Civil Love

[Amberslover]

Title: Civil Love

Author: Amberslover

Email: Sure, why not? Jesbear_01@yahoo.com

Rating: NC-17...eventually, for sex, graphic violence, sex crimes, and possibly some language. If the idea of rape bothers you, not a good idea to read this.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my own hare-brained ideas and a labrador that always runs away...


Feedback: Yeah since this is my first and everything...pretty please?


Summary: AU...Set back during the Civil War, Willow and Tara meet in Kentucky on Willow's plantation.

Notes: Since this is my first attempt at a fic, I don't have a beta. Not even sure how to come by one but if there are any volunteers go ahead and speak up!

Notes 2: I have read about the Civil War lots but being that info doesn't always stick in my brain, I might get some dates or places wrong. Bare with me here!



Kentucky 1864

Tara sat staring out the window of her carriage as it bounced along the lush green countryside. She sighed heavily as she looked down at the letter in her hands and reread it, almost as if she were trying to will it to not be true. Her father's death had brought a new and uncertain future for her into play at the hands of one Ira Rosenberg. While she had never been fond of her father, she simply couldn't bring herself to wish him dead. With his death, he had demanded that she be sent to Kentucky under the care of one of his oldest friends, Ira. Tara had never met the man but she was certain that if her father had liked him, she wouldn't. Her father's taste in friends was less than savory and they often were like him, mean-spirited and unruly. She dreaded the new surroundings and unfamiliar faces. She knew next to nothing about Mr. Rosenberg, except that he owned a small plantation in the country. She was to live with him until she found a suitor, someone Ira deemed worthy of her hand in marriage. Someone else to take her away and imprison her. She sighed again and returned her eyes to the foliage. Soon the bouncing of the carriage and the gentle trotting sounds of the horse's hooves lulled her to sleep.

Several hours later, she didn't know how many, the carriage jolted to a stop. Tara jerked awake and looked around. The pleasant sounds of the countryside had been replaced by the hammering and clinking noises of a rock quarry. Dirty faced men hollered to each other and pounded on rocks, breaking them up with sledgehammers and pickaxes. A few ventured in and out of a large cavern at one end of the quarry, carting rocks out with crudely constructed wheelbarrows. All of the men were muscular and rough looking, none of which Tara wanted to get to know up close and personal. She hoped Ira wasn't like these men. The carriage driver opened the door for her and extended his hand to help her out. She carefully climbed down from the cab and immediately was visually molested by several men. She had catcalls and whistles directed towards her before a very large man strode up in front of her.

"Get back to work you dogs!" He shouted and the men returned to their tasks immediately. The burly man turned back to Tara and grimaced slightly. "What can I do for you ma'am?" He asked loudly.

"I'm here looking for a Mr. Ira Rosenberg." Tara said in her quiet and timid voice. A loud blast from the cavern drowned out the words Mr. and Ira, so all the big man heard was the name Rosenberg.

"You're looking for Rosenberg?" He inquired, his deep voice heightened to almost a yell. Tara winced at the shear volume as his voice rang in her ears a bit too loudly. She reasoned that the continual blasts were beginning to affect his hearing. She nodded politely. He motioned her to follow him and turned away. Tara picked up the edge of her simple white cotton dress and followed his huge strides. She stopped when he stopped and looked around. She saw several big men and expected her guide to point to one of them, but instead he pointed to a lone worker. Long red hair was tied at the base of the worker's neck with a thin strip of leather, and long breeches donned muscular legs. A thin cotton shirt that had once been white covered a well-developed back, the sleeves rolled up to reveal muscular biceps.

"The redhead?" Tara inquired of her hulking companion. The man simply nodded and tipped his cap. He turned and left Tara to meet this mysterious stranger by herself. Tara timidly approached the sweating figure, raising her voice to overcome the tumultuous din all around.

"Ira Rosenberg? I-I'm T-Tara Maclay, R-Robert's daughter."

TBC...

