Chapter 4
Realizations
Willow's mind processes the words and she looks at the woman next to her, "Tara?" The redhead says softly, but the blonde still stares out the window. "Tara?"
Tara finally looks at her, "I'm-I'm s-sorry. I-I- w-wasn't-" she stutters.
Willow interrupts, "You could?" Willow asks a little nervously. Tara nods slowly and the redhead begins to smile. "Tara-" she starts but the blonde doesn't let her finish.
"It's too s-soon an-and I know I-I'm being all rushy-I didn't-I sh-shouldn't-"
"Tara-" Willow tries again but again the blonde interrupts.
"J-just forget I-" she begins but it ends when Willow leans in and kisses her softly.
All talk stops as lips touch soft lips. They stay pressed together gently. When the redhead finally pulls back Tara looks at her unsure. "I thought I was the only one who-" Willow says simply as she smiles. Tara smiles slowly as understanding follows. Tara leans in and initiates another kiss, lips begin to move together, opening and closing. Finally they pull apart, the need for air overriding the need the kiss causes. "Wow-" whispers the redhead breathlessly.
"Yeah-with you there." She bites on her bottom lip and smiles when she sees Willow do the same. Tara reaches across and strokes her cheek. "I don't wanna rush you Will-I know how new this all is and it can be overwhelming."
"Not overwhelmed-" she smiles. "Well-okay maybe a little by the kiss." She grins. Tara relaxes and smiles back. They both look toward the back and the sleeping child. "We should-" she looks back at the road. The blonde nods and the driving begins again but this time with Tara's hand firmly in Willow's.
*****
Later they walk into the blonde's dorm room to find a child's bed assembled in the corner. Above it on the wall are wooden letters that read 'Ella'. Tara stops and smiles at the redhead. "How?"
"Buffy and I-well-I thought-" she becomes nervous-afraid she's overstepped her boundaries. "It-it's a present for the birthdays I missed."
"Will I can't-you can't afford-" she starts but the woman stops her.
"I can an-and I wanted...okay?" She looks into her blue eyes.
After a few seconds Tara nods, "Okay-" she moves across the room and lays Ella on the bed. She smiles as she looks down at her daughter and brushes her blonde hair from her eyes.
Willow watches and then gets nervous again as she feels as though she is intruding on a private moment. "I-I'll let you get settled." Tara looks up at her. "Call me tomorrow?"
Tara walks back to her, "Absolutely," she takes her redhead's hand-together they walk to the door. "I couldn't have done this without you Willow." She hugs her.
"Yes you could have Tare-" she assures, pulling back enough to meet her eyes.
"I was too scared," she admits.
"Now you don't have to be," she leans back in and they share a soft kiss. "Not of anything ever."
Tears start to glisten in soft blue eyes and Willow pulls her tighter. "Thank you," Tara whispers.
Willow presses her lips to the blonde's temple. "You're welcome," she whispers back and then they are kissing again. This kiss is just as chaste. "Night," she says with a little smile.
"Night," the blonde witch whispers back. They kiss again and then the redhead goes quietly from the room. Tara watches her down the hallway then closes the door. She walks back to her daughter and sits down next to her.
Ella's eyes flutter open, "Mama," she looks around. "Where are we?"
Tara smiles as she brushes at her child's hair, "Home baby girl, home."
"Home," smiles the sleepy child as her eyes close again.
*****
The next morning Ella is awake but still in her pajamas as she sits on her mama's bed. "You have to go?" She asks her words are a little sad.
"Just for a little while. Mama forgot about her study group-but Willow is coming over and the two of you are going to breakfast." She watches her daughter as she smiles at the redhead's name, "Won't that be fun?"
Ella nods, "But you'll be back?-"
"After my study group is over and we'll go to lunch and the library and find a picture book okay?"
"Okay Mama." Ella smiles.
"Good girl." She kisses her on the forehead. There is a knock on the door and Tara looks at Ella, "Wanna answer it?" Ella nods and Tara smiles. "Just remember to ask who it is."
The little girl goes to the door, "Who is it?"
