Aeternum Vale (AU)

[sam darls]

Poppy sweetie..wonderful update, as usual . Take care hun..and we're still here . Love sam xx

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

[DarkChild]

I really like this. I can't belive I have't seen this story till just now. Oh well, gave me more to read.



Please update soon! I want to knowwhat's gonna happen.

[eklipsej]

Hope you're doing better...



Hmmm, Tara in leather Yes please!

[mollyig]

Just wanted to say I hope you're looking after yourself. We'll be here patiently waiting for the next update when you can deliver.

---

Sheacht mh'anam déag do bhéal, do mhalaí's do ghrua

[FlyingPoppy]

Hey all,



Sorry, no update today but it's not far off. I thought I'd sit and try to write some replies for a while.



mollyig - Yep, Tara's being all sneaky and doing some rooting around. My guess is you're nervous because that's what I want you to be. Bwah-ha-ha! My plan is working Really, I think maybe because we don't know what she's found out and if she has found anything out, why hasn't she told Willow? Lol, glad you liked the colour coded list. I'm ashamed to say that that is the sort of thing I would do. I'm a big list maker. Big procrastinator too...





numberonefan - You are so suspicious! I have more carpet and cabbies next chapter, you know? We've gone on to carpets from tables have we? Maybe I could write a spin-off. The trials and tribulations of the tarnished tables of terror... Think I have a hit on my hands.



Oh, my dear ash, I have many more questions to raise. Many, many, many.

Quote:

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Willow is smart, and she isn't going to let too many more of those just slip by.

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Indeed she's not. I think Tara is kind of pushing it now.





sam darls - Yup, leather. Lots of it...





pipsberg - Aw, thank you. I shall endeavour to continue handing out the warm fuzzies to all. Um, that makes me sound like a bit of a ho...which I'm not. Honest.





DreamsToDream - Now why is everyone so excited about some dead animal skin? You won't have to wait much longer.





barnabasvamp - I did get everyone's attention, didn't I? wonder why?





Grimlock72 - Hey Grimmy. Yes, Tara was looking for something. Quite likely her decision to stay was speeded along by something she wasn't looking for; love.

Quote:

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I would make you some chickensoup if I could, am told it cures all illness. You're probably better of not tasting any of my attempts at cooking though, heh

---

well, seeing as I'm vegetarian, it's probably best that you don't make me chicken soup





wimpy0729 - Thank you for your kind thoughts. I'm still not exactly feeling good but I'm here and managing to get some writing done. THe wait for chapter twelve will not be too much longer.





AmbeRocks - Hi! I'm really glad you're liking this. I like having fans So we're both happy





DarkChild - Hey I'm afraid it's gonna be a while until you find out what happens. The next chapter shouldn't be too far away though. Unless either of my betas decide to make me work extra hard They're so tough on me, all with the Err, you guys so know I'm kidding, right?





eklipsej - Tara in leather, Willow in leather, it's all good. I'm afraid I have a confession to make...next chapter has no leather. It does, however, have the promise of leather yet to come...I feel an alternative Christmas Carol coming on...





mollyig - I'm trying to look after myself. It doesn't help that I have a predilection for trying to do too much and ending up flaked out for days. I know, I know. I can hear friends proclaiming, "No! Poppy would never do that!" and various oohs and aahs of dismay.



Finally, thank you all for being patient and continuing to be here

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

[skittles]

We will wait patiently for the next installment



Most of all, we want you in good fighting form!!! err, uh, make that good writing form...

skittles



"You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here." Desiderata, Max Erhmann

[na71684]

if i ask really really nice for an update could we please have one.



PLEASE

[Arron CFF]

pretty please

[FlyingPoppy]

Hello? Um, it's me. I bring updatey goodness. I'm really sorry it's been so long. That little phrase — circumstances beyond our control — would fit pretty well right about now.



skittles - Contrary to popular belief, Poppy is not a fighter. All tales of great battles against foul beasts have been vastly overexaggerated.



na71684 - Hey That halo there ain't fooling me for a second, I've had a lot of practice Having said that, and totally coincedentally, here's an update



Arron CFF - Add some coffee, chocolate and ice-cream to that pretty please and you've got yourself a deal, but don't tell anyone...





Poppy's thought for the day: No matter how much I like it , begging for an update isn't going to have much effect. Most days I am physically unable to sit at the computer for long periods and I'm sorry to say things don't look like they're getting much better. Add to that my current inability to get my brain in gear and you're left with infrequent updates. Yes, I have a lot of it already written, but I can't do a lot of work on it. Make sense?



•Title: Aeternum Vale - Chapter Twelve

•Author: FlyingPoppy

•Feedback: Here or by pm is fine.

•Distribution: No, thanks. It's just for Pens.

•Rating: R

•Pairing: W/T

•Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Willow and Tara, they belong to ME/UPN/whoever. All other characters belong to me. I'm just writing a story to keep myself out of mischief, I'm not making any money from it.

•Summary: This story is totally AU and will be long. Two girls meet and fall in love, but all is not what it seems.

•Notes:

- The hellmouth does not exist in this story but evil certainly does. A happy ending for W/T is certain, it's going to be a bumpy ride, though. Turn back now if your vehicle doesn't equip the suspension to deal...

- Thoughts in <italics>

- Many thanks to Kita and Patches for their beta work.

•Extra note: To those people who have been worrying their arses off about me and my little disappearances. Ok, they may not be so little, but I'll be ok, really.





