SoPch4

Buffy debated all the way home on how to tell Willow about Oz' unexpected arrival. She was inclined to take her aside and tell her without Tara there, but she didn't want to make it seem like it was a secret, or like she thought Tara didn't deserve to know right away.

When she reached home again, she entered through the front door. Earlier, she had scaled the tree up to her bedroom window--now the extra bedroom, since she shared the master bedroom with Spike--to get the clothes for Oz.

Tara and Willow were sprawled comfortably on the couch with a half-eaten bowl of popcorn between them. A glance at the tv confirmed that they were watching their favorite movie, Practical Magic'.

Hey, guys. Sorry I'm late. Something came up. Dawnie in bed? A glance at her watch told Buffy that it was way past her sister's bedtime, but being fifteen, Dawn usually tried to extend her time awake by any means possible.

Yeah. We threatened to stop teaching her glamours if she didn't get a full eight hours. Willow grinned at her friend, who plopped down next to her.

Thanks for staying. I know she's too old for babysitters...but even though she's not the Key anymore, she's still the little sister of the Slayer, so, still a target.

Tara smiled. Buffy, you should know by now that we love hanging with Dawnie. She's family. You both are. Willow nodded vigorously, then frowned.

Hey. You said something came up. Anything of the bad? A slow grin spread across Willow's face, and she leaned over to jab Buffy lightly with her elbow. Or, something good came up...like, the kind of good that leads to a secluded spot with Spike?

Buffy blushed, but shook her head. Her friend was far too aware of her tendency to get carried away with her vampire lover, but in this instance that wasn't the case.

She took a deep breath and faced her friend, who had put on an exagerrated resolve face' and intoned,

Willow, Oz is back in town.

Tara froze for a second as her heart plummeted into her stomach, even though she knew she should be confident in Willow's love.

Willow said nothing at first, her face a stony mask as she leaned back against the couch, staring at the tv. Finally, she spoke softly, flatly.

Why? Why did he come back this time? Does he think things have changed?

Buffy smiled gently at her friend and shook her head. Will, he followed a demon here.



Tara slipped her hand into Willow's, lacing their fingers together tightly.

What kind of demon? The red-haired witch asked dully, not looking at either of the other women.

We don't know. We're gonna call a Scooby meeting tomorrow to get all the details and see if we can dredge anything up. He followed it from Tibet.

Willow started at that, and turned to peer at Buffy disbelievingly.

He followed it from Tibet?

For like, months. Weird, huh?

Willow rose suddenly, and pulled Tara up with her.

We're gonna...go. Now. Willow turned to leave, but Buffy jumped up and placed a hand on her arm.

Wills, are you okay? If it helps...and I'm sure it doesn't, but...he told me to tell you he didn't come here to disrupt your life.

Willow met her friend's anxious gaze, but her lip trembled as tears sprang to her eyes.

Buffy, there's no way he couldn't. Just his being here... She turned to look at Tara with an apology in her eyes, but Tara just smiled sadly and shook her head. Willow sighed and shot a rueful smile back to Buffy. Hey, you know how it is.

Buffy nodded. In spades, she muttered softly, squeezing Willow's arm before releasing her gentle grip. Tara tugged on Willow's other hand.

C'mon, honey. Let's call it a night.

Impulsively, Buffy leaned over and pulled her friend into a quick hug, then nodded to Tara.

I'll see you guys in the morning.

Willow somberly turned and let Tara lead her out as Buffy sat down on the couch to wait for Spike. As she mulled over the evening's events, she realized that when bringing up Oz' return, she hadn't even flashed on Angel's surreptious Thanksgiving visit a few years earlier until Willow had alluded to it.

Yes, things really had changed.

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow and Tara had continued holding hands all the way back to their apartment, but they hadn't spoken. Now, they both got ready for bed, each lost in their own world of thought. Finally, Willow turned Tara and smiled tremulously.

Tara, I don't mean to make this hard for you, too. I wish I didn't react every time he came home, which granted has only been once since we broke up for good, but...

Tara leaned against the doorway, a soft smile flitting across her face. Hey, you chose me, remember? Who am I to question your motives?

Willow smiled, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes, and her gaze fell to the quilt on the bed. Tara moved across the room and sat on the bed next to her lover, taking her hands.

Willow. Look at me.

Willow slowly lifted her head up to meet her lover's, her eyes full of confusion and guilt. Bringing one of Willow's hands to her cheek, Tara spoke softly.

Honey, I would really be sad if you didn't still love him. He was your first. I hope I'll be your last. But if I'm not, I like to think that even if we're not together, you'll still remember me with love in your heart.

Willow dutifully tried to protest the idea of them not being together, but Tara silenced her with a kiss.

After a long moment, Willow pulled back with a bemused grin. Do I deserve that?

Of course you do, silly. Tara shook her head and rolled her eyes.

Willow leaned back against the pillows, sighing heavily and blowing strands of loose hair off her face.

The weird thing is, she mused, idly plucking at the quilt, is that I'm sad but...not sad. Almost like I feel like I'm supposed to be sad so I act sad, and almost convince myself... She glanced at Tara, who was patiently trying to follow her lover's train of thought.

Sorry. Babbling, and not so much making with the sense.

Tara shrugged and leaned against Willow's side so that their faces were close.

I meant what I said, honey. I don't expect you not to have feelings for him. But don't try to convince yourself that you need to hang on to feelings that aren't there, either. You can remember the love you had with Oz and it doesn't have to hurt anymore. When you see him, remember the good stuff and let the rest go.

Willow nodded. Yeah, I think I remember telling Buffy something like that about Angel. I wonder why I haven't taken my own advice?

Tara studied her for a few seconds before venturing, Well, maybe you just haven't dealt with it yet. Do you actually think about him that often?

Willow considered the question carefully, then shook her head with a look of surprise on her face. You know, I really haven't. Hunh.

Tara nodded, as if her suspicions were confirmed. You've had a lot of stuff happen in the last couple years and Oz hasn't been part of your life. Don't feel guilty for moving on.

Willow nodded and pulled Tara into a firm embrace. Okay. Plus, you know, there's this whole other thing going on.

Tara smiled into Willow's collarbone. You mean the new demon in Sunnydale thing?

Willow grinned. Well, that too. But actually I meant the thing where I get to start kissing you now.

Tara leaned back and peered into her lover's face. Oh. That thing. We've definitely got that thing going on.

As the two women embraced, their energies mingled, causing a frisson that filled the air with an almost electric current. As their passion grew, the air became charged, although neither witch noticed the excess of magical energy that swirled around their room.

* * * * *

Miles away, deep in the seclusion of the darkest woods in Sunnydale, something lifted its head and sniffed the air. Suddenly alert, it began shambling through the trees slowly but purposefully. Love was in the air, and it called to the beast as if it were the song of the most tempting siren.