Disclaimer per usual. I own nothing and am merely a muse and projection for these characters I still enjoy after all these years. Thanks Joss!
Tara.
‘Oh no.’
Willow felt herself go in mental babble mode. Again.
‘Okay, think, Willow. What is the number?’
Tara.
‘Oh, come on! Willow, get a grip!’
Tara.
‘She’s standing behind me’. ‘I can feel her there’. ‘I can smell her perfume’. ‘I want her.’ ‘What am I thinking??’
Willow let out an audible, frustrated exhale. Silently she pleaded with herself to focus. ‘What is the damn number, you doofus!’
“Are you okay, Willow?” Tara reached out to gently touch her shoulder. The gesture made the redhead shudder. Again.
The numbers finally flooded her mind. ‘Oh thank God!’ *1*4*8*4. The alarm light went green. She composed herself and turned to face the blonde again. Unwittingly, Tara affected each and every sense. “Yes, yes, I’m fine...thanks. I sometimes have trouble with the keypad.” A small lie. Okay, a big lie.
They both stood outside, breathing in the warm evening air for as long as permissible given the outrageous awkwardness of not understanding why they weren’t like ‘normal’ client relations and hardly professional at that. Each woman remained silent, trying to find words to relay how each marveled their budding connection, yet uncertain if the other felt the same way. Tara simply touching Willow’s shoulder was enough to send both over the edge.
“So...sh...sh...should I call you first or will you call me when you have it fixed?”
“Oh!” Willow went through the exaggerated motions of smacking her forehead. “Of course! I forgot to take your information inside. I was so impressed with the piece and the history of it, I completely overlooked that one, teeny aspect.” Another small lie. She was so impressed with Tara she forgot to register much of anything.
Tara saw Willow blush. “Um, here is my business card. Feel free to call me at either of those numbers. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you, Willow. It was v…v…very nice to meet you.”
She couldn’t help but drop an octave on the last couple of words with a bit of lingering sensuality. How was it possible to fall so quickly for someone? Tara refused to wait for any logical answer. She chose to follow the path of her heart and hoped it might meet up with Willow’s.
Tara moved forward to grasp Willow’s hand in one last final goodbye of the evening. The contact of energy surged through abruptly and again left Tara gasping for breath. The electricity was apparent to them both...now if they could own up to it with the other. That would have to wait. Neither knew where the other stood. Even in plain sight, sometimes the very things which are in front are the last to be seen.
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Tara sat at the coffee house the next evening, having heard about an apparently decent author offering a free book signing. Some local college students were doing poetry readings afterwards. She didn’t have a lot in the way of novelty books but did enjoy the simplicity of listening to other people express themselves lyrically. The espresso wasn’t so bad, either. The crowd was gathering and she was glad she came early. She reserved a little table for herself off to the side of the stage. It was in front enough to observe but resting well within the shadows of the room to remain unnoticed. No one would bother her here.
Tara felt a gentle tapping on her shoulder and she spoke before turning in her seat. “No, I’m fine thanks but maybe the next go-around....” As she finished turning, she saw Willow standing over her shoulder.
“Hey, Willow! W…w…what are you doing here? I mean, of course you can be here. I mean. I mean, I’m glad you’re here.” Oh, god, why couldn’t she be as poetic as the poetic waxing she heard upon that stage a few feet away.
“Hey, Tara. Good to see you! A..a..and can I get you another coffee?” She grinned from ear to ear before continuing. “Yeah, I come here sometimes when I need a mocha fix...and when I want to hear other people talk about problems greater than my own.”
Tara gave her a full smile, those enticing plush lips were all Willow could stare at.
“Would you like to have a seat...here...with me?” Tara nervously gestured to the empty chair next to her.
“Oh..well....ah, I came with someone else but I don’t think she’d mind. Considering her husband is the one who’s doing the book signing, she’ll probably be busy with getting him prepared and all. I’ll check in and make sure, okay?”
“No, I understand.” She nodded, forcing a warm smile on her face. She wondered if she had come on too strong. If maybe her weak attempts at an invite were overlooked by more important people Willow had to sit with. After all, Willow was pretty important in this town, being a specialist in her field. Surely, she had lots of attention. Tara was a counselor, which wasn’t unimportant, but definitely not as interesting.
She turned back in her chair and lifted the coffee to her lips. No sooner had she taken a sip when a bubbly redhead joined the seat next to her.
