Hey Kittens, I'm back! This turned out to be a monster chapter--over 11,000 words--so I'm splitting it in two. I will try to post the second half early, hopefully by Wednesday, as soon as I do my last round of revision.
So, first for responses:
Zampsa1975--LOL, I really like your nickname for Willow's mom! Here's the slumber party, and a (hopefully) tantalizing glimpse at the date.
vampyregurl73--Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you're enjoying!
Mags--The wait is over, here's the slumber party.
Laragh--I'm glad you enjoy Tara's pancake skills. My wife actually makes funny shape pancakes and did it way before I ever knew Tara did on Buffy. She can make just about anything!
I hope you enjoy the party.
Laura--I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, sorry about the dash of angst, I try to keep it to a minimum since TWOTH is so angsty! There's more 'rosy girl' up ahead!
BuffyFan4ever--I'm glad you liked the "rebellion" of the clothes--I laughed out loud there because I could see it so clearly in my head!
sapphoselene--the
begins now, with a bit of
goodness. Part 2 goes NC-17, so I hope you'll enjoy.
Ariel--Thank you so much for the high praise. I hope you'll continue to enjoy!
JustSkipIt--Hey, I promise the solution to the Tara situation is coming soon. I'm super flattered that you're re-reading. Thanks so much!
Update follows below:
___________________________
• Title - Wave
• Author name – LonelyTara
• Email Address -
9kodama@gmail.com
• Rating - PG-13
• Disclaimer - This is a romantic and light-angst AU piece with plenty of adventure. Don't sue me, I'm not stealing anything, just borrowing!
• Feedback-Please, please!
• Summary- Wave is a season 2 AU. On Halloween, Willow meets a strange and beautiful blond girl, and becomes determined to find her. When they connect, Willow's life will be changed forever...
• Notes-Thanks to everyone who will read. Some of the dialogue in this chapter may come from BtVS episodes.
Chapter Fourteen: Never Before (Part One)
“Mom, I’m home!” Buffy called, waving Willow and Tara into the living room. “We’ve got company so you may want to ditch the housecoat and fuzzy slippers.”
Tara raised her eyebrows and glanced at Willow, who just shook her head, giggling. She took Tara by the hand and led her over to the sofa, sitting down close to the blonde.
“Very funny, Buffy.” Mrs. Summers laughed, walking down the stairs, looking elegant as ever in tan slacks and heels, and a lavender blouse. “Hello Willow, and—” she broke off, a surprised smile gracing her face. “Not Xander. It’s Tara, isn’t it?”
“Yes ma’am,” Tara replied, ducking her head.
“Mrs. Summers is just fine,” She said kindly.
Willow flashed her a big grin and gave Tara’s leg a little pat. “Buffy’s mom is the coolest, Tare.”
“Why thank you, Willow,” Mrs. Summers replied. “Although you girls might change your minds when you hear my news.”
“What’s up, mom?” Buffy asked, brow furrowing as she sat down on the couch next to Willow. “Can’t Willow and Tara stay?”
“Of course they can, of course you can girls,” Mrs. Summers said, turning to Willow and Tara. “But I had a client come into the gallery late today, so I didn’t have time to buy any groceries. We have tomato sauce and some cheese so I was going to make baked ziti, but,” Mrs. Summers said ruefully, throwing up her hands. “We don’t have any pasta.”
“Ooh,” Buffy said eagerly. “Does that mean we get to order from Ming’s for takeout?”
“That was my thought too,” Mrs. Summers replied, “But they’re closed for a family only-event. So, I can either go to the grocery store, or we can order pizza from Berelli’s.”
“But Mom,” Buffy said plaintively, sinking back into the sofa, “It takes you forever to grocery shop and Berelli’s is gross.”
“I’m sorry, honey. I promise I’ll grocery shop tomorrow.”
Willow felt Tara stir next to her and looked over at the blonde. Her girlfriend was biting her lip thoughtfully, looking back and forth between Buffy and Mrs. Summers.
“Don’t worry,” Willow whispered, “Buffy isn’t really upset. She’s just teasing.”
“I have an idea,” Tara murmured. “But I don’t want to be forward.”