Chapter Twelve - Mens Regnum Bona Possidet







The two women barely spoke during the short but interesting cab ride to the pine store. The buxom brunette of a cab driver threw many lecherous glances to the back-seat as she drove. It wasn't long before Tara looked up to find the woman staring back at her in the rear-view mirror. Their eyes met and the woman gave a crude, suggestive wink. The young blonde drew in a sharp breath, shivered, and slid across the cracked leather seat to her girl. Tara sought comfort so lay a hand gently on the redhead's knee her eyes now concentrating on the streets rushing by in a blur of motion beyond the window of the cab. Anywhere except in the direction of those dead green eyes in the mirror.



 

Tara was sure the woman had taken a roundabout route to the store but Willow had said nothing, so maybe she was mistaken. Finally, they arrived at the industrial estate that housed the bed of Tara's dreams...well, hopefully.



"I think you have an admirer," the redhead teased as they went through the revolving door into the store. The cab driver had reminded them many times that hers was the cheapest cab in town; that she could get them anywhere more quickly than anyone else. It was wasted on Tara though. Ms Buxom had to be blind not to notice the way she'd sat holding Willow's leg. She had certainly spent plenty of time looking. Maybe she was just stupid. Or brazen.



"Do not! Shut up!" Tara responded with a playful slap to Willow's arm. Her grin gave the game away.



"I..." Willow began but her train of thought was interrupted as they entered the store.



The blonde walked across the foyer in awe, she could quite easily buy every piece of furniture she'd need here. "Now THIS is more like it!" she exclaimed. "Thank you, Ed."



"Oh...Tara, this place is nice." Almost every inch of available floor space was filled with varying styles and colours of sturdy and expensive looking wooden furniture.



"Uh-huh..." Tara muttered absentmindedly as she feasted her eyes on a finely crafted Walnut dresser. She swept her hand along the top of the piece, then traced the intricate design carved delicately into the wood.



"Um, Tara?" Willow had noticed the quality of the deep pile carpet beneath her feet; the unwritten dress code of the middle class housewives and pensioners, their hair perfectly coiffured, browsing for the latest addition to their luxuriant houses.



"What?" The blonde was perplexed by the tone of Willow's voice. She sounded disappointed.



"This place is really nice, too nice for us. Look at this carpet. It's a bit, um, kinda highbrow for us here. I don't want you to get all disappointed if you see something you love then can't afford it. Maybe we should just go somewhere else." Willow's brow was wrinkled with concern.



Tara continued to look longingly at the dresser, until she heard Willow gulp. The redhead had noticed a small ornate pedestal set beside the piece. Thoughtfully set on the pedestal was a golden plaque. Upon the plaque was the price of the dresser.



"C'mon, Tara, let's get out of here," the redhead took Tara by the arm and led her towards the exit.



Tara slowed and looked back at the dresser. "But Will..." she whined then let out a laugh. "C'mon, it can't hurt to have a nose around. We've come all the way out here, we may as well at least have a look." Tara was almost pleading and there was no way on Earth that Willow could resist that adorable face.



"Well, ok, Miss Money Bags but I think you need to stop looking at stuff like that," Willow gestured at the dresser, "and search out something mere mortals, like you and me, can afford."



Tara blushed and followed Willow deeper into the store.



There were few other customers in the store; an elderly couple perused the rockers lined up against the far wall, two middle-aged women were extolling the virtues of a fine four-poster, and a mother and daughter quietly argued over the price of a very girlie single bed. Other than that, the shop was deserted. The air was filled with a fresh, woody smell, a far cry from the fake plastic stench of the previous establishment. A couple of staff members wandered around the store, waiting to be approached. No heavy handed sales tactics were needed here.



The two women spent a few minutes looking over the wares. In one corner, hidden behind a stack of drawers, Tara came across an antique oak coloured sleigh bed.



"Willow, what do you think of this?" she asked.



 Willow was testing out the silent runners on a handsome chest of drawers that was taller than she was. "Whatcha found?" she enquired as she joined Tara in squeezing past the pile of furniture. "Oh, that's beautiful!" Green eyes gleamed. "There's no price tag, is that a good thing?"



"Go grab that guy over there," the blonde instructed excitedly. "I want this bed."



"Yes, Ma'am!" Willow mock saluted, her mood somewhat lighter now.



Blue eyes held the still gleaming green ones and crinkled in amusement. Tara smiled at the goofy redhead as she marched off, then perched on the edge of the bed awaiting Willow's return. She didn't have to wait long. Willow was soon back, sales person in tow.



After chatting for a while, Tara discovered that the bed was a commission piece that had never been collected. It had been sitting in the corner for some time now and was taking up valuable floor space; sales guy wanted rid of the unfashionable bed.



"Um, could you give us a minute?" Willow asked. Tara regarded her uncertainly, but the polite young man simply nodded and wandered off to talk to one of his colleagues.



"Willow, what are you - "The blonde was interrupted by an excited ball of energy.



"Haggling time," Willow beamed and almost bounced up and down. "Play your cards right and you can get this bed for peanuts. Well, maybe brazils or pistachios. Peanuts is maybe beyond what you can do...but this guy's desperate to get rid of that bed."



 <Good plan, Willow. I haggle, you don't wonder about me spending money I shouldn't have.>



"I can try for peanuts," Tara smiled.



