Chapter 15
Dawn hangs up the phone after calling to let Tara know she came straight home. Walking back out the back door, she watches Phoenix roll and play, chasing a butterfly around the yard. "Don't eat it, Phoenix. It's a good bug."
Wondering if the puppy's been good, Dawn hesitates on whether or not to leave the puppy outside by herself. "Phoenix, come here girl." Dawn calls, deciding to err on the side of caution. "That's a good girl. Have something to eat and drink, while I check out the basement." Dawn shuts the door behind them before putting some food in the dog bowl. "Eat, Phoenix. I'm going downstairs."
Jogging downstairs, Dawn chuckles as she sees the half chewed rawhide on the dog's bed. Seeing the matching bowl, she grasps it, placing it on the stairs before searching out the rest of the basement, noticing that it looked like Buffy had done a quick pick up, to make sure anything ruin-able was put up out of puppy distance.
Shrugging her shoulders when she doesn't notice any messes, Dawn gather's up the dog toys, placing them in the bed. Carrying them to the stairs, Dawn grasps the water bowl and brings everything up, chuckling as she notices Phoenix watching her from the top of the stairs. "Well, Phoenix. Looks like you were a good girl. I didn't notice anything, but I'll have Buffy double-check when she gets home."
Laughing quietly as Phoenix barks as soon as she mentions Buffy's name, Dawn sets the water bowl down on the floor. "You know who your mommy is?" Dawn questions. "Buffy." Dawn states quietly, chuckling as Phoenix barks again and wags her tail. "Tara." Dawn tries, getting the same response. "Dawn." Dawn laughs as Phoenix runs up to her, jumping up. "Yes, I'm Dawn. Did Tara place a spell on you, to make you extra smart?" Dawn narrows her eyes on the puppy, before laughing.
"I'm going to do my homework. Try and not get into anything, okay?" Dawn scratches behind Phoenix's ears before walking out to the living room, spreading her books and papers on the coffee table before sitting down on the floor. Becoming engrossed in her homework, she doesn't really notice when Phoenix comes in and lays down against her leg.
Dawn jerks as Phoenix jumps up from lying beside her, barking happily at the door. Glancing at the clock, Dawn walks over to the door, unlocking and opening it. "Hi, Buffy."
Buffy raises an eyebrow before looking down at the miniature alarm system. "Hi, Dawn. So, did little Miss Phoenix behave herself?"
"As far as I could tell, she did. You might want to check again, to be on the safe side." Dawn smiles as she watches Buffy scratch down Phoenix's back.
"I need to shower and change first." Buffy admits, as Phoenix licks enthusiastically over her hand.
"I think Phoenix is willing to help." Dawn smirks before sitting back down to finish her homework.
"Yeah, kind of seems that way, huh?" Buffy chuckles. "Come on, Phoenix. Why don't you go out before I spend some time in the shower." Buffy walks towards the kitchen, Phoenix panting as she follows.
Dawn shakes her head. "Strange, strange goings on in this house. The puppy's the only normal one." Dawn smirks, before chuckling quietly to herself.
Tara finishes reading the last chapter and closes her book. Sliding the book into her book bag, she shifts to look at Anya.
"All finished?" Anya questions softly, watching Tara.
"Yes, thanks for letting me finish my work." Tara reaches out to play with the ends of Anya's hair.
"You're welcome. And since we were kind of busy at the shop, I felt bad that you didn't really have time to do it there." Anya admits.
"You don't need to feel guilty. I'm at the shop, work comes first. As time permits, I'll do my homework. If not, I'll do it when I get home." Tara smiles, letting Anya know its okay. "So, what do you want to do now?" Tara questions, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Anya allows a slow sensuous smile cross her face. "Well…."
Tara chuckles quietly. "Hmmm. Were you wanting to watch television?" Tara questions slowly closing the distance between them.
"Not really." Anya shakes her head, watching Tara.
"Maybe play board games?" Tara eases her body closer to Anya, a smirk crossing her face.
"Don't own any." Anya feels her heart start beating faster.
