Family- Behind The Scenes

[musicmad10]

Hello all,

I had the idea of doing a behind the scenes of season 5 series, however watching it back Willow and Tara aren't THAT heavily featured so it may be a little difficult. What I've decided to do instead is one episode for the moment anyway. I've chosen Family as it's an important episode for the characters.

It will be written in chapters to make it easier to read.
Hope you like it. Disclamers for characters and the general plot go to Joss Whedon etc. Everything else is mine.

Rating-Probably R if more I'll let you know

Comments are always welcome. Enjoy
p.s -thoughts are in italics

[center]Behind The Scenes of the Buffy The Vampire Slayer – Season 5 ‘Family’[/center]

[center][/center]

Chapter One- Bedtime Story

“Tell me a story,” asks Willow as she makes herself comfortable in her bed.
“Okay. Once upon a time, there was, um … a kitty,” start Tara as she sits herself on the foot of the bed. “She was very little, and she was all alone, and nobody wanted her,”
“This is a very upsetting story,” pouts Willow.
Tara can’t help but smile at her girlfriend.
“Oh, oh but it gets better. Cause one day the kitty was running around in the street and a man came and swooped her up…” seeing their kitten playing in front of her Tara picks her up and can’t help but give her cuddles. “and took her to the pound. And at the pound there were lots of other kitties and there were puppies, and some ferrets…”
Willow smiles at her love.
“Were there dolphins?”
“Yes. Many dolphins at the pound,” she replies and passes over the kitten to Willow who willingly accepts her.
“Was there a camel?” asks Willow.
Tara thinks she might as well amuse herself and plays along.
“There was the front of a camel. A half camel”

“Did the kitty get chosen by some nice people?” Willow asks as she strokes her kitten.
“Well now you’ve ruined the ending,” she can’t help but smile.

Willow begins to feel like she’s going to doze off any second and lets go of the kitty.
“Mmm… I’m sleepy,” she half yawns.
“Do you mind if I keep the light on? I was gonna look up some spells,”

I need my Tara snuggles! Thinks Willow and can’t stop herself smiling at the thought.
“It’s fine,” she pouts “I don’t need to be snuggled,”
“Vixen!” grins Tara knowing exactly what Willow wants.

She is a little vixen. But I like that she wants to snuggle all the time. I couldn’t live without them or her.

Tara begins to take some of the books from the bed and moves them on the floor to get more room.

“You’ve been spell gal night and day lately,”
“Well, I just wanna keep up with you, and I’m…well, I just like to be useful. You know, to the gang? I just…never…feel useful,”

Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. I mean I know I’m not useful but I don’t want Willow to think I’m moaning. I like her friends and the whole Scooby thing; I’m just not part of the group. And I don’t even know if I want to break into that bond but I just wish I could help out more I kindda feel like a side kick sometimes. Tara’s mood seems to deteriorate

Poor Tara. She really thinks she’s not useful? She absolutely is! I for one couldn’t do it without her.

“You are. You’re essential,” says Willow with a sensual look in her eyes.
It’s enough for Tara to believe her, for now anyway.

God I love Willow. She knows just what to say. Wow she looks like she’s gonna jump me now. Tara can’t help but smile at the prospect. I think I’ll scrap the research!
Tara gets under the covers of the bed to join Willow and turns off the light.

“Do you think Buffy found out anything tonight?” she asks as she makes herself comfortable.
“At the factory? I don’t know. If there was something, I figured she’d call us,”

Tara lays her head on Willow’s shoulder and wraps her arms around her waist.

This is what life should be; In bed wrapped around your honey. The only thing that could possibly make it better is Willow kissage. That makes all things better.

With this thought in mind Tara leans over and brushes her lips softly over the side of Willow’s neck.
“Tara?”
“Mmm?”

Willow knows what Tara wants.
That feels good. This girl has amazing lips wow.

Tara continues to gentle nip at Willow’s pulse point.

Wow if she keeps doing that I’m not ever going to sleep.

Willow can’t take it anymore and quickly moves her head and captures Tara’s lips in her own. Both moan at the sensation.
Willow runs her tongue over Tara’s lips and can taste her strawberry lip-gloss. The taste only spurs her on.
Willow begins to move her mouth open and shut showing Tara exactly what she wants.
Tara is quick to reply and they begin the dance with their mouths. At the moment they are both satisfied with just lips and no tongues. However another couple of minutes pass and as the heat rises so does their need.

