Comments then a long update:
Insanity - Wow, that’s some real heavy thinking going on there. I would say that their souls are inherently the same soul. Therefore if you believe in the concept of soulmates, this Tara belongs with Willow as much as the other Tara did. Perhaps all Taras belong with all Willows in all universes. Re: your question about death. I used to be very disturbed by that. But now I believe that the way heaven works is that you create it be whatever would be heaven to you. If you had unrequited love for someone, they will be there with you. If you miss your puppy, she will greet you. Whatever is heaven for you. I highly recommend the Richard Matheson book What Dreams may Come. It is very different from the movie (which is quite beautiful) and very much so about the nature of heaven and creating your own heaven.
Great questions.
shuyaku - I don’t know about the tearfest compared with what has already been. I’ve got a few more surprises coming up that may yank a few tears… but… Not today I don’t think. Anyway, yes the purpose of the flashbacks is 1. To impress upon the reader the amount of pain Tara has been through and 2. To underscore the importance of M&E and the love they share with Tara.
Numbered wordsWow, your first post. Thank you so much and welcome. I’m glad you’ve fallen in love with both stories and thanks for your kind words about my writing. That’s a cool thought about knowing which time they are referring to. I’m glad it stands out for you. I try to be relatively true to their characters while making some changes that I prefer. Thanks for all your kind words. Update coming soon.
Velaingie - Hey there! Yes Michelle is a true friends or as my father would say, she’s a “mench.” Defintely “menchy.” Ok, now I’m silly. Glad you laughed at the ewy. You know I try.
Title – Paths Diverged/Divulged Part 12 –
Christenings Part II Author – JustSkipit - Debra
Spoilers –Season 6
Rating – Part 12 – R
Disclaimer – Guess what, I don’t own W&T, Buffy or the rest of the BtVS crew. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental and fortunate. Also Rachel thinks I should point out that I don’t make any money from this…
Thoughts in italicsFlash backs indentedMemories and dreams indented AND italic “I’ll sit in back,” Michelle announced as the three girls approached Willow’s car. When Tara had called Willow to invite her to come to the christening Willow had offered to drive if Tara could show her the way. She had joked that it would give the blonde a chance to see how well her double had taught her to drive. Also she wanted become more comfortable navigating the Austin streets and her explorations so far had mostly encompassed coffee shops and computer stores. One of the most confusing aspects of driving in Austin was that it seemed to her that the streets randomly changed names frequently so that a driver might find themselves driving on 290, Keoning, Allendale, and 2244 without ever leaving the same street.
Having not seen each other since dinner earlier in the week they had plenty of news to catch up on. Tara had had a very busy week at school and an emergency at work last night had kept her at the vet’s office until after 4:00 this morning. Willow could tell that the blonde loved working with animals as much as her lover had. She was surprised to learn that if anything, this Tara seemed more comfortable with people than her lover had been. She would have expected that the accident, recovery, and resulting disability would have made her more self-conscious but it seemed to have no effect or the opposite effect. She noted the difference with an appreciation for the growing list of variations between the two girls. Not wanting to be rude, Willow was still somewhat confused about something: “Tara?”
The blonde nodded to her, then realizing that Willow was watching the road and couldn’t see her nod she answered, “yes?” Since the redhead was driving so intently as they visited Tara took the opportunity to watch her drive. She was wearing a beautiful print dress that was obviously new. Her pale skin looked luminous and she found herself once again having to consciously resist reaching out and stroking the redhead’s arm. On top of that the curls in her hair just beckoned to be touched. Feeling that she couldn’t reach out to stroke Willow’s skin or hair she had to content herself with watching the girl.
And watching her was fun and exciting; something Tara couldn’t imagine ever becoming tired of. Willow had such childlike enthusiasm for so many things. She was obviously incredibly intelligent with a seemingly endless quest for knowledge. The stories she told held such obvious and complete love and commitment to all her friends that Tara almost longed to have walked in that world. At the same time, it seemed that the stories she told had some measure of grief and sadness to them: a sadness beyond the loss of her lover. Some sadness that Tara could not yet measure or understand. She yearned for a day,
or a night she mused, when she could fold the redhead in her arms and console her in that sadness and grief. However, simultaneous with the sadness was a bubbling enthusiasm that Tara loved. She found the redhead’s babbling truly endearing and felt that she could listen to it for hours at a time if allowed to do so.
Of course Tara, Michelle, and Eliza had been waiting for this day for months now. They knew that Francis’ wife was expecting another baby and he had already asked his sister to be godmother to the baby (for the sixth time). At times Tara completely envied Eliza and Michelle. Even though Eliza had caused her family no end of heartache and embarrassment in her early teenage years, her enrolling at Brenhams and meeting Michelle had contained her wildness. Tara was sure that the love and acceptance the entire family held for Michelle was caused by their gratefulness that she had tamed their wild child as much as their appreciation for the love the two girls shared. Both Michelle and Tara were considered a part of the family even before Tara’s accident. Certainly since the accident their influence on her life couldn’t possibly be quantified.
As Tara smiled at Willow she felt overjoyed that the redhead was here to share the day. Having been to celebrations put on by the D’Angelos before she knew that the event would really be something to appreciate and remember. And most importantly, Willow was obviously attending as her date. Rousing herself from her reverie Tara realized that Willow had asked her a question and not received an answer. “W-w-what did you s-s-say?” she stuttered.
Willow chuckled a little bit. “You looked like you were having a Willowbabble in your head…” she joked.
You have no idea… Tara thought as she waited for Willow to repeat the question which the redhead quickly did: “I said why do you work at the veterinary office? It sounds like you have money from the settlement.” Before Tara could speak Willow began muttering, “wow that was really rude Willow. Asking the woman about her money. Not really your business at a..”