"Maybe card games?" Tara slows down to where she's just inches away from Anya.
"Don't have a deck of cards." Anya breathes out huskily.
"Guess we have to make our own entertainment." Tara whispers before threading a hand through Anya's hair, leaning in to place soft nibbling kisses on Anya's lips, before diving in for a long, languorous kiss. Rolling her tongue gently around Anya's before sucking gently on Anya's tongue for long moments, finally releasing the muscle to place gentle kisses along Anya's jaw line. Finally stopping at Anya's earlobe, sucking and nipping gently, before breathing a hot breath of air over the lobe, smiling as Anya shivers and moans.
Anya opens dark brown eyes, gazing into Tara's desire filled eyes. Reaching up with both hands, Anya slides them both into Tara's hair, before diving back in for a slow, languorous kiss, learning all the secrets of Tara's mouth. Moaning at the sweetness of the witch, Anya finally breaks off the kiss as the need for oxygen becomes too much.
Panting heavily, Tara, strokes her hands up and down Anya's arms, before easing her forehead against the woman's shoulder, groaning as Anya strokes down her back. Arching her body into Anya's as she strokes more firmly.
"Feels good." Tara whimpers quietly as Anya digs her fingers into her back gently, working the muscles of her back.
"Not to sound like I'm propositioning you or anything, but why don't you lay down, maybe take your shirt off, I'll get some massage oils and work out the tension you've got going on here." Anya softly offers, not having realized how tense Tara's back was until she started stroking over her.
Pulling back, Tara raises an eyebrow at Anya, looking into the serious eyes, Tara smiles softly. "You're being serious."
"Yes, I am." Anya runs a hand down Tara's cheek. "No hidden meaning, no hitting on you. Just, hopefully, some relaxation for your tense muscles."
"And you just happen to have massage oils on hand?" Tara questions softly, watching Anya.
Anya shrugs looking down. "Xander would occasionally pull a muscle at work, so I got plenty of practice working on backs."
Tara nods, smiling gently. "Much better, sweetie. Much, much better." Tara leans in and kisses Anya on the cheek.
"What?" Anya glances at Tara with confusion evident on her features.
"You were able to say his name without any anger or hurt in your voice. I would say you are finally working your way past the pain and heartache." Tara runs a finger down Anya's cheek, caressing over her bottom lip. "And if the offer still stands, I would love to have you loosen up my back muscles." Tara grins crookedly at the ex-demon. "Of course, the couch isn't a very good place to do that." Tara looks down at the narrow couch.
"And the floor would kind of defeat the purpose of trying to relax you." Anya grins briefly. "I promise not to take advantage of you. At least not tonight." Anya's grin turns into a smirk.
"That I can deal with." Tara laughs quietly.
"Come on." Anya stands, grasping Tara's hand, gently tugging the witch's hand. "Go ahead and go to the bedroom. I'll be right behind you." Anya watches Tara walk towards the bathroom. Stopping by the bathroom, Anya grabs a couple towels and the massage oil. Walking back into the bedroom, she glances up from where she'd been looking down. "Ummm. Here's towels." Anya whimpers, her eyes sliding over Tara's barely covered chest before laying the towels across the bed and turning her back on Tara.
Tara raises an eyebrow at Anya's uncharacteristic shyness. Dropping her arm from where she'd covered her breasts, Tara kicks off her shoes and climbs on the bed, centering her body in the middle of the bed. Glancing over her shoulder at Anya who's still facing the other way, Tara chuckles quietly. "I'm situated, Anya."
"Thank God." Anya sighs quietly before turning around. Taking a deep breath, Anya eases onto the bed beside Tara, gathering the witch's hair and placing it beside her, smiling down into the blue eyes watching her intently. "That was a little more than I bargained for." Anya admits, softly stroking her finger down Tara's jaw.
"Everything was still covered." Tara's eyes twinkle merrily.
"Yeah, yeah. I kind of thought you would leave your bra on and after you laid down, I'd just unhook it." Anya chuckles. "Should know better when it comes to you."
