The Kitten, the Witches and the Bad Wardrobe - Willow & Tara Forever

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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 7 Updated 07/21/2013
PostPosted: Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:37 pm 
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3. Flaming O
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Posts: 134
Great update! I hope Tara moves to sunnydale. Faith can also help with hellmouth and tara can give magical backup. But Xander was being a ass.

Waiting for there date. They can get Buffy and Dawn to babysit Ceri and have some alone time after their date.

Waiting for more...


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 7 Updated 07/21/2013
PostPosted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 5:26 pm 
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Location: Wisconsin
Willow_Friendly: DATE NIGHT! Need I say more?? :bounce

Azirahael: There is no YAY when it comes to well-trained kids and their knocking. My daughter is 17 and she still has the worst timing in the world. I again humbly apologize for the nasty grammatical mix-up…I have tried to do better this time. I cannot comment on living arrangements and beliefs as it will mess up further updates…you just have to keep reading to find out. (sneaky right?!)
:banana

lilyred: Yes, Xander was definitely being an ass! Oh and now on to DATE NIGHT!! :grin
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Title: Actions and Consequences
By: Branny72
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.
Rating: PG-13 - NC-17 (will vary per chapter) – PG-13 This Chapter (some bad words)
Couples: W/T
Summary: AU – Tara didn’t die she left town…set 5 years after Tara left…Actions have consequences, everyone has to live by their choices.

Feedback: Pretty please…It helps me to know what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong!!
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Chapter 8

When Tara awoke she found Ceri being held close by Willow, they looked so peaceful and cute. It warmed her heart to see how well Willow was taking to parenthood. Though she did feel a great deal of guilt for how Xander reacted to Willow stating that she would move to London, and that she was over joyed by the thought of Willow living there with them; becoming a complete family. Tara lay there watching the two loves of her life sleeping, eventually she noticed Willow’s eyes starting to flutter open.

“Morning beautiful,” said Willow with a sleepy smile. “Have you been awake long?”

“Morning sweetie, I’ve been up about 20 minutes, just watching my two favorite red-heads sleep.”

Willow looked down and saw how she was holding Ceri and her heart melted. The trio lay there basking in the ‘family’ feel when Ceri started to wake up and smiled when she saw her mom and Willow surrounding and protecting her.

“Good morning baby girl,” said Tara as she kissed her daughter’s forehead.

“Good morning Mommy,” said Ceri. “Good morning Willow.”

“Good morning cutie,” said Willow as she tugged the girl closer to her. The three lay together for a little longer enjoying their time together as a family.

“Are you ready to get up,” Tara asked her daughter.

“Mommy, will you make funny shapes for breakfast today Mommy,” asked the little girl.

“I believe that for a kiss I could be persuaded to make them for you.”

Ceri leaned over and gave her mom a hug and a kiss and then crawled off the bed.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“I have to wake up Auntie Dawn to have her help me get the stuff ready for you to make funny shapes,” replied the little girl as she left the room, closing the bedroom door behind her.

“So, is Ceri the only person you want a kiss from as persuasion to make those funny shapes? Because if you need one from each person who eating them, I had better wake up Buffy now, she still isn't a morning person. I’m sure I could convince her to give you a kiss though,” laughed Willow.

“Well, if you would rather I be kissing Buffy, I guess I could get a good morning kiss from her, but she definitely isn't in my top two choices,” said Tara as she slid closer running her hand across Willows jaw line and then tracing her lips.

“I, um, um, definitely don’t want you to do that,” replied Willow as she leaned forward and captured the Tara’s lips in a searing kiss.

“Mmmm, now that is a great way to start the day,” said Tara as she continued to place feather kisses on Willows lips.

“I agree, do you think we may have time for another one of those or should we be getting downstairs?”

“Oh, there is definitely time for one more kiss,” Tara said as she captured Willows lips before they got up and headed downstairs.

----------------------------------------

Entering the kitchen they saw a hyper 4-year-old ordering Dawn around to get the stuff ready for Tara’s funny shaped pancakes.

“Mommy, we got almost everything ready,” she said excitedly.

“Yeah, now chop, chop with the making of funny shapes, I’m hungry,” said Dawn with a smirk.

“Watch it Dawnie, yours may end up more round than funny shaped,” threatened Tara.

“You wouldn't dare,” said Dawn trying to hide the smile that was overtaking her.

“Try me Summers’,” laughed Tara wielding a spatula at the teen.

“Well, while you make those, I believe that Ceri and I will scope out some cartoons together,” said Willow as she scooped up her daughter and they headed to the living room and turned on the TV.

“She really is adapting better than I thought she would,” said Dawn. “Last night was nice with the entire Scooby gang together.”

“She is and I couldn't be happier about that. It was nice, kind of, though you missed all the real authentic family fun,” said Tara letting out an exasperated breath, happy to have Dawn as someone she could trust and confide in about anything.

“What happened? And does this have something to do with the fact that you and Willow slept in the same bed or is there something else that you also have to tell me?”

“Firstly, Ceri was in-between us the entire time, secondly, yeah it did have something to do with her being up there, Xander upset me and she came up to check on me and caught me crying and then she held me while I got it out.”

“What the hell did Xander do? I swear that man loves the taste of his foot,” said Dawn annoyed that he had upset Tara to the point of crying.

“Anya asked if I was going to move back to Sunnydale and I told her that I had to think of Ceri’s safety and that I have a life and 4 stores in the UK that need to manage. Xander asked how Willow and Ceri were going to have a relationship if we didn't move back and Willow told him that she would move to London. She also hinted that her talk with Morrigan was playing into that idea too. Xander freaked that she would actually move and said several things that hurt and were more aimed towards me than her, namely about me not telling her about Ceri. Basically if Willow leaves, it will be my fault and if Willow stays I’m a horrible person because I am denying her a relationship with her daughter. It felt like a lose/lose situation and I got upset and started to leave, Willow tried to stop me, then I started to stutter which embarrassed and upset me more and then I went upstairs, Willow followed shortly afterwards.”

“He is an ass! I can’t believe he upset you and caused you stutter? I’m going to kill him, actually killing him would be too nice for him,” said the angered teen. “I haven’t heard you stutter since you were like four months pregnant. You worked so hard to get passed that. Urgh, that man has some nerve…”

“Dawn, it will be OK, I know he’d miss Willow, but I’m hoping that he eventually sees that it is ultimately her choice and he has to respect it. If he can’t then that is something that they are going to have to work through, unfortunately.”

“I still have an issue with him making you uncomfortable and upset enough to stutter after all this time; that really pisses me off. He had no right to do that to you.”

“It pissed me off too,” said Willow as she came into the kitchen only hearing the last bit of the conversation.

“I am only going to say this once so both of you to listen closely, I’m still holding out hope that after he thinks about things Xander will come around, and if he doesn't, I’ll be back in London and I won’t have to worry about him making me feel bad. I am sorry that he will still be able to make you two feel bad about it, but I can’t live my life-like I did before. Ceri’s safety and well-being have to be, are, and will always be my top priority, NOT making Xander Harris happy.”

“Nobody here disagrees with that, we just don’t condone you being blamed or made to feel like crap for doing what you think is best to protect your daughter,” said Dawn as she looked over at Willow and seeing that they needed to talk excused herself to go watch cartoons with Ceri and Buffy knowing that Willow and Tara needed some time alone.

“Has it really been that long since you last stuttered?”

“Yeah, I had worked really hard to overcome it and I managed to stop when I was still pregnant with Ceri. That was also part of what upset me last night. I thought I was past all that.”

“That is fantastic that you worked to get passed that. Also, you don’t have to worry, I will NOT let anyone make you feel uncomfortable like that again,” said Willow receiving a weak smile from Tara. Willow moved over and pulled Tara into a tender hug letting her feel the depth of the sincerity in her statement.

“So, are you going to tell me about your talk with Morrigan?”

“Eventually, but now isn’t the right time,” Willow said as she grabbed plates and silverware for them to eat the stack of funny shaped pancakes Tara had made.

"Will," said an exasperated Tara as she watched the redhead go through the door. 'I swear she does that on purpose and just because she can,' thought Tara.

Tara grabbed the stack of pancakes and followed the redhead through the door. Everyone was enjoying breakfast when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," offered Dawn as she got up from her chair and moved towards the door.

"Hey Dawn," said Xander.

"Can I talk to you outside for a second," she asked.

"Uh, sure. What’s up?"

"I heard about your outburst last night, you upset Tara like that again and I'll be the one you deal with, got it? You need to realize that she has a daughter to think about, would you choose to raise a kid here if you didn't have to? Also, her choice to tell or not tell Willow is between them, not you, not me, nobody but them. It is for Willow to discuss. Think before you speak and tread carefully around her," said Dawn watching the man in front of her blanch at her words.

"I'm sorry for my actions last night; that is why I came over this morning."

"Tara has been my best friend, and my mother ever since my mom died; I won't stand by and watch her get hurt. She left here for five years; I don't want her to regret coming back or worse her leaving and us NOT knowing where she is. If you haven’t noticed she has gotten pretty powerful and could easily make that happen."

"I get it Dawn, and I'd expect this from Willow, but from you, wow. I'd like to apologize to her and the others if I can," said Xander reeling from the verbal lashing the teen had just given him.

"Ok, but remember to think before you speak," said Dawn as they went inside.

"Hi," said Xander sheepishly as he walked into the dining room looking right at Tara who wouldn't meet his gaze.

"Hi," said the others, Willow noticing the mood change in Tara instantly.

"Hey Dawn, I think Ceri has finished with breakfast, can you take her to get cleaned up and dressed then maybe you two can read or watch some more cartoons," said Willow and then turned to Ceri, "And in a bit you and I can get ready to take Auntie Buffy to the park and let Mommy and Auntie Dawn spend some time together."

"Promise?" said the little girl.

"You betcha," smiled Willow as the little girl gave her a hug and watched her run out of the room.

"Um, Tara, can I talk to you for a minute, alone," asked Xander.

"I'm n-n-not certain t-t-that is a good idea," said Tara as she scolded herself for stuttering. ‘Get it together Maclay, you got passed that stuttering crap.’

Willow glared at Xander and then reached over and took Tara's hand in support.

"Ok, well, I owe you all, but I especially owe you Tara an apology for my outburst last night. I was very shocked and scared of losing my best friend. That doesn't excuse my actions, but it is why I reacted the way I did. Tara, we all missed you so much while you were gone and I am glad to have you back in our lives, I'm sorry I was an ass." Xander stood there hopeful that someone would say something and that if it was Tara that would be best, he knew the look Willow had given him and after the lashing he took from Dawn he didn't want to deal with her again.

"Thanks," was all Tara said though she still wouldn't meet his gaze.

"Xander can we talk outside for a minute," asked Willow.

"Willow, don't, please," pleaded Tara softly.

"It's ok, I just want to explain my points to him, I promise," assured the redhead as she stood and kissed the top of Tara's head.

"Sure," said Xander.

Buffy moved over to sit next to Tara and took over comforting as Willow and Xander left.

"You ok," asked Buffy.

"I don't know," replied Tara as she looked up at the Slayer hoping that her tears wouldn't spill over.

"Wanna talk about it," Buffy asked as she wrapped an arm around Tara.

"Not much to talk about. I understand that he and Willow have known each other since they were little, I don't like that she has to choose between living here and living in London near/with us. I knew that this wouldn't be a popular discussion, but I just I don't know what to do or feel, on top of that, I’m mad and embarrassed with myself that I let Xander upset me so much last night," said the blonde burying her head in her hands.

"First off, I don't think you are going to have to worry about Xander and his outburst again, Slayer hearing is handy and between us, Dawn gave him a pretty good tongue lashing," said the Slayer and then she saw Tara's eyes go wide. "No relax, she wasn't out of line, she told him that he wasn't to make you upset again and that he needed to think before he spoke. She was impressive actually. Secondly, Willow is a big girl and she knows how to make her own decisions and plans them out methodically so if she chooses to move to London it will be a well-planned move."

"What about her helping you? I don't want to risk you being harmed with her not being here," said Tara.

"See, that is one of the things that has changed since you've been gone. When Willow stopped using magic her support and help to me became all technology based and she can really do that from anywhere. I'm not saying I want her to leave or that I’m not conflicted in my feelings about her leaving, but I want you guys also to have a real chance to become a family."

"Thanks Buffy," Tara said and hugged her friend. "I did miss you all like crazy."

"We missed you too, and if you pull the disappearing act again, I will hunt you down relentlessly and go all Slayer on you," laughed Buffy.

"Yes ma'am."

“So, what is up with you and Faith? Will mentioned that she saw her singing someplace and she was at the airport when you guys picked up Dawn”

“She’s changed Buffy, she isn’t the same person you knew before. Faith has been a true friend over the past few years. She lives in the same building as us and her and I go out once in a while or she’ll come over and we hang out. Sometimes she watches Ceri for me; which shows the level of trust I have in her.”

“I gathered that she had changed from the singing stuff, she would never have done that before.”

“Yeah, one of her favorite things to do is to drag me out to open mic night. She has a great voice, though she’ll never admit it,” laughed Tara. “The night Will was there, Faith opened the show and I closed it.”

“So, it was you that sang ‘Because of You’,” asked the shocked Slayer. “I heard some of it. Your voice is still amazing!”

“Yeah, that was me, and thanks.”

“Wow, if Will would have just looked closer we could have had you in our life a lot sooner.”

“I’m not sure about that, I was a wreck after seeing her. Faith spent a long time calming me down that night. I wasn’t ready to see Will, but after that I forced myself to start to deal and that is why it was easier when she saw me at the airport.”

“Wow, you freaking and Faith comforting, not something I’d expect,” said Buffy. “So, was there ever anything between you and Faith romantically? I mean you two sound pretty close.”

“No, I think she may have had an interest at one point, but she knew that my heart belongs to Willow. She spent the better part of the past year trying to convince me to talk to Willow,” Tara told Buffy.

“Wow that is a definite change. I’m happy for her and glad that you had someone there to protect you guys. Sounds like you gained a good friend in the mix as well. Why was she trying to convince you to talk to Will though?”

“I did, and I’m grateful that she is in my life,” smiled Tara. “She thought that either we’d work it out or I could finally get closure and move on.”

“Sounds familiar, we had the same talk with Will,” smiled Buffy.

------------------------------

"Will, I know I screwed up last night, Dawn already made it clear that if I don't start thinking before I speak and if I upset Tara again there will be severe consequences," sputtered Xander.

"Well, I'm glad that Dawn addressed that, you will have to deal with her and then me if it happens again, but that isn't the only thing I wanted to talk to you about. Xander, I don't want my daughter's life being jeopardized every second of every day, I don't want her to see the things we've all seen, she deserves a childhood. The circumstances of living on the Hellmouth stole all of our childhoods away from us, it wasn't fair. I wouldn't change it because it brought me a family that I love and cherish - even Anya. I have an opportunity to get the woman I love back and raise our family together. I've been lost without her, when I caught the first glimpse of her in the airport terminal, my heart-felt like it started to beat again...that was just from a glimpse of her. If Tara and I don't get back together, I still have a daughter that is amazing. I want to get to know her and be there for her too, and that means moving to London. I'll still be back to visit, you can come visit me, we can talk online or on the phone, I'm not going to just disappear."

"I get that Will, and I'm happy for you, but it just scared me, I love you and have always had you right there with me."

"I'll still be there with you, just a little farther away."

"So, you’re really going to move to London?"

"I'm thinking about it, Tara and I still have some stuff to talk about before anything is decided. You know me – I plan everything and every move I make."

"She looks good, London and motherhood really seem to agree with her," Xander admitted.

"She looks better than good, Xander, she rivals goddesses...not that I am biased or anything," laughed Willow.

"We good," asked Xander.

"Yeah, but I will let Dawn loose on you if you screw up again, remember that."

"I will and it won't happen again. Anya made me sleep on the couch last night because I caused Tara to cut her visit time short. If you can maybe talk to Tara and see if you can get her to understand I am really and truly sorry, I'd appreciate it. And maybe see if you can get her to spend a little time with Anya wouldn’t hurt me either."

"I'll talk to her," Willow said and then hugged her best friend.

"Thanks, now I have to head to work. I'll talk to you guys later."

"Bye Xander."

------------------------------

Willow went back inside and found Buffy and Tara still talking in the dining room, as she entered Buffy grabbed the remaining plates and excused herself to go do the dishes.

"You ok," asked Willow sitting down next to Tara.

"Yeah, I just have a lot of emotions running through me now."

"I know, and I bet it is quite overwhelming with everything that has happened over the past week."

"Yes and no on that. Having you back in my life feels right, but the stuff Xander said really made me think about what I want and what I am asking of you. Part of me feels like I’m being pretty selfish," said Tara.

"Tara, you are the least selfish person I have ever met, so you can wipe that thought out of your head now. I'm elated to have you back in my life, and to learn that we have a daughter makes it that much better. I can't guess what the future holds or what the right path is, but I know that for me, as long as you and Ceri are in it, I'm the happiest person around. And since we are on the subject of the future, I think that it may also be time to let you know what Morrigan and I talked about. Morrigan offered to help me learn the fundamentals of magic and maybe start learning and using it again if I were to move to London and if you were comfortable with me training with her and starting to do magic again."

"Wow, she did? I guess you made a really good impression on her, she wouldn't consider working with me or Ceri until Giles practically begged her. And Will, I trust you and Morrigan working together on the magic aspects."

"Well, I think you were more a part of why she made the offer. She loves you as if you were her daughter, you can see it in her eyes. And it’s also a good way for her to keep an eye on me and turn me into a toad if I screw up again," laughed Willow.

"True, but I think she'd be second in line, I'd be first in line to turn you into a toad if you messed up," said Tara raising an eyebrow. "And I believe you might be getting into some thin ice on that front now because you promised a cute little redhead a trip to the park and it's starting to get late."

"Then I guess I need to get her and I ready. Did you want to come? I know it was your idea last night."

"No, I think that it would be good if it were you and Buffy. I need to talk to Dawn about her talk with Xander anyway."

"Ok, but if you feel like joining us after, please come down to the park," Willow said before placing a brief series of kisses on Tara's lips.

“Mmmm, Willow-lips,” said Tara as Willow smiled and left the room.

------------------------------

After getting ready, Buffy, Willow and Ceri headed off to the park leaving Dawn and Tara alone.

"Dawnie, can we talk?" asked Tara sitting down on the couch.

"Uh oh, that is mom speak for 'you're in trouble' isn't it?"

"No, it isn’t because you aren't in trouble."

"Ok, so what do you want to talk about?"

"I wanted to talk to you about your discussion with Xander this morning..." Tara said raising an eyebrow.

"I thought you said I wasn't in trouble..."

"You aren't Sweetie, I just wanted to know what happened."

"Buffy told you she heard it didn't she," asked the teen and Tara nodded. "Fine, I just told him that you were my best friend, and my mother and I wouldn't stand by and allow him to upset you. I explained that it is between you and Willow to discuss what is to come of your future together and where the future leads. I also explained that if he doesn’t think before he speaks and if he upsets you again he would answer to me. Oh and don't think that I'm not going to give Willow the shovel speech."

"Thank you," Tara said as she hugged the girl.

"I mean it, I love you and I won't allow anyone to hurt or upset you."

"I know you do and I appreciate it," Tara said with great pride. "My eldest daughter is growing up."

"Yes, she is, but she will always need you! And speaking of daughters, wanna go stalk Willow and Buffy at the park with Ceri?"

"And there went the maturity part of growing up," laughed Tara. "And yes, I do."

------------------------------

Dawn and Tara hid and watched Willow and Buffy try to keep up with Ceri as she ran around, played on the swings, monkey bars, and went up and down the slide. Neither could help but giggle as the little girl out ran them both. When it looked like they were going to be headed back, Dawn and Tara quickly headed back to the house and waited for them in the living room.

Willow walked into the living room laughing ahead of Buffy who came in with Ceri on her back, all three looking very happy.

"So, did you three have fun," asked Tara.

"We did Mommy and you were right Auntie Buffy isn't scary and she is strong just like Aunt Faith," giggled the little girl as Buffy dumped her on the couch next to Dawn.

"Well, that's good."

"I'm going for a shower," said Buffy.

"How about you and I go get something to eat and drink squirt," said Dawn

"Yay!"

"So, did you two have fun stalking us," asked Willow.

"I have no clue what you are talking about," Tara replied hoping she was still keeping a straight face.

"Riiight, nice try Maclay, you know that our connection to one another is back again and is strong enough that I can tell when you are nearby."

"Dammit," muttered Tara.

"So, I ask again, did you two have fun stalking us," Willow laughed.

"Why yes we did," smirked Tara as she pulled Willow on to the couch next to her. "It was all Dawn's idea you know."

"Uh huh, and you were just powerless and had to go along with it?"

"I didn't want her out there all alone, so I figured as a mature, responsible, adult..."

"You would go with her and hide in the bushes and watch us?"

"Yep," Tara said.

Willow leaned over and with her lips barely brushing across Tara's ear she whispered, "Turnabout IS fair play, remember that. Also, I believe you agreed to go on a date with me, when would you like to go," asked Willow as she quickly sucked on Tara's earlobe before pulling away.

Tara audibly gulped more at the feel of Willows lips on her ear, but she knew the redhead well enough to know she would get her back.

"Um," said a very flustered blonde. "I um can check to see when Dawn can watch Ceri and we can plan from there."

"Nah, I talk to her," giggled the redhead.

"Well, let me know when and what you would like to see me in," smirked Tara and flashed a longing look at the redhead; 'two can play at that game.'

"Uh huh." was all the redhead could say as several images of naked Tara ran through her head.

Tara leaned over and nipped softly at the pulse point on Willow's neck and then got up from her spot. She saw that Willows eyes had closed, and her move had its desired effect.

“You are picturing me naked aren't you,” asked Tara.

"Not fair," muttered Willow as she heard a snicker come from the blonde.

“I wasn't trying to,” whispered Tara as she let her lips barely brush across Willows and hearing her whimper. Tara then got up and went to get Ceri to spend some time with her daughter.

Willow sat there for a couple of minutes and trying to compose herself she then went to find Dawn.

------------------------------

"Hey Dawnie," said Willow.

"Hey Will."

"I need a favor," said Willow feeling a nervous lump growing in her throat.

"What's up?"

"I need a babysitter for Ceri," blushed Willow.

"Really? And would that be because you want to take her hot mother out on a hot date," teased the teen.

"Yes," said Willow bowing her head as she blushed.

"Ok, when ever you want to go I got your back and your kid. It isn’t like I would stand in the way of getting my family, my full family back together the way we should always be."

"You've spent too much time with Tara, you are both evil," laughed the redhead. "Thank you though."

"I’ll take that as a compliment. Now, whatcha got planned for your datey goodness?"

"I have nothing planned, I was thinking maybe a nice dinner out, but after that I got nothing. I want this night to be special though."

"Where is your sense of romance Willow?"

"It’s a bit rusty and has sat in a bunch of cobwebs. It’s been five plus years since I had to think about this stuff."

"Oh, yeah, good point. Take her out to a nice dinner then go somewhere to star gaze, you both used to love that."

"That’s a good idea! Would you mind babysitting Ceri tonight?"

"Sounds fine to me and the little squirt can even spend the night in my room."

"Yeah, we tried that last night, she came to our door stating you kick," laughed Willow.

"Oh, sorry," blushed the teen.

"It's ok really. It worked out nicely in that I got to sleep in the same bed as my two favorite girls. I should probably go tell Tara that she has a date tonight."

"Ok, and don't worry about Ceri," laughed Dawn.

------------------------------

Tara was sitting outside watching Ceri play in the backyard when Willow came and sat beside her.

"So, I talked to Dawn and she said she would love to watch Ceri for us."

"That's great, so when are we going out? And what do or don’t you want me to wear on our date," Tara said continuing the earlier taunts.

"Um, oh god, evil woman," laughed Willow as again thoughts of naked Tara again went through her head. "How about tonight 6-ish and just casual dress jeans and a nice blouse."

"Sounds perfect, I can't wait," Tara said giving Willow her famous heart stopping lopsided smile.

Tara and Ceri played in the yard for a bit longer then they went inside so Ceri could have a nap and Tara could shower and get ready for her date.

------------------------------

Willow paced around her office in the Summers’ house trying to plan what their date should entail and how to make it as special as possible for Tara. She wanted to make sure there was no doubt in Tara’s mind how she felt about her and how serious she was about making them work.

‘What can I do that is special, something we haven’t done before,’ thought Willow. ‘I can’t take her to The Bronze, we've been there done that...dinner and a movie is to cliché and definitely not special enough.’

As Willow was thinking she heard a knock on her office door.

“Hey Will,” said Buffy.

“Hey Buff,” Willow said inviting the blonde Slayer in.

“Whatcha up to?”

“I’m taking Tara out on a date tonight and I’m trying to plan something special.”

“What have you come up with so far?”

“Um, dinner at that romantic Italian place downtown, and then I draw a blank on anything else to do. I don’t want to do a movie - too cliché, and going to The Bronze just isn't going to happen either. I need it to be memorable and special.”

“Willow, you don’t think that just being together would be memorable and special for her?”

“It may be, but I need to step up my game here. I have three weeks to woo her and get her back. I’m not going to pass up any opportunities.”

“OK, so we need to figure out something special. Didn't you guys like to go star-gazing before?”

“Yeah, but again, been there done that.”

“Ok, um, hmmm, how about a romantic walk on the beach?”

“At night? Really Buffy,” said Willow.

“Well, I can patrol down there and make sure it is all clear and then while you guys are down there I’ll hang out nearby if I'm needed.”

“I don’t know Buffy, it kills some of the romance knowing that you are nearby watching,” laughed Willow.

“I said nothing about watching, I just said I’d be nearby on the off-chance you needed a little Slayer protection.”

“Well, that would be a nice romantic setting for a first date. You don’t mind?”

“I wouldn’t offer if I minded. I want you to be happy Willow, you’re my best friend.”

“Thanks Buffy,” Willow said hugging the Slayer. “Now go away so I can finish planning my date and get ready.”

“Fine, that’s gratitude for you,” Buffy said laughing as she left Willows office.

------------------------------

At 6pm Willow went into the living room carrying a small bouquet of flowers.

“Those are pretty flowers,” said Ceri as Willow entered the room.

“Thank you, they are for your Mommy,” said Willow as Tara walked into the room smiling.

“Oh they are huh?!”

“Tara, wow, you look incredible,” said Willow looking the blonde up and down.

“You look pretty Mommy!”

“Thank you both,” Tara said with a soft smile.

“Will you be a good girl for Auntie Dawn while we are out,” Tara asked as she gave her daughter a hug and kiss.

“Yep, I promise,” smiled the little redhead.

“Ok, I’ll just put these in some water and we’ll be ready to go,” said Tara taking the flowers from Willow.

“Nope, you will just go,” said Dawn as she entered the room carrying a vase with water to put the flowers in.

“Thanks,” both women said as Willow took Tara’s hand and led her out of the house and off on their date.

------------------------------

They arrived at the Italian restaurant, Willow had reserved a private table for them wanting to keep Tara as much to herself as she could.

“Wow, I feel under dressed. This place is really nice,” said Tara taking in the decor and dimmed lighting.

“You look gorgeous,” Willow said.

“So do you,” smiled Tara.

After they ordered they sat staring into one another’s eyes for a long time.

“I want to propose a toast,” started Willow as they both took up their wine glass. “To a magical night.”

“To a magical night,” said Tara as their glasses clinked together and they both took a sip.

They had dinner and headed down to the beach to take a moonlit walk. They held hands and walked along the beach enjoying the others closeness. Buffy had set up a blanket and some wine for them to stumble upon.

