NEW PATHS

BY

KINETIC-KID

Rating:            NC-17 (XXX - Sex will be happening)

Disclaimer:       Definitely no money being made. All characters belong to Joss Whedon and ME. I own nothing except whatever characters I may make up for this story. 

Distribution:    Oh yeah, anywhere, anytime. Just make sure I get credit and let me know where it is.

Spoilers:          Everything up to Season 4 - then completely different.  This is a completely Alternate Universe!!

Feedback:         Please, Please, PLEASE. I live for feedback. I get   irritable and upset if I don’t get any and I might not continue writing.  Of course, if you don’t like the story and think it sucks you may not want me to continue!

Pairing:                    B/T, W/O, X/A

Summary:         Willow just saw Tara as a friend... Oz came back, she chose him.  Buffy drops Riley, and pursues the blonde Wiccan.  How things should have been...

Prologue

***

Buffy stops in surprise as she sees Willow curled up in a chair, talking with a blonde girl.  For some reason, she eases behind a pillar and watches them for a few minutes.  Her eyes inexplicably drawn to the blonde Willow is talking to, inhaling sharply as she catches a glimpse of deep blue eyes.  Seeing the way she’s looking at Willow, Buffy feels a streak of sadness go through her.  Looking down at the floor for a few minutes, she silently wonders why she’s feeling sadness, when she doesn’t even know this woman. 

Shaking her head, Buffy quickly turns away and heads out the door to think about these new and unexplained feelings.

***

“Oz is back.”  Willow explains quietly to Buffy.  “He has control of the wolf, and he wants to get back together.”

Buffy blinks in surprise at her best friend.  “But what… What about Tara?”  Buffy finally finishes after a few seconds.  She looks intently into her best friend’s eyes, seeing the surprise and confusion registered there.

“What about Tara?”  Willow blinks trying to understand what Buffy’s asking.

“I kind of thought you two were…”  Buffy shrugs, swallowing hard as she thinks about the few times the two Wiccans had gotten with the group, seeing the way Tara would look at Willow.  Never having really noticed Willow giving the same looks back, but figuring maybe her best friend was better at hiding her feelings, Buffy didn’t say anything. 

“We were what, Buffy?”  Willow looks intently at her best friend, wondering what she’s trying to say, the confusion obvious in her eyes.

“I thought you two were dating.”  Buffy finally whispered, watching as shock and surprise cross her best friend’s face.

“We’re just friends, Buffy.  No dating there!”  Willow shakes her head vehemently.  “Remember, boy’s town!” 

Buffy nods her head, looking down at her clasped hands.  “Tara may have thought there was something there, Willow.  If you’re getting back together with Oz, maybe you should just stop by and let her know.”  Buffy finally whispers before standing up and walking out of the room, her heart breaking at the thought of the quiet, kind Wiccan that’s probably going to have her heart broken by her best friend.  Silently wishing there was something she could do.

***

Tara feels the tears come to her eyes as she sets the candle Willow had given her on the nightstand.  Slowly walking to the window, she watches as the redhead climbs in the van with Oz and drives away. 

“You should know better, Tara.  You thought you found a person to practice with, and possibly have a relationship with.  Things are never that simple for you.”  Tara shakes her head gently as she wipes the tears from her face and closes the drapes.  Turning and looking at the candle, Tara slowly changes into her sleepwear.  Climbing in the bed, she continues to look at the flame of the candle before blowing it out and turning her back on the item, going to sleep.

***

Chapter 1

Buffy sighs as she looks at Riley.  Things have been tense between them since the night of the Howell House incident.  She had come to the realization that all it was between them was sex.  Good sex, but sex just the same, silently wondering to her self if all the men just liked the missionary position, or if she just happened to hook up with those guys.  Remembering the argument after the incident where he had bitched that he preferred to be in charge, she had went off on him that she would like some variation in their sex lives.  Since that comment they had barely spoken, let alone done anything else. 

Letting her eyes drift around the Bronze, they light on the back of a familiar looking blonde woman.  Watching Tara intently, she notices when a tall dark-haired woman sits down across from her, placing a drink in front of Tara.  Stiffening slightly at the sight, Buffy realizes that Tara is obviously out on a date, dragging her eyes back to Riley, Buffy growls under her breath. 

Riley watches Buffy for a few minutes, wondering how to bring up to her that they just weren’t working.  He had finally come to the realization that he didn’t like a real strong woman, and she would always want to be the one in charge.  She would never let him be the ‘man’ in the relationship, and that was something that he needed. 

Buffy picks up her drink and takes a sip of the soda, her eyes drawn back over to the table Tara’s sitting at, watching as the two women stand up, walking out onto the dance floor.  Seeing Tara blushing lightly, Buffy can’t help but smile at the obvious embarrassment of the Wiccan.  When she notices Tara stiffen as the other woman drags her against her body, Buffy goes on alert, watching intently as Tara tries to put some space between them while they dance to the slow song. 

Riley frowns heavily as he notices Buffy looking at something behind him.  “Buffy, we need to talk.”  He finally tries to get her attention.  When she grunts at him, her eyes sliding to him briefly before looking back towards the dance floor, Riley slams his hand down lightly on the table, smirking as Buffy’s eyes narrow and dart towards him.  “We need to talk.  I don’t think we’re working.”

Buffy leans towards him and growls quietly.  “No, we’re not working.  You’re a corn-fed Iowa boy that doesn’t have a lick of imagination.  You’re a ‘yes’ man, Riley.  You do whatever the government tells you, and I want someone that will compliment me.  Not someone that will try and smother me.  Goodbye.”  Buffy stands and quickly strides out to the dance floor where Tara is starting to struggle more firmly as she tries to get out of the strong arms of her date.

Tara tries to get away from Jessie, the woman’s arms like a steel band around her waist, keeping her lodged tightly against the taller woman.  “Please, J-Jessie.”  Tara begs quietly, waiting and hoping that the woman will release her, without having to do magic to get away from her.

“I like dancing like this.”  Jessie grins wickedly as she forces her thigh tighter against the blonde’s apex, forcing herself against the woman.

“She asked you nicely to let her go.  Now I suggest you do as she asked.”  Buffy growls angrily as she comes up to the two women. 

Tara looks surprised at the blonde slayer, feeling a surge of relief working through her body at the sight of the petite woman. 

“I don’t know who you think you are, but we’re out on a date, and I’ll say when it’s over.”  Jessie growls down at the small blonde, smirking at her audacity.  “What are you going to do?  Kick my shins?”  Jessie chuckles at the thought of the small woman hurting her.

“Tara, do you want to stay here with her?”  Buffy questions softly, looking into scared blue eyes.

“N-no.”  Tara shakes her head, begging Buffy to help her out of this situation that she had gotten herself into by allowing one of her friends to set her up with this blind date from hell.

Buffy nods her head, reaching up and pinches the nerve in the taller woman’s neck, making her right side go numb.  “I suggest you get away from Tara, and not even think about talking to her again.  If you see her coming towards you, you better cross the street and walk the other way, understand?”

Jessie hisses at the lack of feeling in her right arm.  “You can’t tell me what to do!”  Grunting loudly as the small blonde forces her down onto her knees, Jessie looks up in surprise at the violent hazel eyes looking down into hers.

“You don’t know me.  And unless you want me to beat you to within an inch of your life, you’ll fucking listen to me.”  Buffy growls as she stops her face just inches from the other woman’s face, ignoring the crowd that was gathering around them.  “You stay away from Tara.  If a woman wants to dance close, that’s fine.  If she doesn’t, you damn well better respect her wishes.  If I see you acting this way to anyone again, I’ll break your fucking arm.  Do it a third time, I’ll break your neck, understood?”  Buffy snarls in her face, her nose flaring with her anger.

Jessie swallows hard and whimpers as the small fingers dig strongly into her shoulder, causing her an unimaginable amount of pain.  “Understood.” 

“Good.”  Buffy releases the woman, and turns to urge Tara towards the exit.  “Did you leave anything at the table?”

“N-no.”  Tara shakes her head as her whole body starts to shake as what happened starts to seep into her conscious mind.  “Th-thank you.”  Tara finally murmurs as Buffy urges them out of the Bronze.

“You’re welcome.  What were you doing there with that Neanderthal, anyway?”  Buffy questions as she keeps her hand proprietarily at the middle of Tara’s back as they walk towards the campus.

“B-blind date.”  Tara admits quietly after a few minutes, realizing there was no sense in denying the fact that she was on a date, the way her and Jessie had been dancing, it was obvious they were there together.

“I would say whoever set you up on that blind date needs their ass kicked.”  Buffy conversationally states, letting her hand slide to clasp Tara’s elbow gently.  “Hold up for a second.”  Buffy murmurs quietly as she quickly turns down the alleyway that they were passing.

Tara watches confused for a second, before she notices the vampire getting ready to feed on a struggling young man.  Sharpening her senses, Tara keeps an eye out, to make sure no vampires sneak up on her while Buffy goes to take care of the vampire.

“That really isn’t a smart thing to do in this town.”  Buffy conversationally explains as she walks up to the vampire, watching his yellow eyes turn towards her.  “Maybe you should let the guy go, and take on something more… appetizing?”  Buffy raises an eyebrow as she runs her hand down her side, smirking as the vampire drops his meal and heads towards her, growling.  “I suggest you get home, guy.  Stay to well lighted, and preferably well populated areas.”  Buffy points towards the end of the alley from where she’d come. 

“Don’t bother going anywhere, boy.  When I’m done with this slip of a girl, I plan on eating you.”  The vampire smirks as he goes to pounce on Buffy.

“GET OUT OF HERE!”  Buffy yells as she ducks the wild swing from the vampire, nailing him in the ribs with a hard right as he goes by, spinning around and kicking him hard in the back, dropping him down to the ground.

Tara keeps an eye open as she turns back from the man running away to watch as Buffy fights the vampire quickly and violently, noticing the anger that seems to seep from Buffy’s pores as she literally pounds on the vampire before staking him. 

Buffy snarls her nose as she brushes the dust off her clothes, striding out of the alleyway, silently urging Tara to continue their walk towards campus.

“Are you o-okay?”  Tara finally questions after ten minutes as they draw nearer the campus.

“I’m fine.”  Buffy turns questioning eyes on Tara.  “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Tara shakes her head and looks down at the ground as they walk across the campus grounds towards her dorm.  “You seemed a-angry.”  Tara finally admits quietly.

“Maybe because I am.”  Buffy mutters as she opens the door to the Wiccan’s dorm, silently following her up the stairs towards her room, curious about the Wiccan’s room, having never been there before. 

“W-why?”  Tara questions softly as she unlocks the door and switches on the overhead light, stepping aside to allow Buffy into her room.  “Would you l-like some j-juice or water?”  Tara nervously wrings her hands looking at the slayer.

“Water, if you don’t mind.”  Buffy looks around, noticing the twinkling white Christmas lights around the room, the candles spread out around the surfaces, and the tasteful pictures hanging on the wall.  “How did you get lucky enough to have a single?”  Buffy finally questions, relaxing slightly.

“I don’t know.”  Tara looks towards Buffy, grinning briefly before opening the small refrigerator and pulling out a water and juice.  Handing the water to Buffy, Tara leans down to untie her shoes.  “You c-can have a seat, Buffy.”  Tara looks up glancing towards the bed. 

Buffy nods her head and moves the short distance to the double bed, sitting down on the edge as she unscrewed her water, taking a sip as she watches Tara slide her boots off before sitting in the chair.  “How have you been doing?”  Buffy questions quietly, watching the blonde intently.

“Okay.”  Tara looks up, a small smile crossing her face.  “Better now.”  Tara chuckles, blushing lightly.  “Thanks for s-saving me.”  Tara whispers.

“I believe you already thanked me once.”  Buffy allows a smile to cross her face.  “But you’re welcome.  Maybe you should look for your own dates, though.” 

Tara shrugs looking down.  “I don’t have much b-better luck picking someone out myself.”  Tara sighs quietly. 

“What’s your luck been like?”  Buffy questions raising an eyebrow, wondering if the blonde feels like talking.

Tara looks up in surprise at Buffy questioning her about her love life.  Blinking a couple times in surprise, she blushes lightly.  “Well, I guess my first g-girlfriend I did okay with.”  Tara shrugs watching as Buffy gets this inquiring look on her face.  “Do y-you really w-want to hear this?”  Tara looks at the slayer with surprise obvious on her face.

“Yes, I do.”  Buffy nods her head, smiling encouragingly at the Wiccan.  “I want to see which one of us has the shittier luck with our love lives.”  Buffy jokes, her eyes twinkling.

Tara stares in surprise at the slayer, before laughing quietly.  “And what does the w-winner… or maybe I should say l-loser, get?” 

“Ohh, we’re going to make a bet on this, huh?”  Buffy relaxes even more.  Toeing off her shoes, she pulls her feet up on the bed to sit cross-legged across from the Wiccan.  “By being the winner/loser as the case may be, I’m assuming whoever has the shittier love-life wins, correct?”  Buffy raises an eyebrow questioningly at the Wiccan.

“Correct.”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer, relaxing the more Buffy relaxes. 

“First off, did Willow tell you anything about my assorted love-life?”  Buffy raises an eyebrow in question at Tara.

Tara’s smile backs off somewhat, but doesn’t disappear completely.  “No.  She d-didn’t t-talk a lot about your g-guys’ personal life.”  Tara admits, shaking her head. 

“Sorry.”  Buffy frowns when she notices Tara smile dim at her comment.

“That’s okay.”  Tara shakes her head, trying to relax again.  “One of m-my specialties.”  Tara admits quietly, watching as Buffy looks questioningly at her again.  “Liking s-straight women.” 

Buffy slowly nods her head in understanding.  “Have you talked to her since…”  Buffy trails off not knowing what to say.

Tara nods her head slowly.  “I r-ran into her a couple weeks ago.”  Tara admits softly.  “She s-seems happy.” 

“Yeah, she does.”  Buffy admits nodding her head in agreement.  “Come on, now.  Let’s hear about your love life so we can compare notes.”

Tara chuckles quietly.  “We still h-haven’t decided on what the winner gets.”  Tara laughs as Buffy starts to think about it. 

“What would you like if you win?”  Buffy questions, tilting her head at the woman. 

Tara purses her lips in consideration, trying to think of something.  “That’s a hard decision.”  Tara finally whispers, a crooked grin crossing her face.  “How a-about a normal d-date with a b-beautiful w-woman?”

Buffy chuckles and shakes her head, her heart picking up speed at the thought, wondering if Tara would consider her beautiful.  “Going back to blind dates already?”  Buffy raises an eyebrow at Tara, laughing quietly. 

“W-well, maybe y-you could be nearby, just in case?”  Tara suggests, grinning.

Buffy nods her head silently in agreement, while thinking to herself that maybe she would be closer than the Wiccan would realize.  “Deal.  If you win, I’ll find you a ‘normal’ date with a beautiful woman.  No psycho’s allowed.”

“Thank you.”  Tara laughs, figuring the slayer is joking.  “What about you?”

Buffy just grins wickedly and shakes her head.  “I’ll tell you what I want, afterwards.”  Buffy waves towards the Wiccan.  “Come on, spill!”

Tara raises an eyebrow in question at the slayer before finally shrugging and starting to talk about her love-life.  “Well, m-my senior year of high school Kristine and I dated for roughly six months secretly, b-before her p-parents shipped her off to a private school.”

Buffy looks at Tara in surprise.  “They shipped her off because you two were dating?”

“Partly.”  Tara blushes darkly.  “They kind of c-caught us in the m-middle of…”  Tara looks down, embarrassed.

“Oh.”  Buffy breathes out the word, giggling.  When Tara looks up in surprise, Buffy shrugs.  “I know it had to be embarrassing as hell at the time, but isn’t it sort of funny now?”  Buffy waves her hand around, a big grin crossing her face.  “Thank God that didn’t happen to me, but just thinking about it…” 

Tara blushes even darker, shaking her head as a quiet laugh escapes.  “I guess it is s-sort of funny now.”  Tara admits, looking back up.  “Goddess knows it wasn’t at the time.”  Tara shakes her head quickly.  “Especially when my f-father found out.  I w-wasn’t allowed to g-go anywhere again after that.”  Tara admits softly. 

Buffy frowns at the woman, noticing the slight paling of her features when she mentioned her father.  Watching as Tara seems to shake off whatever it was that was bringing her down, Buffy sighs quietly in relief.

“Next one was pretty much a one m-month deal with another girl here in college.  I believe she was just experimenting.  Wanting t-to know what it was l-like with another girl.  I dated a few other women for a while, but nothing serious.”  Tara shrugs before taking a sip of her apple juice.  “Next was W-willow.  Which obviously, was all one-sided and tonight’s date with Jessie.”  Tara sighs as she finishes her re-counting of her dating/love life.

Buffy nods silently.  “I’m sorry about Willow.  She honestly didn’t have a clue that you liked her.”  Buffy admits softly.

“I f-figured that out.”  Tara shrugs, relaxing a little more.  “I th-thought there may be s-something there, but I was wrong.  How about you?”

Buffy groans and falls over on her side on the bed after replacing the lid on the empty bottle.  “I’m going to start with the most recent and work my way backwards.”  Buffy explains before turning on her back to look up at the ceiling, crossing her legs and holding her empty bottle on her stomach.  “Riley.  Government soldier, and Mr. I Have To Be In Charge.  Very sexually active, but very unimaginative.  He liked one position, and that was it.”  Buffy explains quietly as she lifts a hand up to brush a loose hair from her forehead.  “We broke up tonight at the Bronze.”  Buffy turns to look at Tara as she hears the Wiccan inhale. 