“Oh, hey! That didn’t take long!” Tara said, rather bemused.
“Is this okay, still?” Willow looked concerned, a bit worried she may have pounced too soon on the invite.
“Yes! Oh yes. I’m glad you came...” Tara held her head up, looked at her warmly with a sideways glance and gave her another reassuring smile.
“If sitting next to you rewards me with a new friend, a great smile, and gets me out of book duty, I’ll be sure to do this more often!” Willow happily grinned in return, quite delighted with meeting Tara in one of her favorite coffeehouse hang-outs. She was taking much pleasure in her new friend. “I had a chance to get into the shop this morning and look over your bezel setting for the stone. I can fix it for you, definitely. We can talk more about it after the book signing...if you want to stay a bit later?"
Tara felt warmed inside and let herself bask in the compliment. She enjoyed the way Willow was looking at her. She definitely didn’t need the stone to tell her something dynamic might be unfolding between them.
After the main author had spoken and done his signings, to which a very excited Tara had been waiting for months to see him speak about his new novel on the magical 13th century witches and their craft, the more light-hearted poetry readings began. Throughout, Tara snuck glances at Willow. The auburn haired beauty sat straight in her seat, eyes and senses alert to the author on stage. Her lips moved ever so slightly as she listened. She was completely adorable. She had some experience in two other relationships with girls early on in her college years. They were sweet and caring for what they were but nothing like what she was feeling for Willow; a person she’s known for just under 2 days. She wasn’t sure if Willow liked girls in the same way. She would just have to remain content with this knowledge even if there was more than casual flirting going on between them. Tara gathered herself to ask if Willow would like another mocha, as she was on her way to refill her cup anyway.
Willow agreed but asked to accompany the blonde to the café. She didn’t wish to spend one moment away from the beautiful woman beside her. She intended to ask more about the stone when she found a free moment and felt this might be the chance for elaboration. She had studied it earlier in the day to be sure that it wouldn’t break under any conditions which might require some stress and heat. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure. She told the blonde she could repair it easily, but inwardly she had nerves about it. The bezel around the stone didn’t leave much information. It was old and appeared very fragile. The cabochons she had cut from the quarried rough were smoother and more polished than this piece, although they were of the same gem family. She was skilled at such antiques and rarities, but this one made her especially nervous. The pendant was icy to the touch when Willow handled it. She kept turning Tara’s words over in her mind. ‘The stone changes temperature frequently...it can be sudden.’ Perhaps it could take the glancing heat of a torch well enough. Maybe those fissures and fractures in the stone occurred from its mysterious heat source. She was concerned it might be beyond her own skill range. She just didn’t want to damage a family heirloom of this caliber. She was nervous to work on it but didn't want to turn Tara away, either.
That and the fact Tara also said it was imparted with an ancient Celtic spell caused her brow to wrinkle a time or two. She had wondered if the rock she had found, by the brook in Wales, had been hammered and chinked from the Celts. It had been warm to the touch...but then, as she logically tried to induce, it could have simply been the warmth of the sun infusing its heat source into the stone. She had begun to wonder what kind of magic Tara and her family practiced. She had dabbled herself in some rituals, a few spells, but mostly her magic seemed smoke and mirrors. Nothing really significant came from it, other than a few floating pencils or self blowing bubble gum.
It also didn’t help matters that she thought she was falling in love with Tara...and with a woman no less. And after two days, no less. She had toyed with the idea of a romantic relationship with a woman before but hadn't seriously considered the alternative route. Partially because she *was* attracted and knew her core self preferred the attentions of another female...even if it was a part of herself she struggled admitting. But as her heart pounded beneath her breast, she was finding the belief that she may have, indeed, found someone very special. She was extremely nervous. She was also extremely elated. They refilled their coffee glasses and headed back to the table, exchanging frequent glances and smiles along the way. As soon as each were situated, Willow thought up of a proposal.
“Hey, Tara? I was meaning to ask you more about this pendant of yours. When do you think you could find a moment to talk to me about it?” Hoping to open up an opportunity for further discussion/advancement, Willow put it in a way that might lead to some ‘getting to know you better’ time.
Tara understood. If she was reading Willow at all, her senses told her to take advantage of any opportunity, whether the pendant was the real cause or not. She was willing to take chances. Especially if it meant to be with Willow a little longer.
“I’m free tonight, after this, if you want...”
