Chapter Nine: Said and Unsaid
"Oh god, no," Willow groaned, pushing open the watcher's door. "Tara!" She cried.
The living room was empty. Giles came pounding down the stairs. "Is everything all right? I heard a scream."
"Giles," Willow said urgently. "Where are Tara and Xander?"
"Well," Tara asked if she could look around in the spare room to find a place for her guitar, and I told her she could, of course."
"And Xander?" Buffy asked.
"I was telling him that Tara will be staying with me for a while, and he said he had to go back to the restroom—" He broke off when both girls went running down the hallway. "And no one ever lets me finish," he grumbled. "A sad consequence of having a social circle comprised of adolescents.
"Tara?" Willow called softly, walking into the hallway. The door to the small bedroom was locked, and when she knocked there wasn't any answer. She felt her chest constrict. She didn't know what she would do if Xander had hurt her Tara. Willow struggled to inhale, swaying. "Buffy?"
"Easy Will, he wouldn't hurt her." Buffy said. She gripped Willow's arm, holding her steady.
"Wouldn't hurt a vamp?"
"Good point," Buffy replied. She pushed Willow to the side and kicked the door in.
Xander was standing in front of Giles' bookshelves staring at Tara, holding a large glass jar in his shaking hands. Willow's heart soared when she saw Tara sitting on the daybed. She looked shocked, but completely unharmed. And soaking wet.
"W-Willow?" Tara stammered. "He th-threw ice water on me."
"Holy water, fiend," Xander growled.
"Xander!" Willow shouted, dropping onto the couch next to Tara and pulling the girl into her arms. "Don't call her that! What's wrong with you?"
"It's okay, Willow," Xander replied. "I know you don't mean it. You can't help it. Everyone's under her thrall. Except me," he said proudly. "And as soon that holy water kicks in you'll all know it. Any minute now," he said weakly.
"Xander," Buffy said urgently. "Ixnay on the irevayamp… pirevamray… crap…she's not a vampire, Xander!"
"Yeah she is," Xander said plaintively. "Willow's all smoldery for her, and Giles is letting her live in his house!" He stuck out his chin, but Willow could see hesitation crinkling around his eyes. "Enthralled I tell you!"
"Xander," Willow thundered. "I love you, but you're an idiot. I'm gay, Tara's my girlfriend, and she doesn't have a place to stay because my parents are back. Giles is helping her out. She's only staying with him for a week."
"Wha huh?" Xander babbled, staring back and forth between Tara and Willow. The glass jar fell out of his hands and only Buffy's slayer reflexes stopped it from being shattered on the floor.
"He th-thought I was a vampire?" Tara asked softly, teeth chattering.
Xander flushed bright pink. "Buffy thought so too!" He cried, pointing a finger at the slayer.
Buffy's mouth fell open and she stammered, squirming under Tara's bright blue gaze. "Sorry, but we did think you had a soul."
Everyone fell silent. Willow looked over at Tara, fearing the worst. When the blonde bowed her head and her shoulders started to shake, Willow ran a gentle hand over her back.
"It's okay, baby," she said.
Before she could finish Tara threw back her head, the girl was howling with laughter.
"Th-thought, I was a vampirey f-fiend," Tara gasped, laughing so hard that she started to cry. "Oh, oh, s-so h-hilarious," she grabbed her stomach, rocking as she continued to giggle.
Xander and Buffy flashed each other tentative smiles that disappeared when Willow glared up at them.
"Just because my girlfriend has a spectacular sense of humor," she growled. "Do not think for a minute that you two are off the hook." It was hard to sound so serious when Tara was still laughing.
"Will," Xander began nervously.
"It-it's okay, Will," Tara said, grabbing Willow hand as her laughter diminished to the occasional chuckle. "They were j-just worried about you." She smiled up at Xander and Buffy, both of whom returned the blonde's grin gratefully. "I'm glad that they worry about you."
"Tara," Xander began.
He stopped when Willow threw up her hand. "Let us never speak of it again."
"But—" Xander said.
"What part of never again do you not understand, Harris?" Willow said, giving him full resolve-face.
"Okay, I get that, but I have to apologize. I'm sorry, Tara." He said, gazing at the blonde girl.
"It's oh-okay, Xander. I'm just glad you went for holy water, and not a stake."
"Vamp ash is all blecky," he replied, and blushed. "I'm always afraid I'll get some up my nose."
"All right, you're done. Now, never again." Willow said firmly. "Come on, baby," she told Tara, helping the girl to her feet. "Let's see if Giles has a towel so we can get you dried off.
They all froze when Giles spoke from the doorway. "Does anyone want to explain to me why Buffy has kicked down my door?"
"I vote Xander!" Willow cried, pushing past the surprised watcher, pulling Tara behind her.
"S-seconded," Tara agreed.
"Thirded," Buffy cried, dashing out of the room.
The three girls closed themselves in the bathroom. Giles and Xander were left staring at one another.
"Girls?" Xander said feebly.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"How is it," Xander said a few hours later, dropping to Giles' living room carpet with a groan, "That you three are out here eating delicious cheesy goodness while I'm on door repair detail?"
"You were the one bragging about being all handy with the tools," Buffy said, taking a huge bite out of her fourth slice of pepperoni.