One round of haggling later, the blonde arranged to have her bed delivered that Tuesday afternoon.



~~~~~~~~~~



It was late evening when they finally arrived back at Tara's house, arms laden with bags and packages.



"Home sweet home," the blonde smiled as she turned her key in the lock and entered the house. Her heart warmed when she saw that wonderful smile appear on Willow's face.



Dumping all the bags on the empty floor of the living room, Tara held her arms out to the redhead, beckoned her closer. There was no hesitation on Willow's part. In Tara's embrace she felt safe, comforted...loved.



"I think we got all the essentials," Willow whispered softly in her girlfriend's ear. She felt Tara's head nod against her cheek.



"Got everything I need right here," was the reply.



They stood that way for a few moments before Willow pulled back and regarded the blonde with questioning eyes.



"Tara?"



"Mmm?" Almost a purr.



"Um, about this party - "



"Having second thoughts, are we?" Tara asked, one eyebrow raised.



"I've never worn it," the redhead said sadly. A frown covered her face, eyes downcast. "What if I can't pull it off?"



Tara's heart ached at the look on the other woman's face. "It's just some fun, sweetie. We don't have to go if you don't want."



"No, I'm just being stupid. We'll have fun. Molly asked me to go shopping with her for some new stuff, I don't think leather will be quite what she had in mind," Willow pondered.



"You don't think Molly and Nat have a secret leather fetish then?" Tara asked with the most serious look Willow had even seen on her face.



"Tara!" the redhead couldn't hold her laughter in. No way would Molly be into leather, would she?



~~~~~~~~~~



The following day, Willow had a lot of work to catch up on, so Tara ventured into town by herself to purchase some smaller items. Carrying everything by herself meant she had to make two trips into town and back. As she entered the house for the second, and final, time the phone was ringing. Willow had set it up by the front window, where the couch was scheduled to go. Dropping her bags, Tara rushed over to it, not knowing how long it had been ringing but knowing there was only one person who had her number. As she picked up the phone, she felt her heart warm and a slow smile spread across her face.



"Hello?"



"Hi, expecting someone else?" Willow teased.



"No, I thought it must be you, but I didn't want to answer the phone all slutty or anything just in case. I mean you never know, it might have been some geeky sales person trying to get me to buy a computer," Tara said, alluding to Willow's attempts to get her to give in and buy one, having marked it an essential item on the list.



"Hey! What's wrong with geeky?" Willow said in mock outrage, considering herself a fully fledged geek.



"Nothing's wrong with geeky." There was a short pause. "If you're sexy with it." Tara continued, her voice deep and husky all of a sudden.



"Aha! So, you do have a thing for geeks!" Willow proclaimed, determined to find some ammunition against her cheeky girlfriend.



"Only one," Tara replied honestly. There was another pause for a moment as Willow basked in the glory of knowing that Tara did indeed have more than a thing for her.



"How'd it go today? Did you get everything you needed? How's the place look?" Willow decided to change the subject with a barrage of questions.



"You'll have to wait until you come over, then you can see for yourself. I'm terrible at describing things," Tara admonished herself.



"What are you wearing?" Willow asked in a whisper.



"Wha?"



"Well, you said you're terrible at describing things, tell me what you're wearing." Willow explained.



"Willow, I don't think I - " Tara began but was soon interrupted.



"You do great Tara. I know you have this thing, this self-doubt. Good god, I know I have enough about myself but as far as you're concerned, there is none."



Willow was met by silence. "You still there?...Tara?"



A faint sigh made its way down the line, through the speaker and to Willow's ear. "What did I say wrong? Tara? Honey? Talk to me?"



"I just never..." Tara's voice was on the verge of cracking. "I never felt anything like...what if I lose you? What if we can't be together?"



"What makes you think that? You think I don't want you?" The redhead's brow crinkled further, then eyebrows raised with the realisation of what Tara was saying. "You think I'm gonna dump you? Tara, that's what you think of-"



"God, no, Willow! Just sometimes circumstances can get in the way."



"I don't like where this is going, Tara. If you think there's anything that could make me – that could stop me from feeling like this about you..." Willow's voice trailed off. She felt utterly distraught at the very thought of what Tara was suggesting may happen. "What are you basing this on? Is there something you need to tell me?"



"Just life," Tara sighed. "I spoke to Molly this morning, she seems really excited about the party." Tara smiled, as though the previous conversation had never taken place, and blushed a little at just what Molly had said on the phone.



"Tara, you can't just -" Willow started.



"I know but can we do this later, when you're here, when we can talk properly?" Tara pleaded. Phones were in no danger of becoming her favourite mode of communication, she liked to be able to see who she was talking to, look into their eyes. Especially when it was Willow and even more so when it was about something as important as this.



Willow sighed, "Ok, if that's what you want." She paused for a moment, just in case Tara changed her mind, but continued when met with silence. "Molly was psyched when I called her. Especially when I told her about the leather," Willow told her girlfriend. "Maybe we weren't so wrong about them after all."



"That's what's got me wanting to go," Tara sighed. The thought of seeing the redhead's ass in leather had her more than a little hot under the collar. "Do you want to shop together?" she added after a few moments daydreaming.



"I think I'd rather not see what you're wearing until I see you Friday night," Willow said after much internal debate.



"Oh. Ok. It's just, well, I don't know what sort of thing I should be getting. Just how far are we going with this? Pants and shirts or the whole hog?" Tara asked.



"Technically, that'd be cow." The redhead stuck out her tongue and blew a raspberry.



Her girlfriend simply put her hands on her hips in mock indignation and said, "I take it that means we're going the whole 'cow' then..."



