Saving Grace (AU fic~ ^.^) [COMPLETE!]

[Bewitchedyke]

NOOOOooooooo.... everything was going so well... Now he shows up an' he's gonna mess it up

I hope that Tara decides to let Willow know about her past, because I bet it will cause problems if she doesn't.

Thanks for the quick updates! I love not having to wait months for the next lil bit.

Hope to see another one soon....

[ophelia11]

Hey there,

I finally found a few minutes to sit down and read. Blew through all eleven parts this evening. Lovely story! I really like your grouping of Tara, Faith, and Riley. They seem to compliment each other well. Occasionally, I want to bop Faith, though she means well.

You've created a great space for all of these characters to exist. Willow and Tara compliment each other so well. I certainly understand Tara's reluctance to share painful stories of her past, but hopefully opening up will bring them closer. Pesky Oz and his bad timing.

Can't wait to see what you have in store for us next. Thanks for sharing!

[lilcheesenip]

@Egnalos- Wow! Thanks so much! I hope this next chapter makes up for the lack of the last one!

@tarawillow<3- Thank you so much for following! ^.^ Enjoy this chapter!

@Bewitchedyke -xD Don't worry; Tara will talk to her soon. And it's no problem! I can't go too long without writing on this! ^.^ Enjoy this next chapter!

@ophelia11- Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for your kind words! ^.^ I'm glad you agree with my choices for all the characters; I wasn't quite sure at first, but I knew I wanted Faith in there for sure. I feel she's underappreciated sometimes xD So she went a little crazy. She changed! xD Thanks for following, and enjoy this next chapter!

********************

TITLE: Saving Grace

AUTHOR: lilcheesenip

RATING: PG-13, mostly for occasional naughty language ^.^

DISCLAIMER: Sadly, I don't own any of the characters. Wish I did, but Joss Whedon does. >.>

SUMMARY: Writing was the one thing that was ever important to best-selling author Willow Rosenberg. But when she moves to her deceased uncle's horse ranch, she finds herself at the mercy of the horses, Riley, Faith, and a gentle, blue-eyed blonde who Willow can't help but fall in love with.

SPOILERS: None that I can think of. It's all AU, so no monsters, or anything. ^.^

FEEDBACK: Absolutely! I live for it. ^.^

Author's Note: Mmm. Maybe it's just me, but I just realized that they overreact a bit. Or maybe it's just me. ^.^ Enjoy anyways!

PART 12
--------------------------
Tara wouldn’t look at her.

Willow squinted and stared at the form on the stairs. It was only when she looked harder did she see the rest of the household behind him.

Dawn was horrified and seething at the same time. Buffy’s expression was unreadable. Xander and Anya looked uncomfortable, Riley confused. Faith’s expression was lethal, and she was cracking her knuckles and rolling her shoulders, obviously anticipating some sort of conformation.

Willow had a bad feeling that she was her target.

“Oz?” Her voice cracked on the name, and all the memories, the good and the bad, rushed back to her. All the things she’d tried so hard to forget so hard, to suppress until it was like it had never happened, flooded back to her, and for a moment, just a short moment, she wanted Oz like she’d never wanted anything before.

But then Tara cleared her throat nervously beside her so she could speak, and Willow was jerked out of her reverie. All the memories were pushed back once more, and Willow replaced them with memories of Tara’s face, from every angle, in every possible expression, in every possible lighting. There weren’t nearly as many memories of Tara as there were Oz, but Willow wanted to change that. In that next moment, her desire for Oz was overridden by her desire for her new girlfriend, a desire she hadn’t felt for her before.

“I-I s-s-should just…” Tara started to edge down the hall, towards her room, and Faith moved automatically to follow her, but Willow reached out, and took her arm to stop her.

“Tara, don’t-”

Tara lifted her head to meet Willow’s gaze, and pulled her arm away gently. “Willow.” All she said was Willow’s name, but it had a thousand meanings, held a thousand emotions. And the strongest were love, pain, and acceptance.

“Tara, don’t think this means-”

But Tara turned her head away, and kept walking down the hall until she could slip into her room. Willow almost went after her, but then Faith followed her, bumping her shoulder hard into Willow’s as she went by, the glare she focused on her freezing Willow in her tracks. Faith disappeared into Tara’s room, leaving Willow staring after them.

Tara...

“Willow.”

Willow turned to Buffy, though she was still a little muddled. Buffy had brushed past Oz- who was staring at her hard, brow furrowed, a strange expression of mingled shock and suppressed fury in it- and extended a hand towards her, almost as if she was a little afraid to touch her.

“Willow, just leave her right now, okay?”

Willow started shaking her head again. “But-”

“Willow, trust me. You go in that room, Faith will dismember you.”

Willow looked back anxiously towards Tara’s room again, and then back at Buffy. “Do you think she’s mad at me?” She asked quietly, so only Buffy could hear.

Buffy smiled weakly. “Tara could never be mad at you, Wil. Just deal with Oz right now.”

Willow’s eyes drifted from Tara’s door back to Oz. “Okay,” She said softly.

***

When Faith entered Tara’s room, she was holding a pair of scissors against her wrist.

“Tara! God, what are you doing?!” Faith lunged for her, wrestling her to the ground, pinning her down by her wrists, and knocking the scissors away. Tara cried out as her shoulder hit the ground hard and her bad hand hit the wall; she struggled for a moment, then gave up, breathing hard.

“Tara! If you were just going to cut yourself, I swear that Willow Rosenberg will not live to see another day!”

“Faith! Oww! Owww! Get off! Please! Ow!”

Faith slowly eased off, but not before she grabbed the scissors off the floor, keeping them well out of reach. She grabbed the wrist of Tara’s good hand, yanked her up, and roughly led her over to the bed before forcing her down. She chucked the scissors at the opposite side of the room, and turned to Tara, who was shaking and sobbing by that point, and took Tara’s hand in her own. There were rare tears in her dark eyes. “Tara, please...please don’t start this again.”

“Faith...Faith...I’m so sorry...but I wasn’t going to. I wouldn’t...not after that.”

“Then why...?”

Tara looked down at the hands. “I was...I was going to. I wanted to. But then I...I just couldn’t. I thought of you and Willow. Riley...Dawn...Buffy. Xander...even Anya. You don’t want me to hurt myself, and I don’t want to...I don’t want to make you guys unhappy...I...I’m so sorry...”

Faith enveloped her into a tight hug, and the tears she was fighting against trickled down her cheeks. “Tara...you scared the shit out of me.”

“I’m sorry...”


“I know.”

“F-forgive me?”

“Of course. Just don’t. Do. It. Again.”

Tara laughed shakily. “O-okay. I’m so-”

“Stop apologizing, or I’ll do something I’ll regret later that Willow will most certainly hurt me for. Speaking of Willow hurting people...” Faith pulled away, and raised her eyebrows so high they disappeared underneath her dark bangs. “Any luck in the bedroom?”

Tara blushed, but laughed, feeling better already by this change of subject. “My business, thank-you.”

“C’mon, tell Dr. Faith all ‘bout it.” Faith waggled her eyebrows in invitation.

“God, Faith, please don’t start this again, or I may very well take a blade to my wrist.”

“Not funny.”

“I think so.”

“Don’t make me hurt you.”

“Not like you will.”

“Wanna bet?”

“Twenty bucks?”

“You’re on.”

***

“So what are you doing here?”

Oz’s eyes were confused, and there was still something dark underneath that confusion that set off warning bells in Willow’s mind. She brushed the feeling off as ridiculous. She was just surprised, and she was just reacting because of their breakup.

“To see you. You invited me. Didn’t you?” His eyebrows pulled together again.

“Well, yeah. But you didn’t answer my email. I didn’t think you were coming. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Oz didn’t answer her question; instead, he asked his own. “Willow, who was that girl?”

Willow suddenly felt cold at the look that she thought she saw in Oz’s eyes. “Who, the brunette? Faith? If you’re worried about her hurting me, really, she’s always like that, and I’m-”

“No, the blonde,” Oz interrupted impatiently, and this sent another chill through Willow. Oz was never impatient.

“Tara? She’s my gir-farm hand. She works with my horses. Oz, are you okay?” Willow wasn’t quite sure why she didn’t just tell Oz Tara was her girlfriend- there was nothing for her to be ashamed of. She was proud of Tara, proud to be her girlfriend. But something just stopped her from saying it.

“Hm? Oh, yeah.” He went back to brooding over the cup of coffee Willow had made. “She just seemed...I dunno, really upset about me being here.”

Willow’s eyes flickered to the ceiling, and she paused to see if she could hear anybody upstairs moving. There was nothing. Her eyes moved to the stairs, judging how long she would have to wait before she could excuse herself and check up on her girlfriend with many apology-smoochies included...Mmm...Tara-lips. I want.

“-and I was just wondering that, you know, if you don’t mind me saying so.”

“Huh?” Willow, jerked out of her Tara-fantasy, looked back at Oz. “I’m sorry, say that again?”

Oz looked at her strangely. “You know...never mind. Uh, do you have a place I could crash for a bit? I drove all night.” He wasn’t looking at her anymore; his eyes were focused on the window behind Willow, but she was a too wrapped up to notice.

“Yes, of course. Umm...just let me...check with...” Willow didn’t finish her sentence, just got to her feet, and headed for the stairs, tripping in her haste to get up them.

By the time she got up the stairs, the graze on her chin was starting to bleed, but she ignored it, heading for Tara’s room. She knocked once, then opened the door without waiting for an answer. “Tare?”

Faith’s steely gaze greeted her.

“Where’s Tara?” Willow shrank back a bit, eyes darting around the room to confirm that her girlfriend was indeed absent. Crap. Faith might actually hurt me if Tara’s not here. “Look, Faith-”

“Shut up; I don’t wanna listen to your shit. I don’t know jack about that guy down there, but I have a bad feeling about him, and I want him gone. Tara had a scissors against her wrist- that’s right; a blade against her wrist- because of you and I don’t want you making her hurt herself.”

“Where is she?!” Willow demanded, forgetting the danger she was in. “Where’s Tara? I need to talk to her.”

“She went for a walk. She’s fine, thanks to yours truly, and not to you. You just left her here and went off with him.”

Willow’s jaw dropped at the pure hate dripping from the words. “Uh, yeah, because I like my limbs attached to my body. If I’d followed, it would’ve been hurt-Willow-first-ask-questions-later.”

Faith arched one eyebrow. “So you come before Tara now? Make sure your limbs are in no danger, then come find her?”

