TITLE: THE LOVERS, THE DREAMERS AND ME
AUTHOR: Wimpy0729
RATING: R
FEEDBACK: Yes, please
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and all other BtVS characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, etc. All other characters, human and otherwise, belong to me.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi guys. Glad to be back after one of those lovely little things called a computer crash. Too much delay already, so this one hasn't been beta'd. For any glaring errors, please PM me.
As usual, thanks to everyone for reading and/or replying!
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CHAPTER 49Willow smiled and sighed happily as she melted back into the mountain of pillows propped up against the wall. The long, low moan to her left drew her eyes over in time to see the blonde blow several puffs of air upward in a failed attempt to dislodge the sweaty hair plastered to her forehead. Tara finally gave up and sluggishly lifted her arm to swipe it away. She dropped her arm back down onto the mattress and licked her parched lips.
"Give me...just a sec," Tara panted. "Be right with you."
"Nah, I'm all kindsa good," Willow said and propped herself up on her elbow. She smiled smugly as Tara slowly raised an eyelid and finally managed to get the eyebrow to arch with it.
"Did you remember your name yet, baby? Cause I really don't think it's 'no more, no more', is it?" Willow teased as she ran a finger over Tara's kiss-swollen lips.
"At the moment, I really didn't care
what my name was. But, honey you didn't come, and I did and did and did, and it's
your birthday."
"I think you forgot a couple of 'dids'," Willow smirked. "And I
did too, just from watching you. You're just
so hot and the most beautiful thing I've ever seen when you let yourself go like that."
Tara blushed and Willow pulled her in for a long, slow kiss. They savored the taste of each other once more before the redhead forced herself to break the kiss. "Mmm, keep that up and we won't be getting out of bed at all today."
"I don't even think I can...oh crap!" Tara checked the time and threw back the sheet, suddenly rejuvenated. "I need to run into town for a while, baby. I'm so sorry. You just stay right here in bed and I'll be back before you know it."
Willow stared happily at the perfect round backside, the normally fair skin now covered in little purple mouth-shaped marks, until her vision was obscured by Tara's hastily donned robe.
"Would you like me to heat up your breakfast, sweetie?"
"Huh?" Willow looked up guiltily as the blonde turned, the open robe revealing the same purple marks adorning her belly, breasts and neck.
"I can reheat it or even make you something fresh," Tara said as she tied the belt.
"No, don't go to any trouble. It's fine like that, really. I'm starving today for some reason," Willow murmured, trying not to stare openly at her still visible handiwork.
Tara placed the tray over Willow's lap then handed her the rose. "Happy birthday, baby. I love you," she whispered and kissed her softly.
Willow's heart fluttered at the sweet sentiment and she felt tears come to her eyes. "I love you too, Tara. How did we ever get so lucky?"
Tara's thumb brushed away the lone tear from the freckled cheek and she kissed her again. "Obviously meant to be, and we had a lot of help from a lot of amazing people."
Willow closed her eyes and nodded her head. She opened them and smiled at the blonde. "Yeah, we are and we did."
"Willow, are you sure you're okay?" Tara asked gently. "You don't have to put on a strong front for me. I know you're hurting, baby."
Willow smiled and took Tara's hand. "Yes, I was, but ever since I had that dream, it's hard to explain. This peaceful feeling just came over me and the hurt was gone. She was telling me she was so happy, and had everything she dreamed of, so how could I be sad about that? She told me...she said she'd always be with me, Tara. And I can feel her,
really feel her, in here." Willow smiled and placed Tara's hand over her heart.
Tara smiled and sniffed back her tears. "That's beautiful, Willow. I know how it feels to be in your heart, so I understand why she's happy. As long as there's room enough for the both of us," Tara teased before kissing her softly.
Willow sighed into the kiss then pressed their foreheads together when their lips finally pulled apart. "Don't you worry. There's plenty of room, and she's snuggled in nice and cozy beside your place in here."
"I love the thought of that. I know you'll keep us both safe."
Willow smiled and kissed her again. "Forever," she whispered earnestly.
"Forever." Tara smiled and finally had to pull away before she gave in and crawled back in bed to cuddle with the redhead all day long.
"I need to shower and get going. What would you like to do for dinner tonight, birthday girl? Your wish is my command."
"Can we just stay home, have a quiet night in?"
"Sounds perfect to me."
__________________
"Giles! Thank God you're here! She's driving me absolutely crazy!"
