Okay, guys.... Here it is! Finally, the last update of this fic. I was supposed to be more collaborative with the betaing, but, evidently, I'm no good at that. So, any glaring mistakes you see here are My Fault. All Mine. (feel free to inform me of them, and i'll try to give them the ol' fix when I chance across a computer again) All the brilliant bits of writing, of course, are Jomarch's.
I do, of course, also realize that I ought to have had this done much sooner, and I apologize for the long wait. I'm bad. A menace to society. Just steps away from being evil, in fact.
I am, in fact, so evil, that as of today I shall be running off to the land of unpredictable internet access, in hopes of finding an antidote so's I don't come on all full-blown demon and start terrorizing the kitten with incessant babbling and goofy antics. (to be sure, it's too late).
*sigh* Jomarch: Once again, and always, you rock!
Here, my friends, is your update:
Chapter 10Chapter 10
Tara heard the scrape of Willow's crutches against the carpet as she made her way
back to their room. The innocuous sound filled her with as much joy as seeing the redhead did. The doctor's visit that afternoon was filled with good news as the test results confirmed that Willow had regained limited use of her legs. She would never walk normally, but with the help of the crutches, and additional physiotherapy, as well as a huge dollop of 'Tara-love,’ she could be free of her wheelchair. She smiled as Willow appeared in the doorway wearing only her pajama top, looking quite delicious. She had a mischievous grin on her face, and slowly made her way to the middle of the room, her slight hips swaying seductively despite the crutches. Tara almost stopped breathing when she noticed the red curls peeking out as the material of the pajama top swayed open. She too, smiled as she figured out Willow's plan.
"You know, I love seeing
that smile on your face. I mean that's the definitive
Tara-smile - all innocence and come-hither at the same time, I
love that smile.
Heck, I love seeing your face, and your hands, and your scrumptious tummy, and..." but
Willow never got to finish her sentence as Tara got up from the bed and kissed her with
deep passion, her tongue brushing against her lips. Waiting for entry… Wanting to taste
Willow.
Willow didn’t need her crutches then, and let them fall to the floor as her arms circled
Tara. Tara was there, and would always be there to support her. That was all she needed.
The redhead had already planned on seducing Tara tonight, but this was better. So very,
very much better. Their bodies molded to each other. Tara pushed her hips against
Willow, eliciting a low purr from the back of her throat. Lost in that moment, the
visceral feeling of needing Tara's lips on hers her only thought, Willow pulled at her body, one arm around Tara's warm neck. Her other hand drew small circles at the small
her back, causing Tara to thrust forward again.
Willow nearly stumbled back. Her knees had gone weak, but the feel of Tara’s hips moving against her own melded her in place. Heat radiated from the contact as Willow closed her eyes and felt her senses heighten, as the smell of Tara's hair and skin swirled around her. Bliss and longing fought for clarity in her mind at the feel of Tara's body touching hers, skin on skin. She nipped at Tara’s ear, then slowly descended, tasting and suckling at her throat. Tara held on more tightly, cradling Willow's head with one hand, while the other dexterously undid the buttons of the redhead's pajama top. 'Too much clothing on', was the only thought going through the blonde's mind - too much. The taste of Willow in her mouth was exquisite. She was sweet like honey, yet the underlying liquid heat of Willow's passion gave rise to a flavor so alluring, it made the tiny hairs on her arm stand on end. Her body craved as much contact as possible. She bent down and grasped Willow's thigh, urging the redhead to wrap her legs around her and supporting her when she did. Willow's top was undone, and Tara could feel her perfect breasts pressing against her own… Her wetness seeping through her negligee, searing her
tummy.
Willow had planned for this ever since the doctor's visit, and had left her underwear on the bathroom floor. Her nipples strained against the material of Tara's negligee, each
tiny movement causing her lover to shudder. She was holding on to her life - her reason for being…and she never wanted to let go. "Bed," Willow whispered as she nipped again at Tara's ear. "Need you now. Inside. Everywhere." She gasped and tightened her legs around the blonde's waist. Goosebumps broke out on her back as Tara's palm flattened against it and pulled her closer. The blonde made her way over to their bed.
Not wanting to give up any contact, Tara bent down, supporting herself with one hand on the bed, and slowly lowered Willow down. Her knees dipped the bed as she herself climbed on. She looked down at lover, and saw the light sheen of sweat forming. She could not resist a taste. Her tongue trailed down Willow's neck as the redhead swallowed convulsively and began to pull her negligee up past her thighs and to her waist. Willow's palms felt warm against her skin despite the ardent fervor in her blood. She sat astride Willow and swiftly pulled the garment over her head, her golden locks falling back around her shoulders, her curly gold hairs brushing at Willow's lower abdomen, tickling her lover as she shifted her position slightly.