[cantbefredless]

oooo i like this set in civil war and everything,, makes me want to go and read up on it so i can understand the setting more, but this is a very good start.. keep writing, and here is a dance of my liking of this story

[viximon]

interesting. Poor Tara, she don't see her future so clear (at that time anyone can't blame her).
I look up to read more about. Good start. Update soon

[AlysonGoddess]

ooooooo nice start! I like were this is headed u definitly need to continue plz update soon!
Erin

[Willowlover]

Great start. I'm not real big on civil war settings but this is promissing to be a pretty good story. Definnently better than the start of mine.

[u]FanFic. DLM ( with willow and Tara )[/u]

[Amberslover]

Okay so I guess this is the part where I do the replies before the next update... here goes nothin'!

cantbefredless: Thanks for the dances and I'm glad you like it so far. I got the idea of the Civil War setting from my grandpa. He's a Civil War fanatic, and I guess it kinda rubbed off!

viximon:You're right about Tara. I'd be scared too if I was in the same situation!

AlysonGoddess: Thanks Erin! Don't worry, the plot thickens (laughs maniacally and rubs hands together). I bet I can keep you guessing...

Willowlover: Nice name, sorta goes hand in hand with mine don't you think? Okay bad joke sorry. I'm hoping I can change your mind about the Civil War setting. Also, read your fic (or the first part) and I hafta say: VERY GOOD! Looking forward to the next installment!

Now on with the show...

Disclaimers: Same as before.


The dirty figure stopped swinging its pickaxe when it heard Tara's melodious voice over the din of shovels and breaking rocks. A grimy face looked up, and Tara was met with the most captivating green eyes she had ever seen. The worker wiped a hand over a smudged face and answered Tara with a soft voice.

"Ira? No that's my father. He died last year. I'm Willow, Will for short. I got the telegram a few days ago that you were coming."

Tara was surprised to hear the soft womanly voice coming out of the dirty lips of this girl.

"O-oh. Well w-why was I sent here under the c-care of Ira R-Rosenberg?"

"Father said you might come here some day. He said that I was to take care of you, that you were very special. I can see what he meant." Willow said shyly. Tara blushed in sharp contrast to her white dress and lowered her blue eyes to the rocky ground.

"I'm sorry. That was out of my place." Willow said quickly when the blonde lowered her head.

"N-no it's o-okay."

"Well I've got another hour here. Of you'd like, you can go ahead to the house. My little sister is waiting there. She should be in the house doing her studies. I'll give directions to the carriage driver if you wish to go. This is hardly the place for a lady, if you haven't already discovered that."

Tara nodded nad Willow put her pickaxe down on the ground and offered Tara her arm to help her over the rocky terrain. Tara shyly held onto Willow as the redhead lead them over to the carriage. Willow opened the door and helped Tara inside, then spoke quietly to the coachman and gave him a bit of money. The carriage jolted as it started toward the plantation and Tara watched Willow until she could no longer see her.

'Maybe this won't be so bad' Tara thought as she leaned back against the seat of her transportation.

'God she's beautiful. And here I am out here dirty and sweaty.' Willow thought to herself as she watched the carriage disappear over the hillside. Thunder started to rumble throughout the darkened sky and rain began to pour soon after. The cool downpour was soothing and some of the grime on Willow's face began to run off. She smiled as she worked, thinking about the beautiful blonde waiting for her.



I hope the update isn't too short...but I'm a little pressed for time. Got moving to do. More soon though I promise!

Amberslover

[viximon]

Oh, that was a nice first meeting. Each girl seems pleased with their new predicament (living with each other).
Though it was short, it was a good chapter, quite (I fear for futures chapters, you know the violence, sex and stuff you warned us about) and goodgoing.
I wonder about Willow's sister.
There's a Mrs Rosenberg or are the siblings alone? If it, must be hard for them, though Tara could fit perfectly the mother role (if she's somelike the Tara of the show).
Already waiting for more, update soon

[Willowlover]

Good chapter. Not too short at all. It gives us a nice meeting between Willow and Tara and shows that there will be more to it because of how they thought of thier predicament.

And it wasn't realy that bad of joke.
In fact I thought it ws kinda funny.
Nice name, sorta goes hand in hand with mine don't you think? Okay bad joke sorry.

