FIC - The Guardian

[blameburner]

Okay, here goes... my first, and very possibly last, fic.



I really had no intention of doing a fic, as I've been perfectly happy reading all the great ones already out there.



Then I had a dream last night, and today started writing... and writing... and writing... and after 7 hours of non-stop writing (when I reeeaallly should have been writing one of two papers for law school), here you go.



- blameburner





Title: The Guardian – Part 1

Author: blameburner

Feedback: Sure… especially since this my first fic – and maybe my last!

Summary: This is just a nice little story about two witches, facing the apocalypse – again, and love. The Scoobies are preparing to face a threat, and Willow learns she does have an important role beyond research and magic.

Spoiler Warning: Up to and including "Normal Again" in Season 6 – but really nothing major.

Disclaimer: Not my characters, but oh how I wish they were! All hail Joss, all hail ME.

Rating: R, maybe NC-17 (but I don’t really know!!!)

Pairings: W/T… duh. Everyone’s here (but Spike), but they’re not really all that involved.

Notes: This is a story I wrote in total denial of the upcoming events spoiled for the end of Season 6. It does deal a bit with Willow’s addiction, and talks a bit about magic – but I am sooooo clueless about magic, if I get anything wrong, please forgive me – no offense meant. This is a stand-alone story, set kind of in the middle of more story I have not included. But, if y’all like it, I have notes and could extend it.







Willow had been sitting in an overstuffed chair towards the front of the Magic Shop for nearly half an hour, alone with her thoughts. No, not alone, she thought. Never alone.



She had a million things racing through her mind all at once. She was thinking about tomorrow; about how they only had twelve hours to destroy The Guardian and his disciples; about how much danger they were truly all in. Not the Master, not Angelus, not the Mayor, not Adam, had been as much of a threat to them as The Guardian was.



Not even Glory, Willow thought, and she was such a bitch! All with the brain-sucking and wall-exploding, chasing us around all the time and cutting into my snuggle-time! Stupid Hell God.



Willow shook her head as a chill ran up her back. She wrapped her arms just a little tighter around herself, willing the memories of Glory out of her mind and into oblivion, where they belonged. She looked over at Tara again, and smiled. Her love was sitting at the research table, listening intently to Dawn. Willow watched as Tara nodded, and leaned in a little closer to give the younger Summers her full attention. Willow could tell Dawn was enjoying it, and it looked as if Tara was, too.



That’s so like her. Tomorrow we may die, and today she’s making sure Dawn feels special.



The rest of the Scoobies were strewn throughout the store, none wanting to leave the comfort of their family. The research was done, the preparations made, and there was really nothing more they could do until noon tomorrow.



19 hours and counting, Willow thought as she glanced at her watch. They all knew they were safe for 19 more hours, with the whole Big-Evil-sucking-all-the-other-evil-in-the-area-and-recharging-his-batteries thing. They could be anywhere they wanted, and be perfectly safe. It had been a good, if not somewhat frightening, discovery that while The Guardian was gathering power, he couldn’t harm them. And all the demons in the area were so busy getting drained, they couldn’t exactly go out making trouble.



Great, Willow thought, so I could finally run through Sunnydale, at night, completely naked, without having to worry about being bitten – and I’m sitting here why?



But Willow knew why, as she focused on her lover once again. Tara. Tara was giggling now, leaning in with Dawn in a conspiratorial way. Willow thought their giggles might have a little something to do with Xander, who was snoring lightly on the couch just a few feet away from them. When Willow realized he was mumbling in his sleep, and saw Tara and Dawn both raise hands to their faces to try and stifle their giggling, she knew she’d been right.



Leave it to Xander to make everyone laugh, even in his sleep. Willow looked affectionately at her best friend since childhood, and smiled to herself. He has no idea just how important he is to all of us, she thought. When this is all over, I’m going to have to change that. Willow knew she could tell him before tomorrow, but she also knew that it would be too much like it really was the end of the world – again – too much like she was saying goodbye. There would be no good-byes for this group, only love.



And that, Willow mused, was why they were all still here when they, for once, really could have been anywhere else. She watched Anya behind the cash register, soothing her nerves by counting the money for about the tenth time that day. She watched Giles shuffling between shelves, pulling one text off, then another, and another, and disappearing into the storeroom. Always the Watcher, until the end. Willow couldn’t see Buffy, but she knew the slayer was working out in the training room. Every now and then Willow could hear a whack or a thud or a grunt, that let her know her friend was getting ready. Like Watcher, like Slayer.



And then there was her beautiful Tara. Willow knew Tara was nervous, had been nervous all day – she could feel her lover’s fear emanating from her body in waves. Willow knew, too, that Tara’s fear was not for herself, but for the Scooby family she had found and been adopted by, and most especially for Willow.



Throughout that morning, as they were getting everything ready, Tara had been busy gathering the herbs and other ingredients she would need for her part of the plan. Willow had been busy going over the ancient texts with Giles, checking and double-checking to make sure their calculations had been right. Everything depended on time, precise, unyielding time.



But even as she helped Giles, part of her mind was conscious of Tara. Every so often, Tara would put a hand on Buffy’s shoulder, or whisper a joke to Dawn, or bring Giles some tea, or walk by and brush her hand softly against Willow’s cheek. At one point Tara had just stood with Anya watching the ex-demon count her money because, well, Anya liked it when someone non-threatening admired the money with her. And Xander – all Tara had to do was smile shyly at Xander, and his face lit up like a kid at Christmas.



We all have roles, Willow thought, and this has been hers. Care-giver, comforter, anchor.



They had remained in the Magic Box, even after the preparation were made, because they were a family. They each had a role, and in silent agreement, they knew that they needed to take strength from that. For tomorrow… well, tomorrow would attend to itself.



Willow was lost in her thoughts, so much so that she didn’t notice at first when Tara looked up and over at her. But soon, like always, Willow felt her girlfriend’s gaze on her, and she looked up. Tara whispered something to Dawn, never breaking eye contact with the red-head. Dawn nodded, and got up to walk back to the training room. Still holding Willow’s eyes, Tara rose silently, and slowly walked toward her.



Willow’s breath caught for a moment as she watched the blond approach. She is so breathtaking. Does she know how absolutely breathtaking she is? No, of course she doesn’t.. but I’m going to spend the rest of my life convincing her.



Tara stopped before her lover and lowered her head slightly, her hair falling in front of her face. A wry grin appeared as she asked, “So, did you think you were sneaky hiding back here in the corner, just watching everyone?”



A slight blush crept up Willow’s cheeks, and she replied, “So you caught that, huh?”



“Yeah,” Tara said, “I thought it was cute.”



Willow gazed at her love, her air, her life, and her heart burst with the thought of just how well this woman knew her. Willow raised her arms and held out her hand, a simple invitation which Tara took delight in accepting.



Willow shifted in the large chair as Tara gently settled between the red-head’s thighs, Willow’s breasts pressed into Tara’s back. Willow slipped her arms around Tara, and the blond relaxed into the comforting embrace.



“This is nice,” Tara murmured as she stroked Willow’s forearm with her fingers. Willow nuzzled into Tara’s hair and took in the intoxicating scent before her, the scent that could make her weak in the knees just from remembering it.



Willow held Tara like that for what seemed like an eternity, taking strength in each other. But an eternity of holding this woman would never be enough, Willow thought. Neither woman spoke, enjoying the silence between them, losing themselves in the blissful peace of each other’s arms.



Finally, Tara broke the silence. “Willow, honey?”



“Yeah, baby?”



“I need you to promise me something,” Tara said, her fingers stopping the lazy circles they’d been tracing on Willow’s arm, her hand now clutching at Willow slightly.



Willow had been expecting this. She knew what was coming, had planned for it, but played along anyway. “Anything, love.”



Tara paused for a moment, and Willow could feel the tension in her lover. Tara turned her head so that she could look in Willow’s eyes. “Promise me that t-tomorrow, if… I-if it gets t-too strong… you’ll l-let go.”



Willow didn’t alter her expression in the slightest. She just kept looking at Tara with total adoration. Willow had steeled herself for this. A few months ago, or even a few days ago, the thought of what her lover was asking would have been unthinkable. It still was. But where the older Willow would have cut Tara off and tried to distract her until she forgot about the question she had asked, the Willow holding Tara in her arms at that moment knew that wasn’t what Tara needed.



What Tara needed, Willow thought. I haven’t always given her what she needed. I haven’t always been strong enough, or selfless enough. But I am now.



“Willow?” Tara asked, worried that Willow would start to babble about how she wouldn’t let go, that it was just silly, or that Tara couldn’t ask her to do that. Tara couldn’t do what she had to do tomorrow if she was worried about Willow the whole time.



And Tara was worried. The mystical powers that would be coursing through her tomorrow would be overwhelming, even for a powerful witch like her. They would also be very, very painful. Willow was going to have to anchor her, not only to keep her centered and in control, but also to help ease the pain, by taking some of it on herself. But more than the pain her lover would experience frightened her, it was the thought of how easily Willow could get lost – so lost Tara might not be able to find her.



*********************************

"You are safe, she says. Inherent in you is a truth no artificial world can fade." - The Journey

Edited by: blameburner at: 4/9/02 10:20:05 pm

[blameburner]

Okay, so I had some issues with EZ Codes in the first part, which kind of messed up the whole "train of thought" thing. But it's fixed now, sorry for any confusion it may have caused.



Title: The Guardian – Part 2

Author: blameburner

Feedback: Sure… especially since this my first fic – and maybe my last!

Summary: This is just a nice little story about two witches, facing the apocalypse – again, and love. The Scoobies are preparing to face a threat, and Willow learns she does have an important role beyond research and magic.

Spoiler Warning: Up to and including "Normal Again" in Season 6 – but really nothing major.

Disclaimer: Not my characters, but oh how I wish they were! All hail Joss, all hail ME.

Rating: R, maybe NC-17 (but I don’t really know!!!)

Pairings: W/T… duh. Everyone’s here (but Spike), but they’re not really all that involved.

Notes: This is a story I wrote in total denial of the upcoming events spoiled for the end of Season 6. It does deal a bit with Willow’s addiction, and talks a bit about magic – but I am sooooo clueless about magic, if I get anything wrong, please forgive me – no offense meant. This is a stand-alone story, set kind of in the middle of more story I have not included. But, if y’all like it, I have notes and could extend it.





Willow and Tara both knew the magic Tara would be channeling could not hurt Willow – it was white magic, and it had no hold over her. Ever since the dark days of Willow’s addiction and her separation from Tara, and Willow’s continued recovery, Willow had learned that it was not the magic itself that her body and mind craved – it was the power.



White magic, for all its strength, did not have the same kind of power that dark magic did. There was a current in dark magic, a thin, intense ribbon of energy that held such power… it was seductive, and demanding, and Willow had tasted it. Willow, who had for so long felt powerless, had found the hidden power of black magic. Her body had been attuned to it, and she had tapped it for all it was worth.