“Looks like your little elves have been busy,” said Tara as they came across the little romantic setup.

“I had nothing to do with this, it was all the elves doing,” Willow said mentally noting to thank the Slayer when they got home.

“Well, it is very romantic,” said Tara as they sat down and she poured them each a glass.

“It’s a great night for this,” Willow said taking a sip and then sliding closer to Tara.

“Yeah, it is,” Tara agreed putting an arm around the redhead and pulling her closer.

“Tara, I want you back. I want you as my girlfriend, the way it should always be,” Willow blurted out. “I know we are only on our first date and everything, but goddess, kissing you, holding you, hell just looking at you completes me...I haven’t wanted anyone else in my life, I just want you.”

“I want us back too. I love you and I’m tired of being alone and incomplete,” Tara whispered as she moved closer and captured Willows lips. The kiss was soft, there was no need to deepen it or rush it into something more. They sat there kissing for a long time.

“I never thought I’d be here kissing you again,” a tearful Willow cried.

“Awww, Sweetie, please don’t cry,” Tara said as she wiped the tears from Willows face.

“I can’t help it, I’m so happy and the sensations that you bring out in me are so overwhelming.”

“I feel it too. It’s like my insides have been dead for years and are now awakening again."

“Mmmmhmmm,” was all Willow could say as she pulled Tara back to her lips and they were kissing again. After a while the temperature at the beach started to dip and they decided that it was time to clean up and head home. As they started to clean up Willow found a note from Buffy telling them to just leave everything and she would take care of it.

They walked back to the house with their arms wrapped around the other, smiling, kissing, enjoying the closeness. Once they reached the front porch Willow took both of Tara’s hands and looked deep into her eyes and smiled.

“Thank you for a magical night,” said Willow.

“Thank you my love,” said Tara as she leaned in and kissed Willow.

“I have to say, kissing my girlfriend at the end of a romantic date is definitely better now than it was when we started dating.”

“Um, Will, when we started dating we were both too scared to make it this good,” laughed Tara.

“You’re right. I love you Tara Maclay.”

“I love you too Willow Rosenberg.”

With those words said they went inside and up to their room where they got ready for bed and cuddled up together. They felt the intense need for closeness, but they didn't want to ruin things by rushing into anything that they weren't ready for. They both knew they had things to work through, trust still needed to be rebuilt on both sides, but they were stronger as a couple instead of apart.

“Good night beautiful,” murmured Willow.

“Good night my love.”

*******
TBC...
*******

_________________
~ Branny72
I found younger-me still exists in the archives as SlayerTazz...
Mending Fences | The One Where Everyone Has a Go |Actions and Consequences | Meant To Be


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 8 Updated 07/27/2013
PostPosted: Sun Jul 28, 2013 1:44 am 
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9. Gay Now
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Posts: 985
Topics: 15
Location: Beyond the orbit of Mars and accelerating...
McDibbity!

Yeah for overprotective family!

And Buffy was very sweet.

It was very nice, but i still worry about splitting the family.

More please? :flower

R

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“All I feel is sunlight. All I hear is music.” Willow
How i Met Your Mother - By Ariel


My Story: Coming Home


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 8 Updated 07/27/2013
PostPosted: Fri Aug 02, 2013 2:54 am 
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Wow, Xander really was acting selfish in the last two chapters. Glad the others stood up to him and that he eventually seems to move forward. Still he was acting like a baby not an adult. Not many people these days stay in the same town forever, either for school, jobs, or family reasons. With a job that can easily relocate moving a child to a dangerous environment makes no sense. Plus Tara has a chain of stores to run. Closing down that career would have an impact on her ability to support her family. The Sunnyvale branch can remain in contact via phone, internet and visits just like many adults have to do. It's far easier now than in the past.


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 8 Updated 07/27/2013
PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 1:00 am 
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Azirahael: I’m all for an overprotective family – that is how my family is. More below!! :flower

MochaVamp: Yes, Xander was definitely being an ass! The next few chapters will be very telling on the future, and where everyone ends up! :glasses

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: Actions and Consequences
By: Branny72
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.

Rating: NC-17 - This Chapter

Couples: W/T
Summary: AU – Tara didn’t die she left town…set 5 years after Tara left…Actions have consequences, everyone has to live by their choices.
Feedback: Pretty please…It helps me to know what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong!!

Authors Notes: ...life drama does NOT help with writing, but having great helpers/collaborators does! My helpers/collaborators saved me from having to postpone this weeks post as my life went to hell in a hand basket again. :gnome

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9

Willow started to stir as the sunlight streaming through the window crept up the bed. She felt a warm arm draped across her, it was a feeling that she had missed for so long. She lay there as still as she could so as not to cause the loss of the closeness. She felt the arm pull her closer and she wanted to scream in delight.

"Morning," said the blonde as she held the redhead close to her.

"Morning," smiled the redhead.

"I had an amazing time last night."

"Me too, but then I had you by my side," Willow said turning to face Tara.

"That sounded kind of cheesy," Tara said as they both started to laugh.

"Well, yes, it did sound better and less cheesy in my head."

Willow leaned over and kissed Tara softly.

"I've missed waking up to your kisses," Tara said leaning in for another kiss.

"I've missed being able to give them to you," smiled Willow.

"Well, I'm glad that I get to wake up to them again."

"Me too," Willow said in a whisper as they cuddled closer together.

"So, what are you plans for today," asked Tara.

"Well, I have to work on a couple of programs for some clients, but that should only take a few hours. Otherwise my day is free. What about you?"

"I'm not certain; I didn't really have anything planned."

"Tara can I suggest an idea," asked Willow.

"Sure sweetie, what's up?" Tara said adjusting so that she could look Willow in the eyes.

"I know that Xander was an ass the other night, but um, well, would you be at all willing to swing by the Magic Box today to maybe spend some time with Anya? She is livid with him and afraid that she isn't going to get to spend any time with you and Ceri now."

"Why would she think she wouldn't get to see us anymore?"

"Well, she knew you were upset and she has made Xander sleep on the couch the last couple night for his outburst."

"I can't say that I feel bad for him, but for you my love I will take Ceri down to the Magic Box to see Anya."

"That is all I ask, thank you! I love you," said Willow as she softly kissed Tara both savoring in the closeness.

"I love you too! We should probably get up soon and go see how Dawn and our daughter are doing. I'm sure they are fine, but I kind of miss our little girl."

"As much as I am enjoying the closeness and time together, I do miss a certain little redhead."

They both got up and got dressed for the day and headed downstairs to see Ceri and Dawn.

--------------------------------

"When can we go wake up Mommy," asked Ceri.

"Well, kiddo, I don't know what time Mommy and Willow got in last night. It could have been late."

"But I miss Mommy Auntie Dawn."

"Well, that isn't good," said Tara as her and Willow came down the stairs and into the living room.

"Mommy," screeched Ceri as she jumped up and ran into Tara's arms.

"Good morning Sweetie," Tara said pulling her daughter into a hug.

"I missed you."

"I missed you to baby girl. Did you and Auntie Dawn have fun last night?"

"Yeah, she let me have ice cream and a brownie for dessert," said Ceri with a proud smile.

"Oh she did huh?!" Tara said looking at Dawn and raising an eyebrow.

"I, um, er," started Dawn.

"Were they small though," Willow asked trying to save Dawn.

"Yeah, she said they were small enough that I could have both. Hi Willow!"

"Good morning, Ceri!"

"See, they were small," said Dawn trying to cover herself.

"Sure Dawnie," laughed Tara. "Have you two had breakfast yet?"

"Yeah, we had cereal Mommy," said Ceri.

"OK, well, why don't you guys go back to what you are doing and Willow and I are going to go into the kitchen and make our breakfast. Then, what do you say you and I go down to hang out with Auntie Anya?" Tara said to Ceri.

"OK," said Ceri as Tara put her down.

With that Willow and Tara went into the kitchen and grabbed some yogurt and cereal to eat.

"Thank you for going to hang out with Anya," said Willow.

"I like Anya Sweetie, being around her isn't an issue. Being around her husband now is not something I care to do."

"I know and I wish there was something that I could do to fix that."

"It's OK Willow. I know that it is his fears that are fueling how he reacted, but it still hurt and will take some time to get past. I'm not going to dwell on it and let it bring down any of this visit."

"I'm glad," Willow said leaning over and giving Tara a kiss.

"Mmmmm, now that I can definitely get used to," Tara said.

"Then I'll have to do that more often," Willow said with a smile.

"Yay me!"

--------------------------------

Tara and Ceri went to spend the afternoon with Anya at the Magic Box. Anya was enjoying getting to know Ceri and learning more about Tara's life in London and her stores there.

"I am still amazed at the fact that you and Willow have a daughter," started the ex-demon.

"I know, some days I wonder what it was that I did so right to deserve such a special and amazing little girl," gushed Tara as they watched Ceri playing in the workout room.

"Were you scared when you found out," asked Anya.

"Oh yes, I had no clue what was going on, how or why me. I had just gotten to London so I was still reeling from the move too. Giles was amazing in his support, and Dawn when she was there helped me a lot. I've also had Faith for the past four years to help with dealing too."

"That just blows my mind, I can't imagine Faith of all people being a kid person," laughed Anya.

"She is amazing with her and Faith has changed a lot over the years."

"Explain that."

"Well, I don't know if it was just her growing up or if there was something that caused her to change, but when she showed up at the flat the first day, Ceri was only a few months old and just her and I were there. Giles was off at one of his Watcher's Council meetings. When I answered the buzzer I was holding Ceri and Faith was standing there looking pretty beat up, I got her inside and started to get her patched up. She told me about being jumped by a nest of Vampires and barely getting them dusted and getting out of there with her life. I told Faith the wait until Giles got home before she left, she was hesitant to stay, especially since she wasn't sure about being around a baby. Ceri and her charm won Faith over within a few hours. I left the room for a couple of minutes and when I came back Faith was holding Ceri and cooing and talking to her. It was truly a sweet sight."

"I can't picture that."

"It was different, I won't deny that. Once Giles got home and he and Faith talked she moved into the flat until she got her own place downstairs from us. We started to spend time together, we would go out for lunch or she would come to the park with Ceri and I. We honestly built a very strong friendship and now she tortures me by dragging me out to open mic nights and forcing me to sing."

"Well, you have a great voice, I can see why she would do that."

"Thank you, but Faith has a good voice too. Sometimes we'll do a duet, other times we do solos. About a month ago Willow actually showed up in the bar that Faith and I were at. She saw Faith singing and heard me, but didn't see me."

"Oh yeah, she told us about that, well the part about hearing Faith sing. You sang that night too and Willow didn't know you were there? How'd that happen?"

"I was the closing number and I guess the view of me was blocked enough that she couldn't see that it was me singing. It was good that she didn't though, I wasn't ready to see her at that point."

"I'm glad you were able to get ready though."

"Yeah, we have a good time together and I know that Ceri has someone who besides me will give her life to protect her."

"So, are you and Faith dating?"

"No, we aren't."

"Did you? Maybe just some one night stands, you know scratch the itch," asked Anya.

"No, we never dated or slept together. She hinted at it a few times, but my heart still belongs to Willow and it wouldn't be fair for me to become involved with anyone else."

"OK, but what about your needs."

"My daughter and life were fulfilling those needs. Plus, Willow is an amazing kisser and even better in bed, nobody could compare to that."

"Really? Are we talking about the same Willow? Red hair, green eyes, about this tall?"

"Yes Anya, that is the one," blushed Tara as Buffy came into the training room and was watching Ceri play with her boxing bag.

"Huh? Who would have thought that little thing had it in her, well, and then again it wasn't in her now was it," said Anya wiggling her eyebrows as Tara groaned.

"Who had what in where," asked Buffy? "I really just said that didn't I?!"

"Oh, Tara was telling me about how good of a kisser Willow is and how she is even better in bed. I wouldn't have thought she had it in her, but then again she was in Tara now wasn't she."

Buffy and Anya laughed; Tara fell backwards on the mat and covered her face with her arm.

"Are you ok mommy," asked Ceri.

"Yep, Mommy is ok, just stretching," said Tara. "Neither of you repeat ANY of what was just discussed, especially in Willow's presence. I want it sworn to silence – got it," said the blonde.

"Fine," they both said.

"What is the fun in learning something like that if I can't use it to make Willow uncomfortable," huffed Anya.

"Consider it a personal favor to me," said Tara.

"Fine, I said I wouldn't discuss it."

Buffy laughing went over and started to show Ceri some kickboxing moves and some self-defense moves as Anya and Tara watched.

"So, can Ceri do magic like you and Willow?"

"Yeah, she has some magic abilities; we haven't tested to see to what extent her abilities are; we just know that they are light based. My mentor Morrigan has been working with her since she was one. She is teaching her the fundamentals and making sure she has a good foundation for understanding magic."

"That's good. Morrigan isn't that the woman who Willow said she talked with and that was giving her something to think about with regards to moving to London?"

"Yeah, it was her private jet that brought us here and she is very protective of Ceri and I. She made a deal with Giles that she would let us use her plane if she could meet Willow. I think she wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to get hurt again."

"That's nice," smiled Anya. "Your daughter may have a future as a Slayer, she's kicking Buffy's ass over there."

They watched the lessons and how quickly Ceri was picking stuff up. She had known some of it from hanging out with Faith, but the four-year old didn't tell Buffy that. After about an hour Ceri was starting to get tired and Buffy was too.

"I think it is about time to get someone home for a nap," said Tara as Ceri curled up in her lap.

"Me too," laughed Buffy. "I think I now have some pity for you from the other night when you said that she used your bladder to practice her kickboxing."

"Will you come back and visit me again," asked Anya.

"Of course we will," smiled Tara.

"And please don't hold my husband's stupidity against me. He doesn't deal with change well."

"I know, and we haven't decided anything yet. Willow and I are still trying to get to know one another again since we've both changed."

"OK, well you guys have a good night."

"Hey Anya," called Tara as they headed towards the door.

"Yeah."

"Give him another night or two on the couch for me and then forgive him," smiled Tara.

"For you, of course."

With that Buffy, Tara and an almost asleep Ceri left and headed back to the Summers house.

--------------------------------

"Hey guys," said Dawn as Buffy and Tara walked in with a sleeping Ceri.

"Hey Dawnie," said Tara.

"I'll take her upstairs," said Buffy holding the sleeping little redhead.

"Thanks Buffy."

"So, did you guys have fun with Anya?"

"Yeah, it was a lot of fun. Ceri got to show Buffy some of her moves in the workout area."

"Oh, I bet that was fun to watch."

"Hey, that kid has some major talent," said Buffy as she was heading back down the stairs.

"Who has major talent," ask Willow coming out of her office to join the others.

"Your daughter," smiled Buffy.

"Oh yeah? What does she have talent in?"

"Oh, she was kicking my butt around the training room while Anya and Tara talked. She is really a quick study," Buffy said with a smile.

"Would you expect any less from mine and Tara's kid," laughed Willow.

"Yeah, because you are the poster child for skill and coordination in the non-slayer world," laughed Buffy.

"Hey, I have skills," scoffed Willow.

"Will," started Dawn as Tara tried to stifle a laugh.

"Oh I see, even my girlfriend turns on me?"

"Sweetie, you…"

"Girlfriend?" said Buffy and Dawn together.

"Oh, yeah, did we forget to mention that earlier," said Tara.

"Yeah, that is something I'm certain that we wouldn't forget," laughed Dawn who had a giddy smile on her face.

"I have to agree with Dawn, that isn't something that we would have forgotten."

"Well, we decided last night that we wanted to give us a try again," said Willow.

"That is so cool! I love you guys," Dawn squealed and pulled Willow and Tara into a hug.

"Thank you Dawn," said Tara.

"So, does this mean that you need me to babysit so you guys can go on another date?"

"Tara? Want to go out on a date with me again tonight?"

"I'd love to."

"Sweet, I'll keep an eye on Ceri," said Dawn bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"And I'll make sure to keep an eye on Dawn," said Buffy.

"Great, this way I know that both of my kids are being protected," laughed Tara as Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Well, since I have a date tonight I need to go make some plans," Willow said as she gave Tara a quick kiss and then headed back into her office.

--------------------------------

"Ok, get out of here you two - I can take care of Ceri just fine, and I even promise not to teach her anything that either of you wouldn't approve of," protested the teen.

"Alright, alright," said Willow as Tara leaned over and gave a hug and kiss to their daughter and then Willow did the same.

Once they were out the door they seemed to relax into one another, their hands came together as if drawn by a magnet.

"How are you doing being back here?" asked Willow.

"I have all these memories of the places and sites, but somehow they seem different, or maybe it's because I'm different now."

"Makes sense to me," said Willow squeezing Tara's hand.

"So where are we headed?"

"Well I was going to take you to dinner and then star-gazing, but we've done that. So I decided to up the ante and call in a couple of favors and now..."

"We're going to Anya and Xanders?" Tara said noticing where they were.

"No, we are just borrowing their car. I didn't want to take Buffy's car in case Dawn needed it," laughed the redhead as she pulled the keys out of her pocket and opened the door for Tara to get in.

"So, now where are we headed?"

"Like I said, I had to up the ante on the date, so, I called in a couple of favors and...Nah, I'll make you wait until we get there," teased Willow.

"That's not nice," laughed Tara.

"You'll live, I promise," Willow said with a smirk.

They drove in silence just holding hands and enjoying the time together. After 20 minutes, Willow pulled off to a side road and Tara was still trying to figure out where they were.

"Ok, so I pulled some strings and called in some favors and got us approval for a picnic dinner inside the area's newest high-powered telescope. We'll be able to have dinner then get up close and personal with the stars above."

"Willow, how?" asked a stunned Tara.

"When I started my business I dabbled in security design as well as analysis and well, I designed the security system here. I've done a couple other projects and gotten to know the staff pretty well, so I called and got us clearance allowing us to go inside and use the telescope." Willow explained as she pulled into the lot and parked the car. She proceeded to get out, open Tara's door, and help her out of the car. "Shall we?"

"Please," Tara said still amazed at what they were going to do.

Willow walked them to the door and rang the buzzer; a couple of people in white lab coats greeted them and told them they would be out of their way in five minutes. After they were gone, Willow escorted Tara over to where a picnic had been setup in the middle of the floor. They sat down and Willow handed Tara a single red rose.

"It is delicacy and beauty, pale next to you."

"Charmer," smiled Tara as she sniffed the rose.

They ate and talked more about their work and life over the past five years. After they ate and cleaned up, Willow led them up to the telescope platform, focused the telescope on the stars above, and then moved back for Tara to look. After they had looked through the telescope for a while, Willow wrapped her arms around Tara's waist from behind and pulled her close.

"I love it when you hold me," said Tara as she leaned back into Willows embrace.

"I love you," said Willow as she kissed and nipped at Tara's neck.

"Mmmm, I love you too," Tara, said leaning her head to a side giving Willow better access to her neck. "Oh, wow, you know you are driving me insane."

"That was sort of my plan," said Willow smiling into Tara's neck as she continued to kiss and nip her way up and down.

"I've missed this," said Tara as she turned around in Willow's arms and pulled her into a passionate kiss.

"Oh, god I forgot what you kissing me like that felt like," panted Willow when they broke for air. Their lips drawn together again as time seemed to drift away and nothing else mattered. They stayed like that for a long time.

Tara pressed Willow up against the railing as they both felt the walls of longing and desire that had been up for the past five years crumble, "I…oh…god…I need you! We need to find someplace…"

"I need you too," panted Willow. "Do you think Ceri will stay in bed with Dawn again tonight?"

"No idea, but I'm willing to risk it, even bribe Dawn to keep her there, but we have to hurry or I am going to jump you in Anya and Xanders' car, and I really don't want our first time in five years to happen in a car," Tara said in a husky voice causing Willows eye to widen.

"We need to go, NOW," said Willow as she shut down the telescope and they grabbed the rest of their stuff and locked up and made it to the car before Tara couldn't take the distance and pulled Willow into another heated kiss, her hands roaming over Willows body.

"I'll drive, you bribe," panted Willow as she tried to steady herself enough to start the car.

"Deal," said Tara pulling out her cellphone and texting Dawn.

Quote:
Tara: "Hey Dawnie is Ceri asleep yet?"
Dawn: "Yeah, about 10 minutes ago. Why are you texting on your date? Willow cannot be THAT rusty on romance."
Tara: "Trust me, she isn't. I need your help and well no crap for what I am going to ask here...I'm willing to make funny shapes and cookies until I leave at your request"
Dawn: "Deal, what do you need"
Tara: "WILLOW… ;-)"
Dawn: "You want me to keep Ceri in my room all night again and keep her busy in the morning?"
Tara: "Dear god please! We're on our way home now"
Dawn: "OK, come in the front, I'll make sure nobody is around"
Tara: "Thank you!"
Dawn: "Mommy is getting laid, I'm truly getting my family back together! :-P Love you guys"
Tara: " :blush We love you too!"


"Ok, Dawn said if we come in the front quietly she'll make sure nobody sees us and she is going to keep Ceri in her room all night and give us sometime in the morning too."

"Ok, do I want to know what you told her or promised her or what you told her?"

"I promised funny shapes and cookies at her request until I leave, her last message says it all," laughed Tara as she read Willow the conversation between them.

"Do you think she will abide by your request or give us crap tomorrow?"

"No she won't give us crap, though I'm wondering if I should do a silencing spell on the room to make sure we aren't waking Ceri and allowing everyone in the neighborhood to hear us."

"Silencing spells are good," said Willow even more aroused by what Tara was saying.

They pulled into the driveway quietly and made their way to the front door and upstairs to their room. Once the door closed, Willow found herself pinned against the door as Tara pressed her body and lips against her. They had been too preoccupied to notice the candles that Dawn had placed and lit for them.

"Spell Tara, then ravaging," reminded Willow while she could still think as Tara had started to kiss and suck on her neck. "Oh, mmmm, god that feels good."

Tara quickly did the spell and then led Willow over to the bed; standing next to it, she cupped Willows face in her hands and kissed her passionately. Tara felt Willows hands snake under her shirt, the feel of her hands on her skin felt like she was on fire. Willow slid the shirt up and over Tara's head, dropping it on the floor next to them, then she unhooked Tara's bra and let it fall, she ran her hands over Tara's breasts eliciting moans from her. Tara unbuttoned and removed Willow's shirt and let it fall to the ground she then removed Willows bra, and kneaded her breasts. Willow kissed her way down Tara's body lavishing her breasts, moving down to her stomach, she unbuttoned Tara's jeans and lowered the zipper, and then she kissed the newly exposed area. She then pushed the jeans and underwear down, and looked up at the blonde drinking in the site of her by moonlight.

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and will ever see," she could smell how much Tara wanted her.

Tara pulled Willow up and kissed her pressing her naked body to Willows. They moaned into the feeling of being close. "You need to get rid of the rest of your clothes," Tara said with a smoldering look.

Willow discarded the rest of her clothes and she pulled Tara with her on to the bed. They lay pressed together kissing, letting their hands roam over one another's body.

"Mmmm, oh, Will," moaned Tara. "I have missed how good you feel against me."

"Oh, Tara," moaned Willow. "You are driving me insane you feel so good."

Tara pushed Willow on to her back and pressed her body on to the redheads, grinding their hips together. Slowly, tenderly she kissed along her jaw line, down Willows neck, down her collarbone; moving down she took the aroused left nipple in her mouth and teased it with her tongue, eliciting a hearty moan from the redhead. Slowly she sucked and teased the nipple, then moved to the other one and did the same. She loved the sounds that Willow made when they made love. Tara moved back up, captured Willows lips thrusting her tongue into her mouth, and explored the redheads' mouth. Willow's hands cupped Tara's breasts and she kneaded them and rolled the erect nipples in-between her fingers. Their moans getting louder, the need to touch, and be inside was becoming too much, Tara ran her hand down Willows stomach and through her red curls and dipped into her folds.

"God you are so wet," said Tara as she felt Willow's hand between her folds, she spread her legs a little more to help.

"Oh you are too, I love how wet you get."

"It is only for you my love."

Tara found Willow's swollen clit, when she hit it the redheads hips jumped and she gasped in pleasure, Tara slowly began rubbing in little circles, she switched to using her thumb and then entered the redhead with two fingers making her groan in delight.

"Oh my god, right there baby," she panted as her hips began rocking to the rhythm of Tara's thrusts.

Willow was still moving her fingers through Tara's wetness, Tara was completely mesmerized by the feeling of being inside Willow that she didn't notice the redhead moving to enter her until she felt two fingers thrust deep inside her, she threw her head back and moaned her lovers name. They began thrusting and rocking together, their thumbs adding pressure and movement to the swollen clits. Willow thrust her tongue into Tara's mouth, needing to taste her as much as she could. Willow and Tara's free hands came together; their fingers entwined squeezing as each thrust brought them closer to release, closer to being one. Their breathing had become ragged, sweat beading up between their bodies, they moved together perfectly.

"Together," panted Willow.

"Please, I'm so close," panted Tara.

"Me too," said Willow.

Feeling their inner walls begin to shake and tighten they moved faster thrusting harder until they called out the others name and kept moving, riding the orgasm out as long as they could. They slowed their thrusts, softly kissing one another as they came down. Their foreheads pressed together, eyes open staring into one another pools of longing and desire, feeling as though they were one body, one soul, and one forever.

"I love you," said Tara as a tear rolled down her face.

"I love you too," said Willow as she wiped away another tear. "Why are you crying Baby? Did I hurt you?"

"Tears of love, for the first time in five years I feel complete, loved, us."

"God Tara, you always were better with words than me. I feel it too; we are soul mates, we complete one another. I'll always find you."

They lay there kissing, enjoying the feel of the other next to them, needing the closeness, the urgency they felt earlier was satisfied; for now. This time their lovemaking was slow, sensual, it was all about the touch, the love, before it was about the primal need. They came together again, whispering the others name, moving as one. They held one another close, drifting to sleep, waking to make love again, and again through the night.

"When did morning happen?" said Willow.

"When the moon went down," said Tara as she rolled on to the redhead and kissed her.

"Do you think we can hide in here all day? I can't seem to get enough of you," asked Willow when they finally broke apart.

"If we didn't have a daughter who would miss us greatly I would say yes," groaned Tara not wanting to part from the redhead.

"Tara, may I ask you something, and I feel stupid asking, and um, well I'm embarrassed about it," started Willow while holding Tara in place on top of her.

"Will, I'm laying naked on top of you after a night of making love, ask me anything love," Tara reassured her and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

"I know we told Dawn and Buffy, but are we going to tell everyone else about us being back together," Willow said with a blush.

"Yes," smiled Tara. "I love you."

"Yay me! I guess we need to get up and go see our daughter. Are we going to tell her? Not that I am trying to pressure you or anything."

"Well, when I can't keep my hands and lips off you, I think everyone is going to get the idea, and Ceri, well, we'll explain to her that she is special and has 2 mommies instead of a mommy and a daddy and that she can call you mama or mommy too. Um, if that is ok with you," Tara said realizing that maybe they had more to talk about than she thought.

"I'd love it if she called me mama," Willow said as a tear rolled down the side of her face.

"You realize that I still owe Dawn funny shapes and cookies on demand even though everyone is going to find out about us and assume what we did last night anyways," laughed Tara.

"I know, but I'm thinking of those of us who are going to reap the rewards of you making funny shapes and cookies and I'm not too upset in the matter," giggled the redhead.

"Love, I'm still on top of you, and I don't know that you are in the best of positions to be teasing me," Tara said as she ground her hips into the girl below her.