[AlysonGoddess]

yay! Super update! ira died hmm and willow has a sister? interesting begging for more! plz update soon!
Erin

[cantbefredless]

hehe im loving this story!!!!! so Willow is to take care of Tara. hehehehe i think that gave me dirty thoughts ... jk but very good! keep going with this story!

[Amberslover]

Okay since I'm kinda short on time, I'll get to the replies later. Sorry, but thanx for the feedback. I probably wouldn't continue this story if not for you guys. Anywho... on with the show...

Disclaimers: Same as usual...

After a long drive, the carriage finally pulled up to the plantation. Tara's eyes widened at the sight of such a beautiful place. There was about an acre of cotton plants, heavy with white fluff, and another acre of corn. A large garden with a scarecrow was laid out not far from the side of the house, which was a whole other sight in itself. The beautiful house was huge, with a porch that wrapped all the way around. A large oak tree was settled on the right side of the yard, and a wooden swing hung from the lowest branch, which was some twenty feet from the ground. The house had several windows and was warmly lit in spite of the dark storm that was threatening to pour down more rain. Three rocking chairs sat on the front porch that had four stairs leading up to it. The carriage driver opened the door and extended his hand.

"Better get on inside Miss. It's liable to rain soon." He spoke quietly. Tara nodded absently and let him help her out, unable to tear her eyes from the slendor of the place. It called out to her, home at last. She turned long enough to thank the driver, then turned back to the house. A young woman now stood on the porch. She had long brown hair and big blue eyes.

"You must be Tara," The girl said quietly, but warmly.

"Yes, and y-you must be W-Willow's sister. She didn't tell me your name."

"It's Dawn. Pleased to meet you and welcome home." She curtsied slightly and extended her hand toward the house.

"Thank you v-very much for taking m-me in," Tara said graciously.

"It's not a problem, we could do with more company around here," Dawn began, "It's just been Willow and I this last year. We don't have much of a social life, there's just so much to take care of on the farm. Poor Will never gets to rest it seems. Maybe she will now that she has someone to talk to."

"I just h-hope I'm not too much of a burden."

"Nonsense, we'll love you I know." Dawn inhaled deeply. "Hmm, storm's on it's way. I hope Willow doesn't get wet on the way home."

"It had already begun to rain at the quarry when I left. I think it's a little late to wish that." Tara laughed, for the first time in a long time. Much of her stutter was disappearing now that she was comfortable around Dawn. Dawn smiled at the melodious sound of Tara's laughter. Willow was going to love Tara.

"So shall we get your things inside?" Dawn gestured to the trunk and small satchel that the carriage driver had deposited on the porch. Tara nodded as Dawn picked up her satchel and one side of the trunk. Tara took the other side and together they managed to get it in the door. Dawn carefully put them down out of the way.

"We'll leave it here until Willow gets home. She's stronger and can carry it up the stairs." Dawn praised her sister. Tara smiled at her attitude toward her older sibling but didn't want Willow to have to carry the heavy trunk up the stairs after working all day.

"Let's try to take it ourselves. Willow looked so tired out at the quarry and I would hate for her to have to come home and do this when she could be relaxing."

Dawn smiled at Tara's kind and thoughtful nature.

"Okay, let's try it."

Together they managed to get it up the stairs to Tara's room and settled at the foot of the large bed. Tara looked around at her sparsely furnished but homey room. A handmade quilt rested across the bed and a large oak chest of drawers squatted in the corner. A small oil lamp sat on the small table beside the bed. The curtained window looked out over the cotton field. There was a tiny writing desk and stool in the opposite corner of the dresser.

"It's lovely." Tara breathed as she took in every detail of the room. She noted a small piece of paper on the pillow. She walked over and opened it out of curiousity. The handwriting was small but neat.

'Dear Tara,

I arranged this room for you. I hope everything is to your liking. Please make yourself at home and do not hesitate to ask if you should need anything. I hope you like it here. I am certain you will. Welcome home.

Willow'


Sorry Kittens, that's all for now. Maybe tonight or tomorrow I can take another break from moving and post more. Til then: love, peace, and chicken grease!

