RoseAndClay: Welcome back! I'm glad you liked the updates and progress. I hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Willara4ever: I know that Erin deserved more, but I wasn't ready to write in a trip to the police station. LOL Enjoy the next chapter!
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 Willara4ever for 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 Thanks for being the best beta on this and all my published and especially the unpublished stories I have going.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 21
Willow woke early and felt Tara's arms wrapped around her holding her close. She was amazed at how good it felt to be held by the blonde. She was never much of a cuddler with Oz, although had it felt like this she was certain she would have been. As she lay there she thought about the past day and a half.
Friday night she came over to see Tara. She had pushed the blonde up against the door and almost taken her right there. Tara had enough restraint to stop them at that moment. They moved to Tara's bedroom and made love. Afterwards they cuddled and kissed while just enjoying time together. Later that night Willow went home. She hadn't wanted to leave, but she knew that she would be spending Saturday night with Tara and she hadn't told Buffy she was staying. Not that she felt she had to check in with her blonde roommate, but she would still worry about where Willow was.
Saturday Willow had spent the day with Buffy. They had gone shopping to get some new stuff for Willow to wear to her meeting of the Maclay family. Buffy had convinced Willow to get a couple pairs of pants. One was just a pair of jeans, the other was a pair of leather pants. Buffy had told her that Tara would appreciate them. They then went and got a new peasant blouse to go with the jeans and then a low cut, red shirt, and black leather coat.
"You wear this outfit and I bet Tara will be drooling within minutes," laughed Buffy.
Once they got home Willow packed a bag and headed over to Tara's. They had made dinner together. Tara thought it would be nice to have a candlelit dinner in. They made a nice side salad to go with the pepper seasoned porterhouse steaks, grilled onions, and broccoli. Tara poured them some wine. Willow read the label and saw it was a 2007 Les Lézardes Syrah that paired perfectly with their dinner. After dinner they cuddled on the couch watching a movie. Tara tried to keep her attention to the movie, but she loved feeling Willow in her arms so much that she kept getting distracted.
"You know if you keep staring at me you are going to miss the whole movie," said Willow glancing up at the adoring look from the blonde.
"I may miss it, but you are so much nicer to look at," smiled Tara as she leaned down and kissed the top of Willows head.
They had moved into the bathroom to take a candlelit bath together in Tara's over-sized clawfoot tub. Tara brought the bottle of wine in with them for them to each relax with a glass. Willow savored the feel of Tara's body pressed against her. Tara was sitting behind Willow, her arms and legs wrapped around the redhead. Willow felt Tara's soft supple breasts pressed against her back. Tara's lips on her neck, her shoulders, Willow turned her head and they kissed passionately. They enjoyed the intimacy of being together. Willow thought and wished that every day could feel this serene.
Willow was pulled from her daydream as she felt Tara moving slightly next to her.
"Good morning, Sweetie," Tara said sleepily.
"Good morning, beautiful," smiled Willow turning to face the blonde and placing a soft kiss on her lips.
"Mmmmmm. Have you been up long?"
"No, I was just enjoying laying here in your arms and I was daydreaming about the past couple days."
"Is everything okay?"
"Better than okay. Everything is perfect," smiled Willow reassuring the blonde.
"No butterflies left in your stomach after last night," Tara grinned coyly.
"They are more like bats right now," said Willow seeing a slight frow cross Tara's face. "They are because I want everything to go well tonight and I don't want to get nervous and turn into babble-girl. I know that you have said that it is all going to go well and I believe that, but that doesn't mean the nerves listen completely."
"Poor baby," said Tara pulling the redhead closer and placing a soft kiss on the side of Willow's head. "What can I do to help?"
"You are doing it. I just need for you to hold me."
"I can handle this. I feel calmer holding you too."
They lay there enjoying the closeness for another half hour before Tara told Willow that they needed to get up and get ready to go pick Faith up at the airport.
Tara pulled up to the loading zone at the Sunnydale Airport just as Faith came out of the terminal.
"Hey T," said Faith. There was a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Hey Faith," said Tara as she hugged her best friend. Willow watched the interaction and realized how similar her relationship with Buffy was.