"Oh god," groaned Willow. "One more time, then off to find our daughter?"

With that, Tara leaned down, kissed Willow deeply, and gave herself over to the passion that they felt for one another. Once they had showered and composed themselves, Tara removed the silencing spell, took Willow's hand, and headed downstairs.

"Mommy!" yelled Ceri as she ran over and jumped into Tara's arms.

"Morning baby," she said as she kissed and hugged her daughter. "Were you good for Auntie Dawn last night?"

"Of course, I'm always good! Grandpa always says so," giggled the little girl as she began to squirm towards Willow.

"Morning Willow," said Ceri as she moved from Tara's arms to Willows.

"Good morning," smiled Willow as the little girl hugged her.

"Did you and mommy have fun last night?"

Tara, Willow, and Dawn blushed at the innocent, yet incriminating question.

"Mommy and I had a lot of fun last night," smirked Willow knowing that it wasn't going to help the blush that they had going and to make it worse Buffy came in just then and noticed the round of blushes.

"Morning everyone, what is with the blushing?" asked Buffy.

"Nothing," said Tara and headed to the kitchen followed closely by Dawn.

"Ok, was it something I said? I brushed my teeth before coming down so it couldn't have been my breath."

"It's nothing, would you like to join Ceri and I for some cartoony goodness?" asked Willow trying to divert the subject.

"Yeah, Auntie Buffy, please," pleaded the little girl.

"How can I say no to that face and a please on top of it," laughed Buffy as Willow put Ceri down and she ran to the middle of the couch and patted the spots on both sides of her. "She's good; you are in trouble when she gets older."

"Great," said Willow with a groan.

--------------------------------

"So, did Mommy have a good date?" Dawn giggled and bounced.

"Yes, Mommy had an amazing date, and that was even before she came home and had a mind-blowing sex all night," Tara said as she blushed several shades of red. "Oh crap, that last part was out loud wasn't it?"

"Oh yeah," laughed Dawn.

Tara put her head in her hands and groaned just as Willow came into the kitchen to check on them.

"What's...up," she questioned.

"Oh, Tara was just embarrassing herself more and she might be cursing you for the mind-blowing night she had," laughed Dawn.

"Shush you - or you get no funny shapes or cookies," Tara said through her hands.

"Oh no, you promised. Anyway - you both deserved to have that kind of night, you truly are made for one another and I am happy for you. However, I have to say one thing, Willow you break my mom's heart again and I have a shovel - I know how to use it, I have a back yard that has ample space to house your dead body, and nobody and I mean nobody will ever find you. Understood?"

Tara groaned again, Willow's eyes went wide.

"Yes, I understand and accept those terms," said Willow moving closer to Tara.

"Good, now kiss Mommy so she can get started making my funny shapes because I am hungry. Now I am going to go keep squirt and Buffy out of here." With that, she bounced out of the kitchen.

"Tara, baby," Willow said putting her hand on Tara's shoulder.

"Yes," Tara said through her hands.

"Baby, look at me, let me see those gorgeous blue eyes."

"Will, I just told the girl who is essentially my daughter that you and I had mind-blowing sex all night, I'm not sure I'm ever coming out from behind my hands."

"Baby, look at me," Willow said as she turned the blonde-haired love of her life to face her.

Tara slowly lowered her hands and looked deep into Willow's eyes, Willow leaned forward and kissed her.

"I'm certain that Dawn will recover from your confirmation of what we did last night, as for my ego, that may take a little time to deflate," joked Willow. "Mind blowing huh?!"

"Shush if you want another night like last night any time in the near future," said Tara before her lust overtook her and she pinned Willow to the island and kissed her with all the passion she could put into a kiss. Tara felt Willow's knees go weak as she continues to explore the redheads' mouth with her tongue and kept their bodies pressed together. When Tara finally broke the kiss, she stayed close allowing Willow time to get her balance back.

"Shushing," whispered Willow so soft that Tara almost didn't hear her.

Tara turned to the stove and started making breakfast for the group. Once she composed herself, Willow went back into the living room to join the others.

"You ok Will, you look a little flush," said Buffy.

"Fine, just a little warm in the kitchen with um, Tara cooking."

Dawn couldn't help but laugh as Willow shot her a glare.

"What is that laugh for Dawn?"

"It's nothing, really Buffy. I was laughing at the um cartoon," covered the teen.

"So, what is Tara cooking?"

"Funny shapes and then cookies," grinned Dawn.

"Sweet," said Buffy.

"So, what is on the agenda for today Buffy," asked Willow.

"Eh, I have to work, but other than that, nothing."

"Anything happen while I was gone that we need to tweak our counter measures or anything?"

"No, it was pretty calm actually while you were away," smiled Buffy.

Tara came out of the kitchen and told everyone that breakfast was ready. Dawn caught her eye and smirked and Tara started to blush.

"Evil child," Tara said under her breath as Dawn passed her.

"And you wouldn't have me any other way," retorted Dawn with a smile.

"True," conceded Tara.

After breakfast, Tara did the dishes and Buffy headed off to work, then Tara went and got Ceri dressed as Dawn had thought ahead and given her a bath the night before.

--------------------------------
TBC...
--------------------------------

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~ Branny72
I found younger-me still exists in the archives as SlayerTazz...
Mending Fences | The One Where Everyone Has a Go |Actions and Consequences | Meant To Be


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 9 Updated 08/04/2013
PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:27 am 
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9. Gay Now
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Teh Dib!

Heh, it is the cuteness!

I find myself wondering when Faith is going to make an appearance.

And what everyone's reaction is going to be.

R :bounce

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How i Met Your Mother - By Ariel


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 9 Updated 08/04/2013
PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 11:08 am 
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Great Update!!!
Love Willow's idea for the second date it was really romantic, and I also like how you did the texting with Tara and Dawn. And I'm with Azirahael about Faith whereabouts and what she has been doing all this time? I'm also happy that Ceri will finally know about Willow being her second mother.
Can't wait for the next update!!!


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 9 Updated 08/04/2013
PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 12:20 pm 
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Great update. Can't wait to see how Ceri will react to the news that Willow is her mother. I bet she will be excited.
Finally Willow and Tara are together. Yay! Waiting for more..


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 9 Updated 08/04/2013
PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 2:09 pm 
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Ooops, i forgot that Ceri didn't know Willow was her Mama!

Wow, now i REALLY am looking forward to her finding out!

She's going to go SPAZZY!

She may even float with joy! (something both her moms do from time to time)

Miniature Willow is awesomely cute, even if she's not actually Willow :)

More please? :bounce

R :flower

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“All I feel is sunlight. All I hear is music.” Willow
How i Met Your Mother - By Ariel


My Story: Coming Home


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 9 Updated 08/04/2013
PostPosted: Fri Aug 09, 2013 7:23 pm 
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Azirahael: Faith won't make an appearance for another couple chapters, sorry!! There are things that need to be addressed with those in Sunnydale already. :flower :grin :flower

Willow_Friendly: Faith is in London staking vamps...or at least that is what they left her to do. She will make an appearance, just not for another couple chapters. :flower :grin :flower

lilyred: :bounce Wait no longer!! Enjoy the chapter! :bounce

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: Actions and Consequences
By: Branny72
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.
Rating: PG-13 - This Chapter
Couples: W/T
Summary: AU – Tara didn’t die she left town…set 5 years after Tara left…Actions have consequences, everyone has to live by their choices.

Feedback: Pretty please…It helps me to know what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong!!

Authors Notes: ...life's drama's do NOT help with writing, but having great helpers/collaborators does!
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 10

"Hey Baby," Willow called to Tara who was watching Ceri play out in the backyard.

"Yeah Sweetie," said Tara.

"Um, would you mind if maybe I took Ceri to a movie and for ice cream, just the two of us?"

"Of course not Willow. Ceri is your daughter; you don't need to ask my permission to go hang out with her. If you haven't noticed that little girl is pretty fond of you already."

"I know, but..."

"I know, we need to sit down and talk about a lot of things, but I think you should take her out and spend some time bonding just the two of you. If she doesn't want to go, she'll tell you," Tara said putting her arm around the redhead.

"Ok, so, what are your plans for the day?"

"I'm not sure yet, I have a few things for work to do and to check in with Kelly to see how things are going there, but otherwise, I'm not sure."

"Do you want to come with us to the movie?"

"Actually, I do, but I'm going to pass and give you two a chance to go out together."

"Maybe the three of us can do something together tonight?" asked Willow.

"That would be fun. Maybe we can go on a picnic at the park or something?"

"I think a picnic would be great."

"Ok, once I get done with my stuff for work I'll head to the store to get things ready for tonight," said Tara.

"Hi Willow," said Ceri running over to the two adults.

"Hi Ceri, how would you like to go to a movie and get some ice cream with me today?"

"Really? Is Mommy coming too?"

"Actually, Mommy has to work so it will be just you and I," said Willow watching her daughters face for any signs of hesitation.

"Coooool!"

"And tonight the three of us are going to have a picnic," added Willow.

"We are? I like picnics," beamed the little redhead.

"I promise to even have your favorite with the picnic tonight," smiled Tara as she saw her daughters eyes bulge.

"S'mores? Really? You promise?"

"Yep, and you are going to have to show Willow your special way of making them."

"There is a special way to make s'mores?" asked Willow.

"Uh huh, and Mommy and I are the only two that know how to do it."

"Wow, not even Auntie Dawn or Aunt Faith knows how to make them?" asked Willow.

"Nope, just Mommy and I do. If I can have chocolate ice cream today I'll teach you how to make them too," said the four-year-old.

"Well, you can have any flavor ice cream they have that you want."

"Yay!"

"Why don't you go wash your hands and brush your hair quick and then you guys can head off on your special day," Tara said.

"Ok Mommy," said Ceri as she raced into the house.

"Did she just try to bribe me?"

"Yes, but she didn't try, she succeeded," laughed Tara as she pulled Willow close and wrapped her arms around Willows waist and Willow wrapped her arms around Tara's neck.

"Where did she learn how to do that," Willow asked before capturing Tara's lips with her own.

"Mmmmm, I think it just comes with being a smart kid," Tara murmured softly as she broke the kiss.

"I better go or she is going to have a lot of different questions on why I'm kissing her Mommy," Willow said causing Tara to pout at the loss of contact.

"Maybe tonight when we are on our picnic we can explain things and then she'll understand why you are kissing me."

"That sounds like a good plan to me," Willow said taking Tara's hand and walking them inside as Ceri came down the stairs.

"I'm all ready," she said with a big smile.

"Ok, you two have fun and I'll see you both later for our picnic," Tara said as she crouched down and hugged her daughter.

"You have fun too Mommy!"

"We'll see you later," Willow said as she winked at Tara.

-------------------

After watching Ceri and Willow leave Tara went up to the bedroom and pulled out her laptop and logged on to check what new orders she had received and to check her email. She saw she had a few orders from a couple of her regular customers and one from Morrigan. She forwarded them to the store for processing and then grabbed her phone to call Kelly.

"Hey Tara," answered the person on the other end.

"Hey Kel, how are things going?" asked Tara.

"Well, we haven't burnt down any of the stores...yet..." Kelly said chuckling.

"Hey, no burning down my stores," laughed Tara.

"Fine, be that way, ruin all my fun, now what am I going to do tonight? Seriously though, everything has been fine, nothing unusual, Faith said she'd check in every couple of days and that if I needed to I could call her."

"That's good to hear, I really appreciate you looking after things while I'm here in Sunnydale."

"Remember that when it comes Christmas time and you are deciding what to get me."

"So, two lumps of coal instead of the standard one lump of coal?"

"Hey...ok, I have to give you credit on that one, it was pretty good. So how are things going in Sunnydale?"

"Good for the most part, though that is because we haven't discussed anything major yet. My first night things between Willow, Xander and I were tense, but he has justification in the statements he made. Ceri is having a blast," said Tara as a large smile crept across her face.

"How are things going with you and Willow?"

"Things with her are going good too. We still need to sit down and have a long discussion; I'm kind of dreading that."

"Why? I thought you guys talked about the past stuff when she was here."

"Actually, this one will involve me really owning up to the fact that I did keep her daughter away from her for years and I out of threat caused others to do the same."

"Dammit Tara, you did what you thought was best. She was an addict, she had a major and possibly harmful problem..." interrupted Kelly.

"I know she did, but she has had it in check for years. I take responsibility for not telling her and I'll always wonder what would have happened if I had told her sooner. Her and I need to discuss if she can forgive me for that and for what she missed out on with Ceri. Trust goes both ways."

"I suppose, but I don't know that I think you are as much at fault as you are letting yourself believe you are."

"You are one of my best friends, you believe I hung the moon and stars, I understand that," teased Tara.

"Whatever Maclay! How are my baby munchkin and Willow getting along?"

"Well they just left to go to a movie and then out for ice cream. Tonight the three of us are going to have a picnic and Willow and I are thinking that we may try to explain to Ceri that Willow is her other mom."

"Wow that is awesome. I can't believe that you, Tara Maclay, have let your daughter out of your sight while on the Hellmouth," laughed Kelly.

"Well, I know that she is in great hands. Willow loves her and wouldn't let anything happen to her."

"So, are you in those great hands as well?" Kelly snickered.

"Shush and we are not discussing that..." her tone giving away that she was blushing.

"Come on Tara; give me something to work with here. I know that you need to get laid..."

"Shush...we can discuss it when I get back to London."

"Fine, spoil sport...when are you planning on being back anyway?"

"I've only been gone a few days, so not for another couple of weeks."

"Fine, be that way...I'll just sit here and let my imagination dream up what you are doing and who you are doing," laughed Kelly.

"Maybe I need to call your Jackie and tell her you need less free time," Tara joking jabbed back.

"You better not."

"Ok, I won't…for now. I better get going; I have to go get the stuff ready for the picnic tonight. Email, text, or call me if you have any issues otherwise I'll touch base in a few more days."

"Forget about this place, I have it handled. I was your right hand for like three years."

"Yeah, up until you abandoned me to help Jackie with her business."

"She offered some benefits you didn't."

"Ha ha! Thanks though, knowing you are there watching things is the only thing that keeps me from being completely neurotic about being away."

"We're family Tara; I'd do anything for you and my baby munchkin. Give her a big hug and kiss from Jackie and I."

"I will, take care and seriously, call me if you have any issues."

"I will not Tara, but it is cute of you to offer it," laughed Kelly.

"Fine, talk to you later," Tara conceded

"Talk to you later."

Tara hung up the phone, made a list of stuff to get, and headed off to the store.

-------------------

Willow took Ceri's hand as they walked out of the house and headed off on their day.

"So, what movie are we going to see, Willow," asked Ceri.

"Well, I saw that they were playing 'The Lion King' and I know how much I love that movie, I thought we might enjoy it together."

"I love that movie too! Mommy and I watch it all the time. Who is your favorite character?"

"Well, Simba is really cool, but Pumbaa and Timon are my favorites."

"Mine too!" exclaimed Ceri as they neared the theater.

"Do you and Mommy sing along with the movie?"

"Yeah, Mommy likes to sing even though she tells Aunt Faith that she doesn't."

"Your mom is silly that way."

Willow got the tickets and then a drink for each of them and some popcorn and she let Ceri choose their spot in the theater.

They sang along with the movie, danced in their seats, and laughed through most of the movie, but when the scary sad part came and Simba's dad died, Ceri crawled over to Willows lap and sniffled. Willow held the little girl close and cherished the moment they were having together. They watched the rest of the movie with Ceri sitting on Willows lap.

"Thank you for protecting me from the scary part," said Ceri as they were walking out of the theater.

"I will always protect you," Willow said realizing again, how much she had missed and how much she couldn't stand to miss going forward.

They walked to the ice cream store two buildings down from the theater and Ceri got the chocolate ice cream she had bribed Willow with earlier in the day. They then walked back to the house, Ceri started to get tired so Willow gave her a piggyback ride and just as they got to the house, Ceri started to drift off to sleep.

"Hey," Willow whispered as they came in the door and she found Tara seated on the couch.

"Oh, looks like someone had a full day," she said rushing over to take Ceri off Willows back. "I'll put her upstairs and be right back down."

"Let me, please," Willow said almost pleading.

"Sure," said Tara as she handed the sleeping little girl over to her Mama.

Willow took Ceri upstairs and got her settled; she kissed her forehead and marveled at the beauty of her daughter. After a minute, she headed back downstairs to join Tara.

"She is out cold," laughed Willow.

"Did you guys have fun?"

"Right up until Simba's dad died"

"Oh no, that part scares her and she gets so upset by it," said Tara with a concerned look crossing her face.

"She did, but she curled up in my lap and we watched the rest of the movie like that," Willow said proudly.

"Wow, sounds like a nice place," Tara said as she moved closer to the redhead.

"Well, come here and I'll show you how nice it is," said Willow in a husky voice as she pulled Tara on to her lap.

"Hey there," Tara said as she leaned in and kissed the redhead gently. They both let out moans of approval.

"Wanna make out?"

"Always," Tara whispered.

Their lips came together and they kissed and cuddled for a long time before they heard Ceri moving upstairs and Tara reluctantly got off Willows lap. As soon as they told Ceri, they wouldn't have to keep hiding their love and closeness.

-------------------

"Hi Mommy," Ceri said as soon as she came downstairs and saw them sitting on the couch together.

"Hi Sweetie, did you have a good nap?"

"Yeah, and I had the bestest dream."

"Well, you have to tell me about it," Tara said smiling at her daughter.

"OK, can I sit with you guys? Willow you were in my dream too."

"I was? Well then I think you have to come and sit right in-between us," said Willow as she patted the space between her and Tara. "So, what happened in this great dream?"

"I dreamt that you, me, and Mommy were living in a big house in London and I had a puppy and a kitty and we had a horsey because Mommy you like horsies, and we had a swing set that Willow pushed me on, and, and, and Grandpa and Auntie Dawn came to visit and we had picnics outside. In my dream though Willow I called you Mama," rattled Ceri until she saw a look pass between Tara and Willow when she mentioned the last part. "Was I bad for my dream, did I do something else wrong?"

"Not at all baby," said Tara. "Would you like to have two mommies instead of a mommy and a daddy?"

"Yeah, boys are ucky," smiled Ceri.

"Well, what if I told you that Willow was already your Mama. Would that be OK with you?"

"You are?" said the little girl looking at Willow.

"Yeah, I am sweetie," said Willow.

"And your still my Mommy right?" the little girl asked in a scared shaky voice.

"Of course, I will always be your Mommy," Tara hugged the little girl to ease her fears.

"Wow, I got a Mommy and a Mama just like in my dream. Do I still have to call you Willow, or should I call you Aunt Willow, or, or can I call you Mama?"

"Yes you do, and you most definitely can call me Mama. What would you think if I were to come and live with you guys in London? Would that be ok?"

"Duh, Mommies and Mama's have to live with their kids and if you are my Mama that makes me your kid."

Both Willow and Tara started to laugh neither could dispute four-year old logic.

"Well, then I guess I'm going to have to move to London and be with my kid," said Willow as she pulled Ceri on to her lap and gave her a big hug.

"Would you be OK if Mommy and Mama were a couple like Kelly and Jackie?"

"Duh Mommy you have to if you are going to live together and I'm your kid," said the little girl. "You two are cute together anyway, Auntie Dawn said so."

"Oh she did huh?! When did she say that?" asked Willow.

"When we were in the car and you were talking at the airport before went to mommy's office to talk. I don't think she knows that I heard her. I wasn't trying to be naughty; she was just right next to me."

"You definitely weren't naughty sweetie," said Willow.

The two adults shook their head in disbelief, how much better could it get than to blend their family and correct the wrongs of so many years ago. They sat there all three snuggled together on the couch for a long time, just enjoying the time together.

"Well, who is ready for a picnic?" Tara finally asked.

"I am," called the two redheads in unison.

"Well, then I guess we had better get going or we aren't going to have time to make our special s'mores for Mama."

"We have to Mommy, she's never had them."

"Yeah Mommy, I've never had them," Willow said adopting Ceri's tone.

Tara just shook her head realizing that redheads now outnumbered her and she was definitely in trouble.

Tara grabbed the stuff she had ready for their picnic from the kitchen and then she grabbed the bag containing a blanket, and a couple of balls and some other stuff to keep them entertained and headed to the front door were Ceri and Willow were waiting for her. Tara took the food and Willow took the blankets and then they each took one of Ceri's hands and headed to the park for their picnic.

Once they got to the park, they found a nice shaded spot near the playground to put the blanket out, kick back, and relax. Ceri asked if she could go play on the playground, they told her to stay within sight. She promised and bounded off to play. What nobody saw was the figure that had followed them from Buffy's and was now hiding within the trees watching them.

"Are you happy," Tara asked Willow once they settled on the blanket.

"I don't know when I've ever been happier. I have this smoking hot girlfriend, an amazing daughter, and they are both here with me.

Willow and Tara watched Ceri play on the playground while they sat close to one another enjoying the others closeness.

"This is nice, us together as a family." Tara said as she rested her head on Willows shoulder.

"I agree."

"Not to spoil the moment, but I was wondering when you wanted to sit down and discuss the past and future."

"Not tonight, and I have a meeting tomorrow during the day, but late afternoon and tomorrow night we could talk."

"That sounds good. I just want to get the nasty stuff over so that we can focus on our family," said Tara.

"I know, but part of me is afraid that things could go wrong and get messed up again too," Willow said quietly.

"We won't let it get messed up, for Ceri's sake we can't afford to."

"Mommy, will you and Mama come swing with me?"

"Sure thing baby girl," Tara said noticing the beaming look Willow had on her face from Ceri calling her Mama.

"I love it when she calls me Mama," said Willow.

"Well Mama, give me your hands and I'll help you up so we can go swing with our daughter," said Tara pulling Willow up and heading towards the swings holding hands.

The figure watching them from the bushes made a strained sound like a growl.

After their picnic and playing at the park, the three-headed back to the house so that Tara and Ceri could make Willow their special s'mores.

"Mommy you made sure you got everything right?"

"Yep, I checked three times while I was at the store to make sure," Tara said as she heard a giggle from Willow.

Dawn and Buffy came into the house and Ceri ran and gave Dawn a hug.

"Hey there squirt, how are you doing?"

"Hi Auntie Dawn. We went to the park and had a picnic and now we're going to make our special s'mores."

"Wow, do I get one of those?"

"Um, Mommy?"

"Yep, I got plenty of stuff so everyone can have some."

"Good, otherwise I was going to have to mug Willow for hers," teased Dawn as Willow stuck her tongue out at her.

"I get to learn how to make them and you don't," Willow retorted.

"WHAT? Why does she get to learn how to make them too? That is so unfair."

"What is the big deal about the s'mores? I'm confused," said Buffy.

"Buffy, Tara and Ceri have this version that is to die for. They won't tell me what all is in them and how they make them, but they are incredible," gushed Dawn.

"Well, I'll be the judge of that," Buffy said raising an eyebrow at Tara and Ceri.

"Fine, you guys go sit down and we'll make them and bring them out to you," Tara said with a smile and motioned for Willow and Ceri to head into the kitchen.

-------------------

"OK, so, what do I need to do?" asked Willow.

"First you need to get the graham crackers put out, that is my part usually, but you can help me with it."

"I'd love to," Willow said.

"Um, no, first you both wash your hands, THEN you get to play with the crackers," Tara said as she dried her hands.

"Yes Mommy," they both said together and then started to giggle.

After they washed their hands, the three went about making the s'mores and then they headed back out to the living room to join Buffy and Dawn.

"OK, Ceri you get to hand them out," said Willow.

"One for Auntie Buffy," she said handing one of the plates to Buffy.

"Thank you," she replied.

"One for Auntie Dawn," Ceri said handing Dawn her plate

"Yum!" said Dawn.

"One for Mommy," Ceri said handing Tara her plate.

"Thank you Sweetie."

"One for Mama," said Ceri.

"Thank you," said Willow over the choking of Buffy and Dawn on their s'mores.

"And I get the last one!"

"These are awesome you guys," said Buffy.

"I told you," said Dawn.

"We're glad you guys like them," Tara said as she wiped Ceri's hands that were now covered in chocolate. "Will, what do you think?"

"I am in heaven. Where did you learn to make these?"

"I was pregnant with Ceri and had a few serious cravings and this is the product of one of them."

"Any other recipes come from those cravings?" asked Buffy.

"I got a dinner thing that I can make tomorrow night if you want."

"Oh yeah," said Buffy. "Would you mind if we invite Anya and Xander over?"

"Sweetie, why don't you go wash your hands and put on your jammies," said Willow.

"OK Mama," Ceri said and skipped out of the room and up the stairs.

"I'm ok with them coming over, but the drama has to stay away from Ceri," said Tara glancing at Willow for support.

"I agree," said Willow.

"Thanks! So, now does someone want to explain what has changed and why Ceri is calling Willow Mama now," asked Buffy?

"Ceri had a dream about living in London with Willow and I and in her dream she got to call Willow Mama so we decided to tell her that Willow was her other Mom and that we were a couple."

"Do you think she understood what that really means?"

"I don't know, she's still really young, but you've seen the way she's been with Willow. I think she already sensed it and felt their connection."

"You should have seen her when we were at the movies today," beamed Willow. "She got a little scared at one point and she crawled over on to my lap and watched the rest of the movie from there."

"That is so cute," said Dawn.

"I think outside of her calling me Mama it was the most intensely close moment I've had with her."

"That is incredible Will," said Buffy watching as Willow and Tara's hands just naturally entwined together without them even consciously doing it.

Ceri came bouncing back into the bedroom and crawled up, sat on Tara's lap, and draped her legs over Willows legs.

"I'm back!" she announced.

"Well, that is good because we were missing you," said Tara.

"Mommy, can Mama put me to bed tonight? She has to learn how to do it for when she moves to London with us."

"Certainly Sweetie," laughed Tara and Willow blushed.

The group sat and watched TV for a while and Willow noticed Ceri was starting to get sleepy so she took her upstairs to 'learn' how to put her to bed.

"How are you dealing with the Ceri/Willow connection," asked Dawn.

"I love the bond that they are forming, but I won't lie and say it isn't hard to share her either."

"Well, I can't say as I have ever seen Willow as happy as she was tonight. It was nice to see for once," Buffy said.

"She does look pretty happy," Dawn agreed.

"Who looks happy?" Willow asked as she entered the room.

"You Sweetie," said Tara pulling Willow down on to her lap and wrapping her arms tightly around her lover.

"I am," Willow, said kissing Tara's temple.

"You two seem happy as well," said Dawn.

"We are. We both finally feel complete," said Tara squeezing the redhead on her lap.

"I think I'm going to go call Xander and Anya and invite them to dinner tomorrow and then shower and get some rest before I have to patrol tonight," said Buffy.

"Night Buffy," said the three remaining.

"I think I'm going to go up too," said Dawn.

"Night Dawnie," Willow and Tara said giving her a hug.

-------------------

"Hello," said Xander.

"Hey Xander," said Buffy.

"Hi Buffster, what's up?"

"Well, I'd like to invite you and Anya to dinner tomorrow night."

"Who will be there?"

"Dawn, Ceri, Willow, Tara, and I," said Buffy.

"And do you think that I'm welcome after the last time we had dinner?"

"Willow and Tara said they didn't have an issue with it, just no drama in front of Ceri. Tara is cooking, so you know the food will be edible."

"I don't know Buffy. I still have some strong feeling about everything."

"I know you do, but you haven't seen how things have changed here and I think it might help you with some of the feelings if you were to see it."

"How could things have possibly changed that much in a few days?"