In time, Willow had learned that this ribbon was missing from white magic. With Tara, she had gradually begun exploring the depths of her addiction, to understand it, and to get real control over it. Tara had been willing to give up magic for Willow, but Willow had not allowed it, knowing that it was as much a part of Tara as Buffy’s skills and strength were a part of the Slayer. Buffy could be complete without it, but she would never be the same – just like Tara.



Willow realized that to be with Tara, she would have to face the magic, not just stop using it. Willow couldn’t simply ignore something that was so much a part of her lover’s life. So Willow had faced it, and she had learned. Tara had taught Willow how to respect it, and how to embrace her inner power, without having to turn to outside sources.



Now Willow was faced with something quite different. She knew that by anchoring Tara, she would be, in a sense, using white magic. Yet that was okay in and of itself – she and Tara had learned that one night not so long ago, when they had begun levitating while making love.



Willow knew, or thought she knew, that it was Tara’s power that had caused them to float. It wasn’t the first time since they had been back together that they had floated. Yet that night was different. Tara had looked into Willow’s eyes and she stroked her lover. Just looking into those deep blue eyes had sent Willow thundering over the edge, and she screamed Tara’s name in release. She clung to Tara, who whispered in her ear, “You’re turn.”



Willow smiled sensually, for this was her favorite part of making love to Tara – when she got to be the one doing the loving. Willow’s hand started to make it’s way down Tara’s body, but Tara stopped her with two words. “No, love.”



Willow looked at her questioningly, but Tara simply looked down at the bed they were floating over, and then she looked back over into Willow’s eyes, and said, “You’re turn to control it.” Willow didn’t understand at first, but then she knew. Tara wanted her to control their levitation.



Their levitating had never been a conscious act to begin with. It had always been a natural byproduct of their lovemaking. It stemmed from their magical connection and their intense love for each other. To put it simply, their bond, and their bonding, made them float. But once they were in the air, one of the witches had to take control of it, if only so they wouldn’t bump their heads into the ceiling. Since getting back together, Tara had always been the one to control it. Now Tara was offering that chance to Willow.



The love Willow felt at that moment for the blond overwhelmed her. Tara’s offer was a sign that she once again completely and totally trusted the red-head. It was such an amazing gesture, that tears started to slide down Willow’s face. Tara sweetly brushed them away, and soothingly stroked her lover’s hair while softly cooing in her ear.



Willow was scared, but she could not deny her lover’s offer, so purely given. So Willow simply nodded, and began to concentrate. Tara slowly helped Willow take control, gently transferring the threads that held them suspended in the air. Finally, and with great effort, Willow was holding them up on her own. Willow was so overjoyed that she lost her focus and nearly dropped them. But Willow caught them, and steadied them.



She just held them there for a few moments, savoring the feel of it. Willow had been a little worried that she would somehow get lost in the power of it, the power she wielded by keeping them suspended. Yet Willow found that, while she did like the power, she wasn’t lost. She didn’t like the power for herself, but for Tara – for them. She liked being able to do this for them, for their love, because Tara had asked her to. And that, Willow realized, made all the difference.



Tara was Willow’s magical conscious, and Tara had taught Willow well. After that night, Willow realized that she could wield magical forces without getting lost. Later, Tara had told her that she thought Willow could probably even cast again, at least small spells. It was an admission that had broken Tara’s heart to make, but she knew that it was probably true, and she didn’t want any secrets between her and her love. Yet Willow had no desire to cast anymore. She wanted to share magic with Tara, but had learned how to do that without casting. And Willow was happy with that, with sharing magic with Tara through their bond, and their love.



******************************



“Willow, please answer me,” Tara said rather desperately. Willow had been lost in her thoughts for only a few seconds, but it had seemed like forever to Tara. Willow’s gaze, though, had never wavered, and for a brief moment, Tara was almost afraid that Willow was going to be mad at her for asking what she was asking. Then the corner of Willow’s mouth turned up, into the grin that always made Tara’s heart warm.



“Sorry, hon,” Willow said as she leaned in and kissed Tara’s temple.



Tara sighed with relief and raised her hand to stroke Willow’s cheek. “Where were you?” Tara asked quietly.



“Where I’ll always be,” Willow breathed, “With you.” With that Willow lowered her head to rest against her love’s. The two witches sat there for a while like that, lost in each other and the comfort of such a simple touch.



Willow knew what Tara wanted her to promise. She knew what Tara wanted to hear, but also knew what Tara needed to hear. Not long ago, Willow wouldn’t have consciously thought of either – she would have simply argued her way out of the promise, despite what Tara wanted or needed.



Willow knew the danger she was in. Everyone’s roll tomorrow was full of danger, for different reasons. But Willow’s danger was so much more, because she could end up losing herself. That was what made The Guardian so dangerous. His ability to draw in so much evil, like he would be doing until noon tomorrow, by far made him the most powerful enemy they had ever faced. He was evil incarnate, drawing in the strength of every evil creature in the area, and this being the Hellmouth, that was saying a lot.



But the danger to Willow lie in that strength. The Guardian had the unique ability to tap into darkness, to sense it and touch it. Willow, after having used dark magic for so long, was touched by darkness. With all the energy Tara would be outputting for the spell, and with Willow as her anchor, Willow’s darkness would be broadcast loud and clear to The Guardian. The danger was, what would his reaction be?



The reaction they feared most was what they knew he could do. They knew that he could change magic from light to dark. To Willow it would be like giving a recovering drug addict a major shot of heroin. Willow would be able to feel the power that had once corrupted her surging through her veins. Tara’s white magic would be turned to dark magic upon entering Willow, but Tara would have no way to stop it – she wouldn’t be able to break the connection until the spell was complete.



Willow would be the only one who could stop it. Willow would be able to sense when the magic first turned, and this was the essence of the promise Tara wanted Willow to make. She wanted Willow to promise to break off when she sensed the change, if it came, before it was too late. Before… before the magic got a hold of Willow. Because that was The Guardian’s true evil gift. Once he got a hold of you, he could pour all of his evil inside, and make you his, forever. Willow could very easily become seduced by the power, and the evil, and become so lost Tara would never again find her.



Willow pulled back from Tara so she could look into her lover’s eyes. Those eyes. I could get lost in those eyes. She knew what Tara wanted, but Willow had already decided to give Tara what she needed instead. She would not dismiss Tara’s need to know Willow would be safe, nor would she give in and make a promise she knew she wouldn’t keep, no matter how much Tara wanted that. Instead, Willow would give Tara what she needed – her strength.



Willow stroked Tara’s cheek as tears glistened in her eyes. “Baby, I know that you’re worried, and that you want me to tell you that I’ll pull back tomorrow if… well, if he changes your magic,” Willow started. She could feel Tara shiver at the mere thought of what might happen. Willow tightened her arm around her love a little more, and gently cupped Tara’s face in her other hand.



“But you know if I promise you that, it will be a lie.” The tears in Tara’s eyes slipped over the edge, sliding down Tara’s cheeks as one after the other fell.



“But, Willow…” Willow silenced Tara with a soft kiss, and then placed one finger over Tara’s lips.



“Shhh, baby. What I can promise you is that it will be okay. I know it in my heart. I know it in my soul. You wanna know how I know?” Willow asked, a soft smile playing on her lips.



Tara’s reddened eyes looked deeply into Willow’s, and she choked out, “How?”



Willow’s smile deepened. “Because you are my heart, and my soul. Because you are the air that I breath, and the water I drink. Because you are the first thing on my mind in the morning, the last thing on my mind at night, and each and every time I fall asleep, I dream of you. I know it will be okay because I love you with everything I was, everything I am, and everything I will ever be. Our love is the truest, sweetest, purest thing I have ever known, and it will always lead me back to you.”



Willow kissed her then, a slow, gentle kiss full of devotion and love. Their lips met and brushed softly against each other, touching once and then again.



“Look at me, love,” Willow said as she pulled back slightly. Willow searched out the eyes of her love. When she found those beautiful blues, she saw in them a reflection of everything she had just said. Willow’s heart lifted, because she saw that Tara’s had lifted, too. But Tara still needed to hear something more, and Willow knew just what to say.



“I don’t know exactly what tomorrow will hold, or what challenges we will face. But the one thing I do know is that no matter what obstacles they throw at us, no matter who stands in our way, your love will lead me back. No matter how lost I get, I will always find you. Always.”



When Tara leaned in to kiss Willow, she knew she had given Tara what she needed. I was an easy kiss, a slow caress, but it was a seal on the promise Willow had just made. Willow had given Tara the strength to face tomorrow, just as Tara had always given Willow strength. That was always Tara’s role, to give strength and comfort. But today Willow had switched their roles, offering Tara strength and resolve and faith, all of which Tara would desperately need tomorrow.



*******************************

"You are safe, she says. Inherent in you is a truth no artificial world can fade." - The Journey

[blameburner]

Title: The Guardian – Part 3

Author: blameburner

Feedback: Sure… especially since this my first fic – and maybe my last!

Summary: This is just a nice little story about two witches, facing the apocalypse – again, and love. The Scoobies are preparing to face a threat, and Willow learns she does have an important role beyond research and magic.

Spoiler Warning: Up to and including "Normal Again" in Season 6 – but really nothing major.

Disclaimer: Not my characters, but oh how I wish they were! All hail Joss, all hail ME.

Rating: R, maybe NC-17 (but I don’t really know!!!)

Pairings: W/T… duh. Everyone’s here (but Spike), but they’re not really all that involved.

Notes: This is a story I wrote in total denial of the upcoming events spoiled for the end of Season 6. It does deal a bit with Willow’s addiction, and talks a bit about magic – but I am sooooo clueless about magic, if I get anything wrong, please forgive me – no offense meant. This is a stand-alone story, set kind of in the middle of more story I have not included. But, if y’all like it, I have notes and could extend it.





Willow leaned back from the kiss and turned Tara in her arms, so that Tara’s back was once again pressed into Willow’s chest. Tara was relaxed now, Willow could feel it. As Willow held her love, she knew that Tara felt content. Yet Willow also knew that more was required. Tara would need all her resolve tomorrow, all her courage, and all her faith.



Willow looked up for the first time in a while, to take in the scene before her from their secluded corner of the shop. Xander was awake now, standing by Anya’s side with his arm wrapped around her shoulders. He was whispering something in her ear, and the ex-demon was giggling. Willow smiled as Anya actually forgot about the money, haphazardly shoving it into the cash register drawer and slamming it shut rather forcefully, then turning and leaning into Xander’s arms.



Dawn was sitting next to Buffy on the couch, Buffy’s fingers absentmindedly playing with the younger girl’s hair. They were both focused in on Giles, who was sitting in front of them on a chair he had taken from the table. Willow frowned a little when she realized that Mr. Stuffy-Englishman was actually straddling the chair backwards, his arms draped over the back. Odd, Willow thought. But Willow grinned when Buffy and Dawn started laughing, and Giles got a big smile on his face.



