FIC: The Crying Game (AU)

[MorganArcher]

can i just say that i LOVE lostsoul's icon?

how CUTE is that?

of course i loved the update too! i get my own vicarious smoochies through fanfic

Morgan

"Hey! Respect the narrative flow, much?"

[MissQuirky]

Awww Vix, Loved the update!! Willow's babbly goodness w/ Liz was just too cute! Telling a mother u think their daughter is hot doesn't usually go too well, but this time it did! Maybe its because Liz is a sweetie just like Tara - yeah that seems bout right!



Tara is scaring me, she definitely needs some sleep and Willow cuddles - very needed! Hopefully nothing serious is up w/ her!



Joyce, Joyce, Joyce!! She kills me!! That was really funny! The pot, the accusing, and the seeing orange,! Hopefully she'll get it soon - but actually its more fun w/o her knowing... until there's confrontation w/ Dawn!



Can't wait 4 more, Vix!!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[pikescoob]

hehe mermaid smut does sound kinda weird but it's all good cuz it's W/T cool update...loved Willow's thoughts in the beginning. i feel for Tara cuz i know what it's like to deal with something like that i'm sure it helps loads to know that she has Willow to be by her side. can't wait for the next bit



--Michelle

[Plastixs]

I just wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed the story so far. I really glad that Tara's mom finally got to meet Willow. It's great that they bonded together so quickly. It was a touching & sweet scene. I look forward to your next update.



Ron

[vix84]

Tara22: Heya! I’m still plotting your bold feedback (in your fic), don’t worry. Hehehe. Thanks so much for the feedback! It’s nice to know (and kinda funny, too) that you were rollin! Yay! Hehe and thanks for the utmost respect for my posting talent, I try…



Mollyig: I’m glad you liked the babble. Don’t be scared for poor woozy Tara, she’s not going anywhere…I'll keep her safe for you



LostSoul: A ‘yay’ is good enough! Thanks for reading and feedback…any feedback is good feedback, whether it’s long feedback or short feedback. OK I’m bordering on Willow-babble.



Barnabasvamp: Thanks for the nice words! Ooh, you’re very patient to wait for smoochies. *looks relieved* Don’t worry, eventuallllly (after angst and all those kinds of sucky things) there’ll be smoochies and smutty goodness. I promise!



MorganArcher: I love the icon too! *swoon* Yes, yay for vicarious smoochies. They’re always good, fanfic or not…



MissQuirky:

Quote:

---

Telling a mother u think their daughter is hot doesn't usually go too well, but this time it did!

---

Hehe, have you tried? Yeah, I have to agree that Liz is a sweetie. I’m glad u liked the Joyce parts, I was hoping someone would find the orange bit funny (for some reason I did…you must have the same QUIRKY sense of humour )



Pikescoob: Yeah, mermaid smut is kinda strange sounding. but it’ll be ok. We can get through it. We can be strong, like amazons! Actually, I think it might be kinda fun

You said that you’ve had to deal with a similar situation to Tara, I hope I’m writing it OK. I’ve never really experienced it, so it’s all coming out of my head. But yeah, with Willow around, she can get through anything.



Plastixs: Hey Ron. Welcome! Thanks so much for reading. I’m glad you like Liz and Willow bonding, I always thought that they would have really loved each other in the Buffyverse. *sigh* Thank god for fanfic, to make everything possible…

-------------------------

After the moon went
down...

Tara, 'Seeing Red'

[pikescoob]

Okay I'm in for the mermaid smut hehe. I think you're doing a great job. There really isn't a right or wrong way to write something like that cuz everyone goes through situations differently and I think you're writing it very well



--Michelle

[barnabasvamp]

Oh gods, I have to suffer thru angst to get to the smoochies and smut!

Well.......I suppose. I know you will make it worth the wait

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[Tara22]

Heya Vixy! I eagerly await your bold feedback! glad you liked my feedback ( or should I say review cause I am really overusing the word feedback here (gosh darnnit! I used it again)...) there is plenty more where that came from, all I need is a little insentive , although my intentions may be seen as not entirely honourable and...uh...sorta supiscious, don't ask me why....



no, but seriously! Take a bow

Edited by: Tara22 at: 10/9/02 5:35:29 pm

[MissQuirky]

Quote:

---

Hehe, have you tried? Yeah, I have to agree that Liz is a sweetie. I’m glad u liked the Joyce parts, I was hoping someone would find the orange bit funny (for some reason I did…you must have the same QUIRKY sense of humour )

---

Of course i've told a mother their daughter was a hottie b4, well it kinda slipped out but i didn't go into a babble fest like Will. I just stood there w/ a look of shock cos i couldn't believe i said it! - She wasn't too pleased tho! But yet i dated the girl for 2 yrs! So have u?



And yes the orange bit was really funny! It pretty much got me LMAO! So yes guess we do share the same QUIRKY sense of humor!



Will there more fic sooooon?!?! I'd Love some!



~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[barnabasvamp]

Hey Ashley ;

We got an update and it was great.



For the record, I told a Mom and Dad what a hottie they had, and even though I told them I would be good to her, I didn't get quite the reaction Willow got. Her Father forbid me to come to their house again!! And her Mom said it was my fault! Imagine that, us lesbians have the "power" to change straight girls, who would have guessed



Oh No look what you've started

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[MissQuirky]

Hey BV



Awww them mean parents, there ... So what happened w/ u and this girl, hmm? And converting straight girls to come join our side is my specialty!



I haven't started anything BV, prolly no one else has ever told a parent they think their daughter is a hottie - or am i wrong? I know i'm wrong so anyone else wanna share?



~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[vix84]

Pikescoob: You're in? Great...mermaid smut comin' right up (well, in a couple of updates)... Thanks for the reassurance btw, it means a lot.



Barnabasvamp: Don't worry, not much angst. I hate the stuff, personally, but felt the urge to throw in a little.

Quote:

---

we got an update

---

*looks shocked* Umm, are u and Ashley in business? Evil plotting to get more updates? Damn, well it worked! I'm about to post the next chapter *grr*



Tara22 OK, dammit, the wink did it. Update = ready for posting. Uni work = not started. But yay for feedback. Oh, and I emailed you



MissQuirky: Great tangent, Ashley. It rocks! We so need this thread in the kitten. No, I've actually told a mother that, but I've received a look from a mother that I translated to stay the hell away from my daughter, bitch!

Wow, converting straight girls is your specialty? Not a bad specialty to have, if I may say so... *nods* everyone listen to Ashley, and share ur stories if u have them. They crack me up!

Ooh I am SO going to have Tara make a comment to Mrs Rosenburg.



update coming in like 10 mins, after lunch

-------------------------

After the moon went
down...

Tara, 'Seeing Red'

Edited by: vix84 at: 10/9/02 8:14:39 pm

[Tara22]

yay!!!! Now I'm all excited! update! update!! oh, and I'm way ahead of you, email read AND replied to *smiles proudly until she realises that she should actually have been doin work instead of checking her email...*



Go Vix!!



really? It was my wink? *writes that down* hehe, thanks for that

Tara: Every time I... even when I'm at my worst, you
always make me feel special. How
do you do that?