"Yeah, but you were the one making with all the kicky-kicky smashy-smashy," Xander whined.
"And why was that?" Willow asked pointed, pausing in her attempt to saw through her pizza crust with a plastic knife and fork.
"Need pizza," Xander said meekly. He sat up and grabbed a slice, rolling it into a tight tube, which he promptly bit in half.
"W-Wow," Tara murmured.
"Hungry," Xander said thickly, swallowing with a big grin on his face. He quickly finished the slice and started on another.
"You better get back to hanging when you're done with that," Buffy said, eying her fifth slice. "Gotta burn off some of those calories."
Willow suppressed a laugh when Xander's eyes bugged out of his head, instead popping a neatly cut triangle of pizza into her mouth.
"Me?" Xander asked. He turned to Willow. "How many slices has she had?
Willow just shrugged, grinning at Xander's blush as Buffy teased him. It was harmless, and he deserved it. A lot. Tara smiled knowingly at Willow but held up a hand, her thumb and fingers spread.
"See," Xander smirked. "You've eaten twice as much as me. You should go be carpenter girl."
"Slayer metabolism," Buffy replied archly. "Burns four-times as fast. And that means," she said, pulling a sixth slice onto her plate, "That this only counts as part of my second slice."
Xander opened his mouth to argue when Giles called to him from the other room. The dark-haired boy sighed and hauled himself to his feet, slouching back toward the hallway and his work detail.
"W-We'll save you some pizza," Tara said.
As much as Willow loved her girlfriend's merciful side, she really hated the slow smile, the hint of blush that appeared on Xander's face. He walked down the hallway grinning with a bit too much pep in his step. She couldn't help a little flare of jealousy at Xander's happy face. First the guy tried to accuse Tara of being a vampire, and then he acted all goofy just because Tara said that they'd save him some food.
"Uh oh," Buffy chuckled. "Willow pout."
"Huh?" Willow asked, trying to play dumb even as her voice squeaked. "What oh?"
"You've got pouty face," the slayer teased.
"Do not," Willow grumped, blushing.
"Now it's worse," Buffy crowed.
Willow groaned and dropped her face into head into her hands. "Buf-fy," she said plaintively, her plea muffled against her palms.
There was a soft, sweet chuckle and Willow whimpered. Tara was laughing at her. Her beautiful, sweet, kissing-hugger, breakfast in bed-making girlfriend was laughing at her. Willow felt the tickle of hair against her face, and then warm breath on her cheek, against her ear.
"You're so beautiful when you get jealous," Tara whispered. "It's probably wrong of me to like it, but it's adorable. Even when you have nothing to be jealous about."
"He likes you," Willow muttered.
"But I only like you, rosy girl," Tara whispered. Willow could feel Tara's mouth curve in a smile where it brushed against her cheek. "I love you, rosy girl."
Willow blushed anew as she felt Tara's warm lips press against her cheek.
"All right, you guys may be hidden by locks of silky golden hair," Buffy giggled. "But I have really good hearing. How long are you gonna be smooching? Cause I can go help with the door if you need some alone time."
"Buffy!" Willow squealed. She and Tara broke apart; Willow saw the heat in her own cheeks matched in the bright flush on Tara's face.
"It was j-just a kiss on the cheek," Tara protested softly.
The slayer looked at each girl and then burst into loud giggles, rocking so hard she spilled off the arm of the sofa where she'd been sitting, landing hard on the floor.
"Ow," Buffy cried, still laughing. "Oh ow, but it was so, so worth it. You two are too easy."
"Yes, well, I'll tell you what isn't easy," Giles said, stalking into the room holding his right elbow, his hand pointed toward the ceiling. "Trying to hang a door with Mr. Harris."
"Are you okay?" Willow asked. The watcher look very unhappy. She didn't want him going all British and freaking Tara out.
"Nothing that an icepack, a stiff drink, and a new right thumb wouldn't cure," he replied, walking toward the kitchen.
Xander came trailing after him, holding a hammer clutched in both of his hands. "I'm really sorry," the boy said. "I misunderstood what—"
"Of course, Xander," Giles replied sourly. "I can definitely see where 'We're almost done' becomes 'Hit me on the thumb'."
"I did ask if you were sure," Xander sulked.
"Yes, and I was sure we were almost done."
Buffy clapped her hands over her mouth but Willow still hard the beginnings of a chuckle, and apparently Giles heard as well, turning a stern gaze on his slayer.
"Oh yes, please do revel in the mirth of my maiming.
"Sorry," Buffy replied. "I blame desensitization from all the violence—" Willow gave a little nod toward Tara, hoping that her friend would catch the hint. "On TV," Buffy finished lamely.
Giles just shook his head and walked into the kitchen. They could hear him rummaging around freezer, piling up tie trays.
Xander took a seat back on the floor in front of the couch, giving a little double take when he noticed Buffy on the floor. Buffy grinned and Xander gave a little shrug, going after another slice of pizza.
"Man," he said, chewing through a piece of crust. "Giles is in a mood now. All with the grumpy cause his crown molding is cracked or something." He lowered his voice and leaned in, casting a nervous eye toward the kitchen. "Do you guys wanna go out and do some type of fun thing?" He asked, gesturing with a crust nub. "I mean, it's not like we've gotta stay here all night—"
"Um," Tara began.
