Chapter 9

 

Buffy paces the living room, glancing every few seconds at the clock on the mantle.  Growling loudly, she shoves her hands deep into her pockets.  Thinking about the evening as she continues to pace, waiting for the two women to get back from their date.  As soon as she stopped feeling sorry for herself out on the back porch, she had come in, grabbing her gear to go out on patrol.  Dawn asked if she could stay all night with Kaylee, a friend from school that had called while she was outside.  Walking her over to the girl’s house, she continued patrolling cutting a quick swathe through all the demons and vampires she came across as she considered Tara, and in turn, Anya. 

 

She’d known for a while that she cared for Tara.  Originally, she thought that it was just in a good friend way until she realized she was almost seeking out the soft touches the witch gave out so readily.  When she realized she was craving the soft caresses, and the woman’s honeyed tones, she tried distancing herself from the witch.  Then the wedding happened.  Or, didn’t happen, was more of the case.  Watching how kind and caring Tara was with Anya brought her feelings to the surface again.  Then when they had, as Tara called it, the Male Bashing Extravaganza, Buffy found out how her father and brother had beat on the woman, all supposedly to control her demon.  Buffy felt the feelings come on even stronger. 

 

When Anya started speaking about her life previously as a human, and her cheating asshole of a husband.  That segued into her life as a vengeance demon.  Buffy actually listened more to what was going on beneath the words than what Anya was saying.  Realizing as she did, there was an underlying note of self-hatred for what she was doing to some of the questionable husbands and boyfriends of the, so-called, scorned women.  There was no denying that there was happiness for when her services were really deserved, but the hatred in her tones far outweighed the few times she obviously thought her particular brand of justice was deserved.  Feeling her heart go out to the drunk ex-vengeance demon, Buffy started feeling even more confused.

 

She watched as Tara comforted Anya as she cried when she hit on Xander before she rallied back around.  Coming to the realization that both women had pretty much opened up their lives, she slowly explained about how she felt and the things she had done after coming back from being dead.  Of course, Tara was already aware of the Spike situation, but everything came flowing out about how she didn’t think she deserved anything better.  To Anya‘s credit, it didn‘t even seem to phase her that Buffy had been fucking the undead.  She just nodded her head making the comment that worse things had been done for less.  It wasn‘t long afterwards that Tara made some smart aleck comment to Anya, and Anya in drunken retaliation flipped one of the snacks from the trays back at the witch.  The next thing she knew all three women were slinging food at each other until Anya and Tara realized that they were getting beamed regularly from Buffy.  That’s when they had ganged up on the slayer. 

 

Laughing quietly as she thinks about Anya stumbling into Tara when she was going to get another bottle of wine and inadvertently grabbing the woman’s breasts.  Tara had calmly reached out and grasped Anya’s hands pulling them away, laughingly stating that those weren‘t a cure for what ailed Anya.  Anya standing their swaying back and forth had looked at Buffy with a narrowed gaze then back to Tara.  Pointing at Buffy she had ordered her to stand up and turn around.  For some reason, Buffy still doesn’t understand, she had stood and turned around.  When two hands grabbed her ass, she stood there surprised for a moment before spinning around and away, watching as Anya nodded her head before reaching out and squeezing Tara’s breasts quickly, smirking, slurring out that both women were very grab worthy, before collapsing down on the floor laughing drunkenly. 

 

After that she had quickly gathered up her weapons, before going on patrol. 

 

Shaking her head at her own confusing thoughts, Buffy finally sits down.  Drawing her legs up, she wraps her arms around them and rests her head on her knees.  “What the hell am I going to do?”  Buffy questions the empty house, her heart heavy.  “You need to leave them alone and wish them well.  That’s what you’ve got to do, Buffy.  Leave them alone and bury all the contradicting feelings stirring up inside you.”  Buffy nods her head as she mentally and physically stiffens her spine.  Standing, she grabs the empty soda can Dawn left to throw it away.

 

***

 

Tara laughs quietly as Anya pulls up in the driveway.  “I can’t believe we sat in the restaurant for over three hours talking.”

 

“We would probably still be there, if they hadn’t run us out.”  Anya laughs with Tara.  Shutting the car off, Anya unhooks her seatbelt and turns so she’s facing Tara.  Watching the witch as she let’s her seatbelt loose and faces her.  Reaching out, clasping one of Tara’s hands between both of hers, Anya looks up into the curious blue eyes.  “I know this is our first date, but do you think there’s a chance that we can become more than just friends?”

 

Tara slowly nods her head, smiling softly.  “I would say that there’s a very good chance, Anya.”  Tara tilts her head considering the woman.  “What about you?  Do you think there’s a chance?”

 

“Oh, yes.”  Anya grins.  “Extremely good chance.”  Anya glances up at Buffy’s house, considering asking Tara about the slayer.  Thinking about it for a moment, Anya decides to wait and see what transpires.  Looking back, Anya blinks considering Tara.  “Is this where I say that it’s time for payment for the delicious dinner I paid for?”  Anya’s eyebrows wiggle and she smirks at the witch.

 

“You won’t ever change, will you?”  Tara laughs at the ex-demon. 

 

“No.”  Anya admits, turning her smirk into a gentle smile.  “But, if you’re amenable, I would like to kiss you good night.”

 

“I think I would be very amenable.”  Tara whispers as she watches Anya close the distance between them.  Tara closes her eyes as Anya’s lips brush softly over hers, slowly pressing more firmly, not deepening the kiss, just a loving kiss. 

 

Anya slowly pulls away, opening her eyes and smiling at the surprised look on Tara’s face.  “You thought I was coming in to plunder, didn’t you?”  As Tara actually blushes and nods her head, Anya laughs quietly.  “Something to look forward to.”  Anya winks before leaning in and brushing her lips over Tara’s again.  “I had a wonderful time tonight.”

 

“I did, too.”  Tara reaches out and brushes her thumb over Anya’s cheek.  “Be careful on the way home.”

 

“I will.”  Anya smiles nodding her head.  “Can I call you tomorrow?”  Anya questions, giggling.  “I feel like a damn teenager.”

 

Tara laughs in understanding.  “Please do.  Thank you, sweetie.”  Tara eases open the door, getting out.  Tara shuts the door and walks up on the porch. Waving as Anya starts the vehicle and pulls out of the driveway.  Watching the taillights get smaller, Tara laughs.  “Very surprising night.”  Shaking her head, she turns and unlocks the door, sliding in to close and lock it behind her.

 

Buffy glances up, smiling softly as Tara finally comes in.  Leaning down she mutes the television as Tara eases down on the other end of the couch.  Watching her for a long minute, Buffy finally raises an eyebrow and questions with one word.  “Well?”

 

“We went to Mariano’s.”  Tara looks towards Buffy, feeling slightly uncomfortable about discussing this with the slayer, before shaking it off.  “We had a wonderful time.”

 

“Good.”  Buffy nods, smiling.  “Must have been one long meal.”  Buffy hints glancing towards the clock.  “I went out on patrol and everything.”

 

Tara laughs, shaking her head.  “We just got to talking and didn’t realize how much time had passed, until they practically kicked us out of the restaurant.”  Tara looks down and smoothes a hand down the soft silk dress.  “How was patrol?”  Tara questions looking up into hazel eyes.

 

“Busy.”  Buffy admits looking into the worried blue eyes.

 

“Are you okay?”  Tara’s eyes sweep over the slayer looking for any obvious wounds.

 

Buffy watches Tara intently as she obviously checks to see if she was hurt.  “I’m okay.”

 

Tara nods glancing down at her hands.  “I think I’ll go change.  What did you rent?”  Tara questions seeing the DVD’s sitting on the television as she slowly stands. 

 

“What else?”  Buffy smirks at the witch as she walks towards the stairs.

 

Tara laughs rolling her eyes.  “So we’re in for an action packed night?”

 

“Yep.  Want popcorn?”  Buffy stands heading towards the kitchen, stopping at the bottom of the stairs glancing up at Tara.

 

“Please.  Do we have any chocolate?”  Tara hopefully questions.  At Buffy’s nod she grins, before turning to run up the stairs.

 

Buffy chuckles as she heads towards the kitchen.  “Maybe this won’t be so hard.”  Buffy whispers to herself.

 

***

 

“Dawnie!”  Tara exclaims loudly turning to the teenager.  “I do NOT kiss and tell.”  Tara rolls her eyes at the teen.

 

“Oh, so you admit there was kissing.”  Dawn nods her head knowingly.  “Probably more than that knowing Anya.”

 

Buffy’s eyes widen and she turns towards her sister.  “Dawn!  Please!!” 

 

“Oh, come on.”  Dawn waves her ear of corn around.  “Miss I Want to Have Orgasms?  She’s said a lot worse.”  Dawn rolls her eyes at Buffy.

 

‘But, I do NOT need these pictures in my head.’  Buffy whimpers to herself, before saying out loud.  “Yes, she has.  But that does not mean you will repeat it!  And Tara does not have to tell what went on during her date.  She had a wonderful time, they’re planning on seeing each other again and we’re going to support them.  Quietly!”  Buffy growls out looking at Dawn sternly. 

 

“Okay.”  Dawn frowns looking down after being chastised by Buffy.  “Can’t I at least pick on Tara a little bit?”  Dawn looks up hopefully, glancing first at her sister, who shakes her head.  Sighing quietly she turns to Tara, who’s biting her lip and looking at her with twinkling blue eyes. 

 

“Yes, you can pick on me.  But, it doesn’t mean you get any details, young lady!”  Tara laughs before taking a bite of her lunch.

 

“That’s okay.”  Dawn laughs.  “Details, in regards to Anya is a scary thought.” 

 

“She was actually very…”  Tara blinks thinking gentlemanly.  “Well, womanly doesn’t really work.  She was very considerate and non-pushy.”  Tara shrugs smiling.

 

Buffy watches the smile crossing Tara’s lips and nods her head.  “Good.  I have a feeling there is a lot more to Anya than she usually allows people to see.” 

 

“It’s there to be seen.”  Tara whispers quietly, looking down at her plate.  “You just have to be willing to listen and not just hear.”  Tara glances back up into understanding hazel eyes.

 

“I get that.”  Buffy admits.  “I kind of realized it on the infamous Male Bashing Night.”

 

Tara glances up smirking.  “I was thinking about re-naming that night.”  Tara wiggles her eyebrows knowingly at the slayer. 

 

“Let’s not and say we did.”  Buffy blushes, knowing what Tara’s wanting to name that night.  Buffy sets down her napkin as someone knocks on the door.  “I’ll get it.”  She quickly jogs to the front door and chuckles at Anya.  “Here again?  Let me see if she’s available.”  Buffy smirks, getting ready to head towards the kitchen, when she’s stopped by Anya’s hand on her arm.

 

“Are you okay with Tara and I dating?”  Anya questions quietly, watching the surprise cross the slayer’s face, with a hint of sadness buried deep underneath. 

 

“I’m fine with it.”  Buffy shakes her head at Anya.  “Come on in, we were just eating lunch.  Have you had anything?”

 

“I ate before I came over.  I wanted to see if Tara was up for either a walk around the park, or maybe an afternoon matinee.”  Anya admits.

 

“Well, there’s one way to find out.”  Buffy motions Anya towards the kitchen.  Slowly following Anya, Buffy wonders to herself why both women keep questioning if she’s okay with them dating. 

 

“Good afternoon.”  Anya smiles before sitting down on the empty stool by Tara.  “Is it okay that I stopped by like this?”  Anya questions seriously.

 

“Of course.”  Tara smiles, reaching out and squeezing Anya’s hand gently.  “Do you want anything to eat?”  Tara offers as she pulls her hand back.

 

“No, thank you.  I came by to see if maybe you wanted to go for a walk, or to a movie.”  Anya explains, watching as Tara finishes her lunch. 

 

“That would be lovely.”  Tara nods her head. 

 

Anya glances up to a curious Dawn, before sliding her gaze to a quiet Buffy.  “Would you two like to go to a movie?”  Anya includes the two women in. 

 

“I would love to, but I got a report I have to get done.”  Dawn whines.  “Thanks for the offer, Anya.”

 

Anya nods her head, smiling sadly at the teen.  “I’m sorry.  But school is very important.  How about you, Buffy?” 

 

Buffy glances up eyes widening perceptibly a slightly scared look in her eyes.  “No, I don’t think so.  Third wheel doesn’t really work for me.  Thanks.”  She picks up her empty plate to place in the sink, before heading quickly out of the kitchen.

 

Anya nods her head.  ‘Definitely something there.’  She thinks to herself before smiling at Tara.  “I guess that means it’s just us.”  She watches the worried eyes turn from where Buffy had left the room to her. 

 

“Yes, it is.”  Tara’s eyes lose some of the worry and she smiles softly at the ex-demon.  “Let me get ready.  I’ll only be a few minutes.”  Tara stands placing her dishes in the sink.

 

Anya watches Tara leave, tilting her head considering the woman. 

 

“You hurt her I will beat you, until you beg me to kill you.”  Dawn quietly states as Anya turns her gaze towards her.  “I love her, and she’s been hurt enough.”

 

“I know that better than anyone does, Dawn.”  Anya whispers nodding her head seriously at the teen.  “I won’t hurt her.  Not if I can keep from it.”

 

“See that you don’t.”  Dawn stands before heading upstairs to work on her report.

 

***

 

“What do you want to do?”  Anya questions quietly as they walk out of the house. 

 

“I wouldn’t mind just taking a long walk to enjoy the beautiful day.”  Tara looks towards Anya. 

 

“Then that’s what we’ll do.”  Anya nods, glancing towards Tara.  Easing her hand towards the witch, she brushes the tips of her fingers over the back of Tara’s hand, smiling as Tara laces their fingers together. 

 

As the two women stroll around Sunnydale in a companionable silence, Anya waits for an hour before questioning Tara softly.  “How long have you been in love with Buffy?”

 

Tara jerks to a stop, looking towards Anya with all the color washed from her face.  “Wh-what?”

 

Anya gently squeezes Tara’s hand.  “It’s okay.  I know that you care for me.  But I’m not blind.”

 

Tara swallows hard looking down.  “I realized it a while back.”  Tara shrugs her shoulders, looking up to make contact with Anya’s understanding brown eyes.  “That doesn’t mean that I don’t care for you…” 

 

“I know.”  Anya nods her head softly.  “You haven’t spoken with her about your feelings.  Why?”

 

Tara sighs quietly.  “Let’s sit down if we’re going to have this conversation.” 

 

Anya leads them around the corner to the Espresso Pump.  Ordering two cups of tea, she joins Tara at a back booth.  Sliding a cup in front of her, Anya sits down across from the woman and opens a packet of sweetener, stirring it into her tea while quietly waiting for Tara to speak. 

 

“I don’t think she would want to know that I care about her in more than a friend way.”  Tara admits, watching Anya.  “And I don’t want to ruin our friendship by making her feel uncomfortable by telling her I care for her.”

 

“What if she likes you?”  Anya sips her tea keeping eye contact with Tara. 

 

Tara’s lips quirk up and she shakes her head.  “She’s straight, remember?  And right now, more than anything, I don’t want to harm our friendship.  We both need someone to talk to.” 

 

Anya raises an eyebrow in surprise that the witch doesn’t realize that Buffy obviously does care for her.  “So, hypothetically speaking, what would happen if you found out Buffy does care for you, in more than a friend way?”

 

Tara blinks at Anya in shock.  “Are you asking me if I would leave you to be with Buffy?”  Tara watches as Anya calmly nods her head, watching and waiting for an answer.  “I would never do that.  Anya, I care too much for you to ever even consider doing something like that.”  Tara reaches across and clasps one of Anya’s hands in hers. 

 

“Good.”  Anya looks down smirking.  “And what if I said I care for Buffy, also?”  Anya looks up with twinkling eyes. 

 

“Huh?”  Tara’s mouth drops open in surprise.  “Are you trying to say you like, like Buffy?”

 

“Why wouldn’t I?”  Anya shrugs making the admittance easily.  “Of course, it was mostly physical to begin with.”  Anya smirks.  “Very grab worthy ass!” 

 

Tara can’t help but giggle at the ex-demon.  “So, we both basically care for Buffy, the very beautiful, kind and caring slayer, the extremely heterosexual slayer.”  Tara sighs shaking her head.  “I think we best forget it.  It isn’t like she would be willing to date either one of us.”

 

“Who said anything about her dating just one of us?”  Anya raises an eyebrow.  “If she cares enough to date one of us, she damn well would be dating both of us.  I don’t mind the three way idea, but I’m not going to share if I don’t get any!!”

 

Tara blushes deeply in realization of what Anya is saying.  “Anya, why the hell are you even thinking about this?  It’s a moot point and just plain weird.”  Tara shakes her head lifting her tea and taking a sip.  “I think this is a subject best left alone from now on.”  Tara states seriously glancing back up at Anya. 

 

Anya sighs quietly before acquiescing to Tara’s wishes.  “Fine.  No more discussing Buffy.  Unless, just in a friend’s way.”  Anya looks around the shop before her eyes light on the witch again.  “So… you going to tell Willow we’re dating?”

 

Tara’s eyes widen and her eyebrows go up.  “I didn’t even think about it.  You going to tell Xander?”

 

“I haven’t spoken with him since the wedding fiasco.”  Anya shakes her head, frowning.  “I probably should.  You sure I can’t wish boils on his penis, or something along those lines?”  Anya looks up hopefully.

 

“No, Anya.”  Tara laughs seeing the glint of mischief in the woman’s eyes.  “They’re both going to freak.”

 

“Shit happens.”  Anya grins.  “Think we should get them both together at the same time and tell them?”

 

Tara shakes her head becoming serious.  “Try and do this nicely, Anya.  I consider Xander a friend, and I really don’t want to upset either him or Willow.  It would cause too many problems, and I don’t want to lose their friendship.”

 

“I’ll be nice.  Would it be best to do this separately, or would you prefer to have back-up?”  Anya questions seriously. 

 

“I…”  Tara hesitates for a moment, thinking.  “Maybe it would be best to tell her by myself.”  Tara winces slightly looking at Anya.

 

“I know.  She never cared for me and saying she hates my guts, probably wouldn’t be too far off the mark.”  Anya frowns, thinking heavily.  “I don’t know about Xander.  I really don’t want to talk to him by myself.  I may decide to be mean, threaten him, or something.”

 

“I would be willing to be with you when you speak to him, if you want.”  Tara offers reaching out to stroke Anya’s hand.  “It would probably be for the best that we do this before much longer.”

 

“And probably close to the same time, Willow or Xander will probably call the other one to discuss this.”  Anya thinks about the logistics of discussing their new relationship with their ex-lovers.  “It would almost be easier to discuss this together.  I wouldn’t want either one to find out from someone else.”

 

Tara chews on her lip, thinking about how it would be best to handle the situation.  “I almost hate to suggest this.”  Tara looks up at Anya.  “Maybe we could ask Buffy to run interference for us.  Maybe take Willow for a girl’s day out, while you and I discuss this with Xander.  Then have me talk to Willow at the house afterwards?”

 

“I don’t think it would be right to ask Buffy to do that.”  Anya shakes her head.  “That’s kind of putting her in the middle of things.  You know Willow will probably be upset thinking Buffy was hiding something from her.” 

 

Tara rubs a hand over her forehead, sighing quietly.  “Then the best thing to do is do this together.”  She looks up with sad blue eyes.  “I’m going to tell you now that I’m sorry for whatever might come from Willow.  I don’t think she’ll be very pleasant.”

 

“That’s a given.  And no need to apologize for what she says or does.  It isn’t your fault.”  Anya furrows her brows.  “Should we do this now?”

 

“I think so.”  Tara nods.  “That way it’s all out in the open, and Buffy and Dawn won’t have to keep it from Xander and Willow.”

 

“Let’s call them.”  Anya stands up, digging change out of her purse walking towards the pay phone with Tara quietly following. 

 

***

 

Chapter 10

 

Xander frowns as he runs into Willow outside the Espresso Pump.  “Hi.  What’s up?”

 

“Got a call to meet Tara here.”  Willow answers quietly. 

 

“Same here.”  Xander nods his head looking questioningly at the redhead.  “Any idea why?”

 

“No.”  Willow shakes her head nervously.  “This place hasn’t exactly been a good place for Tara and me to meet.  Last time we met here, she told me we were finished.”

 

“I’m sorry.”  Xander frowns at his best friend.

 

“It’s okay, more or less.”  Willow sighs, before smiling softly.  “I actually went out on a date Friday night.” 

 

“Really?  Who’s the lucky lady?”  Xander questions grinning. 

 

Willow blushes as she looks down.  “Christina, she’s in my Physics class.”  Looking back up, she sighs.  “Let’s go see what’s going on.”

 

“Would rather not.”  Xander mumbles to himself, as they walk into the shop.

 

***

 

Tara glances up, watching as Willow and Xander walk into the shop.  “They’re here.”  She nervously looks across the table at Anya.  The two women had switched to a free standing table from the booth they originally were sitting at to make things be on a more even footing.

 

Anya unconsciously stiffens, finally it’s hitting her, this is the first time she’ll have seen Xander since before the wedding disaster.  Glancing from her hands up into Tara’s eyes, she takes a deep breath seeing the support in the warm blue eyes.  Smiling briefly, Anya relaxes a tiny bit. 

 

Xander looks towards Tara, seeing her sitting with another woman.  Frowning as he walks closer, he finally realizes that it’s Anya.  Eyes wide, he turns towards Willow seeing the realization crossing her face that both their ex’s are sitting there waiting for them.