Tara suddenly pushes her tongue into Willow’s open mouth and neither can resist a light moan. Willow knows exactly what to do now and captures Tara’s tongue between her lips. She slowly sucks on it and gets the reaction she was hoping for. Tara lets out a deep moan and starts to move her hands into Willow’s hair. Willow lets go of her tongue and they let their tongues map out every centimetre of each other’s mouths.
Willow’s hands slowly move to Tara’s back and down to her bottom.

We have to stop. We have to wake up early tomorrow to help Buffy. Oh God but I can’t it feels so good. But I have too! Thinks Willow trying to convince herself.

She slowly withdraws her tongue and smiles at Tara.

What? Where? Where’d it go? Why’d she stop? I thought she was liking it?

Seeing the confusion in Tara’s eyes Willow decides to speak up.

“We have to… stop. Early morning wake-up, Buffy needs something” she pants her brain still a little muddled.

See the effect Tara tongue has on me? I still can’t think straight

“Oh, okay,” sighs Tara a little disappointed hoping for a little more tonight.

Oh no, look at her pout. I made her sad.

Willow can’t help but drive her lips back onto Tara’s and indulge in a little more kissage before they need to go to sleep.

After a few more minutes of heated passion; they decide to finally break apart and realise they really do have to stop if they’re going to get any sleep tonight.

Tara wraps her arms around Willow once again and makes her head comfy on Willow’s shoulder.

“I love you,” she says.
“I love you two,” smiles Willow and they hazily drift into slumber.

TBC..

musicmad10[/img]

[will/tarajunkie01]

I love the idea of a behind the scenes season 5. This story is amazing!!!! Please update soon.

[Willowtree252]

I love it more please

[lilkitty1389]

great story can't wait for more!

[Keth]

Great story so far! Update soon!

[musicmad10]

Thank you for the nice possitive replies. I'm busy writing at the moment. Hopefully I'll have the next chapter done for early next week. It's taking quite a while to write as the next chapters are long ones!!

musicmad10

[Sapphire eyes]

Hiya Hannah I love this story please keep going! Its really cute! are always good
from Caroline xxx

[Psy]

'Allo, loving it, can't wait for more.

[Zampsa1975]

Excellent story. Please continue.

[The Rose24]

Great idea. I'm surprised more kittens haven't done behind the scenes stories on this.

Please keep going.

[musicmad10]

Hello everyone, Sorry for the late update I've been quite busy recently.
However here is the next chapter.
Enjoy!!

-thoughts in italics
Chapter Two- An Early Morning Wake Up Call

Willow and Tara wake to the sound of a shrill beeping. Hazily they become aware of their surroundings.
“Urgh,” mumbles Willow as she turns to look at the offending alarm clock.
Quickly she gives it a tap and turns the noise off.

“Thanks,” yawns Tara as she stretches her arms above herself.
“Your welcome,” smiles Willow and plants a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Neither girl wanted to wake up this early, its Saturday! But Buffy was so adamant that they all help to move her out of her dorm that she arranged to meet them at 10am!

Who wakes up at that time in the morning on the weekend? Willow had thought while Buffy was rambling on about something. She wasn’t quite sure what at the time. Her mind had been filled with other thoughts, Tara thoughts not surprisingly. As much as Willow loves Buffy she can’t help but think about Tara, especially after their night of passion the evening before. She can still smell the light scent of her lover now even after she’d had a shower that morning. Bliss.

“What time is it?” asks Tara, bringing Willow out of her daydream.
“Uh, 8.30am. Do you wanna have a shower first or breakfast?”
“Shower…I think. I’m glad we left a bit of time so we don’t have to rush things this morning,” she smiles.
“Yeah me to. Does it entail me having some smoochie time?” grins Willow now wide away at the prospect.
“Um… maybe?” teases Tara, knowing this will only encourage Willow even more.
“Maybe? Really how can I make you decide? Maybe if I…” Willow begins to kiss up and down Tara’s jaw line slowly and sensually.
Tara can’t help but let out a small moan.
“Am I convincing you yet?” asks Willow wiggling her eyebrows a little.
“You might,”
Willow continues her journey from her jaw to her neck and slowly back up to her lips. Just as she reaches Tara’s lips she stops and grins.

