Queenphoenix08 – I think she's starting to suspect something, that's for sure!
Willara4ever – Uh huh, I think she's very methodical like that! Mia wants what she can't have, which is often a recipe for disaster!
CurlyAkemy – Yes it was! Was curious if anyone would get it ;)
Willowtarafan4life – You won't feel sorry for her for long. We are currently in late August/early September 2005
StephenPG – Well, even the limits of Tara's ability to see good is going to be stretched by the time this is all over!
In a word, pissed.
Grace is straight.
Haha, yep, Willow does have a tendency to pick things out at random times.
Thank you for your patience!
Dirty Tube Socks – It's a while back, chapter 23!
"So are you keeping this class up next year?" Mia asked, smiling almost giddily.
"I'm not sure, I'm still sorting out my schedule," Tara replied, leaving her assignment down as she approached the professor's desk.
"Yeah, it's hard to fit in those electives," Mia said, quickly copying the action and following her towards and out the door.
Tara nodded.
"I think, um, 'Introduction to Theatre' is the only decided one so far."
"That sounds like it could be fun," Mia replied, almost standing on the tips of her toes excitedly.
Mia was first mentioned way back in 'Family' as "...that skank who had a crush on you in college and tried to break us up", so she's got some skanky bitchiness to live up to! Definitely never intended to be a sympathetic character.
Willow giddily bounced in her seat as she waited for Tara to arrive in their class. She couldn't wait to share the good news she'd seen upon arriving.
Someone else approached her first. She looked up and recognised Tara's friend, though the woman didn't appear too happy.
"Is Tara not coming to class today?"
"She just stopped to get something, she'll be here in a sec," Willow replied cordially, then offered her hand, "We never really got properly introduced. I'm Willow."
Mia looked like she was being asked to pick up a slug, but begrudgingly shook Willow's hand.
"Mia."
"Yeah, I know," Willow replied with a smile, trying to be friendly, "I'm glad you and Tara get on so well, it's nice for her to have a friend. Oh and she told me about–"
She cut herself off as she noticed a familiar face come through the door and jumped up to rush over to her girlfriend.
"Tara, Tara, you got the lead!"
"Huh?" Tara asked, bewildered.
"Look!" Willow said excitedly, pulling her over to the cast list posted on the noticeboard.
Tara's eyebrows rose as she saw her name printed next to the female lead.
"I told you, I told you, you were great!" Willow continued, thrilled and proud.
"Um, yeah," Tara replied, not as enthusiastic.
"Everyone back to your seats now please, we have a class to get on with," the professor's voice suddenly projected throughout the room as she came in and clapped her hands together to bring about silence.
Willow started to move back to their seats, but Tara broke away.
"Just a sec," she whispered and walked over to the professor.
Willow sat back down and watched the two exchange a few words. She couldn't hear, but could tell Tara was nervous and apologetic, while the professor seemed frustrated, then resigned. She finally nodded and Tara looked relieved as she made her way back.
"What was that about?" Willow asked.
Tara offered Mia a wave and a quick hello as she sat between them, but the professor explained the situation before she had a chance to.
"There is a change in casting. Laila Jones will take over the role of Linda and Tara Maclay will assume her role."
There was a happy shriek from the other corner but both Mia and Willow looked completely surprised, though for different reasons.
"What the heck?" Willow asked, "Why?"
"I told you I didn't want it," Tara replied, getting her notebook and pen out to take notes.
Willow's mouth was agape.
"I thought you were being modest! Why don't you want it?"
"Yeah, Tara," Mia jutted in, though her eyes were shining with delight, "Why would you turn it down?"
"Because it requires kissing a pair of lips that aren't yours," Tara replied to Willow, matter-of-factly.
Willow faltered. She hadn't been aware of that. But she didn't want to hold Tara back either.
"But…it's the lead…"
Tara gently cupped Willow's cheek and quickly brushed her thumb over her girlfriend's jawline.
"I don't ever want to kiss anyone but you."
Willow smiled.
Mia didn't.
"That means we're scene partners," she interjected, hating how much of their possible conversation was halted by Willow being there.
She couldn't wait to get Tara alone.
"Great," Tara replied with a pleasant smile, "We can go over our lines together."
Mia's eyes flashed with Machiavellianism but she didn't get a chance to reply as the professor quietened them all down again and began to start lecturing on the subject of the day; neoclassical theatre.
Tara listened; quite interested in the history and how it related to ages of art she'd studied.
She was oblivious to the loving gazes being directed at her from either side.
When class was finished, her attention was caught by the professor.
"Tara, a word."
She frowned nervously and gathered her things.
