NEW FIC: "Finding You"

[mollyig]

Poor Tara, taking Willow's silence while her brain engaged in mindbabbling as a sign Willow didn't want to be there. Her stuttering re-emerging when Willow paid her a compliment is yet another indication of how low her self confidence is. I'm sure in time Willow will convince her of her worth though!

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[hondosfirst]

Hello,

Loved your update.This story is sooo funny and sexy and everything good.Cant wait for the next one.

Trx Rose

[Grimaldi]

cool update, funny and sweet

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!
No! Well, okay. No. Pez!
I don't know, it's like my brain keeps... jacking off

[xita]

Oh that's great, it's a good chapter where we see early Tara who didn't think she was worthy of love. But w/t are so much further than they were when they met in that other reality. Perhaps the shadows of that time carried through making it easier for them to connect. Look forward to more

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

Buffy?

Let's change it, the Discovery channel has koala bears.

[tommo]

Ah, the hand holding. Wow. That got to me; it really did. That tentative touch they share and need and want so much. Perfectly described. Thanks for the romance; it was sorely needed by me.

La la la, la la la-la la; la la la, la la la-la la ~ The Wisdom of Kylie...

[barnabasvamp]

Oh sleek;

You have done it again girl

Wonderful update!!

Quote:

---

"Tara, I have never questioned the dexterity of your fingers--err, I mean the, uh, amazing capabilities of your right arm, which is the very reason why I do not want to strain them with the task of feeding. And that falls under the category of straining so..." Willow took a breath and shakily brandished a spoon brimming with apple sauce, "Open your lips, err, your mouth please?"

---

I laughed so hard!!

And the love beginning to show through,

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[samiamiguess]

Ok, I have had THE worst Monday. I mean it had MADE IN HELL stamped all over its monday ass when it woke me this morning. I won't bore you with the details as I'd just end up sounding like Whinie Dawnie and there's nothing worse than that now is there?



Anyway, so I thank you Sleek for restoring my faith in the world again. All is ok. Example of ok: I have this stupid grin plastered to my face as I imagine Willow internally pogo-ing as she gets "excited" about a Tara-All-You-Can spree. *pauses to reflect on that for a second, ok mind back again.* Then you put in the name bit, with Tara all husky (thank you for that by the way). But the bit I loved most Ruth has already commented on. It was the gentle wrist caressing, hand holding. Perfectly described and in character of the two. You have their characters spot on so I applaud you.



So anyway, there are a few hours left in this day yet so I fully expect a meteor or similar event to hit me before the day is up but now I don't care. I've got a cold beer, my cat (oh, nope he's buggered off, um, for want of a better word, bugger) where was I? oh yeah, beer, wonderful W/T love and I'm off to Edinburgh tomorrow with my love, a place I adore. Can you see my fingers stuck up at this day? Can you?



I'm happy again. Thank you Sleek. And I do believe you have two lots of feedback to digest, don't you be getting too busy y'hear.



Cheers me dear,

Sonya

Edited by: samiamiguess at: 12/2/02 11:38:55 am

[SilverWingedNemesis]

OOhhh YEAH!!! *giggles*







*GRINS*



That was just...great!! I love how they were talking and finding out more about each other.. and despite her low self-esteem I like how Tara had to ask the question she most wanted an answer too, even though she wasn't sure of her answer!!



And Willow's description of the best night...*sighs* That was just SOO great!! I can't wait to read more!! Hopefully they'll realize how much they want to be together??



Can't wait for an update!! This is great!!



~NICK~

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



Ahhh! I missed an update! And it was wonderful. I've always liked the friend vibe Dawn and Tara have. I can see her playing matchmaker. I also like how Tara felt her happy place was right with her kitty there. As for the feeding scene, happy sigh.



Thank you,



Jixer

[The Rose24]

I am still loving your Willowbabble.



I love the way W/T open themselves up to one another. I was a little concerned when Tara started to feel bad after Willow told her about Oz. I am glad willow set her straight very quickly.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Edited by: The Rose24  at: 12/2/02 7:49:48 pm

[AntigoneUnbound]

Hey Sleek~~I was away for Thanksgiving and wasn't I just overjoyed to come back and find TWO updates on my favorite fic! You painted a great dream--I especially loved the burgundy grass aspect. It leant a wonderful surrealism to it. And goddess, do I get a kick out of Serendipity. She reminds me of a younger sibling who's in such a hurry to get the same grown-up privileges of her older sisters that she occasionally abandons even the pretense of patience and restraint. The whole line about Fate having her ass...Just a great touch.