Willow nodded, "Uh-huh."



~~~~~~~~~~



It was Thursday afternoon and Molly was eager to shut up shop but a lone woman had spent the last hour roaming the nursery, amassing quite a cart full of plants and accessories in the process. She'd roamed up and down the aisles, pushing her cart and stopping to look at just about every plant and accessory that Molly had to offer.



Tara was just locking up the seedling house at the bottom of the nursery when she heard a voice.



"Excuse me? Young lady?"



The woman had short black hair and was wearing some dirty, cut-off jeans and a deep blue crop top. Streaks of motor oil were in evidence on her right thigh, as though she had absentmindedly wiped her hand there.



Tara smiled. "Hi, how can I help you?" The haggard look on the other woman's face disappeared and was replaced by a hint of a shy smile.



"Meadowsweet. I need Meadowsweet. You have some?" The woman sounded almost in a panic, her eyes shot over Tara's shoulder. The blonde woman looked back to see what the woman was looking at but there was nothing there.



"Um, yes, we do. There are a few varieties we keep in, they're just over here." Tara gestured toward the far side of the nursery and began to walk over, the squeaking of the cart's wheels indicated the woman was following.



The blonde breathed deeply as she walked. The scent of a multitude of flowers and leaves tickled her nostrils; Lilies, Roses, Honeysuckle, Lavender. When the familiar scent of Meadowsweet hit her, she slowed and turned to face the dark haired woman.



"Here we are. We have three different varieties. They all need pretty moist soil, does your-"



The woman grabbed one of each plant and put them in her cart. She then strutted off toward the fruit trees, leaving Tara bemused.



Molly stuck her head out from the shop door and shouted down to Tara, "You can get off if you want and I'll catch you up," she offered.



"It's ok, Mol, I'm not too sure of the way," Tara said as she approached the shop. "I'd probably end up in the mountains if left to my own devices." The young blonde gave a smile that let Molly know she was only half joking.



The plan for the afternoon was for Molly and Nat to deck Tara out for the party.



Eventually, at 3:20, the woman brought her purchases to the counter. When she realised the two women were waiting to close up she looked very embarrassed and blushed profusely. Molly put on her best customer service head and assured her it was no problem at all. After all, the woman had spent close to $500 - it was worth losing 20 minutes for.



"Ok, let's go kiddo." Molly grinned in anticipation, as she shut the till drawer and made her way out of the shop. It was time to get her own back on the pair.



The curvy blonde climbed into the front of her boss' truck and pulled the door shut behind her. Seconds later, the door on the driver's side creaked open and Molly jumped in, grinning like a fool.



"What're you looking so happy about?" Tara questioned.



Molly twisted her head to face Tara in the tight confines of the vehicle and merely smiled wider, then started up the engine.



"Um, Molly? I know I haven't been here long but isn't town that way?" Tara pointed in the direction of the town centre but Molly pulled out of the lot in the opposite direction.



"I have some things to show you. Back at the house," Molly said and kept driving. "Nat's meeting us there."



<Ok, something's going on here, I smell payback,> the younger woman thought. She was momentarily distracted by Grace pawing at the rear window of the truck, a thin line of slobber threading itself from the dog's bottom lip to the window.



"Ew! Grace, that is so unbecoming!" Tara laughed.



This only served to make Grace more determined to somehow get out from the back of the truck and into the front, where there were people. Fuss. Love. Fuss and love often led to food. Then sleep. Her favourite things. Then she caught the smell, it was distant, there was no immediate danger, just a hint blowing on the breeze that blew through her fur. The young pup stopped in her attempts to gain entrance to the cab of the truck then turned to face the direction the smell seemed to emit from and let out a low, grumbling bark of warning. Nothing was going to stop her from getting her food, sleep but more importantly, her love.



edited because there are always more errors!!! I'm sure somebody else puts them there.

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

Edited by: FlyingPoppy at: 8/23/04 2:31 am

[justin]

Ooh, that was a great update



I'm not sure I like the idea of Tara keeping secrets from Willow, such as her unidentified source of money. Though, given the fact that Tara wants to keep her money secret, it was probably a bad idea to go to such an expensive shop. I suddenly have the image of Tara arriving at Willow's house in a Farrari and trying to convince her that she got it cheap.



Also not liking the way Tara was talking to Willow on the phone. So is it just a lack of confidence or does she know of something specific that'll come between them? Either way Tara was right that it was something they need to talk about face to face, rather than on the phone.



I'm curious about what revenge Molly and Nat have got planned. Also is it wrong to say I'm looking forward to the party?



Don't worry about the infrequent updates, this story is worth waiting for. I hope that you get your writing groove back soon.

"VOOM"?!? Mate, this bird wouldn't "voom" if you put four million volts through it! 'E's bleedin' demised! - The Parrot Sketch

[skittles]

Poppy, I know you don't see yourself as I see you. In my eyes, you ARE a fighter.... (and a writer)



You DO fight. You persevere. You think that you give up. That you give in. You really don't. You still fight on.... quietly.



You are awesome.



Even if you don't agree with me, that's fine. That's how I see you & you are stuck with that.



I won't say anything more.

skittles

Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.

[Arron CFF]

Awsome update, and so very much worth the wait.

here is your coffee you chocolate and anything else you need to help with the creative efforts. ok now for the neverending questions, What was up with Grace? and heh can I say I can't wait for the party cause Tara's suprise outfit is sure to be nice. On a serious note I hope that all is well with you.

Arron

She walks in beauty, Like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright;Meet in her aspect,and her eyes. ~ by Byron ~

[wimpy0729]

Wonderful update! But there are some questions raised, so can't wait to see what Tara needs to talk to Willow about.



But oh, the leather party is coming up. I'm getting so excited. Can't wait to see what you have planned!



Thanks for writing!



Wimpy

"There was plenty of magic." ~ Tara

[mollyig]

Hi. Nice to see you posting again. Hope you're looking after yourself.



So Tara is financially sound eh? Lucky her! Makes me wonder why she didn't get a place for herself sooner. Although maybe she didn't have reason enough to do so before meeting Willow.

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Sheacht mh'anam déag do bhéal, do mhalaí's do ghrua

[sam darls]

Sweetie, that was a great update . How are you feeling? thinking of you.. Love sam xx

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

[ophelia11]

Hello Poppy. I have been meaning to post on your thread since Alli suggested it to me and I am sorry that I haven't. I know things are rough for you right now. And I wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. Hopefully, you will feel better soon.



Onto this fic... I love it. So, Tara is hiding things from Willow? That raises a lot of questions which I will wait to find out the answers to since I do not want the feedback to be as long as the update.



