Willara4ever – Willow is a good sport about the teasing! I'm certain that at some point she will get Buffy back.
JustJane18 - I am trying to keep them as realistic as I can. As for control – we'll have to wait and see... Thanks for reading!
RoseAndClay - Some of what you are wondering will be answered shortly...if not this update, then in the ones coming up. :)
Feedback:Pretty please…it helps me improve and if I get stuck it tells me where you would like to see the story go.
Authors Notes: Thank you to Willara4everfor all your help with this story. Thanks for being the best beta on this and all my published and especially the unpublished stories I have going.
Chapter 14
Willow quickly showered and cleaned the bathroom. She wanted everything to be perfect for when Tara arrived. She made sure that she had a variety of beverages cooling in the fridge, she had some snacks out, and she had already ordered dinner online to be delivered after Tara arrived. Looking at herself in the mirror Willow couldn't help but smile at the idea Tara being in her apartment.
"Why am I so nervous? It isn't like this is our first date," thought Willow as she sat on the couch her right leg happily bouncing. "Though, this is the first time she will be seeing my place...my room...oh the things we could do to one another in..."
– knock, knock –
Willow jumped at the sound of the knock. She quickly got up and opened the door to see Tara standing there in a beat up TDM Enterprise faded t-shirt and baggy blue jeans.
"Hi," said Willow opening the door wider for Tara to enter.
"Hey," said Tara as she entered and Willow closed the door.
Turning to face Tara Willow couldn't help but smile.
"Why are you smiling?" said Tara a bit self-conscious.
"I am still in awe that someone as amazing and gorgeous as you is interested in someone like me. You look amazing tonight," said Willow as she made her way closer and wrapped her arms around Tara's waist and pulled her closer.
"How could I not be interested in you," smiled Tara wrapping her arms around Willow's shoulder and pulling her closer.
They stood there looking into one another's eyes for a long time before they slowly leaned closer to one another and their lips touched. This kiss was different, it was more intense and they both felt it. Their lips moved together, tongues moved in a sensually choreographed dance. Both girls moaned into the kiss and the feelings that were coursing through their bodies.
When they finally broke from the kiss, they were both breathless and the mood had shifted far away from the nerves that Willow had been feeling.
"Wow," whispered Tara trying to catch her breath.
Willow nodded her agreement, afraid to speak, but keeping her eyes locked to Tara's. They walked over to the couch and sat down next to one another. Willow never broke eye contact with Tara. She was lost in the blue pools. Tara was mesmerized noticing the darker green shade of Willow's eyes.
"Would I be wrong to ask to try that kiss again now that I don't have to worry about falling down?" asked Willow. Her lips were already making their way towards Tara's.
"You can have one of those whenever you want," said Tara just before leaning forward and capturing Willow's lips.
The kiss was again very intense and sensual. Willow leaned backwards to lay on the couch as Tara moved with her and lay with her body partially on top of Willow's. They both could feel their temperatures rising. They broke their kiss, but the need to feel the others lips again was overwhelming and overtook them drawing their lips together again. After several more minutes they broke again, both panting.
"I...wow...mmmm..." panted Willow.
"Amazing," panted Tara.
They both knew that they weren't ready to take this to the next level just yet, but they were getting close to crossing the line of no turning back. Tara regretfully sat up and Willow sat up next to her.
"So, um, would you like something to drink?" asked Willow. "We've got soda, juice, wine, the hard stuff?"
"Soda would be good," said Tara. "A cold shower would be better or some ice to put down my pants to cool a certain area down," thought Tara.
"Okay. I put the games we have on the table. It is your choice on which to play first," said Willow as she headed into the kitchen to get their sodas.
While Willow was gone Tara looked through the games and tried to calm her emotions down. Nobody had ever caused that type of intense reaction for her. She read the titles and pulled out Kinect Sports. She knew that this was Faith's favorite game to play and would definitely be one they ended up playing the following night when they got together with Buffy and Faith.
Willow returned and Tara handed her the game. Willow put the game in the console and together Willow and Tara moved the coffee table to the side of the room so they had space to play.