“I’m sorry, Buffy.”  Tara frowns heavily at the slayer.

“It wasn’t your fault, Tara.”  Buffy smiles at her for a few moments before continuing.  “Then we have Parker Abrams, the one night wonder that was a complete loser.  All he wanted to do was add a notch to his bed post.  I tried to date a ‘normal’ guy in high school, Scott Hope, but I think I kind of scared him off.”  Buffy growls quietly as she thinks about Parker, before relaxing as she considers how to bring up Angel.  “And, the last person for me to talk about is Angel.”  Buffy shakes her head as she shifts to look at Tara.  “Just to let you know, he was… is a vampire.”  Seeing the shock cross Tara’s face, Buffy blushes lightly.  “Yeah, yeah, I know.  But he has a soul.  Seems when he was all evil, he took the life of a gypsy clan’s favorite daughter.  Needless to say they cursed him with a soul.”  Buffy sighs heavily as she plays a finger over the cover on the Wiccan’s bed.  “Well, as it would happen, the curse had a clause on it.”

Tara tilts her head watching Buffy.  “Unfortunately, most curses do.  That’s why they’re curses.”  Tara explains quietly.  “I’m sorry, I didn’t m-mean to interrupt.”  Tara looks apologetically at the slayer.

“That’s okay, Tara.”  Buffy smiles at the woman for a moment, before slowly continuing.  “Anyway, Angel and I had been seeing each other for a while.  On my seventeenth birthday, I went to his place.  Needless to say he lost his soul after we made love.”  Buffy whispers, her eyes distant as she remembers that time.  “The clause was that if he had one moment of complete happiness, he lost his soul.  So, my birthday, my first time, and he lost his soul.”  Buffy shakes off the remembrance of that time.  “He killed quite a few people, including our computer teacher, Jenny Calendar, who happened to be a member of the Kalderash Gypsy clan that originally cursed Angel with a soul.  She was going to try and restore his soul, but he killed her.  Eventually after fighting against him and the rest of the Aureales clan that was left, Willow was able to restore his soul, but not before he had started what would be the end of earth as we know it.  I had to stab him and send him to hell.”

“Oh, my Goddess.”  Tara murmurs, staring at Buffy in shock.  Not being able to imagine having to kill someone you loved.

Buffy sighs quietly and nods her head.  “Yeah, it was shit.  I ran away from home and everyone after that.  Willow assumed that the spell didn’t work, and I didn’t have the heart to tell her that it did, just that it was too late.  He came back from Hell.  Something about the PTB needed him here on earth, about five or six months later, which was like centuries in hell.”  Buffy slowly runs a hand through her hair as she shifts to sit on the bed again.  “I was stupid and hid his being back from everyone for a while.  Needless to say, I wasn’t the most popular person at that time.  He eventually helped us to defeat the Mayor, then went to LA, where he’s working now still on the path to redemption.”  Buffy shakes off the sadness that had settled on her, smiling sadly at Tara.  “So, I won, right?”

“Hand’s down.”  Tara agrees quietly, feeling sad for the slayer.  “I’m sorry, Buffy.  That’s a hell of a thing to happen.”

Buffy sighs quietly, nodding her head in agreement.  “Yeah, it was.  But that’s my life.”  Buffy slowly smiles.  “Well, I should do another patrol before heading back to the room.  Are you doing anything this weekend?”  Buffy questions after she pulls on her shoes, tossing her empty water bottle in the trash as she makes her way to the door. 

“No.”  Tara blinks in confusion at the slayer.  “Why?”

“I’m going to see about getting you a normal date for tomorrow.  I’ll call you with the details.”  Buffy grins as she opens the door and slips out, chuckling as she hears Tara sputtering behind her. 

“B-b-but I d-d-didn’t win.”  Tara mutters finally hopping up off the chair and walking to the closed door, opening it to stick her head out, watching as the slayer trots down the stairs.  “Who are you planning on hooking me up with, Buffy?”  Tara whispers as she shuts the door, the surprise and shock obvious on her face.  Sighing quietly, Tara gathers her toiletries kit to get ready for bed.

***

Chapter 2

Buffy whistles as she folds the laundry that her mother dropped off beside her.

Joyce looks at her daughter in confusion as she whistles, only stopping when she laughs and smiles, before she goes back to whistling again.  “Why are you in such a good mood?  Do you have a date with Riley or something?”

“Nope.  Riley and I broke up last night.”  Buffy said looking up and grinning hugely at her mother. 

“And that’s cause for you to be this happy?”  Joyce drops down in the chair across from Buffy, confused.

“Nope.  That was cause for a big sigh of relief, after realizing he was useless and not what I wanted or needed.”  Buffy admits, starting to frown.  “Mom, I found someone I want to date.  I don’t know if they want to date me, but I’m going to ask them out later.”

Joyce tilts her head and looks at Buffy questioningly.  “And this person is…?”  Joyce urges Buffy to explain who she wants to date.

Buffy blushes darkly as she finishes folding a pair of jeans.  “You’re probably going to freak on me.”  Buffy admits quietly as she picks up an old t-shirt and folds it.  “It’s a girl… woman at the college.”  Buffy finally admits after a few minutes of folding laundry.

Joyce blinks at her daughter, her brain not quite understanding what Buffy said.  “Huh?”  Joyce finally questions.

Buffy bites her lip and looks up at her mom.  “I’m going to ask a woman out on a date.”  Buffy whispers before watching the stunned surprise cross her mother‘s face, before she frowns at her. 

“Buffy…”  Joyce shakes her head, as she frowns deeply.  Not knowing what to say to her daughter, she just stares at her. 

“Don’t take this wrong, mom.  But I’m not asking your permission.”  Buffy states calmly. 

Joyce just stares at her daughter, wondering when she had decided she wanted to date women.  Not really knowing how she feels about the thought of Buffy dating another woman, she decides on not saying anything, as that may be the best thing right now. 

“She’s a wonderful young woman that goes to college with me.  She and Willow are… were… Hell I don’t know if they still are or not, but they were friends.  Tara liked Willow, but Willow didn’t have a clue.”  Buffy shrugs her shoulders as she looks down.  “I kind of liked Tara from the moment I saw her, but with her liking Willow and my dating Riley, I just sort of ignored my feelings until last night when Tara ended up needing some help.”  Buffy finishes folding the laundry and runs a hand through her hair.  “You’d like her mom, if you give her a chance.  She’s quiet, extremely shy, has this adorable stutter and knows about me being the slayer.  She’s also a Wiccan, as in is actually able to do spells and the like.”

Joyce silently listens to Buffy talk about the young woman she’s going to ask out on a date.  Sighing quietly, Joyce looks down at her clasped hands.  “It’s your life, Buffy.  I can’t make you do something you don’t want to.  Just… be careful.”

Buffy nods her head, smiling briefly.  “Thanks, mom.  Now all I have to do is figure out what to do as a date, that isn’t going to freak her out.”  Buffy sighs as she thinks.  “I can’t take her to the Bronze, especially after last night.  Going out to dinner and a movie is so cliché.”  Buffy mumbles to herself, starting to frown.

“Picnic, honey.”  Joyce suggests softly.  When she sees Buffy look at her questioningly, Joyce smiles gently.  “Take her on a picnic.  Get a blanket, a bottle of sparkling apple cider, finger sandwiches, strawberries, that type of thing.  Maybe a single pretty flower to give to her, if you think she’d like it.”

Buffy blinks and slowly nods her head, a big grin coming across her face.  “That’s a brilliant idea.  I need to get a basket to carry everything in, a blanket, the food together…”  Buffy’s mind starts whirling as she glances up at the clock, seeing it’s almost 11:00 am.  “Maybe a late lunch, I need to call her…”  Buffy jumps up, starting to pace.

“Calm down, honey.”  Joyce can’t help but laugh at her daughter’s nervousness. “Go call her and set it up.  I’m going to go up to the attic and see if I can’t dig out that picnic basket along with a blanket you can use.  I have stuff to fix for sandwiches, but I don’t have anything else.  You may want to stop at the store and pick up some different fruits to put in the basket while you’re there, along with something to drink.” 

“Thank you, mom.”   Buffy quickly strides towards her mom and hugs her quickly after Joyce stands up, getting ready to run upstairs.  “I appreciate your help.”

“If you two make it to a fifth date, you better be sure to bring her by here for dinner.”  Joyce narrows her gaze on her daughter. 

“I will.”  Buffy grins hugely at the thought of her and Tara dating.  “I gotta call her.”  Buffy grabs her purse, digging around for the slip of paper that she had written the Wiccan’s phone number on.  Finally exhaling the breath she’d unconsciously been holding she walks into the kitchen, grabbing the cordless phone and walking out on the back porch, sitting down on the steps before dialing the number.

“Hello?”  Tara answers the ringing phone with a hint of trepidation in her voice.

“Hi.”  Buffy smiles at the sound of Tara’s voice.  “Oh, this is Buffy.”  Buffy smacks her head and rolls her eyes.

“I sort of f-figured that out.”  Tara giggles quietly at the slayer.  “How are you?”

“I’m fine, wonderful in fact.”  Buffy runs a finger over the crack in the concrete as she thinks.  “I’ve pretty much got everything set up for you and your date.  You know that big oak tree out in the quad by the Art Department Building?”  Buffy questions softly.

“You actually got me a date?”  Tara whispers in shock. 

“Yes, I did.”  Buffy smirks at the shocked tone in the Wiccan’s voice.  “Do you know the tree I’m talking about?”

“Uh, yeah.”  Tara blinks, plopping down on a chair beside the phone, her mind not functioning well, with it being in shock. 

“Good.  Now, I need you to be there at 3:00 on the nose, okay?”  Buffy can’t help the mischievous smile that crosses her face.  “Can you do that?”

“Yes.  I c-can.”  Tara shakes her head to get out of the fugue state she’s in.  “Buffy, why… what…?”  Tara blinks in surprise.

“Dress casually and comfortably.  Remember be there at 3:00 this afternoon, okay?”  Buffy reiterates, making sure Tara understands.

“Are you going to tell me who m-my mystery date is?”  Tara finally questions blinking, as she thinks for a few minutes.  “And are you going to be somewhere c-close by in case she is a psycho?”

Buffy chuckles loudly at that.  “Yes, I’ll be very close by.  I promise.  Trust me, she’s not a psycho.  Though I guess some people would think she is, but she actually isn’t.  My word on it.”

Tara sighs quietly, slowly nodding her head.  “Okay.  I’ll be there, but if this date is a dud, I’m giving up for the next couple years on finding someone, okay?”

“Don’t say that.”  Buffy grumbles quietly.  “You deserve to be happy.  You’ve just had a run of bad luck.  It’ll get better… I hope.”  Buffy quirks her lip slightly.  “Don’t forget, or I’ll come and hunt you down.”

“I won’t.  Thanks, Buffy.”  Tara finally whispers, surprised at the thought of the caring young woman that seems to have taken an interest in being her friend, and savior. 

“Don’t thank me yet.”  Buffy laughs softly.  “Bye, Tara.”

“Bye, Buffy.”  Tara answers back equally as soft.

Buffy slowly disconnects the phone before hanging it back up.  “Hope you like what I’m planning.”  Buffy murmurs quietly before getting with her mom to gather what items she’ll need, along with a list for the store.

***

Buffy looks down at the blanket, with the food spread out and the glasses sitting beside the small ice container, with the apple juice chilling inside it.  Looking down at her watch she sees it’s a little before 3:00 and starts looking towards where the dorms are, waiting to get a glimpse of Tara coming her way while she starts to pace back and forth. 

***

Tara looks at the clock, noticing it’s almost 3:00.  Debating with herself for a moment, she finally runs a hand down her one pair of jeans and picks a piece of imaginary lint off her button down shirt, the navy blue color, bringing out the depth in her eyes.  Grabbing her keys and ID, she tucks them in her pockets before taking a deep breath and walking out the door, towards the person Buffy has decided to set her up with as a blind date. 

Making her way quickly towards the large oak tree, Tara keeps her eyes lowered to where she can see far enough ahead of her to keep from running into anything, taking slow, deep, even breaths to keep from going crazy and becoming a complete basket case at this blind date.  Wondering what the woman would look like, especially with Buffy picking her out.  Allowing a small smile to cross her face at the thought of the beautiful, petite, slayer, Tara finally shakes her head.  “That’s just what I need, a crush on another straight girl.  Not a smart thing, when this one could literally rip me apart just by using her pinkies!”  Tara mumbles to herself as she finally starts to look up, knowing that she should be almost to the tree.

Frowning as she sees Buffy standing by the edge of the blanket, but no one else nearby, Tara looks around a little more intently, making sure she didn’t miss the other woman.  Slowly making her way towards Buffy, Tara tilts her head.  “Is she late?”  Tara asks softly.

“No.”  Buffy smiles nervously at Tara.  “She’s here.”  Buffy waves to the blanket.  “Why don’t you sit down and make yourself comfortable?”

Looking down, really noticing for the first time the elaborate picnic spread out on the blanket, Tara’s eyes open wide in surprise.  Easing down onto her knees, Tara shifts to where she’s resting on a hip as she curiously looks at the different items, noticing the different sandwiches, the strawberries, grapes, raspberries, blackberries, bing cherries still on the stem, along with what appeared to be a couple slices of brownies.  Having been so involved in looking at the different food items, she wasn’t aware that Buffy had sat down beside her and was opening the juice, pouring a glass.

“I know you like apple juice, so that’s what I got to drink.  Me and alcohol are not a good combination.  Plus I didn‘t know if you drank or not.”  Buffy explains softly, letting Tara know without flat out saying it, that she was her date. 

Tara’s eyes widen as she shifts and looks at a lightly blushing slayer.  “Buffy?”  Tara questions, the shock obvious in her voice. 

Buffy raises her eyes from where she’d just finished filling the glass.  “Yes, I’m your date.”  Buffy smiles hopefully at Tara. 

Tara blinks in surprise at the slayer, not knowing what to say.  Tilting her head questioningly at the woman, she opens her mouth to say something, but closes it again, still not knowing what to say.

“Left you speechless, huh?”  Buffy chuckles nervously.  “I know you wanted to have a normal date with a beautiful woman.  And I wanted a date with you… I know I’m not exactly beautiful, but will this work?”

Tara can’t help the crooked grin that crosses her face when she realizes that Buffy is more nervous than she is about this date.  As Tara silently thinks about it, she looks at the care and obvious thought that went into what Buffy had done, while looking out at the college campus, where students are coming and going.  Tara realizes that Buffy had put them at a beautiful spot, but not a hidden away place.  Anyone could see them, since they are centrally located.  Slowly she turns her gaze back on the slayer, her eyes softening as she watches Buffy pluck nervously at her jeans.  “First off, you are b-beautiful.”  Tara whispers, while reaching out to gently capture the nervous hand.  “You went to a l-lot of trouble for this date, Buffy.”  Tara waves her other hand around at the amount of food.

“I wasn’t real sure what you liked, or didn’t like.”  Buffy sighs in relief, allowing a small genuine smile to cross her face.  “I didn’t know if you might be allergic to something, or not eat meat, or just plain didn’t like some things.”  Buffy explains quietly.  “We obviously have a bunch of different fruits.  I even have a container with fruit salad in it.”  Buffy points to the containers, before grabbing the different sandwiches and placing them between them.  “We have ham and Swiss, chicken salad, pimiento cheese, and egg salad sandwiches to choose from.”  Buffy places three of each sandwich down between them, smiling.

Tara can’t help but laugh as she looks at the quantity of food.  “Buffy, I don’t think I’ll be able to eat much of this.”

Buffy shrugs and grins before patting her own stomach.  “Trust me, it won’t go to waste.”  Buffy unwraps one of the ham and Swiss sandwiches, offering Tara half, smiling as the blonde accepts it.

“Thank you.”  Tara murmurs before nibbling on the sandwich, looking up occasionally at the slayer, a grin crossing her face as Buffy quickly works her way through her half of the sandwich.  “Why didn’t you just ask me out on a date, Buffy?”  Tara finally questions when she finishes her half of the sandwich, her fingers reaching out to snag a couple grapes.

Buffy shrugs and looks down at the blanket.  “I guess I was afraid you would turn me down.”

“I probably would have.”  Tara admits after a few seconds, watching as Buffy’s head snaps up and her face pales.  “But not for the r-reason you probably think.  I would have turned you down because you just b-broke up with your boyfriend, Buffy.  Plus, as far as I could tell, you’re completely and irrevocably straight.”

Buffy shifts to lie down on the blanket.  Propping her head up on her hand she looks at Tara and slowly shakes her head.  “I may have only been with men, Tara.  But I honestly don’t believe I’m completely straight.  How else would I be able to explain my being attracted to you for about three months now?”

“Three months?”  Tara blinks in surprise at Buffy, mentally doing the math, knowing she didn’t actually meet Buffy until right at two months ago.

“I saw you and Wills talking in the dorm room common’s area.  It must have been right after you two met at the Wicca Group meeting.”  Buffy explains quietly.

Tara looks intently at Buffy.  “You saw us talking, and you were attracted then?” 

Buffy slowly nods her head.  “Yeah.  But I saw the way you looked at Willow… and then I was dating Riley, so I kind of buried it.  When Willow told me about Oz coming back, and her absolute clueless-ness in the fact that you liked her, my heart broke knowing that you were going to be hurt.”

