Thinking Of You

[bluewillowwitch]

Title: Thinking Of You

By: bluewillowwitch

Rating: NC-17 (It starts of slow but gets better.)

Disclaimer: I don't own any of theses characters. They belong to Joss Whedon.

Summary: Slight AU. Willow and Tara meet and fall in love.

Thanks: To Amber and Alyson for your portrayal of such great characters. Thanks to Washi for reading this and for the truth.

------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 1



Willow Rosenberg was bouncing with excitement as she walked down the street this bright and sunny morning. Today was the first day of school and of her senior year. She was looking forward to this so much all summer.



The summer had not been the best or easiest for the little redhead. It started when Xander started to date Anya. Anya annoyed Willow greatly and with pleasure in fact.



Buffy had broken up with Angel just before summer started and now that it was coming to an end, she was just getting over him. She spent all summer moping about and slaying every vampire and monster in sight. That didn't leave a lot of best friend time.



Finally the two things that had topped this summer off were breaking up with Oz and the reason behind the break up with Oz. Willow had realized that she was gay. It wasn't something came out of the blue but it wasn't something that gave much warning either.



She had always found other girls attractive but had never really thought about it much until one day, a few weeks ago, when she was walking home from Buffy's house, she had seen this stunningly beautiful golden haired girl walking with a bag of groceries into a house across the street.



Willow stopped dead in her tracks. This girl was not only attractive; she was beautiful! Willow couldn't believe her eyes. She was staring very intently now at this goddess before her.



Then as if the girl felt Willow starting at her she looked up and directly at the redhead. They locked eyes for a moment before the girl was called away by whom Willow thought was the girl's mother.



Once the girl was gone Willow realized where she was and smiled as she continued walking to her home, just around the corner.



She had had a date with Oz that night and she was having fun, but she just couldn't stop thinking about that girl, and what it would be like to kiss her.



Oz must have noticed because her asked her about it. "Hey, what are you thinking about?"



She looked at him and knew that she had to tell him the truth. She had to tell him about the girl and her feelings. But worst of all, she had to tell him that she didn't really love him and that she wanted to break up.



That was the hardest conversation that she had ever had to have, but within an hour it was done and she knew that it was the right thing.



Now here she was on the first day of her senior year. She walked down the hallway to find Buffy and Xander waiting for her by her locker.



"Heya Will. What's with the happy smiles so early on the first day?" Xander asked his dearest friend, although he already knew the answer.



"It's the first day of school! This means new classes and lots of knowledge to soak up." Willow said excitedly. She loved school.



"Well that's great Willow. When your done soaking that up you can help us. Our brains don't retain that well." Buffy said.



Willow shook her head. She saw that coming a mile away. She smiled; she just loved helping people with homework. She was actually thinking of becoming a teacher.



She turned back to her locker to put in some books for later in the day when a hand tapped her on the shoulder. It was Mrs. Dart, the school principal.



"Hi Mrs. Dart, how are you?" Willow asked as Buffy and Xander gave a wave. Everyone liked Mrs. Dart. She was young and understood her students.



"I'm great, how are you three on this fine day?" she asked.



Xander mumbled a "I'm okay.", and Buffy yawned "I'm tired."



Willow was bouncing as she answered. "I'm excited! Can't wait for first class."



Mrs. Dart smiled at this. "Same old gang I see." Then she thought a moment. "Xander, where is the new girlfriend I've heard so much about?"



"She is running late. Said she would make it in time for first bell though." Xander smiled. He really did love her.



"That's good." Mrs. Dart laughed. "Oh Willow, now I remember why I was looking for you. There is a new student today. It's her senior year. I was wondering if you would do me a favor and show her around."



Willow smiled wide. She loved helping out. "Of course, where is she?"



The principal smiled. "She's in my office. Come on, I'll introduce you."



"Okay." The redhead turned to her friends. "See you guys later." With that the three friends went their separate ways.

*********

Willow followed Mrs. Dart to her office.



When the door opened the student in the chair stood up and looked right at the redhead.



It was her! The blonde from around the corner.



The two girls stood there and stared a while at each other before Mrs. Dart made introductions.



"Willow Rosenberg meet Tara MaClay."



T.B.C.





bluewillowwitch

---------------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

Edited by: bluewillowwitch  at: 11/6/03 9:24 pm

[Yellow Crayon]

That was very good. A really good start. I cant wait to see how it continues.

[Spot]

ohh interesting start. very good so far. cant wait to see how it goes! update soon?