Willow smiled again, happily taking it all in, all the love her family shared. They all seemed so happy, content just to be together. It almost seemed, well, normal. Beaver-Cleaver kind of normal, she thought, except we’re sitting in a magic shop, living on a Hellmouth, Anya used to be a demon, Buffy slays vampires, Dawn is mystical energy, Tara and I are witches, and tomorrow we’re facing the Apocalypse – again. I wonder if I left anything out? Willow chuckled to herself at just how strange this life had turned out. And how wonderful, she thought, as she squeezed the woman in her arms a bit closer.



Tara sighed in her arms, and Willow knew her love was probably thinking the same thing. And that’s what she needs tonight, Willow mused. She needs normalcy, and family, and love. Those things she can take strength from, and those things I can give her.



“Willow?”



“Yes, love?”



“Should we get going back to the house soon? I mean, I know we can actually walk around Sunnydale tonight, alone, and not have to worry much about being bitten or mauled or… “ Tara giggled at how crazy it all sounded outloud “… or, whatever. But I think… well…” Tara wasn’t sure exactly what she was trying to say, and paused.



“You think that we should all be family tonight, and we can do that here, but we would be more comfortable at home. Here we’re waiting for something – at home, we’re, well… home,” Willow finished for her.



Willow couldn’t see Tara’s face, but she knew she was grinning. “Yeah,” she said simply.



“I think that’s a good idea, love,” Willow said.



Tara snuggled a little deeper into Willow’s arms. “So, what do you want to do tonight?” Tara asked.



“Well, I’ve got a few ideas,” Willow said innocently.



“Oh, yeah,” Tara replied. “What sort of ideas?”



“Well,” Willow began. She’d been thinking a lot about this, and she knew exactly what she wanted to do – for Tara. Oh, okay, for me too, she amended. “When we get home, I’m going to draw you a nice, hot bath.”



“Mmmm,” Tara murmured. “Sounds nice.”



Willow kissed Tara’s temple. “Mmm-hmm. A bubble bath with jasmine and vanilla scented candles all around.”



“Sounds even better,” Tara said as she snuggled closer. “And will you be joining me in said bath,” Tara asked huskily. She knew what she wanted the answer to be, as images of a naked and soapy Willow flashed through her mind. Tara shivered deliciously, but was caught off-guard by Willow’s next statement.



“No.”



“Um, huh?” Tara asked, confusion etched across her face.



Willow grinned, knowing her lover was confused, and guiltily relishing in the disappointment she could feel in Tara. “No, I will not be joining you, you naughty girl. You will be too busy relaxing to be distracted by me.”



“But I like being distracted by you,” Tara whined, as more images of skin sliding against skin and intertwining bodies floated through her mind.



“I know, baby, you have such a one track mind,” Willow teased as she circled her fingers slowly around Tara’s belly, stoking Tara’s building desire. I am sooo loving this, Willow thought, since she was usually the one being teased by wicked-Tara thoughts. Willow was aroused, but she wasn’t about to let Tara know it.



“Evil woman!” Tara groaned as she swatted Willow’s hand away, all too conscious of the desire starting to pool in her belly. Tara flinched as she realized that she had just hit her love, and even though it was not a hard hit, she still felt guilty. Tara reached for Willow’s hand, and softly caressed it.



“Besides, while you are relaxing,” Willow emphasized the last word to make a point, “I will be busy downstairs dealing with dinner.”



Tara stifled a laugh. “Dinner? You? As in making it?” Tara laughed out loud then, in one short burst, unable to control it any longer.



“Hah, hah, very funny,” Willow pouted, grinning at the same time. Willow knew she couldn’t cook. Well, actually, I know they think I can’t cook, Willow amended to herself. Guess it’s time to let Ms. Kitty Fantastico out of the bag. Willow continued with her indignant tone, “I’ll have you know, missy, that I can in fact cook. Well, I can cook some things, and there are a few dishes I make very well, in fact… although I can’t make pancakes, cuz, well, you do that… and the last time I tried I burned them… and sometimes I burn other things… especially soups, but I don’t know why… I mean, how can you burn soup? No one burns soup, except me… Martha Stuart doesn’t burn soup…”



“Honey, um, do you have a point?” Tara asked gently. She didn’t want to interrupt, but she knew Willow’s babbling could easily get very, very out of control.



“Oh, sorry… babbling again, huh?”



Tara giggled. “Yeah, but you know I think it’s cute. Sexy, actually.”



Willow moaned slightly, and a slow flush crept up her cheeks. “Well, anyway, I can make a few things. And tonight I thought I’d make baked salmon with fresh mango salsa.”



“You can make that?” Tara asked, surprised.



“Yeah. I can even make it without burning it.” Willow said.



Tara didn’t say anything for a moment, her fingers intertwining with the Willowhand that rested on her stomach. “So, why am I just finding out about your cooking abilities now?”



Willow knew she was in trouble, but she was loving it. She nuzzled her lover’s ear. “Well, a girl has to have a few secrets, ya know, to keep the mystery alive?”



“Willow…” Tara said, warningly.



“Oh, okay, fine,” Willow said sheepishly. “I just didn’t want to have to cook,” she admitted quietly.



“Willow Rosenberg!” Tara yelled. “You’ve been ducking cooking duty all this time!”



Willow looked across the room and noticed several stares coming from across the room. She knew she was going to have some serious explaining to do later.



“Um, Tara, honey, I’m sorry. I promise, I’ll do all the cooking form now on if you want… though I can really only make about four or five things, without burning them, of course… and don’t ask me to make soup, cuz, you know, the whole soup thing, and…”



Tara turned her head quickly and kissed Willow. It was a quick peck on the lips, but it was enough to cut off Willow-babble. Willow blushed, again.



Tara chuckled, and then took on her most stern, motherly voice. “You do not have to cook every night. But you WILL be taking a turn in the cooking rotation, form now on. And I think some dish duty will be in order for a while, don’t you?” Tara raised an eyebrow.



Willow looked away shyly, knowing she was busted. “Yes, dear.”



Tara settled back into Willow’s embrace, smiling broadly. She’s just so darn cute, Willow thought.



Willow cleared her throat. “Ahem… so, uh, anyway, I’ll make dinner…” Willow paused, waiting for a response. When she got none, she continued. “And then I thought we could all watch a movie. Something funny, and happy.”



“Like ‘Practical Magic,’” Tara asked innocently, knowing Willow absolutely hated that movie.



“No!” Willow exclaimed. “That movie… it’s so degrading towards witches… I mean, it does have some redeeming qualities, you know, Sandra Bullock and all… although I liked her much better in ‘Ms. Congeniality,’ cuz, well, she was much hotter there, bu-“



“So you’re saying Sandra Bullock is hot? You’re lusting after Sandra Bullock?” Tara teased.



“No, honey, not lusting,” Willow said quickly, “No lusting here, except lusting after you, of course.”



Tara seemed satisfied with that, and pulled Willow’s arms tighter around her. “So a bath, dinner, a movie… that all sounds… nice.”



Willow knew what Tara was hinting at. Willow had definite plans for Tara, but she wasn’t going to let her in on them just yet. There was a point she wanted to make first. Besides, Willow thought, it all works so well into my “driving Tara to distraction” plan. “Yeah, it will be nice. Honey, tonight, I don’t want to talk about tomorrow.” She felt Tara stiffen a little, but then relax as Willow continued. “Tomorrow will attend to itself. Tonight is about us, about all of us,” Willow said as she waved her hand towards the rest of the Scoobies across the Magic Box. “Tonight is about family, and about getting strength from family. Because, in the end, being a family is our strength.”



Willow couldn’t see, but Tara had tears in her eyes. Good tears, full of love and pride. Tara could feel a change in Willow, had felt it for the past several weeks, since the whole Guardian mess had started. Willow had always been Tara’s strength, although Tara knew Willow didn’t believe it – until now. Tara felt it from Willow. Willow was believing in herself, letting herself be Tara’s anchor, in everything. And right now, I need that more than anything, Tara thought. She hadn’t realized that she could love Willow any more than she already had – but in that moment, Tara’s love grew even more.



Tara sighed, “That does sound nice. Perfect.”



Willow could feel Tara totally relax. She knew that now was the time she had been waiting for, the time to drive Tara to – distraction.



“And after the movie…” Willow paused.



“Yeah?” Tara asked, with no naughty thoughts anywhere in the vicinity of Tara’s mind.



Willow leaned close to Tara’s ear. “I’m going to make love to you… all night long,” Willow said in a husky, low growl.



A shiver of anticipation ran down Tara’s back, and she could feel desire explode low in her belly. Willow was still holding Tara in a comforting, non-passionate way. It didn’t matter, though, as images of Willow making love to her danced through Tara’s mind.



“Yeah?” Tara squeaked, barely able to get the word out of her throat. Her mouth had suddenly gone dry and she licked her lips.



“Yeah,” Willow growled again. Willow still hadn’t shifted her position, and to the casual observer, it would look like Willow was just innocently whispering in her lover’s ear – unless that same observer looked at Tara’s red, overheated skin.



Willow decided a preview of the nights activities was in order.



“I’m going to slide that dress off your shoulders, and kiss your neck, and the hollow underneath your ear. I’m going to slide my lips down your collarbone, and slide my teeth over your shoulder…”



As Willow spoke the words, Tara could feel every action the red-head described. She groaned.



“Then I’m going to run my hands up your waist, across your stomach, and cup your breasts in my hands.”



Tara imagined Willowhands on her flesh, measuring and weighing them, squeezing them softly.



“I’m going to brush my thumbs over your nipples, just once… then I’m going to kiss you… deeply.”



Tara shuddered at the thought, and could feel her nipples tightening in response.



“Then I’m going to drag that dress down you body, all the way off, until it lands in a pool around your feet.”



“W-where are y-your lips?” Tara rasped.



Willow smiled. Tara’s right hand was rubbing circles on Willow’s hand, in small, insistent patterns. Tara’s other hand, Oh, Goddess, was clutching at Willow’s left leg, kneading her skin beneath her jeans. Willow thought she might die if she didn’t put an end to this soon. But what a way to go, she thought wickedly.



“My lips,” Willow whispered, “are on yours. My tongue is sliding over your top lip, my teeth are pulling at your bottom one.” With that, Willow leaned in and lightly nipped Tara’s earlobe, eliciting a sharp intake of breath and a soft moan from the blond. Willow was dying to kiss her lover, to make real all the words she was whispering. Soon, she thought. Though maybe not soon enough, she added.

“Then I’m going to run my mouth down your body, your gorgeous, perfect body. I’m going to worship you with my tongue, run it down your chest, down between your breasts… I’m going to circle your right nipple with my tongue while I press your left nipple into the palm of my hand.”



Willow almost squealed when Tara squeezed hard on her thigh, Tara’s hand having ridden up from just above her knee to close to her hip. Willow could hear Tara’s ragged breathing, could feel her panting against Willow’s chest. God I want her, she thought. Willow was dripping with arousal, and could feel the want of Tara coursing through her body. Willow was amazed she had been able to control her hands for so long, when all she wanted to do was reach up and cup her lover’s breasts. Instead, Willow remained perfectly still, and it was killing her.