Her rambling was stopped as she felt Tara take her hand and softly begin to stroke it. “That’s ok Willow,” she whispered. She explained, “I w-w-work at the pet hospital because it gives me a chance to work with animals. I’m learning more about veterinary science and biology than I do in my c-c-classes and I can work on my magics too.”
Michelle was sitting in the back seat listening to the conversation. She had tried to just rest and not really intrude on the two girls in the front seat but inwardly she smirked a bit at Tara’s mostly-truthful answer. It was the truth but not as they say in court the whole truth. She knew that part of the reason Tara worked was to give her something to do. Both Eliza and Michelle had attempted to introduce the witch to various eligible women their first semester at UT. But none of them had ever captured her attention and after a few months she had found the job at the pet hospital. Once she was working she had two built in excuses for ignoring her social life: school and work.
Between concentrating on her driving and feeling Tara’s fingers lightly caressing her skin Willow had trouble acknowledging Tara’s answer. She swallowed a few times before telling the blonde, “that makes sense. I can tell you really love the animals and your magics can only get stronger if you get to use them frequently.” She stopped for a minute before asking her next question, “maybe we could do some spells together sometime?” Suddenly a horrible thought occurred to the redhead: “unless you already have a spell partner, someone you do magics with and don’t need to …”
“I’d l-like that,” Tara softly whispered.
Pulling into a parking space Willow took the opportunity to look at the other witch. “Then it’s a date,” she whispered.
“Definitely,” Tara agreed.
Walking through the parking lot Willow had to stifle a giggle as she noted the vehicles parked closest to the church. Eight Volvos sat in the closest spaces. It was easy to pick out Eliza’s car from the “E D-Glo” license plate and the others followed the family pattern: F D-Glo, J D-Glo1, and J D-Glo2, etc.
As instructed by Tara and Michelle, Willow left her present in the car. They told her that there would be plenty of opportunities to give Francis and his wife and child the present at the reception. Willow walked slowly with Tara who was obviously feeling the strain of her long night as she occasionally grimaced and leaned on her cane heavily. Looking up at the imposing edifice of the church Willow felt very strange. On one hand, being Jewish she hadn’t ever been to a Catholic service. On the other hand, she had been to the Catholic churches in Sunnydale to get holy water frequently and was of course used to being surrounded by crosses and crucifixes. As they entered the church she felt almost at home.
Wouldn’t dad be appalled? she mused.
After ascending the few steps and moving through the doorway Tara reached out to take Willow’s hand lightly. She expected the redhead to feel uncomfortable in a church based on what little she knew of her religious background. Opening her empathy channels for a moment to get a reading on the other witch she was surprised to feel the sense of calm that seemed to fill Willow and very surprised to hear the light giggle. “Are-are you ok?” she asked confused as they took their seats. Michelle gave both girls a smile as she moved closer to the front of the church to greet her girlfriend. It was all Willow could do not to give a playful wolf whistle at Eliza. With her extra maturity and the influence of money on her fine clothes she looked even more stunning than she had in high school.
Willow turned slowly to look into Tara’s questioning eyes. The blue was the deepest, darkest shade that she had seen on this woman since her arrival. Briefly she wondered if that color would have the same meaning for her that it had with the other Tara.
Bad thoughts Willow. Not in a church! she admonished herself as she gazed into Tara’s eyes. “I’m fine,” she whispered. “Great actually,” she continued sincerely.
Lost in Willow’s green eyes Tara told her date, “I’m really glad you’re here Willow.” She meant not just at the christening but here in her world and was relatively sure the redhead understood. The two girls were so entranced looking into each other’s eyes that they barely noticed as the service started.
After the ceremony ended they stayed in their seats since Eliza waved that she would come to them. Willow noted that Eliza did take communion before agreeing to be godmother to the new baby. She recognized Little Joey as the godfather and a few other D’Angelos from pictures she had seen over the years. Again it was strange to realize that none of these people knew her although she had met them or heard stories about them for years. She found the ceremony enjoyable but most enjoyable was the constant feeling of Tara’s hand in her own. With the spiritual nature of the morning she liked the sensation not of sparks flowing up and down her arm, but of warmth like a thick liquid moving over and through her upper body. She wondered if Tara felt the same and stole a glance at the blonde. Whatever she was feeling it was very pleasurable and Willow the noted deep calming breaths she took when she closed her eyes.
Waiting for Eliza and Michelle to approach Willow took the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the church. The cathedral had ornate carvings on each pew and truly spectacular stained glass windows. Although she had never seen a representation of it, she felt sure that the images represented the Stations of the Cross. All were elaborate and beautiful even though some showed truly horrific images. “Do you draw?” she suddenly asked.
Tara jolted as she heard Willow’s words. She had been completely entranced by the comfort and safety she felt in their connection. She no longer even noticed the absolute rightness of their flesh linked together. It seemed to go deeper that that connection as if they were holding not just hands but souls when they touched. She knew that the connection was growing, being grown as the politicians liked to say, more intimate with each contact. She followed Willow’s eyes to the elaborate stained glass productions gracing the cathedral and understood her segue. “Uh I … y-y-yes,” she answered with some reservation.
Willow turned to look at the blonde and softly brushed a wisp of hair from her face. “If you’d be willing, I’d love to see some,” she told Tara.
Tara looked down at her leg and then at her cane as she whispered, “some of it is very d-d-dark.” She wanted to say more about the topic but didn’t even know how to start. Again it struck her as a “longer conversation.”
