Fanfic - How I Met Your Mother (UPDATED: May 26, 2012)

[Azirahael]

beautiful_love: Aww don't worry, she wouldn't be that harsh to us, this is a happy place, plus i don't think Ariel could be that mean.

also, it's against the rules of the universe:
things fall down
stars go cold
Willow and Tara fall in love
love lasts forever

i think if an alien race found the burned out ashes of our world,
and the only thing they could get from the ruins,
was a story of Willow and Tara's endless love
i think... i think that would be a fitting thing for us to be remembered by.

[willowtaralover]

Willow thought for a moment, “Okay, we’ll keep our PJ’s handy so we can dress and run right in if anything happens."Tara,” she said softly, “We take our clothes off every night when we change. It’s not like we’re going to go all endless naked-y; it’s just for a few minutes.” She caught Tara’s wrist and pulled her closer. “Now do you want to join the ‘in crowd’ or not?”

That Willow, she seems such a sweet innocent thing yet here she is corrupting Tara. Why isn’t it me she’s corrupting though???

Tara thought for a moment. “Do you know how to play ‘Old Maid’?”

Willow was shocked, “I can’t play, ‘Strip Old Maid’ that sounds totally perve-y!”

Ha ha ha ha ha ha, this is hilarious. I’m gonna be in such trouble at work tonight having this line running through my head.

Whilst the disagreement between Willow and Tara over the amount of clothes applicable to wear playing ‘go strip’ is witty, would Tara really have that much jewellery? To me it just seems a little off. Also, I didn’t think that Willow got any Scooby Doo tops until Buffy arrived in Sunnydale and they became the Scoobys.

Tara’s voice was tender, “Willow, you don’t have anything to be shy about. You’re beautiful.”

Willow looked up uncertainly and saw the unmistakable desire in her lover’s eyes

I thought Willow had already realised that she was beautiful, though I’m guessing that both she and Tara have had that many knocks in their life times from others that both still find it hard to believe that either girl has found someone who is completely head over heels in love with them.

I like the moment where Tara is showing her new gloves to Willow and asks if she wants to try one on. It shows how much she’s opening up to her lover.

Whilst I don’t get the rules to the card game, I do like the sweetness shown to By Tara as she kisses her finger and hand as she strips off the glove and ring.


Willow glanced between Tara’s glove and her ring but Tara offered a teasing smile and began slowly sliding her tank top off. She took her time, moving her waist from side to side as she exposed first her belly, then her breasts.

Willow gulped. The warm play of candlelight danced and flowed across Tara’s skin, leaving her cleavage partly in shadow. Willow was mesmerized by the movements of Tara’s breasts as they emerged from the tank top with a last saucy bounce. She swallowed and eyed the sweet brown of Tara’s taut nipples, chocolate kisses. When she dragged her eyes up she saw that Tara's eyes were dark with longing.

Hubba hubba hubba You do realize that all that description of Topless Tara is cruel, especially not having a Tara or Willow of my own :(


Willow met her lover’s eyes and got up on her knees and began slowly unbuttoning her pajama top while Tara’s breath hitched, My Willow, my beautiful, brave, sexy Willow.

Willow hesitated while the candlelight turned her long hair into a cascade of copper fire that glowed against her skin. Then she smiled impishly and leaned forward so that Tara stared up at the sweetness of pink nipples just inches from her mouth.

And now you do the same again with Willow. Such cruelty and it’s making my body want to explode. SOB :(

It was such a nice chapter with some fun and sweetness there and almost sweet Willow/Tara loving at the end, till Willow backed out, I think slightly fearful of the girls hearing them. But we now know what Tara was doing with the roses, which was a sweet romantic touch along with Willow calling Tara her Tare-Bear.

Now all we have to do is marry them off or something, maybe elope together after summer camp is over or have Tara arrive in Sunnydale along with Buffy so Willow has her lover and her best friend around.

This has been such an awesome chapter Ariel and I can't wait to read the next instalment.

[BlondCavalier]

Hi Ariel,

So good to see an update so soon!

I loved Willow and Tara's potential choices for the card game names:
Spades (like getting a dog fixed )

Willow was shocked, "I can't play 'Strip Old Maid' that sounds totally perve-y!"

Strip Fish (like gutting fish )

I liked Tara describing her beautiful Native American gloves that her mom got her for riding and how much they meant to her - I was really touched she wanted to share one with Willow.

You had some beautiful love scenes in here, and sexy too (va va va voom!!! )

Finally, I LOVED the scene with the rose!!! I KNEW all along that Tara had something special planned for that special rose It sounds like our two girls are having a wonderful anniversary!

Looking forward to an update soon and great job!!

BC

[Ariel]

Maggie AKA leonhart17:

aww poor girls! Playing is more fun when you get to finish the game. Very hot nonetheless!

Yes, maybe they can have a hot time in a cold shower! Yes it is fun to finish and thanks for reading and writing!


AstronSoul:

GO STRIP!!! HAHA, now I have a new game to play!

Hey, let us know when the tournament starts – there might be some players!

Pink + pointy = poinky never ever will I look at stuff the same again, now the whole hands on/lips on research, so all for it!

*sigh* Another kitten appreciating the joy of science. Warms my heart!

’My Tara’ Tara hugged Willow close and kissed her on the top of her head. She made an effort to keep her tone light. “I am honored to be your Tare-bear.”
The first Tare-Bear, so cute and adorable, I do like how Tara lingers on the 'My Tara' part of what Willow said.

The first “Tare-bear” was a special moment and I wanted it to be right. Thank you!

A Naive Willow but slowly coming into her own, Tara shy but slowly coming out of her shell. So complimentary to each other, nothing but fun, cuddles and a great Anniversary!!

Glad you see it; the healing power of love is a major part of this fic and their lives together. However, there is some darkness . . .


SMGOVAN:

Strip go fish? That had to be the cutest thing ever!

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the other diabolically evil thoughts – you scare me and I love that!!! Thanks for thoughts on going forward, too. Much appreciated! Opened up a beta pens deal for any additional suggestions – I love your ideas.


Zampsa19752001:

I really liked their Strip Go Fish session... Big yay for Willow calling Tara Tare-Bear, and more importantly My Tara.

Thanks, Z. Glad you liked “Strip Go Fish” I hoped it would be fun for you!!! And yeah, I loved ‘My Tara’, too. What’s fun is it’s like they say it in front of me and I just write it down sometimes; I love watching them. And thanks for all the encouragement and future advice!!!


Azirahael:

You realize you've spoiled me now?

i mean, nice fedback-feedback, new stories and a 24hour update?

Whoa, now! You posted later and a new one was ready! Hey, thanks for reading and thanks for the incredibly helpful PM’s!

The best bit about this story is describing it to my flat-mates: "Strip Go-Fish? how does that work!?!"

Wish I could have seen that one!

Then your response to Jessica AKA beautiful_love where you said Willow and Tara could not be separated:

things fall down
stars go cold
Willow and Tara fall in love
love lasts forever

i think if an alien race found the burned out ashes of our world,
and the only thing they could get from the ruins,
was a story of Willow and Tara's endless love
i think... i think that would be a fitting thing for us to be remembered by.

Both powerful and poetic, you’ve gone far beyond “fan” -


True_Love:

I love Strip Fish. If I was anywhere as near as patient I might even try it. I think I would last until the first item of clothing got removed then it would be all over from there. I like how Tara has the same realization about the game and finally gives in to her more passionate need for Willow.

Sounds like you and Tara are two of a kind!

It's really too bad that they couldn't finish the game but, the Tare-bear affection was worth it.

I can’t argue with you when you’re right! Agree on both points – thanks for your comments!


Shelby AKA Finey_McFine:

Strip Fish!?!?!?! All kinds of AWESOME! that just might be my new favorite game!!

Hey, check with the President of your fan club! I think AstronSoul is setting up a tournament! Of course lining up Willow and Tara to play with us might be tough . . .

Anyway, previous chapter...Mistress Finch makes her usual unwanted appearance. Since when does she get to raid people's private mail? AND why did she need to call a meeting instead of just asking Jennilee one-on-one what was in the box? While I'm on the subject...allowing an outside coach to come in and play favorites? She so needs to be FIRED.

*Nods, quietly tears up Shelby’s invitation to join the Mrs. Finch Fan Club* Yeah, she wanted to “make an example” of Jennilee and drive home the ‘no electronics’ rule, but it backfired on her – how sad! As to the rest of your comment, how can I argue, when you’re right!

Ok, back to our regularly scheduled feedback...the iPod dancing was very sweet and I loved the game. Lot's of fun and almost hotness.

Yay! Thank you! And thanks for the “going forward” input, too, I appreciate your thoughts.


Matty AKA Mgraham93:
Good catch on the structure of Go Fish working the best.

Your comments on the glove scene were a huge help to me!

the entire passage was brilliant as it touched on how her Mom loves her, how much she means to her, how even a gift that she only has for the summer is still really important- also parallels their relationship in that although it may only be for these few weeks of camp that they get to be together so they'll see how beautiful they are in that short time. Plus it shows that her mom knows at least a little bit about Native American beliefs. How Willow is helping her to be free, and what could possibly be forshadowing with the Scooby doo Pajama's before going on to how the family doesn't have very much money something that has been hinted at even from the start when they first met.

A lot of my writing is intuitive, I put something in because it “feels right” so your analysis helped me see more clearly. Then you tie that in with my third post where she defends her family as not “taking charity.” Good catch!

Glad you liked the explanation of “Tare Bear” and appreciate your memory of the rose petals Tara set aside in my post 3-1/2 months ago.


beautiful_love:

And it was a really good update. I cracked up at the idea of strip Go Fish. Though after much thought, it could be much more entertaining than strip Poker so kudos there. I had to laugh though at Willow trying to put on all of her available attire. So very Willow of her.

Okay, big happy dance here - Hope the socks, sandals, slippers and swim fins worked for you! Thanks for writing and welcoming me back – I love your story, too! And used it as a great example of Faith and Tara friendships.


Rick AKA willowtaralover:

That Willow, she seems such a sweet innocent thing yet here she is corrupting Tara. Why isn’t it me she’s corrupting though???

A question that echoes in the heart of many of us, I’m sure! But it’s W/T for a reason and they only have eyes for each other.

Tara’s voice was tender, “Willow, you don’t have anything to be shy about. You’re beautiful.”

Willow looked up uncertainly and saw the unmistakable desire in her lover’s eyes

I thought Willow had already realised that she was beautiful, though I’m guessing that both she and Tara have had that many knocks in their life times from others that both still find it hard to believe that either girl has found someone who is completely head over heels in love with them.

Willow has had a few of these moments of realizing her own beauty; the first was just after she took the breast test and saw Tara looking at her (Part 3) and it mentions that a part of her would remember Tara’s look of admiration for a long time. Physical self confidence can come and go, especially with such a young and inexperienced person as Willow and stripping adds a new level of stress. I appreciate your point of view and can say that Willow is definitely more confident than when they first made love. It’s a long journey and it’s not a straight path. No pun intended. *smirk*

Whilst the disagreement between Willow and Tara over the amount of clothes applicable to wear playing ‘go strip’ is witty, would Tara really have that much jewellery? To me it just seems a little off. Also, I didn’t think that Willow got any Scooby Doo tops until Buffy arrived in Sunnydale and they became the Scoobys.

On the jewelry, five pairs of earrings is not an unreasonable amount for a teenage girl and most of it was a hand-me-down from her mom. Same with the rings, when she isn’t riding Tara likes rings so she brought a few extra.

Good catch on Willow backing out. She and Tara both made that decision; they hate the idea of scaring the kids and they’re very frightened of getting in trouble or getting fired and separated, too.

Thanks for your comments and encouragement.


BlondCavalier:

I loved Willow and Tara's potential choices for the card game names:
Spades (like getting a dog fixed)

Willow was shocked, "I can't play 'Strip Old Maid' that sounds totally perve-y!"

Strip Fish (like gutting fish)

Thanks for noticing, that scene was fun to write!

I liked Tara describing her beautiful Native American gloves that her mom got her for riding and how much they meant to her - I was really touched she wanted to share one with Willow.

So glad that worked for you; it just appeared at the last moment when I was writing.

Wow, thanks for giving me a “va va va voom” rating on the love scene!