 

“Easy, Xander.”  Willow whispers quietly, reaching out to clasp his arm.  “You knew sooner or later you would run into her.”

 

“Yeah.  But why with Tara?  And why did she want you here?”  He mumbles, as they walk towards the table. 

 

“We’re about to find out.”  Willow looks at Tara, noticing that her ex-lover seemed somewhat nervous in her own right.  Walking up to the table, Willow nods towards Tara quietly whispering.  “Hello.”

 

“Hi.”  Tara smiles quickly towards Willow as she sits down, while watching an obviously petrified Xander slowly ease into the other chair across from Willow.  “Hello, Xander.”

 

“Hi.”  Xander squeaks out looking at Tara before sliding a glance towards Anya.

 

“Hello, beady eyes.”  Anya narrows her gaze on her ex. 

 

“Anya.”  Tara softly says the ex-demon’s name.

 

Anya glances towards Tara before nodding her head.  “Xander.”  Anya nods towards Xander, before glancing towards Willow.  “Hello, Willow.”

 

“Hello.”  Willow nods her head, feeling more uncomfortable by the minute. 

 

Tara bites her lip before looking up, eyes making brief contact with Anya, before looking towards Willow.  “As you probably already figured out, there’s a reason we asked both of you here.”  She shifts her eyes from confused green eyes to Xander’s wide brown eyes.   

 

Anya taps her finger on the table before speaking up.  “We decided it would be best to tell you before you found out some other way.”

 

“Easy, Anya.”  Tara whispers watching Anya intently.

 

“Sorry.”  Anya shakes her head, sighing quietly.  “There’s no easy way to do this.”

 

“No, there isn’t.”  Tara admits softly.  “Just so you both know, we aren’t doing this out of spite, or because we’re trying to make you feel bad.”

 

Anya nods her head silently agreeing with Tara.  Sighing, she glances towards Willow, seeing a dawning realization in the redhead’s eyes, before glancing towards Xander.  “Simple and to the heart of the matter, Tara and I have decided to date.”

 

Xander’s eyes open wide in disbelief looking at his ex.  “You… Tara…???”  He squeaks out, before turning his gaze towards Tara.

 

Tara bites her lip as she watches Willow look towards her with an indescribable look on her face. 

 

“You’re dating this, this inconsiderate, fu…”   Willow starts before she’s interrupted.

 

“WILLOW!”  Tara hisses out loudly.  “You will not say what you’re about to.  I will NOT put up with you talking that way about Anya, or anyone else for that matter.  You may not like her, but this is my life and my decision.  We are only telling you in case we happen to run into each other, if Anya and I are out together.  We’re doing it out of consideration for you and Xander.  Both of you have been a big portion of our lives and we thought you deserved to know.”

 

Willow snaps her mouth shut in surprise at her lover… ex-lover.  Willow looks down as she clenches her jaw tightly.  “Why her?”  She growls roughly, before glancing up with angry eyes.  “Out of everyone in Sunnydale, why Anya?”

 

Xander sits there stunned, looking from one woman to the other.  He’s completely at a loss as to what to say or do, as he silently listens to Tara and Willow.

 

“Because she cares for me and will never willingly hurt me.  And honestly?  I believe there’s an extremely good possibility that I will love her deeply.”  Tara explains softly.  “I already love her, Willow… as more than a friend.”

 

“You always stuck up for her.  How long, Tara?”  Willow hisses out angrily.  “How long have you had feelings for her?  Was your breaking up with me permanently just an excuse to get with Anya?”

 

“Enough!”  Anya snarls looking at Willow, finally having enough.  “Nothing went on between us before.  We went on our first date last night.  You have absolutely no right to be angry with her.  As far as I’m concerned, if anyone should be angry, it’s her!  You gave up any right to be angry or upset when you fucked her over.  Now apologize for being a bitch and take it like a woman!” 

 

Xander whimpers quietly, before running a shaking hand through his hair, speaking up softly.  “Willow, don’t ruin your friendship with Tara over this.”  Xander looks up with sorrow filled eyes.  “Think before you say anything else.  We both know nothing went on between them before.  And until I fucked up so royally two weeks ago, Anya probably never even contemplated dating or seeing anyone else.”  

 

All three women turn surprised eyes towards Xander. 

 

Xander blushes looking back down.  “We caused our own problems, Willow.  They’re just continuing on with their lives.  As are you.”  He glances up making meaningful eye contact with Willow.  “As should I.  We screwed up beyond belief with both of them.  We have to live with that.  Hopefully one day all of us can be friends.  Until then, have a wonderful day.”  Xander looks sorrowfully at Anya.  “I’m sorry for being an idiot.”  He whispers, before quickly pushing back his chair to leave the coffee shop. 

 

Willow sits beside her ex-lover and Anya in stunned silence, as her best friend since kindergarten smacks her across the face with a few home truths.  Feeling a tear finally slide down her cheek, Willow shakes her head.  “I can’t really deal with this right now.”  She admits softly, glancing up making brief eye contact with sad blue eyes.  “I’m sorry.  I never should have said what I did.”  Glancing towards Anya she nods her head.  “Sorry.”  Willow murmurs, before hurriedly walking from the coffee shop leaving Tara and Anya sitting quietly alone at the table.

 

Tara stares after the redhead for long moments, contemplating everything that was just said.  Finally glancing back towards Anya, Tara tilts her head finally smiling crookedly.  “Very surprising.”

 

“Yes, very.”  Anya nods her head in agreement.  “Who would have thought beady eyes had it in him?”  Sighing quietly, she slowly inches her hand across the table towards Tara’s hand.  “Sorry if I jumped in there when I shouldn’t have.  I couldn’t stand her accusing you of something that would never have even occurred to you.”

 

“That’s okay.”  Tara smiles softly meeting Anya’s hand in the middle of the table, clasping it gently.  “You were more worried about how things were going to go with Xander.  Then he turns out to be the voice of reason, actually helping with Willow.”  Tara frowns looking down at the table.  “I’m sorry for what she was going to say.”

 

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Tara.  We both knew that she was going to have some not so nice things to say about me.  It just surprised me when she turned on you.”  Anya admits.  Sighing deeply, she looks towards Tara.  “Feel like heading home?”  Anya smiles briefly.

 

“I probably should.”  Tara smiles back, searching Anya’s brown eyes.  “Are you okay?”

 

“I think so.”  Anya glances down briefly.  “I almost feel bad for thinking all those evil, mean things about him.”

 

“Come on, sweetie.  Let’s walk.”  Tara suggests softly, standing and watching Anya as she nods her head, smiling softly as they lace their fingers together as they walk out of the shop into the late afternoon sunshine.  “Xander really is a sweet guy.  He just screws up occasionally.  Maybe he wasn’t grown-up enough to be married.”

 

“Maybe not.”  Anya softly agrees.  “Maybe in a few months I can be friends with him.”

 

“I hope so.”  Tara eases her hand from Anya’s grasp, gently wrapping her arm around the woman’s waist.  “I don’t want to lose anyone’s friendship.  It’s so hard finding friends that are as close as all of us are.”

 

“Being here on the Hellmouth with everything we’ve gone through doesn’t give us much of a choice.”  Anya hesitantly eases her arm around the witch, resting her hand on the woman’s hip.  

 

Tara smiles as Anya’s arm wraps around her.  “I mean, staking and beheading demons does have a tendency to bring people closer together.”  Tara jokes softly.

 

“And let’s not even discuss being covered in gory demon parts.”  Anya shivers, before laughing. 

 

“Gory, stinky, oozy demon parts.”  Tara chuckles, squeezing Anya gently.  “Do you want to come to the house?”  She questions softly as they walk.

 

“I don’t think so.”  Anya shakes her head glancing towards Tara.  “It’s Sunday night, you probably have studying to do.  Plus I kind of want to think about what happened today.”  Anya admits softly. 

 

“It’s a lot to take in.”  Tara agrees as the two slowly come to a halt.  “I guess this is where we go our different ways.”  Tara looks off in the distance to where Anya’s apartment building is, before shifting her eyes towards the ex-demon.  

 

“Yes, heading in our two different directions.”  Anya smiles, looking over the witch’s features for a few, long moments.  “I would say I had a wonderful time…”  Anya trails off, laughing self-consciously.

 

“I believe the time we spent alone together, was wonderful.”  Tara smiles softly.  Effectively separating what happened with Xander and Willow, from their time spent together.  “I’ll see you tomorrow after school.”

 

Anya smiles hugely as she realizes she’ll get to see Tara the following day.  “Yes you will, as I will get to see you.” 

 

Tara hesitates a moment before leaning in to brush her lips softly over Anya’s.  Gradually easing back, she looks intently in Anya’s eyes for a few seconds before closing the distance to kiss her more firmly, capturing the ex-demon’s bottom lip between her two lips caressing it briefly with her tongue and pulling on it ever so gently before releasing the soft flesh.  Stepping back Tara smiles.  “See you tomorrow, Anya.”

 

Anya stands there nodding her head silently, surprised and dazed from the simple caress.  “Tomorrow.”  Anya hoarsely agrees, watching as Tara smiles before turning to head towards Revello Drive.  “Wow.”  Anya whispers quietly before running her tongue over her bottom lip, getting just a hint of the witch’s flavor.  Feeling more lighthearted Anya grins happily as she strolls back to her apartment.

 

***

 

Tara smiles softly as she lets herself in the house.  Closing the door quietly, she hangs her keys on the hook glancing into the empty living room.  Frowning, she looks quickly in the kitchen before slowly walking up the stairs.  Seeing Buffy’s bedroom door open, she doesn’t see Buffy.  Walking the couple steps across the hallway, she watches as Dawn bounces at her desk as she writes, headphones obviously blasting out music.  Chuckling, Tara knocks loudly on the door frame.

 

Dawn quickly reaches for the CD player, clicking it off before pulling the headset down around her neck.  “Hey!”

 

“Hi, Dawnie.”  Tara smiles at the teen.  “Do you need any help?”  Tara offers, leaning against the frame.

 

“Nah, I about got it covered.”  Dawn smiles.  “How did things go this afternoon?  What movie did you see?”

 

“We actually didn’t go see a movie.”  Tara admits softly as she walks in the room, to sit down on the bed.  “We went walking around Sunnydale before we stopped at the Espresso Pump for tea.”  Tara glances down, picking at the bedspread for a few moments.  “We decided that it would be best to let Willow and Xander know what was going on, so it wouldn’t be a shock if we happened to run into to them while we were out.”

 

Dawn’s eyes widen in surprise.  “That’s why she called.”  Dawn whispers.

 

“Why who called?”  Tara looks up, watching Dawn.

 

“Willow called.  Buffy headed out about an hour ago to do the best friend thing, at least that’s what she said.”  Dawn admits.  “I take it things didn’t go that good?”

 

Tara shrugs, frowning.  “Could have been better, could have been worse.”  Tara smiles briefly.  “Xander actually did better than I thought he would.  Anya and I decided that since we are actually planning on seeing each other, it was best that we talked with them.  That way they wouldn’t think you and Buffy were possibly trying to hide our relationship from them.”

 

“I hate to say it, but is it really any of their business who you two date?”  Dawn questions.  “I mean, HELLO!  They screwed up.  If you wanted to date the Goodwrench Man, you could!!”  Dawn throws her hands up in the air.  “You know, if you like, liked guys that is.”  Dawn admits, blushing.

 

“Maybe the Goodwrench Woman.”  Tara smiles, joking with the teen.  “I’m hoping eventually things will get back on an even keel.  I know it’s going to be rough on Willow.  After all she never really liked Anya.”  Tara winces looking down.  “Having Anya and I together kind of put her into a tailspin, I would think.”

 

“It is kind of strange.”  Dawn admits, her lips curling up in a half smile.  “It might take me a little while to get used to the sight of you two together.  After all, you and Willow were a couple for two years!”  Dawn grins.  “Then Anya…”  Dawn rolls her eyes.  “And Xander were together for roughly three years?  So, and I don’t mean this in a bad way, but this is gonna take some getting used to.”  Dawn shrugs looking at Tara.

 

“I understand, Dawnie.”  Tara smiles softly at the teen.  “I guess I should hit the books, too.”  Tara slowly stands.  “Did Buffy happen to say when she thought she might be back home?”

 

“Nah.”  Dawn shakes her head.  “But she took her weapons with her, so she’ll probably do patrol before she heads back here.”

 

“Anything in particular you want for dinner tonight?”  Tara questions softly as she walks towards the door.

 

“Pizza?”  Dawn questions hopefully.  “We haven’t had any in like, two weeks.”

 

“If you want.”  Tara turns, grinning at the teen.  “A medium for me and you, a large for your sister.  I’m sure she’ll eat it when she gets in from patrol.”

 

“Who, the bottomless pit?”  Dawn snorts.  “She finished off the leftovers from lunch.  Then she ate half a container of ice cream!  I think you need to keep her away from the ice cream.  We hardly ever get any.”  Dawn whines.

 

“Sorry, Dawnie.  Maybe we should try marking a container with your name, that way you can get to eat a good portion of it.”  Tara chuckles.

 

“Like that’ll work.”  Dawn shakes her head.  “Pizza in a couple hours?”  Dawn questions before grinning as Tara nods her head.  “Thanks, Tara.”

 

Tara smiles.  “You’re welcome, Dawnie.”  Tara laughs quietly as Dawn turns the CD player back on, pulling the headphones up, before working on her report.

 

***

 

Buffy barely knocks on the door before Willow’s yanking it open, staring at her angrily.

 

“Did you know?”  Willow snarls looking Buffy up and down.

 

“What?”  Buffy takes a step back, surprised at the anger directed towards her.  “What are you talking about?”

 

Willow backs off, seeing the confusion in the slayer’s eyes.  “Anya and Tara.”  Willow watches Buffy intently, surprised when she sees a flare of hurt cross the slayer’s eyes before sadness quickly replaces it finally a neutral expression settles.

 

“They went out on a date last night.”  Buffy admits softly looking at Willow.  “Anya came back to town Friday.  She asked Tara on a date, she said yes.”  Buffy looks at her angry best friend.  “What did you expect, Willow?  You two are broken up.  Did you expect her to stay single and not date anyone?  God, wasn’t it you that called me just the other day, giddy and babbling about having a date yourself?”  Buffy shakes her head, sighing deeply. 

 

“I-I…”  Willow’s hands come up before falling back down at her sides.  “Get in here, Buffy.”  Willow finally states dejectedly, as she turns from the doorway to walk in the house, collapsing in a chair.

 

Buffy slowly walks in, closing the door behind her, before sitting on the end of the couch watching Willow.

 

“I don’t know what to think.”  Willow looks up with sad, haunted eyes.  “One minute I’m so angry…”  Willow’s features darken for a moment before she shakes her head.  “The next minute I want to cry.  Then I just want to smack myself for being a fucking idiot!”  Willow whimpers, burying her face in her hands.  “I mean, Anya!  She’s dating an ex-vengeance demon, Xander’s ex-fiancée.  I didn’t even know Anya liked women!  Is she just doing this as a rebound?  Is Tara something different for her?  Is she going to hurt Tara?  How did they even start dating?  What triggered it?”  Willow rambles off quickly glancing back up at Buffy.

 

Buffy looks down, feeling guilty.  “I can’t answer for them, Willow.  But… I don’t think Anya will hurt her, and I honestly believe it isn’t a rebound thing.  They really like each other.  As for Anya liking women…”  Buffy trails off looking up at Willow, wincing.  “As it was explained to me, she’s over 1200 years old, do you honestly think in that time she’s never been with a woman?  And as for them dating, I guess you can blame me.”  Buffy whispers the last looking back down at her hands.

 

“You?”  Willow’s eyes open in stunned surprise.

 

“Yeah, me.”  Buffy nods her head.  “Friday night I was telling Tara she needed to start dating again.  She, as usual, was grumping at me to leave it alone.  A few minutes later Anya came in and I brought it up to her.”  Buffy winces, feeling her heart get heavy as she continues.  “Anya asked her out on a date, she said yes.” 

 

Willow’s mouth opens and closes three or four times before she shakes her head. 

 

“I mean, I know fundamentally it isn’t my fault.  But she might not have asked her right away if I hadn’t brought it up.”  Buffy unconsciously rocks slowly back and forth on the couch, not even realizing she’s speaking out loud, albeit quietly.  “I mean, unless I had asked her out Anya would probably have asked her eventually, anyway.  But of course, I had to be stupid and not tell Tara I liked her.  But, why would she like me?”  Buffy whispers sadly, looking down at her hands twisting them together almost painfully.  “A stupid idiot that’s fucked the undead, afraid to admit she’s come to care for someone because she doesn’t want to cause waves…” 

 

“WHAT?”  Willow almost screams the word at the slayer.  “Y-y-you like Tara?”  Willow stands pointing towards the door.  “Get the FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!  It isn’t bad enough that the ex-demon bitch wants Tara.  You say you do, too?  This is just fucking lovely!  You don’t even LIKE women.  You’re all with the men.  Angel and Riley, remember?”  Willow takes the single step to stand over the stunned slayer.  “Leave.  Don’t bother coming back.  A friend would NEVER think of hooking up with their best friend’s ex.  It just isn’t DONE!”

 

Buffy stands, finally angry.  “You know what, Willow?  You don’t know fuck all!  She isn’t yours anymore.  She is… was on the market.  She can date, love, FUCK anyone she wants to.  There is absolutely nothing you can do about it.  You can be mad at me all you want, but you know what?”  Buffy hesitates shoving her face in Willow’s.  “I love her, and I would never, ever have treated her as badly as you did!  You had the most wonderful person in the world that doted on you - and you treated her like a fucking commodity.  And you did it from the absolute beginning of your relationship!!”  Buffy shoves a finger in Willow’s chest.  “You kept her away from all of us, like she was a leper or something.  She didn’t deserve to be treated that way.  She deserved you to be up front with everyone.  Let everyone know that you cared for her.”  Buffy finally feels her anger starting to ease.  Slowly sliding towards the door, she shakes her head at the pale redhead, running a shaking hand down her face.  “Our friendship never factored into whether I like Tara or not, Willow.  As a matter of fact… no, that’s a lie.  It factored into it.  You’re the main reason I never asked Tara out.  I didn’t want to hurt you.  You’re my absolute best friend, and maybe when you’ve had time to think about things you’ll realize this isn’t really about you.  It’s about Tara and who she wants to be with.  No one’s doing this to hurt you.  I can’t help that I love her, but I’m not acting on it.”

 

Buffy turns to the door, quietly opening it before glancing back at Willow.  “When you feel like talking and maybe are willing to be my friend again, call.  I know you’re just angry about everything that’s happened today and you need time to sort it out.  I’ll leave you alone until you contact me.  But just know, you aren‘t the only one hurting from those two dating.”  Buffy finally whispers, before quickly striding out of the house.

 

Willow stands in the living room staring at the now closed front door.  Tears slowly fill her eyes before rolling down her face.  “Goddess!  What am I doing?”  She questions the empty house.  Collapsing face first on the couch, Willow sobs heartbrokenly as she thinks about everything she’d said to Buffy.  Finally playing over what Buffy said to her Willow gradually comes to the realization that Buffy has a point… multiple points.  First off, Tara isn’t hers.  And Tara definitely does deserve to find someone to be happy with.  Second, no one can help their feelings.  Knowing that she herself, would always love Tara no matter what.  Thinking about it she remembers how she’d hid her relationship with the blonde Wiccan away from everyone, realizing as she thinks about her relationship how she treated the woman during their time together… she did sort of think of her as being ‘hers’.  Almost as a piece of property, instead of a human being in her own right.  Curling up in a tight ball it finally hits home how she raped her girl… ex-girlfriend’s mind, basically because she didn’t like being wrong.  Nodding her head, Willow realizes that’s what the original mind-wipe boiled down to.  Tara pointed out the fact that Willow was using too much magic and they had an argument over the fact.  Willow didn’t think she was so what does she do?  Uses magic to fix it.  “Goddess, I am so screwed up!”  Willow’s body is shaking as she cries.  “I’ll give it a few days and then talk to Buffy.  Hopefully she’ll let me make things right with her.  Then, eventually, beg Tara’s forgiveness for everything I’ve done.” 

 

***

 

Chapter 11

 

Buffy looks around as the dust settles, realizing she killed the three vampires without remembering pulling her stake.  Glancing down to her hand, she blinks noticing the stake gripped firmly.  Tucking it away she continues patrolling as she had been doing for the last five hours.  Thinking heavily about everything she said to Willow, Buffy sighs quietly.  “Didn’t mean to say I liked Tara out loud.”  Buffy mumbles as she works her way through downtown Sunnydale.  “God knows I sure as hell didn’t mean to go off on Willow like that.”  Shaking her head, Buffy glances around at the empty streets.  “And you’re talking to yourself.  This is SO not good.”  Buffy grumbles, trudging along.  “I’m even more fucked up than Willow is.  One moment I feel jealous that the two women are dating, the next moment happy that they’re dating each other.  And the really screwed up thing is that I don’t know who I’m jealous of.” 

 

Buffy stops as she hears a whimpering noise.  Tilting her head she listens more intently.  As she realizes it’s coming from behind the trash cans behind her, she starts to pull out a stake when she realizes it has to be something small to fit in that tiny of an area.  Letting go of the stake Buffy shifts back the trashcans, kneeling as she sees the obviously scared puppy.  “Easy there, little fella.”  Buffy soothes quietly.  “Are you a little fella or a little girl?”  She questions in a soft sing-song voice, hoping to calm the puppy.  As it whimpers looking up at her, Buffy smiles softly.  Slowly the puppy stands, cautiously approaching the slayer that’s just a foot away from it.  “That’s it little buddy.  Come here.”  Buffy eases her hand down, chuckling quietly as it sniffs the hand before licking it with a warm tongue.  Scratching the dog under the chin, Buffy gives it time to feel more comfortable with her before she gently picks it up.  Glancing, she smiles.  “Okay, little girl.  What am I going to do with you?” 