"Trust me when I tell you they have, but I'm not going to go into specifics. Just please tell me that you guys will come to dinner tomorrow night."

"Fine, we will be there. What time?" said an exasperated Xander.

"Say 6-ish?"

"OK, we'll see you then."

"OK, thanks Xander."

With that, they hung up and Buffy headed to the shower.

-------------------

"Are you sure that you are OK with Anya and Xander coming over for dinner tomorrow night," asked Willow.

"I'm fine with it Sweetie," Tara said holding the redhead tight.

"I just, I just don't want them or him to upset you again."

"Will, what are you really afraid of? I can tell there is something going on in your mind."

"After all this time you still know me so well," Willow said as she adjusted so that she was sitting next to Tara instead of sitting on her lap.

"Raw deal, I lost my lap warmer," pouted Tara.

"I'm sorry but I can't talk to you seriously while sitting there, I just want to do naughty things to you," Willow said as she blushed.

"That doesn't sound bad, but I get that we need to talk about this too," Tara said giving Willow a reassuring smile.

"I guess I'm scared that Xander or Buffy are going to say or do something to upset you and you are going to leave and I'm going to miss out on my time with you and Ceri. I just got you guys into my life and I don't ever want you to let you go."

"No baby. I do not intend on letting Buffy or Xander ruin my time here with you. If they make it uncomfortable then the three of us will go get a hotel room and spend time together that way. I will not let them drive us apart. I love you and this time is about us not them."

"I love you too, but after you got so upset the other night I'm just a little uneasy. I know how those two get when they get going. They feed off one another."

"Will, we'll get through it together. Maybe we can have dinner and then send Dawn and Ceri out to a movie or something and that way if things do get heated, we aren't exposing Ceri to it; I don't think it would be good for her. If not, I am certain Giles won't mind spending time with Ceri."

"I think that sounds like a great idea. And I have a great idea for now," Willow whispered as she pulled Tara across her body and on top of her and started to kiss the blonde deeply and passionately.

"I like this idea, but how about we go upstairs where we can have some privacy," Tara said in-between kisses.

"Upstairs it is," said Willow as they moved off the couch and upstairs to continue what they had started.

-------------------

After breakfast Tara knew she needed to get the groceries for dinner. Tara went into Willow's office and asked her if she would mind if Ceri hung out in her office while she went to the store. She told Willow that Ceri would play on her computer and allow her to do her work. Willow was however elated with the idea of spending more alone time with her daughter even though she would be working.

Willow got Ceri computer set up her office, then she went up to check with Tara if there were any special instructions for Ceri while she was gone. She didn't know if they had a routine or rules for the computer. She wanted to make sure they were consistent with their rules.

"Hey gorgeous," Willow said closing the bedroom door behind her.

"Hey yourself," said Tara smiling at the redhead.

"I just wanted to check to see if you had any rules or a routine for Ceri using the computer," said Willow moving closer.

"Is that all," Tara said with a seductive smile.

"Well, I was hoping to catch you naked and then just stare at the hotness of you a bit, but since you're dressed I guess I'd like to get another kiss like I did last night and this morning," Willow said taking Tara into her arms.

"Mmmm, OK," said Tara as she kissed the redhead again with all the passion she could. She felt Willow's knees get weak as well as her own. She laid them down on the bed never breaking the kiss or the passion she was putting into it. When they broke apart, they were both breathing hard.

"You keep kissing me like that and you aren't going anywhere."

"Why is that?"

"Are you kidding?" Willow said, "I'm still not good with the butch, but you, your hotness, out in public, hello, someone well many someone's will need to learn to keep their eyes to themselves."

"OK, I'll try to behave, it's hard though – you are just so amazing," said Tara.

"You are just as amazing as I am," said Willow.

"I love you," whispered Tara.

"I love you too," said Willow as she placed a soft kiss on Tara's lips.

"So, rules for Ceri, I don't really have any, she usually just plays her games or reads on a couple of sites I have in her bookmarks. I trust you and know you'll make sure she is safe online."

"OK, I just wanted make sure. I don't have a lot to do, just a couple of scripts to tweak for the company I met with in Paris. I have the scripts in a template so I just have to drop the needed data in and upload it." Willow said as they got up off the bed.

"Sounds good, please, no teaching Ceri to hack until she is at least 10?!" Joked Tara as she walked towards the door.

"I suppose I'll hold off on today's lesson then," teased the redhead as she placed a soft kiss on Tara's lips. "Have fun shopping!"

"Thanks, but I would rather be here with you two."

"Then hurry back."

Willow and Tara softly kissed and exchanged 'I love you's' as Tara headed to the store and Willow went and got her and Ceri comfortable in her office.

-------------------

Once Tara returned from shopping she called Giles to see if he would like to come to dinner and then maybe take Ceri over to his place to spend some time with her while the others hung out at the house. It was just a precaution, but one that she felt she needed to take.

"My dear you know I'd love to spend some time with her, I've gotten so used to seeing her daily that the past few days I have truly missed her," said Giles.

"Well, I just want to make sure that we are shielding her properly. Things got a bit intense the last time and I'm a bit uneasy about what is going to happen this time. I know that I have a lot to atone for, though I believe that it is between Willow and I."

"Yes it does and you just need to remember that when things get intense. You and Willow together are what matters, not what others think about the situation or relationship."

"Thank you," said Tara.

"For what?" asked Giles.

"For helping to calm my nerves about tonight, you have a way about making it all seem like it will be OK."

"Eventually it will be. So what time is dinner?"

"Be here around 6-ish?"

"I'll see you then," said Giles and then he hung up the phone.

'Now pull yourself together Maclay!' Tara said to herself trying to get her nerves under control.

After she had calmed down a bit Tara went and got dinner prepped and then went to check in on Willow and Ceri to see how they were doing. They had been in Willows office for a couple of hours and Tara hoped that having Ceri in there wasn't too much of a distraction for Willow.

-------------------

"Mama?"

"Yeah Sweetie," Willow said smiling at her daughter.

"Um, what are you working on?"

"Well, I'm working on writing a computer program."

"What is a computer program? Whenever Mommy types on the computer it looks a lot different from what you are doing."

"Well, a computer program is a difficult thing to explain, but you know how you like to play your games?"

"Uh huh, I love to play my computer games."

"Well, what I am doing is like what they do to create the game so that you can play it."

"You mean you are making a game? Can I play it when you're done with it?"

"Well, it isn't a game that I'm working on, but I have written a couple of games that maybe you and I can play with another time."

"You wrote games," Ceri said with her eyes bulging out.

"Yes I did. Maybe sometime you and I can work together and create one. Maybe we can even get Mommy to help too."

"Then it would be OUR game, right?"

"Exactly, you are so smart," Willow beamed.

"Mommy always said I was really smart but I didn't get it from her side of the family…and Grandpa said I got it from both sides of the family. I don't know what that means though."

"Well, you definitely got it from both sides of your family."

"What do both sides mean?"

"Well, you got your gorgeous blue eyes from your Mommy, that is her side…then you got your cute freckles and red hair from me and that is my side."

"So, I am part you and part Mommy?"

"Yes you are," smiled Willow.

"That is so cool!"

"Yes it is," whispered Willow to herself as Ceri went back to playing on her computer.

-------------------

Tara stuck her head into the office to see how her two favorite redheads were doing. She smiled when she saw them both working on their computers, both had the tip of their tongue sticking out of their mouth while they were deep in thought.

"How are things going in here," she finally said announcing that she was there.

"Great," said Ceri.

"Fantastic," said Willow. "How was shopping?"

"It was shopping. I called Giles and he is going to come for dinner. Ceri, how would you like to go spend tonight with Grandpa?"

"YAY! I miss seeing Grandpa," she said.

"Great. So what all have you two been doing?"

"Mommy, did you know that Mama writes games for computers?"

"I knew she was able to and that she wrote programs, I didn't know she wrote games."

"She does and she said that maybe the three of us can make a game together. Isn't that cool?"

"Yes it is," Tara said as she brought a chair over and sat by Willow and Ceri.

"It could be fun for the three of us," Willow added.

"Yeah, and it will be like me, part of you and part of Mama."

"Yes it would," said Tara.

"Mommy, why if I am part you and part Mama did I just meet Mama?"

This question took both Willow and Tara off guard. Tara had honestly thought she had a few years before this question would come up and by then it would be easier to explain.

"Well, that is because I went to live with Grandpa before you were born and I didn't tell Mama about you because I was mad at her for something that happened a long time ago."

"Was she naughty? Mama, if you were naughty you can say you're sorry and Mommy will forgive you like she does when I'm naughty."

"Sweetie, I was naughty and I have said that I'm sorry to Mommy and that is why we are a family now."

"I was naughty too though, I stayed mad at Mama and didn't tell her about you and I hurt her a lot more than she hurt me."

"Did you say you were sorry," Ceri asked in a very stern voice.

"Yes, I did, but I still need to find a way to make it up to her."

"No you don't Tara," said Willow.

"I do and I will, somehow Willow," Tara said as tears filled her eyes.

Neither Ceri nor Willow wanted to see Tara cry and they both moved to give her a hug. Ceri by climbing on to her lap and Willow by wrapping her arms around the other two. They stayed like that until Tara had regained composure of herself.

"Are you OK Mommy," asked a concerned Ceri.

"I'm better Sweetie, thank you both for the hug, it helped a lot."

"I don't like you sad Mommy, neither does Mama. I felt it make her heart hurt to see you cry," added the little girl much to the shock of both her mothers.

"I'll try not to be sad like that again, I'm sorry it upset and hurt you both."

"Who is ready for some ice cream?" asked Willow trying to change the mood.

"I am," beamed Ceri.

"Me too," Tara said with a smile.

"Great, Ceri why don't you go see if Buffy and Dawn are here and if they want some and Mommy and I will meet you in the kitchen."

"OK, Mama," and with that she raced out of the office.

"You OK?"

"Yeah, but I meant what I said. I am sorry and I will find a way to make it up to you…" said Tara.

"We'll talk about this later, but I love you and I love her and we're a family now, that has to take priority," said Willow.

"Lets go get some ice cream," said Tara kissing Willow lightly on the lips and then taking her hand and leading her towards the kitchen.

They ate their ice cream and then they put Ceri down for a nap and they got the house set up for everyone that was coming to dinner.

Once Ceri woke up from her nap, the three of them went and sat on the couch and read. Ceri had her books, Willow, and Tara each grabbed one-off the bookshelf to read.

Buffy and Dawn arrived home and showered and came down to the living room to join the others and wait for Giles, Xander, and Anya.

-------------------
TBC…
-------------------

_________________
~ Branny72
I found younger-me still exists in the archives as SlayerTazz...
Mending Fences | The One Where Everyone Has a Go |Actions and Consequences | Meant To Be


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 10 Updated 08/09/2013
PostPosted: Fri Aug 09, 2013 9:48 pm 
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9. Gay Now
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Topics: 15
Location: Beyond the orbit of Mars and accelerating...
Bo-dibbity!

I'm so happy to see them together.

And i hope Xander explains himself better.
I get where he's coming from,
I mean, he's always been Willow's bestie, and she needed him.

And now not only does she not need him anymore, but she's going to live on the other side of the world!

That's rough to real with.

And Xander has a big heart, but he often doesn't know how to express himself well.
And i imagine there's a touch of jealousy there.

Poor Xander.

I look forward to the arrival of Hurricane Faith.
And maybe a little Fuffy in the background? :pray
All the girls happy makes a good story, perfect.

Looking forward to the next bit. :bounce

R :flower

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How i Met Your Mother - By Ariel


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 10 Updated 08/09/2013
PostPosted: Tue Aug 13, 2013 8:52 am 
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Posts: 134
Great update! :applause :applause
Loved that Ceri easily accepted Willow as her mom though she might have questions later on.
I can't believe Willow and Tara still have stuff to talk about i mean isn't everything resolved and they will live happily ever after.. :aww
Wonder when Faith comes to Sunnydale.
Hope dinner goes well and Xander doen't causes any trouble or no Anya for him :))
waiting for more W/T smoochies :wtkiss


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 10 Updated 08/09/2013
PostPosted: Sat Aug 17, 2013 10:54 pm 
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Location: Wisconsin
Azirahael: They were meant to be together, it just isn't right without that. :wtkiss

There is more to come with Xander in the next couple chapters. He will eventually explain himself. I promise!!

I know that having your best friend move too the other side of the world is harsh, but you do survive.

Hurricane Faith...hmmm...when to have her make an appearance...hmmm...maybe soon just for you, lilyred and Willow_Friendly. :grin


lilyred: Who wouldn't easily accept having Willow in their life?!

Dinner...hmmm...it should be an interesting night. As for Faith's appearance - as I told Azirahael, for you guys it should be soon! :wink

More W/T smoochies...ok!! :wtkiss

Willara4ever: Now I can harass you on two sites!! :bigwave :bounce :lol

________________________________________

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.

Rating: NC-17 This Chapter

Feedback: Pretty please…it helps me improve

Authors Notes: Thank you to Willara4ever for always being willing to read or help when I get writers block...life's drama's do NOT help with writing, but having great helpers/collaborators does!

________________________________________

Chapter 11

Giles arrived ahead of Xander and Anya, Ceri was ecstatic to see him. She babbled telling him all about what she had done. She then told him about Willow being her Mama and how she couldn't wait for her Mama to move to London so they could be a family as they are now. Giles couldn't believe all that the little girl telling him and all that had taken place over the few days.

________________________________________

"Tara," said Giles walking into the Kitchen where she was getting dinner ready to go into the oven.

"Hi, Giles," said Tara giving him a quick hug.

"Ceri tells me that Willow is her Mama and that you are still her Mommy."

"Yeah, she had a dream and when she told us about it, we decided to take the opportunity and have it help us to explain to her about Willow being her Mama. She is only four so I'm not sure how much she really understood now, as opposed to how much she will once she is older, but for now it served the purpose we needed it to. Now we need to let the two of them continue bonding. She did ask why if Willow was her Mama why she just met her."

"Oh my, how did you answer that one?"

"We both explained that we were naughty and that we have both apologized and that we will be together from now on. I know when she gets older that explanation won't suffice, but for now it works."

"Well, I'm happy that she knows and that Willow is planning to move to London; but most of all, I'm happy that you are happy. You have deserved happiness for so long, and you do look so happy."

"I am happy, Willow makes me happy. I didn't realize how much of myself I had bundled away until her and I started to spend time together."

"Well, we could have told you that and I believe we did tell you that you weren't living," laughed Giles.

"Well, now I can tell," she said with a smile.

"It is about time," Giles said rolling his eyes and turning to leave the kitchen.

"Thank you," whispered Tara.

"For what?" asked Giles turning back to look at her.

"For being there for me all these years, for loving me and Ceri, for everything you've done for us."

Giles moved and hugged the girl tightly. "Tara, I love you and Ceri so much, you two helped me too, you gave me a family to think and care about."

"You already had that Giles, you were a father to all of us already," Tara said as she hugged him tighter.

"Well, I may have, but you two made it more real for me."

"Hey Tara," started Willow coming through the door and seeing the embrace they were in she started to turn around and leave.

"Sweetie, come here," said Tara pulling slightly out of the hug and holding one arm out for Willow.

Willow moved towards them and Tara reached out and pulled her into a hug with them, all three cherishing the closeness.

"Well, not that I'm complaining, but what was that for," asked Willow as they pulled apart from the hug, Tara still holding her close.

"We were discussing how proud I am of both of you and how you are handling things. I know that you guys have been through a lot, but to see you both so happy, and to see Ceri so happy about having her parents together whether she understands it or not, I just can't tell you what it means to me."

"Having you proud of me is something I have always wanted," Willow admitted sheepishly.

"I am proud of you for so much Willow. I know that I haven't said it, nor have I shown it, and I am so very sorry for that, but I am very proud of you. You have become such an amazing woman. When I first met you, you were this skinny little timid redhead, I watched you grow into a confident witch and woman, I saw you find true love, then you learned about addiction the hard way and loss with Tara leaving. I saw you rebuild your life, though I know you were just as incomplete as she was, now I see you both so happy and as parents. You have taken to both of those with such grace and finesse. I am so proud of you," Giles said and as he finished Willow pulled away from Tara and threw herself into his arms.

Tara leaned against the counter trying not to cry at the touching scene before her. After Willow and Giles pulled apart, Giles excused himself to go and find the others and spend some time with Ceri.

"I love you," Tara said pulling Willow close and planting kisses on her lips, along her jaw line and down to the pulse point on her neck.

"Mmmmm, I love it when you say and do that," Willow replied in a soft whispering tone.

Tara continued to nibble and suck on Willows neck as they both felt their desire for the other growing to a dangerous level. Willow moved her hand up to bury her fingers in Tara's hair and guided their lips together in a searing and passionate kiss. The kiss caused them both to moan at its intensity.

Willow pushed Tara back into the counter and pressed their bodies as close together as they could get as their tongues fought for dominance. Hands began to roam, Willow brushing her hands along Tara's sides gently brushing along the sides of her breasts; Tara's hands roaming up and down Willows back, gripping her butt and pulling her closer.

"Mmmmm, Willow," Tara panted.

"Mmmmm, Tara," Willow panted.

"Hey, do you two know where," they heard Buffy's voice coming towards the kitchen door. Their hands had stopped roaming, but their lips were still very much attached when Buffy came through the kitchen door. "Um, er, um," stammered Buffy.

"How is it after all these years you STILL have the worst timing," asked Willow pulling away from Tara's lips and leaning her head on the blondes shoulder as they both attempted to catch their breath.

"It's a gift. I could ask after all these years, how is it that I am STILL walking in on you two?"

"Hey, we've only been back together for a couple of days."

"You two were always attached in one way or another though," laughed Buffy.

"We can't help it that our love is intense," smiled Willow.

"Oh man, you broke her…now she is all sappy again," groaned Buffy.

"I know that you are looking for an apology here, but you just aren't going to get one Slayer," laughed Tara keeping her arms tightly around Willow's waist as Willow turned to face Buffy and lean back against Tara.

"Fine," Buffy mock pouted.

"So, what did you need now that you interrupted my smoochies?" asked Willow.

"Oh right, do you two know where Ceri's other books are? She was looking for some to take with when she goes to Giles' house tonight?"

"I already packed them and her stuff for tonight," answered Tara.

"Oh, OK, I'll let her know. Xander and Anya will be here soon. Oh and dinner looks good, though shouldn't it be in the oven? Or were you two planning on heating it up in here enough to cook it on the counter?"

"Now there is a good idea," Tara said pulling her arms tighter around Willow's waist and lowering her head to kiss Willows neck where she knew she was most sensitive.

"Oh yeah, definitely a good idea," Willow said inhaling quickly.

"Don't make me get the hose," laughed Buffy as she left the room.

Tara continued to kiss Willows neck and tightened her grip with one arm around the redheads waist and slowly let the hand on the other arm make its way down the redheads body, past her stomach, over the button and zipper of the cargo pants she was wearing, down to her center. Tara reveling in the heat that was coming from the redhead in her arms, she pressed firmly eliciting a groan and quick intake of breath from Willow.

"Oh you are so hot and wet," Tara whispered into Willows ear.

"You are driving me insane. I want you so badly baby," Willow said as her hips started to rock against Tara's hand.

"I can tell," she replied and sucked on Willows earlobe. "Do you want to move this to the pantry for some added privacy or do you want to stop and wait until later?"

"Pantry, don't stop touching, kissing, and sucking," whimpered Willow as they made their way into the pantry.

Once they were in the pantry, the hand that was pressing on Willows center moved up, unbuttoned, and unzipped her pants, and then it slipped inside her underwear. Tara continued her ministrations on Willows neck and earlobe, becoming even more turned on by the position they were in and the sounds and movements the redhead was making.

"You are so wet," Tara said as her fingers made their way between the redheads' folds, feeling Willow still rocking her hips.

"Tara…take…me…please," panted Willow urgently racing towards her release.

"With pleasure," Tara said in a sultry voice as she took Willow with two fingers thrusting inside.

"Ohhhh," Willow groaned as she rocked harder and faster against Tara.

It wasn't long before Tara felt the walls inside Willow begin to tighten and shudder. Tara moved faster and harder until she felt Willow climax. She helped her ride it out, allowing the redhead full enjoyment of their love.

"That was so intense," Willow said after a few minutes of working to catch her breath.

"Yes, it was," Tara said nuzzling her head into Willows neck and slowly starting to move her hand from its warm, and silky spot.

"You have no idea how great you make me feel."

"Oh, I have a pretty good idea from how wet you get and how intense it feels to make love to you."

"I love you, Tara."

"I love you too, Willow."

They stood there for a few more minutes while Willow gained full use of her legs again. Willow got dressed and after several chaste kisses and promises of more after everyone left, they left the pantry. Tara put the pan with dinner in the oven and then went to wash the few dishes in the sink. She knew they were both flush and needed to cool down a bit before joining the others to minimize them noticing. Willow watched Tara gracefully moving around the kitchen and wonder what she did so right for the goddesses to give her another chance at life with this amazing woman.

________________________________________

Everyone was sitting in the living room when they heard the doorbell ring. Tara tensed slightly knowing that it was Xander and Anya and that the fun was about to get started. She was hoping for a calm night, but deep down inside she knew that wasn't going happen.

"Hey guys," Willow said as she answered the door and saw Tara slip into the kitchen to check dinner.

"Hey Wills," said Xander.

"Hi Willow," said Anya.

They went into the living room to join the others. Anya looked around and got a disheartened look on her face when she realized Tara wasn't there.

"She's just checking on dinner," Willow said softly catching the look on Anya's face.

"Oh, thanks," said Anya as relief washed over her face.

Ceri raced into the room with Giles right behind her to find out who had arrived.

"Auntie Anya," she squealed and ran over to Anya who knelt and caught the little girl in a hug.

"Hi Ceri," she exclaimed. "You look really pretty today."

"Thank you. Mommy let me pick out whatever I wanted to wear."

"Well you have some great fashion sense," giggled Buffy.

"Who has great fashion sense?" asked Tara as she came back in from the kitchen.

"Ceri, of course," said Anya standing up and giving Tara hug.

"Yes she does," laughed Tara looking at her daughter who had picked out navy blue cargo shorts and a green Scooby Doo t-shirt to wear.

Tara moved over to where Willow was standing and wrapped her arms around her from behind and Willow leaned into the embrace and blushed a little remembering what had happened earlier when they were in this position.

"Mommy, I'm hungry."

"Dinner will be ready soon. Why don't you go upstairs and wash your hands and then we'll be almost ready to eat."

"Ok," Ceri said.

"I'll go with you Ceri," said Dawn.

"I see you two have moved to the cozier side of things," stated Xander.

"We have, and that makes us both very happy," said Willow.

"Orgasms do that to a person," Anya interjected.

"Xander, I know you still have you thoughts and feeling towards me, Ceri will be going to stay at Giles' place tonight so that after they leave we can talk. Please, let go of the negative feelings until then. Ceri can sense them and I, we, really don't want our little girl unhappy or plagued by negative feelings," Tara said.

"I can't just turn off my feelings like everyone else," snapped Xander.

"Xander, please, for me, just enjoy this together time, we can deal with the other stuff later. For me?" asked and pleaded Willow.

"I'll try, that is the best I can offer."

"Thank you," Willow and Tara said together.

Tara excused herself to go finish dinner as Ceri and Dawn came back downstairs.

Everyone moved into the dining room to eat. After dinner Tara went and got Ceri's bag for her.

"Mama, will you help me with my shoes?" asked Ceri as she carried them over to where Willow was sitting.

"Sure, Sweetie," Willow said with a smile.

Ceri sat down and slipped her shoes on and Willow tied them for her.

"Thank you," Ceri said as she got up and hugged Willow.

"You are welcome," Willow said hugging her daughter back.

"OK, let's get your shoes on," said Tara as she came into the room.

"Mama already helped me with that," smiled Ceri.

"I see that. Give everyone a hug and kiss so that you and Grandpa can get going."

"OK," said Ceri as she gave a hug and kiss to Buffy, Dawn and Anya. Ceri moved and gave Xander a hug, but she got a bad vibe from him and didn't want to give him a kiss.

Willow held out her arms and Ceri ran into them and Willow scooped her up.

"I love you Sweetie, you be good for Grandpa tonight and Mommy and I will be over to get you tomorrow morning."

"OK, I love you too Mama," said Ceri as she squeezed Willow tight and then gave her a quick kiss. Willow then handed Ceri over to Tara.

"Be good for Grandpa tonight ok baby girl," said Tara hugging her daughter tightly.

"I will I promise," said Ceri.

"I love you," Tara said and gave her daughter a kiss and another quick hug.

"I love you too Mommy."

Giles took Ceri and her bag and they said their goodbyes and left the house.

________________________________________

The room was an eerie quiet as the six adults realized that it was time for the conversation that nobody was looking forward to having. Anya and Xander were sitting on the couch, Buffy was sitting in the chair near the couch and Dawn was on the throw pillow leaning up against Buffy's chair. Willow and Tara were sharing the oversized chair across from Xander and Anya. The tension in the room was very thick, nobody wanting to start the conversation, but everyone knowing that it was going to need to get started soon.

"So, I see that Ceri now knows that Willow is her, what did she call you, her Mama?" asked Xander.

"Yes, she found out yesterday," said Tara.

"How did she find out?" asked Anya.

"She had a dream about the three of us living in London and Giles and Dawn coming to visit. In her dream, I was her Mama. She told us about it after she woke up and we told her that it was true, she asked if she could call me Mama and I told her of course; then I asked if it was ok that I came to London to live with them and she said 'duh, Mama's have to live with their kids.' Then we asked her if she was ok with us being a couple and she again said 'duh, Mommy and Mama's have to live together."

"That is really cute," said Anya.

"Hey, we either need drinks or coffee," said Buffy.

"I'll go make some coffee quick," said Willow.

"I'll help, I need to ask Willow something anyway," said Anya as she followed Willow out of the room.

________________________________________

"What's up Anya," asked Willow once they got into the kitchen.

"Do you know how long Tara will be staying?"

"She'll be here another two or two and a half weeks. Why?"

"I wanted to have a surprise party for her. You know, do something special to show her how much I, well we missed her."

"That is a really sweet idea. I am sure we can arrange that," smiled Willow.

"Great, do you know what we can do to make sure she knows?"

"I'll think about it and if you are OK with it I'd like to talk to Dawn to see what thoughts she has."

"OK, she would probably know best," agreed Anya.

"OK, I will talk to her tomorrow."

"So, you guys are back together huh?! I think that is great for you two. She looks happier than she did when you guys first got back here."

"I'm hoping that she is; I know I am happier."

"Hey Dawnie, is everything ok?" asked Willow.

"Um, Will, I think you should come back in the living room," said Dawn.

________________________________________

"I see you guys are back together, or whatever this is. What are your intentions? How do you live with yourself for keeping the knowledge that Willow has a daughter a secret from her? How do you live with robbing her of all those firsts? I don't even have a clue on how you got everyone to lie for you."

"You're right Xander, I didn't tell her about Ceri and I own that and I know that it is all on me that I allowed others to be there for the firsts and Willow wasn't. That is something that Willow has to figure out if she can forgive me for and it is something that I am going to have to try to regain her trust for, if she will give it to me. I know that I was in the wrong for what I did and that keeping Ceri away from her was not the right thing to do, but I can't change that now. I can only work towards the future," Tara said getting up from her seat and pacing in front of Buffy and Xander.