“Silly Tara,” Willow said happily, nudging the girl with her elbow. “Go ahead, tell us your idea.”
“You have an idea?” Buffy asked hopefully. “Please, I’m starving.”
All eyes in the room were on Tara and a blush crept across her cheeks. She opened her mouth to speak and nothing came out for a moment, but then she murmured under her breath, saying quietly that they could make their own pizza.
“Huh?” Buffy asked.
“We c-could make our own p-pizza.” Tara said, just loud enough to be heard. “I know a recipe.”
“That would be fun,” Buffy said, bouncing in her seat. “Can we do that, Mom?” She clutched her hands together under her chin, batting her eyes.
“Well, we do have the cheese and the sauce,” Mrs. Summers said thoughtfully, but then she frowned. “But I don’t have any yeast in the house for the dough.”
“Th-That’s okay,” Tara replied softly. “If you have flour, baking powder, salt, m-milk, and oil, we’re in business.”
“Well girls,” Mrs. Summers said, bowing toward the kitchen. “Why don’t we go and take a look.”
Buffy hopped up off the couch and ran into the kitchen, chanting, “Piz-zah, piz-zah, piz-zah.” Mrs. Summers followed after her, shaking her head and chuckling.
“Come on,” Willow said, standing and offering Tara her hand. “We better get in there and get to cooking before Buffy goes on a slayer-hunger rampage.”
“We wouldn’t want that,” Tara laughed. She took Willow’s hand and climbed to her feet. “Come on rosy girl, I’m going to teach you how to make pizza.”
“Did I ever mention that I once actually burned water?” Willow asked. “It’s supposed to be chemically impossible, but I managed it.”
“Well, you are a genius,” Tara teased.
“I think in cooking I might be the anti-genius. Is that a real thing?”
Tara gave Willow’s hand a squeeze and then released it, sliding it around Willow’s waist to rub her lower back. The red head’s eyes drifted shut as she relished in the soft, almost tickly caresses.
“It just takes time and practice,” Tara assured her. “By tonight you’ll be an accomplished pizza maker, trust me.”
“There’s no one I trust more,” Willow replied softly. She opened her eyes and swallowed thickly. Tara was smiling at her so beautifully, her lips so full and inviting. She leaned in close, to steal a kiss. Tara’s smile deepened and she leaned closer too.
“Girls, I think we found all the ingredients,” Mrs. Summers called.
Willow and Tara jumped, taking a step back. Tara blushed and Willow could feel the same heat warming her own cheeks.
“Rain check?” Willow asked.
“Definitely,” Tara breathed.
“Please,” Buffy said from the kitchen in a groan. “Buffy hungry. So hungry.”
Willow led a laughing Tara into the Summers kitchen.
Thirty minutes later Tara and Mrs. Summers pulled two large, golden-crusted cheese pizzas out of the oven. They needed to cool a few minutes before serving, and so Buffy, Willow and Tara went to work setting the table while Mrs. Summers poured drinks.
“So,” Buffy said, folding napkins into triangles. “Which pizza is which?”
“Couldn’t tell them apart, could you?” Tara said brightly. “I told you two that you could make a delicious pizza.” She laid a fork and knife on the napkin Buffy had just folded.
“Well,” Willow said, placing a plate next to their work, “We made a pizza that looks delicious.”
“Exactly my point,” Buffy said, grinning at Willow.
“I don’t get it,” Tara said.
“There are two pizzas in that kitchen,” Buffy replied. “They both look delicious, but the fact is that one of them was cooked by you and my mom, who are great cooks, and one of them was cooked by me and the Willster.”
“So?” Tara asked, placing more silverware.
“So,” Willow laughed, “That means one of those pizzas is safe to eat—”
“And one of them is likely to self destruct in the unsuspecting belly of the poor fool that eats it,” Buffy finished.
Tara shook her head, laughing. “Both of those pizzas are perfect. And just to prove it, I’m going to eat one piece from each.”
“That’s very sweet of you, Tara,” Joyce said, coming into the room holding a pizza pan in each oven-mitt clad hand. She sat the pans down on the table. “Pretty brave too.”