 

Tucking the happily panting puppy against her chest, Buffy laughs, scratching it behind the ears.  “Other than the obvious fact you’re a girl, I can’t tell what color you are because you’re so dirty.”  As it licks her hand, Buffy sighs quietly.  “Let’s take you home.  Tara’ll probably take one look at you and want to keep you.  She kind of likes us strays, you know.”  Buffy turns around quickly striding back towards Revello Drive.  “She had a kitten once, but it kind of disappeared when something bad showed up.  I bet she’ll like you just fine.  She likes to spoil and love everyone.  She’ll probably dig out any leftovers we have to make sure you’re fed properly.  She might even give you a bath.”  Buffy rolls her eyes when she realizes she’s talking to a dog… a dog that is now curled up asleep in her arms.  “Buffy, you really do need help.”  Buffy grunts out to herself as she walks up the sidewalk.  Unlocking the door she quickly shuts it behind her, locking it before glancing in the living room.  Walking in she turns off the light before walking into the kitchen, planning on grabbing something to drink for her and the puppy when she notices Tara sitting at the island sipping a cup of tea.

 

Tara glances up as Buffy walks in the kitchen.  “Did you find it, or did it find you?”  Tara questions softly, smiling as she notices the puppy curled up in Buffy’s arms. 

 

“I think it was kind of a mutual finding.”  Buffy admits smiling, looking down at the puppy. 

 

Tara nods while digging around in the cabinets, pulling out a cheap plastic container, filling it quickly with water, setting it down by the wall at the back door as she quickly turns to open the refrigerator, digging around to pull out some leftover roast.  “Are you planning on keeping it?”  Tara questions softly, as she grabs a couple pieces of meat, gently tearing it apart into small pieces.

 

“I kind of thought we might.”  Buffy admits looking down, chuckling as the puppy wakes up and starts to squirm as it smells the food. 

 

Tara glances up when Buffy mentions ‘we’.  Nodding her head, she lays a small piece of food in her hand for the puppy to eat.  “Don’t get used to this, little…”  Tara glances towards Buffy in question.

 

“Girl.  She’s a she…”  Buffy shrugs smiling.  “It’s a her.”

 

“Well, girlie.  Don’t get used to this kind of food.”  Tara chuckles as she puts a couple more small pieces in her hand as the dog quickly grabs them.  “You’re going to have puppy chow tomorrow.  You also need a bath, stinky one.”

 

“Sorry, that might be partly me.”  Buffy admits, wincing.  “Had kind of a busy night.”

 

Tara looks up, her eyes twinkling.  “You’re going to admit that when you have the perfect scapegoat in your arms?”

 

“Damn, screwed that one up didn’t I?”  Buffy smirks at the witch.  “Maybe she and I should go take a shower?  Would it be okay to use regular shampoo on her?”  Buffy questions looking at Tara.

 

“Use one of the milder shampoos, actually use my oatmeal shampoo.  That would be perfect for her, it doesn’t have any of the dyes or perfumes in it.”  Tara smiles as the puppy finishes eating the food.  “Why don’t you set her down, let her get some water.  Then we’ll let her go outside for a few minutes, hopefully to start potty training her.”

 

Buffy nods in agreement, easing the puppy down on the floor, chuckling as it makes a bee-line for the water dish.  As it laps up the water quickly, Buffy glances over to Tara.  “I talked with Willow tonight.”

 

“Sorry.”  Tara turns sad blue eyes on Buffy.  “Anya and I decided while we were out that it would be best to let Willow and Xander know we’re dating.  If I had thought about it, I would have called right after Willow left to give you a head’s up, but I didn’t even think about it.”

 

“It’s okay.”  Buffy shakes her head, watching the puppy as it waddles back towards her.  “Oh, no, little girlie.  Outside for you.”  Buffy scoops the puppy up, opening the back door to walk out in the back yard, setting her down on the ground, chuckling as she squats and pees almost immediately.

 

“Good timing.”  Tara giggles, watching the puppy. 

 

“Going to have to invest in a carpet cleaning machine.”  Buffy grunts watching as the puppy starts sniffing around the yard, walking a little distance before taking care of her other business.  “I never had a dog.”

 

“We had animals growing up.”  Tara leans against the door watching the puppy.  “Most of them were outside animals, but we did have one dog for a while that stayed in the house.  They pretty much eat, sleep and make messes at this age.  Probably quite a few accidents, but it’ll clean up.”

 

Buffy squats down on her haunches, clicking her tongue.  “Come here, little girl.” 

 

Tara chuckles, as the puppy comes running as fast as her legs will carry her towards the slayer.  “I think she found herself a new mommy.”

 

“Great.  Something I never thought I’d be.”  Buffy’s lips curl up as she tucks the puppy against her.  “Mommy to a baby girl, that’ll bite, bark and growl.”

 

“Come on.  Let me help you bathe her.”  Tara chuckles, locking the door behind them as they walk in the house and up the stairs to the bathroom.

 

“Yes, let’s see what we got under all this dirt and grime.”  Buffy walks into the bathroom, frowning.  “She’s small enough to wash in the sink, what do you think?”

 

“That’ll be perfect.”  Tara murmurs as she grabs a towel and the shampoo, walking over to the sink, turning the water on.  Checking the temperature after a few moments Tara eases off the hot a little until the water’s warm, but not too warm.  Pulling up the stopper, she lets the sink fill halfway before turning the water off.  “Well, let’s see what she does.  Set her in the water but keep a hand on her in case she tries to bolt.” 

 

Buffy nods as she walks up to stand by Tara, gently easing the puppy in the water.  Chuckling as it scrabbles for a few moments, before looking around and sitting down in the water.  “That’s a good girl, yes it is.”  Buffy baby talks to the puppy after it calms down.

 

Tara chuckles, shaking her head.  “If only the mean, evil demons could see you now.”  Tara laughs a little harder at the narrowed gaze that glances at her in the mirror.  Squeezing a good dollop of shampoo in her hand, Tara proceeds to work the shampoo into a rich lather over the puppy, gently working her way around the face of the dog, scrubbing the chest for a few long moments as the puppy’s back paw starts tapping in the water in pleasure.  “Like that, don’t you?”  Tara murmurs, smiling. 

 

“Do you blame her?”  Buffy shakes her head.  “Poor thing probably hasn’t had any attention paid to it.  Now it’s being fed, watered, loved on, and bathed.  It’s probably in doggy heaven.”

 

The puppy tilts its head towards Buffy, letting out a small yip, like it knows it’s being talked about.  Tara laughs as she works her hands down the rest of the animal, scrubbing it thoroughly before letting the dirty, dingy water out of the sink and running more water, letting the fresh clean water rinse over the dog.  “Oh…”  Tara whispers as the markings become clear.  “Looks like you got yourself a Rottweiler mix, Buffy.” 

 

“Hmm?”  Buffy finally looks at the dog as it comes clean unconsciously having been watching the witch instead of the puppy.  “How do you know it’s a mix?”  Buffy questions curiously, looking at the obvious markings of a Rottweiler.

 

“The nose and body.”  Tara murmurs, glancing up at Buffy.  “The nose is too long.  Most Rotty’s have a shorter, stubbier nose.  The body’s more delicate than a full Rottweiler.”  Running her fingers down the puppy’s legs, Tara pulls her feet up, chuckling.  “She’s going to be a good sized dog, if these are any indication.” 

 

Buffy frowns looking at the puppy’s feet.  “Why?”

“They’re big paws, Buffy.  They’ll only get bigger as she gets older.”  Tara looks into the soft brown eyes of the dog.  “You are going to need a name, little girl.  Plus the fact you’re probably going to be able to eat as much as your mommy when you get full grown, huh?”  Tara needles the slayer.

 

“Just what we need another piggy in the house.”  Buffy grumps before chuckling.

 

“Oh, that reminds me.  There’s a large pizza in the refrigerator for you.  I finally put it up when you didn’t make it back home early.”  Tara softly admits, grabbing the towel to quickly cover the puppy, as she finally decides she’s had enough and was trying to shake the excess water off.  “Come here, little girl.  Let me rub you dry while mommy takes her shower.”  Tara glances up looking at the slayer.  “Want me to heat some of the pizza up for you?”

 

“I’ll get it.”  Buffy shakes her head, watching as Tara gently rubs the towel over the dog’s body. 

 

“No problem.  Me and little one here will go downstairs and throw you some in the microwave while I’m drying her.  Then we can let her go back outside again before we head to bed tonight.  Where’s she going to sleep?”  Tara looks up making eye contact with Buffy. 

 

“I guess she can stay in my room.  I’ll grab an old blanket and fold it up on the floor by the bed for her.”  Buffy smiles, as Tara eases towards the bathroom door.

 

“Take a shower, Buffy.  I’ll heat your food.”  Tara gently shuts the door behind her, quickly walking down the stairs continuing to dry the puppy.  “You’re absolutely gorgeous, aren’t you, baby girl?”  She laughs as the puppy licks quickly over her hand.  “If I set you down on the floor, do you promise to behave?”  Tara questions lifting the dog up to look her in the eyes, chuckling quietly as it reaches out with a paw to try and tap her on the nose.  “You’re going to be spoiled rotten.”  Shaking her head, Tara gives it a couple more good rubs with the towel, before setting her on the floor.  Watching as the puppy cautiously sniffs around the kitchen, shaking so hard that she falls down. 

 

Laughing quietly, Tara quickly washes her hands and dries them before pulling out Buffy’s pizza throwing some slices on a plate to microwave.  Easing down on the floor, Tara watches as the puppy quickly runs over to her, climbing up over her legs to lay down in her lap, panting.  Scratching her behind the ears, Tara smiles, as she watches her lay her head down to slowly fall asleep. 

 

***

 

Buffy frowns when she finally makes it downstairs.  Pressing the button on the microwave she glances down, almost tripping over Tara and the puppy.  She smiles softly at the puppy curled up in Tara’s lap, and the witch’s head tilted back against the cabinet as she sleeps.  Quickly turning around, Buffy stops the microwave before it beeps.  Sitting down at the island, she quietly eats her dinner as she watches Tara sleep.  Putting a couple more slices on the plate, she places it in the microwave.  Before pushing the start button, Buffy kneels beside the witch and puppy.  Easing her hands under the puppy to pick it up, Buffy inhales sharply at the warmth coming from the witch as the backs of her hands brush over her thighs.  Tucking the puppy against her, Buffy places a gentle hand on Tara’s shoulder.

 

Tara’s eyes open quickly, glancing around.  “I fell asleep, didn’t I?”  She wipes her eyes for a moment.


“Yes.  Go to bed, Tara.  I’m going to eat a couple more pieces of pizza while little girl here goes outside for a few minutes.”  Buffy smiles standing. 

 

“See you tomorrow, sweetie.”  Tara stands, gently squeezing the slayer’s shoulder as she walks out of the kitchen.

 

“Yeah, tomorrow.”  Buffy watches Tara walk away.  “Okay, you rotten new addition to the family let me finish heating my dinner, then you can go outside and play while I eat.  Tomorrow I’m going to probably put you in the basement, so you won’t get into much trouble while I go shopping for you.”  Buffy chuckles as the puppy’s tail wags as fast as it can while she talks to it.  “Hope you don’t mind living in a house with a bunch of women.  I have a feeling it might be a while before another male makes it in the house.”  Buffy smirks as she pulls her pizza out of the microwave, heading out the back door.  Walking out she sets the puppy on the ground while sitting on the steps, slowly eating the rest of her dinner, while the puppy frolics for a few minutes before using the bathroom.

 

“Go ahead and play for a while, little one.  No rush.”  Buffy murmurs as the puppy runs back to her.  Almost as if the puppy understands, she barks once before running around the back yard, occasionally tripping and rolling.  Laughing quietly at the puppy’s antics, Buffy eases back, relaxing.  Finally she comes running up to collapse, panting at her feet.  “Time to go in?”  Buffy questions the worn out dog.  Laughing, she picks her up, carrying the heavily panting dog into the house.  Placing her plate in the sink, Buffy quickly turns the lights off walking up the stairs.  Setting the puppy on the floor, Buffy opens the closet pulling down a blanket.  Placing the folded up item on the floor at the end of the bed, Buffy clucks her tongue, smiling as the puppy walks over towards her before collapsing on the blanket.  “That’s a good girl.”  Buffy scratches the puppy behind the ears, chuckling as it flops over onto its back.  “Want your belly rubbed, huh?”  Buffy rubs the puppy’s belly for a few minutes.  “Go to sleep, little girl.”  Buffy quickly stands, changing into her sleepwear before turning out the light and climbing into bed. 

 

Sighing quietly, Buffy turns over onto her stomach, punching the pillow a couple times before laying her head down.  “Sleep, enjoy the day off tomorrow, go shopping for puppy.  Call around for a vet.  Ignore confusing feelings for Tara and Anya.  Anya’s easier - don’t see her so much…”  Buffy trails off shaking her head.  “Sleep.”  She mutters into the pillow.

 

***

 

Buffy jerks awake.  Looking around the room disoriented, it takes her a few moments to realize the puppy’s whimpering by the door.  “Oh, little girl.  You need to go out?”  Buffy jumps out of the bed grasping her robe when she hears a light knocking on the door.  “Come in.”

 

Tara pokes her head in smiling down at the puppy.  “Want me to take her out before going to class?”  Tara kneels down grasping the puppy.

 

“Please, I need to go to the bathroom.  Probably as bad as little one there does.”  Buffy looks around not noticing any accidents. 

 

“Outside she goes.”  Tara chuckles, quickly heading to take the puppy outside.

 

“Thank you.”  Buffy murmurs looking a little more seriously at the floor, sniffing deeply.  “I don’t think she had any accidents.  Good little girl.”  Buffy laughs before quickly heading to the bathroom to take care of her own personal business.

 

***

 

Tara laughs as she quickly sets the puppy down and it squats immediately.  Stepping back into the kitchen, Tara grabs the water bowl and the food she’d set down before going back upstairs to offer to bring the puppy outside.  “You need a name, little one.  We can’t keep calling you little girl, little one or puppy.”  Setting the bowls down on the ground, she watches the puppy finally finish peeing before running over to the bowls, quickly eating the food before lapping at the water.

 

“I didn’t see any accidents upstairs.”  Buffy sips at the coffee Tara prepared as she steps outside. 

 

“I would be surprised if you do.  She just finished peeing a few moments ago.”  Tara glances over, laughing quietly.  “Figured out a name for her yet?”

 

“No.  Any ideas?”  Buffy looks hopefully at the witch.

 

“Uh, uh.  Your baby, you’re naming her.”  Tara smirks at Buffy before glancing at her watch.  Sighing, she looks apologetically at Buffy.  “I need to get to class.  Have a good day off.”

 

“Yeah, yeah.  Lot of help you are.”  Buffy grumps good-naturedly.  “Thanks, and have a wonderful day.”

 

“I’m sure I will.”  Tara rolls her eyes.  “Going to have to start studying hard.”

 

“Yeah, finals coming up, right?”  At Tara’s nod Buffy chuckles.  “You’ll do great.  Go to class I’ll take care of little one.  Need to get goodies for her.” 

 

“I left some extra cash on the counter to help out with the supplies.  I also made a list of everything I could think of.  See you tonight, sweetie.”  Tara grins before quickly leaving a surprised Buffy alone outside with the puppy.

 

“You know what, little one?”  Buffy turns back to the puppy rolling around happily in the yard.  Chuckling as she comes running towards her at her words.  “Yes, you’re a little one, even though according to the wicked witch you won’t stay that way.  But the wicked witch is very, very rotten.  You need to remember that!  I’ve come to realize that we really do need to pay attention to her and what she does.  She’s extremely sneaky so it’s best to get on her good side.”  Reaching down Buffy scratches the puppy behind her ears.  “Stay here, I’m going to grab a phone book and the phone.”  Buffy stands walking quickly back into the house grabbing the phone book out of the drawer, before frowning at the note on top of the money.

 

                Buffy,

                       

                The following items are things that you definitely

need to get for the little one.  Training her

shouldn’t be difficult, a lot of positive reinforce-

ment, telling her she’s a good girl, etc… will go a

long way, however a little treat when she’s done

well occasionally won’t hurt.  I can already tell

she’s a very smart girl.  She probably would be

good company for you when you go out at night

on patrol, when she gets bigger.                   

 

                        Puppy Chow

                        Metal water/food bowls

                        Rawhide Chews

                        Chew Toys

                        Leash

                        Collar

                        Treats

                        Dog Bed

               

                The first visit to the vet will probably be one of

the most expensive ones.  Don’t argue over the

money.  I can’t think of a better way to spend it. 

Pick up anything else you see that you think she

may like.  Figure out a name!

 

                                                Tara

 

 

Buffy shakes her head, smiling softly before grabbing the money.  Quickly counting it out, Buffy frowns deeply.  “This has to be the rest of your money from the Council.”  Buffy bitches quietly at the $500 on the counter, knowing Tara used a good chunk to help stock the cabinets and freezer when they sent her the money.  Another part when she bought herself the new dress.  “I’ll pay you back, one way or another.”  Buffy swears quietly as she sets the note and money back on the counter, grasping the phone to walk outside. 

 

“Your other mommy is definitely going to spoil you.”  Buffy murmurs softly, smiling at the puppy running around chasing a bug.  “Don’t eat it!”  Buffy grumbles at the dog.  “It might upset your stomach.”  Sitting down on the steps, Buffy quickly flips through the phone book to start making calls.

 

***

 

Buffy heaves a huge sigh of relief as she drops the items on the floor.  Quickly walking to the basement door, she opens it, getting ready to walk down the stairs, when a black and brown blur runs past her to stand at the back door, whimpering.  Buffy quickly unlocks the door, laughing as the puppy runs hurriedly outside, squatting.  “If you went without making a mess downstairs, you’re going to be a very good girl.” 

 

Buffy chuckles quietly as the puppy looks towards her before running around to the general area, Buffy noticed that she normally goes to do her other business.  “When you’re done, come back in.”  Buffy grins as the puppy yips in reply.  “Damn dog knows what I’m saying.”  Shaking her head, she turns back into the house, quickly running down the basement stairs and looking around intently.  Not seeing any messes, she grins.  Noticing a piece of two by four, left over from one of the many house repairs Xander has done, Buffy walks over picking it up.  Laughing loudly at the little teeth marks on the wood, Buffy shakes her head.  “Definitely needing chew toys.”  Buffy mutters before looking more closely, trying to find anything else the puppy might have gotten into.  Hearing a whimpering at the top of the stairs, Buffy walks to the bottom of the stairs looking up at the puppy. 

 

“You little one.”  Buffy starts holding up the piece of wood.  “This is a no, no!  But you aren’t going to get in trouble this time.  You didn’t know any better.”  Buffy finishes seeing an almost sad look come across the puppy’s face at her firm tones.  “Let’s show you the proper play toys.”  Buffy throws the piece of wood back into the corner of the basement before jogging up the stairs. 

 

“Okay, here.”  Buffy reaches into one of the bags, pulling out a small rawhide bone.  “You don’t get too many of these.  The person said they could back your little system up if you eat too much.”  Buffy hands the bone to the puppy, laughing as it takes off running to the corner of the room, lying down, chewing happily.  Quickly unpacking the other items, Buffy brings the bowls out to wash before filling one with water, while opening the huge bag of puppy chow, filling the other bowl and setting them down by the back door.

 

“Come and get it, little one.”  Buffy calls quietly to the puppy watching as she drops the bone to run towards her.  Kneeling down beside the food, Buffy points at it.  “These are your bowls nobody else’s.  Food and water will be here for you.  You eat, and then I’ll take you back out to play for a little while before we have to head to the vet’s.”  Buffy stands up brushing her hands over her pants before pulling the tags off the collar and leash. 

 

***

 

Chapter 12

 

Tara giggles quietly as she works on her paper, trying to finish it before having to start work in half an hour.  “Anya, please!” 

 

“You’re no fun.”  Anya pouts, pulling her fingers away from their teasing past time.  “If you put your hair up, I can’t help but play with your gorgeous ears.”

 

“You need help.”  Tara mutters, shaking her head.  “My ears are not gorgeous.  They stick out too far from my head and are too big!”

 

“No, they’re not.  I think they’re gorgeous.  I bet they would even be considered delectable.”  Anya considers the ears for a moment, a smirk crossing her face.  “Maybe I’ll find out just how delectable they are.”  She quickly leans down ready to nibble on an earlobe when the bell above the door dings.  “Damn it.”  Anya mutters under her breath, making Tara laugh.

 

“Poor, baby.”  Tara bites her lip at the look of disgust crossing Anya’s face. 

 

“You better not set that thing down.  I won’t have it making a mess!”  Anya props her hands on her hips as Buffy comes in.

 

“I’m not.  Anyway, she’s a very well behaved little girl.”  Buffy defends the puppy. 

 

Tara grins as she turns around, looking at Buffy and the puppy.  Quickly standing she walks over, holding her arms out for the puppy.  “No name yet?”  Tara questions with a lift of her eyebrow.

