College Confidential (Prequel to HC/FC) [AU] (Complete)

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for excellent update-y goodness... I guess Tara is going to have her French-adventure soon after their Summer-of-Love... I'm glad Tara got to find out what 69 means...

[branny72]

Fantastic update. I will try to get back to write more soon. Thank you for the update-y goodness!!

[Laragh]

willowtaralover -

YAY for the first time I've got dibs YA

Yay! Go you!

When it comes to Amber/Tara lovers I think we're all predictable

You are totally right!

There's nothing wrong in being dorky, I've lived my life as a dork and it never did me any harm.

I think that is very wise and sage advice

I've loved the story so far so I'm sure to enjoy it through to the wonderful end when they graduate and go on to their life together.

It's great to know I have someone who's stuck with me throughout!

Have you thought of writing the three parts as an original novel from the girls meeting in college/university through to their lives and marriage in New York and finally on to Willow's having her wife's egg implanted on to her so that she can have their baby.

For me, there's no joy in writing if it's not Willow and Tara.

YAY end of exams :elephant

I'm so glad those days are behind me!

Tara, you bad girl

But ssh, don't tell anyone

What!!!!!!!!! They'll have graduated by the following summer???????????? That means we only have 52 chapters of College Confidential to go.

Uh huh, they'll be going into their last year after the summer, though I have no idea how many chapters that time will yield yet!

There's also dynamic, devastating-as in devastatingly beautiful, drool-worthy and delicate.

You could have won that game with them, though I think they would have only had eyes for each other!

Seriously Willow, you're on the verge of starting argument over LAUNDRY of all things when you should be having sweet sex? You do know there is another word that could describe you beginning with D; douchebag.

I know, right? Tara's taking your clothes off, doofus!

Warning, there may be much drooling in the next few paragraphs

I'll get the bucket ready.

Willow's naked body

*collects first drop*

*second drop*

*bucket overflowing*

Love Willow and Tara both getting confused by what the other means by a 69.

There's where your advice about being a dork would come in handy!

Bucket spilling everywhere!

YAY another awesome chapter with another amazing sex scene which makes me very jealous of the girls being able to have that kind of relationship.

You and me both, bud.

Thanks for commenting

zampsa19752001 -

Yay for excellent update-y goodness...

I guess Tara is going to have her French-adventure soon after their Summer-of-Love...

Indeed she is, though not right away!

I'm glad Tara got to find out what 69 means...

You and her both!

Thanks for commenting

branny72 -

Fantastic update. I will try to get back to write more soon. Thank you for the update-y goodness!!

So glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks for commenting

---

Update Directly Below

[Laragh]

********

TITLE: College Confidential

WRITER: Laragh

CHAPTER RATING: PG-13

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other characters from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise belong to Joss Whedon, FOX, ME and a whole host of other entities, none of which are me.

SUMMARY: The first part of the prequel to Hacker Confidential and Family Confidential - the college years!

SPOILERS: Perhaps minor references to the show or stealage of dialogue, but nothing that would spoil the series.

FEEDBACK: Yes please

Chapter 74

********

Tara let herself into the dorm and smiled when she saw Willow reading on the bed.


“Harry Potter?”


“Do you even have to ask?” Willow replied with a smile, “Welcome home.”


She set the book down and opened her arms, which Tara gratefully came over and sat in to.


“I got about 12 paper cuts today filing things. And I’m on phones all week. College students don’t listen. Ever. And if I mark one thing wrong, it can cause all kinds of ridiculous complications - I almost messed up someone's financial aid yesterday.”


“I’m sorry, baby,” Willow replied, kissing the top of Tara’s head, “Let me cheer you up.”


“I’m listening,” Tara said, nuzzling into Willow’s neck.


“Well, what about that thing I told you about tonight?” Willow suggested.


Tara moved to rest her head on the pillow.


“The movie?”


“Yeah, An Officer And A Gentleman,” Willow replied with a nod, “Have you seen it?”


Tara shook her head.


“No. But isn’t it an outdoor thing?”


“Yeah…” Willow replied, eyes questioning.


“Like a drive-in?” Tara asked, confused, “We don’t have a car.”


“No, no, it’s in the Gardens. No cars. Just blankets,” Willow clarified, “It’s the 25th anniversary or something so they’re doing this once-off showing. We don’t have to go, I just thought it could be fun.”


“Oh,” Tara replied, sitting up, “That does sound fun. Alright, I’m in.”


“Great!” Willow replied cheerily, “We can get some food beforehand.”


“That sounds nice,” Tara replied, stretching her neck, “Okay, just let me shower and I’ll be ready.”


She went off to shower and Willow got herself ready too and found a blanket. Tara came out and changed into non-work clothes and comfier shoes and they set off.


They got the T into the city and stopped at a BBQ truck to get pulled pork sandwiches.


“These are the best sandwiches in the city, I swear,” Willow commented as she took a big bite.


“They are very good,” Tara agreed, “Hey, how are you feeling about Friday?”


“Starting the project?” Willow asked, shrugging one shoulder, “I dunno. Fine, I guess. Don’t really know what to expect. I was pumped to be asked but I dunno, I’m not…bursting at the seams to start or anything. I don’t even know what it’s about.”


“Well, guess you’ll find out,” Tara replied with a smile, “Do you want another Diet Coke?”


Willow nodded so Tara went up and got them a cup each. They finished their sandwiches, threw out their trash and continued on to the park to find a nice spot in front of the screen.


It wasn’t very crowded yet as there was still thirty minutes to the showing, so they secured a central space and laid down together on the blanket after Willow shook it out.


“This is lovely,” Tara commented, unselfconscious enough to cuddle into Willow’s side, “I’ve never seen a screen outside like this.”


“I’ve seen them, but never attended,” Willow replied, very proud to have her arm around Tara’s back, “Nice to share it with you.”


They shared a short, chaste but sweet kiss and settled back to chatting while they waited for the movie to start. Willow went and got them a bucket of popcorn to share from a vendor that had set up and rested it at an angle between them so they could stay cosied up.


The movie started and the chatter quietened down to just sounds of rustling and chewing popcorn.


It was a fairly long couple of hours as they watched the movie, but both girls were happy to be cuddled up and close to each other. Every so often they’d pull each other from the screen to show them a passing squirrel or particularly bright star, then they’d settle back into things.


Everyone clapped when the movie ended, including Tara, who was smiling. Some people around them gathered up their things pretty quick and others stayed talking to each other. Willow and Tara stayed in the same position in the blanket, content, until they started getting the glare eyes from organisers to leave.


Willow rolled up the blanket and tucked it under her arm, then offered her other hand to Tara.


“Well? Did you like it?”


“Yeah, I did. Emotional,” Tara replied, eye glazing slightly, “I liked that scene at the end.”


She closed her eyes and briefly let the image of barging into a classroom and plucking Willow up from amongst her peers, then marching her back to their room run through her mind. More images of what would continue on flashed and she turned a deep red.


“What are you blushing for?” Willow asked when she saw it, grinning, “Have you got a crush on Richard Gere?”


Tara’s eyes went wide.


“No!”


“Then who?” Willow asked, bumping Tara’s hip, “That’s your crush blush.”


Tara smiled bashfully.


“You. Only you.”


Willow smiled softly.


“Only me, huh?”


Tara lifted Willow’s hand to her mouth and kissed the back of it.


“Only you. Always.”

---

Tara was folding laundry away while it was still warm from the machine, where she'd just returned from.


She folded Willow’s socks together the way her girlfriend liked; with the ends poking out so she could identify the pattern. She was tidying them away in the drawer when Willow came through the door, looking weary despite it only being lunchtime.


“Hi honey,” she greeted warmly, leaving the empty hamper back in its spot, “How was your first day?”


She walked over to embrace Willow, who was grateful to melt into her girlfriend’s arms, appreciative of the comfort after a difficult first day in her research assistant position.


“Wow, I needed that,” she said, squeezing Tara, then walked over to the bed so she could take her shoes off, “Where to start?”


Tara followed and sat cross-legged near the pillows.


“I find the beginning is usually a good place.”


Willow smiled for the first time that day and came up to rest her head in Tara’s lap.


“Well it really starts on Monday, today they were just setting up and showing us the ropes. It’s not really like I expected. There’s two of us, for one. Me and this guy, I don’t know him from any of my classes. Basically, he’s doing the writing and handing out of the surveys and then they come back to me and I log it all,” she replied, then held up a hand to stop herself, “Can’t forget to bring the professors coffee, of course. Got yelled at for putting cream in the wrong one and no sugar in the other but maybe that was just a once-off. They never asked the dude to, in fact I brought him some too!”


Tara stroked her hands up and down Willow’s arms and leaned down to press a kiss against the middle of her forehead.


“Oh honey.”


Willow was relaxing under Tara’s touch and let her eyes close.


“Had to sign a confidentiality agreement thing, can’t even tell you about the project but it’s not that interesting so I wouldn’t want to anyway.”


Tara began to press her fingers into Willow’s skin as she stroked, offering a gentle massage.


“I thought you really loved this stuff.”


Willow let out a deep sigh, she was struggling with the disappointment of her first day too.


“Yeah…me too,” she replied honestly, though was smiling at the soft tickle of Tara’s caress, “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. It looks like pretty easy credit, just researching and typing, I’m good at that. And it’s just a couple of hours a day, keeps me from getting too lazy while you’re not around. How was your day?”


Tara shrugged, though Willow couldn’t see.


“I had to clear paper work, police clearance and all that stuff for the mentor program. They’re super busy and down a lot of counselors, a lot of college kids volunteer for credits and are gone home for summer. They’re going to match me over the weekend and I’ll go down Monday to meet the kid, my mentee. They call them 'Little Sisters'.”


“Mmm,” Willow replied, sighing softly, but had drifted out in the middle, “I’d kill for some Mentos right now.”


Tara smiled and shook her head, letting the lack of listening go seeing as her girlfriend had had a tough morning.


“Want me to go to the vending machine?” she offered, rubbing Willow’s shoulders.


Willow tilted her head up and coaxed Tara down for a kiss.


“You’re the best.”


Tara gave Willow’s shoulders one last squeeze, then slipped off the bed and left the room after a root for some change. She returned just a couple of minutes later and gave Willow a packet of the mints and a bottle of cola. Willow sat up straight and looked at the bottle, eyes glinting.


“Did you get me this so we could do the geyser?”


Tara perched on the end of the bed and looked at Willow curiously.


“…I got it because you like it. What geyser?”


Willow’s eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas.


“You’ve never seen a cola geyser?”


Tara shook her head and Willow leapt up faster than a lightning bolt, grabbing Tara’s hand and pulling her into the bathroom.


Tara wasn’t sure what was going on as she watched Willow take the cap off the bottle and leave it in the middle of the shower, then tear her pack of Mentos open. She peered closer as Willow dropped two in, then jumped back in shock as the promised geyser shot up just in time to be blocked by the glass shower door Willow slammed shut.


Willow laughed at the look on Tara’s face.


“Told you!” she said, opening the shower to wash away the coke, “It’s all about displacing the surface tension and a mix of the chemicals used in the coke and the coating on the mint. I did an experiment on it in high school. Cool, huh?”


“Sticky,” Tara replied, grabbing a washcloth to wipe down the wall, “But cool, yes.”


Willow picked up her half-empty and de-carbonated bottle of coke and frowned.


“Now I want more coke.”


Tara went over to the faucet and ran her hands under the warm water.


“I’ll get you some, but you have to actually drink it this time.”


“It’s okay, I’ll go,” Willow replied, joining in the wash-up, “Exploited your generosity enough for one day.”


Tara dried her hands on the towel and handed it to Willow.


“Let’s go together, we shouldn’t be cooped up in the room all afternoon.”


“In!” Willow replied cheerily, hanging the towel back up and slipping her hand into Tara’s, “Just let me grab my stuff.”


She picked up a few things, trying and failing to shove them all in her pockets, so Tara put her satchel across her chest and carried them for her.


“I don’t think I told you today how much I love you,” Willow said, tugging Tara close to her to kiss her softly, “Love you.”


“I love you too,” Tara replied in a whisper against Willow’s lips.


They kissed for another few moments, then headed out together. As they walked down the hall to the vending machine, both noticed the pattering of rain against the windows.


“When did that start?” Willow asked as she fetched quarters from her pocket, “It was sunny when I was walking home.”


“Me too, I was going to suggest we go for a walk,” Tara replied, going over to look out a window, “Want to go into the lounge for a bit?”


“Sure,” Willow replied, picking out her new bottle from the slot, then putting more coins in and picking out a pack of gummy bears, “For you. Look, greens and everything! Healthy eating.”


Tara couldn’t help but smile.


“Not quite the leafy kind.”


“No, but the delicious kind,” Willow replied with a big grin, “Besides you can’t trick me out, I’ve seen bags of these poking out of your satchel at particularly consistent times of the month.”


“Can’t get anything past you,” Tara replied, taking the gummy bears offered, “Nothing wrong with some candy. Thank you.”


She put them in her front pouch while they walked into the student lounge. They expected it to be empty but there was a girl already in there, curled up in one of the armchairs with a textbook in her lap.


She looked up when they walked in, but looked back into her book again shyly almost straight away. Willow pointed towards one of the couches that was a bit away so they could talk privately and walked Tara over to sit there.


They sat close, knees up and hands splayed out between them as they played with each other’s fingers.


“Oh, you know what’s on in a couple of weeks?” Willow asked quietly so as not to disturb the other girl and keep the conversation private.


“No, tell me,” Tara replied, twisting Willow’s promise ring around her finger.


Willow smiled at the gesture.


“Pride.”


“Pride of…?” Tara questioned, but caught on before needing an answer, “Oh gay pride. Sure, I’ve seen things about that. It’s a parade right?”


“Uh huh,” Willow replied with a bob of her head, “I always wanted to go, but I was in Kansas the first year, and remembered too late to suggest it last year. But I put my email up for a notification and got it this morning. Think you’d want to go with me, maybe?”


“Of course,” Tara replied with a smile, “So what do you want to do this weekend?”


Willow put her hands over Tara’s knees and leaned over to whisper in her ear.


“You…me…distinct lack of clothing.”


Tara quirked an eyebrow as Willow pulled back to look at her.


“All weekend?”


“Well, why not?” Willow asked, lifting her chin defiantly.


“You make a valid point,” Tara replied with a hint of a grin, “Okay then.”


Willow looked at Tara curiously for a moment.


“Are you serious?”


Tara shrugged one shoulder.


“Well neither of us has to do anything or see anyone…I could be convinced to take advantage of a lazy weekend.”


Willow’s eyebrows shot up.


“That’s a verbal contract. That is binding in the state of Massachusetts.”


Tara smiled and squeezed Willow’s hands.


“I already agreed.”


Willow started to lean forward, all but bouncing on the spot.


“Whole hog? Ordering in, no clothes, lazing around with intermittent bouts of being un-lazy in a horizontal kind of way? All naked, all gay? The whole weekend?”


“The whole weekend,” Tara promised, voice taking on a sultry undertone that made Willow’s stomach drop.


Willow took a large glug of coke to calm herself down but was blushing and squirming under Tara’s gaze. She was tempted to take Tara’s hand and bring them back to the room to start their weekend early, but was disturbed when something loudly thumping against the floor made her jump.


She spotted a textbook on the floor and the other girl getting up to get it, a bit flustered, so helped out by handing it up to her.


“Oh, you like organic chemistry?” she asked, recognising the cover.


The girl tucked a piece of her long, brown hair behind her ear and took her book back with a grateful but bashful smile.


“The opposite. Flunked my exam and need to pass the class this summer to graduate on time,” she said, then shook her head, “Just can’t wrap my head around it.”


“What are you stuck on?” Willow asked, turning her legs out so she was sitting properly, “I’ve done some classes.”


The girl opened to a particular page and looked down on it hopelessly.


“Compounds.”


“Do you want some help?” Willow offered.


The girl sat back in her chair and turned apologetic.


“I didn't mean to disturb you.”


“It’s okay, Willow’s a great tutor,” Tara cut in.


“I’m Willow,” Willow added, waving.


The girl smile and looked to Tara.


“And you are?”


“We’re girlfriends,” Willow replied proudly, slipping Tara’s hand in hers, “Lovers. Lesbian, gay-type lovers.”


The girl blushed.


“I was, um, asking her name.”


“Oh,” Willow replied, looking away sheepishly, “Tara is her, she is Tara. Tara.”


Tara made a gesture of hello, a bit embarrassed as well. The girl didn’t seem to mind though and smiled pleasantly.


“I’m Eden.”


“That’s a pretty name,” Tara said.


Willow nodded quickly.


“Yeah, I haven’t heard it before, ‘part from in the bible, but I’m not a big bible reader. I am Jewish, but more secular, not one for the Torah or-” she rambled for a moment before swallowing her babble and turned to Tara, “Um, so, yeah, you mind if I help for a bit baby?”


Tara shook her head.


“I have a book.”


She took her book from her bag and held it up to indicate, so Willow went and sat in a chair beside Eden with the book between them. They went through the chapter quietly; Willow relishing being able to help and impart knowledge on one of her best subjects.


“See, carbon makes so many compounds because it forms four covalent bonds with other carbon atoms as well as a whole bunch of other ones. So it can practically bond with any other carbon atom and make a lot of compounds. Does that make more sense?” she finished easily, mind already solving the questions at the end of the chapter as it was launched into hyper-drive.


“It does, actually,” Eden replied, smiling in slight awe, “Thank you so much. Can I pay you or something?”


“No way, it was totally fine,” Willow replied, giddy from the rush she got from helping, “Kinda fun to do some science actually.”


Eden looked at her sceptically, making Willow blush and go sit by Tara again.


“So, we’re, um, in 109 if you ever need more help.”


Eden’s brow creased.


“You’re both in a single ro–right,” she started but realised quickly, “Can I ask you guys something?”


Willow cast a sidelong glance at Tara, then looked back to Eden.


“Yeah, sure.”


Eden’s cheeks were turning a light pink under the strong overhead lights and she held her book to her chest.


“How difficult would it be to sneak my boyfriend in a couple of nights a week?”


Willow laughed and Tara's lips quirked up on one side.


“Just be quiet about it and you’ll be fine,” Tara replied, dog-earing her book and leaving it on the arm of the couch.


A smile burst out on Eden’s face and she swung herself up to standing, in delight.


“That won’t be a problem. Great. Thank you,” she said, then looked to Willow gratefully again, “I think I can actually go write my paper now. Thanks again for all your help.”


“No problem,” Willow replied, smiling back.


“Bye,” Tara added, waving politely as she left them alone, then put her hand on Willow’s thigh, “Mmm, I think I'm all hot for teacher.”