“Oh, hah, hah, Mom,” Buffy said, pouting at her mother.
“What? I was just agreeing with you and Willow. See how it is?” She asked Tara. “I just can’t win.” Mrs. Summers laughed and shook her head. “I’m going to go get the drinks.”
“Is it cool enough to cut?” Buffy asked Tara. “I’m so hungry!”
“I guess we better take our chances then,” Tara replied. “Pizza cutter?”
“Prepped and ready, chef Tara.” Willow said with a grin, heading the pizza cutter over to her girlfriend.
Tara reached out to take it, letting her fingers brush softly over the back of Willow’s hand. When Willow shivered and blushed Tara’s smiled widened. She trailed her finger across the back of her hand again, longer and lighter. Willow imagined that gentle caress on her cheek, her neck, moving under her shirt. She couldn’t help licking her lips. Tara’s mouth opened just a bit, as her breathing deepened. Willow took a step closer to her.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Buffy said wryly. “But please, somebody cut the pizza!”
Tara’s eyes widened, but Willow just laughed and let go of the pizza cutter. “Sorry, Buffy, some things are more important than food.”
“Says someone who is not nearly as hungry as me,” Buffy replied, holding out a plate.
“Buffy,” Mrs. Summers scolded, setting four sweat-beaded glasses of tea on the table. “Are you going to eat before your guests?”
“I’m so—” Buffy began, but then slumped under her mother’s firm gaze. “No,” she moped.
“I don’t really count as company,” Willow said, trying to ease Mrs. Summers’ indignation.
“And I d-don’t mind,” Tara agreed, shooting Willow a shy little smile.
Mrs. Summers looked around the table at them, and for a moment Willow felt a little nervous, worried that perhaps they’d pushed things too far and wouldn’t get to spend the night after all. But then Buffy’s mom shook her head and gave a little chuckle.
“You’re lucky to have such patient friends, Buffy,” she said. “Why don’t you girls all take a seat, I’ll serve up the food.”
Willow, Tara and Buffy sat down at the table, the slayer making sure to catch her mother’s eye as she moved glasses around so that everyone had something to drink. Tara lifted her hand to her mouth, and Willow noticed just the slightest shaking of the girl’s shoulders. Willow felt a giggle tickling her throat and took a huge swallow of iced tea to hold it in.
“Great tea, Mrs. Summers,” she choked.
“Thank you,” Mrs. Summers replied. She handed a plate with two slices of pizza to each girl.
“Uh, what pizza did these come from?” Buffy asked, poking at the food on her plate cautiously.
“I took Tara’s suggestion,” Buffy’s mom replied. “We each have a slice from both pies.”
Willow looked at Buffy and saw that her friend looked as horrified as she felt. Tara and Mrs. Summers were happily nibbling away at slices of pizza, but she and Buffy just sat, staring at each other. Willow knew they were both thinking the same thing—which slice was the safe slice?
“Girls,” Mrs. Summers laughed, waving her half-eaten slice. “Your food’s going to get cold.”
Buffy looked down at her plate again and held up her hands, moving them back and forth over each slice. Willow had to press her fist against her mouth to hold back the giggles threatening to erupt. The slayer looked like she was trying to decide which wire to cut on a bomb, not which slice of pizza she should eat.
“Willow.”
Tara’s soft, melodic voice snapped Willow out of her amused imaging of Buffy as a member of the bomb squad. She looked over and found her whole world wrapped up in a crooked grin and cornflower eyes.
“It’s really good. Try it, for me?”
How could Willow do anything but agree? She nodded her head, picked, up a slice of pizza, and took a huge bite. There was a little squeak and she looked over to see Buffy staring at her wide-eyed. Willow choked as she tried to laugh and swallow at the same time.
“See,” Buffy cried, pointing at Willow. “I told you, killer pizza!”
“Buffy,” Willow replied, taking a sip of tea. “I was laughing at you. The pizza’s fine.”
“Really?” Buffy asked. An odd look crossed the little blonde’s face and for a moment Willow was worried that she was mad, but then a smile spread across her face. “Thank god, I’m so hungry!” Without further adieu, Buffy picked up a slice of pizza and took a huge bite.
