Fic: Tainted

[YouGetMe]

Holly,



Now this is getting interesting. I never did like Terri from the beginning or her friends. And Willow turned into quite the softy around Tara.



As I originally started to write this story with you, I see you've branched off into something a but differently. And I love where you're heading.



So Buffy found out about Anna's secret. Interesting. Xander and Tray-Al, beautiful relationship that is developing.



Lovely.



~Leah

[Shadow]

Oh I just can't wait for the next update!



Buffy knows... will she tell Tray- Al? Will Tara find out?



Please, please, please don't make us wait long...





Vladimira



__________________________________________________

Seduce my mind and you can have my body... find my soul and I'm yours forever.

[Taras Shadow]

Kittens! Thank you all for the nice and lovely feedback! Here is the next part. Hope you enjoy!



Title: Tainted

Author: Holly a.k.a Taras Shadow

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, WB, ME, UPN, and other characters belong to me.

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome

Pairings: W/T

Rating: R Angsty moments

Summary: AU Tara loses people she loves at a young age. Now learning to live with the one person she cannot stand is going to be challenging…until she meet’s another one like her…but can they see eye to eye and help each other through life’s demanding ways…



~Part 8c~ …We All Need To Grow Up…Sometime

**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



“Mom!” Buffy ran into the living room then into the kitchen. “Mother!” She yelled again, climbing the stairs and finding her mom in her bedroom, folding laundry.



“Buffy, what is it?” Anna asked, concerned.



“What is this?” Buffy asked, throwing the folder on her bed.



Anna looked shocked and quickly scooped it up. “Where did you get this?” She asked her youngest daughter.



“Dad’s Den. I was looking for a paper that’s due tomorrow and I asked him to look over it for me. That when I found this…what it is?”



Anna sighed and ran her finger over the folder. “Almost eighteen years ago, I gave birth to a beautiful little girl. I was in love with her father dearly, and we got married right away. Right after our daughter was born.”



“You have another kid?” Buffy asked.



“I have two more.” Anna answered honestly. She figured she might as well get it all out now, rather then have it blow up in her face, later.



“The oldest daughter…would be?” Buffy gasped as she looked towards the guest bedroom.



“Tray-Al.”



“TRAY-AL?!” Buffy shrieked. “Tray-Al is your daughter? MY sister?”



Anna sat on the bed and nodded quietly. “Her birthday is only a few weeks away.”



“So, where is my other…”



“Sister?” Anna smiled, watching excitement flash across her youngest daughters face. She always knew Buffy wanted two older siblings, and that power just wasn’t in anyone’s hand. Unless you turn back time and pop out a few more children. But for Anna Summers, it was possible to give Buffy her dream.



“Oh, Tara?” Buffy furrowed her brow. “Tray showed me a picture of her, she looks just like Grandma.”



“That would be Tara.” Anna smiled.



“Where is she? I mean, if Tray came here after her dad died, would Tara come here too? Since she’s younger… wait, how young?”



“Tara is about ten months older then you.”



“TEN?” Buffy’s eyes were wide open. “So like, you had Tara, then cheated with dad?”



Anna nodded shamefully. “I didn’t have the heart to tell Michael, their father, that I was pregnant again. Not after just having Tara ten months before.” She fiddled with the files. “So, your father and I took off. We ran away together and came here.”



“Wait a minute, so my sisters were raised to belief that this other woman is their real mother?” Buffy frowned again. “With all the pain and suffereing in the world, mom, you shouldn’t have let that happen. You should’ve gave them cards for their birthday, Christmas, whenever…”



“It wasn’t that easy.” Anna defended herself. “I know the wrongs here Buffy. But I also know that things like this happen everyday, and it does kill me inside to know that my other daughter is out there alone…”



“Then find her!” Buffy looked at Anna, square in the eye. “Why don’t you find Tara? Bring her here, if not for the sake of your guiltiness, bring her back for the sake of Tray’s. She deserves to be…with us.” With that, Buffy walked out of the room, making a quick note to herself that it was not her place to tell anyone about the news she just found out.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



The next morning, Tara walked into the school, slightly paranoid of her old friends ganging up on her again. It really wasn’t the best feeling in the world, but she did know that Willow would never treat her like that.



She went to go open her locker when she found a rose taped to the outside. Smiling, Tara traced her fingertip across the soft pedal.



“From your girlfriend?” A voice asked from behind her.



Tara turned and seen the group of four looking back at her. “Uh…”



“How was the date last night?” Lexi asked, rather politely.



