Sacred- I'm really, really glad you're enjoying the story!
Gina - Communication is key with Buffy - I think she had a major problem with it on the show - that bugged the hell out of me!
Dilvish - I always thought Buffy was a lot smarter (as her SAT scores had proved - thanks for the number by the way - I couldn't remember what it was!) Riley was more or less a good guy - but he seemed almost like a dumb rock at times. Only following orders and having no thoughts for himself - then the whole being a blood whore thing... Hey, can I borrow that idea for Mr Maclay for a possible future story? That could be hilarious! Hopefully I'll have the web-site updated tomorrow!
Delauro- as always, thanks for the kind words!
Word - sorry about your browser being a pain - but it happens - I know this for a fact! Who knows where my rambling mind may be going with this story! As I've been told I'm a very strange person! LOL
Dee - you know better than it being me getting back at you:) Hope that extra digit doesn't get in the way too much. Leaving people wanting more is a good thing! Hopefully means they're enjoying and interested in the story!
Toniboo - More KISSAGE coming up - lots and lots and lots more!
Kim - Thank you!
Sink - MMM MMM Peanut butter cookies were goooooooood! Glad I'm still doing something right. I think my smut readers are going to get irritated with me on this story! LOL hee hee hee Evil laughter
Wicked - I always thought if given the chance Buffy would be very mischievous. (however it's spelled - always have trouble with that word!) So I look for these two to pick on each other a lot.
Just - Glad to hear from you! About time you signed on legally here at Fanfic! Glad you're enjoying this story. Might have to push back the DE continuation for a while longer. Not quite ready to start posting it. Don't get too mad at me people!
Chapter 5
Tara glances up as she walks to her Psych class, and smiles as she spies a certain slayer leaning against the wall by the door. As Buffy turns her eyes towards her, Tara chuckles at the obvious happiness coming from the slayer. Slowing down to stop in front of her, Tara raises an eyebrow. "Any problems last night?"
Buffy shakes her head. "None. All the bumpys were good little boys and girls for me. They went poof without any problems." Turning to walk into class, Buffy stops just inside. "Do you want to sit together?"
Tara blushes and nods her head agreeing to the suggestion. "Yes. Were you able to do any of your reading?"
"Oh, don't remind me!" Buffy groans quietly as she climbs to a relatively empty section and sits down digging in her book bag. Handing Tara her notebook, she grins. "You are a lifesaver. I tried to read the chapters, but halfway through the first one I almost fell asleep. After that I read your notes. Condensed version Tara is a lot easier to read."
Tara giggles and places the notebook under her text. "Any time you need to borrow it, let me know. I usually work ahead as much as time allows and re-read over sections as they come up."
Buffy groans and bangs her head down on her books. "The brain, the brain." Buffy looks up with a pouty lip, but twinkling hazel eyes. "This isn't gonna work. The Brain and the Slayer." Buffy sighs dramatically "I'm going to bore you senseless and you're going to go find some other hot babe to take my place. Someone that's brilliant and sexy."
Tara giggles quietly at Buffy shaking her head. "You need help."
Buffy pouts her lip out even further and is surprised when Tara taps it with her finger.
"Put it away. I can't do what I want to with it here in class." Tara murmurs blushing lightly.
Buffy's eyes open wide and she grins from ear to ear. "Remind me to pout when we're not in class."
Tara chuckles before turning to face the front of class as Professor Walsh starts speaking.
AAAAAAAAAAAA
As the two women talk as they leave the class, Buffy's stopped by Riley. "Uh, Buffy. I was wondering. We're throwing a party tomorrow night at the dorm and I wanted to know if you wanted to go?"
Buffy looks at Tara and shakes her head. "No, Riley. Thanks for the offer but I sort of have tentative plans for tomorrow night. Thanks anyway." Buffy places her hand in the middle of Tara's back as they walk down the hallway.
"He likes you." Tara murmurs quietly, glancing over at the slayer, intensely aware of the small warm hand in the middle of her back.
"We can't help the people we like." Buffy raises an eyebrow looking at Tara briefly. "And I don't like him."
Tara giggles as they quickly make their way to the Cafeteria. Tara chuckles quietly as she watches Buffy pile up the tray again. Grabbing a ham and cheese sandwich, chips and juice, Tara frowns as Buffy insists on paying again.