They made quick work of the pizza on their plates; Willow even went back for seconds to Tara’s great pleasure.
My girl, Willow thought happily.
She’s so amazing, she even taught me to cook. Me! I should reward her properly for her efforts…and I just thought that in front of Buffy’s mom…eep. After Buffy went for her sixth and final piece, Mrs. Summers stood and told them she would be in the kitchen cleaning up if they needed her.
“We’ll take care of the dishes, Mrs. Summers,” Tara said, standing and beginning to stack plates.
“Oh you don’t have to do that,” Buffy’s mom protested. “You’re company.”
“Please?” Tara asked. “You worked all d-day, and it’s so nice of you to let us stay, I’d like to do it.”
“We’ll help,” Willow said, picking up two glasses.
“If you’re sure,” Mrs. Summers said hesitantly.
“Go ahead, Mom,” Buffy replied. “We’ve got it.”
“Thank you girls,” Mrs. Summers said. “You’re very sweet.” She walked out of the dining room and then the sofa creaked, and there was the distant sound of the television turning on.
“Well,” Buffy said, grinning at Tara, “I think it’s a safe bet that you’re now an official member of my Mom’s ‘good influences who should hang around Buffy more’ club.” The slayer paused thoughtfully, a wry little smile crossing her features. “That’s really funny when you think about it.”
“Why is that?” Willow asked. Buffy began to giggle, and when she looked over at Tara, Willow found her girlfriend was chuckling too. “What am I missing?” She asked. “I feel like I didn’t get the punch line of a joke.”
“Well,” Tara said, looking at Willow with a mischievous grin that set the redhead’s heart pounding. “It’s just that I’m part of the good influence club.”
“Of course you are,” Willow said firmly. “You’re a great person.”
“Th-Thank you,” Tara said, blushing even as she smiled. “It’s just that I’m also a teenaged, runaway, lesbian, witch.”
Willow’s mouth dropped open and then snapped shut. “But there’s, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“No,” Buffy agreed, gasping for breath. “All in a very good way, of course.”
Tara clapped her hands over her mouth, shaking with mirth.
“I guess it is pretty funny,” Willow replied.
“Hilarious,” Buffy quipped, picking up two glasses and heading out toward the kitchen.
The three girls made quick work of the dishes, forming a mini production line to wash, rinse, and dry. When they were done, Buffy announced to her mother that they were going upstairs to settle in for the night. Mrs. Summers gave them a vague wave, lifting her eyes from the television for just a moment and giving them a little smile. As they climbed the stairs she called after them to have fun, but behave.
All right,” Buffy told Willow and Tara, walking into her room and waving them in. “Time for the slumber party to commence.”
“Slumber party,” Willow chanted happily in a singsong voice, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Slumber party.” She looked around and saw Buffy and Tara were just staring at her. Willow went flat-footed and smiled sheepishly. “Slumber party?” She asked hopefully.
“You’re adorable,” Tara replied. She took Willow’s hand between her own, gave a gentle squeeze that set Willow’s heart racing.
“On that lovey-dovey note brought to us courtesy of spazzy Willow,” Buffy said, rummaging in her dresser and pulling out a pair of pink pajamas, “I am going to go to the bathroom and change. You gals have five minutes. Enjoy.”
The slayer walked out of the room with a little smirk. There was a part of Willow that wanted to call her back, to chastise her for her teasing, but that was quickly overridden by the idea of having five minutes alone with Tara. Willow looked over and saw that Tara was already walking toward her. She threw open her arms and pulled the blonde close, reveling in the honey-suckle sweet scent of her. Tara shifted, and Willow sighed happily as she felt her girlfriend’s cheek brush her cheek, skin soft and warm. Before Willow could turn her head to capture Tara’s lips in a kiss, she felt a feather-soft brush of lips against her cheek, the line of her jaw, and then her neck.
