TITLE: Racing The Rain
AUTHOR: Finey_McFine
RATING: PG13 to R (Eventually)
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy.
SUMMARY: Totally AU, Willow and Tara Meet with not so surprising results! Set in LA with lots of W/T fluff and a little teeny tiny bit of angst, but no Hellmouthyness. Just good old regular day-to-day drama.
FEEDBACK: OK
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hello Kittens! I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. I’ll be posting Chapter 5 on Sunday.
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Chapter 4: Moose Jelly“I can definitely spring for some lunch! Oh, but what about Ralphie? I guess I can take him home first and come back?” Tara pondered, chewing on her bottom lip.
“He can stay here, he’ll be fine. Miss Kitty can keep him company. Besides, he’ll be out of it for awhile, I just dosed him about 20 minutes ago.”
“Oh, ok. So, I’ll drive then?” Tara questioned.
“How about we walk? It’s a beautiful day and there are several good restaurants near here…depending on what you like to eat.”
Willow grabbed her keys and cell phone and they headed out to get some lunch. They walked about a half a block in silence just enjoying the day, when Willow finally spoke up.
“What do you like to eat? I could eat
anything and do quite often.”
Tara looked at Willow and raised an eyebrow, making the redheads whole face turn scarlet red. Realizing the implications of her statement, Willow launched into a babble that was worthy of the Guinness Book.
“Oh, no, no, no, not that I eat just
anything, I mean with all the food borne illnesses out there a-and some things are just gross. Like fermented salmon heads o-or jellied moose nose. I mean that’s just…unpleasant. Not to mention totally vomit worthy and the poor moose. I mean hey, I bet he never saw
that coming! Where is that even served? And how would you present that on a menu? Is it a breakfast item that is served with toast? Do you think it comes in those little packets with the peel away top? What color…” Willow was prepared to continue when she felt Tara’s fingers on her lips.
“Willow, breath before you pass out from a lack of oxygen, I’m not sure I could carry you all the way back to your apartment. Besides, I don’t think we have to worry about jellied moose nose anywhere in Southern California.” Tara imparted, giving Willow a chance to catch her breath.
Willow took in some much needed oxygen and attempted to explain exactly what she meant to say in the first place.
“Well, what I was trying to say is that I’m not your typical California girl. I uh, I eat meat. Even red meat, which I realize is some sort of California code violation or something, but I’m from Texas and it’s pretty much required.” She looked at Tara and gave her a big smile.
“So exactly what are you saying about us born and raised California girls?” Tara said to Willow with mock indignation.
“I…ahh didn’t mean. Um…you. Ah…” The redhead sputtered.
“You are way too easy Willow!” Tara chuckled. “Well anyway, I have a confession…I eat meat too. But please don’t tell anyone because I would hate to have to pay a fine for violating the
code,” looking at Willow and winking.
They continued to walking and talking, about nothing in particular, just getting to know each other a little better. After about 15 minutes, they arrived at a small restaurant named The Indigo. Willow explained to Tara that it was one of her favorites and she ate there often. The Indigo had an outside eating area on the sidewalk in front, which Willow suggested they sit, however, Tara insisted on sitting inside. She also requested to the hostess that they not be near any windows. Willow thought it was odd, but decided to go with the flow and they were seated in a booth near the back, away from any windows.
The restaurant was small and inviting. The walls were a rich cerulean blue, with brown trim and wooden floors. It was quaint. The lighting was dimmed a bit and what looked to be original works of art adorned the walls. The best description of the eatery would be eclectic.
Tara thought. The waiter came by to deliver their menus and take their drink order. Willow ordered iced tea with extra ice and Tara water with lemon. The menu was diverse and had an array of choices, from salads to meatloaf and everything in between. Willow ordered the shrimp salad with a side of sweet potato fries. Tara chuckled to herself at the redhead’s unusual combination and ordered black bean soup and a garden salad with grilled chicken.
“Shrimp and sweet potato fries?” She said to Willow with a questioning look on her face.
“What can I say? I needed a little
Texas in there to balance the
California. Do you have something against shrimp?” Smiling at the blonde.
“Actually, I’m allergic. I break out, my throat closes, my face swells…it’s not a pretty sight.” She said as she scrunched up her nose.
“So, what you’re actually allergic to is iodine?”
“Dr. Rosenberg, I presume?” Smiling back.
“Tara, can I ask you a question?”
“S-sure, anything you’d like.” Tara’s nervous stutter was making another appearance.
“Why all avoid-y gal with the sitting outside and near the windows? You’re not allergic to the sun as well are you?” Willow quipped.
Tara laughed and took a sip of her water. “No, no sun allergies. More like feeling a little camera shy today.” She didn’t want anything to ruin her time with Willow or scare her away.