“It was good.” Tara grabbed the books she needed and slammed her locker door shut. “I have to get class.” She tried to move but Terri blocked her way. “Terri, drop the fake act okay? You’re not winning here, just leave me alone.”



“We were your friends first Maclay, or did you forget about that?” Terri crossed her arms around her chest.



“I cannot believe I thought you were cool.” Tara frowned in disgust. “Now if you excuse me…”



“I’m not winning? We’re not worthy enough for your little twosome group with that slut redhead?” Terri smacked Tara’s books to the floor, taking a step closer to the blonde. “Oops.” She smiled evilly.



“Hey! Back off!” Tara flared with a bit of anger. “You are so not worth a second glance, you got that?”



“Oh yea?” Terri pushed Tara once, making the blonde lose her balance slightly. “Now am I?”



“No.” Tara said between clenched teeth.



“Oh, baring those teeth of yours…nice.” Terri stepped forward again.



“Yo, back the fuck away from her.” Willow came up behind Terri and slammed her into the lockers. “You touch her again and I swear to God…you will be going down, bitch.”



Tara’s jaw was left hung open as Terri scrambled to her feet, and it didn’t look like she was about to back down either. “Willow, stop, she isn’t worth it.”



“No, she has no right pushing you…” Willow stared at Terri.



‘No Tara, I think I can take on this little…thing.” Terri licked her lips.



Willow looked over at Tara, and seen the sorrow in her eyes. “You know what? Tara’s right, you ain’t worth a thing.” She took a step back and picked up Tara’s school books. “Come on, I’ll walk you to class.”



“How’d you…are you going here now?” Tara asked, walking down the hall with the red head.



“They like to call it probation. My grandparents would much rather have me in a Private School, they think they are taking a risk and placing me in this school.” Willow shrugged.



“You could’ve got yourself kicked out back there, and you never even started your first day yet.” Tara bit her bottom lip.



“No one messes with my girl.” Willow smiled and wrapped her arm around Tara’s shoulder.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Tara walked home just before dark. She had stayed behind with Willow, to help her catch up on any work she needed to be done. It made Tara curious on just how Willow was going to be able to do her home work in her warehouse with her roommates. With all the partying that may go in there, how would Willow find the time and peace to do that…and would she even follow through?



The blonde didn’t have any of the answers but she knew Willow was a big girl and that she could handle herself.



Walking into her house, she found Belinda sitting in the recliner with a robe on and her hair pulled back in a sloppy ponytail. “Good afternoon, mom.” She smiled and put her backpack down and sat on the couch.



“You think I’m stupid?” A harsh voice hissed through the room.



“What? No…” Tara gave her mother a confused look.



“That…Willow you’ve been hanging out with. How she can just take you away from me and allow you to do things that I don’t approve of?”



“What? Mom!” Tara stood up. “Things you don’t approve of?”



“Yes! Smoking, drugs, drinking…hell, you’re probably out there selling yourself with that little…” Belinda cut off her words.



“Whatever.” Tara got halfway up to her room when she realized she was being followed.



“I’m not done talking to you! So come down here, and let’s finish this discussion.”



Tara let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine.” She walked down the steps to face her mother. “You want to finish this, let’s finish this once and for all. We both know I never wanted to live back here with you. We both know you just wanted Tray and I so you could claim the extra money from our father’s savings, from our savings. And we both know, we both know that this is only for your own God damn image. I don’t like it here. I hate it! I thought we could work things out, but obviously not. You need to grow up and start taking care of yourself. I clean, I cook, I do the shopping and the laundry. I put you to bed when you’re passed out.” Tara had tears streaming down her face. She tried to stop, but she couldn’t, she needed Belinda to hear this…hear her. “I am supposed to be the child mom, not the mother! For God’s sake, I just turned sixteen. No wonder dad left you and I don’t blame Tray for running away. So just…get a new life, make something of yourself and make your life useful!” The blonde was stopped by a sharp pain across her cheek. Belinda had raised her hand and smacked her daughter across the face.



“Oh Tara, I’m so sorry.” The older woman burst out crying, trying to grasp for Tara but was pushed away and watched the young blonde run out of the house.



Tara took off and stopped at the end of the walk way and turned to look back. She seen her mom come out and fall to her knees, crying.



“Tara, please…I’m so sorry, don’t go, I need you…”



Tara was breathing heavily between crying so hard and trying to catch her breath. The tears were no longer falling from her eyes because of the slap, but because Tara knew and realized right then that she needed to leave. She tried to help out, she tried to make her mother understand that the way she was living just, wasn’t the way…



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



~Holly~

JACK: Oh, my God. I love TV. Buffy is my life. - I'm so into Willow being a lez.-Will & Grace

Edited by: Taras Shadow at: 8/3/03 6:57 pm

[Still Waters T]

Don't think I've replied to this fic before, but I think it's great! It's pleasantly dark, completely the opposite of "Never A Night Like This" which I also love.



