TITLE: Racing The Rain
AUTHOR: Finey_McFine
RATING: R
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy. ALL other original characters belong to me! This includes: Willow’s siblings and teammates, plus Tara’s friends and co-workers. Mention of any ‘real’ people in this fic is brief and pure fantasy.
SUMMARY: Totally AU! Set in LA with lots of W/T fluff and some angst, but no Hellmouthyness; just good old regular day-to-day drama. Willow is attending college on an athletic scholarship and Tara is Hollywood royalty. They meet and fall in love, of course, but will they be able to survive the pitfalls of a public romance? Well, you’ll just have to read and find out!
<Thoughts are in italics> FEEDBACK: Yes! Any glaring issues…please send me a PM!
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hi Everyone! Sorry for the long wait between chapters, I just can’t seem to find a lot of interrupted writing time lately. Unfortunately, June looks to be super busy as well, but hopefully I can get something out to you in a reasonable amount of time:) Happy summer...enjoy! Chapter 62: Swamp ThingsWith the ceremony over everyone began to mingle, congratulate the winners and take pictures. Tara grabbed her camera and joined the crowd as the winners got together with their awards.
The blonde grinned broadly; winking at Willow as she stood proudly, trying to balance all five of the awards she’d won throughout the evening. Tara took several shots and then stepped back; her heart swelling with pride as she watched Willow charm the crowd.
I can’t believe she’s mine. So beautiful.Willow sat her awards on the table and grabbed a much needed glass of ice water.
Bri and Mandy approached, and both gave her congratulatory hugs, “Willow Rosenberg, you’ve won every award known to man, what are you going to do now?” Bri joked.
Willow grinned, “I’m going to Disneyland!” The redhead quipped and everyone laughed.
“But seriously, what are you doing tonight?” Mandy asked.
Willow shrugged her shoulders, glancing in her girlfriends direction, “Oh, I dunno, going home I guess.”
“WHAT!? Oh no way you’re going home, you guys are going out with us!” Bri added.
Willow again glanced at Tara, who nodded enthusiastically in return. Willow loved the fact that they could converse without speaking and smiled brightly. “We’re in! Where are we goin’?”
“We were thinking about The Swamp.”
Willow quirked her mouth, “Aren’t we a little over dressed?”
“Maybe a little,” Mandy added, “But it’ll be fun and low key. You can actually hear yourself talk and it’s smoke free.”
“Okay, I need to say bye to a few people first. How about we meet you guys there?”
“Sounds good, we’ll see ya in a bit!” Bri exclaimed as she and Mandy headed for the exit with Stacey and Kurt in tow.
****************************************
“So, The Swamp?” Tara asked curiously as she inched through the thick Saturday night traffic on Wilshire Blvd.
Willow giggled, “It’s not as bad as it sounds. It’s a small college bar near campus we like to hang out in. It’s not gay, but it’s gay friendly, no smoking and quieter than most places. They have a jukebox, a small dance floor, pool tables, darts and lot’s of beer. Your typical college setting.”
“You used to go there a lot?” Tara asked.
“Yeah, we practically
lived there. Me, Stacey, Bri...Morgan.” Willow grimaced as she said the last name.
“Well, she wasn’t
too bad tonight. I mean, aside from the ‘if looks could kill stares,’ and basically calling me fat, but otherwise...”
Willow exhaled deeply, “You’re not fat Tara, she’s just...a bitch? But whatever, it’s her problem, not mine or yours and we’re gonna have fun tonight!”
Tara grinned as she pulled into the parking lot of the bar and found a space in the back, “I always have fun with you, and Will, tonight’s your night baby. Cut loose, have a few drinks...I’m driving, okay?”
Willow frowned a bit, “But I like drunk Tara. She’s all giddy and hands-y; you’re a very lovable drunk.” Willow finished as she leaned in and captured Tara’s lips in a sensuous kiss.
After about a five minute make out session, the girls finally pulled apart. “Ummm, maybe we should skip the bar altogether,” Willow moaned into Tara’s lips.
Tara flashed a half smile, “And miss out on beer at The Swamp? No way.”
