zampsa19752001: I haven’t completely planned out the Rosenberg-Maclay-Lehane Thanksgiving, but yeah, it is going to be interesting. And I do feel sorry for Willow with her Linux commands...I use most of them daily as well.
Citanul: I’m happy to hear that this is one of your favorite low angst / lite stress stories. I try to keep it light-hearted. I had a bit too much fun writing parts of this update. I hope you enjoy it.
willowtaralover: HI!
I agree that being gay is who you are. I unfortunately know enough people who choose to hide who they truly are for various reasons. I don’t think I could ever do that.
I have some plans in mind for Thanksgiving, but nothing set in stone yet. I do promise that it will be entertaining. I was grateful for the timing of the holiday. I had been trying to come up with a good way to start to bring the families together.
She was just finishing up when Willow came out of the bedroom wearing a thin tank top and much to Tara’s delight an old practically see through pair of boxers.
And much to my delight too Much to my delight as well!
---------
<--- 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-17Author: 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 45“Willow, are you sure that everything is all ready to go?” asked Jesse.
“Yep, I have triple checked this morning to make sure that all the audio and video equipment is set up and I tested the microphones. Last night I ran through the whole presentation to make sure that it ran smoothly.”
“Wow, what time did you go home?”
“She got home at three this morning,” said Tara walking up to Jesse and Willow. Tara kissed the side of Willow’s head without thinking twice causing Jesse to smile at the interaction.
"You got home around three?" said Jesse looking at his watch and seeing it was only 7:30 in the morning.
“It is what I do,” Willow said nonchalantly before turning back to again check the computer to make sure everything was set.
“She is a perfect fit for you Tara,” laughed Jesse.
“I know,” Tara said looking at Willow with pride.
What was once a group of giant conference rooms had been transformed into a state of the art Convention Center. There were booths set up for several of the companies TDM had partnered with on their literacy campaign, there were demonstrations set up to give those attending hands on experience to the variety of programs available. The turnout here was greater than at any of the previous launches. Tara knew that her father had extended the invite to include anyone involved in the previous launches and several had taken him up on the invite.
Donald was walking around in awe of what his staff had accomplished. Every person he talked with had told him how impressed they were with the attention they were receiving from the TDM staff. As he walked around he saw Faith working with a couple of vendors, his IT staff working with some vendors who were having issues with their hardware. It was truly an amazing sight.
“Hello Donald,” said a female voice causing him to turn.
“Erin, what brings you here?” he asked trying to contain his extreme dislike for this woman.
“My company received such a great response from the last launch we attended they decided to take you up on the offer to have a booth here. Since I have a personal connection with TDM they of course chose to send me.”
“And what personal connection might you have with TDM?”
“Well, I did date Tara for a couple of years,” Erin said smugly.
“I don’t think what you did with my daughter was called dating. Professionally your company has affiliated themselves with us, personally, you have no connection to us. Please, excuse me. I need to go find and meet with my future daughter-in-law,” said Donald as he smiled and walked away from the stunned woman.
Erin turned to watch Donald leave. As she turned she saw Willow, Donnie, and Tara standing nearby with their mouths hanging open. It was more than obvious that they had heard the exchange. Embarrassed by both the exchange and the fact that Tara and Willow had been witness to it, Erin scurried away quickly.
“Oh, now that was priceless,” said Donnie.
“Wow, I am so glad that Dad is on our side,” laughed Tara.
“I wonder if I got that on tape?” Willow wondered out loud.
“On tape?” asked Tara.
“Oh, yeah we have several cameras around here taking video to make a highlights thing for future promotions and for your dad.”
“Will,” started Donnie putting his arm around the smaller woman. “You work in IT. You don’t do marketing, that is my sisters job.”
“Hey! She can help me if she wants, big brother. By the way Sweetie, that is an awesome idea. I had no idea you had set that up.”
“Yeah, it was going to be a surprise, but I um, kinda blew that.”
“I’m surprised. How about you, Donnie?”
“Yep, definitely surprised.”
The three then headed off to find Donald to see what else he would like done. There were a lot of people already arriving and still more to come. The launch wasn’t until nine that morning.
=====================================“Thank you everyone for coming today and for being a part of this amazing campaign,” Donald said as the applause died down. “I am honored by all of the amazing companies we have joining us this year and those that we have returning from prior years. I am also honored to have my daughter and my son here beside me.”