Tara pouts at Willow loss of kissage. Willow takes this as a sign to continue and moves her lips onto Tara’s. Both moan at the sparks let are sent flying as they do so.
Tara can’t take the slowness anymore and her tongue dives straight into Willow’s mouth; Willow willingly accepts it and the pair begin to wrestle. Hands in hair and legs entwined the pair get a shock when the alarm starts beeping again.

They jump apart a little surprised by the sound.
“I thought you’d turned it off?” asks Tara.
“I did! Well I thought I did! Oh look at the time. We need to get moving,” sighs Willow.
“Really? Now?”
“Uh huh. Sorry we will definitely continue this as soon as possible. Okay?” asks Willow looking lovingly at her girlfriend.
“Ok, if I have to,” pouts Tara.
Willow gives Tara a quick kiss and gets out of bed.

The pair hurries to have showers; separately of course otherwise nothing would get done.
They quickly grab some toast and a drink for breakfast and race over to Buffy’s dorm room.

***

Once at the dorm, the whole gang assemble and begin the long task of clearing out her room. Willow and Tara decide to put the clothes from the closet away while Xander and Riley do the heavy lifting. Dawn insisted on helping however Buffy didn’t seem to be so happy with the idea neither Willow nor Tara quite know why.

As Buffy leaves the room Anya begins to moan.

“Why do we have to do this I mean the heavy lifting and carrying, it’s so boring?”
“Because we do,” grumbles Willow.
“But we just helped her move the stuff in a few days ago…” Anya stops in her tracks as she sees Buffy and changes her words scared of a pummelling.
“…And it was fun!”

Giles lifts his head up from reading a book and begins to lecture Anya.
“People help each other out Anya. It’s the one of our strange customs,”
“Giles, I noticed you’re doing the smallest amount of helping that can actually be called helping,” says Buffy walking over the Giles.
“Well, I saw myself in more of a patriarchal sort of role,” he replies trying to get his way out of the situation. “You know, lots of pointing and scowling,”
Noticing that Xander and Riley have began to play fight he begins to tell them off too.
“You two stop that!”
“He started it!” moans Riley acting a little childish.
“He called me a bad name. I think it was bad. It might had been Latin,”

“Stop it or you’re going to break something,” says Giles getting rather annoyed.
“Or I’m going to break something!” says Buffy.
With this threat the pair immediately straighten up and begin to act as if nothing ever happened.

Though out the whole of this ordeal Willow and Tara had quietly gotten on with their job only briefly glancing at the squabbling boys. The main body of their thoughts are about each other. Stealing quick glimpses of each other they smile as they remember the kisses and the heat of the moments of earlier that morning.

I really shouldn’t be thinking about this. What if someone notices that I’m smiling too much? I think I am anyway. I can’t not smile when I think of these things. It’s like I’m programmed to or something. Tara lips, mmm, Tara hand. Willow drifts deeper into the land of Tara whilst Tara does the same about Willow.

They both come out of their thoughts almost simultaneously as they realise that these thoughts will not be a useful thing at the moment. Looking at each other they can’t help but smile as they intently watch the group.

“Still can’t believe you’re giving up this cherry corner suite,” says Xander.
“Just a few days after we moved you in!” carries on Anya as she renters the room.
Buffy shrugs and tries to act casual as she answers.
“It’s no big. You know with Mum not being well. I’m hardly ever here anyway. Just figured I’d save a little cash for this semester, that’s all,”
“I think that’s smart,” Willow couldn’t help but chip in.
“Still it’s hard to give up. You’ve got the two entrances, lots of opportunity or bawdy French farce and everybody loves bawdy…”
“Where’s Dawn?” asks Buffy interrupting Xander.
“I think she just walked out,” replies Riley.
“Dawn!”

Just at that moment Dawn walks through the door and breezes past Buffy unaware of the worry she caused her sister.
“Some of your CDs are my CDs,” she states.
“I know. Come help me fold,”

Tara and Willow have found it quite strange how protective Buffy been over Dawn today. Usually they just have arguments with each other but not today.

It’s nice to see them bonding together. Thinks Tara as she smiles at them.
Willow leaves the room carrying quite a heavy suitcase.

