Title: Never A Night Like This
Author: Taras Shadow
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN…except for Tori, Hadley, Jessica Paris, and Orlando-they belong to me
Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome
Pairings: W/T, X/A, B/?, D/?
Rating:
PG-R-ish 
Summary: Willow is one of the hottest models in the world. When she comes home for her holiday, she meets a nice family that is new to Sunnydale. Can she find love, and continue her much loved career? This is an AU fic. There will be a little angst between some characters, but nothing big for I want to keep the angst issue light. Thoughts are in < > Flashbacks are in **
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~Part 11~Tara ran to the door, confused at who it would be. Dawn and Tori left a little over thirty minutes ago, Hadley was snuggled on the couch, waiting for her mother’s return, and Willow was having an ‘old gang’ thing, so it couldn’t be…”Willow?”
“Surprise.” Willow laughed nervously. “Sorry, did I interrupt something?” She said as she noticed the confused look on Tara’s face.
“Oh heavens no. Just, yeah, surprised.” Tara smiled and grabbed Willow’s hands, “Come in.”
“Thanks. Where’s Hadley?” Willow asked.
“On the couch, we were watching Miss Congeniality…would you like to join us?” Tara walked into the living room and picked up Hadley to sit on her lap.
“Hi Willow!” Hadley noticed the red head sitting beside her. “What brings you here?”
“Do I need a reason to come see beauty?” Willow winked. “I came to talk to your mama.”
“Oh…so I guess I should go…” Hadley said getting off her mother’s lap.
“Wait a minute, you stay here.” Willow laughed, and picked Hadley back up. “I believe we were about to watch some cop fend off donut nazi’s”
“So you’re gonna stay and watch it with us?” Hadley clapped her hands.
“Sure…haven’t seen this movie in a while.” < I can tell Tara later…Hadley shouldn’t hear this just yet. It would be Tara’s choice to tell her when she’s ready. >
After an hour and forty minutes later, Hadley was spread across the laps of the women. Hadley had fallen asleep a little after Willow had arrived, she had to sush her mother and Willow a couple of times, but then when peace and quiet filled the air, the little girl fall fast asleep.
“Why is it that when you’re here, she falls asleep so fast?” Tara looked down at her daughter, and furrowed her brow.
“Maybe because I bore her?” Willow answered in a question.
“I don’t think you can bored anyone Willow.” Tara smiled sweetly. “You’re exciting to be around.”
“Exciting huh? Care to test that?” Willow grinned, and giggled at the blush that crawled up Tara’s neck to the roots of her hair. “Kidding.” Tara looked at her with a huge grin, she licked her lips as if she were hunting prey. “What?” Willow asked.
Tara pulled Willow’s face so fast, the red head never had time to process things in. One minute she was flirting, and now, she felt Tara’s tongue tease her bottom lip. A sweet moan escaped Tara’s throat when she felt Willow welcome her invite. Tongues duelled softly, and hands came up to hold each other’s face. Tara pulled away with just a breathe of air between them. “You Willow Rosenberg,” She whispered, “make me dizzy with your kisses.”
Willow grinned like a little girl. “Glad I could help.” She smirked. “Tara,” her slender hands cupped Tara’s own, and held them gently. “I really need to talk to you.”
Tara heard the urgency in Willows voice, and knew that whatever it was, it was important. “Just let me put Hadley to bed.” The blonde whispered, picking up Hadley, she gave Willow a understanding smile, and went upstairs to put her little one to bed.
Willow sat on the couch, twiddling her thumbs, waiting for her blonde to return. When Willow had been seeing Jessica, she never really had to worry about telling her the truth. Jessica didn’t live in Sunnydale, and she only came with Willow a couple of times. But then again, Willow felt deep down, that if she told her ex the truth, it would’ve been pointless, because in her heart, she knew the actress wasn’t for her. Tara, on the other hand…Tara was like her life support, it would be impossible to live with her, which is why, Willow decided that telling Tara was and is the right thing to do.
“You ok?” Tara asked softly, approaching a deep in thought Willow.
Willow shook out of her thoughts and looked directly into blue pools. “Uh yeah…no, yea…I, we need to talk.” Nervousness just kept biting her in the butt.
“O…ok, is this about…us?” Tara’s heart broke a little, panic flashed over her face.
Willow took in Tara’s worry ness, and instantly reached for the blondes hands. “No baby, not in the way that you think…I don’t think…I mean, it does involve us in a way.” She leaned over to kiss the blonde softly for reassurance. “Tara…have ever heard or read anything on the slayer?”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Dawn and Tori sat at the Espresso Pump. They had missed the movie’s opening, so they decided to skip it all together. “Tori, there’s something I need to tell you.” Dawn broke the silence.
