Shattered Souls by Kinetic-Kid

Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Definitely no money being made. All characters belong to Joss Whedon and ME. I own nothing except whatever characters I may make up for this story.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse: http://mysticmuse.net
Kinetic-Kid's Site: http://www.kinetic-kid.com
Oh yeah, anywhere, anytime. Just make sure I get credit and let me know where it is.
Feedback: Please Please PLEASE. I live for feedback. I get irritable and upset if I don't get any and I might not continue writing. Of course, if you don't like the story and think it sucks you may not want me to continue!
Spoilers: What is left to be spoiled?
Author's Notes: If you don't like the story – blame me! I take full responsibility. If you don't like the pairing – blame Just MePrime!!! LOL It was her request for the 100th review on my Different Endings story!!
Pairing: Buffy/Tara/Anya

Summary: When Tara and Anya begin dating, Buffy realizes she has feeling for both women.

Tara grasps the phone off the wall as she walks outside with Phoenix. Sitting down on the steps, she places the stake and holy water, they always keep on hand by the back door, beside her. Watching Phoenix sniff around the yard, Tara punches in Anya's phone number.

"Could be better." Anya smirks, thinking about the witch. "I could have a certain blue-eyed blonde curled up here on the couch with me, instead of a couple moldy old books."

"I'll look for you to be here in a few minutes, then." Anya laughs quietly into the phone.

"Not to change the subject, but regarding the moldy old books, have you had any luck?" Tara questions softly, watching Phoenix finally using the bathroom.

"No. Everything orb-wise I've come across has been for single orbs. Have you had any luck?" Anya questions sitting down on the couch.

"No, I've had about the same amount of luck as you." Tara admits, leaning her back against the step, looking up at the night sky. "Anya…" Tara starts, not knowing how to say what's running around her head.

"Go ahead and say it, Tara." Anya blinks, wondering what made Tara stop whatever she was going to say.

"Were you serious with what you said at the coffee shop?" Tara looks down at her robe, playing with one of the ties.

"Tara, I believe that some things are meant to be. The things I have seen in my years as a Vengeance Demon, I've learned to read people extremely well." Anya seriously states. "I know you…care for me. I also know you're in love with Buffy." Anya hesitates trying to think of the best way to finish what she wants to say.

"Anya…" Tara hesitates before taking a deep breath, smiling as she thinks about the kisses the two women exchanged earlier that day, how her heart sped up. "Anya, I want you to know that I…" Tara bites her lip.

"I know you do." Anya softly whispers. "Tara, we've known each other for years. Maybe not that well, but seeing you, being around you… I've come to realize you are a very caring, loving woman. You've always been kind to me and whether I ever wanted to admit it or not, a part of me has loved you for a very long time. You are a very easy woman to love." Anya admits softly. "What has happened to make you want to discuss this now?"

Tara sighs quietly, reaching down to pet Phoenix as she climbs up the steps, crawling into her lap. "Buffy's been acting a little weird the last few days. I've caught her with a confused look on her face multiple times when she's looking at me. She leaves abruptly, I-I just don't know what to think."

Anya closes her eyes debating on whether or not to tell Tara that Buffy's in love with her too. Deciding to err on the side of caution, Anya opens her eyes glancing at the television. "I think she's having confusing thoughts regarding her feelings, Tara. Pay attention to how she acts around you." Anya smirks remembering some of the sideways glances Buffy had slid her during the walk to her apartment. "I think maybe us three should have a girls night out at the Bronze here soon. What do you think?"

Tara shakes her head. "Anya, she doesn't like girls, remember? She thinks of me as her friend is all it is."

"You're just as blind as she is." Anya states exasperatedly. "She cares for you, Tara. More than just a friend. She's confused about what she feels, and since you and I started dating, she's probably more screwed up. I've caught the looks she sends your way, I've even intercepted a few looks she slid my way. I think us together is making her really confused. Think back over the past, Tara. How long has it been since she's been starting to…act a little strange?"

Tara blinks at the question. "I really don't know." Tara tries to wrap her brain around the thought that Buffy could possibly care for her, her and Anya?

"I know the night of my wedding fiasco, she didn't seem to be in that big of a hurry to jump away from me when I grabbed her ass." Anya smirks, finally admitting she remembers what happened that night.

"YOU!" Tara yells, before laughing. "I should have known you remembered more than you were letting on!"

"Do you honestly think I would forget grabbing Buffy's ass and your breasts? I'd have to be dead!" Anya laughs. "And think about it, she didn't move away that quickly, now did she? Tell me that you haven't caught her glancing at your breasts?"

Tara blushes deeply. "Okay, I remember it taking her a few seconds to leave your grasp, and she didn't have an upset look on her face at the time."

"Uh, huh. Now how about her looking at your breasts?" Anya questions again, grinning.

"Maybe a couple times." Tara admits softly. "One of those times was the day after you grabbed her ass."

"Now the question is, do we want to push things? Or do we want to just let her make her own decisions?" Anya runs a hand over her pants, thinking quietly.

"Do you honestly think a three way could possibly work?" Tara questions, blinking her eyes in disbelief. Not giving Anya a chance to answer that question, Tara continues quietly. "She wouldn't do anything to come between us, Anya. That isn't Buffy. I'm having a hard enough time wrapping my brain around the possibility of us three. What do you think Buffy would do? She's never even cared for a woman before, let alone two at the same time!" Tara exasperatedly explains. "She'll run the other way. I'd rather have her friendship, than not have her at all." Tara continues softly.

"Your decision." Anya rolls her eyes. Deciding to change the subject, Anya quietly questions Tara. "Would you like to come over tomorrow night? I could stay and we could spend a few hours together, if you want. I'll drive the car, that way I can drive us to the apartment."

Tara smiles softly at the thought of she and Anya being able to spend some alone time together. "I would like that." Tara admits.

"Then it's a date. We can pick up something to eat on the way here, or maybe I'll run down to the restaurant down the street and pick us up something earlier." Anya thinks for a few minutes. "Don't forget to let Buffy know that she won't have to walk you home tomorrow night."

"I won't." Tara murmurs quietly. "Thanks for letting me talk to you about this."

"I want you to feel comfortable talking to me about anything, Tara. Especially, any confusing thoughts you have for a certain blonde slayer. She deserves to be loved. Just as much as we do, if not more." Anya admits. "But I won't push anything, if you don't want me to. I'll leave it alone."

"Please." Tara whimpers quietly. "I can't think about it right now, sweetie." Tara admits stroking Phoenix's back, as the puppy sleeps in her lap.

"Okay." Anya murmurs into the phone, smiling sadly. "Have a good night, Tara. Sweet dreams."

"Sweet dreams, Anya." Tara smiles softly as she disconnects the phone. Looking up at the night sky, Tara whispers out to the quiet night. "I do love you. Goddess, help us all." Tara sighs before grasping the puppy up into her arms as she turns and walks back in the house, placing the phone back on the wall, before walking into the living room.

Dawn glances over as Tara walks into the living room, sitting down in the chair, still carrying Phoenix. Noticing Tara seems to be somewhat shell-shocked, Dawn frowns. "Is everything okay?"

Tara glances up from her inner contemplation. Smiling gently at the teenager, Tara nods her head. "Everything's okay, Dawnie. Just a lot on my mind." Tara strokes her hand over Phoenix.

"If she is going to be a big dog, like you think she is. Isn't it a bad thing for her to think she's a lap dog?" Dawn questions pointedly.

Tara looks up and starts to giggle. "You have a very good point, but it's kind of hard to say no to her." Tara admits looking down at the puppy. "I can see it now, a hundred pound lap dog. Wouldn't be too bad for her to sit in Buffy's lap, she probably wouldn't even notice." Tara chuckles.

"The dog will be as big as Buffy. Can you imagine?" Dawn giggles. Glancing back to the television, Dawn sighs when she sees her program ending. "Bed time for all good little keys." Dawn grumbles as she stands. Walking over she hugs Tara, smiling as Tara hugs her and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

"'Night, Tara." Dawn smiles, giving Phoenix one last pat, before quickly running up the stairs.

Tara sighs looking down at Phoenix. "Looks like it's just you and me for a while. Do you want to watch Animal Planet?" Tara chuckles as she reaches for the remote, deciding to re-locate, Tara shifts over to the couch, stretching out while the puppy growls quietly in her sleep as she's shifted around. "Oh, behave." Tara taps her gently on the nose, chuckling as the puppy's small tongue come out to lick her finger and one eye opens to look at her.

"Yeah, yeah. Don't even try the cute little puppy dog eyes." Tara smiles softly as the puppy starts to playfully nip her fingers. "My fingers aren't chew toys, Phoenix." Tara chuckles quietly. "Let me get you a couple of your toys." Tara sets the puppy on the floor as she shifts around to stand, stopping as Phoenix runs over to her bed. Watching the puppy, Tara frowns, before chuckling quietly as Phoenix bites down on the bed, pulling it with all her might towards the couch. "Want help, Phoenix?" Tara questions standing.

Walking over to the bed, she looks down at Phoenix as she barks and wags her tail. "Show me where you want it, and I'll set it there." Tara picks up the bed, slowly walking towards the couch, laughing as Phoenix stops at the end of the couch looking at her panting. "Okay, here it is." Tara sets it down on the floor, watching as Phoenix picks up one of her toys, laying down and chewing on it contentedly.

"You are definitely a good girl." Tara whispers, patting her on the head before stepping around the bed to lie back down on the couch. Yawning, Tara grumbles quietly. "I'm tired, Phoenix." Tara admits, turning on her side so she can run a hand over the puppy.

"So, what do you think, Phoenix?" Tara questions the puppy quietly. "Do you think your mom might like Anya and me?" Tara smirks and rolls her eyes at asking the puppy the question. "Okay, Auntie Tara has done lost her mind." Tara mumbles before shifting one of the cushions more comfortably under her head, feeling her eyes getting heavy.

Buffy strides out of the house, practically running down the street heading for the nearest cemetery. "What the fuck is wrong with me?" Buffy growls, coming across a new vampire, slamming him hard with a right cross before doing a quick back spin kick, knocking him down. Staking him, Buffy tucks the stake away before running a hand roughly down her face. "I'm ogling my damn housemate." Buffy looks almost desperately around the cemetery.