Willow gave a little gasp and Tara kissed her neck again, pulling Willow closer. She gasped when Tara gave her neck the lightest nibble, and then followed after with a gentle brush from her tongue. Willow brushed her hands up and down from Tara’s shoulders to the small of her back, ending just above the curve of her bottom. And then Tara’s lips were on her lips, warm and insistent. Willow wrapped her arms back around Tara, gave a little shiver of pleasure at the sensation of their bodies pressed so close together.
“Ahem,” Buffy said.
Willow groaned as Tara pulled out of their kiss, leaning her forehead against Willow’s. She looked over at the little blonde, who was in the doorway, smiling and leaning against the jamb with her arms crossed.
“I was giving you guys a few minutes to get changed, and you’re still in your regular clothes.”
“Ch-Changed?” Tara murmured, burying her face in Willow’s hair.
“We, uh, thought you were giving us a few minutes alone,” Willow said with little grin. “We didn’t think about pajamas.”
“Obviously,” Buffy chuckled. “Well, let’s try this again. I’m going to make us microwave popcorn and get an extra blanket or two. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
The slayer walked out of the room, shaking her head and chuckling. Willow ran her hand down Tara’s hair, hoping the girl wasn’t too embarrassed being caught by Buffy. She opened her mouth to offer some words of comfort, but then froze when she felt her girlfriend’s warm breath against her ear.
“Tara?” Willow asked.
“How quickly can you get changed? The shorter the time we take getting d-dressed the longer we have to kiss.”
“Race you,” Willow murmured happily.
By the time Buffy made it back to the room, they were sitting on the floor in their nightclothes, kissing chastely.
“Hi, Buffy,” Willow murmured happily, lying her head on Tara’s shoulder.
“Wow, you guys actually noticed me come into the room that time, I’m impressed,” The little slayer said with a giggle. “And cute PJ’s, Will.”
“They are cute,” Tara agreed.
“Not as cute as boxers and a tank top,” Willow replied, smoothing down the collar of her lavender pajamas with their happy little sunflower print.
“Willow,” Tara said, blushing.
“You’re both cute,” Buffy said, tossing a blanket at them. She climbed onto her bed and sat with a large plastic bowl of popcorn nestled in her crossed legs. “Feel free to stay down there and be cute while I eat all this delicious popcorn.”
“Sounds like a good deal,” Willow giggled.
“Yeah,” Tara agreed. “I’m still full of pizza anyway.”
“Your loss,” Buffy mumbled around a mouthful of popcorn.
“I’ll take the risk,” Willow replied, snuggling into Tara’s shoulder as they leaned back against Buffy’s bed.
In the end, when the floor grew hard and uncomfortable, even with their hugs and kisses keeping them warm, Buffy sacrificed her comforter for them to cuddle on. After hours of talking about everything from movies and music to the finer points of vampire slaying, Buffy dozed off. Tara chuckled at the slayer’s soft snores, even as she broke into a yawn herself. Willow stayed awake as long as she could, watching Tara sleep. When she finally gave in to slumber, she was still cradling Tara’s hand in her own.
* * *
“But, can’t you stay for just one movie?” Willow pleaded, batting her eyes at Tara with her hands clasped under her chin. “Please? Pretty please with gay kisses on top?”
The girls were alone in Buffy’s room, folding the comforter they’d slept on the night before. Tara had just taken the half-folded bundle into her arms, completing the last two folds and setting the finished product on the foot of Buffy’s bed, making sure to smooth it neatly into place.
“Willow,” Tara laughed. “You talked me into making pancakes for breakfast to surprise Buffy and her mom, and then we watched your favorite cartoons.” Tara took a step closer, wrapping her arms around Willow’s waist. “I’ve gotta go—no more stalling.”
“I don’t want you to go,” Willow replied, snuggling into Tara’s arms and rubbing the taller girl’s lower back. “I want you to cuddle on the couch with me and watch a movie.”
“Well,” Tara said thoughtfully, “If you would rather I stay here than get things ready for our first official date, I guess I can stay. We could always have our date some other time.”
Willow felt a little thrill.
Our date! “So, you’re leaving because there are date preparations that need to be made?” She asked softly, nuzzling against Tara’s cheek, feeling a shy and more than a little silly.
“Why else would I ever go?” Tara asked.