Finally, I LOVED the scene with the rose!!! I KNEW all along that Tara had something special planned for that special rose It sounds like our two girls are having a wonderful anniversary

Yes they are, and they deserve it! Thanks for reading and good catch on remembering the rose petals! *happy sigh*

STORY TO FOLLOW (ALMOST) IMMEDIATELY!

[Ariel]

Feedback is golden, thank you for reading!

Title: How I Met Your Mother*
Author: Ariel
Email: blaziak@yahoo.com
Feedback: All feedback welcomed, specific input appreciated, harsh on me via PM
Rating: NC-17 (light) for the mention of breasts and oral-sex, ratings can change on various posts
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, but I love to take them for a ride!
Summary: A/U before season 1, the summer after Willow's freshman year with a large dose of Queen Cordelia at her bitchy best and teen-aged angst.


*not related to the sit-com of the same name



Part 41: Dreams in the Dark


Her body tensed as the hand swung closer, getting larger and larger until it filled her world. It was always so strange; the hand seeming to be suspended in time, moving so slowly and yet always striking her with such cruel strength. She felt the slap against her cheek. Her head snapped back and the blow seemed to ripple through her body like an earthquake, toppling everything of peace and safety inside her. Then her body tensed with the familiar terror and she was suddenly awake. Awake, not happening now . . . did it happen? She slid a cautious hand up to her face to feel for injuries and tentatively caressed her own hopeful smile, Didn’t happen, just a dream, bad dream. I’m here, in bed, here with . . . Willow. She sighed and shifted positions so that she could rest her head on Willow’s shoulder.


Willow stirred sleepily, “Tara?”


“N-nothing, W-willow. I’m fine.”


Willow’s eyes opened and blinked into the darkness. “Come here, you.” Then her arms tightened around Tara, gathering her closer. “Are you okay? You’re shaking.”


“I h-had a bad dream, that’s all. It’s n-nothing.”


“Well, remember you being my Tare-bear?” Willow felt Tara’s nod against her neck, “Well, that means that I’m your Willow-bear with all of the same cuddle rights included.”


Tara smiled shyly, “I already h-have a nickname for you.”


Willow gave her an eager squeeze, “What is it?”


“Willowhand.” Tara sensed Willow’s confusion and hastened to explain, “At my h-house we have a w-willow tree. I l-love it and I used to hide there when I was little,” she shuddered and clutched Willow convulsively, too close, memories too close tonight!, “I mean, I played there, h-hide and seek and games. Sometimes I’d cry, l-like all l-little kids cry,” she said quickly, “And the leaves of the willow tree w-would brush my tears away if I stood just right and the w-wind was blowing. It felt so nice and that was the ‘Willowhand’. There are tree spirits, you know,” she continued shyly, “Th-they’re called ‘dryads’.” I played that the Willow-lady l-loved me and w-we’d talk together and play sometimes. She used to dance with m-me.” Tara tensed, wondering if she had said too much then felt Willow’s hand stroking her back reassuringly.


Willow swallowed, “Well this Willow loves you, too. But I’m more of a cosmic klutz than all with the dance-y tree magic.”


“But your h-hands, when you touch me, it is magic.” Tara reached down to catch one of Willow’s hands and bring it to her lips. “I l-love your hands.”


Willow let her hand linger under Tara’s kiss, then began running her fingers through her lover’s hair while Tara murmured ‘Willowhand’ into her neck.


“Tara?”


“Hmm?”


“I love holding you, I really do,” she paused, “I don’t get it, but I feel sad at the same time.”


Willow felt Tara nod against her. “I know, I do, too.” Tara paused to draw a thoughtful breath, exhaling it slowly. “To be so h-happy right now, is to know that h-happiness ends.”


“Hey!” Willow shifted in bed, then pulled Tara in close again, “What’s with this happiness end-y stuff? I mean we’re young, it’s all just beginning.” A moment passed and Tara could hear the shyness in Willow’s voice. “It’s only been two weeks since we woke up in our cabin for the first time, but I’m in love with you, Tara.” Then Willow turned away, embarrassed. “I was so dumb; not knowing that I was wet for you that time. But now I know what I want.” Willow took a deep breath, as if to gather her courage, before speaking.


“Tara?”


“Hmm?”


Willow lowered her voice to the barest whisper, leaning in so her breath fluttered warm against Tara’s cheek. “This morning, when we made love. . . “ Her voice faded to silence and she swallowed.


Tara laid on her side and began rubbing warm circles on Willow’s tummy, then extended the circle to include the soft swell of her lover’s breasts and she felt Willow sigh with pleasure. “Y-you can tell me, Willow.”


Willow swallowed again, “I’m scared that you’ll think I’m some kind of nympho-perve-monster.”


“I w-won’t. I promise.”


“Okay, I’ll tell you, but you have to look away.”


“W-willow, we’re in the dark.”

“I don’t care,” Willow insisted, “You have to look away and shut your eyes, too. Because it always feels like you can see me, no matter what. So if your eyes are closed AND you’re looking away AND we’re in the dark, then maybe I can tell you.”


Tara obeyed, but reached out to clasp one of Willow’s hands in hers.


“Okay, remember, you promised not to look at me or open your eyes.” She paused. “This morning, when we made love. I wanted to—“ Willow shifted gears, “Do you remember that time in the loft when I kissed your thighs and said you smelled good down there?”


Tara felt herself blushing furiously and gave Willow’s hand a convulsive squeeze which Willow mistakenly took for reassurance.


“Well, I guess that kind of started it. Then this morning when we, you know, made love, I wanted to kind of kiss you down there.” Willow reached up and clung to Tara’s hand with both of hers. “So, what do you think?”


Tara took a few moments to breathe and try to get her leaping heart in order before she raised Willow’s hands to her lips and kissed them. “I-I felt the same w-way tonight. I w-wanted to kiss you down there, drink your n-nectar and feel you melt in my mouth.”


Willow gave a sudden nervous laugh, “Now you make me feel like M&M’s, you know that slogan, ‘melts in your mouth and not in your hand’?”


Their tension broke in the laughter between them and Willow could almost see Tara’s mouth quirking up as Tara said, “M&M’s, huh? W-well I guess I will be saying ‘Mm’ when you do it.” She stopped, shy again, “I mean if you do it.”


“I want to do it,” Willow said cautiously, “But it’s hard to find the right time.” She brightened, “Hey, do you think we invented something?”


“No. That’s ‘oral sex’ and—“


Willow suddenly sat bolt upright in bed, “THAT’S oral sex! I thought ‘oral sex’ was like heavy tongue kissing! Oh, no! Xander and Jesse were talking and I said something about oral sex not being a big deal at all. So now I know why they looked at each other and why Xander whispered to Jesse after I left to go to the bathroom. Shit! I am dumb and THAT’s why they were laughing at me!”


“Willow, I’m not laughing at you and I’m your lover.”


Willow’s voice seemed to smile in the darkness, “’My lover’. It’s nice saying it out loud or at least whispering it quietly behind a barricaded door.”


Tara’s voice was warm with humor, “I’ll t-take what I can get.”


“Me, too. And tonight I’ll take an order of Tara-tummy,” she slid an appreciative hand onto the smooth flesh, “a pair of Tara boobs,” she cupped then massaged Tara’s breasts “in addition to all other things Taranian that I am not currently allowed to touch.”


“Mmmm. Willowhand.”


Willow slid her leg between Tara’s legs and pressed against her lover, “Goodnight, Tare-bear.”

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

“Boob attack! Fire the toast!”


“Willow!” Tara shook her lover’s shoulder, trying to wake her up. “Sweetie, what is it?”


“Nuke the nipple and full speed--what? Where am I—“ Willow’s eyes opened and she smiled, “Tara, mmmm,” then closed her eyes and nuzzled into Tara’s neck. “Neck kisses delivery,” she murmured sleepily, “Please stand by.” Then she slurped her way up Tara’s neck until Tara was squirming and breathless. Willow sensed the movement and began a slow return to consciousness only to see Tara staring curiously at her.


W-what were you dreaming about?”


Willow felt herself drifting back off, “Jennilee’s boobs.”


“WHAT!”


Willow’s eyes snapped open and she was suddenly wide awake. “Uh, I had my face in Jennilee’s boobs and—“


“You h-had your face in Jennilee’s boobs?”


“I said that part already.” Then Willow got a good look at Tara’s face, “Tara! It wasn’t like that!”


“You mean it wasn’t like yesterday when you stuck your nose into her cleavage?”


“Yes, I mean no! I mean,” Willow said breathlessly, “I had a nightmare about my face being in Jennilee’s boobs. I dreamed I was smothering, really! I did! Didn’t you hear me? I was giving the order to fire the toast.”


“’Fire the toast’?”


“Yes,” Willow said with an attempt at dignity, “It was a military action.”


They locked eyes and Willow slid a hand under Tara’s tank top. “I love ‘Mare’ and I love ‘Amore’ and that’s it!”


Tara sighed, feeling her nipples harden against Willow’s stroking palm, as Willow continued her musings, “Her boobs are interesting—“


“Interesting!” Tara pulled Willow’s hands away and tugged her tank top back down.


“Taaaara! I just meant from a scientific point of view!”


Tara’s jaw dropped, “’Research, hands on research’?”


“No, no, not like that, not the way your breasts are interesting. I mean, your breasts are interesting-sexy and interesting-kissable but her breasts are interesting – Anti-Newtonian.”


“’Anti-Newtonian’?”


“They defy gravity. I mean, how does she hold them up? There must be almost .5 cubic meters of boob there, maybe more.”


Tara sat up abruptly and swung her legs over the side of their bed.


“Tara! Where are you going?”


Tara walked over to her duffle bag and started yanking out clothes and putting them on. “Where am I going? I’m going into the next room to spend some time with people who are not dreaming or talking about Jennilee Cooper’s boobs!”


“No! Tara, wait, I’ll go with you!” Willow jumped to her feet, tugging off her pajama bottoms while trying to stop Tara from leaving. Suddenly one foot caught in the leg of her pajamas and Willow stumbled and slammed into their night table, sending their lamp crashing to the floor. Willow reeled from the impact, spun in a half circle and was hopping straight towards Tara who had flattened herself against the wall, stunned by the turn of events. Tara jumped aside, just as Willow tried to catch herself on the back of the chair. The chair went over but Tara stepped up and caught Willow by the shoulders.


“Got you!”


Willow struggled upright, blushing furiously and gasping for breath, “My hero,” she said weakly. Then leaned in and put her arms around Tara’s waist. A moment later she reached down, holding onto Tara’s waist, and disentangled her foot. She stood up but kept her eyes downward.


“Tara, ever hear of dirty dancing?”


Tara nodded.


She stepped closer and hid her face on Tara’s shoulder, “Well this was doofus dancing!” A moment later she ran her finger shyly along her lover’s shoulder and swallowed. “Tara, you’re the only one I have the good dreams about, okay?”


Their eyes met and held. Then they leaned in for a kiss and finally heard the cataclysm on the other side of the door.


“LET US IN!” That was Towanda, pounding on the door with Bettina pounding along with her.


“Are you okay?” Lisa’s voice was almost lost.


Devola resumed her argument, “I tell you, they’re being attacked by aliens or Mrs. Finch or something!”


They stepped back as the girls flung open the door.


“Are you alive?” Debbie asked breathlessly.


Tara and Willow looked at each other and started laughing together.


Devola hefted her pillow, slung behind her back, “So you’re okay?”


They nodded.


“Totally okay?”


They nodded again and Devola stepped forward with an evil grin and swung her pillow in a sideways arc and slammed them both. They both fell back a step then Willow grabbed the pillow and wrenched it out of Devola’s hands. Then she jumped into the kids’ room swinging wildly, the light of battle in her eyes. She chased Devola around the table then found herself cornered as Towanda, Bettina and Lisa joined forces. Meanwhile Mouse ran excitedly from place to place, her pillow slung over her shoulder and gripped tightly by both hands. Willow was surrounded by the entire room of children, but she continued swinging bravely even as she slid down the wall to the floor.


“Taaara!”


Suddenly Xena’s ululating war-cry split the air as Tara leaped into the room, swinging two pillows at once in a fearful barrage of feathered fury. With one swipe, Bettina and Towanda fell back and Tara cleared a half circle, forcing back the other girls, as she leaned down to pull Willow upright. With renewed strength the two lovers stood shoulder to shoulder and pressed their attack as the girls retreated before them. When Towanda tumbled back over a chair, the game ended and the little girl was helped to her feet.


