New fic: It Ain't Fickle

[luciddream]

Title: It Ain't Fickle



Part: 1/? but not more than 362



Rating: PG-13ish. Naughty language, bit of violence, bad manners, adult situations, Charles Bukowski Poetry and a Jerry Maguire reference.



Disclaimer: Don't own W/T or rest of Maclay clan. The rest are mine! This is pretty much an AU story...we'll call it lucidverse for now...



Pairings: W/T eventually....Willow starts out the story with another gf but don't worry...that doesn't last long... xita was nice enough to make an exception as it is integral to willow's character development.



Summary: Love can be a bitch, but it ain't fickle.



Warnings and What-have-yous: Takes a while for W/T to get together, angst down the road. W and T's lives will be written in separate parts denoted with a ............ in the beginning parts. This is my first fanfic. I've written short fiction, erotica (you'll see...) and bad poetry. Hope you enjoy my first endevour. You guys have inspired me.



Note: I am my own beta-reader, so yell at me if you find any glaring mistakes.



It Ain't Fickle



by Luciddream



Part 1



Love isn’t fickle. It is deliberate, cocksure and insistent. Sure, there’s dating, that ‘looking for someone ritual we put ourselves through. It’s all crap. Love comes looking for you. When it finds you, it will hold you down until you cry uncle, then it will dust you off and say, “Go get her!” But, before you get to the door all-full of purpose and confidence, Love will then say, “By the way, I don’t know if she’ll be in love with you… good luck!”



Love can be a bitch, but it ain’t fickle.

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



“Claire! Where is the paper I printed out!?” Willow screamed from the kitchen. “It was right here! I need it for class in”…. she checked her watch… “15 minutes!”

“Honey, no need to freak out. We’ll print you another one.” Claire called from somewhere. Willow grimaced. Had her girlfriend of two years not been paying attention when Willow was typing all last week on a 50-page paper!



“I don’t have time to print out another one! You know I can’t be late. He locks the doors!” Willow bellowed, throwing her hands up. After a couple of minutes, Claire came quietly and timidly into the kitchen. She had something behind her back and a sheepish grin.

“Tell me you didn’t…. tell me it’s not…”. Willow was going to cry.

“It is. I’m so sorry baby. Snapper…he…he…”

No, Willow was going to explode.

“Hey! I can write you a note!” Claire finished with eyes shining.

“What, ‘Sorry Professor Pendergast, my dog ate Willow’s homework!’ I’m sure that will go over really well! Christ, Claire, what am I going to do?”



Fate or good luck was shining down on Willow that day. Class had been cancelled with directions to turn in the papers to the Anthropology Department Office by 4pm that day. She had gone home, reprinted the paper and took it directly to the office. She had kind of hoped maybe Claire would have reprinted it and tried to give it to her while in class. Don’t set yourself up like that, Willow thought. You know Claire wouldn’t think to do that.

………..



“Tara! Did you pick up anything for dinner?” Called Don Maclay from the living room.

“No, you didn’t ask me to.” Tara said as she walked in from the front door. “Well could you whip something up? The boys are coming over to watch the game.” Yippee, thought Tara, the old perverts are coming over.

“ I guess I could throw something together.” She automatically called back to him as she headed to the kitchen. Best to do what he says to avoid a scene. God, I wish mom were here.



Her dad was really just a shell of himself after her mom died three years ago. It had ripped a hole in everyone’s hearts. They were all dealing with it so differently though. Donnie, her older brother, had buried himself in drugs. He would come home periodically, scared, dirty. Tara would do the best she could for him. Feed him, give him some clothes or just let him sleep in her room. He’d usually be gone within a couple of days, no note, no way to get in touch with him. She worried about him constantly. She’d tried to get him to go to a meeting or something to try and help him. She knew in her heart though he’d one day go. He’d try living again.



Dad seemed to take his wife’s death out on Tara at first. Then he just stopped caring about her. She was someone to clean up and fix meals. Then there are his ‘friends’ from work. Tara couldn’t stand them. They would let their eyes linger on her in ways she didn’t feel comfortable with. She told her dad but he didn’t understand what made her upset about it. “They’re just lonely old men, Tara. They’re harmless.” So she just tried to avoid the house when they were there.



I’ll throw in a pizza and go up to my room and study, thought Tara. She was paying her way through junior college in hopes of saving up to go to the university in the fall. She was working at a one-hour photo lab during the day and a waitress at a truck diner at night. The hours at the diner sucked, but the tips were usually pretty good. The weary truckers always welcomed her good looks and easy manner and they tipped accordingly.



“Hey, Tara, how you been?” Slurred Sal as he came up behind Tara in the kitchen. I’m going to turn around and see him staring at my ass, thought Tara as she finished sliding the pizza into the oven. Yep. “Just fine Sal. My dad is in the living room, I think the game is starting.” Her tone was not rude, but not overtly friendly. Either way, he winked at her and headed into the living room. “Thank God,” whispered Tara.



….



“I’m serious,” said Willow. “Think about it. Evolution is the evidence. When we were hunter-gatherers 200,000 years ago our skin was thicker, jaws and teeth much bigger, our bones were thicker. We adapted to the physical demands of having to hunt for survival just like any other animal. As we started farming and inventing complex machines for survival our bodies changed as well. Not as thick of skin and bone. Larger craniums, smaller teeth and jaw. See where this is going?” Willow finished.



“Are you saying aliens are actually ‘us’ visiting us from the future?” asked Ted a bit bewildered.

“Exactly!” cried Willow. “But they’d be called some other name like Homo Cranius or something.”

“Yea, right” muttered Claire. How could this be remotely interesting to anyone, she mused. She liked Ted because he was Willow’s friend, but honestly she just didn’t get a lot of what they talked about.



Willow heard Claire’s comment but decided not to ask her what she meant by that and just winked at her. She could pretty much predict the answer anyway, ‘how could you possibly know that by studying a bunch of old, dirty bones?’ Claire nudged Willow’s foot.



There was a few seconds of awkward silence, and then Ted rose. “ Well ladies, always a pleasure. I’ve got to meet Kacie at her night class. She’ll kill me if I’m not there to walk her home.” Willow smiled at him knowingly. She probably would kill him.

“Good night, Theodore,” Willow said as she got up to hug him. “Don’t forget movie night at our house Friday. I’ll have the pictures of the dig by then.” “Have you taken them in yet?” Asked Claire. “Uh, yes?” Willow said just as she was trying to remember if she did or not. Ted chuckled. “Looking like the one hour photo for you!”