"Hi Willow," said Faith.
"Hi Faith," said Willow walking up next to Tara.
"Let's get out of here and get your mind distracted," said Tara picking up Faith's bag and moving towards the car.
"Thanks Tara. So, what have I missed?" asked Faith.
"Nothing really. Dad and Donnie picked me up Friday, Willow came over for dinner and stayed last night, then tonight we are telling Dad and Donnie about us."
"What is on the menu for tonight?"
"Caribbean Jerk Chicken, mixed veggies, and coconut rice," said Tara.
"Don't worry, Tara is cooking so it will be all safe to eat," laughed Willow.
"Not big with cooking Red?"
"I make a mean grilled cheese," said Willow.
They dropped Faith off at home so that she could rest and unpack. Tara and Willow then went to the store to get the ingredients and then went back to Tara's to prep dinner.
"Tara is there anything I can do to help? I may not be good at cooking, but I can help with the prep work," asked Willow as she watched Tara prepping dinner.
"I think you are doing it by sitting there looking gorgeous," Tara said with a wink.
"That was really cheesy T," said Faith as she entered the kitchen.
"Shush Faith!"
"What? It was," laughed Faith as sh sat down next to Willow.
"You seem like you are a bit cheerier than you were earlier," said Tara.
"On the outside you bet, on the inside - I am a hot mess."
"Well, I am glad you are here and joining us for dinner."
"Yeah, like I am going to miss you telling your dad and brother that you are in love," Faith scoffed.
"You really just want to be here to see if I start to babble. I know you," teased Willow.
"That my friend is an added perk to being here."
Tara finished making the marinade, she set some aside before putting the chicken in and closing the container. She finished chopping the veggies as they talked about how wonderful it was being in Seattle.
"Well, that is all set, why don't we go into the living room and relax until Dad and Donnie get here," said Tara.
They moved into the living room and Willow and Tara cuddled together as Faith sat in the nearby chair smirking.
"What?" asked Tara.
"I think you should stay just like that when your Dad and Donnie get here," laughed Faith.
"Yes, I want to give my Dad a heart attack. I don't think so."
"He is going to be happy for you."
"I don't doubt that, but I don't want him to find out...well the way you did," giggled Tara receiving a mock glare from the brunette.
"Have you thought about when or what you are going to say?"
"Nope, but I will know when the time is right," said Tara winking at Willow.
"Faith, can you get the door," called Tara from the kitchen where she and Willow were working on getting the last minute prep items for dinner completed.
"Sure T," said Faith as she answered the door.
"Hey Faith," said Donnie as he entered the apartment.
"Hi Faith, it is good to have you back," said Donald as he entered.
"Hey, Tara and Willow are in the kitchen finishing the prep work for dinner."
"Hi Daddy," said Tara as she exited the kitchen quick and hugged her father.
"Hi Sweetie. Thank you for having us over."
"Hi Willow," said Donald as Willow came out of the kitchen.
"Hello," smiled Willow.
"What do you want to drink?" asked Tara.
"I'll have a beer," said Donnie.
"I'll have water," said Donald.
Willow sat down in one of the chairs and Tara after getting the drinks sat down in the chair next to her.
"So, what was Seattle like?" asked Donald.
"Gorgeous as ever," said Tara.
"Mostly," said Faith softly.
"Mostly?" asked Donnie.
"Erin was there," grumbled Faith.
"Oh," said the two men together.
"She didn't bother you did she Sweetie," asked Donald a look of concern plastered on his face.
"She tried, but Willow, Faith, and Emily kept her at bay."
"Thank you for that," said Donald looking at Willow and then to Faith.
"Have you ever been to Seattle before Willow?"
"No sir, this was my first time," said Willow feeling the bats in her stomach flutter.
"Willow, we aren't at the office, please call me Donald or even Don."
"Sorry sir, I don't know why but I seem to be nervous and I know that Tara and Faith told me not to be I just seem to still be nervous and when I get nervous I babble and now I'm babbling and just shoot me please someone," babbled Willow before Faith broke the babblefest by tossing a pillow at Willow and hitting her in the face. "Thank you."
