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! Racing The Rain is FINALLY back! I can’t promise weekly updates, but I will try to update more frequently. Anyway, this chapter has not been proofed...at all. I figured if I waited for my wife to find time, it could be another four months before I was able to post. So, if you come across something, just PM me and I’ll fix it:) Enjoy!Chapter 64: Doing ItTara awoke to find herself wrapped in a
Willow-coocoon. The room was still cloaked in darkness as she cracked open a sleep filled eye to catch a glimpse of the clock. The bright red numbers silently telling her she still had nearly thirty minutes before the alarm was to sound. A small smile graced her full lips as she snuggled deeper into the warmth of her girlfriend.
Tara sighed contentedly, but soon became restless and decided she needed to see the beautiful face of the woman who slept beside her. After two months of sleeping together, Tara had found that when she moved, Willow usually moved in sync. So when Tara began to shift to her left, Willow unconsciously rolled on to her back. Tara continued to move until she was firmly planted on her side and able to fully face her sleeping beauty.
Willow’s fiery red locks were tossed wildly about as she snored softly. After several minutes, Tara decided to slowly wake the girl, instead of allowing the abruptness of the alarm to jolt her awake. She reached a hand to Willow’s forehead and gently brushed the hair out of her face; her fingers gliding slowly down Willow’s freckled cheek. The redhead began to stir as Tara continued the delicate caressing and finally, after several long moments, green eyes began to flutter open.
“Hey,” Willow mumbled sleepily as a small yawn escaped her lips.
“Hey yourself,” Tara replied with a dreamy smile.
“What time is it?”
“Early, almost time to get up.”
“Mrmgrrr,” Willow grumbled incoherently, “I’m so not a morning person.”
Tara couldn’t help but smile, all the while gently stroking Willow’s bare shoulder. “Maybe, but on the bright side, it makes you a night person and I can verify...you are most
definitely a night person.”
A cheeky grin spread across Willow’s face as she threaded her fingers through Tara’s tangled blonde hair; placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “Mhmmm, last night was wonderful and waking up to your beautiful face, makes it just that much better, my love.” Willow leaned forward, no longer able to resist, she slowly began placing butterfly kisses all over Tara’s face and eventually ending with her lips.
In what began as a soft, endearing kiss quickly began to escalate and become quite passionate. Their hands began to travel across their naked, heated bodies. They were totally lost and had completely forgotten why they were awake so early in the first place, when the obnoxious beep of the alarm clock sounded loudly.
Willow groaned in frustration and dropped her head on Tara’s shoulder. “Just five more minutes,” She plead, sounding like a small child.
Tara chuckled as she reached to silence the obnoxious device. “As if we could finish in just five minutes,” The blonde smirked.
“How about you shower first?” Willow mumbled into Tara’s neck.
Tara shook her head, “Oh no way, you’ll just fall back to sleep and I’ll never get you out of bed.”
Willow groaned incoherently once again, finally pushing up and reluctantly sliding out of bed.
Tara smiled as she watched her naked lover slowly shuffle cross the room, before getting up herself and starting the coffee.
**************************************************************
An hour and a half later, as Tara navigated through thick morning traffic, she glanced over at her uncharacteristically quiet girlfriend. Willow looked apprehensive as she stared aimlessly out the car window.
“So,” Tara began, breaking the defining silence, “Did you talk to the girls about coming over tomorrow night?”
Willow shifted in her seat, “Yeah, everyone is coming and bringing a date or what-not. It looks like around twenty-ish?” Willow chuckled, “Normally, half don’t bother showing up, but somehow I don’t think that’ll be a problem tomorrow.”
Tara returned the smile, “What about
she who shall not be named? “Well, Stacey said she hasn’t seen her since she left her apartment on Sunday.” Willow sighed deeply, “I hope she’s alright. Even though she’s a supreme pain in my ass, I don’t want anything bad to happen to her.”
Tara’s brow knotted in concern, “Do you think she is dangerous to herself...or others?”