Towanda smiled up at Tara, “Wow, that sounded just like Xena!”


Tara smiled, “M-my big brother and I used to l-like to play ‘Xena’.


Towanda stood next to her, “Teach me how to do her war cry, please, Tara?”


Tara grinned, “Okay, Warrior Princesses! Dress, put away your pajamas, brush hair and I’ll give you a war-cry lesson.” The girls sped quickly through the morning routine and soon a yelping crowd of young amazons marched together to breakfast.


Everyone was finishing up and Willow stood, preparing to refill her orange juice glass. “Tara, want some tea?”


Tara nodded and leaned forward with her milk glass in her hand and a teasing smile on her lips. “And you know what I like in my tea,” she said mischievously, “I like—“


“MILK AND HONEY!” bellowed every girl in the bunk and Tara jerked her milk glass back and saw a waterfall of white flowing down her shirt.


Tara blushed, “H-how did you—“


Towanda rolled her eyes, “You only say that every, single day!”


Willow had her hand covering her mouth, but giggles erupted from between her fingers.


Tara stared at her lover, fighting the smile on her own lips, “What are you laughing at?”


Willow shrugged innocently. “Nothing, just enjoying seeing liquid flowing down someone else’s body for a change! I’ve spilled on myself so many times that I drink more by skin absorption than by swallowing.” She bowed to her lover, “Your tea will arrive shortly, Madame.”


Tara met Willow’s grin then suddenly their eyes locked and the world seemed to fall away; it was only them and Tara felt overwhelmed by the force of her love for Willow. I have to tell her, she swallowed and drew a sharp, quick breath then let it out slowly. I will tell her.


Then there was a tug on Tara’s elbow so she looked down to listen to Bettina; but even though the mood was broken, the promise remained.

[AstronSoul]

DIBS!

ok I am not going all wild with the quotes this time. (I'm getting a bit tired lol)

but I loved this chapter, Willow saying it's just the beginning, and Tara realizing she needs to tell Willow her nightmare and everything else that goes with it.

The kids are a riot, thinking Mrs Finch was getting them lol

And yay for Warrior cry lessons! Always a good motivator!

Great job!

~AS~

[leonhart17]

Oooh, so Tara's finally going to spill! I can't wait! Hopefully Willow won't react instinctively and do something that will upset Tara on accident...

[True_Love]

Young love is so cute. I love the part where Willow thinks they invented something. It was so endearing and such a true depiction of the sexually naive and their first loves. *blush*

Gotta give you points for the Warrior Princess war-cry lessons. Any time Xena can be mentioned it's a good thing. And I'm so glad Tara is finally going to open up to Willow about everything. I think it will just bring them closer together.

I will be patiently waiting for your next update. Hopefully, it won't be too long from now.

[Grimm]

Even while taliking about oral sex, Willow and Tara are oh so innocent. Willow's naivety about oral sex is another moment.

Tara's nightmare made me very, very sad. To think that she actually has had to endure this type of physical abuse just burns my ass ! I'm glad that she is finally ready to confide in Willow.The symbolism of her playing and being comforted by the Willow tree when she was a little girl almost made me cry. Even before they met, Willowhand was there to wipe away her tears. That was very beautiful Ariel. Please don't seperate them. I can't bare it...and I don't think they can either.

Willow's boob attack dream provided the levity that I needed, to help me recover from the emotional scars that you have inflicted on me, when Tara explained that her current happiness made her sad because she knows that at the end of camp they will have to seperate (unless you fix it! ). Poor Willow....she just kept digging herself deeper and deeper into that hole

This story just tugs at my heart strings. I really love it....

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for great update-y goodness... I'm really glad that Tara decided to tell Willow about her nightmares and other stuff... Yay for Tara's warrior cry...

[wimpy0729]

Another lovely update, and only makes me want more. Tara's dream made me sad, but then you turned it all around as Willow tried to explain the difference in the boob research. Tara's boobs are special, others she just quantifies as cubic meters, but poor Tara was all worried there for a second. Glad that got straightened out. The girls, as always, cracked me up.

And young, innocent Willow...learning something new everyday, and it's a wonderful thing. I can't wait til she, well, you know.

More soon please!


Wimpy

[Mgraham93]

I really liked how Tara's thoughts bookended this chapter going from the nightmare at the start to being ready to tell Willow - it worked really well.

It was nice to see a bit more about Tara's childhood having the safety of the Willow tree, and playing Xena(actually re watched a couple of episodes of xena this summer it's still awesome), I'm really glad there were at least some nice times.

It's nice showing Tara just mentioning little things like the Dryads (mabye she actually was playing with a real Dryad) and the Thunderbirds as it shows knowledge of myths and she's trying to share her knowledge with Willow.

Niave Willow is always funny- I wonder what name she would have come up with if Tara hadn't told her oral sex already had a name

Willow trying to explain the dream was just priceless just making things worse glad Cosmic Klutz Willow saved the day with her Doofus dancing.

A lot of Devola's ideas sound like a mix between old monster movies and Syfy original movies- Coming Soon "The Attack of the Killer Finch Aliens."

“MILK AND HONEY!” bellowed every girl in the bunk and Tara jerked her milk glass back and saw a waterfall of white flowing down her shirt.

Tara blushed, “H-how did you—“

Towanda rolled her eyes, “You only say that every, single day!”

That was great the campers are just plain fun

I look forward to the next update

[beautiful_love]

So I totally read this the other day and didn't get a chance to comment.

Young love = super cute. These two are adorable. But you already knew that. I love just how innocent they both are in their own ways. You do such a great job of writing them at this age, it's fantastic. And a Cordelia free update makes it double-y wonderful. Can't wait for the next update.

[Azirahael]

Nice to see that the people around Willow and Tara are actually paying attention.
“You only say that every, single day!”
Heh!

[Finey_McFine]

Hey!

Great update! But poor Tara and her nightmare:( At least she had Willow there to console and hold her. So glad that Tara is finally seriously wanting to tell Willow what's going on at home. I loved the Willow tree story, although my Willow tree just slaps me...I'm glad Tara's is gentler, lol.

You really nailed the oral sex conversation (no pun intended, haha). Any conversation about sex when you're a teenager, no matter who it's with, is awkward. You did a great job of showing that innocence.

I think they are both starting to realize that they are on the downhill side of summer camp, meaning the end is closer than the beginning. I'm sad that they're sad and I can only hope that you figure out a way to keep them together. I hate the thought that Tara is going to be all alone without her best friend to talk to when things get rough. Three more years of high school...ugh!

Willow's boob dream...classic. If I'd fallen into Jennilee Cooper's boobs, I'm sure I'd have had the same dreams, lol. Tara should be happy that Willow is a boob gal! I know I would be.

The kids reaction was funny and of course anytime you can reference Zena...awesome!

I give your chapter 10 out of 10 Anti-Newtonian Breasts! An extra point for NO Cordelia, but minus a point for the lack of Mistress Finch.

Loved it and as always....more please?

[BlondCavalier]

Hi Ariel,

This chapter begins with a terrible nightmare for my poor Tara! . I really hope she ends up deciding to tell Willow about it!

I like how Tara compared Willow to a dryad. That was beautiful!

This part was hysterical:

Willow gave a sudden nervous laugh, "Now you make me feel like M&M's, you know that slogan, melts in your mouth and not in your hand'?".


I can't wait till our girls actually get down and down and do oral sex for the first time. That will be totally, to say the the least, entertaining!

oral sex like heavy tongue kissing A priceless gem Ariel!

That was so funny when Willow dreamt about Jenilee Cooper's boobs !!!! I loved that Willow used the phrase "they defy grafity" (from the musical Wicked -yay!!)

Xena (whatever)???

This chapter was very entertaining! The girls as usual were very touching and romantic!

Keep it up!

BC

[Ariel]

AstronSoul:
Hail, New Dibs-Mistress of the Kitten Board
You said you’re tired? Of course you’re tired: out dibs-ing everyone else in the known universe! (Me, included!)

I loved this chapter, Willow saying it's just the beginning, and Tara realizing she needs to tell Willow her nightmare and everything else that goes with it.

Thank you. I honestly believe that sharing, really opening up to someone you love is one of the sexiest and most beautiful things there is!

“The kids are a riot,” you say, almost as if Mrs. Finch is NOT an alien. I’m thinking Mgraham93 may have a point, she’s helping pick out kids for the Mayor to snack on during Ascension Day. Just a sick thought!

And yay for Warrior cry lessons! Always a good motivator!

You’re in good company, there. True_Love, Zampsa, Mgraham93, Shelby and I are right there with you!


Maggie AKA leonhart17:

Oooh, so Tara's finally going to spill! I can't wait!

Thanks, it’s a series of hard scenes to write and you’ve made a good catch on trouble to come. So brace yourself, you’re in for a wild ride! Thanks for staying with this story for so long!


True_Love:

Young love is so cute. I love the part where Willow thinks they invented something. It was so endearing and such a true depiction of the sexually naive and their first loves. *blush*

Matching you *blush* for *blush* there, girlfriend – been there!

Completely agree about Xena’s war-cry and that mentioning her is a good thing. Right again! Zampsa, Shelby, Matty, and AstronSoul and I all share your views!

And I'm so glad Tara is finally going to open up to Willow about everything. I think it will just bring them closer together.

Honesty usually does . . wish Tara luck, though, it won’t be easy.


SMGOVAN:
Glad you enjoyed their O.S. naiveté – I had the same thought when I was about Willow’s age!

Tara's nightmare made me very, very sad. To think that she actually has had to endure this type of physical abuse just burns my ass! I'm glad that she is finally ready to confide in Willow.

She is very frightened on a lot of levels, but feels that Willow deserves the truth. Her most frightening secrets, however, are NOT the abuse itself. More on that in a few posts. And it is her other secrets that make her very much afraid that Willow will reject her; but she feels that Willow has the right to know the truth and make the choice. On the abuse, to clarify, Tara is not beaten daily, weekly, monthly, etc. She has only been really hit severely twice in her life but she has been slapped and shaken and pushed back into a wall and screamed at. And yes, that is child abuse. Mr. Maclay is “old school” a polite word for a vicious habit of physical abuse under the guise of ‘discipline’. Again it is infrequent, but often enough to deeply frighten a very sensitive, vulnerable child. Fortunately Tara has received love and encouragement from her mother throughout her life, has real strength in her own right AND is in love with someone who loves her deeply and accepts her totally.

The symbolism of her playing and being comforted by the Willow tree when she was a little girl almost made me cry. Even before they met, Willowhand was there to wipe away her tears.

I think they’ve always known each other . . . they just forget sometimes.

Willow's boob attack dream provided the levity that I needed . . . . Poor Willow....she just kept digging herself deeper and deeper into that hole.

Thanks! That scene just wrote itself . . .

This story just tugs at my heart strings. I really love it...

I am so touched, S. Thank you with all my heart!


Zampsa19752001:

I'm really glad that Tara decided to tell Willow about her nightmares and other stuff.

Thanks, it’s a very brave thing for her to do – glad you like it!

Yay for Tara's warrior cry..

Tara in a Xena costume . . . ooh maximum hotness! You and AstronSoul, Mgraham93, Shelby and True_Love are all Xena fans, me too! Woohoo!


Wimpy:

Tara's dream made me sad, but then you turned it all around as Willow tried to explain the difference in the boob research. Tara's boobs are special, others she just quantifies as cubic meters, but poor Tara was all worried there for a second.

Yeah. Finding out that your lover is dreaming of someone else’s breasts isn’t usually reassuring but Willow is new to the mysteries of underwire bras and all systems of enhanced support, so she was genuinely curious. Besides as a Breast Gal it was traumatic to go boob-diving and be accidentally smothered – I see some PTSD going on for sure!

Glad you liked the campers, stay tuned for a major athletic event!

And young, innocent Willow...learning something new everyday, and it's a wonderful thing. I can't wait til she, well, you know.

And you won’t have long to wait, but you know me – there will be surprises along the road to knowledge. Luckily Willow is a fast learner . . . straight A’s all the way! Next post on their next ‘lesson’.


Matty AKA Mgraham93:

I really liked how Tara's thoughts bookended this chapter going from the nightmare at the start to being ready to tell Willow - it worked really well.

