TITLE: Racing The Rain
AUTHOR: Finey_McFine
RATING: R
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy.
SUMMARY: Totally AU, Willow and Tara Meet with not so surprising results! Set in LA with lots of W/T fluff and a little teeny tiny bit of angst, but no Hellmouthyness. Just good old regular day-to-day drama.
FEEDBACK: OK; Any glaring issues…please send me a PM!
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hello Kittens! This particular chapter was a lot of fun to write, so I hope you enjoy it. PS…sorry about the teeny tiny cliffhanger, lol. Enjoy!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 17: All Hallows Eve After Willow and Tara straightened out their minor misunderstanding, they enjoyed some alone time, snuggled on the couch sharing kisses and enjoying their growing connection. Kelly had returned home and the three of them ordered pizza and spent the rest of the evening watching TV.
The next morning, Willow left early to take care of Miss Kitty and catch up some school work, while Tara was out gathering up last minute items to complete their Halloween costumes for the upcoming party. They agreed to meet back at Tara’s in the late afternoon to dress for the party together. Willow figured that she needed all the help she could get. Willow was excited and apprehensive at the same time. Tara hadn’t given her much information on the party, mostly because she didn’t want Willow stressed and nervous. Of course, Willow being Willow, had immediately taken to her laptop to do some online research. She broke out in a cold sweat and felt lightheaded when she found out that it was Bette Midler’s big Halloween bash, one of the most popular and well-attended parties of the year.
Well, this should be interesting. *****************************************
“Honey, hold still while I fix your mustache.”
“It tickles!” The redhead giggled as she squirmed under the offending facial hair.
“There we go, all done. You look incredibly handsome Mr. Chaplin!” Tara remarked, looking Willow up and down in her Charlie Chaplin outfit. Tara had gone all out with their costumes, making sure that Willow was unrecognizable. She applied ample amounts of white pancake makeup to Willow’s face, along with fake eyebrows, and a mustache. Not to mention the curly black wig topped of with Charlie’s trademark bolero. Looking at Willow, it was hard to tell is she was male or female.
“You’re not so bad yourself, Miss Mary Pickford!” Willow replied, as she leaned in for a quick kiss and a close up view of Tara’s well-endowed cleavage. Something Willow had not been able to stop herself from staring at since the blonde had emerged clad in the low cut 1920’s style dress. Tara was in full makeup and wore her hair in long curly ringlets that flowed across her shoulders and down her back.
Gorgeous, actually. Tara pulled away and began to giggle, “You’re right, it does tickle.”
“Well, if this means less Tara kissage, then the mustache may have to go! By-the-way, this costume was a
great idea. Not only will people think you’re with a guy, but I’ll never be recognized in this get up.”
Tara gave Willow a slight smile and tried to hid the tinge of sadness in her eyes, but the perceptive redhead picked up on it right away.
“Tare, I know what you’re thinking,” Willow grasped Tara’s hands, pulling her close, “but it’s only for a few more weeks.”
“I know Willow. It’s just not going to be easy and this whole situation just…I’m fine, really.”
Willow simply nodded her head and smiled. “You look beautiful, by the way. I love your curly locks!” Willow exclaimed, as she twirled Tara’s hair around her index finger. “So, since I’m the guy, I guess I’ll drive?”
Tara snorted loudly at Willow’s comment.
“Hey! I didn’t mean it like
that! Geez, you’ve got a one track mind, don’t you? Vixen.” Willow looked at the giggling blonde and rolled her eyes.
Tara managed to get herself together, “I guess I forgot to tell you, we’re taking a limo tonight. It should be here any minute.”
“Really?” Willow said, her eyes wide in anticipation.
“Yeah, it’s just easier when you go to a big event like this. I have to make an entrance, you know?”
“So um, I really don’t want to sound like a crazed fan or anything, but do you think you could introduce me to Bette Midler? Because I really love her, ‘Hocus Pocus’ is my favorite Halloween movie of all time. Oh, I also
love her other movies, especially the ones from the ’80’s and wow can she sing. Is she gonna sing tonight? Oh, maybe she’ll sing ‘I Put a Spell on You!’ Plus, you know…Jewish, red hair and totally gay friendly, but that sounds really cliché and really stalkerish doesn’t it? I still can’t believe I’m going to Bette Midler’s Halloween party. I mean…it’s
Bette Midler.”
Tara was just staring at Willow with an amused look on her face and a raised eyebrow.
If she gets anymore adorable, I’m gonna have to jump her right here and to hell with this party.“What? You think I’m going to embarrass you, don’t you? Well, I promise I won’t, at least not on purpose.”