[viximon]

So Dawn, mm? Cool. They will make a great family.
Willow's the same hardworking it seems. I hope she don't overwork too much. Oh and she left Tara a little note cute.
Tara just have it crude to not fall for our redhead.
And Tara being so caring and that I doubt Willow can resist the newcomer charm either.
It was sweet the way you describe "home". You got me all warmy when doing it.

Again, take care and update soon, I like your fic very much so don't stop writting it.ok?
See you next round

[Willowlover]

Nice update. Intresting choice for Willows sister. Can't wait for the next update, this story is really good. Better than i would have thought considering it's during the Civil War.
Keep up the good work.

[cantbefredless]

dawn as willow sister i love it.. and the note on the pillow from willow was soooooo sweet, very lovely story and again with my happy dance

[caz]

I like what I have read so far.

Dawn seems friendly enough. I'd be interested to know why Willow is working at the quarry.

Looking forward to our girls getting better acquainted.

Caz

[BigBlueEyes]

Awesome! I can't for more. I love it.

[Amberslover]

Well I've got time for some quick replies. Thanks you guys for reading and responding!

viximon: Yeah Dawn finally won out the spot for Willow's sister. I had entertained the thought of Buffy but found I had other uses for her...

The idea for "home" came from my great-grandma's old house. It was settled on a lot of old property and I always thought it might've been a sort of civil war-ish place.

Willowlover: Hello my friend, thanks for the reply! I'm still trying to change your mind about the Civil War however...

cantbefredless: You seem to be doing a lot of dancing on this thread, aren't your legs getting tired? Glad you like my choice of Dawn as Willow's sister. I toyed with the idea Buffy or Faith but they just didn't seem right. Glad you're enjoying the story! BTW, I freakin' love your avatar! That's one of my favorite movies!

Caz: Thanks for popping in! I'm glad you like the story so far. I tried to make Dawn like her character on the show without all the spaziness. As for Willow working in the quarry, answers are soon coming!

BigBlueEyes: Thanks Blue! I'm glad someone is enjoying reading it as much as I am enjoying writing it! More soon I promise!


Amberslover

[Amberslover]

Well it's five a.m. and I can't sleep, so I thought I'd do something constructive with my time. Thus, an extra update for all my wonderful readers. Here ya'll go...

Disclaimer:Same as usual...


Tara smiled at the simple kindness of the note and put it on the bedside table. Dawn lit the lamp and it cast a dim light over the rapidly darkening room.

"Well I'll leave you to get settled in. I'll come and get you when Willow gets back and we'll all eat together downstairs." Dawn smiled and left the room, shutting the door behind her. Tara quickly unpacked her few possessions and sat on the bed looking out the window at the threatening storm clouds. Rain began to lightly pelt the windows and Tara thought of Willow walking home in the storm. She hoped she would be okay. Her sapphire colored eyes drifted back to the note on the night table. She picked it up again and reread it, quirking her lips into a little half smile at the neatly written message. She lay back on her pillow and shut her eyes, not intending to fall asleep, but the day's travels had taken their toll and she drifted off into a deep sleep.

Willow trudged into the house, soaking wet. Normally, this would have put her in a very bad mood but the prospect of seeing their new houseguest brightened her spirits. The rain had washed her skin clean, but her clothes were still filthy adn she needed a bath. Dawn came into the foyer with a dry towel.

"I already heated some water and dumped it in the bath. Dinner's almost ready." She handed her sister the towel.

"Dawnie, you're amazing. Thank you. I'll be ready in a few minutes. Did Tara arrive safely?"

"Yes, she's upstairs putting her things away. When you finish your bath, go up and get her for dinner."

"Yes ma'am." Willow said with a mock salute.

Dawn giggled and pushed her towards the hall. Willow went to the bath and stripped her dirty, wet clothes off. She slipped into the water, which was now lukewarm but it felt good against her chilled skin. She cleaned herself thoroughly and got out, wrapping the towel around her, and headed towards her bedroom. Deciding on a pair of brown breeches and a white button down shirt, she quickly dressed and brushed through her wet hair, giving it a good shake to free it from the water droplets that were forming again on the ends. She made her way up to Tara's room and knocked softly on the door. Getting no answer she knocked again and called out Tara's name. Still no answer. Willow slowly opened the door and peeked in. She spotted Tara lying in the bed, her long honey-blonde hair spread out over the pillow. One of her hands rested next to her face and the other was laid across her stomach. Willow's breath was taken away by the sight of this beautiful woman resting so peacefully. She almost didn't have the heart to wake her. She stood and stared at her for a few more moments before approaching the bed and laying a hand over Tara's that rested on her stomach. she gently caressed the back of the blonde's hand and softly called out her name.