Matty, I did that instinctively but you’re right – the structure works. Thank you so much for helping me get better. By pointing that out I can think more about structure and work more consciously.

It was nice to see a bit more about Tara's childhood having the safety of the Willow tree, and playing Xena(actually re watched a couple of episodes of xena this summer it's still awesome), I'm really glad there were at least some nice times.

There were. Especially when she and her brother were younger; they played together and had a lot of fun. Sadly, Donnie has begun seeing Tara as “the troublemaker” who causes stress in the family and he is embarrassed by her “top nerd” status at his high school; he’s three years older and a senior, so he doesn’t want her “ruining his rep.”

Naive Willow is always funny- I wonder what name she would have come up with if Tara hadn't told her oral sex already had a name

*YOINK* That idea totally rocks and will be used within the next two posts! I bow before your greatness!

Willow trying to explain the dream was just priceless just making things worse glad Cosmic Klutz Willow saved the day with her Doofus dancing.

Kind of verbal quicksand, the more you thrash around the faster you sink to your death – but doofus dancing saved the day.

Yeah, Devola’s wild imagination + bizarre TV watching habits = look out world!


Jessica AKA beautiful_love:

Young love = super cute. These two are adorable. But you already knew that. I love just how innocent they both are in their own ways.

Well, I love “An Everyday Life” – so right back at you!

And a Cordelia free update makes it double-y wonderful.

*Awkward grimace* Uh, we’ll be seeing a bit more of Queen C but she won’t fully unleash the mean machine for a few of posts, promise!


Azirahael:

You comment on MILK AND HONEY bellow from the kids:

Nice to see that the people around Willow and Tara are actually paying attention. Heh!

Tara and Willow have been enjoying their little tea-tease since the breast naming, but leave it to the kids . . . Thanks for writing AND for the great ideas for future updates!


Shelby AKA Finey_McFine:

So glad that Tara is finally seriously wanting to tell Willow what's going on at home. I loved the Willow tree story, although my Willow tree just slaps me...I'm glad Tara's is gentler, lol.

Me, too on Tara having a gentler Willow tree! Yes, a lot of trust has been building but Tara also feels an obligation to give Willow the chance to leave her since the abuse, to her, is not her most shameful secret.

You really nailed the oral sex conversation (no pun intended, haha).

You vixen, you!

Any conversation about sex when you're a teenager, no matter who it's with, is awkward. You did a great job of showing that innocence.

Thank you; that means a lot and there’s more to come (no pun intended).

Yeah, the whole Jennilee near-death-experience was very traumatic for Willow the Breast Gal. Glad you like Xena along with AstronSoul, Zampsa, True_Love, Mgraham93 and I.

I give your chapter 10 out of 10 Anti-Newtonian Breasts! An extra point for NO Cordelia, but minus a point for the lack of Mistress Finch.

Yay, I got 10 for 10!!! Shelby, I completely mis-read you about Mrs. Finch and I hasten to provide more of that lovely lady. And yes, I am inviting you to not only join the Mrs. Finch fan club, but lead it as its President! I am confident that her latest appearance will seal the deal for you!


BlondCavalier:

This chapter begins with a terrible nightmare for my poor Tara!. I really hope she ends up deciding to tell Willow about it!

A big step is being taken in this post.

This part was hysterical:
Willow gave a sudden nervous laugh, "Now you make me feel like M&M's, you know that slogan, melts in your mouth and not in your hand'?".

Yay, glad you liked it!

That was so funny when Willow dreamt about Jenilee Cooper's boobs!!!! I loved that Willow used the phrase "they defy grafity" (from the musical Wicked -yay!!)

You’re so Broadway – very cool!

Xena (whatever)???

I clasp my hands in prayer for your eventual enlightenment.

And yes, they will be together very soon tasting those two special flavors . . . and the “oral sex is a gem, Ariel” made me happy!

STORY TO FOLLOW (ALMOST) IMMEDIATELY!

[Ariel]

Feedback is golden, thank you for reading!

Title: How I Met Your Mother*
Author: Ariel
Email: blaziak@yahoo.com
Feedback: All feedback welcomed, specific input appreciated, harsh on me via PM
Rating: PG (light) for the mention of breasts, ratings can change on various posts
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, but I love to take them for a ride!
Summary: A/U before season 1, the summer after Willow's freshman year with a large dose of Queen Cordelia at her bitchy best and teen-aged angst.


*not related to the sit-com of the same name



Part 42: Drenching, Dancing and other Natural Disasters


Meanwhile Jennilee had strolled casually over to their table. She smiled at the group, “Hey, good morning, y’all.” She leaned across the table and lowered her voice. “Tara, I believe you have something of mine. May I get it back?”


“Sure, Jennilee. I h-have it in our room I’ll bring it to lunch, okay?”


“That sounds just fine.” She smiled, “Did you like it?”


Tara blushed and Jennilee lifted an eyebrow in amusement while Willow headed back with the tea.


Then time stood still as Tara and Willow both saw Mouse on her knees reaching a curious finger upward for some exploratory poking while Jennilee chatted on, oblivious to the impending danger. Willow raced back the last few feet, skidded on a bit of spilled milk and accidentally hurled the entire cup of tea onto Jennilee’s boobs. Jennilee yelped as the hot tea hit her breasts and Willow grabbed the water pitcher and upended its contents into Jennilee’s cleavage, causing Jennilee to gasp as the ice hit her skin then splashed down to soak Mouse as well.


Mouse yelled as the water drenched her, Veronica ran to Mouse, Towanda crawled across a plate of scrambled eggs to offer Jennilee the napkin container, Tara reached across the table to help blot off Jennilee’s breasts and Willow babbled an apology that broke the world babbling record for both speed and incoherence.


Chaos ensued.

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

Mouse accepted Veronica’s help to return to the cabin and change her clothes. Just as they finished, the little girl remembered that she was supposed to talk to her friend about softball.


“Veronica?”


“Yeah.”


Mouse felt confused trying to recall the details of what she was supposed to say and just plunged ahead, “You’re playing like a dog.”


Veronica turned her head sharply to meet Mouse’s eyes. “What?”


“You know.” Mouse stared hard at her best friend. “You play bad.” Then the little girl’s voice faltered and she tugged at Veronica’s hand, “Are you trying to make us lose?”


Veronica looked away.


“It’s true!” Mouse stamped her foot, “I try and try and try to play good and you try to make us lose! That’s not fair! You stop it, Veronica! You stop it right now!”


“Mouse,” Veronica said helplessly, “You don’t understand.”


“That’s cheating, Veronica, and it’s bad to cheat! My mommy doesn’t let me play with bad girls!”


“But you’re my best friend,” Veronica’s voice was pleading.


“No!” Mouse turned to go and Veronica sat down on her bunk, her shoulders slumped in defeat.


A moment later the rest of their cabin entered with two brooms and other cleaning supplies. Tara and Willow distributed dust cloths to the girls, then left to begin putting their own room in order.


Willow grunted as she gave the coverlet of the unused bed a final tug. “I love that we have a guest bed,” she said sarcastically.


Tara grinned, “Perfect for all those w-weekend parties!”


They smiled and stepped closer so that they could hold each other. Then Tara ducked her head shyly, whispering into the part of Willow’s hair. “I love sleeping with you every night.”


Willow felt Tara’s warm breath and shivered happily, Mmmm. Tara-tingles. “Me, too.” She tightened their embrace and felt the sweet press of Tara’s breasts against her own. “Better super-size that ‘Me, too’!” She led Tara to their bed and they sat down side by side.


Willow kissed Tara’s ear, but Tara fidgeted and looked away.


“Baby, what is it?”


Tara felt an almost unbearable joy as she felt Willow’s arm steal gently around her waist. She swallowed, “W-willow, I – I love you.”


Willow’s voice was gentle, “I love you, too, Tare-bear.” She tried to return them to their lighter mood, “What’s wrong, you’re all with the tense-y instead of the kissage.”


“I h-have to t-tell you.”


“Tell me what?” Willow paused and saw the pained intensity in her lover’s eyes. She caught Tara’s hand in hers and rubbed the back of Tara’s hand with her thumb. Her voice was quiet, “I’m listening.”


Tara swallowed and whispered, “I’m r-really scared.”


Willow stood and leaned over to gather Tara into her arms. “Of what, baby?”


“Y-you h-hating me when I tell you.”


“Tara, I can never hate you. It’s physically impossible. It’s like a PI that’s finite or 4 being the square root of nine or a logarithm without a pattern--”


“Or a W-willow who doesn’t like math.” Tara felt her lips trembling then quirking into the ghost of her special smile.


“Anyway, I can’t hate you, Tara.”


“Why can’t you hate me,” Tara bent her neck, hiding behind her hair like she used to do, “When I hate myself?” But her whisper was so soft that Willow didn’t hear.


Then the volume of the girls’ complaining became unavoidably loud and they heard Mouse calling them. They broke their embrace and Willow sighed in disappointment while Tara sighed with relief at a danger averted.


“Tara, I’m sorry that—“


Tara took her lover’s hand, “I’m n-not. W-we need time, Willow, a l-lot of time.” Then she stood, took her fear and pain and thrust it deep inside her in its own dark corner, remembering her childhood rhyme, fold it up and put away, save it for another day. Then she was able to smile and take Willow's hand almost as if everything was normal.


Willow nodded her agreement and they walked into the kids’ room to find Devola staring in outrage at the limp dust rag in her hand.


“Who invented dusting anyway? It’s the dumbest, stupidest thing in the whole wide world!” Devola was beginning to enjoy herself, “That person should be tickle tortured to death, get run over by a truck, shot out of a cannon and eaten by a dinosaur then pooped—“


Towanda had had enough, “Shut up and dust, Devola!”


Tara intervened, “H-hey, no more ‘shut-up.’ We could play ‘Pirates’ or the ‘Wicked Queen Game’.”


Towanda frowned, “We did that yesterday.”


“Wait,” Willow had an idea and grabbed a crayon, holding it and pretending it was a microphone. Then she deepened her voice impressively, “We are about to begin the Cabin Olympics.” She looked around at the strewn laundry decorating floors, beds and tables and smiled, “We will have events in dusting, laundry folding, clothes put away—“


“And sweeping!” Tara joined in and smiled, “And w-we’ll give out gold, silver, and bronze medals.”


Mouse’s eyes were huge. “Gold?”


Willow hesitated, “Well, not exactly real gold but it will be golden-ish and you will get music sung for you and be a hero.” She looked and received Tara’s nod of confirmation about the singing part.


Mouse straightened, “I want to be a hero!”


Devola was still grumpy. “I’m not doing anything until I see the medals!”


The two counselors exchanged grins then began digging around for ribbon, yellow paper, white paper, and light brown paper to make their medals. It took a few minutes and the girls bent over to watch them work.


Mouse pointed at the words, “What does it say?”


Devola stared at her, “Can’t you even read yet?”


“Shut up Devola—“ Towanda caught Tara’s look, “I mean, would you please be quiet?” She looked up hopefully at Tara and caught Tara’s badly concealed grin. Then Towanda smirked at Devola who responded by sticking out her tongue.


Willow slid an arm around Mouse’s shoulder, “It says ‘Gold Medal’ and this one says ‘Silver Medal’ and this one says ‘Bronze Medal’ and we have the year and the camp name and everything. So we’ll have the events and do the medal ceremony at the end.”


Mouse’s eyes were big with excitement and the other girls were eager to start, too.


Willow called for attention, “Okay, first event, dusting!” She scanned the room then ordered everyone to pair up atop each of the five top bunks. “So you each have half of the rails on each bed to dust on the top and bottom bunk, then the top of your dresser, whoever finishes first and starts on the window sill and the table will win.”


The girls each sat on their knees, with a scrap of dust rag clutched in a tense hand. Willow’s voice was serious, “On your mark, get set, go!”


Debbie shared a room with her little sister and dusted quickly then raced down the ladder.


Devola’s rag stuck to a piece of hard candy glued to her bunk rail and she muttered furiously as she worked to pull the rag off and pry the candy off the wood.


Bettina used short fast strokes, while Mouse scrubbed as quickly as her small arms would let her.


Lisa used her long arms to good advantage then jumped off the bunk bed to attack the lower bunk.