Tara swallows hard as she looks into Buffy’s sad eyes.  “It was my own fault, Buffy.  She never l-led me on or gave me any indication that it was m-more than friendship on her part.  I’m just glad Oz came back when he did, or I might have asked her out and that would have hurt even more to be turned down flat.”  Tara admits quietly.  “I just miss seeing her as a friend now.”

Buffy nods her understanding.  “She and Oz have pretty much been inseparable since he came back.  I don’t even get to see her that often, and we share a dorm room.”  Buffy smiles briefly.  “Would you like another sandwich?”  Buffy questions as she looks at the sandwiches, smiling as Tara laughs.

“It’s been forever since I’ve h-had a pimiento cheese sandwich.”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer, relaxing more and shifting her body to mirror Buffy’s.  Accepting the half of the sandwich, Tara takes a small bite while watching Buffy.  “Have you ever been attracted to a woman before?”  Tara finally asks as they slowly eat.

Buffy looks up, blushing darkly.  “Twice.”  Buffy admits quietly, sighing heavily.  “One was a teacher at my high school.  But I think all students have crushes on a woman teacher at one time or another.  Then the other time was Faith, the other slayer.  But I definitely didn’t want to take it any further with her, because I didn’t want to become just another notch in her very notchy bed post.”  Buffy explains softly.

Tara blinks, and then frowns heavily.  “Another slayer?  I thought there could be only one at a time?”  Tara looks intently at Buffy.

“Yeah, that’s the way it’s supposed to be.  There’s a little loop hole.”  Buffy looks up, a small sad smile on her face.  “I died my Sophomore year in high school, the Master drowned me and Xander gave me CPR, bringing me back.  I was dead long enough for the next slayer, Kendra to be called.”

“You died.”  Tara pales and reaches out to grasp the slayer’s hand in hers, enjoying the warmth of the touch and the slight tingle working through her body from it.  “I didn’t know.”

“We don’t talk about it a lot.  There’s so much shit that’s happened in the last four years, hell at my old high school, I burned down the gym.”  Buffy tries to lighten the mood.  “And here, the Sunnydale High school, we blew up!” 

“Goddess, what are you planning to do with the college?”  Tara jokes, her eyes starting to twinkle merrily at the slayer.  “Now that you mentioned it, I do remember the High School being blown up.  It was at graduation, right?”  Tara shakes her head, remembering that that was the talk of the town for a month afterwards.  She’d been working at the grocery store to make ends meet and pay for her small one-room apartment during the summer.

“You were here when that happened?”  Buffy questions, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes.  I was working at one of the grocery stores for the summer to help pay rent.”  Tara admits, smiling briefly. 

“What grade are you in?”  Buffy grabs a strawberry, taking a bite and groaning quietly.  “Damn, this is good.” 

Tara chuckles as she watches Buffy, her heart beating a little quicker when the slayer licks the juices from her lips. 

“Here, you have to try one.”  Buffy grabs another one dangling it in front of Tara.  Buffy’s eyes grow wide when instead of reaching out and taking the small strawberry from her hand, Tara leans forward and captures it between her teeth.  Whimpering quietly as Tara hums as she eats the strawberry, Buffy grabs some juice and quickly downs it.

“Very good.”  Tara grins wickedly as she looks at the flushed slayer.  “I’m a junior.” 

“Huh… What are you majoring in?”  Buffy grabs another sandwich and chomps on it, trying to get her mind out of the gutter. 

Tara laughs quietly as she watches the obviously flushed slayer, relaxing even more as it sinks in that Buffy is definitely attracted to her.  Allowing herself to get comfortable, Tara grabs a couple raspberries and pops them in her mouth, chewing gently as she considers Buffy.  “Business Management is my major.  I’m minoring in Art History.  What about you?” 

Buffy rolls her eyes as she grabs a fork and one of the containers of fruit salad.  “I’m not really majoring or even minoring in anything, to tell you the truth.  I’m taking the prerequisite English, Math, History and Science courses, along with Psych, Poetry, a couple business classes.”  Buffy shrugs as she thinks about it.  “I’m taking classes, but I don’t know what I want to do.  It isn’t like I’ll probably live very long to have a job, or even graduate from college.”  Buffy admits quietly.

Tara inhales deeply at the comment, it shooting straight through her heart at the thought that this beautiful young woman could possibly die…  Actually had already died once for her calling.  Looking down at the blanket, Tara starts to think seriously about the advisability of becoming involved with Buffy.  Slowly she thinks about her past relationships, finally coming to the conclusion that there are no guarantees in life.  She, herself, could just as easily get hurt or killed before Buffy could.  Sighing quietly, Tara looks up watching as Buffy seems to be in a world of her own.  Reaching out, Tara gently traces her finger over the top of Buffy’s hand.  “Please don’t think about that.  Anyone can die at any time, Buffy.  I could get run over by a truck walking to the grocery store.  Any number of things can happen to either of us, and not necessarily because of your calling.” 

Buffy slowly nods her head in understanding.  “I know, but the likelihood is I’ll be taken out by some vampire or demon.”  Buffy explains quietly.  “I’m already one of the longest lived slayers in history.  And the more I think about it, the wiser you would be to probably stay away from me.”  Buffy sighs heavily, feeling the weight of the world come crashing down on her shoulders again.

“No.”  Tara shakes her head, threading her fingers through Buffy’s and tugging gently to get her to look up.  “Life is fleeting, Buffy.  For all of us.  We don’t know how long we’re meant to be on this earth, and all we can do is enjoy what time we have.  For some reason we were meant to run into each other.  Whether we were meant to be friends, lovers, or whatever, we were meant to know each other.  It could be for a short period of time, say weeks… but who’s to say we both won’t still be kicking around when we’re in our eighties?”  Tara smiles encouragingly at the slayer.  “We don’t know.  And that’s part of life.” 

Buffy bites her bottom lip as she looks at the Wiccan, seeing the seriousness in her gaze.  “Does this mean you would consider going out on another date with me?”  Buffy finally questions hopefully, a small smile crossing her face.

Tara chuckles at the slayer’s words, breathing a sigh of relief as Buffy finally starts to relax again.  “I don’t know…  What do you have planned for the second date?  It’ll be extremely hard to top this one.”  Tara looks at the spread of food.

“Well, unfortunately there isn’t a lot to do in Sunnydale.”  Buffy winces, before laughing quietly.  “I could always take you out on a patrol with me.  Show ya’ a good time.”  Buffy wiggles her eyebrows as she jokes with Tara.

“Oooh…  You know how to turn a girl’s head.”  Tara jokes back, picking up a grape and tossing it at the slayer, laughing as Buffy shifts and catches it in her mouth, grinning as she eats the grape.

“We have the usual, dinner, movies and the Bronze.”  Buffy shrugs as she finishes her fruit salad.  Reaching for one of the bing cherries, she pulls it off the stem, chewing around the seed before placing the seed in her empty container along with the stem.  “And if all works out, we have a dinner to go to at my mom’s.”

Tara raises an eyebrow in surprise at the slayer.  “Your mom’s?”

“Yeah.  She said if we made it to the fifth date that I had to bring you over to meet her and have dinner.”  Buffy smiles shyly at the Wiccan.

“You told her…”  Tara blinks at the realization that Buffy had obviously told her mother that she was asking her out on a date.

“Yeah.  I can’t actually take credit for the picnic, it was mom’s idea.  I was having a little mini-freak and didn’t know what to do.  She helped out with a few suggestions.”  Buffy admits quietly.

“Did she freak?”  Tara questions quietly, looking intently at Buffy.

Buffy shrugs her shoulders.  “I honestly don’t think she knew what to do or say.  It was a huge surprise for her, because as far as she knew I had never been interested in a woman before.  I’m sure we will have more discussions, but I think she’ll be open to my having a relationship with you.” 

Tara smiles softly, realizing how different Buffy is compared to most of her other relationships.  Between the sneaking around that was her first relationship, and the majority of other dates and relationships she’s had since then that she honestly believed were more experimentations, Tara sighs softly.  Buffy being so open and genuine, making her feel even better about the slayer. 

“Would you like another half of a sandwich?”  Buffy questions as she reaches for one of the chicken salad sandwiches, smiling at the Wiccan.

Tara shakes her head and pats her stomach.  “I’m fine.  I’ll probably just munch on the fruit, so go ahead and eat what you want.”  Tara laughs as Buffy grins and unwraps the sandwich with one hand, Tara realizing that she still has the slayer’s other hand clasped in hers. “Sorry.”  Tara starts to release Buffy’s fingers and pull her hand away.

“Don’t.”  Buffy gently squeezes her fingers, keeping her from removing the hand.  “I like it.”  Buffy admits quietly.

Tara shifts slightly, starting to gently stroke her thumb over the slayer’s hand.  “You’ve mentioned your mom.  What about your father?”  Tara questions hesitantly.

Buffy rolls her eyes as she finishes the bite of sandwich in her mouth.  “Non-existent.  They’re divorced and I’ve seen him twice in the last four years.”  Buffy shrugs at the thought, finally having decided it wasn’t worth getting upset about her father’s lack of being there.  “He’s married to his secretary now, so I guess he’s happy.”  Buffy looks up a brief smile crossing her face.  “What about your family?”  Buffy questions softly.

“Hmmm.”  Tara tilts her head, thinking.  “My mother died when I was seventeen.”  Tara finally admits the sadness obvious in her voice.  “She had been ill for about three years.  It was a blessing when she finally went.  She’d been in pain for so long.”  Tara shakes her head, unconsciously wiping the tears from her face at the remembrance of her mother.  Smiling softly as she feels Buffy gently squeeze her fingers in commiseration.  “I have a brother that’s two years older than me, Donnie, and my father.”  Tara reaches for a strawberry, enjoying the fresh, sweet fruit. 

“Do you see them much?”  Buffy questions, wondering with the fact that Tara mentioned getting a job for the summer.

“Not since I came here to college.”  Tara admits quietly.  “My father is a very strict man.  He pretty much disowned me when I insisted that I wanted to go to college.  My brother’s just like him.  With my grants and scholarships, Sunnydale offered the best package deal so here I am.”  Tara smiles sadly at Buffy.  “Now I understand why it’s so much cheaper to come here to school, than elsewhere.”  Tara rolls her eyes, and chuckles quietly.

“Yeah, they have a problem keeping the student population alive.” Buffy grumbles quietly.  “The vampires are attracted to the college, a lot of young fresh meat to choose from.  Kids coming home drunk, the parties that are had at the different houses, they don’t need invitations in to those.”  Buffy sighs quietly as she thinks about it. 

“And you can’t be everywhere at once.”  Tara states quietly, the understanding in her voice.

“I feel like I should.”  Buffy admits as she frowns heavily. 

“You can’t protect everyone, Buffy.”  Tara squeezes Buffy’s hand gently.  “No matter how much you would love to, you can’t.”  Tara reaches out and gently tucks a stray hair behind Buffy’s ear. 

Buffy closes her eyes at the soft touch of Tara’s fingertips caressing across her cheek and the top of her ear.  “I know I can’t, but it still doesn’t make me feel any better.” 

“Oh, sweetie.”  Tara shifts her hand to cup the slayer’s cheek, smiling sadly as Buffy leans into her hand and gently brushes her cheek against her palm.  “It isn’t your fault that people die, or get hurt.  You work and fight to help protect them.  You can’t save everyone, sweetie.  No matter how much you would love to, you can’t.”  Tara brushes her thumb gently over the velvety soft skin. 

“You’re not going to want to go on a second date with me, if we keep this up.”  Buffy opens her eyes to look at the Wiccan.  “Sorry.  I didn’t mean to be such a downer today.”

“It’s okay.”  Tara shakes her head, smiling gently at the slayer.  “Part of us getting to know each other, is finding out what our lives are like, and how we feel about things.”  Tara points to the few sandwiches that are left.  “Eat, I know you can!” 

Buffy chuckles and slowly nods her head.  “Yes, the slayer metabolism works in overdrive.” 

Tara shifts the bowls with the fruit in them closer, smiling as she picks up another strawberry, a wicked grin crossing her face.  Watching as Buffy finishes the sandwich she was eating, Tara offers the slayer the piece of fruit, teasingly dangling it just above her mouth.

Buffy looks from the strawberry to the Wiccan, she then raises an eyebrow at the glint in Tara’s eyes, daring her to take the strawberry from her fingers.  Never one to back down from a dare, Buffy leans up and captures the strawberry between her teeth while closing her lips around the strawberry and the tips of Tara’s fingers before easing back.

Tara inhales deeply at the slayer’s actions, pulling her hand back to her pounding chest.  Her eyes are drawn to Buffy’s seeing the merriment obvious in the hazel eyes, along with a hint of desire flaring in the depths.  Blinking a couple times, Tara slowly looks down.  “Don’t tease the slayer, not good for your heart.”  Tara mumbles, not meaning for Buffy to hear.  Surprised at the loud chuckle coming from Buffy, Tara jerks her head up to look at a hugely grinning Buffy.

“Good ears.”  Buffy smirks at Tara and taps her own ear with a fingertip.  “You’re allowed to tease the slayer you just have to be prepared for what I might do afterwards.”  Buffy wiggles her eyebrows, relaxing more with Tara, enjoying teasing the blushing Wiccan.

“Oh, Goddess.”  Tara blinks and blushes, looking down at the fruit.  “How come I have this feeling that I’m going to end up way over my head in this relationship?”

Buffy shakes her head.  “Nope, not over your head.  But I do have to warn you, I don’t need much sleep and my stamina is pretty good, also.”  Buffy winks exaggeratedly at the blonde, laughing as Tara clasps her heart and flops back on the blanket.  Shifting to look down at the glazed look in Tara’s eyes, Buffy uses her free hand to pat Tara gently on the cheek.  “You okay in there?”  Buffy laughs as Tara slowly shakes her head, the blonde’s eyes twinkling up at her. 

“You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?” Tara finally questions, looking up at the hazel eyes laughing down at her.  “Do you have any idea how long it’s been?  My poor libido thinks I’ve become a nun!”  Tara’s eyes open wide as she realizes what she said, she starts to stutter and blush darkly.

Buffy reaches up and presses a fingertip to Tara’s lips, smiling gently down at the Wiccan.  “Easy, Tara.  We’ll only go as fast as you want.  I kind of like the teasing we’ve been doing.  I haven’t had that in any of my past relationships.”  Buffy admits quietly, shifting her finger from Tara’s lips to stroke softly over her cheek.  “But if it’s too much, let me know.  I don’t want to embarrass you, or hurt your feelings, okay?”  Buffy explains quietly, looking into Tara’s deep blue eyes.

“Thank you, Buffy.”  Tara relaxes again, smiling up at the slayer.  Tara searches the hazel eyes above her, before reaching up with her free hand, and hooking it gently behind Buffy’s neck.  “Come here.”  Tara murmurs softly, urging the slayer to close the distance between them. 

Buffy groans quietly before leaning down, brushing her lips softly over Tara’s, moaning at the soft feel of the lips caressing over hers, the light touch.  Neither one of them deepens the kiss, just a series of soft brushes of lips against each other for a few long minutes.  Breathing heavily, Buffy slowly lifts away from Tara’s lips looking down at the dark blue, passion filled eyes.  “Wow.”  Buffy finally whispers after trying to say something for the last few minutes.

Tara slowly nods her head in agreement, a small smile playing about her lips.  “Definitely wow.”  Tara leans up and presses her lips quickly to Buffy’s once more, before dropping her head back down.  “I don’t think making out in the middle of the quad is such a good idea, though.”  Tara finally admits.

“Screw ‘em.”  Buffy growls roughly, leaning down and capturing Tara’s lips again, deepening the kiss slowly, moaning into the Wiccan’s mouth as she tastes the strawberries on the Wiccan’s tongue as they gently caress against each other.

“BUFFY?”  Willow practically yells as she and Oz walk by the couple making out on the blanket, the shock and surprise obvious in her voice, after Oz had silently pointed towards the couple and whispered Buffy to her.

Buffy groans and breaks the kiss to drop her head on Tara’s shoulder.  “Make her go away.  It was just getting to the really good part.”  Buffy whispers in Tara’s ear, making the blushing Wiccan laugh.

Tara can’t help but giggle at the slayer’s comment, before whispering back.  “Want me to send her to the Himalayas?  Or how about turn her into a bunny rabbit?” 

Buffy’s body starts to shake as the ridiculousness of the situation, along with Tara’s comments, sink in.  “You’re a wicked Wiccan, aren’t you?”

“I can be.”  Tara admits quietly, grinning.  “Are you going to talk to her?”

“I guess I should.  The last she knew, I was seeing Riley.  This should be interesting.”  Buffy grumbles, as she hears Willow mumbling and huffing beside them.  “Does she even realize it’s you?”

“Don’t think so.”  Tara admits softly.  “But she will as soon as you move.  Your hair’s kind of covering my face right now.”

“Sorry.”  Buffy chuckles as she starts to shift, letting her hair continue to cover Tara’s face while she looks down at her.  “Here we go!”  Buffy grins wickedly at Tara before leaning down and placing a quick, firm kiss on her lips before shifting back completely.

***

Chapter 3

Willow coughs and her mouth opens and shuts a couple times as Buffy rolls away from the person she’d been making out with.  It takes a few seconds for it to sink in that it’s a woman and Tara at that! 

Oz allows a small smile to quirk at his lips as his nose twitches slightly from the obvious arousal coming from both women.  Cocking an eyebrow at Buffy, he tilts his head slightly. 