“I don’t think so, I just worry; she’s incredibly self destructive.”
Tara nodded again, “I know the type...very well,” She replied cryptically.
Willow’s interests were now piqued, there were so many things she didn’t know about Tara. Willow’s life was a virtual open book, especially since the trip to Texas, but Tara’s was a different story. Tara was guarded and had become such a pro at keeping things to herself, that she sometimes failed to even discuss them with Willow.
Willow knew very little about Tara’s personal life before they met and had only been introduced to a few select friends. Willow didn’t think that Tara was doing it on purpose, but she took any opportunity given to find out more. Unfortunately, just as she opened her mouth to speak, Tara announced they’d reached their destination. So Willow decided to file her questions away for another time; she was far too excited for that conversation now.
In the three and a half years that Willow had lived in LA, she’d driven past the mammoth studio lot dozens of times and had even taken the tour when her family came to visit. Willow wasn’t obsessed, by any means, but she’d always wondered about the goings on inside the huge compound. She craned her neck, looking up at the iconic white stucco arches as their car passed underneath and they entered through the Melrose gate; she was awash in goosebumps.
Finally coming to a stop at the guard shack, an older gentleman in a navy blue uniform stepped out to greet them. “Mornin’ Miss. Maclay,” He said warmly.
Tara smiled in return, “Good morning Earl. How are you today?” She asked as they made small talk for the next several minutes.
Willow was only vaguely aware of the conversation as she took in her surroundings. The grand entrance was opulent, and a little daunting, with it’s towering palms and custom wrought-iron gate work. As she continued to gaze about, the historical significance of the place began to sink in as she thought about the iconic figures that had passed through these very gates over the years.
With that thought still fresh in her mind she glanced in Tara’s direction and she realized that she was entering with an iconic figure herself.
My girlfriend is an icon. That sounds so weird, I never thought of her like that before. I mean, I’ve thought of her being a movie star, but not a legend. Oh God, I’m sleeping with a legend! “Wiiiilloooow, sweetie? Hello...” Tara said gently rubbing Willow’s shoulder and breaking her out of her mind babble.
“Huh? Oh, I mean...yes?” Willow asked sheepishly.
“I need your driver’s license and then you need to sign something.”
“Um okay, here.” Willow reached into her wallet and pulled out her license, handing it to Tara who in turn handed it to Earl. The guard copied some of the information on to a form and then handed the clipboard to Tara through the window.
“Here baby, sign the bottom, okay?” Tara smiled as she handed everything, including a pen to her girlfriend.
Willow signed diligently, “Tare, what exactly am I signing?” Willow asked as she handed the clipboard back to Tara.
Tara smiled sweetly, “The application for an electronic gate pass and an ID card.” Willow looked confused as Tara tried to explain. “Like the one on my windshield? This way you can come and go anytime you want.”
Willow gulped audibly, “Really?” She replied, barely squeaking the word out and receiving a nod from Tara in return.
With the paperwork signed, Earl handed the blonde Willow’s license with a carbon copy of the form she’d signed, a detailed map of the studio lot and a temporary ID card. He knelt down and peered in the window, “Welcome to Paramount, Miss Rosenberg,” Earl said, smiling warmly in Willow’s direction. “This is only a temporary card, you’ll need to take this information over to the main office where they’ll photograph you and issue the permanent card as well as the electronic decal for your car; you can enter through any gate and the card grants you full access. Make sure you keep this with you at all times while you’re on the lot, okay?”
“I will and thank you!” Willow replied as she took the information from Tara.
Willow sat quietly as Tara pulled forward, the orange and white stripped arm of the electronic gate opening for them to enter. She held the temporary card reverently between her fingers; rubbing a thumb across the embossed world famous logo. The same one with the blue mountain and the arch of stars that was painted on the water tower directly in front of them. It was a wonderful surprise, Willow never imagined that Tara would go to the trouble of getting her permanent admittance to the studio. She figured that Tara might put her on a guest list or something, but this was completely different and very unexpected.