"It's me Willow," you can hear the smile in her words. Ella looks at her mama who nods, the little girl reaches up as high as she can and slowly turns the knob of the door. She smiles at Willow when she sees her. "Morning Ella," the redhead smiles back.
"Hi-" she says softly her hair veiling her face, as she becomes shy just like her mama. Willow smiles even bigger at the sight. "Come in." The little girl adds.
Willow walks inside and smiles as she watches Tara grab her books and put them into her backpack. She crosses to the blonde and hands her a paper bag. "Morning," she says softly.
"Morning," returns Tara. "What's this?"
"Breakfast," she smiles.
"Thank you," she smiles her crooked half smile. "And thanks for watching Ella-I forgot all about the study group today."
"It's okay-" she smiles at the woman and then at the child. "We're gonna have fun-right Ella?"
Ella nods though not really sure. Tara kisses her daughter, "Be good." Ella nods again. The blonde looks at the redhead, "I gotta run-"
"I know-go-don't worry about us."
She kisses Ella again, "See you soon and d-don't eat too many pancakes," she says with a wink. Ella giggles and Tara smiles. She moves to the door and Willow goes with her. She kisses the other woman softly-out of Ella line of vision, "Bye."
"Bye Tara," she sees her nervousness. "We're gonna have a good day-so get outta here," she says with a smile.
"I know you will I just wish I were having it with you."
"Tomorrow," she redhead assures.
Tara waves at them, "Bye Mama," says Ella.
"Bye sweetie-Mama loves you."
"I love you," she answers as her mama closes the door leaving her alone in the room with Willow.
Willow looks at the child, "Pancakes huh?"
Ella nods, "I like pancakes-you don't?" Her eyes drop down.
"No, they're my favorite too. I know a place," she smiles, lifts Ella's chin and holds out her hand. Ella takes it and they start towards the door.
At the door Ella stops, "Willow do I get to wear my pajamas?"
Willow giggles, "Silly me-we better find you some clothes." Ella nods and they move to the dresser.
*****
Later when Tara returns she finds the pair sitting in her bed side by side. Ella is leaning against Willow's side as the redhead reads to her. "Mama!" Ella scrambles from the bed and across the room, into her mama's arms. Willow grins and waves from the bed as she watches them together. Tara picks up her daughter and carries her to the bed and sits down next to Willow.
"How was breakfast?" Tara asks.
"Yummy," Willow answers.
Tara smiles, "And I see she talked you into reading to her."
Willow smiles, "It didn't take much talking-you know me and the books."
"She likes books and pancakes too Mama, just like us." Ella nods.
"That's very lucky for us then isn't it?" Ella nods and a little yawn escapes. "Looks like someone needs a nap."
"I'm not tired Mama-" she tries as another yawn spreads over her face.
Willow smiles and fakes a little yawn of her own. "I am."
"Me too," Tara says. "Why don't we all have a little nap? Then after, we can have lunch and go to the library."
"Or maybe even the bookstore," Willow says with a smile.
Ella looks from one woman to the other, "Really?" Both woman nod. "Are you gonna nap with me and Mama?"
Willow looks at the child and then the child's mother-before looking at the bed and back at Tara. The blonde speaks, "You could, and then you wouldn't have to walk from your room here. That would give you more book time." She teases with a lopsided grin.
"Okay-you talked me into it," she smiles. To the surprise of both, Ella hugs the redhead and then her mother before climbing into her own bed. Tara smiles at the look of amazement on Will's face and gets up to tuck her daughter in.
*****
Later, Ella sleeps. Willow and Tara lie on the blonde's bed. They each stare at the ceiling a little nervously making sure not to touch each other. "Will?"
"What Tara-did I do-" she starts to move farther away.
Tara takes her hand to stop her, "Willow it's okay, it's just sleeping together-not sl-sleeping together." She blushes as the words stop. "In the same bed not-to-together together." She turns more red with the explanation.
Willow grins and blushes a little too, "I know it's just-I don't want you to think that I'm trying to-" she stops and looks down.