The Englishman cringed at the high-pitched screaming and held his hand up to try and calm her down. "Anya, please do settle down and explain."
"Xander, it's about time you came back! I was on the verge of calling Hallie to transport her ass out of here."
"Anya, what the hell is the problem?"
Just then a squeal erupted from the door of the training room.
"THAT is the problem!" Anya yelled, covering both ears with her hands. "She does that all the time. She found a Twilight marathon and completely loses her water every time
Edward is on the screen! Please take her away!"
All three of them cringed as the squeal rang out again.
"Just what is this Twilight and who is this Edward fellow she's so obsessed with?" Giles finally asked once the annoying sound stopped.
"Well, if you'd get your nose out of those dusty old books and into reality, you'd know it's a movie and he's a vampire that glitters when he's in the sunlight. Apparently the young girls think he's
dreamy." Anya said, completely annoyed at the whole situation.
Giles laughed. "
Glitters? Well, that's absolutely absurd and not realistic at all." He pondered the situation and his brow furrowed. "Dear Lord, a Slayer that thinks vampires glitter. The earth is doomed."
Xander just banged his head on the counter muttering to himself. "Not again."
Giles braced himself and walked to the phone. He dialed the Council's number then turned back to Anya. "Just what is this girl's name?" He listened patiently to the ringing and arched a curious eyebrow as Anya started laughing.
"Honey Pye," she finally answered after catching her breath and Xander raised his head.
"Yes, dear?"
"Not you, her, Honey Pye."
"What about her, sweetie?" Xander asked, the confusion written all over his face.
"That's her name, Xander. Her name is
Honey."
The two men's jaws dropped as it sunk in.
"Honey, the Vampire Slayer?" Xander whispered incredulously.
Giles rolled his eyes and sighed as his call was answered. "This is Rupert Giles. Honey Pye is here. No, this isn't an obscene call, you twit. It's the new Slayer that just arrived in Sunnydale. Yes, I'm serious. No, Buffy isn't dead. Of course, I'm sure! I'll explain later. A new Watcher? What? I can't possibly find them a place by tomorrow! You'll pay what?!"
Another eardrum-splitting squeal came from the training room.
"Can he be here any sooner than that?" Giles nearly pleaded. "Very well," he said and hung up the phone.
"Well?" Anya said impatiently.
"Her Watcher should be here by tomorrow, so it looks like Sunnydale will have two new residents."
He glanced through the doorway just in time to see the new girl tumble from her handstand on the pommel horse as she squealed once more.
He sighed and stood there shaking his head.
"Oh, Honey."
________________
"I told you, I called them last night and they took them away."
"How in the world did you explain it, Mary?"
"They saw Xander all beat up, so I told them our
big strong men took care of them," Mary said chuckling. "Giles told the cops they both knew martial arts, and that he and Xander taught them a lesson for trying to accost a poor, defenseless woman. I showed them the knot on the back of my head, and viola! I pressed charges for assault and bad guys went bye-bye."
"How do you know they won't tell them what really happened?"
"There may have been some flamey eyes and threats before the cops got here. I'm pretty sure they got the message," Mary said, smirking as they turned in Tara's driveway.
Sofia laughed then put the SUV in park and looked up at the house. "How do you think she's doing?" She asked quietly.
"Hard to say really. It may take her a while. Let's just play it by ear. If she needs to talk about it, we'll be there for her."
"Yes, we will. Okay, we better get these guys inside," Sofia said as she got out and opened the back hatch to the SUV. "I'll get the playpen and heat lamp set up if you can get the rest."
"Yes, this old woman can manage one small dog crate and a bag all by herself," Mary said as she grabbed the bag then gingerly lifted the small crate from the backseat.
They had left the vet's office with one small crate containing four tiny pups of unknown descent and all the necessary supplies. Sadly, one of the pups had passed away during the night, leaving only these four remaining. Three of them were doing remarkably well but one had an obvious injury to a back leg. At this age, there wasn't anything the vet could do for it, but Mary had her own ideas.
Sofia shut the hatch and turned at the sound of tires on the gravel drive. Two vehicles, Tara's truck in the lead, pulled in right behind them.
Diana jumped from the truck and ran straight to Mary, cooing at the new arrivals. "Ooh, look at you little lovelies. May I?"
Mary handed her the crate and laughed as Diana talked baby talk to the puppies as she carried them toward the house. "In the kitchen, Big D," she instructed. "And you can have first feeding detail," she teased.
"New babies?" Hester asked as she fell into step beside Mary.