"I love her Xander; that never changed. It isn't even that I love her, I'm IN love with Willow, completely. She is my soul mate, while we were apart, I didn't date or have the desire to and it had nothing to do with the fact that I had a daughter. It was because it wouldn't be fair to anyone else because I have already given my heart away and I don't want it back. My intentions are to spend my life loving Willow in whatever aspect she wants me in; if she wants to stay here, then I will love her from afar, if she moves to London, then I hope we can build a life together. If she moves to London and doesn't want a life with me, but to just be a part of Ceri's life, I'll respect that choice and not push her."

"Tara, you know hell everyone knows that she is in love with you too. We just don't want her to get hurt or be forced to make a choice she doesn't want to make," said Buffy

"I have no intentions of hurting her; I'd love to have my family back and stronger than it was before. I know that is going to take time and there are many bridges to rebuild for us to get there. I know that you two don't truly trust me, I accept that. I left for five years and didn't tell anyone where I was or that Willow and I had a daughter. I accept my responsibility for that, but I won't be told that I care less about Willow or anyone or that I'm not serious about making all this work because I am choosing to stay in London. I have built a life and a future there rather than live on the Hellmouth and risk my life and my daughter's life daily. She doesn't need to see the stuff we've seen, she doesn't need to have her childhood ripped away from her the way you guys did. My childhood was ripped away in other ways and I guarantee she won't experience anything like what I went through. I also told Willow that I expected nothing from her but that she was always welcome in Ceri's life. I am putting no pressure on her to make a decision either way."

"Nobody is blaming you for wanting to stay in London," said Buffy.

Dawn who had been witness to the discussion got up and went into the Kitchen to get Willow, she knew that Tara wasn't going to handle being double teamed much longer.

"Not directly, but you do view it as me not leaving Willow an option but to leave if she wants to take part in her daughter's life. I'm taking her away, correct?"

"I don't think of it in those terms," replied Buffy.

"Xander?" asked Tara knowing the answer.

"Ok, that is the way I view it, but she has been my best friend since kindergarten," said Xander.

"I don't make decisions and choices the way I used to, every move I make is calculated to make sure that my daughter has the best, safest possible life and the most fulfilling life she can possibly have. I make sure that I surround her with people who love her, respect her, respect me so that she only sees that and learns that respecting others, their choices, and views will get you farther than closing yourself off. I've lived both ways and I have never been happier or felt more confident in my life than I have in the past 7 years. Willow was a big part in helping me find what was important to me and what I wanted to have as my life ethics and values, if you guys don't understand or can't accept that, then I don't know what else to say or do."

"Hey guys, two things, what the fuck is wrong with you guys followed closely by how dare you," said Willow catching the last bits between the three.

"Xander and I were talking and we are just concerned for you and don't want to risk you getting hurt emotionally. We don't know what Tara's intentions are or where you two might be headed. We know how much you love her we were just trying to protect you. We don't want you blinded by love or obligation. It's been over five years and we all have changed and we don't know in what ways she has changed."

"You had no right to gang up on her. You knew how upset she was with Xanders reaction the other day; do you think this would help? Don't you think that it would maybe have been a better idea to maybe talk to me or bring your concerns to me and not doing what you did?"

"We didn't think about that…" said Buffy.

"You didn't think about much. Did you think that by ganging up on her was going to help you get to know her now, and how she has changed? Did you think how it would help me to rebuild my relationship with Tara? Did you think that it would win her over to spending time here in Sunnydale? Maybe you thought that this would help with allowing me access to my daughter. Whom I might add is NEVER and will NEVER be an obligation. Buffy, you knew that we were back together and that things were going really well. I'm just floored that you would do something like this. Did you two think that what you were doing might push Tara into leaving as she has a plane at her fucking disposal to take her and Ceri back to London when she decides that they are ready?"

"Oh god, Will, I didn't think how it was going to affect your situation or any of that stuff, I just wanted to protect you," said Buffy.

"Again, here is where you guys really didn't think about much did you?! Dammit, you two, we are supposed to be a fucking family. Isn't that what you two said the other night that Tara got here?" snapped Willow hoping that her 'friends' were actually listening. "Did I ask for you to protect me? Does she seem like she is a harm to me?" asked Willow pointing towards Tara who was standing behind the chair that her and Willow were originally sharing; Dawn was standing next to her.

"Well, we don't know if she is, we just know that love can be blind and we know how you have waited for her since she left," said Buffy.

"Again, did I ask you to protect me?"

"No," said both Buffy and Xander.

"Do you realize how much pain you guys have caused me, Tara, and even Dawn?" asked Willow.

"We're sorry, we didn't mean to," said Xander.

"What did you mean to do then," asked Anya furious at what her husband and Buffy had done.

"Ahn, this doesn't concern you," said Xander.

"The hell it doesn't. Tara and Willow are my friends, you are treating them both horribly and that concerns me," she snapped back.

"OK, this has gotten completely out of hand. Can everyone just take a deep breath and we talk to one another as adults," said Dawn hoping to defuse the situation.

"Fine, we'll start again," said Buffy.

"Willow, have you just forgiven her for robbing you of most of the firsts that you missed with your daughter," asked Xander.

"That is between Tara and I Xander," said Willow.

"It might be, but I'm trying to understand things. I realize that you love her Willow, but she didn't tell you that you had a kid. What makes you think that you have or can have an honest future together. Do you know her intentions?"

"That is between Tara and I, not you and her," said Willow.

"Buffy, you and Xander both told me that we're family no matter what and that you guys loved and missed me over the past five years. I somehow after tonight find that hard to believe," started Tara still not looking up or making eye contact with them.

"Tara, it is true, we are family, we're just scared about losing Willow," interrupted Xander. "She's been my best friend since we were little kids."

"And I still will be, just now I'll be your best friend in London," said Willow.

"So, you're moving?" asked Xander.

"I want to be with my daughter, and with my soul mate, and after your stunt today, hell yes," Willow said as she took Tara's hand and kissed it."

"Will, are you sure about this?" asked Xander

"Sure about what? Tara and I, yes. Am I sure about moving to London - yes. Disappointed in two of the people who I thought would love and support me no matter what – very sure on that."

"Will, that isn't what I meant. Yeah, I don't want you to go, I do understand wanting to be with Ceri and Tara, but just up and moving after what less than two weeks of spending time together after five years apart. Doesn't that seem a little out there to you?"

"Xander, I've never wanted, looked at, or desired anyone but Tara in the past 7 years; I think that should say SOMETHING about my love and devotion for her. Actions have consequences. Five years ago, my actions of abusing magic caused me to lose Tara and miss four years of my daughters' life. Your actions here, they hurt me, they hurt Tara, and they hurt Dawn; I don't know what the consequences are for it, but whatever they are, I hope you don't hurt half as much as you hurt us."

"Willow, please," pleaded Xander.

"Please what?"

"Please don't leave like this, don't leave at all," he cried.

"Actions and consequences can be very costly, I know from experience."

"Willow Danielle Rosenberg, you cannot tell me that what we have shared since high school means nothing to you," snapped Buffy.

"I never said it meant nothing to me, I said that you guys didn't trust me enough of me to support me in my choice to raise my daughter and live with my soul mate, the one who completes me. I have been a shell of a person since Tara left, you both told me that time after time too. You don't trust or respect me enough to try to understand what I want and what I need. I'll cherish the memories from high school, even some from college, I will not cherish the memories of your selfishness."

"Tara," said Buffy. "It isn't a lie that you are family and we do care about you…please, don't leave yet. We went about this wrong, we need a chance to make this right. Please?"

"I don't know, that is something that Willow and I are going to have to discuss," Tara said coldly. "I need to get some air, I'll be back in a bit."

"Tara it's dark out, you know what goes bump in the night in Sunnydale and that you shouldn't be out alone," said Buffy.

"I know how to take care of myself," Tara said coldly.

"Baby, please," said Willow taking Tara's hand.

"I will be careful Sweetie, I just need to get out of here for a bit. I won't be gone long, I love you" Tara said pulling Willow towards the front door with her and then leaning over and kissing her softly.

"I love you too," Willow said as she watched Tara walk out the door.

________________________________________

"Hey T," said Faith.

"Hi Faith," Tara said.

"Talk to me…What's wrong?"

"What makes you think anything is wrong?"

"It's late and you're calling me," laughed Faith.

"Just a rough night and I needed to hear a friendly voice. Someone who doesn't hate me or think I'm a horrible person."

"Do I need to kick someone's ass?"

"No, just remind me that I'm not horrible," Tara laughed.

"Where are you at?" asked Faith.

"About a block from Buffy's," said Tara.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Don't you realize it is night-time?"

"I needed out of there. I needed some air."

"Turn around," said Faith.

Tara turned around and saw her best friend standing behind her with her arms open.

"Come here," smiled Faith as she wrapped Tara into a hug.

"What are you doing here?"

"Kelly said she that you were having a rough time, I thought you might need a friend."

"Damn, I guess that means I'm going to have to get her three lumps of coal for Christmas now," laughed Tara and Faith joined in.

"Tara," came a voice from behind them.

"Willow," said Tara as she moved out of Faiths embrace and reached her hand out towards Willow.

"Hey Red," said Faith watching Willow and Tara cozy up together.

"Hi Faith. What brings you to Sunnydale?"

"I heard T was having a rough time and thought I might be able to help."

"I'm glad you're here," said Willow as the three walked back to Buffy's house.

________________________________________

TBC…

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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 11 Updated 08/18/2013
PostPosted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 1:20 am 
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I loved the kitchen scene that was just too funny that Buffy walked in and accused Tara of breaking Willow by making her sappy. I also thought it was funny that she threatened to get the hose to cool them off.

I really hated that Xander and Buffy teamed up on Tara but I'm glad Willow and Anya returned the favor and went off on both of them. Poor Tara.

I'm glad Kelly told Faith what was going on and that Faith showed up. Maybe now things will get easier on Tara and Ceri gets to see her Aunt Faith. Great chapter. :)

Oh, thanks for the shoutout. I was glad to help. :kitty

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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 11 Updated 08/18/2013
PostPosted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 12:50 am 
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Great update
Hate Buffy and Xander for teaming against Tara. Hope Faith kick their asses. Yay for faith's return.


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 11 Updated 08/18/2013
PostPosted: Fri Aug 23, 2013 7:57 pm 
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Buffy and Xander are scared.

They are losing Willow, who they love.

No BS about 'i'll still be with you, just on the other side of the planet'

to go from having someone around day-in day-out, and then to go from that to 'we talk on the phone a couple times a week and meet for christmas.' is a LOSS. Especially bad when you're as close as the big three.

I get that Tara's feeling attacked, and i get that Willow is excited by the shiney new life she's looking forward to, but i don't think they realize how bad it is for those they're leaving behind.

That having been said, Xander's being a dink, and Buffy... well she's never been good at communicating, or dealing with emotion.

Xander needs to be honest: 'i'm a bit iffy of Tara, but i am really fucking terrified of losing you Willow.'
Same for Buffy.

I think everybody needs to stop and realize that they are hurting each other WAY more than they're letting on.

And Willow needs to be a little less bull headed. I get what she's saying, but she's almost proving Xander's suspicions right with her actions. She loves Tara, all well and good. But she's fighting her family, and prettymuch declaring she's going to leave them all behind.
And everything they say leads to 'screw you guys, i'm going anyway.'

So, we know the context, but Buffy and Xander don't. so they're all shocked and dismayed.

TLDR: everyone is screwing up! Stop it! Now hug dammit!

And wow, looking forward to the next bit, oh yes. :bounce
Faith is gonna lay the smack down, yes she will. :smash

And maybe smoochies afterwards?

R :flower

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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 11 Updated 08/18/2013
PostPosted: Sat Aug 24, 2013 1:40 pm 
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I'm annoyed with Xander but that's nothing new for me. I am a bit surprised Buffy seems to be syaign the same thigns, didn't exepct it from her. (Evne less since I just re-read the chapters at the top of the page and how she was with tara there. ) oh, well, I figure they'll coem around.

_The Lion King_ ; I recall my ex, our daughter (3 at the time) and I bawling like total nuts, right io the movie house, at that scene. I bought the DVD last year and I still sort of look away from the TV when that scene comes on _ i do that with a lot of BtVS and Angel ep.s , too.

Liking the coruse of this tale.

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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 11 Updated 08/18/2013
PostPosted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 7:16 am 
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Willara4ever: Of course Tara breaks Willow and makes her sappy – they can’t help themselves and I’m certain that the hose wouldn’t have deterred them from making out! :wink Time to see what Faith is up to!!


lilyred: Xander and Buffy were being asses ganging up on Tara, but I have a feeling things are about to change. :glasses


Azirahael: Fear is a hard thing for some to admit; everyone deals with things differently and some deal with things better than others do; but Faith has arrived so it is time for her to take control. :smash


DaddyCatALSO: I understand being annoyed with Xander, he is so good at making people annoyed! Buffy has never struck me as one that knows fully what her feelings are, and she goes with the feelings around her. Also, I’m glad you are liking the course of the story – I hope that you continue to enjoy it. :sigh


Thank you to everyone for the feedback, it does help me gauge what direction to steer the story in and sometimes it helps change characters paths. (i.e. Faith wasn’t originally going to make an appears in Sunnydale until way later).

________________________________________

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.

Rating: PG-13 This Chapter

Feedback: Pretty please…it helps me improve

Authors Notes: Thank you to Willara4ever for always being willing to read or help when I get writers block...life's drama's do NOT help with writing, but having great helpers/collaborators does!

________________________________________

Chapter 12
“So, did both of you get hit on the head?” asked Faith as they walked back to the Summers’ house.

“Not that I’m aware of, why do you ask?” asked Tara who was walking in-between Faith and Willow, but had her arm tightly wrapped around Willow’s waist.

“Let me see, it is night, dark, you are in Sunnydale, oh and it is still a Hellmouth, and you both are outside, unprotected.”

“Faith I can take care of myself,” said Tara.

“And I’ve lived here my whole life, been best friends with the resident Slayer for nine years,” added Willow.

“Will, what are you doing out here anyway? I told you I just needed to get some air,” Tara asked as she lovingly squeezed Willow around the waist.

“You were upset, I was worried. I’m sorry but I don’t like it when the woman I love goes out after dark upset,” said Willow catching Faith smirking out of the corner of her eye.

“And do you have it happen often that the woman you love goes out upset after dark,” Tara asked jokingly with an eyebrow raised.

“No, most of them know better than to worry me like that,” Willow said back with a smile.

“I’m sorry I worried you Sweetie. I love you too,” Tara, said conceding that she wouldn't be able to convince the redhead that she should have stayed, she knew with the roles reversed she would have done the same thing.

“Let’s get inside and go into my office to talk before we go and deal with the others,” said Willow as she led Tara and Faith into her office.
________________________________________

“Great work guys,” said Dawn who was still standing watching the path that Tara had taken to leave.

“Don’t start Dawn. We have every right to speak our mind and how we are feeling,” said Buffy from her spot in the chair.

“Yes, you do, but you had and have no right to gang up on her,” said Dawn glaring at both Buffy and Xander.

“The kid is right,” Anya added who was now standing next to Dawn and glancing between the others in the room.

“Ahn, please,” said Xander running his hand through his hair and letting out a deep breath.

“Please what? Don’t call you and Buffy on being jackasses? Don’t voice how I feel since you both don’t seem to have a problem voicing your feelings; or is it that I am not allowed to because it is you two I am questioning and not Tara? Don’t you guys see that she does feel a great deal of remorse for what she has done, for what she has taken from Willow?”

“I guess I don’t see that Anya. I don’t understand why you are spending so much time defending Tara, she abandoned you as well. The only person here she didn’t abandon was Dawn,” snapped Xander sitting forward on the couch.

“Hey, she left me as well, but I forgave her when I went to London and she and I talked, and I mean a good heart to heart talk. You two haven’t even given her a fair fighting chance to talk or try to understand why she did what she did. Hell, you haven’t even asked about her life in London,” Dawn said with a steely gaze at them.

“Dawn, it isn’t that we don’t want to give her a chance, it is that there is no reasoning or explaining why she kept Ceri hidden for all those years and why she won’t even consider moving here to keep OUR family together,” said Buffy.

“She has a business, friends, and a life in London Buffy. Tara moved on with her life, she doesn’t want her and Willow’s daughter growing up on the Hellmouth. Is that really what this is about?”

“Yeah, Tara, Tara, Tara,” snapped Xander. “I am tired of it being what Tara wants. What about what Willow wants or what is truly the best and safest for everyone.”

“What do you mean?” asked Anya.
________________________________________

“Nice office Red,” said Faith as she sat down in the plush leather chair and watched Willow and Tara sit closely together on the couch across from her.

“Thanks,” Willow said glancing around the room.

“I’m still surprised that you are here,” Tara said as she wrapped an arm around Willow and pulled her close and kissed the side of her head.

“Like I would be anywhere else when my best friend needs me,” smiled Faith.

“What all did Kelly tell you?” asked Tara.

“She said that you had a rough time with Xander the other night and that things had been tense since then and you were dreading tonight. She knows you T, she knows when you aren’t telling us the complete truth and when she should read between the lines. As much as I hate to admit it, that woman is really good at reading between the lines.”

“Yes, she is. So you just jumped on a plane and came here?”

“Yep, and you can’t tell me that you wouldn’t have done it for me if the roles were reversed,” Faith said sticking her tongue out at the blonde.

“You are right; I would have done the same thing. So, were you stalking outside or what?”

“Actually I had just arrived in Sunnydale and was making my way here to B’s house when you called.”

“I have a question,” said Willow who had watched the interaction between the two and realizing how much Faith had changed and how close the two really were.

“What is it Sweetie,” Tara said smiling at her girlfriend.

“Who is Kelly? I am starting to wonder if I should be jealous or something.”

“Oh, Sweetie no, I’m sorry. She is the one taking care of the stores while I’m here. Kelly is one of the few people I truly trust. I met her while I was at University and we shared some classes together. When I opened my first store she came to work for me and became my right hand for a while.”

“Why just for a while?”

“Oh she bailed to go work with Jackie, her wife,” smiled Tara.

“You’ll like her Red, she looks out for Tara and Ceri,” said Faith.

“Well, if she looks out for you both, I like her already,” said Willow leaning her head on Tara’s shoulder.

“I don’t know what it means, but I trust her with their lives,” said Faith who received surprised looks from both Willow and Tara.

“I’m glad to hear that, finally,” said Tara.

“I don’t trust people easy, and you and Ceri are family, I am even pickier when I choose people I trust when it comes to you two,” Faith said as a blush slowly crept across her face.

“I know and it really means a lot to me that you’re here,” smiled Tara.

“It means a lot to me as well Faith,” Willow added.

“Well, I don’t like the idea of anyone upsetting Tara and if there is a chance that Ceri could be affected by it I’m REALLY not OK with it.”

“None of us in this room are OK with Ceri being affected in a negative way,” said Tara.

“So, any idea on how we go about fixing this,” asked Faith.

“I don’t know. Buffy and Xander really let it go tonight on how they feel.”

“So, give me the breakdown of what happened.”

“OK,” Tara said with a sigh dreading going over the nights events.
________________________________________

Tara paced around the room recounting everything that had gone on over the evening. She went over what had happened in the room after Willow and Anya left and what had transpired after Dawn went and got Willow from the kitchen.

“Wow, B and Xander are really pissed about this aren’t they,” Faith said as she got up and moved to stop her from pacing.

“Yeah, that is one way to put it,” Tara said raising a hand to stop Faith from coming too close, she knew she was on the edge of tears and it wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge.

“Baby, I told you I don’t care what they think and what they want. This is my choice not theirs,” said Willow who made her way over to Tara and wrapped her into an embrace not leaving her an option on if she would accept it or not.

Tara clung to the redhead as tears started to stream down her face.

For Willow and Faith, seeing Tara cry was one of the worst sights and feelings. They both cared so deeply for her and felt the need to protect her from all the bad the world had to offer.

“Tara, please, don’t cry. You know what that does to me,” said Faith placing a reassuring hand on Tara’s back.

“And me,” added Willow squeezing her tighter.

“I don’t want to cry, I just want things, I don’t know, better,” sniffled Tara.

“Well, do you want me to talk to Xander and Buffy,” offered Faith.

“Yeah, that will go over well. You defending me; they’ll just see it as something more than it truly is.”

“What? There is nothing more to read into it. You have never looked in my direction that way because you have been too into Willow. Anybody who knows you knows that the only person you have and will ever want is the one holding you now,” said Faith causing the other two to blush.

“Baby, I don’t care if they read more into it; I know the truth. I know you love me, I know that Faith isn’t a threat to our relationship…” started Willow.

“Wait, relationship? Does someone have information they are withholding? Did you get laid blondie?” asked Faith in rapid fire.

“Seriously Faith,” Tara giggled. She moved from Willows embrace to grab a tissue off the desk, wipe her eyes, and nose.

“Hello, I dropped everything and came here and you are holding out details?”

“You are going to bring that up now? While we are dealing with high emotions and Buffy and Xander,” asked Tara.

“Hell yes! Red, do you have something to tell me?” Faith asked with a smirk.

“Hey, don’t bring me into this…this is between you two,” Willow said laughing.

“Thanks for the support and help Sweetie,” Tara said now laughing.

“So, relationship? Sex? Come on people,” begged Faith.

“Fine, if it makes you happy…yes, Willow and I are a couple again, and yes, I finally got laid,” Tara's voice getting softer with each word until the last word was barely a whisper.

“Often,” coughed Willow as Tara blushed and Faith laughed.

“Willow!” exclaimed Tara as she turned a dark shade of red.

“What?” said Willow as a huge smile crept across her face.

“That is hilarious. I don’t know that I have ever seen you turn that shade of red before T.”

“Ugh,” said Tara as she looked between Willow and Faith.

“Oh, come here,” said Willow opening her arms.

Faith suddenly finding the bookshelf very interesting as Tara walked into Willows arms and felt them wrap tightly around her waist, she looked deep into the redheads’ eyes.

“I love you, and I love showing you how much I love you in every way possible,” said Willow, the truth coming through in her eyes.

“I love you too,” Tara said as she slowly leaned forward and captured Willows lips into a slow and passion filled kiss.

They stood there kissing for several minutes before one of them let out a soft moan of enjoyment.

“Ok, break it up, I draw the line at you two just kissing, and from the sounds of that moan you are going to take this someplace I don’t want to know about.”

“Sorry,” Willow and Tara said together sheepishly as they broke from their kiss and leaned their foreheads together.

“So, is everything ok now?” asked Faith.

“Yep, but no more making me blush,” said Tara.

“Nice try, but you are too cute when you blush,” Willow giggled.

“You do have a certain cuteness about you when you blush Tara. Sorry I have to agree with Red on this,” laughed Faith.

“Thank you both,” said Tara sarcastically.

“So, do you want to go out and talk with the others and get this cleared up?” asked Faith.

“Are you coming with us?” asked Tara her eyes pleading.

“Yep, I am here for both of you,” said Faith.

“Thank you,” said Tara.

“I appreciate it Faith,” said Willow.

“You make her happy, that is all I ever wanted for her. Now, let’s go get this taken care of,” said Faith.
________________________________________

“What do I mean? Ahn, Tara stating that she won’t live here in Sunnydale like she said leaves Willow no choice but to move to London to have a relationship with her daughter. She took away Willow’s choice.”

“No she didn’t, Xander. Willow can stay here, she can go to London, she can go wherever she wants. Tara isn’t taking any choice away from Willow.”

“Anya she is. By stating that she won’t move here she leaves Willow no choice but to move to see Ceri,” said Buffy.

“So, you both think that she should give up her life in London and move here?” asked Dawn.

“Yes,” both Buffy and Xander said together.

“I had no idea you two were so selfish,” Dawn said shaking her head.

“Why is it selfish to want our family together? We can protect Ceri and Tara,” said Buffy.

“This is a Hellmouth, the danger is greater here than it is in London,” said an exasperated Dawn.

“But we can protect them.”

“Yes, you can, but why would she move from a safe environment to a dangerous one just because you two can say you can protect them?”

“Dawn, I’m the Slayer…” said Buffy.
________________________________________

“And so am I B,” said Faith as the three came into the living room after hearing the last bit of the conversation going on.

“Faith,” said Buffy.

“Buffy,” said Faith.

Dawn rushed over and gave Faith a hug.

“Hey kid,” said Faith as she hugged Dawn back.

“When did you get here?” asked the teen.

“A little bit ago,” said Faith.

“Why are you here?” asked Buffy.

“I’m here for Tara,” said Faith.

“How did you know?” asked Dawn.

“Kelly talked with Tara earlier,” said Faith.

“And then Kelly talked to you,” finished Dawn.

“Yep and here I am.”

“Why did you think that Tara needed you here?” asked Xander.

“Well, she told Kelly about your encounter the first night she was here and that she was a bit apprehensive about tonight. I figured that she could use some moral support.”

“So you just jumped on a plane and came here,” said Buffy.

“Yes. Tara would have done it for me without thinking twice, so why shouldn’t I do that for her? You don’t know the woman she has become. You don’t know her anymore and you aren’t giving her a chance to show you that person she has become.”

“And you aren’t biased at all are you?” asked Xander.

“I freely admit that I am completely biased. Tara helped me through some very rough times; she showed me what it meant to have a true friend, a family, someone who will support you because they care. B, you had that all along with your mom and then the Scoobies, I never did. I know why you are fighting so hard against her, I get it, but look at her and Red,” said Faith as she waited for everyone to look over at Tara and Willow who were standing near the chair they had sat in earlier. “When was the last time you saw Red that happy? When was the last time she was that at peace? I’m guessing that it was before Tara left. I know the entire time I was around her in London I never saw her look like that, happy, peaceful, and alive.”

“What is your point?”

“Xander, my point is simple, you’re scared of Willow leaving and that you are going to lose your best and oldest friend. B, you don’t want to lose your best friend either. You guys need to look at them, really look at them and then ask yourself if you prefer them like they are now or like they have been for the past five years.”

“That is easy for you to say Faith, you live in London where they are going to live, you aren’t losing anything,” Xander snapped.

“If Tara were to choose to live here with Willow I would miss her like crazy, but I would support her. For me, her being happy and the happiness of their daughter are more important to me than anything.”

“It is?” asked Anya.

“Yes, it is,” said Faith running her hand through her hair then looking over at Willow and Tara and smiling before looking at the others.

“Why?” asked Buffy.

“Tara taught me what it meant to have a family. She showed me what it is like to love someone so much, that you will give your life and soul for them. She loves Willow and Ceri that way. I won’t say I’m not jealous as hell that Red has her, but I won’t stand in the way of them either. They're meant for one another.”

“Why are you jealous?” asked Willow as Tara knowing the answer stepped behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist and leaned her chin on Willows shoulder.

“T?”

“Lay the cards on the table Faith, it is what you and I have always done,” replied Tara as she gave Willows neck a quick chaste kiss.

“I’m jealous because of the love and devotion that she has for you. She never faltered in five years. She is smoking hot, her personality makes you want to be a better person, and she has a heart of gold…”

“You’re in love with her,” said Xander.

“I was and she knew it. I was in love with her for a couple of years, but she never once led me on or gave me false hope that there could be something. I knew that she was still in love with Willow and that her dedication to giving her daughter the absolute most love and attention was her priority.”

“Seriously?” asked a bewildered Buffy.

“Tara told me once that not all actions have negative consequences. She told me that the consequence to her action of giving her heart and soul, her everything to Willow was that she learned and felt what true love was. She told me that she would never be able to explain how much it changed her, but that it gave her a sense of completion. The night she told that was the night I started to get over my being in love with her and started to learn to love her like a sister.”

“You said that baby,” asked Willow leaning back into Tara’s embrace.

“Mmmhmm,” Tara said with a soft nod into Willow’s neck.