Willow blushed and gave a dismissive hand wave.


“Stop.”


Tara rubbed Willow’s thigh through her jeans.


“You’re very sexy when you’re studious,” she said, watching the flame in Willow’s cheeks grow slowly brighter, “Wanna go play Professor Willow?”


Willow turned her head towards Tara, eyes eager.


“Is her misguided but extremely hot student who responds to a firm hand going to be there?”


Tara pursed her lips against Willow’s cheek and whispered.


“Mmhmm, and I think she’ll need to be punished for not handing in her paper on how to appropriately…”


The tip of her tongue poked out beside Willow’s ear before she placed intermittent kisses there.


“Respond…to authority…figures.”


Willow barely contained the urge to pin Tara down right there so grabbed her girlfriend’s hand and pulled her towards the dorm to do it there instead.


Tara did a quick glance up and down the hallway to make sure no one was around, then pressed her front right up against Willow’s back as her girlfriend floundered to open the door for them.


Willow dropped the keys and had to bend to retrieve them, which Tara took full advantage of by circling her hips gently against her girlfriend’s butt.


Willow squealed and spun around, then pressed the keys firmly into Tara’s hand. Tara glided the key into the slot easily and turned it so it clicked open. She held it open for Willow, then kicked back her foot to close it when they were inside.


Tara took a hold of Willow’s hips and looked her up and down in her professional attire; sleek black pants and white blouse.


“You totally look the part, Professor Rosenberg…almost,” she said as she walked over to Willow’s nightstand and brought her glasses back over.


“They make me look like a dork,” Willow started to protest but didn’t stop Tara from putting them on her.


“I think they’re sexy,” Tara replied, securing them on her girlfriend’s face and admired her for a moment, “Mmm…turn around.”


Willow put her hands on her hips.


“Hey, who’s in charge here?”


“You in two minutes,” Tara promised in a tone that made Willow comply immediately, turning away.


Tara went over to the closet, then looked over her shoulder.


“Don’t peek.”


Willow had been inching closer to the desk mirror to be able to see behind her but decided she would play by the rules.


“Okay, I promise.”


Tara turned back to the closet and started to look through for something to complement their game. She changed her shirt to a plain white button-down that was a little too long and a little too tight; so much that it was rarely worn but perfect for what she was aiming for. It pushed her breasts up uncomfortably but she had a feeling it wouldn’t be on long anyway.


She had an image in her head and wanted a skirt next but rooting through hers they were all much too conservative. She was about to give up when she had a Eureka moment when she remembered the clothes she’d needed for her role as a ‘lady of the night’ in the drama class play.


She found them in a bag, right at the back and pulled out pleated, grey and most importantly, short skirt which she quickly pulled on after leaving her pants up on a hanger. She found the knee-high socks from Willow’s nurse costume and stood in front of the full length mirror after fixing them on her legs.


Something was missing, but she wasn’t quite sure what.


Willow had no idea what her girlfriend was up to and was starting to grow impatient. She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot.


“You know timekeeping is very important to Prof–”


Her shoulder was tapped before she could finish and she turned around, intending to give Tara a stern look. Instead, she was struck speechless at the make-shift outfit and very impressed by the scarf Tara had tied on her front to resemble a tie.


“Sorry I’m late, Professor Rosenberg.”

---

TBC...

[Citanul]

Love where this is going. I think my favorite part was the scene where Eden catches on.

“You’re both in a single ro–right,” she started but realized quickly,

Poor girl gets the full "lesbian gay-type lovers" speech and then four minutes later forgets that she's already been told they share a bed.

Can't wait for the next chapter. Tara going full speed ahead with the "I've been a bad bad schoolgirl, you should teach me a lesson." scenario is always a good time.

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for excellent update-y goodness... I liked their park movie watching... Can't wait for Professor Rosenberg's "private tutoring" time...

[willowtaralover]

YAY more of the awesomeness that is College Confidential

Oh poop, I didn't get dibs

First I just thought I should apologise for the amount of drool from the last chapter. I do hope Willow and Tara didn't get too swamped by it.



"Yeah, An Officer And A Gentleman,” Willow replied with a nod, “Have you seen it?”

Alright, who has images of one of the girls in a sailors outfit carrying the other whilst 'Love Lifts Us Up' plays in the background.

I've heard about these open air film screenings and they sound pretty cool. I think they have some every summer in London.

Love that Willow knows Tara so well she can recognise her individual blushes.

“Can’t forget to bring the professors coffee, of course. Got yelled at for putting cream in the wrong one and no sugar in the other but maybe that was just a once-off."

Yeah, Willow gets yelled at for putting cream and no sugar in the coffee's for the professors because the profs can't go get their own coffee.

I do like the juxtaposition between this and the previous scene where Willow comforted Tara and now Tara comforts Willow.

"They call them 'Little Sisters'.”

BIOSHOCK, the Little Sisters are characters in that particular videogame.

“Did you get me this so we could do the geyser?”

YAY science nerd Willow is on the scene I hope Willow shows this trick to Jake and Alex.

I like the gummy bears line. There's nothing like a Buffy in-joke to remind us of the origins of our favourite girls.

“You…me…distinct lack of clothing.”

Laragh, prepare the buckets. I'm guessing there will be much drooling ahead, either at the end of this chapter or in the next one.

I'm assuming you're a chemistry major Laragh with all that stuff there about carbon.

I said that Tara was a little naughty, encouraging the other girl that it would be fine to sneak her boyfriend to her room a couple of times a week. I'm guessing that Becky is rubbing off on her a bit.

Yep, you'd better get those buckets ready Laragh, I sense much drooling ahead

Willow still thinks that her glasses make her look like a dork but the dorks are the cool kids; am I right or am I right?

She changed her shirt to a plain white button-down that was a little too long and a little too tight...It pushed her breasts up uncomfortably but she had a feeling it wouldn’t be on long anyway.

Oh my, a hot chick in a tight shirt

She found them in a bag, right at the back and pulled out a pleated, grey and most importantly, short skirt.

And in a short skirt too

“Sorry I’m late, Professor Rosenberg.”

Oh my what an ending. Roll on two weeks time when the drooling will commence.

[branny72]

YAY - Update-y goodness!!

Thank you for a fantastic update. I loved them going to see An Officer and a Gentleman...outdoor movies can be a lot of fun! I think the coke and mentos experiment was awesome. Poor Tara had never made a cola geyser before.

I hope they get to go to the Pride parade this year. That seems like something fun for them. I haven't been to one in years.

An all naked weekend + Professor Rosenberg =

I am looking forward to the next update!! I'll need cheering up that week so the timing will be perfect.

[SneakyCat]

Hi Laragh

Delurking now 'cause I have yet to tell you just how much I'm enjoying this fic. You write Willow and Tara so well. And that makes me very happy. I don't know what else to say at this point because I've missed so many chapters I could have commented on if I hadn't been so late to the KB party. --Btw, how awesome is it that there still is new WT fanfic so many years after the show ended? Not that I'm surprised, but still.
Looking forward to reading more of this amazing story (and to catching up with the rest of your Confidential series that I haven't had the chance to read in full yet).
You deserve lots of and for sharing your stories with us lucky kittens!
Really excited to see Tara being a mentor. And as for the next update...let me just say

[Laragh]

Citanul -

Love where this is going. I think my favorite part was the scene where Eden catches on. Poor girl gets the full "lesbian gay-type lovers" speech and then four minutes later forgets that she's already been told they share a bed.

I think she was still in shock Also I find some people have to have the fact that two girls are together told to them a few times before it really clicks. Like society deems it as less in your face gayness than two guys, but also easily dismissible because of it. Not that Eden intended to be that, but these attitudes can be ingrained without us even realising.

Can't wait for the next chapter. Tara going full speed ahead with the "I've been a bad bad schoolgirl, you should teach me a lesson." scenario is always a good time.

I agree! In fact it's the second time I've written it But when an opportunity presents itself...

Thanks for commenting!

zampsa19752001 -

Yay for excellent update-y goodness...

I liked their park movie watching... Can't wait for Professor Rosenberg's "private tutoring" time...

Glad you liked it and hope you enjoy the continuation!

Thanks for your comment!

willowtaralover -

YAY more of the awesomeness that is College Confidential

Oh poop, I didn't get dibs

Next time!

First I just thought I should apologise for the amount of drool from the last chapter. I do hope Willow and Tara didn't get too swamped by it.

I think they're too caught up in each other to notice anyone else to be honest!

Alright, who has images of one of the girls in a sailors outfit carrying the other whilst 'Love Lifts Us Up' plays in the background.

I was trying to decide who I wanted to be in what role, but both work! Both work!

I've heard about these open air film screenings and they sound pretty cool. I think they have some every summer in London.

They do them out here in Dublin too.

Love that Willow knows Tara so well she can recognise her individual blushes.

It's the W/T version of the When Harry Met Sally speech!

Yeah, Willow gets yelled at for putting cream and no sugar in the coffee's for the professors because the profs can't go get their own coffee.

They're far too up their own asses to do such tasks

I do like the juxtaposition between this and the previous scene where Willow comforted Tara and now Tara comforts Willow.

They are great girlfriends to each other!

BIOSHOCK, the Little Sisters are characters in that particular videogame.

I don't know much about the game but I hope they weren't evil...

YAY science nerd Willow is on the scene I hope Willow shows this trick to Jake and Alex.

I can see many a sofa ruined in the future with this.

I like the gummy bears line. There's nothing like a Buffy in-joke to remind us of the origins of our favourite girls.

I do love the little allusions, they're fun to put in.

Laragh, prepare the buckets. I'm guessing there will be much drooling ahead, either at the end of this chapter or in the next one.

*prepares the buckets*

I'm assuming you're a chemistry major Laragh with all that stuff there about carbon.

Google is my friend

I said that Tara was a little naughty, encouraging the other girl that it would be fine to sneak her boyfriend to her room a couple of times a week. I'm guessing that Becky is rubbing off on her a bit.

Tara appreciates the delicate intricacies of doing it in a dorm room!

Yep, you'd better get those buckets ready Laragh, I sense much drooling ahead

I have my best men on it.

Willow still thinks that her glasses make her look like a dork but the dorks are the cool kids; am I right or am I right?

You are right.

Oh my, a hot chick in a tight shirt ... And in a short skirt too

Careful now, my best men ain't nothing against the wrath of Willow!

Oh my what an ending. Roll on two weeks time when the drooling will commence.

Hope you enjoy it

Thanks for the feedback

branny72 -

YAY - Update-y goodness!!

Thank you for a fantastic update. I loved them going to see An Officer and a Gentleman...outdoor movies can be a lot of fun!

I agree! Especially when the weather is good, just a little cold so you can cuddle close to someone.

I think the coke and mentos experiment was awesome. Poor Tara had never made a cola geyser before.

Better to be shown it, than have it happen in your mouth!

I hope they get to go to the Pride parade this year. That seems like something fun for them. I haven't been to one in years.

Oh they will! Very soon! Should be Chapter 77.

An all naked weekend + Professor Rosenberg =

Hope you enjoy it

I am looking forward to the next update!! I'll need cheering up that week so the timing will be perfect.

I hope you are cheered up and I am sending lots of good vibes!

Thanks for commenting

SneakyCat -

First things first, I love your pic I loved that episode so much.

Delurking now 'cause I have yet to tell you just how much I'm enjoying this fic. You write Willow and Tara so well. And that makes me very happy. I don't know what else to say at this point because I've missed so many chapters I could have commented on if I hadn't been so late to the KB party

I'm very happy to have you on board and so glad to know you're enjoying it!

--Btw, how awesome is it that there still is new WT fanfic so many years after the show ended? Not that I'm surprised, but still.

I agree! It is a testament to how adored and special this couple are to still be going strong.

Looking forward to reading more of this amazing story (and to catching up with the rest of your Confidential series that I haven't had the chance to read in full yet).

I hope you enjoy them, because I enjoyed writing them!

You deserve lots of and for sharing your stories with us lucky kittens!

I'm the lucky one to have such awesome kittens behind me!

Really excited to see Tara being a mentor. And as for the next update...let me just say

Haha! Well...I hope you enjoy Mentor Tara, but first, schoolgirl Tara

---

Update Directly Below

[Laragh]

********

TITLE: College Confidential

WRITER: Laragh

CHAPTER RATING: NC-17

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other characters from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise belong to Joss Whedon, FOX, ME and a whole host of other entities, none of which are me.

SUMMARY: The first part of the prequel to Hacker Confidential and Family Confidential - the college years!

SPOILERS: Perhaps minor references to the show or stealage of dialogue, but nothing that would spoil the series.

FEEDBACK: Yes please

Chapter 75

********

Tara turned back to the closet and started to look through for something to complement their game. She changed her shirt to a plain white button-down that was a little too long and a little too tight; so much that it was rarely worn but perfect for what she was aiming for. It pushed her breasts up uncomfortably but she had a feeling it wouldn’t be on long anyway.


She had an image in her head and wanted a skirt next but rooting through hers they were all much too conservative. She was about to give up when she had a Eureka moment when she remembered the clothes she’d needed for her role as a ‘lady of the night’ in the drama class play.


She found them in a bag, right at the back and pulled out pleated, grey and most importantly, short skirt which she quickly pulled on after leaving her pants up on a hanger. She found the knee-high socks from Willow’s nurse costume and stood in front of the full length mirror after fixing them on her legs.


Something was missing, but she wasn’t quite sure what.


Willow had no idea what her girlfriend was up to and was starting to grow impatient. She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped her foot.


“You know timekeeping is very important to Prof–”


Her shoulder was tapped before she could finish and she turned around, intending to give Tara a stern look. Instead, she was struck speechless at the make-shift outfit and very impressed by the scarf Tara had tied on her front to resemble a tie.


“Sorry I’m late, Professor Rosenberg.”

---

Willow stumbled over her breath for a few moments, then forced herself to straighten up to seem taller and fixed her glasses properly onto her face.


“I said 3pm sharp, Ms. Maclay. It’s 3:05. Care to explain your tardiness?”


Tara lifted the hem of her already tiny skirt.


“It was so hot out, I had to change into something…cooler.”


Willow’s knees shook as she took a long, appreciative look of Tara’s legs.


“Well next time you’ll be here when I say,” she said, raising her voice to counter her body’s inevitable reactions, “Do you have your paper?”


Tara looked down, then up through her lashes and shook her head.


Willow felt a surge between her legs and wasn’t sure how long she could keep up the authoritarian act, but was enjoying it too much to not put in some effort.


“And why not? I expected three thousand words on respecting authority as punishment for not paying attention during my class.”


Tara twirled one finger in the ends of her hair; it wasn't her first foray into imagining herself as a naughty school girl.


“I have…concentration problems.”


“And why can’t you concentrate?” Willow questioned with a penetrating look.


Tara took a small step forward to bring them closer together.


“I get preoccupied…with thoughts.”


One of Willow’s eyebrows arched.


“About?”


Tara smiled in an outwardly bashful manner but Willow could see the sensuality simmering underneath.


“You.”


“Well–” Willow started to reply but had to take a moment to compose herself when it came out as an unfortunate squeak, “Well…I’ve never been known to be unreasonable. I can adjust your punishment accordingly.”


She took the end of the scarf hanging down Tara’s front and pulled gently.


“And then you can demonstrate to me that you’ve learned to accept authority.”


Tara felt her belly bubbling with lust. She loved getting a little playful and Professor Rosenberg was certainly doing it for her.


“What are you going to do to me?” she asked in her best innocent voice.


Willow knew what she wanted to do and that Tara was okay with it, albeit in a less ‘formal’ setting. She tugged Tara’s ‘tie’ a little more forcefully and turned her towards the desk.


“Bend over.”


Tara felt her pulse speed up as she leaned over, keeping her back straight so her butt stuck out a little more. She was too aroused to be embarrassed and enjoyed the feeling of Willow’s presence towering over her.


Willow watched the back of Tara’s thighs rubbed up against each other and knew her girlfriend must be wet. She felt her own temperature soar as she lifted Tara’s skirt over her hips.


“If you want to cool down, you won’t mind removing a layer.”


Tara flushed as she felt her panties slide down her legs and pool around her ankles. She stepped out of them and straightened her back again. Her only discomfort was from the pulsing ache between her legs; intensified when a hand rested on her rear while Willow rooted around in the drawer on the other side.


Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Willow’s wrist sliding out of the drawer with a wooden ruler coming with her. Her breathing sped up and thighs rubbed together again, trembling when the wood stroked the curve of her behind.


The swat that came was light, lighter even than Willow’s hand had been in other, more spontaneous moments, but Tara’s senses were electrified and she felt every nerve jump and tingle through her. She felt a bit silly and had to purse her lips to stop a giggle from ruining the mood.


Two more swats drew a sharper breath from her each time until Willow smacked the ruler hard against the table, making her jump.


“Have you learned your lesson?”


“I don’t know…” Tara replied breathlessly, then composed herself and cleared her throat, “I mean yes. Yes, I’ve learned my lesson.”


She stood up and demurely pulled at the end of her skirt to straighten it, making it twirl in the process. Willow kept the ruler in her hand and slapped it against her own palm.


“If you can’t write me an essay, you’ll have to do a report. An oral report.”


Tara slowly sank down on her knees, looking up through her eyelashes on the way down. Willow grinned.


“Promising opening.”


She sat down at the desk chair and left the ruler on the desk.


“Begin whenever you’re ready.”


Tara inched forwards on her knee until she was in front of Willow. She lifted her hands to the button on Willow’s sleek black pants and started to gracefully remove them.


“Showing tremendous skill at set-up…calm and efficient. Well-presented.”


Tara had to purse her lips to stop a smile; she could tell Willow was going to milk every pun out of the situation she could.


She listened to Willow go on about good posture while she removed her girlfriend’s panties and started to kiss her thighs.


Willow tilted her head back in the chair and enjoyed how thoroughly Tara made an effort to kiss each piece of her skin.


“Mmm…very…detail…oriented.”


She spread her legs a bit when Tara latched onto her clit; tonguing and caressing her with her lips.


“Ooh!” Willow said, moving a hand over Tara’s head to encourage her, “Solid technique.”


She thought her quips were incredibly witty and felt the confidence from that to keep up the role. She closed her hand around the ruler again and pushed it down Tara’s back through her shirt, then used the end to push up the fabric so it scratched against her girlfriend’s skin.


“Shows tremendous skill…under pressure.”


Tara felt the wood gently scrape its way up her spine and experienced the same scintillating tingle that the spank had produced. She linked her hands behind her back to appear more submissive and really set her tongue to work.