"Come on, it's not that big a deal." Buffy grumbles quietly at the look. "I want to, and if it makes me happy to buy you lunch, you should let me, right?"
Tara sighs and rolls her eyes at the slayer. "Just don't make it a habit." Tara smiles softly at the slayer. "I'll get spoiled and expect you to buy me lunch all the time."
Buffy grins. "It looked like it was going to rain, do you want to eat in?"
Tara glances out at the darkening skies and nods her head. "Might be a good idea." They quickly find an empty table and sit down. Tara grabs her items off the tray and watch as Buffy starts unwrapping her food and eating.
Buffy looks up and watches as Tara tucks some hair behind her ear as she nibbles on her sandwich. "So, what's your plans for tonight?" Buffy questions quietly.
Tara looks up and smiles apologetically at the slayer. "I have a paper that I need to finish typing. Then I have some reading I need to do for one of my classes."
Buffy nods her head in acceptance. "Tomorrow night?" Buffy smiles hopefully.
Tara chuckles quietly. "I usually spend Fridays doing laundry." Tara admits quietly.
Buffy pops a chip in her mouth, chewing it thoughtfully. "What time do you finish with the laundry?"
"Around 9:00 or so I guess." Tara shrugs her shoulders. "Why?"
"Well, I can do a patrol around town and work my way over here. Then maybe take you out to the Espresso Pump or somewhere for coffee and a snack? Or if you want to go dancing…" Buffy trails off smiling at the witch.
"No, no dancing." Tara shakes her head before smiling softly. "Espresso Pump sounds good." Tara looks down and finishes her chips. Sipping her juice she glances back up smiling as Buffy finishes her food. "Your mom's food bill must be outrageous."
Buffy growls good naturedly at the witch before laughing. "She's mentioned getting a second job to help pay for food. But she hasn't done it yet." Buffy winks at Tara before picking up the trash from the table and placing it on the tray. Glancing up at the clock, Buffy sighs quietly. "You have to go to class, don't you?"
Tara looks at her watch and smiles. "Yes. I should probably head that way."
"I can walk with, if you want." Buffy offers as they stand.
"Hmmm. Spend time walking with you to class, or by myself? Hard decision." Tara murmurs quietly before laughing at the look Buffy sends her. "I would love for you to walk me to class."
Throwing the trash away and placing the tray on top, Buffy hesitantly holds her hand out to Tara and smiles as she laces their fingers together. "You don't mind?" Buffy whispers quietly as they walk out of the building heading towards Tara's next class. Buffy glances at the dark clouds, praying silently that they hold off.
"Mind what?" Tara questions quietly glancing at Buffy.
"Holding hands in public." Buffy smiles into blue eyes.
Tara thinks for a moment. "I never had someone before. Not someone for me, but I don't see what's wrong with showing small amounts of affection in public." Looking down as they walk, Tara glances up making eye contact with Buffy. "How do you feel about it?"
Buffy glances down at their hands and raises an eyebrow, making Tara chuckle quietly. "I just know how people are. Mom's worried that people are going to talk or get angry, possibly violent. She has a few people that she works with that are gay, and I guess they've been telling her some of the horror stories about what they've been through." Buffy admits gently squeezing the hand in hers.
"You've talked to your mom?" Tara breathes out the question more than gives it voice, slightly shocked.
"Yeah." Buffy admits as they walk up the steps into the building. "Tuesday I was kind of distracted when I was helping her. I told her everything. It's kind of a rule we have now after the whole slayer hiding stuff. We try and tell each other everything. She's been cool. Sort of shocked and surprised, but cool." Buffy smirks as she thinks about telling her mother about the kisses.
Walking down the hallway, Tara stops outside the door to her class looking intently at Buffy. "You have a very caring and understanding mom. She reminds me of my mom." Tara smiles sadly as she slowly eases her hand out of the slayer's grasp. Reaching up, Tara tucks a stray hair behind Buffy's ear. "I better go in. Looks like the professor is coming down the hall."
Buffy nods. "I'll see you tomorrow." Silently she watches as Tara smiles before heading into the classroom. Taking a deep breath, Buffy grumbles "I guess I should go see what Giles wants me to do, and maybe even get some studying done."
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Giles watches Buffy as she sits at the table, actually studying. Shaking his head in disbelief, he finishes re-stocking the shelves. Early Christmas shoppers have already started buying stocking stuffers. He makes a note to buy more scented candles before glancing up as Buffy stands.