“Let me see if I got this right,” started Buffy. “You were in love with Tara, and from the sounds of it you were pretty deeply in love with her and her telling you how much she loved and was devoted to Willow made you stop? I find that a bit suspect and hard to believe.”

“It wasn't just her saying it B, it was the look in her eyes whenever she thought about Willow, or when she would tell me about stories of things that went on here after your mom died and then while you were dead. Seeing her as a mother to Ceri, and Dawn; seeing her with the small group of friends that she did let in close. I realized that my being in love with her was just going to cause us both unnecessary pains, so I moved to loving her like my sister. I’m glad I did too. After I got past those feelings, I was able to get to know her even better. The whole time she was teaching me how to become a better person.”

“Enough with the Tara love fest,” scoffed Xander.

“Why are you so bitter Xander?” asked Dawn.

“Because, she left, she lied and hid Ceri from Willow, now she’s trying to just swoop in and take her away from us.”

“You are bitter because she left?” asked Willow.

“That and other things,” said Xander.

“But you said because she left first and we all know that you lead with the most important in lists like that,” said Anya.

“She could have confided in others of us. We were her family too and she just left us,” started Xander.

“You aren't so much mad about me leaving as you are that she left and went on with her life and had a kid and we stayed in the same pattern,” said Willow.

“Tara, you’re pretty quiet in all this,” said Buffy.

“I haven’t had anything to say or add. I've known Faith’s feelings for years, that wasn't news to me. Xander being pissed that I left, well, honestly it isn't news to me either, though it being a primary reason he’s pissed well, that is a bit shocking, but I don’t have anything more to add. I’m sorry that I hurt you guys, I've said that numerous times, I can’t change what I did in the past, but I can only try not to make the same mistakes in the future. I will not raise our daughter on the Hellmouth; and nothing will change my mind on it. As for keeping us safe, being on the Hellmouth increases the chances of danger. In London, Faith lives in the flat below Giles and I, she is there whenever and wherever I need her. I do have some close friends there as well, they are my family just like you guys are, but I’m not choosing them over you guys, I’ll say that now before that even comes up, and we know it will. I love my life in London, I love who I have become. I’m sorry if that is selfish and wrong, but I like confident me better than terrified me.”

The room was silent as everyone took in what Tara had said, and what the others had revealed over the night.
________________________________________

Faith leaned up against the railing on the front porch of the Summers’ house. She was watching the stars, reflecting on what had just gone on.

“Faith,” said Buffy.

“Oh, hi Buffy,” said Faith. “I didn't hear you come out.”

“I've been practicing my Slayer stealth,” Buffy said offering Faith a soft smile.

“I think you have it mastered.”

“You OK?” asked Buffy.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It was just an emotional night.”

“You and Tara really are close aren't you?”

“She’s my best friend and my family. Seeing her upset really bothers me.”

“It was a pretty intense night. You are right, at least for me.”

“What do you mean,” asked Faith leaning back against the railing.

“Well, I'm scared of Willow leaving and us never seeing her again, and you were right we don’t know Tara anymore and none of us have given her a chance to show us,” said Buffy sitting down on the chair across from Faith.

“They’ll be back Buffy you guys just need to have to trust them. As for who Tara is now, you are missing out.”

“Are you sure you aren’t still in love with her?” asked Buffy.

“Positive, and even if I were, you saw her and Willow, they are meant for one another.”

“You know, Tara said you had changed, she wasn’t kidding. I like the new you,” said Buffy.

“Thanks, I like the new me too. What is it going to take to have you and the others at least try to get to know this Tara?”

“I can’t speak for the others, but I’d like to get to know the Tara you know,” said Buffy.

“Thanks B,” Faith said offering Buffy a genuine smile.

“How long are you going to stick around Sunnydale?”

“Until Tara tells me it is ok for me to go back to London. I know that Xander is going to take a while to convince, I’m hoping that maybe you’ll help me with that,” Faith said taking Buffy’s hand and looking into her eyes.

“I think I can do that,” Buffy said.
________________________________________

“I’m going to bed now that everyone is gone,” said Dawn.

“Good night Dawnie,” both Tara and Willow said as they hugged the teen.

“You ready for bed?” Tara asked Willow.

“I think I’d like to go up to the room, I’m not certain that I’m ready to sleep yet or not.”

“And what did you have in mind Ms. Rosenberg?”

“Well, I have a couple of ideas. I’d love to show you and see which you prefer,” said Willow waggling her eyebrows.

“Well, how could I refuse that offer; take me to bed,” said Tara.

“My pleasure and soon it will be yours,” said Willow as she took Tara’s hand and led her upstairs.
________________________________________

“Xander, are you going to listen to Faith and try to get to know Tara or are you going to continue being a bitter fool and miss out on spending time with them?” asked Anya.

“Anya, I don’t know yet. I need time to think through all that went on tonight.”

“Well, I intend on spending time with her, Willow, and Ceri.”

“Do what you want. It isn’t like I’d be able to stop you anyway,” said Xander.

“Xander Harris, I love you with all my heart, but you are so stubborn at times,” snapped Anya.

“I love you too Anya, but I told you I need to think through what went on tonight.”

“Fine,” said Anya.
________________________________________
TBC…

_________________
~ Branny72
I found younger-me still exists in the archives as SlayerTazz...
Mending Fences | The One Where Everyone Has a Go |Actions and Consequences | Meant To Be


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 12 Updated 08/25/2013
PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2013 11:28 pm 
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9. Gay Now
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The Dibs! I have them!

Ok, i'm impressed.

I was really expecting Faith to tear them a new one.

Really.

Really.

Not kidding.

And she didn't. She deferred to Tara's wishes.

And she fell for Tara? Well, haven't we all? I think i can say she's in very good company there.

And a little hand holding with Buffy? Is there some Fuffy on the horizon?
I hope so. there's really no-one else for them that measures up.

And-and any story is improved by more lesbians :P

Now i'm starting to wonder about Xander. His protestations are seeming a little thin for the amount of resistance and idiocy he's generating.
It seems to me he's covering something here, just dunno what.

I look forward to finding out. :bounce
Hopefully before he blows it. :moo

R :flower

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How i Met Your Mother - By Ariel


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 12 Updated 08/25/2013
PostPosted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 12:37 pm 
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About what I expected- no matter how close they were on the offensive, Xander and Buffy are splitting a bit now, to the extent that Buffy is actually listening and Xander is, well pretty much being Ted in the _HIMYM_ ep. "How Lily Stole Christmas." Am I correct in assuming Anya's reasons revolve around how she considers Tara her official best friend and wants the best for her, or is soemthing else going on?

Azirahel: Well, in my only full-on Fuffy 'verse ("Ice Age Buffy") I do have "K" living with Bennett from _Dollhouse_ *grin.

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Snapshots:http://thekittenboard.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10210 a Love Story
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Kim: (breaks off the kissing) I l... (Sue stops her with a hand)
Sue: We don't talk about things like that right after, you know that, no saying those things in The Moment.
Kim: (moves the hand aside) Screw The Moment. I *love* you.


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 12 Updated 08/25/2013
PostPosted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 3:48 pm 
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I believe the reason why Buffy and Xander are so against Willow moving to England is because there scared that there Best friend will start to drift away from them, and in someway they will. I feel it more for Buffy then Xander because he can go see Willow anytime he wants, and Buffy can't leave Sunnydale do to being a slayer. And that she wishes her family could stay together. I also kinda blame Giles for the reason this is happening in the first place, if he just said try to work things out with Willow instead of moving to England and running from her problems. And I'm glad that Faith is there now to help and also it looks like Buffy and Faith is starting to have feelings for each other. Looking forward for the next update!!!


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 12 Updated 08/25/2013
PostPosted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 2:58 am 
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Haha. I don't think the hose would help either. Thanks for the shout out. I'm always happy to help. Besides, you constantly help me with my own stories as well.

Wow. Great chapter. Is it just me or am I seeing a little bit of Buffy/Faith love going on as well? I'm glad Faith loves Tara enough to come to Sunnydale and help her in a time of need. I loved the joking between Willow, Tara, and Faith. That was so funny. Plus it was sweet seeing how close Tara and Faith was. I'm glad Willow accepted Faith even after all she did to her before she first left Sunnydale. Great chapter. Looking forward to more.

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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 12 Updated 08/25/2013
PostPosted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 9:32 am 
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I'm glad that Faith laid her feelings out on the table for everyone. I can understand both Buffy and Xander's side of the story. I would want my friend to stay close, but I would also want her and her family to be safe. I hope Buffy and Xander come around and see that Tara is just doing what is best for her and her daughter.


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 12 Updated 08/25/2013
PostPosted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 11:01 pm 
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Azirahael: Wow, impressed huh!? :glasses I thought about having Faith go off on them, but that wouldn’t fit with her having changed, that is something the old Faith would have done.

Yes, we all have fallen for Tara at one point or another!! :wtkiss :drool

Xander and his issues will be in Chapter 14…this one was a special one. :flower

DaddyCatALSO: Buffy is very stubborn, but she is smart enough to listen. I agree that Xander is a lot like Ted in HIMYM ep. “How Lily Stole Christmas.” We don’t find out what Anya’s reasons are until Chapter 14. Sorry!! :sigh

Willow_Friendly: Fear of losing those true and close friends gets us all, but sometime you have to let them live their lives as well. I don’t know that Willow would have gotten over her addiction had Tara stayed…but she probably didn’t need to stay gone for so long. :wink

Willara4ever: Faith and Tara have a great relationship; they support one another! I think that Willow learned that you have to let things go sometimes in order to move forward. :glasses

love_2003: Tara needed someone to open Buffy and Xander’s eyes…Faith being her best friend for a few years now knew it was right to step in and help her. :sighagain

Feedback: Pretty please…it helps me improve

Authors Notes: Thank you to Willara4ever for always being willing to read or help when I get writers block...life's drama's do NOT help with writing, but having great helpers/collaborators does!

--------------------------------------

Title: Actions and Consequences
By: Branny72
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.
Rating: NC-17 This Chapter[/b]
Couples:[/b] W/T
Summary: AU – Tara didn’t die she left town…set 5 years after Tara left…Actions have consequences, everyone has to live by their choices.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 13

Buffy and Faith sat down on the porch swing together, closer than they ever thought they would be sitting.

"B, do you ever wish you weren't the Slayer and you could have a life of your own?" asked Faith.

"All the time," Buffy answered honestly.

"What would you do with your life if you didn't have to hang around Sunnydale and constantly hunt and kill demons and vampires?"

"I don't know, nobody has ever asked me, nor has it ever been an option for me. What would you do if you weren't a Slayer and didn't have to deal with the demons and vampires?"

"Promise you won't laugh at me?"

"Oh I will do my best not to laugh at you," said Buffy as she turned to face Faith more.

"If I weren't a Slayer I'd either be an author, and/or maybe a business owner."

"Why can't you do those both now?"

"I see the amount of time that Tara has to invest in her four stores and to do that on top of slaying, there is no way I could do that. As for writing, I tried it once, but again it comes to having the time and resources to do it."

"Faith, you can do either or both of those if you want. What kind of business would you open?"

"I've always secretly – and even T doesn't know this, but I've always wanted to own a book store," Faith said and blushed.

"I see a theme here with you and books."

"Tara helped me graduate from High School and then she helped me get into a 2 year program at the university," Faith admitted as she looked down and stared at her hands and then entwined her fingers with Buffy's.

"Wow that is fantastic. What did you go to school for?"

"I got an Associate's degree in English. That is where I learned that I love writing. I managed to with Tara's help ace all my classes for the first time in my life. A couple of the items I wrote made it into the school paper and Tara being Tara got several copies and she then framed a copy for me," Faith said with a smile.

"There is definitely a theme here. That is incredible Faith," said Buffy as she wrapped her arms around the brunette and pulled her into a hug. "Can I read them or some of your writing sometime?"

"I'll see if Giles or Tara has any of the copies or access to them while we're here if you really want to read it," Faith said feeling both her and Buffy's pulse increase as the held on to one another.

The pair broke from their embrace, but neither wanting to give up any of the closeness between them. Buffy looked at Faith and then leaned forward and their lips brushed together. The kiss was light and tentative, as neither knew how the other was going to react.

"That was nice," whispered Faith.

"Kiss me again," said Buffy wistfully.

Faith brought her hands up and cupped Buffy's face in them before tenderly leaning forward and kissing the blonde. The kiss wasn't a hungry kiss, but the tenderness and feelings that came through were genuine and overflowing. They sat there kissing for a long time, neither needing it to go further at this time; they were enjoying getting to know one another on this level.

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Willow led Tara into the room, closed and locked the door behind them before pushing the blonde on to the bed and covering her body with her own.

"Hi," Willow said looking down into Tara's eyes.

"Hi there beautiful," Tara said, her voice full of love and need.

"You come here often," said Willow.

"Was that a cheesy pickup line or were you talking dirty to me?" asked Tara before she leaned up and captured the redheads lips with her own.

"Mmmmmm, both," she murmured into the kiss.

"And the answer is yes," Tara whispered as she had kissed and nipped her way to Willows ear. She heard the redhead whimper.

Willow pulled back from the kiss and locked her eyes with Tara's as she sat up still straddling her. Tara's hands made their way under Willow's shirt and they slowly started to raise the shirt. Willow reached down, pulled the shirt over her head, and divested the bra she had worn. Now, she was sitting above Tara naked from the waist up. Tara let her eyes stray from Willows to take in the sight of her lovers naked body, feeling her breathing quicken she leaned upwards and wrapped her lips around one of Willows erect nipples, softly sucking on it, feeling it grow as she brought her hand up and started to caress the other nipple. Tara made sure that she was just touching the nipple, she could feel the heat emanating from Willows center, she knew she could hurry this up, but she wanted to go slow, savor every touch and lick.

"Oh, Tara," cried Willow as she tried with all her might to get the blonde to touch and suck more than just her nipples.

Tara continued to suck on Willows nipples and with her other hand she undid Willows pants and slipped her hand inside feeling how wet Willow was. She heard the redhead moan as she touched the wetness.

"Oh goddess Willow, you are so wet already," moaned Tara.

"We need to be naked, I need to feel your skin on mine, NOW," panted Willow.

They each removed their clothes and the Willow took her place back on top of Tara, this time the skin on skin factor increased the wetness for both. Tara could feel and smell how aroused Willow was and she looked forward to seeing how much wetter she could make her.

"Baby you are so wet," said Tara as she lifted her hips into Willows causing the redhead to let her head fall backwards as she groaned in pleasure.

"I am going to make you scream my name," said Willow looking down into Tara's eyes with a primal look that Tara had never seen before but it was definitely having an impact, making her more and more aroused.

"I want to scream your name," Tara said as they adjusted so Willow was riding her thigh and she was riding Willows.

Willow and Tara were grinding and riding together; their hands were playing with the others nipples and both were finding it hard to think at all.

"Willow, I need you inside," groaned Tara.

Willow smiled down at Tara before leaning forward and capturing her lips in a searing kiss and simultaneously entering her with two fingers with a forceful thrust. Tara moaned into the kiss, slowly Willow started to move in and out of her lover, she was moving as slow as she could to prolong the feeling. Tara was thrusting in time with Willows hand but trying to make it go faster.

Tara decided that the only way she was going to get Willow to move faster would be for her show Willow how it felt to have someone inside you moving so slowly. Her hand snaked down and on a downward motion by Willows hips Tara thrust two fingers into her. Willow cried out at the feeling of having Tara inside her. Tara matched the speed and pattern that Willow was using inside her; they broke their kiss.

"Oh baby, you feel so good inside me," panted Willow.

"I love feeling you inside me, thrusting deeper and deeper," said Tara her breathing becoming shallower.

"Faster baby," panted Willow.

"I will when you will," Tara said with a smirk as she heard Willow growl.

Willow started to move a bit faster and so did Tara, each feeling the release building inside, the hunger and need still growing though.

"You are driving me insane," panted Willow.

"Likewise," Tara managed to say.

Tara couldn't handle the slower pace any longer and started rapidly thrusting in and out of Willow, her thumb flicking Willows clit as she did so.

"Oh, Tara," moaned Willow. The moans kept increasing in volume the longer Tara kept moving inside; her fingers slightly curved she hit the spot that caused Willows eyes to roll back and head to start to loll.

Tara felt Willow start to mimic her moves and felt her thrusting harder and faster inside her. Willow knew how to touch her so within seconds of hitting Willows spot she felt her own spot touched.

"Oh yes, right there, don't stop," panted Tara.

"I won't if you won't," panted Willow.

"Oh…oh…Willow…oh goddess…yes…Willow," called Tara as she was nearing her release.

Hearing Tara calling her name brought Willow even closer; she was now trying to concentrate on not climaxing before Tara.

"Together," panted Willow as she saw Tara just nod her head. "I'm so close."

"Me…t…Willow…oh goddess…just a little more…right oh…" Tara managed to say.

"Oh Tara! Yes, TARA!" screamed Willow as she felt herself climax.

"Willow yes…oh…WILLOW!" screamed Tara.

They both continued to thrust inside one another and tease one another's clit until they came a second time and then they slowed and finally stopped their hands from moving. Together they removed their hand from the other and Willow collapsed on top of Tara.

They lay there panting and trying to catch their breath for a long time.

"I love you so much Willow," Tara said when she could finally speak again.

"I love you too baby," replied Willow.

"Was that more intense or am I more out of shape than I thought I was?"

"There is nothing out of shape about you my love, that was definitely more intense," Willow said leaning to kiss Tara. When their lips touched, they both let out a moan of pleasure.

"Sleep my love," Tara said when she saw how spent Willow was.

"I'm on top of you," said Willow.

"I didn't hear me complaining. I love sleeping with you on top of me, below me, next to me, I love sleeping with you," Tara said and then kissed the top of Willows head.

"Good, because I don't think that I could move right now even if you wanted me to."

They drifted off to sleep; their bodies pressed together, both falling into a happy sleep.

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Dawn was in her bed when she heard Willow and Tara come up the stairs. She knew from the hurried sounds of their feet what was about to happen. As much as she knew Tara had to leave, she had missed the love and compassion they had for one another.

"Oh my, really you two…you couldn't even put on a silencing spell?" Dawn said to herself hearing Willow and Tara in the room down the hall. She reached over and grabbed her big over the ear, blocks all noise, Skull Candy headphones and put them on and turned up her music.

"Well, at least I'm going to have some fun making them blush tomorrow," grinned Dawn she could still slightly hear them over her music.

--------------------------------------

After making out on the porch swing for a while, Faith and Buffy moved inside to find an empty living room, but after hearing what was coming from upstairs, they decided to check out the guest room in the basement.

"Well, we know that Willow and Tara still have a very active sex life," said Buffy blushing at the thought of what they heard.

"Yeah, I didn't realize that Tara was um, so vocal," laughed Faith.

"They always were, but never quite like that."

"I don't know that I'll be able to look at them the same."

"You get used to it," smiled Buffy as the two of them lay down on the bed and propped their heads up on one arm.

"I'll take your word on that," laughed Faith.

"I want to know more about your life in London."

"My life or are you talking about my life with Tara and Ceri?"

"Your life; I want to get to know the new Tara without having any preconceived thoughts."

"There isn't a lot to tell. After I finished with school, I started working for Giles as a research assistant. I know it doesn't sound glamorous, but I really enjoy it. Giles loves to point out how when he used to try to get us to help with research we could never do it and now I prefer it over the slaying."

"I think Giles would have a heart attack or assume that I had been possessed by a demon if I were to tell him I wanted to start helping with research," laughed Buffy.

"Oh, he was more than a little shocked, but after I explained things to him, he has been nothing but supportive."

"Explained things to him?"

"They deal with Tara and we cannot discuss them yet," smiled Faith.

"So, what about dating? Is there a special someone?"

"Subtle Buffy," laughed Faith as Buffy blushed.

"Um…er…um…" stammered Buffy.

"No, there isn't anyone special, and there really hasn't been. Remember I spent a couple of years following Tara around, and after I got over her, I set some boundaries and standards for myself. I wanted to see if I could get the happiness that she and Red used to have or the happiness Kelly and Jackie have."

"Who are Kelly and Jackie? I know you said earlier that it was because of Kelly that you are here."

"They are two very good friends of ours. Tara met them when she was at University, and I have gotten to know them through her. They don't have kids yet so Kelly likes to steal Ceri and use her as a reason to go to the zoo or to play at the park."

"That is cute. And Tara trusts them with her?" asked Buffy a bit shocked.

"Yep, she said that their aura or something told her a lot about them. You know that magic stuff is all out of my realm of understanding."

"Yeah, when Willow and Tara or Willow and Giles used to talk about it I wasn't sure if they were even still speaking English," Buffy said as they both laughed.

"I like this B. I like us being close and able to talk and get to know one another," said Faith casting her eyes down towards the bed.

"I like it too, and I um, didn't mind the kissing earlier either," Buffy said lifting Faiths head up and then leaning forward and gently kissing her.

"I like that part a lot too," agreed Faith when they finally broke apart.

Faith lay back on the bed and Buffy cuddled up to her laying her head on Faiths shoulder. They drifted off to sleep after a long night.

--------------------------------------

As the sun started to seep through the curtains Tara felt Willow try to move, but they had fallen asleep sweaty and had been too exhausted to move so now they were still stuck together.

"And where do you think you are going gorgeous?" asked Tara as she strengthened her hold around Willow.

"I have to pee and we're kind of stuck together."

"Well, that is a bit of a dilemma isn't it," Tara said with a coy smile.

"Baby, help me please?" whined Willow.

"As long as you come back here as soon as you are done," Tara said.

"Deal!"

Tara helped the redhead separate themselves from the other and watched the redhead scamper over to the closet and slip on a robe and then she was out the door and into the bathroom. She couldn't help but smile for how happy she was.

"Much better," said Willow closing and locking the door again and then moving to curl up next to Tara again.

"Do you think we woke up the whole house?" giggled Tara.

"Maybe the whole neighborhood, but I don't care."

"You know when we get home we're going to have to find a place of our own and figure out something to do to keep from waking up Ceri nightly."

"Mmmmm, nightly sounds good. Have you thought about where you would like to live?"

"I definitely want to stay near Faith and Giles, but other than that I haven't."

"Maybe we should call a Realtor and have them checking in the area," suggested Willow.

"That is a good idea. I'll call Morrigan today to find out who she used the last time she got a flat and see if we can get some stuff lined up for when we get back. Or for when you move over there," Tara said correcting herself and feeling a bit self-conscious about having assumed that Willow was going to move with then when they went back in a couple of weeks.

"Baby, I will be there when you go back to London. I just got you back, hell if I am going to let you go all that way without me," Willow said and kissed the tip of Tara's nose.

"I just realized we hadn't talked about the move and I got a bit scared that you were going to think I was being presumptuous."

"Well, we just talked about it and now that decided."

"I love you Willow," Tara said with a huge smile.

"I love you too Tara."

Tara pulled Willow close and placed a deep and loving kiss on her lips.

"What do you say we get up and go make some coffee and breakfast for the others? After that you can call and talk with Morrigan and then we can go get our daughter," said Willow.

"OK, but I hope you are planning on helping with breakfast," Tara said with a wink.

"I'll do whatever you tell me to do baby!"

They got dressed and went downstairs, Willow started the coffee, and Tara looked through the kitchen and finally decided to make finally deciding on a coffee cake. Willow perched herself on the island as Tara got the ingredients together for the coffee cake and as she turned to preheat the oven Willow trapped her between her legs.

"Kiss toll," said the redhead.

"Excuse me?"

"I said kiss toll. You want to cross by you need to pay the toll and kiss me," smiled Willow playfully.

"I see," Tara said as she turned and leaned into the redhead and put their lips together.

"Mmmm, now that is what I call a preferred payment."

"Bad joke Will."

Tara moved and started the oven preheating and then started to prep the ingredients for the coffee cake.

"Kiss toll," called Willow as Tara was moving to put the coffee cake in the oven.

"Yes ma'am," Tara said as she leaned forward and kissed Willow.

Willow and Tara were kissing as Buffy and Faith came into the kitchen.

"Get a room," Faith joked.

"We can do that, but then you don't get breakfast," said Tara into Willows lips.

"And you holding breakfast and kissing Willow is going to get it into the oven? I recall we had this discussion yesterday when you were making dinner and I had to threaten to get the hose," said Buffy.

"Fine," said Tara breaking away from Willows lips both of them blushing recalling what happened after Buffy left the room.

"Wow, T, I don't think I've seen that shade of red on you in a long time," said Faith.

"Let it go, please," mumbled Tara.

"I am tempted not to, but then again you are making breakfast," said Faith.

"I made coffee," Willow piped in trying to drag the attention away from Tara.

"Coffee, yum," said Buffy as she made a line to the coffee machine. "Who all wants coffee?"

Willow, Tara, and Faith all raised their hands and waited while Buffy poured them each a cup. When Faith took her cup she let her hand linger on Buffy's for a second to long and Tara caught it.

"Faith, can I talk to you for a second," said Tara putting her coffee down and breaking away from Willows hold.

"Sure," Faith said knowing that Tara had seen the hand lingering.

Tara and Faith left the Kitchen and went into the living room.

"Wonder what that is about," asked a confused redhead.

"I um, don't know," Buffy said unable to look Willow in the eye.

"Buffy, do you know why the love of my life, the mother of my child just pulled her best friend out of here in a rush?"

"I, er, um, maybe, but I'm not certain," Buffy said quietly.

--------------------------------------

"What is going on with you and Buffy?" asked Tara as soon as the two were in the living room.

"Huh? What makes you think? Um, dammit T," said Faith.

"Nuh uh, dammit T is not going to get you out of this one. Talk to me," said Tara.

"We just started talking last night and then we started kissing, and then we came inside and well," Faith said and then started to blush. "When we came inside we um, er, went downstairs so we could look you and Willow in the eyes at some point in the near future. Then we talked some more, kissed some more and then fell asleep."

"Um, er," said the very red-faced blonde. "So, just kissing?"

"Nice recovery Tara," laughed Faith.

"Shush, now answer the question."

"Yes, just kissing. It wasn't planned but it felt right," said Faith staring down at the ground.

"As long as it isn't a fling I fully support you," Tara said pulling her friend into a hug.

"It isn't a fling, I wouldn't do that to her, not with who I am now."

"I know that. So, kissing Buffy huh?" asked Tara.

"Yeah, and um you and Red…"

"Oh god," Tara said blushing and not able to speak.

"I'm happy for you. I haven't seen you this happy ever," Faith said.

"Thanks, I am happy."

"So, quite the pair aren't we," laughed Faith.

"The Slayers and the Witches, who would have guessed," laughed Tara.

"Tara, um, Buffy and I did talk about you briefly last night too," Faith said as she saw Tara cringe. "She said she is willing to get to know the you that I know, the person you are today. She wouldn't let me tell her about you and stuff with us last night because she wanted to go into this with no preconceived notions about you."

"Wow, after all that went down last night I have to say that I'm impressed."

"Lets show them who you are, the real you."

"Thanks again for coming, I don't think I would be able to get through this without you."

"You and Red would have found a way," said Faith.

"Maybe, but having you here feels right."

"Thanks! Now let's get back in there before they think we ran off together," Faith said after giving Tara a quick hug.

"Yeah, I'm feeling Willow-deprived."

"I'm not sure I see how after how close you two sounded last night," Faith said offering the now burgundy blonde a smirk.

"I'm not living this down for a while am I?"

"Oh you might, but wait until I tell Kelly and Jackie," Faith said as she and Tara re-entered the kitchen.