Towanda also jumped off the bunk, as did Bettina and Connie, but Lisa’s lead was unbeatable. She had finished her dresser, finished the window sill and was declared the winner with Debbie winning the silver medal and Towanda the bronze. Willow carefully wrote down the event, names of the winners and the medals earned.


Tara picked her way over the floor and announced that the next event would be clothes folding. After a heated discussion among the girls it was agreed that all clothes would be put on the table and each person would have 30 seconds to fold as many clothes as they could. It was agreed that towels counted but that washcloths and underwear did not count. The kids circled the table, some strategizing about the easiest items to fold while others simple tensed, ready to spring into action.


There was a hush, then Willow’s voice, “On your mark, get set, go!”


Devola and Towanda grabbed the same pair of shorts and wasted time in a brief tugging match while Lisa worked with long-armed efficiency until she turned suddenly and knocked her pile to the floor. Connie worked quickly while Mouse and Veronica struggled to remember the recent folding lesson they had received before the event started. Bettina meanwhile, was a blur of motion.


“Time!” There was excitement as items were counted and Bettina was declared the gold medalist, Connie the silver medalist, and Kate the bronze medalist.


Bettina ran to Tara, demanding and receiving a victory hug. Tara smiled, “H-how did you go so fast?”


Bettina gazed adoringly up at her crush, thrilled to be in the circle of her arm. “I’ve got four brothers and I’m the only girl so I help my mama do the wash.”


Towanda was disgusted. “That’s a stare-o-type.”


Connie was interested in spite of herself, “What’s that mean?”


“It means,” Towanda said firmly, “That you shouldn’t get stuck with folding all the laundry just because you’re a girl!”


This led to a lively discussion about chores and the girls sat around the table and matched up their socks while sharing who got stuck with each chore and what the worst chores were. Scooping up pet poop was high on the list, but loading the dishwasher was generally considered the worst because you had to scrape the plate, rinse it some times and still load it in. “Plus,” Devola said with a wriggle of disgust, “You have everyone’s spit covered spoons and gucky junk.” There was a thoughtful silence as the girls contemplated the horror of that particular concept.


Lisa lowered her voice dramatically, “But you know what’s even worse?” The girls leaned closer.


“What?” Kate asked breathlessly.


“Cleaning out the food goop from the screen-thing over the drain. Sometimes it sits and sits and sits . . . “


There was a collective shiver of revulsion and Willow broke the silence, “O-kay! Back to the International Olympics of Housecleaning!”


The clothes piles were carefully resorted under strict supervision by Tara and Willow so that each girl had her own clothes. “Now for the put away event. Who can put away their clothes, hang up their towels, and put their shoes under their dresser the fastest wins. Pick up your piles first. Okay, on your mark, get set, go!”


Kate’s dresser was near the table and she benefitted from already having all her shoes put away. She beamed over her victory and offered congratulatory hugs to Bettina who had also already put her shoes away and to Connie, the bronze medalist. Afterwards everyone helped Devola find her last pair of shoes.


Willow looked around at her athletes. “Our last event is the sweep relay with a gold medal for the winning team members. We divide you into two teams and each team has to sweep one half of the room, trading the broom off at a certain—“


Everyone immediately began examining the room and arguing over who had more to sweep by space or by the quantity of dirt, complicated by corners and sweeping under the beds. Finally Tara started clapping her hands loudly and everyone fell silent as Willow gave a persuasive display of mathematical logic and laid out the course.


Towanda led the team that included Kate, Lisa and Mouse while Bettina captained the team with Debbie, Connie, and Devola. Tara looked for Veronica and saw her sitting in the middle of her bed with her arms wrapped around her knees and decided it would be unwise to force her to participate.


Towanda was burning for a gold medal and led off strongly, sweeping with short, fast jabs and taking the lead over Bettina. As Towanda made her hand off, Kate dropped the broom and was still well behind Debbie as they each swept down their part of the center aisle between the bunk beds. Then Kate handed off to Lisa who used her longer reach efficiently to get under the beds and caught up to match Connie stroke for stroke, finally passing her as they pushed towards the doorway. All the girls except Veronica and the actual sweepers were jumping up and down yelling for their team-mates as Mouse got the broom from Lisa. Mouse grabbed the big broom awkwardly, struggling with the unfamiliar task and was only two feet from the door when Devola got the broom from Connie and swept-sprinted to overtake Mouse in a thrilling upset.


Devola was jumping up and down, breathless with triumph, “And my mom said being a slob was bad! She’s been making me clean up after myself my whole life, sweeping like crazy! And now look; I got a gold medal!” Devola and her team-mates gave each other hugs and pumped their fists into the air.


Mouse stood silently, staring at her broom and the few inches of unswept floor that spelled the difference between victory and defeat. Her eyes were brimming with tears and she ran to Willow and hid her face against Willow’s waist. “I didn’t win anything!” Willow bent down and gathered the little girl into her arms while Mouse cried against her shoulder.


The other girls stood awkwardly, having suspended their celebration.


Tara stepped forward, “And we have finished the H-House Cleaning Olympics, congratulations to all our winners. However, we have saved the most important Olympics for last.” She hesitated for the barest instant, “This is the Animal Olympics where everyone gets to be an animal and we pick the best one!”


Willow smiled and nodded as Tara continued, “W-willow and I will sit on the table and each animal will come in from by the door, walk down the aisle, around the table, and then stand over there. Who wants to be in the Animal Olympics?”


Mouse jumped up and waved her hand frantically in the air while everyone else, except Veronica, decided to compete, too. Willow got the girls lined up then climbed quickly onto the table to sit beside Tara.


Towanda entered first, swinging her arms and pounding her chest to represent a gorilla and received a round of applause for her impressive bellows and rolling walk. Bettina was an elephant, trumpeting and charging to good effect while Lisa galloped in with a neigh and tossed her hair. Connie was a bird and did a lovely job of swooping and gliding through the room while Kate played a lion and attempted a roar. Devola entered as a monkey, chattering and frisky then finished by picking imaginary fleas off Willow and Tara. Debbie followed and made a cute bunny rabbit but had a hard time hopping the entire distance and had to walk halfway through. Mouse hesitated, then came on as her trademark mouse; big eyed and skittish. She tried to wiggle her whiskers but had to use her hand. “So that’s a mouse,” she said shyly, “And here’s her best friend who’s a kitten.” Mouse licked the back of her hands, cleaned herself with her paws, chased her tail and twined around Willow and Tara’s feet.


Tara and Willow slid down from the table, with Tara doing the honors. “Mouse-the-kitten is our gold medal winner, Connie-the-bird is our silver medal winner and Towanda-the-Gorilla is our bronze medal winner. Please give our w-winners a round of applause. Animals and Athletes, prepare to receive your medals. Line up against the wall there and walk over here when we call your name.”


Tara then stood tall and sang the Olympic theme music as Willow solemnly announced each event and the each medal winner until all the medals were handed out and every camper was decorated.


Then Tara and Willow gave a sigh of sheer exhausted relief that it was finally over while Devola bounced up and down and glanced excitedly around, “So what do we do now?”


Tara laughed weakly, “Sh-should I faint first or just go straight to death by exhaustion?”


Willow smiled, “’Rest in Peace’, I’m all with the rest-y!” She looked hopefully at Tara who returned her look and smiled. “So Tara and I are going to our room, it’s a little over half an hour till lunch so just read or play games by yourselves.” She opened the door for Tara who grinned in relief.


Devola looked around at all her sister medalists then saw Veronica laying on Mouse’s bed, “Hey, Veronica you didn’t win anything!”


Veronica shrugged.


Mouse spoke, “She doesn’t want to win!” Then she pointed at Veronica, “She’s bad! She’s wrecking our game!”


Towanda stepped closer to Mouse, “What are you talking about?”


“She’s playing like a dog so we lose our ball game! Playing bad on purpose!” She looked anxiously at the bigger girls, wanting them to believe her and invoked a higher authority, “Faith said!”


Towanda squatted down to look Mouse straight in the eyes, “Faith told you that?”


Mouse nodded, “And she told me to talk to Veronica and stop her from playing like a dog. And I did but she wouldn’t.”


Towanda strode over to the bottom bunk and glared down at Veronica. “So you’re cheating against your own team?”


Veronica turned away and Towanda sat down and gave Veronica a hard push which Veronica ignored.


Towanda was nearly breathless with anger, but she shot a glance at the door and lowered her voice, “Okay. You wanna cheat, Veronica? Go ahead, but I’m not your friend any more!” Towanda looked around at the angry glances of their team-mates, “And no one else here is your friend, either!” She got up and moved to the table then grabbed a deck of cards off the game shelf. “Anyone want to play ‘Go Fish’?”


The girls nodded and sat around the table, glad to focus on something else while Veronica sat on her bunk, staring down at her folded hands.

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

Tara had taken Willow's hand as they shut their door behind them, "W-would you h-hold my hand? Just sit by me on the bed?"


Willow nodded, her heart full.


Then Tara leaned against her and she leaned against Tara. They spoke softly about tacos for lunch and a letter to Tara's mom that she never seemed to finish; mundane bits of their life. But in odd moments Willow caught Tara looking at her with eyes full of longing and sadness; so that every bit of talk that confirmed their life together became translated, instead, to good-bye.


The lunch bell rang . As they began standing, the floor vibrated beneath them and a stampede of lunch-bound girls were racing past them.


Willow jumped to her feet and headed to the door. “I got it, Tara. Hey, why don’t you finish that letter to your mom and I’ll save you a plate.”


Tara smiled gratefully and took her writing supplies out of their nightstand drawer. A moment later she heard a small sound, almost like a hurt animal. She pushed the door open softly and walked down the central aisle until she spotted Veronica.


“Veronica?”


“Go away.” The little girl sniffled, “Please go away.”


Tara sat down beside her. “I can’t, sweetie. It’s lunch time and you need to eat something.”


“I don’t want to. I’m not hungry.”


“Y-you want to tell me about it?”


Veronica shook her head, still looking away.


Tara slid her arm around the little girl’s shoulder and felt the small body tense then slowly start to relax. Gently Tara slid closer, murmuring reassurance, until Veronica leaned against her with a tiny sigh.


There was a warm silence between them.


Then Veronica offered a watery smile and said that she was ready for lunch.

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

During lunch, it was clear to Tara that the other girls avoided Veronica. Even Mouse sat away from her and it was Towanda who helped the littlest camper with her plate.


She caught Willow’s eye and glanced over in Veronica’s direction and Willow nodded. They would try to sort this out after lunch.


A moment later Mrs. Finch called for a counselors’ meeting.

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

The counselors’ meeting experienced added excitement when Jennilee walked in wearing a clean shirt and with a gauze dressing across the top of her breasts. She sat down with her usual poise, flipped her ash-blond hair over her shoulder and glanced archly at Willow. “I’m used to getting my share of attention,” she glanced briefly at her breasts, “But they’ve never received a hot and cold running water cannon before.” She smiled, “No need to fuss, the tea was hot but nowhere close to boiling.” She saw Willow’s guilty expression and smiled reassuringly, “Really, I’m just fine.”


Mrs. Finch cleared her throat, “Thank you, Jennilee, and I know we’re all glad that you weren’t injured.” Counselors nodded agreement and Mrs. Finch pressed on, “Sunday, of course, is your day to get your cabin cleaned and the lake will be opened two hours after lunch for swimming.” She paused for dramatic effect, then leaned in. “You will also be delighted to know that Camp Taywahnee, the boy’s camp about 45 minutes away, has accepted my invitation to a dance this Saturday night. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to teach our young ladies manners and for you to enjoy the company of members of the opposite sex.” She pursed her lips, “Please review page seven of your manual with your cabin: Proper Behavior with Guests. I expect our PBG’s to be exemplary!”


Carly rolled her eyes and Jennilee fought back a giggle as Mrs. Finch continued.


“The young men of your age are,” she cleared her throat delicately, “Eager, quite eager, to see young women after three weeks without them. I must remind you, therefore, to use extreme caution. Shun all invitations for walks, viewing the moon, touring private locations or to ‘get away from the crowd.’ In the event of an I.T.E.-“


Willow was confused, “What’s an ‘ITE’?”


Carly grimaced, “Inappropriate Touching Experience.”


Mrs. Finch smiled approvingly, “Thank you, Carly. As I was saying, in the event of an I.T.E. prompt and decisive action must be taken.”