One of the things I most appreciated in these updates is the balance you achieve b/w our girls' insecurities and their incredible spirits. Yes, Tara finds herself starting to think that Willow is put off by her perceived bad social skills, but she doesn't just shrink w/in herself. I mean, yes, she's insecure; of course she is, given her history. And yet she also knows, w/o a doubt, that she just made Willow's body sing not so long ago; and she's hearing Willow call her "beautiful"; and she IS taking in all the other endearments that Willow's giving her. I think it's possible to go so far the other direction (that is, illustrating Tara's insecurities) that she ends up looking just a bit...SLOW, if you will, considering that Willow's practically drooling all over her, or telling her explicitly how much she loves her, or some other clear demonstration of her being loved. Does that make sense? And I like that you don't do that--you keep the realistic dose of Tara's (and Willow's) doubts, but you also keep their optimism alive b/c let's face it: if they didn't have incredible stores of spirit and resilience, they'd both have gone under a long time ago.



So go forth, Sleek, like a beacon in the night and bring our two girls together in your own inimitable way!



Mary



PS--Wonder what that Dawn's up to...?

[Sleek]

Replies to Part 16 Descending (b)



Cindi

Yes glistening one. I may have reason to believe that the last people to realize how utterly twitterpated they are are the girls themselves. Thanks for the encouragement!



Nickole

Thank you. As you have read in the Rosenberg Poll, US issue would come in sooner or later.



Lilkkgirl4u

Hey. Welcome to my realm of WT. Glad to know you are enjoying yourself..err.. or something like that.



Rose24

Thanks girl.



Stef

Hehe . Now if only Tiny Jewish Santa knows how to woo Tara



Holly

Thank you for the encouragement. I'm glad you found the Willow bit romantic. More to come my dear!



Mollyig

Clever Serendipity's advice is actually necessary. You'll find out soon why. As for Dawn being an astute young woman, I just would like to give her character more credit than the show gave her. After all, Dawn is such a Kitten.



Sonya

"Well I can probably tell you her bra size but didn't catch her surname, you understand Dawnie" Now it's lines like this that make me implore the heavens to make you write fic some day. I can only imagine the kind of goofy dialogues you can come up with!



And since she was reminiscing, I thought in order to fully appreciate your update, I too should reflect on the laundry scene. You are a kind Kitten. Sorry for having to put you through the ordeal of re-reading the Laundry Room scene As usual Sonya. You managed to crack me up.



Snuggle79

Hey Snuggle. More of romantic Willow and mushy Tara in the following updates. I hope you don't mind.



Grimaldi

Me too. I wonder what exactly Dawn is up to. By the way, I do welcome suggestions.



Lil c

Hey girl. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to make any suggestions for this fic.







Replies to Part 17 The Rosenberg Poll



Mollyig

I'm sure in time Willow will convince her of her worth though! In time she will. But as of now is the slow burning process of loving each other for who they are.



Trx Rose

Hi there. Thank you for the feed back. It motivates me immensely More sexy and funny to come in the next updates!



Grimaldi

Thank you. es



Xita

Perhaps the shadows of that time carried through making it easier for them to connect. Interesting observation.



I just figured since they have franatically shed their physical barriers before made emotional intimacy a tad bit easier or at least probable. In the other reality, it was the witchy bonding that paved the way for emotional intimacy. Either way, these two won't take really long in recognizing the other's significance in their lives. Thanks for the feedback Xita.



Ruth

Thanks for the romance; it was sorely needed by me. Any time Ruth. I had this clear picture of what their 'first' hand holding would be like and I came up with this. Thank you for your feedback. It gives me a lot of pointers on how to go on.



BV

BV! I'm pleased you found that particular WillowBabble funny. Makes me wanna right more, y'know? Thank you for the kind words.



Sonya

…it had MADE IN HELL stamped all over its monday ass when it woke me this morning. When I read this, I don't know whether to feel sorry for you because I was too busy being amused. If you can turn any horrid experience into such droll phrases…I suggest you write. For your sake and other Kittens sake. Try a short itty bitty piece.



I'm just happy to know my fic somehow cheered you up, and yeah, I like the Tara-All-You-Can phrase too. Thank you for the kind words about my work. I do try.