“Sure, what is it?” Tori asked concerned. “Dawn…you can tell me anything, you know that right?”
Dawn felt a little more comfortable. “Yeah, I know. But what I’m going to say might make me sound a little crazy, and maybe sometimes I am, but this is serious.” Dawn felt Tori reach over and grasp her hand for comfort. They flashed each other a heart-melting smile. “Have you ever heard anything about slayers?”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Tara blinked, “You mean the chosen one who kills vampires are her destiny?”
“No…uh, wait…” Willow shook her head. “What?”
“Slayer. Chosen one. Makes useless vamps go*poof* with stakes through the heart, holy water, or beheading.” Tara lightly laughed. “Yeah, I’ve heard of her, why?”
“Um…ok, this just took off to a whole new approach.” Willow mumbled, not knowing where exactly to begin. “Do you that they exist right?”
Tara nodded her head. “Willow…I’m Wiccan…I practice with craft, I believe in that stuff.” Tara softly explained.
“W…witch?” Willow’s eyes went wide. < Ok….this isn’t exactly how I pictured this going. Tara’s a witch…like me? Oh boy… >
“Yeah, are you ok?” Tara moved closer to the red head.
Willow sat there for a moment, then burst into laughter, laughter of relief. “Wow…a witch, I’ve never met another one who actually practices.”
“I guess were two of a kind huh?” Tara blushed. “In Sunnydale that is.”
“Two…wait, how’d you know about me?” Willow looked at Tara in curiousity.
“Well, you just gave it away, and I kinda knew since I met you.” Tara ducked her head down, and looked at her peach coloured carpet.
“How?”
“Well, your energy flow is different. It’s strong, and your aura is as bright as the prettiest sunset. My mother’s gift was that she could sense another powerful being, and see part of their aura shining through, and I take after her. I can’t see just anybody’s, I can sense it, but I can’t see…not like I do with yours.” Tara looked up and saw Willow’s large green eyes study her intently.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” The red head Wiccan questioned the blonde.
“Because I knew you would’ve told me when you were ready, and vice versa. I never meant to hurt you…if I did. I’m sorry.” Again the blonde put down her head.
“Tara, sweetie, look at me.” Willow lifted Tara’s chin up so they were eye level. “You never hurt me, and you don’t have to be sorry. I wanted to tell you earlier, about me being a witch, because not all Wiccans practice the craft. But there’s still something you need to know about Sunnydale.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
“Really? Your mom was powerful?” Dawn asked as she sipped on her mocha.
“Yeah, a lot. Tara takes after her a lot. Me, however, after mom died, I never really went near the stuff. Besides, I was never good at it.” Tori spoke low and soft. It was painful to talk about her mom, but it really felt good at the same time.
“Willow’s a witch too. Powerful as well.” Dawn smiled.
“That’s why the connection is so…strong. I could sense her essence.” Tori sat back in her chair. “Oh my Goddess!” She covered her mouth and began to laugh.
Dawn raised an amused eyebrow and smirked, “What’s so funny?”
“You…” Tori grabbed her stomach. “I can’t even begin to imagine my sister and Willow in an intimate relationship.”
“Why would you want too?” Dawn frowned.
“I don’t, it’s just that…I remember my mom told me this one thing about witches falling in love with other witches…if they were both powerful and practiced the witch craft together, their essences would combine and that would progress into their blood flow, and before you know it, you have two turned on witches, and a lot of naughtiness to ensue.”
Dawn laughed hard, she laughed until tears formed in her eyes. “I can’t believe that. Really?”
“Really. Except, there’s this one prophecy I heard from my grandmother, it’s called ‘The Enchanted Realm Ritual’. For two of the most powerful coupled witches, the Enchanted will begin, and take over their essence. They will be anchored together, for eternity.” Tori finally settled down as did Dawn.
“How will one know?” Dawn asked.
“They don’t, it just happens, it’s not until afterwards they will know.” Tori brought Dawn’s hand up to her mouth and brushed her lips over the soft knuckles. “Don’t worry Dawnie…” She said seriously. “Sunnydale is where I wanna be, no Hellmouth can chase The Maclay’s away.” She watched Dawn’s eyes grow wide, and then soften.
“I know.” That’s all Dawn had to say, the two teenagers understood each other. “About the slayer…” Dawn closed her eyes when she felt Tori’s lips move up her arm, then to her exposed neck. The young Summers was glad that the Espresso Pump was empty, and that they found the only secluded corner booth, because then people would see the visible goose bumps appear on her neck, and arms.
“What about the slayer?” Tori whispered.
“Buffy…she’s the slayer.” Dawn pulled Tori’s face up to her face, cupping her warm face.