Claire nudged Willow on the shoulder as they walked back to their apartment. “For such a brainiac, you can be such a space case.” Claire meant it in fun, but Willow took it a bit harshly. “At least I’m responsible,” she countered. She had not meant to say that so seriously, but there it was.



It had been a sticking point in their relationship since the beginning. Willow tried not to make an issue of it, but when she would find bill statements past due, she would ask Claire about them. Claire would inevitably get defensive saying she’d get to it or it was none of Willow’s business. Then Willow just stopped asking. When they had moved in together, Willow just made sure she was in charge of house bills.



“Oh yes, I was wondering when that would resurface.” Claire said haughtily. Willow truly felt bad. “I’m sorry. That was out of line.”

Claire stopped and turned to face Willow. Willow followed suit. They stared at each other for a full 15 seconds before Claire finally looked down at her feet. She was losing composure quickly so she had to ask right now, right here. “Do you love me, Willow?” she asked in a broken voice.

“Of course I do.” Willow automatically responded. She was thrown by the question, but didn’t show it. She did love Claire. Where was this going? thought Willow. Then Claire braced herself. “But…are you in love with me?”



Shit. That’s where.



Willow franticly searched her memory for that moment she’d first said to herself, 'I’m in love with her'. She knew in her heart it was in vain. She’d never had that moment. Ever.

She enjoyed Claire’s company. Sex was good. Not great, but good. She did love her. But there was something missing. Willow just didn’t want to face it. Now it seems she had to.



The silence was all Claire needed. Finally, Claire could put her finger on what was wrong. What had been wrong all along. She wasn’t the one for Willow. Never was. She figured maybe with time… and they had gotten along so well. I’ve been lying to myself for two years.



It started as a giggle and turned into an outright guffaw. “Claire?” Uh oh, have I driven her to the edge of insanity? “Are you alright Claire?” Willow started to panic.

“This is so Jerry Maguire!” bellowed Claire referring to a movie she loved and Willow and Ted mocked incessantly. Willow searched her brain for the plot. I get it. You can’t be in love for the both of us. Oh Claire. I’m so sorry.

Edited by: luciddream at: 8/7/02 5:46:04 pm

[Centauri2002]

I think it's a good idea to set up Willow and Tara's stories seperately. I'm really intrigued as to how they will eventually get together. I hope it wont be too long as I'm not known for my patience but I'm staying on board for this one.



Nice work, looking forward to more.



Caz

Tara: I got so lost
Willow: I found you... I will always find you

[snuggle79]

Great Start! Although it's kinda weird to see Willow with someone else first. But, that will end soon, right?

Tara:"Maybe we dreamed it."

Willow:"Right. Right. Wrong! (points at her head ) Different Brains." Tara:"Oh yeah."


Can we just skip it? Can...can you just be kissing me now?

[Pudds]

Enjoyed this first part...Willow might be with someone else, but it can't last, she's not her perfect match.



Can't wait to see Willow take the photos into the 1 hour shop!!

[luciddream]

Here is part 2. All disclaimers and the like still apply.



Ain't It Fickle Part 2



by Luciddream





“Tara, order up!” Yelled Chef, the, cook at Jim’s Diner. Tara blew him a kiss as she whisked away the plates and deftly set them down in front of two regulars, Tim and Morris. “How are you tonight, hon?” asked Morris. He had been coming to this diner for about 15 years and had seen many a waitress come and go. Tara was his favorite by far. She always had a genuine smile on her face, even though she looked pretty tired most nights he had come in. She always had a story for him and loved to hear his too.



He also enjoyed watching her handle the less than gentlemen truckers that came through on occasion. Usually the younger ones who thought they could get lucky. Every time they started in on how nice their little bed was in their cab was, she’d give them this great big smile and start going on, quite loudly, on how she would love to go. However, her boyfriend, the cook, (Chef, who weighed about 295 pounds and couldn’t be missed behind the counter) wouldn’t be too pleased. On cue, Chef, would look in their direction, hold up his meat clever and snarl. That’s usually all it took. The thick-headed ones were escorted out by regulars if they got out of line.



“Hangin’ in there, Morris. Almost finished with my first semester at the junior college.” She said over her shoulder as she went to get another order. “Whatcha studyin’? asked Tim as she came back into their section.

“I am getting some general ed courses out of the way, but eventually I’d like to go into social work. I’m taking a criminology class that deals with juvenile delinquency. Perhaps I’d like to help rehabilitate them.” She thought of her brother and how he could have used someone like that when mom died.

“I was one of those,” piped Tim. “I was arrested for shoplifting pantyhose.”

Morris nearly spit his apple pie out. “What did you want with pantyhose?” He shouted.

“You don’t have to tell us.” A very mirthful Tara offered. She was enjoying watching Tim squirm for a moment.

“Ah, Christ, they make great slingshots! Geez, you two! Tim huffed out. Tara winked at him, “If that’s what you say.” Morris doubled up in laughter.









“Tara Maclay? Hi my name is Officer Cliff Downs. You’ll be doing your ride-along with me tonight.” Tara smiled and shook his hand. She was pretty excited and a bit nervous about the ride-along that was required at the end of her Juvenile Delinquency class. She had just been ‘briefed’ on the rules of ride-alongs: stay in the car, listen to your ride-along officers instructions at all times, ask as many questions as you would like, but stay out of the way. Her plan was to just write down what she observed and pick the handsome officers brain for 3 hours.



While riding, the two exchanged some general information about each other. He was divorced and had a 4 year old son named Jarred. He has been on the police force for 8 years and has never shot anyone (Tara just had to ask). She in turn told him she was saving up to go to college to work with youth in some capacity and stated her interest in juvenile delinquents. He seemed pretty impressed with that but cautioned her that it was very hard and sometimes not completely rewarding. Tara said she could relate to that already.



The officer was about to ask her to elaborate when a call came out over the radio. “Unit 37 be advised of subject in light blue van license plate ‘3MLW377’ heading north on Vallejo, just past 29th street. Subject involved in a 10-71.”

“Copy that”, said Downs into the radio. “Unit 37 in vicinity heading south on Vallejo, cross street is 14th.”



Tara’s adrenaline was beginning to pump when she heard how close the ‘subject’ was. “We are just going to locate him and follow him until more back up arrives. There is only one unit on him right now. You okay with that?” asked Officer Downs. “Uh, yea..Of course.” Tara stammered. What else was she going to say? She tugged on her seatbelt. Nice and snug.