“Really? That sounds great actually. We could go to my place a..a..and we can talk about it over...” She raised one eyebrow, shyly before she continued. “Over a night cap...maybe?” Willow then groaned at herself. “Did that sound like the most amazingly cheesy pick up line?”
Tara’s heart skipped a few beats. Was Willow aware of the chemistry between them? She gently laughed, then looked at the redhead serious again, attempting her own brand of humor.
“Yes, it did. Wanna ask me my sign, too?”
Willow helplessly stared, reveling in the way Tara moved her head as she spoke and held a twinkle in her eye as she teased.
Feeling flushed, Tara couldn’t contain her smile any longer. “How about my place instead. I’ve got a great bottle of wine just begging to be opened and I’ve got some books and documents on the pendant itself. There are some incantation rituals on the blessing of the stone, too...it may interest you.”
‘Oh yes. Definitely interesting,’ thought a rather forward moving Willow. For someone who came from a straight-laced background, she was barely on reserve tonight. This was more than mere sexual excitement and she felt it. She wanted Tara in every conceivable way, through heart, mind, body and soul. She was growing confident Tara felt the same. The innuendos were becoming far too obvious.
“I’d like that very much.” Willow stood up from her chair and held out her hand, quietly hoping Tara might take it. “Shall we then?”
Tara, nearly disbelieving things were moving in a direction she was hoping for, slid her fingertips into the open palm awaiting her. Both recognized the immediate connected energy ebb and flow between their beings. It was dynamic. Certainly, it was a once in a life time chemistry.
Tara stood from her chair, uncaring if eyes were upon them instead of the person orating from the small stage. She felt as if she and Willow were the players on the stage and all eyes should be on them. It was as if a fine play was being written in front of a large audience and they should appreciate what was unfolding before them, because, before them indeed, something amazing was happening. She let Willow lead her from the coffee house and out the front entrance. It would take a fool not to notice something magical was developing between these two women and they, themselves, were no fools.
“D..d..do you want to follow me, Willow?”
Tara’s stutter, a clear sign of her nervousness, only served to further melt Willow’s heart.
“I could. Or I could just go with you...if...if you want me to.”
Tara nodded warmly, still clutching Willow’s hand, and took the lead to walk around the corner to where she was parked. She opened the door for the redhead and waited for her to get in, before walking around to the driver’s side. Before she did, she looked upwards, into the cloudness night, and whispered a silent ‘thank you’ to the full moon which shone brilliantly down, bathing its blue-white light onto her face and soaking into her spirit.
The trip back to her house, although just a few miles away, was quiet. Both women were deep in thought, yet acutely aware of the silence. As Tara drove into the driveway, she pulled the car to a stop and turned to face Willow.
“Here we are. This is where I live.”
She waited to see Willow’s expression but the redhead was transfixed with the view in front of her. “C’mon, I’ll get us a glass of wine and show you those documents.”
Willow sat in the car as Tara clamored out, grabbing a briefcase and some books from the back seat. Willow had her one hand on the door handle but sat in hesitation. Not because she didn’t want this...but because she was caught in the beauty of Tara’s home. It was an older, Victorian style, two story home. The antique shutters were open on all the windows except for the very top part of the attic, to which were closed. There were an array of potted flowers around the edges of the house, and even in the moonlight, she could tell they were rich with a tapestry of colors. The house spoke of history but wasn’t gloomy in appearance like some of the other older homes in the area. It was like a ray of sun shone on Tara’s home in an otherwise misty, darkened day. She liked it immediately.
“Are you okay, Willow? Is something wrong?”
“Oh no, Tara, not at all,” she softly spoke. Regaining her senses, she felt self-conscious. “I’m sorry...I was just admiring your home.”
Tara smiled, relieved that it had Willow’s stamp of approval. Of all people, she wanted this much.
Once inside, Tara proceeded to the kitchen to get the wine. Willow followed, but her eyes were focused on the ornamentations on the walls...oh, Tara had wall sconces! She loved how warm they made the home feel. The walls were painted a soft burgundy. This was not typically a color she would have chosen but it complimented Tara’s style very well. She noticed the den had white outdoor lights strung up along the ceiling of the four walsl and all throughout were some fig trees Tara had in large planters. The lights were on and left the room with a twinkling, cheery glow. The furniture was soft, plush and cozy, neutral in color and on the hardwood floor, was a very beautiful patterned rug. Two tall silver candlesticks were on the coffee table, to which itself was glass with rod iron elegance. An amethyst crystal ball was sitting in a brass holder on the end table. A huge splay of incense sticks were upright, in a golden chalice, opposite the crystal ball. Willow felt at home.
