TITLE: Mending Fences
AUTHOR: Gimpy72
RATING: PG-13 (Some chapters will be NC-17, this is your warning!)
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other characters from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise belong to Joss Whedon, FOX, and a whole host of other entities, none of which are me.
SUMMARY: Mostly AU - takes place after Tabula Rasa
FEEDBACK: Yes please

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Part 8
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Tara and Buffy arrived at Tara's dorm to pack. Tara was full of conflicting emotions; she was scared, excited, confused about all that has been going on and to be going to stay at the house with Buffy, Dawn, and most importantly Willow. The walk from the store to the dorm had been a silent one, both girls reflecting on what had gone on and what they had learned.

"Tara," started Buffy.

"Hmmm," replied the blonde still partly in her own world.

"I know that you have to be having some mixed feelings about staying at the house since you and Will are trying to take it slow and not rush things."

"I am, but I also know that s-s-safety is important too," smiled Tara trying to reassure the slayer.

"I was serious that you can have whatever space you need. I'll bunk with Dawn or on the couch and you can have my room."

"Buffy, I'm not taking your room. I'll just take the couch - I've seen how Dawn sleeps," said Tara as they both laughed.

"But I don't want to wake you when I get back from patrol."

"Then come in quitely," smirked the blonde as she finished packing her bag and glanced around the room to see if there was anything else that she may need.

"Fine, be that way," smiled the slayer. "It is your loss of sleep."

Tara and Buffy headed back to the shop to pick up Dawn and Anya and head back to the house.


As Xander and Willow arrived back at the Summers' house after their walk, he could sense that there was still a great weight on his friend.

"Will, talk to me," started Xander as they sat down on the couch in the living room.

"What do you want to talk about," replied the redhead.

"Tell me what is going on in that head of yours. I've known you pretty much our whole life - you're my best friend. Let me help."

"Xand, I don't know what to tell you, I haven't been able to make it make sense in my head," she said with a meek smile.

"So, just launch into Willow-babble and get it out and we'll make sense of it together," he said trying to offer her what he could to help.

With a shrug of her shoulders Willow started to speak. "I don't understand why it has to be me that Ethan wants, what does he want with me? Why now? I don't like the dreams, I'm getting better, I am better, or I was," she said as she started to cry and Xander moved to wrap his arms around her and hold her close. "I want Tara back; I don't want to do anything that is going to jeopardize it."

"I know Will," Xander offered to help calm the redhead down.

"Part of me wishes that Giles were here instead of hiding out in England, but then I don't know if I could handle his looks of disappointment in me and what has gone on. I'm not strong enough for that."

"Wait a minute, nobody and I mean NOBODY is disappointed in you Will," Xander said with force. "You are the strongest person any of us know and will probably ever know. Buffy has the physical strength, but the rest that holds us together is all you. You fought against the magic and got yourself clean, I didn't do it, Buffy didn't - you did and might I add you did it alone."

"Xander I didn't do that stuff alone. You guys were all there helping when I had the shakes and when I was getting sick..."

"But all we did was hold your hair back or sit there with you - you had to endure it all," he interrupted.

"Still, that doesn't constitute doing it alone in the technical sense. And I don't hold us together – Tara does that. She makes sure we are all loved, supported, and taken care of. She makes our family work."

"Does in my book, you endured the rough stuff, you fought to get through it, you didn't quit," he smiled. "So, keep talking."

"I'm also really nervous about Tara staying here. I want her safe, hell I want her back in our room. I'm scared that this is going to mess up what we've been working at."

"That isn't going to happen Will. She wants you guys back together just as badly as you do. She loves you and you can tell by the way you guys are together. I know it is going to be weird, but just think - she is closer if you want to have TV/movie dates, or have a dinner date, or just go and make goo-goo eyes at one another," he laughed.

"I hadn't thought of that...hmmm...Xander Harris you sir are a bloody genius."

"I am?"

"Yeah, easy access for dates with Tara," grinned the redhead. "I'm gonna get my girl back, I'm gonna get my girl back!" Thought Willow as her other fears drifted to the background..

"I'm guessing by that grin on your face that you are feeling better?"