Willow is really cool when she's being butch! I love it. Getting into fights, standing up to mean people for Tara. If Tara gets to come out to Sunnydale to live with her real mom, I really hope Willow can somehow come with.



LB

[SilverWingedNemesis]

HOLY SHIT!



I so woulda knocked that bitch out!



PWEASE let her go stay with Willow and things be all happy and and yeah..



hehe. hopeful yes i am!



*hugs*



Nickole

"All fear is the fear of loss. And only through that fear, can we truly love."

[YMKA]

Wow...that was...ahm...wow

And I'm there with Buffy...10 months?!?!?!? it's like she got pregnant one month after she had Tara?!?!!??!?! Is that even possible? or Buffy is primi cuz she small and all

I actually was thinking the same thing, it's so different from NANLT....

More soon please?

Oh...Is there a reason for you to call Buffy's mom Anna and not Joyce? Just wondering...



M.

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

"..I feel you, I taste you, I cannot forget, everytime it rains I get wet..." (c) Ace of Base

[Rage More]

hey that was great. i'm glad buffy knows about her sisters now! i really want tara to move that would be sweet and it would be better is will went with her more please



sionan

"Rage More" Paulie- Lost and Delirious

[bluewillowwitch]

Holly,

OMG! That was and amazing update! I hae to say that if I was I would have kicked that b***hes butt! Lucky for her showed up. After what Belinda did to , it looks as if Bufywill be meing her other sister soon. But what about ? Will follow to Sunnydale? I can't wait to and find out! Update soon, please?





Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[littlecrazy80]

Wow!

I´m glad Tara finally left this house. I hope she goes to Willow and stays with her.



*lil´c*

Let´s get happy and let´s be gay. germany´s grand prix song



Check this out

[Insanity]

Ok, Tara's so called and now former friends are just sucking...

A bunch of stupid, arrogant chicks....



I hope they will start searching for Tara now.

AND I hope Tara will go straight (as in right away ) to Willow.



I wonder, how Tray-Al will react.....



Insanity

"Nobody messes with my girl!"Tara, Bargaining

[Grimlock72]

Heh, well thats the Buffy I know alright. All high and mighty from reading a paper she had not right to read in the first place. Ten months between two kids is cutting it kinda short indeed, wonder what happened there. Obviously Anna gave both Tray and Tara up for adaption or something like that, so just taking them back isn't the way to go.

Quote:

---

Tara, please…I’m so sorry, don’t go, I need you…

---

It's true, she really needs her; the problem is for WHAT she needs her. Mainly to do house-chores so mummy-dearest can go out to party and drink until she passes out. The slap she gave really has little to do with if Tara should leave or not, it might have helped Tara gain that insight though.



Applause for Tara as she told her "mother" what exactly was wrong in their little household.



I like Willow being all butch and standing up for Tara but I do wish she would do some of that on her own. I'll agree hitting those ex-girlfriends during school-hourse would not be smart, better arrange a minor *cough* accident *cough* outside school. Got to wonder what Willow will do once she hears Tara's mom hit her, heh : --> .



Grimmy

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

[Stroke of Luck]

YAY they are sisters

Good that Tara left the house but where does she wants to stay? Maybe with Willow in the warehouse....and even if i dont like Belinda but i hope she gets help...



Great update Holly



Cu

SoL/Natti

This is a duet, Amber! You need to sing!"- Tony

[sam darls]

Hey holly, I've just read all of this fic and i've gotta say..wow, it is so amazing and just lovely.thanks, love sammi xxx

[YouGetMe]

Holly;



So Buffy knows about Tray and Tara officially now... And Tara left Belinda behind. I can sense where you are going with this, and like I've said before, I knew the original outline but you've taken it somewhere else and I'm absolutely loving it. But I can also see where you're heading. It was like one of the many plots we talked about. So does this mean that Tara will really be living with Willow? (Duh!)



And this weekend thing to Willow's grandparents, that should be interesting. Especially if Spike and Fred are taking them there. Those two, (Spike and Fred), I'm sure will come in play later on down the road. Just not knowing whether or not they'll stir up some trouble along the journeys way...



And about Tray and Xander. I have got to say that you truly do have a way for capturing sweet romance in new relationships. I can see Xander being the type of guy to stick by his girlfriend no matter what, and it seems he's already fallen for her.