Tara and Donnie stepped forward and joined their father at the front of the stage. Willow was watching from the audio/visual hut mesmerized by the blonde love of her life.
“For those of you who don’t know our history. I started this company for my children. I wanted to give them a legacy to be proud of and something for us to share as a family. When my wife passed away, times were tough, but together we got through it and it made us a stronger family. Now, my son is the Chief Technology Officer and my daughter Chief Marketing Officer. I couldn’t be prouder...well, I will be when my daughter gets married in a few months, but that is a father’s pride not professional pride.”
Donald continued with his speech and Willow taking the queues started the presentation. As the first video presentation ended Donnie took over discussing the technology that they were using and how they were integrating the technology of their partners and always looking for ways to improve so that they can provide the best possible experience for anyone they work with. Willow started the next video and as that ended Tara’s portion came up.
“I guess that means it is my turn,” Tara said stepping forward.
“Where’s your fiancée?” called someone from the crowd. Tara, Faith, Emily, and Willow knew it was Erin.
“While I am beyond excited about my pending nuptials and that my family shares in our excitement, I prefer to keep my private life, private. Thank you for your interest though,” said Tara. “The real reason we are here is to complete this amazing campaign kickoff.”
With that Willow lowered the screens again and started the newly revised campaign video she had created. As the video played, Willow watched both Tara and Donald’s reaction. Tara frequently turned towards where Willow was. As the video was nearing the end Willow went back to her computer to queue up the next video surprise she had compiled of messages from various vendors to encourage people to support and pay-it-forward on the literacy campaign by helping others. Donald and Tara both turned towards the hut and Willow saw them each wipe a tear.
“You are a sneaky one Rosenberg,” said Donnie as he entered the hut.
“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Willow said trying to suppress a smile.
“When did you make the edits to the original video and find time to create this new one?”
“I’ve put in a few extra hours,” Willow said sheepishly.
“If I ask Tara is she going to tell me it was more than a few hours?” Donnie asked as he continued to watch the reaction of his father and sister.
“It isn’t her favorite subject, so for my safety, let’s not bring it up to her.”
“Why the change?” asked Donnie.
“If your dad is going to retire in the near future I wanted his last kick off to be memorable.”
“Thank you,” Donnie said wrapping Willow into a large brotherly hug. “I should get back up there before people notice I’m gone.”
Donnie left the hut and Willow smiled to herself. She was so happy that she wasn’t in trouble for what she had done and that everyone involved seemed to enjoy the edits she had made.
=====================================“This isn’t the video you have been showing is it?” Donald whispered to Tara as the video played out before them.
“No, it isn’t. Willow took it upon herself to create a new one. I haven’t seen it, nor do I have a clue what is in it,” Tara said glancing between her father, the video, and Willow in the hut.
“When did she find the time to put this together? I may need to talk to Jesse about her workload.”
“She’s been working on this after work.”
“Tara, this isn’t a small task. She had to put in a lot of long hours to make this,” Donald said looking at his daughter and then towards the hut.
“She has put in the long hours. There were nights that she didn’t get home before two in the morning.”
“Tara, that is outrageous,” said Donald again turning towards the hut. “I hope you put your foot down.”
“I tried, but her reasoning and logic couldn’t be refuted,” said Tara as Donnie joined them again.
“She’s right Dad. Willow’s logic cannot be refuted. She wanted this to be special for you since it will most likely be your last kickoff campaign,” said Donnie.
As the presentation was coming to an end a picture of the entire Maclay family from the early years with the logo from when they first started superimposed into the background. Willow loved the family picture and knew the moment she saw it she had to use it. Tara was about eight in the picture and she and Donnie were standing in front of their parents. Below the picture was the label
‘THEN’ in bold letters. The next picture was one that none of them were aware had been taken. The picture was from Boston. Joyce had taken it shortly after Willow had proposed to Tara. Willow had added the label
‘NOW’ below it. Then both pictures were on the screen with the tagline below the labels saying
‘To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country. ― George Washington’Willow left the picture up as she raised the lights and Donald took the queue to go back to the presentation as the thunderous applause quieted down.