“I’m going to run my tongue around your nipple, around and around, and then I’m going to flick it over that tight bud, while I roll your other one between my fingers. I’m going to take it into my mouth, and rake my teeth over it.” Willow’s voice lowered to a growl. Then I’m going to suck on it.”



Tara groaned again, pressing back into Willow. She wanted Willow’s hands on her, moving with her. She was so turned on she couldn’t see clearly, and all she could think of was Willow, her tongue, her fingers, her skin, touching her, rubbing her, flicking over her. Tara didn’t think she could find her voice, her throat so choked with want. But she did, and moaned, “I need you baby.”



Willow almost came right there. She couldn’t believe she could be so aroused without even really touching Tara, by just telling her all the things she wanted to do to her. But the press of Tara’s heated flesh, the images floating through her brain, and the feel of Tara squeezing her thigh sent shudders through her body. She forced them down , though, forced it back inside. I refuse to come without her, she pledged, though she wasn’t sure just how much more of her own teasing she could take.



“Then I’m going to kneel before you. I’m going to slide my hands down to your hips, down your thighs and back up. I’m going to spread your legs apart, ever so slightly. I’m going to feel how wet you are, how ready. You’re going to beg me to touch you, to taste you. Then I’m going to slide my tongue all the way up to your clit, in one… long… stroke.”



Willow slowly punctuated each of the last words with a puff of warm air into Tara’s ear. Tara, for her part, squeezed the Willowhand she was now clutching, and pressed it low on her belly. It was all Willow could do not to slide her hand the mere inches it would need to travel to be cupping her center. Willow knew her game was nearly over. She could hear it in Tara’s breath, feel it in her body. And Willow knew she certainly couldn’t take much more, or she was going to take her right there, Scoobies be damned!



“Then I’m going to run my tongue around your clit, and take it into my mouth. I’m going to press my lips around it, and run my teeth over it, as my fingers find your center. Then, when I’m sure you’re ready, I’m going to thrust my fingers inside you, and suck on your clit…” Willow paused, then added, “hard.”



That was it. Tara moaned Willow’s name, and Willow could feel Tara’s orgasm as she pressed her hips back into Willow’s and arched her back. Tara’s hands squeezed Willow’s thigh and hand, pulsing in time with each wave of pleasure Tara felt. Willow probably would have come, too, if she hadn’t been so mesmerized by the sight of her lover exploding simply from Willow’s voice and words. How lucky am I? Willow thought. She then answered her own question. Very.



Tara’s breathing settled back down, and she eased her grip on Willow’s leg. But she continued to hold Willow’s hand, and after a moment she brought it to her mouth, and laid a tender kiss on Willow’s palm.



“Oh, my,” was all Tara could manage at first. “That was… um…” Tara was shocked by what had just happened, as it had never happened before. Definitely intense, even for us, Tara thought. Us! Tara realized her lover hadn’t followed her, and she quickly turned her head to look at Willow, concern etched across her face. She never liked being a selfish lover, and hated any time she came without Willow.



Yet Tara’s concern quickly eroded when she saw the very smug, very self-satisfied expression on Willow’s face. Tara’s mouth turned upwards in a sly grin. “So I guess you’re pretty pleased with yourself, huh?”



Willow smiled from ear to ear. “Uh-huh.”



“So, uh, maybe we should head home? Pack up the Scoobies and get going?” Tara suggested.



Willow continued to grin. “Actually, I’m perfectly happy just to sit here all night.”



Tara realized that Willow probably could just sit there all night, basking in her ability to make Tara orgasm without even touching her. In the Magic Shop. With all the other Scoobies in the room. Tara quickly shot a glance over to the research area, terrified she would see them all just starting at her and Willow. But, as usual, they were oblivious, and engaged in what looked like a rather intense game of Monopoly. Thank the Goddess, Tara thought. I wonder if Anya’s winning?



Knowing that Willow was altogether a little too pleased with herself, Tara decided a little persuasion was in order to get Willow moving. So she looked back at her lover. Willow, for her part, was still sitting there with a big smile, her eyes slightly glazed over. Well, I have to admit, she really does have a right to be proud, Tara thought. But I want her home, and in bed. Naked. So Tara did the one thing that always got the red-head’s attention.



Tara cupped Willow’s face, leaned in quickly, and gave Willow a sound, searching kiss. Willow gasped in surprise, too absorbed in her own mastery of the Tara Arts to see her lover’s lips coming at her. But then she relaxed into the kiss, opening her mouth and pulling in Tara’s tongue to meet her own. Tara’s hands sunk deeper into Willow’s hair as she pulled the red-head closer. Willow’s hands instinctively ran around Tara’s waist and pulled their bodies tight together. Tara probed with her tongue, seeking out every corner of Willow’s mouth. Willow let out a soft moan as Tara nipped at her lips and sucked them into her mouth.



Then, rather abruptly, Tara released Willow.



Willow just sat there, dazed and confused, and very, very turned on. Even more turned on than before, if that was possible.



Tara just grinned and asked, “So now do you want to go home?”



Willow leaped out of the chair, nearly knocking Tara to the ground in her enthusiasm. She grabbed her lover’s hand and pulled her into the main part of the shop, yelling as she went, “Okay, pack it up, time to go home.”



THE END?

"You are safe, she says. Inherent in you is a truth no artificial world can fade." - The Journey

[Kel]

ok, if i ask can i get an update?



please???



but it's okay 'cause am gonna just wait RIGHT HERE until you do

[JennY]

I'd like to go back to house, too! Please???? Good fic! Thanks.

-----------


"I'm a blood sucking fiend. Look at my outfit!"- Willow in Doppelgangland



"Bloodsuckers. They kill by sucking blood. Take it easy, Joan." Anya in Tabula Rasa

[mollyig]

You can't leave us there!!!



No matter how lost I get, I will always find you. This line gives me hope!

I could paint you in the dark, 'cause I've studied you with hunger as a work of art - Collecting you (Indigo Girls)

[foreverpiper]

*blink*



*blink*



There is NO possible way that you can't just leave us there! We need more! Please? I really like this story and I really hope there's more of it.

[daydreamer]

Wow!!! This is one great fic. Blameburner, you totally rock! You should better have another update where Willow and Tara is in the house or you'll piss off a lot of kittens. Just kidding! Just please don't leave us hanging. Please, oh, please?

[Bobos Mom]

Wonderfully written. This is what I needed to start off the day in the right mindset! Should you need to vent again with another story, I would be more than happy to read whatever you come up with.

*********

TARA: Willow and I always know how to find each other!

ANYA: With yoga?

[GemBem]

In the words of a certain redhead, nu-uh! You CANNOT tease us like that and then not finish the fanfiction. C'mon, please????? Would it help if I begged? Okay, I am now officially begging. PLEASE?



Okay, fantastic fanfiction.

[BigMac]

It's time for a cold water bath. But a update would be fine.

Tara: Assume Crash
Positions

[Drakkenfyre]

*wipes sweat from brow*, Well, my goodness, that was, for the lack of a better word, INTENSE!!! I, uh, could really use an update, like NOW!!! This is really great, please help us and write more soon...*fans self* Is it hot in here or is it just me?

"We few, we happy few."
"We band of buggered."

[Wolflord]

MY GOD....i had to have three cigarettes to get thru that story. And I don't even smoke...that was so (lost for word). Damn! and did I mention that was so damn erotic. My God..(looks for another cigarette)

[Lucy Moore]

Totally awesome !!



You can't leave it at that...Please be good to us all and continue to post updates...



Pretty please ?

fiat justitia,ruat caelum

Edited by: Lucy Moore at: 4/10/02 3:49:50 pm

[blameburner]

Wow... thanks everyone. I guess you liked it.



Okay, well, seeing as how I don't want to piss off any Kittens... and now that the creative juices are flowing (pun possibly intended)... and since I really, really don't want to do all the law school stuff I'm supposed to be doing...



I shall continue the fic.



Um, one question... you have a choice...



As you may have noticed, the first three parts are actually comewhat in the middle of the story chronologically - I'm weird that way - I can do one of two things to flush out the back story. I can:



a) create a Prologue

-or-

b) continue on from the end of Part 3 and try and flush out the backstory in flashbacks/thoughts



Both ways have their plusses, and minuses... But if you're concerned about having to wait for the, um, house scene, if I do the Prologue first, don't worry... I'm sure I can figure something out to make you happy in the meantime!



Please, feedback is crucial here!



And thanks for the support.



*blameburner does her infamous Happy Dance*



- blameburner

"You are safe, she says. Inherent in you is a truth no artificial world can fade." - The Journey

[Drakkenfyre]

Now don't get me wrong, or think that I am crass beyond all words, well okay you got me there. I am...I don't really care...I just want more, I need more, I crave more,....

"We few, we happy few."
"We band of buggered."

[Wolflord]

I say go for option B....continue from the story you got. Either way though I will enjoy this story no matter. Do what makes you comfortable....just keep up the great work. Of course now I need to go get a pack of smokes to help get through all the SMUTTY goodness. Oh well who needs lungs when you get images like those described.

Sometimes I think of them doing spells and I have a spell by myself.

[Rane018]

continue on from the end of Part 3 and try and flush out the backstory in flashbacks/thoughts



i'm really interested in the guardian thing (who/what/why)and the whole willow and tara are back together adn yeah sex would be good too. great fic so far.

[The Rose24]

My opinion. Go to the house scene. STRAIGHT to the house scene. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. I need some distractions.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.
Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[blameburner]

Sorry, not an update... yet.



So, it seems y'all wanna go home? (And yes, I did just use the word "y'all" in a sentence).



You want it, you got it. Law school be damned! Like I need an excuse to ignore my studies further...



Okay, a preview of Part 4:

A bath

Some dinner

A rather interesting trip to the grocery store

And... a pillow fight? With Giles?



Hmmmm...



-blameburner

"You are safe, she says. Inherent in you is a truth no artificial world can fade." - The Journey

[tommo]

I liked this a lot, mainly because you managed to create sensuality between the two without falling prey to just having them fuck. Heh. I loved how Willow was able to verbalise everything she wanted to do to Tara, and you managed to do it in a simplistic yet effective way, by having her words create all the action that was needed.



Your narrative is lovely; it flows from paragraph to paragraph and I really enjoyed reading it.



As for the continuation of the story, I think carrying on with what you have already would be good for the reader, in terms of timeline and comprehensibility. Flashbacks and retrospects are always useful for filling in the gaps.

----------
Hey Grrrrlfriend! Yoo hoo! Over here! It's me...Flaming Joel!

[daydreamer]

What Ruth said ('cause I couldn't have said it any better).



I can't wait for the next update. It seems like the "go straight to the house" scene got the votes. Yay!

[Wolflord]

MORE MORE MORE having withdrawals....need update.