Willow was aware of the tension, which filled Tara’s body in the time since she had answered the question. More than anything she wanted to calm the blonde by wrapping her in her arms and kissing away the pain. But she could hardly do that anywhere let alone in this church. Concentrating on trying to send soothing energy through their linked hands, not her forte, she began softly stroking the other along Tara’s forearm. “If it’s too private or painful I understand,” she reassured the blonde.
“N-n-no it’s o-ok,” Tara stuttered as Willow continued stroking her arm. Just then Michelle and Eliza approached and both witches stood to give Eliza a hug.
“Thanks for coming,” she told the witches.
“Of course. Congratulations,” Willow answered and all four girls laughed as they realized that Willow and Tara were speaking the same response at the same moment. “Ok so obviously congratulations,” Willow told the new (again) godmother.
“Y’all are coming to the reception right?” Eliza confirmed. “Father asked about you and he wants to check Willow out,” she teased both girls.
“Check, check me out?” Willow repeated panicked.
“He always wants to check out the women Tara brings,” Michelle told Willow with a smile on her face. The redhead’s entire countenance fell as she realized the implication of Michelle’s statement: it wasn’t special that Tara had brought her to meet her de facto family. She had brought lots of women before her and would probably bring many more.
She was comforted as Eliza reached over to pinch her girlfriend on the arm. “Be nice Chelle,” she warned, “or no…” she trailed off to whisper in the runner’s ear. She turned to Willow as a blush colored Michelle’s face and reassured the redhead: “Tara has never mentioned another woman to my father let alone brought one to a family event so he is very curious.”
Willow looked from Tara to Eliza to Michelle and waited as the runner finally admitted, “she’s telling the truth. I just wanted to get a rise out of you.” A tap on the shoulder from one of Eliza’s aunts reminded the quartet that they needed to go to the reception and they exited the building to get in their cars.
Willow and Tara arrived at the reception location after a drive of about an hour. The reception was being held at a winery west of town and they both enjoyed the drive and visit. Willow asked Tara many questions about the ceremony and its significance and then more about Eliza and the relationship she had with her family as well as Tara’s relationship with the D’Angelos. Curious about the family’s attitude toward Eliza and Michelle she asked, “so how is Eliza’s family about Michelle?”
Tara smiled at the redhead as she answered, “they love her. Sometimes Eliza thinks they like her b-better than they do Eliza.”
Willow giggled as she thought about it. “I’m kind of surprised though,” she started. “I mean they’re all with the Catholicism and everything. I’d think that they would be worried about Eliza being with the sinning and going to hell and all that fun stuff.”
Tara giggled as she thought about that conversation happening. “Well I think they understand that she w-w-wasn’t ever going to b-be any other way. As they see it Michelle has tamed the wild child.”
“Has she?” Willow asked.
“Goddess Willow,” Tara answered, “hasn’t she in your world? I mean h-have you seen the way those two look at each other?”
Willow glanced over at the blonde sitting next to her. It was obvious that the girl was incredibly happy that her friends had found such happiness and the redhead found herself thankful that Tara got to share in that. “You were never jealous?” she asked.
Tara understood perfectly why Willow would wonder but it just wasn’t an issue. “Never,” she answered.
“Never?”
“Never,” Tara confirmed. “When two people are so obviously meant to be together it’s in their souls. They couldn’t be any other way.” She continued, “I mean I was never jealous of either of them for the other b-but you know, for having someone…” She trailed off at the end.
Willow struggled for something to say as she reached out to take the blonde’s hand: “you have someone now.”
Tara felt shocked to hear Willow’s words. It was as if the girl was saying something that she couldn’t possibly be saying. They hardly knew each other yet. So what was she saying? Her eyes searched Willow’s green ones trying to discern the meaning behind the redhead’s words. Before she could respond, both girls jumped at the sound of Eliza knocking on the window. “Come on y’all. Let’s go eat, drink, and be merry,” she coaxed them. Michelle and Eliza waited a minute for Tara to get out of the car and walked slowly into the building with the two witches.
“Holey schmoley,” Willow muttered as they entered the hall. The winery was large and beautiful. She had never seen such gorgeous woodwork as that which adorned every wall and surface. In addition, her senses were immediately assailed with the smells of Italian food and red wine, but most astonishing was the number of people at the reception. She had assumed correctly that the 60 or so people attending the christening would be at the reception. However, she did not count on the additional few hundred attendees who had not been at the ceremony. Having spent the last few weeks scouring the newspapers she recognized quite a few people from that source including several mayors, business people, and the governor. Suddenly she felt quite underdressed and wondered if the wrapped toy she carried was enough for this event.
Her tension eased almost immediately as she felt Tara’s fingers winding their way between her own. As if the blonde knew what she was thinking she leaned close to place her mouth near Willow’s ear.
Goddess, she even has freckles on the tops of her ears Tara observed before speaking, “only close f-family was invited to the church Willow.”
The sound of Tara’s voice and feeling of her warm breath caressing her ear and neck woke Willow from her concerns. Squeezing the blonde’s hand to reassure her that she was just fine she looked up to see the other two girls waiting for them. “We’re over here girls,” Eliza called across the hall.
Willow continued looking around trying to take in the scene in front of her. Waiters and waitresses in tuxedos and fine dresses moved through the crowd offering wine, sodas, and appetizers. The guests sat at the many large tables set with china and crystal or stood near them visiting with other guests. Willow recognized three of Eliza’s brothers who she had met in her own world and others who obviously shared family resemblance. Eliza’s father Willow had seen at the church that morning. Overjoyed to recognize people she had met she pointed out Eliza’s aunt and uncle as they moved toward the table: “look there’s Maria and Frank.”