“Will, if I was worried about you embarrassing me, I wouldn’t have asked you to go with me in the first place. Now let’s go. We’ll, eat, drink, dance and have a super fun time.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
***********************************************
They arrived at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to a line of limos and a throng of photographers. Willow’s eyes were as big as saucers and she had a death grip on Tara’s hand.
“Will, Sweetie…circulation, becoming an issue. Are you ok?”
“Oh, sorry. Yep, great, finey mc- I’m fine,” knowing that sentence could launch her into a marathon babble, she decided it was better to censor
herself for a change. “Just one question…what happens when I have to go to the bathroom?”
Tara stared blankly at Willow, this issue hadn’t crossed her mind and she was at a complete loss.
“I mean, if I go in the ladies room, people will probably think I’m a perv and I don’t have the proper equipment for the men’s room. Plus when I drink and I’m nervous, I tend to pee a lot and-”
“It’s ok. We’ll figure something out,” Tara cut Willow off before a total panic attack ensued and gently planted a kiss on her cheek, “we’re here.”
“So, I think since you’re the proverbial
guy, you should probably get out first and you know, do gentlemanly type things.” The blonde suggested, grinning at her date.
“I can certainly do that!” Willow said, as she placed a tickly kiss on Tara’s cheek, “besides, guy or not, I’d do it anyway.”
When their limo finally pulled up to the front of the hotel, Willow exited and took Tara’s hand to help her out. The Paparazzi had been fairly subdued until Tara stepped out of the car and then all hell seemed to break loose. Willow had never seen so many cameras flashing all at the same time, it was virtually blinding and the mass of photographers were all screaming for her girlfriend to look in their direction. She intertwined her fingers with Tara’s and the blonde gave her a gentle, reassuring squeeze and a sweet half smile as they began their walk into the hotel, stopping periodically to pose for pictures. As they entered, Willow was in awe.
“Wow, they really go all out for this don’t they?” Willow said to Tara, looking up at the elaborate decorations adorning the ceilings and walls.
“You have no idea. This particular party brings in millions for the charity.”
“Tare, did you have to but tickets for this? Because if you did, I can totally pay you back for mine.”
“Well, if you’re offering, then you can write me a check. $25,000 should just about cover it,” Tara said, with a smirk while trying and failing miserably to remain serious.
“Oh.” Was about all the redhead could muster as her brow furrowed and she processed the new and expensive information.
“Sweetie, please relax, I was just teasing you. The tickets are actually free as long as you donate the minimum to the charity, which I did. I’ve been attending this event for 5 years and the donation was made long before I even met you, so no guilty conscience. Ok?”
Willow acknowledged, simply nodding and smiling at the blonde.
Tara pulled Willow’s hand to her mouth, kissing it several times as they made their way to the bar, and then spent the better part of the next hour making the rounds as Tara introduced Willow to celebrity after celebrity. Some of them Willow recognized in their elaborate costumes and some she did not, even though she did recognize their names: Sandra, Leonardo, Scarlett, Toby and so on. It was a tad overwhelming, yet exhilarating at the same time. Willow had
never imagined in a thousand years that she’d be in the same room as all these celebrities, much less shaking hands with them.
“Holy shit!” Willow expounded, staring straight ahead and becoming visibly nervous. “T-They’re headed right for us!”
“Who?” Tara asked.
“Mickey and Mini Mouse!” Willow squeaked.
Tara followed Willow’s line of sight when she caught what had unnerved the redhead: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie dressed as the beloved Disney characters.
Tara giggled and greeted the famous couple, hugging each of them and placing light kisses on their cheeks. She introduced Willow as her girlfriend, causing an audible gulp to escape the redhead. They both smiled and embraced Willow warmly, putting her at ease immediately. As the conversation flowed between the two couples, Willow was pleased to learn that Brad was a fan of fast pitch and they were soon caught up in a vigorous conversation discussing the sport. Leaving Tara and Angelina to catch up, as they hadn’t seen each other in some time. Unfortunately, their conversations ended when someone needed Brad and Angie for a photo op, but not before they invited Willow and Tara to their home for dinner.
“Are you ok Sweetie?” Tara asked a mildly star struck Willow.
“Huh? Oh, yeah. Sorry, it’s just…he’s absolutely charming and she is so incredibly nice. They both just seem so down to earth.”
“Not what you expected?” Tara questioned.
“Well, to be honest, no. Not really. I mean all the stuff that’s printed about them, it’s makes her out to be an evil seductress and him as her lap dog.”