Oh and one last thing, why do I get the feeling that you are totally going to flip this fantastic piece, upside down, and make it kick even more ass because of the darkness that will ensue??



I love it all, Holly.



~Leah

"When the baby comes, can she call me mama? Like Tara's little girl?" My little girl on my baby and Hadley in Holly's Never A Night Like This

[Taras Shadow]

Kittens,



Um, please don't hurt me...I know this fic has been muchly neglected and I'm truly sorry. First of all, let me just say that I will be continuing this fic because it's been pointed out to me that if I don't, I'll be letting a great story slip through my fingers and get away, plus I want to continue on with Willow and Tara's life troubled journey.



I know this is basically different from a lot of fics on the board and I intended it to be that way. I wanted to do something completely different from Never A Night Like This, and so this is what I came up with. Now I can't give myself actual full credit, Leah, a dear friend *points above to the one that left feedback last* she has helped me with the beginning so a big Thank You to Leah. But in time, this has drifted off into my story and I've been plotting and planning where I should take this, and now I have it.



So I will be writing updates soon and I thank you all for being patient with me.



Take Care.



~Holly~

"I've got this ache, and I thought it was for sex, but it's to tear everything to fucking pieces." Ginger - Ginger Snaps

[Shadow]

Holly, we'll wait as long as it takes cos it's worth it.



Just wanted to let you know that!



Vladimira

__________________________________

"They say true friend knows song in your heart.

You're my song when I'm torn apart."

Lifetime, Me

[YMKA]

Holls

I was actually thinking about this fic the other day....wow

But I didn't want to push....

Well....I'm glad to hear that ya going to continue with this fic!!! Great!!!!! Marvelous!!!!!

Hope to see update soon

Love,



M.

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

"..I feel you, I taste you, I cannot forget, everytime it rains I get wet..." (c) Ace of Base

[bluewillowwitch]

Holly ,

YAY! You are going to keep this going! I am all 3 of your fics. This one, NANLT, and Blue Angel. I love al of them. This one is different and that is why I like it so much. It is so worth the wait.









Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[Cindipitude]

*hugs*

I can't wait to see what comes next

Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming back here.

Life is both pleasure and pain, and the angst inside this story just makes me want them together more. In many ways the good times that follow the bad are sweeter than the ones that just fall into your lap. Both are nice (hence good times) but when you have to work through the obstacles and get past the bad... well there is a sense of triumph and relief and a connection that binds two people together in ways that no one, not even them, can explain.

*buckles herself into her seat*

I'm ready to ride when you are

Cindi

"Even the bears wanted me to stay in Canada..."

[nothingman]

Yay! I am so glad you are continuing this great fic. It is well worth the wait

Thanks for writing such great stories

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


Willow: You two are the two who are the two. I'm the other one. (The Yoko Factor)

[Taras Shadow]

Hey Kittens, Sorry for the LONG wait, I know, I'm bad. But hopefully you'll continue reading the story. And thanks for being patient and reading and commenting, I appreciate it all. Enjoy!



Title: Tainted

Author: Holly a.k.a Taras Shadow

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, WB, ME, UPN, and other characters belong to me.

Feedback: Yes please, everything is welcome

Pairings: W/T

Rating: PG 13 Angsty moments

Summary: AU Tara loses people she loves at a young age. Now learning to live with the one person she cannot stand is going to be challenging…until she meet’s another one like her…but can they see eye to eye and help each other through life’s demanding ways…



Previously…



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



“This is our fathers old address. Our old address.” Tray read the following papers. Frowning, she looked at the address again. “878 Bronsville Dr… Mrs. Summers, I don’t think we’ve ever lived in that area before, I mean, dad has, but not Tara and I…”



“Why don’t you take those files to your room and maybe take a look at them whenever you get the chance.” Anna smiled.



“Where did you get all of this anyway?”



“I have a friend that works at the City Hall. Besides, you came to me… and now I’m taking care of you. It’s only fair I know some part of your background.”



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



“No, I’m not going back. I can’t.”



“Then no one has that power…except for those in Tara’s life…and you’re not.” Xander said truthfully.



Tray screamed in her head. But Xander was right. She was no longer a part of her life. And she just had to realize that, that started the moment she walked away from that cot in the shelter, a long while ago.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Willow’s voice dropped an octave, but in a good way as a smile curled up at her lips. “I called my grandparents.”



Tara sat back, her mouth slightly open, her eyes twinkling. “You did?” She asked.



Willow smiled. “I did! I’m so glad I did. They want me to come and visit them this weekend.”



“Oh my God, Willow!” Tara leaned over and hugged the red head. “That is so great!”