"Faith loves this game," said Tara.
"So does Buffy," replied Willow.
"We're in trouble tomorrow aren't we?" asked Tara.
"Yes," said Willow as she signed into the Xbox.
"You're avatar is so cute Sweetie. It looks just like you. Who are the other avatars?"
"Buffy, Connor, Angel, Dawn, and soon you. Um, if you want to create one on here that is," said Willow.
"Only if you help me."
They sat down and created Tara's avatar. Willow was surprised at how they were able to get the likeness to match.
"Great, so, what sport do you want to play? Bowling is the one I suck least at," said Willow.
"Then bowling it is."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. I'm not much of an athlete either Will. We'll start with something easy," smiled Tara.
They played the first game and Tara won by three pins. The second game, Willow won by three pins.
"Best 2 out of 3?" asked Willow.
"What do I get if I win?" asked Tara playfully.
"I think the better question is what do I get if I win," said Willow giggling.
"What do you want?"
"You, your body," thought Willow. "Oh the ideas that I have, but I will settle with some time to make out."
"That is a good enough reason to throw the game," laughed Tara.
"Oh and did I mention that it will also include bragging rights going into tomorrow night?"
"Yes Sweetie, you did forget to mention that."
"Oops, my bad."
"Somehow I doubt that," Tara said coyly looking at Willow.
They played the last game and it came down to the final throw of the final frame. Willow was up by three. Tara needed to get 4 pins down to win. Tara lined up and threw the ball. They both watched as it made its way down the lane, with each turn their heartbeat increased. When the ball hit the pins Tara watched as 2 pins fell and a third and fourth pin wobbled but didn't go down.
Willow smiled as she watched Tara realize that she had lost. "Is it really considered losing if I am going to get to make out with her? Nope, not at all," thought Tara.
Willow exited out of the game and turned on Slacker Radio and some romantic mood music and pulled Tara towards the couch.
"Time to pay up," grinned Willow.
Tara pushed Willow down and then covered Willow's body with her own and they started kissing again. This time wasn't as intense, but still every emotion filled.
Willow's phone started to beep interrupting them. Tara grudgingly moved off the redhead so she could reach her phone.
"Who is it?" asked Tara.
"Nobody, I just set the alarm on my phone in case we were um, preoccupied so that we didn't give Buffy a heart attack when she gets home."
"Ah, good idea. How much time do we have before she gets home?"
"About 15 minutes, give or take a few," said Willow.
"You cut that kind of close," grinned Tara.
"I know. Once we tell her then it won't matter."
"Have you thought about when you want to tell people?"
"Well, if we have to go to Seattle, I'd like to wait until after that. If we tell them before that is going to make work and going away awkward."
"When you are ready Will, we'll tell them. I think you might want to go tame your hair a bit so we don't have to explain why it looks all frizzy and is standing out on it's own."
Willow embarrassed quickly went into the bathroom and fixed her hair. When she came back into the living room she stopped and watched Tara tweaking her avatar.
"You know it is rude to stare right?" said Tara.
"It can't be when you are looking at something as beautiful and breath-taking as you," said Willow as she made her way back over to sit next to Tara.
"Charmer," said Tara bumping shoulders with Willow.
"So, would you like to play another game?" asked Willow, not ready for the night to be over yet.
"I'd love too! What about Mortal Kombat vs DC United?"
"Perfect," said Willow putting the game in and grabbing the second controller.
As the game loaded they kissed softly knowing that once Buffy got home they wouldn't be able to.
"How are we going to keeps our lips and hands to ourselves tomorrow night?" asked Tara.
"I was trying not to think about that," said Willow.
They chose their characters. Tara chose Raiden and Willow chose to be Batman.
"Ready to lose Rosenberg," taunted Tara.
"No, I believe that you are going down," Willow taunted back.
Tara started to practice to get the feel of her character and his special moves when Willow leaned over and gently kissed and nipped at the pressure point causing Tara's eyes to close.