“Oz, this is Tara.  Tara, this is Oz.”  Buffy stands, helping Tara up, smiling as Tara extends her hand to the werewolf.  “In case you’re not aware, he’s a werewolf.”  Buffy explains quietly. 

“Hi.”  Tara blushes lightly and smiles at the slight redhead, shaking his hand, surprised at the cool gentle handshake.

“Hey.”  Oz nods his head at her as he releases her hand and wraps the arm back around Willow’s waist.

“Willow, you know Tara.”  Buffy slowly rocks back and forth on her feet, looking at her best friend, surprised at her lack of vocabulary.

“Hi, Willow.”  Tara nods at the redhead, shifting to pick up her apple juice, finishing it quickly. 

“You… her…”  Willow shakes her head, blushing deeply.

“Tara and I are on a picnic, doing what most couples do on picnics, right?”  Buffy raises an eyebrow, her lips turning up into a smirk as Tara’s eyes start to twinkle merrily.

“That’s true.”  Tara agrees quietly, before chuckling.  “Of course, she may b-be slightly confused, since you were d-dating Riley.”  Tara tilts her head slightly.

“Oh.  That’s true.  Sorry, Wills.  I broke up with Riley.”  Buffy bites her lip to keep from laughing at the shock on the redhead’s face. 

“I think you broke her.”  Oz finally states, his eyebrow cocked at his girlfriend.  Squeezing her waist gently, he tries to break her from the stupor she seems to be in.

“You… her…”  Willow mutters again, her hand waving between the two blondes. 

“Yes?”  Buffy blinks, finally starting to get slightly irritated with her best friend.  “Do you have a problem with my dating Tara, or a woman, Willow?”

Willow shakes her head, not hearing the light warning note in her best friend’s voice.  “You don’t like women, what is this?  Your try at something different?  And what about Riley?  You were all hot and heavy with him just last week, and now you’re saying you’ve broken up??  I think you better get your priorities figured out, Buffy.  Because this just isn‘t like you!  You‘re not gay, and it is SO wrong.” 

Oz raises an eyebrow in surprise at his girlfriend, before his eyes turn to look at the lowly growling slayer.  Shifting slightly to partially block Willow from Buffy, he looks at the slayer and shakes his head.  “Don’t, please.” 

Buffy growls angrily, a little louder before shifting her eyes to Oz, seeing the silent begging in his eyes, knowing that this would come down to him and her fighting, if Willow didn’t chill.  And no matter what, Oz had been a good friend through high school, and she’d hate to have to take him down.  Slowly nodding her head in acknowledgement, Buffy finally whispers softly, so that only Oz can hear.  “Get her away from here and talk to her.  I won’t put up with her talking like that in front of me or Tara, understand?  If she can’t accept it, fine.  But she won’t put either one of us down like that.”

Oz nods his head in understanding.  “Come on, Wills.  Let’s go get a coffee.”  Oz urges the angry redhead away, not quite understanding why Willow was so upset.  Never thinking that his girlfriend would be homophobic, but silently wondering if that might be it.

“Sorry.”  Buffy mumbles, the anger still at the forefront as she watches Oz practically drag an uncooperative Willow away from them.  “I don’t know what’s wrong with her, but I never would have expected her to have a problem with gays or lesbians.”  Buffy shoves her hands in her pockets, staring after the two redheads.

Tara sighs quietly and places her hand on a tense shoulder.  “Different people react differently, Buffy.  She’s always known y-you to like men.  And honestly, the way you and R-riley were… I never would have thought you would like women.”  Tara explains quietly. 

“I like you.”  Buffy admits softly, slowly relaxing as she turns her gaze back to Tara, noticing the stutter was back, it having gone away the more they talked and became comfortable with each other.  “I…”  Sighing deeply, Buffy shakes her head.  “That put a hell of a damper on things.”  Buffy bitches quietly as she kneels down on the blanket, slowly closing the containers and packing them away methodically in the basket.

“Buffy, don’t let her ruin the g-good time we were having, please.”  Tara begs quietly as she kneels beside the slayer, helping her pack the items, her head tilted forward so her hair covers her face.

Buffy blinks and stops what she’s doing, hearing the slight quaver in Tara’s voice.  Reaching over, Buffy tilts up Tara’s chin to look in the slightly watery blue eyes.  “I’m sorry, Tara.  I shouldn’t let her idiocy bother me.”  Leaning in, Buffy gently brushes her lips over Tara’s, sighing quietly at the almost silent sob that escapes.  Wrapping her arms around the Wiccan, Buffy frowns as Tara buries her face in her neck.  Gently running her hands up and down Tara’s lightly shaking back, Buffy places a kiss on the side of Tara’s head.  “How come I get this feeling that there’s more to you being upset than Willow’s reaction?”  Buffy finally whispers after Tara slowly calmed down.

Tara takes a deep breath and slowly nods her head against Buffy’s neck.  “It r-reminded m-me a l-lot of m-my f-father’s reaction.”  Tara stuttered horribly.  “But with l-less y-yelling and h-hitting.” 

Buffy stiffens in response to hearing those words, slowly easing back from Tara urging her to look up at her.  “He hit you?”  Buffy growls angrily, her eyes flashing at the thought.

Tara slowly nods her head.  “Yes.  H-he b-beat me and w-wouldn’t l-let me g-go anywhere b-but to school a-afterwards.”  Tara admits quietly, the shame obvious in her eyes.

“He never should have laid a finger on you, Tara.  Never.”  Buffy shifts from her knees to sit down, gently urging Tara into her lap.  As the Wiccan sits sideways across her legs, Buffy wraps her arms around her waist, and rests her forehead against the woman’s shoulder.  “I’m sorry, Tara.”  Buffy hugs Tara tightly to her.  “I’ll talk with Willow after we’ve had time to cool down.  Find out what’s going on.”

Tara slowly nods her head in agreement, shifting slightly to rest her arm around Buffy’s shoulders, unthinkingly having Buffy pressed against her chest with the maneuver. 

Buffy stills as she finds her cheek pressed against Tara’s breast.  Blinking in surprise at the contact, then as she becomes aware of how much flesh is there, Buffy bites her lip to keep from moaning and rubbing against the flesh.  Running a hand from Tara’s side down to her thigh, Buffy squeezes Tara’s leg gently.

“Don’t let me end up r-ruining your friendship with W-Willow, Buffy.  Good friends l-like you two, are extremely hard to f-find in this world.  I don’t w-want to come b-between you.”  Tara explains softly, slowly relaxing into the slayer’s embrace.

“Friendship is hard to come by.”  Buffy agrees quietly.  “But so is someone to love and spend your life with.  And honestly, I’m not willing to give you up without a fight, Tara.  I think there is something here that is going to be extremely special, and I want to see if I’m right.”

Tara inhales deeply at the slayer’s words.  “Then, I guess we’re going to see if there is.”  Tara smiles as she hears the light laugh come from Buffy.

Shifting her head up, she looks up into Tara’s blue eyes.  “Back on a little more solid ground, now?”  Buffy smiles softly as Tara grins crookedly at her.  “God, I love that smile.”  Buffy admits, lifting her hand to trace her fingers over the Wiccan’s lips.  “Come on, let’s go ahead and pick up the rest of this stuff.  I can put it in my refrigerator to have for later.  What would you like to have?  You can take any and all that you want.”  Buffy offers as Tara gently eases off her lap.

“I might just take another pimiento cheese sandwich and a little bit of the fruit.  I’ll have that for dinner tonight.”  Tara finally murmurs after seeing the stubborn look crossing Buffy’s face after she had started to shake her head no to the food.

“You can walk me back to my room, so I can get rid of the majority of this stuff, then I’ll walk you to your room, how does that sound?”  Buffy offers gently as she finishes tucking away the food containers, while Tara folds the blanket.

“Ummm.”  Tara looks up nervously at Buffy, her eyes unconsciously flickering towards where Willow and Oz had disappeared to.

“They probably went to the Espresso Pump.  We’ll be gone from the room well before Willow will be back.”  Buffy explains quickly. 

Tara nods and smiles tremulously at the slayer.  “Okay.  I guess I need to deal with it, if she decides she doesn’t like me.”  Tara shrugs as she follows Buffy to her dorm. 

“No.  You don’t have to deal.  We just won’t be spending much time around her.”  Buffy explains softly.  “It’s not like I see a lot of her, anyway.  She’s usually out and gone with Oz, like I was out with Riley.  I’m honestly waiting for her to say that she’s moving in with Oz.  I know his parents made up their house with a section as an apartment with its own entrance for him.  And they love Willow.”  Buffy shrugs and smiles at Tara, opening the door to the dorm, allowing Tara to precede her in. 

“They must be n-nice people.”  Tara looks inquisitively at Buffy.  “How did he b-become a…”  Tara looks around, not finishing the question as she realizes there’re quite a few people in the area.

“His little cousin is one, hereditarily, and he bit Oz.”  Buffy explains quietly. 

Tara blinks in surprise at Buffy.  “Does he run loose, or lock himself up?”  Tara questions curiously. 

“We used to lock him up the three days a month, but he ran off to Tibet and studied with the monks.  With meditations, herbs and trances, he’s pretty much got control of his wolf side.  He does have a cage that he’ll lock himself up in, if he feels the least bit worried that he might change.”  Buffy explains as she unlocks the door to her room.

Tara looks around the room curiously having never been in it, smiling at the disorganized, slightly messy side to the almost clinical, obsessively neat side, knowing immediately that the neat side is Willow’s.  Slowly moving to the messy bed, Tara gently sits down on the edge, watching as Buffy works her way through the sandwiches, setting aside the two pimiento cheese sandwiches. 

“What fruits would you like?”  Buffy looks up, smiling at Tara before looking back down to move the partially eaten fruit salad with the pimiento cheese sandwiches. 

“Anything is fine.”  Tara tilts her head, watching Buffy as she works through the fruits, each move economical, with the least amount of fuss. 

Buffy looks towards Tara, grinning for a moment.  Grabbing a grape, she aims and tosses it gently towards Tara’s mouth, chuckling as Tara opens and catches it, chewing on the fruit.

Tara grins at the slayer’s playfulness. 

Buffy finishes giving Tara the rest of the grapes, the raspberries and her fruit salad.  She then split up the cherries between the two of them.  Quickly placing the rest of the items in the mini-refrigerator that she and Willow share, Buffy grabs a bag to place Tara’s items in, so she doesn’t have to carry around the big picnic basket.  “I would say we can hang out here for a while, but I don’t want to chance Willow coming back and there being a confrontation.”  Buffy smiles softly at Tara.

“That’s fine.”  Tara quirks her lips at Buffy, before standing to walk towards her, stopping in front of the slayer to study her for a moment before leaning in to gently press her lips against Buffy’s.  “Thank you, Buffy.”

Buffy raises her eyebrow questioningly at the Wiccan.

Tara grins crookedly at Buffy.  “For being a kind, understanding and wonderful person.”

Buffy blushes and shakes her head.  “I’m not any of those things, Tara.  I’m just me, I screw up and do stupid stuff.  More often than not I hurt the people I love, without meaning to, and I’m also a pain in the ass a lot of the time.”  Buffy admits quietly. 

Tara chuckles quietly, and tilts Buffy’s face back up from where she had been looking down at the floor.  “You are.”  Tara reiterates softly, before pressing another quick kiss to Buffy’s lips, before easing away.  “Let’s go to my room.  I wouldn’t mind talking…”  Tara trails off and wiggles her eyebrows.  “Some more when we get there, where we don’t have to worry about being interrupted.”

Buffy growls quietly, her eyes lighting up with the thought.  “That sounds like a very good, very serious plan to me.  What are we doing still standing here?”  Buffy urges a laughing Tara out the door and quickly out of the dorm.

***

Oz slides his gaze towards his girlfriend, seeing the straight line of her lips, and the clenching jaw, along with the almost stomping walk, knowing that this isn’t going to be an easy conversation.  “Should we go somewhere private?”  Oz finally questions softly.

“What?  Why?  To talk about my best friend getting all freaky with a WOMAN?”  Willow yells the word, her hands flying in the air as her face turns red.  “Buffy doesn’t like women!  She’s all with the men.  I bet she put a spell on her.”  Willow narrows her eyes dangerously as she thinks about it.  “That’s what it is!  Tara put a spell on Buffy to make her like her.  We have to see Giles and find out if there’s something we can do to get rid of it!”  Willow quickly picks up her pace, a new plan coalescing in her mind.

Oz quickly catches up to her, gently pulling her to a stop and turning her to face him.  “No, Willow.  You know she didn’t place a spell on Buffy.  What is the real problem?  Are you homophobic?  Or is it something more than that?”  Oz questions softly, his eyes searching Willow’s eyes, trying to decipher what’s really setting his girlfriend off. 

“It’s wrong, Oz.  That’s all that’s bothering me.  Two women being together is WRONG!”  Willow snarls, her eyes flashing in anger before she turns again to walk down the street.

Oz shakes his head in disbelief and quickly catches up with Willow, seeing something else in her eyes when she’d made her comments.  “She’s not stealing her away, Willow.  What is the difference if Buffy is with Riley or Tara?  Honestly Tara seems more in tune with Buffy than I ever thought Riley was.”  Oz explains quietly, having seen the two women together, seeing a togetherness and a rightness to them being a couple.  Something he hadn’t seen between Buffy and Riley.

“Yes she is!  She’s trying to steal Buffy from me…”  Willow turns on her boyfriend, practically snarling the words, before snapping her mouth shut in anger, her eyes flashing.

Oz raises an eyebrow at his girlfriend, silently waiting for her to say or do something else. 

“Damn you.”  Willow growls as she turns and stomps a couple yards away before crossing her arms across her chest and stares across the street.  “If she has her, why would she need me anymore?”  Willow finally questions after analyzing her own feelings and fears.

“You’re friends, Will.  You always will be, as long as you don’t fuck up again, like you just did.  You hurt Buffy terribly with your attitude, and she won’t stand for it.  She is willing to fight, literally fight for Tara.  Did she do that with anyone else?  No.  She argued and disagreed regarding Angel, but she never fought anyone over him.”  Oz tries to explain.  “I think she really truly could love Tara.  But she needs her friends there to support her.  It’s not an easy road, what she’s going to have to deal with.  But she obviously feels it’s worthwhile.”

Willow slowly crumples as Oz’s words sink in, the tears slowly coming to her eyes.  “Did I screw it up past the point of making things right?”  Willow tearfully asks Oz, starting to sniffle as she realizes what a hateful uncaring bitch she had been.

“I don’t think so.  But you might want to give it a little while for things to calm down.  Then maybe mochas and muffins…”  Oz suggests reaching up to gently brush a tear away from Willow’s cheek.  “Maybe a huge apology to Tara, also.”

Willow sighs heavily as she steps into Oz’s embrace, burying her head in his neck as she cries quietly.  “I was afraid that Tara was going to take my place.  All I could see was how happy Buffy was, making out in the middle of the quad with a woman and so obviously happy and at ease…  I haven’t ever seen her eyes light up like that.  I’m so scared that she isn’t going to need me anymore.”

“Wills, she loves you.”  Oz whispers, holding Willow tightly.  “You’re best friends and have been through more in the last couple years than most people have been through in over thirty years of friendship.  Just talk with her, explain what your real problem is.  Give her a chance, my beautiful woman.”  Oz strokes his hands softly over Willow’s back, smiling softly as Willow chuckles.

“I don’t know how you put up with me, but thank you.”  Willow rubs her cheek softly on Oz’s shoulder.

“We’ve both screwed up, but we’re both willing to work out our problems.  Just be willing to talk with her, okay.”  Oz suggests softly, stroking a hand down Willow’s hair. 

“Okay.”  Willow agrees softly, her mind trying to work out a plan of action of how to apologize and talk to Buffy. 

***

“Finn!”  Maggie Walsh yells, looking at the soldier as he comes to attention in front of her. 

“Yes, Ma’am!”  Riley stares at a point over the Professor’s shoulders.

“We are heavy in vampires, but a lot of other demons we don’t have.  I’d like you to make sure to try and capture as many other demons as possible, for us to test.”  Maggie looks down at her clipboard flipping the pages as she looks down. “We haven’t been having much luck with the chip modifiers.  It’s looking promising for the vampires, but with the differing physiology of the other demons, it makes it hard to find the right nerve endings to attach the chips to.”  Maggie looks back up at Riley, frowning slightly.  “Get your crew together and start gathering as many as you can.  That’s all.”

“Ma’am!”  Riley does a quick about face and strides out of the office, working his way out of the Initiative and up into the house his group used, calling the crew in for a meeting.

“What’s up?”  Forrest asks as the rest of the group gathers around Riley.

“We’ve got orders to hunt out and grab as many demons as possible.  NOT vampires, but all the other kinds we can come across.  So, we’re going on a serious hunt, seek and capture mission.  I want everyone to gear up and we’ll split up into two groups, search out the sewers, make sure you’re prepared.”  Riley looks from one man to the other until he’s looked at them all.  “Be back here in an hour.” 

Riley turns and heads out of the room, jogging up the stairs to go to his bedroom, hesitating at the dresser as he looks at a picture of Buffy tucked in the corner of the mirror.  Reaching up and pulling the small picture down, Riley tilts his head, considering the slayer.  “Why couldn’t you just let me take care of you?  With us being here, you could have stayed home, we would take care of the demons and evil.”  Riley growls quietly as he looks down at the picture of the blonde grinning in the picture.  “But no, you want to be in charge, you have to go out and risk your life.”  Riley crumples the picture in his hand and tosses it in the trash.  “So be it.” 