Willow and Tara were bouncing in each others arms. “I know! And Tara, I was wondering if you’d come with me? I mean, it’s out of the city….they sort of live on a farm…but I told them about you and they want to meet you.”



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



“I’m not done talking to you! So come down here, and let’s finish this discussion.”



Tara let out a frustrated sigh. “Fine.” She walked down the steps to face her mother. “You want to finish this, let’s finish this once and for all. We both know I never wanted to live back here with you. We both know you just wanted Tray and I so you could claim the extra money from our father’s savings, from our savings. And we both know, we both know that this is only for your own God damn image. I don’t like it here. I hate it! I thought we could work things out, but obviously not. You need to grow up and start taking care of yourself. I clean, I cook, I do the shopping and the laundry. I put you to bed when you’re passed out.” Tara had tears streaming down her face. She tried to stop, but she couldn’t, she needed Belinda to hear this…hear her. “I am supposed to be the child mom, not the mother! For God’s sake, I just turned sixteen. No wonder dad left you and I don’t blame Tray for running away. So just…get a new life, make something of yourself and make your life useful!” The blonde was stopped by a sharp pain across her cheek. Belinda had raised her hand and smacked her daughter across the face.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



~Part 9~ …Getting Settled In

**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Tara never returned home after her fight with Belinda, not when the older woman was home anyway. Tara managed to grab most of her belongings in one day. Fred offered to help, after all they were now roommates and friends with the same red head.



“I am so going to need to teach you a few things while living out on the streets.” Fred snickered.



“So you mean, in order to live in a nice warm warehouse I have to be all large with the butch?” Tara grinned as she threw more of her clothes into a box.



“And you thought the warehouse would be an awful disgusting place to live.” The Texan girl smiled smugly.



“Yea well, I take it back and I’m sorry.” Tara shrugged and smiled, she liked Fred. “Who is that?” A honking of a horn sounded outside.



“The guys.” Fred whispered with a smile. Tara looked out the window and watched Spike get out of the vehicle.



“Where’s the other guy?” Tara asked Fred but received no answer. She turned around and noticed Willow standing in the doorway.



“Hey.” Willow smirked.



“Hey.” Tara calmly said, even though she was melting inside. The red head stole every part of her and she wasn’t about to mess things up. “What are you doing here? I thought you and Spike were picking up groceries.”



“Well, do I really need a reason to see a beautiful face?” Willow stepped closer to the blonde.



“Aww stop, your girlfriend’s right there,” Fred started playfully. “Standing right in front of you.”



“You wish.” Willow laughed playfully and wrapped her arms around Tara’s waist. “I missed you.” She placed soft kisses along the blonde’s neck.



“I…ah, missed you too.” Tara smiled and pulled Willow tighter against her, hugging her closely.



“Hey pet, I see Belinda walking a few blocks away and she’s not walking in the opposite direction.” Spike said a bit out of breath.



“Hurry, pack up as much as you can, we’ll come back later if we need too.” Fred panicked. She had a very great liking towards Tara, they accepted each other and now she wanted to protect her new best friend.



“Yeah, just pack something for tomorrow. My grandparents are going to love you.” Willow smiled and helped pick up a duffel bag.



“Okay, I’m done. I think I have everything I need so far.” Tara said in a rush, frantically throwing things into a bag.



Once they all reached the truck, they glanced down the street to where Belinda was. She was only ten feet away and was squinting to see if the teens were strangers in her driveway.



Tara frowned but smirked at the same time knowing that her mother didn’t even recognize her. She was dressed quite differently, with the clothes Willow had given her on her birthday; not to mention the make-up Tara had be sporting.



“Excuse me, what are you doing on my property?” Belinda asked a little annoyed.



“Sorry, we’re just leaving.” Spike muttered, throwing Tara’s bags in the back of the truck.



“Yea, I just wanted to get the rest of my stuff or w-what I could anyway.” Tara replied, tucking her hair behind her ears. “But I should be back later to grab the r-rest.”



“Why are you wearing that? Tara…what happened to you and what did you do to my daughter?” Belinda sounded hurt yet disgusted.



“N-nothing.” Tara whispered, crossing her arms over her chest. She wasn’t sure if she should feel sorry or guilty, or proud that her mother possibly missed her. Sighing, Tara rubbed her forehead and brushed her hair back, looking straight at the woman in front of her. “Belinda, I don’t like it here. It’ll never work, you and I both know that, besides, why stay here when I can be somewhere else where I’m wanted?”



“So you chose these nobody-wannabes who sit around and do God knows what, all day?” Belinda raised her voice slightly.