“I don’t know,” Willow admitted.
“You’re adorable,” Tara breathed.
Willow felt a gentle press of fingertips on her chin, and then she was tilting her head back into the warm caress of Tara’s lips. Tara gently pulled Willow’s lower lip between her teeth and Willow tightened their embrace.
“I really should,” Tara said between kisses, “Head out to get things ready.”
“More kissing,” Willow replied.
“How can I say no?” Tara mumbled against Willow’s mouth.
“Can’t,” she giggled.
Willow dimly realized that the door to Buffy’s bedroom was opening, but her focus was firmly on Tara kisses. It wasn’t until they heard the slayer laughing that they finally came up for air.
“You two,” Buffy teased. “I thought you came up here to fold blankets or something. I should’ve known that was code for smoochies.”
“Oh, there was blanket folding,” Willow replied seriously, pointing to the bed. Tara gave her a playful tickle and Willow smiled, sticking her tongue between her teeth. “The smoochies were a reward for getting the folding done.”
“Sure,” Buffy said. She grinned and gave them a wink. “Thanks for getting that folded for me. So,” she said, clapping her hands together. “My mom is off to work—by the way, she said thanks again for the pancakes, Tara—and we are free to do as we will. Are we still watching a movie? Do you want to go shopping or something instead?”
“We’re watching a movie,” Willow replied, “But Tara’s got to go.”
Buffy bristled, putting her hands on her hips. “Did Giles the task master strike again? Is he bothering you about that eggplant incognito stuff?”
“Risotto, Buff,” Willow laughed. Tara giggled and Willow pressed a kiss to her golden hair.
“G-Giles isn’t a task master,” Tara said, still chuckling. “I have a very important mission.”
“Are you going to the library?” Buffy asked suspiciously.
“No!” Willow cried. Then her face fell and she turned to Tara. Was it possible? “You aren’t, are you?” She asked.
“No,” Tara laughed. “None of our first official date preparations involve me and the library.” She leaned forward and gave Willow a little peck on the cheek. “I really have to get going. There’s a lot to do.”
“First date?” Buffy asked. “You guys have gone out dozens of times. I’ve been there for most of them.”
Willow raised her eyebrows at Buffy, and then heard Tara choke back a laugh. A slow blush crept up the slayer’s neck, into her cheeks.
“And,” Buffy continued slowly. “I can see where you might not consider that a date-date. As Xander would say, Buffy dummy.”
“You’re not a d-dummy, Buffy.” Tara said kindly. “But I’ll tell you what, there’s something you can do to help.”
“Really?” Buffy asked. It took everything in Willow not to laugh as the slayer clapped her hands gleefully.
“Really,” Tara said solemnly, but she winked at Willow when Buffy wasn’t looking. “Will you help with the date efforts?”
“But it’s our date,” Willow blurted. “You and me, a date for two, which means there can’t be a third person—not that I don’t like hanging out with you Buff, you’re my best friend—but this is our first officially date, not a pre-date date or the group going out, and so it really should just be you and—”
And then Willow was pulled into a firm embrace, and the whole of reality was shaped by the arms gently gripping around her ribs, the hands caressing her shoulder blades, the soft warmth of Tara’s lips still slightly sweetened with the homemade strawberry syrup she’d made for everyone to enjoy that morning. The whole of reality in that moment was happiness, was a paradise.
“Yummy,” Willow sighed happily when Tara leaned back after a moment, arms still wrapped around her. “Strawberry kisses.”
“Sorry,” Tara told Buffy. “That’s the only way I’ve found to stop her consistently.”
“Completely understandable,” Buffy replied. Willow stuck her tongue out at the little blonde and Buffy responded in kind. “So,” she asked Tara. “What can I do?”
Tara smiled and pointed at Willow. “Keep her busy.”
“Huh?” Buffy asked.
She sounded just as puzzled as Willow felt. “Yeah, huh?” Willow repeated.
“You,” Tara said, laughing and pointing at Buffy. “Keep her,” she continued, pointing to Willow, “B-Busy. I want her to be surprised, but you and I b-both know how curious she is. If you’ll keep her here and keep her busy, I’ll be back in three hours to pick her up for an early dinner.”