“That’s still a little w-weird Willow,” Tara whispered in her ear. The redhead stopped to look apologetically at her date and saw only a look of wonderment on the taller girl’s face. “But I’m getting very used to it,” she whispered as she placed a kiss on Willow’s hand.
Goddess! That feeling. I swear it’s getting stronger every time I feel her lips on my skin. Say something. Say something not stupid. Don’t make her uncomfortable. Say something. Do something Willow’s mind raced as she found herself falling into the deep blue of Tara’s eyes. She was startled from her reverie by Maria’s voice: “who’s this girl you holding the hands, Tara?”
Tara blushed bright red as she turned to both Maria and Frank. “S-s-sorry. This is Willow Rosenberg. Willow this is Eliza’s Aunt Maria and Uncle Frank.” Willow reached out to shake both their hands.
She giggled a little as she heard the woman begin to tease the blonde. “Eliza’s aunt? What about you little girl? Not your aunt? You call me Aunt Maria when you come with your brother for my wings but now I’m Eliza’s aunt?”
Tara began to blush even brighter red until Eliza turned to her aunt and admonished her in Italian. Both girls took their seats and Willow looked around unsure where to put the present. “I’ll take that up there Willow,” Uncle Frank offered.
As he stepped away from the table he told her, “very nice to meet you.” She nodded. Within a few minutes all four girls were holding wineglasses. Willow felt a little unsure about drinking her wine. After all it was looking more and more like this was her audition for something.
Oh Christ. What if it is like an audition? What if all of Eliza’s family checks me out and wants to see what I’m like and I have to sing or dance for them or something? Tara doesn’t know that I can’t sing or dance for crap. She took a deep gulp of her wine and realized that Tara was looking at her strangely.
“You’ll be f-f-fine Willow.” The blonde again demonstrated her intuition as she whispered in Willow’s ear.
With Tara’s soft words Willow was able to relax and begin to enjoy the celebration. She visited with all three girls and the other attendees seated at her table. She met more and more members of Eliza’s family until she could no longer remember which Joseph or Joey and which Mary or Maria belonged to which aunt or uncle or brother. After what seemed like hours of visiting, sipping wine, and noshing on appetizers, dinner was served. Tara had chosen the eggplant Parmesan and Willow did the same. Although she had never tried the dish she felt uncomfortable eating meat in front of the blonde.
What if she’s like grossed out because I ate a hamburger? I read that interview with River Phoenix that time about how he would never have oral sex with a woman who had eaten meat and oh my God! I can’t believe I even had that thought. Why am I thinking that? Stop thinking that! Stop thinking period! she worried. She found the food to be absolutely incredible and wondered if Eliza’s aunt and uncle had had anything to do food.
After finishing the wonderful meal the girls got up to wander around the reception. Tara wanted to greet some people she knew and personally congratulate Francis, his wife, and the baby. Willow wondered if the blonde would want to hold the baby as she remembered how much her Tara had loved her niece. They visited with the couple for a few minutes and as she had speculated Tara held the sleeping guest of honor before someone else came up and asked to hold her.
As they continued their migration around the room they met up with Michelle and Eliza who were obviously having a wonderful time.
Maybe the wild girl isn’t tamed as much as they think, Willow mused as she noticed how much Eliza had been drinking. On the other hand, she could see that the girl was really enjoying herself. “So Michelle, when are you going to make an honest woman of my niece?” a rather drunk older man asked, practically shouting across the room as he approached the quartet.
While the runner attempted to visit cordially with Eliza’s uncle the presumably dishonest woman turned to visit with Willow and Tara. As she took another drink of the wine she giggled to them: “I think that’s five relatives and the mayor of Dallas that have asked her that.”
True to form another relative approached moments later to ask Michelle if she was going to tie the other girl down any time soon. “I’m curious about that too,” Eliza leered to her girlfriend, keeping her voice low enough that only the other three girls could hear. As Michelle was visiting with the relative Eliza addressed both girls: “thanks for coming to this shindig. It’s a little bigger but not any better than your…”
She was cut off as Tara urged her, “come on Liza. Let’s take a walk around the vineyards.” As the two girls left the reception hall she smiled at Willow who was still standing by Michelle.
After a few minutes the other relatives drifted off and Willow asked Michelle, “does she get like this often?”
Michelle took a sip of her glass of coke and answered Willow’s question: “not often. I think these things are harder on her than she lets on. I mean she spent the entire morning doing penance and then the afternoon listening to relatives ask about when we’re getting married which we can’t do anyway and certainly not in the Catholic Church. I think there’s a disconnect there, you know?”
“Would you marry her if you could?” Willow asked. As soon as the words were out of her mouth she regretted them.
Geez Willow. How nosy can you be? Maybe Eliza’s not the only girl who has had too much to drink. She looked up to give the runner an apologetic smile and realized that Michelle wasn’t looking at her but across the floor at Eliza’s father. “In a second,” she whispered.
Willow smiled as she heard the younger girl’s answer. But her smile quickly faded as she realized that Mr. D’Angelo was obviously heading straight toward them. “Oh Goddess,” she whispered, “he’s coming to talk to us. What do I do?”
Michelle reached out and gently rubbed the back of Willow’s shoulders as she tried to comfort the redhead. “Breathe and relax. He’s not going to eat you. He just cares about Tara.” The redhead wasn’t sure if the next sentence was meant to relax her or intimidate her when Michelle continued, “we all do.”
Willow attempted to take deep calming breaths as the man approached her. She didn’t see Tara approaching from the side to reach her at about the same time as Mr. D’Angelo did. As he reached the group he greeted Tara warmly, “hello Tara.” He hugged her lightly and looked down at her leg and cane. “How are you feeling sweetheart?” he asked.