Willow: Magic

Edited by: Tara22  at: 10/9/02 8:42:22 pm

[vix84]

Part Fourteen



“Oh my god! Major pangs of jealousy comin’ your way, Liz.” Willow sipped the orange juice and looked gleefully at Liz. “Tara must have looked so adorable in her Cat in the Hat costume! All with the little whiskers and tail, and her cute nose painted black…I wish I’d seen her.”



“Yes, she was definitely adorable. She won the year two Book Week prize for it, and was so happy. She was walking around the house reciting quotes for weeks. I actually have a photo of her, in the special album that we take out to embarass Tara and Donnie at family occasions."



"Cute! I can't wait to see it."



"Oh, there's a picture that far outdoes that one, I have to show you. It's from her freshman dance. She and a couple of friends decided to dress up in outfits inspired by Britney Spears…”



Liz giggled at Willow’s horrified facial expression. “Yeah and she went all the way. Black fishnets, ripped glittering tank-top, push-up bra, pigtails, red leather boots, lots of black eye-liner and very dark lips. I helped her put her outfit together, we had so much fun. But you can't imagine how much trouble they got into! The Principle received so many complaints from concerned parents that he had to talk to each girl privately in his office. And as he sat there, lecturing them about public morality and all that sort of rubbish, Tare told me that he drooled down her neck!”



Willow could not blame him for the drool. She was nearly drooling on Liz's neck, just thinking about Tara in her Britney costume. Desperately she tried to focus. Imagining Tara’s ripped top and push-up bra was becoming damaging to her mental health. Breath, Willow. Breath.



“Wow. That sounds really..." Willow tried to think of a better word but couldn't, "yummy. I didn’t know the vixen had it in her! Half naked in front of all her school. I’m scared of even doing a book report in front of a class!”



“Well, not so much half naked... Ninety-percent naked would be more like it. And you didn’t know she had it in her?” Liz smiled saucily. “Oh, right, coz the Mermaid costumes are just so tame.” She let her eyes flicker over the skimpy bikini and exposed Willow-tummy and tried hard not to laugh at Willow’s beet-red face.



“Oh! Err, various sounds of hesitation….” Willow was worried. She thinks I corrupted her daughter! Wait, no, Tara already was corrupted, if the Britney performance says anything. So, ohhhh. Whoops, she thinks Tara corrupted me! Oh no! Willow realised she had to speak up and defend her girlfriend's honour.



“Umm, Liz, T-Tara didn’t corrupt me. She, uh...What I mean is, the costumes were my idea. All mine. In fact, I had to pressure her into wearing it in public, because she was worried that the ship would be cold, and you know what happens when you wear skimpy tops and…get…cold, and y-your nipples start…” Willow trailed off miserably, horrified by her own words. She kept forgetting that there was a level of formality one had to observe with mothers, no matter how nice and down-to-earth they might be. "Sorry, Liz", she mumbled with genuine remorse. "You didn't really need to hear about our cold nipples, did you."



Liz tried to look stern. She succeeded for exactly six seconds, then burst - to Willow's astonishment - into laughter. She was almost gasping. “Willow, I know exactly what happens with skimpy tops and coldness! The infamous Nipple Freeze. Tara and I are almost professors of the subject. We've spent many afternoons debating the intricacies of it all.” She smirked at the red-head’s amazement. “Oh, and you most certainly are a vixen. I’d never dream of denying it!”



“Thank you. Whoa, you two are Professors of Nipple-Freeze? An intriguing profession.”



“It truly is. Uh, Willow, there’s something I wanted to discuss with you.”



Willow looked nervous.



“Don’t be nervous, sweetie. It’s not bad. Just about magic…a subject that I gather you're very informed on?”



“Darn tootin'." Willow was looking happier. "Magic, there’s a subject I can discuss quite happily. Even a book report in front of a class wouldn't bother me, if magic was the name of that book. So, what is it you wanted to discuss?”



“Well, it’s about Tara. I guess you’ve noticed by now that she is very hesitant to use magic." Liz paused, looking at Willow coyly. "You’re probably feeling very, uh, frustrated. No matter how much you urge her, she’s probably resisting to use it. Umm, did she tell you about her past?”



Willow nodded. “You mean with Jess, right?”



“Yes. Tara is still convinced that, without her interference, Jess would still be alive.” She silenced Willow – a gentle finger over the lips – and continued. “I know, it sounds silly to us. We can’t understand it. But Tara’s an extremely sensitive soul. She perceives things differently; has different understandings of values, actions and consequences. She is a strong believer in fate. So she thinks that she was destined to play a vital part in Jess’s downfall, by giving Jess the powerful anchor she needed to perform the Bramble. And she can't forgive herself for that.”



Liz suddenly stopped. “Wait, you do know what I’m talking about, right? The Bramble and all?”



“Yes.” For once, Willow was able to control the babble. She was very curious, fascinated, to hear Liz’s interpretation.



“OK. Well, recently, while I was in hospital, I asked Tara to perform a spell for me. I pretended it was more important than it was, because I knew she would only practice magic if I really needed her to. She performed the spell, and as she did I checked her aura.” Liz’s voice was unsteady. “She’s extremely imbalanced. Her aura was once a magnificent violet. Now it’s brown, maroon. Murky. It's clogged, and she can't handle external energy anymore. Her mind and emotions are not under the amount of control that she's used to, and she doesn't know what to do about it." Liz suddenly realised that Willow was barely breathing.



“Will, I'm sorry. It''s not as serious as it sounds, don’t be too worried. It just means that peoples' emotions and thoughts will influence hers. It will be very sudden, and she most probably won’t be able to cope with the anxiety it causes her. She might get nosebleeds or migraines, or even faint. I’m just telling you this so you know what to look out for.”



Willow was a little bit more calm. “So this could happen at any time?”



“Yes. Well, particularly when there is a lot of emotion present. If someone is crying their heart out. If someone is celebrating a very happy occasion. Whether the emotion is sorrow or joy, an emotion she loves or hates, it will effect her if it's strong enough.”



“Wait a minute." Willow jumped up, terrified. "She just went downstairs. What if there is…”



“She’s fine, sweetie. You know that. We’d both feel it if she wasn’t.” Liz spoke earnestly.



“But how come you let her go? Shouldn’t we be around her as much as possible, to check that she’s not having a blacky-aura mood?”



Liz smiled at Willow’s innate urge to protect her daughter. “She needed quiet, Will. She isn't dealing with other people's energies very well. There's a lot of energy in this room, and too much of it will only make things worse for her. Will, honey, this isn’t permanent. I’ve been clearing her auras in my meditation and I’m going to teach her how to get through this. She’ll be able to practice magic again, eventually, don’t worry.” Liz looked away for a minute, almost mysteriously. Willow wondered how she was planning to teach Tara these things, considering the time limits, but decided not to probe into it. Liz obviously had something up her sleeve, something planned.