The car began picking up speed at an incredible rate. Tara could feel her body sink into the seat. She clutched her pad and pencil tightly and kept her eyes peeled for the light blue van supposedly coming toward them.





More information was coming over the radio now and it wasn’t good. “Subject is believed to be armed and extremely hostile.” Oh, that is so not good, thought Tara. Officer Downs responded, "Be advised, Unit 37 has ride-along passenger. Requesting back up status.” Tara assumed that meant they were going to turn around and get out of there quickly. “Unit 37, back up is in place, you are advised to coordinate lane closures with Unit 22 on Erickson freeway onramp.”



They had been called off the pursuit and Officer Downs was just turning around when Tara caught sight of the van. The officer saw it just as she did. “Hold on Tara”, the officer said through clenched teeth as he jerked the wheel and made a right turn into an alley just as the van passed by. “Shit” he said under his breath. The move to get out of the way of the van was not one he wanted to take. She knew he would have rather tried to stop the pursuit right there. But he'd be risking my life, thought Tara. He continued on toward the Erickson onramp while he radioed dispatch with his exact location.



“Son of a bitch!” He exclaimed as he looked in his rearview mirror. “That fucker is chasing us!” Downs regained his composure and radioed what was going on. Tara had never been so scared in her life. Did they have procedures for this? She thought better of asking him that at this particular moment. She was hoping he was going to tell her that this happens and this is what we do. “This shit never happens! What the hell is this guy doing?” Okay, I’m pretty sure it is not good to have your ride-along officer panic.



“Unit 37 proceeds to the Erickson onramp. We have a road block set up.” “Thank Christ”, breathed the officer. Tara said a little thanks herself. The van was speeding up behind them now. Tara could see a line of police cars behind him, lights flashing, sirens blazing. Please God, don’t let this be it. I haven’t even had sex yet, thought Tara.

“He’s too close for them to use spike strips”, said Downs to himself.



“He’s too close for spike strips”, radioed another officer. NO shit! “See if you can slow him down a bit.” Downs looked over at Tara a bit apologetically. “Not your fault”, Tara conveyed and nodded, letting him know she knew this could get a bit ugly. “Hold on tight, then relax if you see us about to… hit.. something.”



The officer checked his mirror one more time and then took his foot off of the accelerator. Tara could hear the roar of the van and then she could feel the cruiser slowly veering to the right. Then an impact, another and they were rolling…



….

Edited by: luciddream at: 8/6/02 3:33:54 pm

[luciddream]

yes, i had to get that approved, ya know! i pleaded with them that it was central to willow's character development!



thank you mods for allowing me to post!

[luciddream]

Baby post. Just finished proofing.



Same warnings, disclaimers, flares and caution flags.



Some time with Willow and Ted.



It Ain't Fickle Part 3-



“Claire, I’ll move out. I know Ted is looking to kick out his skanky roommate.”

“The one with the skin thing?” asked Claire as she made a disgusted face.

“No, the one who sits in the lounge chair ALL DAY.” Corrected Willow. “I thought that WAS the guy with the skin problem”, stated a confused Claire.

“No, that’s just from not bathing EVER”, chimed in Ted as he appeared in the door with some boxes.

“You girls okay?”

“You know, we actually are”, said Claire as she looked at Willow. Willow nodded her head in agreement.



“Well, I just came to drop some boxes off for…whoever.” He smiled. “Thank you, Theodore”, Willow and Claire sang simultaneously. All three chuckled.

“If you girls need anything, let me know…and… either of you may move in. You are both my friends.” Before they could say anything, he was out the door and down the stairs.

“He is such a good guy”, mused Claire. Willow agreed.







Living on one’s own takes getting used to when one hasn’t done it in a while. It had been three weeks and Willow was still expecting Claire to walk in the door from time to time. They’d seen each other a few times, but both agreed not to really hang out. They needed some time to become just friends again. It wasn’t hard for Willow, but she knew it was for Claire. Ted had said that Claire was pretty upset and distant with everyone still. Willow felt guilty because she knew she was the cause.



Sure Willow missed Claire, but she really was enjoying her freedom. She had begun doing the things she’d done when she had a lot of time to herself like mountain biking, playing pickup games of soccer in the park, and reading quietly for hours on end. Winter break was a couple of days away and she was really looking forward to just relaxing. She knew when break was over she would have to get a part time job to have enough money to pay the rent on the apartment alone.



There was a knock at the door. Willow knew who it was before she opened it. “Hey Ted, come on in”, she said as she gave him a big hug. “Hiya back, my favorite redhead anthropologist-to-be!” “Ya, in say 5 more years!” Willow whined. They both flopped down on the couch.



“So, how are you?” he asked in that big brotherly way. “I’m happy, Ted. Sad at times, but I knew it was coming. I really should have called it off sooner I guess. I just thought my feelings would grow and evolve, you know? I figured if I got to know her I would fall in love. It just didn’t happen. The shitty thing is, I knew it happened for her right away. I know she is absolutely miserable and depressed and there is nothing I can do about it. I’m the one person she wants right now and I can’t be there. Why is that? One person falls and the other doesn’t? Do two people EVER fall in love with each other? Are there degrees of love? Can falling in love happen instantly? Does it have to? Can it take years? Why is love so damn fickle?”



“Whoa, sister! These are pretty deep questions of which I have not the answers to! This is what I know according to my VAST experiences in love though: Love may appear fickle, but it isn’t. It will hunt you down and break you down. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and love will bless you with someone you don’t deserve. Other times it will seem like a terrible disease for which there is no cure. Something with that much power can’t be fickle. It is what drives every one of us. Anyone who says different is lying. Love can save your life; love can end your life. Love can be a bitch sometimes, but it is never, ever fickle.”



“Wow, Ted, I had no idea you had such a poetic view on love. We just hope for the best then?” Willow asked honestly.

Ted smiled, “I think every one will have all these types of love in their life. The trick is to be able to tell the difference between them.



“So, who was the disease you had no cure for?” Willow wanted to know.



“I’m not telling, but I did find a cure.”

“Which was…?”

“Your friendship.”

[snuggle79]

Yay, two updates! It's interesting to see, what kind of different lifes Tara and Willow are having. Can't wait for more!

Tara:"Maybe we dreamed it."

Willow:"Right. Right. Wrong! (points at her head ) Different Brains." Tara:"Oh yeah."


Can we just skip it? Can...can you just be kissing me now?