-michelle

[The Rose24]

I see it is another great W/T meeting story on pens. Interesting way you have altered season three.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[hot monkey luv 66]

Great Start! I can't wait for an update and lots of & !! nice AU setup for S3...



~~**Monkey Luv**~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Willow:"I'm a breast gal myself...(quieter, to Tara), but then again, you knew that..."

Tara:"Until I realized that was her yummy face"

Willow: "There's something between us. It-it wasn't something I was looking for. It's just powerful."

[justin]

Hi ,



Woohoo when you said you were working on a new story I didn't expect you to post it this soon



And it's a meeting fic, those are always nice



Looking forward to reading more.

Anya in a wimple...I'd pay full admission for that. Gods Served And Abandoned - by Antigone Unbound


You know the worst thing about people in a relationship? The fact that they're in a relationship. - Hilda Spellman

[Draco119]

Hi!



I really enjoy fics that take place in Sunnydale High. There's always so much that the writer can work with. Like the Prom, and football games, gym class...the girls locker room.



I like the part when Mrs. Dart was talking to our Scooby trio and asks Xander about Anya. I could imagine him swoon right there on the spot. Also, the part when Willow sees Tara for the first time and their eyes meet, it was love at first sight.



I hope to read more soon.

[Arwen276]

Great start! I love the young gang! and the changes you made to the season 3 cast are very promising!



more please!





~Arwen

Hear That Baby? You're My Always... Willow

[intricate mirage]

Hello!



Firstly, it's the scoobies back in the good old days when they were young and all. Secondly, it's another W/T meeting and falling in love story! Yay! Like the alterations you made to the season. So with a whoo and a hoo, the future looks bright for our young ones! Looking forward to reading more!

~ Cassie

---

My fountain of strength that never runs dry

You are the shooting star across the midnight sky

[muFFin1811]

Hey Gracie ...



Great start and you really took the title! Gosh, I am good. Anyways you HAVE TO update soon. PLEASE .



Love: Kattie

All they gave me was this ticket to heaven, a damn ticket to heaven...

Now I'm restless and I'm running from everything, I'm running from everything - 3 Doors Down

[allykat]

I love it!



Can't wait to see what happens next!

[sam darls]

Hey Grace..I loved the beginning of this, and I really love the meeting stories, they are so wonderful Love sammi xx

[tara24alh]

I like the start of this fic. Willow seeing Tara once made her realize she was gay.



Hope to read more soon!







~Tara~

[bluewillowwitch]

's ,

You are all wonderful. I'm glad you like it but I must give credit to my wonderful and great beta, Washi. You are the BEST!

Now on to replies.



Yellow Crayon-Thank you. More on the way.



Spot-Thanks, I try. Update to come.



hot monkey luv 66- Thank you. Update to come. / loving will come later. Thanks. It is only a slight AU so far. I don't know if I'm going to change it a lot or not yet.



justin-Yeah, I had already started the fic. This is one of my favorite kinds to write. More coming right up.



Draco 119-Yeah, always lots to do in this season. Girls locker room? Have to think about that one. Yeah, I'm a hopless romantic way down deep. Have to have the swooning and the love at first sight.



Arwen276-Thank you. More changes to come. More fic coming right up.



intricate mirage-Yup, gotta love the young Scoobies. / meetings are always fun to work with. Thanks for the whoo and the hoo. Bright furture to come.



Kattie-Don't call me 'Gracie'! You know I hate that name! Yes, the title workes great for this fic I think. Thanks for it btw. You are good. Updateing in a couple of minutes. Can't say no to a good beg. to you.



allykat-Well Thank you. The wait will soon be over.



sammi-Thank you! Yes, I meeting fics too. They are great.



tara24alh-Thank you. Yup, love at first sight is the best. Never as good as that. More coming right up.



Thank you all for your kind words. I'm so glad that you liked my fic. I just got the update back and will post in a few minutes.



Grace

------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

Edited by: bluewillowwitch  at: 10/18/03 3:41 pm

[bluewillowwitch]

Same disclaimers apply.

Thanks: Washi you are a goddess. Kattie, since I forgot earlier, you are the best. Thanks for the title.

---------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2



A few seconds later, but what felt like a lifetime to the two girls, Tara stuck out her hand to shake Willow's. The redhead was slow keeping up, but eventually caught on and stuck out her hand also.



As their fingers brushed, they felt a spark of magic pass between them. They both looked at their hands as they clasped them. Looking up from their joined hands, their eyes locked as they looked into each other's eyes.



Finally Tara found her voice. "N-n-nice to m-meet you W-willow." she said, cursing her stutter inwardly.



