Willara4ever: Tara has to protect her girl and Cordy and Harmony deserve what they got. Meet the parents time!

bluepaintbox: Thank you for being such a great faithful reader! I truly appreciate it.

The Raider: Welcome to the story! Better late than never! I agree that we need more stories AU where Donnie and her Father aren't jackasses. Enjoy catching up and hopefully you will continue to enjoy the journey along the way.

RoseAndClay: Cordy got smacked down and put in her place. I don't know if it is a rollercoaster, but it is an interesting ride in the meet the parents 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 Thanks for being the best beta on this and all my published and especially the unpublished stories I have going.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 25

Previously:

"Mom, Dad…" exclaimed Willow.

Willow stood in the living room stunned. She was holding Tara's hand tightly unsure of what was going on. What were her parents doing here...in her apartment for that matter?

"Hey Wills. Look your parents are here," said Buffy with mock excitement motioning towards the elder Rosenbergs. "Hi Tara!"

"I didn't know you were going to be here tonight. How long have you guys been here?" said Willow.

"Hello Willow," said Sheila smiling at her daughter and ignoring the fact that Tara was standing there holding her daughter's hand. "We got here about fifteen minutes ago. Bunny here said it would be alright if we waited for you."

"Hello dear," said Ira. "Hello again, Ms. Maclay."

"You know one another?" asked Willow looking between Tara and her parents.

"T-they were in the meeting I was telling you about earlier," said Tara. "It is nice to see you both again."

"I-I thought you were meeting with a Jacob and Rebekah Rosenberg? That is what your dad asked me about last week."

"Their son got sick so your father and I came in their place," said Sheila. "We figured it would be a good opportunity to check on the house and see you."

"I see," said Willow as she led Tara over to the couch and they sat close to one another.

"How do you two girls know one another?" asked Willow's father.

"I work at TDM and a little over a month ago Tara and I started dating," said Willow still holding tightly to the blondes hand for strength and support.

"I'm going to get going. I have a class at the gym that I have to set up for," said Buffy standing up and making her way towards her room to get her stuff.

"Chicken shit," mumbled Willow as Buffy passed her.

"So, you are working at TDM?" asked Sheila.

"Yes, I'm an Security & Design Analyst. Tara and I have been working on a new campaign for childhood literacy."

"We heard a bit about that in the meeting today," said her father. "How long have you been at TDM?"

"I started in May just after graduation. Tara's brother Donnie recruited me before school ended. He's actually my boss."

"That is good that you got in some place where you can have a future and build a career," said her Mother.

"Ms. Maclay, what is it that you do at TDM? Have you been there long?" asked Willow's father.

Willow felt her heart sink with her fathers question. She now understood what Tara had meant when she said that the people they met with didn't listen to anything they had said.

"I'm the Head of Marketing and co-owner. I've been involved with the company since my dad started it when my brother and I were little. He made sure that my brother and I have been a part of the company and have helped make decisions for the company so that when he leaves it to us we know everything that has gone on."

"Really? Well, that is different," said Willow's mom.

There was a knock at the door and Willow jumped up to get it. When she opened the door it was the pizza that she had ordered on the way home. Willow paid for the pizza and stopped in the kitchen to get some plates and napkins.

"We ordered pizza on the way home, would you like to join us?" asked Willow unsure if she wanted her parents to say yes or no.

"What kind?" asked her Dad a smile peeking out of the corner of his mouth.

"Half veggie and half Sicilian," said Willow.

"That sounds lovely, thank you," said Sheila much to the surprise of everyone in the room.

"So, who are Jacob and Rebekah Rosenberg? Are they relatives?" said Willow as her parents took their slices of pizza and then Tara grabbed a veggie slice.

"No, it was just a coincidence that our last names were the same. Your father and I were approached by their group in Maine to join them in a research project. We can't discuss the details of the project though."

"Why the hush-hush?"

"We are just still in the preliminary stages working on theories and hypothesis," said Mr. Rosenberg.