Willow looked at her quizzically and cocked her head to the side. It suddenly dawned on Tara that she was sitting with a ‘normal’ person. Someone that wasn’t constantly looking over their shoulder or trying to be invisible in their private life. Someone that could come and go as they pleased and not have to worry about being stalked by the Paparazzi 24/7. Tara had lived in the ‘Hollywood lifestyle’ for so long, that she had forgotten what it was like being ‘normal.’
“I know this is going to sound utterly ridiculous, because there are certainly worse things in life, but it’s tough sometimes…being a celebrity that is. Sitting out in the open makes me fair game and things can get crazy pretty fast. ”
“What do you mean crazy?”
“Well, all it takes is for one photographer to show up. They get right in my face and don’t stop shooting until I leave. Once people figure out who I am…it can turn into a mob scene. I don’t mean to sound conceded or anything, it’s more me just being safe and attempting to have some semblance of a normal life. I mean, not that I’m abnormal or anything, I just need some kind of personal freedom.”
“Now you’re babbling. I must be contagious.” She smiled sweetly at Tara. “Is that why Ralphie’s chip lists you as K.T. Maclay?”
“Um hmm. It’s actually my legal name, Katherine Tara Maclay.”
“That’s pretty, have you always gone by Tara?”
“Yeah, I was named after my Grandmother, but my Mom always called me Tara. She said I didn’t end up looking like a Katherine or a Katie. So, what about you? Always a Willow?”
“Yep, that’s me. Willow Danielle Rosenberg. A.K.A…Willow.” Grinning at Tara.
“So, tell me about yourself, Willow Danielle Rosenberg. Since you probably already know all about me.” Tara said, somewhat shyly.
“Well, actually I have a confession to make as well. I didn’t recognize you, a-at first that is. I kept thinking,
she looks familiar,’ but I couldn’t place you. Until I realized that you were
Billboard Girl.”
“Billboard Girl?” This highly amused Tara. It wasn’t often that she went unrecognized and it made her even more intrigued with Willow.
“Yeah, you’re on a billboard that I pass on my way to school everyday. A giant you, for your show I guess. I’m a little embarrassed actually, I don’t watch it on a regular basis. I’m pretty busy with school and all.” Truthfully she’d only seen the show once on an airplane. She didn’t even know what night it came on.
“That’s ok Will. Your secret is safe with me.” Tara felt so comfortable with her new friend that she slipped and inadvertently called her a nickname already.
Willow just sat, grinning like an idiot and staring at Tara who dropped her head, suddenly finding the table very interesting. Neither knew what to say and luckily the waiter arrived with their food and broke the awkward silence. They sat quietly for a few minutes nibbling on the newly arrived food.
“Those fries look great. Can I try one?”
“Sure, have as many as you like. I’ll never finish them all anyway.” Willow slid the plate of sweet potato fries in between the two of them and Tara took a few to sample.
“Wow, those are great!” She said smiling. “So, where are you from in Texas?” Wanting to know more about the cute redheaded sitting across from her.
“Decker Prairie, it’s a small town about 40 miles northwest of Houston. It’s more like someplace you pass through on your way to somewhere else. We don’t even have a Starbucks.”
“Wow, I didn’t know such a place even existed!” They both laughed and chatted more throughout the meal. Willow regaled Tara with tales of growing up on a ranch and the trials and tribulations of being the youngest of five.
“I always wanted a sibling or two. It got awful lonely with just me and Mom sometimes. But on the same token, there were definite benefits in the spoilage department.” Tara said, looking up and smiling at Willow.
“So, does your Mom still spoil you? Now that your all growed up?” Willow asked cheekily. But Tara wasn’t smiling. In fact, the color had drained from her face a bit and her expression had turned sullen.
Willow was now in full panic mode, replaying the conversation in her mind trying to figure out what she said that upset the blonde so much. Tara let out a long sigh and finally spoke.
“M-My Mom passed a-away a few years a-ago.” Willow noticed the return of her stutter and mentally kicked herself for causing it.
“Oh Tara, I’m so sorry. I-I didn’t know.” Willow reached across the table and squeezed Tara’s hand, trying to give her some comfort.
“It’s ok Willow, it’s not your fault. S-she had cancer, b-breast cancer. It was diagnosed late and had already spread by the t-time she started chemo…it was everywhere. She only m-made it eight months after her diagnosis.” Tara could feel the tears start to swell in her eyes and the all too familiar lump forming in her throat. But somehow, she managed to push it down.
“You have no other family?” Willow questioned.
“No. Mom was a late baby, an only child. Both of my grandparents were apparently estranged from their families and passed before I was born. My father left us when I was an infant, so I never even knew him.”
Willow’s heart broke for Tara, she could almost feel the pain and loneliness rolling off Tara in waves. It was in that moment that Willow realized something: That even with all of Tara’s success and popularity, she was essentially alone in the world with no family to fall back on. No support system and this concept was completely foreign to Willow. It wasn’t fair, she thought, that such a beautiful soul was feeling so much pain. She looked up and realized that she was still holding Tara’s hand, but had no intention of letting go.