"See you tomorrow," she said to Mia, then whispered to Willow, "Meet me outside?"
Willow nodded and Tara went down to the professor's desk, trying to keep her hands still in front of her. The professor was idly sorting some papers.
"Are you sure I can't convince you to take on the role? I think you have tremendous promise."
Tara's cheeks flushed lightly but she shook her head.
"I-I'm very interested in learning more about the theatre but I don't…there's one emotion I can't fake…or give to…I-I'm sorry."
The professor nodded her head, dignified as ever.
"Very well, though I wouldn't recommend pursuing any more classes within the acting field if you put those restrictions on yourself."
"Thank you…I'm glad I still get to experience this class," Tara replied, hating even the merest of confrontations, "And for your understanding. I s-should have said something before you made up the cast lists. I never thought I'd get the part."
"Well it's better you spoke up than not at all…give someone who wants it the opportunity," Professor Riggin said, putting things away in a briefcase, "I still expect you to give your full effort to the smaller role."
Tara nodded dutifully.
"I will."
"Good," Riggin replied, offering a rare smile, "Have a good weekend."
Tara returned the sentiment and quickly left, to be greeted by Willow on the other side of the door.
"Hey. Look at you. All coming out of class and everything."
"I do that sometimes," Tara replied, smiling, "Usually at the end part of the class."
Willow smiled back and reached for Tara's hand.
"Did she convince you to take the role?"
Tara's eyebrow quirked as they walked away.
"You really want me to kiss that guy?"
Willow held back a shudder.
"No, of course not. But I'll deal with it if it means you not missing out on an opportunity. It's a super tiny part of the role. I think. Right?"
She started to bite the skin on the side of her thumb as she thought about how 'okay' she was with it really, but Tara was quick to shoot it down again.
"Honey, you're the one who wanted to do drama. I'm just along for the ride. I don't need an opportunity."
Willow let out a small breath of relief and decided to let it go if it's really what Tara wanted.
"Irony is I won't even get to do drama…just painting trees and pulling curtains," she replied though looked pleased about it, "But I think I'm super lucky it worked out that way… I grossly underestimated the ability I have to make an ass of myself. No need to do it in front of a bunch of people."
"I bet you'll be the best curtain-puller they ever saw," Tara replied, full of belief.
Willow smiled bashfully.
"And I bet you'll be the best, darn 40's chick they ever saw! "she replied, believing it too, "Mia looked pretty happy about it."
Tara shrugged softly.
"Guess she feels more comfortable knowing someone in a scene with her."
"Yeah she doesn't seem to talk to many other people in class…" Willow replied, sighing once, "Really glad you have a friend and everything but does she have to be so… present… in our one class together?"
Tara swung their hands together.
"We still get to hold hands under the desk."
A slow smile spread on Willow's face.
"Yeah. I'm being a brat. I'm sorry."
Tara gave Willow's hand a squeeze.
"Make up for it tomorrow at the shelter."
Willow giggled, in a giddy mood, and threw her hands up cheerily.
"Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow, you're always a day away!"
Willow looked through the closet in search of a warm sweater to wear for the day. She'd thrown her laundry in there when she'd done it a couple of days before and somehow, by the power of Tara, it had all been magically transformed into structure and order.
She located her sweaters neatly folded, though spotted one that shouldn't be there given how she'd torn it in a moment of passion a few days previously.
"I threw this one out," she said, idly tossing it over her shoulder.
Tara walked over and picked it back up.
"I put it back."
"I ripped it," Willow explained.
"I fixed it," Tara countered.
Willow spun around.
"You fixed it?"
"I fixed it," Tara confirmed, holding it up to show.
Willow made a grab for it and examined the as-new garment.
"How did you fix it?"
Tara sat on the corner of the bed.
"With a needle and some thread."
"You know how to sew?" Willow asked, awed.
"It's not that hard," Tara shrugged.
Willow pulled the sweater on, feeling even more proud to wear it now it had a special Tara-touch to it.
"Ready?" Tara asked, standing again.
"Uh huh!" Willow replied, eager to take her hand, "Lead the way."
They left their room but it wasn't long before they were stopped again, as they met Becky at the main doors.
"Hey, lovebirds," Becky greeted, looking like she was just walking in from the night before.
"Hey, Becky," Willow replied while Tara waved.
"Hi Becky."
"Where are you two going on this sunny Saturday?" Becky asked, running a hand through her hair.
"We're volunteering at a homeless shelter," Willow replied.
Becky slumped.
"Why do you guys have to be such better people than me?" she said, rolling her eyes, though good-naturedly, "You're helping the needy and I'm… helping my needs… by watching a bunch of sweaty baseball players train later."