"Thank you," said the redhead as she hugged him.

"That is what I am here for," said Xander.

With Willow feeling better they decided to watch a little TV and wait for the others to arrive at the house.


Anya, Buffy, Dawn, and Tara left the Magic Box headed for the Summers' house. They stayed close together and alert, until Buffy's vampire sense kicked in. She sprinted to attack the two vampires that shot out from behind the nearby crypt, there was a small fight, but she was able to dust them quickly and get everyone back on their way.

As they arrived at the house they found Xander and Willow watching TV, everyone gathered in the living room with them. Anya sat on the couch next to Xander, Buffy in the overstuffed recliner, Dawn and Tara grabbed pillows and sat down in front of the couch. Tara leaned back against the couch near where Willow was sitting; as she did she thought she heard the redhead's breathe catch.

After an hour Xander and Anya decided that they needed to get home and get some rest. Xander had to work the next day and Anya was anxious to open the store again to see what profits she could make. Dawn started to yawn and made her way up to her room, Buffy decided she was a bit too restless and needed to go do some more patrolling. This left Willow and Tara alone in the living room together. Tara moved to sit on the couch with Willow.

"So, did um, you and Anya have fun tonight?" asked the redhead trying for a conversation so she didn't have to head up to bed.

"Yeah, we went to my dorm and talked for a bit and then went and saw a movie. How was researching?" smiled the blonde happy to have the redhead to herself.

"Not so successful, but hopefully now that we have a lead on Ethan we can start to find out what is going on."

Tara reached over and took Willow's hand in hers and looked her in the eyes, "I'm not going to let him hurt you, I promise."

Willow squeezed Tara's hand and smiled at her. "Are you sure you want to sleep on the couch? I mean you can have our room and I'll stay down here. You don't need to be woken up by Buffy when she comes home after patrol."

"It's ok, really. The couch is comfortable and I would feel guilty putting anyone out of their room or bed."

"Tara, my room is and will always be OUR room." Willow said with confidence.

"Thanks Will, but for now I still feel that it would be best if I stayed down here."

"Ok, well...um...I...um...was wondering wouldyougoonahomeTVdatewithm etommorrow?"

"Excuse me? Can you repeat that a little slower please?" giggled the blonde

"Would you go on a home TV date with me tomorrow?"

"What is a home TV date?"

"It is when you and I have a date here on the couch watching TV and depending on when we do it lunch or dinner." Willow blushed. "It's just us, so I will make sure that Buffy and Dawn know."

"Well, I t-t-think that sounds like a lot of fun." Tara said as her heart swelled with love.

"Guess living together or in the same house will have some nice advantages." Said Willow as both girls laughed. "Do you have classes tomorrow?"

"Nope, I am all yours, or free at least all day. Do you have classes?"

"I don't have any classes either."

Tara tried to hide a yawn that suddenly overtook her, but Willow caught it and went and got Tara some sheets and blankets for her to sleep on.

"Do you think you'll need more covers?"

"I think I'm good Will," she said pulling the redhead into a quick hug. "Thank you!"

"Ok, well I'm going to go upstairs and let you rest then."

"Ok, good night sweetie," said Tara as she placed a soft kiss on Willow's forehead.

"Night Tara," replied Willow basking in the small kiss and closeness.

Willow headed upstairs and Tara made up the couch and got ready for bed. She could hear Willow moving around upstairs and it helped her not feel so alone.

"It's nice to be home," thought the blonde as she settled herself in to sleep on the couch.

After a few hours Buffy tried to sneak into the house, though Tara being the light sleeper that she is woke up.

"How'd it go Buff?" said the sleepy witch.

"Wholly crap, Tara?" Jumped the Slayer while pulling out Mr. Pointy.

"Who else were you expecting?" laughed Tara.

"Well, I figured you'd be asleep."

"I was, but I'm a light sleeper so I woke up when you came in,"

"See, just another reason that I should be sleeping down here and not you."

"Really Buffy, its ok. I like that I will know that you are home safe. It goes with looking after family."

"Thanks, I have really missed you being here."

"I've missed it too."