Tara turns onto her side to face the redhead, "Hey, I know." Willow slowly turns to face her. Tara touches her cheek with her hand. "Nice and slow remember-not with the pushing, so if this is too much tell me."
"It-it's not, it's hard to-being here like this- I'm afraid I'll forget the slow part." Willow blushes as she says the words.
Tara smiles, "Yeah-I understand." She caresses her cheek again. Willow leans into her touch and her eyes flutter closed. "Would it be okay if I hold you?"
"I'd like that," the redhead smiles. She turns her back to Tara and slowly the blonde spoons around her, her arms wrap around Willow's waist.
"Okay?" Asks Tara.
"It's nice," she smiles, her eyes closed as she relaxes into the blonde.
Tara holds the redhead and watches her daughter sleep, she too drifts off thinking how lucky she is.
*****
A week later Tara, Willow and Ella sit in the park on a blanket. They have just finished lunch. Willow turns and stretches out on the blanket lying beside Tara who sits next to her little girl. "Mmm-tummy's all full," smiles the redhead.
Tara smiles, "Could have been the third chocolaty brownie."
"Could maybe have been-possibly," she smiles.
Ella looks up at her mama waiting for them talking to stop. "Mama can we go swing?"
Tara looks at her little girl and then the redhead, "Will?"
"Sounds fun." She rolls over onto her tummy. "I'll watch from here."
Tara smiles knowing the girl will be sleeping in minutes. She touches her face softly, "We won't be long."
She stands, but before Ella does she kisses Willow's cheek. "Naptime for Will-" she smiles.
"No, no naps I'm just gonna lay here and watch my girls." The words are out before she realizes and she looks quickly to Tara and sees her surprise but then her smile. The redhead relaxes. "Be careful." She says as they walk away.
*****
Another week passes and classes are getting crazy as midterms approach. Ella sits on the bed with a baby doll playing quietly as Tara tries to study. The child puts the doll down and looks at the books and papers that surround the woman on the bed. "Can we go to the park?" She asks already knowing the answer.
"Not today baby girl Mama has to study."
"Couldn't you study in the park?" She asks, her blue eyes begging her mom.
Tara smiles slowly, "I guess I could."
Ella smiles, "Really?"
"Just for a little while-"
"Three slides and then the swing?" Ella offers.
"No merry-go-round?"
Ella shakes her head, "It makes my tummy icky-" she makes a face.
She smiles at the child's use of a Willow-word. "Then definitely no merry-go-round."
She stands and gathers her books. She points to the clock-"When the little hand gets to the 3 and the big hand gets to the top, we have to come home."
"What time is that?"
"Three o'clock-" answers Tara. Ella slides from her bed and gets her favorite new book; the one Willow bought her. "Don't think we'll need the book with all the sliding and swinging sweetie."
"We might-I could read it while you study."
Tara smiles at her words. "Okay-want me to put it with mine?" Ella nods and hands her the book. Tara smiles again as she realizes it is one Willow bought her. She puts the books into her backpack and they start to the door.
As they walk down the hallway and out the door Tara feels like someone is watching them. She looks around quickly but doesn't see anyone. She shakes the feeling away and they start hand-in-hand to the park. Behind them a woman watches, she writes on a notepad before going into the building.
*****
That night Tara still studies as Ella sleeps. She hears a soft knock on the door and she walks to it. She puts her hand on the knob, "W-who is it?"
"Me," answers the redhead her voice soft.
Smiling Tara opens the door. "Hey-I thought you were studying?"
"I was, but now I'm all finished and thought I'd bring you a present." She smiles.
Tara grins but then speaks, "I don't need presents all the time Willow."
"Just this one little one?" Asks the redhead, a pretend pout on her lips.
"Just this one," concedes Tara.
Willow smiles and brings her hand from behind her back. She holds the mocha towards the blonde. "Chocolaty goodness."
Tara smiles, "Thank you." She takes a sip as she motions Willow in and closes the door. Willow looks at her with a smile as she takes another drink. Tara notices Willow is mocha free. "You didn't get one?"
"I did-it just disappeared before I got it here." She grins sheepishly.
"You drank it all?" Asks the blonde.