“Well, I...I’m not sure what to say about that video. That was the first time I’ve seen it. Can we get a round of applause for Willow Rosenberg for that touchingly special video edit,” said Donald causing Willow to blush even though nobody could see her. “I’m certain she isn’t going to come out of the audio/visual hut any time soon, but Willow, I am so very touched by what you have put together. Thank you!”
The rest of the presentation went on as it had been planned. Once they were done, Willow put the pictures back up for everyone to enjoy.
=====================================Tara made her way off the stage and over to the hut where Willow was starting to shut down the presentation.
“Willow, that was amazing,” Tara said her eyes tearing up again at the remembrance of the videos.
“I wanted it to be special for you all,” said the redhead as she moved to wipe the stray tear from Tara’s cheek before leaning in and kissing her.
“You succeeded,” Donald said entering the hut causing the two women to cut their kiss short. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.”
“I’m glad you approve,” Willow said as Donald pulled her into a hug.
“I loved it. I can’t believe that you did that in just a couple of weeks.”
“It was a bit of a challenge, but then again, I love a good challenge,” laughed Willow as she felt Tara’s arms wrap around her from behind. The embrace was so warm and loving that Willow couldn’t help but lean into it.
“I have to get out there, but thank you again for the touching video and for making my daughter so happy,” Donald beamed before exiting the hut and leaving Willow and Tara alone.
Willow turned in Tara’s arms and they exchanged several chaste kisses.
“I have to get back out there. Are you going to mingle as well or are you going to skip out of here?”
“I’ll be around. I’m not leaving you here alone with Erin around. Someone needs to keep her in line,” said Willow.
They left the hut and started making their rounds. It wasn’t long before Willow was being pulled in to a group of geeks that wanted to ask her about what she used to create the video and make sure the timing for everything was spot on. Tara smiled knowing Willow was in her environment. She moved on and managed to evade Erin the remainder of the day.
As the party was coming to an end Willow met up with Tara, Donald, Donnie, and Faith. Again they all expressed their love of the video. Willow said that she would make sure they each had a copy and she told them about the promotional video she was going to be creating from the data she had picked up from the cameras around the room.
=====================================Willow and Tara were cuddling on the couch at home after the kickoff when Emily called and asked if they wanted to go out to The Bronze. They decided that they hadn’t been out there in a while and it sounded like fun. Willow told Emily she would call Connor and see if she could reserve the upper area. They agreed to meet outside at eight that night.
“I guess we need to start getting ready,” said Willow as she hung up the phone after talking to Connor.
“Soon,” Tara said pulling the redhead back into her arms. “Have I told you how amazing you are?”
“Yeah, but I never get tired of hearing it from you,” Willow said before Tara kissed her.
They lay on the couch kissing for several minutes before Tara’s phone buzzed. Tara reached over and grabbed it off the end table and saw it was from Faith.
Faith: Quit making out with Willow and get dressed and get down here.Tara: What makes you think I was making out with Willow?
Faith: It is your favorite pastime. LOLTara: So true...and if she wasn’t so damn good at it...we’d actually be dressed.
Faith: Eww, get your ass moving. I need to drink enough tonight to erase that from my brain.Tara:
LOL - see ya soon.
Willow blushed as she read the conversation over Tara’s shoulder.
“You really love to torment her don’t you?” laughed Willow.
“Like you don’t torment Buffy the same way?!” responded Tara.
They went and got ready and headed out to meet with Faith and Emily.
=====================================Willow and Tara arrived at The Bronze and found Connor standing near the door. He came over and wrapped them both in a warm hug before sending them upstairs. He told them that Faith and Emily were already there and upstairs.
“Thanks Connor,” said Willow as they turned and headed inside and upstairs.
“T! Red!” said Faith.
“How is our favorite mushy couple?” asked Emily laughing as the two women made their way over.
“Hey guys,” said Tara as she wrapped her arms around Willow’s waist and holding her close.
“Hey,” said Willow as she leaned into Tara’s embrace. “How’s it going?”
“Not bad. We invited Buffy, Donnie, Xander, and Anya as well.”
“Fantastic,” Tara said smiling.
Connor brought up drinks for everyone and told them that he would keep an eye out for the rest of the group since he was working the door for a while. They thanked him and sat down at one of the tables.
“So, now that the kickoff is over are you going to start working on the wedding plans more?” asked Emily.