***

Chapter 4

Buffy grins as she works her way across campus after finishing patrol.  Thinking about the past couple weeks, visiting Tara and urging the Wiccan to join her for impromptu dinners and coffees at the different small restaurants around town, Buffy’s eyes twinkle.  The serious make-out sessions where Tara would slowly back away when things were starting to get heated. 

Buffy’s grin slowly turns into a soft smile as she remembers the discussion the two of them had after the picnic.  How Tara explained that she would like to try and take things somewhat slowly.  Buffy smirks at remembering how she’d closed the distance between herself and the Wiccan to tuck some hair behind her ear, questioning her softly if kissing and going out frequently was allowed.  When Tara had chuckled then leaned down and kissed her longingly, Buffy had whimpered with desire when Tara had finally eased away. 

Since that time, Buffy had stopped over to visit Tara frequently, and both of them had called each other the times they weren’t able to see each other.  Tara even insisting on Buffy calling when she made it in from patrol, no matter what time it was.  Buffy bites her lip as she realizes that she has come to care for the Wiccan deeply.  And everything Tara said and did, pointed to the fact that Tara obviously cares for her, also.

Slowly frowning, Buffy thinks about Willow.  The redhead had obviously come by their dorm room when she was gone one day and taken some of her clothes with her.  Oz had tracked her down and explained that Willow was ashamed and embarrassed by her reaction.  That she was trying to figure out what to say to her, and that dating a woman wasn’t the real problem.  Buffy slowly runs a hand through her hair as she strides up the stairs to her room silently wondering what the problem really is. 

***

Willow paces nervously up and down the hallway for ten minutes before finally taking a deep breath as she stops and knocks on the door.

Tara smiles at the knock on the door, thinking maybe Buffy had decided to stop in and see her, even after her saying that she would call when she got back from patrol.  Opening the door, Tara’s smile slowly disappears as she looks at the redhead.   

Willow blushes lightly and looks down at the floor, scuffing her toe.  “Can we talk?”  Willow finally questions nervously as she looks back up to Tara’s guarded blue eyes.  Slowly walking in the room, as Tara opens the door further and steps back, Willow tucks her hands in her pockets, glancing around the room, smiling at the crystals and incense, Willow’s gaze finally lands on Tara, who’s leaning against the wall by the closed door, with her arms crossed over her chest, watching her closely.  Smiling nervously, Willow looks down for a few minutes, trying to figure out what to say, now that she was here. 

Tara tilts her head, watching the redhead.  Seeing the obvious nervousness and worry, Tara sighs quietly.  “Please have a seat, Willow.”  Tara waves towards the bed as she moves towards her desk, pulling out the chair to sit across from Willow, as Willow perches on the edge of the bed.  “What were you w-wanting to talk about?”

Willow plucks nervously at her pants as she looks up hesitantly.  Sighing deeply, Willow’s shoulders sag and she shakes her head.  “I want to apologize for what I said.”  Seeing the surprise cross Tara’s face, Willow allows a small smile to cross her face.  “It honestly wasn’t you or your being a woman that set me off…”  Willow hesitates for a minute.  “That’s not exactly true.”  Shaking her head she raises her hand as she sees Tara start to open her mouth to say something.

Tara snaps her mouth shut again at the redhead’s motion, her back stiff as she waits to see what Willow is planning on saying.  Not knowing how she will react if Buffy’s best friend decides she can’t deal with them being a couple.  Buffy had put up a brave front, but she knows that the slayer thinks a lot of the redhead and it will break her heart if Willow doesn’t accept their burgeoning relationship.  And honestly, Willow’s acceptance, more than anything, is what’s holding Tara back from taking the next step with the slayer.  Pulling away and stopping taking a serious toll on both her and Buffy.

Willow watches the various emotions crossing Tara’s face.  Finally just spitting out the reason why she went off.  “I was… am, jealous of you.  I’m afraid you’re going to take my place with Buffy.”

Tara blinks in surprise as Willow’s words circle around her brain.  Slowly shaking her head, she leans forward.  “Willow, I don’t want to t-take your place.”  Tara explains softly, searching the nervous green eyes.  “Buffy wants and needs your friendship.  You two have been friends for a while and b-been through a lot together.  I don’t want to come b-between that.  I just want the chance to lo…”  Tara drops her eyes and takes a deep breath.  “I just want the chance to be with Buffy, see where our r-relationship is going and to be with her whenever possible.”

Willow bites her lip as she watches Tara’s face as she says Buffy’s name.  Seeing the love, yes the love, the Wiccan obviously has for her best friend.  “I’m really sorry, Tara.”  Willow hesitantly reaches out to place her hand on Tara’s forearm for a moment, before pulling it back.  “I went off just spouting a lot of shit, when deep down I was afraid that I was going to lose Buffy’s friendship.”

Tara slowly nods her understanding.  “You need to talk with Buffy, Willow.  You hurt her deeply.  Probably more than you realize.  You two have been through a lot together, and with everything you said, you about tore her heart in two.  Then without you calling or stopping by the dorm to talk to her…”  Tara sighs softly as she glances down before looking back up.  “Go talk to her, Willow.  I’m afraid that she’s thinking you can’t stand to be around her.”

Willow shakes her head looking down.  “It’s not that.  I’m embarrassed and just don’t know what to say.”  Willow explains, frowning.

“Tell her you’re sorry, that you don’t have a problem with her dating a woman, and let her know that you love her, and will be there for her, being her friend no matter what.”  Tara softly whispers, a small smile playing across her lips.

Willow allows an answering smile to cross her face.  “Are we going to be okay?”  Willow looks seriously at Tara.

“I think so.”  Tara grins crookedly at Willow.  “Go make up with Buffy, Willow.  We’ll go from there.”  Tara’s eyes look at the clock when the phone rings.  “I would assume that’s Buffy now, back from patrol.”

Willow looks at the clock, chuckling quietly.  “I’ll head over there now.”

Tara nods her head and smiles as Willow stands and walks to the door.  “Be careful, Willow.”

Willow pulls out the cross and holy water, smiling.  “Always.”

Tara picks up the phone as she watches the door shut behind Willow.  “Hello.”

Buffy smiles.  “Started to worry me when you didn’t pick up right away.”  Buffy quickly pulls out and puts away her weapons, running a hand through her hair. 

“Sorry, I was kind of sidetracked.”  Tara admits, smirking as she shifts on the chair and runs her finger down the side of the phone.  “How was patrol tonight, sweetie?”

“Four vampires less in the world.”  Buffy leans against the wall.  “Can I talk you into spending the day with me tomorrow, and possibly having dinner tomorrow night at my mom’s?”  Buffy holds her breath, as she waits for Tara’s answer.  Her mind tripping back to one of the conversations she’d had with her mother.  Buffy was surprised when her mom had questioned her, asking how things were going between her and Tara, finally asking if she would like to bring Tara to dinner. 

“All day… and dinner with your mom?”  Tara picks up a book, idling flipping through it, not paying attention to the book itself as she thinks.  “You may be able to twist my arm.”

“Hmmm.  I don’t want to twist your arm, but I’m sure I could come up with something else to… entice you with.”  Buffy’s voice becomes husky.  “Can I come over early tomorrow morning?”

“As early as you want.”  Tara chuckles softly. 

Buffy looks at the clock, seeing it’s almost 1 am.  “Technically it’s morning…”  Buffy hints softly. 

“Yes, but I have a feeling you’re going to be busy for an hour or so.”  Tara grins crookedly when she hears the groan of frustration coming from the slayer. 

“It won’t take me that long to shower and clean up.”  Buffy smiles as Tara chuckles warmly. 

“No, but it will take that long to have a long overdue discussion.”  Tara explains, figuring that Willow should be close to getting home.

“Huh?”  Buffy questions, her eyes going to the door when she hears the key in the lock.  “Do you know something I don’t?”  Buffy shifts to stand, watching as a lightly blushing Willow walks in the door.  “Hey, Wills.”  Buffy looks at the redhead.

“That’s my cue to get off the phone.  Listen to what she says, and what she’s trying to say, sweetie.”  Tara suggests quietly.

“I’ll talk to you later, Tara.”  Buffy smiles as Tara wishes her a quiet good night, before slowly hanging the phone up, watching Willow nervously shift from one foot to the other.

Willow wrings her hands together nervously as she works her way to her bed, dropping on it before slowly raising her eyes to look at Buffy.  “I…”  Willow feels the tears slowly gather in her eyes as she looks at Buffy.  “I’m an idiot.”  Willow finally breaks down, crying softly.

Buffy swallows the knot that’s lodged in her throat, closing the distance between them, sitting beside Willow and slowly wrapping her arm around the redhead.  “Wills…”

“I didn’t mean it.”  Willow shakes her head and leans against Buffy as the slayer’s arm squeezes her tighter.  “I was afraid I was going to lose your friendship.  That Tara was going to take my place.”

Buffy sighs quietly, shaking her head.  “Wills, she doesn’t want to take your place.”

“I know.”  Willow runs her hand roughly over her face.  “I talked with her before coming here.”  Willow admits quietly.  “She cares for you… a lot.”  Willow turns her face to look at Buffy, chuckling softly as she sees a look, not unlike the look that Tara had had on her face, crossing Buffy’s face.  “I guess it’s kind of mutual, huh?”

“I think I’m falling in love with her.”  Buffy sighs softly, a goofy grin crossing her face.  “We’re going to dinner at home tomorrow.”

“Visiting Joyce, huh?”  Willow sighs quietly.  “Are we going to be okay, Buffy?”

“Yeah, we’re going to be okay.  Maybe we can plan on all of us getting together for a couples night, next weekend.”  Buffy suggests softly, hugging Willow. 

“Have you talked with Xander yet?”  Willow’s eyes start to twinkle at Buffy.

Buffy groans and shakes her head.  “No, I haven’t.  Giles ‘dear Lorded’ me probably twenty times before mumbling something about whatever made me happy.  Mom and I talked a few times.  She was shocked, but she’s coming around.  I think once she meets Tara, she’ll probably love her like another daughter.”

“She is a wonderful woman.”  Willow admits, smiling sardonically.  “She was more worried about your feelings, than herself when I was talking to her.  A little different for you, huh?” 

Buffy laughs quietly, slowly nodding her head as she leans her head against Willows.  “Very different.  She’s happy just sitting and talking.  She wants to make sure I get home from patrol each night okay, and Gods….”  Buffy blows air up into her hair.  “Can she ever kiss.”  Buffy grunts when Willow laughs and elbows her in the ribs.

“Buffy!”  Willow chuckles and rocks against the slayer.  “So, have you two…”  Willow wiggles her eyebrows, giggling when Buffy blushes

“No, not yet.”  Buffy shakes her head, whimpering quietly.  “I’m afraid I’m going to turn into a complete basket case by the time we do, though.”  Buffy admits, flopping back on the bed and looking up at the ceiling. 

Willow shifts to look at Buffy, thrumming her fingers on the slayer’s stomach.  “Basket case, huh?”

Buffy nods her head, turning it to look at Willow, blushing at the redhead.  “I can just be in the room with her, and I want to pounce.  We’ve gotten to the point where we meet down in the common room, just to try and keep some semblance of control.”

“Why haven’t you…”  Willow frowns as she looks at Buffy.  “I mean if you both are getting that wound up…”

“I don’t know.”  Buffy groans, throwing an arm over her eyes.  “In a way it’s been quick… but in another way, I feel like I’ve known her forever.”

Willow runs a hand through her hair as she runs over her discussion with Tara, the way she reacted to the things she said.  “Buffy…”  Willow looks at Buffy waiting for the slayer to pull her arm away from her eyes to look at her.  “You know her.  Do you think that she may have been holding back because of what happened?”

Buffy blinks at Willow as she thinks about what she said.  “You mean what you said?”  At Willows dark blush and quick nod, Buffy considers it for a few minutes. 

“I know she didn’t even consider herself when I was there tonight, she talked about you and your feelings the whole time.”  Willow explains softly.  “Is she the kind of person that would give up her own happiness for another person?”  Willow looks at Buffy, already knowing the answer with the way Tara had looked while talking about the slayer.

“In a heartbeat.”  Buffy whispers.  “Do you think she’s holding back on us taking this final step, because she was afraid you might not have been kosher with it?” 

Willow’s haunted eyes watch the slayer as she swallows and slowly nods her head.  “I think she’s in love with you, Buffy.  But I’m also thinking that if she thought it came down to it, she would give you up so we wouldn’t lose our friendship.” 

Buffy looks back up at the ceiling.  “But I told her I thought there was something special between us.  That I wanted to see where it led.”

Willow grasps Buffy’s hand, holding it tightly.  “Buffy, she’s a completely selfless person.  But if you can forgive me for my stupid words, and then tell her that we’re back on an even keel.”  Willow wiggles her head as she thinks.  “I bet you might get lucky!”  Willow smirks as Buffy smacks her lightly. 

Buffy lays there thinking for a few minutes her leg starting to bounce in consideration.  “Do you honestly think that’s why?  That she was just waiting for your approval of our relationship?”  Buffy questions curiously, breaking it down to the basic level.

“I believe so, Buff.”  Willow rolls off the bed and walks to the phone, waving it at the slayer.  “What’cha say?  Want to test out the theory?” 

Buffy’s eyes widen as she looks at Willow before they drop to the phone in Willow‘s hand.  Slowly standing she walks over and grabs the phone.  “What about us, do we need to talk some more?”  Buffy questions softly.

Willow smiles and hugs Buffy quickly.  “I think you and Tara are the important thing here.  Plus, if my best friend is feeling frustrated, she might end up being off her game and getting hurt.  Can’t have that.” 

Buffy chuckles quietly.  “You’re here for the night?  Or do I need to take you somewhere?”

“Nah.  I’m good.  I’ll be staying here.  Call, Buff.  I’ll be good and not listen in.”  Willow winks and walks back to her bed, pulling the pillow up and wrapping it around her head, humming.

Buffy laughs at her best friend and shakes her head, motioning to her to stop.  Smiling softly as Willow drops the pillow.  “Goof.”  Buffy grumbles before punching in Tara’s phone number, smiling softly as the Wiccan picks up before it finishes ringing the first time.

“Hey.”  Tara answers the phone, tilting her head.

“Hey, Tara.  What are you doing?”  Buffy questions softly, smiling as she hears the quiet laugh come through the line.

“Hoping you might call.”  Tara answers truthfully.  “How are things?”

“We’re good.  Extremely good.”  Buffy admits.  Taking a deep breath, Buffy finally questions Tara quietly.  “Can I ask you a question?”

“Anything.”  Tara relaxes into the chair, pulling her legs up against her chest while wrapping her free arm around her knees. 

“Uhh…”  Buffy growls and takes a deep breath, starting over.  “Was there a particular reason you were holding off on us being together, and would that reason possibly be all taken care of now?”  Buffy rushes out softly, her brows drawn together over her eyes as she waits for the answer.

Tara blinks, trying to make sense of Buffy’s words. “Buffy, sweetie, you’ve sort of confused me.”

Willow rolls her eyes and stands up, grabbing the phone from the slayer’s sweaty palm.  “Tara, it’s me, Willow.  What Buffy is trying to ask is… Is the reason you two haven’t been together because of me?”  Willow states baldly, blushing lightly as Buffy whimpers.

Tara blushes and looks at the phone before putting it back against her ear.  “Ummm…” Tara doesn’t know what to say, stunned as she thinks about what Willow just asked.

“I won’t take it personally, Tara. But I have a gut feeling that maybe you’ve been holding back because of my reaction, is that part of the reason?”  Willow questions softly.  “I want truth here, no hedging and no partial truths.”  Willow explains quickly. 

Tara sighs quietly.  “Your acceptance of us being a couple was the last main hang up, yes.”  Tara finally admits after a few minutes.

Buffy’s eyes widen as she listens in, her gaze turned towards Willow. 

Willow silently hands the phone over to Buffy, smiling sadly.  “Gather her up and keep her, Buffy.  Love her she sure as hell deserves it.”

“Thank you, Wills.”  Buffy whispers softly before putting the phone to her ear.  “Tara, love?”  Buffy questions softly.

Tara blinks as her heart literally leaps at the slayer’s words.  “Yes, sweetie?” 

“After I take a quick shower, would it be okay if I come over there?”  Buffy’s voice drops down a notch, becoming huskier.  “We don’t have to… I just want to hold you, if that’s okay?”

“I’ll be waiting for you.”  Tara answers her, her voice even deeper.  “Be careful.”

“I will.  I’ll be over after I shower.”  Buffy inhales a shaky breath and whispers a soft see you into the phone in answer to Tara’s see you in a few.

“Go shower, I’ll pack you an overnight bag.”  Willow offers, already grabbing out one of the many gym bags that they have in the closet.

“Thanks, Wills.”  Buffy hugs Willow quickly before grabbing a shirt and a pair of jeans out of the closet, grabbing her shower kit before taking off out the dorm room at the speed of a bullet.

Willow chuckles and shakes her head.  “I guess she’s planning on being easy access, she didn’t stop to grab any underwear.”  Willow grins wickedly as she intentionally doesn’t pack any underwear or sleepwear for Buffy.  Just placing socks, jeans and another shirt in the bag, leaving it unzipped so Buffy can throw her shower kit in it when she gets back. 

Laughing quietly as she thinks about her exuberant best friend, Willow grabs her own nightshirt out of the drawer before leaning down to untie her tennis shoes, preparing to get ready for bed.  Biting her lip, Willow silently thanks the Goddess for not letting her screw up her friendship with the slayer. 