As they weaved through the maze of buildings and various sets, Tara gave Willow a sort of impromptu guided tour; pointing out where various shows were currently taped and where classic movies such as,
Rear Window, To Catch a Thief and
The Postman Always Rings Twice. were filmed. To say that Willow was impressed with Tara’s intricate knowledge of classic films, was putting it mildly. As they pulled to a stop, Willow was still in awe of Tara and staring with a goofy grin plastered across her face.
“What? Too much?” Tara asked.
Willow leaned forward, “You. Are. Amazing.” She said, punctuating each word with a kiss.
“Ummm, you’re not so bad yourself.” They continued kissing and giggling for several moments, before heading inside.
*****************************************************************
The morning began as a whirlwind of activity and never seemed to settle, causing the redhead to feel a tad overwhelmed.
After dropping their things in Tara’s dressing room, they immediately headed to hair and make-up, where Pam worked her magic; transforming Tara Maclay into Laurel Grant in less than an hour. Tara introduced Willow to other cast members as they trickled in and she listened quietly as they chatted about random subjects. Shanna made a ‘grand entrance,’ and pretended to not recall ever meeting Willow. She completely took over the room and Willow noticed, on several occasions, seeing her look towards Tara and then smirk; whispering cattily to her stylist.
When Tara was done in make-up, she was whisked away to wardrobe, where the transformation was completed. Willow’s girlfriend had disappeared and a straight, over-sexed single gal had taken her place. Tara emerged in four inch black stiletto’s, a thigh high leather miniskirt and a very revealing leopard print silk shirt. Part of Willow had to resist the urge to throw a blanket over the woman and cover her from prying eyes. Another part, couldn’t stop staring and admiring Tara’s many attributes.
Willow was tired just watching the prep-work unfold and they had yet to shoot a single scene. She was beginning to wonder just how
anything even got made at this rate. Finally, after several hours into the morning, they settled in to shoot the scene.
Willow sat in Tara’s designated director’s chair and watched the goings on in rapt fascination. There were dozens of people, constantly working behind the scenes, to make sure every detail was exact. From item placement on the set to the actors hair to cameras and lights. It was organized chaos at its finest.
Instead of filming in front of a live studio audience, as many sitcoms are, ‘Grants Park’ was shot on a closed soundstage. The show was then edited, shown to a live audience and the laugh tracks added later. Tara had explained this to Willow several weeks back; citing the show’s tendency for quick transitions, flashbacks and flash forwards. There would be no way for a live audience to keep up and it would be insanity to try.
This morning’s scenes were of Laurel desperately vying for the attention of someone she met in the concession line at a Cubs game. A brutally handsome man that, for unknown reasons, doesn’t seem to be effected by Laurel’s smoldering sexuality. Laurel sees his indifference as a challenge and goes on a hilarious mission to change his mind, much to the chagrin of her male roommate; who has also been in love with her since college.
Once the scene was wrapped, they all broke for lunch. Willow and Tara picked up salads from the Kraft food table and retreated to Tara’s dressing room. After they finished, Tara procured a golf cart and they drove over to the main office to turn in Willow’s paperwork and wait for them to print out an ID card as well as issue her a gate pass. Once the errand was complete, they rushed back to the set where Tara immediately began the arduous task of changing her appearance for the final afternoon shoot.
***********************************************************
By mid-afternoon, they were all back on the set and filming began again. Only this time Willow wasn’t enjoying it as much as she had earlier. The final scenes of the day centered around Laurel, not only making out with the handsome stranger, but doing it in bed with the illusion of being naked with pre and post coital snuggling.
Willow had watched as Tara disappeared for several moments backstage and then reappeared, having changed into a flesh colored tube top and shorts; still showing an ample amount of skin and cleavage, before crawling under the covers to start the scene.