Tara notices Buffy bend over and groan in pain as she holds her hand over her back.
“Starting to feel that fight?” asks Riley concerned.
Buffy and Dawn begin to fold a bed sheet as Buffy tries to act calm.
“Nothing like getting’ your ass kicked to make your ass hurt!” she states.
“You’ll totally take her next time,” says Dawn having total confidence in her sister.
“’Cause you’ll have back up baby. She’s messing with all of us,” jokes Xander.
“Yes, uh, we’ll, we’ll, uh, find her weaknesses and then, uh…”

I know what. I’ll say a joke lighten the mood. Thinks Tara cheerily.

“Yeah. You learn her source and uh, we’ll introduce her to her insect reflection,”
Pleased with her joke she smiles. However as she looks around the room her good mood comes crashing down around her. No ones gets it!

“Um, that was funny if you, um, studied Taglarin mythic rites…”

God Tara, what a stupid thing to say. I should just keep my mouth shut in future. The only reason these people talk to me is because they like Willow. I should know better than to try and interfere. Next time I won’t say anything and I won’t get so embarrassed.

“…And are a complete dork,” she sighs ducking her head downwards.
“Oh, so how come Xander didn’t laugh?” asks Riley.

Tara’s so embarrassed she has to leave. She grabs hold of a bag and leaves the room.
“I don’t know that Taglarin stuff,”
Tara hears Xander’s answer and feels even more stupid. She looks up and sees Willow approaching her.
“Hey, You wanna start taking stuff down to the car?” Willow notices that Tara seems as little sad and places her hand over Tara’s for a little reassurance.
“Yeah,”
“Okay,” she replies and walks back into the room.
“Stupid...” Tara whispers to herself as she walks off to the car.

Okay, now’s a good time to remind everyone about the party. Tara’s outside and everyone else is here. I think.

“Okay. Guys, now remember, you have to be at the Bronze by eight,” states Willow as she enters Buffy dorm room.

As she looks around the room, she notices lots of blank stares and can’t believe they’ve forgotten.
“Bronze,” says Buffy warily.
“Tomorrow night! Tara’s birthday!”
“Right! Right!” confirms Buffy acting as if she knew all along.
“We have to bring presents right? Birth is a present thing?” asks Anya looking at Xander.
“I got something…picked out, yeah,” replies Xander, blatantly lying.
“You guys can all still come, right? I mean I know there’s…this new evil and all, but…”
“No, no. We’ll be there. I could definitely use a break from all this craziness,” adds Buffy as they all carry on packing.

TBC...

Comments are always welcome. Thanks for reading so far!

musicmad10

[Willowtree252]

I always felt bad about the way the gang treated Tara in the beginning like she was not good enough so I cant wait to see where you take this.

[lilkitty1389]

I liked your update. I feel bad for poor Tara, even though I know it ends well for her. Keep up the good work. I can't wait for more!

[Sapphire eyes]

Hi Hannah lovesd the update I feel sorry for Tara and you have captured her emotions beautifully keep going! from Caroline xxx

[The Rose24]

I don't think the gang treated Tara badly. They just didn't know her very well.

I can't wait to see where you go with this.

[musicmad10]

Hello guys!

Thanks for all the comments. I'm hoping to post tomorrow evening if all goes well, I just need to re-read the chapter before I post.

After that I probably won't be able to update for a few weeks as I'm going on holiday and them have to move back to Uni!

Well until tomorrow. Byeeeee!

musicmad10

[Zampsa1975]

Wow! update-y goodness to a great story... Family has always been one of my favorite episodes, so it's great to "see the behind the scenes" story... thanks!

[musicmad10]

Hello, I'm back again!

Well here's Chapter 3. As I said earlier, there won't be an update for at least a week probably more. I'll you know when, when I know!

[center][/center]

Chapter Three- Family Interruptions

Now that Buffy’s ex-dorm room is cleared everyone has separated to have lunch and bask in the day that is Saturday. However the group have arranged to meet at the Magic Box later that afternoon, to carry on with the demon research.

While Willow and Tara eat at a small restaurant in the main high street of Sunnydale the subject of Tara’s birthday comes up.
“So how are you feeling? You know the last day as a teenager!” smiles Willow

Well, what am I going to say? Oh yay tomorrow I turn into a demon and will probably eat everyone…or something. I don’t know. I don’t feel evil. I’ve tried to forget about up until now. Willow’s made me feel human and happy and tomorrow comes and what…? Should I bring it up? No! Don’t be stupid Tara that would ruin everything with Willow. Would she still love me? No, I have to hide it hope nothing happens tomorrow. Hope my family were wrong. I’m not with my family now so maybe nothing will happen?

