TITLE: Baby Makes Three
AUTHOR: Finey_McFine
RATING: PG13
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy. ALL other original characters belong to me! Mention of any ‘real’ people in this fic is brief and pure fantasy.
SUMMARY: Totally AU! Willow Rosenberg is a senior at Sunnydale High. She and her friends are bullied relentlessly until Willow stumbles upon a huge secret and decides to take matters into her own hands. There is no Hellmouth, just lot’s of teen angst, self discovery and of course Willow/Tara goodness...eventually.
Thoughts are in italics FEEDBACK: Yes! Any glaring issues…please send me a PM!
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hi Everyone and Happy Sunday! This chapter has not been proofed, so if you see anything that needs a fixin’, shoot me a PM:)***************************************
Chapter 12
When the bell rang Cordelia and Buffy were already at their lockers, busily checking themselves out in the mirrors that hung inside, when Buffy happened to catch a glimpse of Willow and Tara exiting the library together. She nudged Cordelia in the ribs with her elbow.
“Hey, check it out,” Buffy whispered, nodding towards the duo.
“What? Well, isn’t this interesting,” Cordelia replied.
“So, Tara ditched us to hang out in the library with her?” Buffy looked perplexed.
“That’s what it looks like.”
“Cordy, how much longer are you going to stick to your little
agreement with Tara?” Buffy asked.
Cordelia rolled her eyes, “Until I get a passing grade in computer class, I guess, but it’s
killing me! It’s just against the natural course of nature and very unnatural. I mean, if I let it go any longer, the nerds will think they’re even with us and not losers anymore; which they totally still are. It’s just not right and now Tara is ditching
us for her? Like, does she even realize that she’s a cheerleader?”
“Unnatural,” Buffy said flatly.
“Hey, I’ll see you later,” Cordelia said, somewhat distracted as she began to stride away with purpose and in the direction Tara was headed.
It took a couple minutes, but Cordelia finally caught up with the blonde half way down the hall.
“Hey...Tara!” Cordelia shouted above the den of hallway chaos, while waving a hand in the air.
Tara stopped and spun her head in the direction her name was coming from. “Oh, hey Cordy,” She replied with her best fake smile.
“So...where were you at lunch today? We waited like, a minute,” Cordelia threw a hand in the air and sounded quite annoyed with all the time she had wasted.
“Sorry,” Tara said sheepishly, “I didn’t finish my math homework last night, so I stayed here and did it in the library.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes, “Since when do you care so much about homework?”
Geez, one day her eyes are just going to permanently stick up there. “Since always, I don’t want to flunk the class Cordy. I’d like to graduate and get into college.”
“Well, I guess, it’s just so not on my radar. I don’t have to worry about any of that since famous movie actors don’t need college.”
“You’re not a famous actor.”
“Not yet, but I will be. As soon as I graduate, it’s goodbye Sunnydale and hello Hollywood!”
“Well, you have to graduate first, which is exactly my point.” Tara couldn’t help but be amused at Cordelia’s ridiculous logic.
“Yeah and you also have to get through senior year, which you seem to be forgetting,” Cordelia said.
“Isn’t that what I just said?” Tara asked.
Once again, Cordelia rolled her eyes dramatically. “I’m talking about socially.”
“What’s does that have to do with math?” Tara inquired.
“Nothing, geez Einstein. It has to do with
who you’re hanging out with in the library
and the fact you’re hanging out in the library at all.” Cordelia reached out and grabbed Tara’s arm; not forcefully, but hard enough to get Tara’s attention. They stopped walking and were now facing each other. “Look Tara, I know transferring from a different school can be tough, but I took you in and allowed you to be
one of us.”
Tara’s face became flush with anger. She was now officially annoyed with Cordelia. “Excuse me? You
allowed me? What am I, some charity case? I made the squad because I’m good and it had nothing to do with you!”
Cordelia’s chin dropped and her eyes narrowed as she looked down her nose at the blonde, “That’s not what I’m talking about, but since we’re on the subject, you’ve been slacking lately and it you don’t watch yourself...”
“Then what?” Tara fired right back.
“Then I’ll make sure you’re out. I’m head cheerleader and don’t you forget it.”
“You might be head cheerleader, but you are not in charge of saying who stays and who goes. Besides, wasn’t it you who begged me to try out in the first place?