“Yes! No! Just-ugh!” Willow spun on her heel, and slammed the door behind her, leaving Faith seething on the bed.

She stormed down the hallway, and stomped down the stairs as loud as she could- at least, until her heel broke a little hole in the old stairs, and she lurched forward, ending up in a small heap at the bottom of the stairs. With nothing but her pride wounded, she picked herself up, and dusted herself off.

“Oz? Oz, I’m sorry; I have to find-Oz?” She blinked when she found the kitchen empty. “Oz? Huh.”

Some little part of her brain screamed danger, and she suddenly remembered the look in Oz’s eyes when she’d spoke of Tara.

Wait, wait, wait. Tara’s gone. Tara’s upset. Tara’s gone. Alone. Tara’s gone. Oz doesn’t like Tara. Oz almost hates Tara. Oz gets protective over me; he got that protective look when I talked about her. Oz is gone...

“Oh, shit!” She choked out, and she made a dash for the stairs.

***

It was cold.

Tara inhaled deeply as she trudged through the snow; the cold air tickled at her throat, and made her cough, but she enjoyed the feeling. She liked the cold more than most; the tingle of her nose as it turned pink from the exposure. Of course, that didn’t mean she didn’t like warmth. In fact, she like a particular warmth more than others: the warmth of Willow’s body beside her.

No. No. She couldn’t think about that right now. Willow was busy with Oz. Oz was her old high school flame, and she knew how things could get between old boyfriends. Well, between old girlfriends.

Tara stopped briefly outside the pasture, and stared at the empty field. The horses had been brought in on a blizzard warning for their area, but so far it had seemed clear enough. Tara was a little miffed that Faith had made her swear off any riding before she had left out the backdoor- avoiding the kitchen so she didn’t have to pass Willow and Oz- and she longed to just run for the stables, hop onto Lalita, and ride off into the snow bareback. Lalita had loved to do that as much as Tara had.

Lalita... Tara paused outside the stables, and stared at the side door- the door that wasn’t in sight of her window, because she didn’t want Faith to come out after her for it. Lalita wasn’t there for her to visit anymore when she was having a bad day, but there was Heaven’s Glory, and Sun’s Song- better known as Sunny- a palomino filly that had been offered to her about six months ago. Just before Willow had come to the farm. Sunny was a gentle, gorgeous filly- Just like Willow. God, obsessed much, Tara?- with a rich coat, and a flowing mane and tail. Tara planned to use her for showing when she got a bit older.

Grooming Sunny was definitely an appealing thought. It would give her a chance to work through the bitterness. And grooming could be done with one hand, so Tara wouldn’t have to lie when she would tell her she had not strained herself.

Just as she reached for the door, there was a hand on her shoulder.

She knew immediately that it was Oz. Who else would set their hand down so heavily on her bad shoulder?

Tara flinched, and turned when Oz’s hand tugged impatiently, pulling her around. She didn’t recognize the face that leered up at her. Even though Oz was shorter than her, he made her feel much, much smaller. She shrank away from him, tried to pull away and run for the barn, but he tightened his hold painfully, making her wince.

“She’s all over you! Do you know that?” He leaned forward, towering over her now as she cowered in his rage, cowered at the malicious look in his eyes. He was angry. He was very angry.

“Wh-what?” Tara managed to squeak out.

“Willow! What is there between you?!”

“I can’t. I-I can’t talk about this,” Tara choked out, and she tried to pull away again, tried to run, but she couldn’t make her shaking legs work.
The hand against her cheek was angry, hard; it slammed into her with enough force to make her weakened legs buckle, and give out. She fell to the snow-covered ground with a cry, hands automatically flying up to protect her head.

“But there's something to talk about? Are you two involved?!” He leaned over her, his lip curling. Tara couldn’t see any humanity left in his eyes.

All she could see was her father. Donny. Hannah.

“P-please...” The plea tumbled out of her without conscience command; it was an automatic reaction, one born long ago. “P-p-please don’t hurt me...”

“Is she in love with you? Tell me! Is she?!”

Tara couldn’t answer. She pressed her cheek against the cold wood of the barn, knees drawn up to protect her abdomen, hands over her head as a crude shield, and cried silently, waiting for the pain. Her heart hammered in her chest, and each beat had a name.

Willow. Faith. Riley. Willow. Buffy. Dawn. Faith. Xander. Anya. Willow. Willow. Faith. Willow...

Help me.

Oz brought his hand down again.

But before it could come in contact with her, a hand seized his wrist, and jerked him backwards.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, buddy,” Faith snarled, using his wrist as leverage to twist his arm painfully behind his back. Oz growled incoherently, and tried to use his free hand to fend her off, but another hand grabbed that wrist in a death-lock, and pulled that arm behind his back as well.

“Not a chance,” Buffy grunted as he struggled against the two of them.

“Let. Me. Go.” The words were choppy, separated by gasps of pain and rage as Buffy and Faith twisted his arms further. “I’ll kill her!”

“And I swear by your full and manly beard that you’re gonna break something trying.” Xander was there, followed closely by Anya, Dawn, Riley, and Willow. He and Riley helped Faith and Buffy wrestle the half-crazed man to the ground while Dawn watched over threateningly, a bottle of Windex aimed at Oz’s eyes.

Willow headed straight for Tara, who was still crying against the wall. “Tara! Tara? Tara? Oh, god, did he hurt you?!”

Tara finally lifted her head and opened her eyes to look up at the anxious red-head, who was hovering over her, hands fluttering nearby, trying to decide if she should touch Tara or not.

“Willow?” She managed to get out.

“Tara!”

“Willow...I...I was so sure no one would...find me. That I was lost...”

“I found you!” Willow was crying, and she pulled Tara into a tight embrace, kissing her face, her neck, her shoulder- anything she could reach. “I’ll always find you! Tara, I’m so sorry!”

Tara sobbed into her shoulder, and Willow gripped her closer.

“Oh, would you stop it already?” Faith demanded, her knee digging into Oz’s back, keeping a firm grip on his twisted arm. “She’s fine; she’s safe. We’ve got the bastard down. Now you’re just starting to sound cheesy!” But even she couldn’t hide the immense relief spelled out plainly in her eyes.

Oz growled underneath them, and struggled again. “Let. Me. At. The. Bitch!”

Faith slammed him back into the ground again.

Willow whirled, eyes flashing, and, still keeping one arm wrapped tightly around Tara, aimed a fierce kick at his face.

The crack as his nose broke was one of the sweetest sounds she’d ever heard.

[Bewitchedyke]

Well that's not exactly what I was thinking when I said he was going to mess everything up... I'm glad that they stopped him though! I guess we'll be seeing more doting Willow, eh?

I liked all the references from various episodes LOL...

thanks for the update!

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for good update-y goodness... I almost hope that they didn't hurt Oz too much... Few months in a full body cast would do wonders for him...

[whirlwindcharmer]

Damn, I know you said you like Tara, but I'm beginning to wonder I am intrigued, if that's what happens to someone you like, what happens to someone you don't? Like maybe Oz? Poor Tara, I think she's suffered enough/ had enough pain to last her a lifetime, definitely time for some Willow tlc

[lilcheesenip]

@Bewitchedyke- What can I say? Oz works in mysterious ways, and since this is a non-magic fic, I was trying to come up with a way for him to lose control like he did in the actual series without turning into a wolf. My lack of imagition is sad, isn't it? xD Yes, doting Willow is promised, and thanks ^.^ The show's so amazing, you have to reference it xD

@Zampsa1975- Hmm...I'm liking that idea! Enjoy this next chapter!

@whirlwindcharmer- I swear I like Tara; she's my fave character (tied with Willow, of course.) But I'm one of those awful writers who does bad things to their characters xD Willow TLC is promised! Look forward to it ^.^

*********************************
TITLE: Saving Grace

AUTHOR: lilcheesenip

RATING: PG-13, mostly for occasional naughty language ^.^

DISCLAIMER: Sadly, I don't own any of the characters. Wish I did, but Joss Whedon does. >.>

SUMMARY: Writing was the one thing that was ever important to best-selling author Willow Rosenberg. But when she moves to her deceased uncle's horse ranch, she finds herself at the mercy of the horses, Riley, Faith, and a gentle, blue-eyed blonde who Willow can't help but fall in love with.

SPOILERS: None that I can think of. It's all AU, so no monsters, or anything. ^.^

FEEDBACK: Absolutely! I live for it. ^.^

PART 13
--------------------------------------------------------
Because the kitchen table was too small to accommodate them, Christmas Dinner was romantically eaten on the living room floor.

“Well, this is…nice,” Buffy said, an attempt to start conversation.

Tara kept her eyes on her food, waiting for Willow to come back from the kitchen, where she was talking with a police officer about Oz. Tara had already been questioned, but Willow, always the sensitive one, had sent her back to the living room when he had started asking about Oz’s past.

Dawn was still angry. “Please. Oz came in, totally ruined our Christmas, hurt Tara, and now we’re eating on the floor! And the peas are mushy! You hate mushy peas.”

Tara finally looked up. “Dawn, I’m fine. And I’m really sorry about the food…and eating here…You must hate me right now.”

“I don’t hate you,” Anya told her around a mouthful of mashed potato, “You gave me pie.”

Tara smiled weakly.

“I don’t hate mushy peas. I strongly dislike them.” When Dawn continued to look pissed, Buffy put her fork down, and glared at her. “Stop complaining, and be glad he didn’t really hurt Tara. And eat your beans. They’re good for you.”

Dawn rolled her eyes. “You are such a pain.”

“Ignoring you.”

“You’re sure you’re okay, Tara?” It must’ve been the thousandth time Faith had asked.

“I’m fine, Faith.” And it was the truth. One measly slap was nothing compared to what she’d been through before.

As if realizing she’d actually shown some sort of compassion, Faith coughed, and moved her eyes to her food. “I mean, if I’m gonna beat the” –On a warning look from Buffy, she rolled her eyes, and continued- “S-H-I-T outta him, I need a reason, don’t I?”

“I know how to spell,” Dawn muttered, annoyed.

“Uh-huh.” Tara took another bite of her Yorkshire Pudding, and forced herself to swallow. If her dad had taught her anything, it was continue on. Act normal. Pretend. If you didn’t cover up somebody else’s mistakes, you’d pay for it later.

“Thank-you, Officer. Of course I’ll let you know. Are you sure you won’t stay?” Even as she spoke the words, Willow shepherded the Officer out towards the front door. Everyone clammed up immediately, and watched him go. He tipped his hat to them all-they all nodded and smiled politely in response- until, finally, after Willow had practically shoved him out the door, he was gone.