[MissQuirky]

Just caught up w/ this fic and I Love It!! I like the way ur showin both W/T's lives! I really like Ted, he's very sweet, I picture has like a Xander in this fic! I hope Tara and that cop r ok, w/ them flippin in the cop car n all! I'm interested in seein how ur gonna get W/T together! Can't wait 4 more!

"W-well, I-I was wondering, maybe, you would wanna go out sometime? For coffee ... food ... kisses and gay love?" - Willow (Normal Again)

[Rane018]

this is an interesting AU. i'm gald the mods agreed to let this pass cause i'm sure as heck looking forward to W/T meeting and getting together cause if you've written erotica then ui'm sure it'll be a great read. hehe...

TARA- It looks like gibberish.
SPIKE- (moving to them) Gibberish?
TARA- Or possibly gobbledygook. It's not words, anyway…

the yoko factor

[xita]

Yes, cleared by me, essentially because it is essentiallly over in the first chapter. If anyone ever has questions about the FAQ, yeah mail me



And I love AUs because I love our girls falling in love again!

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

Tara's eyes once again found Willow's in the rearview mirror. "Don't worry. I've got your back.
And Jimmy Gorka's loss is my gain."         - Willow grinned.

The Wisdom of War - Christopher Golden

[luciddream]

yep... the big w/t meet....



all disclaimers apply. oh, btw.. this is an AU. forgot to put that in original disclaimers and stuff.



thanks for the lovely replies and for xita for giving me the go ahead!



It Ain't Fickle Part 4



by luciddream



“Ugh.” Tara grimaced when she rolled over onto her right side. She knew the pain would dissipate but it was not happening soon enough for her. Her collarbone was well on the way to mending and she had gotten the stitches out of her chin a couple of weeks ago, but she still hurt. She knew it could have been a lot worse. Officer Downs was still in the hospital with a broken leg and a severe concussion. The blue van suspect didn’t get so lucky. He decided he wasn’t going down without a fight. Well he got one. Suffice to say, he won’t be killing any more people.



Her father, of course, went through the roof. He wanted to sue. He just wanted to take advantage of his daughter’s misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In her mind it was no one’s fault but the man who paid for it with his life. I think he was angrier at losing his maid for a couple of weeks, thought Tara of her father.



Her two jobs had been completely supportive. Morris, Tim and Chef even dropped by to see if she was getting along okay. She knows it was them that slipped $200 in her jacket pocket at the hospital too. She really needed it. She would be sure and pay them back as soon as she could.



School had been a challenge, but the professors let her make up the work and she was pretty much caught up. Even her report on her ride-along garnered her an A. How could it not?



She dressed slowly and slipped outside to go to work. “Bring back dinner, will ya?” Shouted her dad. I wish I had enough money to move. She began walking the 5 blocks to the one-hour photo shop wondering if it would be worth it to take some of her savings for college and get a place of her own. Maybe she could just find an apartment that needed a roommate.



Living with someone she didn’t know was not something Tara wanted to do. She didn’t really have friends. The only people she really talked to were the people at the diner. She considered them friends, but she had none her own age. She had acquaintances at school, but she always felt awkward around them. She never felt like she could say the right things. Simple questions threw her off.



She often wondered how she could be so at ease with the diner people, yet so shy around people her own age. She’d always been like that. Her mom called her an ‘old soul’ meaning she was wise and mature beyond her years. Tara thought that was a good thing until her mom died. She didn’t want to be wise and mature beyond her years. It had meant that she had to take over when mom died because no one else would. She’d done such a bang up job too. My father is an asshole and my brother’s arms look like a Parcheesi board.



She pulled herself out of sulk mode and adjusted her sling. Thank God for painkillers, she said to herself. Her collarbone was feeling pretty good right now. She was happy it was Tuesday and that she would be the only one working the photo shop today. She didn’t feel like listening to Paul or Martha pretending not to like each other. They must have thought Tara was retarded or deaf. She may not know about love or lust first hand, but she knows when two people are fucking each other. She smiled at the thought of telling them that the next time they all worked together.



…..



“Okay, so not funny Ted. YOU picked up the pictures of the dig.

YOU told me you did.” Willow breathed into the phone.

“Ted, I need those photos for a class next semester!” sigh.

“I KNOW I took them in.” Eye roll.

“Yea, and that was like three weeks ago. I was going through a lot of shit, Ted.” Looking at feet now, “Okay, I THOUGHT I asked you to pick them up. Sorry. No… I’ll get them today.”

Twirling cord now, “You think they’ll still be there?”



Willow put on her coat and headed down to the one-hour photo shop. If those pictures aren’t there, I’ll probably break down and cry. Sob like a baby in front of the poor shlob who is working there. They’ll tell me about their policy of not holding pictures for more than so and so weeks, even if you did break up with your girlfriend, you big lesbo.



The bell rang on the glass door and Tara snapped to attention. She put down her book and stood up behind the counter. A slight redhead with green eyes approached the counter. “…and I’m not even sure you still have my pictures.” Silence. Would there be any more information forthcoming? thought Tara. Willow finally realized what she had just done. “Sorry, I usually speak my thoughts. I have very little control of it. I mean who does really? Have total control of how one thinks or what one says? Or says what they think?” Quit babbling before she recommends that you get help professional help.



Tara just stared at her. “What’s the last name on the pictures?” Tara asked as she started toward the drawers. “Rosenberg”, said Willow, a bit too loud. Tara one handedly started going through the packets of pictures. “How long ago did you bring them in?”

“Um, let’s see about three weeks ago. It was a Saturday, I believe.” Willow said, counting on her fingers.

“Shit”, muttered Tara.

“I’m guessing they’re not there then?” Willow deduced.

Oops, nice job Tara. “Well, usually, I work that day, but… well, the guy who works with me is dyslexic and…”, Tara let the sentence fall, as she saw that Willow understood.

“So they are here, just not in the right place, maybe?” Willow asked, hopeful.

“Yes, but, it might take a while. Would you like to come back in a bit?”

“Well, maybe I could help you. You look a bit…”, Willow motioned to the sling. Oh, the sling. Duh. “Oh, right, thanks. Usually, that is a big no, no, but I think I could still take you if you try to steal anything, one arm and all.” Willow had a horrified look on her face until Tara cracked a smile. “Just kidding.”



“You read Charles Bukowski?” Willow asked as she picked up the book Love is a Dog From Hell. They had been searching the drawers for her pictures for about half an hour. Willow should have been going nuts, but strangely, she didn’t mind being here with the quiet blonde.



“Oh yes, he makes the thought of love sound so empty and hopeless that one day when I do fall in love, I’ll be expecting the very worst. I won’t be disappointed that way, see?” I just told a near complete stranger my philosophy on love and I’ve never been in it. Must be the painkillers.