With that Buffy went upstairs to shower and get ready for bed. Tara got comfy again and drifted back to sleep.


Tara awoke early and went showered and got dressed for the day and made her way to the kitchen to make breakfast for the house. She started by getting some coffee going as this was one house that was addicted to caffeine and most of the people in it couldn't function without it. She then gathered the ingredients for making her famous Funny Shaped Tara Pancakes. She knew that everyone loved this and she desperately missed cooking for her family.

As she started to make the pancakes she heard movement upstairs, she smiled to herself knowing that the scent of the pancakes would have that effect on everyone.

Willow padded into the kitchen rubbing her eyes like a little kid, "do I smell pancakes?"

"Morning Sweetie," smiled Tara. "You definitely smell pancakes." Tara's heart melted whenever she saw Willow rub her eyes like that, it was one of the most adorable sites she had ever seen.

"Morning," Willow said as she walked up behind Tara's and wrapped her arms around her waist and hugged her.

"Sleep well?"

"Well, no nightmares so that was good," said the redhead as she sat down on the stool at the island.

"That's good," said Tara as she put another stack of pancakes onto the warming plate.

Buffy and Dawn drifted in as Tara was finishing the last of the pancakes.

"Mmmmm, Tara pancakes," said Dawn as she sat next to Willow.

Tara grabbed some plates and doled them out to everyone and then grabbed everyone some juice.

"Tara, you are the best!" said Buffy as she grabbed a stack of pancakes.

"I love to cook for you guys," Tara said with a smile as she hugged the other three that were huddled around the island eating.

After they finished eating Dawn cleaned up and did the dishes. Buffy, Willow, and Tara went into the living room to discuss where to go next with the research and figuring out what Ethan's plan was.

The rest of the gang showed up and everyone moved to the dining room to continue researching. Buffy and Dawn went out and got lunch for everyone so that they could keep working. With everyone staying at the house Willow and Tara decided to postpone their TV date until a time when they could be alone. They worked into the wee hours of the night and finally everyone crashed. Xander and Anya stayed at the house as well in the basement room that had been put together for Spike, but he wasn't currently using.


"Dawn, time to get up if you want to go out and have our special day together," said the blonde who had been trying to wake the teen up for almost an hour.

"Mrng, I'm getting up," mumbled the teen.

"Promise?"

"Yeah, I promise."

"Ok, I'm going to shower and get ready." With that Tara left the room and headed into the bathroom to get ready. Once Tara was done in the bathroom Dawn made her way in. Tara went downstairs and smelled coffee, she knew it had to be Buffy.

"Morning Tara," said the slayer as she poured the blonde a cup of coffee.

"Morning Buff," said Tara as she took the cup.

"So, what are you and Dawn going to be doing today?"

"We were thinking about going to the fair downtown and then maybe to coffee and a movie."

"Are you sure that it is a good idea for you guys to be out and about with everything that is going on?"

"Buffy, I think that we need to keep living our life. I'm scared as to what is out there and what Ethan's plan is, but I've missed Dawnie and we need to spend some time together away from here."

Just then Dawn came bouncing into the kitchen and her mood soured as she saw the intense look between Buffy and Tara.

"Um, what's going on here?" asked the teen.

"Nothing Dawnie. Buffy and I were just talking about what you and I were going to be doing today," said Tara hoping that the teen wouldn't press the subject.

"I'll pretend to believe that, I think it is more that she does want us to go out," snipped the teen.

"You aren't wrong," chimed in Buffy smugly.

"Buffy, we will be careful. It isn't like Tara and I have no clue what we are doing when we are out in public and how to take care of ourselves – you let us patrol with you."

"Yeah Dawn, I do let you patrol WITH me. I don't have an issue with that because I'm there with you, to help keep you safe."

"Buffy, Dawn and I will be fine. If I promise to call you several times throughout the day to let you know we're ok will you please just allow us to do this?" pleaded Tara, she needed this time with the teen, just them.

"I'm just worried about you two," said the slayer as Willow walked into the kitchen.

"Worried? Did something happen?" said the redhead.