“I thought you were gonna be the designated driver?”
“I am, but I may have one drink. We’ll be here a couple hours, right?”
Willow nodded, giving Tara one more peck on the lips and taking her hand. “Tara, thanks for coming with me tonight. It really meant a lot to have you there.”
Tara smiled warmly, “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I love you Will, so very much.”
Willow’s head felt light and tingly as she stared deeply into Tara’s cobalt blue eyes. She reached out, tracing her fingertips down Tara’s cheek and leaning in again for another soft kiss. “I love you too,” Willow breathed, “More and more everyday. When we’re together I feel complete and we don’t even have to be touching or doing anything...just being in the same room. I’ve never
wanted to be with some one as much as you. You’re my best friend Tara and God, I just..I love you so much.”
Willow was babbling incoherently and Tara’s heart was pounding as the words of devotion sent shivers down her spine and for a brief second, Tara saw their life flash before her eyes. She saw a home and a family; all of her long forgotten childhood fantasies suddenly springing to life. She looked into Willow’s sparkling green eyes and saw what she knew was true, she saw a future,their future.
Tara was completely overcome and not being able to form words, so she did the only thing she could; she crushed their lips together, putting every ounce of emotion into the kiss. Tara wrapped her hands around Willow’s neck and pulled them closer as her lips began opening and closing passionately.
The second Tara’s lips made contact with hers, all thought fled Willow’s brain and she lost herself in the moment. She scooted closer and her hands automatically went to Tara’s face and back; pulling, caressing, gripping. Willow wasn’t sure what was happening, but something felt different; the kiss was different.
They both sighed softly as the kiss ended and trembled with desire. Willow opened her mouth to speak, but was cut short by her girlfriend. “Move in with me,” Tara exclaimed suddenly.
“What?” Willow mumbled, still hazy from the mind bending kiss they’d just shared.
Tara swallowed hard, staring at Willow apprehensively and beginning to panic, worried that she’d scared the girl by just blurting it out like that. It wasn’t something that they’d even discussed before.
“I love you Willow, more than I thought I could ever love another living soul and I know, without a doubt, that...that you’re the one. You’re the first person I want to see when I wake up in the morning and the last person I want to see before I go to bed. I’m so lonely when you’re not around and I know it seems fast, but...I want
you Willow and oh God, I hope you want me too.” Tara was shaking, but confident and could hardly believe she gotten it all out without even a hint of a stutter. Unfortunately, her emotions betrayed her and a single tear escaped and dripped down her cheek.
Willow’s chest tightened as she struggled to compose herself. She had been right, something was different. Tara had opened up and released her soul; giving herself fully to the redhead. It was a moment Willow would not soon forget.
She gazed into Tara’s anxious and teary eyes, realizing she hadn’t yet answered. “I want to, more than anything. Yes Tara Maclay, I will move in with you. I love you
so much,” She said, before brushing their lips together again for a brief kiss and pulling the blonde into a warm hug.
After a long moment, they eased back and rested their foreheads together; both grinning from ear to ear. The sound of a loud car horn, finally bringing them back to reality.
“We’re still in the car,” Willow said with a slight giggle.
“I guess we should probably go in.”
Willow smiled and kissed Tara one more time, before they exited the car and walked hand in hand into the bar.
************************************
The Swamp was that of a typical college bar, sort of grungy, but laid back and very sports oriented. The swamp motif was mixed with college paraphernalia; gold and blue UCLA banners hung next to fake snakes and mossy driftwood. It was an odd mixture that gave the place a fun and relaxed feel.
The Swamp was crowded, but not packed and the girls were able to find their friends immediately, sitting in a large circular booth near a jukebox in the back and already on their second pitcher of beer.
As Willow and Tara wound their way through the bar, the usual low chatter spread among the patrons when they realized who had just entered. They were stopped several times for Tara to sign autographs and pose for a few pictures, before they finally made it to their friends.
“Geez, what route did you take to get here, the Trans Siberian Highway?” Bri teased as the girls finally slid into the booth.
