Chapter Seven

It was quiet in the house the next morning when Buffy got up. She had a restless night of sleep; wondering why Xander made such a choice of people to help Willow and what was to happen with Tara. She felt selfish for thinking of Tara first but the woman had wove her way into Buffy's heart and the thoughts couldn't be helped.

Faith stood watching Buffy for a minute then spoke. "B, I know you don't like me but Angel does. If you have trust for him, you need to trust me or Red isn't gonna get better."

Buffy looked up at the dark slayer sharply, offended that Faith was insinuating only she could help Willow. "When did you become so versed in matters of emotions that you can help Will and we can't?"

"Since I became a murdering lost kid and learned to pay for it every day that I live." Faith shot back trying to keep her anger in check. "Look B, I know you love Red and all but honestly I don't think she's going to recover here. She won't be able to handle watching Tara slip away from her and you and Tara won't be able to free yourselves to have a little happiness because you both would feel guilty. Now I don't know Tara's feelings but I know yours. I can see it in your eyes; you are getting feelings for Tara and that would push Willow over the edge more so than I was." Faith said with confidence in her voice as Giles finally stepped out of the kitchen.

"She's right Buffy," he pulled his glasses back on his face as he spoke. "I'm not saying neither you nor Tara will ever act on your feelings; nor do I believe that is the most important objective here. The fact is, young Willow is drowning fast, and Faith understands what she is going through and possibly how to help her get back on her feet. Tara is obviously losing the love she had due to Willow's actions towards her and there is no way Willow could begin to grasp that in a good way with the emotional state she is in. Tara will never walk away from Willow in the shape she is in and I for one, think Tara has done all she can. She and Willow both need the opportunity to have a clean break. Most importantly, Willow needs the best chance she can have at healing properly."

After he finished speaking, he held out an envelope to the slayers. "I took the liberty of making reservations for London for Willow. I thought it best for someone to accompany her and I do believe Faith is the better choice to go. Tara has tried everything she can and probably needs a little emotional help herself at this point."

Buffy stood in deep thought, her slayer resolve caving in. She knew this had nothing to do with her interest in Tara but the well-being of her friend, Willow. She hated to admit it but Giles and Faith were right. "All right," she said with a slump of her shoulders. "If you hurt her Faith," she gave a death glare.

"I told her a long time ago, while vacating your body that I would never hurt her." Faith said as she walked off leaving Buffy with a new realization upon her face. She had thought for a long time that Faith was Jonesing after her but realized it wasn't her after all.

- - - - - - -

Tara sat in Buffy's room in tears. She had tried so hard to help Willow, to continue loving her and though a part of her always would love Willow, the passionate love was gone. She had wanted to both see Willow through this and be free to pick the pieces of her own life up. She knew that was an impossible task though and it hurt her badly. She had to decide whether to prolong the inevitable and continue being Willow's anchor or let her go get help from a witches coven, in turn preparing to set them both free. "Tara," Buffy said rubbing her hand gently over the blonde's cheek.

"I can do this Buffy," Tara said with no stammer at all.

With that she rose and knocked on Willow's door. "Come in," Willow said knowing who was on the other side. She would know Tara's knock, soft footsteps, everything about her forever because she was her forever.

Tara walked in the room examining Willow with her eyes. She looked thin and pale, as if everything that once made her a vibrant young lady was gone. She knew more than ever now that what she was about to do was in the best interest of Willow. Though she was having ever-growing feelings for Buffy, Tara resolved, she would not act on them even if Buffy were interested. At least not until Willow was strong enough for Tara to explain to her properly why they couldn't regain what was so tragically lost to them.

Willow gave a weak smile at Tara that for an instant, made Tara second guess herself. There was pure love in that smile but upon quickly checking the aura, Tara knew the darkness was still there waiting to consume Willow. "Willow I have to tell you something." Tara began a bit shakily.

"Tara if this is about my outburst last night," Willow began with a look of shame on her face. "It was all a mistake and I won't let it happen again. I'm so sorry Tara, please."

"Willow," Tara put a calming hand on the trembling woman. "No you can't stop it and I know this now. The magic is in control of you Willow and it hurts me to know that I can't stop it." The tears began to fall down Tara's face as she spoke. "I've been talking to Giles Willow and," she wiped her eyes and tried to compose herself. She didn't want Willow to think she was going along with a half thought out Scooby plan. "Willow, he knows of a coven who can teach you to control the magic and help you defeat the darkness. This is something I wish I could do from the bottom of my heart but I can't. Willow, for your own health, I hope you will think it over and decide to go get some help."

Tears fell down Willow's face as Tara spoke. Deep down she knew Tara tried her best to help her and on top of the dark magic, she was fighting another battle, that of killing someone. She knew it was a losing battle and that she needed help in the worst way. "Will you be coming with me?" Willow asked tentatively but knew the answer before Tara opened her mouth.

"I would love nothing more than to come Willow but I'm not the best person to help you through some of the things you need help with. I wish it was but I've come to realize love isn't always enough. This is why we've decided for Faith to go so that she can get you through some of your emotions."

Willow knew Faith understood better than anyone what she was going through and was so glad Faith refused her dark enticements the night before. "You're right Tara, I'll go." She said trying to smile but felt fearful of what was to happen. "Tara, could you stay with me tonight? I mean if I'm leaving tomorrow because it will be a long time maybe before I get back."

"Of course Willow," Tara said as she moved to the bed and swept Willow into a tight embrace. She knew this was the right thing for her to do. Willow had easily accepted this idea of help and Tara thought it would be cruel to leave her alone during her last night at home.

- - - - - - - -

Willow awoke the next morning to an empty bed but the smell of breakfast told her where Tara was. She looked up and saw Faith standing there. "Just thought I'd come wake you for breakfast," she moved the tray over to Willow. "I didn't think you should see D right now, she's still upset and you might want to y'know; get a little emotional strength before you see her."

"Thanks Faith," she said softly. "They aren't going to say good-bye are they."

Willow's face looked sad but understanding. "Xan is taking us to the airport, B and Tara well, it's hard to let you go Red and Giles is watching after D."

"She's very angry isn't she," Willow looked at Faith with anguished eyes. "I can't say I blame her, how do you deal with it all Faith?"

"You'll learn that all in time Red," she lifted the glass of juice to Willow's mouth. "C'mon, we've got a long flight ahead of us. You need to get some food in ya."

- - - - - - - -

After Willow and Faith had left, Dawn went shopping and Giles to do some research. Buffy and Tara sat quietly on the sofa. "Tara I know this is killing you inside but I'm here for you," Buffy gave her a gentle pat on the arm.

"I feel both relieved and guilty," Tara muttered. "She was my love Buffy, how did it get this way?"

"Life got in the way and made things all screwy. It sometimes happens no matter how hard we fight it." Buffy's face showed a tinge of sadness. She was in Tara's place before but her only option was to run her love through with a sword, all to save the world. "I understand where you're coming from. It took me a long time to deal with Angel but I got through it because Willow was there to help me. Now I'm here to help you and Faith is there to help Willow."

Tara gave a small smile as Buffy hugged her. "I guess Xander won't be coming back here," Tara said more observing than a question.

"No I think he's still upset with me, Anya will take care of him." Buffy smiled as Tara relaxed into the back of the sofa. "How about you get a nap," Buffy said as she stood and gently pulled Tara up. "You look worn out and could use the rest."

"Yeah that sounds like a plan," Tara said as the two headed up the stairs.