Willow brushed invisible lint off her dress shirt fastidiously, frowning down at her outfit, a knee-length skirt and a button-down blouse. "Are you sure I don't look stupid?" she asked, the third time she'd asked the same question in as many minutes.
Buffy laughed from where she was standing in Willow's closet, having been helping the redhead choose an outfit for the last hour. "You look great, Willow. Tara's not going to know what hit her." She leaned against the doorframe, watching Willow carefully as the redhead balanced on her crutches. "Are you sure you're going to be alright tonight?"
Willow nodded. "Yeah. The crutches are bad enough, I definitely don't want to take Tara out in the stupid chair."
"Okay, but I don't want you to outdo yourself. You'll call me if you need the wheelchair, right? Because I'll bring it to you if you need it, you just have to call me," Buffy told her, watching critically for any sign that Willow was in pain.
The redhead laughed, meeting her friend's eyes. "I will Buffy, I promise. You won't even notice I'm gone once Riley gets here. And Tara wouldn't let me hurt myself."
Buffy sighed, nodding with a smile. "I know she wouldn't, but I know you wouldn't tell her if your arms started hurting."
"I'll be alright, Buffy. You need to take a night off. You're hanging out with Riley tonight, there's no reason to be worried about me," Willow said. Buffy already had her mouth open to protest, but the witch moved across the room on her crutches, resting one hand on the Slayer's shoulder. "You've been taking care of me nonstop for the last two months, you need to take one night off and not worry about me, okay?"
Buffy nodded, smiling. "Thanks, Will," she said, reaching up to fix one of Willow's curls. "You look great. Tara's a lucky girl."
Willow blushed, biting her lip. "Thanks, Buffy."
The Slayer knelt down to slide Willow's shoe on, winking as she stood up. "Go get her," Buffy said, smiling as she opened the door for Willow and saw Riley, his arm lifted to knock. "Hey," she greeted him, smiling happily.
"I'm going," Willow said cheerfully. "You guys have fun." She swung herself down the hall, giving them a smile over her shoulder. She heard Buffy call a goodbye a few seconds before she could hear the door close and she went outside, surprised and pleased by how easily her arms were handling the strain as she waited patiently on the elevator when she got to Tara's building.
Tara answered the door only a few seconds after Willow's knock, smiling sheepishly. "Hey," she greeted her softly. "You're here," she said happily.
"I wouldn't have missed this," Willow said, smiling. "Are you ready to go, because you look ready, I mean you look amazing, and you're gorgeous…" Her eyes trailed slowly down Tara's body and she took a shaky breath. "Really gorgeous," she said softly.
"You-you do too," Tara said moving forward a few steps to get closer to Willow. "Your arms are feeling okay, right? We can stay here…"
Willow sighed, shaking her head with a smile. "Just like I told Buffy, my arms are fine, and I feel fine, and I'm taking you out."
Tara pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Let's go then, sweetie." Willow grinned triumphantly, turning her head slightly to catch a kiss. The kiss was slow, gradually becoming a repeating meeting of their lips. "Or we could stay here," Tara breathed, her eyes closed as they slipped apart after several long minutes.
Willow laughed, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I could be alright with that," she agreed.
Tara ran her eyes up and down Willow's form from head to toe. "I think we should go out. You look too good to just stay in tonight."
"Speak for yourself," Willow said, dragging her eyes over Tara's dress again. "You look great, not that you don't all the time, because, hello, you're a gorgeous woman, but tonight you just look wow, and I need to stop talking before I make a jerk out of myself, and Riley's over hanging out with Buffy so it's not like I can just retreat back to my room if…"
She was cut off by Tara's lips, the blonde's arms curling around her waist and Willow lost one of her crutches as she slid her arm behind Tara's neck, the support falling away unnoticed. Willow's curled fingers in her hair kept Tara from pulling back to check on her. Willow balanced herself on her good leg without thinking about it, too wrapped up in kissing Tara to worry about a lost crutch.
Tara let herself relax after a moment, feeling that Willow was steady on her leg and one remaining support. Willow's fingers were moving through her hair and it was infinitely distracting. Tara couldn't stop herself from moaning into Willow's mouth, and feeling Willow's laugh. "We need to go," she reminded them both before diving back in for another kiss.
"We've got some time," Willow objected, shaking her head minutely against Tara's lips before she sucked her bottom lip in. Tara pressed herself closer to Willow, moving them toward the opposite wall and causing Willow's remaining crutch to fall away as they pressed against the wall.
The muffled sound of it hitting the carpet managed to reach Tara's ears, and she pulled back in a rush. "Oh, Willow, I'm sorry. Are you okay?" she asked worriedly. Willow was breathing heavily, but smiling, leaning against the wall, and she nodded, holding herself up with a hand on Tara's shoulder.
"It didn't hurt me, Tara. I'm fine," Willow breathed, laughing. "Feel free to do that whenever you feel like it, okay?"