Striding out of the empty cemetery, Buffy quickly works her way around town. Visions of smiling blue eyes, followed by silky smooth legs, making the occasional appearance. When mischief filled brown eyes start making as much of an appearance as the blue eyes, Buffy finally jumps up on top of a mausoleum, sitting there to think. "I have got to stop thinking about those two." Buffy grumbles out loud to the quiet night. Drawing her knees up, wrapping her arms around them, Buffy drops her chin onto her knees. Sighing quietly, Buffy sits silently contemplating her life. After a while, she shakes her head. "Maybe I should find a boyfriend. Take my mind off Anya and Tara." Buffy thinks about it for a minute before dismissing the thought. "No sense in making some poor guy as miserable as I am." Buffy closes her eyes, chuckling quietly.

"Here I am talking about getting a boyfriend, when I'm attracted to two women. I am SO screwed up." Buffy searches out the night, looking and feeling for anything to fight or dust. Sighing quietly when she doesn't feel anything, Buffy finally hops down, slowly making her way towards Revello Drive.

Walking slowly up the steps, Buffy hesitates before unlocking the door, quietly walking into the house. Locking the door behind her, she sighs when she sees Tara asleep on the couch, a comforting hand on the sleeping Phoenix's head. "What am I going to do with you?" Buffy murmurs quietly before silently making her way to the television, turning it off before kneeling down by the couch so she can look at Phoenix and Tara, both. Reaching out, Buffy tucks a stray blonde hair behind Tara's ear, before sighing quietly. Pulling her hand back away, she coughs quietly. "Hey you two, wake up." Buffy smiles as Phoenix whimpers in her sleep, before waking up. Glancing up to Tara, Buffy's breath catches in her throat at the soft blue eyes look back. "You fell asleep." Buffy states unnecessarily.

Tara yawns, stretching. "I think that's an understatement." Tara grins crookedly at the slayer.

Buffy's lip crooks up before she looks down at Phoenix. "Come on, Phoenix. You need to go out for the last time tonight." Buffy walks towards the kitchen, Phoenix running behind her.

Tara watches Buffy leave the living room, before slowly standing and following the slayer. Walking up behind the slayer on the back porch, she watches Phoenix play in the yard. "How was patrol tonight?"

Buffy glances sideways at Tara, before turning her gaze back towards the dog. "Fine."

Tara turns her gaze on the slayer, looking at her searchingly. Seeing the woman is closed off, Tara sighs quietly. "Anya is going to stay at the shop tomorrow. We're going out after work, so you don't have to walk me home. She'll drive me home later." Tara states softly before turning and quietly heading back in the house.

Buffy unconsciously stiffens, before looking down at the ground. "You made the decision, slayer. Live with it." Buffy mutters quietly to the empty night. "You done, Phoenix?" Buffy calls out quietly to the puppy. Stepping back, Buffy opens the door, letting Phoenix run in. Following her, Buffy turns and locks the door before walking into the living room. Picking up Phoenix's bed and a couple chew toys, Buffy looks down at the puppy. "Can you make it up the stairs yourself?"

Slowly walking up the stairs, Buffy turns when she hears a whimper. Looking at Phoenix, Buffy calls quietly. "Come on, Phoenix! You can do it, girl." Buffy chuckles quietly at the puppy, who plops her butt down, looking up at her. "You can make it up the stairs outside, you can make it up these. Come on, Phoenix."

Deciding to head upstairs, Buffy slowly walks up the steps and into her room, setting the dog's bed down on the floor. Quickly divesting herself of her weapons, Buffy listens intently for Phoenix. Hearing a whining noise, Buffy sighs quietly before walking back out of her room to the stairs. Chuckling quietly at the puppy, who's on the fourth step, leaning against the wall, Buffy shakes her head. "Wimp. You're going to have to do better than that." Buffy whispers quietly before walking down the stairs and grabbing the puppy. "We'll work on you climbing the stairs some more later. Don't think I forgot about your climbing up the stairs from the basement, young lady." Buffy quietly reprimands the puppy, before smirking as Phoenix licks her chin. "Yeah, yeah. I know you love me. At least someone does." Buffy murmurs quietly before setting Phoenix down on the floor before shutting the door.

Quickly stripping, Buffy pulls on her nightclothes. Glancing back at the puppy, Buffy chuckles at the dog curled up asleep on her bed. Turning the light off, Buffy slowly climbs into bed. Staring up at the ceiling, Buffy sighs deeply before turning on her stomach to fall asleep.

After getting ready for school, Tara walks by Buffy's door. Hearing a whimper, Tara stops and backtracks. Cracking the door just enough for Phoenix to squeeze through, Tara shuts it back. "Come on, Phoenix. I know you probably need to go to the bathroom." Tara calls, getting ready to pick the puppy up. Watching as Phoenix barks before she turns and runs down the stairs. "Okay. I guess you can go down the stairs by yourself." Tara quickly jogs down the stairs to the back door, opening it quickly as Phoenix runs outside. Leaning against the doorframe, Tara watches as Phoenix takes care of her personal business. Hearing the clink of the coffeepot against a cup, Tara straightens. Turning, she walks back to the kitchen.

"Phoenix is playing. She's already used the bathroom." Tara let's Buffy know quietly before grabbing her book bag, slinging it over her shoulder. "Have a good day." Tara murmurs quietly, glancing at the back of the slayer before walking out of the kitchen.

Buffy slams the coffee mug back down on the counter, hissing as the hot coffee splashes on her hand. Shaking her hand, Buffy glances out the kitchen window, watching a stiff-backed witch striding down the sidewalk. "Great. Now I pissed her off." Buffy considers running after the woman and apologizing, before her shoulders slump. "Yeah, run after her and apologize for what? For being a bitch? Tell her, hey, you know, I've been thinking, and I kind of like both you and Anya. Can we date?" Buffy growls quietly before walking to the back door. Looking out at Phoenix, Buffy steps out on the back porch, sitting down on the steps.

"I am one screwed up person. But I can't keep going the way I have been. I realized last night, if I keep putting myself in the position to be around them by myself, I'm just asking for trouble." Buffy sighs quietly, petting Phoenix as she comes running up to sit beside her. "Come on, let's get you fed. You'll have to actually spend some time down in the basement today. I need to go to work." Buffy explains, smiling sadly at the puppy.

Standing Buffy walks back in the house, letting Phoenix come in before shutting the door. Filling her bowl with food, Buffy turns to drink her coffee, silently considering what to eat for breakfast. Opening the refrigerator, Buffy stops, looking at the casserole dish on the shelf with baking instructions taped to the cover. Leaning her head against the top of the refrigerator, Buffy whimpers quietly. "I piss her off and she still makes sure I have food for dinner."

"Ah, hell." Buffy shuts the door before looking down at Phoenix who's watching her curiously. "I know, I know. Finish eating your breakfast. I'm going to go take a shower and get ready for work. Be good, okay?" Buffy leans down, rubbing Phoenix's head for a few moments, before quickly jogging out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

"Hi." Tara smiles softly at Anya as she walks into the Magic Box. Gently setting her book bag down on the table she crosses to the office, putting her purse in the desk before walking back to sit at the table, watching Anya as she helps the customer. Grinning as Anya winks at her, Tara shakes her head before pulling her books out looking up at the clock.

"Thank you. Please come back." Anya waves happily as the woman leaves, before sighing and rolling her eyes. "How are you?" Anya questions as she walks towards Tara, leaning down to place a quick kiss on the witch's lips.

"Ooooh. Frisky, are we?" Anya wiggles her eyebrows before stepping back to give Tara a more thorough kiss. Slowly pulling away, Anya looks into sapphire eyes, smiling softly. "Is everything okay?"

Tara nods her head, sighing quietly. "Yeah, more or less." Tara grins crookedly. "I'm starting to get the cold shoulder from Buffy, now."

Anya nods, smiling sadly. "Her way of dealing with it. Shut down, don't put herself in a position of getting hurt."

"Are you going to let her do it?" Anya sits down beside Tara, grasping her hand.

"Do I have a choice?" Tara watches Anya. "I can't force her to admit her feelings, Anya. If she even really cares. She may just be curious." Tara smiles softly as she looks down as Anya strokes her hand. "She's been around Willow and I for a couple years. Now you and I are dating." Tara chuckles quietly before continuing. "She may just be wondering what the attraction is."

Anya raises an eyebrow. "Let me see… Beautiful blue eyes, honey blonde hair, patrician features, breasts to die for…"

"Well, you said she was wondering what the attraction is, I was just answering you." Anya smirks happily. "Damn customers, interrupting my fun." Anya mumbles before standing up to help the customer.

Tara chuckles quietly as she decides to work on her homework, half listening to Anya with the customer. After a few minutes, Tara sighs quietly, closing the book. Putting her books away, she places them in the office, her heart not in doing her class work.

Walking back out to the main shop, Tara walks over to the book shelves, replacing the books she'd researched the night before. Grabbing a couple new books, Tara places them on the table, sitting down starting to research.

Anya glances over at Tara as she rings up the sale, smiling at the customer, she hands him his change. "Thank you. Please visit us again." Watching as the customer leaves, Anya leans on the counter watching Tara gently rub a hand over her temple as she gently turns the pages. Walking over to Tara, Anya gently pushes the woman's hand away and rubs both temples.

Closing her eyes at the hands gently rubbing her temples, Tara murmurs quietly. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Anya answers, continuing her ministrations. "Try not to let it bother you, Tara. Unless you want me to have a discussion with Buffy and maybe talk her into dating us."

"No, Anya." Tara adamantly refuses. "I will not lose her friendship. If you or I push things, or are totally misreading the situation, she may shut off completely."

"Do you honestly believe that will happen?" Anya questions softly, continuing the circular motion of her fingertips.

Tara sighs. "Yes. I think it would be a very good possibility. Then I'd have to find somewhere else to live."