Jennilee spoke in an amused drawl, “Such as?”


“Allow me to demonstrate. Cordelia, please trade seats with Jennilee so she can sit next to me. Now, Jennilee place your hand on my knee. Good! Now I react decisively by picking your hand up by the wrist, with an appropriate expression of horror and then I say, ‘Whose hand is this?’ and place it firmly back on your own knee.” Mrs. Finch demonstrated the movement and continued triumphantly, “Even the most desperate knee-grabber will be shamed into submission and forced to behave decently.”


Jennilee could barely contain her laughter while Carly sighed. Cordelia and Harmony, meanwhile, smiled at each other; they had their own plans brewing.


Tara and Willow clutched each other’s hands, nervous at the idea of confronting eager knee-squeezing boys and Willow leaned towards Tara, “I’m not really experienced with the guy repel-y stuff.”


Harmony laughed, “Way wrong there, Willow. When it comes to guy repulsion, you could turn pro!”


Cordelia shot Harmony a brief glance of approval then leaned forward to address Mrs. Finch, “Do we dress?”


“Of course formals are not required, but do wear appropriate dresses; it’s all part of the fun and I did list a nice dress as part of your required clothing for camp.”


“I don’t have one!” Willow bounced in her seat, clearly joyful at such an easy escape.


Tara matched Willow’s smile, “N-neither do I. M-maybe I can sit out the dance with Willow.’


Willow entwined her fingers with Tara’s, “We’ll both sit out and—“


Mrs. Finch was determined, “Nonsense! I wouldn’t hear of it! It’s your first camp dance.” She sighed sentimentally, then looked appraisingly at Tara, “I have a lovely, silver gray satin dress.”


Carly’s eyes widened in horror, “You don’t mean the elephant skin—“


“The WHAT?”


Jennilee rushed to the rescue, “’Elegant skin’, Mrs. Finch, she said ‘elegant skin’. That dress just fits you like a glove and it’s soooo chic.”


Carly bobbed her head eagerly while Mrs. Finch wisely decided to avoid further inquiry.


“Thank you Jennilee. I wore it to my high school prom.” She dabbed at her eyes and bestowed a smile on Tara, “But you will wear it to the dance. I will dress you, do your hair and make up, and you will be the belle of the ball.”


Tara was clearly horror-stricken. “I h-have to uh cl-clean the tack in the st-stables and m-muck out stalls and I c-couldn’t l-leave W-willow all alone.”


Mrs. Finch nodded approvingly, “You’re absolutely right, Tara! Willow will not be left out of the fun.”


Willow’s face paled and she shot a reproachful glance at Tara.


Cordelia showed every one of her white teeth in a dazzling smile as she pointed to Willow, “Nerdy, much? This girl needs an emergency fashion intervention.” She turned and looked limpidly at Mrs. Finch, “And I would just looove to do a mission of mercy on Willow!”


Willow was stunned into silence while Mrs. Finch beamed approvingly. “Lovely, Cordelia. I’m so glad to see that you and Willow are getting along again.”


Cordelia offered another shark-like smile, “It’s like I said on the first day you met her, Mrs. Finch. ‘Willow and I are best friends’.”


Mrs. Finch smiled then moved on. “Also, I need someone to volunteer to keep an eye on the horses, we’ve had campers get carried away and attempt night rides without supervision. So who is willing to spend time in the barn—“


Carly’s, Lawanna’s, Willow’s and Tara’s hands all shot into the air.


Mrs. Finch smiled in gratitude, “How kind of all of you to be willing to sacrifice time at the dance!” She paused to look at each volunteer, “I’ll let you know my final decision.” Then she turned to Tara, “Speaking of the barn, Tara, I’d like you and Willow to get started on that clean-up you mentioned so that both of you can attend the dance. After you finish, you may continue Willow’s riding lessons, if time permits. Carly, would you mind watching their girls for the next three hours?”


Carly grinned at her two friends and agreed with her usual good nature.


Mrs. Finch dismissed the meeting.


Willow and Tara raced for the barn.

[AstronSoul]

DIBS!

Mouse yelled as the water drenched her, Veronica ran to Mouse, Towanda crawled across a plate of scrambled eggs to offer Jennilee the napkin container, Tara reached across the table to help blot off Jennilee’s breasts and Willow babbled an apology that broke the world babbling record for both speed and incoherence.

Wow talk about Oops, oops and more oops!

“But you’re my best friend,” Veronica’s voice was pleading.
“No!” Mouse turned to go and Veronica sat down on her bunk, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

This almost had me in tears, poor mouse feeling hurt, then again Veronica being hurt but she's the one not being very fair to the whole cabin.

“Tara, I can never hate you. It’s physically impossible. It’s like a PI that’s finite or 4 being the square root of nine or a logarithm without a pattern--”
“Or a W-willow who doesn’t like math.” Tara felt her lips trembling then quirking into the ghost of her special smile.
“Anyway, I can’t hate you, Tara.”

One thing Tara will realize, no matter what, Willow could never hate her (it's not at all possible!)

“Wait,” Willow had an idea and grabbed a crayon, holding it and pretending it was a microphone. Then she deepened her voice impressively, “We are about to begin the Cabin Olympics.” She looked around at the strewn laundry decorating floors, beds and tables and smiled, “We will have events in dusting, laundry folding, clothes put away—“

WOOHOO Cabin Olympics, reminds me of when I was at camp as a worker and our lil group was named; Clower Sheaners From Yew Nork (Shower Cleaners from New York) ahhh memories.

Tara stepped forward, “And we have finished the H-House Cleaning Olympics, congratulations to all our winners. However, we have saved the most important Olympics for last.” She hesitated for the barest instant, “This is the Animal Olympics where everyone gets to be an animal and we pick the best one!”

Tara to the rescue!!! I love how they have mouse win something.

Mouse nodded, “And she told me to talk to Veronica and stop her from playing like a dog. And I did but she wouldn’t.”
Towanda strode over to the bottom bunk and glared down at Veronica. “So you’re cheating against your own team?”

And here we are, now the whole cabin knows. I am mad at Veronica but I also feel bad for her. I wonder what Cordy said to make her play bad.

Mrs. Finch smiled in gratitude, “How kind of all of you to be willing to sacrifice time at the dance!” She paused to look at each volunteer, “I’ll let you know my final decision.” Then she turned to Tara, “Speaking of the barn, Tara, I’d like you and Willow to get started on that clean-up you mentioned so that both of you can attend the dance. After you finish, you may continue Willow’s riding lessons, if time permits. Carly, would you mind watching their girls for the next three hours?”

Ok one, dance they are forced to go to is a total bummer.
Two, tha tdress OMG ew!
Three, yay for Carly and the whole 'cleaning'

Great job, tho I am itching to see Tara tell Willow!!!



~AS~

PS Ariel, I am just that good with Dibs

[leonhart17]

I forgot how dramatic little kids are! And Finch remains as oblivious as ever - stupid woman! I'm nervous what Cordy is going to do to Willow on their 'best friend' makeover...

[vampyregurl73]

Ariel,

Poor Jennilee's boobs, they're getting action, but not really of the good kind, lol.

Oooo, Tara was about to spill, maybe since they are getting someone alone time it can happen?

Mouse.... Mouse has a special place in my heart, it was so sweet that Tara and Willow came up with a "gimme" even so that she could at least win something...

Carly’s eyes widened in horror, “You don’t mean the elephant skin—"

“The WHAT?”

Jennilee rushed to the rescue, “’Elegant skin’, Mrs. Finch, she said ‘elegant skin’. That dress just fits you like a glove and it’s soooo chic.”

Poor Tara, and I can ONLY imagine just what Willow is gonna have to live through - maybe they can fake illness or something and get out of this dance like hell that is coming?

A girl can hope....

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for excellent update-y goodness... Poor Jennilee's boobs I loved the Cleaning & Animal Olympics... Big yay for Mouse getting Gold Medal from Animal Olympics... I hope Veronica tells Willow & Tara how Bitch C blackmailed her to play badly so that the Resistance can return the "favor" and ruin Bitch C's game... I'm really worried about Bitch C's attempt to "makeover" Willow... Can't wait for what happens in the Stables. I hope Tara tells about her "family" situation and that they can start some Cunning Linquist training

[True_Love]

Aww man, I thought Tara was going to start to spill this update. Guess we'll have to keep waiting. Maybe she will talk to Willow while they're in the barn together. You can just feel it just bubbling up inside her, wanting to get out.

I'm going to have to read with my eyes half covered when it comes to Willow and Tara getting ready for the dance. Ugh, I feel so bad for what these poor girls are about to go through

[beautiful_love]

Oh were to start... I'm all on board with the poor Jennilee's boobs train. That poor girl.

Chaos ensued.

Quite understandable. Lol.

The Olympics was really cute too. Mouse is adorable and I was pulling for her through every event. Good thing she came through in the end.

Carly grimaced, “Inappropriate Touching Experience.”

I'm so going to remember that for later.

Carly’s eyes widened in horror, “You don’t mean the elephant skin—“


“The WHAT?”


Jennilee rushed to the rescue, “’Elegant skin’, Mrs. Finch, she said ‘elegant skin’. That dress just fits you like a glove and it’s soooo chic.”

Can't wait for the next update!

[Babbles4Twillow]

All caught up now!

Ariel,
I absolutely love this story. There were so many things I wanted to comment on, but as the story went on I got so caught up in it that I couldn't remember. I do have to say, though, this line

Her face glowed with love, “All I feel is sunlight. All I hear is music.”

was one of the sweetest things I've read. Its perfect. I feel Tara's pain. When I was younger, I stuttered, and I still do if I get too nervous or upset, but I broke out of my shell thanks to my best friend, and became a babbler. I hope Willow continues to do this for Tara. Beautiful.

AND THIS

Tara nodded and leaned forward with her milk glass in her hand and a teasing smile on her lips. “And you know what I like in my tea,” she said mischievously, “I like—“

“MILK AND HONEY!” bellowed every girl in the bunk and Tara jerked her milk glass back and saw a waterfall of white flowing down her shirt.

had me laughing so hard that I woke up my roommate at 1am!

I love Faith in this story, and all the kids. I'm anxiously waiting for Veronica's redemption, Finch/Cordelia/Harmony's annihilation, and Tara's secret-telling.

Update soon, please?

~Allie~

[Azirahael]

Y'know, i was gonna make some comment along the lines of "When's the next update " and then i noticed it had already happened.
I am such a spod.

so first a 24 hour update, and now a "Faster than instant" one.

You spoil me
I look forward to reading it after i finish my read through of the rest of the story. (gotta make sure i don't miss anything!)


I gotta say, there's a lot of good stories on the board, Endless broke my heart and made me cry,
but How I Met your Mother gives me the warm-fuzzies like nothing else.

and this: “All I feel is sunlight. All I hear is music.” is magic, pure magic.
every bit the equal of the saying we all know and love: "My heart doesn't stutter."

Sweetie, you're the best y'know? the very best.

Az

[BlondCavalier]

Hi Ariel! Nice to hear from you again!

This chapter had so many funny things in it! I loved Mouse's line "My mommy doesn't let me play with bad girls." (It's a good thing my mommy does! ) But still, I'm sorry Veronica is losing her friends on the team because she's "playing like a dog."

I really like the Cabin Olympics - I thought that was really creative. Devola was funny about doing chores, and Bettina was so sweet about wanting a kiss from her crush Tara. Is it me, or will she one day follow the path of Willow and Tara too??? I'm also so glad Mouse got a ribbon too, playing a mouse and a kitten . That was great on the part of the girls to do that!

That was a hilarious line from Mrs. Finch about "Inappropriate Touching Experiences" We know from her looks (-----> ) she probably doesn't know anything about I.T.E's FIRST HAND anyway!!!

I also liked Mrs F' s line:

"Now, I react decisively by picking your hand up by the wrist, with an appropriate expression of horror, and then I say, 'Whose hand is this?'" That totally sounds like something nuns would teach in Catholic school (and believe me, I went there) or, in other words, someone with no romantic experience at all -

I loved it when Carly said "Not the elephant skin..." describing Mrs. Finch's dress. And when I say elephant skin describing her dress, I don't exactly mean this cute elephant-------> , but more like 100 year old elephant that would reflect Mrs. F's glory days and her "ample bosom".