“Oh you know. I don’t think I’ll feel any different. Just the same old me,” replies Tara trying to look convincingly happy however Willow sees right through it.
“Tara, what’s wrong?” she asks laying her hand tenderly over Tara’s.
“Nothing! Why w-would anything be w-w-wrong?” Stutters Tara.

Damn stutter! It gives me away every time!

Willow can tell something’s wrong and moves her chair around the table to sit right next to Tara.
“Baby. Is something bothering you?”
“I…I…no,” replies Tara looking down at her drink.
“Hey, it’s okay,” says Willow reassuringly and moves Tara into a hug.
Whilst they are in the tight embrace Willow whispers that she loves Tara no matter what and if she doesn’t want to tell her what it is that’s okay but she’s always there if she needs her.
This makes Tara smile and she pulls back to look into her lovers eyes.
“Thank you,”
All Willow can do is return the smile.

Willow’s eyes suddenly turn to look at the clock on the restaurant wall.
“Oh, oh. I’m gonna be late to meet Richard. Okay um, I’ll meet you at 4 outside the Magic Box?”
Willow had to pick up a book she’d lent her classmate before he goes on holiday and as he goes tomorrow she needs to quick and meet him today.
“Okay, I’ll see you there,” Tara says as they exchange a brief kiss and Willow dashes out of the restaurant.

Tara slowly makes her way back to her and Willow’s dorm. They only moved in a few weeks ago and she thinks it lovely to be able to share a room with her girlfriend.
The pair even has a similar decorating style however Tara did protest slightly having a big fluffy toy dog in their bed. Willow stated that Tara could be her cuddle toy in bed instead. Tara liked the idea a lot and was glad she was in the bed instead of the toy!

Spending half and hour doing some reading Tara decides that she might as well head of to the Magic Box to see the gang however not without a little apprehension of course.

What will they say to me? Do they think I’m weird? Dawn seems to like me…I think. I just get the impression the other guys just don’t really get me at all. Oh well lets just see what the day brings.

As Tara approaches the road the Magic Box is on she spots Willow rounding the corner on the other side of the road.

“Hi!” she says and waves her hand a little.
“Oh, hi there,” replies Willow quickly dashing across the road to join Tara.
They link hands and walk and talk to the Magic Box.
“So how was Richard?”
“Oh he’s okay. He’s going to Majorca on his holiday lucky person,”
“And the book?”
“He asked if he could lend it to his friend. I said okay but I told him to tell his friend not to mark or bend the pages otherwise he’s in trouble,”
Tara can’t help but giggle at her girlfriend.
“What?” asks Willow mock annoyed.
“You, you’re so cute,” she replies squeezing Willow’s hand a little.
“Oh, I can live with cute. But as long as I’m not insane it’s okay,”

Should I ask her if her friends like me? Is it really appropriate? I just wanna know if they think I’m insane.

“Willow?”
“Uh, huh?”
”Do you…think your friends think I’m a little…weird?” she asks slightly worried.
“Why would you think that?”
“Oh I don’t know. I just said something I thought was funny and well they didn’t get it,”
“Sweetie, if I’m not weird than you sure as, well?… aren’t! Tell me what you said and I bet it’s not stupid,”

Tara proceeded in telling Willow about what happened. To her surprise Willow wasn’t laughing at her but with her.
As they entered the Magic Box Tara felt as though Willow had thoroughly cheered her up.

“Her insect reflection. That is so good,” says Willow commenting on Tara’s joke.
“I just thought that’d be funny, you know, if her centre of power was…” as Tara walks further into the shop she can tell something’s wrong and as she hears a voice she knows exactly what it is.

“Whatta you know,” comes a voice from the other side of the Magic Box.

Tara can’t believe her eyes as she spots her brother. She hasn’t seen or spoken to him since she left to go to college.

What is HE doing here? Now? Just when I my life is going so well? He’s come back and he’s going to ruin everything! How did he find me? I mean he knew I was in Sunnydale but how’d he know I was in the Magic Box? He’s going be so pissed!

Tara can’t help but show the distress in her face as she spots him.

“What’s the matter? You don’t have a hug for you big brother?”

Hang on a minute; THIS is Tara’s brother? What’s he doing here? I mean I’m surprised he didn’t call first. I’m sure she’s happy to see him, probably come for her birthday how nice of him.