Willow couldn't help but smile as she rasped out "I guess I wasn't the only one planning to get lucky tonight.” Tara answered her with another scorching kiss as she cupped Willow's breast in her hand, her thumb encircling her nipple, each whisper of touch causing Willow to arch her back. Languorously, Tara began to kiss downwards past her neck. Her tongue swirled at the dip in her throat. She trailed kisses between Willow's breasts, her teeth scraping against Willow's hardened nipples, not quite biting down, her tongue darting out to wet each tip. Each movement was small and none was wasted. Each kiss and caress was carried out with such reverence.
Willow was enraptured… Lost. Her body was heavy with desire, yet she felt each feather-like contact of skin and tongue. Each physical connection corresponded to another link between their souls. Even as she closed her eyes, she still saw the bond between them, felt the love and desire flow through and between their intertwined bodies, warm and slick. She basked in the beauty and strength of Tara. Always Tara. Only Tara. The hymn of her spirit. The fundamental core of her heart. She could not remember the time before Tara, before such bliss and love. There was only one truth now. Above all others, she lived because of Tara, now and always. She wanted more, and her physical yearning, the tender entreaty of her need spoke volumes to the blonde. Her body shuddered under the gratifying protectiveness of her love.
Tara knew that Willow wanted more, that she needed to let go and embrace her building orgasm. But she had wants and needs of her own. Her senses needed to be overwhelmed by the redhead. They needed that jolt of pure unadulterated ecstasy. Willow's lithe body was a feast before her. Every crevice and curve a new discovery of taste and texture, morsels of sweetness that to her tasted like manna and felt like passion. So many courses of action to take - to touch and caress, or to taste and savor. To hold tight and imprint her mark, or to enter and ignite all ardor. She did each one in turn, and felt Willow move with her, finding their rhythm, each moan or whimper rewarded with one more touch. Willow's blunt nails dug into her side, urging her on and reining her need. "Soon, love. Soon," she uttered as she reached for Willow's mouth, her fingers gently tracing the redhead's lips. Such a wondrous face, so exquisite and precious.
Willow reverently reached out for Tara's hand. She kissed the heel of Tara's palm and slowly guided it downwards. Tara's fingers left a trail desire that promised so much more. She looked at Tara, wanting to see into her eyes, needing to know that she was ready as well - ready for this and for whatever else that may occur in their future. …That their coming together was not only about physical need, but a promise of devotion, of growing old together but never growing apart. She could see all this and more in those blue eyes, such all-encompassing beauty, tempered by a fire that burned with devotion, love and truth.
Tara let Willow guide her. She could look into those green eyes forever. They were so expressive that she could hear Willow's thoughts.
*Yes, love, always and forever - to love and to cherish*. She could feel the passion radiating from Willow, so she gently pressed the heel of her palm over Willow's clit as her fingers traced upwards. She could feel Willow raise her hips as her as two fingers entered the redhead. The wetness and heat surrounded her fingers as she moved in and out, feeling the building pressure inside, knowing that Willow needed the release. She measured her pace to the movement of the redhead’s hips. She felt Willow's aching pressure, her throbbing need, which was only matched by the intensity of Willow's eyes as she pulled her down and gave her a searing kiss, Willow's hand tangled in her hair.
The redhead was so close, but she wanted to prolong their contact. ‘Not yet,’ she thought as she again pushed her whole body upwards. Tara's fingers still stirred within her, and her mouth was firmly placed over her own. Willow's orgasm, when it came, rocked both of them. The intensity sent a shiver up Tara's supine form. Willow felt Tara by her side, her arm grasping at Willow's shoulder as waves of pleasure swept through her body, leaving her sated and gasping for breath. She felt Tara stroking her hair, brushing the strands away from her brow and whispering terms of endearment.
"Love you, always, sweetheart…..mine, forever….." All words…so inadequate to convey her love, but they were all she had. That, and the feeling of the redhead nestled so gently by her side. All days should end like this, both of them together, sated and at peace, in each other's arms. Tara reached for the covers and lovingly draped them over their bodies as Willow snuggled closer to her. The redhead's eyes closed, and a smile danced on her lips. She was surprised to hear Willow softly humming as her hands roamed across Tara's body. "Willow, you're tired," she whispered, but the redhead raised herself on her elbow and smiled.
"Not that tired. Not yet." Tara settled back then, and closed her eyes, safe in the knowledge that their love had been forged not only in words or acts of passion, but in every breath she took and everything she did. She felt her body responding to Willow's strong and supple hands…felt Willow's lips as she kissed her breasts…as her tongue flicked in and out. Tonight was going to be a long enchanted night, she sighed as Willow's cherished touches began to work their magic on her senses.
