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Captain Red and the Denizens of Mars

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Re: Alcy rules!!

Postby KiwiAlcyone » Thu May 27, 2004 10:52 pm

veiled isis moon: evil?…scheming? me? Surely you must be confused as to who you’re really thinking about there! ;) I never have ominous plans…well, that’s a lie…hardly ever…okay, dammit you’ve got me there :D Hee hee, I’m trying to lay off the sugar but it’s addictive!



Grimmy: Boone and Quincy don’t have excuses do they? Okay, they’re the bigwigs so they need to give the orders…but they don’t have to be so nasty about it…



Update is almost finished, just editing it now. Sorry it took so long but I’ve been busy with hunting for a new job.



:peace Alcy

Calvin: Do you believe in the devil? You know, a supreme evil being dedicated to the temptation, corruption, and destruction of man?

Hobbes: I’m not sure that man needs the help.

KiwiAlcyone
 


Re: Alcy rules!!

Postby Tempest Duer » Thu May 27, 2004 10:54 pm

Almost finished? Yay!

Saying that up is down will not make up, down.



~Gene Burns

Tempest Duer
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby KiwiAlcyone » Thu May 27, 2004 11:01 pm

Chapter Fifteen – “Soul-mates.”





“You seem awfully tense tonight sweetie,” Tara prodded an unusually stiff Willow as she lay in the bed beside her.



All day Tara had craved the feel of Willow in her arms and yet now that they could finally be alone, Willow was distant. Their bodies were barely touching when usually water couldn’t find a way between their joined skins. Tentatively she reached an arm around Willow’s waist and gently tugged the red head closer. The familiar feel of Willow’s body against hers felt wonderful after a tense day. In keeping with the brass’ orders, Tara had made a point of avoiding her lover. Even though they still studied in the same classes they did not speak to one another, looking for the entire world as though they had put an end to their relationship.



The look on Buffy’s face was one of satisfaction but now that she knew the truth about the blonde’s orders, Willow could not bring herself to believe it was out of malice.



*****



Tad had approached Willow, his manner rather agitated and awkward even as he inquired whether she was okay.



“I’m fine Tad, but thanks for asking…and for yesterday morning, I’m very grateful.”



Tad went a rather nasty shade of red but he grinned and said in a thoughtful voice, “You’re not the only one who’s grateful.”



It was Willow’s turn to blush and she did so in a most spectacular fashion. She waved her finger threateningly,



“If you tell a soul…”



“What do you take me for? I’m your friend Rosenberg! All I can say is there’s no way that Tara will be able to stay away from you for too long…”



“Huh? Tad…we…”



“I was going to ask you if you wanted me to help you out, I mean, I know her friend pretty well so if you want I can get her to talk to Tara on your behalf…”



“Which friend?” Willow asked suspiciously.



“Ah, Faith,” Tad replied in a barely audible mumble.



Willow’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped, “You’re shagging Faith! Or rather, from what I’ve heard about her, she’s shagging you!”



“Keep it down!” Tad hissed, “Do you want me to talk to her or not?”



“I think I can handle myself,” Willow said in a rather amused voice, “Now I can be sure my little secret won’t be leaked out.”



“Of course not!” Tad squeaked.



“So how is it?”



“What?”



“Sex with Faith.”



“Oh, um…it’s nice,” Tad went red once more.



“Nice?” Willow asked sarcastically, arching an eyebrow.



“Um…really nice, capital,” he mumbled and very hastily made his excuses.



*****



Willow would have spent the rest of the day chuckling over her new found information but her mind was far too preoccupied with her own situation, even to think up comments to embarrass Tad. As she lay in her bed with Tara she couldn’t let herself relax even though she had not slept in almost two days. Her eyes were fixed on the door, outlined by the weak light coming from the crack beneath it.



“Sorry,” she whispered, “It’s just that I keep expecting MPs to charge the door down and slap us both in the brig.”



“In the same cell? You…me, stuck in a little room with nothing to do? What’s so bad about that?” Tara laughed, trying her best to lighten Willow’s mood.



Willow wasn’t swayed, “I thought they were watching you closely.”



Tara’s facial muscles contorted into a frown, “They will be…” she pondered.



“Then how…I mean, yesterday we spent the entire night in the DC3 and they didn’t come and now, surely someone would know…”



“We’ve been doing our best to steer clear of each other though.”



Tara didn’t convince herself, she knew even better than Willow that they knew everything. There was every chance that they did indeed know that she had blatantly ignored orders and told Willow…in fact…



Tara sighed, “They know already…no doubt they were curious as to what my effect on you would be. It all adds up…the fact that you weren’t punished after the fight in the mess hall with Buffy.”



“So I’m expendable after all,” Willow whispered.



“I’m sorry Will.”



“Don’t be,” Willow burrowed even closer to Tara, “I’ve stopped caring what the brass thinks about me. This whole world is going to hell, why shouldn’t the military be as well?”



“It’s our last hope Will, if the military crumbles then there is no hope,” Tara said sadly.



“I’d rather put my hope in myself,” Willow was not about to put her fate in the hands of men like Quincy or Boone.



“Me too,” Tara said softly.



Willow shivered, even tucked beneath all the blankets they had and with Tara’s arms wrapped around her, she was still cold, “Do you think they turned the heat off?”



“It feels that way,” Tara whispered, she rubbed Willow’s arm a few times.



“Can you warm me up?” Willow asked plaintively.



“I’m trying,” Tara said, rubbing a little harder.



Willow laughed and rolled over so that she was facing Tara in the darkness. She picked up Tara’s hand and placed it over her pyjama-covered breast.



“Tara,” Willow breathed, “Please.”



“Willow, you’re exhausted…you haven’t slept…and you want to have sex?”



“Of course, who wouldn’t?”



“You are a vixen,” Tara whispered, her mouth reaching out to caress Willow’s gently.



“Make love to me Tara?” Willow asked when Tara’s lips left hers, “Please.”



Tara deepened the kiss for a few moments, pulling back she breathed in deeply. Breathing in the scent of her beloved Willow.



“Will, I don’t need to be asked twice,” Tara grinned and then with a serious look on her face, “but if you fall asleep while I’m fucking you…”



Willow giggled and suddenly pounced. She threw back the bed coverings and rolled Tara over so that she could straddle her.



“Tara Maclay, are you trying to spicy talk me?” Willow asked with an arched eyebrow



“No,” Tara replied innocently.



With one swift movement she dislodged Willow from her perch and rolled atop her, reversing their positions. Willow lifted her head from the pillow, seeking out Tara’s mouth once more. When Tara hung back reluctantly Willow let out an impatient growl.



“Your lip?” Tara whispered, wondering if she would hurt her bruised lover.



“Can’t feel a thing,” Willow replied.



“You can’t feel a thing?” Tara asked in a dubious tone.



Tara arched an eyebrow and her hand descended between Willow’s legs. Willow gasped as Tara rubbed against her fabric-covered mound.



“Okay, I get your point,” Willow grinned and trapped Tara’s mouth with her own again, crushing their lips fiercely together and ignoring any residual pain she felt.



Willow tasted Tara’s mouth hungrily, seeking out the delicious depths. She sucked deeply on Tara’s tongue, stroking it with her own. As she did she breathed in Tara’s own breath, sharing it. More than anything she wanted to be one with Tara, to prove to her beautiful blonde lover than she was not afraid of the darkness that she thought lay within her. Willow sought to banish that darkness completely. To reclaim Tara as her own and in turn, give herself completely to Tara. It was meant to be, this she knew.



Tara moved down to nuzzle Willow’s smooth, pale throat. She peppered it with kisses and nibbles before moving down to her collarbone. To pave the way she began undoing the buttons on Willow’s pyjama top, slowly and teasingly. Their mouths remained locked together in a fierce, passionate struggle which neither cared if they won.



Tara pulled back as the last button came free from its hole in her fingers. She looked down at Willow beneath her, her mouth wet from Tara’s lips, eyes shining in the pale light. With a small smile, Tara ran her hand softly down the narrow exposed strip of skin where Willow’s top parted, from her collarbone down to the waist of her pants. Tara looked with satisfaction at the hunger in Willow’s eyes, pleading with Tara to seek out the rest of her flesh. She gave in to that hunger slowly; spreading apart the folds of fabric covering her to reveal her small, perfect breasts. Willow shivered slightly as the freezing air met her exposed skin.



