Unfinished business

[Imjustme]

Rating: PG13 maybe I will change it as needed

Credit and whatnot: I don't own them I'm just borrowing them

Summary: Set a couple of months after Tara's death. Willow is still trying to deal and having a hard time. They WILL be back togeather eventually.

---

“Hey, clothes" Willow said pulling on her shirt.



"Better not get used to them"



"mmm Yes, ma'am" Willow responded grabbing Tar's belt loop and puling her in for a kiss



"Xander" Tara said looking out the window



"ok not quite the response I was looking for"



"No, he's here" Tara explained



"Think they're making up?"



"I hope so that's the best part" Tara said with a smile



Suddenly a shot rang out



"You're shirt" Tara said looking confused and beginning to fall



"Tara! Baby...."



The scene repeated itself in Willow's mind often but lately it came much more frequently. Everything seemed to remind her of Tara and of that day.

The day her world came crashing to an end.



"Tara" Willow sobbed and turned in bed clutching her blanket tightly around her.



In her mind she imagined it were the

arms of her beloved holding her close rather than the cold unfeeling blankets and painfully lonely bed.



"Oh Tara, I miss you so much. I know it's selfish but I can't help it damn it I want you back. I need you baby. I need you."



She looked out the window at the moon and the stars.



"I'd do anything baby if I could just have you back with me"



Quietly she cried herself to sleep. The next morning she awoke and finally willed herself out of bed. After a quick shower which seemed to take forever. (In happier days time seemed to fly by

now it seemed to drag out in excruciating slow motion) She went and sat in front of the computer.



"hmmm How did this get here?" Willow wondered looking at the aurora borealis screen saver that hadn't

been there before.



"Maybe I'm going crazy" She sighed



She checked her email and then her calendar.



Spring Equinox is coming up soon she noted. Her thoughts drifted back to Tara.



"She would have wanted to celebrate" She thought



"Tara, I don't think I could get through the Equinox rituals without you" She whispered to herself



Suddenly the PC screen flashed



JUST DO IT



"Argggghhh stupid pop up's" Willow muttered



"You trying to tell me something baby" Willow said aloud with a hint of a smile



It was the fist time Willow had even came close to a smile since Tara had died

A warm breeze entered through the window and wrapped around Willow.



"I don't remember the window being open" Willow said softly getting up



Another breeze came in and traced itself up Willow's arms.



"I always loved when you ran your fingers up and down my arms. Your skin is so soft...was...soft" She corrected herself



"okay sweety I'll do the ritual"

[allykat]

Hi there!

Intriguing start! Can't wait to read what happens next!

[Tempest Duer]

This is intriguing... meeting back up with Tara after she dies... hmm...

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[Imjustme]

And I who went to sleep as two

Woke up as one now only you remain

You'll close your eyes and travel back

To the time when the light went fading fast

And the words you'll never, never forget, oh no

As you slipped away





Goodbye baby

I hope your heart's not broken

Don't forget me

Yes I was outspoken

You were with me all the time

I'll be with you one day



-Stevie Nicks

---

As the Equinox quickly approached Willow finally decided it was time.

She walked to the desk and opened the drawer taking out the journal she has kept of her time with Tara. She ran her fingers lightly along the cover before opening it.





She started to put the book down but hesitated. These were her memories and she would be damned if she would let them die too.

She hadn't had the journal from the day she met Tara of course but she had tried once she started it to go back and fill in time.

She found herself drawn to read about the time they were apart.

When Tara had left.



"I wasted so much time" she thought to herself



"I was so stupid"



She skipped to the night when Tara came to her room...when she came back.



"Can you just be kissing me now?"



That night had been so perfect. All the time they spent together was perfect. It was as close as she could ever be to heaven. If there was such a place.



"I hope there is" "Tara deserves to be in heaven."



Tara WAS her heaven she decided. Her goddess



She read on



"I thought you'd left me for good. I thought I'd be alone forever."



"Willow, no matter what happens I'm not leaving you again. You'll never be alone. You'll always be in my heart."



She paused reading and wiped away her tears.



"You'll always be in my heart too Tara"



"Willow are you okay?"