"Oh goddess," whispered Tara before quickly pulling Willow up to her mouth and kissing her deeply.
They heard Buffy's keys in the door and separated and started the game.
"Hey Buff," said Willow as the blonde entered the apartment.
"Hey Will, Tara," said Buffy noticing that they were sitting rather close together.
"Hi Buffy! Did you have a good night at work?" asked Tara pausing the game.
"It wasn't bad. We had someone come in to tour the gym and sign up, though I have no clue why."
"What do you mean?" asked Willow.
"Well, after seeing the facilities at TDM, I have no clue why someone who worked there would want to downgrade to and pay at my gym."
"Who was it?" asked Tara.
"Anya," said Buffy as she sat down in the chair next to the couch.
"Oh, that explains it," said Tara receiving questioning looks from both Willow and Buffy. "I'll explain tomorrow night. It is more fun when Faith is here."
"This should be good," said Buffy. "Well I need to shower so I will let you two get back to your game."
"It's okay Buffy. I really should be getting home. I have an early meeting with my Dad and if I come in tired I not only get the dirty look from the boss, I get the fatherly lecture as well."
"Alright that is a definite disadvantage to working with parents," laughed Buffy. "It was good to see you again Tara and I am looking forward to hanging out with you and Faith tomorrow night."
"It was good to see you too Buffy," Tara said with a genuine smile.
Buffy headed towards the bathroom and they heard the shower start.
"I had a great time tonight," Willow said waggling her eyebrows.
"Vixen. So did I," said Tara as they stood and she pulled Willow close to her and softly kissed her lips.
"Mmmmm, I never get tired of how your lips feel on mine," whispered Willow.
"I hope you never tire of it," said Tara.
"Did you want me to walk you home? Or to the door, er outside door?"
"Nope, I'll be fine."
Willow hugged the blonde close and then kissed her softly and they said goodnight and Tara headed to her place and Willow went into her room and got ready for bed.
Tara opened the door and peered in.
"Tara, great come in," said her Dad as he walked over and hugged her.
"Good morning Daddy," she said hugging him back.
"How are you doing this morning?"
"I'm doing really good."
"You seem to be very happy working with Willow," stated Mr. Maclay as he and Tara sat down at the small table in his office.
"I am. She is really smart, hard-working, and funny," smiled Tara.
"I'm glad you like working with her, because you two are going to Seattle on Sunday and then touring to promote the campaign when it is done."
"W-we're what?"
"Yeah, I had a long talk with the management in Seattle last night and we agreed it is time to have a re-org done. I am still sending Faith on Thursday but it will be to prepare for the re-org, but the bulk will take place when you and Willow are there."
"Wow, I thought for certain that they would put aside their differences and work it out," said Tara.
"I had hoped they would as well," smiled her Father. "Are you going to be okay going to Seattle?"
"Yeah, it isn't something I will enjoy, but I definitely understand the need."
"I know, but you have such a great relationship with the people in that office."
"I know," said Tara.
"As for sending you and Willow out on the campaign tour – you are the two doing the work I believe you should reap the rewards from it as well."
"How big of a tour are we doing this year?"
"It will be smaller than previous years. I was thinking maybe 15 stops."
"Wow, awesome."
"Who knows, maybe with all the time you two will get to spend together, maybe you can form something more than a friendship."
"Yeah, but since we are working on a project together don't you think that if we start dating that is going to look bad or look as though she is getting special treatment?"
"Would she be?"
"Of course not," said Tara.
"Listen Tara. Your private life is exactly that, YOUR private life. I know that when you walk in the door that you are and will always be a professional. We have other couples working within the company, I am certain that they act professional and so will you."
"Thanks Daddy," said Tara. She wanted to tell him about her and Willow, but now wasn't the right time.
"So, now that we have that out-of-the-way, let's get down to what you are going to be doing in Seattle," said Mr. Maclay.
They worked for several hours to create a strategy and plan for handling the tasks that needed to be taken care of. Once done Tara had a headache and decided to go home for the afternoon to rest and mull through her feelings towards what she was going to have to do and the real possibility of having to fire someone or multiple people. That was one part about being in a management position that she truly hated.