Sometimes I think of them doing spells and I have a spell by myself.

[blameburner]

Okay, here is the first official update... this is all taking way more pages to write than I anticipated, so consequently it's only half of the promised update. I'm working really hard, though, and I'm trying my best to have Part 4b finished and posted sometime tonight.



Hope you like it...



Title: The Guardian – Part 4a

Author: blameburner

Feedback: Sure… especially since this my first fic – and maybe my last!

Summary: This is just a nice little story about two witches, facing the apocalypse – again, and love. The Scoobies are preparing to face a threat, and Willow learns she does have an important role beyond research and magic.

Spoiler Warning: Up to and including "Normal Again" in Season 6 – but really nothing major.

Disclaimer: Not my characters, but oh how I wish they were! All hail Joss, all hail ME.

Rating: R, maybe NC-17 (but I don’t really know!!!)

Pairings: W/T… duh. Everyone’s will be here at some point.

Notes: This is a story I wrote in total denial of the upcoming events spoiled for the end of Season 6. It does deal a bit with Willow’s addiction, and talks a bit about magic – but I am sooooo clueless about magic, if I get anything wrong, please forgive me – no offense meant. I pretty much have the whole story worked out, and it looks like it's going to be rather long - even though it mostly takes place in a short period of time.

Angst: Not too much... yet. He-he-he!





Buffy came bounding through the front door of the Summers’ home laughing hysterically. She was laughing so hard that she was crying, so hard that she tripped on the lip of the doorway on the floor. It took her by surprise, and even her Slayer skills weren’t enough to keep her from landing face first on the floor.



“Oof.” A loud rush of air wooshed out of her mouth as she hit the ground. She quickly rolled over onto her back and glared menacingly at the doorway. “Stupid door,” she grumbled under her breath.



She looked up to see Giles standing in the middle of the door frame, just staring down at her with his mouth agape. She saw several heads poking out from behind her Watcher, all peering at her from the safety of the front steps. It was obvious that they were waiting to gage Buffy’s reaction before they entered the house, much less before they made a comment. Except for Anya, of course.



“Hey, what’s the holdup?” Anya asked as she pushed her way past the other Scoobies and Giles, who’s face was inadvertently smushed into the glass of the open front door. “What are you doing on the floor?” She asked the now prone Slayer.



Buffy was laying on her back, propped up on her elbows, with her legs parted into a V-shape.



“You’re waiting for Xander, aren’t you? You just decided you needed to get some, and thought you could have Xander’s penis all to yourself!” Anya shouted, placing her hands on her hips.



“An…” Xander groaned from the doorway. He loved his girlfriend, but sometimes she was just too much – even for him.



Anya waved her hand back behind her, shushing her boyfriend. She continued to look at Buffy. “Well you can just get up off that floor, missy! Xander’s mine, and so is his penis!”



Buffy just stared at the ex-demon. Then, much to her own surprise, she let out burst of laughter. She shook her head, and looked again into Anya’s face, which was contorted into a half-pout, half-scowl. Then an image of Anya in a white bunny suit with a pink belly popped into Buffy’s head, with the same look on her face, and Buffy totally lost it. She roared in laughter.



“What’s so funny? I don’t see what’s so funny! Oh, do I have something on my face?” Anya whined worriedly as she quickly reached up and ran both hands over her face.



Tara and Willow, who were partially blocked by Giles, just looked at each other, and burst out laughing. Giles started tuttering, but tried to quickly compose himself by squeezing the bridge of his nose underneath his glasses. Dawn walked into the room, collapsing in laughter on the floor next to her sister, who was now howling she was laughing so hard.



Anya stared back at the Slayer again, and then turned to Xander. “Xander, what are they… Hey!” Anya screamed as she saw that Xander was laughing, too, pointing at her boyfriend accusingly. Xander quickly put a hand up over his mouth to hide his giggling. He felt kind of bad, but it was just so damn funny! Actually, Xander started thinking, he really didn’t even know what was so funny about it, but it just was.



“I’m sorry, An,” Xander said through stuttering giggles, starting to walk over to his girlfriend.



“No! You leave me alone, you big meanie! If I still had my powers, you’d be toad entrails by now, buddy!” Anya yelled as she marched off toward the kitchen.



Buffy and Dawn had paused their laugh-fest as Xander tried to make amends to his girl, but a new round of laughter started as Anya stomped away. Xander gave them all a pleading look and a shrug, and then trailed off after Anya.



Giles walked over to Buffy to give her a hand up, pulling Dawn right along with her.



“We really must be careful around Anya. She can be quite sensitive,” Giles said.



Willow, who had finally entered the house along with Tara, just looked at Tara, then at Giles, and burst out laughing all over again.



“Anya… sensitive…. Ha!” Willow laughed. Tara squeezed Willow’s hands, getting the red-head’s attention.



“Honey, Giles is right. No more teasing the ex-demon,” Tara said.



Willow nodded, feeling slightly chagrined by her girlfriend’s motherly tone. Willow was also somewhat amused, however, by the sound of her love calling Anya “the ex-demon.” Tara never, ever, called Anya an ex-demon.



“Besides,” Tara said, “We should feel a little sorry for her.” Tara looked soberly at her lover. “She doesn’t realize just how limiting a penis really is,” she said, absolutely dead-pan.



All laughing in the room abruptly stopped. Willow’s cheeks turned bright red as she looked at her girlfriend, thinking about how much fun she and Tara had without the use of said male appendage. Tara had a face of pure innocence.



Giles, for his part, started industriously cleaning his glasses. “Yes, well…” he trailed off.



“Will? I think you’ve corrupted your girlfriend,” Buffy added in a tisk-tisk tone as she shook a finger at her best friend.



“Me?” Willow squeeked. “But you… she… me?” Willow said again, looking back and forth between Buffy and her lover.



“Willow, if I told you once, I told you a thousand times…” Buffy said, “You are not getting me into a threesome with you and your girl.”



Tara was loving this, though she maintained the innocent look on her face. I love seeing her squirm, Tara thought. Especially when she’s squirming underneath me, she added wickedly.



"Yes, really Willow. No Buffy/Tara sandwiches for you," Giles said.



"Giles!" Willow sputtered. She could not believe the normally straight-laced Watcher was jumping on the "making-Willow-squirm" band wagon. It must really be the end of the world, Willow thought.



Tara burst out laughing then, unable to maintain her innocence any longer. She pulled Willow into a hug, feeling the heat of embarrassment radiating from her lover. "Poor baby. Is Mr. Giles making fun of you?" Tara asked sweetly.



"Buffy too," Willow mumbled over Tara's shoulder.



"You want me to turn them all into toads?" Tara asked, stroking Willow's back.



"No, frog fear, remember?" Willow answered, pulling back to look into the blond's eyes. "I don't want to have to run away screaming from my best friend - even if she is evil." Willow punctuated her last word with a glare at her best friend, who shrunk under Willow's mock-angry gaze.



"Come on, Dawn. Let's get outta here before she decides frog fear isn't so bad, and that we'd all look better green and two inches tall." Buffy grabbed her sister's hand and puled her into the kitchen. Giles decided it would be best to follow, as he really did not look good in green.



Willow turned back to Tara. "You," she said, pointing a finger into Tara's chest, "Are wicked."



Tara looked down to where Willow's finger was resting against her chest. A grin crept up one side of her mouth. "You have no idea," she said huskily.



Willow gulped audibly. "Actually, I have a pretty good idea," Willow said shyly. Willow's head was down a little, but she looked up to meet Tara's eyes. She gasped slightly when she saw the glint in her lover's eyes.



This playful, naughty side of Tara had been a wonderful discovery for Willow after they had first gotten together. For a long time it only came out occasionally, almost as if it was a part of herself that Tara had locked up in a tiny room inside herself, but occasionally she would forget to close the door all the way and it would open just a crack, letting the inner-Tara slip out.



But over the years, as Tara become more confident, the inner-Tara stopped just creeping out late at night when the two of them were alone locked in each others arms. Tara started leaving that door open more and more. And ever since they had gotten back together a few months earlier, Tara had seemed, well, downright naughty. It was as if while they were apart, Tara had taken that door right off of its hinges, and naughty Tara was just as much a part of her as was sweet, innocent, angelic, caring, beautiful Tara. And I like it, Willow thought.



"So," Tara said, breaking Willow's silent reverie. "You like Wicked-Tara?" Tara said seductively, waggling her eyebrows as she pulled Willow closer.



"Well, duh," Willow said, a grin rising on her face. But then that grin turned into a full pout. "I just don't think I like Wicked-Tara ganging up on me with my friends."



Tara grinned. "No?"



Willow snuggled closer. "Nuh-uh. Too much damaging information could get out. Besides," Willow said, lowering her voice into a sexy growl, "I think I want to keep Wicked-Tara all to myself."



Tara leaned in and brushed her lips over Willow's, earning a low moan from the red-head. Tara nipped once at Willow's lower lip, and then placed a trail of kisses across the girl's cheek and over to her ear.



"So," Tara said as she nibbled on her lover's earlobe, "I think you were saying something about a bath earlier."



Willow flushed at the thought of her earlier words in the Magic Shop. Willow felt a pang of desire flash in her belly, and Tara's hot breath in her ear certainly didn't help keep Willow's body in check. But Willow was determined that Tara relax tonight, at least until I get her into bed, which meant her body needed to cool down. Or else there is no way I'm going to be able to keep my hands off her.



"Um, yeah..." Willow trailed off, trying to get images of naked-Tara out of her head. Okay, no more naked Tara... no more hot, naked, sweaty Tara thoughts... nope, not for me... can't think about Tara's body, her luxurious curves, her supple breasts, her firm hips... her nipples when I.. oh, no, bad Willow... bad Willow!... okay, other thoughts, um... clouds... floaty clouds... floaty naked Tara... NO!... no floaty naked Tara... um... bunnies... yeah, bunnies... cute, little, fluffy bunnies... how can Anya be scared of bunnies?... what is up with that?... they're so sweet, and soft, and snuggly... ooo, Tara snuggles... okay, this has got to stop... um... uh... frogs! Big, ugly, slimy, croaking frogs! Yuck!!!



The frogs did it. Willow pulled out of Tara's arms suddenly. Willow grabbed her lover's hand, turned, and hauled a confused and slightly befuddled Tara up the stairs to the bathroom.



**************************



When they got to the bathroom door, Willow stopped abruptly, so abruptly that Tara ran into Willow with an "oof." Willow turned quickly, ignoring the warm tinglies radiating out from where Tara's breasts had bumped against her back. She grabbed Tara by the shoulders and moved her out of the doorway and against the wall next to the door.



"Stay," Willow ordered with full-on resolve face, and then she turned and walked into the bathroom. Tara could hear the faucet turn on, a couple of thumps, a clang, another thump, and an "Oh, crap!" She was tempted to peer around the corner and into the bathroom, but Tara did not want to mess with Willow-resolve-face. She knew better.



