovely ladies, and all the other names that u might recognise belong to the lucky produsction company people...*sticks tongue out at Joss*...

Rating : Still totally PG.

Summary : Its about our favourite girls, but has nothing to do with the Buffy stories, except for the fact that its based in Sunnydale.

Pairing : Duh!

Spoilers : NOne...this ones AU...

Dedication : For two beautiful women, Julietta and Mirr



Chapter 38.



*Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep*



***



On campus at UC Sunnydale, Willow Rosenberg was rudely awoken from her slumber, as her alarm clock started to ring. "Why is my alarm ringing on a Saturday morning???" she thought for a second, leaning over to stop the irritating noise, that was flashing the number "9:30 a.m" over and over.



Then she realized that she had to get over to her parents' house. Her mother was leaving on a flight at 11 a.m, and her Dad would be leaving the next morning. She'd promised to stay at home with Dad that day, and even be there to see her Mom off.



Quickly rising out of the covers, Willow felt the world spin for a second. "Whaaaa...?" she thought, and then remembered the night before. "God! How much did I drink???" whe questioned herself, as flash backs of her downing shot after shot of tequila filled her head.



Then she thought of the celebration outing, and her thoughts went to Tara. She remembered Tara singing 'My Immortal', of winning the contest, of her smile, her eyes that looked oh so gorgeous surrounded by the darkness of her eye make up, her curves in her outfit, the sweet lil' belly piercing, of the hug last night...and she found that a goofy smile had crept onto her features. Suddenly Willow's eyes went wide and she stopped grinning. "I'm thinking of Tara first thing in the morning...not just in a normal 'lets think about our friends' way! I'm thinking of her tummy, her curves...and I'm smiling abotu them!!!"



Willow just sat there, not understanding what was happening. "I think I'm taking this whole impressed with the girl thing a little too far. I'm not gonna see her all day today...maybe that'll make some of her obvious charm disappear frommy mind!" she thought, and giving her head a shake, she rose and headed towards the showers. It would have helped if the shake of the head had helped her stop thinkking about Tara...by the time Willow arrived at her parents door 40 minutes later, she thought she was either going crazy, or well, going crazy with thoughts of the blonde!



***



About a 15 minute ride away Tara was staring at her own alarm clock, as it flashed '9:30 a.m'. She'd been lying awake for the last hlf an hour, just staring at the walls and listening to sounds of Anya snoring beside her.



She lay back, trying to get thoughts of Willow out of her head. "Why am I thinking of her so damn much???" she thought, quite irritated with herself for not being able to put her finger on it. Tara hadn't spent so much time thinking about a single person since the last time that Steffi Graf had won Wimbledon, and Tara had prayed and prayed that she would!



Tara found herself smiling as she thought of the way that Willow's hair had smelt as she'd hugged her the night before. "She felt so....soft and gentle" Tara remembered the feel of Willow's body.



"Ok I have to stop this whole obsessing deal...wait...am I obsessing??" Tara stopped sitting up midway. "Yeah...I am..." she admitted to herself, as she sat up fully. "But why? Sure, she's a sweet gal...and I really like her...but I really like Anya and Cordelia too...so why did I never spend all my spare time thinking about THEM when we first met???"



Sighing with the lack of finding any answers, Tara rose, and went out to her balcony. It was a pleasant day, and Tara looked down at the swimming pool, which was deserted.



"Well I've got nothing better to do...might as well go for a swim..." Tara thought, as she headed to her closet to change, smiling at Anya's open mouthed snoring on her way...



***



Willow had entered her house to find her parents sitting at the breakfast table, eating waffles. Her mother was all dressed in her Air France uniform, ready for her pick up to come, and her father was sitting in tennis shorts and a shirt, with his trainers on and his tennis kit beside him on the floor.



Willow'd greeted them both with a kiss on the cheek, and had sat down to eat some delicious waffles. She'd spent more time talking to her mother, since she was leaving for London in a while, and told her what she wanted from the city.