Willow’s hand tightened in Tara’s hair while the other reached down with the ruler to flick her girlfriend’s skirt up so she could rub the wood against the slightly reddened cheek. She was quite pleased with herself as she saw Tara’s hands squeeze together in response as well as receiving an even more energetic pleasuring.


Her belly was starting to coil as the pressure built inside her. The sides of the ruler were indenting into her palm she was holding it so tight, before it finally clattered to the floor as she began to orgasm.


Tara slowed down but didn’t stop for a minute or two, then sat back but stayed on her knees with her arms behind her still.


Willow blinked to get the haze from her eyes and closed her knees together. She looked down at Tara and grinned in satisfaction.


“Very strong finish,” she said, reaching down to tuck a piece of hair behind Tara’s ear, “A+, Ms Maclay.”


Tara beamed, quite pleased.


“Thank you, Professor Rosenberg. You’re my favourite professor.”


“And you’re my favourite student,” Willow replied, taking a hold of the end of Tara’s scarf-tie while she stood and giving it a little yank, “Come over to my private quarters for a one-on-one lesson.”


Tara folded her legs back to stand and stayed a step behind so she could feel the resistance of Willow pulling her, which she found quite arousing.


“What’s the lesson on?” she asked as Willow guided her to sit on the bed.


“Thermodynamics and the generalized conditions for equilibrium,” Willow replied in a quite serious tone.


Tara’s eyes widened though she tried to conceal it.


“Oh.”


Willow grinned.


“Not up for that one, huh? How about a practical demonstration of the sexual response cycle?” she asked, putting a hand on Tara’s chest and pushing her to lie down, “With extra credit upon release of accumulated sexual tension.”


Tara gulped quite audibly as Willow’s hand brushed against her swollen nipple straining through her tight shirt and bra.


“I-I like extra credit.”


“Then let’s get started,” Willow replied, lying alongside Tara and unbuttoning her bottom two buttons to caress her stomach, “Do you know what the first phase is?”


Tara had never studied it in depth but had a pretty good guess.


“Excitement?”


Willow looked impressed.


“Very good. It’s when you’re stimulated into sexual arousal,” she said, pressing soft kisses into Tara’s neck as her hand slowly palmed Tara’s stomach, “Kissing…and touching…”


She unbuttoned upward so she was moving towards Tara’s breasts.


“You can be stimulated mentally too…close your eyes and imagine something you find erotic.”


She watched Tara close her eyes and saw her chest rise as her breathing sped up.


“What are you thinking about?” she asked, trying to keep her tone ‘professional’ still.


Tara’s fingers gently clawed at the sheet.


“Your hand between my legs.”


“Now now, we’re not there yet,” Willow gently chastised, loving it, “It’s a step by step approach.”


Tara released the sheet and opened her eyes again, though they were glazed and heavy with lust. Willow noticed and cupped one of Tara’s breasts through her bra.


“In the excitement phase your breathing rate increases…” she said, glancing down at Tara’s chest which was still gently heaving, “Your heart speeds up…”


She pressed a kiss over Tara’s pulse point and felt it suitably sped up. She scraped her teeth there and heard Tara gasp, with a flush of her chest accompanying it.


“You may find a vasocongestion of the skin occurring…sometimes called a ‘sex flush’.”


She gave a little hum as she kissed along the strap line of Tara’s bra.


“The same thing makes your breasts swell…”


She popped the front clasp of Tara’s bra and palmed them both.


“Your nipples harden…”


Her tongue ran over each of Tara’s nipples and she felt her girlfriend quiver.


“Your clitoris swells too, along with the labia and vagina…” Willow continued, enjoying the mix of imparting knowledge and being sexy all at once, especially with Tara as her life model, “You’ll start to lubricate yourself.”


She reached under the skirt and slid two fingers along Tara’s generously lubricated lips. She had to stop herself from moaning and stay in teacher mode though she was developing a bit of a ‘sex flush’ herself.


“That’s when you enter phase two, plateau,” she rattled off, bringing her two fingers up and over Tara’s clit, “Heart rate gets faster again as more direct stimulation is applied.”


Tara let out a whimper and pulled at her own skirt to get rid of some of the tension.


“Your clitoris becomes more sensitive…” Willow said, dipping her fingers down and inside, “And the muscles in your vagina tighten.”


Tara cried out as she was entered and Willow couldn’t help but grin.


“Vocalisations become involuntary. So do muscle spasms in your hands and feet, across your face…”


She moved so she was laying half on top of Tara so she could put some weight behind her thrusts. She listened as Tara started to gasp for breath and watched sweat beads form on her brow.


“Respiration becomes more elevated,” she said, panting a little too, “And the body begins to produce sweat.”


She could feel Tara’s wetness slipping out of her and couldn’t stop a moan though was determined to continue the ‘lesson’.


“Lubrication increases again as sexual pleasure surges.”


Tara put her hands on Willow’s shoulders as the waves started, not really listening any more but very much responding to her girlfriend’s tone and demeanour. Willow curled her fingers and used her thumb to play with Tara’s clit too.


“Continued stimulation will lead to stage three, the orgasmic phase,” she said, then dropped her mouth to whisper in Tara’s ear, “Remember this is where you’re getting extra credit.”


Willow’s hot breath on her ear was all Tara needed to crash, coming hard and shaking beneath her girlfriend. Willow felt the hot clasp around her fingers and had her own toes curl in response.


“Your muscles will contract…and sexual tension released…for an overall feeling of euphoric bliss.”


She laid her head on Tara’s shoulder and intended to ride out the waves with her, but suddenly had a much better idea on how to end her lesson.


“Last is the resolution phase…” she said, eyes lighting up as she sat back between Tara’s legs, “Interesting thing about this one is, while men have a refractory period where further excitement isn’t possible, women don’t experience it nearly as much.”


Tara blinked a couple of times, focusing just in time to hear Willow speak again.


“This of course can lead to multiple orgasms.”


Willow rubbed Tara’s sensitive clit vigorously and had her moaning in seconds and coming in less than a minute.


Tara threw her hands above her head, panting hard again. There were aftershocks and after-waves but she was also aware of Willow’s hand moving gently down her side.


“And then you let yourself calm down; let your muscles relax; your breathing slow and your heart rate return to normal…let yourself bask in the pleasure and intimacy with your partner…” Willow soothed calmly, then pressed a lingering kiss into Tara’s cheek, “And that is the sexual response cycle.”


A slow smile lifted Tara’s lips into the corners and she sluggishly lifted her hand to Willow’s hand; her fingers brushing against her girlfriend’s wrist before falling off again softly to the bed.


“Did I get my extra credit?”


Willow smiled and bumped her nose against Tara’s, then kissed her, soft and sweet.


“Extra, extra credit.”


Tara’s breathing slowly returned to normal, though she retained the feeling of utter relaxation. She lazily played with Willow’s hair for a minute, then let out a contented sigh.


“Do you notice our bedroom talk takes on a scholarly theme a lot?”


Willow immediately blushed.


“That’s, ah, probably my fault. Dorkitis comes over me.”


“I think knowledge is very sexy,” Tara replied, gently pulling at the V of Willow’s blouse, “And you sure knew a lot about the ‘sexual response cycle’.”


Willow looked down, embarrassed that she’d messed up their game with her ‘detailed’ playing.


“Between psych and bio I’ve had plenty of classes,” she said, biting the skin around her thumb, “And I was being Professor Rosenberg…”


Tara saw Willow’s eyes drop and raised herself up on her elbow to kiss her cheek.


“Hey, I loved it. I loved your dedication,” she said honestly, bringing Willow’s head to her chest and lying back down again, “And I love my dorky Willow.”


Willow’s sulk turned into a smile as she made use of her private pillows on Tara's chest.


“You make me feel so wonderful,” she said, kissing Tara’s softening nipple, “Like it’s not ‘I like you despite being a dork’, it’s ‘I like you because you are one’.”


“Love you, and yes,” Tara replied, bunching Willow’s blouse in her hand, “Take this off.”


Willow grinned and sat up to remove her shirt and bra.


“Proper order has returned, Tara is in charge again,” she said as she settled back down, “I get to make one last rule though.”


“And what do you decree, Queen Willow?” Tara asked, taking the opportunity to gently cup one of Willow’s breasts.


Willow made the same motion between Tara’s legs, dragging her palm up her girlfriend’s stomach.


“Not an article of clothing shall grace your body until the Weekend Of Lazy Nudity hath conclude.”


“What about food?” Tara asked, thought with little objection in her voice.


Willow gently poked Tara between her breasts.


“I’ll be in charge of food and you’ll be in charge of looking gorgeous.”


Tara danced two fingers along Willow’s collarbone.


“Hmm. Well I get to make a rule too, then.”


Willow nodded, accepting it.


“Lay it on me.”


“That’s the plan,” Tara replied with a smirk, “My rule is I get to eat one thing from each meal off your body.”


Willow gulped, feeling herself renewing the cycle in the ‘excitement phase’. It only furthered when Tara used her weight to roll Willow and softly but firmly pinned her.


“And I get to start right now.”


Willow had to remind herself to breathe and let out a shaky exhale.


“Right now?”


Tara lifted herself off Willow, who slumped back in disappointment. It didn’t last for long though as she watched Tara’s naked butt wiggle as she walked over to where she’d dropped her bag.


Her eyes followed as Tara dipped down to reach into it, then straighten up again and turn back with the bag of gummy bears in her hand. Willow felt a resurgence of wetness between her legs as Tara tore open the corner of the packet with her teeth and came to straddle her again.


Willow lifted her hips into Tara, then dropped them back to the bed as she grabbed her girlfriend’s hips. Her fingertips sank into the sides of Tara’s buttocks.


“I’ll be your dish if you give me a kiss.”


Tara let the bag of gummy bears down with some spilling out from the torn corner. She grabbed a handful of the little bears and made a path from Willow’s belly button and around each breast to meet at the base of her throat, then put one in front of her girlfriend’s mouth to take between her teeth.


She dipped her head down to Willow’s stomach and sucked the first one up with an open-mouth kiss.


Willow squirmed under the hot press of Tara’s mouth and had to work really hard not to bite down on the gummy bear. She almost lost it when a tongue licked her from throat to chin but was thankfully reprieved when Tara finally met her lips and bit down on the other half of the bear so they could kiss.


Willow stroked her hands along Tara’s back and enjoyed the full press of their bodies. Eventually Tara parted to take a breath and Willow took the opportunity to pay some attention to her girlfriend’s neck.


“Mmm…I like your rule,” she murmured as her lips caressed Tara’s ear.


“I like your lips,” Tara responded, tilting her neck up on offer.


Willow rolled them over and took it without hesitation, biting and sucking Tara’s skin. When it started to mark, she soothed it with her tongue.


“Willow Rosenberg, master of the hickeys,” Tara said, knowing there was one there without needing to look.


“I prefer lovebite,” Willow replied, dragging a finger along the outline, “Though I could never go pro, I’ve concentrated my study in one very particular field. And what a beautiful field it is.”


Willow sat back on her heels and looked down at Tara.


“I still get goosebumps when I look at you.”


She ran her hands down Tara’s arms.


“And I get butterflies when I touch you.”


She leaned down and pressed her lips to Tara’s.


“And my heart races when I kiss you.”


She kissed Tara again and put the blanket up over them.


“I love you so much baby.”


Tara loved how the heat built up when they were enclosed under the blankets like that.


“I love you too sweetie.”


Willow placed her palm on Tara’s cheek and smiled.


“When I was little I’d read under the covers and pretend I was in a fort. I’d sneak snacks under and pretend my flashlight was a lightsaber and nothing bad could happen.”


Tara copied the motion so they were gently caressing each other.


“This can be our fort. Nothing bad will happen here.”


Willow left a gentle kiss on Tara’s lips.


“You’re my fort. Nothing bad happens with you.”


“You’re being very sweet today,” Tara replied, rubbing the skin under her thumb, then letting her hand fall off.


Willow just smiled and kissed Tara again while slipping a hand under the skirt and rubbing her hot cheek.


“Is your bottom sore? Do you want me to rub some cream on it?”


Tara blushed and shook her head.


“I kinda want to take a nap though. I was up so early this morning for work.”


Willow held her arms open and Tara settled in with her head under her girlfriend’s chin.


“Cuddle right in,” Willow encouraged, doing the same herself.


They got close and comfortable, the heavy heat passing between just making it easier to fall into slumber.


Willow felt that majestic moment that only Tara could induce where her mind went quiet and she was filled with the peace of safety and warmth.


They slept serenely for the evening, nestled in their fort.


The bed was their home for the rest of that weekend.

[zampsa19752001]

Dibs-y Goodness...

Yay for excellent update-y goodness... I really loved Professor Rosenberg's detailed lessons...

[willowtaralover]

YAY more awesome College Confidential, possibly the greatest story on the KIttenBoard.

I mentioned BIOSHOCK last time and the little sisters, they're not evil but they have genetically operated on by males. Yeah once again men make us look like self interested pricks for which I apologise.


She changed her shirt to a plain white button-down that was a little too long and a little too tight. It pushed her breasts up uncomfortably but she had a feeling it wouldn’t be on long anyway.

Whoops sorry about that Laragh, I didn't mean to drool so soon but Tara in a tight shirt pushing up her breasts...could anyone blame me???? .

I believe there will be much drooling in this episode on my part. I apologise in advance to the girls and hope I don't soak them to much. Though they may be soaking each other if I'm guessing rightly

Tara has previously imagined herself as a naughty schoolgirl before??? It looks like she didn't really need Becky to rub off on her all that much. She was a bad girl already.

“Bend over.”

Tara felt her pulse speed up as she leaned over, keeping her back straight so her butt stuck out a little more. She was too aroused to be embarrassed and enjoyed the feeling of Willow’s presence towering over her.

Tara flushed as she felt her panties slide down her legs and pool around her ankles. She stepped out of them and straightened her back again. Her only discomfort was from the pulsing ache between her legs; intensified when a hand rested on her rear while Willow rooted around in the drawer on the other side.

Willow wants an oral report from Tara!!!!!!!!! Ok, this could be one of those chapters where you break me .

She listened to Willow go on about good posture while she removed her girlfriend’s panties and started to kiss her thighs. Willow tilted her head back in the chair and enjoyed how thoroughly Tara made an effort to kiss each piece of her skin.

Tara linked her hands behind her back to appear more submissive and really set her tongue to work.

“Thank you, Professor Rosenberg. You’re my favourite professor.”

Mine too

Tara gulped quite audibly as Willow’s hand brushed against her swollen nipple straining through her tight shirt and bra.

Tara boobs YAY

“Then let’s get started,” Willow replied, lying alongside Tara and unbuttoning her bottom two buttons to caress her stomach.

And sexy stomach too

“In the excitement phase your breathing rate increases…” she said, glancing down at Tara’s chest which was still gently heaving, “Your heart speeds up…” She pressed a kiss over Tara’s pulse point and felt it suitably sped up. She scraped her teeth there and heard Tara gasp, with a flush of her chest accompanying it.

She popped the front clasp of Tara’s bra and palmed them both.

“Your nipples harden…”

Her tongue ran over each of Tara’s nipples and she felt her girlfriend quiver. Tara nipples; oh yeah

She moved so she was laying half on top of Tara so she could put some weight behind her thrusts. She listened as Tara started to gasp for breath and watched sweat beads form on her brow.

I was right, this is one of those chapters where you ARE going to break me. But it's such wonderful torture

“And that is the sexual response cycle.”

I wonder if it would be possible for me to get a practical sexual response cycle lesson from Willow.

It's nice to see Tara reassuring Willow over her being a dork but loved for it.

Tara asked, taking the opportunity to gently cup one of Willow’s breasts. YAY naked Willow breasts

Tara having to just look gorgeous; well that's a cinch for her isn't it.

“That’s the plan,” Tara replied with a smirk, “My rule is I get to eat one thing from each meal off your body.” Super Sexy Time ahoy, I expect this is something I'm sure everyones fantasised about at sometime, I know I have.

She dipped her head down to Willow’s stomach and sucked the first one up with an open-mouth kiss.

Wonderful sweetness there with Willow and Tara repeating how much they love each other and what they do for each other. I do wonder if some time in the future Willow is going to tell Becky that she is going to marry Tara one day.

Well, a pretty droolsome chapter there though it didn't break me as much as I thought it would but it was still quite hot. Looking forward to their trip to the Pride Parade.

[SneakyCat]

Still loving every moment of this fic!

Glad you liked my pic, I loved that episode too, in fact I might just go and watch it again now...
'Hi, my name's Elisabeth and I'm an Amberholic'. (Oh, but I love Tara too! Totally devoted to Tara.)

I had never read fanfic before but I have to say I'm impressed by the quality of what I've read on DCP so far. My expectations of fanfic were pretty low, so I was pleasantly surprised. And now I'm hooked. I also enjoy reading the feedback, I find it really interesting to read other people's thoughts and feelings about each chapter, and the interaction with the writer. The kittens seem like sweethearts, I already feel right at home here.


It's great to see that this place is still thriving after an eternity in Internet-time. The board rules make it a safe heaven, people here are more friendly, supportive and respectful than what I've encountered on some message boards.
Kittens rule!

her hand on Willow’s thigh, “Mmm, I think I'm all hot for teacher.”

Willow blushed and gave a dismissive hand wave.

“Stop.”

Tara rubbed Willow’s thigh through her jeans.

“You’re very sexy when you’re studious”

“You totally look the part, Professor Rosenberg…almost,” she said as she walked over to Willow’s nightstand and brought her glasses back over.

“They make me look like a dork,” Willow started to protest but didn’t stop Tara from putting them on her.

“I think they’re sexy,” Tara replied”

I'm sure most people can relate to being insecure about yourself, especially in sexual situations.

Tara knows how and when to reassure Willow and put her at ease. Then Will is able to play along with their little naughty game.

She had to stop herself from moaning and stay in teacher mode though she was developing a bit of a ‘sex flush’ herself.

"Professor Rosenberg" impressively manages not to break character, her remarkable attention span allowing her to focus and retrieve all that relevant information Gotta love dorky Willow!

Willow still has her share of insecurities that Tara (and Willow herself) will have to contend with. Here it goes again:

“That’s, ah, probably my fault. Dorkitis comes over me.”

“I think knowledge is very sexy,” Tara replied, gently pulling at the V of Willow’s blouse, “And you sure knew a lot about the ‘sexual response cycle’.”

Willow looked down, embarrassed that she’d messed up their game with her ‘detailed’ playing.

Au contraire, mon girl-frère. I'm sure Tara has no complaints... Thankfully Tara makes it safe for Willow to "sexpress herself" ( at myself for that awkward phrasing)

“And I love my dorky Willow.”

Willow’s sulk turned into a smile as she made use of her private pillows on Tara's chest.