Willow suddenly thought of something. She looked quizzically at Liz. “Out of interest, why did you assume I’d be so ‘frustrated’ about Tara not using magic? I mean, yay it’s all romantic to…well, float a rose or something like that, but I don’t see why you expected me to be all angsty.”



Crap. I am SO not in the mood for this. Liz wished that there was a witch version of ‘ Where Did I Come From’. She had absolutely zero desire to ever teach Willow and Tara the many erotic secrets of the craft. That was something they’d need to learn together. Without her around.



She smiled, rather smugly. “I’m not going to elaborate. But you’ll know what I’m talking about one day. When you get to that, uh, milestone with Tara.”



Noticing Willow’s confusion and the disappointed pout, she added, “OK, I’ll leave you with one word. Levitation. Someday soon, the dictionary definition of that word is going to change for you. Drastically.” Restraining a giggle, she smirked at Willow.



***



"Here, have a taste."



Something very strong-smelling was pressed to Tara's nose. She breathed in, like the voice told her to, and nearly passed out again. It smelt like...mung beans, she thought, and fertiliser. And burnt hair, maybe. Shit. It's the guy that was following me before. Act calm. Tara lifted her head slowly and peered in the direction that the voice was coming from.



"Look, love, I wouldn't move around so much if I were you. You need to preserve the energy, not have a race to lose it as quickly as possible."



Male. Blond. Sunken cheeks. 5"8. Must...remember this. I need to distract him while I look for a weapon. Tara was convinced that she was being kidnapped.



"Where did you take me, asshole?" She tried to sound tough but it came out as a squeak. Her blues eyes rested on a toilet roll. It was the only object in the room.



He caught her staring at it and laughed. "Yeah, we've just moved in. Don't have many supplies yet, unfortunately. Listen, you're safe, Miss. I..." he continued to speak but the words were merging into one long word, for Tara. Her eyes were closing drowsily, and the man was slowly fading away, becoming part of the walls.



"Willow..." she whispered, then fell asleep.



***



Willow grinned. “You know, Liz, I really wish I’d gotten to know you earlier,” she exclaimed. “I’m having so much fun with you.”



“I know! I love talking about Tara with you. You know, there is one good thing about meeting now, instead of earlier. I met you as Tara’s lover instead of Tara’s friend. And I’m so glad about that.”



Willow’s eyes sparkled. “Thank you, Liz.”



She suddenly looked down. “If I told my mother she’d be revolted. She’d be disgusted with Tara and I. She wouldn’t be able to look me in the eyes ever again.” The unfairness of the situation was sinking in, and Willow was getting worked up. “But you can see our love… and you understand, and you…you’re leaving us.” Willow hated herself for ruining their moment together by crying.



“Will…” She lifted Willow’s chin with a wonderfully tender touch. Willow recognised it instantly as Tara’s. “It doesn’t matter what I think. Or what your mother thinks. You’re very happy with Tara, right?”



“Hello, award for ‘Understatement of the Day’ goes to Liz Maclay! Hey, that rhymes. ” Willow giggled through her tears.



Then she whispered, “She’s my everything.”



“Yes. And I know that she adores you. You enchant her world, and give her the light that she will desperately need.” Liz smiled sadly, “I love both of you, but I need you both to trust me. I’m not l-leaving. Sure, my body will be gone, but metaphysically there’ll be no difference. You know that as well as I do, Willow, right? Whether you learnt it from your religion, or it’s inherent in your soul, you know that I’d never leave you two.”



She leant over to give Willow a quick hug. “As for your mother, she could surprise you. You never know. You might be showered with ‘Mazal Tovs’ and taken for a celebratory lunch with her and Tara.” She paused, thinking. “If she does treat you or Tara badly, shield yourself. Picture yourself in a bubble that she cannot permeate. You don't need magic for this. Just shield yourself, and trust in the goddess to protect you. There’s no reason that any thoughts or actions should affect you. Let them just float past you. Let them be impermanent, like breath.”



She closed her eyes, listening to her heart. “You two are meant for each other. Let your love rise above all else.” These words were barely more than a breath, but were permanent for Willow.



***



"Mornin', love. Feeling better? No more fairies in the head?" He laughed. "At one stage I was really worried. You were talking about mermaids and willows. It was a bit strange, but I figured you needed your rest."



Tara stared. Why the fuck am I still in this room with these people? "Excuse me, can I please leave now?"



She ignored the fact that she was being kidnapped. Maybe a simple request would work. Maybe he was stupid enough.



"Of course you can leave. I'm not holding you hostage or anything." He laughed, then extended his hand. "Are you awake enough for introductions? I'm Dr Smith. Call me William, though."



"Huh? Doctor?" Tara sat up and looked around the room. Her cheeks flushed deeply as she realised where she was.



"I'm in the hospital, aren't I..." Tara couldn't believe how stupid she was. She could be sitting comfortably with Willow and her mom, and instead she was in a pale green room, talking to a freakish male doctor with bleached hair.



"Yes. You seem to be doing much better."



Both jumped as there was a knock on the door.



"Excuse me?"



The door opened and a woman stepped inside, looking nervously at the room's inhabitants. She noticed that there was someone lying on the chair. "Is this a bad time?"



"No, no, the more the merrier." William held out a hand which the woman ignored. Tara didn't blame her, his fingers were stained with some yellow-ish substance. She grimaced.



"My name is Joyce. Joyce Summers."



Tara nearly fell off the chair. She swivelled her head and smiled weakly at Buffy's mother. "Hi."



Joyce was in quite a state. She was still obsessing over Sharon's fall to the 'dark' side, and didn't notice that the girl was Tara.



Oh, wow, she didn't recognise me. Tara was relieved, then suddenly felt stupid for thinking that Joyce would have noticed her in the first place. Sheesh, we only met for two minutes at the little dinner gathering. As if she'd remember me, brain.



"You're the new Counselling unit, am I correct?"



William nodded. "Indeed. You've come to the right place if you have problems."



"Oh, oh good. I just needed to talk to you about my daughter, and see what advice you had. She's only sixteen. Sixteen! And I think she's using...m-marijuana. When I was sixteen I'd never even heard of it..."



Tara stood up. "I think I should go. This lady obviously wants to speak in private. Thanks for helping me before."



William's smile faded. "Look, before you go, I'm very sorry about before, pet. What I said outside, near the rubbish bins. I'm new here, so I.."



Tara was suddenly very tired. She felt like locking herself in the bathroom and crying, like the first time she saw Willow. "Look, you don't need to explain, Dr. I forgive you. I just want to go and see my mother now."



Tara wasn’t seeing anything, absorbing anything, understanding anything other than the fact that her mother was dying. And that she wasn't there with her.



"Bye."



***



“Wait a minute,” Willow spoke up nervously. “Tare hasn’t been back, and it’s been a while. I'm getting that feeling that you were talking about before. Something isn't right.”



