Phantasyland: Happy New Year!! I am very glad you are enjoying the story. Wow, dropping everything when you see my updates -
I love to hear that. I hope you enjoy this update...
JustSkipIt: Happy New Year! I am glad you liked the update. They did not eat dinner, but hopefully they had large lunches.
I agree, anyone who says “I'm falling in love” means "I love you but I'm not ready to say those words just yet". Though it is nice to hear! It is WAY better than - “I love you, but I'm not in love with you...” that one is harder to take.
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<--- too cute!
=====================================Title: Meant To Be
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.
Rating: PG-13 –
NC-17 this chapterAuthor: Branny72
Feedback: Pretty please…it helps me improve and if I get stuck it gives me ideas on where you would like to see the story go!!
Summary: AU – Willow is graduating from college at UC Sunnydale and has accepted a job with a company that is new in town. One night, while out with some friends Willow sees an attractive blonde who turns her life upside down. (No Vamps, No Hellmouth, No Magic...)
Authors Notes: Thank you to Willara4ever for all your help with this story. I appreciate your reading it and helping me with the idea.=====================================Chapter 18Faith stood outside the crowded terminal waiting for Buffy to come off the plane. She knew that Willow had forgiven her for the previous day, but the guilt was still there. She also felt some guilt that Willow and Tara had told her and Emily before anyone else. Emily had told her that no matter what someone was going to be the first to know and someone the second to know and that she had no control over that.
“Faith,” called Buffy as she came into the terminal seeing the brunette lost in thought.
“Hey B! How was your flight?”
“Not too bad. I'm glad it was short.”
“Well, Willow knows that I was going to try to fly you in this weekend, but she has no clue when or if you were going to be arriving. I thought we could surprise her.”
“That sounds like a good fun to me.”
They made their way to the car and discussed what was going on with the gym and the preparations for the upcoming self-defense classes that Buffy was going to teach at TDM as they drove to meet Willow and Tara.
=====================================“Hey Sweetie,” said Tara as she entered the living room where Willow was playing on her laptop.
“Hi Baby,” said Willow with a smile.
“What did you want to do today? Did you still want to go on the whale watching tour?”
“Yeah, I'd love to do that. It sounds like a lot of fun.”
Willow set her laptop aside and Tara sat down next to her and they started to plan their day and discuss some work since they were hoping to finish up early or mid week to get back to Sunnydale.
“So, how is the network stuff going?” asked Tara.
“I have a good portion of it done. I'm trying to decide what to work on next since most of what I have left will take a full day and I can't start and stop it. How are things going for you two?”
“Well we've identified the troublemakers and now we are trying to set up a performance plan. I don't want to have to fire anyone. These people, well, I've known a lot of them since Dad opened this office years ago.”
“I can't imagine how hard this is for you,” sympathized Willow kissing the blondes hand.
“It is one of the things I hate most about being in management.”
“I know you will do the right thing and make sure that both those involved and the companies needs are met. You are very fair Ms. Maclay.”
“You're just saying that because...”
“Don't finish that statement,” said Willow smiling and leaning in to kiss the blonde.
=====================================“Tara was going to distract Willow this morning so she wouldn't know anything was up,” said Faith as they entered the apartment building.
“Why the big surprise?” asked Buffy.
“I'll explain later or Willow can,” said Faith as they turned the corner and knocked on the apartment door. Willow answered. “Hey guys! Look who I found wandering the streets of Seattle.”
Faith and Buffy entered the apartment while Willow stood there stunned to see her best friend.
“Buffy,” Willow said and hugged her best friend tightly.
“Hey Wills,” said Buffy seeing smiles on both Tara and Faith's face.
“What are you doing here?”
“I heard you were missing little me,” said Buffy.
“Faith, thank you,” said Willow as she broke her hug with her roommate and turned to face both Faith and Tara.
“I owed you,” smiled Faith winking in Willow's direction.
“Now, if you two will excuse us we have some plans to take care of for this afternoon and dinner tonight,” said Tara.
“You were in on this too? Is that why you were so curious about how things were going? To distract me?”
“Guilty,” said Tara giving Willow a lopsided smile. “Now you two enjoy some time together and instead of whale watching we'll hit the Burke Museum and then Chihuly Garden and Glass before dinner at the Space Needle?”
“Can we sit on the side?” asked Willow bouncing up and down.
“I will call and see if I can get us a table on the side,” laughed Tara.