“You make me feel so wonderful,”

A caring and nurturing relationship where they are consistently open and affectionate, communicate their needs in an upfront manner and are able to read the other person's states of mind and moods and to respond appropriately. (Yup, totally stole this from a psychology book )

“A+, Ms Maclay.”

Tara beamed, quite pleased.

“Thank you, Professor Rosenberg. You’re my favourite professor.”

Teacher's pet

I love this part. Tara is so good at this.

Willow is not the only one who is detail-oriented... You were too, Laragh, when you wrote that scene.

Professor Rosenberg and schoolgirl Tara... that was hot. A+

Love your choice of words here: "Tara beamed, quite pleased", that's the schoolgirl in a nutshell, anxious to please. The emphasis on "favourite" makes it more vivid for me, now I'm able to see her expression and hear her tone in my head. I mean, obviously she wouldn't say this deadpan. But with the italics, I can picture her eyes and smile, it's subtle, not heavy-handed, and it's enough.

This was never a fantasy of mine, I've never given it any thought in fact. So if I tried to picture it on my own, I would probably not be able to come up with anything 'cause I don't get it. For me it's just your typical, tacky male porn fantasy and it does nothing for me. But your description and characterization are spot-on and you don't overdo the "innocence" thing, so it works, even for me. For some people all you'd need to say is "schoolgirl" and they'd supply half the effort on their own, but I need you to do most of the work for me before I can get there. (Did that come out with sexual undertones? if so it wasn't my intention ) What I meant for instance is the precise description of their reactions and feelings, with the right choice of words. And without crossing the fine line where it would be awkward to read.

It's interesting because those are real traits that they possess, the bashfulness, the supposed dorkiness, that they probably used to dislike about themselves (obviously still do in Willow's case), and they reenact and reinterpret them to show each other that they're sexy and even more importantly loved for who they are. It shows you can grow, challenge the critical, self-limiting view you have of yourself. And I'm all for that.

Nice use of roleplay to show the liberating effect their relationship has on both of them. "How you set me free, brought me out so easily..."

The whole interaction was very nicely done. The 'in character' dialogue didn't feel too forced. You show how they have to get their bearings at first, especially Willow, but once they get in the right spirit there is no embarrassment left.

And I liked how both girls got so into it

I could also feel the constant underlying tenderness and care about how the other's feeling, that's something you always show really well, not just here in this update (I've read most of your fics by now, except for FC, and they're great, btw)

But then that's Tara and Willow, the tender interaction between them is why so many people fell in love with them in the first place. (Well, that and the fact that it was the first lesbian relationship on TV...)

ETA: Started editing this after realizing I was making too many BtVS references and here is not the place for it, see FAQ. (Newbie here, still learning the ropes.) I figured I might as well introduce myself a little bit, and try to be more specific and articulate in my FB. Not as easy as I thought.

[branny72]

Wow ...just

Thank you! You definitely helped make the week better! Fantastic chapter...I'm not sure which was hotter...Professor Rosenberg or Student Tara. I'm just going to go with both and enjoy the fantasy.

[loislane1]

First I want to apologize for the absent feedback. I had such a nice run there but life got a bit chaotic so while I was reading on the Kindle, no real time to stop and formulate feedback. We had a scary couple of weeks with my wife's left vocal chord becoming paralyzed. This really screws up things like swallowing, breathing, and talking. And for her, most devastatingly - losing the ability to sing. When we tell people about how we first met (I was her trainer at work!) it was her voice that caught and captivated me so not hearing that voice has been strange though I lover her no less. A few stressful weeks to find out she doesn't have a tumor or lesion or cancer or any of the big scary stuff so now she has to give the nerve time to heal and has a small surgery coming up to partially close that vocal chord and hopefully promote healing. It is the unexpected things in life that make you appreciate one another so much more.

In the meantime - I have enjoyed escaping for a few to read your updates and the updates on a few other stories. I will say the reference to organic chemistry made me shudder. I was always strong in O Chem lab but sucked at the theory and memorization part. There but for my extremely smart friend who basically forced the information into my head went I to barely pass O Chem 1. I gave up on O Chem 2 and took geology in stead all those years ago. I would have killed to have a tutor like Willow. I'm curious to see how the rest of Willow's intern experience goes. Women in science often face some remarkable levels of sexism. You should check out the sub reddit Ladiesofscience for some real life ongoing stories.

Pride should be a neat experience. To experience pride in such a large city is a pretty amazing thing. We've run a booth selling Jewelry and mixed media art at a few such as Raleigh, Harrisburg, and Lancaster pride but have never worked up to a major city like Atlanta. I look forward to reading the girls' experiences especially Tara's I think as this is quite outside of anything she would have seen in her life.

-H.

[Laragh]

zampsa19752001 -

Dibs-y Goodness...

Yay!

Yay for excellent update-y goodness... I really loved Professor Rosenberg's detailed lessons...

Glad you enjoyed it

Thanks for commenting!

willowtaralover -

YAY more awesome College Confidential, possibly the greatest story on the KIttenBoard.

You are too kind

I mentioned BIOSHOCK last time and the little sisters, they're not evil but they have genetically operated on by males. Yeah once again men make us look like self interested pricks for which I apologise.

What is with the misogyny and video games? We need guys like you working on them!

Whoops sorry about that Laragh, I didn't mean to drool so soon but Tara in a tight shirt pushing up her breasts...could anyone blame me???? .

No one, but like I always say...watch out for that red-haired, green-eyed monster!

I believe there will be much drooling in this episode on my part. I apologise in advance to the girls and hope I don't soak them to much. Though they may be soaking each other if I'm guessing rightly

You sure are

Tara has previously imagined herself as a naughty schoolgirl before??? It looks like she didn't really need Becky to rub off on her all that much. She was a bad girl already.

Hey, everyone has a fantasy!

*mops*

Willow wants an oral report from Tara!!!!!!!!! Ok, this could be one of those chapters where you break me .

Hope not, or at least that you can recover

There is no mop big enough.

Mine too

Mine three.

Tara boobs YAY

Didn't take long!

And sexy stomach too

Everything about her, really!

Tara nipples; oh yeah

I was right, this is one of those chapters where you ARE going to break me. But it's such wonderful torture

I think you can grin and bear it...

I wonder if it would be possible for me to get a practical sexual response cycle lesson from Willow.

No way, she's a one-woman kinda tutor!

It's nice to see Tara reassuring Willow over her being a dork but loved for it.

It's true!

YAY naked Willow breasts

*hoists mop out again*

Tara having to just look gorgeous; well that's a cinch for her isn't it.

Pretty much!

Super Sexy Time ahoy, I expect this is something I'm sure everyones fantasised about at sometime, I know I have.

They sure have!

Wonderful sweetness there with Willow and Tara repeating how much they love each other and what they do for each other. I do wonder if some time in the future Willow is going to tell Becky that she is going to marry Tara one day.

Possibly! She's already told Tara her intentions.

Well, a pretty droolsome chapter there though it didn't break me as much as I thought it would but it was still quite hot.

It takes a lot to break you good sir!

Looking forward to their trip to the Pride Parade.

Hope you enjoy it

Thanks for the feedback!

SneakyCat -

Still loving every moment of this fic!

I'm so glad!

Glad you liked my pic, I loved that episode too, in fact I might just go and watch it again now...
'Hi, my name's Elisabeth and I'm an Amberholic'. (Oh, but I love Tara too! Totally devoted to Tara.)

I am an Amberhol and a Tarahol too so you're in good company!

I had never read fanfic before but I have to say I'm impressed by the quality of what I've read on DCP so far. My expectations of fanfic were pretty low, so I was pleasantly surprised. And now I'm hooked.

The KB definitely has some of the best W/T stuff, and has so much content that the good to bad ratio is pretty high!

I also enjoy reading the feedback, I find it really interesting to read other people's thoughts and feelings about each chapter, and the interaction with the writer. The kittens seem like sweethearts, I already feel right at home here.

I'm glad you feel at home! The feedback is a great source for writers and readers alike (although sometimes I read back on feedback from some of my first fics and I think holy hell 'why did I think that/say that'?! 'I didn't feel that way, did that even happen’ etc. I don't even remember half the references I made to people - my meds clearly have my brain zapped!)

It's great to see that this place is still thriving after an eternity in Internet-time. The board rules make it a safe heaven, people here are more friendly, supportive and respectful than what I've encountered on some message boards.
Kittens rule!

I couldn't agree with you more. A message board for a niche couple on a TV show that ended 11 years ago is still going strong - that's crazy! It's really because of the awesome community and of course, the awesome couple.

I'm sure most people can relate to being insecure about yourself, especially in sexual situations.

Oh, definitely. I don't think there's a person in the world who doesn't have some insecurity, even the most cocky ones (in fact, they probably have the most). It's not healthy to have too many or to let them control your life, but it's a very human trait.

Tara knows how and when to reassure Willow and put her at ease. Then Will is able to play along with their little naughty game.

Haha! I think Willow secretly loves letting her dork shine, especially when it's greeted with such enthusiasm from Tara! And Tara is definitely a Willow-whisperer.

"Professor Rosenberg" impressively manages not to break character, her remarkable attention span allowing her to focus and retrieve all that relevant information Gotta love dorky Willow!

When Willow commits to a role, she really commits (this will come up a bit more down the line when some acting stuff comes up...)

Willow still has her share of insecurities that Tara (and Willow herself) will have to contend with. Here it goes again:

I think she certainly has a lot of insecurities, but a lot of these one stem from wanting to please Tara more than her own self-doubt. She'll always think she's punching above her weight but once she gets that to a place where she still loves herself, I think it can be a healthy attitude in a 'how lucky am I?' kinda way. And vice versa for Tara!

Au contraire, mon girl-frère. I'm sure Tara has no complaints... Thankfully Tara makes it safe for Willow to "sexpress herself" ( at myself for that awkward phrasing)

I like 'sexpress'! It sounds pretty Willow actually!

A caring and nurturing relationship where they are consistently open and affectionate, communicate their needs in an upfront manner and are able to read the other person's states of mind and moods and to respond appropriately. (Yup, totally stole this from a psychology book )

Willow's probably read the same thing in her psych book and thought about their relationship too.

I love this part. Tara is so good at this.

Tara's good at plenty but being Willow's safety net is up there with her top skills!

Willow is not the only one who is detail-oriented... You were too, Laragh, when you wrote that scene.

That's not the first time I've been called detail-oriented...

Professor Rosenberg and schoolgirl Tara... that was hot. A+

Thanks!

Love your choice of words here: "Tara beamed, quite pleased", that's the schoolgirl in a nutshell, anxious to please. The emphasis on "favourite" makes it more vivid for me, now I'm able to see her expression and hear her tone in my head. I mean, obviously she wouldn't say this deadpan. But with the italics, I can picture her eyes and smile, it's subtle, not heavy-handed, and it's enough.

Formatting can really change a whole scene, can't it? I'm guilty as well of imagining something really clearly in my head but not having the words to express it and it gets lost, so I'm so glad you have that picture coming up for you.

This was never a fantasy of mine, I've never given it any thought in fact. So if I tried to picture it on my own, I would probably not be able to come up with anything 'cause I don't get it. For me it's just your typical, tacky male porn fantasy and it does nothing for me. But your description and characterization are spot-on and you don't overdo the "innocence" thing, so it works, even for me. For some people all you'd need to say is "schoolgirl" and they'd supply half the effort on their own, but I need you to do most of the work for me before I can get there. (Did that come out with sexual undertones? if so it wasn't my intention ) What I meant for instance is the precise description of their reactions and feelings, with the right choice of words. And without crossing the fine line where it would be awkward to read.

It isn't a fantasy of mine either. I joke around with people when I converse with them about my sex scenes, I suppose because I feel like I should be selling it a little, but in actuality sex and sexuality are not something that is high on my priority list. What I do enjoy is Willow and Tara's rapport and playfulness and attraction to each other. I've mostly never planned a smut scene, I let it unfold as it happens because if I tried to plan those in advance, I'd be like you, nothing would come up.

It's interesting because those are real traits that they possess, the bashfulness, the supposed dorkiness, that they probably used to dislike about themselves (obviously still do in Willow's case), and they reenact and reinterpret them to show each other that they're sexy and even more importantly loved for who they are. It shows you can grow, challenge the critical, self-limiting view you have of yourself. And I'm all for that.

Nice use of roleplay to show the liberating effect their relationship has on both of them.

I think that's really important in life, being given opportunity to grow and I I find the idea of growing with someone (as oppose to away from) really lovely. One of my favourite things to see in the whole world is two people being so utterly content and comfortable with each other. In real life, this is mostly seeing couples cuddled up on the bus or dancing idiotically like no one is watching, but obviously in this setting I can project it even further and in this instance it was shown this way, I think there's other non-sexual moments it has or will as well. I think tiny moments can really mean a lot more than we think sometimes, and they pass without us even knowing until we can look back with a little smile and think 'oh, yeah. that was good.'

The whole interaction was very nicely done. The 'in character' dialogue didn't feel too forced. You show how they have to get their bearings at first, especially Willow, but once they get in the right spirit there is no embarrassment left.

You know they get their bearings because I'm getting mine! Like I said, this isn't some big thing I planned, it just came naturally as I was writing the previous chapter. There's frequently pauses in play or moments for jokes or tenderness across my scenes because I have little awkward moments just like them.

And I liked how both girls got so into it

And this circles right back to the being comfortable with each other - they get engrossed because they're totally unselfconscious.

I could also feel the constant underlying tenderness and care about how the other's feeling, that's something you always show really well, not just here in this update (I've read most of your fics by now, except for FC, and they're great, btw)

But then that's Tara and Willow, the tender interaction between them is why so many people fell in love with them in the first place. (Well, that and the fact that it was the first lesbian relationship on TV...)

Absolutely! I will always, completely say that their love and sweetness is all down to them and zero skill on my part - they naturally exude it and it comes off so much in waves that when you're writing them it just engulfs you and has to come out. At least that's how I feel about it.

ETA: Started editing this after realizing I was making too many BtVS references and here is not the place for it, see FAQ. (Newbie here, still learning the ropes.) I figured I might as well introduce myself a little bit, and try to be more specific and articulate in my FB. Not as easy as I thought.

As a mod, your adherence to the FAQ is very much appreciated! If you ever have any questions, you can shoot me a message (or Kajun, another mod - we're generally the two who check our PMs most frequently).

And your feedback was so thorough, it was a pleasure to read!

Thanks for the feedback I always love to get reader insight that makes me think!

branny72 -

Wow ...just

Now there's a reaction I like...

Thank you! You definitely helped make the week better! Fantastic chapter...I'm not sure which was hotter...Professor Rosenberg or Student Tara. I'm just going to go with both and enjoy the fantasy.

I'm so glad you enjoyed it and it aided a better week

Thanks for commenting!

loislane1 -

First I want to apologize for the absent feedback. I had such a nice run there but life got a bit chaotic so while I was reading on the Kindle, no real time to stop and formulate feedback. We had a scary couple of weeks with my wife's left vocal chord becoming paralyzed. This really screws up things like swallowing, breathing, and talking. And for her, most devastatingly - losing the ability to sing. When we tell people about how we first met (I was her trainer at work!) it was her voice that caught and captivated me so not hearing that voice has been strange though I lover her no less. A few stressful weeks to find out she doesn't have a tumor or lesion or cancer or any of the big scary stuff so now she has to give the nerve time to heal and has a small surgery coming up to partially close that vocal chord and hopefully promote healing. It is the unexpected things in life that make you appreciate one another so much more.

I'm so sorry all that has been going on for you and so happy to hear it's nothing Big and Scary! The best of luck with your wife's surgery and healing, I'm sending lots of good vibes.

In the meantime - I have enjoyed escaping for a few to read your updates and the updates on a few other stories. I will say the reference to organic chemistry made me shudder. I was always strong in O Chem lab but sucked at the theory and memorization part. There but for my extremely smart friend who basically forced the information into my head went I to barely pass O Chem 1. I gave up on O Chem 2 and took geology in stead all those years ago. I would have killed to have a tutor like Willow. I'm curious to see how the rest of Willow's intern experience goes. Women in science often face some remarkable levels of sexism. You should check out the sub reddit Ladiesofscience for some real life ongoing stories.

Thanks for the tip! I liked some science subjects in school but Chem and O Chem killed me!

Pride should be a neat experience. To experience pride in such a large city is a pretty amazing thing. We've run a booth selling Jewelry and mixed media art at a few such as Raleigh, Harrisburg, and Lancaster pride but have never worked up to a major city like Atlanta.

I've only ever gone to the main one here, which is a big city, but probably not by US big city standards!

I look forward to reading the girls' experiences especially Tara's I think as this is quite outside of anything she would have seen in her life.

Coming soon!

Thanks for commenting

---

Update Directly Below

[Laragh]

********

TITLE: College Confidential

WRITER: Laragh

CHAPTER RATING: PG-13

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other characters from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise belong to Joss Whedon, FOX, ME and a whole host of other entities, none of which are me.

SUMMARY: The first part of the prequel to Hacker Confidential and Family Confidential - the college years!

SPOILERS: Perhaps minor references to the show or stealage of dialogue, but nothing that would spoil the series.

FEEDBACK: Yes please

Chapter 76

********

Willow watched Tara sit on the side of the bed to put her combat boots on, with a grumpy pout.


She was mad at the universe for not stopping time so their weekend could go on forever. She reached a hand out to tug on the back of Tara’s shirt.


“Are you going to leave me alone in bed like this every day?”


Tara secured her laces tight and turned at a slight angle to look at Willow.


“I will the days I have work. Don’t you need to get ready too?”


“I don’t have to be in ‘til 11,” Willow replied quite unenthusiastically, “And I’m on the last 100 pages of Harry Potter. I don’t want it to end.”


“Oh honey,” Tara sympathised, “I’m sorry.”


Willow sighed dramatically.


“Meet me for lunch?”


Tara stroked the back of one finger against Willow’s cheek apologetically.


“I can’t, I’m meeting my little sister today.”


“Oh right, yeah,” Willow replied, doing her best to summon some enthusiasm, “I forgot about that.”


Tara smiled and stood up again to gather her things.


“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”


Willow sighed and placed her palm on Tara’s pillow.


“Wish we had the weekend back again.”


“Willow, this is the first time I’ve put clothes on since Friday, just like you asked,” Tara called from the bathroom.


“That’s why I want it back,” Willow mumbled but Tara caught it as she came back out.


“You would get sick of me eventually.”


Willow looked incredulous.


“No I wouldn’t.”


Tara came back to perch on the side of the bed.


“I’ll meet you for dinner.”


“Let’s eat out,” Willow suggested, perking up.


Tara frowned.