“I’m feeling f-fine Mr. D’Angelo. Thanks for inviting us,” she answered. As she stepped back from the hug she placed her hand lightly on the small of Willow’s back and the redhead could feel the other witch beginning to send her calming energy through the connection.
Turning to Michelle he inquired after Eliza: “where’s my little girl Chelle?”
Tara stepped into the conversation answering, “she’s outside v-visiting with Little Joey.”
As Michelle excused herself to find her girlfriend Mr. D’Angelo showed that he understood the score with his baby: “right. Visiting. I bet she’s visiting. Either the two of them are chugging beers or climbing trees I’d guess.”
Willow’s giggle brought the older man’s attention finally to the redhead. “Mr. D’Angelo this is Willow Rosenberg. Willow, this is Eliza’s father and my patron Mr. D’Angelo,” Tara told both people.
Wiping her hands on her dress as surreptitiously as possible Willow extended her hand. While not as large as little Joey’s paw of a hand, the shake nonetheless swallowed up her small hand. “Nice to meet you,” she croaked.
“Very nice to meet you Willow,” he answered warmly. “Rosenberg, you must be Catholic?” he teased.
“I … what … Catholic… uh no not so much with the Catholic … uh,” she trailed off turning red as she realized how badly she was reacting to his obviously teasing question. She could feel Tara sending more calming energy through her dress.
The man laughed in a warm enveloping guffaw as he watched the redhead’s reaction. Glancing to Tara and deciding that all three of them could use sitting down he indicated a now vacant table and they all took seats. “So Willow,” he started, “where are you from?”
Ok, I know the answer to that one. Easy, she thought, answering, “Sunnydale, California sir.”
“Sunnydale, California? I think I know some people there,” he surprised her by saying. “Kind of a strange town isn’t it?”
Willow looked the man trying to discern if he actually knew anything about Sunnydale or just was testing her. “Well, it’s the only real hometown I’ve ever had so I guess it seems normal to me,” she fibbed. She almost laughed when she noticed that she had naturally crossed her fingers under the table as if that actually made a lie acceptable.
Mr. D’Angelo continued his inquisition asking, “are you in college Willow? What are you studying?”
Ok I know this one Willow thought with a smile before speaking: “I’m studying computer science with a minor in Mythology. I completed two years at UC Sunnydale before coming here. I’ll probably transfer to UT but right now I’m doing contract work writing computer objects.”
She was relieved to see him smile as he patted her warmly on the knee, “computers: a great business. I’m having some trouble with my home network. How are you with that?”
Completely in her own element Willow was very eager to help: “oh I’m good at that. What type of network are you running? Wireless or wired? How many hubs?”
Tara smiled as she realized that for a few minutes at least she wasn’t likely to be needed in the conversation or to understand anything the redhead and Eliza’s father had to say Tara turned her attention to the room. As she looked around she saw a few of Eliza’s nieces and nephews, or maybe they were cousins. Who could keep all the relations straight?. She smiled and waved and a few seconds later the three children raced over. “Hi Aunt Tara,” the oldest girl greeted her immediately. The other two children echoed the warm greeting.
Tara smiled as the children gathered around. “Hi Zia, Mark, and Chuckie. Are y’all having f-fun?” She had a pretty good idea what the children wanted to see and was surreptitiously glancing at the table to see what she might find for props.
“Can you do a magic trick for us?” “Please?” “Please Aunt Tara?” the chorus began immediately.
“Kids, maybe Tara is tired?” Mr. D’Angelo admonished them as he interrupted his visitation with Willow to check whether the girl felt like entertaining the children. After all, it was getting to be late in the evening and Eliza told him earlier that the blonde had worked late the night before. She might be too tired to be bothered.
“Oh Grandpa please?” Zia started and the other two children chimed in with their pleas. Tara and Willow both smiled to realize that once the children had all started in on the man he could do nothing but allow them their entertainment as long as Tara agreed. Willow beamed as she watched her date interacting with the children and noted that a few others were making their way across the room as they had realized that she was going to do some tricks.
Tara waited a few minutes to let all the children gather. As she counted five D’Angelos and four children she didn’t know she felt pretty confident that her audience was complete. Out of the corner of her eye she noted Michelle and Eliza watching her. She saw a little boy about five years old and smiled at him. “Hi, what’s you’re name?” she asked.
“Elijah,” he whispered as he looked at the witch, wondering what was going to happen.
“Elijah, that’s a great name. Do you w-want to do a trick with me?” He nodded and she told him, “ok hold your h-hands out like this.” Willow looked on as entertained as everyone else as Tara indicated that he should hold his hands in front of him closed into fists and he did so curiously. “Did you have enough to eat?” The little boy looked at her curiously as she explained, “I only ask b-because…” she tapped on each hand and he opened them to reveal a small roll in one and a foil wrapped pat of butter in the other.
As they heard the applause the three adults at the center of the group--Willow, Tara, and Mr. D’Angelo--realized how many people were now watching the performance. Approximately 30 people had gathered curious to see how the girl would entertain the children. As they did so, more children made their way to the front of the group and sat at her feet. For about 20 minutes she continued the show producing common table items and food stuffs from various locations as well as making objects disappear. Someone handed her a deck of cards and she did some card tricks. Seeing that the blonde was tiring, Mr. D’Angelo leaned over to tell the children, “ok kids. This is the last trick.” Tara gave the man a lop-sided smile aware that her energy was quickly being drained from the use of her magics after last night.
Tara was surprised as Willow leaned over and whispered in her ear, “can I do this one?” She turned to look at the redhead who had a look of excitement and expectation on her face. She nodded almost imperceptibly, curious to see Willow do a trick. She didn’t know whether the girl planned to do any “real” magic or just a typical party trick but either way it was intriguing. She realized that although she could feel Willow’s magical power emanating from the other girl at all times the only magic she had actually witnessed was the amplifying the girl had done the night she arrived so unexpectedly at Tara’s work.