Half an hour later the transport was there, and Willow and her father had bid Sheila a safe journey. She'd told them that she'd call, and with that she was off.



Willow and Ira walked back into the house, and Ira looked at his daughter and said "Sweetie, I'm heading to the ckub for a while to play some tennis. I should be back in two hours, alright?"



"Sure Dad", and the as an after thought Willow said "and Dad, of that girl's there gain, you know, the one who kicked your butt the other day...show her who's boss will ya?!"



"I'll try honey!" Ira smiled and winked as he walked off towards his car.



***



Tara had come up from her swim 30 minutes later, and had made herself some breakfast. Cordelia and Anya had woken up a while later, and the three had sat around eating sausages and bacon.



After breakfast Anya had left for work, and Cordelia had gone home, since her family was expected at her grandmothers place fort lunch that day.



Tara had cleaned up, and looked ariund, trying to figgure out what to do. She didn't have any work that weekend, and really didn't want to sit herself down in from of the idiot box first thing in the morning.



Walking into her room she saw her tennis kit lying on the floor, and decided to go to the club.



For the second time that morning she walked into her closet to change. "Maybe Ira will be there..." she thought, looking forward to another hard fought match...



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



So...????

[Busted]

Woohoo, first to answer!!



Great update, as usual



I so hoped Willow would accompany Ira to the court! He’s leaving the next day and she won’t come see him play? Come on! And Tara will be there and kick his ass again… I wonder which side Will would cheer for



And torture? C’mon, these two with all the smiles and laughs and the oh too sweet thoughts and then the NOT smoochies! This is torure, and I therefore name you queen of torture right now! And don’t you dare change anything! I just love it that way. Okay, but I gotta agree with all the others here, for a next date: definitely smoochies and lapdance would be cool too

[Red Jassy]

hey hey...

i wouldn't miss a tennis match between Ira and Tara. Maybe Willow have second thoughts, she'll watch her father play *winks* hmmm.. wouldn't miss Tara play all sweaty and very much into the game.

"Maraming Salamat' means "Many thanks" like thank you very much. ahehehe its Filipino.

Yeah.. single words such as beautiful can mean so many things.. yup. ooooouuu i love the part where they both can't stop thinking of eachother.. sweet awesome

Great update.

ciao

j0an

---

Cause you were made for me/Somehow I'll make you see/How happy you make me

/I can't live this life/Without you by my side/I need you to survive/ So stay with me/
You look in my eyes and I'm screaming inside/]that I'm sorry. » Evanescence

[Hotty911]

Hey Sheba.



Okay i can assure you that people are hooked on this fiction because of the way you write the story and how great it is. Not just coz W/T haven't hooked up yet. I kinda felt bad when i realize how that sounded. So sorry All i meant was that when they finally do get together it will be a huge moment and everyone will enjoy it. So can ya forgive me?



I love the way that Tara has already made an impression on Ira. So when W/T finally get together he will know Tara's a lovely girl. Also i am glad that they are starting to figure out their feelings for each other.



Keep the updates coming please



Jade

[veiled isis moon]

Hi. Really been enjoying your fic, very sweet and cute but it's driving me insane! Enough with the little smiles and innocent thoughts, kissage is needed! You've done a great job so far so i guess i'm going to have to trust that the smoochies are coming soon, and hopefully i'll still be in a fit state of mind to enjoy them!



Michellex

[BFR from Paris]

So cats all around the world eat Sheba?



I just want to go inside your fic and tell W & T : "you're in love, so get with the smoochies already!!!!!!!"



But I can be patient...

[Drumbly]

How sweeet!!



ghihi that was just awesome! I totally loved the 'thinking about each other' scenes!!!

You done it again Sheba! (in a none britney spears way tho!)



How am i? Puff..well..eehh....i've partying lately...much partying and well uhh...i've been good to be true ghihi my baby is here and well everything is good and fine...no hangovers and stuff so i'm lucky!

How are you and miss 'waggles eyebrows'?? everything chill?



Well i'll see you later i hope, talk to you soon!