Still, she was tempted. But before Tara could make up her mind, Willow came storming out of the bathroom and went stomping into the bedroom. Tara watched with a bemused expression, trying to figure out what her love was up to.



"Ah-hah!" Willow yelled triumphantly, and then reappeared through the bedroom door, only to storm back into the bathroom.



My baby's on a mission, Tara thought, grinning. But what in the world is the mission?



Tara listened intently, trying to figure out what her baby was up to, but it was hard to hear over the running water. Tara slid a little closer to the door, straining her ear as close to the open door as she could. Okay, let's see... a lighter flicking... ooo, candles?... okay, um... what's that?... cabinet door, no help there... um... sand against paper... what in the world sounds like sand against paper?... and more importantly, why is it in the bathroom?...



Tara was still trying to figure out that last one when Willow came bounding out of the bathroom, nearly smacking her nose right into Tara's ear.



"Oh!" Willow said, startled. "Come on," she growled, grabbing Tara's hand and yanking her into the bathroom. She knew she wasn't exactly setting a relaxing tone by clomping through the house and slamming doors, but she couldn't help it - she had to keep herself occupied if she was going to get Tara into that bath without ravaging her first.



Willow shut the door behind Tara with a sound "thud," and turned to her lover. "Clothes off, now," she commanded.



A lazy smile curved Tara's mouth upwards, as she moved her right hand to her left shoulder, sliding her thumb underneath the fabric of her dress. "As you wish, my love," she said, as she slowly slid the material off her shoulder, taking her bra strap with it.



Willow's eyes grew wide. She was transfixed by Tara as her lover revealed the creamy flesh of her shoulder. I sooooo cannot watch her do that, Willow thought, but I sooooo want to watch her do that. Willow groaned.



Tara's smile widened as she watched the effect she was having on her lover. She's so easy, Tara thought. But only for me. Tara shifter her attentions to the other shoulder, peeling away the fabric. She slid the material down further, stopping when she reached the swell of her breasts, just above her nipples.



Willow licked her lips. She wanted to dive into those warm mounds, run her cheek against the soft skin, lick her way across and between them. Willow groaned again and shut her eyes. Okay, no... no no no no, bad Willow... um... frogs.. frogs!



Willow opened her eyes again and spun away, deciding she better check on the bath. Good thing, too, as the water was near the rim of the tub. Willow shut off the faucet and dipped two fingers into the steaming water. Perfect, Willow thought. Willow double-checked her arrangement. She had added some sea salts to the bath, from a small paper packet she had bought one weekend at an herbal shop. The salts were supposed to enhance relaxation, and Willow had been saving them for a special occasion. There were about a dozen pillar candles surrounding the tub, and the scent of vanilla and jasmine filled the air. Willow had also strategically places several tealight candles around the room, adding to the soft, romantic glow of the room.



Glow! With all the rushing, Willow had forgotten to turn of the lights. Willow quickly turned to reach for the light switch, but her hand froze in mid-air as she took in the sight of her now completely naked lover.



Tara stood before Willow, with her hands at her sides. Tara was often shy when naked, especially when Willow was still fully clothed. She knew Willow thought she was beautiful, but she didn't really believe it herself. But not tonight. Tara stood before Willow with her shoulders back, her chin held proudly as she let her love look at her - all of her.



Tara felt the familiar urge to tip her head and let her hair fall forward, but she resisted it. As she had watched Willow racing around tonight, checking over each detail of the bath she had so thoughtfully prepared, wanting to make sure everything was perfect, Tara had felt all the love the red-head had for her. It had made her heart swell. And now, as she stood open to Willow's gaze, she still felt that love, only even stronger.



Willow raked her eyes down her lover's body, taking in the soft skin of her neck, the voluptuous swell of her breasts, the rosy nipples that were visibly tightening before her eyes, the tautness of her stomach, the slight flair of her lower belly, the smooth roundness of her hips, the dense patch of blond curls at the juncture of her thighs... Willow's gaze lingered on that spot, imagining what it felt like to run her fingers through those curls, before continuing her visual journey down her lover's body. Willow slid her eyes lower, all the way down to Tara's feet, before taking the return trip back up the blond's body.



Willow finally reached her lover's eyes, and she saw that the normally crystal blue was as dark as the sea now, and nearly as deep. Willow saw the fire in those eyes, and knew that it was for her. All for me. Only for me. The thought sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine and a surge of heat between her thighs, as she thought about how she was going to make love to this woman all night long. But not yet, Willow thought with a mixture of disappointment and exhilaration.



Without leaving her lover's gaze, Willow fumbled a couple of times before finding the light switch underneath her fingertips. With a flick, the room was cast into the orange glow of the already lit candles, and Willow gasped. Just a moment earlier she had not thought it possible for Tara to be any more breathtaking, but she had been wrong. The soft light of the candles played over Tara's skin, highlighting all of Willow's favorite places on her love's body. The candlelight also added a new dimension of shadow, adding a new depth of mystery to the grooves and valleys of Tara's flesh.



Willow's eyes shone in the dim light, and her nostrils flared with want. Tara, in turn, shivered as she watched a look of total, primal lust cross Willow's face. Oh how she loved that look, and what seeing that look did to her.



Willow smiled and held out her hand, with the palm facing up. "My lady, your bath awaits," she said.



Tara returned the smile and slipped her hand into Willow's. She took a step forward and Willow helped her balance as she stepped into the tub and slowly sunk down into the inviting heat. It feels like being inside Willow, Tara thought lustily.



Once Tara was settled in the water, Willow grabbed the basket of sponges, soaps, and oils that she had prepared earlier. She set the basket next to the tub, and sat down on the toilet next to her love.



"Aren't you joining me?" Tara asked in a sultry whisper.



Willow swallowed. She wanted nothing more than to slip off her clothes, slip into the tub, and slip inside Tara. Oh, how badly she wanted it. But that was not going to help Tara relax. And, as much as she wanted to stay and watch Tara run that sponge all over her body, she knew that wouldn't help either one of them relax.



"No, baby. I told you, I want you to relax," Willow said a little guiltily.



Tara jutted out her bottom lip in a full-blown pout. "But how can I relax when I can see it in your eyes, how much you want me?"



"Which is why..." Willow said, rising to her feet, "I'm going downstairs to make dinner."



"Willow!" Tara crossed her arms across her chest, her full-blown pout working overtime.



Willow turned and bent over to pick up Tara's dress that lay crumpled in a heap on the floor. Tara decided a new tactic was in order if she was going to get Willow into that bath with her, and an opportunity had just presented itself that was too good to pass up. Tara leaned out of the tub and, with both hands, squeezed the red-head's ass.



"Hey!" Willow squealed indignantly as she spun to face Tara. "No touching the merchandise, Ms. Grabby-Hands!"



Tara smiled playfully. "But Willow-butt is just so cute."



Willow blushed, and then grinned. "Well, that's true enough."



"Vixen!" Tara laughed.



"Yeah, but I'm your vixen, baby." Willow continued grinning as she opened the door. "Now, you relax, and that's an order missy. I'm going downstairs to fix dinner." With that, Willow walked through the door and started to close it behind her.



Tara was stunned. Insatiable, lust-mad Willow had actually resisted temptation. Tara would have been offended if Willow hadn't been so darn cute about it. Tara shook her head and let out a little giggle.



Suddenly Willow burst back through the door and bent over the tub, grabbing both sides of Tara's face and pulling her into a deep, demanding kiss. Tara was startled by the sheer intensity of it, but she relaxed into it, opening her mouth to Willow's. Her wet arms wrapped around Willow's neck, urging her even closer. Willow's tongue probed along the edges of Tara's mouth, running over her teeth and her lips, and then slipping inside to meet Tara's. They dueled, sliding over each other, then retreating, only to meet again.



Finally, Willow pulled back, gently nipping at Tara's lower lip as she stood up. Without a word, Willow turned and walked out of the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.



Tara just stared after her lover.



Then she let out a loud groan of frustration and yelled Willow's name.



***********************



Still to come... a little dinner... a pillow-fighting Giles... and Seven Scoobies in a grocery store... and not necessarily in that order.

"You are safe, she says. Inherent in you is a truth no artificial world can fade." - The Journey

[The Rose24]

VERY cute update!!!!! Thanks for posting so promptly.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.
Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[Wolflord]

Oh god. that was....and the.......and when she.......oh god can't think.....to much info.....system overload. Can't wait til next part.

Sometimes I think of them doing spells and I have a spell by myself.

[blameburner]

As promised... it's still sort of tonight, right?



I need sleep!!!



Title: The Guardian – Part 4b

Author: blameburner

Feedback: Sure… especially since this my first fic – and maybe my last!

Summary: This is just a nice little story about two witches, facing the apocalypse – again, and love. The Scoobies are preparing to face a threat, and Willow learns she does have an important role beyond research and magic.

Spoiler Warning: Up to and including "Normal Again" in Season 6 – but really nothing major.

Disclaimer: Not my characters, but oh how I wish they were! All hail Joss, all hail ME.

Rating: R, maybe NC-17 (but I don’t really know!!!)

Pairings: W/T… duh. Everyone’s will be here at some point.

Notes: This is a story I wrote in total denial of the upcoming events spoiled for the end of Season 6. It does deal a bit with Willow’s addiction, and talks a bit about magic – but I am sooooo clueless about magic, if I get anything wrong, please forgive me – no offense meant. I pretty much have the whole story worked out, and it looks like it's going to be rather long - even though it mostly takes place in a short period of time.

Angst: Not too much... yet. He-he-he!





Willow was giggling as she made her way into the kitchen. As she walked through the kitchen doorway, she heard Tara yell her name, which only made her giggle harder.



Buffy and Dawn were sitting around the kitchen counter. Xander and Anya were on the couch in the living room, totally engaged in the newest episode of Farscape. Giles was also sitting in the living room, as engrossed in the tv show and Anya and Xander, but trying to pretend her was reading the book in his lap.



"Willow, what did you do to Tara?" Buffy questioned.



"Nothing," Willow said devilishly as she walked over to pull the ingredients she needed from the refrigerator.



"Uh-huh. And why don't I believe you?" Buffy challenged, her chin resting on her closed fist propped up on the counter.



"Buffy, I really have no idea where you're getting these terrible ideas about me. I mean, have I ever been anything but sweetness and light to either one of you?" Willow said as she turned on the oven to preheat.



Buffy and Dawn looked at each other and rolled their eyes dramatically. "Do you really want us to answer that?" Dawn asked. "Cuz we can."



Willow laughed and shook her head from side to side as she set about preparing the salmon filets. She had never prepared a meal quite this large before, and she wasn't entirely sure she had gotten enough supplies. She thought back to how she had gotten sucked into cooking for seven people in the first place.



*******************



On their way home from the Magic Box, the topic of dinner had come up. Xander had offered to stop and pick up a couple of pizzas, but then Tara explained how Willow was making dinner for her.