“You’re beautiful,” Tara whispered before she dipped her head to taste the sweet mounds of flesh, leaving a trail of warmth in the wake of her tongue.



She kneaded one breast with her hand while thoroughly working the other over between her lips and teeth. Gently she bit at the tender but hard little nipple, Willow yelped with pleasure. Tara alternated between Willow’s breasts, making sure she loved each of them completely as Willow moaned contentedly beneath her. While still working on one breast with her mouth, she trailed a light hand down over Willow’s belly. Willow jumped slightly as she was tickled.



“Do you need me Willow?” Tara asked as one hand played at the waist of Willow’s pants, trailing her fingers over her belly.



Willow thrust her hips upward to rub her aching mound against Tara’s thigh, impatient in her hunger, “God yes Tara,” she hissed between clenched teeth.



“Say it,” Tara urged, responding to Willow’s thrusts by moving her thigh slightly, teasingly.



“I need you!”



Tara began to slip her hand beneath the waist of Willow’s pyjama pants, down over her lower belly until she felt Willow’s curls beneath her fingertips. She stopped and looked at Willow’s face, the red head was hungry with need.



“Need me for what?” Tara asked, rubbing Willow’s mound gently but not entering her slit.



“God Tara!” Willow hissed, she moved her hips urgently, rubbing herself against Tara’s hand, seeking out more, “I need you to fuck me with your fingers…please!” she whispered.



Tara lowered her lips to Willow’s once more, the kiss a fierce and passionate struggle as Tara finally slipped her hand between Willow’s legs. The red head gasped and her thighs fell apart to allow Tara better access. A finger probed, found Willow’s slit and her whole body shivered with pleasure when she found Willow wet and ready for her. Tara rolled Willow’s clit firmly beneath her finger; she squirmed and cried out in response, thrusting her hips upwards as she searched for what she needed next. Tara broke the kiss to look at Willow’s face. Gently, she inserted two fingers into Willow’s moist passage. As she slid them in Willow arched her back and Tara could see her eyes were closed, mouth slack.



“Willow, look at me,” she whispered even as she thrust upwards.



Willow’s eyes opened and they met Tara’s. Although the emerald green hue was lost to the darkness, they were shining vibrantly.



“I want…to look at you…too,” Willow gasped, trembling hands moving up to the throat of Tara’s pyjamas.



Willow tried to undo the buttons on Tara’s top but her fingers refused to work properly. As Tara thrust up into her a little faster she cried out, gripping the fabric that covered Tara’s shoulder. She tried the buttons again but it was useless, they were too small…



“Sorry about this,” Willow whispered and with both hands she tore Tara’s top open, buttons popping one by one.



Willow’s hands then found Tara’s breasts, a thin trickle of sweat running down between them. Even as Tara’s fingers moved inside her, she caressed them firmly. She ran her fingers over the beautiful, soft skin, brushed her hardened nipples.



All the while they kept their eyes locked together, Tara watching Willow’s eyes as her focus faded as she came closer to release. She thrust her fingers up into Willow as far as she could, feeling her slick warmth closing around them. It felt so good to be in Willow, feeling as though she truly were a part of her. She rocked on, Willow’s hips moving in time with her thrusts, more urgently now. Her breath came in short, strangled gasps…



“Tara!” Willow let out a groan from deep within her gut as she thrust her hips up, feeling Tara deep within her, “Tara!”



Forcing herself to keep her eyes on Tara’s blue ones, Willow gave in to her release. Letting it wash over her in waves, as she seized Tara by the back of the neck. With a firm hand she drew Tara to her, claiming her lips to stifle her own cries.



Tara felt Willow’s warm passage spasm around her fingers, followed by a fresh flow of her juice coating her already slick hand. She lowered herself to Willow’s kiss, their chests pressing together, slick breasts sliding against one another’s. With the contact, Tara felt Willow’s heart threaten to escape her chest, pounding fiercely.



With one last brush of her lips over Willow’s, Tara drew back. She pressed one hand between Willow’s breasts, over her heart; the other still lay inside Willow’s moist passage. Slowly she drew it forth, up to her mouth where she tasted Willow’s juices on her finger. She licked her fingers right in front of Willow’s eyes, every last bit of wetness savoured.



Willow smiled and found Tara’s lips again, this time tasting her own juice in Tara’s mouth. When they pulled apart once more, Tara rolled off from her perch astride Willow and looked at the glazy eyed red head with love written all over her face.



“Look what you did to my pyjamas!” Tara said looking down at the button-less top.



“They were in my way!” Willow protested.



Protests did not save her as Tara attacked her with light fingers, tickling the exposed skin of Willow’s belly and sides. Willow giggled as she wriggled to get away, trying to keep in her squeals when Tara would not let up. Tara laughed softly as the red head squirmed, reduced to a pile of quivering flesh just at the touch of her fingers.



“Who would’ve thought…Captain Rosenberg, fearless commander of the Red Devils, is ticklish!” Tara teased, finally ceasing her torture of the helpless pilot, “She’s as fierce as a tiger in the air...but start tickling her and she’s like a little kitten.”



“My god woman, are you trying to wear me out completely?” Willow yawned as she burrowed deep into Tara’s sweaty side.



She finally closed her eyes, the fact that she had not slept for almost two days beginning to exert its hold over her. Here in Tara’s arms, basking contently in the after glow of their lovemaking, Willow hoped to be able to fall asleep. She would welcome it even though even moment she slept she was in danger of being drawn into the dream plane.



“I want you to sleep like a baby,” Tara whispered, “And seeing as it’s my fault you can’t sleep…”



“Tara…” Willow opened her eyes and looked up.



“Ruining the mood by talking about the evil curse,” Tara remarked ruefully.



“That’s not funny Tara,” Willow crawled out of Tara’s arms and sat up, legs dangling over the side of the bed.



Willow began to redo her buttons, having a difficult time with her trembling fingers.



“Will…” Tara reached up to lie her hand tenderly on Willow’s shoulder, “I’m sorry…”



“You have nothing to be sorry about Tara,” Willow looked over her shoulder, “And there’s nothing evil about you…”



“There…”



“No,” Willow interrupted in a firm voice, “Absolutely nothing do you hear me?”



“I hear you my love,” Tara said quietly.



“You don’t sound very convinced,” Willow searched Tara’s eyes to find a sadness settling there. She gave up on trying to do her buttons at all.



“How can I not be convinced by you?” Tara forced a smile, “Turn around Willow, look at you…you look as though you’re about to fall over.”



Tara swiftly did up the buttons on Willow’s pyjama shirt for her. Willow then allowed Tara to draw her back down into her embrace. This time she welcomed it as it was freezing, her breath showing in small, white clouds in front of her face. She snuggled into Tara’s arms, the blonde enfolding her tightly to her chest as she drew her down. Tara settled on her side, Willow pressed against the length of her body. Her face tucked against Tara’s breasts. She closed her eyes once more, breaths finally becoming shallow, peaceful.



“You won’t leave me?” Willow asked quietly.



“I won’t.”



“Promise?”



“Promise.”



A few moments later Willow sighed in exasperation, “God…I’m exhausted…but every time I start to drift off something in my mind tells me that I can’t go to sleep.”



Tara gently stroked the side of her face with feathery touches, kissing the top of her head, “I can sing you a song if you would like?”



“Really?” Willow asked in almost child-like delight.



“It’s either that or I go and make you some camomile tea,” Tara whispered and Willow responded with a quick noise of disgust, “A song it is then.”



And in a soft, sweet voice…still barely above a whisper, Tara began singing to Willow. It was a silly old song from childhood…the words little more than nonsense but they were not what mattered. Willow lost herself listening to her love’s voice, a small smile creeping onto her face as she lay in her arms. For some reason she did not even feel all that cold anymore.



Several songs later, Tara was finally convinced that Willow was asleep. Her quiet, shallow breaths made barely a sound. As carefully as she could Tara crawled over Willow and onto the cold floor. Willow did not even stir, even as Tara’s weight left the bed. Pulling on her socks and boots Tara watched Willow sleep.



