TITLE: Racing The Rain
AUTHOR: Finey_McFine
RATING: PG-13 (Some chapters will be NC-17, consider yourself warned!)
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy. ALL other original characters belong to me! This includes: Willow's siblings and teammates, plus Tara's friends and co-workers. Mention of any 'real' people in this fic is brief and pure fantasy.
SUMMARY: Totally AU, so no spoilers. Set in LA with lots of W/T fluff and some angst, but no Hellmouthyness; just good old regular day-to-day drama. Willow is attending college on an athletic scholarship and Tara is Hollywood royalty. They meet and fall in love, of course, but will they be able to survive the pitfalls of a public romance? Well, you'll just have to read and find out! ;-)
Thoughts are in italics
FEEDBACK: Yes!
Chapter 1: Lost and Found
Tara let out a long sigh as she stood at the copy machine. Listening to the machine groan as it spit out page after page. Today marked the third day of copying and posting flyers. The smell of the toner was actually starting to make her nauseous and the black ink was leaving a stain on her fingertips.
She was starting to wonder if she would ever actually find the little dog that had meant so much to her the past couple years. Ralphie was Tara's constant companion, she had adopted him from the local animal rescue 2 years ago. He was six months old and had been found scavenging for food behind a restaurant in West Hollywood. He reminded her of Tramp, from the Disney movie, and turned out to be just as smart and loyal as the animated character.
It had now been seven days since he went missing and as each day passed, Tara was getting more and more desperate to find him. Her hands trembled as she removed the papers from the copy tray and tears began to stream down her face as she set out for another day of posting and searching.
Tara had saturated a 5-mile area surrounding her home in the Hollywood Hills and throughout West Hollywood. Every light pole, coffee shop, community bulletin board, pet store and animal clinic. The Hills were spread out, but West Hollywood was a fairly small tight knit community. Since Ralphie had been found there, she thought maybe he'd go back. All she could do was hope that he would be found…alive.
After a long day of walking and posting flyers, Tara stopped into her favorite coffee shop and eatery, The Java. West Hollywood had a reputation of protecting its own and Tara felt comfortable there. She could sit under a tree-covered table sipping her beverage and relax without getting mobbed. Unfortunately, there was no escaping the Paparazzi. They seemed to pop up out of nowhere and snap away. Over the years she had learned to ignore them or just smile, allowing them to get the shot, knowing they would eventually go away. Celebrities that went out of their way to avoid them or traveled with an entourage seem to attract the photographers and the drama that went with a front-page tabloid story. Tara refused to give up her freedom, tried to stay on the straight and narrow and did not subscribe to the belief that "any publicity is good publicity."
After chatting with a few people at the coffee shop, the blonde made her way back to her car and headed home. She stopped on the way to pick up a salad for dinner and a few items at the store. Upon entering the quite house, she headed to the kitchen to put the groceries away, eat and then on to a hot bath before going to bed. Another night without Ralphie to keep me company. What did I ever do before getting that dog? Where the hell could he be?
The sun was hot for mid October in California, but it didn't seem to bother Willow one bit. Being from south Texas, Willow was certainly used to the heat and though it was hot, the lack of humidity was a welcome treat. Willow had moved to LA three years ago to attend college on an athletic scholarship. The studious redhead plays second base for the top ranked UCLA Bruins Women's Fast Pitch Softball team. Willow was a natural and had been a starter on the team since freshman year. There was never a time she could remember not playing ball, once telling a reporter that she was born with a glove on her hand and cleats on her feet.
Willow grew up on a ranch just outside of Houston and was the youngest of five. On this sunny California day, Willow sat under her favorite Oak tree in a park not far from her small one bedroom apartment. The redhead sat surrounded by books diligently studying. She was a serious overachiever in everything that she did. Not only was she a top player, but had also managed to maintain an A average, earning her a spot on the Dean's list.
As Willow sat completely engrossed, she noticed some movement out of the corner of her eye. As she looked up she noticed a scruffy gray and white dog limping towards her. He was panting heavily, looked dirty and his fur was matted. The little gray pup stopped short and stared at Willow. She put her books aside, whistled and put the palm of her hand out.
"Hey little guy, c'mere," She said as she made kissing noises and continued to try and coax the disheveled little dog closer. As he approached, she continued to call to him, attempting to keep him as calm as possible.
"That's it, just a little closer. I won't hurt you. That's it…well, what's your name?" Hmm, no collar and no one around. Is he lost? Dumped? Looks like he's been cared for, but on his own for at least a week.
The lost pup collapsed next to Willow, whining and placing his head on her leg.
"Awww, what a sweetie. You look thirsty. Let's just see what we can do about that."
