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 New Year! I made this update fairly long because there won’t be one next week…my wife are going to New Orleans…KID FREE!!! 
Sorry, do I seem a little excited? Anyway, this chapter is unproofed, so I’m sorry for any errors that I’m sure will arise, even though I re-read it like 90x. Have a great week! Oh, just a few more things…HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER! 
ROLL TIDE and GO TEXANS!!!!!!!!Chapter 56: Brainy WillowWillow groaned in frustration, sitting on the floor of the family room, as she flipped through page after page of baby photos. She’d gone through several albums and still had not found the elusive picture she was looking for. Internally, Willow knew that she could just ask her mother, but then that would mean they would have to speak to each other. So Willow continued on her blind quest to find the broken crib photo.
Tara was sitting on the couch chatting with Molly when she noticed Willow’s frustration, “Sweetie, it’s no big deal, really.” She said as she joined her girlfriend on the floor.
“No, I promised I’d show you and-”
“Willow,” Sheila interrupted.
Willow turned her hear towards her mother, “Yes?”
“May I see you in the kitchen please?”
“Yes Ma’am,” Willow cringed and her entire body tensed at the request. Since the Thanksgiving catastrophe twenty-four hours earlier, mother and daughter had avoided each other like the plague.
Tara gave Willow’s arm a reassuring squeeze as Willow sighed; placing the photo album in Tara’s lap and rising off the floor. As the redhead left the room, Tara’s brow furrowed and she strained her neck trying her best to nonchalantly eavesdrop on the conversation. Unfortunately and much to Tara’s chagrin, their voices were muffled and she couldn’t make out anything.
Tara sighed and began to idly flip through the pages of Willow’s early childhood. The book Willow had laid in her lap was the toddler years and Tara was actually impressed by Sheila’s organization and thankful to her for going to such great lengths to preserve Willow’s childhood, as well as the family history.
Tara couldn’t help but smile; baby Willow was adorable. She was tiny in comparison to her siblings with an unruly shock of bright red hair that set her apart from the others. Tara noticed in the majority of the pictures, that it was Grayson that was constantly carrying or holding Willow and not Rachael, as she had imagined. Needless to say, this was a surprise to Tara; he definitely doted on his sister and their affection for each other was obvious. She now understood a little better about his protective nature towards his baby sister. Tara flipped through the entire album, but did not come across the infamous broken crib photograph. She placed it back on the shelf and was about to pull out another when she heard Willow’s raised voice. The conversation had obviously taken a turn and Tara was on her feet immediately. The blonde wrapped her arms protectively across her chest and glanced towards Hunter and Molly on the couch. Hunter simply shrugged his shoulders and shook his head as his eyes met Tara’s. All of the tension in the house was weighing heavily on everyone.
It was all Tara could do to stay in the family room and not throw herself between mother and daughter. She began to pace and that’s where Willow found her five minutes later. “Tara, baby,” She said as she soothingly rubbed Tara’s upper arms, “We have an issue.”
Tara looked at her quizzically, “What’s wrong? Are you ok?”
Willow nodded, “I’m fine. There’s um…there’s about a dozen or so photographers out at the gate and they kinda harassed my Mom at the grocery store.”
Tara pushed away from Willow, “Oh God, I’m s-so sorry. Maybe I s-should just leave.”
“What?! No, baby…please,” Willow muttered no louder than a whisper.
Tara closed her eyes, rubbed her temples and slipped into business mode, “Ok, they just want a picture and we need to give them what they want or they’ll never leave us alone.”
“How about we get a couple horses and ride down? That way we can make with the hasty retreat.” Willow said, stepping forward and reaching for Tara; only to have her girlfriend shrink back and step away again.
Tara nodded, “Let me go freshen up and I’ll meet you down at the barn.”
Willow stood in the middle of the room and watched sadly as Tara retreated up the stairs. A few seconds later she felt a strong-arm across her shoulders; she turned and dropped her head on Hunters chest, “I feel like I’m loosing her,” she whispered as the tears welled in her eyes.
He vehemently shook his head, “No you’re not. She’s just tired and stressed. You would be too Will, if you were in her shoes. I mean, she can’t seem to get a break. Ya know?”
Willow nodded weakly, “Go, you need to freshen up as well. She’s not the only one getting photographed,” Hunter smiled and patted his sister’s back, “I’ll get Artemis and Sammie saddled up.”