“Sleep peacefully my love,” Tara kissed the top of Willow’s head, before she tiptoed from the room, pausing only to grab her thick coat.



*****



“Thank you so much for letting me stay with you, I didn’t want to be a burden…”



“Nonsense!” Giles insisted fervently as he laid out a heavy down quilt on the sofa, “I’m not really all that nice…if I were nicer I would have given up my bed for you.”



Tara smiled, “You already tried…and I refused. The couch is just fine. Besides, I think sleeping on a couch will help me feel a little normal…as though maybe all of this is not happening.”



Giles fluffed up the pillow and straightened, “Well, it’s not much…but if you’re happy…”



Tara shrugged out of her flight jacket, remembering to clutch her ruined top together.



“What happened to your pyjamas?” Giles asked as Tara climbed beneath the quilt, he didn’t hear her mumbled reply but it sounded something suspiciously like ‘Willow-hands.’



He sat on the very edge of the couch as the blonde settled herself into the pillow.



“How do you rate a whole apartment?” Tara asked with a smile.



Giles looked around at his tiny living room, “There was no other way they could get me to come to this frozen little island…although I’m still waiting for my spa pool.”



“Willow wants a heated pool,” Tara chuckled.



Giles was quiet for a few moments, reflecting on his young charge.



“I’ve known you for a long time my dear and I’ve never seen you so happy…which is somewhat strange because we are in the middle of a war…”



“I was a mess when you first met me,” Tara tucked the quilt up under her chin, “And for a long time after that. You were the only good thing in my life.”



Giles smiled, “And then Willow…it was Willow who changed everything wasn’t it?” he finally asked quietly.



Tara nodded barely, “Willow is the missing part of me…I need her to feel whole.”



“Will she be safe?”



“How far away are we from the barracks?”



“Quite a ways…almost half a mile.”



“No one has ever affected anyone that far away,” Tara said in a firm voice, “Willow will be fine.”



Giles smiled reassuringly and nodded, with a last tousle of Tara’s hair he left her to get some sleep, flicking off the light as he left the room. Tara settled into the couch and wished she had thought to take one of the pillows from their bed so she would at least have Willow’s scent to keep her company.



*****



Tara had long since ceased to be scared whenever she walked the dream plane so she was not surprised when she found herself there that night as she slept. She stood in the middle of a ruined city, atop an overpass as she looked out over the chaos around her. The sky was growing darker now even though she was fairly certain it was supposed to be the middle of the day. Like gathering clouds of doom…



“It’s getting worse,” Tara whispered, her fists tightening around the rail in front of her.



She was grateful Willow could no longer be drawn into this reality. The thought of her girlfriend in the middle of this was just too terrifying to even think about. The horrors that she had seen and was powerless to do anything about haunted her every moment, both here and in the waking world. Years ago it had prevented her from having any sort of normal life. It kept her on the outside of society, even the society in which she had grown up.



Then there was Willow…Willow who was impulsive and fiery…hotheaded and almost arrogant in her brilliance. Yet at the same time she was so vulnerable…Tara thought of cradling the young woman in her arms, fragile while strong. She drew her hand to her nose, wishing the smell of Willow’s juices remained on her fingers in this place. Tara had to content herself with the memory of Willow’s body beneath hers, the feel of their breasts rubbing together in their passion. Tara sighed…what a time to find each other. Just as the whole world was falling apart and when any day might be their last.



Tara saw movement down below her and her gut wrenched…more killing. However, even as she went to turn away so she did not have to watch she saw a flash of red hair.



“Oh god…it’s not possible…Willow!”



Three Martians were chasing her; they were gaining steadily as they loped along with huge steps.



“Willow!” they were too far away for her voice to carry.



Tara clenched the rail in front of her even tighter, until her knuckles went white. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly…it did not always work but now more than ever she had to wake up then and there.



“Wake up…wake up, wake up!”



She gritted her teeth.



“Wake up!”



…Tara sat up and threw back the quilt as she swung her legs onto the floor. She paused only long enough to pull on her boots and grab a nearby sweater to pull on over her torn pyjama top. She sprinted out the door, running as fast as she possibly could back to the barracks.



*****



Willow blinked, she was dreaming…



Okay, is this the good sort of dream with naked Tara trying to find me so she can punish me for being a bad girl…or is it the type that can kill you…because I know which one I’d prefer…



A scream rent the air and her questions were answered. At least she was wearing clothes instead of her pyjamas…Willow frowned, that was weird in itself. Willow sighed and scanned her surroundings, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She spun around to see three of them moving towards her…just as huge and scary as the first time she had the distinct displeasure of running into one. Willow took a step backwards, looking for an avenue to make her escape…a hole she could crawl into and hide?



Turning she sprinted down the street as fast as she could. Willow’s feet flew over the uneven ground as she ran, every time she looked over her shoulder they were still right there.



You like it now don’t ya, she thought angrily, Just wait until we meet and I’m in my new-fangled plane…then we’ll all see who’s laughing you stupid fuckers!



Willow went running into the ruined foyer of what once was a tall skyscraper. Her feet slipped in something spread across the marble and she went crashing to the floor, continuing to slide even as she fell. It was a huge puddle of blood, Willow looked down at herself…covered in rich, red blood. It was then that the smell assaulted her nostrils and she almost vomited then and there. There was no time as her pursuers ran into the foyer, stopping when they saw her lying on the ground. Willow tried to scramble to her feet but she kept slipping in the gore around her.



They advanced, spreading out slightly so she had three different angles to keep a track of.



“Um, hi,” Willow whispered, “Don’t suppose we could work this out with a nice little chat…no?” her fingers clawed uselessly at the ground, “Maybe we could do this again sometime when I have grenades…my plane?”



They were all focused on her but Willow suddenly felt drawn to one of them, their eyes locking together in some sort of connection. Willow frowned and was then suddenly assaulted by fragments of images, words filling her mind…



Hate…destruction, the world was in darkness, silent and empty, Many worlds… Willow saw dozens of images of different alien species flash before her eyes…dozens of worlds…flashing so fast before her eyes that she winced, pressing her hands to her temples as she tried to get them out of her head.



It stopped as suddenly as it started, leaving Willow dizzy and disorientated. They moved closer…Willow shook her head, feeling not only terrified but angry and violated. There was nothing redeeming about the creatures who advanced on her…they were evil to their very black cores. Willow didn’t care why they slaughtered the populations of entire planets…all she wanted was to get them off her own.



Easier said than done… Willow thought, she couldn’t see anything she could use as a weapon anywhere, there was nothing but blood…her own soon to add to it…



The middle one advanced on her, obviously deducing that she was not at all a threat. Willow felt her heart hammering in her chest, blood boiling with fear.



I don’t want to die this way! Willow thought desperately, Without a fight…oh god…I just want to live…I just want to see Tara again…



With an angry, animal-like roar Willow threw herself at the nearest one. She took it completely by surprise, sending it crashing to the ground. Her anger added power to her inadequate body weight. The two bodies, one Martian and one human slipped on the bloody ground. Willow came crashing down atop her foe, even as she did she had no idea what she was doing. She scrambled to her feet and ran over it as she made her way back the way she had just came. Hands grabbed her from either side before she could make her escape, fingers dug in painfully…



*****



Tara practically broke down the door, she threw her shoulder against it and fell into the room. She flicked on the light switch to reveal Willow thrashing from side to side in her bed, the covers strewn on the floor.



She threw herself across the few feet that separated them, grabbing the smaller girl by the shoulders she shook her roughly.



“Will!”



Willow’s eyes flew open, darting about it terror for a few moments before they came to rest on Tara.



“Tara,” she whispered.



Tara’s arms tightened around her small frame, clutching at her sweat soaked pyjamas. She buried her face in Willow’s neck, in her hair…hands running over her body checking to see that she was not hurt in any way.



Willow just lent her chin on Tara’s shoulder, she stared blankly. Not quite realising where she was, just knowing that Tara was here and she was safe.



“I woke up,” Willow whispered.



Tara folded Willow into her breast, stroking sweat-soaked hair out of her eyes with a gentle touch. She sniffed back her tears angrily.



“I know baby, you’re fine…you woke up and you’re fine.” Thank God…



“No,” Willow shook her head weakly, “I woke up…and you weren’t here.”