“Brother?” asks Willow looking at Tara surprised she never mentioned his arrival.
“Willow this is D-Donny,” says Tara hesitantly.

Willow walks forward to meet Donny. However she’s a little hesitant as she sees Tara’s reaction to her brother.

“Hi,” she says as she shakes Donny’s hand.
“Nice to meet you,”
“And, uh, these are my-my friends,”

Donny looks at the group who are assembled in the shop. Xander and Buffy are sat at the research table with books laid in front of them. Anya and Giles are hovering by the counter.

Donny waves and comments about the amount of people in the shop.
“What, uh, all of you hang out? That’s more people than you met in high school,” he replies as gives Tara a friendly punch on the arm.

He’s actually trying to be nice to me? What a turn up for the books. It probably won’t last that long. Most likely it’s just for show.

“How did you fi - I, I mean, how come you came?” asks Tara desperately wanting answers and preferably in front of the group in case Donny decides to try to hurt Tara verbally or physically.

“Well duh, birthday girl. Uh, we came down to the camper, been all over the campus,” he replies.
“We?”

Suddenly the door can be heard and Willow and Tara turn to see who it is.

Tara can’t believe her eyes once again. In walks her Dad and Cousin Beth.

Oh no! It’s getting worse. I have to hide. No I can’t, they can see me here. What do they want Donny said something about my birthday?
It suddenly dawned on Tara what they came for.

They’ve come for me. I bet. They know I’m gonna turn into a demon tomorrow and that nothing will stop it.

Before Tara could continue her trial of though her brother begins talking.

“Look what I found!” he says and gestures towards Tara.
“Uh, Dad, hi,” says Tara very uncomfortably.

Willow watches intently at her girlfriend as she interacts with her family.

“Well here’s my girl,” says Tara’s Dad in a non-emotional tone.
Tara steps forward to hug her Dad.

I have to do this, come on Tara. I don’t want everyone to know that something’s wrong.

Tara awkwardly hugs her Dad. The group watch the scene unfold with interest.

“S-such a surprise,” says Tara stepping back a little from her Dad.
“Yes,” replies Donny.
“Cousin Beth,” says Tara acknowledging her presence. Her voice is a little softer and friendlier towards Beth.
“Hey,” smiles Beth.
“One of your dorm-mates said I might…find you here,” says Tara’s dad getting straight on with business.
“Oh, oh, um, these are, these are my friends,” starts Tara as she begins to introduce everyone. Giles steps forward to say hello.
“Um this is Mr Giles, um, he runs the shop,”
“How do you do?” replies Giles.
“Pleasure. Well, I, I don’t mean to interrupt your plans, I know we’ve come on you kind of suddenly, but I thought we could have dinner,”

Damn, I knew it he wants to get me away from my friends and hassle me into coming home. Well it’s not going to happen!

Tara is trying to keep her cool as she accepts the invitation.
“Okay,”
“Why don’t I pick you up at six, and we’ll do some catching up,”

I know what sort of catching up you want to do!

“Yes, Sir,” replies Tara once again feeling as small as she felt at home.
Her Dad then begins to speak to the other in the room.
“Forgive me for running out. We’re double parked,”

Giles gestures with his coffee cup as if to say ‘that’s okay’.
The threesome leave and as they do so Donny waves.
“Nice to meet you all,” he says smiling and then they’re all gone.

There’s a brief moment of silence before Willow speaks up.
“That’s so weird. You’re whole family,”
“Yeah,” smiles Tara nervously.

There’s definitely something going on, I hope Tara trusts me enough to tell me what’s going on.

Act normal, for goodness sack act normal! Don’t look distressed it’ll be a dead give away!

“They seem nice,” says Willow trying to start a conversation with her girlfriend.
“You know, they-they’re okay. Families are always…”
“They make you crazy,” says Willow understandingly.
“Usually. Wanna get into research mode?” replies Tara quickly wanting to get off the topic of her family as quickly as possible.
“Sure,”

The pair move towards the group, sit down and start their research in silence.

TBC....

[Sapphire eyes]

Hi Hannah thanks for the add I hope you have a nice holiday. I loved the add you captured Tara's apprehansion perfectly and I really felt her pain. Great add can't wait for more from Caroline xxx

[lilkitty1389]

I loved the update! I can't wait to read more! Keep up the great work

[Zampsa1975]

Really nice update-y goodness...