Willow blushes and nods, "It was just so yummy."
"I'll share if you want." Tara looks at her and takes another drink.
The redhead shakes her head, "No-that one's yours."
Tara steps closer and kisses the witch gently. Willow's tongue snakes out and licks Tara's bottom lip, "Mmm-chocolate-and Tara- all my favorites." She blushes a little at her admission. Tara smiles and leans in to kiss her again. The kiss deepens, tongues explore mouths first one and then the other before they finally pull away needing air. With foreheads leaned together they both smile as they try to slow their breathing. Tara touches her lips to Willow's again as her arms slip around the redhead's waist and bring the woman closer. Willow's arms wrap around Tara's neck as this kiss turns as heated as the last. Willow moans softly, as the blonde's tentative hands begin to caress her back. "Tara-" she breathes out between kisses.
Hearing her name Tara stills her hands and is a little surprised as Willow's head rests on her shoulder. She presses her lips there and whispers, "Sorry, got a little carried away."
"Carried away was nice," she looks up and smiles.
"Yeah?" Tara asks with a shy smile of her own.
"Yeah-can we get carried away again?" Their eyes meet and Tara glances at the sleeping child
As her eyes return to the redhead she smiles a little and nods. She leans in and kisses Willow again. Tara backs toward her bed bringing the redhead with her. When the back of her knees bump it she breaks the kiss and with a heaving chest she whispers to her, "You okay?"
Willow nods as she tries to slow her racing heart and labored breathing, "I'm good."
Tara grins, "Wouldn't argue that," a small blush creeps onto her face and Willow grins too. The blonde sits on the bed and looks up at the redhead. Without a word she guides Willow onto her lap. Willow looks at her nervously, but then relaxes as she sees her blonde's soft nervous smile. "Still okay?" She asks as her fingers touch the redhead's cheek.
After a nod and a little smile, she speaks in a whisper, "Tara-go out with me."
Tara smiles, "Thought we had been going out?"
"I mean a real date," she bites her bottom lip.
"Meaning a date that doesn't include Ella?" She gets suddenly nervous.
Willow looks unsure, "No-no that's not what I mean." Tara relaxes a little as she waits for an explanation. "I mean a real restaurant-"
The blonde grins as she interrupts, "Not McDonald's?"
"No, a place with real table clothes and maybe some music?" Willow smiles.
Tara nods, "Okay."
Willow smiles, "Okay?"
Tara nods again, "Okay." Willow leans in and kisses her softly before her hands slide into long blonde hair. "When?"
"Friday night? We can celebrate the end of midterms?"
"Sounds fun," she presses a kiss to the redhead's lips. Soon they are lost in each other again. Hands begin to explore backs and soft moans float in the air as Ella's eyes flutter open. She watches the redhead and her mama unsure at first, but then a smile crosses her face as her eyes close again.
*****
The next morning Tara is helping Ella get dressed, "I can Mama." She says softly as little fingers begin to work the buttons on her shirt.
Tara watches with a proud smile. "Getting to be a big girl." She kisses her on top of the head. The little girl gets her jeans and teeters as she tries to stand on one leg to slip them on. "Try sitting down first," Tara offers as she smiles. Ella sits on her bed and puts her feet in the leg holes one at a time and as her feet appear at the ends the blonde says softly, "Now stand up and pull them."
Ella does just that and looks up at her Mama with a smile, "I did it!" Says the three year old excitedly.
Tara smiles, "Look at you." She hugs her daughter. "Ready for breakfast?"
She nods, "Is Willow coming too?"
The blonde smiles and nods. "Oh-shoes we almost forgot them."
Ella giggles and goes to pick them up. When she does she returns to sit on her bed. Tara kneels in front of her and after her daughter puts them on the wrong feet and then the right ones, she begins to tie them. "Mama?"
Tara looks up as she ties the last one. "Yeah sweetie."
"Why were you kissing Willow?"
Tara's face shows surprise, then worry, then a soft smile. "Someone wasn't asleep last night."
"No-I was. I just woke up."