Tara remembered her promise and she bit her lip awkwardly as Willow looked up at her, “I thought you would be safe…I put more distance between us than was necessary and yet I still drew you in…”



“More than was necessary?” Willow asked with a small frown.



“Even the most powerful have never affected anyone more than hundred meters away, not in ten years of study…Will, Giles’ place is almost a half a mile from here…”



“What does that mean?”



“It means that I don’t think you’ll be safe anywhere,” Tara whispered.



Willow tightened her grip on Tara’s sweater, her small fists bunching up the wool, “I don’t want to be safe…I want to be with you. Tara, look at me and tell me no matter what happens you won’t leave me out of some stupid notion that you can protect me by staying away from me…Tara?”



“I can’t promise that Will…and you shouldn’t ask me to…”



“I can and I just did…now what’s your answer?”



“Will…” Tara’s voice broke.



“Promise me?”



“I do,” Tara whispered.



“Was that an ‘I do’ but really I don’t?” Willow asked cautiously.



“That was an ‘I do’ because I love you Will.”



Willow let Tara draw her back down, the covers were tucked around her but she knew she would not be able to fall asleep again…if ever again.



Her chin resting on the top of Willow’s head, Tara stroked her arm softly, all the while trying to cry as softly as she could. It was impossible however, after a few moments Willow felt her shaking and then a choked back sob emerged from her throat. Willow reversed their positions so that she was the one cradling Tara in her arms.



“One day…all of this is going to be a really bad memory,” Willow whispered fervently, “So bad that we’ll have to have sex constantly to get rid of it.”



Tara laughed through her tears, choking slightly, “Vixen.”





TBC in Chapter Sixteen – “Loss of Innocence.”



Calvin: Do you believe in the devil? You know, a supreme evil being dedicated to the temptation, corruption, and destruction of man?

Hobbes: I’m not sure that man needs the help.

KiwiAlcyone
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby Tempest Duer » Thu May 27, 2004 11:16 pm

Oh, wow, Alcy. Just... wow...

Saying that up is down will not make up, down.



~Gene Burns

Tempest Duer
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby pipsberg » Fri May 28, 2004 3:30 am

Alcy,



That was an amazing update. Just when I think, oh that's the best update yet... you prove me wrong and do yourself one better. I adore this story. Thanks for the pleasure of it.

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

pipsberg
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby barnabasvamp » Fri May 28, 2004 11:48 am

Wow, such a strong connection between the two of them...I think Tara knew in her heart, no matter how far away she tries to get, Willow will remain connected.



Great update.



BV

It's the passion in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.

barnabasvamp
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby blue and green wings » Fri May 28, 2004 3:29 pm

:thud

blue and green wings
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby 4WiccanLuv » Fri May 28, 2004 6:07 pm

Quote:
"You…me, stuck in a little room with nothing to do? What’s so bad about that?




Vixeny Tara, gotta love her! :thud I recall making a similar suggestion some time back! :D



Alcy, this update was fricken rocked! :bow I know Tara thought she was protecting Willow by leaving her, but that flat out bummed me! :cry And why oh why couldn't she dream Willow holding a big ass bazooka? :fit2 Willow's got some cojones on her that's for sure. Her survival instincts kicked into high gear when she flung herself at that LGF. :clap Thank the stars Tara made it back in time to wake her. Throughout her run, I felt Tara's fear at the thought of losing Willow, gave me goosebumps. :eek And the very last scene was so sweet, so tender, so touching! *sigh* Please please continue! :clap



ps...Tad and Faith sitting in a tree...k-i-s-s-i-n-g! I love it! :laugh

"Those are my principles. If you don't like them I have others." - Groucho Marx

4WiccanLuv
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby sam7777 » Fri May 28, 2004 6:40 pm

It's becoming increaingly clear (to me anyhoo) that Willow and Tara have such a strong connection that she will keep being drawn into the dream world no matter how far apart they get. Willow was sharing Tara's dream before they even met. It's time for plan B figuring out a way to direct the dream experience so Willow can survive cuz there's no way Willow can fly a jet without sleep. The brass allowing them to be together no doubt to study the phenomenon is consistent with their handling of Tara and the other paranormals. In other words it's heartless but at least Willow/Tara can get some sneaky snuggle time away from Buffy the chaperone. I just love this fic. I love Willow/Tara together but the story is just fascinating and the planes. I want to see 'em in those jets. ;)



Thanks!! :flower :flower

Edited by: sam7777  at: 5/28/04 6:02 pm
sam7777
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby Grimlock72 » Sun May 30, 2004 5:53 am

:bounce update :bounce



Good thing too, I was just wondering what had happened with this story :) Real Life really does get in the way much too often I guess :lol



Coming back partly to my previous reply; I see the difference between Quince&Boone and Buffy as being 'intent'. Buffy wants to make Willow's life miserable. Boone and Quincy don't really care what happens to Willow either way, for all they care she and Tara can be perfectly happy... just as long as other people remain safe (Boone) and some military use is figured out for Tara's powers (Quincy). Granted, they don't have to be so blunt about it.



Which brings us to this quote:
Quote:
The look on Buffy's face was one of satisfaction but now that she knew the truth about the blonde's orders, Willow could not bring herself to believe it was out of malice.
Funny thing that, I can very easily belief it IS out of malice. What else could it be ? We know Buffy doesn't like Willow so it stands to reason she would enjoy Willow being kept away from a somewhat happier life. I sincerely doubt Buffy ever had orders to make Willow's life miserable anyway.



This is the first story I've read where Willow and Tara's strong connection actually works against them. That has to be tough, Willow seems willing to take the risk though. Waking up may be a good exit out of a bad situation, but humans NEED sleep. Just being able to wake up is not going to be enough I'm afraid, they will need at least some defense options in dream-world.



Why did Willow see flashes of those martians memories? For a minute there I thought Willow would somehow fight those martians of all by herself :) . Tara should train/teach Willow some ways to survive the dream-dimension, have to respect her running speed btw. half a mile in a minute or so... with boots on as well. Impressive, motivation was key there I think :lol .



How many buttons were there on Tara's top by the way ? Does she have a spare ? Otherwise she'll have to repair it before morning... I'm sure it was worth it though :) Very sweet love making, amazing that fits in those presumably small military-size beds :lol



Grimmy

--
"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

Grimlock72
 


Re:Chapter 15

Postby gabbles » Sun May 30, 2004 7:50 am

Holy crap, Alcy.



Wow...



umm...very out of it thoughts at the moment. That was amazing...wait, I've said that many times now, haven't I? lol



Willow and Tara's connection is a scary and 'wowness' thing. Those two are just so meant to be. (but we already knew that;) )



Can't wait for more

*hugz*

~Gabs

"I'm known as the fat lesbian chick on Buffy. Of course, I mean you stand me next to an actress like Sarah and I look like I'll eat her. *beat* Wait, that didn't sound right. But, you know what I mean."-Amber

gabbles
 


Re: Re:Chapter 15

Postby barnabasvamp » Sun May 30, 2004 3:23 pm

4WL...
Quote:
I recall making a similar suggestion some time back!
You didn't think I would let that one get by now do you??And WHOM might you have suggested this too?? Taps foot.



Better hurry with another update Alcy, so my girl can get outta hot water!:D



BV

It's the passion in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.

barnabasvamp
 


Re: Re:Chapter 15

Postby veiled isis moon » Mon May 31, 2004 7:00 am

Hi.



Well this doesn't sound too promising for our girls now, does it. Even when Tara was half a mile away Willow still got sucked into her dreams, a very close call i might add. What they gonna do? I know Tara said she wouldn't leave Willow but i'm not so sure. I reckon something will happen, or someone will say something that'll make her feel guilty and selfish, then she'd go do something stupid and selfless because she's worried she'll hurt or kill Willow........hope everything turns out ok



I agree with what one of the kittens said previously, Willow somehow helps Tara focus her power and her gift and she's the key to using it safely and effectively.



Michelle.x

veiled isis moon
 


Re: Re:Chapter 15

Postby sapphocrazygirl » Mon Jun 07, 2004 10:15 pm

Hey! Hey! Where are the updates? Huh? I want updates!