Everyone had stopped in their tracks, except for Willow of course, who picked up the pace, knowing the discussion her girlfriend had just started. Willow practically broke into a run, dragging Tara along beside her, until she felt two firm hands pull her from behind. She was lifted in the air and turned around to face the rest of the Scoobies, who all just stared at her.



Tara explained how Willow had been holding out on them, and how she was going to be on dish duty for quite a while to make up for it.



"I'll say," Dawn said. "You'll be lucky if you get off dish duty by the time I graduate college!"



It was quickly decided that Willow would be using her newly revealed cooking skills to feed all of the Scoobies tonight, and so a little trip to the grocery store was in order, as Willow had only bought enough for two.



It was a totally new experience, seven Scoobies going grocery shopping, and one that they all decided definitely earned a repeat performance.



Xander roamed through the aisles with Dawn, playing a mock game of football in the paper towel aisle. That is, at least until the store manager came out to give Xander a stern lecture about needing to "act like a grown up." Xander tried to look contrite, but it didn't help that Dawn was standing behind the manager making faces at him and doing an over-blown imitation of his lecture to Xander.



Anya strolled through the store with Giles, telling him everything he ever wanted to know but was afraid to ask about the mystical powers of ketchup and pickles. Buffy wandered around with Tara, chatting about nothing in particular, after Willow told them it'd go much faster if she just ran through the store by herself to pick up what she needed.



Buffy and Tara caught up with Willow in the produce aisle. Buffy wandered off after she got distracted by a rather cute produce clerk watering down tomatoes. Tara stood near the cucumbers, watching Willow, who was intently scrutinizing several rather large red onions. Tara just watched her love work, picking out two onions she found acceptable, along with a couple of red bell peppers, some ripe mangoes, and a plastic container full of pineapple chunks. She followed as Willow walked over to the Kiwis and began checking them for ripeness.



"You know," she said, sliding up next to Willow, her thigh brushing up against her lover's, "I've heard that Kiwis have certain... properties."



Willow looked from the Kiwi in her palm over to her lover. She raised an eyebrow. "And what kind of... properties... are we talking about exactly?"



Tara lifted her hand to cup the kiwi in Willow's hand, their fingers meeting lightly as they cupped the small fruit together. Then Tara brushed her hand slightly over the fuzzy skin, rolling it in Willow's palm. Willow felt the soft but slightly prickly fuzz brush against her skin, and a little chill shot through her arm. Then Tara rolled the fruit out of Willow's hand and into her own, now cupping it between both of her own hands.



Tara looked down to her hands as she continued to roll the kiwi between her palms. Willow watched Tara watch the fruit, wondering what her love was up to.



"Well..." Tara began, continuing the rolling, "they're sweet, of course. Sinfully sweet. But they have a slight tangyness to them... like lemonade on a steamy summer day." Tara spoke slowly, never taking her eyes off the fruit.



Willow was mesmerized by the smooth rolling motion Tara was maintaining, keeping a firm yet light contact with the kiwi. Oh, how I wish I were that kiwi right now, Willow thought.



Tara continued, "They're refreshing, yet... stimulating."



Yes, Willow was feeling very stimulated right now.



"The skin is great, too," Tara said. She looked into Willow's eyes, now a deep emerald green, and lifted the fruit in her right hand to Willow's jawline, just below her ear. Willow breathed in sharply, as she felt the prickly softness against her sensitive skin. Then she gasped as Tara rolled the fruit down her neck to her collarbone, and back up. "It's soft... yet deliciously sharp at the same time... it's like... a carpet."



Willow nearly choked on her own lust. Tara was killing her. Absolutely killing her with images of... carpets.



"And when you bite into them..." Tara trailed off.



"Yes?" Willow asked weakly.



"They're so soft... they just melt in you mouth. And the juice..." Tara paused, letting the words sink in to Willow's over-heated brain. Then she looked Willow dead in the eye. "The juice just dribbles down your fingers... down your chin."



Willow groaned. Her knees felt weak, her skin was on fire, and she was aware of her own... juices... between her legs. That's it! I'm going to lay her down on these kiwis and make love to her right here, Willow decided.



Willow was about to lean over and ravage her girlfriend when Buffy popped up behind her.



"Hi guys! Whatcha doin'?"



Willow jumped and turned a menacing glare towards her best friend.



"Nothing," Tara said sweetly. "We were just discussing the finer points of kiwis."



"Cool... Yeah, I hear kiwis have special properties," Buffy said.



A very red, very obvious blush crawled up Willow's neck to her cheeks, as she thought, If you only knew.



Buffy, however, was oblivious to Willow's embarrassment. "They've got lots of vitamins. Good for Slayer-skin."



Willow looked at her girlfriend incredulously, the perfect picture of innocence as she nodded her head in agreement with Buffy.



"Okay, I've got everything. Time to go," Willow said quickly as she ran to the front of the store. She needed to get home, fast, before she decided to find the deepest corner of the store and take her girlfriend.



"What's her deal?" Buffy asked curiously.



"Oh, I think she just wants to get home and dive into these kiwis," Tara answered.



**********************



Willow shook her head as she sliced the kiwis on the cutting board. Stupid fruit, getting me all hot and bothered, Willow thought glumly. She stared at the sweet green flesh accusingly, like it was at fault for all of her lusty fantasies. Don't blame the kiwi, Willow Rosenberg. Blame Tara.



Willow had put the salmon in the oven to bake, and was placing the cut up kiwis into a large bowl along with the peppers, onions, mangoes, pineapple, and cilantro. She added a splash of lime juice, and mixed it all together with her hands. She set it aside and checked on the fish.



"Buffy, could you set the table," she asked.



Buffy looked up with a pout and whined, "But why do I have to set the table? I always have to set the table!"



Willow put her hands on her hips. "Buffy Anne Summers, do I need to remind you that in this house, whoever's cooking gets to decide who sets the table?"



Buffy hung her head. "No, Willow." She got up from her stool and started walking towards the dining room, muttering, "Stupid rules."



Dawn giggled as she watched her sister sulk away, glad that for once she didn't have to set the table. Then she caught Willow looking at her with the same look she had used on Buffy.



Dawn started to protest, but Willow just tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, and Dawn knew she was going to lose.



"I'm going, I'm going," she muttered.



Willow took the salmon out of the oven and checked it. Seeing it was done, she placed it on a large serving platter, and dished up the mango salsa.



"Can I help?" Tara asked from the doorway, her hands folded across her chest as she leaned against the door frame.



Willow looked up and smiled. Tara had changed into a pair of old jeans and an old UC Sunnydale sweatshirt. It wasn't a look Tara went for often, but she wore it well, and she knew that Willow loved it. There was something terribly sexy about how the faded denim hugged Tara's thighs and rear, and how that particular sweatshirt hung loosely off her neck and slipped to one side, exposing a tasty bit of shoulder.



Yep, she's trying to kill me. Definitely trying to kill me. And she's doing a damn fine job, Willow thought. She felt the heat rising in her again, and started chanting her new anti-Tara-lust mantra. Frogs frogs frogs frogs frogs frogs...



Tara could tell Willow was torn with desire, and she was truly enjoying torturing the red-head with it. But she had realized in her bath that Willow was desperately trying to do something for Tara tonight, to give her something Willow thought she needed. And I'll be damned if I'm going to mess that up for her, Tara thought devotedly. So Tara decided to ease up a bit, and give Willow a chance to breath, instead of forcing her to pant. There will be plenty of time for panting later, Tara added with an inward sigh.



Tara walked over to the counter where Willow was working, and asked, "What do you want me to do?"



Willow gave her girlfriend a grateful smile, and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Well, I just have to get the rice dished up. You wanna tell everyone dinner's ready?"



"Sure, darling," Tara answered.



Tara walked away toward the living room, and Willow watched her go. Yep, Willow thought, she sure does look good in denim.



***********************



Dinner had been fantastic, everyone raving about Willow's cooking skills. It was a mixed blessing for Willow, because even though she was proud of herself for apparent cooking abilities, it also meant that she was now going to have to cook on a more frequent basis.



After dinner, everyone had settled into the living room. It was decided that everyone would be spending the night, though the sleeping arrangements were a major point of contention.



"I just don't see why all the women get beds, except me!" Anya complained. "It's ex-demonism, that's what it is. Ex-Demonism!



"An, honey, it has nothing to do with you being an ex-demon." Xander tried to soothe his girlfriend's wounded expression by leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. Ever since they had gotten back together after the whole wedding fiasco, he had been very attentive, trying to pay special attention to when she was really upset versus when she was just being, well, Anya.



"It's just not fair," Anya pouted. She really didn't understand the whole pouting concept, as she was more of a "take charge and disembowel them" kind of a girl, but she had seen the pout work often and well for all the other women in the room, she wanted to give it a try.



"Fine, Anya. Never let it be said that the Slayer doesn't share," Buffy said from her seat on the floor. She was letting Dawn play with her hair as her sister sat on the chair behind her. Buffy liked Anya, in a sort of "laughing at a funeral" sort of way. Anya was often inappropriate, but her heart was in the right place. Most of the time. But she had never seen the ex-demon pout, and after Anya getting upset earlier, she wasn't sure she wanted to cross her. "You and Xander can take my bed. I'll bunk with Dawn."



"Buffy!" Dawn whined. "I don't want you cold, clammy feet touching me in the middle of the night!"



"Dawn, we should be polite to our guests. Even if one of them is Anya."



"Hey!" Anya took offense.



Willow snickered from her seat on the other chair, Tara settled comfortably in her lap. "Ouch!" Willow complained as Tara poked her in the ribs. Tara whispered, "Be nice."



"Besides," Buffy continued, "I have to take you over meet Spike at the edge of town before sunrise, so we've got to get going pretty early."



They had sent Spike out of Sunnydale early that morning, before the twenty-four hour "gathering-of-Evil" thing started. It seemed as if the one and only benefit of living on the Hellmouth was that it seemed to create it's own mystical border at the edge of town. While The Guardian had the power to draw evil in from a much greater distance than the edges of Sunnydale, the Hellmouth threw up its own barrier, limiting The Guardian's pull to those demons already within the town borders. If a Demon walked into town of his own volition, which in Sunnydale happened quite often, The Guardian had him. But The Guardian could not pull any Demons in from beyond Sunnydale.



Score one for the Hellmouth, Buffy thought grimly. She hated to let Dawn out of her sight at a time like this, but she knew she was going to be far too busy tomorrow to keep an eye on her sister. And what, with all the insane demons running around town wanting to kill anything in sight after the stroke of noon, it just had seemed like a better idea to leave Dawn with Spike. He may be evil, Buffy had thought, but he's proven time and again that he can be trusted with Dawn's life. So they had sent Spike packing, getting him safely outside the Demon-suck zone, and had arranged to meet in the morning, before sunrise.



"I wish you weren't sending me away," Dawn said quietly as she hugged her sister from behind.



Buffy squeezed Dawn's arms. "But you understand, right? You understand why I have to send you with Spike?"