 

“No.”  Buffy grumbles.  “And you are absolutely no help!”  Buffy hands the squirming puppy over to Tara, chuckling as it licks quickly over the witch’s chin.  “She pretty much had a clean bill of health.”

 

“Worms, right?”  Tara looks up from where she’s scratching the puppy’s chin. 

 

“Yeah, how did you know?”  Buffy frowns looking at Tara.

 

“Pretty much all puppy’s have worms.  They actually get them from their mom’s.”  Tara shrugs.  “No big deal.” 

 

“When did you get a dog?”  Anya questions warily, walking up to the two women watching the puppy curiously. 

 

“Last night.  But, I think it was more of a puppy getting Buffy.”  Tara smirks, her eyes twinkling. 

 

Anya cautiously reaches out a hand, running it lightly down the dog’s back.  Smiling softly as it turns its head, panting at her.  “I swear she’s grinning at me.”

 

“You are kind of funny looking.”  Buffy jokes, quickly jumping back from a hand aimed at her.  “Hey!  Watch where that thing goes!”

 

“I was.”  Anya mutters before turning back to the puppy.  “You need to name her.  Where did you find her?”

 

“Downtown behind a bunch of trash cans.”  Buffy chuckles as Anya wiggles her fingers for the puppy. 

 

“Very dirty and very stinky.”  Tara hands the puppy to Anya. 

 

“She finds a home with a witch, a slayer and a key?  Should be interesting.”  Anya smirks at the two women before walking over to a chair, sitting down to cradle the puppy against her chest, smiling as she falls asleep. 

 

“Let’s see, we have Dawn, Tara and Buffy.  We can’t have an ordinary name for her, now can we?”  Anya gently strokes over the puppy’s back. 

 

Buffy looks towards Tara mouthing ‘we?’  Tara smirks and shakes her head. 

 

“So what do you think would be a good name for her?”  Buffy questions, sitting down beside the ex-demon.

 

“She needs a good, strong name.”   Anya watches the sleeping puppy.  “She probably would have died if you hadn’t found her.  So, she’s risen from the depths of Hell, to live with the angels.”  Anya looks up smirking at Tara.  “Rising from the fires of Hell, with this being the Hellmouth?  Phoenix?”

 

“Phoenix?”  Buffy questions quietly, glancing at Tara, as she sits down at the table across from them. 

 

Tara nods her head, considering the name.  “I like it.  A Phoenix rises from the ashes to be reborn.  Living on the Hellmouth, that has a kind of poetic ring to it.” 

 

“Hmmm.”  Buffy reaches over, gently poking the puppy.  “Wake up, little one.  I want to see if you like this name.”

 

The three women laugh quietly as the dog whimpers as it wakes up. 

 

Buffy grasps the puppy, bringing it even with her face, so she’s looking it in the eyes.  “How do you like the name Phoenix?”  Buffy questions.  Getting a half-growl, half-bark, Buffy raises an eyebrow.  “Is that a like it or a don’t like it?” 

 

Tara tries to hold back the laughter, not being very successful.  “Here, little one.”  Tara calls, watching as the puppy looks towards her.  “Here, Phoenix.  Come here, Phoenix.”  Tara calls softly, laughing as the puppy tries to scrabble away from Buffy.  “Sit her down on the floor, let’s see.”

 

“She makes a mess, you’re cleaning it up.”  Anya mutters, trying to keep the smile off her face.

 

Buffy rolls her eyes before setting the dog on the floor, unhooking the leash.  “Go see Tara, little one.” 

 

“Going to have to use her name, so we don’t confuse her.”  Tara murmurs quietly.  “Come here, Phoenix.”  Tara snaps her fingers, down by the floor, smiling as the dog comes running.  Picking her up, she hugs her.  “That’s a good Phoenix.  Yes it is!”  Tara baby talks the puppy as Phoenix wiggles her whole back end lapping the witch’s face excitedly. 

 

“Is Dawn coming here after school?”  Buffy questions looking up at the clock.

 

“No, she called.  She’s working on a project at Janice’s.  Then she was going to go home.”  Tara answers, rubbing her nose with the dog’s.  “Phoenix is a pretty girl.  Yes, she is.”  Tara laughs as the puppy barks. 

 

“I think she likes her new name.”  Anya nods her head.  “Good.”

 

“Thanks, Anya.”  Buffy smiles at the ex-demon, before standing.  “Let me take her home.  I’ll be back to walk you home later.”  Buffy clips the leash on Phoenix’s collar, before glancing up as the bell above the door announces a customer.  Buffy’s nose snarls up in disgust. 

 

“Oh, isn’t it the slayer and her little friends.”  Warren growls out looking from one woman to the next. 

 

“Made any new girlfriends for anyone lately?”  Buffy narrows her eyes on the man, looking down at the puppy as she growls deeply, her body stiffening.  “Good, Phoenix.  Yes, that’s a good girl.”  Buffy eyes harden as they look back up at Warren.

 

“We don’t have anything here to sell you.”  Anya stands walking towards him.  “I suggest you leave.”

 

“You’re going to turn away a paying customer?”  Warren pulls out a wad of cash, waving it around.

 

Tara glances towards Anya surprised when she sees the determination on the woman’s face.  Looking back towards Warren, Tara crosses her arms across her chest and tilts her head.  “I suggest you leave, Warren.  You’re not welcome in this store.” 

 

“Bitches.”  Warren snarls loudly.  “Eventually you’ll get what’s coming to you.  You’ll regret treating me like this.”

 

Buffy starts to walk towards Warren angrily, when he quickly spins around leaving the shop.  “Damn good thing he left when he did.”  Buffy scratches behind the puppy’s ears as she shakes in her arms.  “It’s okay Phoenix.  The bad man’s gone”

 

“Animals are very good judges of character.”  Anya nods her head, walking towards Buffy and the puppy.  “You deserve a treat.”  Anya pats Phoenix’s head gently, smiling as the puppy slowly relaxes in Buffy’s arms.

 

“Yes, she does.”  Buffy eyes light up as she digs in her pocket, pulling out a small package.  As the puppy barks and starts squirming, she hands the package to Anya.  “If you could get her a piece, please?” 

 

Anya opens the treats, grabbing a piece out.  “Yes, Phoenix is a good girl.”  Anya hands the puppy a treat, smiling as she quickly chews and swallows. 

 

“I wonder what he was coming in here for?”  Tara questions softly, frowning.  “I really don’t trust him.”

 

“I saw him and two other guys in the restaurant down the street when I went and picked up lunch.”  Anya admits.  “They were all huddled together.  I think they were up to something.”

 

“I better keep an eye on them.  Do you know who the other two were?”  Buffy questions looking at Anya.

 

“That one, really short little guy, we were at school together with.”  Anya frowns, trying to think of his name.

 

“Jonathan?”  Buffy’s eyes narrow.

 

“Superstar, Jonathan?”  Tara looks at Buffy and as Buffy nods, she shakes her head.  “I would think he learned his lesson from that.”  Tara unconsciously shivers as she remembers being attacked by the demon and spending the night in the storage room.

 

Anya looks questioningly at Tara as she shivers and turns pale.  “Tara?”

 

Buffy reaches out, gently clasping Tara’s shoulder.  “Are you okay?”

 

“Yes.  Just remembering the demon that Jonathan conjured.”  Tara smiles hesitantly.

 

“Not good memories for you.”  Buffy nods in realization.  “We should have walked you to your room that night.”

 

“Not your fault, Buffy.”  Tara shakes her head, smiling a little more confidently.  “And that was a long time ago.”  Tara turns her gaze on Anya.  “Do you know the other guy?”

 

“No, he didn’t look familiar.”  Anya admits, running a hand down Tara’s back, comforting the witch.  “If they’re coming around here, I bet they’re up to no good.” 

 

“Do you mind keeping Phoenix?  I want to do a quick re-con around the area.  See if I can find them.”  Buffy looks first at Tara then Anya.

 

Tara looks questioningly at Anya, smiling as she nods her head.  “Here, I’ll keep Phoenix.  Be careful.”  Tara holds the puppy while watching as Buffy quickly strides out of the shop.  “Would you recognize the other guy, if you saw him again?” 

 

Anya nods her head.  “Yes, he was a very geeky, sandy haired boy.  Here, I’ll take Phoenix out front, see if she needs to go to the bathroom.  You can get one of the small containers and put some water in it for her.” 

 

Tara watches Anya with a bemused look on her face, before chuckling.  “Okay, Phoenix now has three mommies.  Add Dawn in, the poor thing is going to be so rotten we won’t be able to live with her!” 

 

***

 

Striding down the street Buffy looks intently into each shop, working her way towards the only other magic shop in town.  Slowing down as she sees a familiar face.  Ducking into a doorway, she waits.  Watching as Jonathan walks by, Buffy slides out trailing him at a distance.

 

“What are you up to?”  Buffy whispers to herself, following him to a warehouse.  Searching the outside, she quickly jumps up onto the fire escape, trotting up the steps.  Easing in a broken window, she sneaks around slowly working her way to the voices she hears talking.  Stopping, she peeks over the edge of the walkway watching the three geeks.

 

“It’s just going to delay us.  We’ll order the stuff from the shop in LA.  The other magic shop doesn‘t have the items we need.”  Warren strides back and forth.  “Andrew, get it ordered.  Jonathan, you need to double check the location of the orbs, make sure they haven’t been moved.” 

 

“What are you going to be doing?”  Jonathan questions gathering the items he needs for the locator spell.

 

“Don’t worry about it.”  Warren narrows his gaze on Jonathan.  “This will give us time to re-check the routes the drivers take.  This will work more in our favor.  We can get the orbs, then wait ‘til next month, or the month after that, to pull the jobs.  That will also give me time to make sure the orbs work.”  Warren smirks wickedly.  “I know the perfect person to try them out on.”

 

Buffy narrows her gaze, waiting for a few more moments.  As the three idiots seem to be finished speaking, doing their own thing, she stealthily leaves the building.  Walking around the outside, she makes note of which warehouse it is, to keep an eye on it.  Quickly jogging back to the Magic Box, she walks in chuckling quietly as Tara is helping a customer while Anya’s playing with the puppy.

 

Anya glances up at the bell and smiles.  Glancing over at the customer, she frowns before looking back at Buffy.  “Any luck?”  She questions quietly.

 

“Sort of.”  Buffy nods to the customer before sitting down beside Anya.  “Hi, Phoenix.”  Buffy chuckles as the puppy rolls onto her back, panting.  “Anya wearing you out?”

 

“She’s a very good dog.”  Anya smiles at the puppy, rubbing her belly.  “You can bring her here anytime.” 

 

“Thanks.”  Buffy raises her eyebrows in surprise, glancing over to a smirking Tara.  Sighing, Buffy decides to not worry about it.  Watching as Tara rings up the sale, Buffy smiles as the witch wishes the woman a wonderful evening as she leaves.

 

“What did you find out?”  Tara questions, quickly walking over to the table after the customer leaves.

 

“Well, Jonathan and Warren are working together.  There was another guy with them I don’t know who he is.  His name’s Andrew.”  Buffy frowns deeply.  “Warren’s in charge of whatever they’re up to.  He said something about orbs and the fact that us turning him away gave them the time to re-check the routes of the drivers.”  Buffy shakes her head.  “I don’t have a clue what they’re talking about.”

“Research.”  Tara mutters.  “Though what information you gave us probably won’t be of much help.  But, I can look for orbs.  It’ll be at least a pair, since it was plural.  That’ll narrow it down.” 

 

“I need to get home.  Phoenix probably needs to be fed, as does Dawn.”  Buffy mutters rolling her eyes. 

 

“There’s a glass dish with a chicken concoction in the refrigerator.  Just uncover it and throw it in the oven.  The directions are taped to the lid.”  Tara smiles as Buffy picks up Phoenix. 

 

“I’ll be back in a few hours to walk you home.”  Buffy smiles in thanks at the witch.  “Anya, you staying or do you want me to walk you home?”  Buffy offers the ex-demon.

 

Anya raises her eyebrows in surprise, before turning her gaze on Tara.  “Will you be okay here, by yourself?”

 

“Yes, I’m sure Warren won’t be back.”  Tara grins crookedly at Anya. 

 

“You don’t have to walk me home.”  Anya tilts her head watching Buffy. 

 

Buffy shrugs her shoulders.  “I’m kind of weirded out about this.  I’ve got a serious bad feeling deep in my gut.”

 

“I’ll take a couple books home with me, I can do some research after I get there.”  Anya offers walking over to the books, searching through them. 

 

Tara softly comes up beside the ex-demon, wrapping an arm around her waist.  “Is it okay if I take a few books home to research?” 

 

“Of course.”  Anya smiles at the witch before reaching back, grasping a couple of the more likely books.  “Though I would like to embarrass Buffy, I’m sure you’ll get mad at me if I do.  So, would you help me get my things out of the office?”  Anya whispers into Tara’s ear before pulling back and wiggling her eyebrows.

 

Tara chuckles quietly.  “Yes, I’ll help you.” 

 

Buffy sighs quietly, turning her back on the two women, while petting Phoenix.  “Why am I putting myself through this?”  She whispers to the puppy who licks gently over her cheek.  “Well, you love me, don’t you?”  Buffy smiles at the puppy feeling a little better.

 

“I’ll be out in a moment.”  Anya calls to Buffy as she sets the books on the table, before slowly following Tara into the office. 

 

“I’ll be here.”  Buffy answers not turning to look at the two women.

 

Anya shakes her head at the slayer before sighing quietly.  ‘I promised to leave it alone.’  She thinks to herself as she walks into the office, squeaking as soft lips press insistently against hers.  Wrapping her arms around Tara’s neck, Anya whimpers as an inquisitive tongue strokes firmly against her lips, seeking entrance.  Quickly opening her lips, Anya groans as Tara’s tongue strokes softly over hers twirling slowly around in a dance of desire for a few long moments, before gently easing back to soft, gentle presses of one set of lips against the other. 

 

Reaching up with a slightly unsteady hand to brush soft fingertips over Anya’s cheek, Tara smiles into the dazed brown eyes looking back at her.  “Be careful on the way home.” 

 

“Way home?”  Anya blinks before chuckling.  “Good thing Buffy’s walking me there, or I might end up in LA after that kiss.”  Sighing, Anya shakes her head to clear the last vestiges of fuzziness from her brain.  “Damn!  Can’t wait ‘til we get to the orgasms.”  Anya bites her lip, to keep from laughing.

 

“Anya…”  Tara narrows her gaze on the ex-demon, before chuckling quietly.  “Going to have to do better than that to embarrass me.”  Tara continues before walking out of the office.

 

“You’re no fun!”  Anya calls out to Tara as she leaves the office.  Reaching down and grabbing her purse Anya quickly walks to the table grasping the books. 

 

“Personally, I think I’m a lot of fun.”   Tara quirks an eyebrow at Anya before laughing quietly.  Sitting down at the table, she waves to the two women.  “Be careful.  I’ll see you later, Buffy.”

 

“We will.”  Buffy nods her head.  “I’ll be back to walk you home a little before 8:00, as per the norm.”

 

“Thank you.”  Tara smiles softly, watching as the two women leave the shop.  Sighing quietly, Tara goes back to working on her paper, trying to finish it so she can start researching.

 

***

 

Chapter 13

 

“Thank you for walking me home.”  Anya glances over at the quiet slayer before glancing down, laughing at the sleeping puppy.  “She’s wore out.”

 

Buffy glances down smiling.  “She’s had a busy day, and you‘re welcome.  You know, you’re more than welcome to come over to the house whenever you want, Anya.  Tara usually throws something in the crock pot, or makes something that all I have to do is throw it in the oven.”

 

“I don’t want to push too much.”  Anya admits softly as she walks up to the main door of the apartment building.  Turning around she looks down the steps at Buffy, considering the slayer for a few minutes.  “Things will happen as they’re meant to.”  Anya smiles knowingly, before turning around leaving the slayer standing by herself.

 

“That was weird.”  Buffy frowns looking after Anya, before sighing quietly.  “Why the hell do I keep putting myself in these positions?”  Buffy questions the sleeping Phoenix as she starts walking towards home.  “It’s bad enough with Tara staying at the house, now I’m going out of my way to where I spend more time with Anya.  Not good.”  Buffy mutters. 

 

As she walks up the steps to the house, Buffy grins at the still sleeping puppy.  Opening the door, she shakes her head.  “Dawn!”  Buffy calls out loudly.  “When you’re in the house by yourself you need to lock the door!”

 

“Sorry.”  Dawn mutters coming from the kitchen munching on a peanut butter sandwich.  “What’s the deal with the dog…  Oooooh!”  Dawn’s eyes get real big as she sees the puppy in Buffy’s arms.  “That answers that question.”  Dawn quickly shoves the rest of the sandwich in her mouth, reaching for the puppy.

 

“Dawn, wash the peanut butter off your hands!”  Buffy narrows her eyes on her sister, before chuckling.  “Let me take her outside so she can use the bathroom.”  Buffy follows Dawn into the kitchen unhooking the leash, setting it on top of the refrigerator before unlocking the back door.  “Wake up, Phoenix.  Time to go potty then you can have dinner.”  Buffy sets the puppy gently on the ground before shaking her to wake her up.  “’Bout time, Phoenix.”  Buffy grumbles trying not to laugh as the puppy yawns hugely, blinking her eyes.

 

“Her name’s Phoenix?”  Dawn questions walking out behind Buffy.

 

“Yes.  Actually, Anya named her.”  Buffy grins as Phoenix runs around the yard before using the bathroom. 

 

“Tell me how you got a puppy… You did get her, right?”  Dawn questions sitting down on the steps.

 

Buffy chuckles nodding her head.  “Tara figures it was more of the puppy getting me.”  Buffy goes on to explain how she found the dog.  “Damn, let me get the chicken in the oven.”  Buffy strides back into the house.

 

“Phoenix, come here, girl.”  Dawn calls, laughing as she comes running.  “I’m Dawn.”  Dawn places her hand down, giggling as the puppy licks her, scratching the puppy on the head, Dawn smiles.  “Who’s a good Phoenix?”

 

“She is a good girl.”  Buffy admits coming to sit beside Dawn, chuckling as Phoenix tries to climb up into her lap.  Helping her, Buffy strokes the panting puppy.  “Yes, Phoenix is a good girl.” 

 

Dawn smiles at the sight of the puppy curling up in her sister’s lap.

 

“Dawn, it looks like we have a new problem here on the Hellmouth.”  Buffy sighs watching as Phoenix falls back asleep.  “The vet said she’d probably spend most of the night sleeping from her shots and medicine.  I guess he’s right.”

 

Dawn frowns looking at Buffy.  “What kind of problem?”

 

“Oh, sorry.”  Buffy looks up quirking her lip.  Frowning Buffy looks back down at Phoenix before telling Dawn about Warren, Jonathan and the other guy.  “So, if you happen to see them, find the nearest populated area and call one of us to come get you.”

 

“You don’t have any idea what they’re up to?”  Dawn questions worriedly.

 

“No.  But I’m sure we’ll find out before much longer.”  Buffy shakes her head.  “Let me get little one here, on her bed.  Can you keep an eye on her when I go to get Tara?”

 

“Of course.  Did she really growl at Warren?”  Dawn questions chuckling at the puppy.

 

“Oh, yeah.  Deep growl and fur standing up on her back, she definitely didn’t like him.”  Buffy chuckles, standing as she follows Dawn into the house. 

 

“She’s definitely a keeper, then.”  Dawn grins as she watches Buffy sets the snoring puppy in the bed. 

 

“Yes, she is.”  Buffy smiles as she stands and walks over to the sink, washing her hands.  “Tara pre-made us some kind of chicken thing.  It’ll be done in a few minutes.”

 

“There’s a salad prepared in the refrigerator, want to have it and some green beans or peas to go with dinner?”  Dawn questions as she pulls the salad and salad dressings out of the refrigerator.

 

“Peas sound good.”  Buffy admits pulling a couple cans out of the cabinet.  Quickly opening them and dumping them in a bowl, she throws them in the microwave ready to heat. 

 

“Didn’t Tara pick up a couple loaves of French bread?”  Dawn grins at Buffy.

 

“Yes, she did.”  Buffy chuckles grabbing a loaf out of the breadbox. 

 

“Tara might actually get some of the food, this time.”  Dawn slides a glance at Buffy, giggling at the incredulous look crossing her sister’s face.

 

“I always save her some of the food!”  Buffy puts her fists on her hips.  “That wasn’t nice, picking on me like that.”  Buffy mumbles as Dawn laughs. 

 

“Couldn’t resist.”  Dawn pulls down plates, as Buffy pulls the chicken and potatoes out of the oven. 

 

“Mmmm.  Smells good.”  Buffy inhales deeply, realizing she forgot to eat lunch as her stomach grumbles loudly.

 

Dawn raises an eyebrow at her sister.  “Should we grab something else to eat with dinner, or are you going to have enough?”

 

Buffy rolls her eyes.  “I’ll go ahead and make a plate for Tara.”

 

Dawn laughs quietly as she starts filling her plate.

 

“It isn’t that funny.”  Buffy grumbles, as she puts a good sized chicken breast on the plate with potatoes and peas.  Wrapping it with foil, she places it on top of the oven, planning on placing it in there when she goes to walk Tara home.

 

Dawn slowly eats her dinner watching as Buffy carefully prepares a plate for Tara, tilting her head to the side, she considers her sister for a moment.  “You like her, don’t you?”  Dawn finally realizes, surprised.

 

“What?”  Buffy questions as she sits down preparing a plate for herself to eat.  “Who are you talking about, Dawn?” 