Alright so, Tara's been drawing Willow into her dreams/psychic thingys even before they met, and even over a greater-than-prescribed-distance Willow's still involved...so I'm guessing that they are soulmates, and that's why that happens, ya? Works for me. Also, wasn't the chapter titled Soulmates? Well, there you go.



Question. If the aliens could kill Willow in her dreams, could she kill an alien? Cause that would be nifty.



And I'm wondering about the causes surrounding Dawnie's death - the plane flipping for no apparent reason. I'm wondering if they passed over a buried alien-thing like Tara's mom found - don't they do weird magnetic things? And so our girls will discover this somehow - like something is dug up and then in the mess hall there's an announcement and the location is announced and Buffy and Willow go "Oh!" and they can have a big make-up scene.



BTW, loved the flashback to their discussion over many drinks ("How much more do you need for me to have my wicked way with you?") - sounded like me and my friends, except we're that nuts when we're sober. Ah well.



And I loved this:

Quote:
“One day…all of this is going to be a really bad memory,” Willow whispered fervently, “So bad that we’ll have to have sex constantly to get rid of it.”


I need more bad memories like that.



I say Tara and Willow work the psychic mojo plus the soulmate thing and take the aliens by psychological storm.



More updates. Please.



-saph



edited...because i'm dumb and read too fast.




"You see, I think love comes from God. And so, to turn away from love, real love, it could be argued, is to turn away from God." - Dare Truth or Promise

Edited by: sapphocrazygirl at: 6/8/04 7:31 pm
sapphocrazygirl
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby pipsberg » Tue Jun 08, 2004 9:17 pm

Alcy,



Where'd you go? I need my fix. I'm dying over here. Help!! Eagerly waiting for more... :peace

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

Edited by: pipsberg at: 6/8/04 8:17 pm
pipsberg
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby KiwiAlcyone » Sat Jun 12, 2004 9:38 pm

Tempest Duer: Thanks :) Hopefully more wowness in the next chapter, well, actually it’ll be more like :sob



pipsberg: I just wish I could keep getting better and better all the time! I do try!



barnabasvamp: Willow and Tara can’t be W/T without a strong connection. It’s kinda scary though that both of them are willing to risk Willow’s life in order for them to be together.



blue and green wings: Thanks – I like making people thud!



4WiccanLuv: Willow wouldn’t be Captain Red without having the guts to go with it! Lol, hopefully I can play around a bit with the Tad and Faith relationship – purely for a bit of humour of course!



sam7777: Planes in the next chapter I promise! And you’re very welcome!



Grimmy: Yeah, I have been a bit busy lately. You make a really good point about W/Ts connection working against them – hopefully that won’t always be the case but I don’t want to give away too much.

I don’t wanna make it seem like Tara is a superfast runner, lets just say that Willow running away from the Martians took a little longer than a minute or two :p

I’m sure Tara has a spare shirt! Otherwise Willow would be doing some pretty speedy sewing! W/T would find any space to make love in they could, otherwise there would be very disappointed kittens!



gabbles: I can handle amazing as many times as you are willing to say it! :D

Hopefully the whole meant to be thing can eventually work out for the best!



veiled isis moon: You better stop thinking the worst chick or you’ll give me ideas! I agree as well, Willow needs some lessons :D and who better to give them to her…and I don’t mean naughty lessons!



sapphocrazygirl: Yup, chapter was entitled soulmates – I’m very…subtle :p

I’m sure Willow could make chop suey alien…just wait and see…hint hint…

The Buffy/Willow relationship is in the next chapter – I’m not going to tell you whether its tears and snuggles or tears and fists though.

I think we all need more bad memories like that! Or maybe not the bad memories – just the post bad memory snuggles!



Update coming soon everyone. I’ve found a new apartment but there’s still the moving to be done. Some time this week though I hope because I have kept all you wonderful kittens waiting for much too long already!



:peace Alcy



Reality continues to ruin my life - Calvin and Hobbes

Edited by: KiwiAlcyone  at: 6/12/04 8:39 pm
KiwiAlcyone
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby veiled isis moon » Sun Jun 13, 2004 9:36 am

Did i just hear Buffy's name being mentioned????



But naughty lessons are so much more fun than ordinary lessons!!



Michelle.x

veiled isis moon
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby sapphocrazygirl » Sun Jun 13, 2004 11:48 am

Updates coming soon?!



:banana



Do the happy update dance!



Yay!



:banana




"If homosexuality is a disease, let's all call in queer to work: 'Hi, can't work today, still queer.'"

- The New York Times

sapphocrazygirl
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby KiwiAlcyone » Thu Jun 17, 2004 10:33 pm

veiled isis moon: Yes, i mentioned the 'B' word sorry :p

Am I forgiven? :D



sapphocrazygirl: Soonish i hope! I love your quote - at once stage I was going to use it as mine before I decided on ever-changing Calvin and Hobbes quotes :D



Sorry for the neglect kittens! I've been ever so busy this week organzing my life. We found a new apartment and are moving tomorrow so things are a complete shambles at the moment. I've been squeezing in writing time every now and then and the next chapter is shaping up nicely - you might want to stock up on Kleenex though.



Take care all :peace Alcy

Reality continues to ruin my life - Calvin and Hobbes

KiwiAlcyone
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby veiled isis moon » Fri Jun 18, 2004 6:08 am

Between this fic and 'What's Your Tale Nightingale', i think your gonna kill me!! Why, why, why do we have to have Kleenex's and yeah, i guess you are forgiven



Michelle.x

veiled isis moon
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby Grimlock72 » Sat Jun 19, 2004 3:37 pm

Hi Alcy :wave



Good to hear from you, it's nice to know why the updates have slowed down. Hmm.. that might sound pushy... What I mean is it's good to just hear from you, I can wait a (tiny) bit longer for updates as long as I know what's going on :lol



Hopefully that made sense.. :)



Anyway, have fun decorating your new home and moving ALL you belongings (want to bet you forgot some ?? :) )



Btw. I think Tara can be a very fast distance-runner when she knows Willow is in danger. Motivation is key you know :)



About the story; it just occured to me... can martians only kill people who are already in that dream-zone ? If not, they could easily kill the other pilots on the base.



Grimmy

--
"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

Edited by: Grimlock72 at: 6/19/04 2:39 pm
Grimlock72
 


Re: Chapter 15

Postby KiwiAlcyone » Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:34 pm

veiled isis moon: I think maybe I should buy out shares in the Kleenex company :D



Grimmy: They can only kill people who are drawn into the dream zone. So the other pilots could only be killed if someone drew them in.

And yeah, RL has been kinda busy lately but hopefully the updates will come a little more frequently now that everything is starting to settle down a little.



Update to follow shortly! Finally!



:peace Alcy

Reality continues to ruin my life - Calvin and Hobbes

KiwiAlcyone
 


Chapter 16

Postby KiwiAlcyone » Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:38 pm

Chapter Sixteen – “Loss of Innocence.”



Oregon, 1922



Breakfast that morning was a silent affair. Tara and Donnie sat at the table while their father busied himself at the stove. The smell of bacon and eggs filled the air with a rich scent but only Donnie looked excited at the prospect of eating it.



Tara sat and stared at her plate until her father slid her food onto her plate. A generous slice of bacon and scrambled eggs that failed to stir any desire to actually eat. As he moved around the table to Donnie, Tara looked up him closely. He was so old! There were deep lines creasing his forehead where less than half a year ago there had been none. Even his tousled blonde hair had now lost its shine, looking dulled with age. A few grey hairs had now begun to appear at his temples. Tara poked absently at her eggs. It was her fault that he looked so old.



The family’s cosy little world had collapsed on the day the police came to tell them about Mrs Maclay. As if losing a wife and mother were not bad enough, Tara had been taken away by the military. The months spent being studied, away from her father and brother, had been horrible beyond description. Yet even after she had come home things had been far from normal. The small girl was terrified, at every moment expecting the strange men in uniforms to swoop down and take her away again. Although the next time they would not let her go…ever



“Eat up sweetheart,” he father urged.



Tara looked up, he was attempting a smile. She stabbed half-heartedly at a piece of bacon and put it in her mouth, chewing as though it were a tasteless piece of cardboard. She then gently placed the fork on the side of her plate.