"Tara, wake up. It's time for supper." Willow shook her a bit. Tara began to stir as she felt a warm something resting on her hand. She shifted slightly,coming out of sleep slowly. Willow noticed something in the hand that rested by the blonde's face. Looking more carefully, she realized that it was the note she had Dawn write for Tara. Willow herself had never had the opportunity to learn to read or write, but she had insisted upon Dawn learning. Tara opened her eyes and saw unfamiliar surroundings and an unfamiliar woman standing over her. She blinked and looked around, trying to remember where she was. It came back to her that she was in a new house and the striking redhead standing over her was her new guardian of sorts.

"Hello. Supper's ready when you want to come downstairs." Willow told her before turning and walking out of Tara's room. She shut the door behind her and leaned back against the doorframe for a moment, closing her eyes. Tara was absolutely beautiful, there was no denying that, but Willow knew she couldn't be with her. Tara wasn't like her. Tara didn't like her. Willow took a deep breath and pushed her back away from the doorframe, making her way down the stairs to the table. Dawn handed her the eating utensils and told her to set the table. Willow moved around the table with ease and set a place for everyone to eat. The sound of footsteps echoed down the stairwell and Willow and Dawn turned to see a slightly tousled but still amazingly beautiful Tara enter the room.




Well I think that's enough for now. Who knew staring point-blank at a computer screen with contacts in would make you incredibly sleepy? Have a good day Kittens and I promise more soon!

Amberslover

[BigBlueEyes]

Yes more, more! Please. I love this and I can't wait for more.

[cantbefredless]

What willow cant read or write well someone should teach her like a blonde hair blue eyed goddess should teach her ,

i am a dancing machine.. exepct the fact i cant dance at all but and you will get my little dance tho

BTW: thanks i think i can never get enough of that movie, its number 2 of best things ever, only all things Willow and Tara beat resident evil.

P.S. Love you avatar

[Willowtree252]

ok this is already a prize winner l love it . more please!!

[tarebear]

this is a really interesting period piece you have for us amberslover...

Tara was absolutely beautiful, there was no denying that, but Willow knew she couldn't be with her. Tara wasn't like her. Tara didn't like her.

she hasn't even had a decent conversation with tara so how can willow jump into this conclusion so fast? perhaps willow had been rejected by ladies before?

can't wait to find out what you'll have for us next...

[Amberslover]

Alrighty then Kittens, time for another update but first....


BigBlueEyes: Okay okay, don't be so impatient! Here's your update!

cantbefredless:Hey stop spoiling it for everyone! Of course a certain goddess will offer her services! No not THOSE services...get your mind outta the gutter! Although, maybe later...

Dianneswillowtree:Ooh cool! What kind of prize?

tarebear:Interesting perspective...we shall see...

Now without further ado...

Disclaimers: This is getting really redundant...must you people keep rubbing it in my face that I don't own anything?


The blonde smiled shyly and gave Willow a little wave.

"Hello Willow," She managed in a quiet voice. So quiet in fact that Willow barely heard her.

"Hello Tara. Please call me Will. I like it better. Willow always sounds like my mother scolding me for something when I was a child."

That elicited a small giggle from Tara and that small giggle brought a smile to the redhead's face. Dawn placed three bowls of hearty stew on the table in front of them and they sat down to eat. Most of the meal was spent with Dawn and Tara amiably chatting. Will ate hungrily from her day's work, not saying much except to answer a question that was asked of her now and again. They talked about the war, the farm, work. Then it came.

"Will, where d-did you learn to r-read and write?" Tara asked.

Willow stilled for a moment. Then she put her spoon down in her bowl and looked at her lap, seemingly embarrassed. Tara sensed the change in her mood. Finally, after several moments, Willow answered without looking at the blonde.