***

Chapter 5

Buffy slides to a stop outside Tara’s dorm room, running a shaking hand through her damp hair.  Taking a couple deep breaths to calm down, Buffy lightly bangs her forehead against the door wondering what might happen now.  Thinking about the heavy make out sessions the two women had, how the hands had started to venture but when hands had come into contact with starting swells, Tara had pulled away.  Groaning in remembrance of the heat and the flesh just under her fingertips numerous times, Buffy bites her lips as she tries to get control of the desire coursing through her at just the remembrance.

Tara tilts her head as she hears the light single bang at her door.  Raising an eyebrow, she chuckles softly as she feels Buffy outside the door.  Easing the door open, she grabs for the slayer as she starts to fall inwards.  “Whoa!  Easy there.”  Tara laughs quietly as Buffy looks up at her with embarrassment written all over her face.

“Hi?!”  Buffy raises an eyebrow, blushing as she straightens up, walking into the room as Tara tugs gently on her jeans.  Turning she watches the Wiccan shut and lock the door.

Tara allows her eyes to caress over the slayer, smiling softly at the still wet hair and the obvious damp spots working their way through the slayer’s clothes, from where Buffy obviously didn’t dry her body completely before pulling her clothes on.  Her eyes zeroing in for a moment on the nipples poking insistently against the shirt, Tara moans and leans back against the door, closing her eyes tightly. 

“Are you okay?”  Buffy questions as she closes the distance between them, dropping her bag to the side by the door as she looks at Tara.

Tara slowly opens her eyes to look into curious hazel eyes, before chuckling quietly.  “Were you honestly planning on us just curling up and sleeping together?”  Tara tilts her head as she watches Buffy blush and drop her eyes.  Laughing quietly, Tara hooks a finger in a belt loop and tugs Buffy the short distance to her. 

“I’ll be happy to just be with you, Tara.”  Buffy explains softly, slowly raising her arms and wrapping them around the Wiccan’s neck.  “But if I get more than that, I am SO not complaining.”

Tara grins crookedly down at the slayer as she wraps her arms around her waist.  “Honey, you coming over here, still damp from your shower kind of gave that away.”  When she watches as Buffy furrows her brows in confusion, Tara presses a quick kiss to her lips before running a hand up Buffy’s side to cup a pert breast in her hand.  “Happy.”  Tara murmurs before brushing a thumb over the hard nipple.

“Oh, God…”  Buffy closes her eyes and presses her body against Tara’s hand.

“I think someone forgot to put on a bra after her shower.”  Tara starts to stroke more firmly over the slayer’s breast, nibbling on her lip as she watches the desire cross Buffy’s face.

“Not the only thing I didn’t put on.”  Buffy finally drags her eyelids open to look at Tara.  “I was kinda in a hurry.”  Buffy places her hands on the door on either side of Tara’s head as she presses her body firmly against Tara.  “If you want to lie down and sleep that will be fine, Tara.”

“I think we both know we want more than that, honey.”  Tara runs her hands down Buffy’s back to clasp her butt cheeks gently. 

Buffy growls hungrily as Tara slides a thigh firmly between her legs.  Closing the distance between their lips, Buffy captures Tara’s in a firm, carnal kiss.  The two women searching out each other’s mouths as their bodies press against each other hard.  Finally working her way down Tara’s neck, after they end the kiss to drag much needed oxygen into their starved lungs, Buffy nips lightly on the Wiccan’s pulse point. Hearing the low groan coming from Tara, Buffy smirks and pushes her top slightly to give herself more skin to work on, nibbling along the collar bone while dragging a hand down to wiggle its way under the woman’s top, caressing firmly over the warm skin.

“Planning on taking me here against the door?  Or do you want to move this to a more comfortable place?”  Tara chuckles as Buffy jerks her head up, her face beet red.  “Honey, I’m game either way.  I just thought with this being our first time together, a more comfortable spot wouldn’t go amiss.  We can come back to a wall, door or whatever else you can think of later.”

Buffy whimpers and buries her face against Tara’s neck in embarrassment.  “Are you trying to embarrass me on purpose?”

“No. If I was trying to embarrass you on purpose, I’d drag your ass out in the hallway and ravage you in front of everybody.  And the people have a tendency to come stumbling in starting now, from being out partying all night.”  Tara gently eases Buffy backwards towards her bed. 

“You wouldn’t?”  Buffy looks up at Tara’s mischief filled eyes.  Opening her eyes wide, Buffy’s mouth drops open.  “You would!”

Tara grins crookedly at the slayer.  “I wouldn’t do it to embarrass you, but in the heat of the moment, I might do something like that.  You have a tendency to short-circuit my brain waves when we‘re together, honey.  I like to forget where we‘re at.”  Tara admits as she stops with them standing beside her bed. 

Tilting her head, Buffy raises an eyebrow in consideration.  “How about in public on purpose?”  Seeing the frown of confusion on Tara’s face, Buffy sniggers.  “Say you go out on patrol with me one night, and things are quiet…”  Buffy wiggles her eyebrows as she leans in to kiss Tara’s ear.

“I guess you’ll have to try it and see.”  Tara chuckles before groaning as Buffy captures her earlobe and starts to suck on it. 

“Count on it.”  Buffy growls into Tara’s ear as she starts to work the Wiccan’s shirt up her body, her fingertips dragging over the warm skin.  Her knees almost buckle when she comes into contact with warm, soft flesh.  “I’m not the only one not wearing a bra.”

“Hmmm.  No, you’re not.  But I was getting ready for bed.”  Tara murmurs, whimpering quietly as Buffy’s fingers stroke softly on the flesh where it meets her ribs. 

Buffy chuckles wickedly. “So was I.”  Grinning as Tara laughs.  “Can I?”  Buffy finally looks at Tara as she tugs gently on the top. 

“If I get to return the favor.”  Tara’s hands play over the slayer’s top, her fingers sliding one button through the hole quickly. 

“I’d say we strip and jump in bed so I can start worshipping your body, but that’s not very romantic.”  Buffy admits softly. 

“It could be.” Tara whispers as she eases back from Buffy, quickly lighting a couple more candles before going to turn the lights off.  Turning back, Tara closes the distance slowly between her and Buffy, smiling softly. 

Buffy watches as Tara slowly starts to ease her clothes off.  Swallowing hard as the blonde Wiccan’s body comes into view.  Her hands starting to shake as she tries to keep them from reaching out to touch the pale, firm body being uncovered before her eyes. 

Tara raises an eyebrow as she watches the sweat start to pop out over the slayer’s face as she finishes pulling her shirt off, tossing it in the corner.  As she starts to push her pants down over her hips she quirks her lips as she watches Buffy’s hands start to shake and finally clench tightly.  “Do you want me to stop?”  Tara questions softly, her pants just past the swell of her hips.

It takes Buffy a moment to realize that Tara was speaking to her, and another few minutes to realize what she asked.  Jerking her eyes from the Wiccan’s desirable body, she looks into serious blue eyes.  “God, no!”  Buffy shakes her head vehemently.  “What would make you ask that?”  Buffy’s eyes are wide as she looks at Tara.

“You seem to be extremely nervous.  You’re clenching your hands into fists and you still have your clothes on.”  Tara points out quietly. 

“Nervous, maybe a little.  More like my blood is pounding through my veins faster than I can ever remember it moving before.  Hands are clenched to keep from reaching out to touch you.”  Buffy stops here as she looks down at her body, realizing she hasn’t removed any of her clothes.  “As for the clothes, that can be remedied in seconds.”

Tilting her head inquiringly at the slayer, Tara questions softly.  “Why are you clenching your hands to keep from touching me?  I think that’s part of the plan here tonight, isn’t it?”

Buffy slowly nods her head, as she bites her lip.  “But I didn’t want to literally attack you while you were trying to get your clothes off.”  Buffy finally raises her shaking hands and fumbles with the buttons of her shirt as she watches Tara slide her pants the rest of the way down her long legs, moaning quietly at the scrap of cloth covering the witch’s mound.

Tara bites the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing as Buffy’s hands have trouble with unbuttoning her shirt as they send one button pinging off the wall when the slayer jerked it loose.  “Let me.”  Tara licks her lips as she gently pushes Buffy’s hands away from the slayer’s top.  Watching her own, slightly shaky hands work their way down Buffy’s shirt.  As she finishes sliding the last button through the hole, Tara raises her eyes to look into slightly dilated hazel eyes.  “May I take it off?”  Tara runs her hands back up the edges of the shirt, placing her hands on warm flesh just above Buffy’s chest.

“Please.”  Buffy whimpers, her eyes entranced by the lips in front of her, leaning in and capturing them even as Tara slides her shirt off, groaning in pleasure as she comes into contact with warm flesh under her hands and their breasts pressing against each other as she gaps the distance between them.

“Goddess, Buffy!”  Tara cries out quietly after the slayer finally releases her lips and quickly works her way down her neck to kiss her way across her chest, nipping at the starting swells of the flesh there.

“I haven’t the slightest idea what I’m doing.”  Buffy mutters as she finally captures a nipple between her lips, alternating sucking on it gently to stroking it with her tongue, to finally capturing it between her teeth to bite gently on the hardened flesh, smiling as she hears the sexy low groan coming from Tara.  “So if there’s some comment, thought, suggestion, whatever… let me know.”  Buffy continues before working her way over to the other nipple, becoming more confident in her ministrations at the groans and Tara’s hands grasping her head, pulling her in tighter against the breast she’s lavishing attention on. 

“Keep… doing… what… you’re… doing…”  Tara pants out in pleasure as Buffy starts to love her breasts even more earnestly at her words.  Feeling her knees start to weaken, Tara’s surprised when she feels strong arms support her, picking her up to swing her around and lay her on the bed, the warm body settling on top of her, even as Buffy keeps up the suckling at her nipple during the whole maneuver.

Inhaling deeply through her nose as she works her way over to the other breast, Buffy whimpers deep in her throat at the smell of arousal coming from the Wiccan.  As she settles her body more firmly into Tara, Buffy drops her head against Tara’s breast at the wet heat pressing against her lower abdomen.

Tara unconsciously presses up into Buffy’s body as the slayer settles more firmly against her apex.  Releasing the grip she has on the slayer’s head, she runs her hands down the strong back, digging her fingers lightly into Buffy’s back.  “Honey?”

Buffy slowly raises her head to look at Tara, stunned into silence at the depth of arousal and love staring back at her from those blue depths.  Seeing the question and hint of worry come into Tara’s warm eyes, Buffy shakes her head before leaning up to kiss Tara softly.  “Sensory overload.”  Buffy whispers smiling at Tara softly.

“Are you sure, honey?”  Tara pulls a hand around to brush her thumb gently over Buffy’s bottom lip.  When Buffy nods her head quickly in answer, Tara grins crookedly, a hint of mischief in her eyes.  “You haven’t seen nothing yet!”  Tara shifts, rolling them over as she looks down into surprised hazel eyes.  Propping herself up on one elbow Tara tilts her head considering Buffy for a few moments.  “You’re still overdressed, honey.”  Tara murmurs as she runs her hand from Buffy’s mouth across her chest detouring for a few minutes to stroke softly over the firm flesh, her mouth starting to water as the dark rosy nipples harden down to little nubs.  Plucking firmly at one of the hard nubs, Tara runs her tongue tantalizingly over her lips as she fights the urge to dip her head down and try to suck the whole pert breast in her mouth.  It suddenly hits her that she doesn’t have to fight the urge, as soon as that thought works it’s way through her head, Tara shifts and dips her head down to swirl her tongue teasingly around Buffy’s nipple, moaning quietly as she feels the flesh firm and crinkle under her tongue before finally capturing flesh in her mouth, suckling firmly on the hard nub.

“GOD, Tara!”  Buffy groans loudly as she presses up into the warm cavern, her hands wrapping around Tara’s shoulders, her fingers squeezing gently.  Whimpering as Tara releases the nipple, but moaning loudly as she feels a warm, wet tongue dragging it’s way over the rest of her breast and a mouth latching onto her flesh, sucking hungrily. 

Tara finally releases the flesh she’d been attracted to, smiling at the red mark before placing a soft kiss on her mark.  Her eyes search out Buffy’s hazel eyes, seeing the desire flaming brightly.  “May I help take off the rest of your clothes?”  Tara runs her hand down to play around the waist band of Buffy’s pants.

“Please.”  Buffy nods her head quickly at Tara, frowning as Tara shifts off the bed.  “Hey, didn’t want you to go away.”  Buffy grabs Tara’s hand, tugging on it to try and get her back.

Tara chuckles and shakes her head.  “In a moment, honey.”  Tara eases her hand away from Buffy’s before running it down across the slayer’s abdomen, circling a finger around the tiny belly button.

“Tara…”  Buffy growls as she feels the desire seem to coalesce directly under Tara’s finger. 

Tara allows a small smile to cross her face as she hears the desire and light warning in Buffy’s tone.  Digging her fingers gently into the slayer’s stomach, arching her hand to scrape her blunt, short nails over the flesh, Tara raises an eyebrow at the deep inhaled breath coming from Buffy while the slayer’s body arches up into her caress.

“Teasing the slayer is dangerous.  You are aware of that, aren’t you?”  Buffy growls, her voice deep with desire. 

“Teasing is when you aren’t planning on giving satisfaction, love.  And I plan on satisfying any and all of your needs.”  Tara explains, in a low, intense voice, her eyes rising to show her seriousness as she looks into Buffy’s hazel eyes. 

Buffy whimpers at the knowledge that Tara is very serious.  “What if my need right now was for us to get rid of the rest of these clothes separating us, and for me to explore you?”

“Then that’s what you’ll have.”  Tara murmurs, seeing the intense need in Buffy’s eyes for something she obviously wants and needs.  Sliding her hands down to Buffy’s jeans, Tara quickly unbuttons the button fly jeans before sliding her hands under the jeans, watching Buffy the whole time as she pushes the pants down the strong legs, feeling the muscles flexing under her hands as Buffy lifts her body to help.  Working her way down the bed and around to the end, Tara drops her eyes, breaking the eye contact with Buffy as she pulls off the slayer’s pants, before allowing her eyes to caress up the muscular legs to the completely bald mound, her legs weakening for a moment at the sight of the desire glistening on Buffy’s inner thighs and mound.  Growling low in her throat, Tara reaches down and slides her panties off to kick them aside as she climbs into the bed beside Buffy, lying on her side she looks at the slayer.  “I’m yours, honey.”  Tara whispers as she kisses Buffy firmly.

Groaning at the desire the kiss flames to a hotter degree, Buffy runs her hand through Tara’s hair, holding her lips against hers as she deepens the kiss for a few long minutes, before easing away.  “I’m yours, also, Tara.  Do you mind that I want to…”  Buffy frowns lightly and trails off as she runs her fingers through the blonde soft hair. 

“That you want to be in charge?  That you want to, hopefully, learn my body by touch, sight and feel?  Goddess!  That sounds like a dream come true, honey.”  Tara murmurs as she strokes her hand gently over Buffy’s jaw.  “Just know I’ll want to be able to taste, stroke and caress you at some time in the very near future.  I want to learn every little area that makes you moan, groan, whimper and inhale with a kiss, a touch, a caress or nip.”

Buffy growls as the desire courses through her at the Wiccan’s words.  Gently pushing her onto her back, Buffy shifts and hovers above the blonde.  “I am definitely going to be all for that, and very soon in the future also.  Thank you for allowing me this.”  Buffy finally whispers as she strokes her fingers lightly over Tara’s shoulder and neck.

“No thanks necessary, honey.  A relationship should be give and take on both sides.  I don’t mind you wanting to be in charge, and being the butch.”  Tara grins crookedly as Buffy blushes lightly at her words.  “But I also hope that you won’t mind when I may take the initiative and possibly throw you against the wall and have my wicked Wiccan way with you.”  Tara wiggles her eyebrows at the slayer.

Buffy groans loudly and drops her head down to Tara’s neck.  “I definitely won’t mind that.  As a matter of fact, my mind is picturing all kinds of things, and I am SO looking forward to that happening.”

“You’ll have to tell me what kind of things you’re picturing, that way maybe we can make them bear fruit.”  Tara chuckles as she feels the slayer’s face heat up as she blushes.  Running her hands up and down Buffy’s back, Tara grasps Buffy’s butt cheeks and squeezes them firmly.  “You are beautiful inside and out, honey.  And you have an absolutely delectable ass.”  Tara growls in Buffy’s ear as she digs her fingers in, squeezing more firmly as Buffy moans and presses against her.

Growling, Buffy nips firmly at Tara’s neck.  “I’m allowed to touch, kiss and taste?”

“Anything, everywhere.”  Tara arches into Buffy’s hand as the slayer strokes firmly over her breast. 

Buffy lifts her head to look intently into desire filled blue eyes.  “Let me know if I do something you don’t like.  Please?”  Buffy whispers seriously, smiling softly as Tara nods in silent agreement.  “God, you’re beautiful.”  Buffy strokes her hand up from the Wiccan’s breast to cup Tara’s cheek.  “I want to watch you, watch all the emotions cross your face while I touch and caress you.”  Buffy admits quietly.

“Then watch.”  Tara answers simply, looking into the beautiful hazel eyes.

Buffy groans and shakes her head.  “I have a problem.  I also want to kiss, lick and taste also!”  Buffy drops her head back on Tara’s shoulder as the Wiccan chuckles at her words. 

“Honey?”  Tara questions in a soft sing-song tone.  When Buffy lifts her head to look inquiringly at her, Tara grins crookedly.  “We can make love more than once, you know.  And we have more than tonight to work with.” 