"Trust me Red, that was all my pleasure," laughed Faith and the others.
"So, what did you guys do while you were there besides avoid the bitch," said Donnie receiving a glare from his father. "What? She is."
"Well, we went to the dinner and the beach, checked out the zoo, we went to the Space Needle for dinner," started Tara.
"I love going there for dinner," said her father.
"Buffy mentioned that you guys went there to eat. She said she's scared of heights but the view was pretty great," said Donnie.
"Really?" smirked Willow noticing how attentive Donnie had been to what Buffy was telling him.
"We, um, we talk while we run in the morning," Donnie backpedaled before he realized that Willow was teasing him. "Watch it Rosenberg."
Willow laughed and felt the tension of the day starting to fade.
"How was the apartment?" ask Donald.
"The apartment was great," said Tara.
"It is an amazing place," said Willow.
"I'm glad you guys liked it there. I hope the place wasn't too small. I know how it is basically living with a stranger."
"Um Dad, you remember that Willow and I hang out outside of work too right? We also have sent a while working very close together. She isn't a stranger."
"Oh, I know, but she is someone you haven't lived with before."
"True. Um, Will, can you help me start dinner quick?"
"Sure," said Willow as she got up and followed Tara into the kitchen.
"I don't want to wait until after dinner," Tara said as soon as they were alone in the kitchen.
"That is fine with me, Baby," said Willow as she backed Tara up against the counter and kissed her softly.
"Hey T...Seriously? Again?" said Faith as she walked into the kitchen to see them kissing.
"Oh come one Faith. It isn't as big of a surprise if you already know. DUH," whispered Tara.
"I could have been your father or brother."
"No, I would have heard you coming had you been either of them. Have you ever noticed that they don't walk all that quietly?"
"No I have never noticed that. What the hell kind of statement is that," said Faith and then she heard the sound of footsteps coming towards the kitchen. Willow moved to the island and started to prep the veggie packs and Tara pulled the chicken out of the refrigerator.
"Hey Tara," said Donnie. "You got another beer?"
"Sure," said Tara reaching into the refrigerator and grabbing her brother a beer.
"Thanks. So, did I interrupt girl talk?" asked Donnie grinning at the three women.
"Nope," smiled Tara.
"Well, then why does Faith look like she has a secret that is going to kill her if she doesn't tell it soon?" asked Donnie motioning towards Faith.
"It is more of if she tells the secret SHE will be killed," warned Tara politely.
"Come on Faith, lets go talk," said Donnie as he put his arm around Faith and led her out of the kitchen.
"Tara seems happy. Happier than I have seen her in years," said Donald as Faith and Donnie returned to the living room.
"Yeah, I think Sunnydale has been good for her," said Donnie. "I know we've gone out and done more here than we did the entire time we were in Seattle before coming here."
"What do you think Faith?" asked Donald.
"I think Sunnydale is just what Tara needed," smiled Faith.
"What do you two think of Willow?" asked Donald.
"Red, she's really cool."
"She is great. She does amazing work and she has looked out for Tara so that wins her points with me," said Donnie.
"You know that Tara…" started Donald as he heard Willow and Tara coming into the room.
"And what are you guys talking about?" asked Tara seeing the guilty looks on their faces.
"We were just talking about how happy you seem to be and how Sunnydale seems to be a good fit for you Sweetie."
"You do seem pretty happy Sis."
"I am happy. I can honestly say that I think this move may have changed my life for good."
"How so honey?" asked her father leaning back on the couch.
"Well, when we first got here Donnie took me out to The Bronze and I saw this amazingly beautiful woman. I started to get past the brooding from what Erin had done to me."
"I remember that - you saw her in several places but I never got a look at her."
"No, you didn't. Then I met WIllow, Buffy, and even little Dawnie and I have a nifty social group now."
"That is awesome honey."
"You would think that is enough to make me happy, then it gets kicked up another notch."
"How so?" asked Donnie.
"Because I actually met the gorgeous woman from The Bronze…"
"You did? When? You never told me and we tell each other almost everything. I mean I don't want details about your sex life. Sorry Dad, she is an adult," said Donnie as his father groaned.