Willow thought for a moment and then said, “That has got to be the most intriguing and disturbing take on love that I’ve ever heard.” Tara panicked for a moment, thinking she’d revealed way too much and scared the poor woman.

Willow continued, “I have a friend who adores Bukowski and I adore him. Quotes him quite often. I could see how you might come to your philosophy on love”, smirked Willow. Willow thought back on what Tara said about being in love.

“ So you’ve never…”

“Been in love?” said Tara. “No. Not that I know what it’s like, but I know I haven’t. Does that make sense?”

“Yes… yes, it makes perfect sense”, said Willow. She smiled inwardly.

“Hey! Guess what! I found your pictures!” Tara rushed to Willow’s side and presented them to her proudly.

“This is great! Thank you so much! How much do I owe?” asked Willow as she opened her purse.

“$15.95”, announced Tara. Willow handed her a $20 bill. “Keep the rest as a tip”, Willow said. “You went above and beyond the call of duty.” “Thanks, Willow”, Tara said with a sincere voice and shy smile. Willow had the feeling Tara was thanking her for something else too. Perhaps for appreciating her views or knowing whom Charles Bukowski was.       



“Hey,” Willow called as she opened the door and turned to look at Tara. “What is your favorite poem of his?”

“The Crunch. It is absolutely hopeless and dreadful but then it isn’t.” Tara said.

“Like life”, Willow commented. “Like life”, Tara repeated with a wry smile.

Edited by: luciddream at: 8/7/02 9:16:47 am

[mollyig]

Just found this fic. Firstly, I love Tara aspiring to be a social worker, it seems right for her.



I love how they meet, Tara presuming its the painkillers that make her want to confide in Willow, but we all know its destiny!



Nice start.

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

[snuggle79]

Yay, i liked their first meeting!

Tara:"Maybe we dreamed it."

Willow:"Right. Right. Wrong! (points at her head ) Different Brains." Tara:"Oh yeah."


Can we just skip it? Can...can you just be kissing me now?

[xita]

Ok, that meetings was one of the best I have read. Something very normal and believable that 2 strangers may find themselves spending some time together. I look forward to more. One small thing, last name Rosenberg, with an e

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

Tara's eyes once again found Willow's in the rearview mirror. "Don't worry. I've got your back.
And Jimmy Gorka's loss is my gain."         - Willow grinned.

The Wisdom of War - Christopher Golden

[luciddream]

More of an update.



and i fixed willow's name. how could i have made such a mistake!! (sheepish grin)



It Ain't Fickle Part 5



by luciddream



About month had passed since Willow had picked up her pictures. The second semester was in full swing and she was knee deep in her Cultural Anthropology and Old World Archeology classes. They were extremely exciting yet challenging classes. She was so happy that Ted was taking the classes this semester too.

“You want something to drink?” he asked.

“Oh sure, whatever’s fine.” Willow said without looking up from her textbook.

They had been studying for the better part of two hours in his room. She got up off his bed after a few moments and walked around to stretch her legs. Her eyes fell on a familiar looking book. She then remembered her conversation with the girl from the one-hour photo shop.

What was that poem she said? Crush, Crunch… ah here it is.

“too much, too little…laughter or tears… there is a loneliness in this world so great that you can see it in the slow movement of the hands of a clock…. People so tired, mutilated by love or no love…people just are not good to each other …I suppose they never will be. I don’t ask them to be…. More haters than lovers…meanwhile I look at young girls, stems, flowers of chance… there must be a way… who put this brain inside me? It cries, it demands, it says that there is a chance. It will not say “no.”



Willow sat down on the bed and read that poem again. Not just skimming it, she read the entire poem twice through. Her thoughts again went to the girl in the one-hour photo shop. She’d never seen her before that day. Willow didn’t think she’d seen her at school at all either. Suddenly, she wanted to know more about her.



“What are you reading, little girl?” Thundered Ted as he stood in the doorway. Willow jumped and dropped the book. “You shit! You scared me half to death! For your information I was reading from your extremely enlightening collection of contemporary poetry.”

“Ah, good ol’ Charlie. Didn’t know you were into him.” Ted teased.

“I’m not… a frie.. someone told me about a particular poem she enjoyed.” Great, the pronoun that always gets me into trouble with him…

“SHE? Do I know the SHE? Is it a new SHE?” Ted danced around clapping his hands. Apparently, very delighted with himself. Willow jumped up and put a stop to Ted’s terrible attempt to get her to talk. Truth was, there was nothing to talk about.

“Hi, some woman I met while picking up the photos had the book on the counter. She told me to read one of his poems. You can be such a little queen, Ted”, Willow said as she slapped his ass and headed back to her place.



….



“Woo Hoo!” exclaimed Tara when the doctor came back with the news her collarbone had healed completely. No more stupid sling or brushing my teeth with the wrong hand! It was definitely a relief. Today was turning out to be a great day. Earlier she had found out that the police department had paid all of her medical bills. “Damn well better have”, was her father’s response. She didn’t care though. She was just glad to put the whole thing behind her.



She walked down to the coffeehouse near the doctor’s office to treat her self. She had a couple of hours before she had to be at work at the diner and she didn’t feel like going home yet. Her dad had started to drink a little more and she wanted no part of that. She was home as little as possible, splitting time between her two jobs, school and studying in the campus library.



She had also started talking to her classmates a little more too. The redhead at the photo shop a few weeks prior had been the catalyst for this change. She made Tara feel like she had something to say worth listening to. She’d secretly hoped the redhead would come into the photo shop again. She’d even checked the bins to see if there were any ‘Rosenburg’ pictures waiting.



The coffeehouse was alive with the sounds of music and people involved in various conversations. There was a nice ambient buzz and warm feeling to the place. When it was Tara’s turn in line she stepped up, still looking at the menu board on the wall.



“Hey Tara”, came a voice from behind the counter.

Tara quickly looked down and saw the redhead from the photo shop. “Hey Willow!” Tara smiled. “You work here?” It was more a statement than a question.

“Yep, started last semester. Needed some dough, ya know?” Willow giggled at her own little rhyme. Tara’s smile grew wider.

“So, what will it be?” asked Willow.

“What do you recommend?” inquired Tara.

“Café Mocha, hands down, the best drink ever concocted.”

“Café Mocha it is then”, grinned Tara.



Tara took a seat outside and opened up one of her Sociology books. She began looking over a chapter when a shadow appeared over her. “You go to school at the university?” asked Willow.