Willow smiled shyly and shrugged her shoulders, trying to be nonchalant, but the deep crimson blush on her cheeks gave her away. “You stopped for a quickie!” Mandy exclaimed.
Willow snorted and mumbled; not really thinking about her answer, “As if we could do it
that fast,” She scoffed.
Stacey gave her redheaded friend a questioning stare, “Then what exactly constitutes a quickie for you Will? Hmmmm?” She pressed.
“Wha...? Stacey!” Willow shouted, not expecting the ribbing from her close friend as her face turned an even darker shade of red than before.
By this time the entire table was laughing at Willow’s reaction, even Tara, who was enjoying the group banter. As the blonde sat back and listened, she was reminded of the evening out with Willow’s siblings. Tara couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Willow’s friends and family. They were friendly and genuine and Tara enjoyed them all immensely.
As the night wore on and the beer flowed, much fun was had by all. They danced, played pool and just had an all around good time. Willow and Tara were inseparable, always touching or making googly eyes and kissing several times; eliciting several eye rolls from their friends.
As promised, Tara only indulged in one glass of beer and had switched over to water long ago; unlike her girlfriend who was on her fourth mug.
“Sweetie, can you slide out? I need to use the restroom and get another glass of water.” Tara said.
Willow slid out of the booth and smiled sappily, “I’ll get you some water.”
Tara raised a questioning eyebrow, unsure if Willow could make it over to the bar unattended. “What? I’m not drunk, just a little tipsy and besides, I could use some water as well and since our waitress seems to have disappeared...” Willow rambled.
Tara returned the smile and gave Willow a quick peck on the lips. “I’ll be right back.”
“Kay,” Willow answered as she turned and headed for the bar.
“Hey, congratulations,” Morgan said as she slid up to the bar next to Willow and placed a hand on her shoulder.
Willow jumped slightly, not having been aware of her presence and taken aback with the physical contact. “Huh?”
“For the awards, congratulations,” Morgan repeated.
“Oh, thanks. You um..you startled me. I didn’t know you were there.” The redhead said uncomfortably.
“Yep, I am here,” The brunette slurred.
The bartender suddenly appeared in front of Willow waving his hands. “Oh, sorry. Two glasses of ice water please,” She asked politely.
Morgan snickered, “Good grief Willow, this is worse than I thought, water? She’s really got you fucking whipped.” Her tone taking on a bit of sarcasm as she nearly fell off the bar stool.
Willow stiffened, sobering up quickly as she reached out to steady the girl, “Woah, I see someone’s had a little too much to drink tonight.”
“Nonsense! I’m just having fun, something that I obviously wasn’t invited to do with my friends.”
Willow frowned slightly, “Morgan...”
“Don’t, I know a blow off when I see one. It’s pretty much a national pastime for you since you hooked up with little Miss. Perfect.” Morgan spat, with venom in her voice.
Willow sighed heavily and shook her head, “You’re drunk and I’m not having this conversation with you right now.”
Morgan laughed out loud, “Isn’t that just typical. Since when do
you get to make that decision? You think you’re so much better than the rest of us, when you’re just an all around colossal back stabbing bitch!”
Willow’s stunned eyes went wide as the anger began to boil, then she remembered where she was and who she was with and the consequences of a public confrontation. She took a deep calming breath and noticed the bartender had returned at some point with her drinks.
In one swift move, Willow turned, grabbed both glasses of water and walked away, before Morgan even had time to register what was going on.
“Hey! I’m not finished!” Morgan shouted, and staggered off the bar stool, following after the redhead.
Tara arrived back at the table just in time to see Willow crossing the bar; lips pursed and red faced. She was so completely focused on her girlfriend, that she failed to notice Morgan right on Willow’s heels.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Tara asked as she reached for one of the water glasses and no sooner had the words left her mouth, than she noticed Morgan trailing behind her girlfriend.
Uh oh.“Nothing, I’m fine.” Willow said flatly. “Can we go, please?”
Tara furrowed her brows, “What’s going on? What did you say to her?” Tara asked sternly, focusing her attention on the brunette.
“Nothing that didn’t need to be said, besides, it’s really none of your business anyway.” Morgan responded.