"Giles, I just remembered I saw something the other night. I was out patrolling around campus when I was after a vampire and this group of…men, I guess, shot it with stun guns and took it down in the drain system by the dorms. I didn't get any demon vibes off these other guys, but I just thought it was really strange." Buffy admits.
Giles pulls his glasses off and chews on the ear piece. "No vibes at all, so they're human? That is quite strange. Have you seen them since?"
"No, but I'm going to keep a closer eye out. They were wearing night gear, they had ski masks on and were all in black, they all looked identical." Buffy quickly explains walking over to the counter, leaning her hip against it watching Giles quietly.
"Sort of like military personnel, then." Giles glances up as Buffy nods her head. "I'll see if I can find out anything. Keep your eyes open. I don't like the fact that it sounds like they're capturing the demons. There's only so many reasons you would want to do that, and unfortunately I can't think of any good ones." Giles admits.
"No, not of the good. Only good evil demon is a dead evil demon." Buffy mutters quietly. "I'm ready to start training, anything in particular you want me to work on?"
"Just continue with your normal training. I don't think I'll be padding up today." Giles winces slightly thinking about his bruised body.
"Too rough on you?" Buffy looks apologetically at the watcher. "Sorry."
"It's quite alright dear." Giles smiles at the slayer. "I must admit that I'm not really able to challenge you anymore. I'm at a loss as what to do."
Buffy glances around at all the magic books and ingredients. "Too bad you can't do up a spell to make you stronger, quicker and not get hurt as easily." Buffy smirks at Giles.
"Quite right." Giles rolls his eyes. "In all my research I have yet to come across any spells like that. Even though my poor body would greatly appreciate it if I could."
Buffy laughs quietly as she heads towards the training room. "I'm in the training room, if you need me."
Giles smiles as Buffy disappears into the room, surprised at the change the last couple days in the slayer. "You, my dear, must be completely taken with the young witch. And if this is the kind of reaction we get after a couple days, I can't wait to see what you will be like if you two continue being friends." Giles smirks to himself, that if they actually become more than friends he will probably end up in traction at the hospital.
AAAAAAAAA
Buffy quickly dresses, making sure she has multiple stakes tucked away along with a couple knives and a cross. Jogging down the stairs, she stops and smiles at her mother. "I'm going out on patrol, mom."
"Be careful, honey. Are you stopping to see Tara?" Joyce looks up at her daughter, smiling.
"Planning on stopping by her room around 9:00 and taking her to the Espresso Pump." Buffy admits quietly. "We haven't set up a time for her to come over tomorrow."
"Whenever she wants too, dear. I'll be home probably after 5:00." Joyce gives her daughter the information and winks. "I have the wings in the refrigerator and all the ingredients she asked for. I have a feeling you're in for more than you bargained for with this young lady." Joyce chuckles thinking about some of the ingredients.
"Are you talking in a personal way or in a hot food way?" Buffy questions, leaning against the wall, watching her mom laugh.
Looking up Joyce smirks. "Probably both. Even though, I must admit you two seem drawn to each other." Joyce thinks about how Buffy has been acting since she met the young witch.
"I'm happier when I'm with her mom. I don't understand it, but…" Buffy trails off shrugging. "It is what it is. I get a nice tingly sensation when we touch. And when we kissed was like major tinglies. And I really, really hate the fact that I haven't been able to see her today." Buffy admits quietly.
"Well I guess that means you should head out on patrol, because the sooner you do that, the sooner you will see your young lady." Joyce murmurs quietly, feeling happy for her daughter, but feeling sad that it's been so long since she, herself, felt that way.
"Don't wait up." Buffy smiles and quickly heads out of the house, to patrol the streets of Sunnydale and work her way to Tara's dorm.
AAAAAAAAAA
Tara folds the last of her laundry, placing it in the laundry basket. Glancing up at the clock she frowns when she realizes it's almost 9:30. Hoping Buffy hasn't already come and gone, she grabs up the basket walking to the door, opening it and runs straight into Buffy.
Buffy grabs quickly onto Tara to make sure she doesn't fall. "You okay?" She questions and as Tara nods and smiles crookedly at her, Buffy sighs and smiles back. "I kind of started getting worried, so I thought I'd check to make sure nothing decided to make you their late night snack."