She had been to distracted to notice Buffy standing in the doorway watching her.



"I'm fine Buffy" "Please, I just need some time alone"



"Will, you've had plenty of time alone...are you sure you don't need to talk?" "I'm worried about you. You seem to be in your own world lately

and are you sure you're ready for that?" She asked nodding towards the book



They both paused



"You know...you can't live in the past Willow" Buffy said gently



"Maybe it's better to live in the past than in a future I'm afraid of" Willow responded



"Buffy, I don't mean to push you away but really. I just need some time to think"



"Alright" Buffy said



"But when you're ready...I'll be here"



"I know you will" Willow said thankful for Buffy's efforts



Willow looked back at the book.



Shattering glass went past me





She closed the cover and set the book aside. Maybe Buffy was right maybe now wasn't the time. She picked up a pen and paper and began to make a list of things she would need for the ritual.

[Tempest Duer]

This is shaping up nicely, story-wise. My only complaint is that some of the punctuation, such as at the end of quotes and such, is lacking. I'd recommend that you get a beta reader. I think there's a thread for this, but I'm not sure where it is.



Feel free to drop me a line if you decide you want one as well.

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[The Rose24]

Great start. Tara is trying to tell her something.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[Imjustme]

Thanks to everyone that commented and thanks to Tempest Duer for the nice beta work.

---

The Equinox came and Willow spent the day performing all of the rituals as she had planned. Night arrived quickly and she found herself feeling even more depressed than usual, which was shocking as she hadn't really thought it possible.



"I don't know what I was expecting," she thought miserably.





This day just seemed different than the rest. The stars are so bright tonight. She looked up and thought of the nights she and Tara would sit outside and look at them. She went through the names they are shared for them in her mind.



She paused to check the candles that were burning nearby and noticed a shadow in the hall.





"Buffy? Is that you?"





"Willow," the voice spoke in an almost whisper.



A familiar figure stepped to the door and entered slowly.



"T-Tara!" "But...how...it can't be. I must be dreaming."



"No, it's me. I-I d-didn't want to scare you." "I mean I know it's a suprise."



"It's a big suprise! The best suprise but how did you...I mean...How are you...Are you ok? Is all this really happening?" A million thoughts raced in her mind.



"Oh, it's real and I'm here but maybe you should sit down," Tara said concerned.



"Only if you sit with me," Willow said quietly, taking her hand. It had been so long since she had felt those hands and now that she had them she never wanted to let go.





"Well," Tara said taking a deep breath, "I tried dropping you some hints." She smiled.



"The computer," Willow whispered, pulling her close



"Yes, I knew it might not make much sense." Tara stroked Willow's hair softly as she spoke. "I was sent back by the Goddess...Arianrhod to be exact."



"So THAT'S what the aurora borealis was about."



"Mhm hmm. Her hall. When I, well after everything happened I was in this place and there were people everywhere and a man came to me and said it wasn't my time that I was to see Arianrhod, the Goddess of birth and death."



"Also, the Goddess of reincarnation and rebirth," Willow said smiling



"Right, well he took me to her and she said it wasn't time. There were plans for me...for us and that I would get to come back. It would have been sooner but she thought it would be best to wait until tonight, with the stars so strong and the Equinox her power would be much more effective."



"Oh, Tara I missed you so much. I never stopped thinking about you and how I would give anything to have you back. I'm so glad you're back." Willow pulled Tara in and kissed her deeply wanting to take all of her inside and keep her locked there, safe, always with her



Finally, when she had to stop for lack of oxygen Tara asked, "Don't you want to know about her plans for us?"



"Oh, the plan! Right, what's the plan? Wait...that doesn't mean you have to go again when the plan is you know finished? Because, I'm not letting you go again. If that's part of the plan then there is just going to have to be a new plan."



"No, darling I won't have to go," Tara said holding her closer



"We're going to have a baby." Tara grinned



"A baby? That's the plan? That's a GOOD plan. Oh oh having a baby means MAKING a baby okay correction that's a GREAT plan!"



"Wait...ummm Tara...How exactly does that work?"