Willow shot Xander daggers, shaking her head. Best friend or no, he was off his game. "Giles isn't," she paused. "He's not mad at you, Tare," Willow insisted, giving her girlfriend's hand a gentle squeeze. "Is he, Xander?"
Xander winced. "Oh yeah, I mean no, no he's not." He sighed. "Sorry."
The blonde just nodded, biting her lip.
"Giles is cool," Buffy said, picking pepperoni off the cold slices of pizza and eating them one by one. "He's just all British. A little wood putty and some varnish and he'll be good as new."
Willow, Xander and Tara all stared.
"What?" Buffy cried, throwing up her hands. "PBS has been having a midnight marathon of This Old House all week."
"And it's not like we have to hang here all the time," Xander said. "It's holiday break. We get to go out, have fun and there's no homework."
"I was with you till then," Willow said. She gave Tara an embarrassed grin. "I like homework."
"Me t-too," Tara agreed wistfully. "I miss school."
Willow squeezed Tara's hand again and then laid Tara's hand on her knee, wrapping her arm around the girl's shoulders. "I'm really sorry, Tara."
"It's okay," Tara replied, leaning her head against Willow's shoulder. Willow felt her heart break just a little at the thought of all her poor love had been forced to sacrifice to be free of her family. "At least I have a place to stay this week."
Willow saw a pained look cross Buffy's face at Tara's words. The slayer repressed it as quickly as it appeared, forcing a little smile. Willow was grateful for Buffy's discretion. She knew it couldn't have been easy for Tara to have the truth of her homelessness pulled out into the open for so many, so quickly,
"You know Tara," Xander said kindly, "After your week with Giles is up, if Willow's parents are still in town, don't feel like you have to go back to…you know." He paused, swallowed nervously. "You can stay with me any time you want. My parents would never notice as long as we went in through the basement."
Willow's mouth dropped open and then she snapped it shut, gritting her teeth. First the goofy smile, then Xander invited her girlfriend to spend the night? Glaring, Willow tilted her head until she caught Xander's eye. He took one look at her and he stuttered to a stop.
"Oh god," he said, holding up his hands, sending his crust nub flying. "I meant that way more gay than it sounded."
Buffy's mouth dropped open and the girl turned to stare at Xander. From the corner of her eye, Willow could see Tara's head tip in puzzlement.
"Oh god," Xander repeated. "I meant that in a good way. Gay is good and I just meant that I know you're gay for Willow and you could stay with me as a friend, because friends help friends and nothing else because you're gay."
Xander froze, hands still held aloft as if the three girls staring at him were armed and holding him up in a robbery. Willow saw a flash of golden blonde and then Tara was kneeling in front of her.
"Will?" She asked softly.
Willow looked at her girlfriend, over at the dumbfounded Buffy, and finally settled on Xander. The boy's face was burning red.
"That was some babble, Harris," Willow said, bursting into giggles. "And how many times can you say gay?"
Tara leaned against Willow again, grinning, and Buffy started laughing too. Xander's blush burnt even darker.
"Apparently a lot," he mumbled.
"You know, Tara," Buffy sighed, still chuckling. "As surprising as it is, Mr. Foot-in-Mouth does have a point. When your week is up, if you can't stay with Will I'm sure my mom would let you crash with us sometimes. Not in a gay way though," she said quickly, subconsciously mirroring Xander's earlier 'stick 'em up' pose. "As friends, and you'll be gay, but I'm not gay, like Xander."
"I'm not gay," Xander said bemusedly. "Not that there's anything wrong with that…"
"Oh god," Buffy mumbled.
"Tara," Willow said urgently, turning to her girlfriend. "I swear that up till now there has been no documented case of my babbling spazness being contagious. I can't be held accountable for their preoccupation with the gay."
"I think we b-broke them," Tara chuckled, hooking her thumb at Xander and Buffy. Both teens were red-faced and staring at the floor.
"We're broken," Buffy confirmed. "But we're your best friends, Willow Rosenberg. You still have to like us even if we're defective."
"N-not defective," Tara said. "Just sweet, and straight. Not that there's anything w-wrong with that," she teased, holding up her hands. She held them up until Buffy and Xander started laughing and then she lowered them, nodding. "Let's t-take it one day at a t-time, okay?"
Willow nodded, grinning her funny, funny love, at her friends who, in their own, clumsy, bumbling way were so very, very sweet.
"I'm glad to see that someone here besides me has some common sense," Giles said. He was standing in the entryway to the kitchen with an icepack pressed to his hand. "No use worrying about a future that hasn't happened yet."
"But if it happened," Buffy said thoughtfully, "Wouldn't it be the past, not the future?"
"Yeah," Xander said, scratching his head.
"Reaping the rewards of speaking metaphorically to teenagers," Giles sighed. "No offense meant," he said, nodding at Tara and Willow. "Tara, your room once again has a functioning door, feel free to get some rest whenever you'd like."
As he spoke, Giles strolled from the kitchen to the staircase that lead up to his room. "As far as the rest of you are concerned, try to get home at a decent hour so you don't get grounded. We'll still have…tasks to complete over the holiday. But for now, my sore thumb and I are going to bed. Goodnight."