“Then I guess we’re lucky, because your sister kicks ass.” Tori let her face move closer.
“She does doesn’t she.” Dawn smiled and closed the distance between them. Pulling back slightly, she smiled… “Strawberry?” she whispered before being pulled back in.
~*~*~*~*~*~
“Well, it makes sense that Buffy’s the slayer.” Tara responded. “She always goes for late walks, and where’s that cross necklace a lot. Plus, you know, when she picked Brady up last night, she was carrying a wooden stake.”
“Nothing can get past you.” Willow beamed. “So…you’re not going to leave? Because I understand if you want too, Hadley, Tori and yourself don’t need this…the freakishly real life nightmares.” Her mood fell a little again.
“Will, we’re not going anywhere. Not now, not ever.” Tara pulled the red head into a hug. “I promise.”
Willow wrapped her arms around Tara, pulling her in tighter. Smelling the vanilla scent, mixed with a little lilac. “You smell good.” She whispered.
“Do I?” Tara let a small smile play on her lips. “I thought that was you.”
“Nope…not me. I mean, not that I stink…I don’t stink do I?” Willow pulled back and started to kiss Tara’s neck gently. “Tuesday Night?” she murmured against a creamy neck.
“Huh?” Tara moaned softly as she lifted her head to allow better access to Willow’s wondering lips. Her hands tangled in red coppery locks as Willow sucked a little harder.
“Our date…Tuesday night?” Willow lifted her head, and licked her own lips. “I can pick you up after your night class, and we can see a late movie or something.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Tara agreed, for the first time since they met, she let out her lopsided grin.
“Don’t do that.” Willow suddenly said. Her heart raced.
“Do what?” Tara frowned.
“That smile of yours…” Willows eyes watched Tara’s lips turn into that grin again, “Yeah that…stop it.”
“Why?”
The red head witch swallowed. “Because…it kinda…it makes me hot.” Willow mumbled.
“Oh really?” Tara smugly smirked, she did it again only to have a small red head launch forward and pinned her to the couch.
“I warned you…” Willow huskily said. Her eyes were now a dark emerald.
Tara did it again, and again, and again. “Sorry, is that bothering you?” She asked innocently.
Willow practically growled as she fastened her lips to Tara’s. Pulling Tara’s tongue into her mouth, she captured it between her teeth, and sucked. Tara’s hands grasped Willow’s back, her nails encouraging the red head for more. But instead of getting more, Willow pulled back just as fast, allowing their lips to pop when contact was broken. Breathing heavily, Willow slowly sat up. “I’m sorry.” She sadly said.
“For what?” Tara sat up to, alarmed. “For kissing me?”
Willow silently nodded her head, “I want to take this slow…I want to at least take you out before anything else happens. But sometimes, I can’t help myself. I look at you, and I just want you, right then and there. And then when you did that sexy lopsided grin…that was the last straw. But I don’t want to pressure you, and I certainly don’t want to pressure us.” Soft lips on her own silenced Willow. “And when you do that…”
“Shhh.” Tara whispered. “For you, and for us, I’d wait a lifetime.”
The red heads heart grew bigger, filling with love for this woman each day. “I lo…” Willow stopped herself, and looked up to the ceiling, “I’m so crazy about you.” She whispered. She could actually hear the smile and blush that formed on the blonde’s face. “And about Hadley.”
“I know sweetie, I can feel it.” Tara sat back, and pulled Willow with her. “We all can fell it.”
They sat there in silence for a while, when Willow finally decided to break it. “I wonder how Tori and Dawn are doing?”
“Well…they’re teenagers, on a date, how do you think they’ll be doing?” Tara laughed.
“I bet I know what their doing.” Willow giggled.
~*~*~*~*~*~
“Mmmm.” Tori pulled back from Dawn’s warm embrace. She placed another soft kiss on the slightly taller brunettes lips. “Did I mention that you look incredible sexy?”
“I think you did…but you can say it again if you’d like.” Dawn grinned. “As do you.” She added quickly. “Who would’ve thought…my girlfriend looks dead sexy in dark denim.”
“Girlfriend?” Tori’s eyes glowed. “You consider me…your girlfriend?” She asked again to be sure.
“Yes…I guess I do.” Dawn thought about it and smiled. “That’s unless you want to…”
“Oh definitely, I definitely want.” Tori quickly said. “And I never really picked out this outfit.” She blushed with embarrassment. “Hadley did.”
“Awww, that’s so sweet.” Dawn giggled, her forehead was resting against Tori’s. “Remind me to thank her later.”
“So what do you want to do now?” Tori said, her fingers trailed up and down Dawn’s back.
“Anything, as long as it involves you.” Dawn said honestly.