“You spent a fortune on take-out this weekend.”


“I’ll get some subs and meet you in the park,” Willow replied, more a statement than a question, “I bet you’re dying for some fresh air after me cooping you up all weekend.”


Tara grinned and leaned over to press a kiss to Willow’s lips.


“Yes, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t fun,” she said, squeezing Willow’s hand once before standing and grabbing her purse, “Bye, I love you.”


Willow raised a half-hearted hand for a finger wave.


“I love you too.”


The door shut and Willow sighed whilst burying her face into her girlfriend’s pillow.


“And I love you, Tara-pillow. You’ll have to be my cuddle buddy today.”

---

Tara walked through the building where the Big Sister offices were set up, some butterflies in her stomach about meeting the girl. She was happy to be volunteering, especially in an area that she knew would benefit the career she hoped to have, but was starting to feel the responsibility associated with the term ‘mentor’.


She knew the service matched the girls and women so they had as much in common as possible, but she also knew the organisation was stretched to the limit as it was, as she was told in no uncertain terms during her orientation meeting.


She walked up the stairs and through to the open plan office. Immediately, the coordinator she’d been dealing with, Clare, a woman who seemed eternally busy, was with her and guiding her down the halls.


“Oh good, Tara, you’re here.”


“Am I late?” Tara asked nervously, as she’d actually come in early in the hopes of learning all she could about her kid before they met.


“No but Kirsten’s parents dropped her off early,” Clare replied, her kitten heels clacking against the floor as she moved along.


“Is Kirsten my–”

Tara tried to speak but was cut off as Clare picked up a very thin, one-page thick, paper folder and pushed it into Tara’s chest.


“Here’s the details, she’s 13, just finished 8th grade.”


Tara took the folder.


“Are her parents here? Do they want to talk to me?”


Clare shook her head.


“No, her mother had to leave but you have permission to take her out to the boundaries in the city we discussed before.”


Tara was a little baffled that a parent wouldn’t want to meet someone who would be spending time with their daughter but she didn’t have much time to think about it as another bombshell was landed.


“By the way, you’ll see in her file that she’s deaf.”


Tara had started to open the folder but immediately looked back up, eyes wide.


“Uhmm…”


Someone else passed by and handed off a clipboard to Clare, who was instantly distracted by it and focused on it as she absently continued talking to Tara.


“But don’t worry, she reads lips and her mother said she can speak, she’s very communicable.”


Tara stalled, unsure.


“I don’t know if–”


Clare looked up for a brief moment, sensing her hesitation.


“She’s waiting in the kids room, just speak slow and look at her,” she assured, “We don’t turn away kids here.”


“Of course not but isn’t there someone who kn–” Tara tried to ask but something beeped and Clare was on the run again.


“I have to go to a meeting, drop off is back here at 4pm, you remember everything you were told during your introductory session! Good luck!”


Tara knew the kid’s room from the brief tour she’d gotten before but stood rooted to the spot for a moment, feeling a bit at a loss. She finally got herself together enough to quickly scan her fact sheet for Kirsten, then tidied it away in her satchel and approached the room.


She opened the door and saw who she figured must be Kirsten as she was the only one in there. She was sitting in a beanbag in the corner, reading a book through a pair of glasses, hiding soulful brown eyes. Her skin was an unblemished mahogany colour, her hair dark and in plaited pigtails sitting either side of her face. She was well presented with well-matched clothing, neatly groomed hair, and a shiny silver crucifix pendant hanging around her neck.


She didn’t look up as Tara stalled in the doorway, but did as soon as one of Tara’s heavy boots hit the floor and made it vibrate.


Tara smiled and came closer, sitting nearby on a close, but not too close, chair. She waved


“Hi,” she said, making sure to face Kirsten clearly and speak slower than usual, “I’m Tara.”


Kirsten was quiet for a few seconds and Tara wondered if she’d understood, but then she put a palm flat on the floor and pressed down.


“Floor…ground?” Tara asked, momentarily confused, but luckily it clicked quickly, “Oh, like the ground. Earth. Terra. Yes.”


She was quite impressed by that word connection but Kirsten just seemed shy about it. She did offer a hand to Tara to shake though. Tara shook it and kept speaking, slow.


“I’m really sorry that I don’t know sign language.”


Kirsten just shrugged one shoulder, then shook her head.


“Nobody does?” Tara guessed and got a nod of confirmation. Tara was saddened by that but tried not to let it show, “Would you like to do something?”


Kirsten shrugged again and seemed reluctant to move.


“I heard you like art,” Tara tried and for the first time garnered a smile.


Kirsten crossed her wrists on her chest, then ran her pinky finger along the palm of her hand. She mouthed as she signed so Tara was able to pick up what she was saying. She tried to copy it.


“I love art… too.”


Kirsten took Tara’s hands and moulded them into fists slightly off to the right, then put her index fingers together. She separated them and shifted them to the left, then brought them back together. Tara retried the motion by herself.


“Too,” she repeated, smiling that communication wasn’t as difficult as she’d been imagining and feeling slightly guilty for assuming.


Kirsten smiled briefly, but it fell off again. She got out a sketchbook from a backpack she had nearby and scribbled out ‘I don’t like to use my voice.”


Tara put a comforting hand on her shoulder.


“That’s okay. We’re managing pretty well.”


Kirsten’s whole demeanour changed; relief on her face to meet the smile that had returned. Tara was delighted to see it and motioned to Kirsten’s sketchbook.


“Sometimes I go to the park and watch people and draw,” she said, having to remember again to slow down when she saw Kirsten squint and really concentrate to follow, “Would you like to do that? I bet we could find somewhere for milkshakes on the way. Do you like milkshakes?”


In her first display of teenage-ism, Kirsten shot a ‘no, duh’ look and Tara laughed.


“Stupid question.”


Kirsten smiled again and nodded that she’d like to do that. She packed away her sketchbook again, taking care with it. They walked out with Tara standing slightly behind so she’d know if Kirsten needed to speak to her.


The Boston Common was only four blocks away and they found a frozen yogurt store on the corner of one of the streets.


Kirsten went right up close to the chiller and salivated over the flavours for a moment before pointing one out to Tara.


“English Toffee, good choice,” she said with a smile and a thumbs up before addressing the server, “An English Toffee milkshake and a Butter Pecan one, please.”


She was presented with two take-out cups a few minutes later and handed Kirsten hers. Tara brought them the last block to the Common and Kirsten immediately ran to find a spot between two trees with a view of some of the larger buildings of the city towering above the foliage.


Tara sped up to join her and gave another thumbs up sign.


“Great spot,” she said, holding her drink away from her face so as not to obscure her.


Kirsten indicated all around her and mouthed ‘colours’. Tara nodded and looked particularly to the surrounding flower beds. She motioned for inhaling deeply and got a smile of understanding and a nod.


Kirsten got her sketchbook out again and a tin of coloured pencils. Tara had her doodle pad in her satchel so took it out too. After a few minutes a folded piece of paper landed in her lap. She unfolded it and read.


Why did you become a Big Sister?


Tara laid down on her stomach so their vision was more in line.


“Because I could have used someone to talk to when I was 13. Why did you join the program?”


Kirsten rolled her eyes.


Somewhere for my mom to get rid of me.


“I’m sure that’s not true,” Tara replied with an sympathetic smile.


Kirsten took the sheet back, wrote and gave it to her again.


Do you mind that I don’t speak?


Tara shook her head.


“I didn’t like to speak when I was your age either.”


Kirsten mouthed ‘why?’


“I had a stutter,” Tara explained, “Sometimes it felt easier not to speak.”


Kirsten looked off for a moment, giving Tara a chance to see the portrait of the park she’d drawn. It was incredibly detailed and she’d blended the colours amazingly. Tara tapped her shoulder again.


“You’re really amazing. Do you do advanced art in school?”


Kirsten glanced down and took a few moments to construct her reply.


My school doesn’t do advanced classes…but I’m supposed to get them at Summer Hills next year


“Summer Hills…the art institute in Cambridge?” Tara asked, knowing of it from classmates and professors, “I’ve heard of that school, it’s got a great reputation. You got in?”


Kirsten wrote ‘scholarship’ and Tara offered her an impressed smile.


“A scholarship! Kirsten, that’s amazing.”


Kirsten’s eyes fell to the grass again and she shook her head.


“Why not?” Tara asked once Kirsten was looking again.


Kirsten motioned with her hands and motioned to her ears.


“Because you're deaf…It’s a hearing school?” Tara guessed and got a nod.


She moved her hand under her chin and thought for a moment.


“Won’t you have an interpreter?” she asked and immediately recognised the off-putting look on Kirsten’s face, “You don’t want to stand out.”


She reached out to offer some tactile comfort in the form of a shoulder pat.


“Your art,” she said, doing the sign she’d learned earlier for ‘art’, “Deserves to be nurtured.”


Kirsten blushed and looked away again. She took a long sip of her milkshake then looked back to Tara, motioning and mouthing ‘I never said thank you’.


Tara waved her hand.


“How do you say ‘you’re welcome’?”


Kirsten took Tara’s hand and kept it with her five fingers gently splayed, then had her move it in so her thumb touched her chest. She then held her own hand up and wiggled her fingers, indicating for Tara to do the same.


Tara kept her hand in place and wiggled.


Kirsten smiled and mouthed ‘cool’.


“Cool,” Tara said, glancing down at her hand, “Oh, cool! It means cool. Okay. Cool.”


Kirsten looked to Tara’s doodle book, pointed at it, then her own eyes. Tara nodded and handed it to her. Kirsten looked through and stopped and pointed at a particular doodle.


“That’s my fish, Miss Fishy Fantastico,” Tara explained.


Kirsten’s brow creased and indicated for her to say it again.


“Miss. Fishy. Fantastico,” Tara spoke slower and Kirsten looked just as bewildered but smiled. Tara grinned, “I know. I just loved the name.”


Kirsten spent some time perusing Tara’s doodles. She asked silently if Tara was an artist and Tara shook her head.


“Not really. Just in art class. I’m going to college to be a social worker. Do you know what that is?”


Kirsten nodded, then told Tara she wanted to be an art therapist. Tara signed ‘cool’ again.


“Maybe we’ll work together one day.”


Kirsten smiled and handed the doodle book back. Tara put it back in her satchel and moved to sit cross-legged.


“So tell me some things you’d like to do together. We could write stories, or make jewellery, do hair and make-up. Play monopoly, ice-skating. Whatever you want. If you just want to draw or read in peace that’s okay too. But I want to make sure I have supplies if we need them.”


Kirsten eyebrows drooped and she looked at Tara curiously.


“You want to meet again?” she mouthed, signing at the same time out of habit.


“Well of course,” Tara replied softly, “If you do.”


Kirsten grabbed her writing sheet again, scribbled and shoved it at Tara.


“Everyone says it’s too difficult?” Tara asked, heart breaking slightly, “I think you’re worth it.”


The smile on Kirsten’s face lifted Tara’s soul. She got a brand new piece of paper and started writing down everything she wanted to do, which Tara was grateful for because if the speed of her mouth had matched the speed of her hand she didn’t think she could have kept up.


She was finally presented with the list and read through but looked up as she spoke each time.


“Photography, good one. I know someone I can borrow a camera off,” she said, hoping Willow would let her borrow hers, “Crosswords, museums, swimming, tie die…these are great. Do you have a phone?”


Kirsten nodded and took out a cell phone from her backpack. Tara keyed in her number and showed her.


“You can text me when you next want to meet. This is a good meeting place, there’s lots of things nearby. You can text if you want to talk too.”


Kirsten took her phone back and held it to her chest, quite pleased. Tara looked at her watch and indicated towards the entrance.


“We should head back.”


Kirsten looked disappointed for a moment, but nodded and packed her things. They went back and Tara checked back in upstairs, then they went back down to wait for Kirsten’s mom.


Kirsten saw the car, a new and perfectly waxed Mercedes pull up on the curb and took a step forward. Tara put a hand on her shoulder to have her turn around.


“Thank you for being patient with me.”


Kirsten signed 'cool' and Tara smiled, returning it.


“Cool.”


Kirsten smiled, then made her way to the car, waving. The window rolled down and the woman driving hollered out.


“Kirsten, say goodbye, don’t just wave.”


“Oh, she doesn’t have to,” Tara quickly interjected but the woman just held a hand up to silence her and Tara got the sense no one had ever dared go against that hand.


“I didn’t spend thousands on speech therapy for nothing. She needs to learn how to communicate in this world.”


Kirsten paused with her hand on the door handle and spoke a ‘goodbye’. Though she was perfectly comprehensible, it was obvious she was uncomfortable and Tara could relate at least at being forced to speak when you don’t want to. She signed ‘cool’ again to try and elicit a smile and did get the barest crack of one before Kirsten was hurried into the car.


The window rolled up without another word to Tara. Tara was not impressed with the woman’s attitude at all but decided she needed to stay out of it and just focus on Kirsten. She read over the list Kirsten had made the whole T journey home and made little notes on the sides of things she could gather and organise.


She got back to her building but the door was blocked by Eden and a guy about the same age, just a tad taller than her with brown hair falling into his blue eyes and dimples adorning his smiling face. They were silently communicating through signs. Tara saw them kiss as she approached, and then he left, offering her a friendly wave on the way.


Tara waved back and stepped up to Eden.


“Was that your boyfriend?”


“Yeah, that’s Toby,” Eden replied, smiling after him.


“Were you speaking ASL?” Tara asked, “That’s what it’s called, right?”


“He’s deaf,” Eden nodded, though misinterpreted the way Tara stared after him, “You can’t catch it, don’t worry.”


Tara’s head snapped back, cheeks flushed.


“No, no, no. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to be insensitive. I’ve just started mentoring a girl and she’s deaf,” Tara explained, totally embarrassed, “I was just wondering if you knew a book or a class or something but it doesn’t matter, I’m sorry.”


She started to walk in but Eden grabbed her wrist and smiled apologetically.


“C’mon. I’ll teach you some basics and lend you my books. It’s great you want to learn. Does she read lips?”


Tara was relieved she hasn’t offended and gave a grateful look.


“Yes, really well, I only had to repeat myself a couple of times, but I’d like to make it easier on her. She spoke pretty clearly but she doesn’t like using her voice.”


Eden walked towards her dorm.


“What age is she?”


“13,” Tara answered.


Eden nodded along.


“Aka the time where everything is self-conscious. Don’t push her.”


“Oh, I wouldn’t,” Tara replied, shaking her head, “I had a stutter, I know it’s not the same at all, but being forced to talk…”


Eden let them into her dorm and went straight over to her bookcase which only had a few books laid sporadically in it.


“It’s a whole language, you’re not going to learn it overnight, but you’ll pick it up once you start. I’ll teach you the alphabet, then at least you can spell out what you’re trying to say.”


“Thank you so much for helping me,” Tara replied, taking a seat on the desk chair when Eden indicated to, “If you ever need a load of laundry done or…something, just shout.”


Eden smiled and came back with a ‘Sign Language for Dummies’ book.


“This isn’t personal, it’s just a good beginner’s guide, I still keep it around to remember the basics from time to time. I’ll write down a couple of websites for you too.”


She wrote them in the front cover and handed the book to Tara.


“I’m guessing as long as you can talk about boys, you’ll do okay.”


Tara’s eyes went wide.


“I’m screwed.”


Eden suddenly remembered and snorted, having to cover her mouth.


“Shit. I have two words for you. Zac Efron. Do you know High School Musical?”


Tara looked blank, just making Eden smile more.


“I think you’re gonna want to spend more time on that than you will ASL,” she joked, sitting nearby on the bed, “It’s this movie that came out last year, hot kids singing and dancing. Tweens went wild. I heard there’s a new one coming out this summer, maybe you could take her.”


“Could she follow it on screen?” Tara asked, unsure.


“There’s a deaf-accessible theatre down town with subtitles, they show all the new movies,” Eden replied, “I go with Toby all the time. It’s a TV movie though so you’d have to check if they’re playing it, but it's big so they might.”


“That’s great!” Tara replied, thrilled to have somewhere else to take Kirsten even if she didn’t want to see that particular movie, “I’m so glad I bumped into you, I would never have known all of this.”


They discussed some other deaf-accessible venues around the city and then Eden talked Tara through the alphabet. There were moments of embarrassment for Tara and hilarity for Eden as Tara signed the wrong thing but after a while she was able to get through it, slowly, but correctly.


“Thanks again, so much,” Tara said as she walked out the door, book securely tucked away in her satchel.


Eden lifted her fingers from the door frame to wave.


“Shout if you need any help, Toby would be happy to talk to you, tell you what it’s like if it’d help.”


“You’re so kind, and thank you, Toby is very friendly,” Tara replied gratefully, “And he seemed… cute. Was he cute? I mean, I'm not a very good judge, but… I think he seemed cute.”


Eden quirked an eyebrow and seemed amused.


“You’re asking me if I think my boyfriend is cute?”


“Right,” Tara replied with gently flushing cheeks, “So, thank you. See you around.”


Eden waved again and closed the door while Tara made her way back to her dorm. She was smiling as she opened the door but was instantly greeted with a barrage of frantic energy and a voice so loud it made her ears hum.


“Where the hell were you!?”


Tara instinctively cowered but once the initial pump of fear lifted, she suddenly remembered her plans with Willow.


“Dinner. Shit.”


“Yeah, dinner!” Willow spat, though had noted Tara’s cower somewhere as her voice dropped to a less penetrating tone, “I waited at the park for an hour and a half, I called, you didn’t answer!”


Tara retrieved her phone from her satchel and pressed a few buttons, but the screen stayed blank.


“It died. I’m sorry.”


“Where were you!?” Willow asked again, holding her hands out, waiting for an explanation.


Tara’s tone dropped, chastised.


“I-I came home to change out of my heavy boots and I got talking to Eden and I just lost track of time.”


“Well I hope you had a nice date with her instead of me,” Willow replied, dropping onto the bed with her arms across her chest.


“It wasn’t like that,” Tara said, chancing sitting beside her, “I’m really sorry.”


Willow just looked down and Tara noticed the two uneaten subs sitting wrapped up on the bed.


“You didn’t eat.”


“I was worried sick!” Willow replied, choking on the emotion she was trying to suppress.


Tara swallowed and put her arm around Willow’s shoulders, then rested her chin on one from behind.


“I’m sorry, Willow. I messed up.”


Willow’s anger was deflating but she wasn’t quite giving it up yet.


“I keep asking you to keep your phone charged.”


“I know,” Tara replied, not wanting to make an excuse, “I’m sorry.”


“You’ve had it for nearly a year now,” Willow added, sniffling in the process.


“I know,” Tara repeated, “I’m sorry.”