"Hey Willow," said Buffy as her roommate entered the apartment after work.
"Hey Buffy," said Willow her voice tired.
"Rough day?"
"Yeah, between working on the websites for the campaign and getting some internal programs tweaked. I skipped lunch today to make sure that I got it all done."
"Well, then you will be happy to know that I had the full day off and I spent it cleaning and getting stuff ready for tonight."
"That is fantastic Buffy. Thank you! I'm going to go change and then I'll be back to help."
"Just come back and keep me company. There really isn't anything else to do. Angel will be delivering the food around 7."
"Fantastic. I'll be back in a few minutes," said Willow as she went into her room to change. She decided that since tonight was going to be the four of them playing Xbox she would get comfortable and wear sweats and a t-shirt. As she was changing she heard her phone giggle which told her she had a text from Tara. Willow quickly grabbed her phone and read the message.
"Hey Sweetie. I'm looking forward to tonight. I'm sorry I didn't get to see you today. I came home with a headache after my meeting with my Dad. What should I wear tonight? Anything special?"
"Oh the ideas Ms. Maclay that you just put in my head," mumbled Willow as she replied to Tara's text.
"I hope you are feeling better Baby. We can reschedule if you aren't. As for what to wear...that is a very loaded question Ms. Maclay. ;-) I'm wearing sweats and a t-shirt tonight. I miss you!"
Willow sent her message and finished getting changed and then her phone went off again and she read:
"Yeah, I realized after I sent that text it sounded better in my head. I am feeling fine. There are a couple of things that I need to talk to you tonight about though. I know that work should stay at work, but it rarely does. I'm going to wear sweats too then."
Willow chuckled when she read the reply and quickly sent Tara another message:
"I don't mind if we have to talk about work a bit. If you and Faith want to come over earlier please do. Buffy said that Angel is delivering dinner around 7."
Willow now changed went out to join Buffy in the living room. Just as she sat down her phone went off again and Buffy gave her a weird look for the giggle tone.
"I like the idea of coming over earlier. Faith should be here soon so we could probably be there by 6 if that is okay with you."
Willow smiled as she finished the message and quickly replied. "See you at 6 gorgeous!"
"Change of plan Buff. Tara and Faith will be here around 6 instead of 6:30."
"That's cool. I'm sure you love the idea," teased Buffy.
"I am very happy. I think once you get to know Tara better you will really like her."
"I already like her. She makes you smile and that is what is important to me."
"You are incorrigible you know that?" laughed Willow.
"I try," said Buffy proudly.
"Yo T," said Faith as she used her key to get into Tara's apartment.
"Hey Faith," said Tara.
"Feeling better?"
"Yeah, it was just a stress headache. I talked to Willow and she said that if we want we can come over around 6 if we wanted."
"And since you think she is cute we are going to head over there aren't we?" said Faith waggling her eyebrows.
"Hell yes," smiled Tara.
They talked for a bit about work and what was going on in Seattle and then they headed over to Willow and Buffy's.
Tara knocked on the door and Buffy answered.
"Hello," said Buffy opening the door and allowing Faith and Tara to enter. "Find a spot in the living room, Willow will be out in a minute."
"Thanks Buffy," both Faith and Tara said.
The three went into the living room. Buffy and Faith sat in the recliners and left the couch for Willow and Tara. Willow came out and asked what everyone wanted to drink. After gathering the beverages she joined Tara on the couch.
"So, B, how was your day?" asked Faith.
"It was great, I had the full day off," said Buffy. "How was yours?"
"Not bad. I spent most of it prepping for my trip to Seattle," said Faith as Tara groaned.
"You okay?" asked Willow.
"Yeah, Seattle is just a sore spot right now. I'm not looking forward to possibly firing people."
"Do you think you will really have to fire people?" asked Buffy.
"I'm hoping not, but if Faith doesn't convince them I may have to."