“I like him,” Faith commented with a smirk after the door had been shut-and locked- behind him. “He’s butch.”

“A little too strong, sweetie,” Tara murmured, eyes still on her food. Willow squeezed her arm as she sat down beside her, and smiled ruefully.

“Sorry. Wanted him out.”

“Really? I couldn’t tell.” Faith rolled her eyes.

“That man had a big gun,” Anya mused from her place next to Xander.

Xander smirked. “He needs to lay off on the doughnuts.”

Anya patted his stomach affectionately. “And you need to lay off on the sweets.”

“Says she who had three helpings of pie before eating her actual dinner.”

“Pie’s good. What’s wrong with that?”

“You’re a strange girlfriend.”

Tara smiled as she listened to them banter, still concentrating on eating her food as quickly as possible so she could go lie down. Even if she hadn’t been hurt, she was a little shaken up over the whole thing.

“So I guess he’s on parole,” Willow said from beside her.

“Who now?” Buffy asked, looking up from her plate.

“Oz, genius,” Dawn said spitefully.

Before Buffy could retaliate, Tara nodded for Willow to continue. “And?”

“I guess he got put away for assault on his last girlfriend. Almost killed her. She’s in a coma right now.”

Tara shivered. Willow wrapped an arm around her, and pulled her in close, kissing her neck softly, and whispering an “I’m sorry” for her again.

“Guess he won’t be coming back anytime soon,” Buffy murmured.

“Serves him right,” Dawn muttered.

“True that, kid.” Faith reached over to ruffle Dawn’s hair playfully, earning a squeal and a complaint of ruined hair, even though Dawn was grinning.

Anya looked up from her empty plate hopefully. “More pie?”

***

Dawn watched her throughout the whole evening.

Tara could feel her eyes constantly. When she was eating dinner, when she managed to force down a small bowl of Vanilla ice cream. When she was curled up against Willow by the fire with everyone else, nursing a drink of eggnog, a comfort. But every time Tara turned to look at her, Dawn had politely averted her eyes to something else.

Damn, she’s good.

It was only when Tara had gone to the kitchen to refill her glass of eggnog-Willow had promised that she would, but Tara had insisted that her legs were cramping and she needed to stretch a bit- did Dawn confront her.

“Why aren’t you upset?”

Tara had been humming softly to herself- a lullaby her mother had used to sing to her whenever she had been too scared by nightmares of men with sharp objects and a thousand arms and legs to catch her with to sleep- completely in her own little world, so when Dawn’s voice sounded, she jumped, sloshing the eggnog across the counter.

“Dawn!”

“Sorry,” She said, though she didn’t sound it.

Tara didn’t answer, just reached for a dishcloth, and mopped up the mess, hoping Dawn wouldn’t press her earlier question.

Her prayers were denied. “Why aren’t you upset?” Dawn asked again.

“Because i-it was nothing. One slap. That was all.” Tara quickly gulped down half the glass of eggnog to moisturize her dry throat, and hoped she could keep lying. She didn’t have the energy for it today.

“He certainly scared me.” Dawn hopped up on the counter beside her so she could study her face. Tara turned away, and focused on refilling her glass.

“Look, Dawn, there are some things I went through when I was your age, but there not for kids’ ears-”

“I’m not a kid!” Dawn protested fiercely, “And if you went through them at my age, why can’t I hear about them now?” She folded her arms across her chest and waited, pleased with her logic.

Tara took her time putting the carton away, stalling. “I…don’t like to talk about it.”

“Talking about it helps.”

“Must you have a snide answer for everything?”

“I’m a teenager. It’s what I do.”

Tara smiled ruefully, then looked over at the clock, judging how much longer she would have to stall until someone- most likely Willow or Faith- came to check on her and make sure she hadn’t gotten herself into some hellish mess again.

Right on cue, Willow hurried into the kitchen. “Baby, what’s-oh. Hi, Dawnie.”

“Wil, Tara’s keeping secrets,” Dawn complained.

Willow’s eyes flickered to Tara, saw the silent plea there, and then moved to Dawn. “Dawnie, isn’t it about time for bed?”

“It’s nine o’clock on Christmas Day! I’m not that stupid. I know when someone wants me out of the room.”

“Then why’re you still here?” Faith had sauntered in after Willow, carrying empty glasses.

“Tara and I were talking.”

“Beat it, kid.”

“I’m not a kid!”

“Dawn? What are you doing in there?” Buffy had come to the doorway to see what all the commotion was about, while Anya trailed hopefully behind her, in search of more pie.

“Y-you know, I’m a little tired. I-I think I might just…” Tara headed for the stairs while Dawn was effectively occupied. Willow watched her go, glanced at her friends, smiled in apology, and gave chase.

***

“Baby, are you okay?”

Tara looked up from her dresser. “H-huh? I’m fine. Just tired. Go spend time with your f-friends.”

But Willow remained in the doorway, wringing her hands, knowing that something was wrong, but not knowing how to address it. “Tara…Tara, I’m so sorry.”

“What?” Tara looked up from the shirt she had pulled out, mystified to see tears in Willow’s eyes. “Wil?”

“Tara, I…God, I’ve put you through hell these past weeks. Why don’t you hate me?”

“Willow.” Tara dropped the shirt, and moved towards her. “Willow, I couldn’t ever hate you.”

“You should!” Willow raged, making Tara pause and stare at her, “You should hate me for a-all the things I put you through! You shouldn’t even tolerate me! I should leave!”

“Willow, no!” Tara was starting to get upset. “Willow, why would you say something like that?!”

Willow broke down, her anger gone as quickly as it had come. “You…you’ve been hurt…so much because of me. Oz could have killed you! You could have ended up like his last girlfriend. All because of me. I can’t…ever let that happen to you.”

Tara’s face softened, and she reached forward to take hold of Willow’s shoulder. Her good hand rubbed soothingly up and down for a moment, and then she reached up to cup Willow’s cheek, using her thumb to wipe away the tears.“It didn’t happen. That’s what matters.”

“But it could have!”

“Shh, darling.” Tara smiled, and leaned forward to kiss her. She had no intentions of deepening the kiss, and it seemed neither did Willow; her lips moved almost frantically against her’s, seeking the comfort Tara offered. Finally, Tara pulled away, letting her forehead rest against Willow’s. “What matters is you care enough about me to be willing to leave.”

“God, I’d be stupid not to.”

Tara smiled, and used her sleeve to wipe away the last of Willow’s tears. “Are you okay now?”

Willow took a moment to consider, and then nodded slowly. “I…think so. I think I just want to go to bed. …Feel you next to me. Is…that okay?”

Tara smiled again. “Of course.”

Willow nodded slowly again, and smiled at her girlfriend. “Thank-you.”

“Anytime, honey.” Tara gathered her PJ’s from where she had dropped them, suddenly feeling awkward. “I’ll just, uh…” She headed for the door so she could change in the bathroom, but Willow stopped her. She smiled gently, and took Tara’s good hand in her own, leading her back to the bed.

“We’re both girls, aren’t we? Buffy and I have changed in front of each other millions of times…um, but just as friends! You know, good friends! Not girlfriends, or anything, and um…I won’t look. Promise.”

Tara tilted her head, studying her girlfriend, and then smiled, and nodded. “Okay,” She whispered, and she touched Willow’s cheek briefly before sitting down on the bed. She looked over expectantly at Willow, who stared back at her, a little dizzy.

“Umm…sweetie? Are you okay?”

“Huh? Right! I’m fine. Finey McFine!” Willow turned her back, blushing. She stripped out of her jeans, and pulled on a pair of sweats, surprised to find how much of her concentration it was taking not to sneak a peak over her shoulder. She was just reaching for her tank-top when she heard a pained grunt behind her, and turned automatically.

Tara was struggling to pull her shirt over her head, with only one hand which was-Ironically, Tara thought with dark humour- at the end of the arm attached to her bad shoulder. Somehow she had managed to tangle herself up in it, and was having a hard time getting herself out of the mess.

Willow’s hands covered her’s. Tara turned, peeking out of one of the sleeves to see Willow behind her, looking both amused and pained. “Let me?”

Tara nodded, and Willow’s hands moved slowly down her sides, carefully, until she could take the hem of the shirt between her fingers. Gently, with a tenderness that made Tara want to burst into tears, she edged the shirt up, mindful of Tara’s bad shoulder, and pulled it carefully over her head, sliding the sleeves off her arms for her.

Tara shivered at the sudden cold air against her skin, the contrast it had with Willow’s warm breath tickling her shoulder as she bent carefully to examine her shoulder. Tara felt her thumb brush lightly across the bruise, and flinched, expecting pain, but there was none.

Willow leaned in, and kissed the skin there as softly as she could. She could feel Tara’s heart racing through the simple contact, and marvelled at how it beat in time with her’s.

Tara turned slowly to face her, and their eyes locked. Willow wanted so badly to kiss her, but she didn’t want to cross the line. They stared at each other for a moment, locked in that heated gaze, until Willow happened to catch a glance of Tara’s shoulder.

“Oh,” She breathed, and she reached forward automatically towards the long, thin winding scar that marred the skin, stretching from the tip of her shoulder down to end at the curve of her breast, but then Tara winced, and Willow pulled away.

Tara met her eyes again, and there was such an ancient pain and sadness there that Willow felt tears in her eyes. Tara’s eyes watered in response.

“Tara…” Willow reached out, and wiped away the tear that slid down her cheek. “Please don’t cry.”

The love with which she acted only made Tara cry harder. But she didn’t let herself sob. She couldn’t. Not when there was something so important to tell.

“Willow.” Tara took a deep breath. “There’s something I have to tell you.”

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for good update-y goodness... I hope that Tara and Willow spend a loving night in their room after Tara tells Willow about her past...

[Bewitchedyke]

Well, lilcheesenip, I understand why you had to make OZ act the way you did.. I still don't like that he hit Tara, but I understand you needed that to make the story go how you wanted. So, I'm not too upset... just... no more beatin on Tara, please?

Also, Poor Dawnie, everyone treats her like such a baby. Maybe she's the one Tara needs to explain it to. Maybe talking to Dawnie will help Tara realize how much she doesn't deserve to be hit. From the mouth of babes an all....

Willow was so sweet at the end of the chapter. Something tells me the next one will be a tear jerker...

Bring on the soon please? I'm loving this story!