"Morning Sweetheart, nothing happened, Buffy just isn't thrilled with the idea of Dawn and I going out as we had planned for today," said Tara as she gave Willow a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Dawn saw the two witches interaction and it took all the restraint she had to not squeal in excitement.

"I don't know that I like the idea of you guys out there either, but I know that you guys are capable of taking care of yourselves," said Willow as she received a glare from the Slayer.

"That is what we were saying," started Dawn. "Tara even promised to check in several times throughout the day, but Buffy doesn't seem to think that is acceptable either."

"It's not that I don't find it acceptable, I am just worried about something happening to you guys. Is that so wrong?"

"It's not that it's wrong, we just can't hide out here and let Ethan win," pleaded Dawn.

"Alright, you have a point," Buffy conceded.

"We'll check in every couple hours, I promise," said Tara.

"Okay," Buffy said and headed up to her room to get some rest leaving the others alone in the kitchen.

"Dawnie, can I talk to Tara for a minute before you guys head out?" asked Willow.

"Yeah, I'll um, be up in my room."

"Thanks," Willow said as the teen left the room and she turned towards Tara and held out her hand.

"What's going through that head of yours Will," said Tara as she took the redheads hand and allowed herself to be pulled close.

"I need you to promise me that you will be extra careful when you are out today."

"You know that we will and that if we suspect anything is wrong we will be back here or call you guys," said Tara as she lay her head on Willow's shoulder. "I would never risk Dawnies safety."

"Thank you, but let's not risk you either! I was wondering if you would like to try our TV date again tonight?"

"I would love that, and maybe if we don't have the TV to ourselves, maybe we can just find a place to talk?"

"I like that idea!"

"Ok, so, now you can tell Buffy that we have even more of a reason to get back safely."

Willow and Tara felt drawn together and exchanged a soft gentle kiss before Tara went to get Dawn and head out.


Tara and Dawn were wandering around the fair looking at the art, playing some of the games, and laughing, both thought it was long overdue.

"I've missed this," said Dawn.

"Me too, I promise that we're going to spend more time together. I think that we should check in with Buffy, otherwise I don't think they will let us out of the house again. Does she still have the chains on the wall in the basement?" laughed Tara.

Tara and Dawn called and checked in with Buffy and Willow and told her that they were headed to the Expresso Pump and then they were going to catch a movie so it would be a bit before they checked in again. After they got done with the movie they decided to head home instead of doing anything else, they also figured it would placate Buffy, and why push the Slayer any further than necessary at this point.


"Hey Will," said the Slayer.

"Hey Buff!"

"Are you really ok with Dawn and Tara being out today?"

"Yeah, I am. I trust them and know that they will be careful."

"It isn't that I don't trust them, I don't trust and know what the hell Ethan is up to and without knowing I can't know how to protect them. Enough about them, what is going on with you and Tara?"

"We're trying to get back to us. I asked her on a date tonight after her and Dawn are done with their day together."

"Really? So, what do you have planned?"

"Actually it was an idea I got from Xander. With her living here we can spend time together having mini dates. Tonight I asked her if she would have a TV date with me…she told me before they left that if we didn't do a TV date maybe we could just spend time together talking."

"Awww, that is really sweet Will which would you prefer? I can make sure that Dawn and I give you guys some alone time with the TV…or…maybe you can do both. You spend time doing the TV date and then adjourn to some place to talk."

"That would be awesome, thank you!"

"So, Xander came up with this idea huh?!"

"Yeah as he put it 'if she is closer if you want to have TV/movie dates, or have a dinner date, or just go and make goo-goo eyes at one another,' which to me sounded awesome and made him a genius."

"I have to agree, he definitely had a great thought on that."

"Now if we can just figure out what Ethan wants and keep her here so that we can get some time together with our mini dates."

"I will do what I can to help, you just need to let me know."

"Thanks Buffy," said the redhead with a wispy smile as she thought about spending time with her love.


Dawn and Tara arrived home and found Buffy and Willow in the kitchen cooking dinner for the four of them.

"Um, so, you guys are making dinner?" questioned the teen.

"Yep," smiled Willow as she made the salad.

"We thought that you guys might be hungry," said Buffy as she prepped the chicken breasts to put into the oven.