“Ok, then kissing it is.” Tori smiled leaning in for more.
~*~*~*~*~*~
It was almost eleven, and Willow thought she should head home and feed her dog. Plus, check to see if the gang is still sitting in her house. “So, I guess I’ll see Tuesday evening?” Willow stood at the door, watching her love smile and nod her head.
“Tuesday definitely, although, I do hope to see you before then.” Tara flashed her ‘hopeful’ smile.
“Me too.” Willow wrapped her hands around Tara’s neck and pulled her in for a slow passionate kiss. “If not…we’ll have to do a lot of catching up on…with the kisses and all.” She whispered against Tara’s mouth. Her tongue licked those full lips once more before pulling back. “I am sooo gonna miss you.”
“Please let Tuesday be tomorrow…” Tara begged, she let out a small sigh, “Have a goodnight Willow.”
It seemed like the first time Tara had ever said Willow’s name like that, full of pure love, like she sang it with her whole soul put into it. Willow knew she’d treasure that forever. “I love the way you say my name…”
“Willow.” Tara whispered before pulling the smaller woman closer to her kissing her again.
“Goodnight.” Willow managed to say minutes later. She walked out into the cool night, when she reached the end of the driveway to get into her car; she turned towards the doorway and was just in time to catch a kiss from Tara’s ruby red lips. < Madly and hopelessly in love. >
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Thank you so much for the wonderful evening.” Dawn said as her and Tori stood in front of The Summer’s door. ‘It was very beautiful.”
“Thank you…for letting me take you.” Tori smiled. Her heart was racing, she felt like this was the first time her and Dawn kissed. “And you made it beautiful.”
“
We made it beautiful.” Dawn corrected her girlfriend. “I guess you should go…don’t want to be past your curfew.”
“Yeah, big sis is probably sitting up waiting.” Tori laughed. For the first time, she noticed a small dark mark on Dawn’s neck. “Uh…Dawn, sweetie…you kinda have a…love bite.”
Dawn just giggled, “I like your term of love bite, rather than a vampires.”
“What about Buffy?” Tori asked.
“Well, I could wear turtlenecks and coats…or, I could just tell her the truth.” Dawn shrugged her shoulders. “We’ll see what comes first.”
“Good plan.” Tori leaned in and captured Dawn’s lips with her own. “Goodnight.” She whispered before walking back to the vehicle.
Dawn watched the car pulled out and head down the street. With a sigh she opened the door.
“Dawn?” Buffy yelled from the kitchen.
“Yeah. I’m home, and safe, and tired.” Dawn yelled back. “Going to bed.”
Buffy ran from the kitchen and caught up to her sister. “Tori’s not evil right?”
“Uh…no.” Dawn replied confused. “Why?”
“It’s nothing, never mind. So how was the movi…wait, you smell funny.” Buffy sniffed Dawn’s coat. “Lilacs? Cinnamon?”
“Down doggie, God, put that slayer nose away.” Dawn backed up a bit.
“Why do you smell so…girly? You never smell that girly.” Buffy curiously asked.
“I was with Tori…she smells like Cinnamon and Lilacs…big deal.” Dawn said defensivly.
“Sheesh, no need to get snippy. I was just wondering.” Buffy’s eyes went wide…”Oh, did you two meet some guys and got all shy and clung on to each other, because I remember doing that when I was your age with Willow…”
“No…can I go now?” Dawn was anxious to get upstairs to her room, and check out the art work on her neck.
“Sure…about tomorrow, you and I are staying home together! Mom is coming home on Monday for a week or so, and I want this house spotless for her.” Buffy quickly got into big sister mode. “Oh, and besides, you owe me for blowing me off, for Tori…again. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you two were involved.”
Dawn smiled inside, “Yeah, sorry about that…tomorrow, it’s you and me definitely.” She bolted upstairs, and shut her bedroom door.
~*~*~*~*~*~
“All smiles I see?” Tara smirked as she watched her sister practically dance through the doorway.
“It was amazing, beautiful, just…so dream like. Oh, I’m not dreaming am I?” Tori asked as she pinched herself. “Nope, no dream.”
“So it was all good?”
“It was better than good Tara, Dawn…she’s so…addictive.” Tori threw her purse on the side table. “I mean, when she looks at me, my heart melts, and I get all gooey.”
“I know the feeling.” Tara said smiling. “Willow came over this evening…it was an interesting night, but man that woman can kiss.”
“Huh…I see that.” Tori pointed to Tara’s pulse point. “Hickey.”
Tara shook her head, “Love bite.”
“Right…that’s what I called Dawns.” Tori watched her sister look at her shocked.
“Excuse me?”
“Oh please…you should talk.” Tori stuck her tongue out.