Willow leaned forward to a small shy looking boy who hadn’t been the object of any of Tara’s tricks yet. “What’s your name?” she asked him.
The boy looked up at his parents for a second before stepping forward to whisper in Willow’s ear. “Cosmo,” he whispered. Of course being a child, his whisper wasn’t as quiet as he thought so everyone heard his answer. He immediately looked at his feet again.
“Well, that’s a great name Cosmo,” Willow told him enthusiastically.
“No one else is named Cosmo,” he pouted quietly.
The redhead smiled as she lifted his chin with one hand. “Well my name’s Willow and that’s pretty rare too but I’ve always liked being the only Willow,” she told him with somewhat artificially inflated pride in her name.
“Really?” he questioned.
“Yep,” she reassured him. “You know what else we have in common?” He shook his head. “Well,” she started, “both our names are from nature. My name is the name of a tree and yours is the name for the stars.” The boy had started smiling even before Willow finished her comparison but he smiled even bigger as, upon finishing speaking she raised one hand and opened it palm up allowed a series of sparkling stars to rise from her hand and circle his head before floating through the room to seemingly nest in the rafters. His clap of excitement began only moments before the entire room exploded in appreciative applause causing both witches to blush slightly and smile at everyone.
As the children drifted off calling, “thank you Aunt Tara. Thank you Willow,” Mr. D’Angelo leaned toward the two girls. He gave a wink as he told Tara, “I like this one Tara.” He stood up and started to move away telling both girls, “please enjoy your evening and thank you for coming.”
Willow blew out a breath as she turned to Tara, “whew. That went well I guess.”
Perhaps it was the few glasses of wine she had sipped throughout the day or perhaps she was just feeling bold but Tara leaned forward flirting openly with the redhead, “of course it went well. You’re c-charming Willow.” She stayed close as she looked deep into Willow’s green eyes. Starting lean her head to the side her mind was flying:
Oh Goddess! To kiss those lips again. They look so soft. Her eyes are the most beautiful shade of green I’ve ever seen. Willow felt herself being pulled closer and closer as Tara leaned in. She wanted more than anything to just allow herself to be pulled into that orbit, an orbit she knew she would never leave. But at the same time she was peripherally aware that hundreds of people were still in the room and statistics said that some of them would be watching the two witches. Having just put on a show for the room, she didn’t fancy putting on another one. “Can we take a walk?” she suggested. Tara was obviously startled by the redhead’s words and blushed bright red as she realized what she had been about to do in a crowded room. She nodded wordlessly and extended her free hand allowing Willow to pull her to her feet.
Before walking toward the door Willow reached back to pick up both glasses of wine and the two girls made their way across the floor. The redhead was extra careful as she could tell how tired even that small amount of casting had made her date. Tara was leaning so heavily on her cane that Willow felt almost required to offer, “do you want to walk around the vineyards or go home Tare?”
Wanting to reassure the redhead that she was fine Tara quickly told her, “v-vineyards definitely.” She couldn’t stand the idea that such a perfect evening might end so early and deny her any Willow-time.
Stepping out the door Willow breathed in immediately the perfection of the evening. She could smell the sweet aroma of the grapes winding around endless trellises near the building. She began to lead the two girls along the path that obviously existed to allow people to visit the vineyards. The evening had cooled significantly from the oppressive heat earlier in the day and the air might have held a slight chill if not for the warmth still escaping the tightly packed clay at their feet. As she took a drink of her wine she observed that the only imperfection to the evening was the heavy cloud cover which obscured the moon and stars.
Tara reveled in the energy flowing between the two girls. It was unlike anything she had ever felt in her life. At times during her dependence on drugs she had felt like she was flying, timeless, and limitlessness. At other times during her darkness she had felt completely enveloped by something larger, more powerful than her. The connection reminded her of both of those sensations in a way. It was timeless and right like the drug euphoria and simultaneously all encompassing, as if she were involved in something that was bigger and more powerful than she could ever be on her own. Every moment spent with this woman and many spent without her created an imprint on her mind and soul, a need that was becoming more and more urgent.
She could feel the heat and energy building between them and knew that it would have to be acted upon very soon. It was as if they were involved in an intricate and sensual dance, and the dance steps were the touches they shared: hand holding, light kisses on the hand or forehead, lingering hugs, even the caress of a thumb on the back of a hand or the stroke of fingertips up a bare arm. As Tara sat on a bench she glanced up at the cloud cover quickly and then again at Willow. The redhead had wandered a few feet away and was looking thoughtfully around the vineyard and taking a sip of her wine. Tara watched her carefully, conscious of the red tint to her lips and the quick movement of her tongue as it poked its way out of her small mouth to lick a drop from her lips. Tara wondered momentarily if she would pass out completely from concentrating on the girl’s lips and tongue.
I want to feel those lips on mine so soon, she mused.
But she’s standing way over there. Maybe she doesn’t want that. Maybe she’s not attracted to me or she’s put off by my limp or my cane. Why would she want such damaged goods? Maybe she has already found out that I’m not what she was looking for and she can go back to her friends and family and everyone she loves. Her downward spiral was suddenly interrupted as Willow asked, “why not?”
Tara felt completely confused. Maybe she had really gotten lost in her worries and they were in the middle of a conversation?
Oh how rude is that? she admonished herself. As she gave a confused look Willow explained, “oh I did it again didn’t I? I forget that not everyone is used to following my train of thought.” Tara looked at her relieved.