Dawn loosened her hug a bit. "Big ancient evil, yada, yada, yada, end of the world - again," Dawn said as she gave a mock yawn.



Buffy was a little concerned that Dawn would be upset at her protectiveness, but when Dawn giggled and started playing with the Slayer's hair again, Buffy knew Dawn got it.



"Yea, so that's settled. Come on, Xander, lets go upstairs and have sex," Anya said excitedly as she stood and tried to pull Xander with her from the couch.



Buffy shot to her feet and jumped in front of the ex-demon's path. "You are soooo not going to have sex on my bed!" Buffy gave Anya her best Slayer glare.



"An-" Xander started.



"But we can put plastic tarps down! Xander likes it when we use plastic. Especially when I bring in the whipped cre-"



"Okay, An, icks-nay on the ipped-whay ream-cay, okay?" Xander said as he clamped one hand on Anya's mouth.



"Oh, Dear Lord," was all Giles could manage as he started cleaning his glasses.



"Remember what I said about sharing too much information?" Xander asked Anya.



She nodded her head dutifully, and Xander moved his hand away from her mouth.



Willow couldn't help it. She had been stifling a giggle for at least a minute, and she just couldn't hold it in anymore. She laughed outloud, and immediately regretted it as all eyes turned towards her. She looked over at Tara, who was giving her the best stern-mother look she had in her arsenal, but who was also quickly succumbing to the giggle-monster within.



Then Anya pointed an accusing finger at the two witches. "They did it on your bed! So why won't you let me and Xander!"



Willow and Tara both stopped giggling and turned the exact same shade of red.



Everyone was staring now, mouths agape. Buffy sputtered to Anya, "No they... they wouldn't... would they?... did they?" Anya nodded her head, and Buffy turned to the two lovers. "Did you?!?"



Willow babbled defensively, "Well... we... well, yeah, but it was an emergency! We were... you were... that weekend you and Dawn went to LA... and there was the leak in the ceiling above our bed... and it was all wet... and we had to move it up against the wall, cuz, you know, the plumbers had to... well, plumb... in the ceiling... where the bed would be... and they had to come back later cuz they didn't have the right... plumby thingees... and... we were all dirty... and we had to shower... cuz of the icky water on us... from the leak... in the ceiling... and we... we... showered... and well... you know... and then we... but... WE PUT PLASTIC DOWN!"



Buffy just stared at her best friend. Then she looked at Tara, who had her eyes hidden behind her hair. Buffy put her hands on her hips and whined, "Where else in this house have you made witchy-love that I don't know about?"



Willow and Tara's identical blush grew even darker.



"Oh, dear Lord!!!" Giles complained as he started cleaning his glasses furiously.



Buffy looked at her Watcher, then back at the two witches, and said "No, wait, I don't wanna know. Nope, uh-uh, not me."



"I want to know," Anya said, eyes gleaming in delight.



"Anya!" Willow cried.



"What? Xander likes thinking about two women, don't you honey?"



Xander sputtered, "Me? Sweet, little ole' me? No! Of course not!"



Willow, however, was unconvinced. She knew Anya had a slightly voyeuristic streak, but she also knew Xander was a little horn-dog. Willow reached behind her and pulled out one of the pillows she was propped up against, and heaved it at Xander. It missed, hitting Buffy in the head.



"Hey!" Buffy and Xander cried in unison.



"You leave my boyfriend alone, you little witchy-sex-machine!" Anya yelled, reaching for a pillow on the couch.



Tara saw the direction this was quickly headed and decided to get out of the line of fire, scrambling off her lover's lap as a maroon throw pillow whizzed past her head and smacked Willow upside the head.



"Ouch!" Willow yelled, though it didn't really hurt.



Tara decided to put an end to this before it really got started. She raised a hand in front of her as Willow reached for the pillow that had hit her, and said "Enough!"



Willow eyed her girlfriend and decided that she better not piss Tara off if she wanted to get any lovin' tonight. Anya, however, had different ideas.



Tara was still looking at Willow, so she didn't see the pillow Anya threw coming straight at her head. It crashed into the side of her face and Tara stumbled back.



Willow got up and glared at the ex-demon, but moved to her lover's side to make sure she was okay.



"Willow?" Tara said while rubbing her cheek.



"Yes, baby?"



"Nail her."



Willow got a devilish gleam in her eye as she turned her gaze toward her new enemy.



"Uh-oh," Anya said, and ran behind Xander for cover, peeking her head out over his shoulder.



Willow grabbed the pillow that had hit her lover, and chucked it at Anya, who conveniently ducked so that the pillow hit Xander in the face.



Xander, feeling the need to assert his manliness, grabbed the big throw pillow on the couch next to him, and tossed it back at Willow. Willow deflected it, but ended up deflecting it right into Tara.



"Oh, honey, I'm sorry," Willow giggled. She stopped giggling when she saw the glint in Tara's eyes and the smirk that had suddenly appeared on her face.



Tara took a nearby pillow and started beating Willow on the butt. Willow was giggling and trying to protect her assets, so she ran away into the kitchen, with Tara right on her heels.



Anya liked the whole butt-beating idea, and started attacking Xander's rear with a pillow of her own.



Willow and Tara came running back into the living room, where Willow picked up another pillow and began swinging back.



Giles, for his part, had decided the best course of action was to not draw attention to himself. So he remained sitting on the couch, aimlessly cleaning his glasses.



"Everybody's getting spanked but me," Buffy pouted. She had failed to notice her sister's sneaky retreat upstairs, not her return with an armload of bed pillows.



"Oof!" Dawn had surprised Buffy from behind with a strong whack to her rear.



Pretty soon everyone was hitting everyone else with pillows of all shapes and sizes. Anya preferred the double-fisted couch pillow approach, wielding a small pillow in each hand. Xander liked to lob throw pillows like grenades, knocking his victims on the top of their heads. Dawn and Buffy were traditionalists, sticking to the two-handed feather pillow smack-down. Willow also preferred the feather pillow, but liked to use just one hand, mostly so she could cop a feel on he girlfriend whenever she wasn't looking. Tara, though, was probably the most dangerous of them all, because she was a scrapper. She constantly changed weapons and techniques, keeping her enemies off guard.



Alliances formed and fell. The Xander/Anya Demon Liberation Front launched a successful aerial attack on Fort Summers, with a little help form the Wiccan Brigade. The Wiccans, however, switched teams after Anya decided to implement the "football player high-five" by slapping Tara's butt in congratulations for a successful attack. With he witches help, the Slayer Sisters launched a devastating counter-offensive against the Demon Liberation Front, incorporating pillow bombs and a daring infiltration by Dawn of the Front's base camp behind the couch, where the younger Summers was able to scale the couch and bean Anya quite soundly over the head with her trademark feather pillow.



By this point, Giles had evacuated himself from the battlefield and was standing by the foot of the stairs, watching in total amusement. That was his first, and last, mistake, as Tara caught a glimpse of the grin covering the Watcher's face. She caught Willow's attention, and quickly a plan was formed at Fort Summers. An all out blitz was chosen, the decision made to go with brute force and shear numbers.



The four women of the newly formed Buffy Brigade gathered their weapons and launched themselves at Giles, who could only throw his hands up in defense. Anya and Xander, seeing an opportunity to at last be on the winning side, joined the battle.



Giles managed to wrestle a pillow out of Anya's left hand and fought back, swinging at whoever was closest. For an old man, the Watcher held his own, and taught his children a thing or two about the art of pillow fighting. Xander, smelling the testosterone in the air, defected to Giles' team, and the two men fought off the raging estrogen.



Finally, after another several minutes of changing fortunes, everyone - including Giles - was crumpled in a heap on the floor, laughing hysterically.



"This is all your fault, you know," Giles said in mock-accusation as he waggled a finger at Tara.



"Me?" Tara croaked, still laughing. "Blame Anya, she started it!"



"Oh sure, blame the ex-demon," Anya said between heaving breaths. "Just remember who threw the first pillow."



All eyes turned to Willow, who was sitting up with her back resting up against the couch. "Hey, I was trying to protect Tara's honor from Xander's dirty mind!"

"Hey! How'd I get dragged back into this?" Xander whined.



Tara defended her lover. "Willow's right. It was Xander's dirty mind that started this whole thing. Willow was just riding to my rescue."



Willow beamed proudly down at her lover, who was resting her head in Willow's lap. Buffy let out a groan.



Tara shot Buffy an evil glare, and then took it a step further by reaching up to grasp the back of Willow's neck to pull her down into a long, sweet kiss.



"Okay, time to go to bed. I mean sleep! Time to go to sleep!" Buffy said as she jumped to her feet.



Willow pulled back from the kiss, stroking Tara's cheek. Then she rose to her feet, helping her girlfriend up, and sliding an arm around her waist.



Everyone said their goodnights to Giles, who turned to make his bed on the couch. The remaining Scoobies trudged upstairs, saying goodnight in the hallway. Anya practically pulled Xander's arm off when she yanked him into Buffy's room. Buffy just groaned and rolled her eyes, making a mental note to burn the sheets and flip the mattress. Dawn hugged both Willow and Tara, knowing that she wouldn't see them again until this was all over. Then Buffy followed Dawn into her sister's room, telling Willow and Tara that she'd wake them up when she returned from dropping Dawn off with Spike in the morning.



Willow hugged Tara from behind, slipping her arms easily around her waist, resting her head on her lover's shoulder. Tara leaned back into the embrace, seeking comfort in the red-head's arms. They stood that way for a while, looking at nothing in particular, just wanting to hold each other.



Finally Willow brushed her lips across Tara's neck, a tender kiss that spoke of devotion. Tara let out a little moan at the contact, savoring the feel of Willow-lips pressed against her skin. Then Willow moved her mouth to Tara's ear, and whispered, "Do you want to stand out here all night? Because we can... but I believe we have an appointment to keep?"



Tara shivered as she remembered all of the things Willow had whispered to her in the Magic Box just a few hours earlier. All the things Willow said she would do to her.



Tara quickly stepped out of her lover's arms, grabbed her hand, and pulled Willow into their bedroom.



*******************



Up next... Part 5, which takes place between 10pm and 6am... I expect it to be quite long, so expect several sections...



Two witches... alone... in their bedroom... hmm...

But also, the angst begins as our witches come closer to the battle with The Guardian... Part 5 will include a lot of the backstory of The Guardian...

"You are safe, she says. Inherent in you is a truth no artificial world can fade." - The Journey

[kel19]

wooooo hoooo!!!



that was a great update, glad to see there's more to come. Willow is just soooo cute! i'm loving this fic

[mollyig]

Glad Willow has found a use for frogs!



Fun update.

I could paint you in the dark, 'cause I've studied you with hunger as a work of art - Collecting you (Indigo Girls)

[Wolflord]

Points about this story.

1) Love it.

2) Gotta talk girlfriend into buying Kiwi

3) Loved the pillow fight

4) See point 2.

Sometimes I think of them doing spells and I have a spell by myself.