37772
TITLE: Racing The Rain
AUTHOR: Finey_McFine
RATING: R (Language)
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy. ALL other original characters belong to me! This includes: Willow’s siblings and teammates, plus Tara’s friends and co-workers. Mention of any ‘real’ people in this fic is brief and pure fantasy.
SUMMARY: Totally AU! Set in LA with lots of W/T fluff and some angst, but no Hellmouthyness; just good old regular day-to-day drama. Willow is attending college on an athletic scholarship and Tara is Hollywood royalty. They meet and fall in love, of course, but will they be able to survive the pitfalls of a public romance? Well, you’ll just have to read and find out!
FEEDBACK: Yes! Any glaring issues…please send me a PM!
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hi Everyone and Happy Sunday! So, here’s the deal…this chapter is unproofed, even though I’ve gone through it at least a dozen times, there’s probably typo’s, etc. Just PM me if you catch something. I sincerely hope ya’ll like this chapter because I REALLY love it! Happy reading:)***********************************
Chapter 50: The Unexpected Hero “Get off me Robby,” Willow demanded as Robby just lay there; inappropriately grinding his groin into her. “What are you doing? I said get off!” Willow tried to thrust her arms out and push, but he was much bigger and her pushing was to no avail.
To the rest of the onlookers, everything seemed to be happening in slow motion, but to Willow it all happened very quickly.
“You know what your problem is Will, you just need a real man.” Robby hissed pushing his face forward and kissing Willow soundly on the lips.**************************
Willow was stunned and doing her best to push him off her. As strong as she was, it didn’t seem to matter; the 6’2, 220lb man had her pinned. She bucked and squirmed; desperately trying to knee him in the groin…anything to push him off. Nothing worked, as he pressed harder against her; trying to thrust his tongue into her mouth.
Everyone froze momentarily in complete disbelief. Tara was some distance away and stood stunned by the events unfolding in front of her; her mouth moving, but no words were coming out. She quickly snapped out of it when she saw her girlfriend in distress and struggling against Robby’s unwanted advances, “HEY!” She shouted in unison with Grayson and quickly started to move towards Willow.
As Tara began to pick up speed, Grayson, charged past her and towards his sister; he was on Robby in two seconds flat. “You son of a bitch! Get the fuck off my sister!” He shouted as he grabbed Robby and threw him to the ground.
Willow pushed herself backwards on all fours, in an attempt to get out of the way as she turned her head, wiping her mouth on her sleeve and spitting on the ground. A few seconds later she felt Tara’s arms under hers, helping her to stand.
Meanwhile, Robby had bounced to his feet and was up in Grayson’s face, “What’s your fucking problem, man!?” Robby exclaimed, thrusting his arms forward and shoving Grayson in the chest.
“What’s my problem?!” Grayson responded indignantly, shoving him back, “You forced yourself on my sister, that’s my fucking problem. You piece of shit!” He shouted, the two men standing within a foot of each other.
“Fuck you and your fucking dyke sister!” Robby spat.
That was the last straw for Grayson, he threw a punch and connected hard with Robby’s jaw; knocking him back several feet and busting his lip wide open. Robby retaliated, lunging forward and punching Grayson in the eye and chaos erupted as the scuffle turned into a knock down drag out fight. A chorus of ‘Oh shits’ could be heard echoing across the field as Ira, Eli, Hunter and Jeff charged forward, in an attempt to try and break up the two men.
Willow’s face was etched with concern as she yelled at them to stop. Her cries when unheard and she failed to move as the men stumbled closer. Tara acted quickly, wrapping her arm around Willow’s waist and yanking her out of harms way. They were like wild animals in a frenzy and it was hard to tell who had the advantage as Grayson and Robby were throwing punch after punch; eventually landing on the ground. They were rolling about while shouting a string of obscenities as Grayson finally ended up on top; straddling Robby.
“How’s if feel to be held down against your will, you fucking bastard!” Grayson shouted as he repeatedly punched Robby in the face; landing several strong blows.
Ira, Eli, Hunter and Jeff eventually managed to pull Grayson off, but not before the two men were both bruised and bleeding; Robby, clearly taking the brunt of fight, staggered as he tried to stand. He then, unceremoniously, lunged forward in a sorry last-ditch effort. Unfortunately for him he was met by Eil’s fist to his face and as he staggered, Hunter grabbed him; throwing hard him to the ground.
Jeff was holding on to Grayson from behind as Ira had both hands on his son’s chest, “Break it up! Both of you, that’s enough!” He shouted, as he pushed his eldest son backwards “Enough!” This wasn’t the first time Ira had intervened in a fight that Grayson was involved in, but it was definitely the most violent. Ira had learned over the years that raising three boys had it’s challenges and Grayson was most definitely the hot head of the bunch. Although, this time his flaring temper was justified.