Tara breathed deeply in relief, smiling. Her hands were on Willow's hips and she held the redhead steady. "I'll get your crutches. Can you stay up? Lean on me if you need to, okay?"
Willow nodded, feeling stable, but finding Tara's protectiveness adorable. The blonde retrieved the crutches quickly, only gone for a second, but she still brushed curls from Willow's face, checking anxiously to make sure she was okay.
"I'm fine, Tara," Willow said, smiling reassuringly as she tucked her crutches back under her arms and moving away from the wall. "And I can't believe I'm saying this, but we should probably go. Any more kissing like that and I don't know what I'll do," she said, winking.
Tara blushed but nodded, crossing back to her door and closing it. "You're right," she agreed with a shy smile over her shoulder. "I really like kissing you."
"Same here, cutie," Willow confessed with a grin. "You ready to go?" she asked.
Tara nodded, locking her room and turning back to Willow. They went toward the elevator out of habit, riding down in silence, shy glances passing back and forth between them. Willow led the way once they reached the outside, the sun setting behind the scholastic buildings.
"So where are we going?" Tara asked. "I'm surprised Buffy let you go out alone so close to dark."
"I'm not alone," Willow replied. "I'm with you," she said softly.
"I like the sound of that."
Willow grinned. "Me too." Their eyes met and Willow wished there was a way she could hold Tara's hand, the simple action prevented by her having to grip the crutches. "I thought we could eat downtown at that Italian place, and then, if you're not too bored, we could watch a movie at the theater, or take a walk, or whatever you want…" She stopped herself with a sheepish grin. "I know dinner and a movie is completely clichéd for a first date, but I'm kind of limited on my mobility or I would take you to the Bronze, go dancing, but I can't really do that right now, and I look enough like a spaz trying to dance when both of my legs work, I don't think anyone wants to see me try like this, but we could still go there if you want, just to listen to the bands, they get some good ones in there, and you could dance, by yourself, or with someone else if you wanted…"
Tara giggled and Willow paused, blushing as Tara pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Dinner and a movie is perfect, Willow. And I'd love to go to the Bronze with you some time, but I don't want to dance with anyone but you." She moved her second kiss to the redhead's temple.
Willow grinned, pleased. They started walking again, the pace quicker as the sun fell all the way below the horizon, the ever-present threat of vampires, as well as the dropping January temperature encouraging them to move quicker.
Willow needed a moment to catch her breath as they reached the restaurant, but Tara didn't say anything, merely handed over her own glass of water as Willow finished off the first glass. "I'm okay," Willow said, rubbing at one shoulder absently.
"Do you need…" Tara started to ask, holding one hand across the table.
Willow took the offered hand, lifting it to press a kiss to the back, smiling against the smooth skin under her lips. "I'm okay," she repeated softly. "Promise."
Tara smiled sheepishly. "You know I just want you to be okay."
Willow nodded, squeezing Tara's fingers gently. "I know, and I appreciate that you care, but I promise I'll tell you if I need a rest, or if anything hurts."
"I know, sorry," Tara said. "I trust you."
Willow grinned, nudging a menu across the table to the blonde. They let each others hands go slowly, smiling shyly. They ordered and Willow gave Tara her water back as her own glass was refilled. They chatted while they ate, talking about their classes and Willow's recovery. She'd found out from the doctor that she had a month left in the cast before she could start physical therapy to learn how to walk again. She was amusing Tara with planning everything she wanted to do once she regained full mobility.
They'd eaten dinner alone together before, frequently even, but this night was different and they could both feel it. They were acknowledging their feelings for each other, and Tara's hopes were no longer idle, but eager and so, so fragile. She'd meant what she'd told Willow though, that if this wasn't what the redhead wanted they would still be friends, and she was determined that that would be true. No matter how much it would hurt to remember that for a brief moment, it had been so different and so good.
Tara put a hand on the back of Willow's arm as they walked out of the restaurant, their breath fogging in the night air. "So, where do you want to go now?" Willow asked softly. She shivered as Tara's fingers slid down to her wrist.
"We can go back to the dorm if you're cold," Tara offered, seeing her tremble.
Willow shook her head, biting her lip. "I'm not," she breathed softly.
Realization crossed Tara's face and she let her hand linger on Willow's arm. "Oh. So, do you want to go to the movies?" she asked hesitantly.
Willow nodded, smiling. "If it's not too much of a horrible dating cliché for you," she answered. Tara shook her head without speaking, leaning in for a slow, lingering kiss.
The redhead could feel her knee weaken, and Tara's arm caught her quickly. "Are you okay?" Tara asked worriedly.
Willow smiled, nodding. "Oh, yeah," she agreed breathily. "I'm good." She took Tara's free hand and guided it to her chest, letting the blonde feel her heart pounding. "And you…you're very good," she commented as she took a deep breath.