Liz looked pensive. “I know. I feel it too.”



“I’ll go and look for her.” Willow was already halfway out the room, when she turned around to say, “I’ll come back and let you know wh…”



“That's OK. I’ll know when you two are together.”



Liz waited for Willow to leave. Then she closed her eyes, pressed oil to her wrist, and internally called Dawn.



***



“Bloody hell.” Rupert sighed with frustration, watching the piece of paper – on which he had written all the important information – fly into the distance.



He’d been searching for Ms Rosenburg for over an hour, to no avail. Tracing witches that were casting spells was simple enough, but once the spell was completed and about half an hour had passed, it was impossible. He had been lead to Sunnydale Hospital, but then the trace had ended suddenly. At the most inconvenient time.



He took off his baseball cap, adjusted the tightness, then replaced it on his head. The heat was getting to him. He sniffed the air, searchingly, then felt humiliated as a woman stared at him.



“Excuse me mister, do you need help?” An elderly woman was peering at him with bemusement.



“Erm, I’m fine, just trying to…” he stopped as the tracer came back suddenly, unexpectedly. She was upstairs, inside the hospital. He smiled apologetically at the woman and almost ran upstairs.



He was in such a rush that he forgot to check if it even was Willow that he had traced.



***



Willow was checking the outside of the hospital for what felt like the millionth time when a piece of paper landed on her foot. She picked it up.



“What the…” she froze. The paper was a list of information about her. How long she’d been practicing magic. How powerful she was. Where she worked. Where she lived. Ohmygod. Nightmares coming true! All my conspiracy theories were right, after all! She stared at the parking lot, feeling extremely paranoid.



Realising she didn't have time, she shoved the note into her pocket and continued to run. Up escalators, down corridors, past rooms filled with sickness. She was on the fifth floor when she heard, “Ms Rosenburg?”



Shit. This can't be happening. "Yes?" Willow's tone was icy.



The older man looked very relieved. “Thank goodness I found you. I must speak to you immediately. Perhaps we can find a quiet place?”



“I am going to call the police in twenty-seconds unless you disappear. Right now."



"Please, hear me out. This is extremely important. The Witches' Council are planning to..."



She cut him off. "Stop stalking me. I'll get a restraining order. This isn't funny any more." She pulled the note out of her pocket and ripped it up in front of him.



Then she turned and ran, missing the immense look of fear on his face. Not realising what a mistake she'd just made.

_______________

TBC...

-------------------------

After the moon went
down...

Tara, 'Seeing Red'

Edited by: vix84 at: 10/25/02 10:24:22 pm

[xita]

oh wow, story is really going places. What is going on? And still our girls haven't gotten any private time.. I love liz though. She's a great mom.

- - - - - - - - - - - -
Tara and Willow

Accept NO subsitutes

[aiscool]

Thanks for the update!! I liked Tara's mom and Willow hanging out talking about nipples and "levitation"

[mollyig]

I like that Liz felt she could talk to Willow about Tara's reticence to use magic, it shows how much she trusts her with Tara. Lovely.

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[Tara22]

Vix!!! That was amazing!!! loved it!!! loved it!!!! (ok, stopping with the exclamation marks now)



I was laughing SOOO hard during the Tara as Britney Spears part, and the levitation, oh god! and the professors of Nipple Freeze!!!...



and oh my gosh for Tara and the nosebleeds and sickness thing but at least she'll have Willow with her!



I was nearly crying during the Liz saying how she'll never really be gone... so sad!!



and then the Joyce and mariguana thing again! funny as!



and to finish it of the mystery, dum DUM DUM!

what's up with Rupert....



(ok, I SO just summarised your entire update... oh well *shrugs*)



It was all so good!!!



Edited cause I just noticed that I am now a sassy eggs, woohoo! I think... I mean Willowhand was deffinitly cool, but so is sassy eggs and so.... ok, yeah, you get the idea...

Tara: Every time I... even when I'm at my worst, you
always make me feel special. How
do you do that?





Willow: Magic

Edited by: Tara22  at: 10/22/02 7:05:42 pm

[barnabasvamp]

Vix;

Thank you, Thank you



*puts head down a little and looks up sheepishly* Yes, Ashley and I are a harassing duo, right Ash? And as you can see, we usually get results(although,not always what we were looking for )



This part is soo good. I am still lovin the fact that Tara has such an accepting mom, and the "levitaion" word left me LMAO - well done, I think I know what I have to look forward to

OH NO...The angst you warned me about...Witches council???

Willow???Silly me I thought it would just be about Liz, I remember now-I know you better than that!



Ashley; About the girl...We dated about 4 mos and then she decided to cave to the pressure of her parents (even though she had finished college and was on her own) I say, her loss-gotta be who you are inside to be truly happy!....Say, since your the conversion expert maybe I should give ya her num....naw, nevermind- she's not really worth it!



OK Vix, such a wonderful update grants you a harassment reprieve, but don't wait too long, OK?

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[pikescoob]

Britney Spears costume hehe...kinda gross having the principal drooling over ya, thank God that never happened to me, except my drivers ed teacher did kinda get too "friendly" at times putting his arm around the car seat and leaning over *shiver* oh man Willow just hurried away from someone who was trying to help and now bad things could happen Liz is such a cool mom...i really doubt that Sheila will be anywhere near as understanding. can't wait for more



cool, mermaid smut soon hey no prob, you write very well, i was just being truthful



--Michelle

[LostSoul]

Sorry, all I can say is:



Good update. I can't wait for more!

LostSoul


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"I remember you." - Amber Benson

[MissQuirky]

Hey Vix!



Ooo verrry goood update!! I love Liz more n more each update!! Willow and Liz's chat time was very interesting! But really the only thing i was focusing on durin that time was Levitation and ah... The infamous Nipple Freeze!! I gotta say LOVED it once more!!



Dr. William Smith was kinda freaky at 1st - so were ya tryin to make him remind me of Spike cos thats what happened. And Spike = DR. got me laughing! Joyce comin to him to talk bout her daughter's "problem", my god she should just confront Dawnie bout it! Its getting deeper and deeper than what is really intended. But Joyce is crackin me up bout it and i really don't know how that conversation w/ Dawn would go.



Witches Councel, Giles, Willow!! ALL things i wanna know more of, hopefully it will come soon?



God Vix! That mothers glare said stay the hell away from my daughter, bitch! ... Evil much?! But yeah I hafta say that is pretty much the same reaction i got!... but then she said "Please LEAVE!!" - but still got the daughter of course! And I know coverting straight girls isn't a bad specialty to have! - Very wonderful actually! And yes me and BV r one helluva team of harassers so u better watch it missy! Don't wanna mess w/ us!

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Ashley; About the girl...We dated about 4 mos and then she decided to cave to the pressure of her parents (even though she had finished college and was on her own) I say, her loss-gotta be who you are inside to be truly happy!....Say, since your the conversion expert maybe I should give ya her num....naw, nevermind- she's not really worth it!