Grayson was panting hard and his face was beet red, while Robby angrily pulled himself up; spitting out a mouth full of blood in the process.
“Robert, you need to leave,” Ira said sternly.
“No problemo,” He said as he turned his head towards Willow. This time spitting at her feet and mumbling, “Faggot.”
“Son of a bitch!” Grayson shouted, surging forward again, trying to tackle Robby as his father and brothers caught him mid stride; somehow managing to hold him back.
“NOW ROBERT, because if you say another word, I’m going to unleash ALL of these boys on you and I don’t think you want that kind of pain. Do you understand me?” In truth, Ira was having a hard time keeping his own anger in check and desperately needed the young man to leave before completely loosing his temper as well. He was also worried that Robby would be seriously injured, as all three of his boys were seething and ready to pummel him into a bloody pulp.
Robby glared at the man, nodding in understanding and backing down; knowing that he didn’t stand a chance against the three Rosenberg brothers. When he finally turned and began walking away, Ira and Hunter followed for good measure. There was dead silence as they all watched him leave until Willow finally spoke up.
“Gray, are you ok? I’m so sorr-”
Grayson turned to Willow, his eyes still angry, “Willow, you have
nothing to apologize for. Do you hear me? Nothing.” His face softening for a brief moment as he reached out and put a hand on Willow’s shoulder. It was short lived, however, and soon his features were dark once again, “But there is someone who does.” With that, he turned and began to march towards the back of the house.
“What’s he talking about?” Eli asked, meeting his sister’s eyes in a questioning stare. They stood for a long moment watching Grayson leave in silence.
Willow turned to Eli, “I don’t…” She started as her eyes widened when she realized exactly where he was going, “…oh shit.” Willow mumbled as she pulled away from Tara and began to run towards the house. Unfortunately, Grayson had just stepped inside.
*******************************
Tara fell in behind Willow as did everyone else, to find out exactly what Grayson was up to. Eli lagged behind with Milo, who was now crying on his father’s shoulder.
When Grayson burst in the backdoor, he was met by his mother and Nanna Addy; sitting at the kitchen table chatting. Sheila stood immediately upon seeing her son’s battered and bloody face.
“Oh my God! Grayson, what happened?” She exclaimed.
“I got in a fight with Robby because of YOU, that’s what happened!” Grayson was panting hard with his fists clinched at his sides; having never in his life raised his voice to his mother with such anger.
“What are you talking about? I was inside…you boys, I swear.” Sheila attempted to play off his accusation with the standard,
‘boys will be boys’ routine and waved a dismissive hand through the air. Turning her back, Sheila began to move towards the sink.
Grayson was furious that his mother would just blow him off and he was rapidly reaching the point of hysteria as his eyes began to dart rapidly around the room. They fixated on a bag of flour that was sitting on the kitchen counter. Grayson snatched up the bag and threw it as hard as he could against the nearest wall; exploding flour all over the kitchen and some of its occupants. Everyone stood stock still, completely stunned by his actions, including Willow and Tara who had just arrived on the scene.
“Grayson Emmanuel Rosenberg! What the hell has gotten into you?!!” Sheila admonished.
“I’ll tell you what’s gotten into me…seeing my baby sister attacked and seeing you for what you really are!” Grayson was panting hard and rapidly bridging the gap between himself and Sheila, “You are a manipulative, scheming, cold hearted bitch who would rather see her daughter sexually assaulted than gay!”
“GRAYSON!” Sheila and Nanna Addy shouted. “How dare you speak to me like this!” Sheila was stunned by her eldest sons outburst.
“Well, I’ll tell you what Mother, it’s about time someone said something! You have been acting like an ignorant ass when it comes to Willow; treating her like a second class citizen, trying everything in your power to change her to YOUR liking and look you’ve caused!” He practically screamed as he pointed to his bloody face.
“Oh I see, this little school yard scuffle you got into with Robby was all my fault. It had nothing to do with
her being here and causing all the unnecessary tension.” Sheila spat sarcastically; glaring at Tara.
Grayson followed Sheila’s line of sight to Tara and whipped his head back to his Mother, “This has nothing to do with Tara being here, she has as much a right to be here as any of our girlfriends do. This has everything to do with the fact that Robby attacked Willow in front of all of us, including Dad…in broad daylight! He forced himself on her and stuck his tongue down her throat! Thank God your little plan didn’t work, because I can only imagine what he would have done to her if he’d gotten her alone.” Grayson moved even closer and was now within a foot of his mother, “How’d you like to have that on your conscious Mom? Huh? Willow getting raped by some asshole that YOU set her up with all because YOU wanted to
turn her straight! Well, get the fuck over it!” He shouted and received a hard slap across his already bruised face.