"I have a spare bedroom." Anya offers seriously. "No strings attached. If you should ever need it."

Tara smiles softly, reaching up to clasp Anya's hand, bringing it down to clasp against her chest. "Thanks, Anya."

Wrapping her other arm around Tara's shoulders, Anya hugs Tara. "We'll give it time. If she doesn't come around, whether it's deciding we're two extremely hot, sexy women that she decides she can't live without. Or just being happy and friends with us, I'll set a fire under her ass. No arguing over this point."

"Okay, no arguing. How much time are you wanting to give her?" Tara questions unconsciously stroking over Anya's hand as she presses it firmly to the top of her chest.

"So, a month or longer." Tara nods, before tilting her head back, smiling into Anya's eyes.

Anya looks down running one hand up Tara's neck to stroke softly over Tara's strong jaw line. "What would you like to eat for dinner tonight?" Anya's eyes search Tara's sapphire eyes.

"Whatever you feel like." Tara watches Anya for long moments. Seeing the caring and love in the brown eyes looking back at her, Tara realizes that she could fall very deeply in love with the woman. Knowing that she already loves her, and could be happy with the woman, Tara sighs realizing that she was holding part of her heart back, scared to a certain degree of being hurt again. "Anya, I owe you an apology." Tara starts quietly, reaching up, urging Anya to sit down beside her. Turning her body to face Anya, Tara orders her thoughts.

Anya tilts her head watching the emotions playing over Tara's face. Waiting patiently for whatever it is the witch wants to say, Anya clasps Tara's hands in hers.

"I realize I love you. But I've had a part of my heart closed off since Willow." Tara finally looks up, making eye contact with the ex-demon. "You said I was in love with Buffy, but I'm not. I love her, yes. But I'm not in love with her. I've kept that part of me locked away, afraid of being hurt again. In doing so, I'm short-changing our relationship. For that, I owe you an apology."

Anya sighs quietly, reaching up to stroke Tara's cheek. "It'll take time, Tara. Willow hurt you deeply. That you're even allowing yourself to love again is a step in the right direction. It isn't easy for any of us to trust, to love again." Anya admits. "Me with Xander. Buffy for being dragged out of heaven. God, she has it worse than either one of us." Anya scoots her chair close to Tara, wrapping her arms around the witch.

Tara eases into Anya's embrace, hugging her tightly. "So loving you is a good start, huh?" Tara murmurs, smiling softly.

"It's a very good start. Caring for each other, loving each other. Being true and honest goes a long way, Tara. You know that." Anya whispers quietly. "Deep love sometimes takes time to grow. Being in love with someone can happen quickly, or over time. You loving me, makes me happy. I know you would never willingly hurt someone you love."

Tara chuckles quietly. "You wouldn't hurt someone either, Anya. I know that." Pulling away, Tara strokes a hand down Anya's cheek, smiling softly. Bringing her other hand up, Tara clasps Anya's face between her two hands, kissing her deeply.

Anya whimpers as Tara breaks the kiss. Slowly blinking her eyes, she finally focuses in on dark sapphire eyes. "Wowsa." Anya shakes her head, getting the cobwebs to shake loose. "You need to stop kissing me like that when I have to work." Anya admits, trying to stamp down the desire coursing through her body.

"Because my brain stops functioning." Anya finally admits. "You kiss better than anyone I've ever kissed before. And that is definitely saying something." Anya grins.

"1200 plus years of experience, huh?" Tara starts to smirk, her eyes twinkling. "I'm sure I don't kiss better than everyone you've kissed in that time. But, thanks for the vote of confidence." Tara leans in and places a quick kiss on Anya's lips.

Anya rolls her eyes after Tara breaks off the kiss, and goes back to researching. 'She thinks I'm kidding.' Anya mentally chuckles at the thought. As other ideas start rolling through her mind, Anya excuses herself and runs to the office. 'If she kisses that damn good, what's she going to be like in the sack?' Anya questions feeling the heat working through her body. Grabbing her purse, she slowly walks back into the shop.

Tara glances up smiling as she watches Anya walk back towards her. "Dinner time?" Tara questions looking up at the clock.

Nodding Anya's lip curls up in half a smile. "Sure there isn't anything in particular you would like?"

"Anything is fine." Tara watches Anya curiously. "Is there more than one meaning to that question, Anya?" Tara raises an eyebrow knowingly at the ex-demon.

"Would I do something like that?" Anya smirks at the witch. "I'll be back in a little while." Anya places a brief kiss on Tara's cheek before leaving quickly.

Chuckling, Tara shakes her head looking back down at the book, trying to get her mind off the ex-demon.

Dawn hangs up the phone after calling to let Tara know she came straight home. Walking back out the back door, she watches Phoenix roll and play, chasing a butterfly around the yard. "Don't eat it, Phoenix. It's a good bug."

Wondering if the puppy's been good, Dawn hesitates on whether or not to leave the puppy outside by herself. "Phoenix, come here girl." Dawn calls, deciding to err on the side of caution. "That's a good girl. Have something to eat and drink, while I check out the basement." Dawn shuts the door behind them before putting some food in the dog bowl. "Eat, Phoenix. I'm going downstairs."

Jogging downstairs, Dawn chuckles as she sees the half chewed rawhide on the dog's bed. Seeing the matching bowl, she grasps it, placing it on the stairs before searching out the rest of the basement, noticing that it looked like Buffy had done a quick pick up, to make sure anything ruin-able was put up out of puppy distance.

Shrugging her shoulders when she doesn't notice any messes, Dawn gather's up the dog toys, placing them in the bed. Carrying them to the stairs, Dawn grasps the water bowl and brings everything up, chuckling as she notices Phoenix watching her from the top of the stairs. "Well, Phoenix. Looks like you were a good girl. I didn't notice anything, but I'll have Buffy double-check when she gets home."

Laughing quietly as Phoenix barks as soon as she mentions Buffy's name, Dawn sets the water bowl down on the floor. "You know who your mommy is?" Dawn questions. "Buffy." Dawn states quietly, chuckling as Phoenix barks again and wags her tail. "Tara." Dawn tries, getting the same response. "Dawn." Dawn laughs as Phoenix runs up to her, jumping up. "Yes, I'm Dawn. Did Tara place a spell on you, to make you extra smart?" Dawn narrows her eyes on the puppy, before laughing.

"I'm going to do my homework. Try and not get into anything, okay?" Dawn scratches behind Phoenix's ears before walking out to the living room, spreading her books and papers on the coffee table before sitting down on the floor. Becoming engrossed in her homework, she doesn't really notice when Phoenix comes in and lays down against her leg.

Dawn jerks as Phoenix jumps up from lying beside her, barking happily at the door. Glancing at the clock, Dawn walks over to the door, unlocking and opening it. "Hi, Buffy."

Buffy raises an eyebrow before looking down at the miniature alarm system. "Hi, Dawn. So, did little Miss Phoenix behave herself?"

"As far as I could tell, she did. You might want to check again, to be on the safe side." Dawn smiles as she watches Buffy scratch down Phoenix's back.

"I need to shower and change first." Buffy admits, as Phoenix licks enthusiastically over her hand.

"I think Phoenix is willing to help." Dawn smirks before sitting back down to finish her homework.

"Yeah, kind of seems that way, huh?" Buffy chuckles. "Come on, Phoenix. Why don't you go out before I spend some time in the shower." Buffy walks towards the kitchen, Phoenix panting as she follows.

Dawn shakes her head. "Strange, strange goings on in this house. The puppy's the only normal one." Dawn smirks, before chuckling quietly to herself.

Tara finishes reading the last chapter and closes her book. Sliding the book into her book bag, she shifts to look at Anya.

"Yes, thanks for letting me finish my work." Tara reaches out to play with the ends of Anya's hair.

"You're welcome. And since we were kind of busy at the shop, I felt bad that you didn't really have time to do it there." Anya admits.

"You don't need to feel guilty. I'm at the shop, work comes first. As time permits, I'll do my homework. If not, I'll do it when I get home." Tara smiles, letting Anya know its okay. "So, what do you want to do now?" Tara questions, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Tara chuckles quietly. "Hmmm. Were you wanting to watch television?" Tara questions slowly closing the distance between them.

"Maybe play board games?" Tara eases her body closer to Anya, a smirk crossing her face.

"Guess we have to make our own entertainment." Tara whispers before threading a hand through Anya's hair, leaning in to place soft nibbling kisses on Anya's lips, before diving in for a long, languorous kiss. Rolling her tongue gently around Anya's before sucking gently on Anya's tongue for long moments, finally releasing the muscle to place gentle kisses along Anya's jaw line. Finally stopping at Anya's earlobe, sucking and nipping gently, before breathing a hot breath of air over the lobe, smiling as Anya shivers and moans.

Anya opens dark brown eyes, gazing into Tara's desire filled eyes. Reaching up with both hands, Anya slides them both into Tara's hair, before diving back in for a slow, tantalizing kiss, learning all the secrets of Tara's mouth. Moaning at the sweetness of the witch, Anya finally breaks off the kiss as the need for oxygen becomes too much.

Panting heavily, Tara, strokes her hands up and down Anya's arms, before easing her forehead against the woman's shoulder, groaning as Anya strokes down her back. Arching her body into Anya's as she strokes more firmly.

"Feels good." Tara whimpers quietly as Anya digs her fingers into her back gently, working the muscles of her back.

"Not to sound like I'm propositioning you or anything, but why don't you lay down, maybe take your shirt off, I'll get some massage oils and work out the tension you've got going on here." Anya softly offers, not having realized how tense Tara's back was until she started stroking over her.

Pulling back, Tara raises an eyebrow at Anya, looking into the serious eyes, Tara smiles softly. "You're being serious."

"Yes, I am." Anya runs a hand down Tara's cheek. "No hidden meaning, no hitting on you. Just, hopefully, some relaxation for your tense muscles."

"And you just happen to have massage oils on hand?" Tara questions softly, watching Anya.

Anya shrugs looking down. "Xander would occasionally pull a muscle at work, so I got plenty of practice working on backs."

Tara nods, smiling gently. "Much better, sweetie. Much, much better." Tara leans in and kisses Anya on the cheek.