Buffy blinks a couple times in realization that she doesn’t have to have it all tonight, no matter that she wants everything now at this moment.  “Grrrr…”  Buffy growls and captures Tara’s lips with hers, kissing her hungrily for long moments nipping at Tara’s tongue before easing back from the kiss.  “I know that, but I want everything now.”  Buffy pouts, her eyes twinkling. 

“If we keep talking about it, it’ll be time to go to your mother’s for dinner.”  Tara raises an eyebrow and looks over at the clock, trying not to laugh at the loud groan coming from Buffy at her words.

Buffy looks at the clock, realizing it’s already five in the morning.  Groaning and dropping her head back in the crook of Tara’s neck, Buffy whimpers quietly.  “It’s late.  You’re probably tired.”

“I’m not that tired.”  Tara grasps Buffy’s ass cheeks in her hands and squeezes them firmly.  “And you have about thirty seconds to get moving, or I’m going to do what I want to do.”

Buffy jerks her head up and looks down into twinkling blue eyes.  “What do you want to do?”

“Fifteen seconds, and you’ll find out.”  Tara quirks her lips up knowingly at Buffy.

“Pain.”  Buffy’s hand starts to trail over Tara’s chest again, playing softly over the firm flesh, while her eyes keep contact with Tara’s blue eyes, watching curiously as the blue slowly becomes darker.  Gently squeezing the nipple she’s been stroking, Buffy unconsciously licks her lips at the low moan coming from Tara.  “Sensitive?”  Buffy questions softly as she gently scrapes the edge of her thumb nail over the hard flesh.

“Right now… it is.”  Tara offers as an answer, a small smile crossing her face as she watches as Buffy’s eyes dip down to her breast before looking back up. 

Buffy groans and shifts her body so she can capture the other nipple between her lips, suckling gently on it to begin with, her eyes still raised to watch Tara.  Frowning as Tara shifts, Buffy lifts up off the Wiccan and releases the nipple she’d been enjoying.  “Tara?”

“Wait a second, honey.”  Tara grins crookedly and shifts the pillows to prop her upper body up at an angle, while shifting her legs a little further open before hooking one leg around the slayer’s thigh to run up and down the leg.  “Think this will work so you can do all that you want while watching my facial features?”

Buffy nods her head, grinning as she leans up and kisses Tara firmly.  “Thank you.”

“Oh, don’t thank me.”  Tara shakes her head, her eyes twinkling merrily.  “I’m sure I’ll be enjoying myself immensely.”  Tara chuckles as Buffy blushes.  Running her hands through her soon to be lover’s hair, Tara strokes a thumb over Buffy’s cheekbone.  “If all you’d like to do is explore and learn my body, honey, that’s more than okay with me.”  Tara moans lowly as the desire continues to slowly build in her body.  Even with the two of them stopping to talk and discuss different things, the slayer’s continued attention is keeping Tara’s desire active, or possibly just the fact that Buffy was here, is enough to keep it going, Tara thinks to herself.

Buffy frowns in confusion even as her hand continues to stroke softly over Tara’s body, fingers lightly tracing the Wiccan’s abdomen.  “I definitely want to explore and learn your body.  But don’t you need…”

Tara tugs gently on Buffy’s hair, grinning crookedly.  “A little frustration’s never killed anyone, honey.  I don’t normally get irate when I’m frustrated and horny, I just become more…”  Tara lifts her eyes up to look at the ceiling as she thinks about how she wants to phrase it.  “I guess I become more affectionate, no matter where we would be at.”

Buffy’s eyes open wide as she shifts so that she’s almost nose to nose with Tara.  “Are you trying to say if you don’t have an orgasm, that you may be getting naughty tonight… at my mom’s house?”  Buffy squeaks out the last four words.

Tara laughs and nods her head.  “Very good possibility.  Reaching over to pinch a nipple…”  Tara runs her hand down to pinch one of Buffy’s nipples firmly, while grinning wickedly.  “Kissing you whenever we are given a chance.”  Tara presses her lips hard against Buffy’s nipping on the bottom lip before shifting back.  “Grabbing a handful of your gorgeous ass.”  Tara runs both hands down to grasp Buffy, pulling the slayer’s lower body hard against hers, growling quietly as she slowly grinds her hips in a hard circle.

“Sweet, Jesus!”  Buffy groans loudly as both their wet centers rub against each other.  Arching her back up and pushing her lower body into fuller contact with Tara, Buffy spreads her legs a little and rubs her body up and down before circling around.  “Can we…?” 

“Anything you can think up…”  Tara moans loudly as on one of Buffy’s gyrations, the slayer grinds firmly over her clit.  “Let me…”  Tara quickly shifts the pillows so she’ll be able to lie down more comfortably before reaching down between them on the next rotation of hips, lowering hers for a moment as she separates her lips, pulling back the hood from her swollen flesh to reveal her swollen clit to its fullest. 

Buffy lifts her body up to give Tara more room to work, whimpering as she glances down between their bodies, watching as Tara opens herself more fully.  When Tara lifts her other hand to stroke over her body, separating her lips while sliding her clit between two of her fingers, Buffy jerks as she almost comes right then.

“So hard, so swollen.”  Tara whispers as she looks down their bodies.  “Lower yourself, love.”  Tara whimpers as Buffy ever so slowly brings her lower body down and into contact with hers.  Easing her hands from between their bodies, Tara trails them around Buffy’s hips, clasping her butt firmly.  “Do what feels good.”  Tara urges, as she does a small circular grind against Buffy.

“JESUS, TARA!”  Buffy cries out loudly at the pleasure shooting through her body, her clit pulsing firmly on each gyration.  Shifting her upper body up further, to put more pressure where their lower bodies were in contact, Buffy whimpers as Tara wraps first one leg around her then the other, urging her on with a hard rocking motion.  “No-not mu-much more…”  Buffy rocks faster and harder, feeling her clit pulsing almost continuously as she can feel the orgasm ready to burst from her.

“Al--most…”  Tara body jerks as she starts to come, feeling the answering wetness coming from Buffy as they come within seconds of each other.  “BUFFFFYYYY!”  Tara cries out her release as the slayer grinds into her one more time before collapsing on top of her.

“Goddd…..”  Buffy whimpers, burying her face in Tara’s sweaty neck after her arms give out on her after her release.  Feeling both their bodies flinching with aftershocks of their releases, Buffy presses her mouth to Tara’s neck, listening to the Wiccan’s fast heartbeat and heavy, panting breaths coming from her mouth.

Tara whimpers quietly as she presses her lips to the top of Buffy’s head as she finally loosens her legs from around Buffy, sliding her legs up and down the slayer’s legs as she runs her fingers soothingly over the strong back flinching and quivering under her caresses.  Trying to get her breathing under control, Tara hugs Buffy firmly for a few minutes, smiling as she feels the slayer pressing her lips softly over her neck. 

“Sleep?”  Buffy finally questions hoarsely, smiling as she hears the chuckle coming from her lover. 

“If you and I both want to be slightly coherent later today, it might be a good idea.”  Tara explains quietly, groaning as Buffy slowly shifts from her body.  Looking up curiously at Buffy, Tara tilts her head.

“Covers.”  Buffy answers simply as she rolls off the bed, helping Tara up before pulling the covers down.  “Which side do you sleep on?”  Buffy questions shyly. 

“Either, honey.  I’m not particular.”  Tara smiles as Buffy slides into the bed.  Quickly blowing out the candles, Tara eases in beside the slayer surprised when she feels lips capturing hers in a loving, tender kiss.  Moaning quietly as she opens her mouth to the questing tongue that strokes softly and gently over hers, Tara buries a hand in the slayer’s hair even as Buffy eases her body firmly against hers as they slowly end the kiss.

“Damn.”  Buffy mumbles, blinking her eyes as she tries to force back some of the desire that’s blasted to the surface again.  “Was just planning on a simple good night kiss, but… damn!” 

Tara laughs quietly as she tries to get her libido under control, running her hand lovingly through the blonde hair. 

“Sleep.”  Buffy grumbles, sighing quietly. 

“Come here.”  Tara eases onto her back, urging Buffy to her, smiling as the slayer throws an arm around her waist, a leg over her thighs and snuggles against her side without any more urging.

“Tara?”  Buffy whispers as she rubs her cheek over Tara’s shoulder, unconscious of her hand that’s stroking up Tara’s side, playing over the flesh of the Wiccan’s breast.

“Yes, honey?”  Tara answers softly, closing her eyes and enjoying the slayer’s soothing caress. 

“I could fall deeply and completely in love with you.”  Buffy presses her lips against Tara’s shoulder as she closes her eyes, settling down to hopefully get a few hours sleep.

“Oh, sweetie.”  Tara hugs Buffy firmly, running her fingers firmly over Buffy’s forearm.  “You’ve definitely imbedded yourself in my heart, Slayer.”  Tara offers softly as she hears the slayer’s deep, even breathing as Buffy falls asleep.  “I love you.”  Tara more breathes the words than says them as she rubs her cheek over the top of Buffy’s head as she slowly relaxes to follow Buffy into a deep sleep.

***

Chapter 6

“Why didn’t you tell me what the hang up was?”  Buffy finally questions, looking up at Tara’s blue eyes as the Wiccan wakes up, having been watching the woman for the last hour as she slept.

Tara blinks a couple times at the quickly asked question, taking a moment to realize what Buffy was asking.  “I didn’t want it to come down to either a me or her type thing, Buffy.  You two have been through too much, for me to come between you.”

Buffy shakes her head at the Wiccan, before dropping her forehead against the woman’s shoulder.  “Eventually she would have come around, Tara.  Like you said, we’ve been through too much for her to have allowed my hooking up with you to keep us apart.  If it had been much longer, I would have hunted her down to have it out.”

“But I didn’t want it to come down to you ‘having it out’.”  Tara tries to explains, hugging Buffy tightly.  “I was hoping that she would come around on her own.  With you having talked with your mom and Mr. Giles about us, and them being okay about it, the last big hurdle was Willow.” 

Buffy nods her head against Tara’s shoulder.  “And Xander, but he won’t have a problem with it.  You’re alive, have a heartbeat and are beautiful. He’ll just go off into fantasy land.”

Tara chuckles and presses her cheek against Buffy’s head.  “Every man’s fantasy, huh?”

“Pretty much.”  Buffy smiles and shifts her face to kiss Tara’s neck tenderly.  “Can I ask a pretty huge favor?”  Buffy leans back, looking at Tara intently.

“Of course.”  Tara blinks at the seriousness in Buffy’s eyes. 

“Don’t do something like this again.  I don’t want you to pull back from us, because you think it would be better for me.  And I’ll try not to do the same to you, okay?”  Buffy furrows her brows as she looks at Tara.  “It’s one thing if you can’t handle being the girlfriend of ‘The Slayer’, with everything that happens.  But if you’re doing it because you think it would be best for me, please don’t.” 

“Oh, honey.”  Tara runs the back of her fingers down Buffy’s cheek, seeing the sadness in the slayer’s eyes.  “If I have any problems, or doubts, anything at all, I’ll talk to you about it.  Okay?” 

Buffy slowly nods her head, leaning in and placing her head back on Tara’s shoulders, feeling a sense of relief ease through her body at the Wiccan’s words.  Knowing Tara won’t say anything that she honestly doesn’t mean.  “Thank you.”

Tara places a kiss on the slayer’s head, running her hand up to stroke through the blonde hair.  “What time is it, honey?”

Buffy chuckles and presses a firm kiss to Tara’s neck.  “Almost noon.”

Tara groans quietly, then giggles as Buffy nips playfully across her neck.  “What are you doing?”

“Kinda got sidetracked last night.  Planning on making up for it now.”  Buffy tosses the covers off their bodies, her eyes caressing over Tara’s body.  “You have one extremely hot body, Miss Tara Maclay.  And I have this uncontrollable urge to learn it intimately.”

Tara whimpers quietly and grasps Buffy before she attaches her lips to her breast.  “I need to make a pit stop.”  Tara admits quietly, blushing lightly.

Buffy groans loudly and flops onto her back, throwing an arm across her eyes.  “Hurry.”  Buffy begs quietly, feeling Tara move from the bed with a quiet chuckle.  Lowering her arm, Buffy watches the Wiccan open the closet and pull out a robe.  Watching Tara turn and wink at her before slipping out of the room, Buffy growls as she realizes she needs to go to the bathroom also.  Slowly standing, she looks around for something easy to throw on to run down and run back.  Grumbling quietly, Buffy realizes Willow didn’t pack her any sleep wear, digging further into the bag, she laughs as she notices there’s not any underwear either.  “Trying to help things along?”

Getting ready to pull her jeans and top on, Buffy looks up as Tara eases the door open as she slides into the room, shutting it quickly when she realizes Buffy’s standing there with no clothes on.

“Going somewhere?”  Tara questions, her lips quirked up in a half smile as she looks at Buffy. 

Buffy smirks as she closes the distance between them and unties the loose knot holding the robe closed, sliding the garment off Tara’s body.  Leaning down, Buffy nips playfully at Tara’s breast before licking her way around it for a few minutes while pulling the Wiccan’s robe on her body.  As soon as Tara starts to moan, Buffy pulls back and pats the Wiccan on the butt gently.  “Bathroom.”  Buffy laughs at the grunt of complaint coming from Tara as she heads out the door.

Tara raises her hands in a choking motion at the door before laughing quietly, collapsing on the bed as she waits for Buffy to come back.

Buffy eases back in the room, locking the door behind her and yanking the robe off.  “Now that’s what I like to see.”  Buffy grins lasciviously at the sight of Tara spread out on the bed with a come hither look on her face. 

“Oh, in that case.”  Tara shifts, getting ready to roll out of the bed when Buffy pounces on her, growling.  Laughing as Buffy starts to tickle her, Tara shifts trying to get away from the playful slayer.

“Not nice teasing the slayer.”  Buffy growls as she runs her fingers up and down the Wiccan’s sides smirking as Tara squirms around trying to escape her.  “Looking all sexy and available then going to run away… not nice.  Not nice, at all!”

Tara laughs before grabbing Buffy’s hands, pulling them away from her body, smiling up into the laughing countenance of her lover.  “Sexy and available?   I think you may need your eyes examined about the sexy part… as for the available part, I kind of think I’m taken.  What do you think?”

Buffy’s grin eases down to a soft smile.  “You are sexy, Tara.  Extremely hot and sexy.”  Buffy places a gentle kiss on the Wiccan’s lips.  “Taken, definitely, if you want to be.”  Buffy bites her lip as she becomes serious.  “I know we’ve been exclusively seeing each other, but we haven’t said…”

Tara places a fingertip on Buffy’s lips, smiling gently at the slayer.  “I can’t think of anything I’d like better than for us to be an ‘us’.”  Tara replaces her finger with her lips, kissing Buffy lovingly.  “I’d love for you to think of me as yours, Buffy.”

Buffy lowers her body slowly on top of Tara’s and kisses her neck soothingly.  “Only if you think of me as being yours, also, Tara.  I like the idea of us belonging to each other.  Something inside me jumps up and down for joy at the thought.”  Buffy admits softly, raising her upper body to look down into serious blue eyes.  “I get the urge to grunt and beat on my chest, announcing to the world that you’re mine.  And I want to mark you.”  Buffy admits, blushing darkly as she looks down at the mark on Tara’s neck, where she’d gotten a little carried away the night before. 

Tara blushes lightly at the slayer’s words.  “I think you already did place your mark on me.  Are you going to throw me over your shoulder and take me back to your lair, or something?”

Buffy laughs as her mind shifts back to a few months before Tara came on the scene.  “Good thing you didn’t meet me when I was Cave Slayer, I might have done exactly that.”  Seeing the questioning look, Buffy shakes her head.  “I’ll tell you about it later.  Does it bother you?” 

Tara considers Buffy for a few minutes, thinking over what she was asking, before slowly shaking her head.  “No.  You aren’t wanting me to belong to you in the sense that you want to smother me, or keep me from having a life.  You just want everyone to know we’re together, love each other and they better not come between us.”  Tara finally explains smiling as Buffy relaxes from where she’d unconsciously stiffened.  “Did I get that right?”

“Said it better than I ever could.”  Buffy settles her body completely on top of Tara’s, tucking her face in Tara’s neck, sighing in pleasure as Tara’s hands stroke softly up and down her back, in a soothing gesture.  “Do you just want to relax until we need to head out?”

“Nope.”  Tara answers quickly, smirking as she feels Buffy’s mouth curl into a smile against her neck. 

“Did you want to take a nap?”  Buffy tries another question.

“Nope.”  Tara’s lips curl up into a wicked smile.

“Do you want me to kiss, lick and devour your body for the next couple hours?”  Buffy chuckles as Tara laughs at that question.

“Honey, we can do whatever you want.”  Tara answers seriously, before moaning loudly as Buffy shifts quickly and captures a nipple in her mouth, sucking eagerly. 

“Shouldn’t have said that.”  Buffy growls in a sex roughened voice, surprised at how quickly the desire shot through her body.  Feeling Tara’s fingers digging lightly into her shoulders, Buffy nips gently at first one nipple, before working her way over to the other one, loving it with her mouth and tongue.  Easing the weight of her body off Tara’s, Buffy keeps contact with the Wiccan while slowly working her way down her abdomen.  Placing hot, wet kisses along the flesh, spending a few extra minutes on her lower abdomen as it flinches under her lips.

Coughing to try and clear her throat, after trying to say something a couple times, Tara looks down at her lover hovering over her sex, placing kisses teasingly on her mound.  “What exactly do you have planned for me?”  Tara finally questions in a sex roughened voice.