Tara snickered, “Don’t believe everything you read Will. I told you, they twist it to their liking.” Tara continued, as Willow listened intently. “I’ve known Brad for years, he’s really very sweet. When he started dating Angie, he and Jennifer had been separated for months, but the press made it out like Angie was this evil home wrecker. The tabloids printed that they’d hooked up on the set of a movie they made together, but it wasn’t true at all. I know for a fact because Angie and I were working on this project together when…” Tara trailed off and cocked her head to one side, as Willow blinked a few times, just staring blankly at her.
“What?”
“It’s just that, well this is all just kinda surreal for me. I mean you’re telling me this story like la la la, about your friends and it’s totally normal and then I remember that your friends are the most well known, most photographed couple in the world. A story that, embarrassingly, even
I have followed over the years in the tabloids and none of it was even remotely true and-”
“Willow, breathe,” Tara said as she placed two fingers on Willows mustached lips, “Come on you, let’s get a bite to eat, I’m starving.” She winked at the befuddled redhead and led her to the buffet tables.
After eating and having another drink, Willow seemed to relax. She and Tara had taken to a cozy table in the corner of the room as they chatted, laughed and stole a few sweet kisses.
“So, how’s that leg of yours?”
“It’s fine. Why?”
Tara suddenly grinned wickedly at Willow and stood.
“Because I love this song, come on Charlie, let’s dance!” The blonde said enthusiastically, extending her had to her girlfriend.
“Well, Miss Pickford…I thought you’d never ask!” Willow replied, wriggling her thick fake eyebrows.
Willow took Tara’s hand and allowed the blonde to lead the way to the dance floor as the throbbing beat of Pink’s ‘Raise Your Glass,’ pounded through the speakers. They danced for the next hour, grinding against each other during the fast songs and pulling each other close during the slow romantic ones. Unbeknownst to them, the entire room was a buzz wondering exactly who Tara Maclay’s mystery date was. To most of the people, Tara had introduced her girlfriend as simply ‘Will’, throwing off many of the nosey party guests. Willow had just smiled and shaken his or her hands, she laughed inwardly thinking that it reminded her of an old SNL skit, ‘It’s Pat’, about a person that no one could ever figure out if s/he was male or female.
As the evening wore on, they danced, mingled and had a wonderful time. Tara was eventually able to introduce Willow to her idol, Bette Midler, which rendered the redhead nearly speechless. Willow did, however, manage to get herself so wound up that she tripped into a server and nearly sent her full tray of drinks flying right into her idol. After, the
‘Midler Incident’ as it came to be known, they decided to call it a night.
*******************************
“Tara, how will we know which limo is ours? I mean, they all kind of look alike.” Willow asked, with an arm securely wrapped around Tara’s waist.
“Oh, I use the same driver all the time, otherwise I never know whose car I might end up in.”
“Well, then I guess I’d better hang on to you. I can’t have you ending up in the back seat with someone else, now can I?”
“Oh really? And you were planning on getting me into the backseat now were you?” The blonde teased back, turning and pulling Willow’s lips to hers. “That mustache
really needs to go.” Tara said flatly.
“Um Hmm, as soon as I get you into the backseat.” Willow grinned and wiggled her eyebrows.
The girls huddled close waiting for their limo, barely able to keep their hands off each other. As soon as the car arrived and the driver opened the door, they practically dove head first into the vehicle. They fell into a heap on the seat, arms and legs entwined as Tara ripped off Willow’s mustache.
“Oww, holy crap that stung!” Willow exclaimed, bringing her hand up to her mouth, “Ugh!”
“Oh shit! Honey are you ok?” Tara asked, as she snorted with laughter, reaching out to pull Willow’s hand down. “Let me see. Awww, poor baby, let me kiss it and make it all better.” The blonde said with her best pouty face, as she pulled Willow into a steamy kiss.
As the car drove away, they continued their heated make out session. Their kisses were deep and passionate; tongues dueled and hands began to wander. In the heat of the moment, attempting to pull Willow closer, Tara ran her left hand up Willow’s neck. She’d forgotten all about the wig and hat that the redhead wore as part of her costume. This simple move resulted in the hat falling forward onto her face and the wig sliding down Willow’s forehead. The end result was a broken kiss and a lot of giggling.
“Oh my God Will! You look ridiculous! Here, let me get those bushy eye brows off you.” Tara reached up and tried to gently pull them off, but ended up yanking them instead.
“Again with the owie! If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re out to get me tonight! Is this payback for the
‘Midler Incident’?” Willow asked, mockingly.
“Yep and I require much in the way of smooches to make up for such rank humiliation.” The blonde joked, ducking her head and giving Willow her best seductive glance.