“No, the J.C. I’m saving up to attend the university next fall though. Just getting some classes out of the way.”

“Mind if I sit here? I’m on a break and I hate going out to the alley. That is where all the smokers take their breaks. Stinky”, said Willow as she crinkled up her nose.

“Of course not”, Tara said as she pulled a chair out for her.

“Thanks. So, what are you majoring in?” asked Willow.

“Social Work. Up to a couple of months ago I was thinking of counseling Juveniles.” Tara said with a twinge of regret in her voice.

“Why up to a couple of months ago? Forgive me if I am being nosy. Just tell me to shut up”, said Willow. She was notorious for going a bit overboard with the questions.

“No, it’s kind of nice. I don’t talk to a lot of people my age.” Tara looked down at the table at that admission.

“How do you know I’m not some old scag?” offered Willow. She’s trying to make me feel comfortable, thought Tara. Let her.

“You’re right!” exclaimed Tara, pretending to put her things away and leave.

They both chuckled and let a few seconds pass before Tara explained the whole story with the ride-along and her close encounter with ‘TV’s Wildest Police Chases.’



“My God! I can’t even begin to imagine what that would have been like! To walk away with only a broken collarbone and some cuts. Amazing!” Willow was certainly impressed with the girl’s composure during the whole thing. Willow wasn’t sure she would have done as well. Well, she knows she wouldn’t have!

“Does it still hurt? Your collarbone? I broke mine when I was 13. It hurt FOREVER!”

“It aches, but not nearly as bad as it did. You were right too. I was extremely lucky.”



“Rosenberg! We aren’t paying you to talk!” shouted a big, black woman.

“That’s Marianne, she’s my boss. She’s scary looking, but a big softie.”

“It was nice to see you again, Willow.” Tara wanted to say something else, but Willow was already backing into the coffeehouse door.

“You too, Tara. I’ll see you around!”



….



Tara walked home deep in thought. She really hoped to see the redhead around. She really enjoyed her company and wanted to ask her more questions. She felt she had monopolized the conversation a bit with her experiences in school and the ride-along fiasco. Maybe Tara could begin studying at the university library some times too. Perhaps she would run into Willow that way.



“Tara! Come visit with us!” yelled her quite drunk dad. God, his nasty friends are here again.

“I’ve..gotta study tonight. Huge test tomorrow.” Okay, maybe it wasn’t a huge test or tomorrow.

“Don’t be rude, Tara. Get over here and say hello!” Tara walked into the living room and sat on the arm of one of the unoccupied chairs. Sal had a huge smile on his puffy face.



“My son, Manny is back from the Navy. You remember Manny, right?”

Do I ever, the pervert in training, grimaced Tara. “He’d sure love to see you. Why don’t you come to dinner next week?” This is a nightmare.

“Uh… well… I work-“

“She’d love to”, said her dad, giving her a stern look. How am I going to get out of this? She thought.

“Great. Next Wednesday, then. I’ll have Manny come pick you up.” Alone in a car with him, no way!

“Um, I’ll walk. I have a class that night and it’s very close to your house.” Tara said in a rush. “I’ve got to study, good night.” Tara racked her brain trying to think of a way to get out of dinner.



It’s not like I don’t like men. I just don’t like that one. If you could call him a man, reasoned Tara. Manny was a 25-year-old screw up. It was either the Navy or jail from what she could tell by the way Sal talked about him. But Sal loved his boy. The way he talked about women made her skin crawl. How could her dad not see that? Tara could only figure that her father wanted her to date Manny so maybe Sal would look at him favorably come promotion time. They worked together for a construction company for which Sal was the Head Foreman. The whole thought just made her sick.



Tara wondered how others seemed to find someone to fall in love with and that someone fall in love with them. She had had crushes she’d guessed, but nothing really worth pursuing. You’d have to have the ability to go up and talk to them, Tara thought ruefully. She also wondered if a person knew right away when they were in love. She read and heard about love at first sight. But how could that be? You don’t even know the person. Maybe it’s more of a feeling, like you know something is different about this person, but you can’t put your finger on it… yet. “Who the hell knows”, Tara groaned in to her pillow.



….



“Who the hell knows”, Willow said, “why she did it.”

“Maybe… maybe I didn’t give her what she needed”, Ted said placidly.

Willow had never seen her friend so defeated and lost. Ted was sitting on the corner of his bed wiping tears out of the corners of his eyes. He had not shaved or showered or ate, she imagined, in four days. He looked like a ghost.



“Listen Ted. You didn’t make her go home with that guy.” Willow said emphatically. “That is ALL her doing. Did she ACTUALLY think you would forgive her because she was HONEST with you about it?” Willow didn’t mean to be so harsh, but she was angry. She was angry with Katie for doing this to Ted and angry with Ted for trying to blame himself.



“Willow, I really love her. It is killing me that she did this. I need to understand why.”

“You are really going to listen to her? What a load of crap, Ted. She SLEPT with ANOTHER GUY!” Willow was fuming.

How could her friend be so pathetic!

“I didn’t say I was getting back with her. I KNOW what she did.” Ted looked down at his hands.

“Willow, please understand. I need you to just be my friend right now.”

“I am”, Willow said, restoring her calm. “I don’t want her to hurt you anymore than she has. That’s all.” Willow scooted closer to him and took one of his hands.

“I’m not sure it’s possible to hurt anymore than I do now, Willow.”





Willow had a hard time imagining what Ted was going through. She thought about what she would have done had Claire cheated on her. She would have been angry, a bit hurt, but not destroyed. Destroyed like Ted. I guess that is the difference between being in love and just loving someone, she thought. Seeing this, she wasn’t sure being in love would be all that great. If it can bring that much pain and your happiness is that dependent on someone else- how can that be a good thing?

[MissQuirky]

Great updates! I am sooo glad W/T have finally met! Can't wait till they bump into each other again!

"W-well, I-I was wondering, maybe, you would wanna go out sometime? For coffee ... food ... kisses and gay love?" - Willow (Normal Again)

[ally02]

Oooh Im loving this fic!! Wow I like this story...oh wait thats the same thing twice oh well!! It's strange having a Buffy-verse minus the Buffy...or anyone, but at least there are no demons to mess things up!! Well inner demons but u know what I mean. Cant wait to read more!!



love Aly xxxx

You all didnt happen to do a bunch of drugs did ya?

[willntlover]

what a cool story! this story is totally captivating. i love how you put your own spin on the characters.



-Will

"Hear that baby? You're my always."

