Chapter Twenty-Two: Conversation Between Friends

Faith was furious. Not only had things become even more strained between Willow and Tara, but Willow was starting to give up again. Faith wouldn't allow that to happen. Willow had spent too long alone and Faith didn't want the redhead to suffer anymore, so she knew it was time to interfere. After all, thats what friends are for, right?

"Hey, T," Faith said as she walked into Willow's room to see the blonde packing up her things.

"Hey, Faith," Tara replied, looking over at her friend before looking at the floor. "Where's Willow?"

"She's downstairs with the others," Faith announced. "I'm actually up here to talk to you."

"What about?" Tara wondered, looking at her friend in confusion.

"Red told us what happened. I wanted to make sure you were okay," Faith told her, watching her friend.

"I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?" Tara asked, staring at the brunette.

"Red seemed to think you'd be upset," Faith pointed out, walking over to the blonde.

"I'm fine," Tara promised, giving Faith a confused look.

"Good. Can I talk to you about something?"

Tara nodded, confused by Faith's actions. "Of course."

"What all do you know about Willow and the curse?" Faith asked, watching Tara carefully.

"She was cursed by dark magic, making her dark appearance be her physical form. She also can't age or die until she is loved by the reincarnation of her soulmate, me," Tara said, shrugging. "Why?"

"I was just wondering how much you knew," Faith told her, shrugging before going silent. Finally Faith spoke again. "Willow has been punishing herself."

"What? Why?" Tara asked, giving Faith a worried look.

"She's afraid you'll never love her. She doesn't think you could ever love who she is," Faith explained, watching Tara carefully.

"Why doesn't she think that? I never told her I couldn't love her. I just don't know her that well yet," Tara argued, guilt filling her at Faith's words.

"You need to tell her that," Faith said, giving her a gentle smile. "She needs to hear that from you."

"How would I say it though? I mean, s-she w-won't let m-me in," Tara whispered.

"Then force your way in, T. Don't let her keep you out," Faith challenged, resting her hand on Tara's shoulder in a gesture of comfort. "Red's stubborn, you just have to knock some sense into her."

"B-but I-I'm not g-good with v-violence," Tara argued, giving Faith a worried look.

"I didn't mean it literally, Blondie," Faith said, smiling at Tara.

"Oh, yeah...right," Tara mumbled, looking down at the ground.

"Relax, T. I don't expect you to start pounding on Red. I just think you shouldn't let her push you away. Find a way in," Faith offered, giving her a gentle look. "Red won't be able to resist those eyes."

"Um...thanks...I think," Tara whispered, unsure of how to react to Faith's words.

"Alright. I'm gonna give you some advice on Red since you haven't had any luck with her," Faith said, walking Tara over to the bed and forcing the blonde to sit down. "First things first, wear low cut shirts. Red's a breast gal, and won't be able to fight for long if you show off the assets."

"Um...what?" Tara asked, not sure she had heard Faith right.

"Red likes breast," Faith simplified, giving Tara an amused look. "Show the girls off."

"H-how w-would you k-know this?" Tara wondered, frowning at Faith.

"T, with these," gesturing to her breasts, Faith smiled as she continued, "always on display for anyone to see, I have caught Red checking them out a few times."

"Oh," Tara mumbled, not sure how to react to Faith's words. All she knew was that part of her was jealous at the thought of Willow looking at someone else's body.

"Don't tell me you're jealous, T? Red's got needs just like the rest of us. You can't tell me that you haven't taken a peak at them," Faith challenged, smirking at Tara as she waited for the denial.

Tara just blushed and ducked her head, hiding behind her hair. "O-okay," Tara mumbled, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"So you have looked? My, oh, my, T. You should be ashamed. Here I was thinking we were just friends and you're staring at me in a sexual manner. I feel violated. I feel insulted," Faith joked, amusement clear in her voice as she watched Tara's face turn a darker red. "I'm just kidding, T."

"I-I-I k-know," Tara said, keeping her face hidden.

"I really don't care that you took a peak, T. Everyone looks because I like them to look," Faith admitted, smirking at the blonde.

Tara just nodded silently, praying the conversation would end or at the very least change to something less embarrassing. Faith, realizing the blonde was too embarrassed to respond, rolled her eyes before standing. "Alright, next word of advice. Don't hide what you're feeling. If Red makes you angry, tell her you're angry. If you want her, tell her you want her," Faith advised, standing up.

"O-okay," Tara replied, still uncomfortable with the conversation.

"I also think you should kiss her," Faith announced, looking directly at Tara.

"Um...w-w-what?"

"I think you should kiss Red. It would help you decide how you feel about her, and possibly make Red willing to continue to fight for you."

A/N: Thank you Gimpy72 for all the help with this story and all my other stories.