“I’m twenty one, you’re only seventeen. You do realize what these marks lead to right?” Tara, herself, slipped into big sister mode.
“I’m not dumb Tara. But you really don’t have to worry about that. Dawn and I are completely happy just, doing the cute puppy love things. Holding hands, kissing, cuddling, nothing more, nothing less. Besides,” Tori looked at her sister accusingly, “Is it us you have to worry about?” She wiggled her eyebrows up and down.
“You. Bed. Now.” Tara said pointing to the stairs.
“Fine, but I won’t be the one having wet dr…” Tori began.
“Victoria!” Tara warned. She watched her sister bolt to her room. “Sisters…” She mumbled, getting up, and turning out all the lights down stairs, before heading to her own room, checking on Hadley, before she did so.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I will be back tomorrow, hopefully with a couple of more updates.~Holly~
Show me where to touch you-
Tara-It Ain’t FickleTitle: Never A Night Like This
Author: Taras Shadow
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN…except for Tori, Hadley, Jessica Paris, and Orlando-they belong to me
Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome
Pairings: W/T, X/A, B/?, D/?
Rating:
PG Summary: Willow is one of the hottest models in the world. When she comes home for her holiday, she meets a nice family that is new to Sunnydale. Can she find love, and continue her much loved career? This is an AU fic. There will be a little angst between some characters, but nothing big for I want to keep the angst issue light. Thoughts are in < > Flashbacks are in **
~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part 12~It was Monday morning, and the students had arrived at the High school only to be told to report to the auditorium for a brief Assembly. All students fought through the crowd to find their friends or groups. It wasn’t really a typical day at Sunnydale High, but then again, Sunnydale wasn’t typical.
“Dawn!” Tori yelled through the crowd. She noticed the brunette standing against the doorframe to a classroom, talking with some of her other friends.
Dawn turned her head towards her smiling girlfriend. “Excuse me,” she whispered to her friends, and made her way towards Tori. “Hey.” She breathed.
“Hey.” Tori wanted to reach out and hold her, but neither girls were ready to begin that kind of scrutiny. She couldn’t hug her, because she knew that she wouldn’t be able to let go fast enough, so she settled for a smile, and tucking her own hair behind her ears. “So, um, do you know what this Assembly is for?”
Dawn shook her head, “Not really, but I did hear that some of the senior classes and sophomore classes are immerging.”
“Immerging? I wonder what classed?” Tori raised an eyebrow.
“Well let’s go find us a seat and find out.” Dawn beamed, she held her arm for Tori to loop hers through. They found two seats that were together, and sat down quietly, enjoying the close contact.
“Students!” The principal politely spoke. “Ladies and Gentlemen, if you please turn your full attention this way, it will be greatly appreciated.” The auditorium went quiet, and allowed Principal Jackson to continue. “You’re all probably wondering why you’re here. Last night, two dear faculty members were involved in a collision on the highway outside of Sunnydale.” The room gasped and whispering began. “Now, they’re both in the hospital, and we have yet to find out their conditions. In the mean time, education must still be taught. So, today, we are starting a new classroom plan. Those of you seniors who are taking different religions subject will be put in with study period of those sophomores. Now, study period is a time to study, in the library, or the assigned classroom. So those of you who are taking the different religions subject, will respect those who are studying. This is taking place fourth period before lunch.”
“Hey, you’re taking the different religions subject…” Dawn whispered excitedly.
“Yeah…” Tori wasn’t exactly following.
“I have study period.” Dawn slapped her girlfriends knee, “As if you forgot, last Friday you came in the library, and annoyed me until we got into trouble.”
“Oh yeah…that was fun.” Tori giggled. “Just think, we can get into trouble all the time now.”
“No way…”
“Or we could always go to the very back of the library where the Occult books are…and a little of our own studying in. Because don’t you have French like, sixth period?” Tori whispered in Dawn’s ear.
The young Summer’s face turned a little red, but she couldn’t help but feel giddy inside and smile outside. “Behave.”
“I just ask that all of you say a small prayer or something, and if anything comes up, we’ll let you know. Now, you’re all dismissed to head straight to your homerooms.” The principal finished and walked out the door.
“So, want me to walk you to class?” Tori asked, she flung her backpack over her shoulders. “I promise I won’t get you lost and end up in the ladies room somewhere.”
“Tori…shut up.” Dawn smiled and grabbed Tori’s hand. “I know I shouldn’t be holding your hand in public like this…but then I might kiss you and that would be so much worse.”
Tori squeezed the soft hand in hers. “Everything will be fine Dawnie…as far as everyone else is concerned, we’re best friends, and best friends hold hands all the time.” She whispered.