--------------------------------------

Buffy stared at the ground hoping a portal would open up and she wasn't going to have this conversation. It wasn't that she was embarrassed by it, she just wanted make sure of everything first.

"Buff, what is going on?"

"I don't know, well not entirely."

"But it has to do with you and Faith right?" asked Willow.

"Yeah," Buffy said sheepishly.

"What is it?"

"Um, well, I think that Tara saw Faith's hand linger on mine when she took her coffee."

"Why would thaaaa, wholly crap…" said Willow.

"Will, please don't freak out, it may not even be what you are thinking."

"I'm thinking that there is something going on between you and Faith."

"OK, so maybe it is what you are thinking, but it isn't a fling. Well at least not for me it isn't."

"So, what is going on?"

"Last night after Anya and Xander left I went outside and Faith and I had an amazing talk. I think it may have been the first REAL conversation we've ever had. We talked about what she had been up to, how she had changed, what life was like in London. And then we may have kissed and made out a bit on the porch swing."

"May have or did Summers'?" asked Willow.

"Did. And then we came inside and well you and Tara and well we went downstairs," started Buffy.

"Oh god," squeaked Willow realizing what the 'you and Tara' meant.

"Yeah, well we talked some more, kissed some more, and then cuddled and went to sleep."

"So, the Slayers and the Witches hook up," laughed Willow.

"You aren't mad?"

"Why would I be mad? First, you are an adult, and second, you seem happy and I can't be mad if you are happy. I know Faith has changed, to what extent I don't know yet, but I look forward to finding out."

"She really has Will," Buffy beamed.

"Then, not mad, but don't jerk her around and she I'm sure is getting the same speech from Tara."

"I wouldn't and I won't. So, back to you now…"

"We don't need to explore that do we?" asked Willow.

"Oh, but we do, you aren't a deep enough shade of red," laughed Buffy.

"You are an EVIL slayer, you know that."

"Yep, and I am proud of it. Seriously though, you seem really happy."

"We are, I didn't think I would ever be this happy in my whole life. I feel happier than I did the first time we were together and I was pretty darn happy then."

"That's great Willow."

"So, about you and Tara…"

"I told Faith that I want to get to know the Tara she knows. I wouldn't let her tell me anything about Tara so that I came into this with no expectations, but I am willing to get to know her. I don't want you moving to London, but I can't deny how happy the two of you seem together and how happy it makes me to see you this happy."

"Thanks Buffy," said Willow pulling her best friend into a hug.

"We good?"

"Yeah, we good."

--------------------------------------

"I swear Lehane you do that and I will find the most uncomfortable spell I can and make you pay," threatened Tara.

"Well, you two can't be in here if you aren't going to play nice," giggled Willow as she wrapped her arms around Tara who was still a deep shade of burgundy.

"I was playing nice," Faith said sticking her tongue out at the two witches as she wrapped an arm around Buffy.

"She is not," said Tara as Faith laughed.

"I was just joking Tara," said Faith.

"Somehow I'm not certain I believe that. Remember last Christmas when you told Kelly and Jackie that I had volunteered as an elf for Santa at the children's home and they came by just to take video and pictures of me even though you PROMISED you wouldn't say anything."

"Oops, forgot about that. You have to admit though you were rockin' those tights and elf shoes," Faith said laughing harder.

"Are there pictures of this," asked Willow her eyes lighting up.

"No, I deleted them all and tore up the printed ones," said Tara and then out of the corner of her eye she saw Faith holding a copy of one of the pictures up on her phone.

"Awwww," said Buffy.

"I wanna see," said Willow as she moved a bit closer to Faith to look at the picture.

"Oh bloody hell, seriously Faith," groaned Tara.

"You are so cute baby. Faith is right, you are rockin' those tights; you have such sexy hot legs," said Willow.

"Yeah, a lot of the fathers thought she did too," added Faith.

Just then the buzzer for the coffee cake went off and Tara jumped to pull it out of the oven.

"That smells awesome Tara," said Buffy.

"Thanks, but I should make you all just suffer and smell it and not get any to eat," said Tara.

"More for me," said Dawn as she came into the kitchen.

"Good morning Dawnie," said Tara.

"Good morning Red and Redder," laughed Dawn.

"They are being mean to me," said Tara.

"We are not, we were discussing last Christmas," said Faith.

"Oh yeah, the elf costume? I had that as my backdrop at school for a long time," said Dawn as Tara just groaned.

"Awww, baby we all love you," Willow said placing a kiss on the side of Tara's head.

"I'll take your word on that," said Tara as she handed everyone a piece of coffee cake and the five ate, drank coffee and talked.

--------------------------------------

After breakfast, Tara went and took a shower and got dressed and then grabbed her cellphone and headed out back.

"Hello my dear," said Morrigan answering the phone.

"Hi Morrigan! How are you doing?" asked Tara.

"Well, I'm fine. The real question is how are you doing? Although from the sound of your voice you are doing pretty well."

"Yes, I am doing very well. I'm very happy at the moment."

"Oh OK, I was so worried about how people would react to you not moving there," said the older woman.

"That didn't go over well, but after a heated conversation last night and then Faith showed up and helped things, I think we are doing ok now."

"Well, I'm glad she was helpful. Is Ceri having a good time?"

"Oh yes, and we told her that Willow is her Mama."

"Does that mean that you two are back together?"

"Yes, we are very back together," Tara said blushing.

"Oh, I am so happy for you my dear!"

"That actually is partly why I called. I was wondering who you Realtor was the last time you bought the flat. Willow and I are going to need to get a place, I think it will be getting a bit too crowded to stay at Giles' place."

"I agree. What are your requirements?"

"Near Faith and Giles, four bedrooms at least, safe," said Tara.

"Well, I will take care of it and have your place ready for you when you get home," said Morrigan.

"Morrigan you don't have to do that. I know how busy you are with the coven and everything."

"Sweetie, please, let me do this for you. You and that little girl of yours mean more to me than anything," said Morrigan her voice cracking with emotion.

"Thank you. It means so much to me to have you in our life," said Tara.

"Well, enough of that, I have a meeting in a few minutes and I can't very well go into it with red eyes and snotty nose."

"No you can't. Thank you again Morrigan! I miss you and will call you again soon to talk and fill you in on all that has gone on," said Tara waving Willow over to her.

"OK, I look forward to the call my dear. Kiss that redhead of yours, oh wait, hmmm, I'm going to have to edit that a bit aren't I. Kiss that little bitty redhead of yours," laughed Morrigan.

"How about I kiss them both and we call it good," laughed Tara.

"OK, kiss them both. I'll talk to you soon."

"Talk to you soon and thank you again," said Tara and then she hung up the phone and pulled Willow close to her.

"So, how'd the call go? Did you get the name of the person she used?"

"Actually Sweetie, Morrigan is going to take care of it for us."

"If you trust her to do this for us, then I trust you on it. And did I hear something about a kiss," said Willow.

"She told me to kiss my redhead, then she realized that I have 2 redheads and told me to kiss my little bitty redhead; I told her I'd kiss them both," explained Tara as she leaned over and captured Willows lips.

--------------------------------------

"Hi Faith," said Buffy as she entered the living room after getting ready for the day.

"Hey B," said Faith as Buffy sat down next to her.

"What are you doing?"

"Oh, I was actually waiting for you. I wanted to see if maybe I could um, take you on a date tomorrow night?"

"I'd like that," Buffy said as she leaned against Faiths shoulder.

"Where are Tara and Red?"

Buffy pointed to the patio door and Faith saw them outside kissing.

"Were they always that loving?"

"They were, but I think they are worse now," laughed Buffy.

"They seem happy," said Faith as she put an arm around Buffy and held her close.

--------------------------------------

"What do you think of Faith and Buffy?" asked Willow.

"I think that they are a good match, they each know what the other is going through Slayer wise."

"I thought that too. I hope they find happiness like us…is that cheesy?"

"A little Sweetie, but I love it when you're cheesy, loving, sexy, kissing me…" said Tara as she pressed her lips to the redheads again.

"Mmmmm, I love all those and so many others," said Willow.

"You do huh?!"

"Oh yeah," Willow said nipping at Tara's neck.

"You keep that up and we're going to have to take this upstairs," whispered Tara.

"I'm ok with that, though I think we may have to do a silencing spell or we will never hear the end of it."

"Mmmmm, I can handle that," said Tara.

Just as they were starting to get up and head to their room Tara's phone rang.

"Hello," said Tara.

"Hi Mommy," said the voice on the other end.

"Well hello baby girl."

"I missed you and Mama so Grandpa said I could call and say HI," said Ceri.

"Well, let me put you on speaker phone since Mama is right here with me," said Tara hitting the speaker button on her phone.

"Hi Sweetie," said Willow.

"Hi Mama," said Ceri.

"Are you having fun with Grandpa?"

"Yeah, he helped me make a fort in the living room and we sat in it and watched movies and he even let me sleep in it."

"That was really nice of Grandpa. Make sure you help him clean it up when you are done with it," said Tara.

"I will I promise Mommy."

"Can I talk to Grandpa for a minute?" asked Tara.

"Hello," said Giles.

"Hey Giles. It sounds like you two are having a lot of fun," said Tara.

"Well, I'm used to seeing her daily and then I went a few days without her, I missed her," he confessed.

"I can imagine. I wanted to let you know that I talked to Morrigan today and she is going to help Willow and I find a place so that we aren't overcrowding your place when we get back to London."

"Well, take your time, there is no reason to rush," said Giles.

"I know, and I appreciate that," said Tara.

"Would you be terribly upset if I kept Ceri for another night?"

"That is up to her."

"Ceri, would you like to stay another night with Grandpa?" Giles asked the little girl.

"Mommy, Mama, can I?"

"I'm ok with it," said Tara.

"It is your choice," said Willow.

"I love you both and I'll see you tomorrow," said the little redhead.

"We love you too," said Willow.

"Have a great day and night with Grandpa and we'll come and get you in the morning," said Tara.

"OK, bye," called Ceri as she ran out of the room.

"Well you girls enjoy your time together," said Giles.

"Thank you, we'll see you both tomorrow," laughed Tara as she hung up the phone.

"So, what should we do today and tonight?" asked Willow.

"I'm sure we can figure something out."

"I'm sure we can."

--------------------------------------

TBC…

_________________
~ Branny72
I found younger-me still exists in the archives as SlayerTazz...
Mending Fences | The One Where Everyone Has a Go |Actions and Consequences | Meant To Be


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 13 Updated 09/02/2013
PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:37 am 
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Dibssss!!!!

I don't think I have comment in here yet, but my schedule being so busy that I haven't had any time to even sleep.

Anyway, I am sooo loving this story, every day I look here to see if there is a new update.

Amazing way how you progressing with the story. I cannot way to see what will happen, but at the same time I have the feeling something bad is coming.
I don't know why :gnome :hmm

Anyway thanks for the update.

Waiting for more

:kitty

Tay


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 13 Updated 09/02/2013
PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 1:58 am 
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Sweet mother of Kittens, Yes!

Ok, a good story just became great!

I mean, it's nice and right that Willow and Tara are getting all snuggly, but Buffy and Faith is the icing on the cake.
I like to see all my girls happy. With all the other girls, um.

And Dawn is going to start wondering if there's something in the water.
Uh, there's a W/T B/F D/K story by that name i think. i remember it being rather good.

Giles' is so cute as a grandpa. I imagine Faith teasing him forever with that one.

More please? :aww

R :flower

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“All I feel is sunlight. All I hear is music.” Willow
How i Met Your Mother - By Ariel


My Story: Coming Home


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 13 Updated 09/02/2013
PostPosted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 12:57 pm 
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Posts: 226
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taysla: Welcome! I am very happy to hear that you are enjoying the story. I try to get an update posted every week, I would do more, but time just doesn’t allow for it right now.

Something bad coming… :hmm Maybe… :impatient

Azirahael: Glad you enjoyed Fuffy! I agree that Giles is a very cute grandpa! :sigh :flower

Feedback: Pretty please…it helps me improve

Authors Notes: Thank you to Willara4ever for always being willing to read or help when I get writers block...life's drama's do NOT help with writing, but having great helpers/collaborators does!

--------------------------------------
Title: Actions and Consequences
By: Branny72
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.
Rating: PG-13 - NC-17 (will vary per chapter) – PG-13 This Chapter
Couples: W/T
Summary: AU – Tara didn’t die she left town…set 5 years after Tara left…Actions have consequences, everyone has to live by their choices.
--------------------------------------

Chapter 14

Willow and Tara were sitting outside sharing a lounge chair enjoying the sun and their time together.

"Hey Will," said Tara.

"Yeah, baby," answered Willow turning her head to look at Tara.

"Have you given any thought to what you need to do to move yourself and your business to London?"

"I actually have made a mental list of stuff that I'm going to need to take care of both before we leave and then when we get our own place."

"What types of things?"

"Well, I'm going to need to pack, figure out what I need to take with and what I can just buy over there, I'll need to get an E1 put in for my business."

"Um, what is an E1?"

"You know the term T1?" said Willow as Tara nodded. "Well, it is the European version of that."

"Oh," said Tara smiling.

"Baby, I have meant to ask you about your website. I know that computers were never your thing…"

"Will, they still aren't. That is where Kelly and Jackie come in."

"Kelly is good with computers; Jackie has her own software business. Don't you dare ask me what she does because I have no clue!"

"I love you," said Willow placing a kiss on Tara's lips.

"I love you too," said Tara.

"So, they manage your website?"

"Yeah, I tell them what I want or if I see something I like and they make it happen or tell me I'm dreaming."

"I can't wait to meet them," said Willow.

"I can't wait for them to meet you."

"Do you think that they'll like me or think that I'm good enough for you?"

"Will, Sweetie, they know about our past, they know that I love you and that you are Ceri's other parent. All you have to do is love us, if you do that Kelly and Jackie won't have any issues with you. I also don't care what they think when it comes to you being good enough for me, that is my choice and I've already decided that you are."

"Do you think that Morrigan will have any issues finding us some options?"

"Knowing her, no, she will find the perfect place for us," laughed Tara.

"You have a lot of faith in her."

"I do, and I'm hoping that once you get to know her you will too."

Tara pulled Willow close and kissed her lovingly, Willow took the opportunity to deepen the kiss. They both groaned feeling the fires inside starting to flare up.

--------------------------------------

"Anya," said Xander.

"Yes," said Anya entering their living room.

"Do you really think that this thing between Willow and Tara has a shot at working?"

"Yeah, I do. I know you love Willow and she has always been there for you and for us, but this is really a huge opportunity for her. She a real shot with Tara again."

"I know, but Tara lied to her and didn't tell her that she had a kid or where she was. I'm having a hard time resolving that. And she left all of us."

"You need to find a way Xander resolve for yourself that she didn't tell Willow, that is their issue not ours. As for her leaving all of us, I don't know why that bothers you so much, you need to either explain or figure it out. Willow and Tara seemed very happy together, she is only here for a little while, and then they will both be gone. Don't let the past ruin the time that you have left with Willow here and the opportunity to get to know Tara again."

"Maybe I'll call Buffy and see what went on after we left," said Xander.

"I think that is a good idea. I have to go into the store for a little while," said Anya.

--------------------------------------

"Hello," said Buffy answering her phone.

"Hey Buffy," said Xander.

"Hey Xander! What's up?" asked Buffy as she and Faith were still cuddling on the couch.

"I wanted to talk to you to see how things went after Anya and I left last night. I'm still really torn on things."

"Xander, I talked with Faith last night after you guys left and I agreed to get to know the Tara she knows, not the one that we knew. I think you should do the same."

"How can you do that?" asked Xander.

"Ceri is staying with Giles today and tonight so I am thinking that spending the day with Tara and talking to her about her life in London is a good start," Buffy said as Faith smiled at her and kissed the side of her head.

"I don't know if I am that open-minded," Xander admitted.

"Well, I think you are going to have to figure out a way since it is the only way you are going to get to see Willow and spend time with her before they leave."

"You don't think there is any chance that we can convince them to stay?"

"I am certain of that."

Xander let out a loud sigh. Looking around the apartment that he shared with Anya, seeing all the stuff that reminded him of Willow, of Buffy, of their life together and the things they had done, it made him sad to think that all of this was going to change and he didn't have any control over it.

"I'm scared Buffy."

"I'm scared to Xander, but this isn't something we have a say in or control of," said Buffy.

"Tell him you'll call him back, I have an idea," whispered Faith.

"Xander can I call you back in a couple of minutes?"

"Yeah, sure," said Xander and then they hung up.

--------------------------------------

Faith went to the backyard to talk to Willow and Tara who were now fully engrossed in a make out session. She coughed to try to get their attention, when it didn't work she tried saying their name to see if that would work, still nothing. Faith looked around and saw the hose sitting off to the side of the patio; as she moved closer to it, she heard a muffled voice.

"Turn it on us and you are in deep shit," Tara said while still kissing Willow.

"Well if you would have acknowledged me I wouldn't have had to think of doing it," laughed Faith.

"I was hoping that by ignoring you that you would go away," said Tara as her and Willow stopped their make out session, but were still attached in every other way.

"T, how often do I really go away?"

"True, what's up?"

"Well you know that I convinced Buffy to get to know the new you, but would you be open to me inviting Anya and Xander over and us grilling out, having a couple of drinks, and just getting to know you. Maybe if things go well enough we can hit The Bronze and do some dancing?"

"I think it's a great idea baby," said Willow.

"I guess it can't hurt anything," said Tara.

"Great, you guys go back to your little kissing session, I'll have Buffy call and invite Xander and Anya over and then she and I will go get the provisions."

"I like the sounds of that," Tara smiled and then leaned over and recaptured Willows lips.

Faith just shook her head and laughed. She went back inside and told Buffy her idea. Buffy was all for it and said she would call and invite Xander and Anya over.

--------------------------------------

"Hey Buffy," said Xander as he answered the phone.

"Hey Xander, I was calling to invite you and Anya over to a cookout today."

"This cookout, would that happen to be your way of getting us all to know the "new" Tara?"

"It would, and I think it would be a good thing if you guys came," said Buffy.

"Anya is at the Magic Box now, but I can give her a call and tell her about it. I know that she is going to want to spend time with Tara so it will be fine with her. What time?"

"How about you guys come over in a couple of hours? That way Faith and I have time to go get food and stuff."

"So do you need us to bring anything?"

"Nope, we got it covered," said Buffy.

"Ok, we'll see you guys in a couple of hours."

"See you then, bye."

"Bye Buffy."

Buffy hung up the phone and then her and Faith got ready and went out shopping.

--------------------------------------

"Magic Box," said Anya answering the phone.

"Hi Ahn," said Xander.

"Xander?"

"Yeah, who else sounds like me?"

"Well nobody, I just wasn't expecting you to call."

"Oh, well, we've been invited to Buffy's for a cookout / get to know Tara thing today. I told Buffy that we'd come, I didn't think you'd mind."

"Well of course not. When do we have to be there?"

"Buffy said in a couple of hours. She was going to go get food with Faith."

"Ok, well I'll be home in a bit and then we can go," said Anya as she hung up.

--------------------------------------

Willow and Tara decided they had better go get ready for the party, neither thought that Xander would appreciate them still being outside kissing when he arrived.

"Wanna shower together or do you think that would be too dangerous," said Willow grinning.

"Oh, I think together would be the most efficient use of…oh who cares you, me, naked, wet, I can't pass that up," said Tara pulling Willow into the bathroom.

"You are quite the little vixen Ms. Maclay."

"Is that a complaint?"

"Never," said Willow pulling Tara into the shower and kissing her deeply.

After an impromptu session of making love in the shower they got cleaned up and went into the bedroom and got dressed. They headed downstairs when Buffy and Faith got home from getting the food for the cookout.

--------------------------------------

"Well, well, look who finally made it out of the backyard," laughed Faith.

"We could go back there if you want," said Tara as she wrapped her arms around Willow's waist from behind and softly kissed her neck.

"Mmmmm, I'm all for that," said Willow as her eyes fluttered shut.

"I will get the hose," threatened Buffy.

"B, it isn't going to stop them. I think we're doomed to deal with this for a while."

"A very long time," Tara said into Willows neck.

"T, you know you are my best friend and I love you dearly, but DOWN GIRL," said Faith as she tried to pull Tara away from Willow.

"But Faith," whined Tara.

"No, you and I need to talk and I need your attention to be with me and not with Red and her various body parts," said Faith as she saw Tara's eyes roaming up and down Willows body.

"Ok, let's go talk," said Tara as she leaned over and gave Willow a quick kiss.

Willow and Buffy went into the kitchen to unpack the groceries while Tara and Faith went into the backyard to get it set up.

--------------------------------------

"Things seem to be going well with you and Faith," said Willow.

"Yeah, she has um really changed," said Buffy as she turned a slight shade of red.

"So, wanna talk about it?"

"I don't know what to say. I like the new Faith; I think we are at a place where we mesh now. She at least understands what I am feeling and what I'm going through."

"That does help," said Willow.

"Did or does Tara being a witch help with your relationship and understanding one another?"

"Buffy, we've been back together for a few days; I can't really say that it helps."

"Well, not now, but when you guys first got together in college," said a frustrated Slayer.

"I guess I never really thought about it, but yeah, I guess it did help. We can help one another grow."

"Well, then I am hopeful that it will help us," said Buffy.

"Oh, are you planning on this being something lasting?" asked Willow excitedly. It had been a long time since she had seen her best friend happy and excited about a relationship or the start of one.

"I like her a lot, and when we kiss, I don't know, I've never felt anything like it before. I wish I could explain it."

"You don't have to, I know the feeling or what I think the feeling is. I get that when I kiss Tara or she touches me, smiles at me, walks past…," said Willow as she drifted off into a mild Tara-haze.

"Hello, earth to Willow," said Buffy realizing that she had lost her.

--------------------------------------

"Alright Faith, talk to me," said Tara as a knowing grin crossed her face.

"I don't know where to start," said Faith.

"Well, I'm going to guess that this has to do with Buffy."

"Yeah, it definitely has to do with her."

"And I will venture further on that guess that it has to do with some kissing and even further guessing that it has to do with feelings for her," said Tara with a lopsided grin.

"Yeah, all of that stuff."

"What's the issue? You both seem to be hitting it off really well, she seems to share your feelings."

"I'm scared. I have never really felt anything like this before. I don't know how to explain it."

"Faith let me see if I can explain it. When you touch you feel as if your soul is complete, when you look into her eyes you feel as if anything is possible, when you kiss the world and everything in it drift away, and when you picture your future she's always a key part of it."

"Ok T, that is just creepy accurate. How do you know this?"

"Easy, that is what it is like for Willow and I. The fact that you and Buffy are Slayers adds to our connection and makes it a deeper connection. Willow and I are witches so that plays into our connection."

"So, this is what you and Red feel?"

"I don't think you and Buffy have our intensity yet, but it is definitely what it was like when we started dating."

"No wonder you waited for her," laughed Faith.

"You have no idea, your connection is just starting," said Tara placing a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"I don't know how you handle the intensity, it's overwhelming."

"It is, but it is also the most amazing and incredible feeling as well. Are you happy?"

"More than I have ever known before," said Faith as she turned a shade of red that Tara hadn't ever seen before.

"Then I say go with it and see what the future holds for you two."

"Thanks Tara, I'm sorry to say but I'm glad that they were asses to you," said Faith with a huge smile.

"I know that part of me should be offended by that, but seeing you happy is more important," said Tara as she pulled her best friend into a hug.

--------------------------------------

Xander and Anya arrived and everyone migrated out to the backyard and sat around the patio table.

"So, where is Ceri?" asked Anya.

"She's spending the night again with Giles. They are so used to seeing one another daily that being apart the past few days was a bit much," laughed Tara.

"So, you guys really still live together? Does Faith live there too?"

"Actually I have the place downstairs from Giles," said Faith.

"Ceri and I have lived with him the entire time, I have thought about moving a few times, but something always comes up and we find that it is just easier that I stay there."

"What is going to happen when Willow moves there? Isn't that going to make things a bit crowded at Giles place?" asked Xander.

"Tara and I discussed that this morning and she called Morrigan who is going to line up some places near Faith and Giles for us to look at once we get there."

"Will, are you going to be able to afford to get a place right away?"

"I have money saved, plus it isn't like moving from here to there is going to slow my income down since I do my work remotely anyway."

"Willow and I will be equals in our household," said Tara taking Willows hand in her own and squeezing it.

"So, tell us about life in London," said Buffy.

"T, tell them, tell it all," said Faith.

"Well, I don't know what all to tell you. I volunteer at a children's home a few times a month, working with them on art projects, teaching them to cook, or helping distribute gifts at the holidays or on their birthdays. I helped Faith finish High School and then get an Associate's degree. I have some great friends I met when I was going to the University, Kelly and Jackie, and then there is Faith."

"Tara, you always were the one that made this group better," interrupted Xander.

"What?" asked Tara.

"The reason I have acted the way I have been. Yes, I don't want to lose Willow, she's been my rock since we were in kindergarten, but it is you that always brought the level of this group up to a higher standard. You made us better people and want to be better. I agree with all that Faith said last night about you, but no, I'm not in love with you – Willow has that market covered. I just feel like a better person when you are around."

"I don't know what to say Xander," said Tara.

"I'm not expecting you to say anything, I just needed to explain. Don't think I'm not still pissed as hell about you keeping Ceri out of our lives, but it was you leaving the rest of us that really set me off."

"Xander, you've said most of that already," said Willow.

"I know, but the reasoning before was because I was angry, hurt, scared, now, I just want Tara to understand that the real reason that I've been acting this way is because she didn't just leave you, she left all of us and she left a hole that couldn't be filled. I'm scared that if you guys move to London I'm going to have another hole and lose you again Tara and lose my best friend."

"Xander, us going to London is going to be different this time. We are going to stay in touch, you will come visit, we'll come visit. You'll get to see Ceri grow up, you'll all be a part of her life," said Tara.

"We need to have our time as a family Xander. Tara, Ceri, and I need to build our bond as a family. I can't do that with them in London and me here. I can't ask Tara to put Ceri in danger and move back to the Hellmouth, but that doesn't mean that you guys aren't still our family," added Willow.

"I get that, I just don't deal well with change," said Xander.

Buffy and Faith exchanged glances at his statement, Willow and Tara saw the exchange and smiled.

"Xander, we have one more tiny change that you may want to start excepting," said Buffy.

"Alright, what else is there?"

"I'm dating Faith," said Buffy.

"WHAT?" exclaimed Xander.

"Oh great, hell froze over didn't it," said Anya.

"No, and why would you think that?" asked Faith.

"Because, Buffy said hell would freeze over before she would consider kissing a girl," said Anya as the rest of the group laughed.

"Well, maybe hell did freeze over then," said Buffy as she pulled Faith into a kiss.

"So, now everyone has someone to complete them," said Xander as he put his arm around his wife.

"I say we cook food and eat," said Tara.

"See, she is the best part of us," laughed Xander.

Tara and Faith manned the grill and prepped the food as the others got the table cleared off and the non-grill items put out.

--------------------------------------

After they had finished eating and cleaned up, they moved inside to watch movies. Faith and Buffy curled up in the oversized chair, Anya and Xander were on the couch, and Willow and Tara curled up on the floor together.

"Ok, whose phone is ringing?" asked Buffy.

"That's my ringtone," said Tara as she got up and grabbed her phone off the table.

"Hi Jackie," said Tara as she listened to the person on the other end of the line her face lost color and she staggered to a chair. Everyone in the room was watching her; Willow and Faith were both making their way to Tara's side when she got off the phone.

"Baby," said Willow as she put her hand on Tara's now shaking hand.