"You need me to tell you how babies are made?" Tara laughed



"No, I know THAT but I mean well I'm fairly certain that biology class never mentioned the making involving well...you know two women." She blushed



"Well, our baby is going to be special." Tara responded proudly



"Naturally." Willow beamed



"I mean she's not just our daughter she is Arianrhod's daughter as well. She will be her earthly incarnation."





"We're going to have a goddess for a daughter? Tara that's wow... I mean How are we going to raise a goddess? I'm going to be a wreck as it is. Oh, we have so much to do and I need to study there's so much stuff I need to learn about. Where do you find book on raising a goddess?"



Tara could see the panic forming on Willow's face. "Sweety I'm not even pregnant yet. Besides the powers won't come until much later and she'll be more like a watcher really. She'll be here to teach and guide people."



"But Tara we still need to prepare I mean...."



"Willow..." Tara cut in, "Right now I'm really more interested in preparing to make her"



"Oh" Willow noticed a rapid change in tempature



"You, know I think you're right. I think we should work on that right away" she said pulling Tara on down the bed and kissing her.





Everything was still a blur but it was real. Tara was back and with her and she wasn't leaving. Willow had her Goddess back. It struck her then how fitting everything was. Any, daughter they had would be the daughter of a goddess.

Edited by: Imjustme at: 1/23/04 6:44 am

[sam darls]

Hey..I love this..It's so interesting, and I can't wait for more..Love sammi xx

"Sometimes things happen between people that you don't really expect. And sometimes the things that are important are the ones that seem the weirdest or the most wrong. And those are the ones that change your life." - Jessie Sammler (Evan Rachel Wood)

[The Rose24]

Good plan!

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[TaraBaby77]

Yeappers, another fic to keep an eye on. Love what I have read so far and would love to see another update soon. Great job. =)

Aaron

'TaraBaby77'

[soluna350]

I'm with TaraBaby... Very cool story!

Sol

[Imjustme]

Once again thanks to Tempest Duer for the great beta work and to everyone for reading and commenting.

---

After a long night of getting reacquainted the two were left with the task of explaining Tara's return. Luckily, only those closest to Tara could remember the events from the previous months. Still, it was going to be a shock and neither was sure what would be the best way to go about breaking the news.





"It's not too late to go with my first idea, you know."



"Will, honey, I really don't think staying locked in our room together is the answer"



"Oh, come on Tara, we've got a bed, a shower, a phone to order food, a bed..."



"You've said bed already."



"I know, just stressing my favorite part, besides, what else do we really need?"



"Willow, sweetie, as tempting as it sounds, we're going to have to go out sooner or later."



"I know but couldn't it be later rather than sooner? Say in a year or two... or ten?"



Willow pulled Tara into her arms and began kissing a trail up and down her neck. She stopped gently taking Tara's earlobe into her mouth alternating sucking and lightly nibbling it. Tara giggled and let out a soft moan as Willow pulled her back and onto the bed.



Moments later, the door opened.



"Ok, I know you said you needed time alone but you haven't eaten in days. I really want you to come down for break... oh my god! Will, I'm sorry! I didn't know you had company."



Buffy stood in the doorway in shock when suddenly she caught a glimpse of just who Willow's company was.



"Tara?!"



"Umm h-hi Buffy, miss me?"



Buffy hit the floor with a thudding noise.



"Oh wow and I thought I was surprised. I mean Buffy? Are you okay? Buffy, wake up!" Willow rushed to Buffy's side with Tara right behind her.



The two shook her carefully. Once Buffy came around the three made their way downstairs to the living room.



"So much for staying locked in the room" Willow thought "Damn, I really liked that idea too. It was by far one of my best to date. Stupid interruptions, I should

have made a sign for the door. Something along the lines of enter at risk of immense pain and torment and maybe a line or two about bunnies just for Anya. Ex-demon and all you never know, the whole pain and torment thing may sound appealing... I could have snuck it on when Tara wasn't looking." She mentally kicked herself for not having thought of it sooner.



"Tara, I can't believe it's you. I mean thank goodness it's you because I thought I was going to have a serious talk with Will. I mean bringing a girl home to take your mind off grieving... NOT the way to go."



"Yes, very not." Tara agreed with Buffy and giving Willow a half-smile and wink.