…there are a few hours left in this day yet so I fully expect a meteor or similar event to hit me before the day is up but now I don't care. Aww. How can I even contemplate of stopping writing with comments like these? How? I hope the day after Monday made up for all the badness you soaked up. Maybe your trip to Edinburgh with your love would serve as something like a long leisurely soak in the hot tub with rose petals…something to melt your tension away.



Thanks again girl for making me grin from ear to ear.



Nick

I've been thinkin about the Best Night Dialogue for a time now. Thank you for appreciating this.



Jixer

Hey you. How's it goin? Like you, I liked the friend vibe between D/T. Thank you for your feedback on the feeding scene. Dear lord knows we could use more 'happy sighs' every now and then.



Can I just say that your character Hss just cracks me up? I'm not done reading the whole lot yet…but expect some posted feedback when I do.



Rose24

Yes, Tara set Willow 'straight'…or something of the opposite… I think. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Thank you.



Mary

Hey girl! I caught up with the imagery of the dream too. I tried to make it as surreal as possible. Good to know you liked it. Thought you guys missed Serendipity, that's why she made a cameo appearance here. But really, her advise to Tara is necessary. You'll find out why.



…the balance you achieve b/w our girls' insecurities and their incredible spirits…you keep the realistic dose of Tara's (and Willow's) doubts, but you also keep their optimism alive b/c let's face it: if they didn't have incredible stores of spirit and resilience, they'd both have gone under a long time ago. Well put Mary. I wasn't sure if I went overboard with the characters' inner fears and doubts. Tara's body language in S4 tells the tale of a girl unsure of herself, and to me, even possibly abused (hunched shoulders, hiding behind her hair, the stutter…). We only get to unravel some of her more courageous facets quite late in the show, and with a lot of help from Willow who brought her out of her shell.



Remember Tara's song in OMWF? The bathed in light part? Well the way I see it, they illuminate each other. And I will illustrate this in time. Thank you for the beacon of light imagery…it's such a great picture and it inspired my muse to come hither and dance with me some more.

Thanks Mary!



***

next bit is already done. just editing it.



love to all,

Sleek

[samiamiguess]

"they illuminate each other" ooh, very well put you two. That sums them up perfectly.



Back from Edinburgh, as you can tell, with all new vigour.

(the fact I'm back, the vigour maybe less noticeable..). But I just wanted to lay the blame that I find myself driving to work thinking of possible scenarios and starters to a fic I may or may not write. Sleek its all your fault. And trust me, my driving wasn't that good in the first place. We'll see, but if its half as good as yours I'll be happy. (For once no sarcasm intended, rather unusual that, must be in a very good mood.)



I appreciate the time you give to your feedback.



0k now where was I oh yeah. Once upon a time there....



Any better ideas, send me a line.....

Cheers

Sonya

[Sleek]

Dear Kittens,

A short update.



Sleek

*note to Sonya:Weally? You're thinkin about a story?

Be stil my fic-crazed heart.I have plenty o ideas. Email me if you like.

Just run wild girl, write and have fun! Take care.




Part 18


Flight (a)



Dawn donned her favorite beige cotton pajamas, brushed briskly her long brown hair and settled comfortably in her bed.

Lying on her stomach, she pulled out a thick notebook from underneath her pillow, opened the cap of her pen with her teeth and started scribbling rapidly on her journal.


You'll never guess what happened today!

Kevin nudged me during Chem Class and lent me his test tube!!!

I know, I know.I have somehow dropped mine on the floor and got laughed at by Krystal and her pack of hyena bitches…but Kevin made it all better.*SIGH*

Sometimes it amazes me how shallow and superficial other kids my age can be. I mean there is more out of life than lipstick and waving pom-poms right?Kevin gets that. Unlike other testosterone driven guys, he's not so much into pom-pom waving types. He's deep that way.He knows about…well… stuff.

Stuff.

How profound is that?Stuff is the thing that makes Riley come running after Buffy like a trained dog.I mean, he's soooo into her.He'd probably rip a limb for Buffy if she asked.

Stuff is the thing that makes Xander ignore the words "Money Centric-Tactless-Ex Demon" stamped on Anya's ass and treats her like she's the best thing that ever happened to him.

Stuff is the thing that makes Willow sing odd, off-key songs while she copies ALL the notes from Tara's missed classes in different colored pens.Believe me, I like school.But extra voluminous note taking is just…bleh!