"That sounds like it is a good opportunity for you both," said Tara receiving a smile from Willow.

"So, Willow, what ever happened to that young man you were seeing? Are you still together?" asked Willow's Mom

"Oz?" asked Willow receiving a nod from her mother. "We broke up years ago Mom. I am dating Tara now."

"Why?" her mother asked flatly.

"Because I am attracted to her both mentally and physically. She makes me happy," said Willow as she set her plate down and took Tara's hand.

"Is this a way of rebelling because you didn't get the attention you thought you deserved from us as a child?"

"No, and I resent the statement. I am not dating Tara as a way of rebelling. Mom, I love her," said Willow bringing Tara's hand up to her mouth and kissing it.

"Well, Tara. What does your family think of you and Willow dating?" asked Ira.

"My dad and brother are very supportive of our relationship. They adore Willow and can't wait to get to know her better."

"What does Bunny think of this?" asked Sheila.

"Buffy is perfectly fine with it. She likes Tara and sees how happy I have been since she came into my life."

"You do seem happy," said Willow's father.

"Well, at least we know she isn't a deadbeat like that Ox kid."

"Oz mom, his name was Oz," corrected Willow as she saw Tara smirk out of the corner of her eye.

The sat in silence finishing their dinner. Willow was grateful that Tara had been there and stayed.

"Buffy, what are you doing here?" asked Joyce as her daughter entered the house.

"Can't I come and see my mother?"

"Well, yes. I just didn't expect to see you."

"Well, honestly I needed out of the apartment. Willow's parents showed up unannounced and it looked as though she had plans with Tara."

"Oh my," said Joyce as she and Buffy moved into the kitchen and sat down at the island.

"I left as Willow's parents were asking Tara what she did at TDM and how long she had been there. She had been in a meeting with them earlier today."

"Oh, poor Tara. We should have her and Willow over for dinner some night. How are things going with them?"

"I have never seen Will so happy."

"I'm glad that Willow finally found someone who makes her happy. Tara seemed really nice when she was over after my little trip to the hospital."

"Oh Mom, you have no idea how nice that family is," started Buffy. "Tara's dad was ready to get you any specialist that you needed if it would help. Donnie and Tara were great giving Willow time off and supporting her."

"Wow, I had no idea or if I did I was too out of it that day," laughed Joyce. She knew that the subject was still a touchy one with her girls, but she was trying to lessen the incident.

"Not funny Mom! So, what do you have to eat? I'm starving," said Buffy.

"Hey Mom! Oh hey Buffy," said Dawn as she entered the kitchen.

"Hey Dawnie," said Buffy.

"Hey Honey. How was work?" asked Joyce.

"It wasn't bad. Donnie and his dad came in. They are such nice people," said Dawn.

They sat and discussed their day and their plans for the week while Joyce made dinner for her daughter and enjoyed the family time that they didn't have as often as she would like.

After they finished eating Willow and Tara cleaned up.

"I'm sorry for my parents," said Willow once they got into the kitchen.

"Sweetie, it's okay. I sort of expected it from what you had told me about them," admitted Tara.

"Well, I'm glad I was able to tell them about you and have them meet you," said Willow as she wrapped her arms around Tara's neck and felt the blondes arms go around her waist and pull her close.

Willow stared into Tara's eyes for a long moment before leaning forward and brushing their lips together. They both groaned at the touch of their lips.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" asked Tara softly.

"I'm positive," said Willow before she leaned in for another kiss deepening it instantly. Willow ran her tongue across Tara's bottom lip and was pleased to be granted access to the blondes mouth. Their tongues caressing the other as they were lost in the world that was theirs.

"Willow dear, your fath..." said Sheila as she entered the kitchen and saw the two women kissing.

"What's up Mom," said Willow reluctantly pulling out of the kiss and turning to see her stunned mother.

"Um, what are you doing?" asked the shocked older woman.

"I was kissing my girlfriend Mom," said Willow turning towards her mother her hands quickly going to Tara's that were around her waist to keep them around her.