"Wow, well, is there anything that I can help with?" asked Tara.

"Nope, you two go and watch TV or something and we'll call you when dinner is ready," Willow said as she escorted Tara and Dawn out of the kitchen.

"So, plan, woo Tara is underway," whispered Buffy as she saw Willow beaming back at her.

They all ate and Dawn and Tara did the dishes and then Buffy pulled Dawn upstairs to give Willow and Tara space for their TV date.

"Hi," said Willow.

"Hey," said Tara as she let Willow guide her over to the couch for their date.

"Anything you want to watch?"

"As long as I'm here with you, I don't care."

Willow turned on the Disney's Lady and the Tramp and pulled Tara close to her to cuddle.

"How was your day with Dawnie? I know she was so excited for today."

"It was great, I didn't realize how much I missed spending time with her until today."

"She is a great kid isn't she."

"Yeah, she is."

"Are you guys going to go out again soon?"

"We didn't decide. I figured since we are living here together it will be easy for us to plan stuff." Smiled the blonde.

"True, but to be selfish, with you living here, I'm hoping that maybe you and I can have a few dates together doing stuff like this," Willow said with a hopeful tone. "I've missed you and us."

"I think that is an awesome idea. M-M-Maybe we can have a m-m-mini date either nightly or every o-o-other night? Unless you think that is too much," said the blonde hoping she wasn't being to forward.

"I think that nightly sounds perfect to me," said Willow as a huge grin spread across her face.

Tara adjusted so that her and Willow were even closer, she couldn't seem to feel close enough. Their eyes met and they were transfixed and drawn together slowly until they were about an inch apart. Tara's mouth went dry with the closeness and Willow licked her lips and closed the distance. Their kiss started soft, lips pressed together, then the fire inside them grew and Tara put her hand on the back of Willow's neck and pulled her tighter into the kiss. Their lips started to move together, Willow sucked in Tara's bottom lip, and heard a loud moan from the blonde. Tara's tongue ran along Willow's lips seeking entrance, which was eagerly granted. Their tongues fought for domination, twirling, moving together, and eliciting moans from each.

They continued kissing until they heard a loud cough from behind them. They slowly pulled away from one another and Tara buried blushing face in Willow's neck as the redhead turned to face Buffy.

"Um, hey Buff," Willow said with a sheepish grin.

"Hi, deeply sorry to interrupt your kiss or kisses, but um, Dawnie wants to know if she can come watch TV since you two clearly haven't been for the last two hours?"

"Um, how long?" mumbled Tara from Willows neck.

"Two hours. Now I know it has been a while since I have dated or had a make out session, but wow."

"Wanna come upstairs and talk?" Willow asked Tara hoping to spend more time together.

"Sure. Buffy you can tell Dawnie the TV is all hers."

As Buffy walked away the two witches heard her laugh and say under her breath "yeah, talk, uh huh." This caused both of the witches to blush even more.

Tara stood up and offered a hand to help Willow up. They made their way up the stairs to Willow's room as Dawn slinked past them giggling. This caused Tara to blush again and she was starting to think that she would now be permanently red.

Once in the bedroom with the door closed they sat down on the bed and started to laugh at what had just transpired.

"Wow, talk about embarrassing," said Willow.

"Yep," was all Tara could say. "At this rate I am going to have a permanent blush."

"I don't think that they are going to let us live this down anytime soon."

"I know and I want to say I'm upset about it, but I just can't be. I've miss all this so much

"I can speak for everyone and say that we are VERY happy you are home with your family where you belong," smiled Willow.

The next day Willow and Tara were in the kitchen making breakfast, both all smiley and giddy for how well their date went the previous night. They maneuvered around together like every movement was choreographed.

"Hey Will," said Tara.

"Yeah baby," Willow replied with an even larger smile.

"Will you um h-h-have d-d-dinner with me tonight? Just us," Tara said as a blush spread across her face.

"I'd love to!"

"So, say 7-ish? I can pick you up at your room or you can you know m-m-meet me down here."

"Perfect time and we'll figure out how to get together." Willow winked at Tara.