"T, why is Jackie calling so late," said Faith.

"Kelly was in a car accident, she's in the hospital," said Tara.

"She's going to be ok though, right T?"

"They, they don't know. Morrigan is at the hospital with Jackie now. Kelly is in surgery," said Tara as tears streamed down her face. Both Faith and Willow were hugging her to try to keep her shaking to a minimum.

"What can we do?" asked Xander.

"I don't know, I have to get back to London," said Tara.

"Baby, why don't you take Morrigan's plane in the morning back and Ceri and I will get my stuff packed and head over in a few days," said Willow.

"Will, I'll take a commercial flight, you can pack your stuff on the plane then and bring more with you when you and Ceri come to London," said Tara.

"Willow are you sure you are ready to be the sole parent here?" asked Buffy.

"Yes, and Tara is going to the hospital so this is what is best for Ceri," said Willow.

"T, do you want me to come back with you?"

"No, stay here, you have something that you need to attend to," Tara smiled.

"I'll call the airport and get you a flight back to London as early as I can," said Anya moving towards the phone.

"I'll call Giles," said Willow.

Xander moved and wrapped Tara into his arms and she started to cry.

"I'll be her shoulder to cry on," said Xander.

"Faith, are you ok," asked Buffy.

"No, but I'm not as close to Kelly as Tara is."

Buffy wrapped her arms around Faith and just held her.

The next morning they drove Tara to the airport and she got on a flight and headed home to London to be there for her friends.

Giles brought Ceri over to the Summers' house and Willow explained that Mommy had to head home, but they would be heading home in a couple of days.

--------------------------------------
TBC…
--------------------------------------

_________________
~ Branny72
I found younger-me still exists in the archives as SlayerTazz...
Mending Fences | The One Where Everyone Has a Go |Actions and Consequences | Meant To Be


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 14 Updated 09/08/2013
PostPosted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 1:42 pm 
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Dibbity!

Glad Xander finally explained himself.
Half the time, explaining yourself to someone let's you figure out what's going through your own head, so yay! All kinds of Yay!

And it looks like Tara is going to have some similar dealing to do, because I don't see Buffy leaving the Hellmouth, so i'm guessing Faith is gonna move to Sunnydale.

Also : car accident. Though that has less emotional impact for me, 'cos I've never met these mystery folk.


Anyways, loved it!

Still feel for Xander, glad he's dealing though.

And yay for Fuffy!

Keep up the good work! :flower

R :bounce

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“All I feel is sunlight. All I hear is music.” Willow
How i Met Your Mother - By Ariel


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 14 Updated 09/08/2013
PostPosted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 2:20 am 
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Great update..

Finally resolved all his issues with Tara..looking forward to Ceri and Willow spending some days alone..yay for fluffy.

Can't wait for more..


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 Post subject: Re: Actions and Consequences - Ch 14 Updated 09/08/2013
PostPosted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 7:23 pm 
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Azirahael: You knew he had to have a reason for his reaction, he never was good at expressing himself.

Car accident – may not have a lot of emotional impact, but I’m hoping it will continue to show that Tara did change while she was in London and has made some good friends.

Oh and glad you liked Fuffy!


lilyred: Thanks for reading, I’m glad you liked the update!! Time for Willow and Ceri to bond!

Authors Notes: Thank you to Willara4ever for always being willing to read or help when I get writers block...life's drama's do NOT help with writing, but having great helpers/collaborators does!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: Actions and Consequences
By: Branny72
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.
Rating: PG-13 - NC-17 (will vary per chapter) – PG-13 This Chapter (some bad words)
Couples: W/T
Summary: AU – Tara didn’t die she left town…set 5 years after Tara left…Actions have consequences, everyone has to live by their choices.

Feedback: Pretty please…It helps me to know what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong!!

=====================================


Chapter 15

Once Tara arrived at the airport in London, Morrigan swept Tara into her arms. The woman loved Tara like a daughter and was a formidable protector of her as well. She let the blonde cry on her shoulder and reassured her that Kelly would be ok, but she indeed needed her. The pair got into the back of Morrigan's car and the driver drove them to the hospital. Morrigan showed Tara to Kelly's room where she was met by a pacing Jackie.

"Tara," said Jackie as she ran to the blonde and was enveloped into her arms.

"H-how is she?" asked Tara as Jackie continued to cling to her.

"She's in critical condition. They put her in a coma to help her heal," cried Jackie.

"What happened?"

"I don't know. I was headed to a meeting when I got the call that she had been in an accident and that she was on her way here," said Jackie.

"From talking with the officer that came in with her it looks like it was a hit-and-run of sorts," said Morrigan.

"WHAT?" said the two women turning to face her.

"Well, that is what the officer said. I'm not family so I didn't get the full update. And before you ask I did try to convince him I was her family."

"Jackie, they haven't come to talk to you at all?" asked Tara.

"I don't think so, though I've been pretty wrapped up in what is going on with Kelly. I was given a card of someone from the police, but Kelly just got out of surgery and recovery two hours ago and I'll be damned if I was going to leave her side to make a phone call," said Jackie.

Tara pulled her friend back into her arms and tried to calm her down. Jackie clung to the blonde until she stopped shaking and then pulled back.

"When are they going to let you in," asked Morrigan.

"Once she has been stable for a few hours."

"Have you eaten?" asked Tara.

"Yeah, full seven course meal," snapped Jackie.

"Sorry, I guess you wouldn't have."

"I'm sorry Tara; I didn't mean to snap at you. I haven't eaten and I'm not sure if you brought me something that I could eat."

"It's ok, when you are ready I'll go get you something," Tara said offering her friend a soft smile.

"Why don't you two sit and I'll go see if I can get any information on when they will let you in. I mean you ARE family," Morrigan said offering a wink to the two women.

"I guess she is implying that I'll pass as someone's family," laughed Tara.

"You are family," Jackie said. "You are the closest thing Kelly has had to a sister."

"She is like a sister to me too. She's going to be ok Jackie, I can feel it," Tara said.

"Well, that helps some, I know your feelings and I trust them more than these doctors."

Morrigan went to the nurses' station and talked to the head nurse to see if she could get Tara and Jackie into Kelly's room. The head nurse understood their anxiety and desire to be in there, she knew that it wasn't going to be too much longer, but she agreed to let them in.

"Ladies, follow me please," said the nurse as she led Jackie and Tara into the room.

"You can sit by the bed, hold her hand, talk to her, but make sure that you don't bump anything."

"We will be careful," said Tara as she held on to Jackie who was a bit unstable seeing her wife in bed with tubes coming out of her helping her breathe and monitoring her vitals.

Tara turned to Morrigan who was standing in the doorway and mouthed 'thank you' to her for getting them in. She had no clue how Morrigan had done it, but she knew not to question it and just be thankful.

"If you two need anything at all, Tara you call me and I'll bring it or make it happen."

"Thank you Morrigan," said Jackie as she hugged the older woman.

"Thanks," Tara said hugging Morrigan.

"I mean it – anything, any time you call me," whispered Morrigan before letting go of the blonde and exiting the room.

"Do you want a few minutes alone?" Tara asked Jackie.

"Anything that I have to say to her I can say in front of you. You introduced us, you turned her down when she made advances on you, and you turned me down when I made advances on you. What the hell was wrong with you?" Jackie said with a strained giggle.

"You two were meant to be together, I already found my soul mate," Tara said as she started to blush.

"The infamous Willow again," smiled Jackie causing Tara to blush even more.

Jackie walked over and held on to Kelly's hand while Tara positioned herself on the other side and took her other hand. They sat there in silence for a long time. A nurse came in to check her vitals, and then left without saying a word to either woman.

=====================================


"Mama, can I help you pack?" Ceri asked as she walked into Willow's office.

"I would love it if you helped me," said Willow.

"Mommy says I'm a good helper."

"Well, I bet you are. I was just getting ready to pack up my books; I think it would be really helpful for me if you would hand them to me while I put them in the box."

"Ok, where do I start?" asked Ceri.

"Let's start with the bottom shelf and work our way up," said Willow as she finished taping a few boxes together.

Willow and Ceri worked for a couple of hours packing up her office. After they finished with the books that Ceri could reach they moved to emptying the desk and packing up her computers.

"Mama, why do you have so many computers?"

"Well, a couple of them are old, and then the other couple I need for my work. When you get older if you want I can teach you about them."

"Really," squeaked the little redhead.

"You bet," said Willow as she hugged her daughter. "I think we've worked pretty hard in here for now and I am wondering if you might like to go with me to get some ice cream?"

"Is there anyone else coming with us?"

"Not if you don't want them to," Willow smiled.

"I want it just us," said Ceri.

"Then it will be just us. Go get your shoes on and we'll go get some ice cream."

Ceri ran out of the room and upstairs to get her shoes. Willow found Buffy, Dawn, and Faith in the kitchen talking.

"Hey Wills," said Buffy.

"Hey. Ceri and I are going to take a break from the packing and go get some ice cream. We'll be back later," said Willow.

"How are things going with you and Ceri?" asked Faith.

"Great, the more time I spend with her the more I see a pretty good mix of Tara and I in her," Willow smiled with pride.

"Have you heard from Tara?" asked Dawn.

"No, but I didn't think I would for a while, I'm sure she went right to the hospital," said Willow.

"I'd be willing to guarantee she did," said Faith.

"How close is Tara with Kelly and Jackie?" asked Buffy.

"She trusts them with Ceri, they are family. I think that they both tried to date her and instead she put them together. She helped them plan their wedding, they're close like you and Red," said Faith.

"Wow, that's close," said Willow.

"How close are you with them?" asked Buffy.

"We're friends, I know that if I need anything that I can go to either of them for help or they would have my back and I would do the same for them."

"Mama, are you in here," said Ceri as she entered the kitchen.

"Yep, are you ready to go get some ice cream?"

"Yep," said Ceri taking Willow's hand.

"We'll see you guys later," said Willow as the two headed out.

=====================================


"Will you stay with her while I step out for a minute?" Jackie asked Tara.

"You know I will," Tara said offering her friend a smile.

"Thanks Tara," Jackie said as she left the room to get some air.

"Hey Kel," Tara said as she held her friend's hand and slowly started to inject some healing magic into her friend. Tara noticed another magical signature as she was transferring her healing spell; it wasn't a signature that she knew, but it was definitely one that was based in light and had been used to help and not hurt her friend. "I have a lot to tell you when you wake up, well to tell both you and Jackie. I'm sure you can hear me so I'm not going to give you details so you have some incentive to wake up and get better quickly. Until then, you know that I will take care of Jackie, make sure she eats and sleeps, gets out of here once in a while, all that stuff. We need you though, so you need to get better quickly."

Tara sat back down and watched her friend sleep noting that the color in her skin was a little bit better. She was lost in thought when she felt her phone vibrate.

"Hello," said Tara as she quickly stepped out of Kelly's room.

"Hey baby," said Willow.

"Oh Sweetie, I really needed to hear your voice right now," Tara said as a tear rolled down her face.

"I'm glad I called then. How are you doing? How is Kelly doing?"

"I am holding it together, Kelly, she's really bad, they have her in a medically induced coma to give her body a chance to heal, and I have given her a little magical healing help too."

"That's good, I know that she means a lot to you," Willow said and Tara could hear a slight smile coming through the phone.

"How are you and Ceri doing?"

"Fantastic! She wants to talk to you," Willow said as she handed the phone to Ceri.

"Hi Mommy," said the little girl.

"Hi baby girl, I miss you," said Tara.

"I miss you too. Mama said I get o see you in a few days though."

"Yes, you both will be coming home to see me."

"Guess what I did today?"

"What's that baby girl?"

"I helped Mama pack her office up and then we went and gots ice cream!"

"Well, isn't she lucky to have such an amazing helper," Tara said.

"Mommy, why did you have to go home? Mama said it was im-im-important," asked Ceri.

"Well, Mama was right, it was very important. Auntie Kelly was hurt in an accident and both she and Auntie Jackie needed my help," said Tara turning to look at her friend lying there with tubes sticking out of her.

"Is Auntie Kelly going to be alright?" asked the little girl her voice breaking.

"Yes, she will be alright. I bet when you and Mama get here she'll be ready for a big hug from you too."

"I'll save her the bestest hug I got," smiled Ceri.

"That would be great and I know she will appreciate it. Can I talk to Mama for a couple of minutes and then I will put you on speaker phone and you can tell Auntie Kelly to get better, ok."

"Ok Mommy," Ceri said as she handed Willow back the phone.

"Hey Baby. What can I do to help?"

"You did it; you called when I needed to hear your voice. Call me again tomorrow?"

"Of course we will."

"That is what I need right now. It also helps that I don't need to worry about Ceri in all this because I know she is with you. I love you Willow!"

"I love you to baby! We'll be there in a couple of days and then I can hold you and tell you I love you," said Willow.

"I can't wait," Tara said her tiredness coming through. "I told Ceri that I would let her tell Kelly to get better. I know that she can hear us talking to her and that it will help."

As Tara started walking back into the room she saw Jackie walking over as well. They went into the room and Tara turned on her speaker phone.

"Ok baby girl, say hi to Auntie Jackie, and then tell Auntie Kelly to get better," said Tara.

"Hi Auntie Jackie! Auntie Kelly you need to get better soon Mommy and I have a surprise for you," said Ceri.

"Hi Munchkin," said Jackie. "I am certain that Kelly heard you and is definitely going to get better soon just to find out what this surprise is."

"Ok, thank you Sweetheart, give everyone a hug and kiss for me and I'll see you in a couple of days. I love you," said Tara as she turned off the speaker phone and put the phone up to her ear.

"I will Mommy and I love you too," said Ceri handing the phone back to Willow.

"We'll call you tomorrow. With your healing help she'll be alright, I know it. I love you!"

"I love you so much too! I'll see you guys in a couple of days."

With that Tara hung up the phone and put it in her purse.

"Her color looks a lot better," Jackie noticed.

"Yeah, it does," said Tara wondering if Jackie was going to ask about it or if she had known what she had done.

"You wouldn't have had anything to do with that would you…Tara," accused Jackie.

"What makes you think that I might have had anything to do with that," Tara said unable to make eye contact with her friend.

"Tara, we've been friends for years, you own 4 magic stores, and do I look that naïve and clueless?"

"Well, no, but it isn't something we ever discussed either."

"I know that Morrigan is the head of a coven, I know that you and Ceri spend time with her on 'things' and such. I know what you are," said Jackie with the hint of a smirk on her face.

"Fine, yes, I helped a little and if you are ok with it and if you think she would be ok with it I'd like to help her more, but I'm not the only one that has helped her in that way," Tara said feeling relieved that Jackie wasn't mad.

"Honey, you do whatever you can to help her and make sure that she is still a part of our lives," Jackie said as she walked over and hugged Tara tight.

"I will do all that I can," promised Tara.

"Wait, what do you mean you aren't the only one that has helped her?"

"I detected another magical signature when I did my little healing spell. It was based in light and only meant to help her get better, but there was one there," said Tara.

"Could it have been Morrigan who helped her?"

"No, it wasn't her signature. I'll see if I can pick up on the signature again and see if I can figure out who else is helping her."

"So what is this big surprise that Ceri is talking about? Oh and where is our little munchkin?"

"I cannot tell you the surprise, but right now Ceri is in Sunnydale with Faith, Giles, and the others."

"You left her on the Hellmouth? Your precious baby girl?"

"She is beyond safe, trust me!"

"I do, but there is something going on and I can't wait to find out," Jackie said turning back to her wife.

"With your help and this mystery person helping, how quickly can we get her out of here without too many questions being raised?"

"I think I could have her out in a couple of days, about the time that Ceri and Giles get home," said Tara as she took Kelly's hand again and sent in some more healing magic.

=====================================


Willow and Ceri had been out for ice cream and then came home and called Tara to help ease the little girls' fears. She knew something was wrong, but she didn't know what. After getting off the phone she curled up next to Willow on the sofa in Willows office.

"Mama, do you think that Auntie Kelly is going to be ok?" asked Ceri.

"I do and I know that your Mommy is going to do whatever she can to help her get better," Willow said hugging her daughter.

"Are you moving to London when we go back?" asked Ceri.

"Yes I am, is that ok?"

"Yeah, you make Mommy smile; she is so pretty when she smiles."

"Yes, she is very pretty when she smiles."

There was a knock on the door and Willow called for them to come in.

"Hey Wills," said Buffy as she came in followed by Faith.

"Hey guys, what's up?" asked Willow as Ceri cuddled more into her side and yawned.

"Well, we were wondering if there is anything that you need help packing or moving. I know you were planning on taking as much as you could when you left in a couple of days," said Buffy.

"Well, I just have a few things left in here and then to get my stuff in the room together. I had an awesome helper earlier so I got a lot of the packing done."

"Looks to me like your little helper used all her energy in helping you pack," Faith said as she nodded to the now sleeping little girl.

"Yeah, she was a huge help though."

"Have you heard from Tara yet?" asked Faith.

"Yeah, she is at the hospital and said that Kelly was hurt bad, and they had her in a medically induced coma to help her body heal. Tara of course is doing her part in assisting in the healing with a little magic."

"I don't think I have ever heard her talk about magic with them. I mean I'm sure they have to know she knows or does some stuff since she owns several stores and Kelly used to be her right hand. I just don't know what they know of her magic abilities."

"That could be interesting then. How are you two doing? You seem pretty close all cuddle up together," Willow said with a smile.

"It feels good, right," said Buffy.

"You know how it feels Red, Tara told me about the connection that you two felt when you first got together and she started to describe what it is like now," said Faith.

"Yeah, it is an amazing and incredible feeling, but one thing not to be taken advantage of or for granted. I'll save you the lesson in finding that out yourselves."

"We could tell, but you are back together now and you are parents of an amazing little girl," said Faith.

"You love Ceri a lot don't you?" asked Buffy.

"I do. I know that Tara helped me change a lot, but I think that Ceri helped as well. I wanted to be a good influence on her; I didn't want to see her end up like I was. Also thanks to them learned that I really enjoy being part of a real family. I never knew what that was like before," Faith said as she looked down at the carpet.

"Well, you have an even bigger family now," said Buffy using a finger to lift Faiths chin and them placed a soft kiss on her lips.

"She's right Faith, you are now stuck with all of us," said Willow.

"Whatever will I do," laughed Faith.

"We should build a fort in the living room tonight and all of us sleep in it together," suggested Willow.

"I'll get the extra blankets and chairs," said Buffy.

"I'll run to the store and get munchies and stuff for Ceri to make us her special s'mores," said Faith.

"I'll sit here and play happy parent and hold my daughter and watch her sleep," Willow said with a dreamy look on her face.

"Yep, I've seen that face many times on Tara, we lost her," laughed Faith as she took Buffy's hand and led her out of the room.

=====================================


It wasn't for a couple of hours when the nurse came back to check Kelly's vitals and noticed a drastic improvement.

"I can't believe the change in her condition," said the nurse looking at both Tara and Jackie.

"Is that good?" asked Jackie.

"Very, I'm going to go get the doctor so that he can see it," said the nurse as she quickly left the room.

"Thank you Tara," said Jackie as tears rolled down her face.

"I know if it were me on that bed you both would do whatever you could to help me, I just returned the favor," Tara said smiling and wrapping her arm around her friend.

The doctor came in and asked them to leave while he performed some tests. After fifteen minutes, though it felt like hours he emerged from the room and told them that Kelly was doing so well that they were going to bring her out of the coma. He said that he had only seen one other person heal the way she was, but they needed to keep her quiet and that he would be back in a couple of hours to see how she was doing.

There were nurses and attendees in and out of Kelly's room for the next few minutes. After the last nurse walked out of the door she told Tara and Jackie that Kelly would be waking up in a few minutes and they could go in and be there when she woke up. Tara sensed the magical signature again.

"Tara, what's wrong?" asked Jackie.

"Nothing is wrong, I just sense that magical signature again," she said.

"So, one of those people were the one helping Kelly?"

"Yeah, I just don't know which one it was," said Tara.

"Does magic leave a trail for you to follow?"

"No," Tara giggled. "I will just keep an eye out and be a bit more sensitive to those that come into the room."

"You are certain it isn't harmful though," asked Jackie.

"Positive," Tara said.

They both held one of Kelly's hands and waited for the medication to wear off and for her to wake up.

=====================================


Ceri woke up to find that Willow had drifted to sleep with her and they were both cuddled up under a blanket. She tried to get up but was pulled closer by the sleeping redhead.

"What are you doing there little girl?" asked Willow.

"I didn't mean to wake you Mama, I'm sorry," said the little redhead.

"You didn't, I was starting to wake up on my own."

"You look like Mommy does when she sleeps," said Ceri.

"Oh and how is that?"

"You both look peaceful and have these little smiles on your face."

"Well, as long as it is a smile and I wasn't drooling," said Willow as she and the little girl laughed.

"You weren't drooling this time, but Mommy sometimes does, but I don't tell her that."

"That is a good thing not to tell her."

"I drool sometimes," admitted Ceri.

"That's ok, once in a while is ok. Tonight we decided that you, me, Aunt Faith, Auntie Buffy, and maybe Auntie Dawn if she is around are going to make a fort in the living room and sleep in there. Does that sound like fun?"

"Duh, of course it does. When can we start building the fort?" asked Ceri as her eyes bulged and she was trying to pull Willow up.

"Well, let's go check and see if Faith and Buffy are ready yet," said Willow as she stood up and scooped up her daughter in one fluid motion. She was carrying Ceri upside down tickling her as they left the room.

"What is all that laughing," said Faith as they walked into the living room.

"Help me Aunt Faith," called the laughing little girl.

"I don't know, your Mama may try to get me," Faith joked.

"Auntie Buffy?"

"Oh, now how could I pass up pouty eyes? She got that look from you Will," said Buffy as she made her way over to try to rescue Ceri from her Mama.

"Well, she comes by it honestly and you all are powerless to it," laughed Willow as she set Ceri down and tackled Buffy and both Ceri and Willow started to tickle the blonde slayer.

"No fair," called Buffy trying to free herself and then catching a glimpse of the brunette slayer laughing at them.

"Pay Buffy, pay," laughed Willow.

"Don't just stand there Faith, help," cried Buffy.

"If you insist," said Faith as she pulled one of the blonde slayers shoes off and start to tickle her feet.

"That wasn't what I meant, I meant help me," Buffy laughed harder.

"Oh, my bad," said Faith winking at Ceri.

"Now let's get Aunt Faith," laughed the little girl as Faith tried to slide away but was caught by Buffy and Ceri.

Willow pulled out her camera phone and took pictures and video of them all playing around and laughing. She set her phone up and had it tape them building the fort as well. After three attempts they got it all to stay in place and made sure it was big enough for them all to fit in.

"Should we send Mommy a picture of you in your fort?" asked Willow.

"Yeah, let's send one with me and you, and one with me and Aunt Faith and Auntie Buffy."

"Sounds good to me," said Faith taking Willows phone out of her hand and motioning for her to get in the fort with her daughter.

"Next," said Willow after Faith took their picture. Buffy and Faith got into the fort and Willow took the picture and then sent them both to Tara's phone.

The four of them made homemade pizza for dinner, then Ceri and Willow made the special s'mores and while they were watching movies. Willow had never felt so much love at one time in the Summers' house; not even when she and Tara lived there. She wished that Tara were there with them, but knew that they would be together and a family soon.

=====================================


Kelly slowly felt the fog lifting from her mind, her eyes started to flutter open and she saw her wife and Tara standing over her, watching her.

"Hey gorgeous," said Jackie as she locked eyes with Kelly.

"Hey," she whispered since her throat was raw and dry from all the tubes that had been shoved down it.

"Hi," said Tara as she squeezed her friends' hand.

"Hi," said Kelly smiling at her friend.

"I'm going to find a nurse to see if we can get you some water or some ice chips to help your throat," said Tara as she left the room to give the couple some time together.

Tara walked up to the nurses' station and saw the brown-haired nurse who had attended to Kelly and her vitals sitting there.

"May I help you?" she asked.

"I hope so. My friend is awake now and her throat is really dry and sore, I was wondering if it is ok for her to have some water or ice chips?" said Tara.

"I believe so, but I'll double-check with the doctor and bring in some of both," said the nurse who put her hand on Tara's shoulder and they both felt a slight spark of energy.

Tara knew that the spark and the magical signature were from this nurse, but why would she help Kelly? What was in it for her? The amount of energy that one has to expel to help the healing process the way that Kelly needed to be healed wasn't something you did as just a good Samaritan, there was more to it.

The nurse knowing that Tara felt the spark and new that she had to have felt the magical signature quickly withdrew her hand and headed off to find the doctor leaving Tara standing there watching her go.

Tara went back into the room and found both of her friends in tears.

"Is everything ok?" asked Tara as she took her place back beside Kelly's bed and took her hand again.

"Yeah, I was just telling Kelly how much she scared me and that she can never leave me," said Jackie as she regained her composure.

"The nurse is going to check with the doctor and bring in either water or ice chips for you," said Tara as she heard her phone beep.

She reached into her purse and saw that she had two text messages from Willow. The first one was a picture of her and Ceri in what looked to be a fort and Tara felt her breath catch when she saw it. The second was of Faith and Buffy with Ceri in the same fort. A tear rolled down her face as she smiled at the picture.

"Ok, share," Kelly managed to croak out.

"Sorry," said Tara as she showed them both the picture of Ceri with Faith and Buffy.

"That is adorable! Who's the blonde with Faith and Ceri?" asked Jackie.

"That's Buffy. It looks like they are camping in the living room tonight," laughed Tara.

"You left her in Sunnydale," said Kelly.

"Stop talking," scolded Tara.

"Fine."

"Honey, be nice, she flew all the way here to help you," said Jackie giving Tara a knowing smile.

"Yes, I left her in Sunnydale with Faith and Giles. As you can see she is being protected by two slayers. She is safe," said Tara knowing that the real reason she was safe was because she was with Willow and Willow would let NOTHING happen to their daughter.

Tara was putting her phone away when the nurse came in again. Tara and the nurse locked eyes briefly, but nothing was said. The nurse quickly checked Kelly's IV and her monitors before bringing her some water and ice chips.

"The doctor said you could have both, but to take it really slow," said the nurse who then looked directly into Kelly's eyes and quickly left the room.

Jackie grabbed a small spoonful of ice chips and brought it to her wife's mouth but Kelly's eyes were fixed on where the nurse had been.

"Kel," said Jackie trying to get her attention and then looked to Tara for help.

"Kelly," said Tara. "Are you ok? Do you need the doctor or the nurse?"

"No," Kelly finally said accepting the ice chips and feeling relief for how they felt sliding down her dry and sore throat.

"What's wrong?" asked Tara. "Did the nurse do something?"

"No," said Kelly as she eyes shifted back to the door that the nurse had quickly retreated out of.

"Babe, what's wrong? You're scaring both Tara and I," said Jackie.

"Sorry, but um, what was that nurses name?"

"I saw it on her name tag when I went to see about getting you something to help your throat. Her name tag said her name was Kasey," said Tara as Kelly's eyes got even wider and the beeping on her heart monitor spiked.

"Kel," said Tara becoming concerned. "She is part of why you are getting better so quickly. She and I both used magic to help you heal."

"Oh god," said Kelly.

"Baby? Do you know her?" asked Jackie.

"Yeah, that is my dead fiancé…"

Tara and Jackie looked at one another and then back at Kelly.

=====================================
TBC…
=====================================

_________________
~ Branny72
I found younger-me still exists in the archives as SlayerTazz...
Mending Fences | The One Where Everyone Has a Go |Actions and Consequences | Meant To Be


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