At that point Stacey, Mandy and Bri jumped up and joined in the fray.
Willow shrugged her shoulders, “She’s had too much to drink and trying to pick a fight. Let’s just go, okay? We don’t need a bar fight on the cover of The National Enquirer.”
Tara nodded, picking up her purse and taking Willow’s hand as they turned to leave; making it about three steps before Morgan roughly grabbed Willow’s arm, “Wait! We’re not done talking.” She shouted.
Willow grimaced as Morgan squeezed and before she had time to do or say anything, Tara’s hand was tightly gripping Morgan’s wrist. “Let go of her, now.” She said with resolve and a shocked Morgan slowly released the redhead’s arm. “I don’t care how drunk you are, if you
ever lay a hand on Willow again, you are going to regret it. Do you understand me?”
Morgan simply nodded and Tara slowly let go of her wrist.
Willow was at a loss for words and in awe of Tara’s actions. She couldn’t believe how the blonde had reacted. She was calm and confident and completely in control of the situation; staring down Morgan with icy blue eyes.
Luckily for everyone involved, Mandy stepped between Tara and Morgan. “Okay, we got it from here.” She said as she turned Morgan around and marched the stunned brunette back towards the table.
“Are you okay?” Asked a concerned Tara, while rubbing the spot on Willow’s arm that Morgan had rudely pinched only moments ago.
Willow simply starred at her with a sappy smile plastered across her face.
“Wow Tara!” A Stacey grinning exclaimed, “I didn’t know you were all large with the butch!”
Tara suddenly grew embarrassed, “I-I’m not usually, but I...I just don’t like how she messes with Willow and it’s starting to piss me off.” She said with conviction.
“I can see that,” Stacey giggled. “So, are you guys leaving?”
Willow finally snapped out of her mini stupor and answered Stacey. “Yeah, It’s late and I gotta get some sleep. I have a final Monday and two on Tuesday and I really need to get some studying done tomorrow.”
Stacey nodded, “Hey, text me on Monday and maybe we can do lunch? I have two finals, but they’re both in the morning. So I should be free after that.”
“Sounds good,” Willow smiled warmly at her friend, “Um, what are you gonna do about...she’s pretty drunk.” She said and pointed in Morgan’s direction.
Stacey sighed, “I guess one of us will take her home and babysit; let her sleep it off. Then we’ll deal with the fallout or she’ll just ignore the situation and not say a word.”
“Thanks Stac, she’s a total pain in the ass but, I don’t want to see her get hurt or anything.”
“I know,” Stacey agreed, giving Willow a short hug before turning to Tara. “It was great seeing you again Tara. Maybe we can all get together before you guys leave for New York and hopefully you won’t have to kick anyone’s ass.” Stacey quipped and nudged Tara’s shoulder.
The blonde laughed and gave Stacey a short hug before waving at the others, “Sounds like fun, I’ll check my schedule.”
“Cool, see you guys later!”
“Bye!” Willow and Tara said as they exited the bar.
*******************************************
The ride home was a quiet one, Tara was still wound up over what happened with Morgan and Willow was feeling the sleepy after effects of the alcohol. Neither girl wanted to rehash the incident and silently decided to let it go.
After they arrived home, Tara let Ralphie out and stayed nearby, patiently waiting for him to do his business, before letting him back in. Meanwhile, Willow retreated to the bedroom to clean up the mess she’d made earlier and take a quick shower. Just as Willow was wrapping a towel around herself, Tara entered; heading to the sink to brush her teeth. The two shared a smile before Willow exited back to the bedroom.
As the redhead lay in bed waiting for Tara, her thoughts drifted. She couldn’t help but notice the intense feeling of
domesticity that surrounded them since they had arrived back at Tara’s. But it wasn’t really Tara’s house anymore, was it? Willow thought about this new revelation for a moment and even though it had been less than four hours since Tara had asked, it still felt different somehow.
Willow raised her head and glanced around the bedroom, wondering where exactly she would put her things and how exactly she would fit in. Sure, Tara had asked her, but had she
really thought things through? They were about to merge their lives and that was no small feat. How would all this work? Tara’s house was beautiful and decorated to her taste. Everything had a place and everything was in it’s place. As the gravity of her decision began to weigh heavily, Willow’s heart started to pound in her chest and a mild panic began to settle in.