[VivaLaMegaaan]

Tara's going to be honest with Willow about her past? I hope so I'll punch Oz so hard i'll have knock him into next week if he hurts Tara again. He can SO not get away with that

[Egnalos]

First Oz appearing was a bad thing, but that he'd dare to touch Tara and what's more slap her... ... Tara is my favorite Buffy character so I was pissed.

Anyway, I'm just glad that he got dealt with (though I would have preferred more pain involved ) and then you left it in that "There’s something I have to tell you..." You are mean

Now I'm on the edge of my sit checking every few minutes if there's an update on your wonderful story (obsessed much? I know )

So please more!!

[lilcheesenip]

TITLE: Saving Grace

AUTHOR: lilcheesenip

@Zampsa1975- Thanks for still following! Enjoy this next chapter!

@Bewitchedyke- No more beating on Tara. I promise. ^.^ I know. Everyone treats Dawn like a baby on the show; it kind of made me mad. Enjoy this next chapter!

@VivaLaMegaaan- Honesty is promised. ^.^ And don't worry; Oz is gone for good.

@Egnalos- I know. I hate him too. Cliffhangers are my specialty. ^.^ And obsession is good with me. Obsession means my story is somewhat good. ^.^ Enjoy this next chapter!

************************************
TITLE: Saving Grace

AUTHOR: lilcheesenip

RATING: PG-13, mostly for occasional naughty language ^.^

DISCLAIMER: Sadly, I don't own any of the characters. Wish I did, but Joss Whedon does. >.>

SUMMARY: Writing was the one thing that was ever important to best-selling author Willow Rosenberg. But when she moves to her deceased uncle's horse ranch, she finds herself at the mercy of the horses, Riley, Faith, and a gentle, blue-eyed blonde who Willow can't help but fall in love with.

SPOILERS: None that I can think of. It's all AU, so no monsters, or anything. ^.^

FEEDBACK: Absolutely! I live for it. ^.^

PART 14
----------------------------------------------
“Tara? Honey?” Willow’s mouth pulled down at the corners.

“We need to talk.”

“I-I…” Oh, shit, Willow, you scared her off! Look what you’ve done! Here it comes, the ‘we’re better as friends talk’. Stupid, stupid, stupid! “Tara, baby, whatever I did wrong, I’ll fix it, I swear, but you need to tell me what it is because I feel like I’m doing everything wrong, and I-”

Tara kissed her, pressed her parted lips against Willow’s, inviting Willow to deepen the kiss. She knew that what she was about to tell her was going to be hard, both for her to tell and for Willow to hear, and she knew that that kiss was going to be the ultimate lifeline. Willow wouldn’t want to hear what she was about to say, but if Tara was to continue dating her, she was going to have to grin and bear.

After a few minutes of passionate kissing, they broke apart. Willow’s eyes were half-closed, and darker than Tara had ever seen them. A shiver ran through her, a need to be touched, but she shifted away slightly, smiling apologetically when Willow looked hurt.

“Willow, you aren’t doing anything wrong, okay? You’re doing everything perfect. Alright?”

Willow nodded slowly. “Alright. Now, what did you want to tell me?”

Tara giggled softly. “Uhm, I’ll let you know in a minute...once we put some clothes on.”

Willow blinked at her, looked down at herself, then at Tara, the fact that neither of them were wearing shirts suddenly dawning on her.

“Oh, wow. How’d I miss that?”

Tara chuckled. “I think you were, um, otherwise occupied. Now, uh...” She turned shyly from her girlfriend, and reached for a tank top.

“Do you need help?” Willow asked, suddenly concerned, and then kicked herself for it. “Not that I don’t want to try and sneak a peek, because, wow, amazing, but I really just want to help you, and I really need to shut up now.”

Tara smiled, her back still to Willow. “Umm...please.” She squeezed her eyes shut, inhaled deeply, then turned to face her.

Willow’s eyes were automatically drawn downwards. She couldn’t help herself. They went down on their own accord.

Whoa. Definitely a breast-girl. Even if she’s wearing a bra...No. Bad Willow. No naughty thoughts.

As soon as she realized what she was doing, she flashed her eyes back up to Tara’s face, smiling apologetically. Tara only smiled gently back, and held out the tank top.

“Oh. Umm...” Willow twisted so she could position herself behind her girlfriend, and she reached uncertainly for the clasp of her bra. “Tara?”

“Go ahead.” Tara had to fight to keep her voice calm and even.

Keeping her eyes on the back of Tara’s head to keep her from doing anything stupid, Willow carefully undid the clasp, letting Tara slide the straps down her shoulder. Eyes still locked on Tara’s hair, she carefully began to ease the shirt down over her head. When she pulled it down passed her shoulder, Tara stiffened, and Willow murmured an apology. She kept her hands at the back, letting Tara pull the front down with her good hand, and managed to get through the whole situation without accidently violating her girlfriend. As much as she wanted to.

Damn it. Naughty thoughts again.

Willow turned her back to Tara, not wanting to make her uncomfortable, stripped off her bra, and quickly pulled on a too-big shirt. When she turned back to Tara, she found her in- that damn tank top. Not helping the non-naughty thoughts- the tank top she had worn the night Willow had confessed to her.

Arching an eyebrow to hide how hideously out of control she was, she nodded to the shirt. “Hmm. That looks familiar.”

Tara smiled, and slid back on the bed, patting the spot next to her. After a moment’s hesitation, Willow crawled over to join her, and Tara draped the blankets over them. On an afterthought, she slipped out of bed, and flicked off the light. It would make it easier.

“Tara? Where’d you go-oh. There you are. Why’d you turn off the lights?” Just from her tone of voice, Tara could tell she was pouting.

Tara slipped back under the quilt, snuggling up to Willow, taking a moment to savour the warmth of the smaller body curled up beside her. “It makes it easier. To talk.”

Willow’s hand trailed up her arm until it found her face. She gently brushed her thumb over Tara’s lips, then leaned forward, hunting, until she could press her own to the blonde’s. She pulled away after a moment, and smiled into the darkness. “You shouldn’t be afraid to tell me anything.”

Tara took a deep breath. “This you won’t like too much.”

Willow’s eyebrows pulled down in confusion at her words and tone. “Tara?”

“Willow, how much do you know about me? My past, I mean.”

“Your mother died when you were seventeen, when you needed her most. You have an older brother named Donny. Umm...” Willow’s brow crinkled as she realized how little she actually knew about her girlfriend.

“B-but...that doesn’t mean much. I mean, you probably don’t know much about me.”

“First name: Willow. Middle: Danielle. Last Name: Rosenberg. Birthday: September 14th, 1981. Only child of Shelia and Ira Rosenberg. Left alone a lot as a child, but adapted, and grew to enjoy the isolation. Best friends: Alexander Levalle Harris, Buffy Anne Summers, and Anya Christina Emmanuella Jenkins. The ‘cool’ aunt to Dawn. Computer and math whiz. Smartest girl in Sunnydale High. Attended UC Sunnydale to keep in contact with friends. Dedicated student; wouldn’t blow off class if your head was on fire. Big fears: Horses because of a fourth birthday mishap. Dated Oz through high school, but broke up when you found out he was cheating on you in college. Went on to become fantasy author of three different lesbian romance thriller series, including the best-selling Saving Grace series-which, by the way, killing Grace off at the end of the third book? So not nice. ” Tara’s blue eyes sparkled down at her girlfriend, though she couldn’t see it. “Did I miss anything?”

“I…you…No fair! You so totally cheated!” She was pouting again.

Tara laughed softly, and caressed Willow’s cheek. “No. I just remember everything you say.”

“Really?”

“Really. Fourth day you were here at the ranch? You accidently said that my eggs were ‘wiggling at you like little boobs’.”

“And you said that they were sassy eggs,” Willow answered, face lightening up, thrilled that she wasn’t the only one who obsessed over every little thing her partner said.

“Yeah. I did.” Tara took a moment to enjoy the memory, smiling as she remembered Willow’s mortification, then mentally shook herself. “Don’t feel bad about not knowing anything, Wil. It was because I never told you anything.”

“And you’re going to tell me that now?” Willow asked in a small, hopeful voice, “Not that we’re better off friends?”

“Of course we’re not better off as friend, you goof. And, yes, that’s what I’m going to tell you.” Tara took another deep breath, and prepared to launch into her story when Willow interrupted.

“Wait, wait, wait. I’m sensing a big Tara-history lesson, and, not that I’m not looking forward to it, but I wanna know something first.”

“And that something is…?”

Willow smiled wickedly. “Your birthday. So I can prepare well-done-not burnt- food and have an excuse to steal extra smoochies without having to explain why I’m being so...well, horny.”

Tara laughed. “October 16th, you ridiculous vixen,” She said, kissing Willow’s nose affectionately, “My birthday’s October 16th.”

“I missed it.” Willow sounded genuinely disappointed.

“That doesn’t mean you can’t, um, steal extra smoochies without an excuse.”

“Really?” Willow took a moment to consider, than snuggled closer to Tara, resting her head on her shoulder while Tara wrapped her arms around her, holding her tight. “Hm. Alright then. I’m much happier now.” As if to prove it, she kissed the hollow of Tara’s throat, making the blonde shiver.

“Happy. Right. Hold on to that feeling.”

Willow sensed the change from playful Tara to serious, sad Tara immediately. “Baby?”

“Wil…what I’m about to tell you isn’t…pleasant, but it’s true. If you don’t want to know anymore just…let me know.”

“Okay?” Willow said uncertainly.

Tara kept one arm around Willow, pulling the other free, searching until she found Willow’s hand, interlacing their fingers. “Okay. Well, I...my mom was my only friend. Not...not many people...liked me.”

“Hard to believe,” Willow murmured, pressing her cheek against the smooth skin just above Tara’s collarbone.

Tara smiled, and blushed. “I think it was because I was so...out. I was proud of who I was. And people didn’t like that. I come from a small town, and people weren’t comfortable with me. Especially my dad.

“My, uh...my f-father used to hit. M-my mom, I mean. At first. I remember it. Remember the bruises, remember asking her what had happened, and all the excuses she came up with, getting more ridiculous as time passed. She wanted to protect me. She always did. But once she was gone, she wasn’t there to protect me.”

Willow stiffened. The horror wasn’t far off; she could sense it. Tara’s thumb rubbed soothing circles across the back of her hand, and she kissed her cheek softly, then took a deep breath, and kept going.

“It started to get bad. I couldn’t hide it anymore. My grades were slipping. With housekeeping and other chores around the house, school, and missing my mom so much, it was hard. And the teachers’ were starting to get suspicious about my b-bruises.”