Willow eyed her friend.
"I thought the school coach told you stay away?"
"Haha," Becky replied in a bark, "I'm not talking about those amateurs…my new boyfriend's in the minors."
"New boyfriend?" Willow asked, interest piqued.
"Didn't want to say anything, you know how it is," Becky replied casually, though was obviously delighted to spill, "But he introduced me to the team last night, so I think that makes us officially an item!"
"Well, awesome," Willow replied, happy her friend had a new beau on the scene, "What's his name?"
"Luke Stinson," she said, his name leaving her lips with a purr, "Hottie Hotpants. Hey, he wants me to come to his game next weekend, it's in Fenway and everything, I'm sure I could get you guys in too."
Willow's eyes went wide.
"Uhhh…"
"Come on, don't make me beg to show him off, Kim's got a new beau too and won't have time. When was the last time you went to a baseball game?" Becky urged, wanting to show her man off now she was sure she wouldn't get a brush-off.
"Um, never," Willow replied with a single nod of her head, "For a reason."
"I wouldn't mind going to a game," Tara interjected, "I've always wanted to see Fenway Park."
Willow looked up at Tara, then shrugged.
"Alright, if the missus says it's a go, then it's a go."
"Awesome, wait 'til you see his biceps," Becky replied, almost growling as her eyes flashed to some memory, "I need to lie down just thinking about them. See you two later."
They all waved goodbye and Willow and Tara continued on their way to the shelter. The building looked quite destitute, though had been painted a bright colour to try and make up for it. They went inside and there was a sign directing them to the different outlets; upstairs for accommodation, left for the clothing bank and right for the kitchen.
Mia was standing right in the middle moving between areas, and was over like a shot, though only had eyes for one person.
"Tara!" she exclaimed like all her Christmases had come at once.
She chanced a hug and almost fainted when it was returned, though her smile quickly faltered when she spotted the other person standing next to them.
"You brought Willow."
"Here for duty," Willow replied diligently.
"More hands," Tara added.
"Uh huh," Mia replied, trying not to show her disdain, "Hey, Tara I was just about to start in the kitchen for the lunch time rush. Help out?"
Tara nodded but Willow still wasn't sure how to help.
"What can I do?"
Mia tossed her hands in the direction of a stack of white plastic bags, all of which seemed full.
"Those bags over there," she said, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips, "They all need to be taken out and folded."
"On it!" Willow replied, already scurrying over.
She noticed the bags already had labels on them, but didn't think much of it and started to open one. She picked it up and was about to upturn it, when a middle-aged man with age lines and a kind smile approached with his hands held up.
"Whoa, girlie!" he said, closing his hand over hers to stop her from going any further, "Whatcha' doin' there?"
"Sorting the clothes," Willow replied, feeling oddly like she was being chastised.
"Those bags have been sorted, ready to go. You don't want to go messing these up," the man replied, setting the bag down gently and pointing to the opposite corner, "You must have meant these ones."
Willow frowned; Mia had definitely pointed to the ones she was at. She glanced over and saw her laughing with her girlfriend, but wasn't close enough to see the sneaky touches coming from one party. She shrugged.
"Right, okay. Sorry, I must have misunderstood."
The man waved it off.
"No harm done. Newbie?"
Willow shoved her hands in her pockets and nodded.
"Yeah, first time."
The man guided her over to the as-yet unsorted clothes and showed her how they sorted them by size first.
"I'm Ernie, been running this place 20 years. How'd ya hear 'bout us?"
"Um, Mia told us," Willow replied, picking up a bag for herself to get on with.
"Oh yeah? She's a good girl," Ernie replied with a fond smile, "Maybe when she's a star some day we can say we knew her way back when."
Willow's brow furrowed.
"Star?"
"With the acting," Ernie explained.
"Oh, right," Willow replied, scratching her head, "It's probably a little early to be calling that."
"Well not many theatre students are offered a leading role in an off-campus stage show," Ernie said with a puffed-out chest like the proud mentor he was, "And I'm sure she'll get another offer this year too."
Willow stilled a moment.
"Theatre student?"
"Down at Boston College," Ernie said idly, then got a call to come help in the kitchen, "Can I leave you with these?"
"Um, yeah," Willow replied, though was distracted.
Why would a theatre student be doing an introduction course in junior year?
She was utterly confused, but didn't want to be seen as not pulling her weight after her earlier mishap, so focused on getting the donated clothes ready to display.