This was it, this was the beginning of the rest of her life; of her adult life. Willow had never really thought of herself as an adult before. Her parents were adults, her Aunts and Uncles were adults, but Willow was still in college, she was
one of the kids, the baby. How the hell could she be an adult? What she was already doing with Tara was very grown up, but she still never thought of herself as a
grown up. She began to feel uncomfortable, like a stranger or a guest. It didn’t feel like home.
“Hey,” Tara said softly and effectively breaking Willow’s train of thought. When she’d entered the bedroom, Tara noticed the pensive look on her lover’s face and began to worry.
Willow blinked twice, “Oh hey, sorry I was just...can we talk?”
Tara nodded, turning out the light and climbing into bed. Both girls turned on their sides and faced one another. As their eyes adjusted, they were able to see with the help of the pale blue moon light that illuminated the room.
“Tara,” Willow started, “I just wanted you to know, that I won’t hold you to it if you start to have second thoughts.”
Tara wore a look of complete befuddlement. Willow had begun as if they had been in the middle of a conversation and Tara had no idea what she was referring to.
“Second thoughts?” Tara muttered.
Willow answered with a nod, “About me moving in.”
Tara’s features softened when she realized what her girlfriend was actually talking about. “Sweetie, what would make you think that?”
Willow reached over and entwined their fingers, “I know you asked in the heat of the moment and I just wanted you to know that if you want to change your mind then-” Willow’s words were cut short when Tara suddenly pulled herself close and kissed Willow soundly on the lips. Then slowly pulled away, leaving Willow’s lips tingly in her wake.
“I...I have thought about it. A-A lot, actually.”
“You have? But you never said anything...”
“I know, I’m sorry. I should have brought it up sooner and not put you on the spot like that.” Tara inhaled deeply as the realization washed over her; Willow didn’t
really want to move in. Tara had been presumptuous, assuming and now her girlfriend was trying politely to back out and spare her feelings.
Willow could see the trepidation and sadness in Tara’s eyes and it occurred to her how she must sound and that she was the cause of Tara’s emotional shift. She wanted nothing more than to put the gentle blonde’s fears to rest.
Willow reached out and caressed the soft skin of her girlfriend’s cheek. “Tara, baby, I do want to move in with you. More than anything, but I look around your house and you have everything the way you want it and here I come, bee-bopping in and turn it all upside down. Plus, it’s...it’s all very ‘grown-up’ and I just...I feel like this kid or something. I dunno, I’m not explaining this very well. I...I guess, I just don’t know where I fit is all.”
Somehow Tara managed to hold back the tears stinging the corners of her eyes and swallow the lump in her throat. Willow was so sweet and adorable, that she could hardly contain the urge to wrap her arms around the girl and never let go.
Tara reached for the hand on her cheek and pulled it down to her chest, laying it on her heart. “You fit right here,” She whispered, seeing Willow’s teary green eyes glistening in the moonlight. “Sweetie, you don’t have to pack up the U-Haul tomorrow. There’s no rush, I’m not going anywhere and I want you to be ready.”
Willow leaned forward and kissed Tara tenderly, “Thank you, I love you Tara.”
“I love you too.”
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Best morning surprise ever! Can't wait to see what's next!
HOT!
I have a friend that owns an agency in Hollywood and he says, it all kinda blends together.
!
I really hope Tara keeps her end of the bargain... Damn I have forgotten Morgan, she really makes me 
I hope they find a way to squash her like a insignificant bug she is... I really like how Tara handled the situation... I hope Willow tells Tara about how she feels about being the team captain for the last time and the sadness of college ending so Tara can help her...
Hi there, since it is almost a month since you posted your last update I thought I'll comment to shamelessly beg for more! I really love your story and I'm dying to know what happens next. I really hope your next update will pick up where you left and after Willow confides in Tara about her melancholy of this being her last year with her team Tara will cheer her up with a private show of the sexy lingery...