"You should." Tara quirks her lip up. "I thought you were going to work on loosening me up." Tara wiggles her eyebrows, laughing quietly as Anya rolls her eyes.
"Behave. I just might end up having you stay the night, and get a little more up close and personal." Anya grins before leaning down and placing a kiss on Tara's cheek. "Let me massage your back."
Tara smiles before closing her eyes, relaxing. Feeling Anya hesitate, Tara chuckles. "I know the best way to give a massage, Anya. Go ahead."
Anya laughs quietly before easing her body over Tara's, straddling the witch's thighs, before easing her weight down on the legs. Opening the massage oil, Anya pours a small amount in the palm of her hand before rubbing the two hands together, warming the oil. Starting at Tara's neck, Anya slowly works her way down the witch's back, admiring the smooth, supple skin. Slowly working over the back with a stronger hand, Anya smiles as Tara groans in appreciation.
"I'm surprised." Anya softly starts before coming across a knot in Tara's shoulder, working a little harder on the area. "You have a very strong back. I never realized." Anya admits, before her eyes caress over the witch's back and arms.
"I worked on a farm all my life before coming to Sunnydale." Tara groans as the knot Anya was working on, finally releases. "Carrying bales of hay, feed bags and mucking out stalls will keep a person in damn good shape."
Anya nods her head. "But you haven't done that for what, almost four years."
"Yes. I'm graduating this year from college." Tara closes her eyes, relaxing further into the bed as Anya runs her thumbs up either side of her spine.
"Still wanting to teach?" Anya questions softly as she works her hands more firmly over Tara's back.
"Mmmm. Feels good." Tara groans in appreciation of the firmer hands working over her back. "Yes, I do. Job wise, that will probably be perfect. Have holidays and summers off. Work during the day, pull some nights for teachers conferences and the like."
"Grading papers, putting up with smart-assed kids and evil principals." Anya continues, chuckling as Tara reaches back and smacks her on the leg.
"Be nice!" Tara laughs, closing her eyes again.
Anya grins as she continues firmly massaging Tara's back. As she works over the strong back, Anya feels Tara relaxing even further. Leaning over as she strokes back up, she watches as a soft smile plays across Tara's lips. "Feel better?" Anya questions quietly.
"Much, thank you." Tara answers softly.
"You can't let this thing with Buffy get you so tense." Anya strokes her hands down Tara's back, running them more over to the sides, becoming more a caressing motion. "We could always tie her up and make her see the error of her ways." Anya suggests seriously.
Tara laughs, lifting her head to look over her shoulder at Anya. "Do you have some magic rope that she wouldn't be able to get out of?" Tara's eyes twinkle at the thought.
"We'll figure out something." Anya wiggles her eyebrows before smiling softly. "Just ignore her, if you can. Try not to let her get under your skin, okay." Anya seriously states. "We will figure it out."
"Well, if it gets too bad. I just might take you up on your offer." Tara admits quietly.
"The room's there for you. I might have to do some cleaning in there, but it's yours." Anya sighs quietly. "I hope it doesn't come to that."
Tara chuckles quietly. "Thanks. Glad to know the room's there for me, even though you don't want me to use it." Tara yelps as Anya pinches her on the butt.
"I didn't mean it like that, and you know it!" Anya grumbles at the witch. Looking at the clock, Anya whimpers. "It's getting late. I should get you home."
Tara glances up at the clock surprised to see it's after midnight. "It is getting late." Tara stretches and yawns. "I think I might actually be able to sleep through the night tonight." Tara shifts around, without thinking. Looking at Anya, she smiles and runs a hand down the ex-demons face.
Anya closes her eyes and whimpers loudly. "Tara, honey…" Taking a couple deep breaths, Anya slowly opens her eyes, trying not to look down at Tara's chest. Reaching to the side, she grasps the towel and covers her chest. "And, God was I right!" Anya growls before climbing off the bed. "Definitely great breasts." Anya grumbles walking quickly out of the bedroom.
Tara looks down at her covered breasts, back to the quickly departing Anya. "Ooops." Tara smiles a self-deprecating smile. "Sorry." Tara whispers to the empty room before easing off the bed, dressing quickly.