Willow wasn’t prepared for a non-confrontational dialogue.


“Well…good.”


“Do you forgive me?” Tara asked, gently curling the end of Willow’s hair on the opposite side to where her chin was resting.


“Yes,” Willow replied, holding her head up a little, “But not because you’re doing the hair thing. I could so resist that.”


Tara let her hand fall away gently.


“I wasn’t trying to manipulate you.”


Willow was quick to lift Tara's hand back up.


“Didn’t say stop.”


Tara resumed the motion.


“Let me make it up to you? I’ll take you to our spot and we’ll lay down a blanket and eat our dinner watching the sunset.”


Willow tilted her head towards Tara’s.


“That does sound nice…”


“You can touch my boobs when we get back,” Tara added on and Willow was immediately back to her bouncy, perky self.


“I’m in! Wanna go now?”


Tara nodded and got the spare blanket from closet. Willow grabbed the subs, as well as the two plastic cups she’d bought too.


“Got you one of those iced coffees that you like…ice is melted but it’s probably still cold.”


Tara came over and kissed Willow’s cheek.


“You’re such a sweetie.”


Willow blushed and returned the kiss. They walked out to their tree and Tara smoothed the blanket, then sat with Willow.


“How did the project go?” she asked as she unwrapped her sandwich.


Willow made a so-so gesture with her hand.


“Yeah, okay. Ended up working ‘til way after lunch anyway. Other guy hands out the papers, big-wig professors conduct the surveys and experiments and I regurgitate the data in type and make up charts and stuff. There’s going to be like, 1500 participants by the time it’s done so it’s a lot to mull through. But I’m basically just sitting in front of a computer all day.”


Tara reached over and squeezed Willow’s knee.


“Lucky they got the best.”


Willow blushed again but deflected with a smile.


“Speaking of the best, how good are these sandwiches?” she said as she wrapped her mouth around hers, “I swear they’re the best in the city.”


The last bit was muffled as Willow ate through a mountain of meat and bread but Tara deciphered and agreed, holding up her sub to indicate.


“Delicious.”


They finished their sandwiches and drinks, then cuddled up using the tree as a backrest.


“I love our tree,” Tara commented as she settled her arms around Willow’s waist.


“Do you love me?” Willow asked, purposely resting her head on Tara’s chest.


“‘Course I do,” Tara replied, kissing the top of Willow’s head, “More than anything.”


Willow smiled, feeling a lot happier than she had an hour ago.


“I had to whisper sweet nothings to your pillow when you left me this morning, you know.”


“Lucky pillow,” Tara commented and knew Willow was smiling even without seeing her.


“Wanna know what I said?” Willow asked, voice rising a tad.


Tara nodded.


“Sure.”


Willow turned her head up to Tara’s ear and whispered in it. Tara’s eyes went wide and she playfully slapped Willow’s arm.


“Willow!”


“Don’t go all coy on me now,” Willow giggled.


Tara smiled too and leaned over to press their lips together.


“I’m so glad I have you.”


Willow gently cupped Tara’s cheek.


“Good, ‘cause I’m not leaving.”


Tara rested their foreheads together and lightly nuzzled their noses.


“Even when I mess up?”


Willow grinned.


“Yes. I'm in love with a human, not a cyborg.”


Tara attempted some robot moves and Willow giggled.


“TARA: Tremendously Attractive Robotic Android.”


“Here for your pleasure,” Tara answered in a robot voice.


“Now there's a concept I can get behind,” Willow murmured, kissing Tara softly, “Hmm…no. I like my real girl too much.”


“Even if I was your personal sex slave?” Tara asked, twirling a finger in the v of Willow's neckline.


“Don't have to be a robot to make that true,” Willow replied, gently biting Tara's bottom lip.


Tara pushed her tongue forwards enough to lick Willow's teeth.


“Especially after the weekend we just had…”


Willow kissed Tara again.


“You made me purr…”


They cuddled into each other and Tara peacefully enjoyed the sunset while thinking of some of the things they'd read together in bed some nights.


“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add colour to my sunset sky,” she quoted from memory after a little while, holding Willow against her side, “That's how I feel about you.”


A small smile played on Willow's lips, her head resting on Tara's shoulder.


“I used to think of sunsets like the darkening on another day of my life I'd never get back. That I'd wasted it. I'd look out my window and think bye bye life.”


“And now?” Tara asked, rubbing Willow's arm affectionately.


Willow sighed happily.


“Now it's hello life, and thank you for giving me the person I needed to be able to see clearly.”

[zampsa19752001]

Dibs-y Goodness!!!

Yay for Excellent update-y goodness... I really like Tara as Big Sister for Kirsten...

[willowtaralover]

YAY a new chapter of my favouritest Willow and Tara story ever

What is with the misogyny and video games? We need guys like you working on them!

Thanks sweetie, you're too kind

Never fear Laragh, I'm always aware of Willow and her jealous rage, I just don't let her catch me lol

Willow watched Tara sit on the side of the bed to put her combat boots on, with a grumpy pout.

I always find it an interesting variation that Tara, on e of the gentlest, loveliest, kindest, sweetest people in the Buffyverse wears combat boots which are generally seen as being worn by more aggressive persons-Hells Angels, gang members etc.

“And I’m on the last 100 pages of Harry Potter. I don’t want it to end.”

I know that feeling only too well. I'm currently reading 'Good Omens' By Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett and on the last 100 pages of that. :(

“I can’t, I’m meeting my little sister today.”

Uh??????? Who?????? What?????? Who?????? Tara has a sister I knew she had a brother but a sister??????

“No I wouldn’t.”

Neither would anyone else what with Tara's long tapering fingers; the beautiful creamy skin; her incredibly gorgeous, sexy body; those luscious calves that you want wrapped around your waist while you kiss her full lips and oops sorry

The door shut and Willow sighed whilst burying her face into her girlfriend’s pillow.
“And I love you, Tara-pillow. You’ll have to be my cuddle buddy today.”

Awwwww its sweeeeeet and cuuuuuuuuuuuuute and don't worry Will,Tara's coming home.

Ah, her little sister is part of the mentoring project that she's on. Tara'll pass with flying colours, after all she already has one 8 year old for a girlfriend lol.

WOW, that was one heck of a brief briefing that Tara got regarding Kirsten.

It's sad that Kirsten doesn't like to use her voice but at least Tara seems to be quite adept at picking up on sign language.

Loving the bonding between Tara and Kirsten which is made a little easier with them both being outsiders in a way.

A big YAY to Kirsten for getting a scholarship to Summer Hills but sad for her feeling as if she'll stick out in a bad way.

I'm surprised and disappointed that other people don't think it's worth spending time with Kirsten. I'm guessing that it's the communication difficulties with Kirsten being deaf that put others off, how very sad and lame of them.

I hope that in future trips together Willow is able to join Tara and Kirsten, I think it'll be a lot of fun for all three.

“Oh, she doesn’t have to,” Tara quickly interjected but the woman just held a hand up to silence her and Tara got the sense no one had ever dared go against that hand.

Don't talk to the hand hmmm. Perhaps it was Kirsten's mother that put off the other sisters?

“Yeah, dinner!” Willow spat, though had noted Tara’s cower somewhere as her voice dropped to a less penetrating tone, “I waited at the park for an hour and a half, I called, you didn’t answer!”

Wow Willow, way to be a douche yelling at your girl.

“You can touch my boobs when we get back,” Tara added...

At least Tara knows how to soothe Willow's savage breast

“I’m so glad I have you.”

And we're all glad that you have each other too

“Now it's hello life, and thank you for giving me the person I needed to be able to see clearly.”

Awwww The chapter began with and ended with sweetness from Willow.

A nice sweet happy chapter with lots of affection from both girls and a new chapter in Tara's life with her starting as a big sister to Kirsten.

[branny72]

Awesome Update! I loved Tara and Kristen's time together. Willow was a bit harsh, but she did have a good reason and it didn't last long. Thank you for the always great updates!

[SneakyCat]

Yay, great update! I was looking forward to Tara meeting her 'little sister'. If every child grew up with someone like Tara as a role model, the world would surely be a happier place. I hope we see more of Kirsten and Tara, or hear about it when Tara tells Willow about her day. I wonder how much time they'll be spending together, maybe they'll meet once a week or so? (For some reason I'd like for Kirsten to meet Willow too.)

I noticed that you contrasted Willow's 'childishness' or at least comparative immaturity with Tara's ability to be the voice of reason: “You would get sick of me eventually.” “You spent a fortune on take-out this weekend.” and so on.

I'm not saying Willow comes across as too needy. I don't blame her for wanting to spend as much time as possible with Tara. Still, it wouldn't be very healthy if their whole lives revolved around each other. But Tara has already chosen a career that will let her thrive, and Willow is understandably frustrated with how her summer job turned out, and besides she hasn't found her true calling yet.

Tara has no trouble building a rapport with Kirsten because she's not only warm and gentle, she's also very perceptive and 'in the moment', not self-conscious or self-absorbed. For instance at first she's a bit nervous about not knowing how to sign, but she soon realizes that communication between them will not be impaired.

“I’m really sorry that I don’t know sign language.”


Kirsten just shrugged one shoulder, then shook her head.


“Nobody does?” Tara guessed and got a nod of confirmation. Tara was saddened by that but tried not to let it show, “Would you like to do something?”

I love how Tara is so sensitive, perceptive and tactful here. She doesn't pity Kirsten, she's moved by her. She's not distancing herself, and she's not embarrassed. She's open and she acts naturally, with Kirsten's best interest in mind. 'What does she need from me now?' And she knows instinctively how to give her that. I'm reminded of what you said about your perception of Tara as a 'feeler' rather than a 'thinker', and that's what this whole scene is about for me. The 'heart voice' brings people together, instead of the 'head voice' going into problem-solving mode and focusing on what's wrong with the person or the situation (or yourself). (And that's another reason why Tara is perfect for Willow: she helps her find balance and move from her head into her remarkably sensitive and generous heart.)

Kirsten smiled briefly, but it fell off again. She got out a sketchbook from a backpack she had nearby and scribbled out ‘I don’t like to use my voice.”


Tara put a comforting hand on her shoulder.


“That’s okay. We’re managing pretty well.”


Kirsten’s whole demeanour changed; relief on her face to meet the smile that had returned. Tara was delighted to see it and motioned to Kirsten’s sketchbook.

Tara is reassuring, but never patronizing with the thirteen-year-old. She notices things about Kirsten, but without assuming too much. She's being completely herself, and she's not trying too hard. Tara respects Kirsten's space, figuratively and literally, taking care not to sit too close when they first meet. I admire the fact that she lets their relationship build naturally, without trying to establish the pace herself. Tara's for real, and Kirsten, being a smart, sensitive 13-year-old, would see through her right away if it wasn't the case. Of course she still needs more time to trust her fully.

Tara shook her head.


“I didn’t like to speak when I was your age either.”


Kirsten mouthed ‘why?’


“I had a stutter,” Tara explained, “Sometimes it felt easier not to speak.”


Kirsten looked off for a moment, giving Tara a chance to see the portrait of the park she’d drawn.

It's great that Tara shares something about herself, but she doesn't push, probably because she senses Kirsten's discomfort. She doesn't use the fact that they have some things in common to try and create a false sense of 'oh my gosh we are so much alike'. She respects Kirsten's space and doesn't assume she knows everything that's going on with her. And it's the same with art. Another thing they share, but Tara doesn't use it to deepen their acquaintance, she's not describing herself as an artist even though she might (she's humble too, of course). She waits until the time is right. They're getting to know each other, and Tara isn't self-absorbed and 'me me me', or thinking 'I'm so good with that child, see how she likes me already', there's zero manipulation here (not even the pretty harmless kind where you slightly exaggerate things you have in common to make the other person like you more).

I found it very cool how Kirsten taught Tara how to sign 'cool', and how Tara already uses it fluently in their conversation.

“You want to meet again?” she mouthed, signing at the same time out of habit.


“Well of course,” Tara replied softly, “If you do.”


Kirsten grabbed her writing sheet again, scribbled and shoved it at Tara.


“Everyone says it’s too difficult?” Tara asked, heart breaking slightly, “I think you’re worth it.”


The smile on Kirsten’s face lifted Tara’s soul. She got a brand new piece of paper and started writing down everything she wanted to do

I love Kirsten's enthusiasm, even though it is a little heartbreaking too, it seems that for all her privileged upbringing she's been pretty neglected. Or maybe she took part in some activities, but it was no fun on her own, whereas sharing it with Tara, especially now she knows Tara cares, that would make it special.

“Kirsten, say goodbye, don’t just wave.”


“Oh, she doesn’t have to,” Tara quickly interjected but the woman just held a hand up to silence her and Tara got the sense no one had ever dared go against that hand.


“I didn’t spend thousands on speech therapy for nothing. She needs to learn how to communicate in this world.”

Ironically Kirsten's mom is the one who needs to learn how to truly communicate with her daughter, but I don't think she ever will with that domineering attitude.

But Tara's right not to interfere, she will find other ways to support Kirsten. Tara making the effort to learn ASL will be further proof that Kirsten means a lot to her 'big sister'.

I really liked how the final interaction with Willow went. I found Willow's reaction to be in character; I agree she would have panicked in that situation, and that could easily lead to her lashing out at Tara. It's wonderful that Tara is able to respond with honesty and compassion instead of following the path of least resistance and letting things escalate. We know she hates being yelled at, her first instinct is even to "cower" in fear, but she never gets defensive. That's because she loves Willow, but I get the feeling that Tara would know how to do that in other situations as well. Very emotionally mature indeed, and also pretty brave.

“I know,” Tara replied, not wanting to make an excuse, “I’m sorry.”


“You’ve had it for nearly a year now,” Willow added, sniffling in the process.


“I know,” Tara repeated, “I’m sorry.”


Willow wasn’t prepared for a non-confrontational dialogue.


“Well…good.”


“Do you forgive me?” Tara asked, gently curling the end of Willow’s hair on the opposite side to where her chin was resting.


“Yes,” Willow replied, holding her head up a little, “But not because you’re doing the hair thing. I could so resist that.”

Behold the Willow-whisperer working her magic once again

Whereas her girlfriend had to content herself with being a pillow-whisperer

“I had to whisper sweet nothings to your pillow when you left me this morning, you know.”


“Lucky pillow,” Tara commented and knew Willow was smiling even without seeing her.


“Wanna know what I said?” Willow asked, voice rising a tad.

I wanna know too

“Even when I mess up?”


Willow grinned.


“Yes. I'm in love with a human, not a cyborg.”


Tara attempted some robot moves and Willow giggled.


“TARA: Tremendously Attractive Robotic Android.”


“Here for your pleasure,” Tara answered in a robot voice.

That was a very sweet and funny interaction

And I liked the last sentence:

“Now it's hello life, and thank you for giving me the person I needed to be able to see clearly.”

Right back to the heart making everything better, not least because it allows us to see things as they really are, with minimal distorsion. Like that quote from The Little Prince, "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly".

[Laragh]

zampsa19752001 –

Dibs-y Goodness!!!

Yay for Excellent update-y goodness... I really like Tara as Big Sister for Kirsten...

Glad you enjoyed it and I hope you like how that relationship progresses...

Thanks for commenting

willowtaralover –

YAY a new chapter of my favouritest Willow and Tara story ever

big compliment!

Thanks sweetie, you're too kind

It's true.

Never fear Laragh, I'm always aware of Willow and her jealous rage, I just don't let her catch me lol

Good!

I always find it an interesting variation that Tara, on e of the gentlest, loveliest, kindest, sweetest people in the Buffyverse wears combat boots which are generally seen as being worn by more aggressive persons-Hells Angels, gang members etc.

I love those boots and that leather jacket. Tara was a BAMF when she wanted to be.

I know that feeling only too well. I'm currently reading 'Good Omens' By Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett and on the last 100 pages of that. :(

Nothing like a good book on a cold day.

Uh??????? Who?????? What?????? Who?????? Tara has a sister I knew she had a brother but a sister??????

She doesn't even have a brother in this reality.

Neither would anyone else what with Tara's long tapering fingers; the beautiful creamy skin; her incredibly gorgeous, sexy body; those luscious calves that you want wrapped around your waist while you kiss her full lips and oops sorry

Willow's watching...

Awwwww its sweeeeeet and cuuuuuuuuuuuuute and don't worry Will,Tara's coming home.

She's very eager...

Ah, her little sister is part of the mentoring project that she's on. Tara'll pass with flying colours, after all she already has one 8 year old for a girlfriend lol.

Lol! So true.

WOW, that was one heck of a brief briefing that Tara got regarding Kirsten.

Yes it was

It's sad that Kirsten doesn't like to use her voice but at least Tara seems to be quite adept at picking up on sign language.

It's tricky, but she'll work at it.

Loving the bonding between Tara and Kirsten which is made a little easier with them both being outsiders in a way.

Kindred spirits.

A big YAY to Kirsten for getting a scholarship to Summer Hills but sad for her feeling as if she'll stick out in a bad way.

Every 13 year old does, but she's got some extra hurdles to get through!

I'm surprised and disappointed that other people don't think it's worth spending time with Kirsten. I'm guessing that it's the communication difficulties with Kirsten being deaf that put others off, how very sad and lame of them.

Super lame. But Tara won't let her down.

I hope that in future trips together Willow is able to join Tara and Kirsten, I think it'll be a lot of fun for all three.

There will meeting of the two.

Don't talk to the hand hmmm. Perhaps it was Kirsten's mother that put off the other sisters?

Definitely a factor...

Wow Willow, way to be a douche yelling at your girl.

She was worried, but needs to reign in the temper.

At least Tara knows how to soothe Willow's savage breast

Best typo ever?

And we're all glad that you have each other too

Ain't that the truth.

Awwww The chapter began with and ended with sweetness from Willow.

This is how every day should end! And start! And everything in between!

A nice sweet happy chapter with lots of affection from both girls and a new chapter in Tara's life with her starting as a big sister to Kirsten.

Glad you enjoyed it

Thanks for commenting!

branny72 -

Awesome Update! I loved Tara and Kristen's time together. Willow was a bit harsh, but she did have a good reason and it didn't last long. Thank you for the always great updates!

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yes, she needs to reign in that temper but luckily Tara wasn't too crushed by it!

Thanks for commenting

SneakyCat –

Yay, great update! I was looking forward to Tara meeting her 'little sister'. If every child grew up with someone like Tara as a role model, the world would surely be a happier place. I hope we see more of Kirsten and Tara, or hear about it when Tara tells Willow about her day. I wonder how much time they'll be spending together, maybe they'll meet once a week or so? (For some reason I'd like for Kirsten to meet Willow too.)