"You were able to say his name without any anger or hurt in your voice. I would say you are finally working your way past the pain and heartache." Tara runs a finger down Anya's cheek, caressing over her bottom lip. "And if the offer still stands, I would love to have you loosen up my back muscles." Tara grins crookedly at the ex-demon. "Of course, the couch isn't a very good place to do that." Tara looks down at the narrow couch.

"And the floor would kind of defeat the purpose of trying to relax you." Anya grins briefly. "I promise not to take advantage of you. At least not tonight." Anya's grin turns into a smirk.

"Come on." Anya stands, grasping Tara's hand, gently tugging the witch's hand. "Go ahead and go to the bedroom. I'll be right behind you." Anya watches Tara walk towards the bathroom. Stopping by the bathroom, Anya grabs a couple towels and the massage oil. Walking back into the bedroom, she glances up from where she'd been looking down. "Ummm. Here's towels." Anya whimpers, her eyes sliding over Tara's barely covered chest before laying the towels across the bed and turning her back on Tara.

Tara raises an eyebrow at Anya's uncharacteristic shyness. Dropping her arm from where she'd covered her breasts, Tara kicks off her shoes and climbs on the bed, centering her body in the middle of the bed. Glancing over her shoulder at Anya who's still facing the other way, Tara chuckles quietly. "I'm situated, Anya."

"Thank God." Anya sighs quietly before turning around. Taking a deep breath, Anya eases onto the bed beside Tara, gathering the witch's hair and placing it beside her, smiling down into the blue eyes watching her intently. "That was a little more than I bargained for." Anya admits, softly stroking her finger down Tara's jaw.

"Yeah, yeah. I kind of thought you would leave your bra on and after you laid down, I'd just unhook it." Anya chuckles. "Should know better when it comes to you."

"You should." Tara quirks her lip up. "I thought you were going to work on loosening me up." Tara wiggles her eyebrows, laughing quietly as Anya rolls her eyes.

"Behave. I just might end up having you stay the night, and get a little more up close and personal." Anya grins before leaning down and placing a kiss on Tara's cheek. "Let me massage your back."

Tara smiles before closing her eyes, relaxing. Feeling Anya hesitate, Tara chuckles. "I know the best way to give a massage, Anya. Go ahead."

Anya laughs quietly before easing her body over Tara's, straddling the witch's thighs, before easing her weight down on the legs. Opening the massage oil, Anya pours a small amount in the palm of her hand before rubbing the two hands together, warming the oil. Starting at Tara's neck, Anya slowly works her way down the witch's back, admiring the smooth, supple skin. Slowly working over the back with a stronger hand, Anya smiles as Tara groans in appreciation.

"I'm surprised." Anya softly starts before coming across a knot in Tara's shoulder, working a little harder on the area. "You have a very strong back. I never realized." Anya admits, before her eyes caress over the witch's back and arms.

"I worked on a farm all my life before coming to Sunnydale." Tara groans as the knot Anya was working on, finally releases. "Carrying bales of hay, feed bags and mucking out stalls will keep a person in damn good shape."

"Yes. I'm graduating this year from college." Tara closes her eyes, relaxing further into the bed as Anya runs her thumbs up either side of her spine.

"Still wanting to teach?" Anya questions softly as she works her hands more firmly over Tara's back.

"Mmmm. Feels good." Tara groans in appreciation of the firmer hands working over her back. "Yes, I do. Job wise, that will probably be perfect. Have holidays and summers off. Work during the day, pull some nights for teachers conferences and the like."

"Grading papers, putting up with smart-assed kids and evil principals." Anya continues, chuckling as Tara reaches back and smacks her on the leg.

Anya grins as she continues firmly massaging Tara's back. As she works over the strong back, Anya feels Tara relaxing even further. Leaning over as she strokes back up, she watches as a soft smile plays across Tara's lips. "Feel better?" Anya questions quietly.

"You can't let this thing with Buffy get you so tense." Anya strokes her hands down Tara's back, running them more over to the sides, becoming more a caressing motion. "We could always tie her up and make her see the error of her ways." Anya suggests seriously.

Tara laughs, lifting her head to look over her shoulder at Anya. "Do you have some magic rope that she wouldn't be able to get out of?" Tara's eyes twinkle at the thought.

"We'll figure out something." Anya wiggles her eyebrows before smiling softly. "Just ignore her, if you can. Try not to let her get under your skin, okay." Anya seriously states. "We will figure it out."

"Well, if it gets too bad. I just might take you up on your offer." Tara admits quietly.

"The room's there for you. I might have to do some cleaning in there, but it's yours." Anya sighs quietly. "I hope it doesn't come to that."

Tara chuckles quietly. "Thanks. Glad to know the room's there for me, even though you don't want me to use it." Tara yelps as Anya pinches her on the butt.

"I didn't mean it like that, and you know it!" Anya grumbles at the witch. Looking at the clock, Anya whimpers. "It's getting late. I should get you home."

Tara glances up at the clock surprised to see it's after midnight. "It is getting late." Tara stretches and yawns. "I think I might actually be able to sleep through the night tonight." Tara shifts around, without thinking. Looking at Anya, she smiles and runs a hand down the ex-demons face.

Anya closes her eyes and whimpers loudly. "Tara, honey…" Taking a couple deep breaths, Anya slowly opens her eyes, trying not to look down at Tara's chest. Reaching to the side, she grasps the towel and covers her chest. "And, God was I right!" Anya growls before climbing off the bed. "Definitely great breasts." Anya grumbles walking quickly out of the bedroom.

Tara looks down at her covered breasts, back to the quickly departing Anya. "Ooops." Tara smiles a self-deprecating smile. "Sorry." Tara whispers to the empty room before easing off the bed, dressing quickly.

As soon as it's dusk, Buffy heads out on patrol, planning on being home at a decent hour. Rolling her eyes as she comes across a newly risen vampire, Buffy toys with him for a few moments before staking him. Slowly walking around Sunnydale, she keeps an eye and an ear open.

As she slowly works around Sunnydale, Buffy wonders what Anya and Tara are doing. As soon as the thought comes into her brain, Buffy groans and runs a hand over her face. "Not thinking about them, remember?" She bitches quietly to herself. Thankfully she senses a vampire at that moment, turning down the alleyway she smirks as she comes across three vampires striding towards her.

"Hey, boys. Don't you know it's dangerous to walk around town here at night?" Buffy calls out in a deep, husky voice.

"Yeah. We heard that, didn't we?" The lead vamp grins at his two accomplices, before turning yellow eyes on Buffy. "And we're the dangerous ones that you should be avoiding." He growls loudly jumping the ten yards that separates him and the slayer, surprise crossing his face as his head snaps back from the roundhouse she delivers on his jaw.

"Sorry. But there are things more dangerous than you guys with bad overbites." Buffy growls deeply spinning around doing a roundhouse kick before jumping up in the air and slamming her foot into one of the vamps chin, knocking him back five yards. Letting loose Buffy tears into the vampires, taking out some of her pent-up frustrations on them.

"Who the fuck are you?" The lead vampire looks up from the ground, trying to stand on his broken leg.

"The Slayer." Buffy growls deeply slamming her fist down in his face, breaking his nose, before turning on the other vampire trying to sneak up on her. Picking him up, she tosses him hard against the brick wall. Spinning around she looks at the three vampires lying broken in the alleyway. "Come on, guys. You were only good for fifteen minutes of fun. You really need to work on your stamina." Buffy smirks before quickly staking the three vamps.

Working her way to downtown Sunnydale, Buffy slowly makes her way to the Bronze. Cruising the outside, she waits a few minutes by the back door. Smirking as the couple come out, she taps the girl on the shoulder. "Go back in. My boyfriend has a tendency to stray and I'm not exactly happy with him right now. I don't think you want me to take my anger out on you." Buffy snarls, her eyes cold. Chuckling as the girl disappears quickly, Buffy backhands the vampire growling behind her.

"Oh, aren't you a pretty one?" Buffy jumps over the vampire's leg as he tries to sweep her legs out from under her. "Not fast enough, dear." Buffy does a spinning back kick, hitting him hard upside the head before coming in with a chop to the side of his neck. Following the karate chop, she does a hard back kick into the vampire's chest.

Turning around to look at the vampire, Buffy tilts her head. "Your chest doesn't look to good there." Buffy waves her hand over the vampire's caved in chest. "Do you want to continue this fight, or do you want me to end it now?" Buffy questions, pulling her stake out, twirling it quickly. Buffy watches as the vampire snarls at her, the yellow eyes filled with hatred and pain. Waiting to see if he stands up, she shrugs and throws the stake, dusting him before quickly walking back down the alleyway.

Digging in her pocket she pulls out the cover charge before walking in. Not feeling anything, Buffy cruises up the stairs to stand leaning over the railing quietly watching everyone dancing, laughing, drinking and generally having a good time. Sighing quietly, Buffy frowns as she feels somebody behind her. Turning, she's surprised when she sees Willow standing there, nervously wringing her hands. Searching the green eyes, Buffy sighs in relief when she doesn't see anger or hatred looking back at her.

"Umm. Can we talk?" Willow questions softly, waving to the empty table behind them.

"Of course." Buffy nods her head, moving to sit down. Looking at Willow, wondering what's to come.

Willow frowns deeply, wondering how to start. Glancing up she notices the slightly scared, hurt look in Buffy's eyes. Sighing, Willow shakes her head. Finally deciding to just say it, Willow whispers. "I'm an idiot, Buffy. You can't help who you love. None of us can. I had absolutely no right to get angry at you, and I owe you a very, very big apology." Stopping, Willow looks back up, making eye contact with Buffy, seeing the forgiveness already showing in Buffy's eyes.

"It's okay, Willow." Buffy shakes her head softly watching the redhead. "I never actually meant to say it out loud." Buffy looks down, running a finger around a water stain on the table. "It isn't like anything's going to happen anyway."

Willow sighs watching Buffy's slumped shoulders. "You really do love her, don't you?" Willow questions softly, watching as Buffy's eyes rise, sadness showing deeply in their hazel depths as she nods her head. "Damn it, Buffy. Tell her. Let her know how you feel."