“Definitely,” said Tara. “And now that Willow won’t be working so late we can continue to practice for the honeymoon.”
“Ew,” came three voices from behind them and then a laugh.
Willow and Tara turned to see Buffy, Angel, Xander, Anya, Donnie and his girlfriend standing nearby.
“Hey Guys,” said Willow waving for them to join the table.
“Hey,” said Buffy as she sat down next to Willow.
“Why must you talk about that stuff,” cringed Donnie.
“Because it makes you and Faith squirm,” teased Tara.
“Well stop,” whined Donnie.
“I have to agree with the D-Man,” Faith said.
“Spoil sports,” laughed Willow.
The group continued to talk about what has been going on, about the kickoff, and about how long it had been since they had all been out dancing. Tara grabbed Willow’s hand and told everyone she was tired of talking about it and then she pulled the redhead downstairs to the dance floor. Everyone watched them for a moment before joining them.
After dancing several songs the DJ slowed it down and everyone coupled up to dance. Willow and Tara held one another as close as they could and exchanged several soft kisses during the songs.
“I love holding you and feeling our bodies swaying together,” Tara softly said into Willow’s ear causing the redhead to shudder.
“Mmmm, do you know how much of a turn on it is with our bodies pressed together and you whispering in my ear?”
“Oh yes, and unfortunately it turns me on just as much,” blushed Tara.
“Does it turn you on as much as thinking about what I’m going to do to you when we get home tonight?” Willow asked before sucking on Tara’s earlobe.
“W-Willow, that isn’t fair,” Tara managed to get out while trying to control her breathing.
“Sure it is,” Willow said trailing her lips lightly down Tara’s neck, stopping to feel the blondes pulse speed up.
“T-this is payback isn’t it?”
“Oh yeah,” moaned Willow. “And the best part - you know you love it. How it is making your body surge with desire”
“You are not nice Rosenberg.”
“Oh, but I am. And you are loving every minute of this. Feeling my lips on your neck, my breath in your ear, my arms around you...our bodies pressed together...”
“Is it time to go home yet?” whimpered Tara.
“Not yet, but soon.”
Willow smiled at Tara let out a groan of frustration.
As the slow music came to an end and the DJ ramped up the energy in the club again with some livelier music. Willow and Tara joined the others in their group and they continued dancing and enjoy the night.
“I need a break,” Buffy said to the others. Everyone agreed that it was time for a rest and they all headed upstairs.
Once they were seated upstairs they fell into a casual conversation regarding the kickoff, things going on around Sunnydale, and Willow and Tara’s upcoming wedding. The group danced a couple of more times before they called it a night.
=====================================“That was a lot of fun,” said Willow as they entered the apartment.
“I don’t remember much after you teasing me on the dance floor…” Tara said as she pinned the redhead between her body and the wall near their bedroom.
“Well,” Willow started to say as Tara captured her lips and hungrily kissed her. Their bodies pressed together, their hips moving in sync with the others.
“I need you,” Tara said into the kiss. She wasn’t sure what had overtaken her hormones, but she needed the redhead and the release that she could get from her.
“Bed...Naked...Now…” Willow said in-between kisses.
The couple made their way to the bed. Willow removed her clothes, Tara removed hers and they crawled into bed together the blonde hovered over the redhead briefly before laying their bodies together. Their needs tonight weren’t about soft, sensual, romantic love. Tonight they needed intensity. They took one another quickly, powerfully, and although it was a primal need for the other, they both felt the depth of their love for one another. After they both had sated those primal needs they drifted to sleep cuddled together.
=====================================Tara was woken up by the sound of her phone ringing. She eased her way out from under the redhead and crawled over to where her phone was.
“Hello,” answered Tara her voice laden with sleep.
“Were you still sleeping?” the voice on the other end said.
“Yes, I tend to do that when I have a late night.”
“Tara, look at a clock…”
Tara glanced at the time on her phone and saw it was eleven in the morning.
“Oh,” responded Tara. “I guess my body needed some extra sleep.”
“Right, I almost believe that except we left at a respectable time.”
“What’s up Anya?”
“Well, Xander and I were wondering if you and Willow would like to meet us for brunch? BUT, I am guessing since you were up all night having orgasms with Willow you aren’t going to want to.”