"And saw kissing," Tara blushes a little as the girl nods. "Well I like Will." A pause and still a smile as she tries to think of words to explain it to the little girl. "And she likes me." Another pause. "An-and when you like someone sometimes there's kissing."
"Oh okay," smiles the little one.
Before Tara can continue there is a knock on the door. Ella jumps up and runs to it, "Who is it?" She asks as she tiptoes to reach the knob.
"It's me 'L'-" comes a soft smiling voice.
The girl pulls the door open and Willow steps inside then closes it. "Anyone here want pancakes?" She asks with a smile.
"Me-I do!" Ella smiles.
Willow picks her up and as she holds her in her arms Ella kisses her. Tara looks surprised as does the redhead. The child looks at the adults, "I like her too," she says simply and Tara can't help but giggle.
Willow looks a little confused and realizes she's missed a conversation of some importance, "I'll explain later," assures the blonde as she kisses the redhead on the lips. As she pulls back Willow smiles. "Okay?"
"Okay," she hugs the blonde to her, Ella still in her arms. The three stand there together. The grown ups smile at each other, their eyes locked-blue on green, before they both look at the child.
"What's wrong Mama?" Asks Ella.
"Nothing baby girl." She smiles.
"Why is it all quiet then?"
Willow smiles and begins to tickle her and Tara joins in. Soon they lay on the floor in a pile, Ella giggling as she and the redhead tickle her mama. Tara tries to get away from tickling fingers but can't.
*****
Later after breakfast and lunch, but before dinner-Ella naps in her bed. Willow and Tara lie in each others arms talking softly. "Sh-she ah saw us kissing," Tara admits with a blush.
"She's seen us kiss before," Willow says softly.
"Yeah true but last night's kissing was different than what she normally sees."
Willow blushes, "That's true too." She considers the situation. "So, we'll just be more careful."
"No, that's not what I'm saying. We just-she might ask you questions. I wanted you to know that's all. Nothing has to change." She leans in and kisses her gently, almost chastely.
Willow looks into her eyes, "It does." Tara looks unsure but she waits for the redhead to continue. "I want it to." She swallows noticeably.
"Willow are you saying that you want to-" Tara stops as her face turns red.
"No-not yet, but more-" she admits also with a little blush. "There could-could be touching."
Tara smiles and leans in to kiss her again. Lips meet in a soft kiss that gets instantly more heated. Lips move together, opening and closing-then Tara's tongue licks across Willow's bottom lip as she open them for the blonde's tongue to slide inside and caress hers. Willow's hands tangle in Tara's hair as they both moan softly.
Pulling apart for air Tara leans her forehead on Willow's, "I think that Friday we should get a sitter for Ella."
Willow looks into her eyes trying to focus on the words, "We promised she could come with us-she'll be disappointed."
"Just for after dinner." Tara smiles and touches her lips to Willow's cheek.
"I'll ask Buffy," says the redhead in a whisper. Tara nods and smiles as they lean into another kiss.
*****
Buffy smiles a little mischievous smile, and as she does Willow blushes bright red. "It's not what you think?"
"So there won't be making out?" Buffy asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, okay there will be making out-I think, I hope, I mean I've never so-" she lets her words die nervously.
"First, I'm pretty sure making out is making out, no big differences and second, you sure you're ready?"
Willow nods, "Definitely ready and willing-like I said the only worry is the able part."
Buffy puts an arm around her shoulder and smiles, "You shouldn't worry-just maybe research a little." She looks toward the redhead's laptop. "That should make the nerves go away."
Willow smiles, "Yeah maybe, thanks Buff." The blonde nods.
*****
Friday comes and Willow, Tara and Ella sit at the table of the fancy restaurant. They have just finished eating, "So 'L', what did you think?" Asks the redhead with a smile.
"McDonald's has a Playplace."
Tara smiles and so does Willow, "But this restaurant has dancing." She looks at her daughter. "Wanna dance with Mama?"
Ella nods and Willow smiles, "I'll order desert while you're gone."
"Chocolate," says Ella as she and her mama stand.
"Chocolate it is, how about you sweetie?" She looks at Tara.