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Well ya got 4 months outta her! But yeah her loss!



Vix need more update-y goodness soon, k!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[jaycatt23]

I really really really really like this fic. Despite not particularly liking Britney, Tara as Britney holds intriguing possibilities. And I'm very entertained by her ...er... willingness to dress up.



And while that presents many worthy visual images, Giles in a baseball cap is one that disturbs me.



And

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Levitation. Someday soon, the dictionary definition of that word is going to change for you. Drastically.” Restraining a giggle, she smirked at Willow.



***



"Here, have a taste."

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I'm sorry, but my bad brain made the unholy jump between 'levitation' and 'tasting', and consequentially I was giggling like a school girl for quite a long time.



But seriously, you've got many many different threads of story line on the go here, and they all work, and I can see them coming together well, and did I mention I really like this fic? Even though I've only just found it.



NEED MORE!!!!!!!

[vix84]

Thank you all for the comments!!! OK update is here, is angsty but not for long. There is a good cliffhanger, so be prepared for yay-ness! Oh, and it's kinda long...

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xita: Oh yeah, I noticed that too. Don't worry, 'private' time coming up majorly, next update...



aiscool: Hey there Welcome! Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you liked Liz and Willow's quality time. Ahhh levitation *sigh*



Mollyig: Of course she trusts Will. Liz is insightful enough to know that Willow would never hurt Tara (unlike ). Thanks for the feedback



Tara22: I'm sorry that I made u laugh and nearly cry! Such mixed emotions ! yay, I like when you summarise my updates (you make it sound like they actually make sense, ). Ooh and congrats on becoming sassy eggs, like me! It's a great level, don't u think?



barnabasvamp: Yeah *sigh* it's true that you do get results.

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OK Vix, such a wonderful update grants you a harassment reprieve, but don't wait too long, OK?

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Was this too long? Nah, I think it was just the right amount of time.

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the "levitation" word left me LMAO - well done, I think I know what I have to look forward to

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Ohhhh yeah... you sure do! *wink* *nudge*



Pikescoob: OMG! I also had a drooly driving teacher *shudder*

Oh and yes, mermaid smut very soon. Be warned!



LostSoul: Thanks! More is comin' up right now...



MissQuirky: Hey Ashley Hehe I'm glad you loved the Professors of Nipple Freeze! I figured u might, with the infamous quirky s.o.h. LOL I was wondering if anyone might think of the doctor as Spike, and I'm glad it was u! It's not really spike i guess, he exists in this AU so it logically couldn't be, but I thought it'd be kinda fun to base the DR on him. And give someone a bit of laugh (yay it was u!)

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God Vix! That mothers glare said stay the hell away from my daughter, bitch! ... Evil much?! But yeah I hafta say that is pretty much the same reaction i got!... but then she said "Please LEAVE!!" - but still got the daughter of course!

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Yeah, evil much! I know! Hmm 'please leave' is just as bad...but it all worked out in the end, so that's cool



jaycatt23:

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Giles in a baseball cap is one that disturbs me.

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LMAO! It disturbed me, too! I can't believe that only us two were disturbed by it... Thanks so much for the nice comments! And you cracked me up with the 'levitation' and 'have a taste' connection, I never intended that. no, really!!! *sigh* you don't believe me, do you?

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After the moon went
down...

Tara, 'Seeing Red'

Edited by: vix84 at: 10/12/02 11:38:10 pm

[vix84]

Part Fifteen



William tried to look sympathetic. “Yes, Ms Summers, I realise that all the evidence suggests that she’s using drugs. But…look, I don’t think you’ve done enough research.”



She looked confused. “What do you mean? I read the Woman’s Day spread on teenage drug users! And I borrowed a book from the library, ‘How to identity the problem, and what to do next.’ Great book, that. You really ought to have a copy here.”



He nodded. “Yes, I’m sure it’s a wonderful book. But I don’t think your daughter is a drug user. It seems to me that your daughter might be learning how to become a Wiccan.”



“Sorry, I’m not familiar with that term. Wiccan?”



“Uh. Well, have you…er, seen the TV show Charmed?”



“No, I dislike all American television shows with supernatural themes.”



Wait a minute, Joyce. Supernatural themes equals MAGIC. And Sharon said that…oh…What in god’s name is going on? She stood up, looking defensive. “Look, I don’t know who or what you are. Or why you seem to think my daughter is using magic. Magic doesn’t exist. I mean, sure, when I was little I read C. S. Lewis, and some Ray Bradbury novels. But I never believed them! That would be, sorry if I offend you, ignorant.”



“I’m afraid I didn’t do a good job at explaining this to you. Here,” he grabbed a piece of paper and scrawled a name and telephone number. “Call this man. He’ll be able to help you.”



***



Tara, on leaving William’s office, had gone to the bathroom. She didn’t feel up to walking to her mother’s room, deciding that the walk to the escalator would be too strenuous. And the noisiness of the hotel lobby would be unbearable. She needed the quietness of the bathroom.



For a moment, Tara was completely still. She recalled some of Liz’s meditation techniques and closed her eyes, concentrating. She called to the Goddess to remove unwanted negative energies from her mind, and to allow her to be at peace. Such stillness. Tara could see a lake, a blue so pale that it was almost silver. She focussed on her breathing, allowing her lungs to expand and deflate, bringing her refreshing oxygen. She was more and more relaxed. The lake was glistening, glowing with energies that would replenish her. She saw herself walk towards it and begin to cleanse herself.



Willow.



Tara felt a spark of irritation. The two syllables had brought her back to reality with a thud. Reality brought the heaviness back, almost instantly. With a sigh, she straightened up and opened her eyes. Willow, she had heard the name resonate in her mind. She smiled to herself. Despite her irritation, she was always glad to be reminded of the red-head. She wished Willow was with her now, that she could summon her and she’d be there instantly. She needed a hug.



She debated whether or not to perform a spell. In just seconds she could have Willow by her side. She felt a dull, aching sensation in her lower abdomen which she recognised as fear, and hated herself for being so afraid of simple magicks. Then Tara decided to overcome her anxieties; it'd be worth it, she realised, to have Will by her side. Shutting her eyes she began to whisper ‘Whereever you might be, in darkness or light, may the Goddess bring you sudden insight.’ Then she added her own words, Willow, baby, please come to me.



She felt a spark leave her body, on its way to give Willow a cry for help. Then she waited.



***



“Buff, I’m not seeing Wills anywhere. D’you think that maybe they found a room? The bushes are looking kinda empty.”



Buffy sighed. “Yeah, I guess. We’ll have to go and find some action somewhere else.”



They walked past the hospital, exchanging jokes and giggling.



***



Willow was running. Her lungs ached, begging for her to stop and breath. She had a stitch, too. And her legs were a little sore. But her mind was fiercely intent on finding Tara.



Something brushed past her hair. A soft substance, more transparent and filmy than cobwebs. Very light. It was all around her, tickling her gently. Trying to say something.