Molly is dressing Tara for the party... in leather. That would definitely be worth seeing. I am sure Willow will not be disappointed.



Take care of yourself and we look forward to an update whenever you get the chance.



~Mikaelah



ETA: Alright, I forgot to check to see who was signed in on the laptop and this is actually my wife's account. I think I need sleep... Haha!

Edited by: ophelia11 at: 8/16/04 8:56 am

[astrangerhere]

Poppy--



What a way to come back! Its so awfully nice to see you again. I know things have been really tough for you for a long time, but just that you havent given up on a little story like this is proof that you're hangin on. You're Number One Fan is proud to be just that. I'm rootin for you over here on the other side of the pond.



Now, to the actual feedback...



I cannot be vocal enough about how much i love your Tara. I love this seeming conflict between duty and love that she seems to be fighting.



This is also one time when I have a great deal of affection for Willow too.

Quote:

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"You do great Tara. I know you have this thing, this self-doubt. Good god, I know I have enough about myself but as far as you're concerned, there is none."

---

Her absolute faith and devotion just shine here. And then there is Tara who is terrified that Willow might actually be that devoted. I'd love to know what is going on in her head right now. The struggle between her mission (which we now know concerns Willow) and her exponentially growing love for Willow.



Couldn't be better Poppy.



ash AKA Number One Fan

[FlyingPoppy]

Justin - I don't really like the idea of Tara keeping secrets from Willow either, but needs must. She's just trying to make the best of the situation. Don't worry, there will be no Ferrari for Tara

Quote:

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Also not liking the way Tara was talking to Willow on the phone. So is it just a lack of confidence or does she know of something specific that'll come between them?

---

Tara was talking as if there is something she knows will cause problems. Could be the source of her money, could be the thing that came after her. While she has never out and out lied to Willow, there are a few things that Tara hasn't told about. Knowing how Willow is about trusting people, or not as the case may be, it's possible that she thinks these things might cause trouble. Or there could be something else...

Quote:

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Also is it wrong to say I'm looking forward to the party?

---

Well, if it's wrong for you, it's wrong for me and anybody else who's looking forward to it



Arron CFF - Why thank you! Grace smelled something she didn't like. Wonder what it could have been?





wimpy0729 - Thanks for reading. Oh yes, leather party coming up. First we have to get the girls ready though...



mollyig - Hey Hmm, me look after myself - kinda relying on others right now. If it were up to me... *shakes head*

I'm sure there will be some reason why Tara didn't get a place sooner



sam darls - Hey Sam. Thanks. As far as how I'm feeling goes, 5 words spring to mind: Squished by a tank. Repeatedly.

Oh, and that my brain has been whizzed up in a blender and then poured back into my head. Oh dear, I detect a hint of bitterness this fine morning.



Mikaelah - Thank you for your thoughts. No need to be sorry.



I love for things to be complicated. If Tara came straight out and told Willow the truth about everything then there wouldn't be much story to tell. Why must I keep going and making things even more complicated though?

Quote:

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Molly is dressing Tara for the party... in leather. That would definitely be worth seeing. I am sure Willow will not be disappointed.

---

Neither will Tara. I must say, researching this part has been such hard work



numberonefan - My dear ash, lovely to see you.

Quote:

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I love this seeming conflict between duty and love that she seems to be fighting.

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and I wonder which is going to come out on top? Ok, so maybe that's not an issue in the long run, but you can see the battle already in that regard, it's not going to be an easy transition.

Quote:

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I'd love to know what is going on in her head right now. The struggle between her mission (which we now know concerns Willow) and her exponentially growing love for Willow.

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Tara knows what is yet to come.... and I know even more than she does

I think I need to get my brain to just stop for a while and concentrate on the immediate future rather than entertaining ideas about what is going to happen when the first part of this story is over. That's kind of how things are at the moment though. My mind not able to concentrate on any one thing because everything's just foggy. It's kind of like, I know there's something over there somewhere *gestures off into the fog* but I'm not sure quite where and as I get near it, I realise there's something else over there *points over to the left*. I'm not sure how else to explain it, or if that even makes sense.



I hope everything's going ok with you. I miss our chats — I'm sorry.



Poppy x

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

[behindhereyes]

Wow...



I hope you are taking care of yourself, be well.

Love this story, will wait as long as necessary for it.







behindhereyes

"To the world, you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the world"

[FlyingPoppy]

•Title: Aeternum Vale - Chapter Thirteen

•Author: FlyingPoppy

•Feedback: Here or by pm is fine.

•Distribution: No, thanks. It's just for Pens.

•Rating: R

•Pairing: W/T

•Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Willow and Tara, they belong to ME/UPN/whoever. All other characters belong to me. I'm just writing a story to keep myself out of mischief, I'm not making any money from it.

•Summary: This story is totally AU and will be long. Two girls meet and fall in love, but all is not what it seems.

•Notes:

- The hellmouth does not exist in this story but evil certainly does. A happy ending for W/T is certain, it's going to be a bumpy ride, though. Turn back now if your vehicle doesn't equip the suspension to deal...

- Thoughts in <italics>

- Many thanks to Kita and Patches for their beta work.





Chapter Thirteen -Fallaces Sunt Rerum Species





Molly squeezed the truck onto the driveway behind Natalie's Moro blue pearl TT Roadster. The day had been bright, but now the wisps of cloud gained more substance and began to shift from grey to black. As clouds gathered ominously, it became obvious the biggest storm of the year was moments away. Molly looked up at the sky as the fat drops of rain began to fall, let out a curse and called Grace down from the back of the truck. The dog dutifully jumped over the side and landed with a thud on the warm tarmac, then padded toward the passenger side door just as Tara emerged from the vehicle. Grace growled almost under her breath and took a step back from the blonde; heckles raised, tail tickling her belly.



Tara was confused. She knelt on the damp ground and held out a hand to the young dog. "Gracie, what is it?"



The dog merely took another step backwards, still growling. Her eyes fixed on Tara's. The rain was starting to fall harder now; electricity charged the air.



"Grace! Stop it!" Molly scolded harshly. The tone of her voice quickly caught the pup's attention.