Buffy stiffens and looks away from Willow. "I can't, Willow." Buffy shakes her head before running a shaky hand through her hair. "First off, I would never come between her and Anya." Hesitating, Buffy closes her eyes taking a deep breath. "Plus I'm confused as hell, feeling wise, about her and Anya." Buffy finally admits. "I like them both, Willow." Buffy buries her face in her hands.

Willow rears back in the seat, stunned disbelief making her mute. Looking at her best friend of the last six years, Willow blinks trying to wrap her mind around what Buffy admitted.

"Totally fucked up, huh?" Buffy finally gets up the nerve to make eye contact with Willow. "I care for your ex and probably the one woman that rivals Cordelia for your hatred." Buffy chuckles sadly.

Willow hesitantly reaches out and clasps Buffy's hand in hers. "I…I don't know what to say, Buffy." Willow finally admits, still in shock at what Buffy admitted.

"What is there to say?" Buffy sighs quietly, patting Willow's hand that's still clasping her other hand. "How did things go on your date?" Buffy looks up smiling softly at Willow.

Willow's eyes widen and she hops up out of her seat looking down below, waving to Christina. Holding up one finger, she smiles apologetically at the woman. When she receives an understanding smile in reply, Willow grins.

"So, is that the mysterious date?" Buffy questions looking over the railing beside Willow, making Willow jump.

"Don't do that!" Willow grumbles smacking Buffy on the arm. "Yes, that's Christina." Willow admits smiling softly.

"Oh, no! Not going there. I have problems enough on my own, without adding more to the pile." Buffy shakes her head. "So, have you told her about the things that go bump in the night?" Buffy questions seriously, turning around to lean against the railing watching Willow.

"I don't think she believes me. But she does humor me by carrying the cross and the little water gun I gave her with holy water in it." Willow shrugs watching Buffy.

"Well, if you think she's going to…stick around. We can always visit the cemetery one night." Buffy offers.

"I'll see." Willow smiles in thanks at the slayer. "What are you going to do, Buffy?" Willow questions seriously, worried about her best friend.

"Nothing." Buffy shrugs, crossing her arms looking down at the floor. "Try and keep my distance."

"If you need me to talk to…" Willow trails off looking at Buffy with sad eyes.

"Good. But be careful." Buffy nods, pulling herself away from the railing. "I'm going to go head home. I need to probably let Phoenix out." Buffy admits, starting to head towards the stairs.

"Oh, the new puppy that found and adopted me." Buffy grins. "You'll have to come by and visit. I'll introduce you."

"Thanks." Buffy hugs Willow back before releasing the redhead. "Go to your girlfriend, I'm going to head home to my puppy." Buffy chuckles quietly before quickly jogging down the stairs and out of the Bronze.

Willow slowly follows her best friend, walking down the stairs before heading back over to Christina.

Christina glances up watching Willow. "Everything go okay?" The dark-brown haired woman questions in a lilting Scottish accent.

Willow smiles crookedly. "Buffy and I are okay. But I think she's very, very confused." Willow admits sitting down beside the taller woman. "Sorry it took so long."

"When you're up to it, and maybe want to meet my friends, I'd like to introduce you." Willow offers softly, reaching out to clasp her date's hand.

"I'd like that." Christina's pale blue eyes twinkle at the redhead. "It's getting late. You want me to take you home?"

"That would probably be a good idea." Willow admits, hating to bring the date to an end.

"Come on, wee one. Let me make sure you get home and safely into bed." Christina stands, offering her hand to the redhead, helping her stand.

"I'm not little." Willow grumps, though she always gets a little thrill whenever Christina calls her that.

"You are to me, wee Willow." Christina whispers in Willow's ear as she leans down to place a soft kiss on her cheek.

Willow bites back the moan she feels coming out, at the gentle caress, feeling her heart start to beat a little faster. The two women have been out on three dates. And all that had happened so far is some dancing, a few gentle kisses on cheeks and hand holding. Smiling as Christina opens the door before quickly striding around the Jetta, Willow watches as the woman eases into the vehicle. "I still don't know how you get those legs in here."

Christina chuckles as she starts the vehicle, shifting it into gear before easing out of the parking spot and heading towards Willow's house. "Very carefully."

"Did you maybe want to go out Friday night?" Christina questions softly as she turns on Willow's street, slowly pulling the vehicle up into the driveway.

Willow watches as Christina puts the car in park and turns the engine off before turning to face her. "I would love to go out Friday."

"Do you think Italian, Chinese, Sushi, Seafood?" Christina offers, grinning as Willow rolls her eyes.

"Anything will be fine." Willow shakes her head, smiling. "You're somewhat of a goof, aren't you?" Willow jokes.

"That I am." Christina nods her head, smiling. Slowly the smile leaves her face as she searches Willow's eyes for a long moment. "I like you, Willow." Christina admits softly. "I know we haven't been dating that long, but I thought you should know that."

"I would hope you like me." Willow reaches up and runs a finger across the woman's strong cheekbone. "Because I kind of like you, too." Willow watches as Christina slowly closes the gap between them before brushing her lips over Willow's. Moaning into the kiss, Willow runs her hand through the long dark hair. Hesitantly, Willow lets just the tip of her tongue ease out between her lips, to caress briefly over Christina's bottom lip.

Easing a hand over to rest softly on Willow's waist, Christina tilts her head the slightest bit before easing her lips open, granting Willow's tongue access. Groaning deeply as the eager muscle takes advantage of the offer to come darting in to caress flittingly about inside her mouth. Chasing the teasing tongue back into Willow's mouth, Christina eagerly follows it to caress softly, tasting of Willow. Slowly bringing the kiss to an end, Christina opens her eyes, looking into the deep green passion filled eyes of Willow.

"Well, now. That was a wee bit more than I was expecting." Christina closes her eyes, tilting her head against Willow's, taking deep breaths.

Willow nods her head, before smiling as she whimpers. "Your accent got a little thicker there."

"It'll do that." Christina finally gets control of her racing heart and pulls back, grinning at Willow. "Go inside, my wee little one. Get a good night's rest. Hopefully I'll run into you tomorrow on campus. If not, we have class together the next day." Christina runs a hand through red locks, smiling softly.

"Be careful on the way home." Willow lightly admonishes the woman. "Whether you want to believe me or not, what I told you was real. Buffy's willing to prove it to you, when you think you're up for it."

Christina raises a quizzical eyebrow at Willow. "Why would she be awantin' to prove it to me?"

"Because I talked to her tonight. And she's the one that can definitely prove it to you in more ways than one." Willow states. "Just trust me." Willow leans in and kisses Christina quickly. "Hmmm. Good kissage."

Christina chuckles quietly, as Willow hops out of the vehicle and runs up to the front door, quickly unlocking and sliding in. "You are a strange one, my wee little one. But I like ye." Starting the vehicle, Christina quickly heads back to her apartment, humming under her breath the whole way.

Buffy glances up for probably the twentieth time at the clock. Pacing back and forth she growls quietly under her breath. When she hears a whimper, she stops and looks down at a lightly shaking Phoenix. "Oh, Phoenix!" Buffy gently reaches for the puppy and picks her up, hugging her to her chest. "I'm not mad at you, Phoenix. Mommy's just worried about Tara. I expected her to be home over an hour ago." Buffy looks back at the clock again, mentally keeping herself from growling. "It's a little after midnight, I expected she'd be home before 11:00."

Looking down at the calming puppy, Buffy strokes softly over her back, smiling as Phoenix starts wiggling in her arms, barking. Setting the dog down, Buffy tilts her head as she hears a car pull out of the driveway, as the key slides home in the lock. "Damn dog has almost better hearing than I do." Buffy narrows her gaze on the dog. "No distracting me like that!"

Tara raises an eyebrow as she walks in the door, catching the last statement from Buffy. "She's distracting you?" Tara questions quietly, before turning and locking the door behind her.

"Yes. And not to sound like a total bitch, but if you're going to be this late, can you please call and let us know, so that way I don't think something decided to have you for dinner?" Buffy growls deeply, clenching her jaw tightly.

Tara turns and looks in surprise at the obviously angry slayer. "Okay, enough. Have I done something to piss you off in the last twenty-four hours?" Tara questions harshly, dropping her book bag on the floor and crossing her arms over her chest.

Buffy backs up a step in surprise at the harsh tone of the witch. Hearing Phoenix whimper, Buffy glances down at the puppy as she looks from one woman to the other. "Come on, Phoenix. Let me let you outside while Tara and I talk." Buffy strides out of the living room, Phoenix hesitating and looking up at Tara.

"Go on, Phoenix." Tara softly states to the puppy while following slowly behind the slayer. Sitting down on a stool, Tara watches as Phoenix runs outsides. Glancing up as Buffy walks back into the kitchen, Tara raises an eyebrow towards the slayer.

Buffy groans and runs a hand through her hair. "You haven't done anything, Tara." Buffy admits, opening the refrigerator. "Do you want something to drink? Maybe a cup of tea?" Buffy offers softly.

Tara watches Buffy, trying to figure the woman out. "Why the cold shoulder, Buffy?"

"Because I'm fucking PMS'ing." Buffy mutters, grasping a water and opening it. "It's me, Tara. It isn't your fault. This is something I've got to deal with on my own." Buffy sighs quietly. "I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to be such a bitch to you for the last few days." Buffy looks with sad hazel eyes at the witch. "Hopefully you can eventually forgive me for it."

"Buffy…" Tara starts, seeing the sadness in the slayer's eyes, breaks her heart. "What is it, sweetie?"

"I can't, Tara." Buffy feels the tears coming to her eyes. "Please don't push me on this, okay? It isn't something I can talk with you about."

"Don't." Buffy shakes her head, wiping her tears roughly away from her eyes. "You'll hug me and I'll end up bawling my eyes out. I can't do that." 'And I may be tempted to kiss you, and that I really can't do.' Buffy continues in her head. "Why don't you go to bed, Tara? It's late and you need your rest."