"Night Giles," Buffy said.
"Yeah, night," Willow echoed. Xander nodded and gave a salute.
"Goodnight, Mr. Giles," Tara said. "And thank you again."
"Of course," Giles replied, looking a bit flustered by Tara's gratitude. "Goodnight then." He walked up two steps and then turned, straightening his glasses. "Do be sure not to break anything else around the house tonight, please Buffy."
"I'll do my best, but I can't make any promises," the slayer said with a smile.
"As I expected."
The watcher climbed up the stairs. There were quiet rustlings and creaking from the loft for a few minutes, but then the house was silent again, except for the sound of chewing as Xander and Buffy grabbed new slices to eat. When the pizza was gone, Tara began to tidy up, placing paper plates and napkins inside the empty box. She even went so far as to give the coffee table a quick wipe-down.
"There's a little trash can under the sink," Willow told her. "I don't think it's big enough for that, though."
"Yeah," Buffy replied, rubbing her pizza-distended stomach. "I'll drop it off in the dumpster outside when we go, which shouldn't be in too much longer if I'm going to make curfew," the little blonde said, nodding toward the clock on the wall.
"Just l-let me get my board," Tara said, setting the pizza box back down on the coffee table.
"You're sweet, Tara," Willow said, standing and taking her girl's hand. "But I don't want you to ride all the way back here alone. I'll come over first thing tomorrow, promise."
"But I n-need to pick up my stuff from Jamie."
"Oh," Willow said. "Well that's a totally different scenario. Buff, Xander, we're gonna go over to Zanja with Tara so she can get her clothes and stuff, okay?"
"You don't have to do that," Tara murmured. "It's out of your way."
"Piffle," Willow said, waving a hand. "We're young, it's a beautiful night. And besides," she said, taking the girl's other hand and giving them both a gentle squeeze. "Since I'm gonna have to go home alone to my lonely room and my big lonely, empty bed, I'd rather hang with you as long as I can."
Tara flashed Willow that sweet, crooked grin. Willow couldn't help herself. She leaned in and pressed her lips to Tara's, reveling in the warmth of her love. She trailed a hand up to the small of Tara's back and rubbed there gently. After a moment there was the soft sound of a throat being cleared.
"Yes?" Willow said, turning to Buffy with a grin.
The slayer was staring at them with a little smile. "All this talk of the bedroom, then kissing. How many times do you plan on breaking Xander tonight?" She pointed over at their best friend.
Xander was watching them, mouth half between a gape and an idiotic grin, blushing.
"The bed is only used for sleeping and snuggles!" Willow squeaked. "Who turned on your perv buttons tonight?"
Tara poked Willow with her elbow and giggled. Willow looked over at her girlfriend. Seeing her so happy made Willow laugh too, her girl's joy was just that infectious. Soon the two girls were clutching each other, laughing hysterically.
"Kooky girls," Xander said, but he was smiling too.
"Okay," Buffy said, clapping her hands together. Then she winced and looked up toward the loft. After a few seconds of silence that was only broken by Giles' soft snoring, she smiled. "Okay," she said again, her voice a near-whisper. "Time for the kooky girls and one kooky boy to hit the road."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The night was still and cool. Streetlights were few and far between, leaving the teens bathed in starlight and the dim glow of a moon waxing toward crescent. Buffy took the lead, walking with a speed that belied her petite stature. Xander came strolling along behind her, his long strides more than making up for Buffy's swift pace. Willow and Tara trailed behind them, each with an arm wrapped around the other's waist. Willow leaned close, her head resting against Tara's shoulder.
"Crazy day, huh?" Willow asked softly.
"Yeah huh," Tara nodded.
"You know that you don't have to stay with Giles if you don't want to right? I don't want you to be scared, he's such a great guy, and I hope you're not angry that I convinced you to go and see him, because I was just trying to help." Willow took a little gasping breath.
"Willow-babble," Tara said happily, pulling Willow closer. "How could I be angry at you, Will? You found me a safe place to stay, at least for now."
Willow walked on her tiptoes for a moment to press a gentle kiss to Tara's cheek. Watching her walk, framed in the moonlight, took Willow back to the night they'd met. She never would've thought that Tara could be more beautiful than she was rolling away into the dark on that skateboard, but she got more beautiful with ever second. With every breath, Willow loved her more.
"Penny for your thoughts," Tara said, smiling.
"Beautiful," Willow sighed.
Tara tilted her head. "I guess they kind of are, the copper's shiny, so that's nice. Lincoln though, not the cutest—"
"I meant you, beautiful girl," Willow laughed, reaching over and tickling the blonde.
Tara giggled and slipped out of Willow's embrace. She snagged one of Willow's hands instead; holding it gently, but taking care that she wasn't within tickling range. Willow immediately dropped the hand she'd been using for her tickle attack; it wasn't worth the giggles if meant she didn't get to hold on to her girl.
"Giving up so soon?" Tara asked.
Willow nodded. "Yep."
"I'm not sure I believe you," Tara replied, still chuckling. She danced a little farther from Willow, till their arms were stretched to their limit, hands barely able to keep a grip.
"It's true," Willow said softly.
"How come?" Tara said, coming to a stop.