Grace stopped growling but continued to move away from Tara, sniffing at the air as she retreated. That smell again; fainter now but definitely there, mixed with the ozone of the gathering storm. Something wasn't right.



"Grace, get in that house, now! I'm telling you, you'd better be on your best behaviour. Nat's gonna blow a gasket if you start acting up again," Molly continued.



Tara was still standing by the truck, shocked by the usually playful pup's antics. "Something's really gotten to her."



"I've never heard her growl like that before," Molly agreed worriedly. "You think I should get her checked out? I'm no expert."



"I guess. I can't say I've had a lot of experience with dogs, horses were more my thing." Tara's demeanour was returning to normal now Grace was skulking by the front door.



"Oh yeah? We have a little horsey girl on our hands do we? Jolly good!" Molly ribbed. Tara saw straight through the older woman's attempt to distance Grace from her mind, but smiled anyway.



"We should get inside," Molly declared, looking to the sky as though only just noticing the rain, which was becoming heavier by the second. She turned to follow Grace toward the house, pulling at the key in her pocket, and climbed the steps.



"Nat? You back yet?" Molly shouted out as she flung open the door. Grace slipped past and curled up in her bed, eyes wide, keeping a constant check on the situation.



"Hey!" Natalie came bounding down the stairs with a beaming smile on her face, dressed in a navy bathrobe, dark wet hair slicked back.



Molly met her at the bottom of the stairs, gave a close hug, and whispered something in her ear. Tara blushed and looked away, an uncomfortable witness to the display of affection between the two lovers. She couldn't help but look toward the brown dog, still regarding her with an air of suspicion. The young woman took off her damp coat and slung it over the banister.



"You ready?" Natalie's voice pulled Tara from her thoughts and back to reality.



"So, where are we going?" the blonde asked, bemused.



"Upstairs," Molly replied and ran up the first flight of stairs. Natalie chased after her and Tara could do nothing but follow. On reaching the first floor landing she could find no sign of the two women.



"Um, Molly?" she tentatively called out.



"Up here, Tara." The voice came from Molly and Natalie's bedroom on the top floor, so Tara rounded the corner and climbed the next flight of stairs.



As she entered the small room, she did a double take. On the bed was all manner of clothing, all of it leather; all of it very skimpy.



"Oh, I don't think so..." Tara laughed, backing out of a room no longer as innocent as she'd first thought.



Molly caught her by the arm and led her back into the room. "I thought you two were gonna go the whole cow?"



Tara's eyes widened. "Will told you that? Well, you just wait until..." A coy smile spread across the blonde's lips and Molly was instantly fascinated.



"What? C'mon, spill. Wait until what? Tara, what are you two plotting now? We know all about your last little trick and, I have to admit, you totally had me going."



Tara just winked and gave a smug grin. "Well, even if we were going the whole cow, I don't think there's even half of one there," the blonde nodded towards the bed. "Now, I believe we have some clothes to buy?" she continued, eyebrows raised in question.



"Nu-huh. No way. The clothes you are gonna wear to this party are right here." Molly gestured toward the pile of skimpy garments, then sat on the bed and picked up a pair of pants. She held them in the air, looked them over and was about to pass them to Tara, when they were snatched from her hands.



"I think these," Natalie grinned, throwing the pants to one side and holding up a pair of leather shorts.



"Don't think I am even going to try those on, let alone go out in public in them!" The young woman shook her head, mortified. She cast an eye over the pile of clothes and sighed, "None of this is me."



"But that's the whole point! C'mon, have a little fun. Just try this on, if you don't like it, then fine, we're not gonna force you to wear it." Molly wrapped an arm around Tara's shoulder and gave her a hug. “Live a little, eh?”



The blonde sighed, took the shorts off Natalie, and held them up. “These are barely going to cover my ass!”



Natalie raised an eyebrow and gave a lecherous grin, “Uh-huh.”



“Nat!” The only thing that stopped Molly's jaw hitting the floor was the fact that she was sitting on the bed.



“Oh, pur-leaze! Like you weren't the one who wanted me to buy these in the first place because, now what words did you use - ”



“Ok, ok.” Molly's face was beetroot red. “How about you just try them on, Tare? Just imagine the look on Willow's face when...”



That was all that Tara heard. Suddenly, she was standing before Willow, in a dark, low-roofed room. There were other people there, dancing and talking, but their mute mouths moved in voiceless silence; they danced to an unheard beat. Raw desire was written all over the redhead's features, enough to make the first flush of want rush through Tara. The blonde looked down at herself to see the shorts, scarcely reaching her thigh, tight against her flat stomach that now, somehow, rippled with hard muscle.



“Mmm, my Tara—”



The redhead took a step closer and Tara let out a deep, ragged breath.



"—Tara?" Willow reached out and shook her shoulder, her fingers dug in under the blonde's collarbone.



“Tara? You ok?” Willow's voice had changed.



Tara came back to the real world and was met by a worried Natalie, one arm extended, firmly shaking her shoulder. The blonde felt the familiar surge of heat through her cheeks as they reddened, and looked down at the deep teal carpet.



"Looking kinda dreamy there, sweetheart, your mind off somewhere else? Thinking about a certain redhead and these?" Natalie held the shorts up and dangled them inches from Tara's crimson face.



Tara wrest the shorts from the other woman's grasp and jumped to her feet, triumphant. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to just try them," the blonde cooed then gave a sultry smile, raising the temperature more than a few degrees.



Molly and Natalie looked at each other, flabbergasted by the usually shy blonde's abrupt change of demeanour. However, it didn't take Natalie long to recover and she was soon rifling through the pile of clothes, looking for something equally as revealing as the shorts. After holding up a number of tops for the other women to cast their opinion on, Nat came to an item of Molly's. An extremely low-cut, v-neck leather vest.



"Ah, now that'll look good!" Molly grinned.



"C'mon you guys, aren't I gonna be a little cold wearing that?"



The vest looked tiny. Between that and the shorts, there was going to be a lot of skin on show. Skin that was usually well and truly covered.



"It's Mol's. She tends to wear more…revealing tops than I do. I don't really have the, y'know?" Natalie gestured to her less than ample chest.



Tara snorted.



"Hey!" Natalie squealed, causing Molly to chuckle. "God, not you as well!" the dark haired woman protested, only to be knocked to the ground by an incoming pillow.



"You started it!" Molly exclaimed and looked deep into Natalie's eyes, her tone softer now. "If you can't stand the heat..."



Tara recognised the look on Molly's face and made her excuses. "I'll just go and try these on then," she mumbled, picking up the garments as she left the room. The two other women oblivious to her presence.



As she closed the door behind her, Tara could hear Molly's soft laughter, the rich timbre of Natalie's voice, then more laughter. A knowing smile spread over her face, thoughts of Willow filled her mind. Quietly, she descended the stairs and entered the second floor bathroom, pulled the door shut behind her, then slid the lock into place.