“Hey, Belinda.” Willow stepped forward and grabbed Tara’s hand. “Don’t downplay us like that when you don’t even know us, hell, you don’t even know your on daughter, but you should be proud of her. Tara goes to school every day and she keeps her grades up…so back off.”



Belinda’s eyebrows rose and she stepped back a bit. “Well that’s nice.” She smiled.



Tara bit her bottom lip as awkward silence fell between the group. “Look, we have to go.” She finally said as she and Willow climbed into the back of the truck. Spike pulled out of the driveway and Tara watched her mom, standing still, watching her too as they drove away.



“Don’t worry baby, things will get better, you’ll see.” Willow wrapped her arm around Tara’s waist and pulled her in for a comforting snuggle.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Buffy skipped into the kitchen and stopped when she noticed some files on the table. Just as she was about to reach for one, she heard a shuffling noise behind her.



“Hey.” Tray smiled and scooted past the younger blonde. “What are you doing up still?” She asked, frowning slightly.



“I need a midnight snack.” Buffy smiled lightly and made a beeline towards the cupboards.



“I’ll have some too!” Tray-Al chuckled as Buffy pulled out some cookies. “So Cordy said that you have a date tomorrow night.”



Buffy blushed and sat down in the chair next to Tray. “Yea.” She sighed. “Mark asked me out, I so cannot wait.”



“Mark? The one who’s on the swimming team?” Tray waggled her eyebrows. “He’s a lil hottie.”



“Tray!” Buffy swapped her friend and giggled. “He is, but don’t you even think about it, you have a boyfriend and a romantic one at that.”



“Yea.” Tray sighed and giggled. “Xander’s been really good to me, I don’t see why you and Cordy don’t like him.”



“We like him.” Buffy squirmed in her seat. “It’s just, we’ve been friends for so long, it’s hard to see him as anything else but an older brother now.”



“Cordy thinks the same?”



“Who knows what Cordy thinks.” Buffy laughed. “That girl’s mind works in its own way. She can easily get a crush on a guy, then it’s like, ‘Oh. My. God! How could you even let me like him, Hello?! He’s so totally last season.’”



Tray-Al burst into laughter as Buffy mocked their friend. “Niiice.” She grinned.



“Years of practice. Oh! Which by the way, you should so totally try out for cheerleading, they need someone on the squad and they’re holding auditions.” Buffy smiled sweetly.



“Um, no thanks.” Tray opened a file and rummaged through it, not even paying attention to the information in front of her.



Buffy looked at Tray as she read. She studied her face and expressions. “So why not?” She asked.



“Why not … what…?” Tray glanced at the perky blonde and smirked. “Why not join cheerleading?”



“Yea, why not? I mean, you have potential.” Buffy smiled.



“I just, I was on the cheerleading squad back in New York, I don’t think I want to go there again…yet anyway.” Tray sighed and closed the file again.



“Did Tara cheer?” Buffy cupped her face in her hands and looked at Tray.



“You mean a cheerleader? No.” Tray laughed. “Tara cheer?” She laughed harder.



“What?” Buffy pulled back with a pout. “Don’t laugh at me.”



“Oh no, I’m not laughing at you.” Tray calmed down a bit. “It’s just, Tara isn’t really the cheerleader type. She’s more of a um, a…unique individual.”



“Huh?”



Tray smiled and pushed the files out of her way and looked at Buffy. “She wasn’t much into the sports ya know? She loved to jog every morning, but that’s about it. And she always found that cheerleading does nothing but label you into a crowd.”



“She’s smart.” Buffy nodded in agreement. “But cheerleading is more than that.”



“We know that, but Tara…she has her beliefs.”



“Like what?” Buffy asked, she was rather interested in Tara, her other older sister. If they were to ever meet, Buffy wanted to make sure she knew the girl and was able to have something to talk about. “Boys?”



Tray chuckled. “No, boys was never mentioned in this case. She had a lot of guy friends growing up, but she never interested in dating.”



“How old is she again?” Buffy snickered.



“Sixteen.” Tray answered sadly. Talking about Tara was good, Buffy seemed interested and tray had no problem bringing her up, but she could never forgive herself for ruining her baby sister’s sweet sixteen.



“I thought I heard voices.” Mrs. Summers rubbed her eyes and yawned. “What are you girls doing up? It’s almost one in the morning.”



“It’s a Friday night.” Buffy rolled her eyes and stood up. “I should get going to bed anyway, I need to shop for some accessories, wanna come with?” She looked at the other blonde.



“I’d love that.” Tray smiled and watched Buffy go back to her room.