"Nice to meet you too, Tara." she replied, loving the way the other girl's name rolled off her tongue. 'Stop that Willow, you goof. She probably doesn't even like girls.'



Unknown to the redhead, the blonde was thinking the same thing about her.



"Okay then," Mrs. Dart said. "You two better get going or you'll be late for class."



The girls nodded and started out of the office. Willow looked over at the blonde goddess walking next to her. She was desperately trying to think of something to say to get the conversation going.



"So what's your schedule look like?" Willow asked. She started to berate herself the second she asked. 'Great Rosenberg, just show her how big a geek you are. Why is the first thing you think of school?'



Tara smiled, she was glad to have something they could talk about. "It i-isn't bad. I got all b-but one c-class that I wanted."



"Oh, which one is that?" the redhead asked, wanting to know everything about the blue-eyed beauty, even the smallest detail.



"Beginners computers. They said that since I have already took it I have to take a higher level. They just don't get the fact that me and computers don't get along well." Tara said. She was surprised that her stutter was nowhere in sight.



Willow also noticed this fact. 'Maybe she feel less awkward around me now that we are talking.' "So which one did they put you in?"



"Computers 2, first period." Tara said with a frown and then looked over and saw Willow smiling. "What's with the grin?"



"That's my first class too. I taught it for a while at the end of the year last year too. They let me stay in it this year. Sort of like a teacher assistant. I'm there to help the students who are having trouble. That means I can help you. We will make you a computer whiz." Willow was so happy at the prospect of spending time with the blonde.



"That's great! But I think whiz it too high of hopes. I'd be happy if the computer would stop kicking me offline when I try to research, or if it would stop deleting my papers." Tara said in all seriousness.



"Ah, I see. The computer no like Tara. Well, we will just have to fix that. When I am done with the two of you, you will be best friends." The hacker was beaming.



Tara gave her a shy half-smile. 'I would prefer you to be my best friend and more.' "That would be nice."

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

Willow and Tara had had the first two classes of the day together, Computers 2, followed by A.P. English. Then Willow had A.P. Calculus and Tara had Geometry. As it turned out, Buffy and Xander were both in that class too. The three of them hit it off well when Willow introduced them before heading to her class. Then they all had Advanced World History together in forth period. After which they had lunch together.



"So Tara, how are you liking your first day at Sunnydale High?" Buffy asked, knowing what it was like to be the new girl.



"I like it. I like the people and teachers too. And tomorrow will be better I think, at least I hope so." The taller blonde answered Buffy.



"Yeah, why will it be better?" Willow asked, taking a bite of her sandwich.



"Because, um, my cousin is transferring here. She was supposed to start today with me but got caught up. She is going to live with my mother and me this year. I am very excited, the two of us are more like sisters than cousins." Tara smiled.



The other three members of the table smiled as well. Xander decided that it was his turn to speak. "So Tara, is your cousin as hot as you?"



Tara was shocked at this. 'Did he just say that?'



Buffy and Willow both slapped him in the back of his head. "You do know that your GIRLFRIEND is right over there. She will be here in a second, and I am so going to tell her what you said." Willow scowled at him.



Xander shrugged and started to eat his lunch knowing that it was no use trying to argue.



"So Buff, you know what this means right?" Willow was grinning at the short blonde.



"Yeah, I know, I know. Mrs. Dart is going to ask me to show her around. I might as well go and volunteer for the job." Buffy shook her head but had a smile on her face all the same.



"Why is she going to ask Buffy?" Tara asked curiously.



The three friends laughed. "Oh sorry Tara. See the thing is that when Buffy first came her Xander and I told her we would be her 'Welcome Wagon'. Apparently Mrs. Dart over heard us and thought that would be a great idea. So every time a new student comes she assigns one of us to show them around. They are others, but since we are the founding member, so to speak, we always get the first three new students." Willow finished explaining.



"Yeah, so I will go and see her right after lunch. I have study hall with Giles and he won't care." Buffy was still laughing.



Tara looked at Buff. "Who's Giles? Is he your boyfriend?"



The other three students either spit out their drink or had a shocked expression etched on their faces. "NO!"



The redhead recovered first. "Sorry, that is just so... " She hesitated, not finding a word that would suit the occasion. "Anyway. No, Giles is the school librarian and a friend. He is kinda like a father to all of us."



"Sorry." The blonde said.



"No need for sorry. You didn't know." Buffy answered.



"Yeah, plus that will keep me awake in English next period." Xander laughed.



Buffy and Willow both hit him again.