"I can't read or write." Was her simple admission.

"Oh," Tara sounded surprised and looked a little disappointed that the letter might not have been from Willow at all. "I thought you w-wrote that letter to m-me upstairs."

"I told Dawn what I wanted it to say. Dawn wrote that."

"I only did the writing part. It was Will's words on the paper," Dawn quickly clarified. She wanted Willow and Tara to be together. She already liked the blonde and could tell Willow was falling in love with her.

"Well i-it was a sweet n-note," Tara said as Willow looked her in the eyes. A moment passed between them and she spoke again, this time to Dawn.

"Dawn, where did you learn to r-read and write so well?"

"Oh there's a local teacher around here. His name is Mr. Giles. He was a friend of Willow's mom. He used to come by everyday but he said that I'm really smart for my age and now he just drops my work off every Tuesday."

"Well, I'm glad to hear w-we have a genius in the f-family." Tara praised. Willow's eyes snapped up at the word 'family'. She looked at the blonde and realized that Tara liked it on their plantation, enough to already consider them family. She smiled fondly at Dawn. Now the young woman would have someone to look up to and good role model that could be around all the time. Willow always felt guilty about leaving her sister alone for most of the day. It wasn't supposed to be for a long time, just until Willow earned enough money to get more supplies and seed to keep up the plantation. She was almost there. She and Dawn had figured it up and she would only have to work another month at the quarry. Suddenly there was a knock at the front door.


Sorry Kittens, that's all for now because I gotta go move some more, but I promise another update soon! See ya'll later!

Amberslover

[will]

Hey I really like your story it's really good and interesting, I'm wondering who is at the door.
I'm looking foward to read more, please update soon.

[cantbefredless]

Awww Tara feels like dawn and willow are family how sweet... and dawn wants willow to be with tara.. but Who is at the front door? is it the cookie monster... cause that would be scary big blue hairy monster at the door"Give me your cookies.. all of your cookies, or i shall take the blonde" i swear im not the cookie monster.. Anyway Lovely update and here it is

[Willowtree252]

please hurry and move so we can have longer updates this is one of the kind of storys I can fall for and I ALREADY HAVE!!!!!! Besides you already know it is the best kind of prize!!!! LOVE!!!!!

[Amberslover]

Man, my fingertips are itchy trying to refrain from posting too much all at once but I am basking in the feedback so heres another update...after the replies of course...

will:Glad you could join us. Also glad you are enjoying the fic. Gladness all around then...

cantbefredless:No it's not the cookie monster, they'd freak out back then if they saw a big blue hairy monster...come to think of it, i'd freak out now if I answered the door and it was a big, blue hairy monster...see how distracted I get? I digress, thanks for the feedback and the not one or two but THREE dances...makes me feel so loved...



Disclaimer: I'm not even going to bother with this disappointing fact of life...


"Who could be out in this kind of weather?" Tara indicated the rain pelting against the window in the dining room. Willow shrugged and went to the door. She opened it and found a woman and her small child standing on the porch. They were soaked to the skin and a sight for sore eyes. The woman, a small blonde close to Willow and Tara's age, spoke in a trembling voice.

"My name is Elizabeth and this is my daughter Anne. We were wondering if you could give us quarter for the night."

Willow nodded and stepped aside, "Of course. What are you doing out in a storm like this?" She added as the two strangers stepped inside.

"Our carriage wheel broke down the road there. The driver saw the light from your window and sent us on the way. He said he had to stay with his horse and carriage. I think he feared theives." The short blonde finished. About that time, Tara and Dawn came up behind Willow in the foyer.

"Willow, what's going on?"Dawn asked as she eyed the two newcomers.

"Their carriage wheel broke and they need a place to stay for the night out of the storm. I'm going to go help the driver and see if we can't get his carriage back here." Willow donned her heavy coat. "You two stay here and help these two get warm and comfortable. This is Elizabeth and her daughter Anne." Willow put her floppy field hat on her long red hair and kissed Dawn on the cheek.

"I'll be back soon. I love you." She said to Dawn. She turned to Tara and gave her a smile.