As soon as it's dusk, Buffy heads out on patrol, planning on being home at a decent hour. Rolling her eyes as she comes across a newly risen vampire, Buffy toys with him for a few moments before staking him. Slowly walking around Sunnydale, she keeps an eye and an ear open.
As she slowly works around Sunnydale, Buffy wonders what Anya and Tara are doing. As soon as the thought comes into her brain, Buffy groans and runs a hand over her face. "Not thinking about them, remember?" She bitches quietly to herself. Thankfully she senses a vampire at that moment, turning down the alleyway she smirks as she comes across three vampires striding towards her.
"Hey, boys. Don't you know it's dangerous to walk around town here at night?" Buffy calls out in a deep, husky voice.
"Yeah. We heard that, didn't we?" The lead vamp grins at his two accomplices, before turning yellow eyes on Buffy. "And we're the dangerous ones that you should be avoiding." He growls loudly jumping the ten yards that separates him and the slayer, surprise crossing his face as his head snaps back from the roundhouse she delivers on his jaw.
"Sorry. But there are things more dangerous than you guys with bad overbites." Buffy growls deeply spinning around doing a roundhouse kick before jumping up in the air and slamming her foot into one of the vamps chin, knocking him back five yards. Letting loose Buffy tears into the vampires, taking out some of her pent-up frustrations on them.
"Who the fuck are you?" The lead vampire looks up from the ground, trying to stand on his broken leg.
"The Slayer." Buffy growls deeply slamming her fist down in his face, breaking his nose, before turning on the other vampire trying to sneak up on her. Picking him up, she tosses him hard against the brick wall. Spinning around she looks at the three vampires lying broken in the alleyway. "Come on, guys. You were only good for fifteen minutes of fun. You really need to work on your stamina." Buffy smirks before quickly staking the three vamps.
Working her way to downtown Sunnydale, Buffy slowly makes her way to the Bronze. Cruising the outside, she waits a few minutes by the back door. Smirking as the couple come out, she taps the girl on the shoulder. "Go back in. My boyfriend has a tendency to stray and I'm not exactly happy with him right now. I don't think you want me to take my anger out on you." Buffy snarls, her eyes cold. Chuckling as the girl disappears quickly, Buffy backhands the vampire growling behind her.
"Oh, aren't you a pretty one?" Buffy jumps over the vampire's leg as he tries to sweep her legs out from under her. "Not fast enough, dear." Buffy does a spinning back kick, hitting him hard upside the head before coming in with a chop to the side of his neck. Following the karate chop, she does a hard back kick into the vampire's chest.
Turning around to look at the vampire, Buffy tilts her head. "Your chest doesn't look to good there." Buffy waves her hand over the vampire's caved in chest. "Do you want to continue this fight, or do you want me to end it now?" Buffy questions, pulling her stake out, twirling it quickly. Buffy watches as the vampire snarls at her, the yellow eyes filled with hatred and pain. Waiting to see if he stands up, she shrugs and throws the stake, dusting him before quickly walking back down the alleyway.
Digging in her pocket she pulls out the cover charge before walking in. Not feeling anything, Buffy cruises up the stairs to stand leaning over the railing quietly watching everyone dancing, laughing, drinking and generally having a good time. Sighing quietly, Buffy frowns as she feels somebody behind her. Turning, she's surprised when she sees Willow standing there, nervously wringing her hands. Searching the green eyes, Buffy sighs in relief when she doesn't see anger or hatred looking back at her.
"Umm. Can we talk?" Willow questions softly, waving to the empty table behind them.
"Of course." Buffy nods her head, moving to sit down. Looking at Willow, wondering what's to come.
Willow frowns deeply, wondering how to start. Glancing up she notices the slightly scared, hurt look in Buffy's eyes. Sighing, Willow shakes her head. Finally deciding to just say it, Willow whispers. "I'm an idiot, Buffy. You can't help who you love. None of us can. I had absolutely no right to get angry at you, and I owe you a very, very big apology." Stopping, Willow looks back up, making eye contact with Buffy, seeing the forgiveness already showing in Buffy's eyes.