“Thanks Hunt,” Willow broke away from her brother and headed upstairs.
*******************************************
Willow stood at the bottom of the attic stairs and tried her best to shake away her somber mood before facing Tara. Willow’s mind was churning with scenarios, there were several ways things could go when she entered the bedroom.
Don’t say a word and change clothes, babble and possibly start an argument, or kiss her senseless and diffuse the entire situation. She took a deep breath and finally ascended the stairs.
“Hey,” Willow said as she entered the room.
“Hey…” Was about all Tara could muster before Willow’s lips were on her. Whatever jumbled emotions Tara was harboring, completely disappeared when Willow’s lips crashed into hers. They froze for several seconds as if they were fused together, until Willow brought her hands to Tara’s face and began moving her lips slowly. Willow’s kiss relaxed Tara’s entire body as they melted together. Willow slowly covered the blonde’s mouth with her own and deepened the kiss; running her tongue over Tara’s bottom lip and begging for entrance. Tara complied instantly as their tongues entwined in a sensuous and erotic dance.
Willow smiled internally, this was definitely the best option and it had been far too long since they’d shared a kiss today. Tara felt Willow pull away and noticed that she wasn’t the only one affected by the passionate kiss. Willow’s breathing was ragged and her pupils dilated.
Willow smiled softly, “Your chariot awaits, my love.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For knowing just what I needed,” Tara half smiled and leaned in once again.
********************************
The girls finally found their way out to the barn where Hunter already had both horses saddled up and ready to go. Willow took Tara’s hand and led her to Sammie; the blonde gulping audibly as she stared up at the large equine.
Willow smiled when she noticed Tara’s trepidation and gave her a reassuring squeeze, “Tara this is Sammie,” She said as she reached her free hand up and gently pet Sammie’s muzzle. The gentle giant responded in kind by nuzzling Willow’s neck and tickling the sensitive skin just below her ear; causing Willow to giggle and squirm.
“Hey, no getting fresh with my girlfriend…that’s my job,” Tara quipped as she too reached out a hand to pet the horse. “Willow, she’s um, she’s kinda big, don’t cha think?”
Willow nodded, “Actually, she’s a he. Sammie is a Paint Gelding; he’s 18 and very sweet. He’s actually much more reserved than Artemis, but we can switch if it’ll make you feel better.”
“He is beautiful,” Tara said as she admired the light brown and white spotted horse, “I-I guess it’s ok…”
Willow turned to Tara and took both of her hands, “Sweetie, I would never, ever put you in harms way. If you don’t feel comfortable, we can ride together or not at all or-”
“I’m ok Willow…I trust your judgment, I’ll ride Sammie.”
This pleased Willow tremendously and she couldn’t stop the grin that was quickly spreading across her face. “Great!”
Willow helped Tara mount Sammie and led her around for a few minutes so she could get her balance and get her confidence level up. Willow finally turned the reigns over to Tara, mounted Artemis and began a slow walk side by side towards the front gate.
“Hey Tare, do I look ok?” Willow asked as she futzed with her jacket and hair.
“Sweetheart, you could be wearing a burlap sack with your head shaved and you’d still be beautiful.”
Willow snorted, “I can see it now, a picture of me in Us Weekly next to a picture of the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz… ‘Who Wore It Best?’ Vote now for the Scarecrow!”
“Willow…”
“I just…I don’t want people thinking your dating a schmoo.”
Tara raised an amused eyebrow, “A schmoo? What exactly is a
schmoo?”
Willow scrunched her shoulders, a bit embarrassed, “You know, a plain Jane.”
“Will, you are anything but plain and since when are we just dating?”
“You know what I mean.”
“If it makes you feel better dressing up a bit, that’s fine. If you just wanna wear sweats and a t-shirt, that’s fine too. Just be you sweetie.” Tara reached across the gap between them and met Willow’s hand in the middle.
Willow shook her head, “How about we just get this over with so we can ride some more before it gets dark. I mean, if you want.”
“I do, this is fun and I need to practice so that one day I can keep up with you!”