“Hmmm, that sounds like a
horrible punishment. I just don’t know if I can comply.” Willow stated, sitting up and defensibly crossing her arms across her chest.
“Well, now that you’ve been sentenced, you must begin serving your punishment immediately.” Tara breathed, pulling Willow’s arms apart and capturing her lips again.
This time Tara had pulled off Willow’s jacket, untucked her shirt and had managed to work her hands underneath, never once breaking the kiss. As soon as she came in contact with the soft skin on Willow’s lower back, the redhead let out a deep moan. Tara took this as a good sign and continued her gentle ministrations. Unfortunately, the drive from the hotel back to Tara’s house was a short one, only about 15 minutes. Both girls were shocked when they felt the car stop and the driver gently tap on the glass partition and clear his throat. Tara let her window down and entered the security code, allowing the driver to proceed through the black iron gates.
They began to untangle themselves and gather Willow’s miscellaneous costume pieces that were strewn about the back of the limo, while the driver opened the door for them. Willow had put her jacket back on and stuffed everything in her pockets, doing her best to look half way presentable. They somehow managed to exit the car without incident, after their clumsy ride back to Tara’s house. They stopped at the front door while Tara fumbled through her purse for the keys. This simple task was made all the more difficult by the roaming hands of a precocious redhead. As Tara continued her search, Willow pressed her body tight up against Tara’s back, as her hands ran up and down Tara’s sides, down her thighs and up again across Tara’s stomach. Willow nudged Tara’s hair to the side and began to kiss and nip at the nape of her neck, eliciting a deep groan as they stumbled through the front door.
A very hyper Ralphie, jumping and bouncing on his hind legs, met them on the other side. They briefly acknowledged the dog, but quickly returned to the business at hand, causing a clearly dejected Ralphie to sulk off and lay down in his kennel.
Tara kicked off her shoes, and then tossed her purse and keys uncaringly on to the table in the foyer. Willow quickly followed by removing the cumbersome jacket, letting it fall to the floor as she kicked off her shoes as well. Willow then wrapped her now empty arms around Tara’s neck, pulling her forward. Tara captured Willow’s lips in a deep and libidinous kiss, as she pressed the redhead’s back up against the front door, deftly allowing her thigh to land between Willow’s legs. Willow spread her legs slightly to allow Tara more access, which the blonde quickly took advantage of by pressing her thigh upwards into the already soaking wet redhead, causing her to arch forward in acceptance and drawing out a delicious groan in the process. Spurred on by Willow’s reaction, Tara continued her rhythmic motion into Willow’s most sensitive spot.
Tara’s hands were firmly wrapped around the redhead and tightly gripping her ass. As Willow’s hands now started to wander up between their bodies to Tara’s ample cleavage, which had been pouring out of the top of her dress, effectively teasing the redhead unmercifully all evening. As Willow began to deftly kneed the luscious breasts, Tara began kissing down her neck until she ran into the collar of Willow’s dress shirt, causing her to whimper in protest.
Up until this point, not a single word had been spoken between the two women since exiting the limo. They both realized internally that, this time, they were at the point of no return. Yet, Tara wanted to make sure and pulled back slightly to seek confirmation. What she saw in Willow’s eyes was not only the confirmation she was looking for, but also pure wanton desire. The redhead simply nodded her head, unable, at that moment, to put words into coherent sentences.
“You’re sure?” The blonde panted.
Willow nodded again, gathering her thoughts and whispering huskily, “I want you Tara, more than I’ve ever wanted anyone or anything in my entire life. I’m done planning and thinking. Baby, you’re so beautiful and I…I want to make love to you all night.”
“I think that can be arranged,” Tara peered at Willow through half lidded eyes, as she took her hand and led her towards the bedroom.
.
...whew..you had me worried there for a second...lol I was thinking OH MAN..shes not gonna go..adding to my own angst..
. What ever Tara has hidden in her past, she should come clean about it . Would'nt want Willow 2 find out thru the peoples grapevine!! Besides, if Willow really loves her (and we know she does) she will understand.
Anyhoo.. loved the intro to Willow’s brother and am looking forward to Tara meeting the family. Will Shelia even know who Tara is? She doesn’t seem the type to have a clue about TV celebrities unless those celebs are into politics. Then again.. AU fic so she may have a celeb gossip blog for all we know!
..and (I pray) gay love? Will tonight be the night? Or, are you being a big ole dirty tease 
? I loved the "Pat" reference and the 'Midler incident' 
!!.... I love your humor.
Very cute!