"Well, at least you have time T. I'll get them in line," said Faith.
"Actually I don't," said Tara as she looked between Faith and Willow. "Dad told me today that he is going to send Willow and I to Seattle on Sunday so that we can start fresh on Monday with the overhaul."
"Huh?" said Willow.
"Yeah, that is what I wanted to talk to you about quickly tonight. Dad said that he had a long talk with their management last night and they made it clear that we are going to have to do a re-org and you and I are going to be sent to take care of a bulk of it. You will be updating the security and the system software and I get to see who will be on-board to work and who I will need to fire."
"No wonder you had a headache and had to go home today," said Willow.
"Yeah, I needed to do some thinking. These are the people that I worked with before coming to Sunnydale. I know a lot of them well and their families."
"Tara, I'm HR, I will do the firing if it needs to be done," said Faith.
"I know, but I still need to figure out who it is going to be."
"They will listen to you. These people adore you. I am certain that they are going to respond to you being there," said Faith hoping her words would help Tara relax.
"So, we're heading to Seattle on Sunday huh?" asked Willow trying to hide her overwhelming joy.
"Yep. Have you ever been there?" asked Tara.
"No, I've heard it is nice though."
"T, you should take her on a whale watching tour," suggested Faith.
"Have fun with that Will. You wouldn't catch me alive or dead on one of those."
"Why not?" asked Faith.
"Hello, you are a bath toy for the whale," said Buffy as the others just laughed.
"You are too funny Buffy," said Faith.
"Oh, Tara said she had a funny story to tell us or it was more fun to tell with you here," said Buffy.
"Oh yes. Anya joined Buffy's gym last night," Tara told Faith and a huge smile crept across her face.
"That is hilarious," said Faith.
"Now tell us," whined Willow.
"Okay, well Anya believes that the gym level at TDM is haunted or possessed by bunnies."
Willow and Buffy started to laugh. "Excuse me?" said Willow.
"When we started construction on the building and the gym area Anya and I came out to check on the progress and when we were out there we spotted a couple of bunny nests with little bitty baby bunnies," started Tara using her hands to show how small the baby bunnies were. "Well, Anya has a petrifying fear of bunnies and has been convinced it was a sign that the gym was going to be possessed by evil beings."
"You're serious aren't you?" asked Willow in-between laughs.
"Unfortunately I am," Tara said.
"Wow," laughed Buffy.
"That is also partly why that is the Bunny level of the building," added Faith.
The group enjoyed a laugh at Anya's expense. Until they were interrupted by a knock at the door. Buffy made her way to the door and opened it to see Angel standing there holding two bags of food.
"Wow, you deliver too?" teased Buffy.
"Shush or you get no food," said Angel as he entered the apartment and said hi to the others.
"Thanks Angel," said Willow as she walked over and gave him a hug.
"My pleasure. Plus it gave me a chance to get out of the restaurant today."
Willow paid Angel and the group sat around the table and ate. Once they finished eating they moved back to the living room and prepared to play video games.
"So, what do we want to play," asked Faith.
"Tara and I say we bowl," said Willow.
"Is that what you practiced last night?" asked Buffy.
"No, that was what we found we sucked least at," said Tara.
"Bowling it is," said Faith.
They started bowling and laughing at one another.
"Come on Willow, do I need to put the bumpers on?" teased Buffy.
"Bite me Summers'," responded Willow.
"You'd like that too much," retorted Buffy. "Your turn Tara."
Tara got up for her turn and virtually tossed the ball behind her.
"Seriously Tara?" laughed Faith.
"Hush you," said Tara.
"You and Willow are too much fun to play against," said Buffy holding her aching side while laughing.
Everyone was having fun. They went from bowling to table tennis which Willow and Tara were no better at. They then switched to Kinect Adventures and the videos that the game took made them all laugh harder. At one point all four of them were crying they were laughing so hard.
"I need a break," said Faith plopping down in her chair. The others followed suit and they decided to take a break, cool down, and talk. Willow put on some music and they all got comfortable.