Finally,I got your hint that something is going on with Queen C Bitch and that she's planning something evil when she said "Willow and I are best friends." Yikes! Watch out girls!!!

I really hope they can have some romantic time together at the dance! I'm eagerly awaiting to find out! Please update soon!



BC

[Mgraham93]

The opening was just brilliant two chapters in a row with situations caused by Jennilee's boobs.

“Tara, I can never hate you. It’s physically impossible. It’s like a PI that’s finite or 4 being the square root of nine or a logarithm without a pattern--”

That was such a sweet thing for Willow to say and a lovely piece of Willow babble. Plus it was a nice opposite to Mouse and Veronica.

“That person should be tickle tortured to death, get run over by a truck, shot out of a cannon and eaten by a dinosaur then pooped—“

Devola says some absolutely priceless things every time.

Cabin Olympics was a great way to make jobs fun plus the animal olympics were really cute and a nice way to make Mouse feel happy.

I felt really sorry for Veronica- I hope that in the final game Reds are losing and the only way to win is for Veronica to score a home run, then the pitch is in slow motion as the ball is thrown connects with the bat and goes out of the park.

Really hope they're able to get out of the dance even have an after party somewhere else. Just for the Counsellors using the ipod.

[Ariel]

AstronSoul:
Dibs it! Dibs it good! (am I the only one who remembers Devo? )

You summed up the Jennilee boob disaster beautifully:

Wow talk about Oops, oops and more oops!

“But you’re my best friend,” Veronica’s voice was pleading.
“No!” Mouse turned to go and Veronica sat down on her bunk, her shoulders slumped in defeat.
This almost had me in tears, poor mouse feeling hurt, then again Veronica being hurt but she's the one not being very fair to the whole cabin.

You’re right, it’s tough on everyone and right again, Cordy is behind it.

Like you say, Willow can never hate Tara and Tara WILL share her secret. It’s Sunday at camp, Tara tells Willow on Monday (camp time) and that is a promise!

WOOHOO Cabin Olympics, reminds me of when I was at camp as a worker and our lil group was named; Clower Sheaners From Yew Nork (Shower Cleaners from New York) ahhh memories.

Me, too! I worked at camp and had lots of fun! Crushes, but no gay love, though, dammit! Glad you liked Mouse’s winning!

Ok one, dance they are forced to go to is a total bummer.
Two, that dress OMG ew!
Three, yay for Carly and the whole 'cleaning'

THAT is a brilliant re-cap of the key issues and funny as hell!


Maggie AKA leonhart17:
You’re right about little kids being dramatic – some more than others . . .

And Finch remains as oblivious as ever - stupid woman!

Think you nailed that one!!!

I'm nervous what Cordy is going to do to Willow on their 'best friend' makeover...

You’re two for two – uh oh! I hate it when you’re right! As always, thanks for reading! Any chance of you writing?


Heather AKA vampyregurl73:
Yay, it’s Heather!

Poor Jennilee's boobs, they're getting action, but not really of the good kind, lol.

Sadly true, she’s about to earn a boob medal for suffering in the line of duty.

And yes, Tara is close to spilling her secret, the one she is the most afraid of Willow finding out.

Mouse.... Mouse has a special place in my heart, it was so sweet that Tara and Willow came up with a "gimme" even so that she could at least win something...

Thank you. Glad you like her so much. I was the youngest cousin in our crowd (for a few years) and it was rough NEVER catching anyone playing tag, never winning a race, etc. I learned to be a good sport but not when I was four!

About Tara wearing Mrs. Finch’s “elephant skin” dress, you said,

Poor Tara, and I can ONLY imagine just what Willow is gonna have to live through - maybe they can fake illness or something and get out of this dance like hell that is coming!
A girl can hope....

It would take more like faking a death – Mrs. Finch is pretty serious about their going to that dance! After all, dancing with boys IS a certain ‘cure’ for gayness – I think we all know that!

Btw LOVE your tagline! Thanks for reading and f/b!


Zampsa19752001:

I loved the Cleaning & Animal Olympics... Big yay for Mouse getting Gold Medal from Animal Olympics...

Thanks! Glad to see you appreciate our littlest girl’s victory!

More on bitch C’s little scheme revealed, high angst – stay tuned. It is Sunday in camp world, it will begin on Monday (camp world) and Thursday is the big game.

I'm really worried about Bitch C's attempt to "makeover" Willow.

Right again, girl! There is cause for alarm and Mrs. Finch isn’t exactly a beauty expert, either!

Can't wait for what happens in the Stables. I hope Tara tells about her "family" situation and that they can start some Cunning Linguist training

Stables are now – this post! And linguist lessons are on the agenda – stay tuned! And, as always, thanks for staying with the story!


True_Love:

I'm going to have to read with my eyes half covered when it comes to Willow and Tara getting ready for the dance. Ugh, I feel so bad for what these poor girls are about to go through

Eyes half covered? A brilliant solution!!! ‘cause it ain’t gonna be pretty!

Aww man, I thought Tara was going to start to spill this update. Guess we'll have to keep waiting. Maybe she will talk to Willow while they're in the barn together. You can just feel it just bubbling up inside her, wanting to get out.

You’re right, it is bubbling up inside her. As scared as she is, she wants to be honest with Willow and needs to know if Willow can still love her.


Jessica AKA beautiful_love:

Oh were to start... I'm all on board with the poor Jennilee's boobs train. That poor girl.

I think many of us felt her pain . . .

Carly grimaced, “Inappropriate Touching Experience.”
I'm so going to remember that for later.

I hope your morals are uplifted and you join the fight against ITE’s!

Glad you like Mouse, she’s a pretty sweet kid. It’s tough being so little and competing against much older and bigger kids.

Carly’s eyes widened in horror, “You don’t mean the elephant skin—“
“The WHAT?”
Jennilee rushed to the rescue, “’Elegant skin’, Mrs. Finch, she said ‘elegant skin’. That dress just fits you like a glove and it’s soooo chic.”
Can't wait for the next update!

Thanks, quite a compliment since your story totally cracked me up this week!


Allie AKA Babbles4Twillow:
First, you said one of the nicest things any writer on the board can hear, “All caught up now.” Thanks for taking the time to read it and to give feedback!

Her face glowed with love, “All I feel is sunlight. All I hear is music.”
was one of the sweetest things I've read. It’s perfect. I feel Tara's pain. When I was younger, I stuttered, and I still do if I get too nervous or upset, but I broke out of my shell thanks to my best friend, and became a babbler. I hope Willow continues to do this for Tara. Beautiful.

Such a touching story. Thank you for being brave enough to share it. A lot of us have struggled with shyness and a lot of us have managed to come out the other side. Encouragement helps – one thing (of many) I love about the KB community.

So Tara’s milk spillage got you laughing, eh?

I love Faith in this story, and all the kids. I'm anxiously waiting for Veronica's redemption, Finch/Cordelia/Harmony's annihilation, and Tara's secret-telling.

You will see one of these within two posts and one within 10 posts.


Azirahael:
First you, like Allie, warmed my heart by actually reading this mammoth tome. Thanks!

Y'know, i was gonna make some comment along the lines of "When's the next update " and then i noticed it had already happened.
I am such a spod.

so first a 24 hour update, and now a "Faster than instant" one.

There is nothing spodlike in your mighty form!

I gotta say, there's a lot of good stories on the board, Endless broke my heart and made me cry, but How I Met your Mother gives me the warm-fuzzies like nothing else.

and this: “All I feel is sunlight. All I hear is music.” is magic, pure magic.
every bit the equal of the saying we all know and love: "My heart doesn't stutter."

Endless made me cry, too. Thank you for recommending that fic to me and for mentioning me alongside other writers whom I admire so much! Have to give that flower right back to you – thanks!


BlondCavalier:
Thanks for the dancing banana – woohoo!

This chapter had so many funny things in it! I loved Mouse's line "My mommy doesn't let me play with bad girls." (It's a good thing my mommy does!)

*shakes finger* Naughty girls . . . . have a lot of fun!

I really like the Cabin Olympics - I thought that was really creative. Devola was funny about doing chores, and Bettina was so sweet about wanting a kiss from her crush Tara. Is it me, or will she one day follow the path of Willow and Tara too???

– I neither confirm nor deny, but the truth will come out!

That was a hilarious line from Mrs. Finch about "Inappropriate Touching Experiences" We know from her looks (-----> ) she probably doesn't know anything about I.T.E's FIRST HAND anyway!!!
I also liked Mrs F' s line:
"Now, I react decisively by picking your hand up by the wrist, with an appropriate expression of horror, and then I say, 'Whose hand is this?'" That totally sounds like something nuns would teach in Catholic school (and believe me, I went there) or, in other words, someone with no romantic experience at all.

First, let me say “shame!” and let me again say, “Shame!” Shame on you for insulting this pillar of purity, this bastion of ample-bosomed benevolence who is nurturing these innocent flowers of girlhood to their shining destiny! And this cow business! Have I said “shame” yet? Anyway, thanks for reading you made me laugh out loud twice and that’s a gift!

I loved it when Carly said "Not the elephant skin..." describing Mrs. Finch's dress. And when I say elephant skin describing her dress, I don't exactly mean this cute elephant (dumbo), but more like 100 year old elephant that would reflect Mrs. F's glory days and her "ample bosom".

Have I said “shame” yet? Because you certainly have it coming!

And you’re right, any mention from Cordelia that Willow is her “best friend” is an immediate batten down the hatches storm warning of the highest magnitude! Romance at the dance for W/T? Sounds good, but as I said before, I can neither confirm nor deny. Thanks!


Matty AKA Mgraham93:

The opening was just brilliant two chapters in a row with situations caused by Jennilee's boobs.

Yay for boob-alicious fiction! Glad we have something in common!

“Tara, I can never hate you. It’s physically impossible. It’s like a PI that’s finite or 4 being the square root of nine or a logarithm without a pattern--”
That was such a sweet thing for Willow to say and a lovely piece of Willow babble. Plus it was a nice opposite to Mouse and Veronica.

Glad the math and WB worked for you. On the Mouse and Veronica thing: You’ve done it again, shown me something I wrote instinctively but didn’t understand. Thank you for helping me! More please!

Glad cabin Olympics, Mouse’s victory and Devola’s dust rant worked for you. As a kid who dusted knick-knacks every weekend, it was EASY to write!

I felt really sorry for Veronica- I hope that in the final game Reds are losing and the only way to win is for Veronica to score a home run, then the pitch is in slow motion as the ball is thrown connects with the bat and goes out of the park.

Not exactly, but I’ll do my best to make it good. I’ve written several parts already – stay tuned!

Really hope they're able to get out of the dance even have an after party somewhere else.

Hmmm. A Stable Relationship Part Deux? Thanks for ideas & encouragement.

STORY WILL FOLLOW (ALMOST) IMMEDIATELY!

[Ariel]

Feedback is golden, thank you for reading!

Title: How I Met Your Mother*
Author: Ariel
Email: blaziak@yahoo.com
Feedback: All feedback welcomed, specific input appreciated, harsh on me via PM
Rating: NC-17 W/T love of the barn-ish variety
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, but I love to take them for a ride!
Summary: A/U before season 1, the summer after Willow's freshman year with a large dose of Queen Cordelia at her bitchy best and teen-aged angst.
Special Thanks: Drew Z. Greenberg for a line from “Entropy”


*not related to the sit-com of the same name



Part 43: A Stable Relationship


“Psst, Tara! So, what is it called again?”


Tara looked up from the last saddle they were soaping. “What is what called?”


Willow glanced around them nervously and lowered her voice, “You know, ‘IT’.”


Tara suddenly caught her lover’s meaning and ducked her head, “Oh, like I told you. It’s called ‘oral sex’ and—“


“That sounds like something you do with a dentist! Tell me another name!”


Tara giggled, “W-well the official name is ‘cunnilingus’. “


“’Cunnilingus’?” Willow repeated incredulously. She frowned, “THAT sounds like some kind of pasta! Like you walk into an Italian restaurant and say, ‘I’d like a plate of cunnilingus, please’!”


Tara was torn between laughter and mortification, “Y-you’d better not place that order, because I’m not serving you!” Tara shot Willow a glance then dropped her voice, “At least not in a restaurant . . . “


Willow stared back in shock and suddenly they both bent over the saddle giggling and blushing.


Then Willow returned to the topic, “Tell me another name.”