As they rode closer, the throng of photographers began snapping away, climbing on the fence as well as leaning through the slats; anything to get that one special shot. Willow had decided that it was best to keep a bit of distance between the horses and the flashing cameras, so they made their turn and stayed about twenty to thirty yards back. They each smiled and shot a little wave towards the photographers, but mostly just chatted and laughed at the absurdity and awkwardness of the entire situation. After making their pass, they turned into a vigorous trot and rode away; spending the next hour before the sunset riding through the vast pastures of the Seven Rose Ranch and just enjoying their time together.
********************************
Willow squatted on the concrete floor, as still as a statue and staring intently at the large serpent not more than a foot in front of her. The object of her affection was staring back and the only movement between the two was the snakes flickering tongue. Willow leaned closer and now only inches away from seven foot King Cobra, “What do you suppose he’s thinking, right now?” Willow said as she cocked her head and examined the snake thoroughly.
“How he can get through that glass and eat you for lunch,” Tara said, standing several feet behind the crouching redhead.
“They don’t eat people,” Willow scoffed, still staring with rapt fascination. “They’re extraordinary, the perfect creature. Don’t you think? Just look at him…no arms, no legs just seven feet of pure muscle…millions of years of evolution…”
“I’m thinking that you wouldn’t feel this way if that glass wasn’t separating the two of you.”
Willow chuckled, “Well, you’re right about that. I’d probably be running in the opposite direction and knocking all these people over in the process.” Willow stood, stepping back from the glass enclosure and next to Tara, “Did you know that the King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world and can grow to nearly twenty feet in length?
Ophiophagus Hannah.”
Tara shook her head, looking at Willow quizzically, “Ophio- what?”
Willow smiled and slid into a parcel tongued babble, “The King Cobra is the sole member of the genus
Ophiophagus, which is a Greek word meaning ‘snake eater,’ cuz their diet consists mostly of other snakes. All other
true cobras are members of the genus
Naja. It’s all a matter of size and hood marks. See the stripe on his neck? It’s like an inverted ‘v’ instead of the double or single eye shapes that distinguish most other Asian cobras. Kings are often depicted with the eye shapes, like in Ricki Ticki Tavi, but it’s a misnomer. Sometimes it’s hard to see, but if you look at the back of it’s head closely, you can see a pair of large scales called
occipitals. Cobras usually have a ‘nine plate’ arrangement, but these are specific to the King. It’s a foolproof method of identification!”
Tara stared slack jawed at her girlfriend’s ramble and caused Willow to squirm under the intense scrutiny. “What? TMI?” She squeaked, “That was
really nerdy wasn’t it?”
Tara nodded in agreement, “And possibly the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard you say. I love the way your brain works…”
“Good grief! Get a room!” Grayson exclaimed, rolling his eyes as he brushed past them on his way to the next exhibit in the reptile house at the Houston Zoo, “You two really
are made for each other.”
Willow’s face fell and she began to pout at the ribbing she was once again getting from her older brother.
Tara squeezed Willow’s hand, “Come on, let’s see what’s in here,” Tara pulled Willow over to the next display case. “Aww, this one is so pretty!”
“Pretty deadly,” Grayson said flatly before moving on and leaving Willow and Tara peering at the colorful snake curled up under some leaves at the bottom of the exhibit.
Tara glanced in Grayson’s direction as he moved away, “Really?” She asked Willow.
“Umm hmm,
Micrurus tener…sorry,” She said looking sheepishly at her girlfriend. “It’s a Texas Coral Snake, the only venomous snake in the US to make the list of top ten deadliest in the world.”
“Have you ever um, run into one before?”
“Noooo, a few copperheads and a rattler once, but no coral snakes. They’re pretty shy; hiding under rocks and leaves, burrowing in the ground. I mostly come across rat snakes and these cute little earth snakes that I used to catch and play with when I was a kid.”
Tara smiled at Willow, finding her utterly adorable. “What?” Willow asked.
Tara giggled, “You’re like cool snake hunter!”
Willow returned the smile, “Well, technically, I’ve never really hunted them; just run across them from time to time.”
Tara smiled again, conjuring an image of her girl friend sitting out in the pasture with a snake weaving between her fingers; then she cringed, “Ugh, I’m not so good with the whole…” She raised her hands, deciding to demonstrate her thoughts by putting her palms together and wiggling them in unison, as her body joined in as well.
Willow looked at Tara as she attempted to put her thoughts in motion. Tara looked so incredibly cute, that Willow couldn’t help but tease her just a bit, “Belly dancing?” She asked.