Tara blushed brightly, her mouth moving without speaking as she tried to think of anything to say. "Willow…"
The redhead let her hand go slowly, shaking her head to cut her off. "That was too far. I'm sorry, Tara. I didn't mean…"
She was cut off as Tara kissed her again, the kiss short but deep. "It was…nice," Tara decided. "Very nice." She hesitated only for a second before she put her hand back over Willow's still pounding heart. Willow looked down at the hand on her chest and her knee trembled again and she slumped into the support of her crutches. "Willow! Okay, we're going home," Tara stated. "I don't want you to fall."
Willow quickly endeavored to push herself back up straight, but Tara wasn't buying it. "I'm fine. I can go sit in a movie theater."
Tara frowned, brushing one hand through Willow's curls. "Really? You'd tell me if you needed to go back, right?"
Willow nodded immediately, smiling. "Yeah. Promise. I don't want to wuss out in the middle of our date."
Tara sighed, pinning her with a look. "You're not pushing yourself because you think I'll be disappointed if we have to go back, are you?"
Willow shook her head. "No. I'm going to be disappointed if I can't do this."
Tara let out a deep breath, meeting Willow's eyes. "Sweetheart, you're doing well. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. If you need to go back and rest, it's not a big deal. We can go to the movies another time."
Willow didn't speak, trying to take honest stock of her condition. The restaurant had had wooden booths, and sitting still for so long had made her hip feel sore and achy. Her shoulders were throbbing as they were standing there, and she realized that her fingers were trembling around the grips of her crutches, and she groaned in frustration. "Tara, I think I need to go back, if that's okay with you. I'm a little tired," she conceded finally, dropping her head forward to stare at the ground as she fought back tears of exasperation.
Tara pushed her head up gently, smiling sadly at the obvious annoyance on Willow's face. "It's okay," she breathed, stepping closer to hug her gently. "Do you know how proud I am of you? How proud everyone is? Buffy, and Xander, and Mr. Giles?" she asked softly. "You're so strong Willow, but it's not bad to admit that you need help."
"That's not what I do," Willow whispered. "I figure out how to make it work, how to get stuff done."
Tara nodded, her hand sliding into Willow's hair, gently guiding the redhead to her shoulder. "But now I'm here, and you don't have to be that person with me, okay? Anything you can't do is fine with me."
Willow let her crutches fall as she wrapped her arms around Tara, holding onto her. For once the blonde didn't panic when Willow lost her supports, just let the redhead lean against her. After a while, Willow lifted her head, smiling weakly. "Thank you," she said softly. "I don't know…I don't normally…thanks," she finished.
Tara smiled, nodding. "Of course," she breathed. She hooked one of Willow's crutches with a foot, catching it with a playful grin. Willow laughed as she took it, using it to snag the other one herself. It took her a second to get settled and she grimaced at the pressure under her arms, gritting her teeth. They started walking back toward the campus, Willow keeping a cautious eye out for vampires, while Tara kept an eye on Willow.
They slowed unconsciously as they reached Stevenson, both reluctant to end their night. "I'll walk you in," Tara said, surprised when Willow shook her head.
"Buffy…Riley's still there," Willow said, pointing out a window, a tall shadow visible through the shades.
Tara nodded. "We could go back to my room. I'm sure Buffy will call to check on you. She could walk you back later," she suggested. Willow nodded quickly, smiling easily and they started walking again, passing by Stevenson.
There were no messages on Tara's answering machine, and the blonde helped Willow off her crutches and onto the corner of the bed before she plugged in the fairy lights that ran around the ceiling. The light stayed dim, and Willow smiled around the room, feeling as comfortable in Tara's room as she did in her own.
"So, how did I do? I know wimping out in the middle doesn't win me any points, but what can I do better next time?" Willow asked. "I mean, if you want there to be a next time…"
Tara gave her a confused smile over her shoulder. "What?" she laughed. She turned to face her, hesitating before she took a seat next to Willow and gave her a smile. "You don't have to 'win points' from me. I had a wonderful time with you Willow, and I absolutely want to go out again." Her look turned serious. "And I don't want to push my luck here, but are you sure…"
She was cut off by Willow's kiss, the redhead's hands sliding through her hair and holding her face close. Tara gave up her anxious curiosity as she kissed her back. If Willow had doubts or wasn't sure about this, about them, she was hiding it well. And Tara knew that she herself didn't want Willow to think too hard about it if it would mean the end of this.
They separated gradually, stealing small kisses each time they moved to pull back. Finally they were still, their foreheads leaning together.
"Tara, I meant what I said…if you have any doubts, if you're not sure about me, about us, I'll never say a word about it again…" Willow started softly, her voice barely audible. "But baby, I have to say, I'm falling for you, hard and fast, and I think I have been for a while now and I only just realized it because I'm a dummy, and I know that might not be what you want to hear, but it's how I feel, and…"
Tara nodded against Willow's head, stopping her words. "I get it, sweetie. I don't…I just don't want you to regret…being with me." She took another soft kiss before moving back enough to see Willow's smile. "But I feel it too…"
Willow's smile grew. "Really?" she asked softly, her heart beating faster as Tara nodded.