Willow reached in her backpack and pulled out a bottle of water. She poured some in her hand and the grateful pooch lapped it up. What she really needed was a bowl or a cup. Looking around she spotted a garbage can nearby. She hopped up and sprinted over looking for something that would work a little better. The little dog was too exhausted to move and seemed to smile upon her return.
"I just wanted you to know, that I don't go digging through the garbage for just anyone, but I think this will work a little better than most of the water just running through my fingers." She smiled as she continued her babble to the thirsty dog. Pouring some water into a small Styrofoam cup.
"Ok, let's see what's going on with you. A few cuts on your back, nothing major and a seriously bloody front left paw. Looks like you are in need of a few stitches. Lot's of sticker burrs and mats in your fur. Maybe some dehydration, but overall not too bad, I've definitely seen worse," Willow continued as she soothed the injured dog.
"Well, just let me pack up my things and we'll be heading home in a jiffy! I'll get you all patched up and then we'll see what we can do about finding your parents."
Willow put all her homework away, threw on the backpack, gently scooped up the little dog and headed for home. Along the way she stopped off at a convenience store to pick up a few cans of dog food. What a sweetie. No growling or flinching. Most hurt animals go on the defensive, but not this little guy. Nope, someone really loves him.
After arriving home, Willow gave the thirsty pup more water and fed him. Then she picked him up and placed him in the kitchen sink and ran water over the injured paw. He didn't seem to like this very much and let out a yelp. Relieved that he did not try to bite her, Willow continued to rinse the bloody foot.
"Alright now, that wasn't so bad was it?" The little dog's breathing was labored as he panted, but there was no sign of aggression.
She laid the dog down on a blanket on her living room floor. "I'll be right back!" She hurried down the hall to a closet and pulled out a first aid kit.
"You probably won't like this much, but it needs to be done. Just some peroxide to get your boo-boo all cleaned and sterile."
He yelped and pulled his foot away as the liquid started to foam. She dried his foot and grimaced.
"Looks like it's pretty deep and slightly infected. Gonna need to get you some meds and stitches. But first you need a bath and a good brushing. Cuz after the stitching, it's a lamp shade collar and lot's of rest for you."
After grooming the lost pup, Willow loaded him up in her car and headed for the 24-hour Animal Hospital near the UCLA campus.
"Hey Willow," said the perky brunette behind the counter, "I didn't know you were working today?"
"Oh, hey Cass. I'm not, I just brought in a needy customer."
"Hmm…he's not lookin' too good. Where'd you find him?"
"In the park near my apartment. I think he's a runaway…but an awfully cute runaway," Willow said in a baby voice to the precious cargo she carried.
"Well, go on in. Martin…I mean, Dr. Reed is on shift tonight." The young girl caught herself, but not soon enough and frowned.
Willow caught the slip but pretended not to notice, she just smiled nonchalantly at the receptionist. It was pretty obvious that Cassandra was smitten with the handsome Dr. and had been since he began working there several months ago. Willow, however, was not so impressed with the "Hot Doc," as he'd come to be known amongst the female staffers. In her opinion he was a pompous ass that was more interested in racking up notches on his bedpost. Ugh, of all the nights I need a favor, this idiot is on duty. I bet he'll insist on being in the treatment room and accidentally bump into me at least a half dozen times.
"Well, well Ms. Rosenberg…what brings you to our fine establishment on this lovely evening?"
"Oh, hello Dr. Reed. I just brought this little guy in for treatment. He's dehydrated and has a deep laceration on his left front paw it looks to be a tad infected and needs stitches."
"Better let me take a closer look Willow, we don't want to get ahead of ourselves," He said smugly, patting her on the back.
Willow rolled her eyes and no sooner had Willow sat the pup on the exam table, than Dr. Reed was next to her reaching between Willow and the dog and "accidentally" brushing against her left breast. Wow, inappropriate much? Boy, is this is going to be a long night.
A few hours later Willow was removing the IV needle and attaching the lampshade collar preparing to take her new friend home. The dog was still pretty out of it as Willow began to scan the pooch checking for a microchip.
"Bingo! There it is. Well, Ralphie it's nice to officially meet you."
Willow printed out the info and stuck the paper in her pocket. She gathered Ralphie and headed for the door. Trying to slip out unnoticed by 'Dr. Grabby Hands.' It was well past midnight and she thought it best not to call the owner until tomorrow. Plus, Ralphie was still feeling the effects of the anesthesia and needed to be monitored.
The redhead was exhausted when she got home. Some way to spend a Saturday night, she thought as she made a nice comfy bed for Ralphie on the floor next to hers. She checked her cell…no messages, no missed calls…she removed her shoes and jeans and climbed into bed.