[The Rose24]

Good job.

You definitely capture Tara's discomfort in this update. I look forward to more.

[Teddykins]

I like this story...very nice.
Family is seriously like my FAV ep. cause when Spike punches her in the nose and all the sillyness that insues :]

[musicmad10]

Hello everyone.

Sorry It's taken so long for an update, but finally I've managed to write one

It's quite angsty so be warned!

Well I hope you enjoy it.

P.S- Thoughts are in italics

[center][/center]


Chapter Four- Determination

“Hey, you ok there?” asks Willow gently.
“Yeah, just you know…looking at stuff…in the books,” replies Tara trying to look as if she’s actually doing research.
“Oh, ok then,”

I have to get out of here, clear my head a little. I’ve been stuck here for over an hour researching the wrong thing. I should be researching me!! Well my demon me, I have to hide it I can let anyone, especially Willow see me like that.

“Will?” starts Tara.
“Yeah?”
“I’m gonna head off. Sorry about having to leave early but I wanna get ready to meet with my Dad and stuff,”
“Oh sure. Um do you want me to walk you back?” replies Willow placing a hand over Tara’s, which lay on the table.
“It’s ok, it’s still light out. Anyway I’d better be off,” she says as she stands up and starts packing up her things.

“You leaving already?” asks Buffy.
“Yeah…um…I have to get ready for dinner and stuff,” she smiles hesitantly.
“Ok, thanks for helping with the research. Have fun with your family tonight,” replies Buffy smiling.
“Oh, I will...I’m sure,” lies Tara.
Anya, Giles and Xander say their goodbyes and Willow walks to the door with Tara.
Willow takes hold of Tara’s hands and gives them a little squeeze.

I know there’s something not right but I have to let her go. I can’t stop her seeing her family.

Willow grins at Tara, which has never failed to cheer Tara up apart from today.

Oh Willow, I wish I could stay here with you, I really do. I have to be strong and go through with this meal. I’m pretty sure ‘my family’ want me to go back home with them but I’m gonna try my hardest to stay with you my love.

With this thought running through her mind Tara smiles back at Willow.
“Ok, well I hope you enjoy yourself,” says Willow.
“Thanks, I’ll see you tonight anyways so I’ll let you know how it went,”
“Kay,” Willow leans over to Tara and presses their lips together.
The kiss doesn’t last that long but to Tara it only left one thought in her mind.

There’s no way I can live without this!

Tara leaves the Magic Box and almost runs back to her dorm room. She feels dertmined to do something but not sure what.

Maybe I should research demons in human form? That way I could narrow down what demon I could be.

She begins looking through her books one by one. Having only found a few demons that take human form she was beginning to worry.

I don’t think I’m any of these. I can’t be! I mean I can’t change from demon to person so I can’t be a shape shifter. And all the others have particular powers and I don’t think I have any of them.

Tara throws her last book across the room in sheer desperation. She’s never done that before but somehow it felt a little liberating.
She glances at her clock and realises it’s already 5.30pm.

Oh no, it’s that late already. I’ll go to the toilet and then I’ll get changed. Oh God what am I going to wear!

With that she hurries out of her room.

5 minutes later she returns to find her Dad standing in her room with a stern look on his face.

Oh…My…God! What’s going on? What’s he doing here?

“The door wasn’t locked. I was a little early. I suppose you…wanted me too see all these…toys,” he says picking up a large crystal from her desk.

Damn, I knew I’d forgotten something. He really doesn’t look happy, I really wish I could go and hide somewhere.

Putting the crystal back on the desk her Dad continues.
“You don’t even try to hide it any more. I’d hoped maybe you’d gotten over the whole witchcraft thing. That if we let you go, you’d…get it out of your system. The they told me to look for you in that store,”
“I didn’t…I didn’t know that you were coming,” she stammers

If I did I would have hid!

“Of course we came. We haven’t heard from you in months. Your birthday’s getting closer and closer. You know what that means,”

I knew that’s why they came!

“I don’t think it’s…it, it won’t mean that-“ Tara is desperately trying to hold herself together.
“You’re turning twenty,” he says and begins to walk a little towards her. “It’s the same age your mother was when she…Do your friend’s even know?”

No! I mean I have to say yes, and then maybe he’ll let me stay

“Y-yes,” replies Tara knowing she’s awful at lying especially to her father.
“Are you lying to me? Tara, you’re coming home with us. You know it’s the only way,”
“Home?”