Oh Tara, I’m so glad you’re back. PLEASE try out for the squad. You’re our only hope for nationals.”Cordelia was livid. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. “That may be true, but if you continue to hang out and be seen with that redheaded loser, I’ll make you’re high school existence a living hell. Cheerleaders are at the top of the social ladder. We don’t talk to nerds, we make fun of them and we certainly don’t become
friends with them.” Tara’s mouth hung open, she was at a complete loss for words. “That’s right, I saw you two coming out of the library together, all chummy. Need I remind you of our little
agreement? Keep it up and all bets are off.”
Tara was beyond furious, “You can’t do that Cordelia; y-you promised.”
“See, that’s the difference between
y-you and me. I can do whatever I want and I don’t feel the least bit guilty.” With that, Cordelia turned on her heels and disappeared down the hall.
******************************************************************
Willow was running around like a crazy person trying to get everything done when the alarm on her phone sounded.
“No! That can’t be the time, I’m not ready for Tara to be home yet...” She grumbled, “Okay, come here you cute little munchkin.” Willow leaned down and picked up the baby out of the activity bouncer and placed her in the high-chair. “I want you fed, bathed and hopefully in bed before your Mommy gets home.”
Willow went about the task of feeding the energetic infant before bathing her and getting her ready for bed. She’d made sure to keep the little girl busy and awake all afternoon. Willow wondered if Chelsea would actually cooperate without being nursed and was hoping a nice warm bottle would do the trick.
A little while later, with the baby sound asleep in her crib, Willow rushed downstairs to finish getting everything ready. Tara was always home later than normal on Thursdays, so Willow wanted to get the studying done before Tara got too tired and passed out. Just as Willow finished, she heard the familiar click of the lock and creek of the front door.
Tara lumbered through the front door and unceremoniously dropped her book bag on the floor. She was exhausted and not just physically; the earlier run-in with Cordelia left her emotionally drained.
“Hey, I’m home!” Tara called out as Willow came charging out of the dining room.
“Shhhhhhhh or you’ll wake up Chelsea.” The redhead said with a finger over her lips.
“Asleep? Really?” Tara asked.
“Um hmm, she’s been down for about ten minutes now. Come on, I made us dinner,” Willow grinned, enjoying the surprised look on Tara’s face.
Tara dutifully followed Willow into the dining room where she saw two places set. Not only had the redhead managed to feed, bathe and get Chelsea to bed early, but had somehow found the time to make them both something to eat. Tara was finally pulled out of her shocked daze by the sound of Willow’s voice.
“So, I know it’s not much, but I knew you’d be hungry and I was too and you know, gotta eat something and I hope you like soup and sandwiches cuz I’m not the greatest cook, most of my efforts come out, well...soup.” Willow chuckled nervously at the double entendre, which was not lost on Tara either; eliciting a wide grin from the thankful blonde.
“Willow, this is all so sweet, thank you.” Tara smiled warmly, looking deep into Willow’s sparkling green eyes. Their gazes locked for a long moment before Willow finally blinked; breaking the trance before she melted into a puddle right there on the dining room floor.
“You’re welcome Tara,” Willow said shyly and motioning towards one of the vacant chairs, “Hey, let’s eat before the soup gets cold.”
They both sat and began to dig into their food; eating in a comfortable silence for several minutes.
“So, how was algebra? Did you bring your book home?” Willow asked.
Tara nodded, “It was good, I was actually able to participate a little. I mean, I sorta understood what she was talking about for a change and yes, I brought the book...oh masterful one!”
Willow grinned happily, “You’re not as bad at algebra as you think you are.”
Tara vehemently shook off the comment, “No, I’m worse.”
“Tare, come on, don’t do that. You’re really smart, you just don’t give yourself enough credit.”
The tone on Willow’s voice was genuine, but Tara simply shrugged her shoulders.
If Willow only knew how dumb I really am when it comes to all things math, she would not be saying that. “Hey, I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong? Because you know how my foot lives in my mouth.”
The anxious look on Willow’s face was so endearing that Tara couldn’t help but smile. “No, I just had a crappy afternoon is all.”
“After the library?” Willow asked, hoping it wasn’t because of her.
Tara nodded and slouched back in her chair with half a sandwich. “I uh, sort of got into it with Cordy on my way to class. She was um...she was kind of mean.”
“Oh,” Willow’s eyes narrowed, she was starting to feel her anger building. It was the feeling she got whenever that particular name was mentioned. “Do you want to talk about it?”
Tara exhaled deeply, contemplating whether she should or not, but Willow was just so easy to talk to and she really needed someone to talk to. First, however, there was something else she needed to do. She placed the half eaten half sandwich back on her plate, sat up straighter and turned to face Willow.
“I’m sorry.”