"I noticed that. Why is more what I was wondering," stated Sheila before turning and leaving the room.

Willow followed her mother out of the kitchen pulling Tara along by one hand. When the trio reached the living room Willow's mom sat down next to her father and Willow and Tara sat down where they were before, still holding hands.

"Is there a problem?" asked Ira sensing the obvious tension in the room.

"I went to the kitchen and found them kissing," whispered Sheila.

"Is this a new trend in your generation?" he asked Willow and Tara, receiving a confused look from the two younger women.

"Mom, I told you and Dad earlier that Tara and I are dating. I'm IN love with her. When I look to the future and imagine my life, Tara is a very large part of it."

"I understand that, I just didn't realize that when you said dating you meant it like that," said Sheila.

"What the hell did you think I meant?"

"It doesn't matter what I thought," snapped Sheila. "So, is this love a mutual thing?"

"Yes, very much so," said Tara turning and looking lovingly at Willow. "I love your daughter more than I have loved anyone in my life."

Willow admired how at the ease Tara was as she spoke of her love. Willow felt the same, but knew she was not as good with words as the blonde was.

"I am sorry that you walked in on us, but I'm not sorry for loving her," said Willow.

"We wouldn't want you to be. This was just a surprise is all," said Sheila.

"So, what were you coming to say?"

"I was coming to tell you that your father and I were going to head home."

"Am I going to see you again before you leave?"

"We would like that," said Ira. "We'll call you tomorrow and make plans."

"Alright," said Willow as she and her parents stood.

Tara watched the redhead hug her parents before standing up.

"It was nice to see you again," said Mr. Rosenberg offering his hand to Tara.

"It was nice to see you and your wife again and get to know you better," said Tara receiving a forced smile from Willow's mom and a more genuine one from her father.

After Ira and Sheila had left Willow and Tara cuddled up on the couch.

"I'm sorry about them and our relaxing night getting ruined," said Willow resting her head on Tara's shoulder.

"You have nothing to be sorry about Will. I am glad that I got to meet your parents...again."

"I wish they could have been as understanding as your dad and brother were."

"Will, my dad and brother knew I was gay before I told them about us. Your parents didn't," said Tara as she kissed the top of Willow's head.

"Oh, right," said Willow. "Now that I know who you met with during the day I understand your frustration."

"I'm with you, the frustration is long gone," said Tara. "Well THAT form of frustration is gone, there is another type that you could help me with…"

"Would that involve you sleeping over tonight?" asked Willow seductively as she adjusted so that her face was millimeters from the blonde.

"Staying over yes, sleeping, I'm hoping not a lot," Tara said before closing the distance between her and the redhead.

Buffy arrived home hoping that the elder Rosenbergs had left for the evening. As she walked in the apartment she noticed how calm and quiet it seemed. She wondered how Willow and Tara survived the night with Willow's parents. Buffy saw that Willow's door was closed and she moved to go knock on it to get details. As Buffy neared the door she heard Willow and Tara's voices from inside the bedroom and realized that they were otherwise occupied and would not appreciate being interrupted.

"At least someone here is getting some special attention…" mumbled Buffy jealously as she quickly walked away from the bedroom and headed for her own room.

Morning arrived quickly for the two women in Willow's room. They had spent half of the night making love and appreciating one another's body.

"Don't wanna get up," groaned Willow as the alarm went off. She rolled on top of Tara and reached across and hit the snooze button.

"Mmmm, good morning," said Tara as she held Willow on top of her and started to place kisses on the redheads shoulders and neck.

"Good morning my love," said Willow as she leaned down and kissed Tara's soft lips.

"Every morning I wake up with you I have to remind myself that it isn't a dream and you are really here and really mine."

"You sure know how to sweet talk a woman Ms. Maclay," Willow said smiling at the woman below her.

"I only speak what I believe. I love you," said Tara holding the redhead closer to her body.

Willow lay there on top of the blonde with head buried into Tara's neck. They lay there for several minutes until the alarm went off again.