“Awesome. Thank you both,” said Willow as Faith and Tara left.
=====================================“I think that went over well,” said Faith.
“Yeah, now she gets to have the fun conversation with Buffy about us...”
“At least she is going to get a conversation, I had to walk in on you two,” laughed Faith. “Buffy will be happy for you both. She wants Willow to be happy and anyone can see that she is. Now Buffy is just going to know WHY she is so happy.”
=====================================Willow put Buffy's bag in her room and then returned to the living room.
“I can't believe you're here,” said Willow.
“Faith and Tara said you were missing me. I kind of got the impression there is more going on and you needed to talk.”
“Ever the perceptive one, Buff.”
“So talk to me,” said Buffy as they grabbed some coffee from the kitchen and went and sat out on the secluded patio. “This place is amazing.”
“Yeah, Tara said that TDM keeps it for clients who they are wooing and for when management needs to come in to town.”
“So, where is Faith staying if you and Tara are staying here? You can't all be staying here together.”
“Faith's girlfriend lives here in Seattle. She has been staying with Emily.”
“Wait, Faith has a girlfriend?”
“Yeah, she is really nice. Tara wasn't too fond of her so Faith had kept it a secret that they were dating.”
“Wow, drama and you haven't even been here a full week,” laughed Buffy.
“Yeah,” agreed Willow fidgeting.
“What's bothering you Will?”
“I um, have something to tell you...damn this was easier Monday when I didn't have to say it.”
“Monday? Huh?”
“Buffy, TaraandIaredatingandhavebeensincethenightwhenOzcameback...” Willow blurted out.
“I'm sorry, repeat that slowly and clearly.”
“I said that Tara and I are dating and have been since the night when Oz came back,” said Willow and then she allowed it to process through Buffy's mind.
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. It was my decision to keep it quiet, but then with Faith picking us up daily and everything we told Faith and Emily Monday well kind of told her...after she walked in on us kissing...and it has been killing me not to tell you. And I couldn't tell you over the phone this was an in-person thing and that is why it seemed like I needed to talk because I did and I needed to tell you about Tara and I...”
“You and Tara?”
“Yeah.”
“And you are happy?”
“Happy doesn't begin to describe it. We just click so well, and then there is the way that I feel when she looks at me or kisses me. Oz never even sparked feelings like this when he and I were together. I am in love with her Buffy and she is in love with me too. We didn't plan it or anything, but we just, it just happened.”
“Wow, so, you are um in love?” asked Buffy as she started to play with her coffee mug.
“You're freaked aren't you?”
“No, Willow. I'm not freaked Willow. I'm just trying to process it all Willow.”
“Why do you keep saying my name like that?”
“Like what Willow? Oh. Sorry. Okay, I'm not freaked that you love Tara, she is pretty hot and sweet. I'm shocked that you have kept this from me. Or that you were able to – you suck at keeping secrets Will.”
“I'm sorry Buffy. I just wanted to have her to myself for a while before we became known as an US.”
“I get it,” smiled Buffy. “So gimme details...”
Willow spent the next bit explaining how they had gotten together, their first kiss, how when she and Faith came into the conference room at TDM they had almost busted them kissing and that Faith scolded Tara pretty good on Monday for that. She also told Buffy how Faith found out by walking in on her and Tara kissing in the kitchen.
“I'm happy for you Willow. So, has this gone beyond the kissing stage?” asked Buffy as they both blushed.
“Yeah um...that is part of why Faith flew you up here. Thursday night Tara and I had a date, well, we had planned to have a date, but we started kissing and then we well...”
“Oh, so that was the first time?”
“Yeah. Oh my god Buffy it was beyond amazing,” gushed Willow. “Friday morning we were running behind because we showered together and sort of got distracted. Well Faith teased us and crossed a line. Flying you up here is her making up for what she said.”
“What did she say?”
“She told me it wasn't like she was going to call you and tell you that Tara and I were going to be late for work because we were up all night having nookie. It made me upset because you are my best friend and I was having this amazing relationship, I am in love, and I hadn't told you a single thing about it,” Willow said looking at the ground.
“Willow,” started Buffy lifting her friends chin up so that they were looking one another in the eyes. “You have nothing to be guilty or upset about. I just want you to be happy. I have noticed that you are very happy when it comes to Tara. I thought it was just because you were spending time together, but now I see that it is because she has touched your heart.”
“I am happy Buffy...”
“I see that, you are sporting one goofy ass grin right now,” laughed Buffy.