Tara searches Buffy's eyes for a few long moments. "Are you sure?" Tara questions quietly. As Buffy nods, Tara sighs. "I want your promise, that if I do something to upset you, you'll let me know."

Buffy sighs quietly. "Tara, it isn't you. You haven't done anything, and I seriously doubt that you could do anything to really upset me."

"I promise." Buffy finally gives in before walking over to the door when she hears a whimper. "Come on in, Phoenix. It's time for all good puppy's, witch's and slayer's to go to bed."

Tara smiles sadly, as Phoenix comes running up to her. "Everything's okay, Phoenix. Mommy and Auntie Tara just needed to talk." Tara scoops the puppy up and holds her, scratching her behind the ears.

"Why don't you go ahead and head upstairs. I'll make sure everything's locked up." Buffy glances at Tara, watching her for a few minutes.

"Okay." Tara looks up smiling at the slayer. "Want me to go ahead and take Phoenix up with me?"

"If you don't mind." Buffy nods, then silently watches as Tara leaves the kitchen. Breathing a huge sigh of relief, Buffy locks the back door before going to the front door, double-checking the lock before turning out the lights and quickly jogging up the stairs.

"'Night, sweetie." Tara murmurs, gently clasping Buffy's shoulder before leaving to walk to her bedroom.

"Good night, Tara." Buffy slowly shuts the door to her bedroom, looking at Phoenix who's already curled up on her bed, starting to doze. "Mommy almost screwed up royally." Buffy murmurs quietly to the snoozing dog. "I guess I'll just have to deal with things as they come up." Buffy sighs as she slowly changes out of her clothes and into her sleep wear. Turning off the light she stops and rubs Phoenix's belly for a few minutes. "If I don't behave, Tara's liable to literally rip me a new one. And I really don't think it would be pleasant."

Climbing in bed, Buffy turns on her side and curls up in a tight fetal position. "I don't know if anyone's listening, but can you do something to help me out, here?" Buffy whimpers, looking through her window at the night sky.

Tara smiles at Anya as she walks in the store. Looking around, she notices there's no on there, so she leans across the counter and gives Anya a brief kiss. "I didn't ask, but am I working tomorrow?" Tara questions softly, as she walks towards the office to set down her stuff.

"No, I'll work tomorrow." Anya follow's Tara in the office, her eyes drinking in Tara's form. The week had progressed nicely, lots of hugs and kisses, some light petting. Nibbling on her bottom lip, Anya leans against the door frame watching as Tara pulls one of her books out of her bag.

Tara glances up from her book bag, noticing the pensive look on Anya's face. "What's wrong, honey?" Tara questions softly, setting her book down on the desk as she closes the distance between them.

Anya closes her eyes as Tara reaches up and strokes a strong thumb down her cheek. Reaching out to clasp the witch's hips, urging her to close the short distance between them, Anya smiles softly as Tara wraps both arms around her, hugging her tightly.

"I'm okay. Just feeling needy." Anya admits, burying her face in the witch's neck. Inhaling deeply of the witch's scent.

Tara raises an eyebrow. Gently running her hands up and down Anya's back, Tara finally slides one hand up to cup behind Anya's head. Easing back to look in Anya's eyes, Tara notices the need and desire flaring in the brown eyes. Moving both hands to cup the woman's cheeks, Tara leans in and kisses Anya deeply. As she lovingly strokes her tongue over Anya's, Tara groans as Anya captures her tongue, sucking softly.

Anya whimpers as Tara ends the kiss. "Damn customers." Anya bitches as Tara chuckles and walks out to help the customer. Following Tara, Anya finishes re-stocking the shelves while Tara rings up the sale. Feeling arms wrap around her waist from behind, after the bell rings, Anya sighs quietly and leans back into the witch.

"Just needy?" Tara questions softly, stroking her hand gently under the ex-demons breasts. Grinning wickedly, Tara shifts her hand so her knuckles brush tantalizingly over Anya's breasts.

"How needy?" Tara nuzzles into Anya's neck, smiling as she hears Anya start to whimper. "I know I've been feeling more and more… needy, myself." Tara admits, her lip curling up into a smirk.

Anya groans as Tara finally cups her breasts, running strong thumbs over her aching nipples. When Tara starts to gently pinch her nipples, Anya quickly turns in the witch's arms, attacking her lips. As Tara opens her mouth, Anya quickly fills the invitation, battling against Tara's tongue strongly for a few long minutes. Finally easing away, trying to get control of her breathing, Anya whimpers as Tara starts nipping her way down her neck. "I'm gonna lock the damn door." Anya growls as Tara jerks away from her when the bell rings over the door.

Standing outside the Magic Box, Buffy watches the two women. Watching the obvious caring and attraction the two women have for each other, Buffy smiles softly, before groaning at the hot display, feeling an almost uncontrollable urge to jump in the middle of the two women. Closing her eyes, to get the thoughts out of her head, Buffy takes a few minutes, calming herself. Swallowing hard at the feelings coursing through her body, Buffy walks through the door, raising an eyebrow at the two women. "Good thing it was me and not a customer." Buffy grumbles quietly.

"Yeah, I guess we should keep the making out to the office." Anya states quietly before leaning back in and placing a soft kiss on Tara's lips. "We will continue this later. I hope."

"Count on it." Tara murmurs quietly, watching Anya grin and wink before walking towards the office. Turning her gaze on Buffy, Tara blushes lightly. "Sorry."

"Uh, huh." Buffy states non-commitally. "I was wondering if you maybe felt like Chinese tonight. I was on my way home from work and thought I'd just drop in, instead of calling." Buffy looks around the shop, looking everywhere but at Tara or Anya.

Tara glances over towards Anya who's standing in the office doorway. When Anya shrugs and smiles, Tara smirks at the shop-keeper. "Dawn should be getting here soon. Chinese sounds good to me, if you want to see if it sounds good to Dawnie…"

"She's always up for Chinese." Buffy smiles briefly. "Would you like to join us, Anya?" Buffy questions quietly, glancing briefly at the slightly disheveled woman.

Anya raises an eyebrow at the slayer before glancing towards Tara. At Tara's nod, Anya smiles. "I would love to."

"Good. I stopped on the way here and picked up an extra menu, I didn't know if you had one here or not." Buffy pulls the menu out of her back pocket, unfolding it and setting it on the counter. "I'll see what Dawn wants, we can pick it up when I come back to walk you home." Buffy nods towards Tara.

"I drove today." Anya looks from Buffy to Tara, sensing the slight tension that still exists between the two women. Sighing at their stubbornness, Anya finally continues. "We can pick up the food and I'll drive us to your house. You can just call with what you and Dawn want." Anya offers softly.

"That would be great." Buffy smiles after a slight hesitation. Starting to dig in her pocket for money, she looks up as Anya walks her way and places a hand on her shoulder.

"I got it." Anya looks in Buffy's eyes, before heading over to the bookcase. "I thought of a couple other books that might have information about different orbs in it last night, so that'll give me a chance to looks through them this evening." Anya frowns when her backs turned to Buffy, having noticed the sadness lurking in Buffy's eyes.

"Talking about dinner. Chinese, what do you want?" Buffy grins as Dawn's eyes widen, and a look of utter joy crosses her face.

"Menu!" Dawn calls out looking around, running over to the counter when Tara waves it at her. Picking up a pen, Dawn grins at Tara as she slides a notepad towards her. Quickly writing down her selections, she turns back to look at Buffy. "Where's Phoenix?"

"At home, I haven't made it there yet." Buffy admits. "Tara, can you put me down for a large order of sweet and sour chicken, along with a large order of beef and broccoli?"

"Might as well. You having dinner with us tonight, Anya?" Dawn questions walking towards Buffy.

"Good. See you guys in a few hours." Dawn practically bowls Buffy down in her excitement as she leaves the shop.

"Be careful." Buffy admonishes softly before quickly following Dawn out the door.

"You're telling me." Tara sighs sitting down on the stool behind the counter. "As long as she doesn't go back to her one-word answers and ignoring me, I guess I can deal."

Anya feels the urge to bang both women's heads together. Pulling down a couple books, Anya places them on the table before looking over at Tara. "Do you still want to leave things as they are?"

Tara glances towards Anya, before nodding her head. "For now. Honestly, right now, I don't really want to think about Buffy. It's kind of driving me insane, wondering exactly what's going through her mind."

Anya raises an eyebrow at the witch. "Why don't you read her aura?" Anya questions quietly, sitting down.

"I don't do that unless I have a very good reason." Tara explains softly, before standing and grabbing her book out of the office. Sitting down beside Anya, Tara flips it open to the chapters she needs to study.

"You don't think this is a good enough reason?" Anya looks at Tara, surprise evident on her face.

"No. This would be more of an invasion of privacy." Tara frowns for a moment. "Anya… you know I love you." Tara starts softly.

"Yes, I do." Anya smiles gently at the witch, turning her chair to face her. "I also know you love Buffy. There's all these confusing feelings going on inside you, that's pulling you first one way and the other, right?"

"You're not the only one, Tara." Anya runs a comforting hand down Tara's arm. "You're just getting a heavy dose because you live in the same household with Buffy. You can't help but be around each other. Because of this, you probably have a slight guilt complex going on because you feel like you're almost betraying our relationship."

Tara tilts her head down, running a finger over the page of her book. "Aren't I?" Tara finally questions looking up with sad blue eyes at Anya.

"No." Anya shakes her head, watching Tara intently. "Like you said, you love me. You love Buffy, and I love you. I'm on my way to loving Buffy, but it's hard when you don't spend much time with a person."

"Maybe I should move into your apartment, and you move into my room at Buffy's house. See what happens." Tara jokes quietly, clasping Anya's hand in hers. "And why is it that you always seemed so jealous of everyone around Xander, but this situation isn't bothering you?"