A resounding gasp reverberated across the room, causing everyone to flinch. In the time that they had been arguing, nearly the entire family had convened, with the exception of Eli, Stella and Milo. They chose to stay outside; keeping Milo out of the fray, the little boy was upset enough as it was.
Grayson looked at his mother with shock and angry tears welling in his eyes. He turned swiftly to Bambi, “We’re leaving, get your stuff and meet me at the car.” Snatching his keys from the counter, he turned and stormed out.
“Grayson wait, I don’t want you driving like this!” Ira said with concern as he chased his son out the backdoor.
Bambi said nothing, she simply left to gather her things in the living room and exited through the front of the house; leaving the rest of the family standing in silence.
Willow couldn’t believe what was happening, it was like she was trapped in some sort of alternate reality. Her head was throbbing and she was completely stunned by her brother’s reaction. Grayson had stood up for her, he’d taken a beating and confronted their mother; all in a matter of ten minutes. He was her hero. This new revelation made her feel proud and sad all at the same time. She glanced around the room, not knowing what to do or say next.
“Sheila, is this true? Did you invite this boy for Willow?” Adele asked her daughter, but Sheila didn’t answer; instead she stood wringing her hands and looking away.
“It’s true Nanna,” Willow said, finally finding her voice, “She did it to try and break up Tara and I. To try and
broaden my horizons, so to speak. Go ahead, tell her Mom. Tell her how you told Robby he had a chance with me, how you tried to set us up even though you knew I was bringing Tara. Tell her! ”
“Sheila!” Nanna Addy was appalled, “How could you? I raised you with an open mind and you pull something like this? This is about as low as it gets! You could have gotten Willow killed! This boy is clearly unstable.”
“You have no idea what it’s like Mother! It’s bad enough having a homosexual child in a small town, then having to see it plastered on every magazine cover and TV show…I can’t even go to the grocery store anymore with out having people constantly whispering behind my back. You are in no position to judge me!” Sheila barked.
“And what exactly is it like Mom?” Willow calmly asked.
“Willow, please do not start with me. I have seriously had just about as much as I can take.”
“Enough of what…enough of me? Enough of your child?”
“Willow, did you ever even consider how this…this
thing with Tara was going to effect your family? Do you even care? I don’t even know why you bothered getting involved with anyone, it’s not like any of this is going to matter in six months.” She said as she turned, opening a drawer, pulling out an envelope and tossing it on the table.
Willow met her eyes questionably, “What is this?” She asked as she picked up the envelope with the Texas A&M logo and examined it thoroughly.
“It’s your acceptance letter for vet school,” Sheila replied flatly, “You’ll be starting at A&M in August.”
Willow’s eyes widened, then squinted as she pulled out the letter and began to read, “But I never…”
Tara’s heart sank and she nearly collapsed. Willow
was leaving California, coming back to Texas to attend four years of Veterinary med school. She never mentioned leaving, not once and now here was the letter, the proof right in front of her. Tara didn’t understand…how? Why? What was going on?
“Willow…?” Tara’s voice was pleading and confused, as she met he lover’s panicked and teary eyes. Tara’s mind was racing. How could she have been so stupid not to realize that Willow’s tenure in California was temporary? Of course it was, she was a college student and didn’t they always return home after school? Tara was beside herself.
“Tara I…”
Sheila straightened up, “You see Tara, Willow is going to med school at A&M just like we planned and she doesn’t have time for...all of
this.” Sheila said, waving a hand in the air as if to shoo Tara away like an annoying insect. “Have your fun now, because in six months, Willow is coming back here and starting her
real life.”
Willow looked to Tara with teary eyes and saw nothing but hurt and anguish reflected back at her, “Tara, I’m sorry, I’m s-s-sooo sorry. I wasn’t trying to-”
“Willow, it’s time you told Tara the truth!” Sheila shouted at her daughter, causing Willow to break down completely; whimpering and sobbing. She felt like the entire world was crashing down on her.
“Stop it, please!” Tara countered.
“Tara, this is not your concern,” Sheila said sternly.
Tara whipped her head towards Sheila, “Yes it is, you’re h-hurting Willow and that m-makes it my concern. Will, is t-this all true? I trusted you more than anyone in my life, do you…do you w-wanna leave?”
“This is not your decision, Tara.”
“I KNOW THAT!” Tara said sharply to Sheila, “Baby? Do…do you wanna leave?” She asked Willow softly, almost in a whisper.
Willow shook her head, meeting Tara’s eyes and collapsed into her, sobbing even harder. The blonde responded quickly; wrapping her arms protectively around her girlfriend and stroking her hair, “Shhhh sweetie, it’s ok. It’s ok, I’ve got you.”
“Willow, this is ridiculous! Stop that crying immediately! You need to quit acting like a baby and do what’s right for your future.”