“I’m not hungry Daddy,” she whispered, her stomach felt as though it were churning.



“I’ll eat it!” Donnie piped up, his appetite the healthy one of a young boy fast approaching manhood.



Tara pushed her plate across the table to her brother and took a small sip of her juice instead.



Robert Maclay looked worriedly at his young daughter. Ever since she had returned she had been withdrawn, her appetite almost non-existent. He sighed and looked back to his son who was polishing off the last of Tara’s bacon. If anyone could succeed in pulling Tara out of her misery it was her older brother.



Robert glanced up at the clock on the mantel and rose to collect the lunch tin from the kitchen bench. He knew that Donnie would forget it if he did not put it in his satchel.



He managed a small smile as Donnie pushed his plate aside, sculling back his juice, “Hurry up or you’ll be late for school son.”



“Isn’t Tara coming as well?” Donnie asked with a glance at his little sister.



“No…not for a while at least,” their father replied quietly.



A few minutes later Tara watched as Donnie waved goodbye over his shoulder before he broke into a run to catch up with his friends who were further down the road. She sighed and looked up at her father standing next to her on the porch.



“Daddy,” she whispered quietly, “I want to go back to school.”



“But don’t you want to stay here with me?” he asked gently.



Tara wanted to say that she missed her friends and her teacher but she just smiled and slipped her hand inside her father’s huge, leathery one. She gripped it tightly.



“Of course Daddy.”



*****



Later that day, both Donnie and Tara were attending to their chores around the family farm. Tara sat astride a fence as she polished the saddle in front of her. Donnie was shovelling manure with a scowl on his face…it was not his favourite chore.



“How was school? What did you learn?” she asked to break the awkward silence that had been hanging between them.



“It was boring,” Donnie wiped his brow with the back of his hand, “School’s always boring…I don’t understand why you don’t think so as well.”



“I like school,” Tara shrugged.



“Aggie, Francis and that freckle-faced girl were asking after you at lunch. Your friends are such giggling idiots…”



“You like Aggie,” Tara replied knowingly.



“I don’t like little girls!” Donnie snapped, although a grin was beginning to form on his face.



He stood the shovel up against the wall and admired his handiwork in the corral with a sigh of satisfaction, “Come on, I’m done…let’s go inside, wash up and then you can do my homework for me.”



“Really?” Tara asked eagerly.



“Sure,” Donnie reached up and helped Tara down from her perch.



*****



Tara woke, she was shivering and soaked in sweat from head to toe. Her breath came in short, frantic gasps as though she could not get enough air. It had been the worst nightmare by far…she had watched as the big, scary monsters had killed her Daddy and Donnie. Everything had seemed so real, their screams…her own helplessness. She shifted uncomfortably and realised with embarrassment that she had wet her bed for the first time since she was an infant. Tara sniffed back the tears that threatened to come and shuffled out of bed. Feeling even younger than her years, Tara padded out of her room and down the hallway to her fathers room. He slept in the big bed which he had once shared with her Mommy. Maybe she could sleep the rest of the night tucked in his arms, at least that way she would feel safe.



She stopped in the doorway, faint light revealing nothing but shadows. It was eerily quiet…her Daddy usually snored softly.



“Daddy,” she spoke up clearly as she moved farther into the room, closer to the bed, “Daddy…” she lowered her voice to a whisper in case Donnie was awake and overheard her, “I wet my bed.”



There was no sound from the bed. She felt blindly and her hands found the edge of the mattress. She keep moving upwards until she found a foot. Tara shook it but still there was no response.



“D-daddy?” she ran her hand up his leg but something was wrong.



Tara drew her hand away and felt something hot and sticky covering it. She began to tremble uncontrollably as she tried to find the lamp. Her foot kicked the dresser and she yelped in pain. Her hand closed over the shape of the lamp and she flicked the switch on. The room was bathed in a soft light…and yet darkness met her gaze.



Her father lay on his back in a pool of blood on the bed. Sightless eyes stared up at the ceiling, mouth slightly open as though he was surprised. Tara ran her eyes over his body, his stomach was a mess of intestine and torn flesh…there was so much blood everywhere. Tara stared at the horrible sight in shock for a few moments while she was trying to comprehend what she was seeing. He was dead…



Tara fell to the floor in a limp heap and her stomach heaved, she vomited on the floor and lay dry-heaving for several minutes. She then stumbled to her feet and ran in an awkward lurching gait to Donnie’s room.



“Donnie, Donnie, wake up!” she flicked on the light switch and was met with a similar sight to the one in her father’s room.



Tara took a few steps towards the bed, willing that what she was seeing was all some kind of illusion…or even a nasty trick. It was not so…



She stumbled back into the hall, her eyes darting from her brother’s doorway to her father’s. She had to do something, call someone. The doctor? Tara finally let out a broken sob…they did not need a doctor, they were dead! The sobs then came fast and furious until she started choking. She collapsed to the floor and huddled into a ball, rocking backwards and forwards.







She repeated it over and over yet knowing full well that her nightmare had become a reality. Her whole world had been ripped out from beneath her and nothing would ever be the same again.




*****



Willow stood casually with her arms folded as Giles briefed them before their very first actual flight in the Guardian. The group of pilots stood shivering on the side of Angel Island’s runway as the bespectacled scientist offered them a few last words of wisdom. Given that they had already spent the last two weeks undergoing extensive training on every aspect of the jet-propelled aircraft, there was very little he could say now that would make any difference.



Willow was itching all over, she just wanted to be behind the controls that she knew so well yet had never actually tested in flight. She was fairly bouncing on the balls of her feet in anticipation, willing Giles to hurry up with his spiel. She stood next to Tara, the blonde as calm as ever, especially in light of what had happened between them during the past two weeks. The brass had predictably turned a completely blind eye to their very continued relationship. Willow and Tara were able to blatantly flaunt their love for one another…well, as much as too women who wanted to be private about their relationship could possibly flaunt it. They knew they were being watched closely and yet both had since ceased to care as long as they were allowed to be together.



On a more personal note, Tara had begun instructing Willow on ways to stay safe while she walked the dream plane at night. Tara was sure that the LGFs could sense fear, it drew them like moths to a flame. While it was almost impossible to ask Willow to not be scared at finding herself in a place where monsters hunted to kill, she knew at least that she could mask her fear by holding on to images of Tara.



Willow was beginning to get an idea of the randomness of the dream walks when two weeks passed and she had not been drawn in once. This was despite falling asleep in Tara’s arms every night of those two weeks. Hence the reason the redhead was feeling almost perky that morning.



She glanced across to Tara, fearing that Giles would never shut up, to find a dark mask over the blonde’s face. Her usually expressive blue eyes were stony, cold. When Willow reached out a gentle hand and laid it on her shoulder Tara flinched away.



“Baby?” Willow asked in a whisper.



Tara looked at Willow and blinked as though she had just been somewhere very far away. Her eyes were misty but they quickly cleared.



“Are you alright?” Willow asked softly.



“Yeah,” Tara replied in an uncharacteristically vacant voice.



Willow frowned concernedly and tried to touch Tara again. She eased her gloved hand into Tara’s, fingers gently prodding their way between hers. Just as she thought Tara was going to clench her fist and shut her out completely, the fingers relaxed and gradually entwined. Willow tightened her grip in what she hoped was a reassuring gesture.



One corner of Tara’s lips curled upward ever so slightly, “You’re cute when you’re concerned…I’m fine, really…just got lost in my thoughts for a little while.”



Tara’s smile was infectious and Willow found herself responding with one of her own. Mischievous thoughts floated unbidden, but certainly not unwelcome, into her head.



“Captain Rosenberg,” Giles suddenly turned his attention to Willow and the red head looked away from Tara with a fright, Giles continued with a hint of amusement in his voice, “Since you seem to be so intent on being somewhere else then you can be the first to go up.”



Willow gaped for a split second before a grin spread across her face, “Cool.”



*****



Tara stood on the wing while she strapped Willow into the cockpit of the Guardian. She resisted the temptation to lean down and plant her lips on Willow’s in a manner most unbecoming professional fighter pilots. She had to settle for a tight-lipped smile that betrayed her nervousness.