So I didn’t get lost, she was just doing her Willow-think Tara thought and started to giggle. She was starting to get to know this intriguing woman but some aspects were still a mystery and would take much more time. Following the redhead’s train of thought was one of them.
“Sorry,” Willow apologized quickly moving toward Tara. As she was about to sit down she smiled at the blonde and gently stroked the ends of her hair. Suddenly she looked up and raised both hands allowing twinkling lights to pour from her palms circling the girls and rising into the sky to give the appearance of a starry evening.
Tara smiled and laughed at Willow’s playfulness and inventiveness. “W-w-why not what?” she asked.
Willow looked surprised at the blonde’s question. Then she remembered that she had just confused the girl with her own nonsensical question. She sat down on the bench offering Tara her wineglass and took a sip of her own. Tara watched her again entranced by the pattern of red wine on her soft lips, liquid obviously flowing down her supple throat, and that pink tongue darting out to tickle the last drops from her lucky lips. “Oh why not what? Right my question. Sorry I got distracted by looking at you in the starlight and uh…. Oh right… my question. Right I should finish my question because without the question you won’t know what I want you to answer and then it’s just more questions…”
“Willow,” Tara interrupted as she took the redhead’s free hand in her own, “take a breath.”
Willow did as the blonde had asked before nervously taking another sip of her wine. “Why is this the first time you’ve brought someone to meet your de-facto family? I mean obviously they’re very accepting and friendly and they love you so why haven’t you brought someone before now?”
Tara looked down as she answered honestly, “there h-h-hasn’t b-been any one special.”
Willow scrunched up her face in disbelief thinking that maybe she had heard wrong or hadn’t understood the answer. “But…but…but I mean of course there must have been someone. I mean you’re gorgeous and intelligent and funny and caring and wonderful and …” She trailed off thinking
Willow Rosenberg, you can be such a freaking jerk sometimes. The girl doesn’t want to talk to you about her other girlfriends. She deserves some privacy and doesn’t owe you anything. “I’m sorry Tara,” she quickly backtracked, “it’s none of my business. I mean the women that you’ve dated and everything. That’s absolutely none of my business and I’m shutting up now.” Feeling incredibly uncomfortable she started to stand but found that Tara was not letting go of her hand, but holding fast to keep her close.
Tara was embarrassed but wanted to be honest with Willow: “I meant what I said. There hasn’t been anyone s-special.”
until now you big chicken! her mind screamed. As she saw the completely shocked and surprised look on Willow’s face she continued, “Michelle and Eliza tried to set me up with a few women our first semester. B-b-but none of them were… you know.”
“The right one?” Willow guessed optimistically.
Tara locked her eyes on Willow’s as she answered honestly, “I was g-g-going to say ‘you.’”
“Me?” Willow whispered. “You were going to say me? I but you… I mean we only met the one ti… and you hardly knew … and … I mean I know … but you and with the knowing and …”
For perhaps the millionth time in her life, her babbling was interrupted by the feeling of soft lips pressing against her own. She could taste a trace of sweet wine and didn’t know if the source was her lips or Tara’s. Both girls reveled as they shared the soft gentle contact. While neither tried to deepen the kiss, they were in no hurry for it to end either. The feelings both experienced were completely overwhelming. For Tara this kiss was everything she had dreamed of for nearly four years. It was if her entire body was on fire as she poured her years of longing into her lips, feeling the electricity traveling along her skin and seemingly merging their two souls. Willow felt herself lost in the contact as well. On one hand this kiss brought back every contact she had ever shared with her lover. But on the other, it was something entirely new. Not wanting to let go, she lightly wound her hands in Tara’s hair as she finally broke the kiss, leaning her forehead against the blonde witch’s.
“I’ve wanted to do that all day,” Tara whispered without opening her eyes.
“And I could go on all night,” Willow agreed.
Tara pulled back suddenly and began stammering. “I c-c-can’t … I mean I … I mean we j-j-just…”
Willow was shocked at first at Tara’s words as well as her sudden discomfort.
What? Why is she so upset? she wondered as she attempted to calm the blonde by stroking her hands gently on her cheeks, allowing her finger tips to graze over the other girl’s cheekbones.
Ok, she’s really upset. What did I say? We had that great kiss and then she said she wanted to do that all day and I said… Oh Jesus you moron! Her mind screamed at her as she realized what was wrong. “Oh Tara,” she attempted to explain, “I didn’t mean that. I just meant that kissing you feels so wonderful that I don’t want to stop. I didn’t mean to imply that we would be spending the night or that you would have to or that I expect that every beautiful woman who ever…”
Again the feeling of Tara’s cool lips on hers silenced her rambling apology. This kiss lasted only a few seconds before the blonde pulled away smiling. “I knew there was a cure for the Willowbabble,” she teased.
“It works great,” Willow giggled before leaning in to peck the blonde on the lips once again. Wrapping her arms around Tara she realized the girl was shivering. “Are you ready to go Tara?” she offered.
Tara nodded as she started to stand up. Willow reached out her hand to help the other girl up as soon as she noticed how difficult the movement was. The blonde witch grimaced in pain as she reached the standing position. Willow had never seen her hurting so much and couldn’t even begin to imagine the pain of her accident and recovery. “We need to say g-good night to Eliza and Chelle,” Tara explained.
Willow indicated her car with a wave of her hand as she offered, “why don’t you sit and I’ll go get them or say goodbye for us?” She didn’t expect the blonde to agree and again realized just how tired and hurting Tara was as she nodded to the offer. Willow quickly let her into the car and left her the keys so the blonde could run the air conditioner and radio until she returned.