*SIGH*Stuff.I want that kind of stuff!

I told Tara once about Kevin and she said that I should just be me and if Kevin were really a smart kid, he'd be asking me out in no time. Well I hope by 'no time' it meant this Saturday or before my hair turns craggy and gray.

It's been more than a week now since we brought Tara to the hospital.A tall, really cute manly man nurse (his name is Ben, I think) told me that Tara will be released in a couple or more days. Which is a real bummer because I can tell Willow can't wait to take Tara out for some witchy bonding or for whatever it is they have been communicating to each other during one of their marathon, puppydog-eyed-starefest sessions.Seriously if any one of them doesn't make a move soon, I may have to take drastic actions and probably lock them in a single room for, maybe, three days.

Buffy and the gang doesn't know about this yet.This is sorta strictly a Tara-Dawnie Pact.Or maybe a Tara-Dawnie Conspiracy.Which is totally cool cuz my conspirator has no idea about my evil plans. Muwahahaha!



I don't know how will they take this girl-girl thing anyway.I mean it's not exactly as if the Scoobies have a history of conventional relationships. But I hope they will be cool about it.It's just two souls falling for each other, right?It's not that different from say, a Slayer falling for a vampire. Well a 'bloody' brooding vampire whose hair sticks out and gave us a real scare when he turned evil. I miss Spike sometimes.All Billy-Idolish and that smoldering leather coat he wears…at least he made no pretenses of what he really is.

What if--


"Dawn!!!"Buffy shrieked from below the stairs.

Sensing alarm in her sister's voice, Dawn dropped her pen and rushed down the stairs.

"What is it?"Dawn asked in mid-stride.

Buffy was hunched over a figure lying on the living room.

A cold fist of panic clenched Dawn's heart as she began to recognize the limp woman Buffy was cradling in her arms.

"Call the hospital.
Now!
" Buffy barked.

Dawn automatically pressed 911.Without trying to think about what she just saw, Dawn gave the Summers' address.

"Please hurry."Dawn pleaded urgently to the person on the phone."It's my mom."


***
TBC

[SilverWingedNemesis]

What..



*stops and looks around*



Did you REALLY just leave that there???



*SIGHS* no witchy goodness.... and Joyce.. *sniff* what now??



I am really loving this fic!! I honestly can not wait for more~



Thanks for this!!



~Nic~

----------

She's my everything

[AntigoneUnbound]

Sleek--



Oh.

Shit.



OK, major kudos for two things here: (1) it was ingenious to have Dawn's diary act as a unique and very compelling perspective on relationships: our girls', most certainly, but also the non-conventionality of all the other Scoobies' connections. And the "stuff" ruminations...excellent, girlfriend! You make it specific; you give great examples of just what that "stuff" is. You also really capture how much it means to Dawn to be a part of something secret, something grown-up...to be on the inside for once.



(2) You know perfectly well what #2 is, Missy! Mrs. Summers lying/laying/getting laid on the floor. (Still working on those two words...) Here I was, just reading along like a silly git, smiling and nodding and then--bam!--there's catastrophe come a-callin'.



Can't wait to see how all these dramas merge and influence each other.



Rock on, Sleek!



Mary

[mollyig]

I really like that you used Dawn's journal writing to show her insight into what was going on. Her description of Willow was great, with the off key singing and diligent note copying sounding exactly like our Willow.



The end of this chapter was totally unexpected, although you mentioned Ben earlier, so that might have given a clue. You're not going to make us wait too long, are you?

---

I happen to think mine is the level head,
and yours is the one things would roll off of.

[samiamiguess]

Ooh, you're good!



I sincerely hope that you recognise that you have a gift. You lead us to this place where we are content, cozy even. Then you change it. Within a heartbeat you make us sit up and say 'huh? No, no stopping. Not like that' Yes my dear you have a gift, use it wisely.



Now, enough smut talk, onto your writing...



Dawn. Little Dawnie. Here I was ignorantly assuming she was being typically teenager-ish (sorry couldn't think of a better description. Ok one that was English would have sufficed I know) in her terminology of 'stuff' when you had to go and give it all such eloquent meaning, the 'stuff' that matters. Lovely insight. And I hang my head in shame as I acknowledge that I had misjudged the poor lass. I want the stuff. Ok she said it better.