Tara stopped her awkward dance; glancing at her hands, realizing how ridiculous she must look. She sighed deeply, “That was supposed to be my rendition of a snake. I’m uh, not so much into identifying hood marks or length and such.”
Willow looked Tara in the eye before she broke out laughing, “That’s what she said,” The redhead joked.
Tara rolled her eyes and giggled, “Oh my God!”
The girls were still giggling when Milo burst between them jumping up and down, trying to get a better view into the case. “Pick me up! Pick me up! I can’t see!” He shouted.
“Ok, ok clam down,” Willow said as she picked up her nephew.
“Wow…” He breathed.
“Do you remember what kind of snake that is?” She asked.
He nodded his head in recognition, “A Coral Snake and it has poisons.”
“Why don’t you tell Tara the easy way to figure out the difference between a coral and other harmless snakes?” Willow asked.
Milo pressed his little finger to the glass of the display case and pointed to the colorful snake, “Red touch yellow kill a fellow – red touch black friend of Jack. Hey, Rattlesnakes!!” The little boy exclaimed, jumping out of Willow’s arms and dashing across to the rattlesnake display.
“Geez, talk about short attention span theater,” Willow said as she took Tara’s hand and filed in behind Milo and a small group of children at the rattler case.
“Will, how do you know so much about snakes? I mean, I thought you were a Lesbian.” Tara whispered as she playfully hip bumped Willow.
The redhead blushed at the double entendre, “Tara, there’s kids…” Willow motioned with her hand and laughed. “I did a paper in a class last year on venomous snakes. The professor was so impressed with my reptile research that he asked if I wanted to do a summer internship with him studying poisonous frogs in South America.”
“That actually sounds pretty interesting-”
“TARA! Are you crazy? We’re talking slimy frogs here!” Willow shouted so loudly that the entire group of children turned and stared at her. “Uh, sorry…hey look, it’s rattling its tail.” She said pointing at the case trying to get their attention back to the snake.
Tara was biting her bottom lip in a veiled attempt not to burst with laughter, “Are you kidding?”
“No,” Willow said as her eyes darted about and she ducked her head, “I…I have a frog fear ok. There, are you happy now? Your
rough and tough girlfriend is terrified of frogs.”
Tara smiled sweetly, once again unable to resist the adorable pout on Willow’s face, “Awww, poor baby…c’mere.” She said as she tossed a reassuring arm across her girlfriend’s shoulders and squeezed tightly. “So, I guess you don’t think those poisonous dart frogs over there are very pretty?” Tara said pointing towards a glass display next to the rattlesnakes. Willow shivered and took a step backwards. Once again, Tara was near hysterics, “This coming from the woman whose face, just minutes ago, was inches form a King Cobra.”
Willow looked at Tara completely horrified, “Yeah well, that’s because I’ve never woken up to multiple King Cobras in my bed or in my locker or down my pants…uh, lets just pretend like I didn’t say that last part.” Willow said squeamishly.
“You had frogs in your pants? But who…?”
Willow raised her eyebrows, “Brothers…remember?”
“Oh, got cha. Well, how about we just skip this last section, sit outside and wait for the others then?”
Willow smiled, “Sounds like a plan to me. Unless you wanna…”
“No, I’m good. Come on you.” Tara said as she grabbed ahold of Willow’s arm; pulling her past the multiple frog displays and towards the exit.
Once outside in the warm Texas sun, they found an empty bench and sat down to await the rest of Willow’s family. The simple excursion to the zoo with Milo, Eli and Stella had quickly blown up into a large scale family outing. Nearly everyone had decided to go, including both grandmothers, Willow’s siblings and their respective mates. Ira stayed behind, doing his son-in-law duties by taking the grandfathers golfing, while Sheila opted to show a house instead of spending the day with her family. She had been noticeably aloof and keeping her distance from Willow. Ira had suggested, however, that they all meet later for dinner since it was Willow and Tara’s last night; knowing that there was no getting out of it for Sheila.
As the girls sat on the bench waiting for the others, Willow dug into her pocket and nervously checked her cell.
“What’s wrong sweetie?” Tara asked.
“Oh nothing, just checking the time. I-I don’t want to be late tonight.”
Tara half smiled, “It’s barely noon, we have seven hours.”
“I know...”
Tara looked at her apprehensive girlfriend with love in her eyes, “What’s bothering you Will?”