“Can’t sleep either?” Anna sat down and glanced at the files in front of her.



“Not really, I thought I’d take a look at these. You said to look at them whenever I got the chance.” Tray smiled shyly and tucked strands of hair behind her ear.



“Well why don’t we get through these tomorrow. You know Buffy by now, she’ll be up at the crack of dawn and ready to go.” The older woman gathered the material off the table and waited for Tray-Al to stand up.



“I am a little tired. Buffy’s exhausting with her curious mind.” Tray giggled and walked out of the kitchen after putting the cookies away.



“That’s my baby girl.” Anna snickered and followed the teenager out.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



“Wake up sleepy head.” Willow blew in Tara’s ear, nuzzling softly. “It’s Saturday morning.”



Tara groaned and rolled over, throwing the blanket over her head. Both her and Willow shared the mattress and found it quite comforting sleeping together and keeping each other warm. They liked the way their relationship was going, it was like being best friends, hugging and hand holding, but they kissed a lot. They snuggled and teased, but neither girl was ready for anything deeper or more intimate. They liked where they were. “What time is it?”



“Seven in the morning.” Willow chuckled as she heard Tara whimper and throw the covers back. “Someone’s a little grumpy.”



“Someone kept me up all night kissing my neck.” Tara smiled and rolled back over, wrapped her arm around Willow’s waist, nuzzling her face into Willow’s neck and hair.



“Now you complain?” The red head stretched herself out and dribbled light kisses along Tara’s jaw line.



“No, so not complaining.” Tara bit her lip and brought Willow’s face to hers and kissed her softly. “Morning.”



“Morning.” Willow-grin.



“So how far away do your grandparents live?” Tara asked.



“Six hours.” Willow sat up and looked around the large place. “We have to be at the station in an hour, and it takes thirty minutes to get there.”



“And…how do we get there?” Tara asked, raising an eyebrow.



“Spike and Fred duh! They went to get gas.” Willow picked some clothes out and threw them at Tara playfully. “Here, I’m going to go and clean up. We’re lucky Fred snuck us into her parent’s place last night to let us shower.”



“Yea.” Tara smiled and looked out the window.



After both girls were changed, they brought their weekend packed bags to the door.



“Y’all ready to go?” Fred bounced in the door, her hair swinging as she twirled around.



“Right love, let’s helps these ladies get their bags in the truck.” Spike shook his head.



“Is she high?” Willow whispered to the bleached blonde, watching the brunette twirl around.



“Don’t you know Fred by now? She’s just happy and I have to break her bloody heart when I tell her we ain’t going with you.” Spike muttered.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



Tray sat in the small café, watching everyone walk by. She was waiting for Buffy to come back from the ladies room.



“Sorry that took so long.” Buffy sat down across from the other blonde. “Go ahead, say it.”



Tray-Al smiled and paused for a moment. “Say what?”



“Just say it.” Buffy muttered.



“It.” Smirked Tray.



“No!” Buffy growled and smiled. “I thought you were going to say, ‘what did ya do? Fall in the toilet or something?’”



Tray-Al almost spit out her mocha trying to stifle her laughter. “No Buff, I was just going to say I’m glad you can join me.”



“Oh.”



“So what are we doing next?” The older teen looked around the large third floor of the mall.



“Wanna catch an early movie?” Buffy bounced up and down.



“Sure thing.” Tray grabbed her bag as the two blondes set off towards the cinema.



“Xander working today?”



“Yup, I think he’s off later this afternoon.” Tray smiled. She loved having the guy around, he was always there for her and they shared a lot in common. “Did you want to come with me to meet him?”



“I wouldn’t want to mess up any smoochie time.” Buffy chuckled and was earned a shoulder nudge by her friend.



“You wouldn’t be messing up anything, besides, I asked you to come with me to meet him, not go on our date.”



“Well duh! I have a date tonight already – wait! You’re not going to be there for me while I get ready? What kind of sister are you.” Buffy mumbled. She stopped and looked at Tray, who stared back at her. “I just mean, so far you’re like, the closest I’ve ever had to a sister and that’s all I meant.”



“Wow…you really think of me like that?” Tray asked in awe.



Buffy gulped. Yes, it was true that she felt that way towards Tray, but she knew the truth so it made it more real, but she couldn’t tell her that. And she truly did look up to the older teen. “I do.”



“Well,” Tray felt herself blush. “Why don’t we pick up Xander, go back home, I’ll help you get ready, and then Xander and I can leave.”



“Okay!” Buffy excitedly clapped her hands and hugged Tray. “Thank you.”