Willow went cold again, and she twisted to where she knew Tara’s face was. “Tara-”

“Please, Wil, let me finish this. A-anyways, I was late getting home from school one day. My English teacher had asked me to stay late. She wanted to talk to me about my home life, which meant a lot of lying. I was exhausted by the time I got home. I completely forgot that it was laundry day; I’d put in some potatoes to slow boil, and I guess I fell asleep while doing my homework, because the next thing I knew, my dad was slapping me awake.”

Willow winced. Tara stayed calm, kept her voice emotionless as she continued. “He was furious. The water had all evaporated; the potatoes were burnt, and so was the bottom of the pan. The smoke detector had gone off. They had no clean clothes. He was yelling at me to get my lazy ass of the couch, and I was so muddled and confused, that I was dizzy and clumsy. As I tried to hurry past him, my shoulder knocked into his, and that set him off completely.

“I don’t really remember much of what happened after that. I was so out of it, and then Donny had me down, and he was hitting me so hard, I couldn’t make sense of anything. Next time I woke up, I was in the hospital, and Faith was leaning over me. She was in ‘cuz she’d been in a wild bar fight, and when she saw my cuts and bruises, she wanted to know what had happened to me. I didn’t tell her, but as soon as my father and Donny came in and she saw the fear in my eyes, she knew. She went wild, and threw anything she could get her hands on at them until she finally physically attacked them.

Faith and I’ve been together since. Spent some time on the street, but most of the time we got work, and could keep ourselves in a cheap motel or something. We worked in a bar for awhile, and that’s where I met Hannah.”

“So...your shoulder?” Willow asked softly.

Tara took a moment, trying to see her girlfriend’s expression. All she could see was her outline. “My father. He had a knife on him for some reason. The only reason I came out with just that was because my English teacher had come by to share her concerns, and heard my screaming suddenly cut off. She called the cops, and they pulled them off me.”

“And your hand?” Willow traced the raised line as she spoke.

“Barbed wire.” Tara smiled crookedly.

“You weren’t lying?”

“Not about the wire. I wasn’t helping a horse, though. I was running from my father one day. I tripped, and as I fell, I cut my hand.”

Willow flinched again. “Tara...”

Tara lifted their twined hands to press a finger gently to her lips. “Hold on. I’m not done yet. As I said, we worked in that old bar for a bit, and I met Hannah. She was another bar maid, like me. She was nice. She helped me and Faith out when she could, and she accepted me for who I was. I fell in love with her, every little, wild bit of her. And, by some miracle, she loved me back.”

“No miracle,” Willow mumbled jealously. Tara smiled, and kissed the top of Willow’s head softly. Willow nestled into her side again, and Tara sighed as she continued.

“Hannah...she...she always wanted me. At first I thought it was just because she really liked me, but then I found out she was just a sex addict.”

“So you...?” The question came out before Willow could stop it; she clamped her mouth shut. Just because she was still a virgin- despite urging from Oz- didn’t mean Tara was too. “I-I mean, why should I expect you not to? You’re so beautiful, so gorgeous, and I bet all the girls are lining up to- I mean, not that you’re a slut or anything, but-”

“Wil.” Tara pressed another finger to her lips, then leaned down, moving her finger so she could kiss her lips softly. “No. I never let her. She tried, but I never did. It just didn’t feel...right.”

“Oh.” Willow breathed a sigh of relief before she could stop herself.

“So...did you and Oz...?”

“Oh, no!” Willow sounded almost disgusted. “I mean, he wanted to, but I...didn’t feel right about it.” Willow’s lips twisted into a smirk.

Tara kissed each corner of her mouth, and smiled. Then she lifted their hands, guiding Willow’s to her neck so she could feel the scar there.

Willow’s mouth made a little ‘O’ of horror. “Tara?”

Tara smiled grimly. “Hannah. She started getting impatient with me, said I should be having sex with her by then. I told her I didn’t want to, I wasn’t ready. That it wasn’t just sex; it was something special, and I wanted it to be. She always laughed at me for that.

“Then she started working later hours than me at the bar, and coming home drunk. I could tell she’d been with someone else by the way she acted and talked. And when I refused her again and again, she would get furious. The night she gave me this scar, Faith happened to walk in.”

“Bye bye, Hannah,” Willow mused, not at all sorry about the horrible things she was imagining Faith had done to her.

“Bye bye is right. She had to go into Intensive Care, and, of course, Faith had to get hauled in because of it. But I testified that it was in self-defence, and they let her off with a warning. I never saw Hannah after that. I think she might still be locked up.”

Willow was quiet for a long moment, considering all the things Tara had revealed to her, considered all that Tara had gone through, and the person she was today.

The next thing Tara knew, Willow was kissing hungrily up her jaw until she found her lips. She blinked in surprise, then responded to her when she realized what was happening.

“Does this...mmph...mean you don’t hate me?”

Willow paused in the act of kissing along Tara’s jaw again, then pulled away, and blinked up at her. She leaned over Tara, and turned on the lamp on the bedside table so she could see Tara’s expression. She was completely serious.

“And you said I’m ridiculous.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Of course it is, you goof. I think of what you went through ,where you came from, and then I think of who you are today, and...it makes me love you even more.”

Tara smiled and blushed, leaning forward to trail butterfly kisses across Willow’s cheeks, on her eyes, her nose, freeing her hand from Willow’s momentarily so she could wipe away the lingering tears.

“I’m not all that special.”

“Hell yes you are.”

“Wil...”

“You’d have to be blind not to see it. No, scratch that; even if you were blind, they’d still know it.”

“Now you’re just trying to make me blush.”

“Is it working?”

Tara didn’t answer, just leaned forward, and kissed Willow, pouring all her love and gratitude into that kiss. When she pulled away, Willow’s eyes were closed. “Does that answer your question?”

In response, Willow reached across her girlfriend, and turned off the lamp.

[shyheart76]

I just wanted to say that this story has really touched me. The connection between Willow / Tara reminds me what love really should be and what I was lucky enough to experience. The connection between Tara / Faith and the scene with Tara and the knife reminds me of my best friend.

Great flow and very nicely written. Thank you so much for writing this.

[whirlwindcharmer]

I always wondered how Tara and Faith met, and what their history was, mainly because Faith is so protective of Tara and aware of her past. I hope you are not thinking of having Hannah reappear cos I like Faith, and I don't want her to end up in jail and Willow should be by Tara's side. Talk about a rollercoaster ride, happy from here on out?

[Laragh]

Okay, I promised I would catch up with this fic like a month ago but have been swamped so didn't get a chance. Got up an hour earlier today just to dedicate some reading time and I am looooving this fic. Especially now that Oz is gone .

And . Gotta love . I feel so bad for Tara, all the pain in her life, but she's so strong to have dealt with it all.

I also love how you've managed to incorporate all the scoobies so well. Addicted already (even if i'm late in the game )

Can't wait for more!

Edit: Okay, I just realised this hasn't even been up a month, but it felt like a month since I first noticed it and told myself to read it, I've been meanind to for so long.

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for great update-y goodness... Good for Tara to tell Willow about her past... I really hope that Hannah stays out of Tara's life for good...

[Bewitchedyke]

Hiya, LCP
I love the update... sad but sweet. I can't wait to see how willow comforts her sweet tara... but I'm not goin anywhere til I find out!

Thanks again!!

[arsyadriani]

the secret's finally revealed
hope that makes less-something getting in between them
uhm..I want to know what happened after the light's off
more pleeasee
RC

[VivaLaMegaaan]

Honesty's the best policy I feel sorry for Tara, but at least she has Willow and Willow's smoochies now And no more Oz? Good. I don't think it'd be all to safe for him to come back after what he did to Tara Faith reminds me my friend in that sense Update when possible please??

[Egnalos]

Just my luck that my freaking computer went all wonky for days and I missed the update...

If I hated Oz for what he did imagine how I felt about her relatives abusing her... There are just no words. And then the "psycho girlfriend" providing some more abuse... poor Tara. Thank goodness that she had Faith at the time to help her out otherwise who knows what other horrors would have come her way. Of course now she has Willow and the others to be there for her as well.

Anyway heavy stuff on this chapter, but it was quite in balance with the good stuff too and that'd be the way Tara and Willow are growing even closer and are more honest with each other.

Keep up the good work.

[lilcheesenip]

@shyheart76- Wow. I'm so glad that it's done that, and I'm glad you can relate the relationships to those of your own so you fully know what I'm trying to get at xD Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment! Enjoy this next chapter!

@whirlwindcharmer- Yup. The mystery's finally out! No, no Hannah reapperances planned. As far as I know, she'll stay firmly in her place in jail. Well, I can't promse you complete happy right now because, well, it's me, but from this moment I have nothing bad planned! ^.^' Enjoy this next chapter!

@Laragh- Wow. I'm honored that you took the time to read this, let alone got up early to read it. I completely understand, especially with your daily updates. (How you do that is beyond me, by the way.) And of course Oz being gone is good! ^.^ Yeah, Tara's a tough cookie. ^.^ Wow, addicted? Really? Thanks for all your kind words, and for taking the time to read this and comment! ^.^ Enjoy this next chapter!

@Zampsa1975- So far, no Hannah reapperances are planned. But you know some characters; they just won't stay where they're supposed to. We'll see what happens! Enjoy this next chapter!

@Bewitchedyke- Thanks. ^.^ Thanks for reading, and enjoy this next chapter!

@arsyadriani- Yup. Less and less. Tee hee. Sorry, nothing of that kind. Not yet, anyways. Enjoy this next chapter!

@VivaLaMegaaan- Exactly. And, yes, Willow's smoochies are a given. ^.^ Yes, if Oz values his life, he'll stay clear. If not, Faith-and Willow- will set him straight. Enjoy this next chapter!

@Egnalos - Sorry about your computer. I hate when that happens to mine, too. >.> I know. Seriously. No words. It's awful what happens to people these days, especially innocent children who did nothing wrong, yet were punished with that kind of family. Psycho girlfriend definetly fits Hannah xD Yeah. Thank God for Faith! Thanks so much for reading. Enjoy this next chapter!


*******************************
TITLE: Saving Grace

AUTHOR: lilcheesenip

RATING: PG-13, mostly for occasional naughty language ^.^

DISCLAIMER: Sadly, I don't own any of the characters. Wish I did, but Joss Whedon does. >.>

SUMMARY: Writing was the one thing that was ever important to best-selling author Willow Rosenberg. But when she moves to her deceased uncle's horse ranch, she finds herself at the mercy of the horses, Riley, Faith, and a gentle, blue-eyed blonde who Willow can't help but fall in love with.