"New babies," Mary nodded. "Four of them. They're gonna be a handful."
"I think you're going to have some help. She can't resist the little ones."
"Hey, the more, the merrier." She glanced over at the Goddess, who looked back to her usual self. "Your hair?"
"It was only temporary. Happens every once in a while when I get my dander up, then goes back to this old woman hair," Hester explained.
"Good morning, Buffy," Mary said as she walked up the steps of the deck where the tired-looking Guardian was sitting. "I hope we're not disturbing you. I was wondering if I could use the hot tub. Is Tara around?"
"Kitchen," Buffy sighed and pointed over her shoulder with her thumb.
Mary was still looking at Buffy and proceeded to run into the back of Hester, who was stuck in a pileup at the doorway behind Sofia and Diana, who stood there frozen. Mary looked around the other women and smiled then cleared her throat very loudly.
Willow and Tara jumped and looked up guiltily at the faces staring back at them. Willow slowly peeled herself off the blonde, who then peeled her back off the counter she was pressed against and hurriedly fixed her collar. Willow had devoured her breakfast in no time at all then joined her girlfriend in the shower for a more satisfying meal. Her appetite for Tara was insatiable and the blonde sure wasn't complaining.
"I was just uh, making out my store list," Tara explained with a blush as she turned back to the counter and added 'showerhead' and then 'hot water handle' to the paper. She still wasn't sure how
that happened.
"Anybody need anything?" Tara asked as the women filed into the kitchen.
"Coke, please."
"Iced tea."
"Foundation!"
Everyone stopped and turned to the small blonde head poking through the door. "Darker foundation," Buffy said, looking knowingly at Tara, then turned to Willow. "Having a good birthday, Will?" She smirked.
Both girls blushed furiously and Tara ducked her head, writing the orders down quickly. "Gotta run," she said then kissed Willow and rushed out the door.
"The keys are in it," Big D yelled then went back to fussing over the puppies.
After a moment of awkward silence, Mary finally made the first move. "Happy birthday, Willow. Welcome to the family," she said warmly as she hugged her tightly. "Sorry for the intrusion. I just wanted to use the hot tub but we can get out of your hair if you want."
"Thank you," Willow whispered, trying not to get too choked up. She pulled back, a beaming smile growing on her face. "And you're not intruding at all. I'm glad you're all here." Her heart swelled with every hug and birthday wish each woman gave her.
Buffy approached her last. She hugged her best friend tightly and whispered in her ear. "You are
so totally glowing, Will. I see something is agreeing with you," she smirked.
Willow pulled back, blushing once again and nodded emphatically. "Yes, there has been much
agreeing. Tara's a very agreeable kinda girl."
"Yes, I heard her agreeing with you over and over," Buffy teased.
"Shush, you," Willow whispered, smiling brightly at her best friend. "Hey, whatcha got in the box?" Willow quickly changed the subject and went over to check out the other action in the room.
________________
Faith sat on the hard concrete with her back against the brick wall outside the ER. Her elbows rested on her bent knees and she held her head in her hands. She groaned as the diesel fumes from the running ambulance made her situation worse and she grabbed the small blue basin beside her once again.
A few minutes later, she saw the black steel-toed boots of her partner step into her line of vision.
"I'm sorry, Randy. I don't know what happened to me."
"Something you ate? Here, take this Maalox," the stocky man said as he handed her the small cup.
She downed the contents then took the damp cloth her partner offered. She wiped her face and shook her head. "I don't think so. Maybe I have that stomach virus again."
"Come on. I'm taking you home."
"No, just get me to my truck. I'll be fine." She tried to stand then swayed as the dizziness swept over her again.
Randy reached out and steadied her quickly. "You're not driving on my watch, now get your ass in the bus. I'll call it in and get you home safe and sound."
She finally nodded, knowing he was right. She felt like shit and just wanted to get home and curl up in bed. She buckled herself in, leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She wracked her brain trying to figure it out. She definitely hit her head hard several times yesterday. Maybe it was just a concussion. All of her cuts and bruises had healed within hours, so she thought something like a concussion would've been taken care of too. She was still trying to understand all of this Guardian stuff. Maybe she needed to talk to Hester and Big D.
She breathed a sigh of relief when Randy finally turned into her driveway, but that relief was short lived once they parked and she saw all the people gathered around on her deck. "Shit."