“Pleasure.”  Buffy states simply, her eyes rising to look at Tara.  Keeping eye contact, Buffy shifts her body down further, her hands sliding under Tara’s butt cheeks, grasping the warm globes of flesh gently as she inhales deeply.  “You smell so good.  You can’t know how your smell has been haunting me whenever we’ve been together.  It seemed that with the simplest touch, caress and God!  Whenever we’d kiss the smell would become so strong I would literally salivate at the thought of getting my mouth on you.”  Buffy growls softly, her fingers stroking over the Wiccan’s soft inner thighs.

“Goddess!”  Tara whimpers softly her body jumping slightly as Buffy’s fingers caress gently over her outer lips.  Somewhat getting control of her panting, Tara shifts up on her elbows to see Buffy easier.  “And here you are… literally inches from where you want your mouth and you’re not…  SHIT!”  Tara bucks hard as Buffy’s fingers glide between her lips to stroke firmly over her clit.

“But I’m going to be.”  Buffy murmurs, shifting down slightly watching as Tara opens herself even more.  Whimpering at the swollen, desire flushed flesh, Buffy glances up worriedly.  “I didn’t think… do you mind that I’m looking at you like this?  I mean… I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”  Buffy closes her eyes as she wonders if this is too much, but loving the idea of being able to look and enjoy the sight of her lover in every aspect imaginable. 

“The only thing that’s uncomfortable is the fact that you have my body so wound up it’s like a spring waiting for release.”  Tara murmurs, shifting slightly so she can reach down to stroke her fingers gently over Buffy’s cheek.  “I told you last night you could do anything and everything you want, sweetie.”

Buffy drags her eyes open, staring at her lover’s softly smiling countenance.  “I just didn’t know if this would be too weird.”  Buffy admits quietly, smiling back at her lover. 

“The more thorough the inspection the better.”  Tara hints softly, her eyes sparkling.  “Just wait until it’s your turn, sweetie.”

Buffy groans loudly, blushing dark at the thought, but knowing that there would be no way in hell she’d turn Tara down on anything she’d want to do.  Unable to resist any longer, Buffy brushes her lips gently over her lover’s swollen lips.  Buffy smiles, as Tara whimpers at the soft caress.  Gently separating her lover’s lips, Buffy growls hungrily at the sight of the swollen muscle in front of her.  Diving in Buffy eagerly drags her tongue through her lover’s desire, groaning deeply at the rich, earthy taste.  Lapping over her lover’s body, Buffy drags her tongue firmly over Tara’s clit, pulling it out of its hiding place before wrapping her lips eagerly around the muscle, sucking steadily on the pulsing muscle.

“Sweet, Goddess!”  Tara whimpers loudly, burying her hand in her lover’s hair as Buffy continues to suckle her at the same time batting her tongue over the sensitive tip of her clitoris. 

Buffy groans deeply against her lover’s sex as she continues to suck and flick her tongue, feeling the muscle quivering and pulsing more quickly Buffy presses her tongue hard against the muscle, grunting as Tara pulls her firmly against her even as she bucks and explodes as she climaxes.  Lapping eagerly at the liquid escaping from Tara, Buffy smirks as she feels Tara pull firmly on her hair as she bucks even more, quickly rolling into another orgasm.  Panting heavily after cleaning the fluid from Tara’s body, Buffy rubs her cheek against her lover’s inner thigh.  “You taste delicious.”  Buffy mumbles, sighing quietly in contentment.

Tara chuckles weakly.  “Thank you.  And you were worried about doing something wrong?” 

Buffy blushes and nods, rubbing her cheek against Tara’s thigh before pressing a firm kiss against flesh she’s rubbing against, Buffy strokes her fingers gently over Tara’s mound, playing the tips over the small triangle of dark blonde curls. 

Tara laughs and shifts, finally capturing Buffy’s fingers.  “That tickles.”  Tara explains softly as she looks down into Buffy’s questioning eyes.  “Come up here, sweetie.”  Tara orders softly, tugging on her lover’s hand.

Buffy pouts for a minute before slowly moving over Tara stopping to nuzzle against the small triangle of curls, smiling as Tara half laughs, half moans.  Buffy gradually makes her way up her lover’s gorgeous body, placing loving kisses over the flesh finally ending at Tara’s lips.  Groaning as Tara doesn’t settle for the soft kiss she’d placed on her lips, but pulls her in for a deep exploring kiss. 

“Goddess.”  Tara whimpers softly, pressing her forehead against Buffy’s. 

“Can I put in that I will be more than happy to do this again, and again, and again…”  Buffy trails off, laughing as Tara pinches her side. 

“I won’t argue the fact, but there are so many other things we can do.”  Tara’s eyes gleam as she taps her fingers firmly up and down Buffy’s back.  “My turn?”  Tara questions hopefully. 

Buffy glances over at the clock, pouting.  “We have to shower and be at my house in two hours.  Mom wants us there early so she can do the Spanish Inquisition thing on you.” 

“It’ll only take me a half hour to get ready.”  Tara grins as she starts running her fingers more seriously over Buffy’s body.

“I can be ready in half an hour.”  Buffy rolls over onto her back at Tara’s urgings.

“How long to get there?”  Tara nibbles gently on Buffy’s neck as she works her way down her lover’s body, needing to touch, kiss and taste Buffy’s flesh. 

Buffy groans loudly as Tara kneads her breasts, kissing and suckling on her nipples for a few minutes as she tries to remember her lover’s question.  “Ummm.  Probably half an hour to forty-five minutes give or take.”  Buffy offers, blinking in surprise as Tara bites gently on the nipple she’d been licking and sucking. 

“Not long for me to play.”  Tara grumbles before laving the nipple she’d just bit.  “I’ll come back and visit you lovelies at a later time.”  Tara presses a firm kiss on each breast before nipping her way down Buffy’s abdomen.  Dipping her tongue playfully into Buffy’s tiny belly button, Tara smirks as she hears the whimper coming from her lover.  “Sensitive belly button issues?”

“Seems so, but I never realized it before.”  Buffy admits, wiggling as Tara’s hands stroke their way down over her waist, hips and thighs. 

“So strong for such a small person.”  Tara whispers, clenching Buffy’s muscular thighs, and lightly digging her fingers into the muscles, even as she kisses her way down her lover’s bald mound.  Inhaling deeply of Buffy’s dark, musky smell, Tara nuzzles her face between her lover’s swollen lips without any warning, suckling on the flesh poking insistently from its hiding place, Tara nudges the hood back more out of the way, swirling her tongue around the swollen bundle of nerves while sucking more and more strongly.

Buffy whimpers loudly, unable to control her bucking and shifting body as Tara pulls the pleasure out of her, making her explode in a shower of different colored lights as she feels Tara’s fingers slide firmly within her, tipping her over the edge immediately in a climax more powerful than anything she’d ever felt before.

Tara wraps one arm around Buffy’s thigh as her lover almost dislodges her with her gyrations.  Finally releasing the quivering muscle, Tara nuzzles against Buffy’s mound while continuing to stroke within her lover’s body, extending her orgasm, moaning with desire at the strong muscles grasping her fingers.  “So strong.”  Tara murmurs, pressing kisses against Buffy’s mound as she feels Buffy’s body finally calming down, the clenching slowly easing.  Allowing her fingers to learn Buffy’s body, Tara rubs her cheek over Buffy’s abdomen as she feels the curves, swells, dips and muscles of Buffy’s body. 

Buffy groans loudly as Tara continues to move her fingers within her, feeling the desire building again.  “Tara.”  Buffy growls the Wiccan’s name in warning.

“One more.”  Tara whispers as she kisses her way back up Buffy’s body, shifting to straddle one of the slayer’s thighs even as she starts to stroke more in and out of her lover, instead of learning the inside of Buffy.  Panting heavily, Tara uses her thigh to give her hand more force as Buffy starts to counterthrust harder against her.  “Feel so good.”  Tara bites her bottom lip as she feels the muscles clenching more around her fingers.  Bringing her thumb into play, Tara starts a gentle circular rub on her lover’s swollen nub, building the pressure and speed up in direct response to how fast her fingers are working in and out of her lover.

Buffy grasps Tara’s hips, digging her fingers in gently as she bucks more strongly against her lover’s talented hand.  Jerking her hips as she lifts Tara with her bucking body, Buffy growls loudly as she feels the orgasm working through her, finally grinding her body against Tara’s hand, Buffy cries out her lover’s name with her release as she bows her body up, lifting Tara completely off the bed.

Tara whimpers as she watches the extreme pleasure cross Buffy’s face before the slayer collapses back onto the bed, making them both bounce a couple times in response.  Leaving her fingers within her lover’s core, Tara kisses Buffy gently on the lips, giving her a few minutes to come down from her orgasmic high before finally gently easing out of her lover’s body.

“Stick a fork in me.”  Buffy pants, her eyes closed as she feels the perspiration rolling off her body from their exertions. 

“Trying to say you’re done?”  Tara laughs quietly before suckling softly of Buffy’s neck, enjoying the salty tang of her lover’s sweat.

“Uh, huh.”  Buffy agrees, hugging Tara to her tightly.  “Can I just say ‘Wow’ about a thousand times?  Will that get across how I’m feeling?”

Tara chuckles.  “That will work, sweetie.”  Glancing up towards the clock, Tara sighs softly.  “We need to head to the showers.”

“Figured as much.”  Buffy pouts as Tara eases from her. 

“You’re absolutely adorable.”  Tara murmurs, smiling down at her lover and the bottom lip sticking out insistently.  “And irresistible.”  Tara admits, leaning down to kiss Buffy and run her tongue teasingly over the bottom lip. 

Buffy licks her bottom lip after Tara shifts back.  “Have I told you what an absolutely wonderful kisser you are?”

“I believe you may have mentioned it once or twice, but not today.”  Tara grins crookedly at her lover.

“Well, you are.”  Buffy sighs and starts to pout, realizing they don’t have time for her to play.  “Shower.”

“Shower.”  Tara agrees as she grabs the items she’ll need to shower with before pulling on her robe, watching as Buffy quickly dresses and grabs her shower kit along with a set of fresh clothes.  “Ready?”

“No.  But I don’t have much of a choice.”  Buffy sighs as if it’s a great hardship, though her eyes are twinkling.

“Would do better if you could keep a serious look.”  Tara points out, grinning.

“I’ll work on that.”  Buffy grins as she follows Tara out of her room, her eyes dropping automatically to the Wiccan’s ass, frowning at the robe covering it.  ‘Shower, Slayer.  No more ogling your girlfriend’s attributes.  Behave time.  You can play again later!’  Buffy mumbles to herself a huge grin on her face.

***

Chapter 7

“Tara, honestly, there’s nothing to be worried about.”  Buffy sighs heavily as Tara fidgets beside her as they walk up the walkway.  “How come you all of a sudden got nervous?”

“Buffy…  I’ve never met one of my girlfriend’s parents before, not as being a girlfriend.”  Tara admits, her eyes showing her nervousness. 

Buffy threads her fingers through her lover’s, squeezing gently.  “It’s okay, Tara. I promise.  Mom will probably end up liking you more than me.”  Buffy smiles engagingly at her lover. 

Tara whimpers quietly, before taking a deep breath and nodding her head as they finish going up the steps to the nice two story house.  Watching as Buffy turns the knob, entering the house and pulling her in behind her. 

“Mom?”  Buffy calls out softly, after noticing she wasn’t in the living room. 

“In here, dear.”  Joyce answers from the kitchen as she finishes placing the two whole chickens in the oven for dinner.  Closing the oven door, Joyce turns around, unable to hide the surprise on her face at the beautiful blonde woman blushing lightly and looking down at the floor, almost having expected Buffy to hook up with more of a masculine woman for some reason. Shaking her head at the realization, Joyce mentally smacks herself at her wanting to stereotype her daughter. 

“Mom, this is Tara.  Tara, this is my mom, Joyce Summers.”  Buffy introduces the two women, gently tugging on Tara’s hand.

“Hi, Mrs. S-summers.” Tara looks up, unconsciously straightening her back and holding out her free hand to Buffy’s mom, smiling shyly. 

“Hello, Tara.”  Joyce shakes the woman’s hand, seeing the shy and worried look in her blue eyes.  Smiling softly at the woman to hopefully set her at ease, Joyce gently squeezes Tara’s hand before releasing it.  “Would you like something to drink?”

Buffy releases Tara’s hand, winking at her lover as she walks to the refrigerator.  “We have water, juice, milk, soda and I’m sure mom would be happy to make tea or coffee also.”

“Juice is fine.”  Tara relaxes a little more as Joyce chuckles quietly. 

“I’m fixing baked chicken along with stuffing, green beans and corn on the cob.  Is that okay with you two?”  Joyce looks from Buffy to Tara and back again.

Tara nods quickly, blushing lightly.  “That’s fine.  You d-didn’t have to g-go to all that trouble.”  Tara glances over at Buffy as her lover gently starts rubbing her back.

“Easy, love.  She isn’t going to bite your head off.”  Buffy murmurs quietly into Tara’s ear.  “Willow made up with us last night.”  Buffy announces quietly, having kept her mom abreast of the situation.

“Did she say what was causing her to have the problem with you two?”  Joyce questions curiously as the three women make their way into the living room.  Joyce sitting down in the chair, watching as Tara sits in the corner of the couch closest to her with Buffy practically sitting right against the woman.  Biting back a smile, Joyce lifts her soda to take a sip. 

“She was jealous of Tara, thinking Tara was going to take her place.”  Buffy smiles softly at the Wiccan.  “She knows better now.  Wills will always be my best friend.” 

Tara smiles back at her lover, gently leaning into Buffy’s side. 

“Good.  So things are progressing nicely between you two, I take it.”  Joyce raises an eyebrow as both women blush and look down.

“Uh, you could say that.”  Buffy bites her lip as she looks up, the blush still on her face but her eyes twinkling merrily at her mom.  Seeing her mom start to blush, Buffy chuckles quietly.  “We’re getting along great, mom.  Tara’s even been helping me out with some of my classes and homework.”

“So you are actually learning something while being in college…”  Joyce smirks slightly as Buffy growls playfully at her.  “What are you studying?”  Joyce questions Tara softly.

“Business Management with a minor in Art History.”  Tara admits softly. 

“She’s a Junior.”  Buffy explains to her mom as she relaxes back against the couch, letting her arm rest along Tara’s back, gently massaging it to help her relax more.  “And she doesn’t know what you do.”  Buffy smirks at her mother. 

Joyce raises an eyebrow at her daughter, before laughing quietly at the confused look crossing Tara’s face.

“I own the local Art Gallery in town.”  Joyce chuckles at the surprise crossing Tara’s face.  “Small world, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes, it is.”  Tara shakes her head, chuckling quietly.  “I love Art, unfortunately a degree in Art usually won’t get you very far.  Business Management and office skills will get a person a lot farther nowadays.”  Tara admits, smiling at the nodding agreement coming from Joyce.

“So what do you like to do?”  Joyce questions, leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs getting comfortable.

“Besides go to c-classes and study?”  Tara quirks her eyebrow, laughing quietly as Joyce rolls her eyes, grinning at her.  “Spend time with your daughter.”  Tara answers simply, the caring obvious in her tones and in her eyes.

Joyce purses her lips and slowly nods her head at the caring she sees.  “What about family?”

Buffy unconsciously stiffens becoming alert, surprised when she feels Tara gently grasp her thigh and squeeze.

“It’s okay, honey.”  Tara squeezes Buffy’s thigh again, before patting it gently, knowing the question was going to come up eventually.  “My m-mother died when I w-was seventeen.”  Tara admits quietly, the pain obvious in her voice.  “My f-father and b-brother are b-back home on the f-farm.”  Tara’s stutter becomes more pronounced.  “We d-don’t exactly s-see or t-talk to each other any m-more.” 

Joyce unconsciously shifts forward, looking from Tara who’d dropped her head and was hiding behind her hair to look over at Buffy who’s wrapped her arm around Tara and was hugging her gently.  Seeing Buffy look sadly at her and shake her head, Joyce sighs quietly.  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.” 

“It’s okay.”  Tara shakes her head, leaning heavier into Buffy’s offered comfort.  “We d-didn’t exactly s-split on the b-best of t-terms.  They d-didn’t want m-me to come to c-college.” 

“Shhh.  Tara, you don’t have to talk about it, if you don’t want to.”  Buffy whispers softly, stroking her hand gently over Tara’s back, trying to calm the Wiccan.  Leaning forward, she sets her drink on the coffee table, before grasping Tara’s and placing it on the table also, so she can wrap both arms around her lover.  Looking over at her mother, she smiles sadly.  “They weren’t exactly approving of Tara’s lifestyle, plus… and you can correct me if I’m wrong, Tara, since we haven’t really discussed this in too much detail.  But I have a feeling they wanted to keep Tara under lock and key to take care of them.” 

Tara nods against Buffy’s neck, sighing quietly.  “That pretty m-much sums it up.”

Joyce shakes her head in disgust.  “Some people will never learn.  Times are changing, and either you change with them or you’re going to be left in the dust.”  Joyce smiles softly as Tara slowly raises her head to smile at her.  “What was your mom like, if you want to talk about her?” 

Tara nods in relief, even though it hurts that her mother’s passed on, she still thinks about her and remembers the good times they had together.  Tara slowly starts talking about her and her mom, becoming more relaxed as the three of them banter back and forth getting to know each other.

***

“See, I told you it wouldn’t be that bad.”<