"I'd rather be holding you," Willow replied, she gave a tug and pulled Tara into her arms, kissing the girl with a gentle passion.
"Definitely better than tickles," Tara sighed happily.
"Uh huh," Willow agreed, leaning in for another kiss. Their embrace tightened and she sighed, perfectly content, as Tara slipped a hand under her shirt, rubbing her warm hand over the small of Willow's back. She gave a little shiver at the sparks Tara sent dancing over her skin, at Tara's soft groan when Willow cradled the girl's lower lip between her lips.
There was a metallic rustling around them in the shadows. Willow and Tara both froze, still embracing tightly. Tara's eyes went wide and Willow could feel the girl's breath quicken, small, warm bursts of air that brushed against her cheeks. When Willow spoke, their lips brushed together.
"Buffy's just a little ways ahead," Willow whispered. She slipped her hand down Tara's side and linked fingers with her girlfriend. At their touch there was another rattling, louder, closer. Tara gave a little jump. "It's all right," Willow soothed. "We're going to count to three, and then we're going to make a run for Buffy and Xander."
Tara nodded at her, squeezing Willow's hand. "O-One," Tara breathed.
"Two," Willow replied.
"Three," the girls cried together. They spun around to run toward their friends and found their way barred half a dozen crumpled beer cans, a broken bottle, and a handful of change, all floating in the air.
"Wha?" Willow said.
Tara began to laugh, clapping a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound. "It was u-us," she said, moving her hand from her mouth to stroke Willow's cheek. "That was quite some kiss."
"Like your skateboard?" Willow asked, watching the debris bob up and down in the air.
Tara nodded. "Levitation."
"But it's not…bad right?" Willow asked, thinking back to her first magic lesson, the knowledge Tara had given her about the care that should be taken with blessings from the goddess. "It isn't frivolous?"
"It's okay, love," Tara said, stroking Willow's cheek again. "It's a manifestation of, of our power. We didn't call on the goddess, we aren't taking without giving back."
"Floaty us power," Willow giggled.
"Floaty us power," Tara agreed. "B-But unless you're ready to break Buffy and Xander again t-tonight, we probably better set this stuff back down and get caught up."
"I guess you're right," Willow said, watching Buffy and Xander draw farther ahead. "I don't think I can handle coming out of the closet as a lesbian and a witch all in the same day."
"Best to take these things gradually," Tara teased.
Willow gave her girl a sidelong glance, grinning mischievously. "I seem to remember that gradual is optional. Isn't that how we ended up on the floor the other day?"
"Willow!" Tara murmured, blushing furiously. "Vixen."
Willow's smile broadened and she took a step closer to Tara, letting their arms brush together. "Light as a feather?" She asked.
Tara nodded. "Just like you remember."
The two girls stood perfectly still and silent, watching as the alley trash began to tip and twist, floating toward the ground. When everything was settled, they stepped over it, still hand in hand, walking at a fast pace to catch up to Xander and Buffy.
They made it to Zanja Muro without any further incident. Jamie was delighted to see them, and though he was disappointed that they couldn't stay to visit, Willow could see that the man was relieved to know that Tara had a safe place to stay over the holiday. He left them outside to go and get Tara's duffle bag, and when he returned he had two coffees and two cokes to go, along with a big bag of goodies.
"You d-didn't have to do that," Tara said, giving Jamie a shy smile.
"I know, I blame the hair," Jamie replied, running a hand through his bleach-blonde locks. "Brings out the good Samaritan in me. And the cupid," he said, winking at Willow and Tara, who were openly holding hands, leaning on each other. "Now, you kids take your delicious snacks get outta here—no being late for curfew."
"Thanks, Jamie," Xander said around a mouthful of blueberry muffin.
"Don't choke," Jamie laughed. "And you're welcome."
"Gimmee," Buffy told Xander, holding out a hand. Xander gave her the bag and she rummaged around in it for a minute. Willow held back a snort of laughter as Buffy practically stuck her head in the bag. After a moment the slayer gave a happy little squeak and pulled a huge cherry pastry out of the bag. "Yum," she crowed.
"Doesn't anybody feed you two?" Jamie asked.
"They seem to need food in thirty m-minute increments," Tara laughed.
Jamie tilted his head, smiling bemusedly. "Thirty minutes? How in the world do they stay so thin?"
"Believe me," Willow replied. "You don't want to know."
Jamie smirked. "I'll take your word for it." He made a shooing motion at them, chuckling. "Go on then, little ducklings, home with you. But come back to see me soon."
"P-Promise," Tara replied.
With one last wave, Jamie went back inside the café. Willow looped an arm around Tara's and held up the tray of drinks. "Coffee, my lady?" She asked.
"Please." Tara grabbed one of the paper coffee cups and took a long draw from it.
Willow watched her head arch back, watched the delicious ripples on the girl's throat as she swallowed. It took everything in Willow not to drop the drinks and wrap her arms around Tara, to kiss and lick and suck on that delicious, peaches and cream skin.
"Yummy," Tara sighed.
"Uh huh," Willow breathed, still staring.
"Have you had any coffee?" Tara asked.
Willow felt a blush burn its way from beneath her breasts up her neck, to her face. "No uh, no coffee for me yet," she murmured.