"Weren't expecting company?" Randy knew Faith pretty well, and if he was right, she didn't want anyone else knowing exactly what happened. "Can you walk okay?" He whispered as he opened her door.
"Yeah," she answered then hesitated. "But can you..."
"I got your back, don't worry. I'll just stay close, okay?"
"Thanks, Randy. You're the best."
"Hey, it's what we do. Come on, we'll just go slow."
Faith nodded and took her first step, thankful when the dizziness didn't return.
A stealthy entrance was entirely impossible when you arrived in a big red ambulance, so she plastered on her best fake smile as Buffy and Tara both rushed to meet her.
"Hey, you're home early," Buffy said happily and hugged her tightly.
Faith groaned inwardly as the nausea started to rise once more.
"What's wrong?" Tara asked worriedly.
"She heard there was a party going on and just couldn't stay away," Randy joked loudly.
Tara frowned and looked closely at her best friend. "Something wrong with your truck?" She asked suspiciously.
"No, I'll just bring it by in the morning when my shift is over like we agreed, right Faith?" Randy helped out again.
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks again. Here's the keys." Faith handed them to her partner and gave him a grateful nod.
"No problem. And don't worry, I'll take good care of Black Beauty for you."
"Thanks."
That was it? No word of warning? No threat of bodily injury to someone other than Faith driving her beloved truck? Tara knew her friend better than that.
Buffy grabbed Faith's hand and started pulling her excitedly toward the deck. "Come on, babe. We have steaks and burgers and all kinds of birthday dinner goodies. Are you hungry?"
"You know, that sounds great, but I really want to go upstairs and change first," Faith said, hoping to make a fast get-away before her stomach contents erupted again. Fake smile still plastered on, she greeted the guests then headed straight for the stairs. She shut her bedroom door and grabbed a change of clothes. Her stomach had started churning as she passed all the usually appetizing food in the kitchen and what little she had left in there was about to make a hasty exit. She made a dash for the bathroom and barely made it to the toilet in time. She heaved violently until nothing was left except for the last bitter remains. She closed her eyes and rested her face on the refreshing coolness of the seat.
A few minutes later, Faith managed to get her uniform off and pulled on a T-shirt and shorts. She splashed cold water on her face and brushed her teeth. She slipped her toothbrush back in the holder then looked up in the mirror at the sallow, pasty face staring back.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" She whispered to herself and sighed. She shuffled back into her bedroom, carefully laid down and closed her eyes.
"That's exactly what I was going to ask you myself."
Faith's eyes popped open and she wasn't entirely surprised to see Tara standing beside her bed with a bottle of Pepto in one hand and Gatorade in the other.
"Which one do you want first?" Tara asked kindly as she sat gently on the edge of the bed.
"I'm dry," Faith croaked out and sat up slowly.
"Gatorade it is," Tara said as she unscrewed the lid and helped her take a sip. "Not too fast yet."
Faith took one more sip and Tara sat the bottle on the nightstand beside the Pepto. "You ready to talk?"
"It's nothing, T. Probably a stomach bug like I had before. How'd you know?"
Tara arched an eyebrow and ticked off her fingers one at a time. "You passed up a breakfast of sausage, bacon and eggs, said the perfectly fine coffee tasted like ass, you get carted home in your ambulance, AND you're going to let Randy drive your truck. Red flag, red flag, red flag and oh yeah, bright red waving flag. You never let anyone drive your truck unless it's an emergency. What's going on?"
Faith rolled to her side and brought her knees up, easing some of her discomfort. "Don't make a big deal, okay? I don't want to mess up the party."
Tara nodded and waited for Faith to continue.
"Okay, it started last night. I just thought I was, you know, upset. I got dizzy and clammy and real nauseated, then tossed my cookies behind the dumpster. Then I couldn't sleep last night. I kept tossing and turning and then the same thing happened early this morning with the nausea and vomiting. That's when I finally got up and put the coffee on. I thought it might help, but the smell, God that smell, then all that grease really did me in."
Tara smiled sadly and laid her hand across Faith's forehead. "I don't think you're running a fever but I could get the thermometer. Any diarrhea?"
"No, just the nausea and vomiting, and sometimes I'm dizzy. I'm not aching so I don't think it's the flu. Probably just a virus, but this is way worse than the last time."
Tara nodded and took Faith's hand. "You're definitely dehydrated, so keep taking small sips. Now close your eyes and just relax."
"Wait. I need to know something before you do this. How is Willow doing?" Faith whispered sadly.