"Donnie relax, breathe...geez Will, I think you've rubbed off on my brother with the babbling."
"I have rubbed nothing on your brother...okay, that sounded WAY better in my head," laughed Willow.
"I'm sure it did," said Donnie blushing a little.
"So, I want to hear more about this person from where was it, The Bronze," said Tara's father his interest peaked.
"Yeah, me too," said Donnie.
"Well, let's see...oh hell as fun as this was in my head, I can't keep this torturous game up, it was Willow that I saw at The Bronze and around town. We've been dating for almost a month," said Tara as she took Willow's hand.
"Huh, wha, uh, huh?!" said Donnie trying to process what his sister said and why she was holding Willow's hand..
"Repeat that please," said Donald. "And slowly for the older folk."
"Willow was the beautiful woman I saw at The Bronze and then several places around town. I didn't know who she was until Donnie brought her to my office for us to start working on the campaign. We got to know each other and started dating."
"And you have been hiding this for almost a month?" asked Donald.
"Yes," said Tara looking downward.
"WHY?" asked her father dumbfounded that his daughter would hide something like this.
"That would be my fault sir, um Donald," said Willow. "Tara is the first and only woman I have ever been attracted to, so this was new for me and we kept it quiet because I needed to come to terms with who I really am."
"That makes sense. I'll respect that answer. Faith, did you know about this?"
"I learned about it right after they got to Seattle," smirked Faith. "I walked in on them kissing. They were nice to you guys and Buffy. YOU didn't get the heart attack."
Donnie was laughing at the thought of Faith walking in on Willow and Tara kissing. "I can just see your face," said Donnie.
"Well, honey I am happy for you," said Donald as he got up and hugged his daughter. "I knew you liked her back when we talked right after you started working on the campaign. Didn't you tell me she was involved?"
"Yeah, that was when I thought she was dating her roommate Buffy," said Tara sheepishly.
"Ewww," said Willow doing a full body shiver. "Can we not mention me and dating Buffy in the same sentence ever again? Please?"
The room laughed as everyone got comfortable and Willow and Tara sat closer together.
"So, I would say 'not to put you on the spot,' but I mean to," said Donald. "Is this something serious?"
"I'm in love Daddy," blushed Tara and Willow followed.
"Whoa, you're in love?" asked Donnie. "You used the 'L' word and everything?"
"We're in love," corrected Willow as she gazed into Tara's eyes getting lost in the pools of blue.
"And they are the cutest thing you have ever seen, just make lots of noise before you enter a kitchen that they are in," teased Faith.
"Why? Just because you walked in on them that one time?" asked Donald.
"I walked in on them a few minutes ago as well."
"Tattle tail," said Tara sticking her tongue out at Faith.
"Tara, don't tease Willow by taunting Faith," said Tara's father much to the surprise of everyone in the room.
"Daddy!"
"What?" said Donald grinning.
"I can't believe you said that Dad," said Donnie.
While this was going on Faith was laughing in her chair and Willow was watching in mortification. Tara turned and saw the look on Willow's face.
"I didn't warn you about my family did I?" said Tara as she kissed the side of Willow's head.
"Um, no," whispered Willow.
"I am going to go check on dinner," said Tara as she left the room.
"Willow, in honesty. I am glad that you and my daughter found one another. She has been so happy and now we know why."
"You have an amazing daughter. I love her dearly," said Willow with confidence.
"I can tell she feels the same way. So, tell me about your family," said Donald.
"There isn't a whole lot to tell. My parents are very career driven so I am an only child. I didn't see a lot of them growing up, but Buffy's mom essentially took me in. Joyce came to my school events, she took care of me when I was sick, she helped me when it came time to choose a college."
Willow glanced up and saw Tara leaning against the wall watching the interaction between her father and Willow with a satisfied grin.
"Dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes," said Tara as sat down and took Willow's hand again.
"Tara, dinner was amazing," said her father.
"It really was," agreed Donnie.
"Well, you know that I love cooking for my family," said Tara smiling.
"I'll clean up. You made such an amazing meal that you deserve to rest," said Willow placing a kiss on the side of Tara's head.