Tara eyes narrowed eyes at Sheila and she gritted her teeth as she held Willow tight, “Just let it go Sheila. She’s far too upset to make any kind of decision right now.”
Sheila was furious that this woman was speaking to her in such a manner in her own home and clinched her fists as she spoke, “Tara, I have been very patient, but I am starting to lose it. This plan was in place long before you came into the picture and if you care about Willow at all, you’ll let her go. I will NOT allow you to ruin her life!”
Tara could no longer hold it in, “If I care about Willow?” She said Indignantly, “I love Willow and I respect whatever decision she makes, but I won’t stand idly by and watch you bully her into making a decision that she is clearly not ready to make. You’re hurting her and
I won’t allow that!”
“YOU? YOU won’t allow…? Just who the HELL do you think you are anyway?!?”
“I-” Tara began to speak again, when Willow cut her off suddenly; lifting her head, “She’s my everything. That’s who she is and I will not allow
you to raise your voice to her.” Willow said, turning from her lover and facing her mother.
“You’re right Mom, we did talk about my options, but I never committed to coming back and attending A&M. That’s what YOU wanted, it’s what you’ve always wanted, but I never did. Why do you think I choose UCLA in the first place? It was because I wanted something for me, not for you or dad or anyone else. Just for me. I’m sick of my life not being my own. I am a grown woman and I’ll make my own decisions. This is my choice, my life…not yours.”
Sheila scoffed, “You’re not thinking with your head right now. Do you actually think this
thing with Tara is going to last?”
“You keep implying that it’s Tara that’s pulling me away when you refuse to see the truth. Refuse to see that…that it’s
you, mother. You’ve been pushing me away since high school and
this thing, as you put it, is called a relationship and just because I’m in it with a woman doesn’t make it any less significant. I am so sick and tired of you acting like it’s something less than what it is and I’m sick of the way you have been treating us this week. This little plan of yours, with Robby, was a pathetic and desperate attempt at trying to force your will upon me. Well, guess what? It didn’t work. It only showed what as ass Robby truly is and now you’ve not only pushed me even further away, but you caused Grayson to get hurt!”
“Willow, I am doing my best to be tolerant of your
lifestyle, but when you start putting your future in jeopardy because of some college tryst with an actress-”
“Tolerant?! You tolerate me?” Willow asked indignantly, ignoring the last part of the sentence.
“What do you want from me Willow? I’m doing the best that I can!”
“Well, if this is your best, then you are in serious trouble. I don’t want to be
tolerated. I want to be loved and accepted. I just…I just want to be Willow, this is who I am, but you can’t seem to get it through that through your thick skull. Well let me spell it out for you Mom…I’m gay. G-A-Y! As in lesbian-I-don’t-live-in boys-town-never-will, no matter how many you try and set me up. Like it or not THIS is who I am! You rolled the dice with a fifth kid and this is what you got. So sorry to disappoint you-”
“THAT’S ENOUGH! ALL OF YOU!” Ira shouted, appearing out of nowhere to put an end to the bickering.
Sheila sighed in relief, “Ira, thank God you-”
“Shut up Sheila! Girls, upstairs. Sheila, you come with me. Everyone else, get this mess cleaned up!” Ira yelled, grabbing Sheila’s wrist and pulling her out the back door.
Once again Willow was stunned silent. Her father rarely raised his voice, but when he did, he meant business. Willow felt horrible for making him yell, horrible for causing such a ruckus and horrible for ruining Thanksgiving; if horrible were a train, she’d be the locomotive.
Tara was incredibly relieved that Ira arrived when he did. She stepped in front of Willow, she could see the confusion and how utterly wiped the girl was. She hated seeing Willow in pain and had to force herself not to cry…for Willow’s sake and her own. Tara cupped Willow’s cheeks, wiping the tears with her thumbs and lightly kissing her forehead.
“Come on,” She whispered, gently guiding Willow from the room and up the stairs.
I have to know what happens next!
But just picturing him on top of Willow like that and doing those things really made my blood boil. That was so disgusting and disturbing in so many ways. I really, really, really can't wait to see what happens next! Soon please?
but what I loved was Hunter and Willow's joking about Molly and Tara hitting it off. Showed the acceptance between them, the humor, and was a sweet step to Tara being more a part of the family. Big happy here! 
Anybody got a cluestick handy?
God I'd have beat the shit out of him if I was either girl. I cannot believe that anyone could be so brazen and disgusting. So despite the fact that I hate him, you did such a great job writing this that I can't wait for more. Update soon please.
I think she may be certifiably insane if she truly believes she has Willow's best interest at heart. But then again, she already admitted it was because she was feeling judged by her town so it is obviously selfish motives. GRRR!!!