Willow couldn't believe that tomorrow was going to be Thanksgiving. The year had gone by so fast. So many things had again impacted their lives, but they were all still here and ready to give thanks. Buffy was organizing dinner again, and had given all of them lists the week before. For the life of her, she didn't know where to get paper turkey hats. She thought of asking the workers at the Double Meat Palace where they had their hats made, but decided on pasting turkey pictures on regular birthday hats instead, hoping that Buffy would accept that.
She was hoping not to wake Tara up as she slowly slid out of bed. It was such a new feeling for her. Well, a return of an old feeling, really. She reached for her crutches and slowly made her way out of the bedroom as silently as possible. She was surprised that Tara had not woken up, but they had been up quite late last night, and the blonde needed her sleep if they were to have a repeat performance tonight. Willow really wanted that, so she tried to make as little noise as possible as she maneuvered herself out of their room.
Tara sensed that Willow was awake. She knew that the redhead enjoyed the fact that she could now get out of bed of her own accord, and she was so proud of her. All of her hard work and effort were beginning to show…not to mention the added benefit of Willow’s improved stamina. Yes, Tara thought to herself, last night had been amazing but there was something else to be happy about today. Her attention once again focused on Willow’s progress - it was slow going, and the walk to the staircase would take at least ten minutes, but Willow was doing it by herself and she felt so proud.
Going down the stairs was the most difficult thing, and Willow had never really succeeded in accomplishing that by herself. She would either have to give up half way and call out for help, or turn back up to rest. But today would be different, she told herself. Today, she had a goal in mind. She was going to make it downstairs and out to the porch in the back of the house where she would sit and wait for Tara to join her. She knew that the sun would rise in about forty minutes and hoped that that would be enough time to accomplish the task at hand.
Tara could sense Willow's determination. She wanted to leap out of bed and help her or urge her on from the sidelines, but she knew Willow had wanted to do this on her own. Willow had planned last night's seduction to tire her out, and almost succeeded, but they belonged to each other, and Tara could always sense Willow’s presence or absence. She just waited and hoped and prayed. She knew Willow needed to do this by herself, but it was so hard not to be out there supporting her and showing her love. She could feel not only Willow's determination, but also her physical pain. She wanted to help share that burden, but knew Willow would never allow that. She waited patiently, her hands twisting at the covers, her brow furrowed as she pictured Willow slowly descending the staircase.
The first few steps were always the most difficult. Starting from the top and looking down, the task almost seemed insurmountable. But she would try. One leg, bent at the knee, slowly extended forward. Each step with a little more confidence, despite the pain and exertion. She wanted to do this, for herself and especially for Tara. She wanted to prove that they were equal in their relationship in soul as well as in body. She knew Tara had never thought of her as a burden. But this would allow her to prove that she could also physically support her love if necessary. So, despite the pain, she reminded herself that nothing good in this life should be easy. The only easy thing in her entire life was loving Tara. For that gift alone, she would endure anything. For each step she took, she gave thanks - thanks for big sister Buffy, and little sister Dawn. Thanks for Xander and Anya who were starting their own family, and had asked her to be godmother to their firstborn. Thanks for Giles who loved her enough to give her a wake-up call when she most needed one. Even thanks to Spike, who would always be there, would always help out, his Vampire instincts be damned. And most importantly, thanks for Tara who would always be in her life. Yes, so many things to give thanks for, and wonder of wonders, there were no more steps to conquer. She had made it, for the first time. She felt Tara beginning to stir, and knew that she had been awake but was waiting - waiting for the right time, their thoughts still in sync.
As Willow made her way through the kitchen, she heard Tara slowly coming down the stairs, her eyes still full of sleep, but with her beautiful smile ever-present. Her senses again came alive as they did whenever the blonde was near. It was a feeling of absolute joy and pure love.
Tara had caught up with her as she reached the back door and slowly accompanied her outside, both comfortable in their silence as they waited to greet another new day.
Willow used to count each of the days. She wrote them down in the journal she had started after Joyce's death. But recently, she had stopped doing that. She had decided not to count them anymore. She wanted to just savor each of them as they came, each bringing new experiences and promises. She understood now that she was truly blessed. She accepted that whole-heartedly now, not because she thought she deserved it but because Tara thought she did.
…So they sit together, Tara's arms around Willow's lithe body, and wait for the new day. Each lost in their individual thoughts, but coming to the same conclusion.
Even if they lose each other, even only for a moment due to fear, over-protectiveness, human idiosyncrasies, or demon foes, they will always be able to come together again - To find each other. They will never stop looking, no matter what. They belong to each other always - until the end of time.
*Infinity,* Tara agrees. "That sounds about right," as she moves in to kiss Willow just as the first rays of the sun make their appearance.
All their days would start like this.