Thanks for the update, take care,

Sonya

p.s. 'Manly man Ben'. I'm sorry but this must be where our tastes differ. I just couldn't get past the hair. I know it was always newly-washed shiny and a credit to him that a hair was never out of place, but was I the only person who just wanted to cut the damn thing? I'm sorry, personal opinion, don't want to offend anyone. And I have very bad hair.

[Tulipp]

Sleek, the diary worked great, and that's a hard thing to pull off. I like the way you are giving life and depth to something we all take for granted: that Tara and Dawn have a special connection.

"And I'm eating this banana. Lunchtime be damned!" -- Willow in "Doppelgangland

[barnabasvamp]

Sleek!!

You lul us into a wonderful safe little place....

Give us wonderful insight into Dawn, and what is happenning by using the journal.....Then

Lower the hammer. Well done, didn't see it coming.

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-



Well I didn't see THAT coming. Well done. Loved the journal and the conspiracy of one. Now return to the typing position, please. Oh dear...



Thank you Sleek,



Jixer

[littlecrazy80]

Dawn writing her diary was fantastic, but the end. Didn´t see it coming!

Great work!!!



*lil´c*



Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

[lilkkgirl4u]

i rily liked dawns diary..a tara-dawnie conspiracy lolz!

[The Rose24]

Echoing everyone here, I am glad you included Dawn's Diary in this. Her diary is another concept the writer's abandoned.



I hope you include more of Dawn's diary in future updates.



Do they even care about continuity anymore?

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Edited by: The Rose24  at: 12/6/02 6:57:50 pm

[LeatherQueen]

Very nice. I just read this whole thing in one sitting, and I really enjoyed it. The way Willow and Tara are now acting around each other is so sweet and comforting. Great story.

"We've got the only librarian who can rip off your arm with his leg. People respect that." - Terry Pratchett

[Sleek]

Nic
So sorry to leave you hanging.

.Hope this update will compensate.

Mary
Ok.
(1) Thank you for the feed back on Dawn's diary.I've been thinking of using the diary as a device for character/plot revelation for a time now.Didn't know how I was gonna pull it off since it is Dawn's perspective on relationships and 'stuff'.I'm really glad it worked somehow.In case you don't know yet, I value your feedback especially on how to continue writing this fic. Thank you.



(2) Tee hee

.Can't help but appreciate the 'silly git' phrase.

So here's the drama and mush…a fusion I hope that won't go overboard or melodramatic.Tell me what worked and what didn't.I appreciate any word from you.



.Thanks Mary!



Stef
Now don't look at me like that.

.Let me make it up to you, with this update. And yes, I used both hands this time.



Mollyig

You're not going to make us wait too long, are you?
Sorry it took me awhile to gather about my wits.

Thanks for finding the off key singing true to character.We didn't get to hear Willow sing much during OMWF or any other ep, right?By the way, we have a mutual favorite song im mind. Read on girl and see.



Sonya

Yes my dear you have a gift, use it wisely.


.Thank you Sonya.Although writing smutty fan fic for some people may not considered as a wise way of using one's talent…I'm pleased that you do.

(sheesh if only my folks knew what I've been typing feverishly on the computer!)




And I hang my head in shame as I acknowledge that I had misjudged the poor lass.
Rest assured my Dawn won't be as two dimensional as on the show.She loved Willow and Tara, she must've gotten something right.

About Ben, well this is Dawn's perspective.So when I tried to put my 'teenager goggles' on, I thought Dawn might view Ben as cute and manly.I mean she had a crush on Xander before right?

.But hey, feel free to share your views, I agree that Ben's hair was annoyingly never out of place. Thanks Sonya!



Tulipp


Thank you!I didn't know how exactly I was going to handle Dawn's journal writing, but I sure am glad it worked.


I like the way you are giving life and depth to something we all take for granted: that Tara and Dawn have a special connection.
Thank you.I have a special fondness for the D/T connection.It was apparent to me since the ep 'The Real Me'.I appreciate your thoughtful feedback.



BV
BV! Sorry m'dear.Here's an update to make up for my abruptness.



Jixer
Yes ma'am.Sleek in typing position right about now.

Loved your MKF fic girl!I
need
your kind of writing.

Lil 'c
Hey girl.

I hope your ready for some more mush.

Lilkkgirl4u
Another D/T moment here.

Glad you liked the update.