"Be careful." Tara said in a soft tone, her blue eyes showing that she really meant it. She slid her hand into Willow's and squeezed lightly.

"I will." Willow squeezed back.

'She touched me. And told me to be careful.' Willow's heart leapt into her throat and no one saw the big smile on her face as she turned and walked out the front door and into the rain. She could've been walking into a hurricane and she wouldn't have cared. Tara had touched her and that was all that mattered. The walk was a short one, and when she approached the carriage, she called out.

"Hello? Anyone?"

A tall blonde man stepped out of the coach. He was already soaked to the skin and his breath steamed in front of him.

"Hello! I'm Will. You sent your passengers up the way to my house. I'm here to help." Willow told him. He didn't object that a woman had been sent to help him although he looked like he wanted to.

"I'm William. The pin came out of the axle and the wheel came off. I couldn't get it back on myself." He yelled over the rumble of thunder.

"Do you have an extra pin?" Willow called. William nodded and reached into the cab and under the seat. He pulled out a spare parts box and opened it, pulling out a pin.

"Let's get to work. We can put the wheel back on and you can bring it back to our plantation and put your horse up for the night. We've got an extra bedroom for you."

William nodded and they set to work.

Back at the plantation, Tara helped Dawn gather extra blankets and sheets for their guests.She put a kettle of coffee on the fire and poured the two soaked blondes a cup. The woman and her child gratefully took it and sat at the table drinking it. Dawn stoaked the fire to a roaring blaze, then sat at the table and made conversation until they were reasonably dry. Tara stood at the front door and stared out into the downpour. She jumped slightly when Dawn touched her arm.

"We're headed to bed. I'm going to put them in my room and their driver in the downstairs guestroom. I'll sleep with Willow tonight."

"No please, put them in my room. I'm going to stay up and wait for Will. I want to make sure they get back okay."

A smile formed on Dawn's face as she nodded. If it meant putting Willow and Tara in the same bed, she would gladly put the guests in Tara's room. What she didn't know was that Tara had already set up blankets on the floor of the sitting room. She didn't want Willow to think anything bad about her. Dawn hugged Tara.

"I'll say goodnight then. Don't stay up too late."

"Goodnight Dawn. Sweet dreams." Tara kissed the young woman on top of the head. Dawn retreated upstairs and Tara turned back to the door. Two hours later Tara spotted Willow and the carriage coming up the road. Instead of coming to the house, Willow headed to the stables at the side of the house. An hour later, Willow and a man, presummably the carriage driver, dragged themselves up onto the porch. To say they were both soaked would've been an understatement. Tara opened the door for them and they hurried inside, into the warmth. Tara handed them both towels and led them to the dining room. The large fire was still blazing thanks to Tara, and both Wills sat down in front of it. Tara gave them a hotmug of coffee and they sat in silence, shivering with cold. The driver introduced himself to Tara and Tara pointed out where he would spend the night.

"There is an extra s-set of clothes on the b-bed and you can put your wet things in h-here by the fire to dry."

"Thank you both very much for your kindness. Goodnight." Willam said with a wave as he wandered off down the hall to his room.

"Dawn and the others are already in b-bed. I had Dawn put them in my room. I'll sleep in the s-sitting room on the floor tonight."

"You most certainly will not," Willow argued sternly. "Your kindness will not be rewarded by sleeping on that cold, hard floor. You will sleep in my bed. I'll sleep on the floor in the sitting room. I've done it many times before."

'W-Willow, you showed more kindness than I've ever s-seen by doing what you've done t-tonight. Remember your own r-rules." Tara gently pointed out. She used Willow's full name to show that she was serious. Willow was a little taken aback.

"Well, I'm the exception to the rule. They are my rules after all."

"Fine but if you're sleeping in the floor, so am I."

"No you'll sleep in the bed and that's final."

"If I sleep in the bed then you have to sleep there too and that's f-final."

"Fine." Willow was pleased that she got to sleep in the same bed as Tara, but she was used to getting her way all the time and she pouted at not getting it this time.

"B-Besides, you c-could use another person in there to w-warm the bed up. You look like you're f-freezing." Tara said with a blush.