“Huh? For what?” Willow asked. Tara now had her full attention.
“Well, for s-starters, laughing at you that day at the Doublemeat, for not stepping up w-when the slushies were thrown, but mainly for the things I said that day at the w-water fountain.”
“Oh...” Willow’s heart grew heavy. There it was, finally, the apology she had been waiting for.
Sweet victory! Redemption at last! She thought. It was everything Willow wanted from the start and then some, but if it was so great, then why did she feel so bad?
Willow was torn, part of her didn’t care anymore, but another part still didn’t want to let Tara off the hook so easily. What Tara said was hurtful, on many levels and although Willow’s feelings had changed dramatically, letting her off completely just didn’t seem fair.
“I um, I said some really m-mean things to you and I’m so, s-so sorry. I-it wasn’t something I planned on doing. I just started talking and the words started coming and...oh God, I’m such an ass! You’re so not a loser, not even close and the stuff about your clothes...I actually think they’re adorable and so very Willow and-”
“Tara,” Willow interjected, not being able to sit silent while Tara beat herself up, “You’re not an ass and I accept your apology.”
“Why? You s-shouldn’t, the way I treated you...you n-never did anything to me and I was h-horrible.” Tara ducked her head as a lone tear slid down her cheek. She quickly raised a hand to wipe it away.
“Yes, what you did was wrong, but I do accept your apology,” Willow repeated, “It really does mean a lot.”
“But...you don’t forgive me-”
“Tara...”
“No, i-it’s okay. I know I’m gonna have to earn your trust and I-I’m trying and I just h-hope that one day...one day you will forgive me.”
Oh God, she’s stuttering so badly. One day? Does she want to be...friends? Willow’s head was spinning and her heart aching for Tara, despite the conflicting emotions. “One day?”
Tara nodded, “I would really like to be your friend...if y-you’ll let me. I mean, I think we’re already there, but I just wasn’t sure exactly how you felt about it...” Her words trailed off as she looked hopefully at Willow.
“I’d like that, but-”
“But...” Tara echoed.
“What about school? If Cordy see’s you talking to me, they’ll be consequences.”
Tara nodded, “That’s actually what caused our little disagreement.”
“Me?! Oh Tara, I’m sorry I-”
“No Willow, you don’t ever have to apologize. Not where she is concerned, ever. Anyway, she saw us coming out of the library and one thing lead to another and she accused me of ‘slacking,’ threatened to kick me off the squad and uh, s-she um, also t-threatened to call off our deal.” Tara’s head dropped, she couldn’t bear to see the disappointment in Willow’s eyes.
Willow sighed deeply, “Tara I’m...I’m sorry too. I’m sorry I said those hateful things to you that day in the parking lot, for trying to blackmail you and using your child against you. I...I don’t care if she calls off the agreement. I’ll never tell, ever, I promise. You can trust me-”
“I do,” Tara interrupted, looking up with vulnerable watery eyes and nodding her head. “I do,” She whispered. “I just...the truth is, I can’t bare to see her hurt you anymore. You’re...you’re very special Willow.”
“Oh, I’m not...I’m definitely nothing special.”
“No, you are.” Tara said meaningfully, looking directly into a sea of green.
Willow gasped and felt as if all the oxygen was sucked out of her lungs.
She thinks I’m special? Willow was slightly embarrassed, yet thrilled at the same time. Especially with the way Tara was looking at her.
“Tara, it’s okay if we don’t talk in school. I don’t want you on Cordy’s bad side, not that she even has a good side, but still...”
“Willow it’s not that I...”
“I mean that’s totally fine. It’s good. It’s better.” Willow said nervously.
“Willow, I never...I mean, it’s not like I’m afraid to be seen with you...it’s just...”
“I get it Tara, I do. It’s probably safer for us both.”
Tara sighed, knowing this was completely absurd. How could she
not acknowledge Willow? “How about we just act normal and take things one day at a time? You know, just go with the flow? I don’t want to be afraid to say hi or vice versa. Grrr, this is all so ridiculous!”
Tara’s cute little growl caused Willow to chuckle, lightening up the mood considerably. “So, it’s okay then...to say hi or talk if we run into each other?” Willow asked tentatively.
“Absolutely, we’re friends and that’s what friends do.”
I won’t let her hurt you anymore. Tara vowed silently.
Willow nodded and smiled, “Okay Tare...one day at a time.”
Tara returned the smile, “Hey, let’s finish eating, I have things far scarier than Cordelia to worry about right now anyway.”
“What could possibly be scarier than that?” Willow asked sarcastically.
“Algebra.”