SPOILERS: None that I can think of. It's all AU, so no monsters, or anything. ^.^

FEEDBACK: Absolutely! I live for it. ^.^

Author's Note: This chapter is a little...ugh. Okay, a lot. I had Writer's Block for the first time, and wasn't sure what to do...Hope you still enjoy it!

PART 15
------------------------------------------------------------------
“’I watched her for a moment. She was beautiful. No doubt about that. Drop-dead gorgeous, even. But she wasn’t Grace.’ Huh. Baby, does that make sense?”

“Hmm?” Tara looked up from her book, and uncurled from her position on the bed, keeping the blankets wrapped tight around her, and padded over so she could peer over Willow’s shoulder. She bit her lip, forehead creasing as she read what Willow had so far. “Yeah.”

After a night of quiet touches and shy kisses, a reconnection, a comfort, they had woken up feeling refreshed, both pleased with the open honesty in their relationship. They had spent a lazy morning holed up in Tara’s room, and late morning sunshine spilled in through the open window, warming the whole room.

“It doesn’t to me.” Willow sighed with frustration. “It’s been two months since Grace died, and she’s not noticing anyone. I want her to. But every time I try to, she just brushes me off like the author’s opinion means nothing. Novel characters! They’re so rebellious these days.”

“Sweetie.” Tara smiled, and brushed back Willow’s loose hair so she could rest her chin on her shoulder. “What Grace and Anna had was really special. And then to see Grace killed like that, so suddenly, so violently...it would have been horrifyingly traumatic. She didn’t just lose her girlfriend. She lost her lover, her soul mate, her best friend. And you’re giving her two months to get over it? Anna’s resilient, but she’s not that resilient. ”

“But...you...I...Stop making sense! I had charts, I had plot lines. I had it all planned out. Chapter two was supposed to be when Raine is introduced as a potential love interest to Anna.”

Tara smiled at her girlfriend’s ridiculous antics, and kissed her neck. “Can’t put people to a schedule, Wil.”

“But Anna’s not actually real!”

“To millions of people out there, she is. And she should be to you.” Tara continued to place light kisses across her neck in between words. “Just like I knew that for every time my father hit me, there would be a girl out there to take the pain away. And I found her.”

Willow was suddenly quiet as Tara kissed along her neck. Even as her girlfriend continued her actions, Willow was lost in thought, her busy brain having found something to ponder. “Why do you think Faith reacted like that? With the violence and all, when she didn’t even know you?”

Tara paused, her lips still on Willow’s neck. “I...don’t know if I can tell you that.”

“Personal issues, maybe?” Willow continued, lost in thought.

Tara was quiet, letting her girlfriend speculate. She nuzzled Willow’s neck, and then pulled away.

Willow’s hand flashed out, grabbing her arm to stop her. “Where are you going?”

“To read my...book?” Tara answered, giving her a puzzled look.

“Not after doing that, you’re not. C’mere, gorgeous.” Willow smiled impishly, and yanked her back, into her lap.

“Willow!” Tara squealed, then giggled, wrapping her arms around Willow’s neck to keep herself steady. “You bad, bad girl.”

“Hey, Tare?” Willow asked as Tara wriggled slightly, shifting into a more comfortable position. “If you had a cat, what would you name it?”

Tara wasn’t put off at all by the random question; she was used to it by now. “I don’t know. Maybe Trixie, or Miss Kitty Fantastico. I’m not squishing you, am I, baby?”

Willow grinned seductively. “Not at all.”

The door flung open just as she leaned forward, banging against the wall as Faith, like always, sauntered in unannounced. “’Ey! Keep your hands off my friend!”

“Eeep! Oh-shit! Sorry, baby.” In her surprise- and, quite honestly, her fear- Willow had completely forgotten Tara was in her lap, and jumped to her feet without thinking, sending Tara tumbling to the ground.

“Faith! Out!” Tara glared at daggers at her best friend.

Faith held up her hands defensively. “Hey, hey, hey. No need to get crazy. It’s not my fault you guys don’t lock the door before you get all horny...”

“FAITH!”

“Consider me gone.” Even Faith wasn’t going to stick around when Tara got angry.

“Let the door hit you in the ass on your way out,” Willow suggested loudly, and Faith paused, blatantly giving the red head a good view, and wiggling her hips.

“Oh, you like what you see.” And then she was gone, as Tara was getting to her feet, door slamming behind her.

***

“Are they still alive up there?” Buffy asked casually as she stirred two spoonfuls of sugar into her coffee.

Faith grinned. “Oh, yeah. Alive, and, most likely having sex.”

Buffy choked on her coffee, spewing it all over Dawn, who yelled in protest. Riley handed her a tea towel, and she wiped her face, glowering at her sister.

Anya and Xander both looked up. “Think we could get a good view?” They asked simultaneously.

Dawn ducked, anticipating another stream of coffee, but Buffy managed to keep it in. Buffy swallowed hard, and put down her cup. “Dawn, go upstairs.”

“But Buffy-!”

“Go.”

“Fine.” Dawn grumbled the whole way up. “Everybody treats me like a baby. I’m not a baby. I’m a teenager, a teenager I tell you!”

Everyone just ignored her in favor of a much more exciting story.

***

Half an hour later, feeling a lot more worked up than she knew she should, Tara was curled up next to Willow, who had taken a break from her writing in favour of the enticing offer of Tara-lips and neck, Willow nestled into her shoulder, when Dawn burst in.

“For the love of God, can we get no peace and quiet in this house?!” Willow lurched up from where she was laying to glare at her best friend’s younger sister, who was indignant and a little shocked at the outburst.

“It’s called a lock, Willow.”

“Wil.” Tara grabbed Willow’s arm, and pulled her back down, then looked over at Dawn. “Dawn, do you need something?”

“I’m bored. And they won’t let me stay downstairs. Faith was so lying; you guys aren’t having sex!”

“What?!” Both girls squeaked, lost on the younger girl as she smiled triumphantly.

“Now I can tell everyone she lied, and Buffy will let me go downstairs again! Yay!” Dawn jumped up, ignoring Tara and Willow’s stuttered exclamations. , and darted out the door again.

“Ugh. Be right back, baby. Time to do some Faith damage control.”

“Wil, maybe I should. She is my best friend.”

“Which is exactly why you shouldn’t. She won’t listen to you. I, on the other hand, am her boss, which means she has to listen to me.” Willow started to head for the door again, and Tara frowned in silent protest. She watched her girlfriend crawl to the end of the bed, tighten her robe, and then follow Dawn out the door. Only she shut it behind her, leaving Tara alone in the sunlit room.

Tara sighed, and leaned back, looking forward to the moment Willow would return and they would pick up where they had left off.

She tingled all the way to her toes in anticipation.

Fifteen minutes passed before Tara started to get worried. Figuring Willow was just chatting with her friends, she slipped out of bed, threw a robe on over her tank-top and shorts, and made her way down stairs.

Only Dawn was waiting for her in the kitchen. She looked up expectantly when she heard the stairs creak, then made a face. “Tara, why aren’t you dressed? Go put some clothes on!”

Tara pulled the robe closer subconsciously. “I do have clothes on. Where’s Willow?”

She was suddenly hesitant. “I don’t know.”

“Oh.” Tara paused, swallowed, then started down the stairs again. “Oh. I’ll just go…”

“No!” Dawn was up and blocking her path before she could blink. “I go back in two days. Spend some time with me? Please?”

“Dawn, what’s going on?”

“What, I can’t want to spend time with my sister’s best friend’s girlfriend without there being something going on?”

“Dawn.”

“Okay, okay.” Dawn shrugged, and gave up. “Never good with deception. But I’m not telling you what’s happening. Don’t worry; it’s all going to be good.”

For some reason, that made Tara feel oddly worse.

***

When the truck pulled up on the gravel driveway, Tara felt all the anxiety lift away. She had been agonizing over the ‘surprise’ all day, despite Dawn’s attempts to distract her. Monopoly, Parcheesi, Yahtzee, Pay Day, Stock Ticker… all the board games they could find were spread out across the living room. They were in the middle of their third game of Monopoly- Dawn winning, both because Tara’s heart was not completely into the game and because she felt bad whenever she won a game against a younger kid- when the door was flung open.

Faith. Tara jumped to her feet, and headed for the entrance, but Faith was already there, kicking off her shoes.

“Faith! Where have you been all day? I’ve been half-crazed, because Dawn said there was some big surprise, and she won’t tell me what it is, and you were all gone, and- Oh my god, is that a puppy in your arms?!”

“Stupid kid can’t even keep a secret. Stop wriggling, Toby,” Faith muttered impatiently to the Border Collie pup in her arms, who was doing its best to investigate Tara, tail wagging madly, completely ignoring her best friend. “Hey, kid! I thought we had a deal!”

“She’s too damn good for me,” Dawn complained. “I tried!”

“Hey! What your language, Dawn.” Buffy was behind Faith, followed by Xander, Anya, and Riley- all who immediately headed for the stairs, Buffy dragging Dawn behind her- Willow following them in last. Tara felt the familiar tingle at the sight of her girlfriend, and the last of the anxiety disappeared.

“Wil, what have you got planned this time? You promised you’d be back, and- Oh my god, is that a cat?”

“Um, yeah.” Willow smiled sheepishly, and held up the black and white bundle carefully so Tara could have a better inspection. Tara was immediately entranced by the tiny creature, from the tiny button nose to her white sock paws.

“Why…?”

“I got her for you. Faith wanted to get you a dog, but I know you’d rather have a cat.”

“Then why do we still have a dog?”

“If you two get that bitchy little thing, I get Toby. At least he’ll be a loyal friend and never get too wrapped up in his girlfriend.” Faith scratched the puppy’s head, and he panted cheerfully up at her.

“Oh, shut up, Faith. Wil, can we afford her and…Toby?”

“Of course we can afford her. We can afford anything for you.” Willow smiled and handed over the cat, and Tara accepted her willingly.

“Oh. She’s a little…gorgeous,” Tara breathed as the cat touched her cheek gently with a paw, almost like a friendly inquiry. She shifted the small, warm weight in her arms, and smiled down at her. When she looked up at Willow again, there were tears in her eyes. “Oh, Willow….”

“Happy belated birthday, baby,” Willow said with a tentative smile. “Her, um, her name’s Miss Kitty Fantastico. You like that name, right?”

“Faith, take the cat.”

“Tara?”

“Take the damn cat. I need to kiss my girlfriend.”