“Tara?” Willow said reaching around the bed to try to find the blonde before sitting up when she failed to locate Tara.
“Anya and Xander want to know if we want to have brunch with them,” Tara said covering the microphone on her phone.
“And they called so early why?” Willow asked running her fingers through her hair trying to tame it.
“It’s after eleven Sweetie.”
“Oh...really?”
“Yeah, so do you want to go?”
“HELLO?!” Anya said loudly into the phone. “If you are having orgasms again I do NOT want to hear it.”
“Anya,” snapped Tara. “Willow just woke up so I was asking if she wanted to go to brunch.”
“Oh, okay,” Anya replied in a chipper voice.
“Sure, but we um need to shower first. How about noon at the Espresso Pump?”
Tara told Anya that they would meet them outside the Espresso Pump in forty-five minutes. The two then quickly showered separately since they had plans and self-control after the night of passion they had shared was at a minimum.
After dressing they walked over to the Espresso Pump since it was a nice and sunny day out.
Xander and Anya arrived and the four of them went inside. Janice had seen them walk up so she had reserved a table in the back for them.
“Thanks Janice,” said Willow as they were seated.
“No problem.” Janice took their orders and then went to put them in and make their coffee.
“That kickoff was amazing,” Xander said. “Is that what it was like when you were traveling around?”
“Parts of it were. Willow changed the video presentation and we didn’t have the ‘after’ interviews. The energy from the vendors was the same. Everyone was so positive and excited about the new campaign.”
“Maybe we need to have more of those launches,” said Anya.
“If we do, leave me out of them,” laughed Willow. “Those were a lot of work.”
“Awww, poor baby,” Tara said before giving the redhead a chaste kiss.
Janice brought their drinks and told them that their food would be up soon. They all thanked her.
“Tara, not to alarm you, but there is a woman to your left that keeps staring or better yet glaring at you,” Anya said.
Tara glanced over and saw Erin glaring in their direction. Tara smiled and waved at the brunette before turning back to the table.
“Just ignore her,” said Tara.
“Who is that? Does Willow have some competition? Because if she does, I’m going to advise you stay with the redhead,” Anya said.
“That is just my ex from college whom I can’t seem to get away from.”
“Want me to go kick her ass? I’d do it for you...just say the word.”
“Thank you for the offer Anya, but no. She isn’t worth the extra energy.”
“Will, you are pretty quiet,” said Xander.
“Sorry, between still being partially asleep and wishing that woman would just get the hell out of our lives, I got trapped in my mind.”
Janice arrived with their order and they went about ignoring Erin and enjoying their meal.
“So, how is living together?” Willow asked Xander.
“Different,” he said sheepishly.
“He means that I’m a neat freak and he is a slob.”
“Thank you Anya,” Xander said blushing.
“Living together takes compromise,” Tara said.
“Did you and Willow have to compromise?”
“On a few things. Namely I had to change my ringtone on a few numbers, we share the office and desk, and she gets most of the closet,” laughed Willow.
“I do not get most of the closet...you just don’t have as many clothes,” laughed Tara looking at Willow with love and adoration.
“Those seem pretty minimal. We’re making it work though,” answered Xander. “She’s worth it.”
“Damn right I am,” said Anya.
They finished their meal, paid and then the four of them decided to walk to the pier since it was nice out.
As Willow and Tara were heading home, they passed by the hotel and Erin was just heading out with her suitcases.
“Why does everything go your way?” snapped Erin.
“It doesn’t always go my way,” answered Tara feeling Willow squeeze her hand gently in support.
“Yeah, it does. You have this perfect family, perfect friends, perfect business, you are getting married. Nothing ever goes bad for you.”
“I have those things because I put in the effort to make them work. I don’t use people the way you do. Show some respect to someone, you’d be surprised at where it gets you. Willow and I fight, but we work to resolve the fight as well. We know that our relationship means more to us than a trivial disagreement. Your unhappiness is your own doing, I won’t feel sorry for you, but I do pity you.”
With that Willow and Tara walked away leaving Erin standing there dumbfounded.
“That was awesome,” Willow said as they neared home.
“It is true,” Tara said pulling the redhead's hand to her mouth and kissing her knuckles.
“How about some cuddles and reading for the rest of the afternoon?”
“Works for me, I just want you close.”
=====================================
TBC...