"I got a late start on laundry." Tara admits, chuckling quietly. "I got caught talking to another student about one of the classes and time slipped away."
Buffy smiles and looks down at the laundry basket. "Can I lug this upstairs for you?"
Tara shakes her head grinning at Buffy. "Are you going to pout if I don't let you?"
Buffy nods her head and blinks her eyes adorably at the witch. "Yes I will." Tilting her head she thinks about it briefly, grinning. "I might pout anyway. We're not in class anymore!" Buffy wiggles her eyebrows slightly.
Tara blushes looking down at the hands still gently clasping her arms. "I can't believe I said that."
"You're not going to back down on what you said, are you?" Buffy questions jokingly. "I mean, here I was looking forward to being kissed every time I pouted. What will I look forward to if you don't plan on following through?"
Tara laughs, and blushes deeper at the same time. "I don't have any experience…well almost no experience." Tara glances up her eyes twinkling at the slayer. "So I guess you'll have to teach me."
"Oooh. I like that idea." Buffy grins tucking the basket under one arm, while reaching for the witch's hand. "I foresee lots and lots of smoochies in the near future."
Tara smiles while their fingers interlace and the two women walk companionably up the stairs to her dorm room. Gently easing her hand away from Buffy's, Tara unlocks and opens the door letting Buffy proceed her into the room.
"Where would you like me to set this down at?" Buffy questions looking at the obviously freshly made bed and clean room. Inhaling deeply of the vanilla smell, Buffy smiles.
Tara smiles and gently takes the basket from Buffy, setting it on the end of the bed. Pulling the clothes out and placing them in the dresser drawers before placing the basket in the bottom of the closet.
Buffy watches as Tara quickly and efficiently puts her clothes away, noticing as she did that she didn't have that many clothes in the drawers or the closet for that matter. Frowning slightly at the thought the witch obviously doesn't have a lot of money to spend, Buffy makes a mental note to make sure she comes over for dinner as frequently as she can get her too. Buffy shrugs out of her jacket and tosses it over the back of the chair.
"Would you like something to drink, or do you just want to head on over to the Espresso Pump?" Tara questions turning to look at the slayer. "And how was patrol on the way over here?"
"Patrol wasn't bad. Came across a couple vamps looking for dinner. I actually spent a little time cruising around the campus before coming to your room. I saw some guys capturing a vampire the other night when you were studying in the library and I wanted to see if I came across any more." Buffy admits quietly leaning a hip against the desk.
"Wearing all black, masks and had stun guns?" Tara cocks her head and watches as Buffy straightens up and nods her head. "I've seen them a couple times when I've been late getting back from the library. They seem to run in groups of four or five."
"Did they seem…" Buffy thinks for a minute. "Organized and maybe militaristic?"
"Yes. Very organized. I didn't see anything on their clothes that would suggest military, but just the fact that they were all wearing the exact same outfit and moved with precision kind of screams military." Tara nods her head at Buffy. "Is there something wrong?"
"Possibly. Anyone that captures Demons makes me uneasy. It usually isn't of the good, if you know what I mean." Buffy settles her hip back against the desk, smiling. "Enough talking about boys and their games. I kind of missed not seeing you today." Buffy admits quietly, watching Tara intently.
A small smiles crosses Tara's face. "Well in that case, I guess it's okay if I tell you I missed you, too." Watching a huge smile cross the slayer's face, Tara feels her heart beat a little faster.
"Hmm. Then there's the fact I didn't get to see you last night, either." Buffy murmurs as she stands up, slowly easing closer to the witch.
Tara's eyes darken slightly as she watches Buffy quietly come closer. "No, we didn't get to see each other last night." Tara agrees as Buffy comes to stand just a few inches from her. As the slayer obviously pushes her bottom lip out, with her eyes twinkling, Tara can't help but giggle. Reaching up, she taps the bottom lip. "Seems someone is feeling a bit rotten tonight."
Buffy wiggles her eyebrows and pushes her lip out even further.
Tara tilts her head considering the slayer, her lip quirking up slightly as she runs a fingertip over Buffy's bottom lip. Leaning down, Tara shifts her finger away and gently captures the slayer's bottom lip between her two lips pulling gently before releasing the lip. Pulling back she opens her eyes glancing briefly into Buffy's hazel eyes before leaning back down and brushing her lips over the slayer's, moaning quietly as Buffy wraps a hand around her neck, pressing more firmly against her lips. The firm kiss turns to just brief brushes of soft lips against each other.