Faith grumbled a bit, but set Toby down at her feet, and took the cat from her best friend, rolling her eyes when Tara and Willow met in frantic, passionate kiss, turning her back to them, holding Miss Kitty out slightly away from her body, wrinkling her nose.

“You may be a stupid cat, but you must have some sense. Cats are bitchy. They don’t take shit from people. I respect that. But lay one itty bitty paw on my dog, and I’ll cut it off. Ya hear?”

Tara pulled away from Willow long enough to mutter: “Faith, stop threatening our cat.”

Willow leaned away when Tara went back for another kiss, grinning like an idiot. “Our?”

“Of course. She may be my birthday present, but she’s ours.”

This, of course, sparked a new clash of tongues. Faith made a gagging noise, and put Miss Kitty down on the couch, where she hissed and spat at Toby, who had tried to follow her, but failed.

Faith swept the little puppy into her arms, and kissed his head, positive Tara and Willow were completely engrossed in what they were doing. “Good boy, Toby. You know what you’re supposed to do. Is she being mean to you? Aw, Tobe, why don’t you just eat her for breakfast?” She let the puppy jump out of her arms and onto the couch, half hoping he would. But Toby only batted at Miss Kitty playfully, and, when she arched her back, and flashed her teeth, whimpered, and backed up, seeking the comfort of Faith’s arms.

Faith scooped him up again, and groaned when he happily licked her face. “Ugh. I picked the wimpy one. Why, Toby, why? Why’d you have to be so damned cute?”

But then Toby grinned up at her, tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth, and all was forgiven. She carried the wriggling puppy off to her room where she could snuggle and play with him without the degrading off her tough-girl reputation, leaving the two girlfriends with their cat.

Willow pulled away finally for air, and Tara smiled, resting her chin on her shoulder, and closing her eyes. “Oh, so she does have a heart?”

“Somewhere deep down there,” Tara sighed. She turned in Willow’s arms, leaning back against her, and smiled over at the newest occupant of the house, who fixed her with a beady-eyed stare. “Right, Miss Kitty?”

[Bewitchedyke]

Aww! Super cute! I have to say... that was a damn fine update Writer's Block be damned!

[arsyadriani]

faith and Toby...that was cute..and she picked the non-tough puppy..it will keep her balance I think
finally miss kitty arrive
more pleasee
RC

[Laragh]

Awesome update.

(How you do that is beyond me, by the way.)

Lol, redbull and pressure to deliver on deadline. It's like my crack

I had Writer's Block for the first time, and wasn't sure what to do...

Writer's block is a bitch. But I thought this chapter was great, I think you filled in the time with the two girls sweetly.

“Sweetie.” Tara smiled, and brushed back Willow’s loose hair so she could rest her chin on her shoulder. “What Grace and Anna had was really special. And then to see Grace killed like that, so suddenly, so violently...it would have been horrifyingly traumatic. She didn’t just lose her girlfriend. She lost her lover, her soul mate, her best friend. And you’re giving her two months to get over it? Anna’s resilient, but she’s not that resilient. ”

Nice. Way to stick it to Joss with his stupid season severed chick that I'm not even gonna use the abbriviated name for 'cause I hate her so much.

“Fine.” Dawn grumbled the whole way up. “Everybody treats me like a baby. I’m not a baby. I’m a teenager, a teenager I tell you!”

You know, I normally hate Dawn, she's just so whiney, but I like her here. It's funny-whiney, not overbearing-whiney. Kudos to you for that!

Only Dawn was waiting for her in the kitchen. She looked up expectantly when she heard the stairs creak, then made a face. “Tara, why aren’t you dressed? Go put some clothes on!”

Tara pulled the robe closer subconsciously. “I do have clothes on. Where’s Willow?”

Lol, poor Tara. She was right though, she did have clothes on.

“Faith, take the cat.”

“Tara?”

“Take the damn cat. I need to kiss my girlfriend.”

Ha!

“You may be a stupid cat, but you must have some sense. Cats are bitchy. They don’t take shit from people. I respect that. But lay one itty bitty paw on my dog, and I’ll cut it off. Ya hear?”

That totally had me laughing for like ten minutes

Great reading, looking forward to more.

[Zampsa1975]

Yay for good update-y goodness... Big yay for Willow getting Miss Kitty...

[VivaLaMegaaan]

Miss Kitty Faith really does crack me up you know, with the whole talking to the cat thing. Reading this story is definately much more fun than my history homework, that I have been putting off World War One awaits I guess. Please update as soon as you can to give me a break from the constant stream of work I have to do. Atleast it's something to pass the time whilst I wait though Still loving this fic

[shyheart76]

Great chapter! Lots of cuteness and Miss Kitty, while keeping your characters real. Thank you for Tara's words about not putting a time schedule on people and their suffering or grief. Again, you took my breath away with how I can relate.

[Egnalos]

Wow... Willow's book tells a very familiar story... Coincidence? Nah!

And OMG! the cuteness of the new members of the family... Toby and Miss Kitty... Faith showing just a bit of her soft side

Anyway thank you for the update!

Keep up the good work.

[lilcheesenip]

@Bewitchedyke- Thanks! ^.^ Enjoy this next chapter!

@arsyadriani- It's Faith. Nothing can keep her balanced xD Though, yes, she picked the soft puppy by accident, and he's already won her over. xD Enjoy this next chapter!

@Laragh -Thanks! ^.^ I wasn't sure about it, but now I am. ^.^ Ha ha, yeah. No mentioning of her; you'll cause a riot xD Really? I feel Dawn's majorly misunderstood. If I had to deal with all the crap she did, I would have been really whiney, too, I think. Yes, she did have clothes, but not very many. I'm not a big fan of birds, either. Kudos to you for holding one! Thanks ^.^ If I made you laugh, then I have succeeded ^.^ Enjoy this next chapter!

@Zampsa1975- Yup, Miss Kitty's arival is yay-worthy! Enjoy this next chapter!

@VivaLaMegaaan- That may have been, ahem, based a bit on me. *Coughs* I talk to my dogs all the time xD Yeah, homework is not so much fun. I alternated between writing this chapter and Science ^.^' Thanks so much for following! Enjoy this next chapter!

@shyheart76- Thanks! ^.^ I'm glad you could relate to the story! ^.^ Enjoy this next chapter!

@Egnalos Pure coincidence! Okay, maybe not...xD Ha ha, yup. Faith does have a heart, deep down inside her, and she just needs the right thing to bring it out completely. Unfortenetly for her, that thing happens to be a five-pound, slobbery, panting, cheerful, black and white bundle of fluff. ^.^ Thanks for following! Enjoy this next chapter!

*******************************
TITLE: Saving Grace

AUTHOR: lilcheesenip

RATING: PG-13, mostly for occasional naughty language ^.^

DISCLAIMER: Sadly, I don't own any of the characters. Wish I did, but Joss Whedon does. >.>

SUMMARY: Writing was the one thing that was ever important to best-selling author Willow Rosenberg. But when she moves to her deceased uncle's horse ranch, she finds herself at the mercy of the horses, Riley, Faith, and a gentle, blue-eyed blonde who Willow can't help but fall in love with.

SPOILERS: None that I can think of. It's all AU, so no monsters, or anything. ^.^

FEEDBACK: Absolutely! I live for it. ^.^

Author's Note: Another filled chapter with Writer's Block. Still struggling to figure out where to take this without heavy angst, so you get more in depth Willow/Tara time. ^.^ Enjoy.

PART 16
----------------------------

The next morning, a cheerful chaos shook the old house at the break of dawn as a hissing Miss Kitty, pursued by a frantic Willow, fled from a howling Toby, who was being chased by Faith, heedless of her whistling and calling.

“Control. Your. Damn. Dog, Faith!” Willow puffed between gasps as she made a fantastic leap after Miss Kitty, only to have the black-and-white ball of nerves hiss and dance out of reach when Toby, slobbering and panting everywhere, thrilled with his new game, came into view.

“Control your damn cat, Willow!” Faith shot back fiercely.

From where she had been banished to the couch, Tara lifted her head hopefully. “Guys, maybe I could-”

“Don’t move!” They both snapped at her.

Tara sank back into the couch cushions, defeated. “Fine.”

Buffy came clomping down the stairs then, dressed in a too-big t-shirt that came down to about mid-thigh...and nothing else, rubbing her eyes, clearly half asleep. “Whathehellzgoinondownhere?”

Faith paused long enough to eye Buffy’s clothes, or, her lack of- something Tara didn’t miss; she chucked a balled up blanket playfully at her head and Faith smirked- then continued on her chase.

“Geez, B. I love ya, but not that way.”

“What’re you talking about?” Buffy growled, glaring at the brunette as she darted fluidly after her run-away Border Collie.

Willow wobbled unsteadily on the counter, having finally managed to capture Miss Kitty, and Tara hastened get to and steady her before she fell. “Um, Buff? You seem to be missing something.”

Buffy gave her a sleepy, irritated look that clearly stated she was not in the mood to be messed with. Tara took Miss Kitty so her girlfriend could deal with her obviously-pissed best friend, talking quietly to the cat to soothe her, and rubbing her knuckles down the cat’s spine.

“Umm...your clothes, maybe?”

“Eh?” Buffy looked down at herself, and then jumped. “Holy shit! What the hell-!”

Tara silently handed over the blanket from the couch. Buffy quickly wrapped it around herself, and ran for the stairs without another word, fire-engine red.

Tara couldn’t help herself; she giggled, and Miss Kitty purred against her, rubbing her cheek against the hollow of her throat as if in apology. “Good grief, Miss Kitty, you’re a handful already.” Tara wanted to be mad at her for causing such a fuss so early in the morning, but then Miss Kitty batted playfully at her, and she couldn’t.

“One day, I’m gonna gut that thing like a catfish,” Faith remarked from where she was on the floor, arms wrapped securely around a struggling Toby, who was so excited his frantic bark echoed around the kitchen and he couldn’t sit still. “Shut up, Toby!”

Tara held the cat protectively to her chest. “Touch our cat, and I’ll have a strongly-worded discussion with you.”

“Touch the cat, you and Toby have to go,” Willow agreed, wrapping an arm around Tara’s waist, pulling her in close, and tickling Miss Kitty’s head with her free hand.

“Keep the damn thing in your room, then,” Faith suggested angrily as Toby made another lunge, effectively stopped by Faith. “Toby!”

That was it for the terrified cat. Hair standing on end, she hissed again, scrambled from Tara’s arms- scratching them in the process- and darted up the stairs, shooting past a bewildered Buffy, who was coming back down in much-more appropriate attire, and disappearing around the corner.