Prior to every other scene, Tara had made a point to glance in Willow’s direction and wink at the redhead before the camera’s started to roll. However this time, she did not make any effort to do so and there was no eye contact whatsoever. She simply went into character and began the scene.
Willow felt cold and did her best to keep up appearances, she could feel multiple eyes on her, including Shanna’s during the scene. They all seemed to be waiting for a negative reaction, but Willow wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction, even though she felt about a hundred shades of uncomfortable on the inside.
Logically she knew Tara was acting, but her heart felt like it was being crushed. Her chest physically hurt. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea for her to visit the set when Tara had a love scene or kissed someone or looked at someone or maybe Willow should just steer clear altogether, because she felt like she just might explode with jealousy. It was all she could do to stay in her seat. Part of her wanted to leap on stage and punch the other actor straight in the face and another part of her wanted to run away, but mostly she just wanted it to end. Unfortunately for Willow, it droned on with multiple takes and it was nearly two hours before the director declared it a wrap.
As soon as they wrapped, there was a hardy round of applause followed by a rush of movement. It reminded Willow of ants after their anthill is stomped on. There was suddenly motion everywhere as the crew began rushing around and breaking down the equipment for the holiday break.
Willow stood awkwardly and backed herself into the nearest wall to stay out of the way and not get run over by an overzealous grip. She watched as Tara threw on a robe; chatting and hugging several of her co-stars before making her way over to Willow.
Tara knew the moment she looked at her girlfriend that she was upset. She had only seen Willow like this once before and it had been during a confrontation with Sheila. All the signs were there, the pensive face, her arms crossed defensively across her chest and how she was nervously bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Tara took a deep breath and without saying a word, she gently uncrossed Willow’s arms, laced their fingers together and pulled her towards the dressing room. Once inside with the door closed, Tara excused herself to the restroom, washed her face and put her hair up in a loose ponytail before returning to find Willow sitting on the couch; her knees pulled tightly up to her chest.
Once again, Tara lovingly unraveled her lover, pulling her up off the couch and into a tight embrace. Finally, after a long moment she felt Willow relax into her body and begin to respond.
Tara nuzzled Willow’s neck and whispered into her ear, “I love
you Willow.” She felt the redhead respond immediately by tightening her grip.
“I love you too,” Willow mumbled into Tara’s neck, relaxing for the first time in hours.
Tara broke the hug, backing up just enough to see her lovers face; cupping her cheeks and pulling her into a tender kiss.
“Sorry baby,” Willow muttered.
“No, it’s okay, I understand...really.”
“Do you feel...you know...when you’re
doing it? Willow squirmed uncomfortably at the mere thought of Tara
doing it with someone else, not to mention enjoying it.
The blonde shook her head vehemently. “No, not at all.” She looked off in the distance for a moment, to gather her thoughts. It was the first time she’d ever had to explain kissing and sex scenes to a girlfriend or anyone for that matter. “I don’t really
feel anything. I’m usually more worried about making it look authentic, especially since the only time I ever kiss guys is on screen and have very little experience in real life.”
Willow took a minute to digest this new information, she’d never thought of it that way. It wasn’t like Tara was going to magically switch teams because she kissed someone of the opposite sex or even fall in love with them.
Was she? Willow squeezed her eyes shut. It was acting, after all and even though it looked
real, it wasn’t and she was just going to have to wrap her head around that concept.
Plus, it’s part of Tara’s job, it’s happened before and it’ll happen again. Ugh... “Tare, I’m sorry...I didn’t think it would effect me like this. I’ve seen you do it on TV and in movies but this...this was different. I don’t think I’ve ever been so jealous in my entire life. I...I wanted to beat the snot out of that guy.”
Tara chuckled softly, “Now you know how I felt when Robby kissed you.” Willow laughed slightly as well. “Hey, there’s my girl.”
“And you’re mine...forever?” Willow whispered, looking up with hopeful puppy dog eyes.
Tara leaned in and kissed Willow deeply, “Yes baby...forever.”