Take care, shebs! and ...update again soon will ya





Love : Jesse/Drumbly

"...I'm multi-talented, cause i can talk and piss you off at the same time... "

[littlecrazy80]

Loved the update! It´s kinda funny to see that Willow and Tara don´t see that they are in love. But I want some smoochies. Maybe Tara and Willow will meet cause of Ira.



*lil´c*

"Okay, we’re here, we’re queer, let’s kick this shit into gear," Five by Five (Taras Shadow)



SweetAmber

[amberfan87]

it reminds me of....would u like to ask joan?!!! heheheh....anyhow...yeah....i trust you but i may actually lose that if smoochies wont come soon... anyhow,...yeah have to agree with joan...wouldnt miss tara and ira tennis match...sheeshh..hope willow would go to the court and you know....see tara play...haay..shett..love this..but i think we should really have smoochies..wait i remembered...joan said somehting about tara being all sweaty..haay joan..ur thoughts...go to mmm...gina!!!!!!and be all sweaty....

ciao

leslie

[Modjadji]

Hey



Just stopping by again to say I love this story more with every update. Can't wait for the smoochies part though, you're such a tease!



cheers,

mo.

No matter how short life may seem, it's still the longest thing you'll ever do.

[dare meli]

ayt..ill wait for the smoochies but it has to come soon...anyhow, im sleepy. i gotta go.. but i have to say i love it and i love you..

ciao

[Stroke of Luck]

Heheheh they had a great night, but i know that problem with tequila! geez haha its such a "hard" drink, u can sip and sip and u dont feel anything, but when u get up u definitely feel the effect Hmm hopefully we will see again our girls a bit drunk! its so much fun, i dunno i love it...the rolling r etc hihi



Hmm they are having those morning thoughts eh? Shouldnt they already know why they are thinking stuff like that? Lol they are so blind



Tara will kick Ira´s ass again. GO Tara, go girl



Cu

SoL/Natti

Even in death Baby, i´ll never leave u!

[lil wiccan]

hehehe... love the update! i'm puttin $20 on tara!!! she's goin to win!!!please??? i only have $20 in my wallet... im a poor college student...

"How can i/ Beleive that my heart will find/ Someone like you/ You see the really me/ No in betweens/ I had nowhere to hide/ You took away the walls around me/ Make me feel safe to share my truth/ I see the heavens open/ A heart that once was broken/ It's holding nothing back/ Now that i found you

[wimpy0729]

Hey Sheba!



Loved it once again!



The morning thoughts are so sweet. They've gotta figure this out soon. Mmm...thinking of her belly ring...mmm



I believe Willow should really go with Ira. That would be such a sweet surprise! And sweaty Tara...oh my!



Love your tantalizing torture!! Please keep it up. Love you just the way you are!!



Wimpy

[Arwen276]

I like the fact that It's become frustrating and they're starting to question themselves, or try to get rid of their feelings.

you paint it so realistically , So I can't help but relate to it!



I was kinda hoping that Willow would accompagny her dad to the country club, anyway don't know what you have in store for us!



more?



~Arwen

[Shy One]

Hey!



Sorry for not posting feedback earlier, but I've been having computer problems.

Anyhoo.........

Loved the updates!! That was SO unfair of you to give everyone else smoochies except for Will and Tara!

But at least I got a hug! It's not smoochies, but it's better than nothing! Don't think this means that I'm letting you off the hook, though!

I still want my smoochies!!

So........smoochies soon? PLEASE?!!!

Gotta run...I'm in class right now...

More soon, please!!!!



Shy One

[Sheba]

Hello! Oksies I was soooooo beyond gone last night...Tinna Karen and Drumbly would know why! Anyway, no update tonight since I don't have the strength to! Will update tmrw for sure! Right now I'm just gonna reply to the fb! U'll know I love u guys!



Busted : Wow! I'm the Queen of Torture! Go me!



Red Jassy : Maraming Salamat for your compliments!



Hotty911 : Hehe no offense taken! Just keep enjoying the story!



veiled isis moon : Hehe just stay in ure senses...the goodness will come!