Her mouth was open to say more, but Tara's phone chose that moment to ring, and Tara pressed a kiss to Willow's forehead as she stood up to answer it. Willow kept her eyes on her, tracing the blonde's form and smiling as Tara's greeting confirmed that Buffy was on the other end.
"Yeah, she's right here," Tara said into the phone, holding the handset out to Willow. Willow took the phone and Tara took her seat back on the bed, her hand finding its way to Willow's good knee, stroking lightly over freckled skin.
"Hey Buffy, how was your date?" Willow asked, smiling sideways at Tara.
"Great. Riley just left. How about you? Did you and Tara have fun?"
"So far, so good," she answered, winking at Tara. The blonde blushed, pressing a kiss to her cheek while her hand moved over Willow's knee.
"I can give you guys some time if you want," Buffy offered.
Willow hesitated before she answered, biting her lip. "Thanks Buff, but it's okay," she decided. "You could walk slow though," she suggested after a pause, smirking at Tara teasingly.
"Will do," Buffy answered with a laugh. "I'll see you in a little while," she said as she hung up.
Tara arched an eyebrow at the redhead who was now striving unsuccessfully to look innocent. "Buffy's on her way?" she prompted. Willow nodded, trying in vain to wipe the smirk from her face. "But not for a few minutes?" she asked curiously.
"Who knows? She might even just decide to take a patrol and pick me up on the way back to Stevenson," Willow said, already leaning in for a kiss.
Tara met her with a smile, and they kissed softly. It escalated slowly, Willow moving closer unconsciously. Tara helped her along and let Willow in to explore her mouth, Willow's fingers moving through her hair encouragingly.
It felt like only a few seconds, but had likely been the slow extra minutes that Buffy had promised them, and the sudden knock on the door sent their collective balance out the window, Tara falling back on her bed with Willow on her chest. They stared at each other for a few surprised seconds before Willow giggled and rolled herself off of the blonde.
"Sorry about that," she laughed, pushing herself up on suddenly shaky arms. All of the exertions of the evening hadn't done as much to make her feel weak than two seconds on top of Tara. "I didn't crush you, did I?"
Tara shook her head, frowning at her in disbelief. "No," she said, rolling her eyes. "Are you okay? Your leg…?"
Willow pressed one hand unconsciously over the top of her injured leg, but shook her head. "No, I'm fine, sweetheart."
Tara sighed in relief, leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek. "Good." She glanced at the door with a crooked smile. "I should probably answer that."
Willow nodded, snagging Tara's wrist before the blonde made it a step. "Hey, it's Buffy's birthday in two weeks and we're having a surprise party for her that Friday. Do you want to go with me? As a date? And maybe we could do something every other day between now and then too?" Willow asked in a hushed whisper, grinning excitedly as Tara nodded.
"Of course, Willow," Tara agreed, not resisting Willow's pull and landing across the redhead's lap, their mouths meeting in a frenzied kiss. There was another knock on the door, followed by Buffy's laughter audible through the door.
"Come on, Will! I walked as slow as I could!" Buffy called.
Willow reluctantly let Tara stand up, seeing the bright blush on the blonde's face. "Coming," she called, glancing around for her crutches. Tara opened the door, just twisting the knob before she turned back to hand the crutches to Willow.
Buffy pushed the door open with Willow's wheelchair and the redhead grinned. "Your chariot, my lady," she said cheerfully. "Or her lady, rather," she amended, gesturing to Tara with a grin.
The blonde blushed, turning the crutches in her hands while Willow pulled herself into the chair. Buffy took the crutches as Tara handed them over.
"I had a great night, Willow," Tara said quietly, crouching next to the chair.
Willow nodded, smiling. "Me too. Will I see you tomorrow?" Tara nodded, leaning up to kiss her briefly, glancing up at Buffy shyly. "Good," Willow agreed.
Buffy was politely averting her eyes, looking around Tara's room curiously.
"Good night, Willow," Tara said, pressing another kiss to her forehead as she stood up.
"Sleep well, Tara," Willow said, tilting her head back to look at Buffy upside down. "Ready to go, Buff?"
Buffy nodded, shrugging. "Sure, no hurry. Though if you guys are going to keep kissing, I can go back into the hall," she teased.
"Just one more," Willow announced, giving Tara a quick kiss, entwining their fingers briefly. "Okay, we can go now."
Buffy nodded, saluting playfully and holding both crutches in one hand while Willow guided her chair out the door. Tara shut it behind them gently, exchanging smiles with Willow as it closed.
Buffy managed to maintain her silence until they reached the sidewalks. "So, you and Tara seem pretty comfy with the smooching," she teased.
Willow blushed, seeing her breath fog the air as she let out a sigh. "Buffy," she said chidingly.
"Hey, I'm just trying to look out for you. You're my best friend Will, and you're going through something big here. I just want to help," Buffy said. "You know you can talk to me, about anything."
Willow nodded, smiling gratefully up at her friend. "Thanks, Buffy. It's…tonight was great. She's sweet, and funny, cute, smart, adorable, and I think I could fall in love with her. I mean, of course I'm not there yet, but I can see it happening…easily."