“Well, now that you know...I feel tons better.”
“I'm glad you were finally ready to tell me. I will kick her ass if she hurts you though,” said Buffy smirking.
“I know,” laughed Willow.
“So, what else have you been up to here?” asked Buffy.
“Well, we went out a few times and had fun, but it hasn't been all good. We ran into Tara's ex Erin at the bar on Wednesday night.”
“The one that hurt her? Also, you went out to a bar? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend!”
“Yeah the one that hurt her. Faith dealt with her though. And yes, I had to work late and met Tara and Faith at the bar after I got done.”
“That's good that Faith took care of her. I can't wait to see you and Tara together,” said Buffy smiling.
“I'll text her and tell her it is safe to come back,” said Willow pulling out her phone and sending a message to Tara.
“So, does that mean that there is a spare room for me or am I on the couch?”
“You get the spare room. I've been sleeping in Tara's room since we got here,” admitted Willow blushing.
“Go Willow,” said Buffy as they heard the apartment door close. They grabbed their coffee cups and moved inside.
“Hi,” said Tara unsure of how things had gone.
“Hi Baby,” said Willow walking over and kissing Tara and wrapping an arm around her waist.
The three sat down in the living room. Willow and Tara cuddled on the sofa and Buffy sat in one of the chairs.
“So, Tara, you have stolen my best friends heart,” started Buffy.
“Yeah, and I'm keeping it,” replied Tara confidently.
“You better. I have never seen Willow so happy and I want her to stay that way,” said Buffy smiling at the two women.
“I will do everything in my power to keep her that way.”
“Where's Faith?” asked Willow.
“She went to get Emily so that we can go out to the museum and stuff before our 7 PM reservations at the SkyCity Restaurant at the top of the Space Needle.”
“You got us reservations?”
“Of course,” Tara said as she leaned over and kissed Willow softly. They had forgotten Buffy was sitting there.
Buffy coughed and then laughed as both Willow and Tara blushed several dark shades of red.
“Sorry,” they said as Buffy laughed harder.
“Don't be. If you two weren't so cute, then you would have a reason to be sorry.”
=====================================“I want to go check out the Erna Gunther Ethnobotanical Garden,” said Emily as they grabbed a map of the museum.
“Um, what's that?” asked Faith.
“They have more than 100 species of plants from the Cascades.”
“You want to go look at a bunch of plants?”
“I allowed myself to be a bath toy for a whale just so you could go whale watching, you can drag your happy ass to see some plants for me,” said Emily.
“Yes dear,” answered Faith causing the others to giggle.
“Hey Buffy, they have an archaeology exhibit. Remember that Inca Mummy report we did in High School?” asked Willow.
“Don't remind me – I had nightmares for a month because of that creepy chick,” said Buffy.
“That sounds like a good story,” laughed Faith.
“We aren't going there unless Tara is going to let Willow sleep in my bed until the nightmares go away,” said Buffy.
“Nuh uh, she already has a place to sleep,” said Tara taking hold of Willow's hand causing the others to laugh.
“I gotta agree with her Buffy – nuh uh,” said Willow.
“New subject...lets check out the Paleontology stuff too,” said Tara. “I always liked looking at the fossils and imagining what it was like back when those animals roamed around.”
“That was cheesy Maclay,” laughed Faith.
“Shut it or I am going to convince Emily to leave you in with the plants,” taunted Tara.
“Do we need to separate you two?” asked Buffy.
“Maybe,” said Tara sticking her tongue out at Faith.
“Don't tease it isn't nice,” said Faith.
“In your dreams,” said Tara.
“Damn well better not be,” said Emily smiling.
“I second that,” said Willow.
“Oh brother,” said Buffy wondering what she was in for being the sole single and straight person in the bunch.
They wondered around the museum making sure to hit all areas that people wanted to see. They decided head over to the Woodland Park Zoo since they still had plenty of time before their reservations and the Chihuly was at the base of the Space Needle.
“This place is huge,” said Buffy looking at the map of the zoo as they entered from the North parking lot.
“Yeah, it definitely makes Sunnydale Zoo look pretty bad.”
“Whatever we don't see today we can come back and see tomorrow,” said Tara.
“Is this going to take away from your Sunnydale Zoo tour?” asked Willow.
“No Sweetie,” said Tara pulling Willow into her arms. “That tour was special because it was us, and it was when I got to know you and started to fall in love with you.”
“Gag me,” said Faith.