"It's okay, Willow." Buffy shakes her head softly watching the redhead. "I never actually meant to say it out loud." Buffy looks down, running a finger around a water stain on the table. "It isn't like anything's going to happen anyway."
Willow sighs watching Buffy's slumped shoulders. "You really do love her, don't you?" Willow questions softly, watching as Buffy's eyes rise, sadness showing deeply in their hazel depths as she nods her head. "Damn it, Buffy. Tell her. Let her know how you feel."
Buffy stiffens and looks away from Willow. "I can't, Willow." Buffy shakes her head before running a shaky hand through her hair. "First off, I would never come between her and Anya." Hesitating, Buffy closes her eyes taking a deep breath. "Plus I'm confused as hell, feeling wise, about her and Anya." Buffy finally admits. "I like them both, Willow." Buffy buries her face in her hands.
Willow rears back in the seat, stunned disbelief making her mute. Looking at her best friend of the last six years, Willow blinks trying to wrap her mind around what Buffy admitted.
"Totally fucked up, huh?" Buffy finally gets up the nerve to make eye contact with Willow. "I care for your ex and probably the one woman that rivals Cordelia for your hatred." Buffy chuckles sadly.
Willow hesitantly reaches out and clasps Buffy's hand in hers. "I…I don't know what to say, Buffy." Willow finally admits, still in shock at what Buffy admitted.
"What is there to say?" Buffy sighs quietly, patting Willow's hand that's still clasping her other hand. "How did things go on your date?" Buffy looks up smiling softly at Willow.
Willow's eyes widen and she hops up out of her seat looking down below, waving to Christina. Holding up one finger, she smiles apologetically at the woman. When she receives an understanding smile in reply, Willow grins.
"So, is that the mysterious date?" Buffy questions looking over the railing beside Willow, making Willow jump.
"Don't do that!" Willow grumbles smacking Buffy on the arm. "Yes, that's Christina." Willow admits smiling softly.
"Pretty." Buffy nods her head before glancing back at Willow.
"Keep your hands to yourself!" Willow jokes, her eyes full of laughter.
"Oh, no! Not going there. I have problems enough on my own, without adding more to the pile." Buffy shakes her head. "So, have you told her about the things that go bump in the night?" Buffy questions seriously, turning around to lean against the railing watching Willow.
"I don't think she believes me. But she does humor me by carrying the cross and the little water gun I gave her with holy water in it." Willow shrugs watching Buffy.
"Well, if you think she's going to…stick around. We can always visit the cemetery one night." Buffy offers.
"I'll see." Willow smiles in thanks at the slayer. "What are you going to do, Buffy?" Willow questions seriously, worried about her best friend.
"Nothing." Buffy shrugs, crossing her arms looking down at the floor. "Try and keep my distance."
"If you need me to talk to…" Willow trails off looking at Buffy with sad eyes.
"Thanks." Buffy's lip quirks up. "You need to be walked home?"
"No, Christina has a car and will drop me off." Willow admits, grinning.
"Good. But be careful." Buffy nods, pulling herself away from the railing. "I'm going to go head home. I need to probably let Phoenix out." Buffy admits, starting to head towards the stairs.
"Phoenix?" Willow questions watching Buffy.
"Oh, the new puppy that found and adopted me." Buffy grins. "You'll have to come by and visit. I'll introduce you."
"I will. Be careful, Buffy." Willow reaches up and hugs Buffy.
"Thanks." Buffy hugs Willow back before releasing the redhead. "Go to your girlfriend, I'm going to head home to my puppy." Buffy chuckles quietly before quickly jogging down the stairs and out of the Bronze.
Willow slowly follows her best friend, walking down the stairs before heading back over to Christina.
Christina glances up watching Willow. "Everything go okay?" The dark-brown haired woman questions in a lilting Scottish accent.
Willow smiles crookedly. "Buffy and I are okay. But I think she's very, very confused." Willow admits sitting down beside the taller woman. "Sorry it took so long."