As much of a mess her closet was at home, she quite enjoyed the order and neatness of sorting. She hummed 'Heigh-Ho' quietly and found herself glancing over at Tara quite a lot.
Though her spidey senses were up about Mia, she wasn't thinking anywhere in the jealousy realm yet – all she was thinking now was how Tara had been so neglected that she'd had to resort to a place like this.
It was nice, but the clothes were old and dusty and the same stale smell emanated from the kitchen.
Never again. I'll make sure she's warm and fed and loved.
She glanced over again and saw her girlfriend had moved to a table and was conversing with an elderly lady in a tattered jacket with a toothless smile. Both were laughing.
So beautiful. So kind.
Tara seemed to sense eyes on her and looked over, offering a sly wink. Willow's cheeks flushed and a smile lit up her face.
She started to hum a bit louder as she worked.
As the sun began to hide away from the windows, her eyes were starting to turn blurry from the hours of looking at clothes tags. She admittedly felt a little heart ache from not being able to be close to Tara, though hearing her laugh filter over every so often certainly helped.
"You're certainly a trooper," Ernie's voice came as he came over to inspect, "People normally only last an hour or two in here. It gets pretty hot messed up with all the clothes."
Willow rubbed her eyes and tied the last string on the bag.
"I wanted to help," she replied, then reached for her wallet and took out a fifty, "Can I give this to you? As a donation? Or is there a box or something?"
Ernie took it and folded it into his breast pocket.
"Very kind of you."
"Very kind of you, running this place," Willow replied with an easy smile, "Wish I could do more. Me and Tara will come back. I mean, I haven't talked to her, but we'll make sure we help out."
Ernie nodded in Tara's direction.
"Tara, that Mia's new girlfriend?"
Willow frowned, though was too tired to read too much into it.
"No, she's my girlfriend."
"My apologies," Ernie replied, clearing his throat, "This old brain gets things muddled. Thanks again for all your help."
Willow just shook her head and Ernie departed. Willow walked over to where Mia and Tara were wiping down the tables.
"Can I help?"
Tara folded a dish cloth and smiled.
"Just finished. I haven't seen you all day."
"There was a lot of clothes," Willow replied, thinking she'd never complain about her own laundry again.
"Oh, baby, I'll massage your hands later," Tara replied, taking one hand and giving her a quick one then and there.
"You're lucky you have functioning hands and not frostbitten ones," Mia retorted.
Willow straightened up and cleared her throat.
"Yeah, I am. Didn't mean…um, well if I can do anything else to help, I will."
"Everything's finished for the night," Mia replied begrudgingly, though was delighted with how the day had gone.
She was sure she'd shared a bond of sharing with Tara that would serve her well in her quest to win her heart. She was already positive she'd picked up on some (non-existing) signals and flirty looks.
Had she been Willow, she would have marvelled at how intensely the brain can convince you of things that aren't real.
"Guess we'll head out then," Tara replied, keeping her hand in Willow's, "Think we could still catch that movie you wanted?"
"Yeah!" Willow replied, her face lighting up, "I'd love to."
They smiled at each other at a moment, then Tara seemed to remember they weren't the only ones there.
"So thanks for telling us about this place, Mia. We'll come back."
"Uh huh, definitely," Willow agreed, "Maybe I could try ladling next time."
Tara squeezed her hand and smiled, then waved and headed for the door, Willow by her side.
Mia waved and clenched her teeth, blaming Willow directly for not getting a goodbye hug. If it was the last thing she did, she'd find a way to get her out of the picture.
"Mmmhh, the cool air is nice," Tara commented as they happily strolled along the sidewalk.
"Do you want my sweater?" Willow asked, but Tara shook her head, the dimming sun catching her face in such a way that cast her with a halo, "You're an angel, you know that?"
Tara's cheeks flushed lightly and she cast her gaze down but was smiling.
"Were you bored today? You were all by yourself."
Willow shrugged one shoulder.
"It was okay once I got into it. You seemed like you had fun."
Tara nodded.
"The patrons were really nice. So was Mia."
Willow kicked a stone under her shoe.
"Yeah…"
Tara noticed the tone of voice and moved her arm around Willow's waist.
"What's up, buttercup?"
Willow couldn't help but smile.
"Nothing. Just a bad…vibe, I guess. I don't think she wants to be friends with me as much as she wants to be friends with you."
Tara realised then Willow had in fact been quite outcast for the day and squeezed her hip apologetically.
"Well that's her loss, you're the best."
"Thanks," Willow replied, putting everything out of her mind for now, "Hey, there's the movie theatre. I'll go get us tickets, you get us popcorn."
She took a twenty from her wallet and handed it to her to pay for snacks.