"well, you know, when you play a lesbian witch you've gotta get killed in this fun kind of exciting way, so the heart was the way to go..."

"we have the most amazing fans though they LOVE us."

[xita]

You know there is something compelling in the separate w/t here, because they are both sort of despairing in loneliness but trying to keep a stiff upper lip by being cynical about love. They both think about how could love at first sight be possible when it has already happened to them. Yes it is like Tara thought maybe just a feeling, and it was there for them, the need to just know each other and perhaps that is what love at first sight is.



Oh and you may want to post in the update thread when you post updates, that way I and others are not as likely to overlook it when looking for updates.

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

Tara's eyes once again found Willow's in the rearview mirror. "Don't worry. I've got your back.
And Jimmy Gorka's loss is my gain."         - Willow grinned.

The Wisdom of War - Christopher Golden

[luciddream]

hey, thanks for all of the nice comments. it's nice to know you are enjoying the story. you are right, xita, they are trying to keep a stiff upper lip. even though they are young, they've seen love. look at willow's friend ted. very much in love and his heart got put into a blender.



as far as the love at first thing... well i have my own theories on that.. you are seeing it unfold in the story...



i'm extremely glad i stumbled onto this site. you guys are good eggs!



i'll be posting in the update thread too. i'm new to this so ima learnin!



lucid

[luciddream]

Part 6 for you guys.



Warning: tad bit of violence here. poor tara... but, she's a tough cookie!



It Ain't Fickle Part 6



by luciddream



Tara, you couldn’t lie your way out of a paper bag. She had tried getting out of the dinner date with Neanderthal Boy, but all of her clever excuses went out the window when faced with trying to tell her father. So here she was, walking to the Munoz’ residence. Of course, it’s overcast too, she thought. That probably meant a ride home. Think he’d take it the wrong way if I rode in the back seat? She mused.



“Well, hello, Miss Maclay”, cooed Manny as he opened the door. He wasn’t ugly, handsome in fact, if he didn’t open his mouth. “You are lookin’ mighty tasty tonight.” I think I might throw up, thought Tara. “Manny, let the girl in,” called his mother from the kitchen. Thank God she’s here! Of course, who else would do the cooking?



Dinner was winding down and thankfully, it was more civilized than Tara had expected. Sal had had to work late, so it was only the three of them. Of course, Senora Munoz dropped more than subtle hints: like how Manny and Tara looked good together, how she was an excellent seamstress and she knew a good florist who gave her discounts.



For his part, Manny behaved himself mostly, except for the time his mother went into the kitchen and he made a lewd gesture with his tongue. Does he really think that turns women on?



“Wow, it’s really starting to pour. I better drive you home.” Manny’s grin could not have been bigger, Tara figured.

I’m not getting out of this one, thought Tara. Thank God I live close.

“Thanks for dinner, Senora Munoz. It was wonderful”, said Tara.

“Oh mi hija! Call me Mama Munoz!” Senora Munoz said as she wrapped Tara in a fierce hug. Manny looked on, beaming at the two.

Oh, just great…



“So, Tara, you wanna go out this weekend? I’ve got tickets to the Ultimate Fighting Tournament Tour. Really good seats, in the back.” He smirked.

“Ewww, this weekend? I’m sorry Manny, I’ve got a double shift at the diner and I need to study…”

“Oh, how about you just come over and spend the night then?”

Hmmm, let’s see how about 10 o’ not in a million years? Thought Tara.

“Um, Manny, I’m not that kind of girl. Look, I’m flattered (ya right), but I am so busy with school and work. I’m not really looking… for a …date….”

“Pinche…” he muttered none to quietly.

“Did you just call me a bitch?” Tara was done with the kid gloves.

“Look, you prude. You’d be lucky to have me. You think I take any one home to meet mi momma?” Manny was seething. This could turn ugly very quickly, Tara, think….

“Look just let me out, and we’ll forget this whole thing, okay?” Tara said reasonably.

“You bet I’m gonna throw you out after I get what I want.” He slammed on the brakes and threw the car in park and started reaching for her. He got a hold of her shirt and ripped the collar, but that was as far as he got. With all the strength she could muster, she brought her knee up and drove her foot straight into his crotch. He was very sad she was wearing thick-soled loafers tonight.

A high-pitched ‘Ahhhng’ was all she heard as she grabbed her purse and stumbled out of the car. What a fucking bastard, she thought as she started up her street. “He’ll be feeling that for about a week”, she happily said out loud.



When she got to the front door of her house, she finally heard Manny’s car drive off. She’d hoped he wouldn’t come after her. Not tonight, he would be too sore she knew, but later.



What would he tell his father, her father? She started to panic a bit now. She knows she did the right thing. She had no other choice. Of course they’re not going to see it that way. She had to think of a plan just in case it went down really bad.

[AmberBensonRockzMyWorld]

Great job...at first I didn't know what to think of it...but as I read more, I liked it more...You are an excellent writer, I hope to see more real soon.