BFR from Paris : LOL everyone wants to eat SHeba



Drumbly : LOL I'm taking to u online sweets!



littlecray80 : Haha...predict away



amberfan87 : C'mon and just temme what it reminds u of!!!!



Modjadji : LOL everyones calling me a tease!



dare meli : hehe I love u too!



Stroke of Luck : Haha yeah ppl are cute when they get drunk!



lil wiccan : Ooh the bets are on now are they?!



wimpy0729 : Hehe yeah I am pretty cool aren't I?!



Arwen276 : Had a wild night babe! Need to rest today! Update tmrw! Hold on oksies?!



Shy One : How was class? Glad u liked the updates!



And that's that guys! *mwah*

[veiled isis moon]

Okay, i think i can hold on just a little longer but you'll have to hurry before i totally lose it!! <----That's me and it's all your fault.



Michelle.x

[photographer02]

OK...THAT'S IT!!!!!!!!!!!!



ONCE this story is complete, I'm going to print this story out and make it one of my Buffy's reading collection!!Hey, can't help it...I love this story soooooooooooooo much.....heheh...but I think that's a long way to go...but that's good. Long story is good...hehehehe...



so, please update soon!!! ray



photographer02

[ukxenafan]

I've been away from the W/T fanfic world for a while, came back and read this story, and I am really enjoying it! Nicely written, looking forward to more!!

[amberfan87]

of shhhhhh red jassy!!!!!!!wahahahah and dare meli as well...wheew.ciao

[lil wiccan]

yes they are on... hehe... now i have 40$ in my wallet... yay... but less in my bank... booo... i need to get more...hehe... tara is goin to help ...

"How can i/ Beleive that my heart will find/ Someone like you/ You see the really me/ No in betweens/ I had nowhere to hide/ You took away the walls around me/ Make me feel safe to share my truth/ I see the heavens open/ A heart that once was broken/ It's holding nothing back/ Now that i found you

[screeminguitar]

I can't believe I haven't left a reply!!!



I have been too busy at the office and just got back from a get-away at the beach with friends and my special gal pal of 7 years. Ahhh, can't beat the sunny California beaches!!

Although she claims to be straight, we continue to be friends. She got so drunk around the campfire that she tried to make out with me. I however, realized the alcohol was talking and didn't take advantage of her, just gently pushed her away---I know, I know, call me crazy I want her!But, not like that.

Sooo I continue to read these wonderful fics to satisfy my horniness

No alchohol indulged smoochies kind of like Willow and Tara in this chapter. Awwww, I luv the pace of their affections, absolutely lovely!!!!!.

Tara's song was really touching. (Everytime I play a song and sing I'm hoping my girl knows it is for her too ***sigh****)

Looking forward to the tennis match, will Willow come watch??



Nice going! You are writing such a enjoyable fic, "THANKS!" you are beautiful!

Smooches, Marie



Keep it up

[H Finn]

Hey Sheba,

waiting anxiously for the next part In the last few chapters I enjoyed the most: Tara's song and how she kept looking at Willow; their Hug; what they were wearing!; their thoughts the next morning. This is so good, thank you.

H.

[Sheba]

Hello! A lot less high today, so here I am, bearing an update from my land! You know its a good thing I didn't update in the state I was in yesterday, or else there might have been some WIllow Tara smoochies that we just aren't ready for yet?! Hehe so now I'm guessing u ppl think I shud be high more often?! Hehe!



First though, thanks to everyone who typed out fb for moi



veiled isis moon : Who likes being sane anyway?!



photographer02 : Thank u so much! Ooh I'll be like, a published writer!



ukxenafan : Hehe as long as this fic makes u keep coming back, I'll think I've done a pretty good job!



amberfan87 : LOL U wanna be mean Leslie?! Hehe...ok I'll just hold off all the smoochie and lapdance goodness a lil longer!



lil wiccan : Ever heard the phrase 'saving for a rainy day'?



screeminguitar : Welcome back stranger! *hugs* Was wondering where u'd disappeared to. Now I know! I totally respect u not taking advantage of her drunken state...been there done that, and I know it takes a LOT of self restraint! I'm glad ure liking the show!