"Then what?" Tara's eyes widened and Willow was happy to see her girlfriend grin. "Oh, well, right back 'atcha. Yum, yum."
"Hee!" Willow said, taking a big gulp of coffee. "Ooh, coffee's good too."
"It's only a close second," Tara replied, her voice dropping smooth and low.
"Tara," Willow squeaked, giving the girl a gentle nudge with her hip. She glanced ahead and saw Buffy's profile, flushed bright pink, Xander chewing away, happy and oblivious. "Buffy has really good hearing."
"Oops," Tara said, giggling. "G-Good Danish, Buffy?" She called.
"Yeah," Buffy replied, voice a little high and breathless. "Delicious sweets with the sweetness and fruit and frosting. Delicious!"
Willow clapped a hand over her mouth to hold in the laughter she felt bubbling up. No need to draw Xander's attention to their naughty talk as well. Tara flashed her crooked grin at Willow, a mischievous glint in her sky-blue eyes.
"Do you need a sweet treat too, Will?" Tara asked innocently.
Willow's eyes widened. "Coffee's fine," she said, taking a big sip and then coughing, and patting her chest when it tried to go down the wrong way. "Just coffee."
"Hey guys," Xander called, peering into the bag. "Does anybody want a triangular mystery biscuit with cranberries in it?"
"It's called a scone, Xander, and it's delicious," Willow said, laughing.
Xander pulled the scone out by the corner, holding it with two fingers, as if the pastry was going to attack. "You sure?" He asked.
"I p-promise, she's right," Tara said. "Scones are both filling and scrumptious."
He took a huge bite, crumbs raining from his mouth. "If goo," he said, smiling around partially chewed scone.
Willow, Buffy and Tara broke into loud giggling that only got louder when Xander began to hum happily while he ate.
"What is he doing?" Tara murmured.
Willow gave a little shrug. "He's done that since we were kids," she chuckled. "Buffy's mom calls it the Happy Eating Song."
"Boys are weird," Tara laughed.
"I've never gotten them either," Willow agreed. And then she saw something that made the smile drop from her face.
"What?" Tara said.
Willow pointed over Tara's shoulder. "Red terracotta roof," she said. "We're almost back to Giles' already. Not that that's a bad thing," she said quickly. "I'm just gonna miss you."
"Well," Tara said, squeezing Willow's hand as they strolled on after Buffy and Xander, "You're vacation girl, what do you want to do tomorrow?"
"Ooh! No school!" Willow felt an odd burst of guilt at her happiness, and pushed it down. Anything that let her spend more time with Tara was a good thing. "There is something I was thinking," Willow said.
"Something good?" Tara asked, waggling her eyebrows.
Willow blushed. "I hope you think so. How would you like to go to the beach tomorrow?"
"I love the beach!" Buffy squealed.
Willow froze and saw a little smirk flash on Tara's face. Buffy was turned toward them with her hands clapped over her mouth.
"Sorry," Buffy squeaked, looking totally humiliated. "It's okay if we aren't invited." She bit her lip. "Even though I could really use a 'Cheer Buffy Up' day."
"Of course you guys are invited," Willow said. She turned to Tara and whispered, "You don't mind if they're invited do you?"
"I don't mind," Tara laughed.
"So you want to go?"
"I want to be anywhere you are," Tara replied. "And I love the ocean."
"Excellent," Willow squeaked. The sidewalk changed beneath her feet, going cobbled and strange. She tipped forward with a strangled cry, but felt a strong hand wrap around her upper arm.
"Gotcha, baby," Tara said softly. She helped Willow straighten and then gave a little giggle. "You saved your coffee."
"Heh," Willow said. "Good thing I have you around to catch me."
"Always," Tara murmured.
The four of them walked through the courtyard together. Willow smiled as Tara trailed her hands along the hanging branches, brushing the fluttering leaves, hair haloed by the hundreds of fairy lights decorating the path. Beautiful girl, Willow thought. Someday you'll have a room all your own, and we'll hang fairy lights from the ceiling, just for you.
The sight of Xander and Buffy standing a few feet ahead broke Willow from her reverie. She was about to ask them what was wrong, when she realized that her friends were standing in front of Giles' door.
"Well, here we are," Willow said. She made herself smile; she didn't want to make Tara uneasy about her temporary home. But it was hard, so hard, not to beg the blonde to come with her, to sleep in her bed, their bed.
"I'll miss you too," Tara murmured, giving Willow's hand a gentle squeeze.
"You can read me like a book, can't you?" Willow said fondly.
"You're my rosy girl," was Tara's simple reply.
"We're gonna, uh, wait over here," Buffy said, shifting a bit from foot to foot. "Come on, Xander."
"Why do we hafta—" Xander began as the slayer tugged the boy back toward the center of the courtyard.
"They want to say goodnight," Buffy said, adding emphasis to the last word.
"Goodnight?" Xander echoed. "Oh," he said. "Goodnight…" He held up a hand to Tara and Willow, blushing. "Night."
"Night Buffy, Xander," Tara replied. "You guys be careful heading home."
"No worries," Buffy said. "I'll make sure Willow gets home safe.
"I want you and Xander to be safe too," Tara replied, blushing. "Okay?"