No! No! I’m not going; I couldn’t do that to Willow. I won’t loose her!

“You can’t control what going to happen. You have evil inside of you and it will come out. And letting yourself work all this magic is only going to make it worse. Where do you think that power comes from?”
“It…It doesn’t feel evil…sir,”

I’m not evil! I can’t be I don’t feel it and doing spells with Willow is definitely not evil it’s amazing!

“Evil never does. I don’t feel much like eating right now. I’ll give you some time, but we need to be gone by morning,” he says and walks to the door.
“Your family loves you Tara, no matter what. How do you think your friends are going to feel when they see your true face?”

As soon as the door slams shut Tara begins to cry, uncontrollably. She runs for her bed and lies down on her front and puts her head in the pillow.

Why me? Why now? I was so happy then they come back and ruin everything. I can’t go home. I have friends and a girlfriend who I love so much my heart would break if I had to leave her. I hate my family, why can’t they just let me go. I’d find a way to cover up my demon side. I don’t know how but I would.

Tara cries until she can’t cry any more. Two hours after her Dad’s gone Tara decides to try and do some college work. Hoping that it’ll take her mind of bad subjects.
However it doesn’t work and soon the crystal that’s sat next to her catches her eye. She can’t stop staring at it, it’s as if she hypnotised.

It’s this crystal that gave me away. Damn thing!

Suddenly she hears the door opening.
“Hey!” smiles Willow entering the dorm.
“Hey,” says Tara trying to sound cheery as she turns to face her girlfriend.
“Was dinner fun?” asks Willow.

Tara stands up from the seat and nods.

It’s better to lie at the moment. I don’t want her knowing what’s going on.

“Well, there’s Scoobyage afoot. Giles called a meeting about our spankin’ new menace,”
“Oh…y-you should go, they don’t need me for that. You can fill me in,”
Willow begins to walk forward and begins to realise something’s wrong, so she tries to cheer her up with the idea of doing a spell.
“No, no, you have to come. This demon chick is supposed to be really powerful, and I was thinking. Maybe we could try that, that spell, you know, the one to find demons?” Willow says with a hint of flirtation in her voice.
“That didn’t work,”

Damn right it work because you, Tara, ruined it!

“Yeah…but we only tried it once, and I think I got some ingredients wrong,”
“Well, I’m tired. Maybe we can do it tomorrow,”

I can’t do it again. She’ll realise it’s me sabotaging it if it doesn’t work for a second time in a row. Plus if it locates demons it’ll locate me and I don’t want that happening.

“You sure you don’t wanna-“
“Look, my family’s here, okay. I can’t just…Not everything is about your friends and stuff,”

Maybe that was a bit harsh. Oh God look I hurt her; I didn’t mean it like that!

Well I wasn’t expecting that! I was hoping she’d wanna spend some time together obviously I’m mistaken.

“Sorry,” says Willow sounding as if she’d been beaten as she walks towards the door.
“No! No, I mean…there’s just so much going on. It’ just…I’m really tired,”
“Okay,” replies Willow nodding.

I’ll give her some space. I don’t know what’s going on but obviously she doesn’t want me to be around at the moment.

“I’ll see you in the morning. You can fill me in,”
“Great, We’ll be demon hunters,” says Willow as she leaves the room.


TBC...

[Sapphire eyes]

Great add Hannah I liked it, you portrayed Tara perfectly welldone! add soon please xxx

[lilkitty1389]

Great update! I love how your showing the back story of this episode. Keep it up. Love the story!

[musicmad10]

HI,

Thanks for the positive feedback it's always nice to hear that people enjoy what I'm writing.

I'll try to post another update sometime next week.

musicmad10

[The Rose24]

Yeah, this is one of the more painful but powerful parts in the episode.

Tara definitely tenses up when her family is around. She even begins to stutter again, and she hasn't done that in months. Her father brings back the more timid Tara from season four.

Great job portraying Tara's emotions.

[musicmad10]

Hi,

Just to let you know, i've made a short trailer for this story while i was bored!

If you'd like to watch it here it is-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQz3K55QhOo

Hope you like it

musicmad10

[MiniShrink]

I LOVE the video. My speakers aren't working, but the editing was great. (I'm Shexinator, I added it to my favourites) You have to do more videos like that.