H Finn : No H, thank YOU!



Ok, so....shall we?!



Title : The Game of Love.

DIsclaimers : Some people are lucky enough to actually know and have seen a Willow and Tara...unfortunately I am not one of those people...the two lovely ladies, and all the other names that u might recognise belong to the lucky produsction company people...*sticks tongue out at Joss*...

Rating : Still totally PG.

Summary : Its about our favourite girls, but has nothing to do with the Buffy stories, except for the fact that its based in Sunnydale.

Pairing : Duh!

Spoilers : NOne...this ones AU...

Dedication : For two beautiful women, Julietta and Mirr



Chapter 39.



"Aww, this is too easy!" Ira thought, hitting a forehand winner down the line. He looked up again, to see if he could spot Tara anywhere.



He saw the Club's tennis coach, Dave, get ready to serve again, and got in position to return. The tall, blonde, 30 something Coach tossed the ball, and whipped the ball at Ira, a serve that Ira returned easily, making Dave run to the other end of the court. Dave just managed to reach the ball in time, hitting a weak shot to Ira's side of the court, and Ira played a perfect drop shot, winning the point.



Watching the ball land, Ira began to walk towards the net to shake Dave's hand. "Game, set, match...6-1,6-1" he grinned, waiting for the tired looking Coach to get to the net.



Dave got there a few seconds later, and managed a smile, despite the loss. "Your games really picked up Ira. It's even better then back in the days when you played University!"



"Thanks!" Ira smiled, and turned to walk to the chairs. Looking up he saw a blonde girl, standing in a tennis skirt and tee, racket in hand, staring straight at him with a smile on her face.



"Hi!" Tara said, then looking at Dave and repeating the greeting.



"Tara...hey!" Dave said, and turned to Ira to introduce the two, and Ira, reading his mind, simply looked back at Tara and said "Hi Tara", and then turning back to Dave grinned and said "I've already had the pleasure of meeting this lovely woman."



Tara blushed at that, and looked down, as her mind raced "God! Where have I seen THAT smile????".



"Well, I've got to run" Dave said, "Meeting of staff and all" he added, as a way of explanation. "I'll see you two later, ok?" Ira and Tara nodded their heads at him, and watched him depart, before Ira turned to Tara.



"So, would you like to play? Or did that display scare you off?" he grinned.



"Oh" Tara replied, without missing a beat. "I was gonna ask you whether you wanted to play too, but was just reconsidering it, since you know, you just played a game..." Tara paused to take a breath, and Ira thought she really was being considerate...until she added "...And you know, age is probably catching up and all!" giving him a lopsided grin that Ira thought was simply adorable!



"Oh you would wish wouldn't you?!" Ira quipped back. "What say we raise the stakes today?"



Tara merely raised and eyebrow, with an expression that said "Keep talking", and Ira continued "The loser has to take the winner out to a good meal...no, wait...the loser has to COOK the winner a good meal...more work and all you know?!" he laughed.



"You're on dude!" Tara giggled, and walked towards one end of the court, slipping her wristband on, before slowly rotating her serving arm.



***



"Yeah Buffy?" Willow said, answering her mobile phone.



"Will! I need a favour!" Buffy panted on the other end.



"Sure, name it." WIllow said. She and Buffy had been friends for too long for her to even consider asking what her best friend needed.



"I know I could count on you! That Xander...he blew me off because he wanted to go see Anya at her work place!" Buffy said, sounding irritated. "Annnnyway..." she continued, "I've got to handle an extra shift at work today, since Mary's called in sick, and Joe's not letting me off the hook. Dawn's home alone, and she's got a history test at school on Monday. I've told her that she has to study today if she wants to go to her friend Zoa's party tomorrow. So...can I bring her over to yours and then you can make sure she studies???"