"Hey!" Willow yelled. "I didn't, and I wouldn't anyway!"



"Right," said Buffy.



"Right," agreed Willow and Tara in unison.



Tara leaned over and left a soft kiss on Willow's cheek.



"So, I guess we should explain"

Edited by: Imjustme at: 1/26/04 4:31 pm

[The Rose24]

Great update! Again Buffy has bad timing.



I like your reference to season severed(intentional or not).

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[allykat]

Hey, great update!! Buffy's timing, though...

More soon, please..

[Imjustme]

It had been nearly four months since Tara's return and things were returning to normal, or at least as normal as could be expected. They had decided to keep the news of the baby a secret until they decided the time was right to tell everyone. Now that Tara was two months pregnant they decided that the time had arrived. Willow had asked Buffy to arrange a meeting with everyone at the magic box. Once they arrived they all took a seat, and after a few rounds of "so what's this all about?" and "why are we here?" Willow got down to explaining.



"Well," Willow spoke up. "You all know Tara is back because of unfinished business, but we never really explained just what that business was."



She looked around taking note of everyone's attention and curious looks.



"So, what is it?" Xander asked



"Well..." Willow looked at Tara and back at everyone trying to decide the best way of saying it.

Tara noticed Willow's nervousness and placed a hand on her thigh.



"We're going to have a b-baby," Tara said softly.



"A baby!" Everyone seemed to shout in unison



"How exactly does that work?" Xander asked with a confused look on his face. "I mean..."



Willow quickly shot Xander a look that said she didn't intend on going into detail on the matter.



"Yeah, I mean having a baby sounds nice, but, neither of you have a penis. Doesn't that sort of take the fun out of it?"



Anya swiftly took the receiving end of Willow's glares which were now joined with a mixture of semi annoyance and shock from Tara.



"That's really not important, the point is Tara is pregnant and we are going to have a baby."



All eyes turned to Tara, who blushed and looked down smiling.



"Congratulations," Buffy stood to give them both a hug .



"Yeah, congrats you guys," Xander added and then nudged Anya.



"Oh, yes, Congratulations in making a baby without the use of a penis."



"Ummmm t-thanks," Tara responded.



"Yeah, thanks...I think" Willow added looking at Anya.







Back at home Tara and Willow were in their room getting ready for bed.



"I think it went well."



"Hmmm?" Willow questioned



"Telling everyone... I think it went well."



"Oh, right, well yeah."



"You think they are really happy for us? I mean would they tell us if they weren't?" Tara questioned



Willow walked up behind Tara and wrapped her arms around her, resting her head on Tara's shoulder



"Sure they are happy, Buffy would totally tell us if she weren't, and Anya, well that goes without saying."



"I'm sure you're right."



"Darn right I'm right." Willow placed a soft kiss on Tara's cheek



"Come on let's go to bed."



Tara smiled and they both snuggled into bed. Tara wrapped an arm around Willow and they cuddled up close together.



"You know you aren't going to be able to sleep like that too much longer."



"Huh? W-what do you mean?" Tara asked confused



"You're not going to be able to sleep like that...sort of on your tummy and side. Your belly is going to be bigger."



"Oh" Tara whispered



"But how will we snuggle?"



Tara started to think



"You probably won't want to snuggle. I'll be huge."



"Hey, stop that, you'll be beautiful just like always. Even if you weren't, which is highly impossible, I'd still want to. I love you."



"We'll manage," Willow said with a slight grin.



Tara beamed and held her tighter. "You always know what to say to make me feel better."



Willow kissed Tara's forehead and they drifted to sleep.

[Tempest Duer]

Nice job, hon. You do a beta proud.

Willow: Hey Buff. One more thing. Buffy: Yeah? Willow: I’m gay. Buffy: Okay, Will. Xander owes me ten bucks.

~Remember to Breathe by Yellow Crayon

[The Rose24]

It sure didn't take Tara long to get pregnant. I am glad things are going so well for our ladies. Tara's back! How can you not be happy?

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

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

[TaraBaby77]

Awesome updates. Finally got caught up and I can't wait to see more..... Hope to see more soon. =)

Aaron

'TaraBaby77'