~~~~~~~~~~



"Molly Stewart, you are a bona fide sneak of the highest order!" Natalie exclaimed on hearing the squeaking third step, indicating that Tara had gone down to the second floor.



"Honey, I founded the order," Molly winked with a smile. "It would have taken her forever to go try those on if we didn't...encourage her to leave the room."



"I'm not sure if I'm worried or pleased that I have such a sneak living under my roof," Natalie pondered, earning a swift smack round the head with a floppy pillow.



"That's Queen Sneak to you, Villein!" Molly leapt to her feet, hands on hips, a look of pure indignation on her face.



"Please tell me you're not reading a medieval bodice ripper now. Ok, I'll bite wh—"



"You'll do no such thing!" Molly barked.



"A thousand apologies, Your Highness." Natalie attempted a low curtsey whilst trying to contain a fit of giggles. "May I assume you are my Lord, err, Lady?"



"You may." Molly's response was curt.



"So, I have to render you services..." Natalie contemplated aloud, an irrepressible gleam in her eye.



"My every whim..." Molly continued.



"Beck and call..." Natalie winked.



Molly held out her hand to her beloved, then pulled her close. “Well, my whim,” she said softly, “is to creep downstairs and see how Tara is looking.”



"Don't you think that's a little...stalker-ish?" Natalie questioned, but realised she shouldn't have done when she saw the way Molly was regarding her; jaw set and nostrils flared.



"Look, just who is the Lady here?" the taller woman asked, hands on hips.