"You sure?" Tara asked, taking the bill.
Willow nodded.
"Uh huh, and get us some candy too, I'm starving."
Tara walked in to the concession stand and bought a large popcorn and drink for them to share, plus a box of raisinets and twizzlers.
"Yum, my favourites," Willow said, coming up behind her and grabbing a handful of popcorn, "'oodimingartseninute."
"It starts in ten minutes?" Tara deciphered and got a nod of confirmation, "Wanna go find seats?"
Willow nodded again and they went into the theatre. It was already pretty full but they found two seats together. They left the snacks between them and brushed fingers as they shared them.
Halfway through the movie, Willow successfully pulled off the yawn-and-stretch and proudly kept her arm around Tara's shoulders as a head rested on hers.
Smooth.
She was quite enjoying the movie and the throwback to her childhood, though wouldn't have objected had Tara wanted to distract her. She made a few attempts to instigate but Tara seemed happy to watch the movie.
A quick look around at the crowded seats around her told her why.
She contented herself with stroking her girlfriend's arm and hearing her giggle. When the movie finished up, Tara stretched back in her seat and smiled.
"That was fun."
"Uh huh," Willow agreed, sneaking a quick peck, "I love when you laugh."
Tara blushed and gathered their trash, then stood. She felt Willow's hand slip into hers as they walked out.
"Sure you don't want my sweater?" Willow asked, the sky now dark and the temperature dropped considerably.
Tara shook her head.
"We're only a few blocks away."
"'Kay, but if I see a shiver…" Willow said, swinging their hands together, "Do you want dinner?"
"I'm full from all those snacks," Tara replied, "I'll just make some toast later…but we can stop if you're hungry."
"Nah, I'm okay," Willow replied, "I have some pop-tarts hidden away, I'll have some later."
"Just when I thought we were getting somewhere with the healthy eating," Tara teased.
"Hey, I've been all with the salad and reduction of fried goods!" Willow replied indignantly, "You'd deny a girl her lonesome pop-tart?"
"'Course not," Tara replied, smiling, "I'm only teasing."
"Oh," Willow said, eyes shining, "Oh, well, I like it when you do that."
"I know you do," Tara replied, lips quirking up on one side.
Willow felt her heart skip a beat and leaned over for an impromptu cheek kiss. Tara blushed and giggled with much the same reaction as they strolled onto campus and back to their dorm.
They spent the evening talking and playing Go Fish when Willow found an old pack of cards, then settled into quietness as they got into bed. Tara was reading and Willow had her laptop atop her.
"Hey, Tara…something fishy is up…" she said, breaking the silence.
"Hmm?" Tara asked, keeping her focus on her book.
Willow sat up straighter.
"Um, well, the guy in the shelter said something about Mia being a theatre major and about being in a show and I looked it up and she was! She was the lead in a show in the theatre district last year!"
Tara gave a quick glance over her shoulder.
"Maybe she wanted to brush up on basic skills or something, or maybe she never did the academic side of it."
Willow frowned.
"But… it's weird. Why now?"
Tara sighed and closed her book, then turned over to face her girlfriend.
"Willow, I'm sure she has a good reason for doing the class. One that's none of our business," she replied, though could still see the wheels turning in Willow's mind, "Please don't get obsessive about this. It's just a college class. Let it go."
Willow opened her mouth to protest but saw the look on Tara's face and quickly closed it again.
"Okay, okay, I guess I'm being pretty nosy," she replied, closing her laptop, "I'll forget about it. But it's weird."
"A lot of people call us weird," Tara reasoned, "Willow, really. Don't go snooping."
Willow's shoulders tensed.
"I'm not gonna…" she started, face furrowed, "Do what I did before."
"You're not going to try and look up her school records or something?" Tara asked.
Willow's face turned to guilt.
"I was," she admitted, then quickly added, "But I won't now. I get it, okay? I…I get it. I can't do that stuff. Infringe on people's privacy. It's just so hard, it's all at my fingertips."
Tara gently brushed her fingers against Willow's upper arm.
"Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should."
Willow nodded, accepting that.
"I won't. I promise."
Tara smiled; that was enough for her. She turned again so she could curl into Willow's body and sighed happily.
"You're warm."
"Too warm?" Willow asked.
Tara shook her head.
"Uh uh, nice and warm."
Willow put her hand over Tara's waist and squeezed her hip.
"I love you, Tara."
Tara moved her head under Willow's chin and cuddled in.
"I love you, too, Willow."
Willow let those words sink into her heart as she closed her eyes to settle into sleep, happy again.
Nothing could come between her and Tara.