Pulling back, Tara breathes deeply, then smiles as she feels a warm hand cupping her cheek. Slowly opening her eyes, she's looks into the dark hazel eyes of the slayer.
"Maybe we should go to the Espresso Pump." Buffy whispers her eyes shifting to the witch's lips. Groaning quietly, Buffy leans in the short distance and presses her lips firmly against Tara's, easing her tongue out to caress softly over the witch's lips.
Tara moans as she feels the slayer's tongue stroking over her lips, tentatively reaching out, Tara slides her tongue against Buffy's. Two tongues slowly wrapping around each other. Running her hand through Buffy's hair, Tara closes the short distance between their two bodies, groaning as her body comes into contact against the slightly shorter slayer.
Buffy growls quietly before sucking Tara's tongue gently into her mouth, flicking her tongue against Tara's, before gently pulling back and placing smaller kisses against Tara's swollen lips. Panting heavily, Buffy lowers her head to Tara's shoulder, smiling as she feels Tara's hands stroking over her back, as they both slowly get their breathing under control. "Wow." Buffy whispers. "If you kiss like that now, I can't wait till you get a few more kisses under your belt."
Tara blushes as she eases slowly back, running a hand around to the slayer's cheek, playing her thumb over a soft cheek. "I have a good teacher." Tara whispers quietly.
Buffy looks up into the dark blue eyes, feeling her legs weaken at the passion so obvious in the blue depths. "I have a feeling the teacher is going to become the student very quickly." Buffy admits quietly. Lowering her eyes back to swollen lips, Buffy unconsciously licks her lips. "God." Buffy growls out quietly before closing the distance and kissing the witch again. Both women quickly go to deepen the kiss, no hesitation this time, tongues stroking more firmly against each other. First battling gently in one mouth before being chased into the other woman's mouth. After long moments, both women back away, breathing heavily.
"Sweet Goddess." Tara breathes out, her eyes closed. Panting heavily she eases back another step to keep from diving back in for another kiss. Finally opening her eyes, she looks into the slightly flushed face of the slayer. Feeling her heart pounding against her chest, Tara shakes her head. "If…" Tara trails off looking into the almost dark brown eyes of the slayer and the obvious desire therein, she changes her wording. "When we take this further, I have a feeling I'm going to spontaneously combust."
Buffy grunts quietly in agreement, knowing her temperature is at an all-time high at this moment. But, God she wants to see how high it will go. Closing her eyes, taking deep calming breaths, Buffy mutters out "Maybe an ice cold water would be good right now."
In lieu of an ice cold shower, Buffy continues in her head.
Tara nods her head and eases past the slayer to grab two waters out of the refrigerator, handing one to Buffy. Watching as the slayer quickly rips the top off the water and downs half of it, Tara smiles. Moving somewhat unsteadily over to the bed, Tara flops down on it before opening her water.
Buffy watches Tara intently, not believing how beautiful the woman is with slightly mussed hair, swollen pouty lips, flushed cheeks and dark blue eyes flashing with desire. "God you're beautiful." Buffy growls out quietly.
Tara looks up making eye contact with Buffy before smiling softly. "And you are absolutely gorgeous."
Buffy grins at the witch before finishing off her water. Going to stand at the door, she waits patiently for Tara to finish her water. "You still wanting to go to the Espresso Pump?" Buffy questions.
"Is it still open?" Tara looks at the clock, surprised to see it's almost 10:30. "Maybe we should forgo coffee tonight." Tara turns apologetic eyes on the slayer.
"Would you like to go for a walk around campus?" Buffy offers quietly, not wanting to leave the witch just yet, but knowing if she stays in the room alone with her that things may get a little heavier quicker than either woman was probably ready for.
Tara searches the slayer's eyes, seeing the hunger there, but the decision to try and take things slow. Not wanting the night to end either, Tara nods her head setting her water on the nightstand. Standing she walks towards her closet and is stopped by a soft hand on her arm.
"I didn't move too fast for you, did I?" Buffy questions worriedly.
Smiling softly, Tara reaches up and runs a thumb down her cheek. "You weren't the only one making the decisions here, you know."