“Done,” Buffy replied.
“Thank you,” Tara said. She kissed Willow on the cheek. “I’ll see you soon, love. Have fun.”
“It won’t be soon,” Willow murmured. “It’ll be three whole hours.”
“I promise it will be worth it,” Tara whispered in her ear, lips barely brushing Willow’s earlobe. “I’ll see you both in a bit,” she said in full voice, and darted from the room.
Before Willow had time to react, she heard Tara pound down the staircase, and the sound of the front door opening and closing.
It’ll be worth it, Willow thought, the memory of the sultry tone of Tara’s voice giving her a little shiver.
“Nice blush you got there, Will,” Buffy laughed.
“Hah, hah,” she replied. “Come on, you’re under orders to entertain me. Get to the fun. Movie time?”
“Are you sure?” Buffy asked, looking at Willow critically. “You have your first date with your girlfriend in three hours and you’re still in your pajamas. Don’t you need to get ready?”
Willow froze, horrorstruck. “Oh my god,” she groaned. “I only have four hours to get ready.”
“Did you bring your secret Saturday purchase to wear?” The slayer asked.
Willow nodded.
I’m being silly, she thought to herself.
Three hours is plenty of time. I have three whole hours to get washed up and dressed for a date with my soul mate, the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen and I don't know anything about make up and my hair never does what I want it to—
“I can tell you’re babbling in your head, and since I don’t think it would be advisable or appropriate to use Tara’s method to stop those wheels turning, I’m going to keep talking until you hear me.” Buffy said calmly. “Don’t panic, I will help you get ready.”
“Three hours isn’t enough time!” Willow groaned to herself.
“Will,” Buffy repeated, “I’ll help.”
The words finally sunk in. Willow looked into Buffy’s hazel eyes, sparkling with amusement. “Thank you,” she squeaked.
* * *
Two and a half hours later, Willow was sitting on the bed in Buffy’s room, bundled up in one of her best friend’s fluffy robes. Her hair fell in gentle curls around her face, and only she and Buffy knew that the gentle, free-flowing look had taken an hour of hard work with a curling iron and some mysterious hair product of Buffy’s that left Willow’s tresses shaped, but soft. Buffy had just put the finishing touches on Willow’s makeup; another hour’s work that had left very subtle results.
“I don’t even look like I have any makeup on,” Willow said, looking at her face from one side, and then the other, in the mirror over Buffy’s dresser.
“That’s the idea,” Buffy replied sagely, packing away her pile of makeup.
“Then why not skip it?”
“Oh no,” the slayer replied, looking horrorstruck. “Because then you’d look like you needed it. The whole idea is to look like yourself on your best day—no blemishes on your skin, a little blush in the cheeks, no bags under the eyes. Consider it a Willow awesomeness emphasizer.”
“Can I think of it as a thing which emphasizes my awesomeness?” Willow teased.
“No correcting my grammar when I’m helping you,” Buffy laughed, swatting at her gently. “Now you’ve got about thirty minutes before Tara gets here. That gives you eight to ten minutes to get dressed, and then a solid twenty to twenty-two for stress and general fretting.”
“You know me so well,” Willow drawled as Buffy giggled. “Out with you then,” she said, standing and waving her hands at the slayer. “Shoo. I have to get dressed.”
“I could tease you about this being my room,” Buffy replied. “And say you have to let me stay and critique, but somehow I don’t think Tara would appreciate it, so I’ll see you downstairs.”
“Thanks Buffy,” Willow said. When the slayer reached the door she paused and Willow said, “Really Buffy. Thanks.”
“You’re going to knock her socks off, Will.” Before Buffy could close the door the doorbell rang.
Willow’s eyes widened. “She’s early! Tara’s early!” She squealed.
“Easy,” Buffy said, holding up a hand. “I’ll stall. You get ready. All it means is less time to fret, and that would’ve just gotten you sweaty anyway.”
“Right,” Willow replied. “And sweaty is bad. I can do this, I can do this.”