Rose24

Now
I'm seriously considering including Dawn's journal in a future chapter.Thank you for your helpful insight.



LeatherQueen
Whoa. One sitting?

I'm glad you're enjoying this as much as I do.Say, I believe I read a fic of yours.A scene right after 'Wrecked'?Anyway I'm just pleased to meet another Kitten on this thread.



***

Dear Kittens

No abrupt cliff hangers this time.Prepare yourselves for some mush and yeah, angst.Nuthin you wonderful Kittens can't handle.



I'm finishing the update after this as I post this.Thank you so much for all of your feed back…it is the coffee to jolt my snoozing muse awake.

Much appreciation





Sleek






***


Part 18


Flight (b)





Head hurts. Or maybe my eyes are just playing tricks?


Tara eyed warily the blank, white hospital walls that seemed to throb before her eyes.


They're getting thicker.Closer. Room's getting smaller.Something bad…it's breathing down my neck.I can taste it.Major bad.Must go.


As if trying to escape from something disturbing, Tara restlessly tossed and turned on her wrinkled bed. Her eyes drifted to the monotony of white, hovering above her like a giant pale face.Smiling at her humorlessly.


Ceiling.It's falling. Falling. Goddess, please get me out.
Tara pleaded desperately to a nameless deity, clutching at the bedspread.

A picture of auburn hair and dancing green eyes swam before her and gradually eased Tara from her stupor.She had somehow conveniently tucked an image of Willow's face inside the various shelves of her memory.


Willow.Sweetie where are you?

I need you here with me.

Please.I've never needed anyone this much.It scares me.This intensity.I'm afraid it will show one day and frighten you. Swallow you like it's swallowing me.

Will…Come to me.


Tara sighed as nothing but space and silence embraced her.She secretly feared that this moment might arrive.

The moment of expecting.Of wanting from Willow too much.Too soon.And finding out Willow cannot offer what she wanted the most.

It started with the feeding.More than applesauce and chicken, the redhead fed her with hope. Hope that there might be something more to the gestures than simple concern from a friend.


Could it be?Am I just an injured friend?


Tara remembered the feel of Willow's delicate fingers, tracing lazy patterns on her temples and massaging her scalp as Willow lulled her to sleep.A yearning slowly burned Tara's skin.Begging for Willow's touch.


Goddess, how much I miss you.Hours do seem to stretch into eternities without you.
Tara whispered plaintively to the picture of Willow in her mind.

She glanced at the wall clock.Blinked.Not believing what the hour hand said.


It’s past 4:00PM and still no Willow.


Tara swung her eyes towards the unadorned hospital door and willed it to bring in her favorite redhead.


She didn't come by lunch today like she usually did.Strange.Today is Thursday so that means Willow should've been here by 3:00.Maybe there's an emergency Scooby thing.Even Dawn didn’t come by this morning. Goddess.I hope they are alright.


Just then, the hospital door swung open.

Tara felt her heart leap to greet her visitor, but it stopped in mid-air when she realized who entered the room.

"Dawn?"Tara took in the teenager's disheveled clothes, vacant eyes and grim expression.

Bright red sirens wailed inside Tara's head as a possible explanation slowly descended on her brain. "Dawn, what happened? Is…is Willow alright?"

Dawn stared blankly at Tara, not seeming to understand what she had just said.Another thought obviously weighed heavily inside.

"Why don’t you sit down and tell me?"Tara indicated the empty chair beside the bed and beckoned Dawn to come closer.The teenager took her time in reaching the proffered chair.

Sighing heavily, Dawn sank back on the seat and wearily draped her arms on the armrests. After what seemed like eons, she finally looked up and met a pair of very concerned blue eyes.

"She's gunna be fine, so the doctors said."Dawn spoke as if she was just continuing a conversation they already started."Buffy and Willow are with her right now.Mom.She.She's in the upper floor, brain surgery department.Some tumor…growing."Dawn took a shuddering breath, the reality of what she had just said seemed to sink in just now.

Dawn felt a tender hand, gentle as baby's breath, wipe her cheeks from tears she didn't know were rolling down her face.

Tara looked at her.A look that told Dawn she can cry shamelessly and be scared and be silly if she wanted to.

And Tara will just be there for her.

"Tara.I don't want to lose her. I…"The walls she had held up like a fortress crumbled down suddenly, unexpectedly.Torrents of sobs shook Dawn's frail frame, as if the emotions were being plucked mercilessly from the depths of her being.