“That can still be arranged,” said Willow before kissing Tara.
“Faith, I know she looks all small and wimpy, but Willow does have some sneak attack skills, I don't know that I would recommend interrupting or making fun of kissie time,” said Buffy laughing at Faith.
“Listen to her,” Willow said as she broke out of her kiss with Tara.
“Babe, didn't you do enough to get yourself in trouble this week...do you really need to push it?” asked Emily.
“I guess n...you have got to be kidding me,” said Faith as everyone turned to see what she was looking at and there was Erin headed their way.
“Keep walking Erin,” said Emily as Erin got closer.
“Why must you be so rude Em? I just wanted to say hi to Tara and talk with her,” said Erin in a placating tone.
“This really isn't a good time,” said Faith putting herself between Erin and Tara.
“My Tara what your new friends must think of me with how these two are acting.”
“Not today, please Erin. We are trying to have a nice day out,” said Tara.
“Hi, I'm Erin. Tara's first real love,” said Erin extending her hand towards Willow and Buffy.
“Gathered that, move on,” said Buffy coldly as Willow pulled Tara closer to her.
“My what a rude bunch. Tara, I hope we can sit down and catch up sometime soon,” said Erin as she smiled and walked away from the group.
“Bitch,” said Faith under her breath.
“Willow, you know that I want nothing to do with her right?” asked Tara.
“Yeah, I know. I may be insecure on a lot of things, us, I'm not. I know how right it feels,” said Willow.
“I repeat, who are you and what have you done with my best friend,” said Buffy.
“I trust her Buffy. I trust what I feel inside for her and from her. I know that Erin isn't a threat.”
“Damn, Tara where have you been all her life?” laughed Buffy.
“That was so romantic,” said Emily. “Why don't you say romantic stuff like that?”
“Because you don't look at me like that,” said Faith pointing towards Tara who was lost in Willows eyes.
“How long do you think they will stay like that if we let them?” asked Buffy.
“I'm guessing hours,” said Emily.
“I'll get the hose, you get the snow cones,” said Buffy.
“Do it and I bring up the Inca again,” said Willow not taking her eyes off the blonde.
“Rude!”
“Let's go before the bitty decides to come back,” said Faith.
The group started to walk towards the Snowy Owl.
“It reminds me of Hedwig from Harry Potter,” said Willow as they got closer.
“Awww, too cute,” said Emily.
The group checked out the Bears, River Otter, Fox, Mountain Goat to which Willow did her best impression of the noise the goat makes, then the Sea Eagle and past the Elk to the Wolves.
“You are such a pretty puppy,” said Buffy to the wolf in a playful tone.
“Buffy, that is a wolf not a puppy,” said Tara.
“I know, but he looks like a pretty puppy.”
“Buffy, you are embarrassing me,” said Willow.
“Tough,” said Buffy sticking her tongue out.
“Lets keep moving children,” said Faith.
They spent a lot of time at the Wallaby exhibit. Tara told them about when her family went on vacation in Australia and she got to see the Wallaby in the wild.
“That is too cool T. Why didn't I know you went to Australia?” asked Faith.
“It was just before we moved to Boston and we met.”
“So, is there a continent that you haven't been on?” asked Emily.
“Antarctica,” laughed Tara. “My Dad liked to travel and take us with. Donnie and I were mostly home schooled so we could learn from anywhere.”
“That is too cool. I wish my Mom would have done that with Dawn and I. Although, the thought of being schooled at home with that brat – ew,” said Buffy doing a full body shiver.
“She isn't that bad Buffy,” said Willow.
“Yes, because you aren't her sister you can say that,” retorted Buffy.
They looked at the time and decided to stop there and finish the zoo the following day and go change and get ready for dinner before going to the Chihuly Garden and Glass.
=====================================Buffy went to shower in her room, Willow and Tara decided to shower separately to avoid being picked on. Tara went first and then went to wait for the other two in the living room.
“Hey Baby,” said Willow coming out and walking into the living room.
“Hey Sweetie,” said Tara as Willow sat down next to her and kissed her.
“Mmmm,” said Willow running her hand through Tara's hair and pulling her closer.
“Hey Wi...nevermind,” said Buffy as she walked out of the bedroom to find Willow and Tara kissing on the couch.
Pulling back from the kiss Willow looked back toward Buffy. “What's up?”
“I was just going to ask if this looked okay for tonight or not,” said Buffy.