“Will,” Buffy said, “Just remember. She loves you. Tara would be happy if you came downstairs in a burlap sack with hay in your hair.” With that little kernel of wisdom, Buffy closed the door just as the doorbell ran again.
Willow stood, throwing off the robe, and ran to the closet shivering in her bra, panties, and pantyhose. A few seconds hunting through Buffy’s clothes revealed the bag that held her dress. Willow pulled the dress out of the closet and unzipped the bag, revealing the dress she’d bought for Tara.
It’s perfect, Willow thought happily.
She’s going to love it. She knew Tara loved her in green, and so when a flash of grass green caught her eye while they were out shopping with Buffy on beach day, she stopped to take a look. Willow knew as soon as she saw the dress she had to have it.
“Enough reminiscing,” she murmured to herself. “Time to get ready for my girl.”
She lifted the dress out of the bag. Buffy wasn’t there to help her with the zipper, and so she just unbuttoned the tiny pearlescent shank button on the back of the neck, and then slipped it over her head. As soon as she smoothed it into place, Willow reached behind her neck and fastened the button again.
“Let’s take a look see,” Willow murmured, walking over to the mirror. She stared at her reflection for a moment and then a slow, broad smile spread across her face. “Not bad.”
The dress was a sleeveless a-line in silk chiffon, with airy, gently ruffled layers in the skirt. It clung to her chest and legs like a second skin, highlighting her slim curves, while the skirt billowed delicately a few inches above her knees. She slipped on the cream-colored heels and matching thin, cream-colored sweater she’d purchased to go with the dress and headed out to see her Tara.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Willow called, turning down the hallway toward the staircase.
“It’s okay,” Tara replied. “I w-was early.”
“Just couldn’t wait to see me, huh?” Willow teased, walking down the staircase. She turned toward the living room with a big smile, eager to see her girlfriend’s reaction. “Here I am…and you still can’t see me,” Willow said, breaking off with a giggle. The slayer was sitting on the couch next to Tara with her hands over Tara’s eyes.
“Can I look now?” Tara asked.
“In a sec,” Buffy said. “Anticipation is half the fun. You look fabulous, Will.”
“Thanks,” Willow replied absentmindedly.
Willow heard Buffy giggle, but didn’t pay her any mind. She only had eyes for Tara. She was wearing her pale blue sundress and a light sweater in a midnight blue. She’d traded her sandals for a pair of heels that matched the sweater.
The shoes are new, and the sweater…are those what she bought on Saturday? They’re pretty, but why did she blush—Willow shook her head. This was no time for her mind to wander.
“You look so beautiful, baby,” Willow said softly. “Just beautiful.”
“I bet you look beautiful too,” Tara replied. “And I’d love to see you. Can I please look now?” She asked plaintively.
“Oh, sorry,” Buffy said, lifting her hand away.
Willow stood perfectly still as Tara opened her eyes. The blonde didn’t say a word—she just stared up at Willow. The moment went on for so long that Willow began to fidget, toying with the edge of her dress. She opened her mouth to speak and Tara rose to her feet, crossing the room and taking Willow’s hands into her own. But she still didn’t speak. Tara just stared into Willow’s eyes.
“Are you okay, baby?” Willow asked. “Don’t you like it?”
Tara shook her head and Willow’s heart dropped. “I don’t like it,” Tara whispered. “I love it.”
“Really?” Willow asked, bouncing as she felt her heart lift again.
Tara put her hands on either side of Willow’s face. “You are exquisite. I mean, I always knew you were b-beautiful, but I had no idea, no idea, that you could actually be more wonderful somehow.”
“Okay,” Buffy said from the couch, chuckling. “You two are adorable, but you’re going to give me cavities will all that sweetness. Go on, enjoy your date.”
Tara nodded and took Willow’s hand, leading them toward the door. When they stepped out onto the porch Willow leaned back in and thanked Buffy again. The little slayer just waved her off, telling her to have a good time.
“All right,” Tara said, closing the door. “Time for the date to commence. First things first.” She drew Willow into her arms and gave her a firm kiss.
“I love this date already,” Willow replied when they parted.
“Let’s hope it just keeps getting better,” Tara replied.