“Hey, what are sister-friends for?” Tray smiled and looped her arm into Buffy’s.



A part of Tray felt bad for feeling the way she did. She missed Tara and often wished Buffy were Tara sometimes, but she’d also forget in the midst of all her heartache, she was happy. She wanted to accept the fact that her younger sister wouldn’t care about her much longer – Tara was sweet and a very forgivable person, but Tray-Al was starting to do an unforgivable thing: She was starting to let go.



**~~~~**~~~~**~~~***



~Holly~

"I've got this ache, and I thought it was for sex, but it's to tear everything to fucking pieces." Ginger - Ginger Snaps

[littlecrazy80]

Yay!

A fantastic update after such a long waiting.



*lil´c*

Let´s get happy and let´s be gay. germany´s grand prix song



Check this out

[Insanity]

Wow an update....and worth the loooong wait...



Where does Willows Grandsparents live again??

Maybe near Sunnydale??? It is soooo time, they all get together.....But I have faith in you (speaking of...will Faith make an appearance??? Or did she already and I forgot?? )



Insanity

"Nobody messes with my girl!"Tara, Bargaining

[mxgirl314]

Love the fic. absolutly worth the wait. can hardly wait until next update.

[bluewillowwitch]

Holly ,

Okay first, I this fic! and are so cute. I'm glad that they got her out of that b***hes house. Tray letting go. Oh this could be bad. I hope that some how finds her. Maybe can help. Or maybe after Tray the files she will get Buffy and Mrs. Summers to help find her. Oh I can't wait to more. Update soon, please?







bluewillowwitch

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[Cindipitude]

*bounces happily*

OOOOH!

Tray-Al hasn't looked at the folders yet, and Buffy spilled it! Nice save tho

I do worry about her letting go...but she has a new life and people in it and ya know its just kinda human nature... you want to go with the happy.. not throw yourself into the sad. I'm loving the wardrobe, Tara has decided she's not gonna be walked on anymore and has taken a new look to reflect her new attitude..and she's with Willow! And Willow makes her feel happy and safe and ...home.

I'm excited about the visit to Willow's grandparents...and a farm too! Maybe Tara will get to have some fun with the horsies And did Willow mention "let us shower" followed by Tara looking away and out the window? I wouldn't have been surprised if there had been a bit of blush on those cheeks

Hey, I know they are taking things slow and are fine with the snuggles and kisses for now, but just because you aren't doing something doesn't mean you aren't thinking about it

And if it was my sexy girlfriend who was only a few feet away all naked and wet and under warm jets of water...skin all soapy..and slick..and um.. *ahem* yea.



Nicely done Holly, very nicely done

Cindi

"Even the bears wanted me to stay in Canada..."

[sfgo2003]

Awesome Fic Holly!!!







I love street smart Willow!! And I love the fact that they're teenagers. Interesting twist!!



Also like the high school friend angst Tara experienced; very realistic for that age!! And I love that Willow is so protective!!



So different from "Never a Night...," but just as creative and imaginative. Great characters. You write W/T so beautifully!!!



Just the right amount of angst!!



I'm loving it!!! Keep it coming!!!



Wendy



:

[TexanZeppo256]

Holls!!!!!

Man...I can't believe it's up...wow....update for "Tainted".

It took me 5 hours to read (well...ya know why) but it's cool. I loved it!!!!

When is next update?



M.



Edited to say:



Sorry to all, there was a slight mix up. Marinka was writing on my penname by accident. Don't worry, she still loves you guys Later!



---The TexZep

Edited by: Warduke at: 10/25/03 1:03 am

[Incitatua 8]

Wow, what an interesting and unusual W/T story. I hope I don't regret getting involved in it. Does this update mean that you are going to continue? This is really a very poignant story...I want to read more!

[mandyanyone]

awww...so sweet...all with the cuddles. I love it. But also now i miss my girl and my cuddles and the waking up to her in the mornings. ah..*sighs*..i'll be there soon.



WHEN THE HELL IS TRAY GONNA FIND OUT?!?!?!



and when the hell is Tara going to move to California?



and i am so glad you got Tara away from that B**** of a mother. noone deserves that. especially not her.



Anyways sweetie, thank you for FINALLY!! updating. sheesh. lots of waiting, but well worth it. Update soon. PLEASE!!



Love ya Holl



Candy Mandy

"Introductions are tricky in a lesbian relationship. It's a word game. To my friends she's my lover, to strangers and family members in denial she's my roommate, to Jehovah's Witnesses at the door she's my lesbian sex slave, and to my mother she's Jewish and that's all that matters." ~~~Denise McCanles