Buffy leans into the caress. Sighing quietly, she closes her eyes. "I think I could stay here like this for the rest of my life and be happy." Buffy whispers.
"You haven't had a very good life, have you?" Tara whispers wrapping her arms gently around the slayer and pulling her into a soft hug.
"I've had a slayer's life." Buffy sighs loosely wrapping her arms around the witch and easing her body in against the fuller body of the witch, silently groaning at the soft flesh. Her body urging her to lose herself in this other woman. "Maybe sometime you would like to tell me a little bit about what your life was like? I mean, you don't have to if you don't want too…" Buffy trails off as Tara hugs her tighter.
"Let's go for the walk and maybe some talking." Tara whispers. Easing her grip on the slayer Tara smiles sadly at the woman. "Get your jacket, I don't want you to get sick."
"Yes, ma'am." Buffy smiles softly before easing completely away from the witch and walking the short distance to the desk, grabbing her jacket from the chair and shrugging it on while watching Tara slide her jacket on. "Do you have a cross to carry with you?" Buffy questions quietly.
"No." Tara shakes her head. "Just my Celtic Cross that I need to put back on my bracelet."
Buffy pulls the wooden cross out of her jacket pocket handing it to the witch. "You really should carry one with you. It helps deter the vampires. It won't stop them, but a few seconds can mean a big difference."
"Thank you." Tara accepts the cross and tucks it away in her jacket pocket. Walking over to her desk, she grins mischievously as she grabs out a hand full of sharpened pencils. "I might want to bring these with me while I'm at it."
Buffy chuckles at the witch. "Maybe I should start carrying a handful around with me, in case of emergency."
Tara's eyes twinkle merrily at the slayer. "Never know when they might come in handy."
Buffy holds her hand out and smiles softly as Tara eagerly accepts and laces their fingers together as they walk out of the dorm room.
"What time would you like to come over tomorrow?" Buffy quietly asks the question as they walk around the quad.
"What time would you like to eat the wings?" Tara grins at the slayer. "They'll need to soak in the sauce for a couple hours to be flavored good before I bake them."
"So if I want to have the wings for lunch, you'll need to be at the house early to make the sauce and get the wings soaking?" Buffy questions a huge grin on her face.
Eyeing the slayer, Tara chuckles quietly. "Yes. Probably need to be there around 9:00 if you want to eat the wings at noon."
"Definitely want to eat at noon." Buffy grins swinging their arms as they walk. "Maybe I can come by early, walk you to the house and we can stop and get breakfast on the way."
Tara slows down and pulls Buffy to a stop. Looking at the slayer with a quirked eyebrow. "Are you planning on my staying at your house all day tomorrow?"
"Yes." Buffy admits grinning. Looking at Tara before tilting her head. "Are you okay with that?"
Tara sighs quietly, shaking her head. "How come I have this feeling you are going to turn my world completely upside down?" She questions quietly.
Buffy closes the distance between them and runs a hand down the witch's neck, smiling softly as her heartbeat picks up the pace. "I think your world needs to be turned upside down." Buffy whispers.
"Maybe it does." Tara agrees, closing her eyes at the slayer's caress. Moaning quietly as soft lips brush ever so lightly across hers before pulling away. Opening her eyes she smiles at Buffy. "Walk?"
"Walk." Buffy nods her head, turning she slides her arm around the witch's waist, squeezing her hip gently.
Smiling softly, Tara wraps her arm around the slayer as they walk around the campus, passing Howell House, they both chuckle at the students running in and out of the house, obviously having a good time. The music blaring and even some of the couples dancing on the grounds. "Looks like the party of the year." Tara grins as they walk by.
Buffy searches the grounds and nods her head. "Yeah, but it's just asking for vampires to come visit. If you don't mind, maybe we should work our way around outside here for a little while, make sure everything stays just a party."
"That's fine." Tara unconsciously squeezes the slayer a little tighter into her body.
Grinning as she snuggles in closer against the witch as they walk, Buffy questions her softly "Would you like to stay for dinner tomorrow night also? Mom will usually pick up pizza or something for Saturday nights. We have a pizza and movie night, then I usually go out on patrol later."
"I-I don't want to overstay my welcome." Tara hesitantly gets out.
"You aren't." Buffy shakes her head. "Honestly, mom doesn't mind. And all the time I spend with you, makes me want more." Buffy admits.