"Chocolate works for me too," she smiles as she walks to the dance floor with her little girl.
*****
Later Ella and Tara are back at the table with Willow, deserts are almost finished, "Willow will you dance with me?" Asks the child.
Willow smiles at the child and at the blonde, "I'd love to," they start to the dance floor. Tara watches them with a smile.
*****
Around ten, with Ella now at Buffy's the couple walks into the blonde witch's room a little nervously. As the door closes both smile a little half smile, a slight blush covers the cheeks of both girls. Tara speaks first, as she looks up at the redhead, "Music?" Willow nods and the blonde moves to the CD player and turns it on. The first song begins as she walks back to the woman. "Wanna dance?-I mean I'm not as good at it as Ella but-" they both smile.
"Love to," whispers Willow as she moves closer to Tara.
Tara's arms slip around the redhead's waist and Willow's rest on the blonde's shoulders. They begin to move with the rhythm of the music. "This is nice," whispers the blonde.
"Nice," agrees the redhead. After a few minutes Willow pulls her closer still, their bodies touching together. Nervously she kisses Tara softly, her thumbs brushing along her girl's jaw line. Their eyes meet, "Tara-" she stops.
Tara touches her girl's cheek as well, "It's okay if you're not ready."
"No-I am-I want, I just-" she rolls her eyes, "I'm not sure what-what to do."
Tara smiles and bites at her bottom lip trying to think of something to help the redhead, "Will-just whatever feels good for you when someone-" she stops as her cheeks get redder. "You know?"
Willow nods, "Okay-" she leans back in and kisses her softly. Lips move together slowly. Willow moans a little as she feels Tara's hands press against her back and run gently up and then down it.
*****
Across campus we find Buffy and Ella coloring. The blonde smiles at the child who is concentrating on the picture. Little fingers struggle to keep the crayon between the lines. "That's a very pretty picture."
"Thank you," says Ella as she looks up at Buffy.
"It's almost time for little girl's to go to bed," says the Slayer.
"Can I wait up for Mama?"
"Hmmm I don't think so, it could be late."
"I've been up late before," tries Ella.
"You have?" Ella nods, "How about this," she smiles at the girl. "You finish the picture then we'll put on our pajamas- and I'll read you a story?" The child hesitates. "Willow said you like stories, she even left your favorite book here."
"Really?" Buffy nods. "Okay."
"Okay," smiles Buffy.
*****
In Tara's room the dancing has stopped as she and Willow are lying on the bed on their sides facing each other. They kiss still, tongues exploring as well as hands. The redhead pulls away, as she struggles for air. She smiles as she looks at the blonde across from her. She rolls to her back-her hands bringing Tara closer to her, the blonde leans half on her. Tara smiles down at her, then kisses her lips before moving along her jaw line and down to her neck. She trails soft kisses and licks as she tentatively moves back up to her ear. She blows softly there causing a moan to escape from Willow's lips. "Feels so good," pants the redhead.
Tara smiles against her skin and then whispers in her ear, "You feel good," she presses a kiss to her neck and then sucks the ear lobe into her mouth. Willow groans out her name. "Tara," she moans as the witch's hand finds her breast and kneads gently.
Tara stills her hand and lets go of the lobe as she whispers, "Want me to stop?"
"Goddess no," says Willow with a smile.
Tara smiles too and resumes the movement of her hand on Willow's breast. Her lips move back to her neck, she licks and nips there. When she reaches Willow's pulse point she begins to lick with more desire, then suck gently. Her hand changes sides and moans feel the room.
*****
Buffy and Ella are lying in bed, the Slayer reads to the little girl who struggles to keep her eyes open. Buffy smiles as she sees them close. Her reading stops as she covers the child and glances at the clock. It reads 11:35-she smiles as she thinks that the lateness is probably a good thing.
*****
In Tara's room it is Willow who now kisses Tara's neck, she teases with soft tentative kisses, then begins to lick the same area before moving toward her ear. Tara moans softly, she reaches for and finds Willow's hand. The redhead stops and looks into her eyes her chest heaving. "What if I do it wrong?" Nervousness takes over again.