Buffy nodded, flashing a warm grin. She gave Xander a gentle tug and they walked a short ways into the courtyard, under the trees. Once her friends had given them a bit of privacy, Willow wasted no time wrapping her free arm around Tara's waist and pulling her close.
"So I'll see you tomorrow?" Willow asked.
"Don't be sad. Morning will be here before you know it." Tara kissed her softly on the cheek.
"I'll miss you," Willow said, moving her hand from Tara's waist and running it down her hair, hoping to memorize the softness, the sweet smell of her, with enough clarity to tide her over until morning.
"I'll miss you too." Tara kissed her again. "But at least we'll sleep through most of it." Willow didn't reply and Tara leaned back. "You promise to get some rest?"
"I'll try," Willow said. She held up her cup of Kona from Zanja Muro. "But I have delicious coffee."
"Do I need to confiscate said deliciousness?" Tara teased.
Willow cradled the cup to her chest. "I can't have no you and no coffee. That's not just sad, that's cruel."
"But if you sleep," Tara murmured, lips pressing to Willow's cheek, "then it'll be like we've only been apart for an instant. And maybe you'll dream."
"Happy dreams?" Willow asked, feeling a little drowsy as Tara spoke, lulled by the soft, regular cadence of her voice.
"Happy dreams, I promise," Tara replied. "Now you better head out," she added. "I don't want anybody missing out on the beach tomorrow because they got grounded."
Willow held out her coffee cup. "Will you put this in Giles' fridge for me? That way I can drink it tomorrow without being tempted tonight."
Tara took the cup from Willow. "I promise to take very good care of it," she teased solemnly.
"Night baby," Willow said. She leaned close to Tara and whispered in her ear. "Love you. Dream sweet dreams of me, cause I'll be dreaming of you."
"Night," Tara murmured.
They kissed once, softly, lips pressing together till they had to take a breath or risk passing out cold on the cobbled walk. Willow watched to make sure that Tara got back into Giles' place safely, not moving until she heard the lock trigger on the other side of the door. When she knew Tara was safe and sound, Willow made her way over to Buffy and Xander, still patiently waiting for her under the trees.
"Home again, home again?" Willow asked, trying to sound cheerful but still feeling the pain of leaving her girl.
Buffy smiled and Willow could see the sympathy shining in her hazel eyes. "Jiggity-jig, Will," she replied.
They linked arms and started walking back toward their neighborhood, Xander trailing behind.
"Am I supposed to say something about a pig now?" Xander asked. "Or is it a hog? Or are we quoting Blade Runner?"
"No idea what you're talking about, Harris," Buffy said, looking at him over her shoulder.
His mouth dropped open and he stopped in his tracks. "But you," he said, pointing at Willow. "And then you," he said, crossing his left arm over his right to point at Buffy.
Both girls cackled hysterically.
"Hah hah," Xander said sourly. "Get the man confused with nursery rhymes and sci-fi movie references."
"Aw Xander," Buffy said. "We only tease because we care."
"It's true," Willow agreed, looking back at him.
"Well okay then, I'm ready to go," he said, following them once again.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
It was a quick walk back to Xander's. His house was dark and quiet, a bit of a relief compared to the usual state of affairs. They watched to make sure he made it into the basement safely, and then Buffy walked Willow home. The slayer stood guard as Willow pulled out her keys and unlocked the door. Once Willow was inside, Buffy raised a hand in silent farewell, and ran back toward Revello Drive.
Willow closed and locked the front door, carefully navigating the furniture in the darkened living room as she made her way to the stairs.
"Did you have a nice night, bubbala?"
Willow gave a little squeak and spun around, clutching her chest. Her father was lying on the sofa.
"Sorry if I startled you," he said, sitting up.
"Dad, what are you doing out here?" Her father's hair was mussed, his clothes wrinkled. She'd never seen him sleep on the couch before.
"Don't worry," he chuckled. "I didn't get kicked out. Your mother's on a call with a colleague, I just thought I'd try to catch a few winks until she gets done."
"Oh," Willow replied. "Well, I guess I better head to bed."
"If you're not too tired," Ira replied, "Why don't you sit and talk with your old dad for a bit?"
"Oh," Willow said, and blinked. She couldn't remember the last time she and her father sat down for a chat. Willow held back a grimace. Oh yeah, twelve. Birds. Bees. Mom too busy to have the talk and Dad so embarrassed that he never got past 'Now that you're becoming a young woman…' Please god, Willow thought. Don't let this be attempt number two.
"Willow, are you too sleepy?"
"Huh?" Willow said, and then shook her head. "Oh no, it's okay." She sat down on one of the armchairs by the sofa, clutching her hands together in her lap. "What did you want to talk about?"
"Whatever you want," her father replied. He smiled, but there was a sadness to it that surprised her. "It occurred to me the other day, when I took you to school, that you're a junior now. Just a year and a half left and then you'll be off to college."
"Oh, you wanted to talk about the schools I'm applying to?" She began, at once relieved and disappointed.
"If you want," Ira nodded. "Or we could talk about," he paused; a little flush crept up his neck. "How you're doing."
Willow tipped her head to the side, really watching her father, and realized he was really nervous. "How I'm doing?" Does he know? She felt a warm constriction in her chest, couldn't tell if it was panic or relief. Maybe both.