Willow let her hand run through it and giggled. It felt the way she imagined a ghost would feel, cool and slippery.



It’s very nice, little cobwebs, but please leave me alone. I’m trying to get somewhere. She continued to walk but they followed her, whispering illegible words in her ears. She suddenly knew. Oh my Goddess, it’s Tara. She needs me.



The webs had given her new energy, and she ran with an unexpected speed and ease. Tara, baby, I’m comin’. Meet me in your mom’s room. And thank you for calling me.



***



Tara felt a warm rush spreading through her veins. Willow was on her way. For the first time in months she was glad to have used magic.



She suddenly felt the strength to walk to her mother’s room.



***



Dawn looked horrified. “What do you mean, they’ll be back in a minute? I don’t want them to see me here, with you…And hey, isn’t this whole Wandering thing supposed to be a surprise for Tara? Why’d you tell her?”



“Dawnie, you know what we both saw. That night when Tara and Willow were in the garden. It just made me realise that we’d done enough. It’s not fair to intrude on her moments with Willow. That’s not what we’re trying to do. So I told her the truth. Please try to understand. It’s Tara. I can’t lie to her.” She looked at Dawn, hoping she would understand. “Also, it wouldn’t have been fair to you if I didn’t tell. You’d have to deal with all of this by yourself later on. I wanted to help you.”



“Thanks, Liz. But isn’t that like part of my Wandery-goodness? The responsibility, I guess, to be able to handle all of those things? So that you don’t have to…” she looked down, a little unsettled.



“That’s sweet of you to want to do that. But I had to tell her.”



Dawn nodded. She took Liz’s hand, entangling their fingers, and squeezed. “Don’t worry Liz,” she whispered, “it’ll be fine.”



The door to Liz’s room swung open unexpectedly. In marched Liz’s husband and son. Behind them, looking slightly dazed, was Tara.



Liz kept her hands entertwined with Dawn’s. She could feel the younger girl’s nervousness pulsating through her.



“Wow. The whole family at once! To what do I owe this pleasure?” Liz smiled.



Donnie leered at Dawn. “Hi there.”



Dawn looked at him uncertainly. “Umm, hi?”



Tara’s father stepped forward. “Liz, how are you feeling?” He ignored the brunette sitting with his wife.



“Umm, a bit better than I was the last time we spoke.” She hugged him and then looked at her son. “Donnie, you changed your hair! It’s red…”



“Thanks for pointing it out, mom, I didn’t notice.” He grinned, a little bit unsure of himself, then reached out to hug Liz. She noticed that his nails were chewed, almost bleeding.



Tara was at the window now. She stepped onto the low chair so that she could see out of the window properly, and rested her arms on the window-sill for support. Willow?



“Tare, baby, are you OK? Where’s Will?”



Liz saw her daughter shrug. “On her way here, hopefully.”



“Who’s Will? Oh, wait, let me guess. You mean that skinny little tart we met at Buffy’s house?” The words left his mouth before he could think about what he was saying. He cringed, feeling guilty, then scowled at himself for mentioning Buffy. He was still really angry that she had barred him from her life.



Tara swung around so fast that Liz worried she would fall off her chair. She walked quickly over to Donnie, grabbing his chin. “Dear little bro.” She waited until his eyes met hers. “Talk about Willow like that again and you will experience pain. A great deal of it.” With one last glare she flounced her way back to the window. Donnie stared, amazed at this side of his sister. One second she was all pouty at the window, the next she was growling like a lioness over her cubs. He hid his fear with a snort.



“Uh, so Tara, you going to inform us then? Was it her that you spent all last night with, or some other random? I’d love to know. And hey, what’s with you suddenly being all large with the butch. It almost suits you, sis. But not…”



Tara looked at him, puzzled. “What, you get off hearing about your sister being with a girl? Because if so, Donnie, I have to say that you scare me.”



“Shut up, Tara.”



She mimicked his voice, “shut up, Donnie.” Where’s Will? Goddess, please make sure that she’s OK.



Tara’s father was off the bed in seconds. “Both of you shut the hell up, now. Don’t you care at all about your mother?”



Liz stared at the three of them with amusement. “No, don’t stop the fight on my account. It’s healthy. Sharing the feelings and all. Carry on.” She winked at Tara and mouthed ‘girl power’.



“Actually,” Tara’s voice was dangerously low, “I do care about my mother. If you’d ever visit the hospital, more than once a fortnight, you might realise that I spend ninety-percent of my life here.”



His eyes were changing. The anger was becoming fear. He knew that he had a problem, he couldn’t cope with his wife’s illness. He constantly needed to escape his house, and would tell Tara that he was going to work. Instead he’d go and sit in a park, or even just sit in his office at work and play games. He never actually did any work, and had been called in to see the manager. He remembered the pity on his boss’ face when it was suggested that he see a psychologist. Remembered how angry he had been, to be told by a young man that he “had a problem”. The thing was, he knew that he had a problem, but couldn’t bring himself to do anything about it.



He opened his mouth to respond and found he had nothing to say. Tara suddenly snapped out of her trance, and hated herself for saying what she had to him. She knew he had some problem, some big reason that was making him more and more distant. She apologized with her eyes, then walked slowly over to him and hugged him. “Sorry, dad”, she whispered, “Donnie brings out the bitch in me.”



Donnie, however, wasn’t finished. “I don’t get off on it, Tara. As if you’d suggest something like that. In fact, I’m the opposite. It makes me sick.”



“Indeed. Why so?” Tara’s mind wasn’t really on Donnie. Goddess, PLEASE bring Willow to me. It’s my fault that I left her alone, and she needs me. I can feel it. Help us, please.



He grimaced. “It’s unnatural for two girls to be together. You know that, as well as I do. It’s really selfish that you insist on doing it, you’re just hurting our family name. And it’s not exactly good for you, Tara, look how bitchy it’s made you. Butchy and bitchy. Scary combination.”



“Oh, you’re so caring. Concerned about my well-being are you? You prefer the submissive Tara, who looks at you doe-eyed and brings you meals? Well, guess what? She’s gone. She hates you.”



He stared. He hadn’t expected the argument to go this far. “You, you hate me?” His voice faltered.



“No.” She sighed, knowing this had gone far enough. “The old Tara doesn’t like you, because you treated her like shit. But the new Tara can deal with the shit, and won’t accept it anymore. So she doesn’t mind you.”



“Oh.” He looked relieved.



There was an awkward silence. Dawn watched with interest.



“But Donnie, there’s one thing that new Tara will not take from you. And that is badmouthing Willow. She’s very important to me.” Her blue eyes were stern. “I’ve warned you now.”



“Umm, OK, I won’t.” He smiled feebly.



***



“Oomph! Hey there, mister, watch where you’re goin’.”



The man stared at Willow. Yes. It’s her. “I am watching. That’s how I found you.” He grabbed her arm.



“Uh, hello? I’m not really into the whole touchin’ stranger phase…”



“I’m not a stranger. Call me, I dunno, your lifesaver. You’ll thank me in a month or two. Once we’ve sucked out that poison.”