"I received a call from your brother yesterday Tara," started Buffy.
"Really?"
"Yeah, he wants me to help him train for the Boston Marathon."
"He told us about it on Sunday. Do you think he'll be ready in time?"
"Well, it is the end of June now, and the race isn't until April. I think we have time to prep. Was he ever a runner?"
"Yeah, Donnie was a cross-country star in High School."
"That will help. He should have some muscle memory going for him. I won't know how quickly we can progress until Monday when we go out for our first run."
"Donnie will push himself," said Faith.
"Well, I'll keep an eye out for that."
"Oh, should we tell Willow and Tara why you were at TDM yesterday?" Faith asked Buffy.
"Sure," answered Buffy.
"Buffy is going to start offering some self-defense classes at TDM one night a week. I got the company to pay so it will be free to any employee who wants to take it."
"That is great Buffy," said Willow.
"What is the catch?" asked Tara her eyes narrowing at Faith.
"Dammit T," said Faith.
"Faith," warned Tara.
"Fine, you and Willow need to take this course. For us," said Faith pointing to herself and Buffy.
Willow and Tara looked at one another and then agreed that they would take the class.
After the group talked for a while Faith and Buffy decided that they were going to make a run to Angel's and get dessert.
As soon as Faith and Buffy were gone Tara leaned over and kissed Willow soundly.
"I wasn't sure that I was going to get to do that at all tonight," said Tara.
"I didn't either," said Willow leaning in to another kiss.
After a few minutes of kissing they composed themselves and Tara told Willow about their trip to Seattle. The company had a two bedroom apartment that they kept there that they would be staying in. Since there were two bedrooms there was no pressure.
Buffy and Faith returned, the group ate dessert and they decided to call it a night. They agreed that they would do this again when everyone was back from Seattle. Faith and Tara left and Buffy and Willow started the cleaned up.
"Tonight was fun," said Buffy as they loaded the dishwasher.
"It was," agreed Willow.
"Tara is awesome Will. I can see why you like spending time with her."
"I do enjoy it. You and Faith seem to get along pretty well too."
"She is a lot of fun. I think we are going to have a very fun summer with them," said Buffy.
"Me too," smiled Willow.
They finished cleaning and they said their good nights.
"You and Buffy seemed to hit it off," Tara said as she and Faith walked back to her apartment.
"Yeah, she is a blast. You and Willow seem to be getting closer."
"Well, we spend most of the day working together, we've had time to talk and get to know one another," laughed Tara.
"Good point," said Faith as they reached the front door of Tara's building. Faith said goodbye and headed to her car and Tara went upstairs to her place to get ready for bed.
Once in bed Tara decided to text Willow. "Hi Sweetie, I had a great time tonight!"
Willow replied, "Hi Baby! I had a great time too. I'm looking forward to us and some alone time in Seattle."
Tara smiled. "I can't wait either," texted Tara.
Willow replied, "I wish I weren't so tired so we could talk more, but I will see you in the morning. I'll bring coffee. Sweet dreams!"
Tara read the message and she felt like she was going to burst with happiness. "Sweet dreams Sweetie! I will see you tomorrow."
The rest of the week passed in a blur. Willow spent a lot of time and long hours working with Donnie and Jesse about what she was going to have to do in Seattle for the overhaul. She had to learn the various programs, figure out security protocols since the ones they had for the other companies were compromised. Donnie and Jesse had locked down the entire TDM network not allowing any external connections nor did they allow files to be copied to any local or removable drives.
For Tara the week was spent going through employee files and various other files to assess who was doing what and how they might be able to spin what they were doing for a positive and who she was going to have to get on her side right away in order for this to go smoothly.
Willow met Tara at her apartment Sunday morning and they were picked up by Donald Maclay and taken to the airport. Once they were at the airport and checked in, the tension of the week seemed to slip away and they were finally able to enjoy their time together. They knew that Faith was picking them up from the airport and taking them to the apartment, but after that it was going to be just them. They were both nervous and excited to see what the night and time alone together would bring.
TBC...