“You are my best friend…one that holds the key to my heart.” Dawn whispered back.
~*~*~*~*~*
“I got here as fast as I could.” Willow rushed into Tara’s house. “How is she?”
“She’s finally sleeping again. I can’t thank you enough Willow for coming over.” Tara said. “Hadley just woke up this morning crying, her temperature was high. I really want to stay and be here with her, but if I don’t do as many shifts as I can, then I won’t be able to afford this place.”
“Baby…shh, it’s ok.” Willow held Tara close. “I’ll take good care of her, I promise. You go to work, and call to check in every once in a while ok? If anything changes, I will call you right away.” She felt Tara pull her body tighter into hers and soft sobs could be heard.
“She’s never gotten sick before, it just scares me.” Tara mumbled into Willow’s neck, hot tears falling on her skin. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry Tara, I know it’s scary, but listen, I promise to take care of her and keep a close watch on her. And if you want to stay home…I can always help you out with any payments.” Willow stroked the long blonde hair.
“No, I couldn’t let you do that, but you promise you’ll keep a close watch on her?” Tara pulled back, her eyes red and puffy.
“I promise, and if you want to come back around lunch, do so baby. Ok?” Willow kissed away the salty tears, then lightly kissed Tara’s eyelids.
< I love you. > Tara wanted to tell her those three words, but they were taking things slow, she wanted to yell them. Especially now when Willow had jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes, and rushed right over to her home…her arms. “Thank you so much.”
“No need to thank me Tara, like I told Hadley before, I’ll always be here for your family.” Willow walked Tara out to the car, and opened the door.
“You know the numbers right? To the doctors, hospitals, my work…” Two fingers silenced Tara, on her lips.
“I know.” Willow smiled warmly. “Now, you, work, now.” Willow leaned in and kissed Tara’s forehead. “She’ll be fine.”
“I trust you.” Tara wiped her eyes and got into the driver’s seat. “I’ll see you soon. And can you give Hadley a kiss and hug for me. Not on the lips though, because I don’t want you getting sick either.”
“I will do Mama.” Willow sweetly smiled.
After watching Tara drive away, Willow went straight up into Hadley’s bedroom. She sat in a rocking chair by the window, and thought about her life. She was once, a dork, a computer book reading geek, next she was a model who travelled around the world and met new friends, made cash, and set a good name for herself, now…she felt like…Willow. Just plain ordinary Willow, and she liked it. Her life these days revolved around her friends, Hadley, Tori, and Tara…. especially Tara. Meeting such a wonderful person who’s ambitions aren’t filled with sex, drugs, rock n’ roll, but an ambition for raising a healthy child, and a healthy family. Making a living and doing so without selling herself. Going back to school, trying to reach that one place, where she can choose a great path that will allow her family to tag along safely.
Then Willow thought about her own life right now. She still had a very spotlighted career. In just a few months, she’ll be heading back to her loft in L.A. and travelling once again, around the world with fellow models. She didn’t want to think about that, right now, she wanted to enjoy her stay at home, and then worry about things later.
“Willow.”
Willow turned her head towards a small face. Blue eyes that looked so pale, staring back at her. “Hey baby girl, how are you feeling?” She knelt beside the bed, taking Hadley’s hand into her own.
“Better now that you’re here.” The small voice was so quiet. But when Willow looked at that smile that spread across the young girls face, it lit up her whole heart.
“Aww, sweetie…” Willow kissed Hadley’s forehead once, “that’s from me,” she did it again, “that’s from mama.”
“Can you hold me?” Hadley asked.
“Of course.” Willow climbed into the tiny bed and allowed Hadley to snuggle up as close to her as she wanted. “You know, when I was little, a got sick really bad.”
“You did?”
“Yes. My mom and dad had to go to work, just like your mama, but I had this one person who always came to my rescue when I was down.” Willow continued.
“Who was it?” Hadley lifted her head and looked at Willow.
“My grandmother. She passed away a couple of years ago, but I still remember her coming over, and spoiling me.”
“Then you must take after her.” Hadley smiled. “Willow? Can you make me some chicken soup for lunch?”
“I think that can be arranged. How about you try and some rest before then. I’m going to go get you a cool cloth for your head.” Willow kissed the small girl again, before leaving to the bathroom. When she returned, Hadley had already fallen asleep. She put the cloth on her tiny forehead, and sat back down in the rocking chair.
~*~*~*~*~
“Tara…why don’t you just go home?” Lisa asked a very drained Tara.
“Because I need the money.” Tara replied cleaning off tables and wiping them down.
“I know that hun, back if your little girl’s sick, you should be with her, she’ll probably want you too.” Lisa patted Tara’s back caringly.