Entering the ballroom she realized how late it was and since of the people at the reception had left for the evening. Michelle sat at a table with Eliza leaning across her looking either passed out or very tired. She started as she saw Willow walking in alone and quickly shook Eliza who looked around confused. “What’s wrong Willow?” Michelle quickly asked as both girls advanced toward her. “Where’s Tara? What happened?”
Willow smiled casually and attempted to calm the two girls without shouting across the hall. “Nothing’s wrong,” she explained as soon as she was close. “Tara’s really tired from the long day and last night and everything.” She noticed both girls breathe a sigh of relief and continued, “but she wanted to say good night to both of you. She’s in my car.”
“We’re ready to go too Willow,” Michelle let her know. “Are you ok to drive?”
Willow nodded glancing at Eliza, “you?” Michelle nodded in return and all three girls headed for the door waving to Eliza’s father on his way out.
Again Willow realized just how tired Tara was when she didn’t even get out of the car to say good bye to her friends but just opened the door. Michelle squatted gracefully and gave the blonde a hug. She stroked her face and whispered something that Willow couldn’t hear and smiled back when the blonde nodded at her. Eliza leaned over and gave Tara a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for comin and entertainin the kiddos,” she slurred.
Tara nodded at Eliza and looked over her shoulder to Michelle as she mouthed, “take her home Chelle.”
Willow was surprised as Michelle gave her a warm friendly hug, telling her, “take care of her Willow.”
Eliza followed with a somewhat sloppier embrace. “I’m glad you came Willow,” she giggled. Willow looked to Michelle who gave her a look as if to say, “don’t even ask.” As the two girls turned to go she heard Eliza tell the runner, “Willow: it’s a tree baby.”
Willow shut Tara’s door and walked around to get in her side and start the car. “Is Chelle ok to drive?” the blonde asked her. Willow nodded to both that question and the following one about her sobriety. Within a few minutes of driving Willow realized that Tara had fallen asleep. She let the blonde sleep, gazing longingly at her at each stoplight.
Nearing Tara’s house she had a dilemma about the blonde. Should she wake her or attempt to take her in the house? Willow doubted that she could carry the blonde into the house without waking her. After watching her sleep peacefully for a few minutes she made a choice. Easing open the door she gently lifted the blonde from the car by augmenting her strength with magic to easily carry Tara in.
Once inside she laid the girl on her bed and took Scooby for a walk. Again she had a dilemma about what to do now that Tara was on her bed.
I could leave her in her clothes but that would be uncomfortable and not good for the dress. Or I could undress her but I probably shouldn’t. Ok. What should I do? For a moment she wished for friends who could advise her, not that she would call them in this situation anyway. Then she remembered a time that Xander told her that when he found himself confused or scared, he would ask himself, “what would Buffy do?” So Willow did that. When that line of questioning turned up absolutely nothing she decided to change it.
Faith’s the slayer here so what would she do? The image that sprang to her mind of the dark haired slayer slowly undressing the blonde while taking extra care to memorize her every curve and brush her fingertips over the soft skin caused Willow to shudder but at least she made up her mind.
Moving toward the bed she closed her eyes and proceeded to carefully undress the girl before tucking her under the covers. She had a hard time with the buttons on the dress but kept reminding herself that she was improving her manual dexterity with the exercise.
And you hope that will come in useful her mind teased her. Putting that thought away she quietly hung up Tara’s dress and kissed the witch on the forehead before leaving the room. She hastily wrote a note and left it on the other pillow so Tara would find it immediately.
When the blonde woke in the morning she had a few moments of disorientation before realizing that she was in her own bed.
Oh Goddess, what did I do last night and how did I get undressed? she wondered. She remembered having a wonderful time yesterday and last evening. Yes she had had some wine to drink but not so much that she wasn’t aware. She remembered very vividly kissing Willow under the stars the redhead had created and it was just magical. As their lips touched it had felt like perfection, like coming home.
But what then? she started to panic. Just then she saw the note on the pillow with her name written across it. Opening it the words inside brought a smile to her lips:
Tara,
I had a wonderful, magical, and perfect time yesterday and last evening. You fell asleep in the car and looked too angelic to wake. Don’t worry; I undressed you with my eyes shut. I swear! Ok, now that sounds pretty dorky but it’s true. I hung your dress up and walked and fed Scooby before I left. I’ll lock the door from the outside. Tara was confused for a second before she realized that the redhead would use magic to turn the gears in the lock. She continued reading the last few lines of the note:
I’d love to see you ABSOLUTELY any time that you have to spare. If you need to study or something, maybe we can do that together. Ok, so again sounding kind of dorky and desperate but I want to see you again. Soon and frequently.
Yours, Willow The blonde read and reread the note smiling the entire time before falling back asleep still clutching the paper in her hand.
---
"Seek the company of those who are still seeking the truth and run away from those who think they have found it.--J.T. O'Hara
too much ... 
JustSkipIt,
. Can't wait to 
more. Upate soon, please! 
But i am lucky that she has the best friends ever....but she deserves a great Girlfriend too....not that it has to be Willow ehm this Willow....but maybe there is a possibility that the other Willow will be back....no one knows....
Yes, that is exactly what I was trying to capture in the dream: how frustrating it can be if your body doesn’t work and then when it just goes on and on… It becomes a part of your life that never stops. But Michelle is a fixture. She is in every part of this update: helping Tara stand, talking to Willow (and trying to protect her friend), and transferring to UT. 
) are a huge part of this story and the way you have written them - how can we not like them or should I say love them? Angst ahead!
Am I the only who laughs with that or what? He, I don't mind, I always laugh to most with the eewy stuff. Ok, I don't if that's a good thing to say about me. 
and 
awwwwwwwww. When