Willow and Tara looked over and they both nodded their agreement.
“You look great Buffy,” said Tara.
There was a knock at the door and Tara opened it to find Emily and Faith standing there.
“You ready to go?” asked Faith.
“Yep,” said Tara as they all headed out to the car and to the Chihuly.
=====================================“Those exhibits were amazing,” said Willow as they headed out of the Chihuly Garden and Glass to make their reservation at the SkyCity Restaurant.
“I've lived here for years and haven't ever been in there before,” said Emily.
“What was your favorite Sweetie?” asked Tara.
“I'm torn between the Sealife Room and the Glass Forest. How about you?” asked Willow.
“Those are awesome, but I like the Persian Ceiling best,” said Tara.
=====================================After dinner they went to look out of the Observation Deck. Tara came up behind Willow and wrapped her arms around her and Willow leaned into the embrace.
“Today has been amazing,” Tara said softly into Willow's ear.
“Yeah, it has been,” said Willow turning her head and kissing the side of Tara's head.
=====================================“They're cute together,” Buffy said to Faith and Emily as they watched Tara and Willow on the Observation Deck.
“Yeah, and I have to say Tara seems really happy,” replied Faith.
“So does Willow. Which they both need and deserve,” said Buffy.
“How long are you two going to leave them alone?” asked Emily.
“Just a bit longer. I want to see if they notice if we're still around,” laughed Faith.
“My money is on no, but who knows.”
=====================================“Do you think they left without us yet?” asked Willow still cuddled within Tara's embrace.
“Not yet, but they may in a bit. I just want to enjoy the us time while we have it.”
“You'll get no objections from me on that,” giggled Willow as Tara pulled her even closer.
They continued to look out over Seattle and enjoy the closeness the others were allowing them. After some time had passed Tara decided that they should join the others. Faith did fly Buffy all the way up there to see them and they were ignoring her.
“Hey,” said Tara as she and Willow made their way over to the group.
“Well, look who decided to come back and join the party,” teased Faith.
“You two looked very coupley over there,” smiled Buffy.
“That was the idea,” smiled Willow. “So, now what you like to do?”
“I'm beat,” said Emily.
“Yeah, I'm not used to getting up early on Saturday's and well, I didn't think the surprise would work if I were to have told Buffy to take a bus or cab to your place,” said Faith.
“Well, I'm good with going back to the apartment, getting comfortable, and watching a movie,” said Buffy.
“Works for us,” said Tara. “We are still on for the rest of the zoo tomorrow though right?”
“Hell yes,” said Faith and Emily together.
Faith and Emily dropped Buffy, Willow, and Tara off at the apartment. The three went up and decided on a movie to watch. Buffy went into the spare room to change while Willow and Tara went into the Master bedroom to change.
Tara had pulled her shirt off and was working to put on her pajama shirt when she felt Willow wrap her arms around her from behind and run her hands over Tara's bare stomach and up towards her breasts.
“Your skin is so soft,” said Willow as she placed soft feathering kisses on Tara's bare shoulder.
“That feels really good,” moaned Tara.
“I can't seem to keep my hands to myself when it comes to you,” smiled Willow as she released the blonde and helped her into her shirt and was rewarded with a kiss.
“I think we need to get moving or Buffy is going to think we are doing other things,” said Tara and Willow nodded in agreement.
They finished getting changed and reached the living room at the same time as Buffy. Willow excused herself to go get them all drinks.
“So, what movie are we going to watch tonight?” asked Buffy snuggling in to the overstuffed chair.
“Well, we have access to just about anything,” said Tara.
“How about 'The Words' with Bradley Cooper?” suggested Willow.
“I haven't seen it yet Sweetie. Is it good?”
“What is that one about Will?” asked Buffy.
“IMDB says, 'A writer at the peak of his literary success discovers the steep price he must pay for stealing another man's work.' I haven't seen it either, but I heard it was good.”
“Sounds great, lets watch that then,” Tara said as she used the blu-ray player to log into Netflix to stream the movie.
=====================================They watched the movie and then called it a night. Buffy went and slept in her room, Willow and Tara went to theirs.
“Thank you for helping Faith get Buffy up here,” said Willow as they crawled into to bed.
“It was her idea Sweetie, I just scolded her for being an ass,” smiled Tara as she lay on her back and pulled the redhead into her arms.
“Tara, is it bad that I'm dreading going back to Sunnydale?” asked Willow after several minutes of silence.