With that they headed to the campus to study and start to get caught up with their classes. Sunday meant that the library would be extra quiet and very few people there.

After finishing with several assignments Tara snuck out to go shopping for her dinner with Willow. She had decided to make glazed chicken breasts, steamed veggies, and rice for dinner and fresh made crème brulee for dessert. Since will is such a breast girl she figured she'd love the gesture and find the quirky humor in it. She was one of few who truly knew and understood the odd sense of humor that Tara had.

Tara arrived home and she started to prep for her dinner, knowing that if she got enough prep work done she would hardly have to do anything later and she could set up and get ready without fear of getting all gross and sweaty again.

"Hey Tare," said Buffy as she almost knocked the blonde over as she came into the kitchen.

"Hey Buff," replied the blonde.

"Looks fancy, you and Will got another date tonight?"

"Yeah," Tara said as she turned slightly pink. "I asked Willow out on a dinner date this morning before we left for campus."

"Great! What time and how long do you want or need Dawn and I gone?"

"Buffy I am not going to kick you guys out of your own house."

"You aren't, we are voluntarily leaving. Now, I ask again, what time and for how long do you need/want us gone? Please," said the determined Slayer.

"Fine," said the exasperated and relieved blonde. "Dinner is at 7, and maybe give us 2 or 3 hours?"

"See, now was that so hard."

"Yes!" Said Tara as they both broke into giggles.

Tara finished the prep for dinner and set up a cozy romantic table on the patio since it was a nice night and then headed up to shower and get ready, after she had instructed Buffy and Dawn on where Willow was NOT allowed to go.

Once she was done with her shower, Tara put on a pair of tan mid-thigh long shorts and a blue silky shirt that showed off some of Willows favorite assets, and a pair of tan sandals. She did her hair and even put on a little make-up. She then heard Buffy escorting Willow to her room.

"Buffy, I can't see," chided the redhead.

"Duh, Will, that is the whole point of me having my hand over your eyes," said the Slayer as she saw Tara stick her head out of the bathroom to get approval on her outfit and then to sneak downstairs to finish getting dinner ready and to allow Willow time to get ready if she needed to. Coming down the stairs she heard a muffled squeal from Dawn.

"You look so good Tara," Dawn said trying to whisper, but not really achieving that level.

"Thanks Dawn, I am hoping Willow likes it."

"Um, well, let's just say that the hotness of you would turn heads anywhere," stated the teen confidently and knowing that she would make Tara blush, but she needed to realize that she was more than her family ever led her to believe.

"Thank you," Tara said sheepishly.

"So, is there anything I can do to help with making the dinner?"

"I think I have it all set – I just need to make sure the torch for the crème brulee is filled and the rest is cooking."

"Did you make the homemade crème brulee?"

"What do you think," Tara smirked.

"Yum!"

"So, what are you and Buffy going to do tonight?"

"Not sure, she said she has stuff planned, but I'm guessing we may go patrolling of something."

"Thanks again for giving us some space last night and tonight."

"I want my family back is full family status and mode – until you and Willow are back together again I can't have that. I will do whatever to get that back. Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Shortly after their talk Dawn and Buffy left to go do whatever Buffy had planned for them. Tara got dinner all ready to go, she just needed to go get Willow and they would be off on their dinner date.


While Buffy hadn't told her why, she had been escorted to her room by the Slayer essentially blindfolded. She knew Tara had to have seen them coming up the stairs because she could feel her presence and smell your perfume. Once in her room Willow set to figuring out what she was going to wear.

"Do I dress up or dress nicer casual?" The redhead asked herself as she gazed into her closet. "I think we'll do nicer casual, I have some stuff Tara really likes.

After choosing her outfit she headed over to the bathroom to shower and finish getting ready for her date.

Willow giggled to herself, "another date alone with Tara, I am just the luckiest person in the world. I should have bought a lotto ticket. Once she was done getting ready she paced around her room waiting for Tara to arrive. Right as the clock turned to 7 she heard a soft knock on her door.