“I love your home, Tara. It’s very comfortable.”
“Thank you. I..I..I wanted it to be that way, but I also wanted it to speak a bit about the person I am, too...” before she added, “without scaring anyone away!”
She laughed at herself, amused with the idea or perhaps speaking from personal experience, Willow wasn’t sure, but found her laugh musical and pleasant. She could listen to Tara forever. Literally.
Tara went to fetch two wine glasses from the cupboard. Her back to Willow, who was now sitting at a bar stool in the center island, could feel those intense, green eyes penetrating her, which again made the fine hairs on her arms stand up on end. She didn’t mind being studied when it came to her new friend. She just hoped Willow was enjoying what she was seeing. The glasses now in front of her, she reached for the wine opener. Many thoughts went through her mind as she stood there twisting the metal into the flesh of the cork. Willow. Willow. Willow. She said her name with each squeak of the wine opener. The name tumbled off her tongue like raspberries and cream. She could make out Willow’s breathing. It excited her because, instinctually, animalistic or not, she knew Willow was feeling the same as she did.
The cork slid easily from the bottle, which was a first for Tara. Usually, it broke in two or fell into the wine bottle...or the bottle would spill. Thankfully, she made it look smooth and sexy.
“Oh, I hope you like white...it was the only bottle I had chilled and thought it might be decent choice after the coffee we had.”
“I offer no complaints to the lady of the house!” Willow replied, charmed by the blonde’s thoughtfulness.
Tara placed the wine glass in front of Willow, lingering just a moment too long for her hand to brush up against Willow’s, who had reached for it at the same time. The familiar spark. They looked at each other just inches away again. Willow felt her heart pound in her stomach. Tara felt the blood rush through her head, nearly making her knees buckle.
“I..I..I’ll go get those papers now...”
“Wait...Tara...don’t go....yet.” Willow reached back for the blonde’s hand and pulled it deep within her own. She stood up to meet blue eyes. Standing this close, she swam deeply into the liquid blue, riding out the ocean waves looking back into her own. Together, their eyes were a storm of blue and green; crashing, melding, powerful and electrical. Neither could quite go forward but neither could go back. Willow took a breath. It was now or never. She stepped into Tara’s proximity, her own eyes alight with passion, her own dancing with Tara’s. They each were a myriad of movements, almost frenetic, looking from one pupil to the other, unblinking, still trying to gauge the other woman’s feelings. It was a gamble, she knew it. She hardly knew Tara and, yet, on some level inexplicable to her, she felt she had found her soul mate. She never believed in anything like this...until now. Leaning in even closer, eyes still open and yearning, she tentatively placed a light, feathery kiss on Tara’s freshly moistened lips.
Tara could hardly focus. She stopped breathing entirely. She couldn’t believe what was happening. She stood frozen, in shock, while the redhead leaned in to taste her upper lip. She was sure Willow could hear her heart explode. Her mind raced, firing off images like snapshots. She wanted. She needed. She was going to act upon it. For the first time in a long while, she was going to go along for the ride and not question it.
Willow pulled back, feeling Tara unresponsive.
“Oh, Tara...God, I’m sorry. I...I..don’t know why I just did that...” Willow put the glass of wine down, embarrassed of her actions when Tara did not react. She thought she sensed a mutual understanding...perhaps she was wrong.
A hand lifted Willow’s chin, and large, green eyes were met with focused, soft blue ones. Tara took her other hand and ran it through Willow’s silky red hair, all the way through, and let her hand come to rest underneath the delicate slope of Willow’s jaw. Willow closed her eyes and a soft moan escaped from deep within her throat. Tara then rested her hand on Willow’s face, and walked into Willow’s world completely. She leaned her head and pressed her lips softly, slowly against Willow’s...savoring the hint of wine left from the redhead’s lips. She was eagerly met with an open mouth and a small gasp as a reward for her boldness. Tara placed the tip of her tongue along the ridge of Willow’s teeth, seeking out its own playmate. Willow quickly met the tip of Tara’s tongue with her own. As soon as contact was made, spasms shook through them both. A dancing of physical pleasure and emotional connection anchored them to each other. There was definitely no going back.
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