“Hadley’s in perfect hands.” Tara walked over to the back, and gave the dishes to a late teen boy, who winked as she approached him. She, of course smiled being the nice person she was. “Willow’s with her, and Hadley loves Willow.”
“Willow Rosenberg…model-baby sitter extraordinaire.” Lisa laughed. “That woman really loves to do it all.”
“What do you mean?” Tara looked at her confused.
“Nothing, its just, before she became ‘picture perfect’ her life here was…hard. Everyone knew her parents were never there for her, and after her grandmother passed away, Willow pushed herself into something she felt would make people love her, and stop leaving her.” Lisa sat down in an empty booth, looking up at Tara.
“She has friends who are really nice, and would never leave her.”
“She does, but before the Buffy girl came along, Willow was…nothing to the school. Except when she was needed for computer help and tutoring. That Harris boy was her only real friend since they were little, and his parents too, don’t give a damn about their only son.” Lisa looked out the window. Tara sat down waiting to hear more about Willow’s past. “When Buffy Summer’s, her sister, and mom moved in Sunnydale, things changed here…weird stuff began, and Willow was all of a sudden more…into the ‘in-crowd’. She made a couple of new friends, who would be found, running the streets at late hours. Soon, that gang was pegged as the ‘delinquent quad.’ That’s when Grandma Rosenberg passed away. A couple of days after her funeral, Willow went missing.”
“Missing?” Tara bit her nails, concentrating on the story that as being unfolded to her.
“Yeah, missing…until a couple of months later, ‘BHAM’ she was on a cover of some women’s magazine. Everyone here was shock to find out that she was…gay. That’s where the Willow everyone knew, changed. Mind you, she WAS never bad. She’s still the same Willow, just with a better prospect on life.” Lisa looked over at Tara, “Are you ok?”
“Yeah, I am fine. Just, it’s a lot to take in.”
“Sweetie, everyone had a past. Willow loves your family, and that’s what is keeping her balanced here.” Lisa smiled and looked at her watch. “Oh, it’s lunch time, why don’t you go home. I’ll take over your shift, and I will give you your regular payment. Now scoot.”
“You sure?” Tara was now anxious to see Willow, as well as her daughter.
“Yes…now go.” Lisa literally pushed her out the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~
“Gillian!!” Dawn yelped.
Tori looked at her girlfriend confused. They found a spot in the back of the library on the floor, but decided to study just for a bit. “Huh?”
“Sally and Gillian…you’ve watched Practical Magic right?” Dawn asked, her hands playing with her notebook.
“Yeah. Why?”
“Well, I was thinking about what you said the other night, about magic. And well, you said that Tara was more into it, and can do spells and stuff, and well, you said you weren’t that experienced.” Dawn explained grinning.
“And…” Tori smirked.
“You’re Gillian, and Tara’s Sally. Sally could do spells, and Gillian couldn’t really grasp the concept.” Dawn frowned a bit. “Never mind, you think I’m weird right now.”
“Not weird…just quirky.” Tori replied moving closer to Dawn. “I always thought I was Gillian myself, you know, because she’s beautiful…”
“Conceded much?” Dawn teased. “But you’re right, VERY beautiful.”
“I can show you a spell…I know a couple that my mom taught me.” Tori said smiling.
“Really? Cool.”
Tori cupped Dawn’s face, and placed one long kiss. “That’s a spell.”
“And your mom taught you that?” Dawn drew back looking into Hazel depths.
“No silly, that was my own.” Tori giggled.
“Oh…well then, I guess you can teach me your spell any day.” Dawn replied dipping in for more.
~*~*~*~*~
“Chicken soup for the Hadley’s soul.” Hadley giggled as Willow walked into her room carrying two small bowls of chicken broth. “Did you know that’s a book?” She asked as the red head sat down right beside her in bed.
“Yeah, very nice collection of stories.” Willow smiled and she blew on her soup. “Just blow, like this.” She saw Hadley copy her and grinned.
“Mama read me a couple of stories in them. Some of them are sad.” Hadley’s voice went sad and then looked at Willow. “I wish I could’ve met your grandmother.”
Willow drew the spoon away from her mouth and searched into Hadley’s eyes. “I wish she could’ve met you too.”
“I never met mine…she passed away before I was born.” Hadley blew on her soup again. “But mama let her name me.” Her eyes grew wide and smiled.
“Yeah, she told me. And you have a very very beautiful name.” Willow brushed some blonde curls away from Hadley’s eyes.
“What’s your full name?” Hadley asked, she bent over the small table, and sipped on some broth.
“Willow Lynn Rosenberg.”
“Now that’s pretty.” Hadley smiled.
“I agree.” Tara said from the doorway, she stood there in her apron, and her hair was a little messy from hurrying home and up the stairs to check on her daughter.