"Do you think she would go for that?" Anya questions, smirking. "I know I'm in deep like with Buffy. I also know that she is one hot woman." Anya wiggles her eyebrows, making Tara laugh quietly. "I also know I love you. I want to spend time with you… I want to make love with you." Anya whispers the last. "You are an absolutely wonderful, kind, caring, beautiful woman. With beautiful breasts!" Anya tacks on, chuckling. "As for the jealousy…" Anya hesitates, tilting her head. "I think it's the guy thing that makes me more jealous. They seem to have a harder time controlling their hormones, and are more easily led astray. Plus the fact that Xander has been in love with just about every woman he knows, it kind of had a tendency to rub me the wrong way." Anya admits softly.

"Plus you were a Vengeance Demon for scorned women, so that probably added to your disgruntlement with men. I'm surprised you even hooked up with Xander after everything." Tara smiles softly, before changing the subject slightly. "You have a thing for my breasts!" Tara smirks at Anya. "So, I love you. I love Buffy. You love me. You are in serious like with Buffy, that could turn to love. We both agree that Buffy is extremely hot and desirable. We also both agree that each of us are beautiful, caring women. We don't know what Buffy thinks, and NO we are not asking her." Tara narrows her eyes on Anya, seeing the look cross her face.

"Spoil sport." Anya grumbles. "She'd probably deny it anyway." Anya admits, sighing.

"Probably." Tara nods watching Anya for a few long moments. Wrapping her arms around the shop keeper, Tara gives her a long, warm hug. "You're a sweetie, you know that?"

Anya grins as she hugs the witch back. "I don't know about that, but if it means me getting more hugs, then yes, I am."

Tara chuckles, squeezing Anya once more before releasing the woman. "Let me get to studying, before the next lot of customers come in." Tara chuckles as Anya pouts adorably before sitting down and opening one of the books she's researching.

"Study, study, study." Anya gripes jokingly. "When do you graduate?" Anya questions as she starts looking through her book.

"Hopefully this year. I've been working extra hard to make up for last years…episode." Tara murmurs running a hand across her forehead. "Luckily, because of the extenuating circumstances, they're letting me test out in a couple classes, along with doing some other additional projects and reports." Tara nibbles her lip as she starts reading her chapters.

Tara looks up, smiling crookedly. "Yes. But, you forget, we live in Sunnydale. A lot of weird and unexplained things happen. They're a little more tolerant on the whole. Of course I had to do almost twice the amount of work in those classes, then I would have it I'd re-taken them."

"That's not fair!" Anya frowns deeply. "Do you need any help, someone to question you or help you with the projects?"

"Actually, the special projects and additional reports I've already finished. As soon as they gave me the particulars of what they needed, I started working on them. I just have to study for the actual tests, now." Tara sighs quietly. "And those will start in a little over a months time." Tara looks at the shopkeeper for a few moments. "You'd be willing to question me on the subjects I'm working on?"

"Of course. I don't know if you have lists of questions already, or if I'll need to read what you're studying, but I'm willing to do whatever you need to help." Anya offers sincerely.

"Thank you." Tara smiles softly, placing a gentle kiss on the ex-demons cheek. "I may take you up on that."

"Please do." Anya grins happily at the tender kiss. "Tara?" Anya hesitantly questions.

"Would you maybe like to come over tomorrow night?" Anya looks intently at the witch.

"Sure. Do you want to pick up a movie or something? You can come by the house after you close up shop and have dinner with us, if you want." Tara smiles as she watches the ex-demon.

"We can do that. But I was kind of meaning in a, would you like the stay the night, tomorrow night, kind of offer." Anya taps her finger on the table in nervousness. "Not that we have to do anything, I mean… I would just like to be with you."

Tara smiles at the uncharacteristic way Anya's acting. "So, you would like me to actually stay over tomorrow night. Watch a movie, maybe have some kissing action, see where it leads from there?" Tara whispers watching as Anya nods her head quickly. "I would love to."

Anya breathes out a huge sigh of relief, before smiling at the witch. "Thank you."

Tara chuckles quietly and runs a hand down the other woman's arm. "Anything you would like in particular for dinner tomorrow night? I need to go to the store tomorrow afternoon."

"Whatever you want to fix." Anya tilts her head in consideration for a moment. "You know that Chicken burrito shell thing you made a while back…"

"Chicken burrito's that I baked in the oven?" Tara questions, smiling as Anya's eyes light up. "I can make that for dinner tomorrow night. Maybe I'll fix some bean dip to munch on while it's baking."

"Mmmm. Good!" Anya smiles happily. "I should shut up, that way you can study, since you probably won't get much studying done tomorrow."

Tara chuckles. "Thank you, Anya." Tara turns her attention back to her book, studying quietly.

Anya frowns as she works her way through the book, mentally grumbling at not finding anything for more than one orb. Gently shutting the book, Anya slides it up the table before grasping the other book. Leaning her cheek on her hand, Anya slowly turns the pages as she continues researching.

Tara glances over at Anya, as she finishes reading the chapters, smiling at the look of concentration on the woman's face. Reaching up, Tara tucks a stray strand of hair behind Anya's ear. When Anya glances up, smiling softly, Tara feels her heart skip a beat at the sweet smile. Watching Anya turn back to the book, Tara continues to run her fingers gently through the woman's hair. Tara realizes how lucky she is to have this, surprisingly, understanding woman love her.

Anya re-reads over the information on a set of orbs that basically makes the person who has them invincible. Frowning deeply, she isn't even aware of Tara's scrutiny. "I think we may be in trouble." Anya slides the book towards Tara, glancing at the witch. "This is the only thing I've come across so far that is about a set of orbs."

Tara's eyes shift from the shopkeeper to the book. "The Orbs of Nezzla 'Khan?" Tara questions, bringing her hand down, reading the information on the orbs in the book. "Invincibility, super strength? So not a good thing. Especially for that sick bastard." Tara growls quietly.

"It's quiet tonight, why don't we close up shop early?" Anya states looking up at the clock, realizing that it was already 7:30.

Tara looks at the time, nodding her head. "You're the boss. Can I take this with us?" Tara questions from where she's still reading the information.

"Of course." Anya stands, putting the other book up before preparing the shop for closing, watching as Tara continues reading for a few moments before marking the book with a slip of paper.

"If he knows where these are, or has them…" Tara looks up with a hint of fear in her eyes. "This could be very, very bad."

"Yes, it could. But we do stuff to make the bad stuff better. We'll research and then try to either find them and keep them, or destroy them." Anya shrugs her shoulders. "We do what we have to."

Tara chuckles at the simplistic statements, realizing that's exactly what they did. Being afraid, or scared doesn't help. "Let me get my stuff together. Then we'll pick up dinner and head to the house."

Anya nods, watching as Tara walks to the office. "Time for dinner." Anya whispers quietly, smiling.

"Dinner good. Information bad." Buffy growls as the group of women sit at the dining room table eating dinner and discussing the Orbs. "Not that I'm not happy you found the information, Anya. I just don't like where this is leading. He'll be like… like Superman or something." Buffy frowns.

"I understand." Anya smiles at the slayer. "But you might want to step up surveillance of him, I can keep an eye out on the happenings in the newspaper, see if there's anything weird going on that could be explained away with the Orbs."

"Maybe you should call Willow, have her hack into the databases and see if there's anything that's happened that the police are keeping out of the newspapers." Tara suggests softly. "I would, but we've not talked since last weekend." Tara winces momentarily, before looking down playing in her fried rice.

"I'll call her. That's not a problem, I actually ran into her earlier this week at the Bronze, so we're on speaking terms again." Buffy admits, grinning briefly. "I guess I need to go out on patrol." Buffy stands gathering her dirty dishes and the empty containers, quickly striding into the kitchen, Phoenix following behind.

Dawn gathers her dirty dishes, smiling at Anya and Tara. "Want me to take your dishes in?"

"You don't have to, sweetie." Tara looks up, smiling. "But I would appreciate it."

Dawn grins as she gathers Tara's and Anya's plates and silverware, taking them into the kitchen. Rinsing them off, she places them in the dishwasher before going to the back door watching her sister leaning against the side of the house while Phoenix runs around the yard. Walking back over to the sink, Dawn wets the dish rag, wringing out the excess water before walking back into the now empty dining room, wiping down the dining room table.

Tara smiles softly as Anya snuggles against her, running her fingers gently through the shopkeepers hair, as they watch a movie they'd picked up while waiting for dinner to be prepared. Tara smiles at Dawn as she sits in the chair.

"It's only a couple minutes in, do you want me to restart it?" Tara offers quietly.

"Nah. I think I can figure it out." Dawn grins as she tucks her feet up under her, getting comfortable as she watches the movie.

Tara chuckles as Phoenix comes running in, jumping up on the couch, panting heavily as she curls up in her lap. "Lap dog, alright." Tara shakes her head, stroking the panting puppy. "And you sure as heck got up here in a hurry. You didn't make mommy mad, did you?" Tara glances up, grinning as Buffy walks into the living room.

Buffy rolls her eyes. "No, she didn't make me mad. I just told her I needed to go on patrol and she came running to you like a bat out of hell. I swear that animal knows what we're saying to her."

"I think Tara cast a smart spell on Phoenix. And we know that she understands what we're saying!" Dawn explains, laughing.

"I didn't cast any spells, I swear!" Tara laughs as Phoenix rolls over in her lap, begging for her belly to be rubbed.

Anya watches Tara scratch the puppies tummy. "Lucky puppy." Anya whispers into Tara's ear, making her giggle.

"Don't tease." Anya's eyes light up at the thought. "Movie." She mutters turning her attention back to the television, scooting down in the couch, tilting her head into the crook of Tara's shoulder and chest.

Buffy shifts her eyes away from the two women. "I'll be back later. You guys have fun." Buffy quietly calls out as she tucks away stakes and weapons.

"I will." Buffy glances over at Tara and Anya, seeing warm blue eyes and curious brown eyes looking at her. "Enjoy your movies."

"We will. Take care of yourself." Anya watches as Buffy nods her head before quickly leaving the house. Raising an eyebrow as she turns her gaze on Tara, she sighs as Tara shrugs her shoulders and turns her gaze back to the television. Placing a gentle kiss on Tara's cheek, Anya shifts her body back into her previous position to watch the movie.

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!" Buffy growls, punctuating each 'no' with a punch in the vampires face. "I am NOT allowing those thoughts in my head!"