"I…I need my mom so much Tara.I don't know what will I do without…without…" Dawn covered her face with both hands and muffled her cries.Her dark hair obscured her face as she crumpled on her seat.

"Shhh…Dawnie."

Dawn felt Tara's good arm pulling her towards Tara's comforting embrace.Dawn buried her face on Tara's shoulder and wept. And wept.And wept.

***



I have to see her.Just a quick peek and I'll be back on best friend duty.


Willow nodded her head in approval of her slight change of plan.She had excused herself from Buffy earlier and said that she'll go buy some snacks.

She set towards the direction of the vending machine but found her feet stubbornly leading her downstairs, towards the floor of Tara's hospital room.


Dawn would be there, I know she needs to talk to a friend now.Probably a private moment.I won't disturb them. I just want to see her. And I'll go.


Willow reached Tara's door, lifted a hand to turn the knob and stopped.

A faint song reached her ears. It was emanating from inside the room.

The voice was smooth. It draped elegantly against her ears.If it were a fabric, it would probably something velvety or silky.Maybe a combination of both.

Her curiosity piqued, the redhead placed her ear on the wooden door and strained to listen.

The beautiful voice continued to sing.It soared above the room and tickled Willow's ear with gentle vibrations.The melody was happy, but the lyrics were indecipherable.Willow couldn't help herself any longer and carefully opened the door a fraction and took a peek inside.

Willow held her breath as she saw Tara's face, resting on top of Dawn's trembling shoulders.Her eyes were shut and the lashes brimmed with small tears as she nestled Dawn against her.Gently, Tara swayed Dawn with her as she continued to sing a song that seemed to pour directly from her soul.


'So we're okay.
We're fine.
Baby I'm here to stop your crying.
Chase all the ghosts from your head.
I'm stronger than the monster beneath your bed.
Smarter than the tricks played on your heart.
We'll look at them together then we'll take them apart
Adding up the total of a love that's true
Multiply life by the power of two'


Tara combed her good hand through Dawn's dark locks.With every stroke, the tremors of Dawn's body seemed to cease.Tara continued to hum the song and wrapped Dawn into calmness.

Transfixed by the site before her, Willow was rooted to her spot.Her heart's own aria threatened to spill from her lips.


Earth angel.Earth angel. Say you'll be mi-ine. My darling dear. Love you all the ti-ime.I'm just a fool…


Willow caught herself from singing out loud.


Geez.Now where the frilly heck did that oldie sappy song came from?
She mentally chided.
Oh yeah, that movie with Michael J. Fox. The prom song his would-be parents danced to.But wasn't that Johnny B. Goode or something?


Willow lifted her eyes back towards Tara's face.Serenity carved a small smile on those soft ruby lips.Glowing.Radiant. Luminous. Willow never fully understood the word 'breathtaking' before until now.Inhaling oxygen seemed to be insignificant when confronted with such beauty.


Nah.Silly song be damned.I'll just stay here and watch her for an eternity.And then maybe another eternity after that. And then another and another and another and still I would not tire of hearing her sing or watching her like this.


A steady, pulsating rhythm dragged Willow's attention to her chest.She realized her heart ached to crawl inside Tara's arms and stay there too.


Forever.


Willow wistfully traced Tara's face with unseen fingers and carefully shut the door.


***
TBC

[SilverWingedNemesis]

UGH!!



I WANT MORE!! LOL I'm relentless I know!!



Smoochies soon??



I love this!!



Keep up the great work!!!



Update soon!!



~NICKOLE~

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

"Got it: that’s a ‘yes’ to petals; a ‘no’ to pricks. I should remember that more often." -Buffy, On Second Thought

[LeatherQueen]

So very nice, Sleek. Beautiful image of wanting on both their parts.



And yes, I did write a small, insignificant little story, called 'Bleed To Love Her', that is set just after Wrecked. Although I'm pleased to know that someone would remember that.

"We've got the only librarian who can rip off your arm with his leg. People respect that." - Terry Pratchett

[Marilda]

That's it? You left it there?!?! I want more!! NOW!!! I mean you can't just do that, leave that there. Dammit! i need to stop reading fics until AFTEr they're finished, I'm way too impatient.



Awesome fic, interesting premise. Ahh, want more!!

[The Rose24]

Very sweet. Tara's singing just makes everything okay.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.