"It's okay, my wee Willow." Christina grins, watching the redhead.
"When you're up to it, and maybe want to meet my friends, I'd like to introduce you." Willow offers softly, reaching out to clasp her date's hand.
"I'd like that." Christina's pale blue eyes twinkle at the redhead. "It's getting late. You want me to take you home?"
"That would probably be a good idea." Willow admits, hating to bring the date to an end.
"Come on, wee one. Let me make sure you get home and safely into bed." Christina stands, offering her hand to the redhead, helping her stand.
"I'm not little." Willow grumps, though she always gets a little thrill whenever Christina calls her that.
"You are to me, wee Willow." Christina whispers in Willow's ear as she leans down to place a soft kiss on her cheek.
Willow bites back the moan she feels coming out, at the gentle caress, feeling her heart start to beat a little faster. The two women have been out on three dates. And all that had happened so far is some dancing, a few gentle kisses on cheeks and hand holding. Smiling as Christina opens the door before quickly striding around the Jetta, Willow watches as the woman eases into the vehicle. "I still don't know how you get those legs in here."
Christina chuckles as she starts the vehicle, shifting it into gear before easing out of the parking spot and heading towards Willow's house. "Very carefully."
"Yeah, yeah." Willow shakes her head.
"Did you maybe want to go out Friday night?" Christina questions softly as she turns on Willow's street, slowly pulling the vehicle up into the driveway.
Willow watches as Christina puts the car in park and turns the engine off before turning to face her. "I would love to go out Friday."
"Do you think Italian, Chinese, Sushi, Seafood?" Christina offers, grinning as Willow rolls her eyes.
"Anything will be fine." Willow shakes her head, smiling. "You're somewhat of a goof, aren't you?" Willow jokes.
"That I am." Christina nods her head, smiling. Slowly the smile leaves her face as she searches Willow's eyes for a long moment. "I like you, Willow." Christina admits softly. "I know we haven't been dating that long, but I thought you should know that."
"I would hope you like me." Willow reaches up and runs a finger across the woman's strong cheekbone. "Because I kind of like you, too." Willow watches as Christina slowly closes the gap between them before brushing her lips over Willow's. Moaning into the kiss, Willow runs her hand through the long dark hair. Hesitantly, Willow lets just the tip of her tongue ease out between her lips, to caress briefly over Christina's bottom lip.
Easing a hand over to rest softly on Willow's waist, Christina tilts her head the slightest bit before easing her lips open, granting Willow's tongue access. Groaning deeply as the eager muscle takes advantage of the offer to come darting in to caress flittingly about inside her mouth. Chasing the teasing tongue back into Willow's mouth, Christina eagerly follows it to caress softly, tasting of Willow. Slowly bringing the kiss to an end, Christina opens her eyes, looking into the deep green passion filled eyes of Willow.
"Well, now. That was a wee bit more than I was expecting." Christina closes her eyes, tilting her head against Willow's, taking deep breaths.
Willow nods her head, before smiling as she whimpers. "Your accent got a little thicker there."
"It'll do that." Christina finally gets control of her racing heart and pulls back, grinning at Willow. "Go inside, my wee little one. Get a good night's rest. Hopefully I'll run into you tomorrow on campus. If not, we have class together the next day." Christina runs a hand through red locks, smiling softly.
"Be careful on the way home." Willow lightly admonishes the woman. "Whether you want to believe me or not, what I told you was real. Buffy's willing to prove it to you, when you think you're up for it."
Christina raises a quizzical eyebrow at Willow. "Why would she be awantin' to prove it to me?"
"Because I talked to her tonight. And she's the one that can definitely prove it to you in more ways than one." Willow states. "Just trust me." Willow leans in and kisses Christina quickly. "Hmmm. Good kissage."
Christina chuckles quietly, as Willow hops out of the vehicle and runs up to the front door, quickly unlocking and sliding in. "You are a strange one, my wee little one. But I like ye." Starting the vehicle, Christina quickly heads back to her apartment, humming under her breath the whole way.