Since this is a W/T fic, I like to feature as much W/T as possible and not just their individual endevours, but Kirsten will definitely pop up again in one form or another! There will also be a Willow/Kirsten meeting in the future but it might be fleeting. And I agree, think we could start some kind of Taras For All campaign?

I noticed that you contrasted Willow's 'childishness' or at least comparative immaturity with Tara's ability to be the voice of reason: “You would get sick of me eventually.” “You spent a fortune on take-out this weekend.” and so on.

I'm not saying Willow comes across as too needy. I don't blame her for wanting to spend as much time as possible with Tara. Still, it wouldn't be very healthy if all their lives revolved around each other. But Tara has already chosen a career that will let her thrive, and Willow is understandably frustrated with how her summer job turned out, and she of course hasn't found her true calling yet.

Oh Willow is definitely needy (and can be immature, but I think she steps up when it's important) but a lot of it is just how she shows her affection. (they also both speak their lovey feelings to each other a lot, because, well, I love the mushy stuff) I think as well, on the mood spectrum, her 'normal' lies more along the manic end and that enthusiasm can be misconstrued sometimes (even by Tara!). They'd be miserable without each other, but at this moment in time, I think, yeah, Willow would feel it a lot more - she's a sulker after all! But overall, Willow is a big kid, and well, that's why a lot of people love her (especially Tara ) For me, it's certainly a much more preferable character trait that the shall we say more arrogant ones of a certain season.

Tara has no trouble building a rapport with Kirsten because she's not only warm and gentle, she's also very perceptive and 'in the moment', not self-conscious or self-absorbed. For instance at first she's a bit nervous about not knowing how to sign, but she soon realizes that communication between them will not be impaired.

Tara is very giving with herself and think this is exactly the kind of situation where it shows.

I love how Tara is so sensitive, perceptive and tactful here. She doesn't pity Kirsten, she's moved by her. She's not distancing herself, and she's not embarrassed. She's open and she acts naturally, with Kirsten's best interest in mind. 'What does she need from me now?' And she knows instinctively how to give her that.

Tara is great with kids. Sometimes she's shy and not so great with people, but she's great with kids, and to me, that is an indisputable Tara fact, as much as her eyes are blue. She understands the pain of difference and the pain of lack of parental guidance and just the general pain of being a teenager and feeling awkward about it.

I'm reminded of what you said about your perception of Tara as a 'feeler' rather than a 'thinker', and that's what this whole scene is about for me. The 'heart voice' brings people together, instead of the 'head voice' going into problem-solving mode and focusing on what's wrong with the person or the situation (or yourself). (And that's another reason why Tara is perfect for Willow: she helps her find balance and move from her head into her remarkably sensitive and generous heart.)

And I think Willow has encouraged Tara to be a bit more vocal and not assume what she's feeling is being communicated. Neither are 100% perfect at doing those things, but I think compared to where they started when they met, they've both grown with and because of each other.

Tara is reassuring, but never patronizing with the thirteen-year-old. She notices things about Kirsten, but without assuming too much. She's being completely herself, and she's not trying too hard. Tara respects Kirsten's space, figuratively and literally, taking care not to sit too close when they first meet. I admire the fact that she lets their relationship build naturally, without trying to establish the pace herself. Tara's for real, and Kirsten, being a smart, sensitive 13-year-old, would see through her right away if it wasn't the case. Of course she still needs more time to trust her fully.

I think this goes back to her innate ability with kids. Her energy just recognises their needs and acts accordingly. I don't do 'slow burn' when it comes to W/T (because I can't help myself! ) , but slow burn is the exact kind of dynamic that this relationship needs to flourish.

It's great that Tara shares something about herself, but she doesn't push, probably because she senses Kirsten's discomfort. She doesn't use the fact that they have some things in common to try and create a false sense of 'oh my gosh we are so much alike'. She respects Kirsten's space and doesn't assume she knows everything that's going on with her. And it's the same with art. Another thing they share, but Tara doesn't use it to deepen their acquaintance, she's not describing herself as an artist even though she might (she's humble too, of course). She waits until the time is right. They're getting to know each other, and Tara isn't self-absorbed and 'me me me', or thinking 'I'm so good with that child, see how she likes me already', there's zero manipulation here (not even the pretty harmless kind where you slightly exaggerate things you have in common to make the other person like you more).

Tara is very real and mostly a very positive person and relies on trusting that a bond will be made instead of forcing it. It's worked to her favour and her detriment in the past (not seeing through Mia) but I think it would be a horrible quality to lose due to cynicism. I too have made those mistakes plenty, but I hope I can learn from Tara

I found it very cool how Kirsten taught Tara how to sign 'cool', and how Tara already uses it fluently in their conversation.

Every great friendship has a secret handshake, right?

I love Kirsten's enthusiasm, even though it is a little heartbreaking too, it seems that for all her privileged upbringing she's been pretty neglected. Or maybe she took part in some activities, but it was no fun on her own, whereas sharing it with Tara, especially now she knows Tara cares, that would make it special.

I think she has some pretty absent parents and also has been discouraged from assimilating into the deaf community outside of her school. Her parents want her to be 'normal' and wouldn't let her embrace it, and because she wanted to, other people were put off by her not attempting to communicate as 'normally' as possible. She's basically been on the outs and hasn't had many people just say 'do what you want and I'll fall in with you' instead of living in a world that demands she fit in with them.

Ironically Kirsten's mom is the one who needs to learn how to truly communicate with her daughter, but I don't think she ever will with that domineering attitude.

Ding ding ding. Same point as above, demanding someone fall in line with you instead of trying to with them!

But Tara's right not to interfere, she will find other ways to support Kirsten. Tara making the effort to learn ASL will be further proof that Kirsten means a lot to her 'big sister'.

At the end of the day, Tara's job is to be there for Kirsten and her mother has no place in that relationship beyond what Kirsten might choose to share. Since we know Kirsten's mom is not the most receptive person in the world, Tara's efforts are so much better spent listening to and advising Kirsten. It's important for Kirsten to feel like she's a real, full person that deserves time to get to know on her terms.

I really liked how the final interaction with Willow went. I found Willow's reaction to be in character; I agree she would have panicked in that situation, and that could easily lead to her lashing out at Tara. It's wonderful that Tara is able to respond with honesty and compassion instead of following the path of least resistance and letting things escalate. We know she hates being yelled at, her first instinct is even to "cower" in fear, but she never gets defensive. That's because she loves Willow, but I get the feeling that Tara would know how to do that in other situations as well. Very emotionally mature indeed, and also pretty brave.

It's sort of similar to her approach with Kirsten (not to imply that Willow is a child, which is very different from a 'big kid'!) but in that understanding how someone communicates and responding accordingly. Also, she did mess up and owed Willow an apology for it and because there was no intention to deceive or panic, it was a lot easier. I think the hardest apologies to make are when you know you've done something on purpose, whether through thought or action. That will be something that will come up later too.

Behold the Willow-whisperer working her magic once again

Whereas her girlfriend had to content herself with being a pillow-whisperer

I wanna know too

Your imagination can come up with something far better than I could have written!

That was a very sweet and funny interaction

They are a sweet and funny couple, and I take no credit for it!

And I liked the last sentence: Right back to the heart making everything better, not least because it allows us to see things as they really are, with minimal distorsion. Like that quote from The Little Prince, "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly".

I love that quote and I think it's a pretty good summation of the W/T relationship.

Thanks so much for your feedback

---

Update Directly Below

[Laragh]

********

TITLE: College Confidential

WRITER: Laragh

CHAPTER RATING: NC-17

DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other characters from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise belong to Joss Whedon, FOX, ME and a whole host of other entities, none of which are me.

SUMMARY: The first part of the prequel to Hacker Confidential and Family Confidential - the college years!

SPOILERS: Perhaps minor references to the show or stealage of dialogue, but nothing that would spoil the series.

FEEDBACK: Yes please

Chapter 77

********

Tara opened a bleary eye and groaned when she saw the numbers on the alarm clock.


With much chagrin she pushed herself up and swung her legs off the bed. She started to stand groggily but had barely lifted her knees when she was being pulled back by the waistband of her panties.


She reached behind to take Willow’s hand away.


“I’ll come back and give you a kiss before I go.”


“Where are you going?” Willow whined, barely a muffled groan through the pillow.


Tara sighed, somewhat impatiently.


“Work, Willow, you know I have to go…”


Willow made the great effort of moving her body to inch herself closer to Tara.


“I don’t know that.”


“Willow…” Tara started, closing her eyes.


They’d had a similar exchange most mornings and it just made it so much harder to get up and go.


Willow sat up and wrapped her arms around Tara’s waist, then rested her chin on her girlfriend’s shoulder.


“I don’t know that, ‘cause it’s Saturday.”


Tara’s eyes darted back towards Willow.


“It’s Saturday? Are you sure?”


“Yes…” Willow replied, leaving a kiss in the crook of Tara’s neck, “Now come back to bed…”


She pulled at Tara’s panties again, who slapped her away gently.


“Stop giving me a wedgie.”


“You know the best way to stop a wedgie?” Willow asked, slipping her hand under the fabric, “Don’t wear panties to begin with…”


She pushed them right down to Tara’s knees and resumed kissing her girlfriend’s neck.


Tara glanced down at her loose panties and pulled them the rest of the way down before falling back into bed with Willow.


“Saturday…”


Willow ducked under the covers and pushed Tara’s tank up her torso. She left messy, sleepy kisses on her girlfriend’s stomach while lifting the top off.


Tara lifted the last of it over her head and let it land on the floor with her discarded panties. She tilted her head back as Willow moved up to her breasts and throat and finally grabbed her girlfriend’s cheeks and kissed her passionately.


Willow surrendered herself to Tara’s kiss and let herself be thrown onto her back and undressed by greedy hands. She curved her hand around Tara’s buttocks and pulled their hips in close while she snaked a hand between them and dipped her fingers between her girlfriend’s full lips.


Tara rolled her hips, slowly, into Willow’s hand. Her mouth was busy paying attention to Willow’s neck and her hands fondling her girlfriend’s breasts. Willow was rolling her own body in response to Tara’s touches, so their thighs were slipping and sliding against each other.


They finally locked into a comfortable position and Willow jerked Tara’s hand down to join hers. They shared giggles and moans through breathy kisses as they played with each other.


“You’re such a…umm…mmm…tease,” Willow panted out as Tara pulled out of her again, just leaving her fingertips wiggling, “Tara, fuck me.”


Tara grazed her teeth along Willow’s neck, then licked up to her ear, feeling bold and needy.


“Only if you fuck me back.”


Willow had to catch her breath as it rushed from her lungs. She turned her head and attacked Tara’s lips, pulling her into a deep kiss. She bent her knees and spread her legs, then waited the agonising second for Tara to fill her. She could’ve screamed such was the intensity of the fire in her belly but it was muffled by Tara’s soft lips.


It got heavy quickly, with scratch marks indenting Tara’s back and Willow’s body flushing a deep red. Tara’s hips were rocking into Willow’s and she’d perfected the rolling thumb trick to offer some sensitive pleasuring to her girlfriend’s clit.


Willow finally remembered her hand that had gone limp on Tara’s thigh and she slipped back inside. Tara was soaking and searing hot and Willow could feel a whole shudder wrack through her girlfriend’s body.


“Oh Willow…” Tara breathed, eyes shut tight and bottom lip agape and trembling.


They found a back and forth quickly; enthusiastic and well-practiced. Willow, being far more stimulated, started to break first. It felt like an age of a stretch between the first tinglings to the final rush, but when it hit it came all at once and immobilised her.


When she knew what was what again, she noticed Tara had moved just a bit away to let her breath.


“Shit, sorry,” she gasped, pulling at her girlfriend’s hips again, “Come back, sit up on me.”


Tara didn’t protest and swung her legs over again, sitting back so she was straddling Willow. Willow took a moment to appreciate the unobstructed view, then pressed her fingers between Tara’s lips again and rubbed her clit.


Tara felt the tidal wave come back full force and pushed her hips into it. Willow sat up herself and wrapped one arm around her girlfriend’s waist whilst speeding up the hand between Tara’s legs.


She pulled Tara into her by the butt cheek and rested their foreheads together.


Tara locked her eyes with Willow’s and kept watching as long as she could until they flicked closed under the weight of impending orgasm. She dropped her head to Willow’s shoulder as it washed over her; back muscles jumping and thighs trembling.


Willow brought her arm up from Tara’s waist to her shoulders and gathered her into an embrace.


“Hey, baby,” she whispered, brushing the hair from the nape of Tara’s neck, “Love you.”


Tara nuzzled into Willow’s neck and they fell back onto the bed to cuddle with the covers strewn randomly about them.


Eventually Tara shifted enough to stretch her arms.


“I should text Kirsten and ask if she wants to do something.”


Willow was slightly pissed to hear Tara have another female on her mind so soon after a morning romp.


“And who is Kirsten?”


Tara dropped her arms with a satisfied sigh, feeling too good to let the fact that Willow didn't know that bother her.


“My kid in the mentor program.”


“Oh right,” Willow replied, relieved and feeling only slightly silly, “Anyway, you can’t, you have plans with me.”


Tara cocked her head towards Willow, confused.


“I do?”


“Yes!” Willow replied, hanging off of Tara’s arm as she half-spooned her, “You promised we would go to Pride.”


“That’s today?” Tara asked, settling back down, “Well sure, I’ll go. What actually happens?”


Willow shrugged.


“Well, I’ve never been but I looked at the website and it’s like a super fun, colourful march to City Hall and then there’s a festival with music and food and merchandise stalls and generally fabulous joie de vivre.”


Tara smiled and touched Willow’s cheek affectionately.


“What time does it start?”


“12:15,” Willow replied, perking up considerably, “Hey we could go into the city for brunch and join the parade after.”


“How urbanite of us,” Tara replied with a grin, “Anything special I have to do?”


Willow nodded seriously.


“Be really gay. Like super gay.”


“Super gay?” Tara asked, quirking an eyebrow.


“Yes, super gay. Pink triangle cape, rainbow laser vision, the whole hog,” Willow replied, then ducked her head onto Tara’s shoulder and deposited a kiss there, “You know what would be really gay?”


Her hand slid up Tara’s side and cupped a breast.


“Eating another woman’s pussy.”


“That would be very gay,” Tara agreed, glancing down to Willow’s hand playing with her nipple, then behind, “Know where I can find one?”


Willow moved onto her back and pulled Tara on top of her.


“I happen to have one right…here…”


She glanced downwards, then back into Tara’s eyes seductively. Tara felt her heart race and wasn’t long disappearing under the covers. Willow’s eyes fluttered closed.


“Ohhh…mmm…Tara…”


Her fingers curled around the blanket tightly as Tara began to pleasure her. It didn’t take her long to shake through a climax and she sought her girlfriend’s lips as she came back up.


After a minute she relaxed back into the pillow but only for a second before she had to grab Tara’s arm as she was moving away.


“Where do you think you’re going?” she asked, jumping on Tara with a fresh bound of energy, “I have to earn my gay points too.”


They giggled between kisses for another few minutes before Willow scooted down to offer Tara the same treatment she’d been given.


Finally her head popped back out from under the covers and she left a sweet kiss on Tara’s cheek. She curled into her girlfriend’s side and sighed softly.


“Saturday…”


She kissed around Tara’s shoulder and upper arm, then made herself tear herself away.


“Better shower.”


She scooted off the end of the bed and stretched for a moment, then saddled across the room to get a towel. Straightening up after bending down to get it, she glanced over her shoulder and grinned.


“Are you looking at my butt?”


“Guilty,” Tara replied, turning herself on her side, with her elbow out and holding her head up with her palm.


“10 extra gay points for you!” Willow quipped, then covered herself with the towel, “But stop it or we’ll never get out of here.”


Tara covered her eyes with her hand but lifted one finger to peek. Willow giggled all the way to the bathroom and smiled happily throughout her shower.


Tara came in to brush her teeth whilst Willow was finishing up and stepped in when she was done.


She came out towel-drying her hair and Willow turned to her excitedly, gesturing to her outfit laid out on the bed, including a loose fitting white t-shirt with the design of a unicorn jumping over a rainbow that she hadn’t even needed to buy especially.


“Prideful, huh?


Accompanying the t-shirt were some very bright pink shorts with a rainbow belt looped through and pink Chuck Taylors with rainbow shoelaces, as well as some rainbow suspenders. Tara could barely look directly at them, such was the brightness.


“Very,” she agreed, sitting a bit away on the bed to dry her legs, “What should I wear?”


“Take out everything you have that’s rainbow-esque,” Willow advised as she started to get dressed.


Tara went over to have a quick root through the dresser.


“Hmm…I have nothing.”


Willow’s head snapped up.


“At all?” she asked as if Tara had just told her she never brushed her teeth.


Tara scratched her head and walked over to the desk.


“I have some ribbon in my art supplies?”


Willow gave her the thumbs up.


“Great! Tie your hair up with it?”


“Sure,” Tara replied, leaving it out, then moved over to her jewellery box, “Um, it’s not rainbow exactly, but I have this?”


She held up a less vibrant but similarly-coloured ring.


“Yes, yes, all good!” Willow replied, bobbing her head, “Don’t worry, it’s not like a competition or something but in the pictures everyone had rainbows.”


She went over to her sock drawer before putting on her shoes, then suddenly clapped her hands excitedly.


“Oh, oh! I have socks! 2 pairs even!”


She pulled out two bundles and handed one to Tara. They unravelled to rainbow-striped knee-length socks.


“They’re long.”


“Mmhhmm, you might have to wear shorts,” Willow replied with a grin, rocking back and forth on her heels, “Purely a coincidental perk, I assure you.”


Tara shook her head.


“You know I only have my sleep ones.”


Willow looked thoughtful.


“Hmm…”


She went over to the closet and moved some things around, then produced a pair of shorts on a hanger.


“Yes!” she said, delighted with herself, “I got these last month and they were too big but I was too lazy to return them.”


She handed them off to Tara who stared down at them. They were a very fluorescent yellow and would have dubiously matched many a thing in Willow’s wardrobe. Willow was still beaming at her find.


“They’re all sunshine-y, like you!”


Tara’s heart melted under that smile and she held the shorts to her chest to indicate she’d wear them.


“What about a shirt?”


“How would you feel about sacrificing one of your white tanks?” Willow asked, pulling her long socks on.


“Sacrificing?” Tara asked, uncertain.


“Drawing something on it?” Willow explained.


“Hmm…” Tara replied, a little intrigued by the idea, “I do have fabric markers.”


Willow started to tie her laces and smiled more.


”Excellent!”


Tara got one of her tank tops and her markers and laid them out on the table. She neatly drew a big heart in red, then, using the socks as a guide, coloured it in stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.