Buffy nodded, trying to think before she spoke and said something foolish, still not entirely used to the idea that Willow was starting a relationship with a woman. "Wow," she breathed. "That's big, Will." She grinned sideways at her friend. "That must have been some date."
"It was, and I know it's a big deal," Willow agreed softly as Buffy pulled the door open to the lounge of Stevenson, holding it open while Willow wheeled her chair in. "But it's real. She's amazing. I can't imagine who I would be if I didn't know her."
Buffy let them into their room, shutting the door behind Willow's chair. The roommates moved quietly around the room, doing their nightly routines without speaking. It was only when they were each in their beds, the room dark around them, that Buffy spoke again. "I'm glad for you, Will. And I'm glad you told me about…you know, how you felt about Tara."
"I couldn't imagine who I would be without you either, Buffy," Willow said, turning her head to meet her friend's eyes in the dark.
"I know, Willow. Me too," the Slayer agreed. "I'm glad you're happy."
Willow smiled. "I am." She hesitated, biting her lip. "What about you and Riley?"
"I'm happy too," Buffy said, her happiness clear in her voice. "I'm glad we took a chance, Will."
"Me too," Willow agreed, smiling at the ceiling. "Me too."
Tara and Willow spent every moment they could together, in the mornings before class, between and after classes, and at night. The blonde helped Willow get everything organized for Buffy's birthday, keeping the redhead from pushing herself too hard. Despite Tara's best efforts though, there were several nights where the redhead was too wiped out to make it home and had ended up crashing in Tara's bed.
The two weeks passed quickly, but they had managed to keep the surprise party a secret from Buffy, Riley helping them get the Slayer to the party on time. They were all still hiding in the dorm's rec-room at the time Riley had arranged to bring Buffy in from patrol, but it appeared the Slayer and her boyfriend were running late.
Willow poked her head out from behind the curtain she was concealed behind, huffing in frustration at the still-absent Slayer. She barely had time to whip herself back out of sight when the door opened.
Riley was first through the door, gesturing uselessly for the others to remain silent. The party guests jumped out of their spots, or in Willow's case, yanked the curtains out from in front of herself.
"Surprise!" they all shouted to Riley, who grinned sheepishly and scratched at the back of his head.
Buffy poked her head into the room for a second, grinning in surprise at the others. "You guys…for me? This is too much…" she said, obviously pleased. She disappeared from the doorway after a second and Riley's head turned to follow her into the hall.
"Um, Giles, we've got a party crasher out here," Buffy called. "Everybody, start the party. I'll be there in a second."
Giles exchanged surprised looks with Xander and Willow, the three moving automatically toward the door together. Giles pulled up in surprise as he saw Buffy restraining Ethan Rayne against the wall, standing still in the doorway until Willow hit him lightly across his calf with her crutch and he moved with a jump to let her and Xander into the hall.
"We caught him coming out of one of the bars over on the other side of town when we were patrolling," Buffy said.
"And certainly he's not in town for any good reason," Giles said, nodding to his Slayer.
"Want me to beat him up?" Buffy offered with a grin. "It could be like a gift."
"Hey! It's not Ripper's birthday!" Ethan protested, choking when Buffy pressed her forearm more firmly against his throat.
Giles exchanged smiles with Buffy, but waved her back and she relaxed some of the tension on her captive's neck, giving him enough room to breathe, but not enough to escape.
"So, what should we do with him?" Buffy asked. "Because if there's a birthday party in there with my name on it, I don't want to stand out here all night."
"I could take him into government custody if he's as bad as you've said," Riley suggested, his arms crossed over his chest. "He could enjoy some nice rehabilitation in the Nevada desert at an Initiative complex."
Buffy raised a questioning eyebrow at her Watcher, shrugging. "Sounds good to me," she agreed. "Giles?"
Ethan was glaring at all of them and Buffy pressed her arm slightly as he opened his mouth to speak. "I think that sounds like a wise plan," Giles agreed. "Who knows what he'd do if left to his own devices."
"Hey! It's not like I came to town to turn you into a demon or something!" Ethan protested, only to be ignored by everyone.
Riley nodded, moving to clip handcuffs around Ethan's wrists. He read him his rights and started to escort him out, sending Buffy an apologetic smile over his shoulder.
Giles craned his neck to watch Riley shove Ethan as the older man did his best to escape from the tall Marine, the Watcher grinning.
"Well, shoot, there goes my…I was going to introduce him to you tonight, Giles," Buffy said as they turned to head back into the party. "We were going to stop by your apartment because I didn't know about this nifty party," she said happily, nudging him with an elbow.
"I've met Riley," Giles reminded her with a confused look as they were all bombarded with drinks pushed into their hands by the eagerly partaking party guests.
"Yeah, but not since he started making out with Buffy," Xander explained succinctly with a grin, taking a long sip from his plastic cup.
Buffy shot him a look, slapping his arm. "Xander!" she chided him.