"I am pretty cold." Willow said absently. She smiled at the thought of having the beautiful blonde in bed with her. Of course she wouldn't do anything, she wasn't sure if Tara liked her or if she was just being nice. Still, it was entirely possible for Willow's body to 'accidentally' snuggle up to Tara's in the middle of the night. For warmth, that's all.

"Will?" The blonde called for the second time.

"Huh? What?" Willow shook her head a few times and blinked.

"Are you okay? You're not c-coming down with a f-fever are you?" Tara put her hand on Willow's forehead gently. Willow's eyes involuntarily closed at the feel of the warmth radiating from Tara's hand.

"You f-feel all right to m-me." Tara said softly as she begrudgingly removed her hand from the damp skin on Willow's forehead. She had seen Willow's reaction to her touch and she blushed profusely. Willow opened her eyes and tried to stifle a yawn as fatigue overtook her.

"Well I'm just going to change out of these wet clothes then." Willow mumbled as she covered her yawn with her hand.

"O-okay. I'll just wait down here."

Willow nodded and trudged up the stairs wearily. She really was cold and if that meant being near the striking blonde, she would spend every night helping carriage drivers in the rain. She smiled as she pulled off her clothing and slipped on clean long johns. She ran a brush through her still damp red hair and pulled the covers back before going back down to fetch Tara. She went back to the sitting room, but no Tara was to be found. She started to search back upstairs and ran into Tara coming out of her room. The blonde held her nightshift in her hands and looked shyly at Willow.

"I j-just n-needed my gown." Tara stuttered. She inwardly chastised herself for the impediment and blushed as she looked down. A flash of lightning illuminated the hallway and lit up their faces, allowing Willow to see the other girl's insecurities. She placed a calloused hand under Tara's chin and lifted it slowly.

"Hey, look here at me."Willow pleaded softly, missing the warm blue of Tara's gaze. Tara allowed Willow to lift her face and look in her eyes. A kind smile graced Willow's thin lips.

"That's better." Willow said soothingly. "Come on, you can change in my room."

She took Tara by the hand and pulled her easily down the hall. Willow stood near the window with her back to the blonde as she changed.Tara neatly laid her dress over the wooden chair in Willow's bedroom.

"O-Okay I'm done."

Willow turned and didn't know if Tara could look more beautiful than she did at that very moment. The white shift came down to her shapely calves and she had the cutest feet Willow had ever seen. Willow rubbed her rough hands over her face and went to the bed.

'I gotta stop this. She doesn't even feel the same way I do.'

"Goodnight Will," Came a soft voice from the other side of the bed.

"Goodnight Tara. Sweet dreams."

Both women lay stiffly and awkwardly until fatigue finally overtook them and they both relaxed into sleep, the rain beating on the windows and their hearts beating for each other.


Whew! That was a lotta typing. More soon. Have a nice day!

Amberslover[/b]

[Amberslover]

Dianneswillowtree: I think we posted at the same time but I didn't want you to think that I forgot you in my replies. Thanks for all the love and the long update goes out to you! Much love!

Amberslover

[cantbefredless]

But it would be funny seeing them freak out... Willow is pretty brave going out into the storm to help the William, I wonder what will happen when they wake? i think im been doing a lot of dancing today i would soo do the pink elephant but im afraid of it.. so the stick figure is my mascot.. also another Lovely update three again!!

[MochaVamp]

'W-Willow, you showed more kindness than I've ever s-seen by doing what you've done t-tonight. Remember your own r-rules." Tara gently pointed out. She used Willow's full name to show that she was serious. Willow was a little taken aback.

"Well, I'm the exception to the rule. They are my rules after all."

"Fine but if you're sleeping in the floor, so am I."

"No you'll sleep in the bed and that's final."

"If I sleep in the bed then you have to sleep there too and that's f-final."

"Fine." Willow was pleased that she got to sleep in the same bed as Tara, but she was used to getting her way all the time and she pouted at not getting it this time.

Good to see Tara standing up to Wil so soon. Take charge Tara!

It is cute how shy they are with each other. I can see that you are pointing to a lot of hurt in someone's past.