"Ugh, I would so rather stay in bed with you," said Willow.

"I would love to do that as well."

"Wanna shower with me," asked Willow leaning up on one arm and waggling her eyebrows at the blonde.

"As tempting as that sounds, I should probably let you get ready and go home and shower and get ready myself. Would you like a ride to work?"

"Can we make out briefly before we leave?"

"Don't we always?" asked Tara giving the redhead a coy smile.

"Then I'd love a ride."

Willow leaned over and kissed Tara gently. They both grudgingly got up and said there goodbyes and Tara headed home and Willow went to shower.

"Hey Tara," called Buffy as Tara was walking home.

"Hey Sis," said Donnie as they stopped by the blonde.

"Good morning! How's the running going?" asked the blonde.

"Fantastic. Buffy is an awesome trainer. What are you doing out this early?"

"I spent the night at Willow and Buffy's so I am going home to get ready for work."

"Oh, so this is my sisters version of the walk of shame?" teased Donnie.

"Oh big brother there is no shame here. What we did was pure enjoyment," smiled Tara.

"Ew, gross. That is so not a thought that I needed to have," said Donnie doing a full body shiver.

"At least you didn't have to hear it last night," Buffy said seeing Tara blush.

"I didn't need to know that either. I'm going to have nightmares now."

"No big brother, they are called daymares because you aren't going to bed for a long time. Oh and don't you, Willow, and I have a meeting later? Won't that be fun for you. I bet your mind comes back to this conversation and elaborates on it."

"You are evil. I swear that there has to be some demon in you to enjoy tormenting me this much."

"Nah, you just make it too easy."

"Alright, this is getting into the area where it is going to traumatize me. Time to get back to training," said Buffy.

They said their goodbyes and Donnie and Buffy headed off to finish their run and Tara went home to shower and wait for Willow.

As Willow and Tara were walking in to the building they saw Donald talking with Sheila and Ira.

"Oh what fresh hell is this," Willow said loud enough for Tara to hear.

"It'll be alright Sweetie. I'm here," responded Tara giving Willow a supportive smile as they walked up to their parents.

"Good morning," said Donald smiling at the girls. "Ira, Sheila you remember my daughter Tara and this is one of our up and coming shining star programmers, Willow Rosenberg."

"Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberg," said Tara.

"Good morning Tara. It is good to see you again," said Ira.

"Morning Mom, Dad," said Willow smiling at her parents.

"Good morning honey," said Ira.

"Good morning Willow," said Sheila who was looking at both Willow and Tara.

"I'm sorry, did you say that these are your parents?" asked Donald stunned.

"Yes sir," said Willow.

"Well that is fantastic. Why don't we go up to my office and we can discuss the partnership more. Tara would you check your schedule and make the needed changes to your schedule and please join."

"Of course," smiled Tara.

The group got in the elevator and rode up to the 4th floor where Willow wished everyone a good day and headed to her desk. Mr. Maclay and the Rosenbergs made their way past Tara's office and over to the big office.

"Hello," said Buffy answering her phone.

"Hey Buffy," said Willow trying to sound chipper.

"What's wrong Wills?"

"My parents are here...at work...again," started the redhead. "Tara and I walked in and there was Mr. Maclay standing in the lobby with my parents."

"Oh wow, that sucks Will. At least you don't have to be in a meeting with them."

"I swear Buffy if you just jinxed me by saying that," warned Willow.

"I, er, sorry! You love me remember that."

"Uh huh. You were supposed to be cheering me up, not making me fear my phone and email."

"Again, I'm sorry. I will buy you a coffee tonight, Willow-style."

"Alright, that may work to get you out of trouble."

"I have to get to the gym, but try to relax and not stress that you parents are there."

"I'll see you tonight."

Willow hung up the phone and let out a deep sigh.

"Sounds like someone didn't get a great start to the day," said Xander.

"The day started out amazing, it was once I got in the building that it went to hell."