“You know me WAY too well, Tara Maclay.” Willow turned towards Tara, bending her knee and pulling her leg underneath her to face her girlfriend. “It’s just that, we’re leaving tomorrow and nothing’s been resolved. I…I feel like things are worse between us than they were before and now I’m going fifteen hundred miles away…” Willow trailed off as she noticed Tara duck her head. “Hey, look at me Tara, it’s not your fault, ok? I-It’s mine, it wouldn’t have mattered who I brought home, her problem is with me, not you. I just should’ve thought things through better. See, I had this fantasy in my head…that the minute that she met you everything would be perfect. She would see, finally see me for me and see how wonderful you are. It was so stupid and childish of me.”
Tara shook her head, “No, it was hopeful, not stupid or childish. All you did was hope for the best and there’s nothing wrong with having hope.”
“I really need to talk to her before we go, get some closure or just clarify some things, but she just keeps avoiding me. Plus there are just too many people around and-”
“Willow, there you are!” Nana Adele shouted when she spotted her granddaughter, “We’ve been looking everywhere for you and Tara.”
“See what I mean?” Willow quietly grumbled, “Sorry, there was um, there was…”
“Frogs? Yes dear, I saw them and I told Rachael you probably ran out the door screaming as soon as you spotted them.”
Willow glowered thinking of what lurked just inside the doors to the reptile house, “Yep, you were right about that.”
Willow brought her leg down and scooted closer to Tara so Nana Addy could take a seat. “What’s next on the agenda?” Willow asked, but before she had a chance to answer, Rachael appeared as if out of nowhere.
“Food. I need to eat.”
“Me too!” Milo added, “Then we’re heading to Africa!”
Everyone agreed and the large group headed off in the direction of the food court before making their way to the African plains.
****************************
“Giraffa camelopardalis!” The redhead exclaimed proudly. Which was met with a resounding, “WILLOW!” from all four of her siblings.
“Will, you promised you would STOP doing that,” Rachael added.
Willow shrugged her shoulders, quirking her mouth in a sneer as she turned and leaned across the rope next to Tara.
An amused Tara playfully shoulder bumped her girlfriend, “Go ahead sweetie.”
Willow smiled happily, leaning in and whispering in Tara’s ear, “Its name refers to its camel-like face and irregular patches of color on a light background, which bear a vague resemblance to a leopard's spots.”
Tara smiled, not really caring what Willow was saying, as long as she kept up the ear ticking whisper that caused her spine to tingle and a soft moan to escaper her lips.
Willow smiled seductively; cupping her mouth with both hands and leaning in once more,
“Giraffa camelopardalis,” She whispered again, this time blowing lightly on her girlfriend’s ear and smiling smugly.
As Willow started to pull away, Tara pulled her back; cupping her own hands around her mouth,
“I love you Willow,” She whispered as she gently teased Willow’s ear with the tip of her tongue.
Willow gasped, gripping the rope to steady herself and suddenly finding it difficult to stand, “That’s not fair,” She breathed.
Tara giggled, “You’re adorable.”
“You’re pretty darn cute yourself,” Willow replied, winking at her girl and leaning in once again, “By the way…I love you too Tare and boy do I wish I could kiss you right now.”
“Oh brother!” Grayson exclaimed as he once again wondered up on another private moment between the girls. “Do you two ever stop?”
Willow opened her mouth to speak, but was immediately cut off by her brother, “I know what will take your minds out of the gutter, gorillas. Big, fat, poo slinging gorrilas. Now come on, the faster we get this over with, the sooner we can go out and partay!”
Tara looked at Willow quizzically and was met with shrugging shoulders.
“Gray, I thought we were just going out to dinner with the family?”
“We are, but it’s ya’lls last night and we are going out! No arguments. Everyone’s in and Dad already agreed to keep Milo overnight. So, get you’re dancing shoes on, tonight you guys belong to me.”
Willow swallowed thickly, “Oh boy.”
pretty please?
And hey...no heart breaking!! 
Sorry for the previous begging but I just had to know! Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well now :(
Now I'm eager to see the fun "girls day" and curious to see how Shelia leaves things with our girls leaving soon.
from Mrs. McFine and here's a flower to help you get well. 
? Silly girl! I loved Stella's reaction. She was ready to kick some ass and take some names!
?
Moving RIGHT along!