Tara's lips quirked into her half smile, which confused Faith at first. "She's doing great actually. Libby came to her in a dream and told her that she was very happy, was where she wanted to be and would always be with her. She's at peace with it all."
"She's really happy and Willow's okay?" Faith asked hopefully.
Tara nodded and Faith smiled and closed her eyes. "I'm so glad. Okay, T, do your thing."
Tara closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She let her healing energy move through her and into Faith. A few minutes later, Faith's breathing slowed and became deeper and just before she dozed off, Tara heard her last mumbled words.
"Nice hickeys, T."
"Shut up, Faith." Tara whispered, smiled at the light snoring and quietly left the room. She would make excuses for her friend, explain that she was just tired from the day before, then she had some Goddesses she needed to talk to.
_________________
"This one's the cutest!"
"No, this one is!"
Mary and Sofia argued playfully as they each sat with a puppy bundled up in a towel watching them suck vigorously from the bottles.
"I think they're all beautiful," Big D said as she worked to get her little guy to latch on to the nipple. "That's it, there you go. Good boy." She held him close, careful of his damaged leg, and whispered in his ear. "Don't worry, you are definitely the cutest."
Tara got up from her seat beside Willow at the counter and tapped Hester on the shoulder. She nodded toward the living room and waited for the woman to follow. They stood at the doorway watching the happy group in the kitchen until Tara finally spoke up.
"This may be nothing, but I'm kind of worried about Faith," she whispered.
Hester quirked an eyebrow. "What's wrong with her, dear? I thought she was just tired."
"She's having some stomach problems. She's had nausea and vomiting since last night and some dizziness," Tara explained quietly.
"Already?" Hester breathed out, barely loud enough to be heard.
"What do you mean
already?"
"How's Willow feeling, dear?" Hester asked, smoothly sidestepping the question.
"Willow?"
They both looked over at the redhead in question, who was working on her second hamburger of the day, on top of the steak she had earlier. Tara's eyebrows climbed as she watched her girlfriend scoop a large spoonful of her broccoli with special cheese sauce into her mouth, quickly followed by another.
Tara smiled as Willow inhaled the green vegetable, then immediately dug into her salad.
"She's great. Maybe a little on the hungry side today."
"I noticed that," Hester chuckled lightly. "Anything else?"
"No," Tara answered, avoiding the older woman's gaze.
Hester quirked an eyebrow disbelievingly and stared the blonde down. "Is
that so?"
Tara felt the eyes burning into her and backed further into the living room, Hester following closely. "Don't be embarrassed, dear. I don't want details."
Tara wrapped her arms around her middle and suddenly found the carpet very interesting. "Well, she has been rather...
energetic today," she mumbled. She knew that was putting it mildly after this morning in bed, the shower, and then the quickie they snuck in downstairs while the others were occupied with the puppies and her mom was soaking in the hot tub.
"Energetic, you say?" Hester asked, barely concealing her sly grin and watched the blush quickly rise to Tara's cheeks. She glanced over to the counter and noticed Willow take a sip of her beverage, laughing as the others playfully discussed the merits of the pups they currently held. "Is that lemonade?"
Tara smiled fondly at her adorable girlfriend and barely heard the question. "Um, yes, I believe it is, why?"
"Good, good. Just making sure it wasn't alcohol. I think she should avoid that for now until I check something out. And can you see that she takes a multivitamin daily?" Hester asked like it was perfectly normal.
Tara looked at Hester then over at Willow, then back at Hester. She knew her girlfriend was still a little on the thin side, but with the way she was eating, she'd be back to her normal size in no time at all.
"Are you worried about Willow?" Tara asked, completely flummoxed. "She's doing great, I think. Faith is the one upstairs who was throwing her toes up not too long ago and now you have me worried about Willow too," Tara whispered anxiously.
"Nothing to worry about, just humor an old woman, my child," Hester said, smiling gently. "Just some healthy living tips for those I hold dear. Faith should feel better soon. Give her some saltine crackers and have her avoid greasy foods for a while.
"Hester, please tell me what's going on," Tara pleaded, trying to keep her voice down.
Hester smiled at the blonde and took her face in her hands. "Do you trust me, Tara?" A simple question.
Without hesitation, Tara answered. "Yes."
Hester smiled and gave her a nod. "Give me just a few days. I promise I'll tell you everything soon. But I would like a daily update on those two, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am. But um, what about Willow's, you know?" Tara mumbled uncomfortably.
Hester laughed heartily and patted Tara on the back as they made their way toward the kitchen.