"I'll help," said Faith.
Tara, Donnie, and Donald went to relax in the living room while Willow and Faith cleared the table.
"I'm glad you relaxed," said Faith as she handed Willow a plate to rinse for the dishwasher.
"They make it easy," said Willow.
"That they do!"
They finished washing the dishes and loading the dishwasher and then grabbing drinks went to join the others.
"You seem happier than I have ever seen you," said Donald.
"Dad's right. I don't know that I have ever seen you glow like this," said Donnie.
"I'm in love with her," Tara said simply.
"Honey, I have liked getting to know her tonight, I look forward to getting to know her better as time goes on."
"You chose a great one this time Sis!"
Willow and Faith entered and everyone saw Tara's face lit up and she held her hand out for Willow to sit next to her.
"Now, as happy as I am for you two, I expect you to be professional at work," said Donald.
"I already covered that," said Faith.
"Good."
The group fell into a comfortable conversation about work until Willow's phone rang.
"Hey Buffy," said Willow answering her phone.
"Hey Will," said the voice on the other end. "I'm really sorry to interrupt."
"It's okay," said Willow excusing herself and going into the kitchen. "What's up?"
"I just wanted to let you know that Mom is in the hospital."
"What? Buffy, what happened?"
"She was having another one of those headaches that she has been getting and she blacked out and had Dawn not been there to catch her she would have collapsed onto the living room floor."
"When did this happen?"
"We just got to the hospital, I knew that if I waited to call you'd be mad," said Buffy.
"Yes, I would have been. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"Will, just finish family night and when it is over come down. Mom is going to be in having tests and scans for the next couple of hours."
"Alright. Text me where you are so I can meet you guys when I get there. If anything changes Buff, call me."
"I will."
Willow took a moment to steady herself before going back into the living room.
"Hey Sweetie. Is everything okay?" asked Tara as Willow sat down next to her. Tara could tell Willow was upset though she was trying to hide it.
"That was Buffy. Joyce is in the hospital," said Willow trying to hold in the emotions.
"Oh no, what happened?" asked Faith.
"She has been having headaches, I convinced her to go to the doctor to get them checked out. I guess today she had a bad one and blacked out and poor Dawnie caught her as she went down."
"Will, do you need to go to the hospital?" asked Tara.
"Buffy told me to come down afterwards," said Willow.
"Willow, I am so sorry. I know from what you said earlier how much Joyce means to you. Let me know if you or Buffy or Joyce need anything. If you need specialists, we'll get them," said Donald putting his hand on the redheads shoulder and squeezing it.
"Will, take tomorrow off and if you need more time let me know," said Donnie.
"I have stuff to get done," said Willow.
"Family first," said Donnie looking around the room. "We take care of one another and you making my sister as happy as she is makes you family."
Tara stared at her father and brother grateful for their support and the support they were offering Willow.
"I say we call it a night so that T and Red can get down to the hospital," said Faith offering both Tara and Willow a supportive smile.
"I agree," said Donald.
Donnie stood and hugged Willow and thanked her again for making his sister so happy. Then he hugged Tara and told her how happy he was for her and he hoped that they would have many more family dinners together with Willow.
Donald hugged Tara and told her that he was happy she found someone to love who truly loved her back. He then hugged Willow and reiterated to her that he meant what he said on if they needed anything.
Faith hugged Tara and then Willow and told them to keep her updated on things.
After everyone was gone Tara pulled Willow into her arms and held her close.
"Your family is amazing," Willow said as she rested her head on Tara's shoulder.
"I know they are, but you are a part of that family now too."
Tara leaned her head down and softly kissed Willow.
"Come on, let's get down to the hospital to help support Buffy and Dawn."
"I would say you don't have to go, but baby I really need you there," said Willow.
"I would be there no matter what Sweetie. I remember what it was like when my mom got sick. It was the most terrifying experience I've ever been through. I want to be there for Buffy, Dawn, and Joyce. They were there for you."
"I love you," said Willow hugging the blonde tightly.
"I love you too," Tara said kissing the side of Willow's head.
Tara grabbed her keys and they headed off to Sunnydale Hospital.
TBC...