"If you're sure, I would love to stay for dinner." Tara smiles softly as she gently strokes her fingers over the slayer's waist. "Uh, oh. Looks like trouble coming in a group." Tara mutters seeing five vampires heading towards Howell House.
Releasing Tara, Buffy double checks around them before heading to intercept the vampires. "Stay close, but not too close." Buffy growls out to Tara.
Tara silently follows Buffy, keeping an eye open for any other demons while readying a couple spells. Pulling her pencils out, she smiles as she watches Buffy wade into the midst of the vampires, making comments and just generally pissing them off. As one of the vampires goes flying, Tara using her levitating spell to make the pencil fly straight into the heart of the vampire, dusting it quickly. Continuing to watch Buffy dodge and duck punches thrown at her while connecting with various combinations of punches and kicks, Tara marvels at the fluidity of the slayer. The smooth transition from one fighting style to another. When the slayer literally jumps up and tucks into a roll over the vampires converging on her, Tara's eyes widen in surprise. Coming back to herself, she quickly sends another pencil into another vampires heart. Watching as Buffy stakes one quickly in the back before kicking the feet out of one of the two that's left and staking him.
Buffy looks around realizing Tara must have taken the other two vampires out before slowly advancing on the last one. "It isn't nice to try and take advantage of college kids just trying to have a good time." Buffy growls out before snapping of a side kick hard into the vampires ribs, knocking it back several yards before following up with a spinning back kick, knocking it to the ground. Quickly dusting it, she walks over to Tara, "You okay?" Buffy questions, double-checking the witch even though she tried to keep an eye on her while fighting the vampires.
"I'm fine." Tara smiles reaching up to brush some vampire dust from the slayer's cheek. "Should we continue cruising around the college?"
"Yeah." Buffy bounces slightly on the balls of her feet, the adrenalin rush from fighting the vampires at full force. Stretching her senses to the fullest, Buffy doesn't feel any vampires nearby, but keeps an eye out while clasping the witch's hand.
Tara chuckles at Buffy's obvious energy. Sighing quietly, she debates on how to tell the slayer about her life, where to start. Looking down at the ground, thinking about her family, Tara hopes she doesn't scare the slayer away, but knows in her heart that she needs to open up to this wonderful woman. This woman that has already told her so much about herself and will probably tell her more tomorrow.
Buffy glances at the witch, noticing the sad expression on her face. Pulling her to a gentle stop she looks at Tara. "Are you okay? I mean, is something wrong?"
Tara shakes her head smiling softly. "Just trying to decide where to start my life story." Tara finally admits before tugging on the slayer's hand to continue patrolling. "My mom started training me in the Wicca ways when I was a baby. She taught me not to abuse the power. To understand the right and wrong way of using magic. I didn't understand to begin with, but she insisted that I never speak to Father or my brother about what we did in private. We always practiced the spells when they were gone, or when we went out of the house, spending a girls day together. Later on I found out Father didn't abide the use of magic, that it was evil. He caught me practicing levitating one day in my bedroom and whipped me saying that it was the demon in me that allowed me to do such evil things." Tara looks down at her hand where Buffy is squeezing it gently in support. "Mom explained to me it wasn't evil or a demon in me that caused it, just that all the women in her family have the magic in their blood. Growing up, Mom supported me and loved me, but Father must have realized what she was doing, he caught us practicing a couple times and it went downhill from there. He started b-beating both of us." Tara inhales deeply, feeling the tears gathering in her eyes. "He taught D-donnie to b-beat me while he would abuse my mother." Tara swallows hard looking up at the night sky, not realizing that they had stopped walking and Buffy was stroking her arm in a soothing gesture. Glancing at the slayer, Tara shakes her head. "My mom d-died of cancer, but I think she more wanted to die to get away from my father. She insisted I get away, go to school and find someone to love with my whole heart. To never, ever stay in a relationship like she had, to think more of myself than that. She had squirreled away a small nest-egg and put it into a savings account for me. When I turned 18 I gathered up what few belongings I had, along with mom's Book of Shadows and crystals, closed the account and made my way here to school. I put what money was left in the bank and try to make do with the money I get from grants and scholarships."
Buffy wraps her arms around the witch and hugs her tightly. "I'm sorry."