“Uh, ‘going down’ is what my cousin Beth calls it.”


“’Going down’?” Willow considered it. “That’s not too bad.” Then she looked seriously at Tara, “But would it still be ‘going down’ if the other girl was standing on her head?”


“W-what?” Tara struggled to picture the scenario.


“Well, if someone is standing on her head and the lover girl is actually moving in an upwards direction, would the name change to—“


“I love you!” Tara blurted out, adoring her lover’s quirky mind.


Willow grinned at Tara’s sudden declaration and stuck her tongue between her teeth. “I just wanted to know,” she said innocently.


Tara grinned back. Two can play at that game. “Maybe we should do some research.”


“’Hands on research’” they said together and were warmed by their shared laughter.


Willow blushed, “Not exactly ’h-hands on’,” she said shyly, then leaned forward with a sudden burst of courage and whispered “More like 'tongue on'.”


Tara’s mouth opened and closed a few times.


Willow smirked, “You look like a goldfish.” She waggled her eyebrows, “A very sexy goldfish.”


She seemed to draw confidence from Tara’s stunned reaction. “This is it!” she announced. “I am going down on Tara Maclay!”


“Sssssh! Willow!”


“No!” Willow said firmly, “I am serious. Tongue-y goodness. Downward direction. Today.” She glanced at the saddle, “First leather, then love.”


Tara’s mouth opened and closed a few more times. Then she noticed the firm set to Willow’s jaw. “What’s that look on your face?”


“It’s my ‘resolve face’,” Willow replied seriously. “I am resolved to do the O.S., pasta passion, down-y goodness on Tara Maclay today.”


“Willow! You’ve said it three times already and you sound like it's life or death. Y-you’re not exactly climbing Mt. Everest.”


Willow slid closer and cupped one of Tara’s breasts. “Hm? I believe there are mountainous regions.” Then she stole a kiss before Tara could speak.


“Willow! Do you know what you just did?”


Willow preened, “Got large with the sexy?”


“Saddle soaped my boob!” Tara pointed and Willow blushed, she’d forgotten the rag in her hand when she’d grabbed Tara’s breast.


Willow looked so embarrassed that Tara took pity on her. “You m-might as well do the other one, then I can say I fell and l-landed on a saddle I was cleaning.”


Willow grinned and apparently enjoyed saddle soaping Tara’s other breast while Tara shook her head, utterly baffled by Willow’s unusual boldness. “Maybe saddle soap is an aphrodisiac or something,” she murmured.


Willow laughed. “I am forming some sort of olfactory association between barns and,” she blushed, “happy times.”


Tara nodded in embarrassed agreement. “The smell of h-hay will never be the same for me either.” She surveyed the work they had finished. “W-we’re almost done. The saddles look great. I’ll wipe off the lather with a rag, sponge on the oil and then we can just let this dry. I’ll bring my advanced 10, 11 and 12’s in l-later to do the bits, bridles, and halters. They can put the stirrup leathers back together too.”


Tara worked as she talked and then she was done.


A moment later their eyes met and they stared, entranced by each others beauty and walked in a daze to wash their hands and climb the ladder.

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

Tara held the key in her shaking fingers then Willow cupped Tara’s hand in hers and guided the key into the lock. The door creaked open and Tara paused to bring Willow’s hands to her lips.


Dust motes floated, golden in a thin shaft of sunlight as they stepped inside and reclaimed their special place.


They knelt together and embraced. Then their lips met and kissed, tongues sliding together as they tasted each others desire.


Then Willow smiled and started to lift off her blouse, but Tara stopped her. “Let me,” she whispered and she moved behind Willow and pulled Willow back against her curving warmth. Then Tara’s hands reached around Willow’s shoulders and roamed inside her shirt, then slid downwards under her bra and cupped the soft roundness of Willow’s breasts.


Tara paused then began working to unfasten Willow’s bra but it wouldn’t come apart. She tugged discreetly, not wanting to jerk Willow off balance or rip out the hook. She finally leaned in closer, noticing one bent hook and felt her face flush with embarrassment as Willow sat up and turned towards her.


“My bra?” Willow’s face was as red as Tara’s. “I’m sorry; one hook is totally bent over. Hold on. Okay, overhead slither and voila!” Willow twirled the bra triumphantly above her head and they both stared at each other then laughed softly.


“So m-much for the romance.” Then Tara ducked her head, but Willow put her finger tip under Tara’s chin and lifted gently.


“Hey, don’t hide your face;” Willow’s voice was tender, “Everything you do is romantic. I was in love when you let me sponge beans off your breasts, remember?”


Tara smiled.


“Now baked beans say ‘Tara’ to me and I get a lump in my throat every time we have them.”


Tara swallowed, and then caught Willow to her in a hard hug. A moment later she leaned over to whisper in Willow’s ear, “Where were we?”


It was Willow’s turn to swallow, “You taking off your clothes and holding me.” Then Tara undressed and clasped Willow from behind again. Willow’s breath caught as a gentle finger encircled her rosy nipples then teased them into stiff peaks. Then the same fingers slid into her mouth and she sucked them, moaning, and felt Tara’s pleasured sigh flutter against her neck. Then a questing hand slid a trail of wetness down Willow’s belly and just under the tight waistband of her jeans. There the hand stopped, fingers straining to go lower and Willow felt the warmth of her own wetness.


Willow swallowed, her voice a rough whisper, “Tara.”


And Tara understood; two hands reached down and there was the faint rasp of a zipper sliding down and Willow tugged her jeans off. She grabbed the elastic of her panties, but Tara’s hands stopped her and Willow moved her own hands aside. Then Tara’s hands slipped inside her panties, sliding through Willow’s secret curls and parting her lips. Willow shivered, then leaned back against Tara while the fingertip gently circled her hot nub. Then the hand was withdrawn and Tara sucked the sweet juice from her fingers while Willow gave a soft cry, craving more of her lover’s touch.


Then Tara turned her gently onto her back. They lay down and Willow felt Tara’s hand move all the way up and glide through the hair on her head, then lay feather light touches along her neck and a curving stroke down the warmth of her belly.


Willow lay taut, quivering with need. She met Tara’s eyes and Tara knew and filled her so suddenly that she cried out with pleasure. She ground against Tara’s hand and released more of her nectar, feeling her center clenching around Tara’s fingers. Her flesh heated and she felt primal, from a time before words were invented.


Then she felt her nipple pulled into Tara’s mouth and tongue kissed to swollen desire. Her blood pounded; it was fire, a fever that pulsed through her and was undeniable. Tara’s thumb was moving against her tight bud and Willow felt her nectar flowing in hot trickling surges.


Next Tara slid down, laying burning kisses on belly, hip bone, and the soft rounding of Willow’s mound while never stopping her thrusting rhythm. Then she paused for an instant to part the pink swollen lips and gaze at the shiny beauty of Willow’s sex before her lips began their sweet ravishment and she tasted her love’s desire.


Willow froze for an instant, trembling, at the ecstasy of Tara’s lips against her. Then she gave a low urgent cry as Tara’s fingers continued to fill her. There was a quivering tension in her sex and she felt herself, tightening into desperate need. She bucked hard against Tara’s hand, demanding release.


Tara was intoxicated by Willow’s scent and the sweet warmth against her skin. Then she felt the tension gathering in her lover and she let herself suck more greedily, taking long fast licks until she felt Willow surging against her.


Willow’s body arched again and again then finally collapsed and Tara kept a gentle pressure against her while Willow panted and trembled in her arms. Then Tara began to withdraw her hand.


“Stay,” Willow whispered, “I want you inside me.”


Tara nodded then swallowed, feeling the press of hot tears behind her eyes. She wrapped a leg behind Willow’s hips and pulled them even closer together so that nipples kissed and hearts beat together.


Then Willow looked up. There were Tara’s eyes, ‘blue flame’ clear back to her soul. They shone with desire and more than that, with full acceptance, true respect and a deep love. Willow felt herself expanding, almost bursting with an extravagant new growth, like tropical flowers springing to life in moments. Tara had drunk from her very essence, accepted the depths of her and every part of her body was humming with satisfaction.


A long moment passed, then Willow sighed and gave a sensuous stretch. “That was perfect.”


Tara nodded again, not quite trusting her voice.


They held each other a while longer, then bouncy Willow re-emerged and she sat up eagerly. “Your turn!” She moved fearlessly to straddle Tara’s thigh and grind her dripping center hard against the tense muscles there. Tara’s panting breaths were hot against her neck and Willow bent her head to capture Tara’s earlobe and pull it into her mouth. She tongued it before nipping it with her teeth. Tara stiffened, clearly aroused and Willow bent down suddenly to bite Tara’s neck, worrying the tender flesh between her teeth while Tara moaned and writhed against her. Her hand cupped Tara’s breast, squeezing the creamy softness and leaning down to graze her teeth against the swollen nipples before pulling them into her mouth to ravish them with her tongue. She braced a knee and guided Tara down on her back then straddled Tara’s chest and dragged her hot bud back and forth over Tara’s jutting nipples. Then she lifted herself only to press her swollen center back down on Tara’s belly, finally grinding herself hard against Tara’s hip bone while Tara’s fingers found their way inside her again and a thumb teased Willow to a back arching scream of release. Willow paused, panting over her lover, then kissed her way down the warm ivory of Tara’s belly.


She paused at the outside edge of where Tara’s thigh joined her torso; that crease, that secret skin fascinated her. It was a trail and she bent close, releasing tiny warm breaths against Tara’s skin as she traced the journey on each thigh. Then she took tiny licks and felt her lover twisting beneath her, moaning helplessly as her sensitive skin was teased then savored. There was fascination in Tara’s hair, how there was none, then a few tiny strands of gold, then the full richness. Willow kissed around its border where it met Tara’s thighs then she laid her cheek against its curling warmth and savored its musky sweetness. She delighted in this. Then she rubbed her chin against Tara’s lips and felt them moving apart under her, releasing the secret warmth of Tara’s sex.


Tara gasped.


Then Willow smelled Tara’s scent and the tip of her nose brushed against Tara’s swollen bud.


Tara shivered and her breath hitched.


Willow placed a shy kiss there; then her lips opened and a tongue tip went exploring, a scrap of warm velvet sliding against Tara’s sex.


Tara wiggled and Willow raised her head a bit anxiously, “Is that ‘good’ wiggly or ‘bad’ wiggly?”


“It’s ‘keep going’ wiggly,” Tara said between gasps.


Willow bent her neck, drawn back to the rich sweetness hidden inside. She parted Tara’s lips, enchanted by the shiny pearl hidden inside the soft folds. Then her tongue licked it, a curious touching and she felt Tara clench inside. Then a flood of sweetness flowed against her chin and she thrust her tongue inside Tara’s depths and began drinking the warm nectar while her finger stroked the pearl.


Tara shuddered and the love-flush burned on her face. Her skin was dewy with passion turned liquid. There was another surge and Willow felt the waves breaking inside her lover as Tara’s center clenched and released, like impassioned kisses moving against Willow’s own lips. Then she came in a final sweet wave of nectar and Willow lowered her head to lap greedily at Tara’s thighs, pulling the soft skin into her mouth and laving it with her tongue until Tara’s thighs were licked clean. Then Willow squirmed her way back up and lay in her lover’s embrace.


They lay spent in each others arms for a long time. They must have slept because the light had shifted and Willow glanced shamefacedly at the watch she had forgotten to remove.


“Softball practice, Tara.”


Tara nodded, held her close for another moment, then sat up and started putting on her clothes.


Willow laid a hand on her arm and spoke quietly. “Truth or Dare, Tara?”


Tara swallowed. “Truth,” she whispered faintly, meeting Willow’s eyes.


“When will you tell me?”


Tara’s lips trembled for the barest instant, then she pressed them together and looked away. “Tomorrow,” she answered softly and met Willow’s eyes. “I’ll tell you the secret th-that hurts me the most. I promise.”


Willow nodded, her face alight with compassion and her voice gentle. “Tara, not trying to be all pry-girl with the hurt or anything but I really think that you’ll be happier and we’ll be happier if we can get this out.”


Tara nodded in return. “I know we h-have to talk, b-build trust.” She looked helplessly into Willow’s eyes, “But can you just be kissing me now?”


Willow smiled and held out her arms. Then they melted into the embrace and fed each other on kisses before it was time to dress.