Willow yanked her arm away. “Poison? OK, now you’re beginning to freak me out. And no, I will not thank you. I’ll say goodbye. I’m actually on my way somewhere.”



He sneered. “Oh, let me guess. It couldn’t be Rack’s, could it?”



“Huh? What rack? Are you feeling OK?” Willow was suddenly concerned. This guy was weirder than she’d originally thought.



“Cute, you’re attempting denial. You know…the ‘taste like strawberries’ routine. Magickal medicine man. Don’t lie to me, Ms Rosenburg, he’s been all over you. It makes me sick. It’s all over, you know?”



“What is? Magic?” Willow was confused, bordering on frightened. She knew that she wasn’t that powerful. She didn’t know what was surrounding her. Unless…



“The kind of power that surrounds you can only be from Rack. No one else has that kind of power.”



“I honestly have no idea who you’re talking about.”



“You’re about to find out, then.”



***



There was a loud smash.



The four Maclays jumped, and stared at the glass on the floor. Liz looked worriedly at Tara. She knew why the vase had smashed, it was Tara trying desperately to ignore the message in her head that Willow needed help. It had happened to Liz before, she had received divine messages and writen them off as imaginary.



“Tara…don’t ignore them. She needs you.” Liz bit her lip.



Tara turned to face her mother, tears in her eyes. “That’s not the problem. She always needs me. B-but it’s too late.”



***



Willow was babbling more than ever before. “So anyway, even though I look younger than you think, I know more than you think. Well more than you think I know, not more than you know, because I don’t know how much you know. But I know enough to say that this is illegal, and I have a witness, and unless you take your hands off me now, I’ll scream! Hysterically!” This is about Tara. He’s going to hurt her, I think. I need to do something.



They were walking quickly, past the hospital gift shop, past sobbing couples and gurgling babies.



“Look, this is my job. It’s not illegal, and if you scream you’ll only make a fool out of yourself.” He pulled a card out of his wallet that said ‘Certified Psychiatric Warden’. “If they see you and me, they’ll assume you’re crazy.



Willow thought fast. OK, I can either non-scream, hence avoid scrutiny by the hospital staff, and not achieve anything. Or I can scream, and get them over here, plead my case, and hope they believe me that this guy’s a fake. The latter option won.



Willow released three extraordinarily loud screams from her throat. “Someone help me, please, I’m being kidnapped!!!” She screamed again. More high-pitched this time.



The man winced. “Dammit! That’s one very loud screech.” He pulled her more sharply this time, towards the parking lot where his car was waiting.



***



“Xand, did you hear that?” Buffy’s eyes widened. “That was Will, I’m sure of it.”



They exchanged horrifed looks. “Maybe Tara’s evil! And is trying to…”



“Shut up!”



Buffy grabbed his arm and they ran towards Willow’s scream.



***



Tara collapsed on the floor of her mother’s room. She was shaking all over. It was her fault, just like what had happened with Jess, she had now done something to Willow. Put her in danger.



The spell… The logical part of Tara’s mind was trying to be heard, laughing at the idea that a tiny locator spell could cause such damage to Willow. But her emotions refused to listen. Oh goddess. I hurt Willow, with my spell…Why was I ever given the power to practice magic? I’m obviously not meant to do it. I just hurt people.



She curled up in a ball, wishing she knew what to do. Where to go, how to find Willow. She didn’t trust herself to be able to find her using her eyes or brain, but on the other hand there was no way in hell that she’d use magic now.



A piercing scream – Willow’s – made her shudder deep inside. Then she sprinted out of the room.



***



Willow was in the van now, and the driver was speeding through the streets of Sunnydale. She was so overwhelmed that she didn’t notice Buffy and Xander staring at the truck, running after it, in horror.



***



“Tara!”



Buffy saw the blond almost stumble through the doors of the hospital. She noticed the tear-stained cheeks, and in any other situation she would have asked what was wrong. But she knew.



She grabbed Tara’s hand and pulled her along. The three continued to run after the van.



Tara tried to pull away from Buffy. “Buffy, there’s something you don’t know. This I-is my fault.”



Buffy stopped running. She peered intently at Tara, as if seeing her for the first time. Then she smiled. “Tara, you love her so much. Whatever happened couldn’t have been your fault. And Will knows that, too.”



She paused, letting the words sink in. Then they made eye contact and held hands again, running after Xander and the van.



***



The van turned sharply off the main road and pulled over. The man who had found Willow stood up and opened a partition at the back. A woman with blond hair and glasses, and dark lipstick, came to sit beside her.



“Willow, we need to ask you some questions before we put you through the program.”



“What program? What the hell is going on?”



“You know you have an addiction. There’s no use denying it, we see it all over you. Your aura is filled with power, and it isn’t yours.”



Willow began to deny any knowledge of Rack when there was a loud thumping at the side of the van. “Let me in. It’s Giles.”



The door was opened and Giles stepped in looking terrified. “Where is she? What did you do with Ms Rosenburg? I demand an explanation.”



There were three sniggers, one of which was Willow’s. “Umm, hi.” Willow waved shyly. She could see that the man was genuinely concerned for her wellbeing and felt bad for having ignored him before.



He breathed in with relief and took a seat next to her.



“You must stop this interrogation immediately. Ms Rosenburg has never been to, let alone heard of, Rack. I can prove it.”



The blond stared at him. “Uh, Mr Giles, how do you explain the power? It’s all over her. In her aura, in her soul. She breathes it.”



He grinned at Willow. “It’s love.”



Ten minutes later, the four of them were nearly best friends. They were already making jokes about dark magic, and happily enjoying the scones and tea that Rupert had stored in the van for emergencies, as trying to work out who the hell Rack was in the first place.



Willow touched Giles’ arm. She blushed, looking apologetic. “Look, I just wanted to thank you for looking out for me. For doing all that research to prove them wrong,” she looked pointedly at the other two, who avoided eye contact. “And even though I was kinda mean to you, you didn’t give up.”



She raised her tea cup and clinked it with his. “Le'chaim. I mean, to life! Life without dark magic!”



***



Tara was ready to collapse but forced herself to continue. She was shaking all over, terrified as to what they would find in the van. She didn’t want to even think about what she’d do if Willow was…



“Tara, there’s the van. Hurry up!” They reached the van and began to kick at the door, yelling obscenities.



The van’s inhabitant’s looked at each other fearfully. Giles spoke up, “er, it’s daylight so it couldn’t be…” he trailed off.



Willow shivered. “Maybe it’s those graffiti-types that I read about in the local paper. Mom’s doing a report on them for a psych convention…”



“Let us in!” A throaty voice, threatening to burst with emotion, was the loudest. “Willow, we’re here to save you, baby!” Tara finally kicked open the door, ready to comfront whatever had taken Willow with her bare hands.