"Wanna talk about it?" asked Xander as he sat down in Willow's cube.

"Oh my parents are currently meeting with Mr. Maclay on a joint venture."

"Eesh Will. I don't think I could handle knowing that my parents were meeting with the owner of the company I worked for."

"Yeah, like I said my day went to hell when I walked in and saw them talking. They met with Donald and Tara yesterday and from what I heard from Tara it wasn't a great meeting."

"You and Tara seem to be close," observed Xander.

"Yeah, we are. How is Anya doing with her ankle?" asked Willow.

"She's doing better. I've been waiting on her as much as I can. I bring her lunch, make dinner a few days a week."

"Sounds like you two hit it off. Is this love Mr. Harris?"

"Yeah, it is," blushed Xander. "We have only been together going on two months now and it just seems too good to be true."

"That's fantastic Xander. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks Willow. I should get back to work, but maybe we can hang out sometime."

"I'd like that," said Willow as the dark-haired man went back to his desk and Willow turned to start working on her task list."

"Please, have a seat at the table and let me grab my notes from yesterday and we can get started," said Donald.

"Thank you," said Sheila.

They sat down and started to discuss what the group the Rosenbergs were representing were looking for now that they had seen the initial presentation. As the discussion progressed it was Sheila who asked if they could see some of this campaign that they had been hearing about. Donald told them that he would have Willow and Tara give them a quick rundown on where they were at with it.

Donald called Tara and told her that after she got her schedule clear to contact Willow and have her come up so they could present what they have for the campaign thus far.

"Good morning Tara," said her assistant as Tara stopped at her desk.

"Good morning Melissa," said Tara. "What does my schedule look like today?"

"Well, you have a meeting at 10 with your brother, and a meeting at 2 with Anya."

"Great, can you tell Donnie that I don't think that I'm going to be able to make the meeting. I have to attend a meeting that my dad is having right now with some prospective clients."

"Will do. Would you like me to reschedule the meeting with Anya as well?"

"If you can get her to reschedule for Thursday I would be so grateful," said Tara.

"I'm on it. I put your coffee on your desk already too."

"And this is why you are the best assistant ever!"

Tara entered her office and started to get her notes and materials together to join the meeting when her dad called. After she got off the phone with him she took a deep breath and called Willow and told her that she needed her to come up and to bring the mock setups that they have completed for the campaign. Willow stated she would be right up.

"Hello," said Willow poking her head in the door. "Melissa said I could come right in."

"Yes, please," said Tara.

"So, what did you need the mock ups for?" asked Willow.

"Oh, my dad is making us, as in you and I, give your parents a sneak peek at what we have put together."

"You purposely didn't tell me that we were doing this so that I would come up here," said Willow narrowing her eyes at her girlfriend.

"I'm not stupid Willow. Had I told you what we were doing you never would have come up here," laughed Tara.

"You owe me Ms. Maclay," said Willow.

"I will make you dinner this week," said Tara.

"Fine, and I want snuggles," whispered Willow smiling at the blonde.

"Oh that is a given," Tara winked at the redhead.

Willow and Tara made their way to into her father's office and presented her parents and Donald with what they had completed so far.

"I can't believe you agreed to have dinner with them alone," said Tara as she sat on Willow's bed trying to help the redhead figure out what to wear to her parents house for dinner.

"Well, what was I suppose to say? They cornered me with you dad three feet away. I didn't want it to look bad me either saying no or that I needed to bring either you or Buffy with me."

"Oh, I'm sure Bunny would have loved that," laughed Tara. "Listen, pack a bag and you can go over, have dinner with your parents and then you can come back to my place and I will hold you and make the horror of the night disappear."

"I like the sounds of that," grinned Willow. She quickly packed a bag of stuff for work the next day and her toiletries bag.

"Good," said Tara standing up and pulling Willow into a hug. "I love you Willow."

"I love you too, Tara."

They held one another for a few minutes before Willow knew she had to get going or she was never going to get out of her parents house.