"You seem…a bit preoccupied lately," her father said, leaning toward her. "I don't know if it's because you're happy or because something's bothering you, but," he paused again. "Well, I know we're busy, your Mom and I, but I wanted you to know you can talk to us."
"Thanks Dad." Willow was amazed. Was this heartfelt, shaky-voiced man her father? "Actually," she said, feeling her heart begin to race. "There is something I need to tell you, I've me—"
"Ira, a slot opened in Boston!" Willow's mother's voice cut the air like a knife.
Met someone, and I'm in love. Willow thought dully. I'm gay.
"Sheila," Ira replied, "That's great, but Willow and I were in the middle of something here."
"Our slot is for a Monday night lecture, but we have to check in by Sunday morning," Sheila rambled on. It was clear she hadn't heard a word her husband said. "I've already booked us a flight for tomorrow night."
"That's just fine," Ira said patiently. "But Willow was saying something."
"That's good," Sheila said, turning to Willow. "Were you going to tell him about Bunny staying over while we were gone?"
"It's Buffy, Mom," Willow corrected automatically, even though she had no idea what her mother was talking about.
"Right. Mrs. Peters across the street said she saw you and a blonde girl going in and out a few times. Did she stay?"
Willow looked back and forth between her parents. "I got lonely," she replied.
"Well, you two kept the place neat, I appreciate that," Sheila replied. "But from now on, if you need company when we're gone, go to Bunny's so there's an adult to supervise, all right?"
Willow nodded, but she was crushed. No more Tara sleepovers? No way, Willow fumed. We'll just have to be sneaky.
"Sheila," Ira said.
Willow looked up and saw that her father was watching her closely, looking worried.
"Why don't you start packing and I'll come in when Willow and I are done," he continued.
"All right, but don't be too long. Goodnight, Willow." Sheila said, and patted her daughter on the head. "We'll be back in plenty of time for the holiday."
"Now, you were saying sweetie?" Her father asked as Sheila made her way back to the bedroom. "What did you need to tell me?"
To tell you I'm gay. "I need to…to get some sleep," Willow said. She smiled, even though her guts felt like they'd been filled with hot lead. "And you better go and pack."
Ira looked at her for a moment, smiling wistfully. "You sure?" When Willow nodded he stood, groaning. "Okay, if you change your mind, we can have that chat when I get back."
"Okay Dad," Willow said. Coward, coward, coward, she thought, berating herself silently.
"Night," he said. She could smell his aftershave when he bent over and kissed the top of her head.
"Goodnight." As soon as she heard their bedroom door close she dropped her head in her hands. Coward, she thought bitterly. I'm a coward.
She trudged up to her room and flopped on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Everything in Willow wanted to pick up the phone and call Tara, just to hear the sweet sound of her voice, but it was too late. She didn't want to risk waking the watcher. She rolled off the bed and got into her nightgown, puttering around straightening books and feeding her fish. When Willow had nothing left to stall, she turned off the lamp on her bedside table. Just as she began to burrow under the covers, her phone rang.
Must be for Mom and Dad, about the conference. But the phone rang again, and a third time. Willow sighed and made a silent wish that her parents wouldn't sleep with the ringer on their phone turned off if they were expecting a call. She leaned over and grabbed the receiver.
"Hello?" She asked.
"Did I call too late?"
Willow's face was transformed by a beatific smile. "Hey Tara baby, no, of course it's not too late."
"You're sure? I didn't w-want to wake your parents."
"They're up, but the ringer downstairs is usually off anyway."
For a moment Willow considered telling Tara about Sheila's pronouncement, but she dismissed it. Tomorrow, she thought. Face to face. Tonight, happy bedtime talk with my girl.
Willow sat up, bouncing a bit on the end of the bed. "Everything okay?"
"Oh yeah, fine," Tara said. Willow could hear a hint of hesitation.
"Having a hard time falling asleep?"
"A little," Tara admitted. "I'm just excited about the beach tomorrow."
"Not as excited as Buffy," Willow laughed.
"I think she's more excited about swimsuit shopping than anything," Tara said with a giggle. "And it'll probably be too cold to swim."
"Well, I have to agree with Buffy on that point, swimsuits are vital." Willow pictured Tara in a string bikini and a goofy grin spread across her face.
"Uh huh," Tara said. "No ulterior motive on your part?"
"Well, maybe just a little," Willow said, blushing.
"Me too," Tara murmured.
Before Willow could reply she let out a long yawn.
"I better let you get some sleep," Tara said.
"I don't wanna sleep," Willow pouted. Having Tara on the phone, she could almost pretend her girl was there. When they hung up, she'd have to go back to the cold, hard, reality of being home, alone, with her parents.
"Remember what I said," Tara teased. "The sooner we rest—"
"The sooner we're together," Willow sighed. "You know, if you're lonely you can always hug a pillow and pretend it's me."
"I'll give it a shot," Tara laughed. "I love you rosy girl. Have sweet dreams."
"And I love you, Tara," Willow said solemnly. "See you tomorrow."
Willow laid her phone back on the receiver and grabbed her spare pillow. She held it close, imaging silky hair, warm skin, and the scent of honeysuckle. As soon as Willow's cheek brushed the soft cotton cloth she felt the tingle of Tara's touch on her skin, and then she was asleep.