“Okay, Will…no stupid stunts alright?” she double checked the straps to make sure they were as tight as possible. Willow gave her a ‘look’ and Tara managed an uneasy grin, “Alright hot shot…no life-endangering stunts then. I’d rather have you back to me in full working order.”



Willow grinned and winked playfully, Tara patted her on her helmet before jumping down from the wing. She turned and waved even as Willow slammed the cockpit shut. She ran back to the side of the runway to stand with Giles and the other pilots.



“Fingers crossed,” Giles said in barely a whisper.



Tara looked up at him sharply, “Fingers crossed?”



“Well…it is a very tricky aircraft to handle and there has not been near enough time for the proper training…I’m just curious as to how this flight will go…”



“Giles!” Tara snapped, thumping the scientist in the shoulder.



Anxious eyes turned back towards the jet. The engines had since fired up and it was taxiing to the end of the runway. Tara held her breath as the engines gunned in a deafening roar, she could just see Willow in the cockpit. She felt the urge to run out into the middle of the tarmac and stop the plane from taking off, stop Willow from flying in that death trap.



With a roar it swiftly accelerated, shooting past the onlookers and then up into the sky. It climbed sharply and at the top of it’s climb banked sharply and circled the airfield smoothly. Just as Tara’s racing heartbeat was slowly beginning to return to normal the plane flipped over suddenly and she let out an involuntary squeal. Heads turned to look at her before turning back as the Guardian performed a perfect barrel roll



“Oh…my…god,” Tara whispered, “She’s trying to give me a heart attack.”



Even in the pale winter sunlight, Tara had to squint as she watched the now tiny shape high above their heads. She watched as Willow rolled the jet over onto it’s back and then down into the beginnings of a large loop. It flattened out perilously close to the ground and with a roar came closer until it swooped over their heads. Tara’s hair swirled about her face and she had to hold it back with her hand. With the annoying strands out of hair out of her face she watched as the steely plane slowly circled back into land. With the screeching and squealing of tyres the wheels grounded and the jet went screaming past even as it started slowing.



Gradually it lost it’s tremendous speed and near the end of the runway the plane turned about. It came to a rest adjacent to the group and in a few moments the pair of engines were silent save for the hiss of escaping gases as they cooled. The cockpit slid backwards and Tara saw the flash of red hair as Willow pulled her helmet off. She made to break into a run towards the plane but stopped herself. The last thing she needed was to make a scene in front of her comrades over such a silly thing. Instead she waited calmly as Willow leapt down from the cockpit and started walking towards them. She was still a few meters away when she stumbled and fell forward onto her hands and knees. Tara was at her side in a heartbeat, reaching down to support her around her shoulders.



“Willow?” she asked worriedly.



The redhead’s sweat-covered face broke into a huge grin.



“That was so cool!”



*****



Willow was smiling broadly as she made her way back to the barracks after a late night trip to the kitchens to grab a few snacks for her and Tara. For some reason she always felt hungry at this time of night. Tara jokingly said that her body was storing up on energy for their late night activities and Willow had to agree with her. She took a bite from her sandwich and almost spat it back out again when she saw Buffy leaning against the side of the corridor up ahead.



“Still spying on me and Tara?” Willow quickly swallowed her mouthful, the sandwiches in her hands preventing her from assuming a more offensive stance.



“No…just waiting for you,’ Buffy replied in an even voice, as though she were fighting to keep a reign on her temper.



“Well?” Willow arched an eyebrow.



“There is something that I’ve been meaning to talk to you about…have you got a moment?”



Willow looked down at the sandwiches in her hands and then wistfully thought of her beautiful girlfriend waiting in bed for her. Talking to her former best friend was not on her list of fun things to do for the night.



She sighed, “Sure. Spill.”



“I know things between us haven’t exactly been hugs and puppies since…well, for a long time now,” Buffy said quietly, tugging her jacket tightly around her.



“Ah, Buffy…that’s a little bit of an understatement don’t you think?” Willow snipped back.



“I used to want you dead,” Buffy admitted honestly.



“That’s more like it,” Willow nodded emphatically, “Don’t you still want me dead?”



Buffy shook her head, a little sadly, “Willow, I know you have every right to be angry with me but please don’t make this any harder than it already is.”



“Sorry,” Willow mumbled and took a massive bite of her sandwich to help keep herself quiet.



“After…everything…I was so angry. Well, angry doesn’t even begin to cover it really…the fury I felt towards you blinded me to the things that should have been so obvious at the time. I blamed the accident on you and yet there was no way it could have been your fault, Willow, you’re the best pilot I know a-and if there had been anything that you could have done to prevent it…” Buffy forced the words out as though each one was a struggle, she paused to draw in a deep breath, “I used to want you dead…but the more I thought about it…the less I realised I wanted it…until one day I didn’t want it at all…one day, I missed you a-and t-then you and Tara…happened.”



“If I remember correctly, which I do, you practically tried to break us up!” Willow spat angrily, “In case you forgot…you beat me into a bloody pulp because of it…and hello! Ouch!”



“You want to fight some more?” Buffy asked in a resigned voice, her shoulders slumping slightly.



Willow saw the look on the blonde’s face and her anger faded until it was replaced by empathy. She knew exactly where Buffy was coming from. They were in the middle of a war and they were quarrelling as though they were at high school.



“No,” Willow replied in a small voice, “But I don’t see where you were coming from, trying to ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to me…”



“Willow…you don’t understand, you didn’t know anything about Tara…about what she could do to those she loved…and she loved you from the moment she saw you…I feared for you…”



“You tried to break us up…to save my life?” Willow asked incredulously.



“To save both of you actually. You didn’t know Tara before Will…she couldn’t say boo to a mouse.”



“Buffy…”



“No Will, let me finish…I knew Tara when she could not say a single word without stuttering and being in a room with more than five people in it made her break out in a sweat. She was so scared of everything…I wanted to help her straight away but of course she wouldn’t let me,” Buffy smiled slightly in remembrance, “We were stuck together on an overnight exercise, completely lost…”



“I remember you were pretty good at getting people through those,” Willow added.



“Well, to cut a long story short…I know who Tara was…and I know who she is now. She’s happy now, that’s what. In the middle of all this misery, she’s happier that I’ve ever seen her…and it’s all because of you…She loves you Willow…for who you are…despite your temper and your womanising past…unless you neglected to tell her that little aspect of your past?” There was a hint of amusement in Buffy’s voice, remembering all the times they had spent dancing and drinking at clubs.



Willow blushed slightly, “She knows…some of it,” she tightened her lips again, “So…a little realisation and no more bitchy Buffy? Forgive me if I seem a little less than fully convinced but Buffy…I’m not stupid…”



Buffy’s face was serious once more, “I had my orders and a friend that I wanted to protect more than anything but in the past few weeks, well, yes there was the realisation, most importantly that…it’s not my job to protect Tara…it’s yours.”



Willow saw a warmth in Buffy’s gaze she had not seen for a long time, “She’s in good hands, trust me.”



“I know she is,” Buffy replied quietly.



Willow felt her stern gaze soften and for a moment she felt like they were both five years younger and everything was back to normal. She took a step towards Buffy.



“Buffy, if it could have been me instead of Dawn…”



“Willow,” to Willow it sounded as though Buffy were about to launch into yet another a tirade about how it was her fault Dawn had died, “I…know,” it sounded forced and yet it was what Willow had been waiting five years to hear.



Willow impulsively threw her arms around the shorter woman and the sandwiches squashed against Buffy’s back.



“Will, thanks but get off…I think there’s another woman you would much rather be hugging right now.”



Willow drew back and looked at the somewhat squashed sandwiches in her hand. She took another bite of hers, “Still good,” she said with her mouth full.



“Get going kiddo, Tara will be antsy wondering where you are,” Buffy smiled slightly, “By the way…that was some fine flying this afternoon.”



“Thanks,” Willow nodded and moved past Buffy as she continued down the corridor.



She glanced back once to check that Buffy had actually been there and she had not simply dreamt up their reconciliation. Buffy waved slightly, Willow responded with one of her own, inadvertently flinging cheese to the ground. A small smile crossed her face and she increased her pace as she made her way back to her room where Tara was waiting. She couldn’t wait to tell Tara about Buffy…although the telling could wait until after Tara-touch…



*****



“Taaaaaraaaaa!”