Willow put down her tea cup. Ohmigod. I’m the worst girlfriend in the entire universe. Tara’s like, ready to… She cut off her train of thought and lunged at her girlfriend. “Baby, oh, I missed you. I’m safe, thankyou for finding me.”



“I will always find you, Will.” Tara was crying onto Willow’s shoulder. Buffy, Xander, Giles and the other two Witches’ Council members cleared their throats in unison. Giles stood up. “Err, I just saw a fascinating butterfly fly past. Shall we go and examine it?”



They all followed him, trying not to laugh at the pathetic excuse, except for Willow and Tara.



They were leant against the side of the van kissing. Their kiss was more urgent than even had imagined possible. Willow’s hands were lost in Tara’s hair, pushing her closer and closer as the kiss deepened. Tara moaned lightly and looked at Willow adoringly. “My darling, thank the Goddess you’re OK.” She licked Willow’s lips gently and shut her eyes.



Willow spoke in a husky voice. “Tara, I knew you’d come and find me. I knew you were the knight in shining armour type. Only, not really a knight. More like a warrior princess.” She looked at Tara’s mermaid outfit and giggled. “And your costume is kinda shiny.” Stop talking, Willow, and kiss her! She put her hands on Tara's face and stroked the soft skin. Then she guided Tara's mouth to hers. Her heart beat quicker than ever, quicker than it had during her run in the hospital, as Tara's warm lips met hers, again and again.



She realised with a jolt that Tara's hand was being ignored. She grabbed it and kissed each finger, then went back to nibbling on Tara’s lip. “Mmm Tara-lips.” She let her tongue lightly trace Tara's lips, then she slowly entered Tara’s mouth. As her tongue moved with Tara’s, she noticed the blond’s body begin to relax. She smiled to herself, more than happy to make Tara relax even more.



Tara, too, felt her body relax. This is so much better than any meditation.



She took Willow’s hand and led her out of the van. “Will, let’s go to my place,” she whispered. Then she winked, “it’s empty.”



***



Liz suddenly smiled. She turned to Dawn and smiled broadly.



"What's with the happy face?" Dawn was mystified.



Liz checked that her husband and son were still distracted with the task of putting the vase back together. Then she whispered.



“They found each other.”



TBC....

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After the moon went
down...

Tara, 'Seeing Red'

Edited by: vix84 at: 10/13/02 7:37:28 am

[Tara22]

*sings* Vixy, Vixy, Vixy!!



loved it!! (as usual) you are so good! Ok, in response to your reply to me....



don't you apolagize girly!! I love emotional trips like that! and yours was so packed full of the funnies, that how could ANYONE not have enjoyed it....



oh, yeah, and sassy eggs totally rule!!!



ya liked my summary? thats great, but I must argue with you, you think my summary made sense? wow, it's like you speak my language then , cause even I have trouble understanding it...



oh, ok, I suppose I should give you *grin* feedback, on this update...



totally fantastic.



(hehe, summary...)



The Joyce thing always cracks me up... ooh, the “No, I dislike all American television shows with supernatural themes.”





that was just too funny!!!



and then Tara's calling Willow *sigh* that was so sweet...



and then Tara's large with the butchness! OH GO HER!!! Donnie totally deserved that stuff! and then his submisiveness at the end! *huge grin*



a HUGE woah! at the Willow being abducted and accused of going to Rack!



but then it was all good with the tea party



that was too funny!



and poor Tara, thinking it was all her fault...



but they found each other and shared some quality smoochies so it was all good

Quote:

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“They found each other.”

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*melts into a little puddle on the floor*



aaaaaaw.....



Go you Vix!!



Edited to add... (thanks Ron) cause I can't believe that I missed this line! It was my all time favourite!!

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The blond stared at him. “Uh, Giles, how do you explain the power? It’s all over her. In her aura, in her soul. She breathes it.”



He grinned at Willow. “It’s love.”

---

that was just the most beautiful line(s)!



really!

Tara: Every time I... even when I'm at my worst, you
always make me feel special. How
do you do that?





Willow: Magic

Edited by: Tara22  at: 10/16/02 7:49:07 am

[Plastixs]

Wow...! I just read that last 2 updates and...wow!



I liked how Tara finally stood up to Donnie. He's had that coming for a long time and it was sweet to see it happen.



I also liked Giles & Tara coming to Willow's rescue. Giles telling the council that Willow's magic was caused by love...I loved it.



There was a lot to this update I enjoyed--Joyce still being in denial-land about Dawn, the moment between Dawn & Liz and , of course, when Willow & Tara reunite. Aww....



Thanks for a wonderful update



Ron

[jaycatt23]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

woohoo! woohoo! woohoo! woohoo! woohoo!



Oh, you made me all happy. I was all worried, what with the angsty-ness but then it all came good and Willow and Tara got to make with the smoochies.



Loved so much about this part. Loved kick-ass Tara

Quote:

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“The old Tara doesn’t like you, because you treated her like shit. But the new Tara can deal with the shit, and won’t accept it anymore. So she doesn’t mind you.”

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And the contrast between this and the Tara consumed with fear about the problems caused by her magical power.



I also loved

Quote:

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“Dammit! That’s one very loud screech.”

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And I went all soppy and smiley when Giles explained that the source of Wiilow's power was love.



But you really had me giggling with

Quote:

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Willow put down her tea cup. Ohmigod. I’m the worst girlfriend in the entire universe. Tara’s like, ready to…

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I could spend all day quoting my favourite bits back at you, but for now, I'll just say it's a brilliant mix of angst and comedy and I really like it and I hope there's more to come.



Just one thought though - it's impossible to 'whisper illegible words'...*g*



J

[pikescoob]

I was all nervous that Willow was gettin' kidnapped by a bad guy but then Giles arrived and I knew it was okay. That must've looked strange to Buffy, Xander, and Tara to find Willow relaxing and drinking some tea when they thought she was in trouble and now they're off to Tara's place, I wonder what they could possibly do there hehe.



--Michelle

[MissQuirky]

Hey Vix!! Update was excellent as always!



Dr William trying to refer to Charmed as a lil help guide, but still Joyce w/ the doubting the wiccan and still on the drugs. And of course i'm gonna picture him as Spike, its so hard not to. And still gives me a laugh thinkin him as a doc.



The 'family' gathering in the hospital room sure went well at 1st! Donnie was bein a jerk but Tara is so good w/ her come backs, she sure set em straight! I really feel for Tara's dad not being able to cope w/ Liz's illness and everything. Its pretty sad!



I'm glad we got this whole Giles wanting Willow thing figured out! And i can just picture them all best friendy after just a short time of meeting, sitting around making jokes bout Dark magic! It was very funny in my head! Then Tara comin to save Willow - it was so sweet! But Giles' excuse to leave the room being... “Err, I just saw a fascinating butterfly fly past. Shall we go and examine it?” ... My god it killed me, poor Giles must be on some meds...



Well Liz's last line was so very sweet! “They found each other.” - Makes me all goose bumpy! Loved it!



Can't wait 4 yer next update!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.