Advice from the past.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, nor am I making any money here. All characters are the property of Joss Whedon.
Tara sat in her room, thinking of Willow. They had just spent the night working on magick and studying for exams. Even studying was good with Willow around. At certain moments Tara allowed herself to imagine the possibilities. But she knew she was deluding herself. Willow was straight, she had mentioned her ex-boyfriend Oz enough times for Tara to know that. And even if Willow were gay, why would she be interested in Tara? Tara had hoped coming to California would help her be more open, so far she hadn't even told Willow she was gay, perhaps afraid of frightening her best friend away. Nor was Tara even brave enough to join the school's on campus lesbian group. Tara went out to get breakfast, on the way a guy named Larry approached her.
Larry: You're Wollow's friend, Tara right?
Tara: Yeah, have we met?
Larry: No, just a friend of a friend. I used to know her friend Xander, do you know him?
Tara: No, Willow hasn't really introduced me to her friends yet.
Larry: She's just scared. I know how she feels. Before I came out I was scared to even be seen with a guy.
Tara: Willow and I aren't a couple. She's not even gay.
Larry: I wasn't gay either, until the day I finally accepted who I am.
Tara: I know. But I'm pretty sure that Willow's straight.
Larry: Maybe she is, maybe she isn't.
Tara: Why are you so interested in me and Willow?
Larry: I used to have a huge crush on Xander, but I never told him. Now it's too late. I wish I had told him. Even if he rejected me I wish I had known for certain. My advice is that you shouldn't let too much time pass before you go for it. Because really, none of us know how long we have.
Tara knew Larry was right. She vowed that the next time she saw Willow she would tell her how she felt. Maybe Willow would reject her, only one way to find out. As Tara left Larry felt good. He might be dead but he coud still give advice to the living. He wished Willow and Tara the best.