 

“You like Tara.”  Dawn states seriously, setting her fork down on her plate, watching as Buffy pales before dropping her eyes back down to her plate. 

 

“Of course I do.  She’s a good friend.”  Buffy quickly cuts her chicken breast, shoving a piece in her mouth.

 

“Uh, huh.”  Dawn nods her head at her unconvincing sister.  Sighing quietly, she watches as Buffy keeps her eyes down while she quickly works her way through her first plate of food.  Slowly picking her fork back up, Dawn goes back to eating her dinner. 

 

Buffy exhales a relieved breath as Dawn drops the subject.  Quickly filling her plate again, she quickly works her way through the food before grabbing another piece of bread, slathering some butter across it.  “By the way, we’re trying to keep from giving Phoenix people food, so if you can keep that in mind.”

 

“Okay.”  Dawn smirks, before glancing back at the snoring puppy.  “I’m surprised she hasn’t woken up with the food.”

 

“She’s had an extremely busy day.  I think I wore her out walking everywhere.  I only carried her after she collapsed, tired.”  Buffy admits, chuckling.  “Between that and the vet’s, she might be out for a few hours before she wakes up again.  If she does, stay inside, let her run out to do her business.  She‘ll probably use the bathroom and come right back in again after she‘s done.”

 

“Will it be okay if we move her into the living room?”  Dawn questions finishing her dinner. 

 

“Sure.”  Buffy shrugs her shoulder.  “You done?”  Buffy questions looking at the last of the food. 

 

“Yes, go ahead.”  Dawn chuckles, shaking her head. 

 

Buffy scoops the rest of the food on her plate, getting ready to place the rest of the salad in her bowl.  Hesitating, she stands putting the cover back on it before setting it back in the refrigerator along with the dressings.

 

Dawn smirks watching Buffy.  ‘Yep, definitely likes Tara.’  Dawn thinks to herself before frowning as she realizes with Tara and Anya dating each other even if Buffy likes Tara, she wouldn’t come between them.  Sighing at the impossibility, Dawn puts it to the back of her mind so she’ll forget about it.  Gathering her dirty dishes she rinses them off before placing them in the dishwasher.  “I’m going to go watch television for a little while.”

 

Buffy nods her head looking back at the clock.  “I’ll bring Phoenix in when I finish dinner.”  Watching Dawn walk out of the kitchen, Buffy leans up to look down at the puppy, chuckling as she watches the little paws twitch as she dreams.  Sitting back down, she finishes her dinner before taking care of her dishes.  Kneeling down beside the puppy she grasps the bed and dog, carrying her into the living room and setting her down out of the way, Buffy chuckles.  “I think she’ll sleep through anything.”

 

“Bet she won’t.”  Dawn grins at her sister.  “I bet if someone came in here, she’d wake up.” 

 

“You may be right.”  Buffy grins at her sister, before walking over to her weapon’s chest picking out a couple stakes and a knife.  Quickly tucking the items away she glances up at the clock.  “I need to get out of here.”

 

“See you in a little while.”  Dawn looks back to the television, grinning.  “Be careful.”

 

“I will.”  Buffy calls out quietly as she walks out the door.

 

***

 

Buffy silently watches Tara as she places her books in her book bag getting ready for the end of the night.  Leaning against the outside window, Buffy frowns deeply.  “Why the hell am I doing this to myself?”  Buffy mutters, inhaling deeply as Tara pushes some loose hair behind her ear with her delicate fingers.  “Stop dwelling on things that you can’t have, you stupid slayer!”  Buffy growls deeply to herself before closing her eyes and trying to get control of her emotions. 

 

Tara glances up grinning as Buffy walks in the shop.  Seeing the small smile on the slayer’s lips, Tara glances over at the clock seeing they have a few minutes before it’s time to go.  “How was dinner?”  Tara questions watching as Buffy sits down at the table, playing with the strap to her book bag.

 

“It was wonderful.  I made you a plate and placed it in the oven to hopefully keep warm.”  Buffy looks up smiling briefly.  “Did you have any luck finding anything on the orbs?”

 

“No, everything I came across was for single orbs, not two or more.  I’ve got a couple books I’m taking home to research.”  Tara admits as she walks towards the office to grab her purse.

 

“Don’t let it interfere with your school work.”  Buffy calls out to Tara, watching the woman walk back out of the office.

 

“Everything’s good.”  Tara tilts her head, trying to figure out what kind of mood Buffy’s in.  “Is everything okay?”

 

Buffy looks down, grasping Tara’s book bag.  “Everything’s fine.  Phoenix was sleeping when I left home, Dawn’s under strict orders to let her out the back door if she wakes up but not to follow.”

 

“Well, let’s go home.”  Tara smiles softly at the slayer as they walk out the door, Tara stopping to set the alarm before locking the door behind them.  “What did Dawn think of Phoenix?”

 

“I’m going to have to watch her, I have a feeling Phoenix will be sleeping in Dawn’s bed if given the chance.”  Buffy chuckles quietly. 

 

“Where are you going to keep her while you’re at work and I’m at school?”  Tara tucks her hands in her pockets, glancing up at the sky as the sun sets.

 

“I think for now the basement might be the best place.  Less things for her to get in trouble with.”  Buffy admits.  “I’ll pay you back for the help with her supplies and vet bills.”

 

“No.”  Tara states not giving any room for any arguments.  “You will accept the money with no arguments.”

 

“But…”  Buffy snaps her mouth shut as cool blue eyes turn on her, daring her to continue her statement.  “Damn it!”  Buffy growls loudly looking up the street as they walk.  “You don’t need to try and take care of everyone, Tara.”

 

“I’m not trying to take care of everyone, Buffy.  Just those that mean the world to me.”  Tara states calmly as they walk down Revello Drive and up to the slayer’s house.

 

Buffy watches the witch with confused eyes as she walks in the house.  Slowly following her she chuckles as a small black and brown ball of fur barks and runs towards her and Tara.  Unconsciously Buffy mimics Tara by kneeling down by the witch as they both pet the panting puppy. 

 

“Was she good?”  Tara looks up towards Dawn.

 

Dawn rolls her eyes.  “She went out and used the bathroom, then whimpered for a while before lying back down to sleep.  Then before you guys came in she was up running around barking, obviously she heard you.” 

 

Buffy chuckles, rubbing Phoenix’s stomach while Tara scratches under her chin and chest.  “She’s going to be spoiled rotten.”

 

“It’s a good thing to be.”  Tara murmurs.  Patting the puppy once more, Tara stands to walk into the kitchen.

 

Buffy’s eyes follow the witch while she continues to scratch the puppy’s stomach.  Sighing quietly she looks down, smiling at the puppy.  “Have you had your dinner, Phoenix?”  Buffy places Tara’s book bag beside the couch before slowly walking into the kitchen, Phoenix running ahead of her.  “Is it still warm?”  Buffy questions quietly as she watches Tara pull off the foil.

 

“Yes, thank you.”  Tara glances up, smiling at the slayer. 

 

“Good.”  Buffy opens the refrigerator pulling out the salad.  “What kind of dressing would you like?”  Buffy questions quietly. 

 

“French, if we have any.”  Tara sets her plate on the island while reaching over to grab a bowl for her salad and a fork. 

 

“We do.  Do you want some bread to go with dinner?  Dawn and I demolished one loaf, but there’s still the other one in the box.”  Buffy offers setting the salad and dressing on the island.

 

“I got it, thanks.”  Tara pulls the bread out grasping a knife to cut it with, watching as Buffy reaches back in the refrigerator grasping the butter and placing it on the island. 

 

Sighing quietly, Buffy glances down to Phoenix who’s happily munching away on her food.  Smiling at the dog, Buffy shakes her head.  “You’re going to become a little piggy you keep eating like that.”

 

“She has a lot of eating to probably make up for.”  Tara lays two slices of bread on her plate before putting the loaf back up.  Sitting down she starts eating dinner, watching Buffy quietly. 

 

Buffy realizes that Tara doesn’t have anything to drink and opens the refrigerator, grasping a bottle of water out for the witch.  Placing it beside her plate, Buffy walks towards the back door looking out over the darkening sky.  “Need to go out, Phoenix?”  Buffy questions as she feels the puppy bump into her.  Opening the door, she smiles as Phoenix goes running out the door, glancing back Buffy notices blue eyes watching her.  Feeling confused, Buffy follows the dog outside gently shutting the door behind her.

 

Tara sits silently, slowly eating her dinner.  Looking towards the phone she considers calling Anya.  Thinking about it for a few moments, she decides to wait until after Buffy leaves on patrol.  Finishing her dinner she stands, placing her dirty dishes in the dishwasher before running it.  Walking to the back door, she watches as Buffy plays with Phoenix out in the yard, the two rolling around.  Smiling as she hears Buffy laughing.  Biting her lip, Tara turns walking out of the kitchen, grabbing her book bag and heading up to her room.

 

***

 

Tara works on her paper, quickly writing across the notepad.  Stopping to flip her book to another page, she reads over the information quickly before starting to write again.

 

Buffy walks up to the doorway, looking at Tara sprawled out on the bed wearing a tank top and shorts as she writes.  Not having ever seen the woman wearing so little, Buffy stops in stunned surprise at the long silky white legs, noticing the surprising muscle tone of the calves and thighs.  Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, Buffy takes a couple deep breaths before speaking. 

 

“I’m getting ready to go on patrol.  Dawn’s downstairs with Phoenix, but Phoenix might feel more comfortable being with you.”  Buffy watches as Tara turns her gaze towards her. 

 

“I’ll go downstairs.  I’ve almost finished writing this paper.”  Tara quirks her lips briefly before glancing back down to finish the last sentence.  Standing, she stretches out her back before looking around for her robe.

 

Buffy clenches her teeth as Tara’s stretching causes her tank top to ride up showing the soft strip of stomach.  “I’m heading out.”  Buffy murmurs as she quickly turns on her heel, leaving the witch alone.

 

“Okay.”  Tara glances towards the door surprised to see it already empty.  Blinking a couple times, Tara grasps her robe sliding it on.  Belting it tightly she walks down the stairs.  As Phoenix turns from the door running towards her, she smiles softly. 

 

“Thank God!”  Dawn rolls her eyes.  “As soon as Buffy practically ran out the door, Phoenix has been whining.” 

 

Tara kneels down, rubbing the puppy’s head.  “You’re a good girl.  Yes, you are.”  Tara glances back up at Dawn.  “She ran out the door?”  Tara questions, frowning.

 

“Not literally, but she high-tailed it out of here quickly saying something about a vamp’s nest in one of the mausoleums.”  Dawn shrugs her shoulders looking back at the television. 

 

Tara sighs quietly, looking down at Phoenix.  “Want to go out and play for a while?”  Tara questions the puppy softly, smiling as she barks. 

 

“I swear that dog knows what you guys say to her.”  Dawn mutters quietly, turning to look at Tara.

 

“She does.”  Tara glances up, laughing.  “Animals are smart.  And little Miss Phoenix here is an exceptionally smart puppy.”  Tara smiles at the puppy jumping up and down.  “Can Phoenix sit for me?  Sit, Phoenix.”  Tara gently urges, placing her hand softly on the puppy’s butt.  “Sit, girl.  Sit, Phoenix.”  As the puppy finally plops her butt down, Tara grins.  “Good girl!!  Good Phoenix, yes.”  Tara chuckles standing.  “Come on, let’s get you a treat.” 

 

Dawn shakes her head.  “That is going to be the most spoiled rotten dog in the universe.”  Dawn mutters to the empty room.

 

***

 

Chapter 14

 

Tara grasps the phone off the wall as she walks outside with Phoenix.  Sitting down on the steps, she places the stake and holy water they always keep on hand by the back door, beside her.  Watching Phoenix sniff around the yard, Tara punches in Anya’s phone number.

 

“Hello.”  Anya answers the phone, glancing at the clock.

 

“Hi.”  Tara smiles into the phone.  “Having a good night?”  Tara questions softly.

 

“Could be better.”  Anya smirks, thinking about the witch.  “I could have a certain blue-eyed blonde curled up here on the couch with me, instead of a couple moldy old books.”

 

Tara chuckles into the phone.  “Be careful what you ask for, you might get it.” 

 

“I’ll look for you to be here in a few minutes, then.”  Anya laughs quietly into the phone.

 

“Not to change the subject but regarding the moldy old books, have you had any luck?”  Tara questions softly, watching Phoenix finally using the bathroom.

 

“No.  Everything orb-wise I’ve come across has been for single orbs.  Have you had any luck?”  Anya questions sitting down on the couch.

 

“No, I’ve had about the same amount of luck as you.”  Tara admits, leaning her back against the step looking up at the night sky.  “Anya…”  Tara starts then stops, not knowing how to say what’s running around her head. 

 

“Go ahead and say it, Tara.”  Anya blinks, wondering what made Tara stop whatever she was going to say.

 

“Were you serious with what you said at the coffee shop?”  Tara looks down at her robe, playing with one of the ties.

 

“Regarding Buffy?”  Anya feels a grin crossing her face.

 

“Yes.”  Tara whispers into the phone.

 

“Tara, I believe that some things are meant to be.  The things I have seen in my years as a Vengeance Demon I’ve learned to read people extremely well.”  Anya seriously states.  “I know you… care for me.  I also know you’re in love with Buffy.”  Anya hesitates trying to think of the best way to finish what she wants to say.

 

“Anya…”  Tara hesitates before taking a deep breath, smiling as she thinks about the kisses the two women exchanged earlier that day and how her heart sped up.  “Anya, I want you to know that I…”  Tara bites her lip.

 

“I know you do.”  Anya softly whispers.  “Tara, we’ve known each other for years.  Maybe not that well, but seeing you, being around you…  I’ve come to realize you are a very caring, loving woman.  You’ve always been kind to me and whether I ever wanted to admit it or not a part of me has loved you for a very long time.  You are a very easy woman to love.”  Anya admits softly.  “What has happened to make you want to discuss this now?”

 

Tara sighs quietly reaching down to pet Phoenix as she climbs up the steps, crawling into her lap.  “Buffy’s been acting a little weird the last few days.  I’ve caught her with a confused look on her face multiple times when she’s looking at me.  She leaves abruptly, I-I just don’t know what to think.”

 

Anya closes her eyes debating on whether or not to tell Tara that Buffy’s in love with her, too.  Deciding to err on the side of caution, Anya opens her eyes glancing at the television.  “I think she’s having confusing thoughts regarding her feelings, Tara.  Pay attention to how she acts around you.”  Anya smirks remembering some of the sideways glances Buffy had slid her during the walk to her apartment.  “I think maybe us three should have a girl’s night out at the Bronze here soon.  What do you think?”

 

Tara shakes her head.  “Anya, she doesn’t like girls, remember?  She thinks of me as her friend is all it is.” 

 

“You’re just as blind as she is.”  Anya states exasperatedly.  “She cares for you, Tara.  More than just a friend.  She’s confused about what she feels, and since you and I started dating she’s probably more screwed up.  I’ve caught the looks she sends your way, I’ve even intercepted a few looks she slid my way.  I think us together is making her really confused.  Think back over the past, Tara.  How long has it been since she’s been starting to… act a little strange?”

 

Tara blinks at the question.  “I really don’t know.”  Tara tries to wrap her brain around the thought that Buffy could possibly care for her, her and Anya? 

 

“I know the night of my wedding fiasco she didn’t seem to be in that big of a hurry to jump away from me when I grabbed her ass.”  Anya smirks, finally admitting she remembers what happened that night.

 

“YOU!”  Tara yells, before laughing.  “I should have known you remembered more than you were letting on!” 

 

“Do you honestly think I would forget grabbing Buffy’s ass and your breasts?  I’d have to be dead!”  Anya laughs.  “And think about it, she didn’t move away that quickly now did she?  Tell me that you haven’t caught her glancing at your breasts?”

 

Tara blushes deeply.  “Okay, I remember it taking her a few seconds to leave your grasp, and she didn’t have an upset look on her face at the time.”

 

“Uh, huh.  Now how about her looking at your breasts?”  Anya questions again, grinning.

 

“Maybe a couple times.”  Tara admits softly.  “One of those times was the day after you grabbed her ass.” 

 

“Now the question is do we want to push things?  Or do we want to just let her make her own decisions?”  Anya runs a hand over her pants, thinking quietly.

 

“Do you honestly think a three way could possibly work?”  Tara questions curiously, blinking her eyes in disbelief.  Not giving Anya a chance to answer that question, Tara continues quietly.  “She wouldn’t do anything to come between us, Anya.  That isn’t Buffy.  I’m having a hard enough time wrapping my brain around the possibility of us three.  What do you think Buffy would do?  She’s never even cared for a woman before, let alone two at the same time!”  Tara exasperatedly explains.  “She’ll run the other way.  I’d rather have her friendship, than not have her at all.”  Tara continues softly.

 

“Your decision.”  Anya rolls her eyes.  Deciding to change the subject, Anya quietly questions Tara.  “Would you like to come over tomorrow night?  I could stay and we could spend a few hours together, if you want.  I’ll drive the car that way I can drive us to the apartment.” 

 

Tara smiles softly at the thought of she and Anya being able to spend some alone time together.  “I would like that.”  Tara admits.

 

“Then it’s a date.  We can pick up something to eat on the way here, or maybe I’ll run down to the restaurant down the street and pick us up something earlier.”  Anya thinks for a few minutes.  “Don’t forget to let Buffy know that she won’t have to walk you home tomorrow night.”

 

“I won’t.”  Tara murmurs quietly.  “Thanks for letting me talk to you about this.” 

 

“I want you to feel comfortable talking to me about anything, Tara.  Especially any confusing thoughts you have for a certain blonde slayer.  She deserves to be loved just as much as we do, if not more.”  Anya admits.  “But I won’t push anything if you don’t want me to.  I’ll leave it alone.”

 

“Please.”  Tara whimpers quietly.  “I can’t think about it right now, sweetie.”  Tara admits stroking Phoenix’s back, as the puppy sleeps in her lap. 

 

“Okay.”  Anya murmurs into the phone, smiling sadly.  “Have a good night, Tara.  Sweet dreams.”

 

“Sweet dreams, Anya.”  Tara smiles softly as she disconnects the phone.  Looking up at the night sky, Tara whispers out to the quiet night.  “I do love you.  Goddess, help us all.”  Tara sighs before grasping the puppy up into her arms as she turns and walks back in the house, placing the phone back on the wall before walking into the living room. 

 

Dawn glances over as Tara walks into the living room, sitting down in the chair still carrying Phoenix.  Noticing Tara seems to be somewhat shell-shocked, Dawn frowns.  “Is everything okay?”

 

Tara glances up from her inner contemplation.  Smiling gently at the teenager, Tara nods her head.  “Everything’s okay, Dawnie.  Just a lot on my mind.”  Tara strokes her hand over Phoenix. 

 

“If she is going to be a big dog like you think she is, isn’t it a bad thing for her to think she’s a lap dog?”  Dawn questions pointedly.

 

Tara looks up and starts to giggle.  “You have a very good point, but it’s kind of hard to say no to her.”  Tara admits looking down at the puppy.  “I can see it now, a hundred pound lap dog.  Wouldn’t be too bad for her to sit in Buffy’s lap she probably wouldn’t even notice.”  Tara chuckles.

 

“The dog will be as big as Buffy.  Can you imagine?”  Dawn giggles.  Glancing back to the television, Dawn sighs when she sees her program ending.  “Bed time for all good little keys.”  Dawn grumbles as she stands.  Walking over she hugs Tara, smiling as Tara hugs her and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

 

“’Night, sweetie.”  Tara murmurs as Dawn releases her. 

 

“’Night, Tara.”  Dawn smiles, giving Phoenix one last pat before quickly running up the stairs. 

 

Tara sighs looking down at Phoenix.  “Looks like it’s just you and me for a while.  Do you want to watch Animal Planet?”  Tara chuckles as she reaches for the remote, deciding to re-locate, Tara shifts over to the couch stretching out while the puppy growls quietly in her sleep as she’s shifted around.  “Oh, behave.”  Tara taps her gently on the nose, chuckling as the puppy’s small tongue come out to lick her finger and one eye opens to look at her. 

 

“Yeah, yeah.  Don’t even try the cute little puppy dog eyes.”  Tara smiles softly as the puppy starts to playfully nip her fingers.  “My fingers aren’t chew toys, Phoenix.”  Tara chuckles quietly.  “Let me get you a couple of your toys.”  Tara sets the puppy on the floor as she shifts around to stand, stopping as Phoenix runs over to her bed.  Watching the puppy, Tara frowns before chuckling quietly as Phoenix bites down on the bed pulling it with all her might towards the couch.  “Want help, Phoenix?”  Tara questions standing.

 

Walking over to the bed, she looks down at Phoenix as she barks and wags her tail.  “Show me where you want it and I’ll set it there.”  Tara picks up the bed, slowly walking towards the couch laughing as Phoenix stops at the end of the couch looking at her panting.  “Okay, here it is.”  Tara sets it down on the floor, watching as Phoenix picks up one of her toys, lays down and chews on it contentedly. 

 

“You are definitely a good girl.”  Tara whispers, patting her on the head before stepping around the bed to lie back down on the couch.  Yawning, Tara grumbles quietly.  “I’m tired, Phoenix.”  Tara admits, turning on her side so she can run a hand over the puppy.

 

“So, what do you think, Phoenix?”  Tara questions the puppy quietly.  “Do you think your mom might like Anya and me?”  Tara smirks and rolls her eyes at asking the puppy the question.  “Okay, Auntie Tara has done lost her mind.”  Tara mumbles before shifting one of the pillows more comfortably under her head, feeling her eyes getting heavy.