"You won't," Tara assures. She places Willow's hand on her chest and instantly her eyes close and she moans. As Tara's eyes flicker open she sees Willow smile and she smiles too as she leans up and kisses her passionately. As their lips move together, Willow's hand begins to move as well massaging Tara's breast in rhythm. "Yes! Just like that." Her eyes slip closed again.
*****
An hour later the door to Buffy's room opens and she looks up to see Willow and Tara there hand-in-hand. "Hey-" smiles the Slayer.
"Hey," smiles Willow and Tara. They see the sleeping child.
"She wanted to wait up for you but she didn't quite make it."
"Sorry," blushes Tara. "We kinda lost track of time."
"Understandable," smiles the Slayer. Willow blushes at the conversation.
"We should go," says the blonde softly as she moves toward the bed.
Before she can pick up the sleeping child Willow surprises everyone, "It's late you should stay, it's safer."
Tara looks unsure and even blushes a little, "I have my car we'll be okay."
Willow looks at Buffy and the Slayer speaks, "Will's right-it's bad guy time."
Tara looks from one to the other unsure of what to say. She's not sure after the make out session that sleeping in the same bed with Willow is a good idea. She looks at the redhead, "Sweetie-I just-"
Willow understands, "You can sleep in Buffy's bed with Ella an-and Buffy can sleep in mine. I'll sleep on the floor."
"No-I don't want you to have to do that." Tara looks at her redhead.
"I don't mind-I just want to know you're safe." Willow says as she moves to Tara's side and then looks down at Ella, "That she's safe-okay?"
Tara nods, "Okay," she watches as Willow smiles.
"Good! Now that's all settled," smiles Buffy. "Just one thing." They all look at her, "You take the bed Wills-I'm going to Riley's, he's kinda expecting me." She smiles and goes to the door. "Night."
"Night," says Tara.
"Night," Willow says a little distracted. Buffy waves as she leaves. "So, just us."
"Just us," Tara repeats nervously.
"I guess we should," she looks toward the bed.
"Yeah, night Willow-" she says softly.
"Night Tara-oh let me get you something to sleep in."
"This will be okay."
"Right, sure, okay. Night then." She starts to walk to her bed but Tara takes her arm and she stops.
"Night Will," she kisses her softly.
Willow kisses back as her eyes close, "Night," she whispers, their lips still touching. The words are out before she can stop them, "I love you."
Tara looks at her unsure but a smile begins to cover her face, "Yeah?"
Willow nods, "Yeah." She smiles too.
"I love you Willow," she whispers as they kiss again.
With those words all seems right in their little corner of the world.
*****
The next morning as Willow, Tara and Ella walk down the hall towards Tara's room a woman stops them. "Miss Maclay?"
Tara nods, and answers nervously, "Ah-y-yes th-that's me." She instinctively holds Ella to her.
"We need to talk in my office," says the woman.
"Office?" Willow asks. "And you are?"
"I'm Sarah Rhodes, I supervise the dorms." All eyes fall on Ella. "It's seems there have been some rules infractions. Those need to be handled at once."
"What does that mean Mama?" Asks a nervous Ella.
Tara says softly, "It means Mama messed up." She looks at Willow. "Willow, could you take her to the park?"
"But Tare-" she is worried about her girl.
"I'll meet you there," she promises.
The redhead nods, "Okay-let's go 'L' -" she picks up the little girl.
"I wanna stay with my mama." She protests.
Tara moves to her, "Baby girl-" she kisses her softly on the forehead. "Go with Willow, Mama has to talk to the lady okay?" Ella nods though her heart isn't in it. Tara looks from the child to the redhead, "I'll be there as soon as I can." She kisses her lips without thought.
"We'll be at the swings." She says softly and Tara nods.
Willow walks away carrying the child, "Willow-I don't like her. She's gonna make Mama cry."
Willow looks at the child and then at the woman with her girl. "She'll be okay." She presses a kiss to Ella's temple.
That's chapter 4. Let me know what you think. Thanks to those reading and leaving their thoughts-they are much appreciated.
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