Willow laughed at her friends long explanation, and said "Of course! Dawn's like my baby sister too, and ooh, what fun, I even get to make her study! Serves her right for all the times she's called me a geek! Anyway, what time do you wrap up?"



"Not before 7:30. I finish my shift in the afternoon and then start Mary's!" Buffy said, sounding miserable.



"Alright, Dawn'll be here when you're done...come..and hey, you two stay for dinner ok? I'm sure Dad'll wanna see you too!" Willow said.



"Ooh thanks soooo much Will!" Buffy said. "I owe you one! Alright, I better get ready for work. I'll see you in the evening. Umm, so should I drop Dawn off on my way to work, in say, 20 minutes?"



"Sure Buff. You have a good day at work, ok? Bye!" Willow said, getting ready to hanging up.



"Thanks girl! Ciao!" Buffy said, putting her mouthpiece down as well.



***



"So, I hope you're a good cook!" Tara said, grinning as Ira walked slowly upto the net.



Ira made a sad face, but his gleaming eyes gave him away. "Good game...pity you had to lose!" Tara said seriously, before she started laughing.



"Ha ha" Ira said, sarcastically, before his face broke into a smile too."Someday I'll beat you Tara!" he grinned.



"Oh, and I'll be waiting Ira!" Tara giggled.



"Ok, so dinner, my place, say, 7:30?" Ira asked, before quickly adding "Don't worry, I lost honestly! This was not some kinda serial killer type plot to get you to my house!" Ira laughed, "Though after the way I lost I kinda think that'd make a cool excuse!"



Tara smiled, sitting down on the chairs they'd walked to. She trusted Ira, weird as though it might sound, and knew that he was harmless. "Plus, he hasn't since me kick box yet!" she mentally added, having full faith in her abilities if the unlikely scenario arose. "Sure, 7:30's good" she said aloud.



"Great!" Ira said, and opening his tennis kit he took out a book and paper and quickly jotted down his address, tore the sheet out and handed it to Tara. He proceeded to look at the time on his watch. "Uh oh! My daughters probably waiting for me at home!!! I should run! I'll see you this evening?"



Tara nodded her head, smiling at him, and simply said "7:30", raising her hand to wave as Ira turned to depart.



As she watched him walk away she thought "Ok, now what do I do?" Looking up she saw a small red headed girl walk onto the court, looking adorable in new tennis shoes. SHe was holding an older man's hand, and Tara presumed they were father and daughter.



"Red hair..." Tara thought, as her mind else where and her face took on a dreamy expression. Opening her eyes wide, Tara jumped up, grabbed her kit and headed straight to the gym. "....must not let thoughts drift that way again!!!" she muttered to herself.



***



Willow heard the door open, and quickly rose from where she'd dozed off on the sofa. "I'm home sweetie!" her father called, and then he saw his daughter on the sofa, her hair all messed up from her short nap.



Smiling, he walked up to her, and gently kissed her on her forehead. "My baby tired?"



"Mmmm" Willow mumbled, "Late night last night..." she said, before taking in her fathers shirt, which was still damp due to his perspiration. "Played?" WIllow asked, and Ira nodded.



"Won?" Willow asked again, and he shook his head, making a face.



"Same girl?" Willow questioned, smiling at her father's childish behaviour.



Ira simply nodded, and said "I even lost a bet! She's home for dinner tonight!"



"Uh oh! I told Buffy that she and Dawn could stay for dinner too tonight. Dawn's gonna be studying in my room all day, while Buff's at work, and I told her to come right here and wat with us.." Willow said, frowning.



"Oh that's ok...she's actually around your age..."Ira said, as the sound of honking came from outside.



"Oh, Dawn's here" Willow said, getting up to answer the door.



"Alright honey...I'm heading into the shower! I'll be with you in 15 minutes, and hey, let's watch one of the movies I picked up from Bangkok last time, ok?" Ira said, walking away.



"Cool Dad...I'll pick while you're changing" Willow said, opening the door. "Hey sweetie!" she said, enveloping Dawn, who was standing right there, in a hug.



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Thoughts? Comments? Anyyyyything?