"If I'm not mistaken dear, it's a lovely little thing called
hormones. Enjoy it while you can."
Hester kept on walking and tried to hide her grin as Tara bounced off the corner of the kitchen wall.
HORMONES?? Tara stared smiling at the redhead as she giggled at the other women's playful banter over the cuteness of the new puppies. Sofia's phone ringing could barely be heard over Mary's rising voice as she adamantly claimed the one she held was the best of the bunch. The Watcher carefully handed her pup off to Buffy then reached in her pocket for the device.
"Hello? Oh, Giles! This better be good because I am terribly busy," she teased as she tickled Mary's pup behind the ears. "She's what?" Sofia exclaimed as her eyebrows rose. "And a new Watcher? Well, it looks like you can finally retire and just be the stodgy, old bookstore owner full time now. They what? By when?"
Sofia paused and looked over at Willow, who was still eating her burger with gusto. "Yes, she's right here. Of course. Willow, it's Giles for you."
Willow swallowed hastily and took the phone. She greeted him happily then listened quietly for a few minutes, her eyebrows rising with each passing second. "Are you serious?" She asked, the shock evident in her voice, then she reached over and took Tara's hand. She smiled at the blonde and squeezed her hand tighter. "Yes! That's great, Giles! Of course I'm sure. I have everything I need right here."
She thanked the Watcher and ended the call then threw her arms around Tara's neck. "You'll never believe it!" She kissed the blonde then did a happy dance all over the kitchen.
"Willow, what?" Tara asked, giggling at the excited girl's antics.
"I sold my house! New Slayer! Council bought it!" Willow sing-songed as she continued her impromptu dance. "Sold my house, sold my house, oh yeah, oh yeah!"
"Willow!" Tara squealed happily as the redhead picked her up and spun her around several times. Suddenly Willow stopped and sat her down then flopped back down in her chair. "Whoa, head rush," she said smiling as she ran her hand over her stomach.
Upstairs Faith's eyes popped open. "Oh shit." She jumped from the bed and ran back to the bathroom in a flash. She heaved violently several times, expelling the little bit of stomach contents she had left. She laid her head on the cool seat and stared at the blue Gatorade swirling down the drain with a flush. "This sucks."
An hour or so later, after the cake and ice cream and when the laughter began to die down, the guests went their separate ways. Willow and Tara made their way back downstairs and the redhead sat impatiently on the bed with her eyes closed and hands out. Tara laughed at the childish excitement of her girlfriend. At the mention of a present, Willow was absolutely giddy, her smile beaming and that cute little tongue peeking out playfully between her lips.
Tara stood there holding the carefully wrapped box for a little longer, just enjoying the moment. Her brow furrowed as she looked down at the gift, wondering once again if she should've gone with jewelry or clothing. She looked back up at the redhead who could barely contain herself, sitting there on the big bed bouncing in anticipation. She smiled at the sight and gently placed the package in the outstretched hands.
"Whatever you do, don't..."
"What is it?" Willow asked excitedly as she started to shake the box.
"Shake it!" Tara yelled, stopping her girlfriend's hands mid motion.
"Oops, sorry. What is it?" Willow whispered.
"Just a little something," Tara said shyly as she sat cross-legged on the bed. "Open it, sweetie."
Willow leaned in for a quick kiss before carefully peeling off the colorful paper. "Thank you, baby." Once the entire thing was exposed, she sat there staring quietly at the ornate wooden frame and all the treasures held within. She started to tremble and gingerly laid her present down before she dropped it. Her tears flowed freely, soaking Tara's shirt as Willow hugged her desperately and buried her face in her neck. Long moments passed as Tara held the sobbing redhead and soothingly rubbed her back until she started to calm down.
"You okay?" Tara whispered. Willow nodded her head as she sniffed and rubbed her nose against the blonde's shoulder. "I didn't mean to make you cry."
Willow looked up through her teary eyes and cupped Tara's cheeks. "Happy tears, Tara. These are very happy tears. It's perfect. How did you do all this?"
Tara shrugged. "I had a little help. Buffy gave me this one," she said, pointing to the picture of Willow the day she delivered Chosen. Willow was standing in her backyard wearing her bright yellow dishwashing gloves with the clothespin firmly attached to her nose. "I love it."
"Yes, because the stylish gloves and clothespin pinching my nose were such an attractive look for me," Willow giggled, shaking her head.
"It was. You were absolutely adorable and I could barely keep from kissing your cute little nose."