"Ow!" he cried at the same time, flinching away from her. "That hurt!"
Giles was eyeing them both with a raised eyebrow. "You're dating Riley?"
Buffy nodded. "Yeah, and I wanted to tell you, because he's a great guy and he's important to me, and of course, you are too, so I wanted you two to meet again." She shot another look at Xander and he moved cautiously behind Willow, confident the Slayer wouldn't try and hit him again if he was hiding behind Willow on her crutches. "I just wanted him to be here too," she said pointedly, still glaring at Xander.
"Well," Giles started, smiling at his charge. "Riley seems like a very nice young man." He gave her a more serious look. "Just be careful. He's affiliated with those commandos, and we're still not certain what their mission is."
"I'll be careful," she promised him.
Giles smiled, nodding. "Now, go enjoy your party, and we can talk about work later."
Buffy grinned, nodding. "I'll bring Riley over once he gets back," she said, waving to the Scoobies as she moved into the crowd.
There was a moment of silence before Anya appeared from the crowd, dragging Xander away to dance without a word. Willow spotted Tara through the masses of people, the blonde talking with someone from one of her classes.
The redhead eased herself into a chair against the wall, standing her crutches up beside her chair within reach. She'd been on her feet all afternoon trying to get everything finished for the party and, if she was being honest, she was sore. Giles took the seat beside her, taking a sip of his drink.
"You did a wonderful job on this party, Willow. Buffy seems to be having a good birthday for once," he commented.
The redhead grinned, watching Buffy pull Riley onto the makeshift dance floor. Her eyes found Tara again and she took a sip of her drink. "Thanks, Giles. Um, could I talk to you?" she asked. "I know Buffy already did her talk tonight, you know, told you about Riley, and I want to do the same thing."
Giles turned on his seat to see her face better, able to see immediately how nervous the redhead was. "Of course, Willow. You're dating someone new?"
"Yeah, I am," Willow said, swallowing before throwing back the rest of her drink and putting the cup down beside her chair. "I don't need to drink anymore of those," she said absently, glancing at Tara across the room again before she turned to face Giles. "I'm dating Tara," she blurted.
He choked on his drink, hitting himself on the chest with one fist as Willow patted him helpfully on the back. "That was about Xander's reaction," she told him. "Except he was drinking coffee and he spit it into Buffy's face."
Giles quickly regained control of himself, smiling tentatively. "I'm sorry, Willow. I didn't mean…"
"It's okay, Giles. I don't expect you to be okay with it right away," Willow told him reasonably. "I just wanted you to know."
The Watcher nodded, one hand coming up to rest on Willow's closer shoulder. "How long has this been going on?" he asked.
She shrugged, nervously meeting his eyes. She calmed down gradually as he gave her a reassuring smile. "Technically, just a few weeks, but we've both had feelings for each other for longer than that," she said. "Giles, I don't want to freak you out with this, I just wanted to tell you."
The older man nodded again, taking a deep breath. "Thank you for telling me, Willow," he told her honestly. "If you're happy, I have no problem with it whatsoever."
"Thanks," Willow said, smiling. "I am happy." She saw Buffy and Riley coming and she leaned over to press a kiss to the surprised older man's cheek. "I'll see you later, Giles," she said, finding her crutches and pushing herself to her feet. She winced as the crutches dug in under her arms, but she swung herself quickly across the room to where Tara was. She stayed quiet, not wanting to interrupt the blonde's conversation, but Tara spotted her immediately and excused herself.
"You need to sit back down," Tara stated right away, guiding Willow gently into a chair and pushing hair back from her face. "I'll get you some water," she said before Willow could ask, moving easily through the crowd and returning a minute later with a cup of ice water.
"Thank you," Willow said, taking a long sip. Tara nodded, smiling now that Willow was relaxing. She glanced down as Willow's free hand took hers, their joined hands resting on Tara's leg. "Okay?" Willow checked softly.
"Okay," Tara agreed with a smile, leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek.
They mingled as Willow started feeling better, watched as Buffy opened her presents, and finally said goodnight to the others and went out into the night.
"Are you tired?" Tara asked tenderly.
Willow shrugged, her fingers trembling around the grips of her crutches. "Yeah, but my wheelchair is at your room, so I can cruise for the rest of the night," she said, grinning sideways at Tara.
"You should probably just go to bed, and not do much cruising," Tara advised her, laughing at the goofy grin Willow gave her in response.
They reached Tara's dorm and Willow let herself flop onto the bed rather than bother with finding her wheelchair.
Tara laughed softly as Willow made herself comfortable. "So, now you're staying?" she asked as she moved around the room, letting her hair down and brushing it out. "Again?"
"Would you mind?" Willow asked, surprised. "I mean, I know I don't normally ask, more like just collapse and don't wake up for seven hours, and if you want I can go home, but I figure I'll be there alone with the way Buffy and Riley were being all snuggly at the party. If you don't want me to stay though, I'll go," she said, already starting to push herself up. "No problem."
Tara stopped her with a gentle hand on her chest. "Lay down, you goof. You know you can stay here anytime you want to. Just give me a second and I'll get you a shirt to wear," she said, kissing Willow on the forehead as she stood up. "And then maybe we can get all snuggly," she commented flirtatiously as she moved out of Willow's reach, dodging the redhead's hands as Willow instantly moved to touch her.
"Vixen," Willow chided, pouting.
"I'll be right back," Tara promised, tossing a t-shirt across the room to the redhead. Willow changed while her back was turned, and when Tara turned to face her, her girlfriend's arms were open wide.
"I was promised snuggles," she reminded her cheerfully, squirming down so she was on her back, arms still extended to either side.
Tara laughed, walking back to her bed and sliding under the covers with Willow. "You're a goof," she commented fondly.
Willow shrugged as she curled her arms around Tara. "Hey, I get to fall asleep with you, so I don't think I could be doing any better."
"A sweet goof," Tara corrected herself. Her head found its already familiar place on Willow's shoulder, her arm curling across the redhead's middle.
Willow yawned uncontrollably, turning her head to rest against Tara's. "Thanks for letting me stay," she mumbled, already racing toward sleep.
"Of course," Tara whispered back. "You've had a long day. Go to sleep."
Willow nodded, her eyes dragged closed. "Sleep good with you," she breathed.
Tara felt her heart start beating faster, and one of Willow's hands slid over her collarbone and she wondered if the redhead could feel it through her chest. She swallowed thickly, closing her eyes and tilting her head up to press a kiss to Willow's neck.
The redhead shifted closer, letting out a deep breath. "Thought you were sleepy," she said slowly.
Tara smiled, her lips still against Willow's skin. "Shh," she breathed. "Sleep."
"Kisses," Willow protested tiredly. "You kissed me."
Tara nudged her nose against Willow's neck, kissing her again. "And I'll kiss you again in the morning. Go to bed, sleepy girl."
"M'kay," Willow agreed, breathing deeply as she pressed a kiss to Tara's hair. "Night, Tara."
"Goodnight, Willow," Tara whispered to her, curling closer.
Willow was surprised to realize she couldn't move her arm when she woke up, but was undeniably pleased to look down and discover Tara's arms tight around her. A shiver ran down her spine as she felt Tara's lips on the back of her neck.
"Good morning," Tara said softly, shivering herself as Willow's hand trailed down her arm. The redhead turned slowly in her arms to face her, smiling sleepily. "I love waking up with you," she confessed softly, blushing as soon as the words left her lips.
Willow blinked in surprise, mouth dropping open as she sucked in a breath. "Me too," she agreed. "Could I kiss you?"
Tara laughed, already leaning in. "You don't have to ask," she reminded her as she kissed her softly. Willow nodded, pressing closer as they kissed slowly for several long minutes.
They were both out of breath as they separated and Willow squeezed her eyes closed. "Maybe we shouldn't do too much more of that in bed," she commented breathily. Her eyes blinked open as she felt Tara nod against her. "You're too good at making my brain turn off."
Tara smiled, pleased by the confession. "You too," she agreed. "But you're right. We should probably get up."
Willow let out a breath of relief that Tara wasn't annoyed, her fingers sliding through Tara's hair. "Can I take you to breakfast?" she asked. "I mean, I need to go home and get a shower, but I'll be quick and then we could get some food and go study, or something…"
Tara smiled fondly, interrupting her with another slow kiss. "Sounds perfect to me," she breathed against Willow's lips.
Both beds were still neatly made when they arrived at Stevenson, and Tara took a seat on the foot of Willow's bed to wait as the redhead made her way to the bathroom. Willow had just returned to the room, freshly washed and in clean clothes, when Buffy came in, the Slayer pulling up in surprise as she noticed the blonde witch sitting on the bed.
"Tara, oh, sorry. I didn't know you were over here last night…" Buffy said, stumbling over her words with a glance between the witches.
Willow hastily wheeled herself out of her closet as she heard her friend's voice, a jacket across her lap. Tara got to her feet immediately, brushing her hands over the fabric of her skirt. "Oh, no, I wasn't, I didn't….we…"
"We are going out for breakfast," Willow interjected smoothly. "She's just waiting on me to get my wheels in gear," she said, smiling at them both.
Buffy blushed as if she didn't quite believe their ruse, but appeared grateful that they were attempting one. "Oh, cool, well you guys have a good morning, and I'll just see you later."
Willow nodded, grinning cheerfully. "Hanging out with Riley today?" she asked.
Buffy nodded, smiling unconsciously. "Yeah, Professor Walsh wanted to run me through some tests tonight with the Initiative team, so Riley was going to help me 'practice' this afternoon," she said, and all three of them laughed. Buffy shrugged. "I can humor him, and it'll be a nice workout," she said, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.
"I could stand not hearing anymore about that," Willow said, shaking her head at her friend. "So when will I see you again? Are you coming back here tonight?"
Buffy shrugged again, looking embarrassed. "Actually, I'll probably stay over at Lowell House tonight. I mean, if you'll be okay here by yourself? I could come back."
"No, it's fine. I can take care of myself," Willow said, laughing as the blondes exchanged doubtful looks. "I can!" she insisted.
"I'll keep the walkie-talkie on," Buffy stated firmly.
"Thanks Buffy," Willow answered, knowing that there was no arguing with the stubborn Slayer.
"Hey, how about we do a big Bronze night soon?" Buffy suggested. "We could get Xander and Anya to come. And I feel like I haven't see either of you in a while."
The girls exchanged glances and smiles, and Willow nodded. "That would be great," she agreed. "What night will you not be working for the Initiative?" she teased.
Buffy rolled her eyes. "I'll check with Riley and see what night he's not working for them, since I don't work for them. I think he said next weekend should be free, or maybe Monday."
"Okay," Willow said, smirking at her friend. Her stomach growled and Buffy waved.
"I'll see you guys later," Buffy said as they left.
The witches picked up bagel sandwiches from a deli, carrying their meal back to Tara's room. They made a diligent attempt at studying while they ate, even sitting on opposite sides of the room from each other. Willow had taken a seat on Tara's bed, leaning against the headboard infinitely more comfortable than sitting in her wheelchair. Tara was at her desk, finding the seat's placement convenient as she was able to turn the chair in such a way that she could sneak glances at Willow without being obvious.
The first time they caught each other looking it was broken up by giggles and shy smiles before they each went back to their studying. Willow finished with her school work and tossed her notebook into the seat of her wheelchair. She pulled out one of Tara's spell books and started reading quietly, catching Tara's eyes over the book, smiling softly before going back to her reading.
The majority of their weekend was spent in Tara's room, only leaving to eat or make use of the bathroom. They managed to get the remainder of their homework done on Sunday but didn't bother putting the space between them that they had the day before, both stretched out on top of the bed as they worked.
The next week passed in much the same way, the girls spending as much time as they could with each other, though not managing to catch Buffy or Xander, making their Scooby evening a necessity.
They were studying when Tara's phone rang and the blonde witch stood up to answer it, sitting back on the edge of the bed. Willow leaned over from where she was sitting and curled herself behind Tara on her side, pressing kisses against the patch of skin above the collar of Tara's t-shirt.
Willow heard Tara greet Buffy over the phone, heard her girlfriend's laugh as her fingers dragged the edge of the shirt down slowly, giving herself access to more skin.
"Yeah, she's right here," Tara said, pushing playfully at Willow's head and ignoring the redhead's whimper of protest as she was swatted away from the skin she'd been kissing.
Willow took the phone, pouting petulantly and sticking her tongue out at Tara before greeting her best friend. "Hey Buffy, sorry I wasn't at home, me and Tara are studying."
"Oh, yeah, well I didn't actually call the room," Buffy said, and Willow could hear her friend's grin through the phone line. "I just assumed you'd be with Tara."
"Um…well…" Willow stammered. Buffy laughed into the phone and Willow could hear Riley's voice in the background. "I wasn't the only one not home last night," she returned.
"So, are you two up for Bronzing it tonight?" Buffy asked, changing the subject quickly now that she wasn't the only one set to tease the other.
"Tonight?" Willow asked Tara. "You okay with that, baby?" Tara nodded, smiling and trying to cover her sudden nervousness. It would be the first time she'd been with Willow and her friends in a couple situation where they hadn't been surrounded by dozens of other people they knew as a distraction.
"We're in," Willow answered Buffy, frowning slightly as she caught the change in Tara's expression. "Seven? Okay," she responded distractedly. "See you later, Buff." She hung up the phone, letting it drop off the edge of the bed. "Tara," she said, drawing her girlfriend's eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked, voice soft and concerned.
The blonde shook her head, biting one lip. "It's stupid," she said.
"Tell me," Willow insisted gently.
"I've never been out with you and your friends as your g-girlfriend," Tara said, sighing as she stuttered. "At Buffy's birthday party there were a bunch of other people there, and tonight it'll just be us and them…"
Willow surprised her by smiling, the redhead leaning up on her elbow to press a kiss to Tara's shoulder. "They already like you, Tara. And they know about us, and they're happy for us. There's nothing for you to be worried about, baby." She trailed her fingers over the back of Tara's hand, curling their hands together.
Tara felt herself relax at the touch, smiling sheepishly. "You're right," she agreed. "I just don't want them not to like me. They're important to you."
"They are," Willow confirmed. "But Tara, so are you. And they know how happy you make me, so they like you for that. The fact that you're pretty much perfect just makes it easier."
Tara snorted at the exaggerated praise, rolling her eyes and pushing at Willow's head again, sending the witch sprawling back in the bed. "Goof," Tara said fondly as Willow curled her arms behind her head.
"Your goof," Willow reminded her.
Tara nodded, smiling softly down at her. "My goof," she repeated.
Next time: Scooby triple date!