“T-That’s when I got Ralphie.” Tara said and broke the silence. “After Mom died I went to the rescue shelter. He was about six weeks old and the cutest little thing I’d ever seen. He was there for me and really helped me get through the worst time of my life. So you see Willow, that’s why I’m so thankful to you for taking care of him.” They sat quietly gazing into each other’s eyes. Tara gave Willow’s hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it so she could pay the bill.
As they left the restaurant, several people approached Tara. Willow was amazed by Tara’s grace. She greeted each person warmly, chatted with them for a few minutes, listening intently when they spoke, signing autographs and posing for pictures. They finally made it out of the restaurant and began walking back towards Willow’s apartment.
“Sorry about that.”
“About what, Tara?
“The thing with the fans. I didn’t want you to think I was ignoring you or anything. It’s just that I don’t believe in blowing people off.”
“What? No, I didn’t feel ignored at all. In fact, I’m impressed! You were really sweet to them. You don’t see many celebrities doing that.” Willow chuckled to herself.
“What so funny?”
“It’s just that it’s strange thinking of you as a ‘celebrity.’ I mean, I’ve only known you for a few hours and to me your just Tara. It’s hard for me to see you as…
Superstar!!” With the last word Willow dropped to one knee, with her arms in the air mimicking her favorite SNL character, Mary Catherine Gallagher, causing Tara to burst out laughing. Willow had such a quirky sense of humor and the blonde was enamored.
“Oh my gosh, you are too funny Willow Rosenberg! I haven’t laughed like that in a very long time, thank you.”
“Well, you are quite welcome Tara Maclay.” Willow’s eyes were sparkling and she was grinning from ear to ear.
They finally made it back to Willow’s apartment and Ralphie was up and ready for a trip to the outdoor potty. Willow frowned, as she knew that her time with Tara was coming to an end.
“Hey, are you OK?” Tara questioned.
“Huh? Oh, yeah fine. Just a little tired I guess and not looking forward to tomorrow. You know…Mondays and all.” She said, rolling her eyes and trying her best to cover her feelings. Tara simply nodded in agreement.
“Well, I guess I’ll just take him potty on the way to my car.” Tara was also disappointed, but she knew they would see each other again soon…she would make sure of it.
“Tara, here is everything you’ll need. I typed up detailed instructions, my cell number is there and my email address as well. Please don’t hesitate to call day or night if you have questions or if you need anything. No matter how minor it may be. Oh, and you’ll need to take him for a check up sometime this week. The stitches are the kind that dissolve, so he won’t need them removed. But the wound will need to be checked for any worsening of the infection. If he loses his appetite or stops drinking, it’s a sign and he’ll need to be seen by a vet immediately.”
“Willow, I know I’ve already said this but, thank you…again, for everything. For Ralphie and for today, you have such a kind heart and I’m just so thankful that I met you.” She reached forward suddenly and enveloped Willow in a hug.
Willow was floored and did not immediately return the gesture. It took her several seconds to realize what was happening before she wrapped her arms tightly around the blonde. Willow thought her heart may just pound right out of her chest. Tara felt so warm and soft and the affect she was having on her senses was overwhelming. Willow felt light, as if she were floating and suddenly became acutely aware of every little sensation. She could feel the warmth of Tara’s breath on her neck and the blonde’s flattened hands against the center of her back. Willow could feel the soft milky skin of Tara’s neck pressed against her cheek and as their bodies melted together, Willow could feel Tara’s breasts firm against her own. All these sensations and feelings were driving her to near insanity.
Tara was a tad surprised by the spontaneity of the hug herself, although she had been the one to initiate it, it wasn’t something she had planned. Tara couldn’t explain it, but she felt inexplicably drawn to Willow. At that moment she felt a primal need to touch Willow, to feel her wholly. As she pulled Willow to her, she felt the redhead stiffen and thought for a brief few seconds that maybe she’d been a bit presumptuous, until she felt Willow wrapping her arms around her and bring their bodies together as one. Tara was lost, she closed her eyes and breathed in Willow’s alluring scent. A combination of strawberries and sunshine, a scent that was uniquely Willow. They stood, hugging for a long moment and Tara swore she could feel Willow nuzzle her neck, bringing a soft smile to her face.
They eventually broke apart and Willow was finally able to compose herself enough to speak.
“Tara, thank you for the kind words and for lunch. I had a really nice time today a-and I was wondering if it’d be ok if I called you later this week? You know, to check up on Ralphie or maybe just to say ‘Hi’?” Willow asked, her voice taking on a bit of a high-pitched tone towards the end.
“I’d like that Willow, very much.” Tara said shyly.
“Great, then I’ll talk to you later. Drive safely.”
“Bye Willow.”
“Bye Tara.”
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I especially liked the moment of description at the door. Tara in shades? Yum.
nice descriptions 