Willow sent a quick text to Buffy letting her know that she was going to dinner with her parents and then staying at Tara's. After that Willow kissed Tara and Tara headed back to her apartment and Willow headed to her parent's house.

Willow arrived at her parents house and rang the doorbell rather than just walking in.

"Willow come in," said her father opening the door and motioning for her to enter.

"Thanks."

They made their way to the living room where Willow found her mom enjoying a glass of wine.

"Would you like some wine?" asked Sheila.

"No thank you," said Willow as she sat down in the leather high back chair.

"It appears that Mr. Maclay thinks very highly of you," said Sheila.

"He is a great guy. He actually goes around the building and talks to the employees. He cares."

"It seemed like he cared," stated Ira. "Your presentation was fantastic."

"Thank you. Tara came up with the ideas, I just made them work."

"You two do a good job of hiding your relationship at work. I was impressed by it," said her mom.

"Well, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to be all cuddly in the workplace."

"Willow, are you sure about Tara? I mean dating a woman?"

"I am positive about Tara. I love her and she loves me. It wasn't something that I was looking for, but it happened, it was/is strong, intense, and something I have never had or felt before."

"We just want you to know that if you are feeling pressured to date her because of her position or the fact that her father owns the company…"

"There is no pressure. I actually had a crush on her before I even started working there. I had seen her around town and was entranced by her beauty. It wasn't until Donnie introduced us for the campaign that I learned Tara's name and who she was."

"You seem really happy honey," said Ira.

"I am Dad, I really and truly am."

"That is all we want," said Ira.

After a period of silence Sheila went and finished making dinner and they had their first official meal together as a family within the last nine months. After dinner they discussed the campaign, what Sheila and Ira's recommendations to the group were going to be and where things went from there. As the night wound down the elder Rosenbergs started to yawn and Willow jumped at the opportunity to go see Tara.

"Well, we'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. It was really great to see you Willow. You are building an amazing life and we are very proud of you," said her Mother.

"Maybe we can keep in touch more than once or twice every five months?" asked Willow.

"Of course dear," said Ira wrapping Willow into a hug and kissing the top of her head.

The finished their goodbye's and Willow headed to Tara's.

Tara had been watching the clock and every minute seemed like an hour. A little after 8:30 she received a text from Willow stating that she was on her way. The blonde smiled to herself messaged back for Willow to come right in when she got there. Then Tara went into the bedroom and changed into a silk negligée and silk robe. Tara was going to do everything she could to make sure Willow forgot any unpleasant moment of that night.

Willow entered the apartment and saw that it was lit up by candles, there was soft music playing on the stereo and Tara was no where to be seen.

"Honey, I'm home," Willow called out laughing to herself.

"It is about time," said Tara coming out of her bedroom and leaning against the wall to the hallway.

"Whoa…" Willow said as she stood there stunned. Her eyes roaming up and down the blondes body.

"Welcome home," smiled Tara as she pushed off the wall and made her way over to the non-moving redhead.

"You...amazing," stammered Willow. Now that the blonde was within reach Willow moved her hands to trace over Tara's body. She felt the silky curves, the heat from Tara's body coming through the silk. Her mouth was dry but she felt as though she could drool in a heartbeat.

"I wanted to make sure that tonight ended on a perfectly happy note," said Tara as she leaned in and started to kiss Willow's neck causing the redhead to place her hands on Tara's hips to stabilize herself.

"Was there something that happened before I got here, because I don't remember anything other than you gorgeous," said Willow leaning forward and kissing the blonde with as much passion and emotion as she could.

"Why don't we have a bath and then you can…"

"Worship at the altar of your heavenly body," Willow finished her voice showing the level of arousal that she was at.

"I love the sounds of that," Tara said before kissing Willow again.

"I love you," said Willow.

"I love you too," said Tara as she took Willow by the hand and led her to the bathroom where she removed Willow's clothes and allowed the redhead to slowly and sensually remove her robe and negligée before they entered the bathtub and began exploring each others body.

TBC...