Much love,

Lisa

~~~

Must I dream and Always see your face.~ Jeff Buckley "Last goodbye"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Recomended Reading: IttyBittyKitty's fic...
"7th Hellvan"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Ittybittykitty]

This is so good! *grins big* Yay!

Shameless plug- Read my fic 7th Hellvan. It isn't half bad:)! "Innerbed".

[willntlover]

:chuckles: go Tara!! I was confused at first coz i thought that manny's mom didn't want him with tara, but she was dropping anvils later on. but it was still a greatly enjoyed fic!



-Will

"Hear that baby? You're my always."

"well, you know, when you play a lesbian witch you've gotta get killed in this fun kind of exciting way, so the heart was the way to go..."

"we have the most amazing fans though they LOVE us."

[MadeinNZ]

Just started reading this and I'm totally hooked. Love it. I really like it that Willow has already been in a lesbian relationship but Tara hasn't discovered the fairer sex yet. It brings a new dynamic to everything.

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


"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

Edited by: MadeinNZ at: 8/7/02 10:30:01 pm

[luciddream]

nothing like a little radiohead to get the creative juices flowin... here is part 7. i enjoyed writing (and reading!) this part. hope you do too. getting the girls a little closer together physically (not THAT yet!) and mentally.



rock on

lucid



It Ain't Fickle Part 7



by luciddream



Willow had no idea how to help her friend Ted. She was not one to sit idly by when her friends were hurting. She wanted to do something to get Ted out of this funk. It had been a week since Ted had talked to Kacie. Nothing had been resolved really. At least to Willow’s satisfaction. Ted was still a mess. It seemed Kacie wanted another chance but wasn’t sure if it could work. She felt incredibly guilty and didn’t want to get back into a relationship based on guilt. ‘Could she be more cruel?’ wondered Willow. Yet, it was Ted’s decision to make. Willow would stand by him no matter what.



“Come over for a movie and pizza?” asked Willow. “I’ll even rent what YOU like this time”, she offered with a small smile.

“I won’t be much company, Will”, sighed Ted. She gave him her best puppy dog look. “Oh, alright, I’ll get the movie, you order the pizza.”









“Apocalypse Now?” Willow asked surprised. “You said I could pick the movie.” Ted retorted. “Besides I wanted nothing with romance in it of any kind.”

“I’m pretty sure this is as far as you could get then,” said Willow.

Willow plopped down next to Ted with paper plates and sodas. “Pizza will be here any moment.” As if on cue, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it”, said Ted as he reached for his wallet. “No, my treat”, Willow insisted as she handed him a $20 and went to the kitchen for napkins. Ted opened the door and was surprised to find a lovely blonde women standing in front of him…without pizza.

“Hi, um, is Martha home?” asked the blonde.

“Uh, I’m afraid you have the wrong apartment… only-“

“Tara? Hi!” beamed Willow.

“Uh, Willow?” said Tara, confusion evident in her face.

“I was looking for Martha Stanton. Am I remotely close to where she lives, do you know?” Tara knew she should have written down Martha’s address instead of trying to memorize it.



Willow was inexplicably a little bummed that Tara had not come to see Willow. Duh, she didn’t even know where you lived, Rosenberg.

“Oh, ya”, Willow said clearing her brain. “She’s across the hall. You were very close.” Willow gestured over Tara’s shoulder with a smile.

“Thanks, I was just seeing her about a room she had for rent.” Like she cares why you came to see Martha, Maclay.

“Oh really? You mean we might be neighbors?” Willow ventured. The thought made her a little happier than she expected.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Tara said brightly. It would be cool though. She felt she already kind of had a friend in Willow. It would make this a bit easier.





Just as Tara turned to head to Martha’s, the pizza man arrived.

“Hey, Tara, if you finish with Martha soon, why don’t you come over for some pizza? We are watching Apocalypse Now…Not my choice.” She added, out of earshot of Ted. Tara smiled and said she would like that.



“Tara, how could you have put up with that shit for so long?” asked Martha. Tara had been filling Martha in on how her father reacted to her changing Manny’s religion with a well-placed heel.

He had kicked her out.

“I could lose my job because of you!” he’d said. She had told him Manny would have raped her if she hadn’t done what she did. Her father had asked what her problem was, and accused of her of being a tease. Tara couldn’t listen to anymore. She knew she couldn’t reason with him. He was not the man he was before mom died. He was just an empty, bitter, angry human who had given up on life.



“Listen, Martha, I really appreciate this. I hope you won’t get tired of me working at the photo shop with you too.” Said Tara.

“As long as you don’t get tired of me and Paul…” Martha smiled, her eyes dancing. “Uh, huh… I’ve got earplugs,” smiled Tara right back.



By the time she finished chatting with Martha, Tara looked at her watch. ‘Hmm, the movie would be half over…I don’t want to disturb them’, thought Tara. She got halfway down the hall when she heard Willow call her name. “Hey, still wanna come over?”

'How did Willow know I was leaving?'

“I figured the movie would be half over, I didn’t want to disturb you and your boyfriend.”

“Huh?” Willow said. “Oh, Ted! He’s NOT my boyfriend. We’ve known each other forever.” Willow giggled.

“What?” asked Tara.

“Um, no… it’s just funny… Ted, boyfriend..” Willow let the sentence fall.

“Oh…”, said Tara still not getting it.

“So, you wanna join us?” Willow asked hopefully.

“Um, sure”, said Tara.



“Hey, Tara”, Ted said warmly as he stood to shake her hand. “I’m Ted. Nice to officially meet you.”

Tara shook his hand and gave him a shy smile. ‘He’s very cute’, she thought to herself.

“I heard you are a Charles Bukowski fan”, Ted commented sounding a bit impressed.

“Yeah, my brother turned me on to him.” Tara suddenly missed her brother desperately. It must have shown on her face because Willow asked her if she was all right.

“I’m fine. Sorry, I just haven’t seen him in a while. I miss him.”

“Does he live far away?” asked Willow.

“No, he doesn’t…” Tara really didn’t want to get into the sad story of her family right now. Willow must have sensed it because she changed the subject with asking Tara if she wanted something to drink.

“Yes, anything is fine. Thanks.”



They watched the rest of the movie after Willow filled Tara in on what was happening. Tara had seen it years before so she was following it pretty well.

During the movie Tara kept looking over at Willow and Ted sitting together. ‘I wonder why they aren’t together, they are so cute with each other.’ Tara all of the sudden yearned for a close friendship with someone. As close as Ted and Willow seemed to have. Being honest with herself, she knew she hadn’t given herself a chance to develop a close friendship with anyone. ‘How much have I missed out on?’ Tara wondered sadly.



Yet, Tara felt hopeful. It was not too late to start trying. To give herself a chance. A real chance at friendship. She glanced over to Willow and Ted again. She was surprised to see Willow looking at her. Their eyes met and Tara gave a shy smile. They held each other’s gaze until the loud report of a machine gun sounded on the TV.



Yes, Tara felt hopeful.

Edited by: luciddream at: 8/7/02 10:53:10 pm

[willntlover]

awwww. tara is so cute pondering love and friendship. when does she get to find out willow's gay?? that's gonna be interesting. and she changed manny's religion huh? sweet!

-Will

"Hear that baby? You're my always."

"well, you know, when you play a lesbian witch you've gotta get killed in this fun kind of exciting way, so the heart was the way to go..."

"we have the most amazing fans though they LOVE us."

[Spottie Dottie]

Luci., I'm really enjoying reading this fic. I love the whole AU thing. I was wondering if you were going to introduce buffy, xander, giles, etc...? It really doesn't matter if you do or don't. All I need in my fics is Willow and Tara. Hope to see an update soon.





AMBER IS A GODDESS!

[spazz07]

Wow, just found this fic and totally glad i did. I love the way you had them bump into each other and their instant repour. I actually kinda like it without the other scoobies, this gives the fic a not buffyverse feel but a WillowTaravese which i think is better. I love the way you keep philosiphising about love. I can't wait for the next update as this is a really great fic.



Cheers

Nath

If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.