"Whoa! Ok. C'mon then, my Lady." Natalie ducked her head in a slight bow and offered a hand to her love. Molly kissed the outstretched hand and linked arms with the other woman, then pushed the bedroom door open and headed down the narrow stairway to the second floor.



~~~~~~~~~~



Tara pulled off her shirt, folded it into a neat square and placed it on the bathroom cabinet, by the door.



The small bathroom was very ornate, brass fittings suited the lilac walls to a tee. The plush cream carpet tickled at her toes as she kicked off her shoes and wriggled her feet closer into its depths.



"Ok, Missy, let's see what we can do here." She took a deep breath and looked in the mirror. <No way am I going to get away with this, my stomach wouldn't know muscle if it ran into it.> The woman's small thumbs rubbed at her belly, trying in vain to smooth the slight roundness there. On realising it wasn't going to happen, she huffed and picked up the top that Natalie had selected, held it up to her body. The four fasteners pulled open with a sharp snap and Tara pulled the vest around her body. After a couple of minutes struggle, she had all of the press studs refastened and was now oozing cleavage. The neckline came to a halt midway between her breasts, now held firm by the tightness of the material enclosing them, leaving no doubt that she was truly blessed in that department.



When she turned back to the mirror, ready to rip off the top and get the Hell out of there, there was a sharp intake of breath. "Good grief, Tara, where did they come from?" She ran her hands down the sides of her body, everything now held in perfect place, then up and over the generous swell of her chest and back down again. With a grin on her face, she ripped off her pants and pulled the leather shorts up over her ass. No sooner had she done this, she heard the stairs squeak and soft voices whispering. The blonde pulled open the door to find Molly and Natalie on the other side, giggling like children. As the door came fully open, the giggles ceased.



"What do you think you're doing?" Tara chastised and set her hands firmly on her hips.



Molly gulped. Tara appeared a good two inches taller than she had mere minutes ago and cut a rather commanding figure indeed: feet shoulders width apart, hands on hips, and head held high.



"My Lady wanted to see how you were getting on. I'm going to make coffee, you want some?" Natalie beamed.



Tara cocked an eyebrow and wrinkled her forehead, but nodded anyway and turned her attention back to her employer, once Natalie had disappeared from view. "Her Lady?"



"She was just —" Molly began.



"Actually, I don't think I want to know." Tara relaxed her stance. "So, you have footwear to go with all this?"



The older woman only got as far as opening her mouth to reply, when she was interrupted by an almighty rumpus from below.



Natalie's abrasive voice tore through the house.



"I swear - that's it. You're so outta here! What the fuck do ya think you're doing!"

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

[Arron CFF]

POPPY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Its so good to hear er read from you again. I hope all is well with you.

OMG this update was um lmao. I am a lil concerned with Grace's reaction to Tara still, but I must admit from the leather shorts until I reread the beginning just now I could only think of Tara in skimpy leather. And I am going to Hazard a guess that Nat is blowing a gasket in the kitchen over something Grace chewed up eh?

Its wonderful to read an update on this fic its by far one of my favorites and any update is well worth what ever the wait.

Take care

Arron

She walks in beauty, Like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright; Meet in her aspect, and her eyes. ~ by Byron ~

[justin]

So the question is, what's up with Gracie? She seems to have taken a dislike to Tara, which is bad. Also what had she done at the end. Was it just she chewed up something she shouldn't or something worse?



The parts with Molly & Nat showing Tara the leather outfits was fun It was all just rather overshadowed by the whole Gracie situation.



Looking forward to more

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"There are some days that you just can't get rid of a bomb" - Batman: The Movie

[tarawhipped]

SO happy to see an update to this fic! Just one request: can we skip Willow shopping and go straight to the jaw dropping when they see each other at the dance? Pleeeeaaasseee! The deal with Gracie is disturbing, and presumably related to the storm as well as Tara's presence, since it hasn't happened before. Can't wait to find out more!



-Cameron

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

[behindhereyes]

You're back... Happy dance . Wonderful update. I love your writing style. Tara in leather , and it's not even my birthday. Can't wait to see what happens next.





behindhereyes

Kim

"To the world, you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the world"

[DreamLover]

I know I never left feedback before.......shame on me!!!

I love this fic. and I can't wait to see how the party will go.

Tara in LEATHER men that's so wooooooooo and yessss. Doing a little crazy dances over here.



Can't Wait for the next update so update soon please.



DreamLover

[mollyig]

Really glad to see you update. Grace's recent reaction to Tara is most intriguing. I look forward to finding out the reason for it. I think it's good that Tara has Nat and Molly to egg her on. Willow's response is going to be fun!



Thanks.

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Sheacht mh'anam déag do bhéal, do mhalaí's do ghrua

[astrangerhere]

Gosh its good to see you again. I am intrigued as always. I don't have any tables to suspect in this chapter, but I've now added Grace to the list of potential big bads. No, really, I presume Grace's reaction to Tara has something to do with that green stain we saw sink into Tara's coat a few chapters ago. Puppies just sense things we don't. At any rate, I know everyone enjoyed the leather outfit and whatnot, but I am looking forward to seeing some real drama. I know it has to all hit the fan soon enough. Hope the move went well and that the fresh air is doing you some good. Hang in there!



ash

[FlyingPoppy]

Arron CFF - Hey Arron! I'm glad the last update gave you a laugh - hopefully this will continue to be the case with the next one.

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I must admit from the leather shorts until I reread the beginning just now I could only think of Tara in skimpy leather.

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Tut! Must pay more attention!

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I am going to Hazard a guess that Nat is blowing a gasket in the kitchen over something Grace chewed up eh?

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Most pups have a chewing stage but there is certainly more behind Grace's than naughty-pup-itis...



Thanks for your comments, though your 'worth whatever the wait comment may be about to be severly tested. Part 14 is a way off yet



justin - What's up with Grace... is it really Tara that she has taken a dislike to?

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The parts with Molly & Nat showing Tara the leather outfits was fun It was all just rather overshadowed by the whole Gracie situation.

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I don't think I'm capable of writing anything fun without it being overshadowed somehow. Maybe one day... on the other hand...



tarawhipped - Request granted! Well, kinda. I'm not going into Willow's shopping experience but there is a little more that is going to happen before the party.



behindhereyes - Eep! Those dancing bananas are just weird! Mmm, yeah, Tara in leather. It's not your birthday, it's not my birthday... um does this mean when it IS somebody's birthday I have to write more leather? 'Cause that would be such a chore...



DreamLover - There will be no shame on this thread! I know I keep saying it but I still can't believe people are liking this, makes me smile to read that they do.



mollyig - Hey Molly. Ooh yes, it's a good job that Tara has Nat and molly to egg her on, can you imagine her voluntarily wearing those clothes without their help?? Then we wouldn't get to see Willow's response or all the stuff that is going to happen at the party...



astrangerhere - My dear Number One Fan, looks like I've got to work some table intrigue into the next chapter to keep you on your toes...hmm, how about coffee tables - their shin bashing evilness knows no bounds. No, really. I would imagine there is a lot of infighting between the different sub-divisions of evil-table culture. This could take the story in a whole new direction...

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but I've now added Grace to the list of potential big bads.

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But dogs can't be evil!!! At least not in my stories!



Ah, yes, that green stain. It has something to do with something and you shall find out what soon enough Drama aplenty coming up next.



If you can call my gf and her best friend hoofing stuff around at about 3am good, then the move went well. Me, well I just had to do the driving, much as I would have loved to carry boxes and boxes of stuff. Seriously, I would. Don't worry, I'm still hanging...



Thank you all for leaving feedback and to anyone else for reading

For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision; but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
It's never too late to be who you might have been.

[astrangerhere]

POPPY!!!! thud



Its SO good to see you again! Now I am simply waiting with baited breath for you to post!



NOF



(fan formerlly known as ash)

Can you help me with this heart in my chest? It ain't perfect, but you should see me use it.

[Arron CFF]

Hey Poppy,

Wow you know how to start a girls birthday in a good direction, (tell her her favorite fic is being updated)

Hope you have a wonderfull day and Take Care

Arron