"HEY!" he yelled.



The girls broke into laughter.



"So Tara, what is your cousin's name?" Buffy asked.



"Faith." Was the simple reply. Just then the bell rang for the next period.



Xander headed to English after her grabbed Anya away from some friends that had stopped her. Buffy headed out to talk to Mrs. Dart about Tara's cousin. Willow walked Tara to her A.P. Art class and then headed to the library where her and Buffy had study hall.

***********

When the bell rang for the start of their last class Willow was excited. She had this class with all of her friends. Biology 2 sounded like an interesting class. The five friends formed a group. They were supposed to have six members per group but they talked to the teacher and told her about Faith so she said they could have her as their sixth member.



The teacher started to hand out the lab assignments for the year and Willow scanned -them. When she got half way through them she stopped in shock and fear. She turned as white and a sheet, which was impressive seeing she was already so pale.



"What's wrong Will?" Xander asked.



The redhead only pointed to assignment number seven: Frog dissection."



Everyone except Willow and Tara burst out laughing. "What's wrong Willow? I mean I know it is gross but it can't be that bad." Tara tried to reassure the redhead.



Willow looked at her and then hung her head. 'Oh goddess, she is going to think I'm a baby now.'



Anya stepped in and filled in Tara on what was going on. "She has frog fear."



Tara felt bad now. "Oh, I'm sorry." Then she looked at the rest of the group and frowned. "It isn't funny. Don't worry about it. We will take care of that part for you."



The rest of the group, minus Anya, now slightly hung their heads and felt bad for laughing. They hadn't meant to be mean. "We're sorry Will. Tara is right, it isn't funny and we will take care of it. Right guys?"



"Right!" answered Xander.



Then they all looked at Anya. "What? Oh right, yes, we will take care of the cutting of the small amphibians."



Willow smiled. "Thanks you guys, you're the best."



The class ended and they all got up to leave. Xander and Anya left so that they could go to their lockers before Xander would drive her home. Buffy had to go and see Giles to train. Which left Willow and Tara alone.



"So, um, you want a ride home?" the redhead asked.



"Um, sure, if it isn't out of your way or anything." The blonde smiled. She was thrilled at the idea of spending more time with Willow.



"No, not outta my way at all. Actually you just live around the corner from me." Willow replied, beamed.



They walked out to the student parking lot and Willow lead them over to her car, a cherry red Mustang convertible GTO, with a black leather interior and the best sound system in town.



Tara looked at it and then looked at Willow. "This is your car?"



"Um yeah. Actually it is a pay off." The two climbed into the car. Willow looked over at Tara and saw the confused look on her face, so she elaborated.



"My parents are never home and don't pay me any attention. I don't even think that they wanted me really. So to make themselves feel better they give me things like this and a lot of money."



Tara nodded her head. She could tell that Willow would prefer time and love to cars and money.



"Okay so let's get going." Willow smiled and took off for Tara's place.



T.B.C.





bluewillowwitch

--------------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

Edited by: bluewillowwitch  at: 10/18/03 3:46 pm

[Draco119]

Hi bluewillowwitch!



This was a great update! The interaction between Willow and Tara when they meet is so cute. And Faith is Tara's cousin. The part about the frog dissection had me



And Willow's car...Wow! That is a really nice car.



I love it and I can't wait to more soon.

[ambersagoddess]

Ahhh! Grace! That was fucking brilliant!



Sorry. I loved it, now I'm all hookeded and I'll have to come back every day to see if you updated. Damn you for being such a good writer!



Hahaha, can't wait 'till Faith arives!



-Rei



PS- CHILD OF PASSION!!!!!

Spero eorum amo donbit tu animus magnamus



Why yes, the rumors are true, I have patted the Great One's ass...

[The Rose24]

I am still loving this. Keep it up.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[Spot]

o another update! yay! another good update too. can't wait for the next one!

-michelle

[Shinnen]

Very excellent starts ... more please

CheerZ

Shinnen



She's the most amazing girl in the whole world. She's the only girl who makes my heart beat faster and slower at the same time. When I'm not with her, I'm not living. I'm not existing until I can hold her in my arms again.

[mxgirl314]

Love the story keep up the good work. can't wait till the next update.

[justin]

Hi ,



That was a great update



When Tara said that her cousin was coming my first thought was to wonder why she was so happy about Beth arriving. Then when she said that her cousin's name was Faith it all made sense. So are we going to be some more Fuffy in this story?