“Where are the others?” Tara asked sociably, like the little clothes-being-MIA incident had never happened.

“Where are the others?” Buffy repeated in disbelieve. “It’s six in the goddamn morning! What are you all doing up?”

“We’re always up at this time,” Tara explained soothingly, “Well, except for Wil. She’s usually up around eight or nine, but she’s been getting better.”

“Ever since I started sleeping with you,” Willow reminded her with mock outrage, “I always wake up as soon as you get out of bed. I miss you instantly.”

“You’re sweet.” Tara leaned in for a quick kiss.

“Oh, for the love of Christ!” Faith exclaimed from where she was still sitting on the floor, though Toby had calmed and was now sitting happily in her lap, panting away, “Get a room already!”

“Where’s Riley?” Buffy demanded, “He can’t be subjecting himself to this insanity.”

“He’s in the stables,” Faith answered mildly with a cheeky smile.

Buffy blanched, scowled, grumbled a bit, then turned and stomped back up the stairs.

“Speaking of the stables,” Willow said pointedly, with a glance towards the brunette seated on the floor, “Shouldn’t you be somewhere, Faith?”
“If you’re just kicking me out so you can make out with my best friend, I don’t think so.”

“Hm. Appealing thought.” Willow smiled dreamily for a minute, then continued: “But, no. I have to get going on my writing. My agent’s been calling me like crazy, and Cordelia is not happy when I miss a deadline. Late book equals less money.”

“Yeah, because that worked out so well for you last time. You ended up with Tara wrapped around you and nothing done.”

Both girls blushed, but Tara shook her head. “I’m sticking clear this time.”

Willow looked up from Tara’s arms, which she had been dutifully examining, though they were only faded pink lines, disappointed. “You are?”

“You need to get some work done, honey. I’ll just go help out in the stables.”

“Uh uh. Today is your day-off-for-birthday day. You get to do whatever you want. And if that involves being wrapped around me, then so be it.”

Faith imitated gagging again, but they just ignored her.

“Willow, I’ve had every damn day off for the past week. I want to go work in the stables.”

Willow was a little put off by Tara’s sudden anger, but blundered forward anyways. “But, Tara, your hand. Your shoulder-”

“I’ll be fine. They’re pretty much healed, anyways.”

Willow was about to point out that she had seen Tara topless and the bruise was not looking much better than it did a week before, but then stopped herself, knowing Faith would take it the wrong way. Instead, she said quietly: “Tara, the stitches aren’t even out yet.”

“Willow, please...!” Tara used Willow’s move against her, and pouted.

“Oooooh!” Faith crooned from the floor, grinning, “The puppy-dog eyes. Damn, Tare-bear, you fight dirty.”

“Shut up, Faith,” Both of them snapped.

“C’mon, Tobe. Obviously Tara’s best friend and her eight-week-old puppy are not welcome here.” Faith scooped up her abnormally calm pup, and headed for the front door.

“Faith can look after me!” Tara exclaimed suddenly, pointing to her best friend, who froze in her tracks. “She won’t let me do anything too strenuous.”

“I have a bad feeling about getting involved in this-” Faith started to protest, but Tara held up a hand, silencing her. She scowled.

Willow was quiet, considering what her girlfriend had suggested. “I...guess that would be okay.”

“Uh, I haven’t agreed-”

“Faith. Come on, Willow, please.” Tara reached forward, and took Willow’s hand, squeezing it lightly, and giving her the puppy-dog eyes. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

Willow’s eyes brightened at that, and she practically pushed Tara over to Faith. “Well, then, go! Have fun! Don’t get hurt! See you later! Bye bye now!”

Before they really understood what was happening, Tara, Faith, and Toby found themselves standing on the front porch, front door slammed shut behind them.

“Wow,” Faith mused quietly, “And they say men are always oversexed pigs.”

Tara smacked her, but headed for the stables without commenting.

***

“Hey, you.”

Willow looked up from her computer, and beamed when she saw Tara standing in the doorway. “Hey, Tare-bear. You’re glowing.”

Having spent the morning grooming the horses carefully with one hand, Tara had been walking on air, relishing the long-lost smell of hay and leather, the stretch of her muscles as she swept the body brush over a high back, or carefully pulling a comb through a mane or tail. Finally, feeling more limber and physically well than she had for some time, she had climbed the stairs to follow up on her earlier promise to her girlfriend.

“Tare-bear?” Tara shut the door behind her, and- just in case- locked it, then sat on the bed, capturing Miss Kitty before she could run off.

“What, Faith can call you that, but your girlfriend can’t?” Willow pouted again.

Tara smiled, and stoked Miss Kitty’s head softly. “Well, actually, I hate that nickname. That’s why Faith calls me it.”

“Oh?”

“Mmm-hmm. But you make it sound kind of...sexy.”

And that was it. Writing time was officially over for the night. Willow saved her document, and shut down her lap top, swivelling in her chair to face Tara. “Oh really?”

“Yes, really.” Tara looked up from Miss Kitty and smiled slyly. “Say, how old is she, anyways?”

“Who?”

“Miss Kitty.”

“A year old. Tara Maclay, are you trying to change the subject?”

“Maybe, maybe not.”

“Now, that really isn’t fair. You’re just flirting.”

“Maybe, maybe-”

“Tara.”

“Okay, okay, I’m flirting. S’not my fault you’re all the way over there and can’t do anything about it.” Tara finally let Miss Kitty go, and slid further back across the bed to rest against the wall, quirking an eyebrow at her girlfriend.

“You’re such a tease.” Willow traced her path until they were snuggled up to each other at the end of the bed. They lay like that for a moment, enjoying the intimate contact, and then Tara looked down at the smaller girl, and grinned.

“Not to be Miss Psycho-Pep-Squad, but can’t you just be kissing me now?”

“Mmm. I’m with Miss Psycho-Pep-Squad.”

They were a few minutes into heated kissing when Willow’s hands, on their own accord, wandered down Tara’s arm, and to the hem of her shirt, edging it up a few inches to expose a strip of creamy skin. Tara stiffened, and Willow froze, pulling away quickly.

“Ah. Shit. Sorry, Tara, I didn’t mean-”

“It’s okay.” Tara smiled gently, and took Willow’s hand, guiding it back to her stomach. “You’ve seen me t-t-topless a f-few times, anyways.” And she winked at her.

Willow felt herself blush, but continued to lift Tara’s shirt until she reached her shoulder, keeping her eyes locked with Tara’s, waiting for any signal to stop. There was none. Tara’s face was flushed, but her blue eyes were clear and sure.

Someone hammered on the door loudly, making them both jump. They tried the doorknob, and, then, finding it locked, yelled: “Put some clothes on, for Christ’s sake, and come spend some time with your friends! They’re driving me insane.”

“Go away!” Willow called back hoarsely, still carefully moving Tara’s shirt up.

“If you’re not out in the next ten minutes, I will pick the friggin’ lock! Seriously, Dawn keeps asking for you two. So stop groping, and get out here!”

They both listened to her stomp down the stairs, followed the lighter, bouncy footsteps that were unmistakably Toby. Then they lay in silence for a moment, holding each other.

“She’s serious,” Tara whispered, “She did it to me and Hannah.”

Willow frowned a bit at the mention of Hannah, but nodded, tenderly pulling Tara’s shirt down- but not before kissing Tara’s stomach, making the other girl giggle and squirm before sliding the shirt the rest of the way down. “We’ll have to pick up on this later. We have ten minutes though, right?”

“Yeeeaaah. When Faith says ‘ten’, she really means, like...two.”

Willow pouted. “That’s depressing.”

Tara chuckled, and leaned in for a quick kiss. “Tonight,” She promised softly.

Willow smiled, and nodded. “Tonight. Umm...Tara?”

“Uh huh?”

“So is it really okay if I...d-do things like... t-t-that?” Willow tripped and fumbled over the words, blushing.

“Yes,” Tara said with utter conviction, taking Willow’s hand in her own, “I’m yours, and no one else’s, which means every part of me is yours.” As she spoke she moved Willow’s hand upwards towards her chest.

“Stop!”

Tara did as Willow asked, stopping all movement, shocked and more than hurt. She started to withdraw from her girlfriend, already stammering out an apology, but Willow held tight.

“It’s not that,” She said with a sheepish smile, “It’s just that...well, if you put my hand there now, we will most definitely not be making it downstairs in two minutes.”

Tara went beet red, and nodded, smiling crookedly. “Hmm. I-interesting little fact I’ll have to k-keep in mind for later.”

“Are you teasing me, or trying to turn me on?”

Tara grinned. “L-little bit of both.”

“Well, it’s working.” Then Willow went pink, as if she hadn’t meant to say it out loud, and her mouth opened again, but no sound went out.

Tara laughed, and leaned forward to kiss her briefly again, twining their fingers together. “You’re ridiculous.”

Willow grinned. “No. Just...well, incredibly horny for you.”

Tara blushed, but laughed again. “Oh, Willow.”

“I know, I know.” Willow rolled her eyes, and smirked. “I’m ridiculous.”

“No.” Tara smiled, and her eyes sparkled down at her girlfriend. “You’re adorable.”

“Cute. Points for trying, but I’m not buying that story.”

Tara was quiet for a long moment as Willow pulled free, and began to smooth the creases from her clothes and patted her hair into place.

“I am, you know.”

Willow looked back from the mirror to Tara. “What?”

Tara smiled crookedly again. “Yours.”

Willow moved forward so she could kneel on the ground and take her hand. She raised their connected hands, and kissed the back of Tara’s. “And I’m yours. Forever.”

Tara smiled, and nodded. “Forever.”

[Laragh]

Still struggling to figure out where to take this without heavy angst

Oh I trust in your awesome writing skills. Especially for steering clear of the angst.

Someone hammered on the door loudly, making them both jump. They tried the doorknob, and, then, finding it locked, yelled: “Put some clothes on, for Christ’s sake, and come spend some time with your friends! They’re driving me insane.”

“Go away!” Willow called back hoarsely, still carefully moving Tara’s shirt up.

Okay, the girls need some un-interrupted alone time, like pronto!

Willow grinned. “No. Just...well, incredibly horny for you.”

So romantic

“I am, you know.”

Willow looked back from the mirror to Tara. “What?”

Tara smiled crookedly again. “Yours.”

Willow moved forward so she could kneel on the ground and take her hand. She raised their connected hands, and kissed the back of Tara’s. “And I’m yours. Forever.”

Tara smiled, and nodded. “Forever.”

Yay for adorable cuteness.

Can't wait for more!