 

***

 

Buffy strides out of the house, practically running down the street heading for the nearest cemetery.  “What the fuck is wrong with me?”  Buffy growls, coming across a new vampire slamming him hard with a right cross before doing a quick back spin kick knocking him down.  Staking him, Buffy tucks the stake away before running a hand roughly down her face.  “I’m ogling my damn housemate.”  Buffy looks almost desperately around the cemetery. 

 

Striding out of the empty cemetery, Buffy quickly works her way around town.  Visions of smiling blue eyes followed by silky smooth legs making the occasional appearance, when mischief filled brown eyes start making as much of an appearance as the blue eyes, Buffy finally jumps up on top of a mausoleum, sitting there to think.  “I have got to stop thinking about those two.”  Buffy grumbles out loud to the quiet night.  Drawing her knees up and wrapping her arms around them Buffy drops her chin onto her knees.  Sighing quietly, Buffy sits silently contemplating her life.  After a while she shakes her head.  “Maybe I should find a boyfriend.  Take my mind off Anya and Tara.”  Buffy thinks about it for a minute before dismissing the thought.  “No sense in making some poor guy as miserable as I am.”  Buffy closes her eyes, chuckling quietly. 

 

“Here I am talking about getting a boyfriend when I’m attracted to two women.  I am SO screwed up.”  Buffy searches out the night, looking and feeling for anything to fight or dust.  Sighing quietly when she doesn’t feel anything, Buffy finally hops down slowly making her way towards Revello Drive. 

 

Walking slowly up the steps, Buffy hesitates before unlocking the door, quietly walking into the house.  Locking the door behind her she sighs when she sees Tara asleep on the couch, a comforting hand on the sleeping Phoenix’s head.  “What am I going to do with you?”  Buffy murmurs quietly before silently making her way to the television turning it off before kneeling down by the couch so she can look at Phoenix and Tara both.  Reaching out Buffy tucks a stray blonde hair behind Tara’s ear before sighing quietly.  Pulling her hand back away, she coughs quietly.  “Hey you two, wake up.”  Buffy smiles as Phoenix whimpers in her sleep, before waking up.  Glancing up to Tara, Buffy’s breath catches in her throat at the soft blue eyes looking back.  “You fell asleep.”  Buffy states unnecessarily.

 

Tara yawns, stretching.  “I think that’s an understatement.”  Tara grins crookedly at the slayer.

 

Buffy’s lips crook up before she looks down at Phoenix.  “Come on, Phoenix.  You need to go out for the last time tonight.”  Buffy walks towards the kitchen Phoenix running behind her. 

 

Tara watches Buffy leave the living room, before slowly standing and following the slayer.  Walking up behind the slayer on the back porch, she watches Phoenix play in the yard.  “How was patrol tonight?” 

 

Buffy glances sideways at Tara, before turning her gaze back towards the dog.  “Fine.”

 

Tara turns her gaze on the slayer, looking at her searchingly.  Seeing the woman is closed off, Tara sighs quietly.  “Anya is going to stay at the shop tomorrow.  We’re going out after work so you don’t have to walk me home.  She‘ll drive me home later.”  Tara states softly before turning and quietly heading back in the house. 

 

Buffy unconsciously stiffens, before looking down at the ground.  “You made the decision, Slayer.  Live with it.”  Buffy mutters quietly to the empty night.  “You done, Phoenix?”  Buffy calls out quietly to the puppy.  Stepping back, Buffy opens the door letting Phoenix run in.  Following her Buffy turns and locks the door before walking into the living room.  Picking up Phoenix’s bed and a couple chew toys, Buffy looks down at the puppy.  “Can you make it up the stairs yourself?” 

 

Slowly walking up the stairs Buffy turns when she hears a whimper.  Looking at Phoenix, Buffy calls quietly.  “Come on, Phoenix!  You can do it, girl.”  Buffy chuckles quietly at the puppy who plops her butt down, looking up at her.  “You can make it up the stairs outside you can make it up these.  Come on, Phoenix.” 

 

Deciding to head upstairs, Buffy slowly walks up the steps and into her room, setting the dog’s bed down on the floor.  Quickly divesting herself of her weapons, Buffy listens intently for Phoenix.  Hearing a whining noise, Buffy sighs quietly before walking back out of her room to the stairs.  Chuckling quietly at the puppy on the fourth step leaning against the wall, Buffy shakes her head.  “Wimp.  You’re going to have to do better than that.”  Buffy whispers quietly before walking down the stairs and grabbing the puppy.  “We’ll work on you climbing the stairs some more later.  Don’t think I forgot about your climbing up the stairs from the basement, young lady.”  Buffy quietly reprimands the puppy, before smirking as Phoenix licks her chin.  “Yeah, yeah.  I know you love me.  At least someone does.”  Buffy murmurs quietly before setting Phoenix down on the floor before shutting the door.

 

Quickly stripping, Buffy pulls on her nightclothes.  Glancing back at the puppy, Buffy chuckles at the dog curled up asleep on her bed.  Turning the light off, Buffy slowly climbs into bed.  Staring up at the ceiling, Buffy sighs deeply before turning on her stomach to fall asleep.

 

***

 

After getting ready for school, Tara walks by Buffy’s door.  Hearing a whimper Tara stops and backtracks.  Cracking the door just enough for Phoenix to squeeze through, Tara shuts it back.  “Come on, Phoenix.  I know you probably need to go to the bathroom.”  Tara calls, getting ready to pick the puppy up.  Watching as Phoenix barks before she turns and runs down the stairs.  “Okay.  I guess you can go down the stairs by yourself.”  Tara quickly jogs down the stairs to the back door opening it quickly as Phoenix runs outside.  Leaning against the doorframe, Tara watches as Phoenix takes care of her personal business.  Hearing the clink of the coffeepot against a cup, Tara straightens.  Turning she walks back to the kitchen. 

 

“Phoenix is playing.  She’s already used the bathroom.”  Tara let’s Buffy know quietly before grabbing her book bag and slinging it over her shoulder.  “Have a good day.”  Tara murmurs quietly, glancing at the back of the slayer before walking out of the kitchen.

 

Buffy slams the coffee mug back down on the counter, hissing as the hot coffee splashes on her hand.  Shaking her hand Buffy glances out the kitchen window watching a stiff-backed witch striding down the sidewalk.  “Great.  Now I pissed her off.”  Buffy considers running after the woman and apologizing before her shoulders slump.  “Yeah, run after her and apologize for what?  For being a bitch?  Tell her, hey, you know, I’ve been thinking and I kind of like both you and Anya.  Can we date?”  Buffy growls quietly, before walking to the back door.  Looking out at Phoenix, Buffy steps out on the back porch sitting down on the steps. 

 

“I am one screwed up person.  But I can’t keep going the way I have been.  I realized last night if I keep putting myself in the position to be around them by myself I’m just asking for trouble.”  Buffy sighs quietly, petting Phoenix as she comes running up to sit beside her.  “Come on, let’s get you fed.  You’ll have to actually spend some time down in the basement today.  I need to go to work.”  Buffy explains, smiling sadly at the puppy. 

 

Standing, Buffy walks back in the house letting Phoenix come in before shutting the door.  Filling her bowl with food, Buffy turns to drink her coffee silently considering what to eat for breakfast.  Opening the refrigerator Buffy stops looking at the casserole dish on the shelf with baking instructions taped to the cover.  Leaning her head against the top of the refrigerator, Buffy whimpers quietly.  “I piss her off and she still makes sure I have food for dinner.”

 

“Ah, hell.”  Buffy shuts the door before looking down at Phoenix who’s watching her curiously.  “I know, I know.  Finish eating your breakfast.  I’m going to go take a shower and get ready for work.  Be good, okay?”  Buffy leans down rubbing Phoenix’s head for a few moments, before quickly jogging out of the kitchen and up the stairs. 

 

***

 

“Hi.”  Tara smiles softly at Anya as she walks into the Magic Box.  Gently setting her book bag down on the table she crosses to the office, putting her purse in the desk before walking back to sit at the table watching Anya as she helps the customer.  Grinning as Anya winks at her, Tara shakes her head before pulling her books out looking up at the clock. 

 

“Thank you.  Please come back.”  Anya waves happily as the woman leaves, before sighing and rolling her eyes.  “How are you?”  Anya questions as she walks towards Tara, leaning down to place a quick kiss on the witch’s lips. 

 

“Hey!”  Tara frowns at the quick kiss.  “Come back here.”  Tara orders, chuckling.

 

“Ooooh.  Frisky, are we?”  Anya wiggles her eyebrows before stepping back to give Tara a more thorough kiss.  Slowly pulling away, Anya looks into sapphire eyes, smiling softly.  “Is everything okay?” 

 

Tara nods her head, sighing quietly.  “Yeah, more or less.”  Tara grins crookedly.  “I’m starting to get the cold shoulder from Buffy now.” 

 

Anya nods, smiling sadly.  “Her way of dealing with it, shutting down and not putting herself in a position of getting hurt.”

 

“You’re probably right.”  Tara softly admits. 

 

“Are you going to let her do it?”  Anya sits down beside Tara, grasping her hand.

 

“Do I have a choice?”  Tara watches Anya.  “I can’t force her to admit her feelings, Anya.  If she even really cares.  She may just be curious.”  Tara smiles softly as she looks down as Anya strokes her hand.  “She’s been around Willow and I for a couple years.  Now you and I are dating.”  Tara chuckles quietly before continuing.  “She may just be wondering what the attraction is.”

 

Anya raises an eyebrow.  “Let me see… Beautiful blue eyes, honey blonde hair, patrician features, breasts to die for…”  

 

“Anya!”  Tara smacks Anya gently on the arm. 

 

“Well, you said she was wondering what the attraction is, I was just answering you.”  Anya smirks happily.  “Damn customers, interrupting my fun.”  Anya mumbles before standing up to help the customer.

 

Tara chuckles quietly as she decides to work on her homework, half listening to Anya with the customer.  After a few minutes, Tara sighs quietly, closing the book.  Putting her books away she places them in the office, her heart not in doing her class work. 

 

Walking back out to the main shop Tara walks over to the bookshelves, replacing the books she’d researched the night before.  Grabbing a couple new books, Tara places them on the table sitting down starting to research. 

 

Anya glances over at Tara as she rings up the sale, smiling at the customer she hands him his change.  “Thank you.  Please visit us again.”  Watching as the customer leaves, Anya leans on the counter watching Tara gently rub a hand over her temple as she gently turns the pages.  Walking over to Tara, Anya gently pushes the woman’s hand away and rubs both temples.

 

Closing her eyes at the hands gently rubbing her temples, Tara murmurs quietly.  “Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome.”  Anya answers, continuing her ministrations.  “Try not to let it bother you, Tara.  Unless you want me to have a discussion with Buffy and maybe talk her into dating us.”

 

“No, Anya.”  Tara adamantly refuses.  “I will not lose her friendship.  If you or I push things, or are totally misreading the situation she may shut off completely.”

 

“Do you honestly believe that will happen?”  Anya questions softly, continuing the circular motion of her fingertips.

 

Tara sighs.  “Yes.  I think it would be a very good possibility.  Then I’d have to find somewhere else to live.”

 

“I have a spare bedroom.”  Anya offers seriously.  “No strings attached if you should ever need it.”

 

Tara smiles softly, reaching up to clasp Anya’s hand, bringing it down to clasp against her chest.  “Thanks, Anya.” 

 

Wrapping her other arm around Tara’s shoulders, Anya hugs Tara.  “We’ll give it time.  If she doesn’t come around, whether it’s deciding we’re two extremely hot, sexy women that she decides she can’t live without or just being happy and friends with us, I’ll set a fire under her ass.  No arguing over this point.” 

 

“Okay, no arguing.  How much time are you wanting to give her?”  Tara questions unconsciously stroking over Anya’s hand as she presses it firmly to the top of her chest.

 

“Until this stuff with the idiots is over?”  Anya puts out questioningly. 

 

“So, a month or longer.”  Tara nods, before tilting her head back smiling into Anya’s eyes. 

 

Anya looks down running one hand up Tara’s neck to stroke softly over Tara’s strong jaw line.  “What would you like to eat for dinner tonight?”  Anya’s eyes search Tara’s sapphire eyes.

 

“Whatever you feel like.”  Tara watches Anya for long moments.  Seeing the caring and love in the brown eyes looking back at her, Tara realizes that she could fall very deeply in love with the woman.  Knowing that she already loves her, and could be happy with the woman, Tara sighs realizing that she was holding part of her heart back scared to a certain degree of being hurt again.  “Anya, I owe you an apology.”  Tara starts quietly, reaching up urging Anya to sit down beside her.  Turning her body to face Anya, Tara orders her thoughts. 

 

Anya tilts her head watching the emotions playing over Tara’s face.  Waiting patiently for whatever it is the witch wants to say, Anya clasps Tara’s hands in hers.

 

“I realize I love you.  But I’ve had a part of my heart closed off since Willow.”  Tara finally looks up, making eye contact with the ex-demon.  “You said I was in love with Buffy, but I’m not.  I love her, yes.  But I’m not in love with her.  I’ve kept that part of me locked away, afraid of being hurt again.  In doing so, I’m short-changing our relationship.  For that I owe you an apology.”

 

Anya sighs quietly, reaching up to stroke Tara’s cheek.  “It’ll take time, Tara.  Willow hurt you deeply.  That you’re even allowing yourself to love again is a step in the right direction.  It isn’t easy for any of us to trust, to love again.”  Anya admits.  “Me with Xander.  Buffy for being dragged out of heaven.  God, she has it worse than either one of us.”  Anya scoots her chair close to Tara, wrapping her arms around the witch. 

 

Tara eases into Anya’s embrace, hugging her tightly.  “So loving you is a good start, huh?”  Tara murmurs, smiling softly.

 

“It’s a very good start.  Caring for each other, loving each other.  Being true and honest goes a long way, Tara.  You know that.”  Anya whispers quietly.  “Deep love sometimes takes time to grow.  Being in love with someone can happen quickly, or over time.  You loving me makes me happy.  I know you would never willingly hurt someone you love.”

 

Tara chuckles quietly.  “You wouldn’t hurt someone either, Anya.  I know that.”  Pulling away Tara strokes a hand down Anya’s cheek, smiling softly.  Bringing her other hand up Tara clasps Anya’s face between her two hands, kissing her deeply. 

 

Anya whimpers as Tara breaks the kiss.  Slowly blinking her eyes, she finally focuses in on dark sapphire eyes.  “Wowsa.”  Anya shakes her head, getting the cobwebs to shake loose.  “You need to stop kissing me like that when I have to work.”  Anya admits, trying to stamp down the desire coursing through her body. 

 

“Why?”  Tara quirks her lips watching Anya. 

 

“Because my brain stops functioning.”  Anya finally admits.  “You kiss better than anyone I’ve ever kissed before.  And that is definitely saying something.”  Anya grins. 

 

“1200 plus years of experience, huh?”  Tara starts to smirk, her eyes twinkling.  “I’m sure I don’t kiss better than everyone you’ve kissed in that time.  But thanks for the vote of confidence.”  Tara leans in and places a quick kiss on Anya’s lips. 

 

Anya rolls her eyes after Tara breaks off the kiss and goes back to researching.  ‘She thinks I’m kidding.’  Anya mentally chuckles at the thought.  As other ideas start rolling through her mind, Anya excuses herself and runs to the office.  ‘If she kisses that damn good, what’s she going to be like in the sack?’  Anya questions feeling the heat working through her body.  Grabbing her purse, she slowly walks back into the shop. 

 

Tara glances up smiling as she watches Anya walk back towards her.  “Dinner time?”  Tara questions looking up at the clock. 

 

Nodding Anya’s lips curl up in half a smile.  “Sure there isn’t anything in particular you would like?” 

 

“Anything is fine.”  Tara watches Anya curiously.  “Is there more than one meaning to that question, Anya?”  Tara raises an eyebrow knowingly at the ex-demon.

 

“Would I do something like that?”  Anya smirks at the witch.  “I’ll be back in a little while.”  Anya places a brief kiss on Tara’s cheek before leaving quickly.

 

Chuckling Tara shakes her head looking back down at the book, trying to get her mind off the ex-demon.

 

***

 

Chapter 15

 

Dawn hangs up the phone after calling to let Tara know she came straight home.  Walking back out the back door, she watches Phoenix roll and play chasing a butterfly around the yard.  “Don’t eat it, Phoenix.  It’s a good bug.”

 

Wondering if the puppy’s been good, Dawn hesitates on whether or not to leave the puppy outside by herself.  “Phoenix, come here girl.”  Dawn calls, deciding to err on the side of caution.  “That’s a good girl.  Have something to eat and drink, while I check out the basement.”  Dawn shuts the door behind them before putting some food in the dog bowl.  “Eat, Phoenix.  I’m going downstairs.”

 

Jogging downstairs Dawn chuckles as she sees the half chewed rawhide on the dog’s bed.  Seeing the matching bowl, she grasps it, placing it on the stairs before searching out the rest of the basement, noticing that it looked like Buffy had done a quick pick up, to make sure anything ruin-able was put up out of puppy distance. 

 

Shrugging her shoulders when she doesn’t notice any messes, Dawn gathers up the dog toys placing them in the bed.  Carrying them to the stairs, Dawn grasps the water bowl and brings everything up chuckling as she notices Phoenix watching her from the top of the stairs.  “Well, Phoenix.  Looks like you were a good girl.  I didn’t notice anything, but I’ll have Buffy double-check when she gets home.” 

 

Laughing quietly as Phoenix barks as soon as she mentions Buffy’s name, Dawn sets the water bowl down on the floor.  “You know who your mommy is?”  Dawn questions.  “Buffy.”  Dawn states quietly, chuckling as Phoenix barks again and wags her tail.  “Tara.”  Dawn tries, getting the same response.  “Dawn.”  Dawn laughs as Phoenix runs up to her, jumping up.  “Yes, I’m Dawn.  Did Tara place a spell on you, to make you extra smart?”  Dawn narrows her eyes on the puppy, before laughing. 

 

“I’m going to do my homework.  Try and not get into anything, okay?”  Dawn scratches behind Phoenix’s ears before walking out to the living room, spreading her books and papers on the coffee table before sitting down on the floor.  Becoming engrossed in her homework, she doesn’t really notice when Phoenix comes in and lays down against her leg. 

 

***

 

Dawn jerks as Phoenix jumps up from lying beside her, barking happily at the door.  Glancing at the clock, Dawn walks over to the door, unlocking and opening it.  “Hi, Buffy.” 

 

Buffy raises an eyebrow before looking down at the miniature alarm system.  “Hi, Dawn.  So, did little Miss Phoenix behave herself?”

 

“As far as I could tell, she did.  You might want to check again to be on the safe side.”  Dawn smiles as she watches Buffy scratch down Phoenix’s back. 

 

“I need to shower and change first.”  Buffy admits as Phoenix licks enthusiastically over her hand.

 

“I think Phoenix is willing to help.”  Dawn smirks before sitting back down to finish her homework.

 

“Yeah, kind of seems that way, huh?”  Buffy chuckles.  “Come on, Phoenix.  Why don’t you go out before I spend some time in the shower.”  Buffy walks towards the kitchen, Phoenix panting as she follows.

 

Dawn shakes her head.  “Strange, strange goings on in this house.  The puppy’s the only normal one.”  Dawn smirks, before chuckling quietly to herself.

 

***

 

Tara finishes reading the last chapter and closes her book.  Sliding the book into her book bag, she shifts to look at Anya.

 

“All finished?”  Anya questions softly, watching Tara.

 

“Yes, thanks for letting me finish my work.”  Tara reaches out to play with the ends of Anya’s hair. 

 

“You’re welcome.  And since we were kind of busy at the shop, I felt bad that you didn’t really have time to do it there.”  Anya admits.

 

“You don’t need to feel guilty.  I’m at the shop, work comes first.  As time permits I’ll do my homework.  If not, I’ll do it when I get home.”  Tara smiles, letting Anya know it is okay.  “So, what do you want to do now?”  Tara questions, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

 

Anya allows a slow sensuous smile cross her face.  “Well….”  

 

Tara chuckles quietly.  “Hmmm.  Were you wanting to watch television?”  Tara questions slowly closing the distance between them.

 

“Not really.”  Anya shakes her head, watching Tara.

 

“Maybe play board games?”  Tara eases her body closer to Anya, a smirk crossing her face.

 

“Don’t own any.”  Anya feels her heart start beating faster.

 

“Maybe card games?”  Tara slows down to where she’s just inches away from Anya.

 

“Don’t have a deck of cards.”  Anya breathes out huskily.

 

“Guess we have to make our own entertainment.”  Tara whispers before threading a hand through Anya’s hair, leaning in to place soft nibbling kisses on Anya’s lips before diving in for a long, languorous kiss.  Rolling her tongue gently around Anya’s before sucking softly on Anya’s tongue for long moments, finally releasing the muscle to place gentle kisses along Anya’s jaw line.  Finally stopping at Anya’s earlobe, Tara sucks and nips gently before breathing a hot breath of air over the lobe, smiling as Anya shivers and moans.

 

Anya opens dark brown eyes, gazing into Tara’s desire filled eyes.  Reaching up with both hands, Anya slides them both into Tara’s hair, before diving back in for a slow, tantalizing kiss learning all the secrets of Tara’s mouth.  Moaning at the sweetness of the witch, Anya finally breaks off the kiss as the need for oxygen becomes too much.