Willow came over after a few minutes and watched over her shoulder.


“That’s so pretty.”


“Thanks,” Tara replied, filling in the bottom point, “It sort of feels like on Halloween when we dressed up.”


“If it’s as much fun I will consider this a very successful Saturday!” Willow replied, taking the seat to do her hair when Tara vacated.


Tara dressed herself and looked in the mirror. She felt silly but also fun and knew Willow really appreciated getting all kitted out. Willow came up behind her and kissed the spot when her neck met her shoulder.


“I love your hair up.”


Tara smiled through the mirror, then scrunched her nose up.


“Willow, I don’t know about brunch, we’d get lots of weird looks.”


Willow didn’t care too much but didn’t want Tara to be uncomfortable.


“Okay…um…breakfast burritos from the taco stand around the corner? It’s on the way to the T.”


“Great idea,” Tara replied, turning and kissing Willow.


“Mmm,” Willow replied as they broke apart, “I’ll keep having ‘em if that’s my reward.”


She took Tara’s hands and held her at arms-length apart.


“Tara you look so hot.”


“Is that the new word for ridiculous?” Tara asked good-naturedly.


“Okay, okay, I know we’re being goofy,” Willow replied with a sweet smile that turned into a leer, “But the shorts and tank…”


Tara blushed under the scrutiny but didn’t look away.


“It’s what I wear to bed most nights.”


Willow’s hands slid down to Tara’s hips.


“They’re not all tight like these.”


Tara’s lips quirked up on one side with a teasing grin.


“You don’t complain when you can slip your hand in easily.”


Willow’s cheeks flushed but she was smiling.


“I’m just saying that you are hot, hot, hot and I will fight to keep you today if I have to around all these lady-lovin' ladies.”


Tara looked dubious.


“You told me before you weren’t large with the butch before.”


Willow straightened her back.


“Oh, I’m serious, I will go allll large with the butch!”


Tara shook her head and smiled affectionately.


“Okay, Xena.”


“I told you you’d like watching that with me,” Willow replied with a cheery grin, “Think we’re ready?”


Tara shrugged one shoulder.


“Unless you want to paint your nails rainbow too?”


“Um, yes!” Willow replied enthusiastically, dropping back onto the bed and holding her hands out.


Tara got her nail kit and brought it over to Willow.


“Do you want each nail striped or one colour per nail?”


Willow’s eyes grew wide.


“You can do stripes?”


Tara nodded.


“Sure, just need some tape,” she replied, producing a sheet of special strips of tape from her kit.


Willow bounced on the spot.


“Stripes! Stripy goodness!” she said, then looked at Tara in awe, “You’re so amazing.”


Tara’s cheeks tinged a light pink as she got to work on Willow’s nails.


“You’re easily impressed.”


“No, you’re just amazing,” Willow countered, smiling at Tara, “I’m so lucky.”


Tara shyly returned the smile.


“So am I.”


Willow had to fight not to fidget with giddiness as Tara completed her nails. It was a bit laborious but looked great when they were finished.


“Wow, so cool!” Willow said, checking each nail out individually, “Thank you!”


“You’re welcome,” Tara replied, packing away her varnishes.


Willow spent another minute with a lingering gaze on her nails, then jumped up.


“Wanna head out?”


Tara nodded, so they gathered their stuff and left. They ate their breakfast burritos as they walked to the T station, gathering stares as they rode the train from people entering and exiting through the doors.


As they grew nearer their stops, they noticed a few more rainbow-donned people hopping on and they all shared smiles like they had a secret only they knew. Tara became less self-conscious and as they exited the T and turned onto the street where the parade was due to begin, she soon realised she was dressed a lot more conservatively and garnering far less attention than anyone else there.


She was stunned at the flamboyant displays both on the general crowd and among the floats.


“So many feathers!” Willow spoke over the crowd, “Why didn’t I think of feathers?”


Tara looked around at all the various groups, from gay marching bands to gay clowns. As she was talking it all in, she heard a revving sound and watches as butch women on motorcycles started to form a column.


“Dykes on Bikes!” Willow said, then rushed off to check out the vehicles.


“Like the bike, little lady?” the lady sitting on the bike she approached asked.


“Sure do,” Willow replied, bobbing her head.


The woman glanced Willow up and down over her sunglasses.


“Maybe I could take you for a ride later.”


Willow was about to enthusiastically agree when she caught the lingering stare and took a step back.


“Sorry, I um, already have a…ride. Thanks. Bye. Cool bike!”


She scurried back over to Tara, wide-eyed.


“I think I’m liked by the dyke on a bike!”


“What?” Tara asked, attention pulled from a group of parents from a PFLAG group holding signs of support.


“I got hit on!” Willow replied, glancing warily over her shoulder.


“Are you okay?” Tara asked, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.


“Yeah, just…” Willow started to reply, then got an eyeful of a group of men passing in tight speedos, “Oh wow, and you were feeling self-conscious…”


Tara followed her eyeline and turned back to cover a snort.


“We’re positively modest,” she said, smiling and shaking her head, “I want to look around at all the outfits but I don’t want to lose you.”


“I’ll come with you,” Willow replied, slipping her hand into Tara’s, “I envy the make-up skills of all these drag queens.”


They walked around, watching floats and groups set themselves up with banners and whatever other paraphernalia they needed until the crowds really started to gather, piling across multiple cross streets.


They found a spot that they could join the march in and gradually things started to heat up, with music pumping and whistles blowing. Things started to move and the noise suddenly seemed to increase tenfold.


Willow was getting hyped up by all the stimulus, skipping ahead, and Tara used the half-foot between them to discreetly check out her girlfriend in those tight shorts.


“Isn’t this great!?” Willow shouted back, completely carefree in her step, “Everyone’s gay and it’s a-okay!”


The flamboyant and cheery atmosphere was indeed infectious to Tara too and it was great to see so many people gathered in acceptance and love. She knew about Stonewall and how pride parades were a descendant of it and really started to feel the festival’s namesake. She was proud to be part of that community.


Taking in the energy from all around, she felt spontaneous and took Willow’s hand, spinning her. Willow turned and smiled, understanding the feeling. They danced and skipped for the whole march, exuding unfettered joy.


They leaned, pretty worn out, against a wall as they waited in line to get into the plaza where the parade ended.


Tara had brought a bottle of water and offered it to Willow first before taking a big glug herself.


Willow was feeling very lovey and embraced Tara from behind; hands crossed on her girlfriend’s stomach and chin on her shoulder. She started to press kisses into her girlfriend’s neck but had to stop when Tara brushed her hair over the same spot.


“What?” Willow whined, pulling Tara closer into her, “For once we don’t have to worry about anyone staring.”


“I know, just keep it tame,” Tara replied, not objecting to the embrace.


“‘Kay,” Willow agreed and went back to resting her chin on Tara’s shoulder.


They muddled along until they finally got into the open-air space and both were once again blown away by the sheer number of people there.


There were rainbow balloon banners and flags hung up around the stage area, and an area of white awnings where various stalls were set up. Hundreds if not thousands of people were already crowding around the stage where music was being blasted from large speakers as band gear and microphones were set up.


“It’s so busy,” Willow said, moving to the side to take Tara’s hand again, “Do you want to get a spot near the stage or check out the stalls? Those speakers are so big, we’ll hear whatever they have to say anyway.”


Tara nodded towards the stalls and they walked over to that area. Willow gravitated to a stall with novelty socks and t-shirts while Tara was impressed by some gay-themed jewellery nearby. They were handed dozens of leaflets for various LGBT sports and clubs and politely tucked them away in her purse.


Tara was just finishing a purchase of two matching necklaces; black cord with a metal pendant featuring two interlocking pink female symbols etched on, when Willow bounced over to her in new attire.


The black t-shirt was hanging well past her hips and the, what should be short sleeves, were nearly at her elbows. ‘I Love My Girlfriend’ was on the front in white lettering.


Tara cocked her head as she saw her girlfriend approach.


“Willow, that’s at least four sizes too big for you.”


“It was the only size they had left,” Willow replied, smiling and twirling, “Do you like it?”


Tara could only smile and nod.


“It’s very sweet.”


“Well I’m a sweet girlfriend!” Willow replied, leaning forward to peck Tara’s lips.


They linked hands again and browsed through a candle stall; a badge stall where Tara picked up a couple for her satchel, one saying ‘Love Is Never Wrong’ and one saying ‘Yay Gay’; a book stall where Tara got some romance novels and Willow got a couple of comics, then finally steered past a very busy one where two gentlemen were selling novelty collars and clothes for pets.


As they were turning, Willow accidentally bumped into a young, blonde woman with bright, white teeth and a flawless smile who was handing out flyers.


“Hey!” she greeted when she saw them, “I saw you guys dancing in the march! You’re so cute!”


Tara blushed and glanced away, in the process noticing what she was standing in front of. The stall had various photos of weddings and leaflets with information stuck down on it, as well as some groom-groom and bride-bride cake toppers on display.


“Any wedding bells in the future?” the woman asked almost immediately, and Willow, not having seen the stall, stared at her a little dumbfounded.


“Someday,” Tara answered.


The woman winked and held out a flyer.


“Keep us in mind.”


Willow took the flyer and read over it as they walked away.


“Ohhh,” she said, understanding dawning as she read, “Thanks. Saved me.”


“The look on your face,” Tara replied with a teasing crooked smile, “Is the idea of marrying me so horrifying?”


“Of course not!” Willow replied quickly, “I just wasn’t expecting to be asked about it by a stranger.”


Tara chuckled and Willow rolled her eyes, but with a smile.


“Got me,” she replied, bumping her girlfriend’s hip, “Do you want to get some ice-cream? There’s a place over with the food stalls. We could go up the back and watch the stage from there.”


“Sounds great,” Tara agreed and they headed over to that line of stalls and vans.


The ice-cream place had a rainbow banner with Fruity Treats written across it, differentiating itself even amongst all of the other similarly themed and decorated set-ups.


“They’re not even trying to be subtle,” Tara commented and Willow laughed.


“Why should they?”


Tara got some ‘Great Gay Grapefruit Gelato’ in a cup and Willow availed of the ‘Homo Promo’ to get a ‘Sapphic Sundae’ half price.


They moved to the back of the crowd so they could enjoy their ice cream without being jostled. Willow spotted Tara leaning back against the wall of the building and suddenly shoved her sundae into Tara’s hands.


“Be right back!”


Tara stared after her for a few moments, then looked at the ice-cream in both hands, which were melting in the heat and she was unable to eat. She sighed and clicked her tongue, then expelled a long exhale as she waited.


Willow came half-jogging back just a few minutes later, carrying something huge that Tara couldn’t make out. Willow revealed all as she folded out a camping chair and put it down beside Tara.


Tara instantly felt guilty for her impatience.


“Oh, Willow, you didn’t have to do that.”


“It’s okay, I want you to be comfortable,” Willow replied with a tender smile.


Tara wanted to reach out and touch Willow’s face but her hands were still occupied.


“What about you?”


Willow shrugged and dropped down to the ground unselfconsciously.


“I’ll sit on the ground beside you.”


Tara glanced down under her.


“It must be boiling hot.”


“I’ll be fine as long as I don’t let it hit my thighs,” Willow replied, then held her hands out, “Ice-cream please.”


Tara handed her back her sundae and sat on her chair. Speeches started on the stage by various organisers, performers and minor celebrities, a lot of which was drowned out by the crowd but they caught most of what was going on.


When they finished their ice-creams, Tara dropped her hand down for Willow to hold and they chatted on and off while listening to rousing speeches, then the band that had started playing.


Willow was more than content in her spot, but grew a little too much so and forgot to protect her thighs. She dropped her legs to rest them, then immediately jumped up and rubbed the back of them.


“Ouchy, ouch!”


“I knew that was going to happen,” Tara replied, checking Willow’s thighs for damage, which looked fine, “C’mere baby.”


Tara gently pulled her in by the hips so Willow was on her lap, and held her around the waist. Willow melted under the soft touch and pet name and kissed Tara’s forehead.


“I love you…baby.”


They sat like that, occasionally canoodling for a long while until an older, scruffy man with long grey hair and a scraggy grey beard approached them and shoved a crucifix in their face.


“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord!”


Tara shuddered, remembering being taunted with scripture from her father, and he hadn’t even known she was gay. She started to turn away but was stopped on the way as Willow met her for a kiss.


There were sounds of aggravation, then more yelling.


“But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed!”


Tara felt Willow cup her cheek and then the kiss deepened. It was exhilarating, not just in response to Willow’s touch, but for herself and defying something she’d been so beaten down with over many years.


Tara cracked an eye and saw the crucifix barely an inch away from their faces but didn’t give in and soon the man was rumbling away, agitated.


Willow heard him leave too and broke the kiss to look behind her. She smirked, then paused and turned back to Tara, apologetically.


“Sorry, I shouldn’t have used you like that.”


Tara just smiled and curled the ends of Willow’s hair between her fingers.


“If it made him feel half as uncomfortable as it made me feel good, it was worth it.”


Willow smiled wider and pecked Tara again. They nuzzled noses and noticed after a few minutes their ‘friend’ getting carted off by two security men.


Tara was glad he wouldn’t bother anyone else and sighed softly with contentment.


“This was so much fun, I’m glad you brought me.”


“I’m glad we came too,” Willow replied, linking her fingers with Tara’s, “Are you proud?”


“So proud,” Tara replied, then pressed a lingering kiss to Willow’s cheek, “To be yours.”


Willow felt her heart skip a beat.


“And I’m so proud to be yours too.”


They kissed softly in that spot, drowning out everything but each other.


Finally the cheers from a powerful speech drew them back into the event and they got up to add their solidarity. The afternoon was spent dancing and chatting to bunches of random people they collided with, making in-jokes that Tara especially appreciated and enjoyed learning the dynamic of the community.


She was amused to be labelled a lipstick lesbian and even more so at Willow's 'chapstick lesbian' by two slightly tipsy gay men who stopped to admire the luminescence of their shorts. She was also quite proud when the drag queen who had made the speech rousing enough to disturb them from each other came over to compliment Willow’s nails, feeling close to starstruck at the encounter.


It was all very lively and exciting, but as the hours drew on, the switch from festival to party became apparent and Willow and Tara only had to look at each other to know they’d enjoyed their day and the remainder wasn’t for them.


When the evening was drawing into night, they forewent the alcohol fuelled nocturnal festivities to celebrate their pride in a different kind of intoxicating private.

[zampsa19752001]

Dibs-y Goodness

Yay for excellent update-y goodness... I liked their Pride-adventure... I really loved their way of handling the bible-nutter....

[_Salix_]

I wasn't first, but can I get "almost dibs" for effort?

That description of the parade was pretty good. Have you been to pride before? I would love to go, but I'd feel a bit out of place. You know, because I'm a straight high school student. But it seems like fun. You're a really good writer. I wish I could write like that. :/ Your other stories are really great, too.


-Gabrielle (Sal)

[willowtaralover]

Hey Laragh

YAY a new chapter of College Confidential, one of the best Willow/Tara stories ever.

I found all the things that SneakyCat had to say very interesting and certainly appeared to come from someone doing a social worker course in their own right certainly in the way that she is able to observe and understand how Tara is able to co-operate with Kiirsten so easily.

“You know the best way to stop a wedgie?” Willow asked, slipping her hand under the fabric, “Don’t wear panties to begin with…”

I never thought that the girls ever wore underwear in bed lol

Hot WIllow and Tara sex can mean only one thing

You’re such a…umm…mmm…tease,” Willow panted out as Tara pulled out of her again, just leaving her fingertips wiggling, “Tara, fuck me.”

“Only if you fuck me back.”

And potty mouth Tara makes a very rare appearance

Couldn't they take Kirsten to the pride march, after all Kirsten would probably only really see it as a festival and not necessarily as a major celebration of gay rights.

I like Willow's description of Tara as being sunshine-y, it's such a very sweet and romantic statement to make.

WIllow says she's not all large with the butch but we all know better right

Yeah I can see why it might not be sucha great idea to take Kirsten but still there's lot's of neat stuff there right.

Loved the adorability of Willow as she realised that she was the object of the 'dyke-on-a-bike's' attentions. Really dislike the use of the word dyke as a reference to gay women. I just find it really demeaning.

a book stall where Tara got some romance novels and Willow got a couple of comics.

I actually saw a stall in New York on the underground selling books like these when I visited with uni in 2005.

Awesome way to piss off the moron with the crucifix, just kiss constantly till they give up and consider you a lost cause

Great chapter with lots of fun for Willow and Tara in the bedroom and then later at the Gay Pride Festival.

[Finey_McFine]

Hey There JMT!

I really loved the beginning of this update. What an awesome wake up! But then the pride festival gave me anxiety. Of course there's a story behind it...Chris and I got separated at Seattle Pride once. I went to the bathroom, came out and she was no where to be found. It was in those prehistoric days before cell phones too. Several hours went by and I finally gave up looking and went back to the car, hoping she'd show. Well, she finally did and boy was she pissed! She didn't speak to me for over a week. So you see why I practically get hives at the mere mention of the words pride and festival together???

[branny72]

- - - - - - -

Now that is a great way to start the morning!!

I loved their time at the Pride Festival. When you mentioned it in the previous updates I wondered if Tara would be able to find the strength to go. I know my first one was scary as hell. Willow and the 'Dykes on Bikes' was hilarious...and then the mental image of Willow in tight black leather came to mind and...

As always - I loved the update, love the story, and can't wait for the next update.

[Will's redemption]

I feel pretty bad that I haven't commented in ages... but be assured I'm still reading and still totally loving this fic as from the start of the confidential universe.

I'm really curious where you will take our girls next, especially when and how they will find out that Tara will spend the next semester in Paris. I imagine her first instinct will be to decline the offer and that it's going to be Willow who'll convince her that although she will miss her like crazy she wouldn't want Tara to miss the opportunity of a lifetime. I guess I have to wait and see if I'm right.
Until then I'm sure that you still have lots and lots of goodness in store for them. I would like to read Willow meeting Kirsten - I expect they would get on really well (although reading Willow's lips might be difficult because she talks pretty fast even if she's not babbling). I totally could imagine Willow stumbling over the "ASL for Dummies"-book in a quest for occupation after the last page of Harry Potter and ending up learning quite a bit because she is immensely curious about everything and an over-achiever. Then she could surprise both Tara and Kirsten with her ability to sign...

You see I'm imagining quite al lot about how you will continue this fic. But no matter how it will really turn out, I have absolute faith in you that you will make it much better than I could imagine and expect.

I'll try to comment on a more regular basis again. Now I'm already looking forward to the next chapter...great that I'll have to wait only a couple of days!