Tara’s tongue brought her over the edge of reason and Willow’s back arched in the throes of her passion. Her fingers gripped the sheets as Tara’s tongue continued stroking and licking, finding every last drop of moisture. Eventually, when Willow’s cries had subsided to whimpers, Tara moved up her body to lay along her length. She cradled the still shaking red head in her arms, stroking her sweaty flank with a firm hand.



Willow slowly felt her racing heart return to a moderately normal pace as she snuggled into Tara’s arms. The blonde stroked her hair from her eyes and her face so she could claim her lips. Willow responded hungrily, loving her own taste on Tara’s lips…almost as much as she loved the taste of Tara on her own. Almost…but not quite.



They pulled apart, Tara pulling the blankets up over their bodies before they began to feel the cold once more. She tenderly drew it up to Willow’s chin, the redhead clutched it in her small fist. Tara planted a kiss on her cheek and lay down, spooning her from behind.



“What were you thinking about?” Willow asked as she snuggled into Tara’s arms.



“What? Just now?” Tara asked in a bemused voice, “I was thinking how wonderful you taste.”



Willow wriggled backwards until their bodies pressed tightly together. Tara’s arm was around her stomach, keeping a firm, possessive grip on her.



“No,” Willow replied softly, stroking Tara’s hand.



“When sweetie?”



“Today, at our briefing…you were somewhere else, far away.”



“I really don’t…” Tara began and then stopped suddenly, she drew in a breath, “I was thinking about my father and brother…about the night I found them…”



Willow did not know how to respond. Tara had imparted very little information as to how her family had died, other than that they had died in the dream scape and in turn been killed where they slept. Having seen what the LGFs did to people firsthand, Willow knew full well that it would have been messy and so terrifying for a small child…



“Tell me about them,” Willow asked quietly.



“Okay…my Dad, he…he was the kindest man in the world, of course every little girl thinks that about her Daddy but in this case I was definitely right. I remember the way he would take me in his great big hands and swing me up onto the saddle of my pony. Everything about him was solid, no fuss…just plain, hardworking…and I loved him so…”



“I wish I could’ve met him,” Willow said quietly.



“He would have liked you.”



“Even though I would have been stealing his daughter from him?”



“I’m sure you would have won him over,” Tara nestled her cheek against Willow’s, “And my big brother…no one could make me laugh like Donnie, and of course no one could make me so angry. There was one time he tied my favourite doll to the topmost branch of this big old tree we had out back. I could never get more than a few meters off the ground before I chickened out and couldn’t go any higher…”



“You were afraid of heights?” Willow asked incredulously.



Tara laughed lightly, “I know, seems funny now but at the time I was terrified. Anyway, he refused to bring it down for me and the thought of my doll spending the night up in the tree all alone was just terrifying. I climbed, Donnie was right there the whole time…and eventually I made it to the top. Climbing trees was never a problem after that…although I did hate Donnie for a good two days after that.”



“I don’t have brothers or sisters, although Buffy and Dawn were as good as…better even because I never had to share my toys with them,” Willow yawned and snuggled further into the pillow.



“Sleepy baby?”



“No, hungry,” Willow responded, although she yawned again.



Although even as she said it her eyes closed slowly and sleep pushed insistently at the edges of her consciousness.



Tara stroked her head gently and soothingly, “Go to sleep sweetie.”



“I’m not afraid,” Willow said quietly in what had almost become a mantra, “I’m not afraid, hear that beasties, I’m not afraid of you ugly brutes…”



“We don’t want them to hear you Willow…quiet as a mouse remember?” Tara laid her other arm around Willow’s stomach, “And remember I’m right here, you’re safe in my arms.”



“I know,” Willow whispered as she yawned and waited for sleep to come.



“Sweet dreams Willow,” Tara laid a gentle kiss on Willow’s head.





TBC in Chapter Seventeen– “For the Sake of a Friend.”



Reality continues to ruin my life - Calvin and Hobbes

KiwiAlcyone
 


Re: Captain Red and the Denizens of Mars

Postby KiwiAlcyone » Thu Jun 24, 2004 10:39 pm

whoops - doubled posted :P

Reality continues to ruin my life - Calvin and Hobbes

Edited by: KiwiAlcyone  at: 6/24/04 9:40 pm
KiwiAlcyone
 


Re: Chapter 16

Postby blue and green wings » Thu Jun 24, 2004 11:17 pm

oh man, what an update. first we finally get to find out how tara ended up w/o her brother and dad. i know it's was mentioned in the story before, but now we understand how it changed her. it wasn't a good catalyst for change or a positive change, but change is necessary for her to become who she is now. second, i'm happy that buffy and willow reconciled. i'm used to seeing them both as best friends, and hopefully, they'll be back to that level later. soo....does this mean that buffy and willow will reconcile in WYTN? update soon!

blue and green wings
 


Re: Captain Red and the Denizens of Mars

Postby wimpy0729 » Thu Jun 24, 2004 11:46 pm

Oh Alcy, that was incredible.



Tara's memories are so heartbreaking, but I'm glad she was able to talk to Willow about it.



I take it Willow liked her new plane. I got a rush just reading about it.



I'm so relieved that Tara taught her how to be safe in her dreams. Now she can sleep peacefully in Tara's arms. *sigh*



And Buffy and Willow made up -- how cool is that?!



Can't wait for more!



Wimpy

wimpy0729
 


WOW

Postby gabbles » Fri Jun 25, 2004 12:11 am

AMAZING




I know, you know it, we all know it. Fantastic update Alcy!



Quote:
"Since you seem to be so intent on being somewhere else then you can be the first to go up.”



Willow gaped for a split second before a grin spread across her face, “Cool.”




Quote:
"I used to want you dead," Buffy admitted honestly.



“That’s more like it,” Willow nodded emphatically




You crack me up.



Thanks heaps for the update!

*hugz*

~Gabs









"I'm known as the fat lesbian chick on Buffy. Of course, I mean you stand me next to an actress like Sarah and I look like I'll eat her. *beat* Wait, that didn't sound right. But, you know what I mean."-Amber

Edited by: gabbles at: 6/24/04 11:18 pm
gabbles
 


Re: WOW

Postby Artemis » Fri Jun 25, 2004 4:07 am

Awesome! That glimpse into Tara's past was so gut-wrenching though, and the hints we got from Buffy of what those experiences did to her. I'm all for hoping that current trends ontinue, and there's much happiness and snuggles in her and Willow's future... but I can't help feeling this would be a good time to brace myself :) It's nothing I can put my finger on, but with things seemingly going right - uninterrupted sleep, Willow learning to evade the LGF's dream goons, and the new jet fighter taking to the skies, even Buffy fronting up an apology, well, something's gotta give. I have my suspicions, but I'll keep them to myself (just in case, by some chance, I prove to be right - I wouldn't want to inadvertently cause a spoiler).



It is, however, very good to see Tara (and Willow by extension) taking a positive approach to the dangers of the LGF presence in dream-land - not just fearing them, but considering ways to counter them. I'm wondering just how important that arena is to the war as a whole - after all, if the LGFs can fight there, them perhaps they can be fought against there too. Out in the real-world, though of course one can't look forward to our lovely heroines flying into danger, I'm kind of itching to see the Guardians get a real try-out :)



Great chapter, and I'm looking forward to more. Cautious but eager, that's me :)

Artemis
 


Re: WOW

Postby barnabasvamp » Fri Jun 25, 2004 11:40 am

One hell of an update! :D



Poor Tara. You made her memories seem so real, and so tragic the way she found her dad and brother.



Willow got to fly first, and of course she had to show off just a bit.



:shock And OMG, Buffy!! It's about time she gave in and let Willow know she cared, and was able to do so without having to look too bad.



BV

It's the passion in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.

barnabasvamp
 


Re: WOW

Postby BurningWhiteRose » Fri Jun 25, 2004 12:15 pm

Another wonderful chapter to a wonderful story by a wonderful author named ALCY!



3 wonderfuls in 1 sentance? Its officially summer.



Continue soon?



Sincerely,

:flower BWR

BurningWhiteRose
 

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