Willow’s heart skipped a beat, she took in the dishevelled hair, the light rosy-pink flushed cheeks, and the hands that she loved to hold, or held her. “You’re just in time. We were just about to eat some soup.” Willow watched as the blonde made her way in the room and sat at the end of the bed, her eyes were locked on Willow’s as she let out her lopsided grin. “I love it when you do that.” Willow whispered.
Hadley looked up from her bowl to see what Willow loved about her mama. “She loves to do it when she’s around you. Auntie Tori calls it her ‘shy-come over here’ look.”
“Hadley…ok, it’s true.” Tara confessed. < Just want you to kiss me like you did before. >
“Well if it helps any…it works.” Willow smiled.
“How are you feeling sweetie?” Tara asked her daughter.
“Better, mama you should try this soup, Willow made it for me.” Hadley offered her spoon to her mother.
“Here, how about I try from Willow’s spoon, wouldn’t want to get sick and not be able to take care of you.” Tara smiled sweetly. Willow lifted her spoon, and fed Tara. “Mmmmm…that is good. Maybe I should get a little sick so you can make more.”
“Why, Tara, if you get sick…then tomorrow night will be cancelled, and I don’t think I can handle that.” Willow explained. She put her spoon back into her soup.
“Ok, don’t get sick…check.” Tara grinned again, she looked over at her daughter. “Looks like her colours coming back.” She reached out to caress Hadley’s face before feeling her head. “And you’re not as warm…oh, shi…dang it.”
“What?” Willow looked at Tara.
“I forgot to call the school, and tell them Hadley would be away.” The blonde covered her eyes with her hand and groaned.
“Don’t worry about it, I kinda did that after Hadley fell asleep a couple of hours ago.” Willow brought her hand up to Tara’s and pulled it away from her face and kissed the palm. “I promised you I’d take care of her.”
“Mama?” Hadley’s voice forced Tara to look at her daughter.
“What is it sweeite?”
“Can Willow be my daddy?” All innocence was put into that one question. Her dream box held that question, and she depended on the dream box to work. Her little soul knew that her mama found love with Willow. Her mama was happy and that made her happy. She fell in love with Willow too, the red head knew how to say the right things, and she wanted nothing more then too have a complete family…but only if that included Willow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tori and Dawn finally got back to their work after a good twenty minutes. They had the giggles though, so not much work was being progressed.
“Shhh…” Tori clamped Dawn’s mouth shut. “You’re gonna have someone checking back here, and I don’t want no interruptions.”
“Well…you shouldn’t have put your shirt on backwards, and not notice it.” Dawn giggled.
“I fixed it five minutes ago…it’s done and over with.” Tori said, her hand went back to Dawn’s mouth only to have it be kissed. “Hey, I’m trying to…punish you, no kissing.”
Dawn pouted and put her head down. “Meanie.”
“I am not no meanie.” Tori said softly, “Here, you can kiss it all you want.”
Dawn grinned and took her hand again, placing small kisses in the palm, her eyes never left Tori’s. “You have soft hands.” She murmured.
Tori closed her eyes, “Now I have a reason to keep them soft.” She opened her eyes to have Dawn’s face right in front of her face. “Agh!” She fell back. “Goddess Dawn, don’t scare me like that.” She laughed, lying on her back.
Dawn joined Tori’s laughter, Tori sat up and tried to quiet both of them down before they got caught not ‘working’, Dawn tried to pull her hand swap her hand away, but ended up pushing Tori back down, her fumbling on top. That only made them laugh more and they never heard someone walking down the stacks towards them.
“Ah Hem!” A deep male voice came up to them. Tori and Dawn looked up to see Principal Jackson looking down on them. With Dawn still on Tori, he took this as some wrestling match. “Miss Maclay, Miss Summer’s, my office…now.”
The laughter subsided a little as they scrambled around to get their stuff in their bags. Looping their arms together, they quietly snickered, following the Principal to his office.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I am off to go for a walk in this small town in Ontario…it’s cold out there. 
I need to think about some of the stuff I want to put in the story…I’ll be back later this evening…next up, Hadley’s answer about Willow, and THE BIG DATE 
~Holly~
Show me where to touch you-
Tara-It Ain’t Fickle
by littlecrazy80 » Thu Oct 10, 2002 8:53 pm 
Loved it... and the longness was really appreciated. 
To have sex w/ Willow so she can get paid lotsa money... that is soooo Anya! 
Everything goes well in this part...so we can all breathe...wait, what am I talking about, there is no angst...yet... 
WOLFLORD 
Thanks for the wonderful feedback.
And thanks for the WOW. 
Can't wait for the next bit 