Tara walked up the stairs towards Willow's room and took an audible gasp before knocking softly on the door. Willow opened the door and Tara felt her legs weaken, her breath catch, and her mouth go dry. She was looking at the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. Willow was standing there in front of her in a white tank top, form fitting black vest, and pair of tight black jean shorts and sandals.

"Wow," was the first thing that Tara said and prayed to the goddesses that she wasn't drooling.

"Um, hi, and wow yourself – you are as always stunning," said Willow as she inwardly grinned at the affect her outfit was having on her date.

"Oh yeah, hi. Sorry, you look AMAZING tonight Will! Is this new?"

"Kinda, well the vest is."

"Well, now that I've drooled in your doorway, shall we head downstairs for some dinner?

"Lead the way love."

The girls headed downstairs and out to the patio, Tara saw that the candles she had placed on the table and around the patio had already been lit. She inwardly thought that she was going to have to make Buffy and Dawn breakfast for a week to thank them for their sneaky ways.

"Tara, this looks incredible," exclaimed Willow in seductive whisper.

"Thank you," said Tara as she pulled a chair out for Willow to sit in and poured them each a glass of wine. "I'm going to go get dinner and be right back." As she passed the stereo she had hidden away she turned on some soft music for them to dine and talk by. She then returned with 2 plates of food for them.

"Wow, this tastes amazing. You really went all out tonight didn't you?"

"Only the best for a date with you," she said making the redhead blush.

They ate dinner, talked about their day and what the upcoming week had in store for them. After a while Tara excused herself, clearing the plates as she went inside. She torched the crème brulee and put them on a tray and headed back outside to her date.

"Dessert is served," she said placing the ramekin in front of Willow.

"Yum!"

After they ate they got lost in one another's eyes, basking in the love that they knew they had for the other and hoping that they felt it as well.

"This has been such an amazing night," said Willow as she took Tara's hand and kissed the knuckles.

"I agree. We need to do more nights like this I think," Tara stated quickly before her shyness took over.

"I'd like that a lot!"

"Good, how about once per week we have Date Night?"

"Deal," smiled the redhead.

Tara knew that Buffy and Dawn would be home soon so she quickly cleared off the table with Willow's help though she protested her date helping.

"Deal with it Maclay – I am going to help you clean up whether or not you want." Willow stated and stuck her tongue out.

"Don't tease," Tara said before she even realized the words were coming out of her mouth and she turned very red.

"Maybe it was a promise," retorted Willow unsure where that outburst came from.

After cleaning up the patio and dishes Tara walked Willow to her door holding her hand very tightly

"Well, this appears to be my stop. Thank you for an amazing dinner and date."

"You are very welcome, I'm glad you liked it."

They stood there looking at one another, Tara couldn't take it anymore and leaned forward and captured Willow's lips with a little more force than intended knocking Willow back into the bedroom door. Willow though shocked responded to the kiss immediately, loving the "Take Charge Tara" that she was seeing. There was no hesitation in Tara's kisses but the movement and feeling of being pinned by Tara to her door was having a profound effect on Willows hormones. She wanted Tara and from the kisses and closeness she could tell that Tara was having the same hormonal debate within herself. They stayed kissing for a long time, both wondering how much more they needed to work on before they could take this to the next step and get their relationship back.

Hearing the front door close and knowing that it meant that Buffy and Dawn were home snapped the girls out of the trance they were in. They both groaned at the loss of closeness, but knew it was what they needed to do.

"Do you think that it is a finely honed skill or just a Summers' trait to have such incredibly bad timing?" asked Willow to fill the now empty space between them.

"I'm not sure, but I think it may be both," laughed Tara.

"Thank you again for tonight," Willow said as she cupped Tara's face with her hands.

"My pleasure," whispered the blonde as they kissed again, slower, more sensual.

Over the next few days Willow and Tara managed to get in another dinner date with Willow cooking, a movie date, and a night out to go stargazing. They had even managed to get in some talking on what the issues were in the past and Tara had taken the advice and training she'd received from Anya and spoken up for herself and made sure that Willow knew how she was feeling and what her expectations of an equality based relationship were. Willow was finding that side of Tara very intoxicating.

Living under the same roof was definitely helping them.

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TBC….
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