"Oh, Buffy. You have nothing to be sorry for." Tara whispers quietly. "Some people have good lives some have bad and other ones have okay lives. It's the way the world is. And I honestly believe everything happens for a reason."
Buffy hesitates momentarily before questioning softly "How badly…?"
Tara shivers uncontrollably and whispers "Pretty bad. Hospital worthy quite a few times."
Buffy growls at the thought of this kind, loving woman being beat. "Do they know where you are?"
"No." Tara shakes at the thought of them finding her. "That scares me more than anything. That one day they'll find me."
"They will NOT hurt you again." Buffy growls the words out strongly. "If you have any inkling whatsoever that they are here, you call me or come straight to my house. Understand?" Buffy looks into the witch's blue eyes. "I am being very, very serious. Even if I didn't have a romantic interest in you I wouldn't want you to be hurt."
Tara looks down, her hair covering her face and nods silently. Glancing up as Buffy brushes her hair back behind her ear.
"Don't do that." Buffy whispers. At Tara's confused look Buffy raises her other hand and cups both cheeks. "Don't hide your beautiful eyes. You are beautiful, Tara. You should show the world just how much. And you can't do that by hiding."
Tara blushes looking down, at the ground before looking back up, searching the slayer's hazel eyes, seeing the truth in her gaze. "Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me for speaking the truth." Buffy smiles sadly. "Just believe it." Sighing quietly she strokes her thumbs over the petal soft skin. "I really want to kiss you right now, but I have a feeling it won't be just a brief kiss." Buffy admits.
Tara's lip quirks up. "Are you trying to corrupt me?" Tara's eyes twinkle as she grins lopsidedly at the slayer.
"No…" Buffy trails off thinking for a moment. "Well, maybe." Tara laughs quietly, making Buffy grin. "I just want to make you happy."
"And if corrupting me makes me happy?" Tara chuckles as Buffy's eyes glint up mischievously into hers.
"Then I say the corrupting needs to take placesomeplace besides the middle of the Quad." Buffy growls out jokingly.
"Thanks for listening to me, Buffy." Tara smiles softens and she reaches up brushing a fingertip over the slayer's eyebrow. "I haven't talked to anyone since my mom died, and I miss that so much."
"Didn't you have any friends?" Buffy questions quietly.
"Not really. I couldn't belong to any after school activities. I went to school, came home, worked on the farm, helped mom fix dinner, clean the house, and did my school work. I never was able to go to birthday parties or sleepovers or anything like that." Tara admits.
"So we have a lot of time to make up for." Buffy decides then and there to make sure this woman is shown everything possible. "Let's continue."
Tara watches the slayer out of the corner of her eyes as they make another slow circuit of the college grounds, not coming across any other strange happenings before they slowly walk up to her room. Unlocking and opening the door, Tara turns expecting Buffy to follow her in and looks in surprise at the slayer standing in the doorway. "Aren't you going to come in?"
Buffy looks up and shakes her head. "I think I better stay here. Not that I don't want to come in…" Buffy trails off hoping Tara will understand.
"Afraid things will go further than either of us are ready for?" Tara questions quietly and as Buffy relaxes her tense stance and nods silently in agreement, Tara smiles gently. "What time are you planning on picking me up?"
Buffy smiles and bites her lip looking at the witch. "Now?" She raises her eyebrows hopefully.
Tara chuckles quietly. "I don't think I need to get the wings ready this early."
Buffy pouts and before she realizes she's even doing it, Tara closes the distance between them, capturing the lip caressing it gently with her tongue. Moaning quietly into the caress Buffy gently flicks her tongue over Tara's lips tempting the witch to deepen the kiss. Running her hand up to cup behind the witch's head, Buffy tilts her head as tongues gently caress each other for long moments before she eases away from the witch, smiling as she opens her eyes.
"I better go. Between 7:30 and 8:00?" Buffy whispers stroking her fingers over the soft nape of the witches neck.
Swallowing Tara nods. "That would be perfect." She huskily whispers back to the slayer. "Be careful on the way home."
"I will." Buffy acknowledges the witch as she slowly pulls her hand away. "Tomorrow morning."
Tara smiles as Buffy backs out into the hallway before turning on her heel and striding towards the stairs. Watching the slayer as she walks out of sight, Tara steps back into her room, closing and locking the door. "Goddess, mama. I think I'm falling in love." Tara whispers as she stands at the window looking out at the night sky.