Willow laughed and sniffed away the last of her tears. "Maybe I'll wear them for you again sometime if you play your cards right." She smiled and pointed down at another picture. "I really love this one. I'm so glad Faith got it."
"Oh my God, I was soaking wet," Tara giggled. "She shook that water all over me, but she was so pretty when I was finished. Her hair was finally starting to look back to normal."
"You're both beautiful," Willow whispered as she snuggled into the blonde's side. Tara wrapped her arm around her girlfriend's shoulder and squeezed her lovingly. "Where did you get this one?" Willow asked, pointing at the picture she had never seen before.
"Buffy snapped a bunch that day. I thought you might like it." Tara smiled as she watched Willow run her finger lovingly over the glass above the picture of her sitting on the grass and kissing Chosen on the head.
"I love it," Willow said, sniffing back more tears. Her eyes drifted to the bottom left corner of the shadow box and she smiled sadly. "Oh, Tara, how did you get it?" She whispered.
"Diana saved it for you. I picked it up this morning."
"It's pretty isn't it? Buffy didn't think I should get blue because she was a girl, but I couldn't resist. I thought it would look good on her and it reminded me of you." Willow sighed and looked up into those mesmerizing blue eyes. "Thank you so much, Tara."
"You're welcome, sweetie. Now, what do you think of this last picture?" Tara asked, curling her lip up into the smile that Willow loved so much.
Willow smiled at the picture Tara was pointing to and giggled. The two of them kissing in the back of the purple truck, the night sky filled with stars twinkling above...and those sparks.
"I think I really, really love that one too. That's when I found out what a sweet, hot, sexy woman you are and just how great you could kiss. And you know what else?" Willow asked slyly as she leaned over and carefully placed the precious shadow box in the chair beside the bed.
"What?" Tara whispered as her heart began to race.
Willow turned back to the blonde and gently pressed her down into the soft bed, covering her body with her own. She held her upper body up with her arms as her leg slipped between the muscular thighs. She slid her leg up higher and smiled wickedly as Tara moaned.
"I found out how
wet you could make me and how badly I wanted to do all sorts of naughty things to your body," Willow breathed hotly into her girlfriend's ear as she rocked sensuously into her. "Like I'm going to do right now."
Tara's head flopped back into the pillow as she released a long, deep groan. She managed one coherent thought before her mind was completely blown once more that day.
Hormones are good________________
The next few days passed in much the same way. Aside from the nuisance of that horrible thing called 'work', Willow and Tara spent the rest of the hours wrapped in each other's arms thoroughly satisfying and being satisfied by the other.
Saturday morning found an exhausted but fulfilled Tara passed out snoring lightly as Willow awoke refreshed and smiling as usual. She quickly showered and made her way up to the kitchen, whistling a happy tune and nearly skipping into the room.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Willowed said, smiling brightly at Faith who was sitting at the counter nursing a cup of lukewarm tea.
"Sure it is, unless you spent all morning with your head in the toilet," Faith said sarcastically before taking a tiny bite of her dry toast.
Willow switched the coffee on and turned to look at the brunette, who groaned as she stretched and rubbed her lower back.
"You still got that stomach bug?"
Faith scowled at the evil coffee machine as it gurgled to life and began filling the room with its foul stench. She picked up her mug and quickly headed for the deck and some fresh air. Willow followed her out and waited as she took several deep, cleansing breaths.
"I guess that's a 'yes', huh?"
"Some days it's not so bad, but this morning was a doozy. All I had to eat yesterday was a couple pieces of toast and crackers but I swear it had a spicy taste to it when it came back up. This is some weird shit," Faith said, rubbing a hand over her stomach as just the thought of it set off the rumbling once again.
"Speaking of spicy, Tara took me to El Rancho Grande last night for dinner. Their steak fajitas are sooo good," Willow said, rubbing her stomach for a completely different reason.
"Well I'm glad at least someone is enjoying their food at the moment. Where is T anyway?"
"She's still sleeping," Willow said with a little smirk. "She was kinda tired this morning."
Downstairs Tara was awake and just ending her daily call to Hester, updating her on Willow and Faith. Always the same thing -- Willow was eating like a starving woman and still
very energetic, and Faith was having almost daily nausea and vomiting with the occasional dizziness. Tara was relieved when the Goddess told her she would be over later today and wanted to talk to all four girls together.