 

Panting heavily, Tara, strokes her hands up and down Anya’s arms, before easing her forehead against the woman’s shoulder, groaning as Anya strokes down her back.  Arching her body into Anya’s as she strokes more firmly. 

 

“Feels good.”  Tara whimpers quietly as Anya digs her fingers into her back gently, working the muscles of her back. 

 

“Not to sound like I’m propositioning you or anything, but why don’t you lay down, maybe take your shirt off, I’ll get some massage oils and work out the tension you’ve got going on here.”  Anya softly offers, not having realized how tense Tara’s back was until she started stroking over her. 

 

Pulling back, Tara raises an eyebrow at Anya, looking into the serious eyes, Tara smiles softly.  “You’re being serious.” 

 

“Yes, I am.”  Anya runs a hand down Tara’s cheek.  “No hidden meaning, no hitting on you, just hopefully some relaxation for your tense muscles.” 

 

“And you just happen to have massage oils on hand?”  Tara questions softly, watching Anya.

 

Anya shrugs looking down.  “Xander would occasionally pull a muscle at work, so I got plenty of practice working on backs.”

 

Tara nods, smiling gently.  “Much better, sweetie.  Much, much better.”  Tara leans in and kisses Anya on the cheek.

 

“What?”  Anya glances at Tara with confusion evident on her features.

 

“You were able to say his name without any anger or hurt in your voice.  I would say you are finally working your way past the pain and heartache.”  Tara runs a finger down Anya’s cheek, caressing over her bottom lip.  “And if the offer still stands, I would love to have you loosen up my back muscles.”  Tara grins crookedly at the ex-demon.  “Of course, the couch isn’t a very good place to do that.”  Tara looks down at the narrow couch.

 

“And the floor would kind of defeat the purpose of trying to relax you.”  Anya grins briefly.  “I promise not to take advantage of you, at least not tonight.”  Anya’s grin turns into a smirk.

 

“That I can deal with.”  Tara laughs quietly. 

 

“Come on.”  Anya stands, grasping Tara’s hand, gently tugging the witch’s hand.  “Go ahead and go to the bedroom.  I’ll be right behind you.”  Anya watches Tara walk towards the bathroom.  Stopping by the bathroom, Anya grabs a couple towels and the massage oil.  Walking back into the bedroom, she glances up from where she’d been looking down.  “Ummm.  Here’re some towels.”  Anya whimpers, her eyes sliding over Tara’s barely covered chest before laying the towels across the bed and turning her back on Tara.

 

Tara raises an eyebrow at Anya’s uncharacteristic shyness.  Dropping her arm from where she’d covered her breasts, Tara kicks off her shoes and climbs on the bed, centering her body in the middle of the bed.  Glancing over her shoulder at Anya who’s still facing the other way, Tara chuckles quietly.  “I’m situated, Anya.”

 

“Thank God.”  Anya sighs quietly before turning around.  Taking a deep breath, Anya eases onto the bed beside Tara, gathering the witch’s hair and placing it beside her, smiling down into the blue eyes watching her intently.  “That was a little more than I bargained for.”  Anya admits, softly stroking her finger down Tara’s jaw.

 

“Everything was still covered.”  Tara’s eyes twinkle merrily. 

 

“Yeah, yeah.  I kind of thought you would leave your bra on and after you laid down, I’d just unhook it.”  Anya chuckles.  “Should know better when it comes to you.” 

 

“You should.”  Tara quirks her lips up.  “I thought you were going to work on loosening me up.”  Tara wiggles her eyebrows, laughing quietly as Anya rolls her eyes.

 

“Behave.  I just might end up having you stay the night, and get a little more up close and personal.”  Anya grins before leaning down and placing a kiss on Tara’s cheek.  “Let me massage your back.” 

 

Tara smiles before closing her eyes relaxing, feeling Anya hesitate, Tara chuckles.  “I know the best way to give a massage, Anya.  Go ahead.”

 

Anya laughs quietly before easing her body over Tara’s, straddling the witch’s thighs before easing her weight down on the legs.  Opening the massage oil, Anya pours a small amount in the palm of her hand before rubbing the two hands together, warming the oil.  Starting at Tara’s neck, Anya slowly works her way down the witch’s back, admiring the smooth, supple skin.  Slowly working over the back with a stronger hand, Anya smiles as Tara groans in appreciation. 

 

“I’m surprised.”  Anya softly starts before coming across a knot in Tara’s shoulder, working a little harder on the area.  “You have a very strong back.  I never realized.”  Anya admits, before her eyes caress over the witch’s back and arms.

 

“I worked on a farm all my life before coming to Sunnydale.”  Tara groans as the knot Anya was working on, finally releases.  “Carrying bales of hay, feed bags and mucking out stalls will keep a person in damn good shape.”

 

Anya nods her head.  “But you haven’t done that for what, almost four years.”

 

“Yes.  I’m graduating this year from college.”  Tara closes her eyes, relaxing further into the bed as Anya runs her thumbs up either side of her spine. 

 

“Still wanting to teach?”  Anya questions softly as she works her hands more firmly over Tara’s back.

 

“Mmmm.  Feels good.”  Tara groans in appreciation of the firmer hands working over her back.  “Yes, I do.  Job wise, that will probably be perfect.  Have holidays and summers off.  Work during the day, pull some nights for teacher’s conferences and the like.”

 

“Grading papers, putting up with smart-assed kids and evil principals.”  Anya continues, chuckling as Tara reaches back and smacks her on the leg. 

 

“Be nice!”  Tara laughs, closing her eyes again. 

 

Anya grins as she continues firmly massaging Tara’s back.  As she works over the strong back, Anya feels Tara relaxing even further.  Leaning over as she strokes back up, she watches as a soft smile plays across Tara’s lips.  “Feel better?”  Anya questions quietly.

 

“Much, thank you.”  Tara answers softly.  

 

“You can’t let this thing with Buffy get you so tense.”  Anya strokes her hands down Tara’s back, running them more over to the sides, becoming more a caressing motion.  “We could always tie her up and make her see the error of her ways.”  Anya suggests seriously.

 

Tara laughs, lifting her head to look over her shoulder at Anya.  “Do you have some magic rope that she wouldn’t be able to get out of?”  Tara’s eyes twinkle at the thought.

 

“We’ll figure out something.”  Anya wiggles her eyebrows before smiling softly.  “Just ignore her, if you can.  Try not to let her get under your skin, okay.”  Anya seriously states.  “We will figure it out.”

 

“Well, if it gets too bad.  I just might take you up on your offer.”  Tara admits quietly.

 

“The room’s there for you.  I might have to do some cleaning in there, but it’s yours.”  Anya sighs quietly.  “I hope it doesn’t come to that.” 

 

Tara chuckles quietly.  “Thanks.  Glad to know the room’s there for me, even though you don’t want me to use it.”  Tara yelps as Anya pinches her on the butt. 

 

“I didn’t mean it like that, and you know it!”  Anya grumbles at the witch.  Looking at the clock, Anya whimpers.  “It’s getting late.  I should get you home.” 

 

Tara glances up at the clock surprised to see it’s after midnight.  “It is getting late.”  Tara stretches and yawns.  “I think I might actually be able to sleep through the night tonight.”  Tara shifts around, without thinking.  Looking at Anya, she smiles and runs a hand down the ex-demon’s face.

 

Anya closes her eyes and whimpers loudly.  “Tara, honey…”  Taking a couple deep breaths, Anya slowly opens her eyes, trying not to look down at Tara’s chest.  Reaching to the side, she grasps the towel and covers her chest.  “And, God was I right!”  Anya growls before climbing off the bed.  “Definitely great breasts.”  Anya grumbles walking quickly out of the bedroom.

 

Tara looks down at her covered breasts, back to the quickly departing Anya.  “Ooops.”  Tara smiles a self-deprecating smile.  “Sorry.”  Tara whispers to the empty room before easing off the bed, dressing quickly. 

 

***

 

As soon as it’s dusk, Buffy heads out on patrol, planning on being home at a decent hour.  Rolling her eyes as she comes across a newly risen vampire, Buffy toys with him for a few moments before staking him.  Slowly walking around Sunnydale, she keeps an eye and an ear open. 

 

As she slowly works around Sunnydale, Buffy wonders what Anya and Tara are doing.  As soon as the thought comes into her brain, Buffy groans and runs a hand over her face.  “Not thinking about them, remember?”  She bitches quietly to herself.  Thankfully she senses a vampire at that moment, turning down the alleyway she smirks as she comes across three vampires striding towards her. 

 

“Hey, boys.  Don’t you know it’s dangerous to walk around town here at night?”  Buffy calls out in a deep, husky voice.

 

“Yeah.  We heard that, didn’t we?”  The lead vamp grins at his two accomplices, before turning yellow eyes on Buffy.  “And we’re the dangerous ones that you should be avoiding.”  He growls loudly jumping the ten yards that separates him and the slayer, surprise crossing his face as his head snaps back from the roundhouse she delivers on his jaw.

 

“Sorry.  But there are things more dangerous than you guys with bad overbites.”  Buffy growls deeply spinning around doing a roundhouse kick before jumping up in the air and slamming her foot into one of the vamp’s chin, knocking him back five yards.  Letting loose Buffy tears into the vampires, taking out some of her pent-up frustrations on them.

 

“Who the fuck are you?”  The lead vampire looks up from the ground, trying to stand on his broken leg.

 

“The Slayer.”  Buffy growls deeply, slamming her fist down into his face breaking his nose, before turning on the other vampire trying to sneak up on her.  Picking him up, she tosses him hard against the brick wall.  Spinning around she looks at the three vampires lying broken in the alleyway.  “Come on, guys.  You were only good for fifteen minutes of fun.  You really need to work on your stamina.”  Buffy smirks before quickly staking the three vamps.

 

Working her way to downtown Sunnydale, Buffy slowly makes her way to the Bronze.  Cruising the outside, she waits a few minutes by the back door.  Smirking as the couple comes out, she taps the girl on the shoulder.  “Go back in.  My boyfriend has a tendency to stray and I’m not exactly happy with him right now.  I don’t think you want me to take my anger out on you.”  Buffy snarls, her eyes cold.  Chuckling as the girl disappears quickly, Buffy backhands the vampire growling behind her. 

 

“Oh, aren’t you a pretty one?”  Buffy jumps over the vampire’s leg as he tries to sweep her legs out from under her.  “Not fast enough, dear.”  Buffy does a spinning back kick, hitting him hard upside the head before coming in with a chop to the side of his neck.  Following the karate chop, she does a hard back kick into the vampire’s chest.

 

Turning around to look at the vampire, Buffy tilts her head.  “Your chest doesn’t look too good there.”  Buffy waves her hand over the vampire’s caved in chest.  “Do you want to continue this fight, or do you want me to end it now?”  Buffy questions, pulling her stake out twirling it quickly.  Buffy watches as the vampire snarls at her, the yellow eyes filled with hatred and pain.  Waiting to see if he stands up, she shrugs and throws the stake, dusting him before quickly walking back down the alleyway.

 

Digging in her pocket she pulls out the cover charge before walking in.  Not feeling anything, Buffy cruises up the stairs to stand leaning over the railing quietly watching everyone dancing, laughing, drinking and generally having a good time.  Sighing quietly, Buffy frowns as she feels somebody behind her.  Turning, she’s surprised when she sees Willow standing there, nervously wringing her hands.  Searching the green eyes, Buffy sighs in relief when she doesn’t see anger or hatred looking back at her.

 

“Umm.  Can we talk?”  Willow questions softly, waving to the empty table behind them.

 

“Of course.”  Buffy nods her head, moving to sit down.  Looking at Willow, wondering what’s to come. 

 

Willow frowns deeply, wondering how to start.  Glancing up she notices the slightly scared, hurt look in Buffy’s eyes.  Sighing, Willow shakes her head.  Finally deciding to just say it, Willow whispers.  “I’m an idiot, Buffy.  You can’t help who you love.  None of us can.  I had absolutely no right to get angry at you, and I owe you a very, very big apology.”  Stopping, Willow looks back up, making eye contact with Buffy, seeing the forgiveness already showing in Buffy’s eyes. 

 

“It’s okay Willow.”  Buffy shakes her head softly watching the redhead.  “I never actually meant to say it out loud.”  Buffy looks down running a finger around a water stain on the table.  “It isn’t like anything’s going to happen anyway.”

 

Willow sighs watching Buffy’s slumped shoulders.  “You really do love her, don’t you?”  Willow questions softly, watching as Buffy’s eyes rise, sadness showing deeply in their hazel depths as she nods her head.  “Damn it, Buffy.  Tell her.  Let her know how you feel.”

 

Buffy stiffens and looks away from Willow.  “I can’t, Willow.”  Buffy shakes her head before running a shaky hand through her hair.  “First off, I would never come between her and Anya.”  Hesitating, Buffy closes her eyes taking a deep breath.  “Plus I’m confused as hell feeling wise about her and Anya.”  Buffy finally admits.  “I like them both, Willow.”  Buffy buries her face in her hands.

 

Willow rears back in the seat, stunned disbelief making her mute.  Looking at her best friend of the last six years, Willow blinks trying to wrap her mind around what Buffy admitted. 

 

“Totally fucked up, huh?”  Buffy finally gets up the nerve to make eye contact with Willow.  “I care for your ex and probably the one woman that rivals Cordelia for your hatred.”  Buffy chuckles sadly. 

 

Willow hesitantly reaches out and clasps Buffy’s hand in hers.  “I… I don’t know what to say, Buffy.”  Willow finally admits, still in shock at what Buffy admitted. 

 

“What is there to say?”  Buffy sighs quietly, patting Willow’s hand that’s still clasping her other hand.  “How did things go on your date?”  Buffy looks up smiling softly at Willow.

 

Willow’s eyes widen and she hops up out of her seat looking down below, waving to Christina.  Holding up one finger she smiles apologetically at the woman.  When she receives an understanding smile in reply, Willow grins. 

 

“So, is that the mysterious date?”  Buffy questions looking over the railing beside Willow, making Willow jump.

 

“Don’t do that!”  Willow grumbles smacking Buffy on the arm.  “Yes, that’s Christina.”  Willow admits smiling softly. 

 

“Pretty.”  Buffy nods her head before glancing back at Willow. 

 

“Keep your hands to yourself!”  Willow jokes, her eyes full of laughter.  

 

“Oh, no!  Not going there.  I have problems enough on my own, without adding more to the pile.”  Buffy shakes her head.  “So, have you told her about the things that go bump in the night?”  Buffy questions seriously, turning around to lean against the railing watching Willow.

 

“I don’t think she believes me.  But she does humor me by carrying the cross and the little water gun I gave her with holy water in it.”  Willow shrugs watching Buffy. 

 

“Well, if you think she’s going to… stick around.  We can always visit the cemetery one night.”  Buffy offers.

 

“I’ll see.”  Willow smiles in thanks at the slayer.  “What are you going to do, Buffy?”  Willow questions seriously, worried about her best friend.

 

“Nothing.”  Buffy shrugs, crossing her arms looking down at the floor.  “Try and keep my distance.” 

 

“If you need me to talk to…”  Willow trails off looking at Buffy with sad eyes.

 

“Thanks.”  Buffy’s lips quirk up.  “You need to be walked home?” 

 

“No, Christina has a car and will drop me off.”  Willow admits, grinning. 

 

“Good.  But be careful.”  Buffy nods, pulling herself away from the railing.  “I’m going to go head home.  I need to probably let Phoenix out.”  Buffy admits, starting to head towards the stairs.

 

“Phoenix?”  Willow questions watching Buffy.

 

“Oh, the new puppy that found and adopted me.”  Buffy grins.  “You’ll have to come by and visit.  I’ll introduce you.” 

 

“I will.  Be careful, Buffy.”  Willow reaches up and hugs Buffy. 

 

“Thanks.”  Buffy hugs Willow back before releasing the redhead.  “Go to your girlfriend, I’m going to head home to my puppy.”  Buffy chuckles quietly before quickly jogging down the stairs and out of the Bronze.

 

Willow slowly follows her best friend, walking down the stairs before heading back over to Christina.

 

Christina glances up watching Willow.  “Everything go okay?”  The dark-brown haired woman questions in a lilting Scottish accent. 

 

Willow smiles crookedly.  “Buffy and I are okay.  But I think she’s very, very confused.”  Willow admits sitting down beside the taller woman.  “Sorry it took so long.”

 

“It’s okay my wee Willow.”  Christina grins, watching the redhead. 

 

“When you’re up to it, and maybe want to meet my friends, I’d like to introduce you.”  Willow offers softly, reaching out to clasp her date’s hand. 

 

“I’d like that.”  Christina’s pale blue eyes twinkle at the redhead.  “It’s getting late.  You want me to take you home?” 

 

“That would probably be a good idea.”  Willow admits, hating to bring the date to an end. 

 

“Come on, wee one.  Let me make sure you get home and safely into bed.”  Christina stands, offering her hand to the redhead, helping her stand. 

 

“I’m not little.”  Willow grumps, though she always gets a little thrill whenever Christina calls her that. 

 

“You are to me, wee Willow.”  Christina whispers in Willow’s ear as she leans down to place a soft kiss on her cheek. 

 

Willow bites back the moan she feels coming out at the gentle caress, feeling her heart start to beat a little faster.  The two women have been out on three dates.  And all that had happened so far is some dancing, a few gentle kisses on cheeks and hand holding.  Smiling as Christina opens the door before quickly striding around the Jetta, Willow watches as the woman eases into the vehicle.  “I still don’t know how you get those legs in here.”

 

Christina chuckles as she starts the vehicle, shifting it into gear before easing out of the parking spot and heading towards Willow’s house.  “Very carefully.” 

 

“Yeah, yeah.”  Willow shakes her head. 

 

“Did you maybe want to go out Friday night?”  Christina questions softly as she turns on Willow’s street, slowly pulling the vehicle up into the driveway. 

 

Willow watches as Christina puts the car in park and turns the engine off before turning to face her.  “I would love to go out Friday.”

 

“Do you think Italian, Chinese, Sushi, Seafood?”  Christina offers grinning as Willow rolls her eyes. 

 

“Anything will be fine.”  Willow shakes her head, smiling.  “You’re somewhat of a goof, aren’t you?”  Willow jokes.

 

“That I am.”  Christina nods her head, smiling.  Slowly the smile leaves her face as she searches Willow’s eyes for a long moment.  “I like you, Willow.”  Christina admits softly.  “I know we haven’t been dating that long, but I thought you should know that.”

 

“I would hope you like me.”  Willow reaches up and runs a finger across the woman’s strong cheekbone.  “Because I kind of like you, too.”  Willow watches as Christina slowly closes the gap between them before brushing her lips over Willow’s.  Moaning into the kiss, Willow runs her hand through the long dark hair.  Hesitantly, Willow lets just the tip of her tongue ease out between her lips, to caress briefly over Christina’s bottom lip.

 

Easing a hand over to rest softly on Willow’s waist, Christina tilts her head the slightest bit before easing her lips open, granting Willow’s tongue access.  Groaning deeply as the eager muscle takes advantage of the offer to come darting in to caress flittingly about inside her mouth.  Chasing the teasing tongue back into Willow’s mouth, Christina eagerly follows it to caress softly tasting of Willow.  Slowly bringing the kiss to an end, Christina opens her eyes looking into the deep green passion-filled eyes of Willow. 

 

“Well, now.  That was a wee bit more than I was expecting.”  Christina closes her eyes, tilting her head against Willow’s taking deep breaths.

 

Willow nods her head, before smiling as she whimpers.  “Your accent got a little thicker there.” 

 

“It’ll do that.”  Christina finally gets control of her racing heart and pulls back, grinning at Willow.  “Go inside, my wee one.  Get a good night’s rest.  Hopefully I’ll run into you tomorrow on campus.  If not, we have class together the next day.”  Christina runs a hand through red locks, smiling softly. 

 

“Be careful on the way home.”  Willow lightly admonishes the woman.  “Whether you want to believe me or not, what I told you was real.  Buffy’s willing to prove it to you when you think you’re up for it.” 

 

Christina raises a quizzical eyebrow at Willow.  “Why would she be awantin’ to prove it to me?”

 

“Because I talked to her tonight and she’s the one that can definitely prove it to you in more ways than one.”  Willow states.  “Just trust me.”  Willow leans in and kisses Christina quickly.  “Hmmm.  Good kissage.” 

 

Christina chuckles quietly, as Willow hops out of the vehicle and runs up to the front door, quickly unlocking and sliding in.  “You are a strange one, my wee one.  But I like ye.”  Starting the vehicle, Christina quickly heads back to her apartment, humming under her breath the whole way.

 

***

 

Chapter 16

 

Buffy glances up for probably the twentieth time at the clock.  Pacing back and forth she growls quietly under her breath.  When she hears a whimper, she stops and looks down at a lightly shaking Phoenix.  “Oh, Phoenix!”  Buffy gently reaches for the puppy and picks her up hugging her to her chest.  “I’m not mad at you, Phoenix.  Mommy’s just worried about Tara.  I expected her to be home over an hour ago.”  Buffy looks back at the clock again, mentally keeping herself from growling.  “It’s a little after midnight I expected she’d be home before 11:00.” 

 

Looking down at the calming puppy, Buffy strokes softly over her back, smiling as Phoenix starts wiggling in her arms, barking.  Setting the dog down, Buffy tilts her head as she hears a car pull out of the driveway, as the key slides home in the lock.  “Damn dog has almost better hearing than I do.”  Buffy narrows her gaze on the dog.  “No distracting me like that!”