Looking forward to reading more

Anya in a wimple...I'd pay full admission for that. Gods Served And Abandoned - by Antigone Unbound


You know the worst thing about people in a relationship? The fact that they're in a relationship. - Hilda Spellman

[Aine]

me like!!



sorry, when i really like something, i tend to turn into a caveman...or cavewoman as the case may be...keep up the good writing...



Aine

[intricate mirage]

Update update!!! **hops around excitedly**



Ok, let's see... Tara thoughts are nice! Especially that part about her rather being best friends with Willow than the computer!



Xander asking Tara if her cousin is as hot as her... Tara thinking that Giles is Buffy's boyfriend...



Hmm Faith being Tara's cousin, now that's something to look forward too. Maybe we can see some girl on girl action from her too



Tara comforting and reassuring Willow about taking care of the frog dissection part was really sweet in its own right. Only the beginning and already so caring

Quote:

---

Then they all looked at Anya. "What? Oh right, yes, we will take care of the cutting of the small amphibians."

---

Ok that had me rolling about in laughter for quite a long while That is SO Anya!



**clears throat** Ahem. Well Miss Grace, on the whole... The update was simply brilliant!!! You have no idea how happy reading an update for this fic makes me Here are some for your lovely efforts!



Well till next time, I'll be here eagerly awaiting your next update!

~ Cassie

---

My fountain of strength that never runs dry

You are the shooting star across the midnight sky

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 10/19/03 9:59 am

[Tempest Duer]

Grace, this is wonderful. I love high school fics. Especially this one.

Choosing not to decide is still a choice.

[sam darls]

Hi Grace..Oh my god, I loved this update..so good and so funny, especially the part with Giles being the "boyfriend" Love sammi xx

[muFFin1811]

Gracie,



I know you hate that name. Forgive me for always using it!?

I LOVED that update. Man, interesting start. Am curious where it's gonna go.



Keep the great work up.



Love: Kattie

All they gave me was this ticket to heaven, a damn ticket to heaven...

Now I'm restless and I'm running from everything, I'm running from everything - 3 Doors Down

[bluewillowwitch]

's ,

Okay I am so sorry that it is taking so long to update. I have 2 test this week. Statistics and Nutrition. I hope to have an update up by this weekend. I will do my best. Thank you for your paitents.



Now on to replies:



Draco119-Thank you. I try. Yes, Faith will make a fun addition. Yeah, I thougt that would be good for a .



ambersagoddess-Why thank you. Hookeded? I take it you liked. Hey, can I help that you think I'm good? She is comig soon. Yes, I it.



The Rose24-Thank you. I will.



Spot-Thanks. More soon.



Shinnen- Thank you. More to come.



mxgirl314-Thank you. I try. Next update soon.



justin-Thank you. Never Beth. Ew! Fuffy? I take it you mean Buffy/Faith? Maybe. But I'm not telling.



Aine-Hey, cavewoman/man is my second langauge. No problem there. I'll try. Thanks.



Cassie-Yup, an update. Thank you. Hey, wouldn't you prefer to a computer if you were ? Yeah, Xander is always good for a . Hey, she didn't know who Giles was. Maybe. I'm not telling though. Yes, nasty frogs. Hey,they have a love at first sight thing going on. Caring is part of that. Anya is a blast. Thank you. I'm glad my fic makes you . That makes me . Thank you for the 's. Here are some or you.



Tempest Duer-Thanks. Glad that you liked.



Sammi-Thanks. Yeah, tough that would be



Kattie-You know I hate the name,yet you use it anyway. Course I forgive you. You are one of the few people who can get away with that. Thanks, glad you loved it. Where does it go?Well I'll tell you. It goes to chaper 3. I will. Love to you too.



A to all the 's. Thanks for the kind words.





Grace

------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

Edited by: bluewillowwitch  at: 10/22/03 5:14 am

[Eternal Phoenix]

I found it! i read it! i love it!!! (the mysterious Mr. Banana agrees)

I know you told me that i will love it! you were right!

Grace, another truly awesome story and i am so not arguing about the divine thing anymore, you ARE divine, end of discussion *i have a resolve face too!*

I like how Faith is Tara's cousin! nice touch In our future i see cute couples everywhere!

Update soon please



Loves,

April - Phoenix

~ I live in my own little world, but it's ok...they know me here.~

[bluewillowwitch]

April ,

I'm gad that you like the fic so far. Okay no more arguing, I can't fight a resolve face. Cute couples? Wuld I ever make cute couples? You will have to wait and see. I have the next update at the betas an I hope to have it up sometime this week. Sorry on the delay but I have been sooo busy.





Grace

-----------------------------------------

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos