Hello good people looks like i made it just in time. I thought i wouldnt make it on time but i did. Surprise. Well its been a long day and im tired. This has not been gone over for so this will have mistakes. Sorry. Thanks for the reviews and adding this story as a favorite. I give all of you cyber cookies!!!! =)

Disclaimer: i do not own. i just dont. never. T_T read on

Chapter 3

The bathroom wasn't anything she expected. The room she currently occupied had an old world touch to it the bathroom was more modern. As you entered the entire lay out was there for all eyes. The floor was made up of white tiles with the occasional small black square. A large luxurious tub lay to the left. Across for that was marble slab counter with a sink, with wooden lower cabinets. There was a mirror that was the length of the counter and went up. The mirror was boarded with a white engraved frame. The etchings were a langue she had never seen before.

Behind the tub was a glass shower. The kind of shower you would see in the romance movies with intimate shower scenes. That thought instantly produced a blushed. Continuing to survey the bathroom she noticed a counter like to one to the right, except a smaller version faced Tara. Along with another mirror that showed a tired Tara in its reflection.

Taking time to see the damage she was slightly shocked. On her right cheek was a purple bruise from where Donny hit her. Blond hair looked wild. "Its gonna take forever to get those tangles out." she complained quietly.

Sighing she carefully started to remove all her clothes. She didn't noticed before but her lower ribs had been bound. Even if her bra was still on just imagining Buffy looking at her half naked made all blood go rushing to her cheeks. Looking around for a pair scissors, and not expecting to find any, it came as a slight shock to see a pair sitting on the counter. Coincidence? I think not. Not thinking on it Tara carefully cut away at the bandages.

Finally free the blond took time to inspect the bruise. Like her cheek it was purple but there was a mix of yellow and blue also. It wasn't pretty to look at. Cringing, she finished undressing and stepped in to the shower. It took a minute, but the water was finally running. Most wouldn't believe it by the way she dressed Tara had a body most girls couldn't get without help. Because she had to do all the work at home it kept her in shape. The only reason she normally adorned long skirts and sweaters was because she didn't want to draw any attention. It took a minute, but the water was finally running.

Tara jumped at the sudden burst of water but quickly relaxed at the hot water relaxing tense muscles. The hot water made her mind focus more and it brought up a ton of questions. How did she end up here and not in a hospital, why was Buffy taking care of her, where was her family, well the last question didn't really bother her much,and most importantly, who exactly is Buffy? Its not every day complete stranger, a gorgeous one at that, cleans another strangers wounds and shows a kindness rarely seen. It was just so surreal. Something out of a book.

What happened in the cemetery after i blocked out my surroundings? Looking around the shower for soap she spotted a rack that held a variety of shampoos and body wash. Picking the lavender body was she scrubbed away all dirt making sure to go over the sore spots softly. After getting her body cleansed she picked a vanilla shampoo. It smelled absolutely delightful.

~~ 15 min later ~~

Tara peaked around the bathroom door to make sure that no one was there. Seeing that the coast was clear she stepped out in nothing but a towel. The last thing she want was to run in to Buffy almost completely nude. Her blood and face couldn't handle it. Looking around the room she noticed some clothes on the bed that weren't there before. Walking around the bed she picked them up. The shirt was large like the previous one but this shirt had a pic on it. It was 4 stick people on it with a cloth covering each mouth. Above it was the words: it's the silent people. Below the pic it continued with: that hide the bodies better.

Tara couldn't help but giggle. It was just to funny not to. Next article of clothing made her blush come back with a vengeance. A pair of light blue, lace, underwear. With the matching bra. And they were in her size. She doesn't even want to know how Buffy did that. Tara stared at the material for a moment. She has never worn lace before considering that it was too embarrassing to walk in a store to buy them. "Goddess…" she quietly states to herself. While putting on the comfortable drawstring pants she wonder what the Goddess had in store for her now. Momma always said she did things for good reasons.

After dressing she sat on the large bed and decided to meditate to pass the time until Buffy returned.

BUFFY VERSION: Closing the door she let the smile fall. Her face going to the expressionless mask used when dealing with difficult decisions. Walking down the hallway then slipping down the flight of stairs Buffy pondered the situation that seemingly dropped into her hands.

"Normally when saving someone, if injured, I would drop them off at the nearest hospital and make sure they got home safely but something about this girl made all the rules go out the window. Now why is that?" Walking into a random guest room Buffy opened the second drawer. Buffy sometimes entertained guest and people like to pop in unexpected so she always kept spare clothes and undergarments for emergencies.

Picking out a lace set she smiled. After seeing how the other blond dressed she was positive that this would produce that blush that was just to adorable.

Buffy went to next drawer pulling out a large shirt and a pair of baggy draw string pajama bottoms that were light blue. Closing the room door she headed back to her room. She opened the door just as Tara was walking into the bathroom. Putting the clothes on the bed she walked back out. On her way out the front door she grabbed a jacket.

Because of her being dead the cold didn't effect her, but the less attention drawn the better it was to blend in. But with this being a small town she was sure to attract some regardless. Her house was just a little off the unbeaten road. Luckily not far from the diner Buffy knew the girl was speaking about. You had to take a dirt road to get to her house. Horrible on the heels. Oh well.

It was a couple minute walk. Buffy's mind was so occupied that she almost past right by it. Walking back she opened the door she almost winced at the bell that indicated the establishment was being entered. It was just so annoying. Just as she had expected the room went completely quiet before going back to talking. Glances were thrown her way as Buffy made stepped up to the counter.

The girl taking her order smiled politely. "How may I help you." She was young. Probably around 19. Face still expressionless Buffy said quietly, "What do you have that's vegetarian?" the girl produce a menu from behind the counter and left Buffy to study it. Tara was a vegetarian. Vegetarians and people who eat meat have a certain scent easily picked up when you know what your looking for. Humans who eat meat exude more salt through their pores. Its not bad they just smelled like what they eat. All humans do. Tara gave off no scent like that so she had to assume that she didn't eat meat.

With acute hearing she could pick up on every word being said by the other patrons. Like every small town people were whispering about her. Some were wondering where she had come from. A group of teenage girls wondered if she was rich, with the designer clothes. A couple of jocks a few tables behind her decided she was the new center of attention. The apparent ring leader was saying how he could get any girl especially the new "hot chick" who just walked in.

Buffy almost snorted in annoyance. She listened as the chair scraped back and heavy foot steps made their way to the counter. Buffy continued to pretend to read the menu as a guy leaned casually next to her. He cleared his throat in, her opinion, a pathetic attempt to get her attention. Buffy turned cold eyes towards him. Though it didn't seem to faze him one bit. "Hi I'm Brian do I get to know the name of the beautiful woman that has graced me with her presence?" he oozed charmed.

With a fake smile Buffy answered him "Hmm… no. I'd rather not give my name to every idiot who walks up to me with that corny line." the smile went from fake to mocking. Brian held up both hands in a surrender position. "Now there's no need to be hostile here. I'm just trying to make conversation-" she cut him off "And I don't want to make conversation. Now. Leave." The girl came back. She glared a bit at Brian before turning to Buffy. "Have you decided on what you having tonight?"

"Yes I will have the medium salad and a vanilla to go along with…" Buffy decided to order half the menu. Figuring that Tara was staying a few days before she could find a safe place for her. "For a small person you sure do eat a lot. I respect girls who don't care what they eat." Brian decided to open that hole he called a mouth. "And I don't respect guys who can't take a hint that they are not wanted. Beat it." His face looked shocked. Like women never turned him down.

The girl came back with her order. "Here you go" she gave the girl a hundred which was about 60 over pay. "Keep the change. You look like you need a good tip when this idiot comes into the diner." The thankful look on her face was all Buffy needed as a thank you. "Hey now there's no need for name calling. I'm just trying to get to know you here maybe we can go on date or something." Buffy was exasperated. What was it with jocks and never taking no for an answer. "Go toss a football or do something simple that doesn't have much have to use to much brain cells cause we all know that you obviously don't have much"

The girl behind the counter giggled. Grabbing her bags she walked out the door. Making sure that no one was around she blended in with the shadows. Moving with in the shadows was easy enough and made travel easier if you don't want to get caught by humans. Making her way on to the dirt road she stepped out the shadows. If there was anyone around she was sure to give them a heart attack. She opened the door.

She made her way into the kitchen. Setting the bags down she opened the fridge. Pulling out a bag of synthetic blood. Ripping the bag she poured the fake blood in a cup and warmed it in the microwave. Letting her thoughts run away with her. The microwave beeped and she quickly gulped it down. It tasted like crap but it served its purposes. Like keeping her alive. Rinsing out her cup she filled it up with water and rinsed out her mouth. She popped in a mint. Hey just cause she was a vampire doesn't mean she like to talk to people with her breath smelling like blood. It's just rude you know.

Walking up stairs with the bags and drink she let her senses roam to check for intruders. So imagine her surprise when she feels another aura probing her. "Merde`." she hissed before slammed down every mental block in her arsenal. It seems like just as she thought Tara was a witch and a powerful one to be able to get past her usual mental blocks.

BACK TO TARA: Tara had been meditating, letting her senses become in tune with all things in nature. Lost in her meditation she was shocked when a presence popped into existence. It radiated loneliness and loss. She gasped at the intense. Then shocked registered with in the presence and all connection was cut off so abruptly it made her lose concentration knock her back into the real world.

"What in Goddess name was that…" she gasped. What ever that was it had the most powerful mental blocks she had ever felt.

Opening her eyes she turned just in time to see Buffy enter the room with bags of what she knows is food and a warm smile on her face. But Tara caught the wariness in her eyes before she covered it. "I come baring food and a vanilla milkshake." she held them up. Tara smiled softly. Putting down the food on the night stand she starting pulling out stuff. Tara's eyes widen at the sight of the food. There was so much. But that wasn't what surprised her. It was the fact that it was all vegetarian.

Buffy turned back to Tara. "Take your pick." There was at least 3 different kinds of salad. Including a fruit salad. There was a container with a vegetarian lasagna. One of her favorites. "C-can I g-get t-the lasagna?" Buffy smiled. "Go head this is all for you." Tara turned surprised eyes to her. "All?" Buffy nodded. "I already ate so I'm good."

"Are you a-a v-vegetarian?" Buffy took a moment to answer before letting an amused grin crawl forward. "To some people I guess you could say that." there was an inside joke Tara was sure she was missing. Not letting it bother her she took the fork and started to eat. Wow she forgot how good this lasagna was. Tara decided to ask some questions that were bugging her.

"C-c I ask s-some q-questions?" she asked in between bites. Man she was more hungry than she thought. "Sure but I can't guarantee I will give you an answer." was the reply. Taking another bite she asked the first question. "Why am I here?" a frown marred Buffy's features. "I don't know." she sounded confused by her own response. Deciding to move on to the next question she asked, "W-where d-did you come f-from?" Buffy smiled again like another joke had been said.

"England." was her sound answer. That surprised Tara. Buffy had no English accent at all. "I moved here long ago that's why I don't have an accent." oh well that explained it. Tara continued to eat when she noticed that Buffy was staring at her intently. Like she has never seen another person eat. It made a blush come up instantly and she let her hair fall into her face. Buffy's hand reached over to tuck her hair behind her ear, making Tara's blush even deeper. Buffy chuckled.

She moved on to the next question. "W-why are you in M-McKinleyville?" surely there must be other places that this blond could be. "I had to finalize a deal on a house I needed to sale. The new owners wanted to meet the old owner of the land in person." Well that explained a lot. "S-so that m-means t-that you w-will be leaving s-soon." For some reason the thought of her leaving made her heart constrict. "Yes. I'm only in town for a few days then…" she trailed off lost in thought.

Like she didn't know what was next. Next question, "H-How did you f-find m-me?" All traces of warmth melted faster than she could follow. Unbridled rage flashed across the other blonde's pale face before it disappeared as quickly as it came. "I was walking by when I heard you." her voice was devoid of emotion. "I managed to chase the boys away. You had passed out by the time I had reached you."

Tara had the feeling that she was missing a whole lot more to this story but accepted the answer she was given. But just how was this 5'2 girl able to take on three guys easily twice her size. "T-Thank you." she said quietly. Buffy looked at her in confusion. Tara couldn't help but smile then. The other looked adorable with that expression on her face. "F-for saving me."

Buffy's face lit up with a radiant smile. Tara's breath nearly caught in her throat. "Anytime." "Oh wow." "So can I ask some questions?" she asked, Tara just nodded not trusting her voice at the moment. Buffy didn't say anything so Tara continued to eat occasionally sipping on milkshake. Did she mention that the milkshakes are the best. Right in the middle of drinking Buffy asked her question "You're a witch." well it was more of a statement but it caught her off guard and the milkshake went down the wrong tube. (I think we have all done that.)

Tara started coughing. "Whoa Whoa." Buffy didn't know whether to laugh or be worried which resulted in a strange face with a mixture of both. After clearing her throat and another blush she looked up at Buffy not quite meeting her eyes. "H-How…" she was afraid. But Buffy just smiled reassuringly. "Trust me when I say you are not the first witch I've met. Or do you prefer Wicca? I know a lot that prefer Wicca." Tara shook her head. "D-Doesn't m-matter."

This woman was just full of surprises. "I was taught how to read auras by a friend a while back. Comes in handy when I need some body I can trust. Like you." It was Tara's turned to be confused. Seeing her confusion Buffy elaborated. "You have the purest aura I have ever seen. Like a new born baby. It's so… refreshing. No hatred, no malice… no evil." The last part caught her completely by surprise.

How could she have an aura like that. All her life her father claimed that she was a demon. It's where the magic came from apparently. He when the women reached their 20th birthday their demon side would be unlocked and he could prevent that by beating the demon down. And for so many years she was told that, so to hear that her aura was like that was surreal. It couldn't be true. She was just being nice.

Tara needed a change of subject. "S-so is t-this y-your house a-also?" if Buffy knew Tara was trying to lead the conversation in a different direction she gave no indication. "Yes. One of the many I own." By now Tara had finished the entire lasagna. She had never been so hungry before. "It's probably because you were asleep for a day and your wounds took a lot of energy out of you." seeing the incredulous Buffy answered for her again. "Your face is an open book. Not very hard to figure what your thinking."

"Oh." Buffy let out another chuckle. "Yes." Handing her a tofu sandwich Buffy continued to watch her eat with an expression that could only be described as fascination on her face. After she finished eating Tara felt the tiredness set in her body. Like her entire body want to shut down. With a full stomach it only made it more obvious. As if sensing this Buffy started to clean up. "Sleep. We will talk when you wake."

Tara slipped into the covers and Buffy gathered the rest of the trash. Sleep was over taking her quickly "Y-You n-never answered m-my q-question." Buffy froze. "Which one would that be." she had her back to Tara. She waited for her answer but never got one. Turning back she noticed the blonde had fallen asleep. Buffy sighed before pulling the covers up on Tara.

"There are some things you never need to know. For I fear you will not be able to handle the truth." She flicked off the switch to the light and plunged the room in darkness. Buffy silently left the room. TBC

Ok that was the ending I was looking for. This chapter took forever but there you go. Well over 3400 words. People just to let you know I'm making this up as I go along. I do have a rough draft though. A very rough, rough draft. The details just come as I randomly start typing as I go. Well someone did ask for longer and I provided. Be happy. I sure am.

Oh and as for Buffy giving that girl that huge tip... she's filthy rich in my story so she got money to waste like that. YEA.

I mean come on she's a couple hundred years old. My bank account would be through the roof if i was that old. Plus she robbed Fort KNOX!!!

Oh and if you find a mistake tell me about it so i can go correct it. thank you!