 

Tara raises an eyebrow as she walks in the door, catching the last statement from Buffy.  “She’s distracting you?”  Tara questions quietly, before turning and locking the door behind her.

 

“Yes.  And not to sound like a total bitch, but if you’re going to be this late, can you please call and let us know so that way I don’t think something decided to have you for dinner?”  Buffy growls deeply, clenching her jaw tightly. 

 

Tara turns and looks in surprise at the obviously angry slayer.  “Okay, enough.  Have I done something to piss you off in the last twenty-four hours?”  Tara questions harshly, dropping her book bag on the floor and crossing her arms over her chest.

 

Buffy backs up a step in surprise at the harsh tone of the witch.  Hearing Phoenix whimper, Buffy glances down at the puppy as she looks from one woman to the other.  “Come on, Phoenix.  Let me let you outside while Tara and I talk.”  Buffy strides out of the living room, Phoenix hesitating and looking up at Tara.

 

“Go on, Phoenix.”  Tara softly states to the puppy while following slowly behind the slayer.  Sitting down on a stool, Tara watches as Phoenix runs outsides.  Glancing up as Buffy walks back into the kitchen Tara raises an eyebrow towards the slayer.

 

Buffy groans and runs a hand through her hair.  “You haven’t done anything, Tara.”  Buffy admits, opening the refrigerator.  “Do you want something to drink?  Maybe a cup of tea?”  Buffy offers softly. 

 

Tara watches Buffy, trying to figure the woman out.  “Why the cold shoulder, Buffy?”  Tara questions, not answering her. 

 

“Because I’m fucking PMS’ing.”  Buffy mutters, grasping a bottle of water and opening it.  “It’s me, Tara.  It isn’t your fault.  This is something I’ve got to deal with on my own.”  Buffy sighs quietly.  “I’m sorry.  I really didn’t mean to be such a bitch to you for the last few days.”  Buffy looks with sad hazel eyes at the witch.  “Hopefully you can eventually forgive me for it.” 

 

“Buffy…”  Tara starts, seeing the sadness in the slayer’s eyes breaks her heart.  “What is it, sweetie?” 

 

“I can’t, Tara.”  Buffy feels the tears coming to her eyes.  “Please don’t push me on this, okay?  It isn’t something I can talk with you about.” 

 

Tara stands, slowly walking towards the slayer. 

 

“Don’t.”  Buffy shakes her head, wiping her tears roughly away from her eyes.  “You’ll hug me and I’ll end up bawling my eyes out.  I can’t do that.”  ‘And I may be tempted to kiss you and that I really can’t do.’  Buffy continues in her head.  “Why don’t you go to bed, Tara?  It’s late and you need your rest.” 

 

Tara searches Buffy’s eyes for a few long moments.  “Are you sure?”  Tara questions quietly.  As Buffy nods, Tara sighs.  “I want your promise that if I do something to upset you you’ll let me know.”

 

Buffy sighs quietly.  “Tara, it isn’t you.  You haven’t done anything, and I seriously doubt that you could do anything to really upset me.” 

 

“Promise.”  Tara states adamantly.

 

“I promise.”  Buffy finally gives in before walking over to the door when she hears a whimper.  “Come on in, Phoenix.  It’s time for all good puppy’s, witch’s and slayer’s to go to bed.”

 

Tara smiles sadly, as Phoenix comes running up to her.  “Everything’s okay, Phoenix.  Mommy and Auntie Tara just needed to talk.”  Tara scoops the puppy up and holds her, scratching her behind the ears. 

 

“Why don’t you go ahead and head upstairs.  I’ll make sure everything’s locked up.”  Buffy glances at Tara, watching her for a few minutes.

 

“Okay.”  Tara looks up smiling at the slayer.  “Want me to go ahead and take Phoenix up with me?”

 

“If you don’t mind.”  Buffy nods then silently watches as Tara leaves the kitchen.  Breathing a huge sigh of relief, Buffy locks the back door before going to the front door, double-checking the lock before turning out the lights and quickly jogging up the stairs. 

 

“’Night, sweetie.”  Tara murmurs, gently clasping Buffy’s shoulder before leaving to walk to her bedroom.

 

“Good night, Tara.”  Buffy slowly shuts the door to her bedroom, looking at Phoenix who’s already curled up on her bed, starting to doze.   “Mommy almost screwed up royally.”  Buffy murmurs quietly to the snoozing dog.  “I guess I’ll just have to deal with things as they come up.”  Buffy sighs as she slowly changes out of her clothes and into her sleepwear.  Turning off the light she stops and rubs Phoenix’s belly for a few minutes.  “If I don’t behave, Tara’s liable to literally rip me a new one.  And I really don’t think it would be pleasant.” 

 

Climbing in bed, Buffy turns on her side and curls up in a tight fetal position.  “I don’t know if anyone’s listening, but can you do something to help me out, here?”  Buffy whimpers, looking through her window at the night sky.

 

***

 

Tara smiles at Anya as she walks in the store.  Looking around, she notices there’s no on there so she leans across the counter and gives Anya a brief kiss.  “I didn’t ask, but am I working tomorrow?”  Tara questions softly, as she walks towards the office to set down her stuff. 

 

“No, I’ll work tomorrow.”  Anya follows Tara in the office, her eyes drinking in Tara’s form.  The week had progressed nicely, lots of hugs and kisses, some light petting.  Nibbling on her bottom lip, Anya leans against the doorframe watching as Tara pulls one of her books out of her bag. 

 

Tara glances up from her book bag, noticing the pensive look on Anya’s face.  “What’s wrong, honey?”  Tara questions softly, setting her book down on the desk as she closes the distance between them.

 

Anya closes her eyes as Tara reaches up and strokes a strong thumb down her cheek.  Reaching out to clasp the witch’s hips, urging her to close the short distance between them Anya smiles softly as Tara wraps both arms around her hugging her tightly. 

 

“Anya?”  Tara questions worriedly. 

 

“I’m okay.  Just feeling needy.”  Anya admits, burying her face in the witch’s neck, inhaling deeply of the witch’s scent. 

 

Tara raises an eyebrow.  Gently running her hands up and down Anya’s back, Tara finally slides one hand up to cup behind Anya’s head.  Easing back to look in Anya’s eyes, Tara notices the need and desire flaring in the brown eyes.  Moving both hands to cup the woman’s cheeks Tara leans in and kisses Anya deeply.  As she lovingly strokes her tongue over Anya’s, Tara groans as Anya captures her tongue, sucking softly. 

 

Anya whimpers as Tara ends the kiss.  “Damn customers.”  Anya bitches as Tara chuckles and walks out to help the customer.  Following Tara, Anya finishes re-stocking the shelves while Tara rings up the sale.  Feeling arms wrap around her waist from behind, after the bell rings, Anya sighs quietly and leans back into the witch. 

 

“Just needy?”  Tara questions softly, stroking her hand gently under the ex-demon’s breasts.  Grinning wickedly, Tara shifts her hand so her knuckles brush tantalizingly over Anya’s breasts.

 

“Tara!”  Anya moans Tara’s name. 

 

“How needy?”  Tara nuzzles into Anya’s neck, smiling as she hears Anya start to whimper.  “I know I’ve been feeling more and more… needy, myself.”  Tara admits, her lips curling up into a smirk. 

 

Anya groans as Tara finally cups her breasts, running strong thumbs over her aching nipples.  When Tara starts to gently pinch her nipples, Anya quickly turns in the witch’s arms attacking her lips.  As Tara opens her mouth Anya quickly fills the invitation, battling against Tara’s tongue strongly for a few long minutes.  Finally easing away trying to get control of her breathing Anya whimpers as Tara starts nipping her way down her neck.  “I’m gonna lock the damn door.”  Anya growls as Tara jerks away from her when the bell rings over the door. 

 

***

 

Standing outside the Magic Box, Buffy watches the two women.  Watching the obvious caring and attraction the two women have for each other, Buffy smiles softly before groaning at the hot display feeling an almost uncontrollable urge to jump in the middle of the two women.  Closing her eyes to get the thoughts out of her head, Buffy takes a few minutes calming herself.  Swallowing hard at the feelings coursing through her body, Buffy walks through the door raising an eyebrow at the two women.  “Good thing it was me and not a customer.”  Buffy grumbles quietly. 

 

“Yeah, I guess we should keep the making out to the office.”  Anya states quietly before leaning back in and placing a soft kiss on Tara’s lips.  “We will continue this later.  I hope.”

 

“Count on it.”  Tara murmurs quietly, watching Anya grin and wink before walking towards the office.  Turning her gaze on Buffy, Tara blushes lightly.  “Sorry.” 

 

“Uh, huh.”  Buffy states non-commitally.  “I was wondering if you maybe felt like Chinese tonight.   I was on my way home from work and thought I’d just drop in, instead of calling.”  Buffy looks around the shop, trying to look anywhere but at Tara and Anya. 

 

Tara glances over towards Anya who’s standing in the office doorway.  When Anya shrugs and smiles, Tara smirks at the shopkeeper.  “Dawn should be getting here soon.  Chinese sounds good to me, if you want to see if it sounds good to Dawnie…” 

 

“She’s always up for Chinese.”  Buffy smiles briefly.  “Would you like to join us, Anya?”  Buffy questions quietly, glancing briefly at the slightly disheveled woman. 

 

Anya raises an eyebrow at the slayer before glancing towards Tara.  At Tara’s nod, Anya smiles.  “I would love to.”

 

“Good.  I stopped on the way here and picked up an extra menu, I didn’t know if you had one here or not.”  Buffy pulls the menu out of her back pocket, unfolding it and setting it on the counter.  “I’ll see what Dawn wants, we can pick it up when I come back to walk you home.”  Buffy nods towards Tara. 

 

“I drove today.”  Anya looks from Buffy to Tara, sensing the slight tension that still exists between the two women.  Sighing at their stubbornness Anya finally continues.  “We can pick up the food and I’ll drive us to your house.  You can just call with what you and Dawn want.”  Anya offers softly. 

 

“That would be great.”  Buffy smiles after a slight hesitation.  Starting to dig in her pocket for money, she looks up as Anya walks her way and places a hand on her shoulder.

 

“I got it.”  Anya looks in Buffy’s eyes, before heading over to the bookcase.  “I thought of a couple other books that might have information about different orbs in it last night, so that’ll give me a chance to looks through them this evening.”  Anya frowns when her back’s turned to Buffy, having noticed the sadness lurking in Buffy’s eyes. 

 

“Thanks, Anya.”  Buffy glances towards the door smiling as Dawn walks in.

 

“Hey!”  Dawn chirps as she practically prances into the shop.  “What’s up?”

 

“Talking about dinner.  Chinese, what do you want?”  Buffy grins as Dawn’s eyes widen, and a look of utter joy crosses her face. 

 

“Menu!”  Dawn calls out looking around, running over to the counter when Tara waves it at her.   Picking up a pen Dawn grins at Tara as she slides a notepad towards her.  Quickly writing down her selections, she turns back to look at Buffy.  “Where’s Phoenix?”

 

“At home, I haven’t made it there yet.”  Buffy admits.  “Tara, can you put me down for a large order of sweet and sour chicken, along with a large order of beef and broccoli?” 

 

“Consider it done.”  Tara smiles as Buffy walks towards the door.

 

“See you two later.  Coming with?”  Buffy turns her gaze on Dawn.

 

“Might as well.  Are you having dinner with us tonight, Anya?”  Dawn questions walking towards Buffy.

 

“Yes, I am.”  Anya smiles as Dawn grins hugely. 

 

“Good.  See you guys in a few hours.”  Dawn practically bowls Buffy down in her excitement as she leaves the shop.

 

“Be careful.”  Buffy admonishes softly before quickly following Dawn out the door.

 

Anya turns a raised eyebrow towards the witch.  “Definitely acting skittish.” 

 

“You’re telling me.”  Tara sighs sitting down on the stool behind the counter.  “As long as she doesn’t go back to her one-word answers and ignoring me, I guess I can deal.” 

 

Anya feels the urge to bang both women’s heads together.   Pulling down a couple books, Anya places them on the table before looking over at Tara.  “Do you still want to leave things as they are?” 

 

Tara glances towards Anya, before nodding her head.  “For now.  Honestly, right now, I don’t really want to think about Buffy.  It’s kind of driving me insane, wondering exactly what’s going through her mind.”

 

Anya raises an eyebrow at the witch.  “Why don’t you read her aura?”  Anya questions quietly, sitting down.

 

“I don’t do that unless I have a very good reason.”  Tara explains softly, before standing and grabbing her book out of the office.  Sitting down beside Anya, Tara flips it open to the chapters she needs to study.

 

“You don’t think this is a good enough reason?”  Anya looks at Tara, surprise evident on her face.

 

“No.  This would be more of an invasion of privacy.”  Tara frowns for a moment.  “Anya… you know I love you.”  Tara starts softly.

 

“Yes, I do.”  Anya smiles gently at the witch, turning her chair to face her.  “I also know you love Buffy.  There’re all these confusing feelings going on inside you that are pulling you first one way and the other, right?”

 

Tara sighs deeply before nodding her head.  “How do you know this?”

 

“You’re not the only one, Tara.”  Anya runs a comforting hand down Tara’s arm.  “You’re just getting a heavy dose because you live in the same household with Buffy.  You can’t help but be around each other.  Because of this, you probably have a slight guilt complex going on because you feel like you’re almost betraying our relationship.”

 

Tara tilts her head down, running a finger over the page of her book.  “Aren’t I?”  Tara finally questions looking up with sad blue eyes at Anya. 

 

“No.”  Anya shakes her head, watching Tara intently.  “Like you said, you love me.  You love Buffy, and I love you.  I’m on my way to loving Buffy, but it’s hard when you don’t spend much time with a person.”

 

“Maybe I should move into your apartment, and you move into my room at Buffy’s house.  See what happens.”  Tara jokes quietly, clasping Anya’s hand in hers.  “And why is it that you always seemed so jealous of everyone around Xander, but this situation isn’t bothering you?”

 

“Do you think she would go for that?”  Anya questions, smirking.  “I know I’m in deep like with Buffy.  I also know that she is one hot woman.”  Anya wiggles her eyebrows, making Tara laugh quietly.  “I also know I love you.  I want to spend time with you… I want to make love with you.”  Anya whispers the last.  “You are an absolutely wonderful, kind, caring, beautiful woman.  With beautiful breasts!”  Anya tacks on, chuckling.  “As for the jealousy…”  Anya hesitates, tilting her head.  “I think it’s the guy thing that makes me more jealous.  They seem to have a harder time controlling their hormones and are more easily led astray.  Plus the fact that Xander has been in love with just about every woman he knows, it kind of had a tendency to rub me the wrong way.”  Anya admits softly.

 

“Plus you were a Vengeance Demon for scorned women, so that probably added to your disgruntlement with men.  I’m surprised you even hooked up with Xander after everything.“  Tara smiles softly, before changing the subject slightly.  “You have a thing for my breasts!”  Tara smirks at Anya.  “So, I love you.  I love Buffy.  You love me.  You are in serious like with Buffy that could turn to love.  We both agree that Buffy is extremely hot and desirable.  We also both agree that each of us are beautiful, caring women.  We don’t know what Buffy thinks, and NO we are not asking her.”  Tara narrows her eyes on Anya, seeing the look cross her face.

 

“Spoil sport.”  Anya grumbles.  “She’d probably deny it anyway.”  Anya admits, sighing.

 

“Probably.”  Tara nods watching Anya for a few long moments.  Wrapping her arms around the shopkeeper, Tara gives her a long, warm hug.  “You’re a sweetie, you know that?”

 

Anya grins as she hugs the witch back.  “I don’t know about that, but if it means me getting more hugs, then yes I am.”

 

Tara chuckles, squeezing Anya once more before releasing the woman.  “Let me get to studying, before the next lot of customers come in.”  Tara chuckles as Anya pouts adorably before sitting down and opening one of the books she’s researching. 

 

“Study, study, study.”  Anya gripes jokingly.  “When do you graduate?”  Anya questions as she starts looking through her book. 

 

“Hopefully this year.  I’ve been working extra hard to make up for last years… episode.”  Tara murmurs running a hand across her forehead.  “Luckily, because of the extenuating circumstances, they’re letting me test out in a couple classes, along with doing some other additional projects and reports.”  Tara nibbles her lip as she starts reading her chapters.

 

Anya looks at Tara, surprised.  “Isn’t that kind of unusual for that to happen?”

 

Tara looks up, smiling crookedly.  “Yes.  But you forget we live in Sunnydale.  A lot of weird and unexplained things happen.  They’re a little more tolerant on the whole.  Of course I had to do almost twice the amount of work in those classes than I would have if I’d re-taken them.” 

 

“That’s not fair!”  Anya frowns deeply.  “Do you need any help, someone to question you or help you with the projects?”

 

“Actually, the special projects and additional reports I’ve already finished.  As soon as they gave me the particulars of what they needed, I started working on them.  I just have to study for the actual tests, now.”  Tara sighs quietly.  “And those will start in a little over a month’s time.”  Tara looks at the shopkeeper for a few moments.  “You’d be willing to question me on the subjects I’m working on?”

 

“Of course.  I don’t know if you have lists of questions already, or if I’ll need to read what you’re studying, but I’m willing to do whatever you need to help.”  Anya offers sincerely. 

 

“Thank you.”  Tara smiles softly, placing a gentle kiss on the ex-demons cheek.  “I may take you up on that.”

 

“Please do.”  Anya grins happily at the tender kiss.  “Tara?”  Anya hesitantly questions.

 

“Yes?”  Tara looks up hearing the hesitant note in the demons tone. 

 

“Would you maybe like to come over tomorrow night?”  Anya looks intently at the witch. 

 

“Sure.  Do you want to pick up a movie or something?  You can come by the house after you close up shop and have dinner with us, if you want.”  Tara smiles as she watches the ex-demon.

 

“We can do that.  But I was kind of meaning in a, would you like the stay the night, tomorrow night, kind of offer.”  Anya taps her finger on the table in nervousness.  “Not that we have to do anything, I mean…  I would just like to be with you.”

 

Tara smiles at the uncharacteristic way Anya’s acting.  “So, you would like me to actually stay over tomorrow night.  Watch a movie, maybe have some kissing action, see where it leads from there?”  Tara whispers watching as Anya nods her head quickly.  “I would love to.”

 

Anya breathes out a huge sigh of relief, before smiling at the witch.  “Thank you.”

 

Tara chuckles quietly and runs a hand down the other woman’s arm.  “Anything you would like in particular for dinner tomorrow night?  I need to go to the store tomorrow afternoon.”

 

“Whatever you want to fix.”  Anya tilts her head in consideration for a moment.  “You know that Chicken burrito shell thing you made a while back…”

 

“Chicken burrito’s that I baked in the oven?”  Tara questions, smiling as Anya’s eyes light up.  “I can make that for dinner tomorrow night.  Maybe I’ll fix some bean dip to munch on while it’s baking.”

 

“Mmmm.  Good!”  Anya smiles happily.  “I should shut up, that way you can study, since you probably won’t get much studying done tomorrow.” 

 

Tara chuckles.  “Thank you, Anya.”  Tara turns her attention back to her book, studying quietly.

 

Anya frowns as she works her way through the book, mentally grumbling at not finding anything for more than one orb.  Gently shutting the book, Anya slides it up the table before grasping the other book.  Leaning her cheek on her hand, Anya slowly turns the pages as she continues researching.

 

Tara glances over at Anya as she finishes reading the chapters, smiling at the look of concentration on the woman’s face.  Reaching up, Tara tucks a stray strand of hair behind Anya’s ear.  When Anya glances up, smiling softly, Tara feels her heart skip a beat at the sweet smile.  Watching Anya turn back to the book, Tara continues to run her fingers gently through the woman’s hair.  Tara realizes how lucky she is to have this, surprisingly understanding woman love her. 

 

Anya re-reads over the information on a set of orbs that basically makes the person who has them invincible.  Frowning deeply, she isn’t even aware of Tara’s scrutiny.  “I think we may be in trouble.”  Anya slides the book towards Tara, glancing at the witch.  “This is the only thing I’ve come across so far that is about a set of orbs.”

 

Tara’s eyes shift from the shopkeeper to the book.  “The Orbs of Nezzla ‘Khan?”  Tara questions, bringing her hand down reading the information on the orbs in the book.  “Invincibility, super strength?  So not a good thing, especially for that sick bastard.”  Tara growls quietly. 

 

“It’s quiet tonight, why don’t we close up shop early?”  Anya states looking up at the clock, realizing that it was already 7:30. 

 

Tara looks at the time, nodding her head.  “You’re the boss.  Can I take this with us?”  Tara questions from where she’s still reading the information.

 

“Of course.”  Anya stands, putting the other book up before preparing the shop for closing, watching as Tara continues reading for a few moments before marking the book with a slip of paper.

 

“If he knows where these are, or has them…”  Tara looks up with a hint of fear in her eyes.  “This could be very, very bad.”

 

“Yes, it could.  But we do stuff to make the bad stuff better.  We’ll research and then try to either find them and keep them or destroy them.”  Anya shrugs her shoulders.  “We do what we have to.”

 

Tara chuckles at the simplistic statements, realizing that’s exactly what they did.  Being afraid or scared doesn’t help.  “Let me get my stuff together.  Then we’ll pick up dinner and head to the house.”

 

Anya nods, watching as Tara walks to the office.  “Time for dinner.”  Anya whispers quietly, smiling.

 

***

 

 

SHATTERED SOULS 17-24

 

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