Several hours later, the small group was gathered down in the basement. Faith was lying across Buffy's lap on the sofa and Willow was sitting in Tara's lap on the new faux fur rug they had bought earlier in the week. The four girls looked up expectantly at the two Goddesses, who each stood holding a small paper bag in their hands, one marked with an 'F', the other with a 'W'.
Diana nudged Hester with her elbow, urging her to go first. "Okay, girls, I suppose you've been wondering about the somewhat odd occurrences this past week."
Faith, Buffy and Willow looked around at each other and shrugged, but Tara had her suspicions. She knew the signs and symptoms, just wasn't sure of the 'how'.
Diana and Hester handed Willow and Faith their respective brown bag. "Please go in the bathroom and follow the instructions. Place it back in the bag and bring it straight back to us. We'll answer all your questions afterwards." Hester said and smiled at the confused look on the girl's faces. "Now would be good."
"I'll go first," Willow said as she stood with a little help from Tara. She went in the downstairs bathroom and cocked her eyebrow when she saw the contents of the bag. "Well this is absolutely ridiculous. There's just no way," she whispered to herself but still followed the directions on the box. She washed up then took the bag straight out to Hester, looking at the Goddess like she was crazy.
Faith took her turn, and everyone's eyes opened wide as they heard the string of curse words flying from the brunette's mouth all the way from the bathroom.
"I think she just opened her bag," Willow giggled.
"What the hell's in those bags?" Buffy asked but before she could get an answer Faith came storming out of the bathroom and shoved the bag in Diana's hand.
"This better be a joke," she grumbled as she sat back down on the couch and crossed her arms, giving the Goddesses a death glare.
Hester cast a glance up at the clock above the fireplace which sat right above Willow's shadow box of Chosen treasures sitting proudly front and center on top of the mantle.
"Let us explain," Hester started quietly. "There were many facets to the Incendere Amor, girls. One of those facets came from Diana, who being the Goddess of fertility, gives the gift of reproduction to the Blessed Vestals when the time is right. The 'right time' meaning when the right soul is ready."
Buffy, Faith and Willow sat there with mouths gaping open and Tara tightened her arms around the redhead.
Hester continued. "The first bolt of fire that hit Buffy and Faith did what it was supposed to do in order to bring you back as the Guardians. The second bolt, however, gave them an even stronger connection to the Blessed Vestals. This connection enables them to take on certain aspects, aspects such as protecting Willow and Tara from things that cause them pain or suffering."
"We'd do that anyway," Faith whispered as she reached for Buffy's hand and squeezed it tightly.
"Of course we would," Buffy agreed. "But what does that have to do with anything?"
Hester checked the clock and nodded at Diana. Each Goddess reached in the bag they were holding and pulled out the little white stick, smiling brightly at the results.
"Faith, this was just for your peace of mind more than anything. See, yours is negative," Diana said, showing Faith the minus mark in the little window.
"Oh thank God," Faith said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Willow, my child...here's yours," Hester said smiling as she held the stick towards the redhead with the plus sign shining brightly in the little window.
Tara smiled and squeezed Willow tighter, waiting for it to sink in as she sat there staring wide-eyed at the little positive sign.
Buffy looked completely confused looking back and forth between her best friend and her girlfriend and the sticks the Goddesses held. "I don't get it," she finally said.
"Bottom line," Diana explained. "Willow is pregnant but Faith was chosen to bear all the negative symptoms associated with it."
"ALL of them?" Faith gasped.
Willow's heart raced as the pieces clicked into place and she finally regained her ability to speak. "I'm really pregnant? And the...
right soul?" She asked breathlessly as she waited for the answer she was hoping for.
Both Goddesses smiled and Hester responded.
"You have been given the gift of bringing Libby's soul back into this world once more, as your and Tara's child. It is what she wished and her well-deserved reward."
The happy tears flowed from both Willow and Tara as they hugged desperately. Willow pulled back, cupped Tara's cheeks and brought their lips together softly.
"We're bringing her back, as
our baby," Willow whispered reverently, her smile absolutely radiant as she stared deeply into the sparkling blue. "I hope she has your eyes."
"I hope she has yours," Tara's said, breathlessly. "She really is with you, baby, and she's going to be beautiful," Tara added as she placed her hand over Willow's belly, a freckled hand immediately joining it.
Faith smiled and squeezed Buffy's hand. "Yeah, beautiful," Faith said happily, then a strange look came over her face. "But a pain in my ass," she added as she dashed to the bathroom once again.
"And no more Mexican!"