“Why is that Sweetie?” asked Tara concern in her tone.
Willow propped herself up on her elbow and looked Tara directly in the eyes. “Because, I am going to miss being able to kiss you whenever I want at night, falling asleep in your arms, and waking in your arms.”
“I'm going to miss it too,” said Tara as she pulled Willow closer and kissed her soundly.
They lay there kissing for a long time before Willow decided she needed more.
“Will, Buffy is just down the hall,” panted Tara as Willow worked to remove their clothes.
“Then...we...need...to...be...quiet,” said Willow punctuating each word with several kisses.
“Oh god, yes,” said Tara as Willow worked her way down the blondes neck and now naked body.
=====================================Morning arrived and Willow and Tara woke, their naked bodies entwined together.
“Good morning,” Tara said kissing Willow soft and sensually.
“Mmmm, good morning,” said Willow when they broke the kiss. “Last night was incredible.”
“Every night with you is incredible,” said Tara kissing the redhead again. “Is Buffy an early riser?”
“What time is it?” asked Willow.
“Um, 8:30,” said Tara.
“I'm guessing Buffy is already up, had her run, showered and is making or has made coffee,” smiled Willow.
“Then I guess we should get dressed and go find out.”
“Don't wanna,” pouted Willow.
“Sweetie, Faith and Emily will be here by 10 to get us to head back to the zoo. Hopefully this time it will be Erin free.”
“Why don't you shower and I'll put my PJ's on again and go see what Buffy is up to. Then when you are ready I'll come get ready.”
“Sounds good,” said Tara kissing Willow one last time before getting up and tossing the redhead her clothes as she teasingly walked to the bathroom to shower.
“Tease!”
“Yep, and damn proud of it,” smiled Tara before closing the door.
Willow put on her pajamas and headed out to see what her roommate was up to.
“Morning Buffy,” said Willow as she rounded the corner to the kitchen to see the blonde making coffee.
“Morning Wills,” smirked Buffy. “How are you doing this morning?”
“Great, how are you? Have you been up long?”
“I'm good. I got up at my usual time 5:30, I went for a really nice run. They have some great sites around here for runners. I got back and showered and got dressed. I was trying to wait, but I needed coffee. I hope it is okay that I...”
“Of course it is okay. Sorry we slept so late,” said Willow.
“It's okay Will. You two were up late,” smirked Buffy.
“You heard?” squeaked Willow.
“Just when I went to get a bottle of water.”
“Please don't let Tara know,” blushed Willow.
“You being that shade of red is going to clue her in more than I ever could.”
“Sorry...”
“Are you apologizing for blushing or for me hearing?” asked Buffy.
“You hearing.”
“Don't. It was 5 seconds and as long as you are happy, I'm happy for you,” said Buffy pulling her friend into a hug.
“Thanks Buffy,” said Willow pouring three cups of coffee and proceeding to make each one to the liking of the person that it was meant for. She passed Buffy her cup and just as she finished with Tara's she entered the kitchen.
“Morning,” said Tara.
“Good morning,” smiled Buffy.
“Mmmm, coffee,” said Tara kissing Willow softly as the redhead handed her the cup she had made.
“I'm going to go get ready,” said Willow seeing a smirk on Buffy's face as she left the room.
“Did you sleep well?” asked Tara.
“Yeah, and I had an amazing run. This city is awesome.”
“I loved living here when I was a kid and then for the year before coming to Sunnydale.”
“How'd you end up in Sunnydale?”
“Dad wanted a place in California so he told me to pick a place and I was just drawn to the town name.”
“Wow, lucky for Willow,” smiled Buffy.
“More lucky for me. She is so amazing,” said Tara as a dreamy school girl look overcame her face.
“Oh brother, you have it bad for her don't you,” laughed Buffy as Tara nodded and they moved to the living room.
Willow joined them shortly after and they drank coffee and talked about what exhibits they wanted to make sure to hit at the zoo.
“Ladies,” said Faith loudly letting herself and Emily into the apartment.
“Dammit Faith I told you to stop using the key like that,” said Tara.
“Yeah, I know but then I couldn't scare you and Red and that is fun for me,” laughed Faith.
“Alright, who is ready for the zoo,” asked Emily trying to shift the conversation.
“I am,” said Buffy trying to help her.
“Let's get going,” said Willow taking Tara's hand and leading her towards the door.
“Alright, zoo time it is!”
With that the group headed out of the apartment and off to the zoo.
=====================================TBC...