"Stake me, please!" The vampire finally begs, his face and body having been used for a punching bag for the last half hour.

Buffy finally focuses in on the vampire, groaning loudly at the sight. Pulling her stake from her back pocket, she quickly stakes him. Buffy slowly stands, her brow furrowed as she slowly continues on her second trip around the streets of Sunnydale. Looking up at the bank clock, as she walks by, she sighs quietly. "It's 2:00 o'clock. I guess I can go home now. Anya's probably at home tucked up in bed, and Tara and Dawn are probably asleep." Buffy picks up her pace, quickly striding towards Revello Drive. As she gets closer to the house, she groans quietly at the sight of Anya's vehicle still sitting in the driveway. "Don't do this to me, guys." Buffy begs quietly, before slowly walking up the steps into the house.

Unlocking the door, stepping inside she slowly closes the door behind her and locks it. Seeing the note taped to the back of the door, Buffy pulls it down before quickly divesting herself of her weapons and heading to the kitchen. Setting the note on the counter, Buffy digs around in the refrigerator pulling out some lunchmeat and cheese, along with a water. Making herself a sandwich, she sits down and reads the note.

Buffy unconsciously traces Tara's name at the bottom of the note, as she finishes eating her sandwich. Realizing that Anya must be sleeping in Tara's room, Buffy whimpers quietly at the thought of the two women. Swallowing the last of her water, Buffy quickly cleans up her mess, grabbing the note and taking it upstairs with her.

Buffy hesitates a moment outside her door, looking at the dim light coming from under the witch's door, unconsciously her body moves a couple more steps towards the room. Stopping when she hears Tara giggling as she softly calls out Anya's name. A little squeaked whimper escapes, before Buffy turns and walks into her room, quickly shutting the door behind her. As Phoenix comes running over to her, Buffy smiles softly at the puppy as she reaches down picking her up and burying her face in the soft, warm fur.

"Mommy's probably going to be driven insane. I just want you to realize that, okay?" Buffy softly whispers to the puppy, smiling as she's lapped by a warm wet tongue across her cheek. "You don't mind, huh?" Buffy chuckles quietly before setting the puppy back down on the floor. Getting ready for bed, Buffy watches as Phoenix circles around on her bed before curling up in a ball. "You're a good girl." Buffy quietly whispers as she turns off the light and climbs in bed.

Tucking her hands behind her head, Buffy stares up at the ceiling, tuning out the soft murmurs and laughs coming from the other room that her slayer hearing picks up. Taking a deep breath, Buffy closes her eyes without changing positions, trying to get thoughts of the two women and what they might be doing out of her head so she can go to sleep.

Buffy stares in stunned disbelief as she watches Tara and Anya sit down on either side of her on the bed. "What…Huh?" Buffy whimpers as Tara runs her fingers gently through her hair.

"We were talking, and decided that we've spent long enough playing games with you, Buffy." Anya states quietly and calmly. "We know you like us, and are having very confusing thoughts. I also know that you love Tara." Anya quickly places a finger over Buffy's lips as she's about to protest. "Don't argue. I know things, I see things." Anya runs the finger over Buffy's lips. "I also think you may actually like me in more than a friends way." Anya grins as she leans down replacing her finger with soft lips, caressing over Buffy's lips gently, before slowly deepening the kiss.

Groaning loudly as Anya kisses her, Buffy whimpers as she feels warm hands working their way between her and Anya's body, unbuttoning her pajama top. Reaching up, Buffy runs a hand through Anya's hair, urging the ex-demon down for an even deeper, more erotic kiss, tongues stroking against each other, wrapping around each other for long moments. Whimpering at the loss of Anya's lips, Buffy slowly opens her eyes, watching as Anya shifts back, taking over from where Tara stopped. Arching her body up, Buffy unconsciously helps Anya slide off her shirt, groaning in pleasure as she watches Anya lean down, capturing one aching nipple in her hot mouth, sucking gently.

Tara smiles down lovingly at Buffy. "Tell us you don't want us, that you don't or can't love us, and we'll leave you alone."

Buffy shakes her head, whimpering loudly. "I can't. I can't tell you I don't want either of you, because it would be a lie." Buffy admits finally. "I love you both, and it's been tearing me apart inside, trying to not have these feelings for you."

"Then stop letting it tear you apart, have the feelings…" Tara leans down, her lips almost touching Buffy's. "Have us." Tara whispers before diving in, kissing Buffy deeply.

"God!" Buffy calls out after Tara finally releases her mouth as the witch continues to kiss and caress across her jaw, before slowly working her way down the column of her neck. Reaching out with her other hand, Buffy runs it down the witch's body, surprised as she comes into contact with warm, firm skin.

Buffy's eyes open as she hears Anya chuckle quietly as she lays more on the bed, pressing her body in against the slayer's side. "Her kisses kind of make you forget everything else that's going on, don't they?"

Buffy swallows and nods her head. "Can I touch you?" Buffy questions hoarsely, arching up as she feels Tara capture one nipple in her eager mouth, alternating nipping it gently, with laving it strongly with her tongue. While the other breast is being kneaded softly, a thumb circling the nipple before being pinched between Anya's finger and thumb.

"Of course." Tara answers for both women as she releases the slayer's breast. "This is going to be a night you won't forget. And, just to let you know, if this is what you really truly want, we want us three to be a couple." Tara grins crookedly at the slayer at the wording. "Or threesome, I guess would be better terminology."

"Triad." Anya corrects softly as she shifts her body down nipping playfully over the slayer's breast, slowly working her way down the woman's ribs and stomach.

"If I don't spontaneously combust first." Buffy cries out softly as she feels two pairs of hands slowly working over her body, teasing, touching and pinching. As she feels two mouths slowly licking and kissing their way across her body, Buffy's hips jerk repeatedly in want. Feeling her arousal reach a whole new plateau, Buffy groans as she feels two hands working their way up her legs, placing teasing circles on the skin as they ever so slowly caress up her body.

Hearing loud whimpering, Buffy tries to figure out which one of her soon to be lovers is making the noise. When it continues unabated, along with a buzzing noise, Buffy jerks awake. Looking around the room, at Phoenix whining by the door and her alarm clock going off, Buffy slams the alarm off while she looks down at her clothed body. "Ah, damn!" Buffy groans loudly, collapsing back on the bed, feeling the arousal coursing through her body. "It's pretty damn bad that my dreams are more arousing than my whole previous sex life." Buffy bitches to the room, before rolling out of bed, grabbing her robe to let Phoenix out. Glancing at the closed door to the witch's room, Buffy bites her lip as her sex clenches in need.

Quickly jogging down the stairs, she lets Phoenix out to use the bathroom, while going back in and making a pot of coffee, glancing out the window, seeing that Anya's car is gone.

"Hey, sweetie. How was patrol last night?" Tara questions as she walks in, covering her mouth as she yawns.

"Killed ten vampires and some little green critter that was trying to make dinner out of this poor cat." Buffy grabs down a couple mugs for coffee.

"Was the cat okay?" Tara questions quickly, and at Buffy's nod, she smiles. "You have to work lunch shift today, don't you?" Tara softly inquires as she walks to the back door, chuckling as she watches Phoenix play in the yard.

"Yeah. Thankfully it's not a full eight hour day. Just need to be there in two hours, working ten till three." Buffy pours coffee in the two mugs she'd prepared, handing one to Tara as the two women walk out on the porch.

"You don't mind Anya staying here last night, I hope." Tara looks towards Buffy, surprised when she sees a deep blush cross Buffy's face. Tilting her head, wondering why the slayer is blushing, she takes a sip of coffee. Knowing that they hadn't done anything to be heard last night, Tara blinks a couple times in curiosity.

"No. That's fine. I'd rather her stay here, than go home alone that late, anyway." Buffy steps down to the yard, kneeling and scratching Phoenix's chest as she comes running over to her.

"I'm going to make chicken burritos tonight for dinner. I hope you don't mind, but I kind of invited Anya over for dinner, then we're probably going back to her apartment afterwards." Tara bites her lip watching Buffy.

"That's fine, just let me know if you're going to be late getting in." Buffy glances back, smiling briefly at the witch. "That way I won't worry."

"Ummm… I wasn't actually planning on coming back home tonight." Tara hesitantly admits, watching as Buffy's back stiffens just the slightest bit.

"Oh, okay." Buffy stumbles over the word, before plastering a smile on her face. Turning she looks at Tara. "I guess I should go shower and get ready for work. Do you want to stay out here for a little while with Phoenix, or are you ready to head back in?"

"I'll go in and fix you some eggs and bacon for breakfast while you're showering. How many eggs do you want?" Tara turns, opening the door as the group makes its way back into the kitchen.

"That would be perfect. Thanks, Tara. And just to let you know, I really, really appreciate everything you do around here to help out." Buffy's hand, of it's own volition reaches out and tucks a stray strand of hair behind the witch's ear. "I'm going to go get ready for work." Buffy sets down her mug before quickly heading out of the kitchen.

Tara stands there watching the slayer practically run out of the room. "Huh." Tara looks down quizzically at the puppy. "What happened last night, Phoenix?" Tara chuckles before pulling out the food from the refrigerator.

Buffy smiles as she sits down at the island, bumping Dawn gently on the shoulder.

"Hey! Watch that. I'll be calling social services telling them I'm being abused!" Dawn smirks at her sister.

"Some abuse." Buffy rolls her eyes, grabbing a couple piece of toast on her plate along with the eggs and bacon already there. "Tara aren't you going to eat?" Buffy glances at the woman as she stands in front of the stove.

"Yes, I'm just fixing myself a fried egg sandwich." Tara smiles as she gently flips the egg. Pulling the toast out of the toaster, she quickly puts a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread, a slice of tomato and cheese. As the egg firms a little more, with the yellow being just the tiniest bit runny, Tara turns off the stove and slides it onto the sandwich. Sitting down across from Buffy, she grins.

"No, I cooked it longer this time after you made fun of me." Tara wrinkles her nose at the slayer. "You staying around today, or do you have other plans?" Tara questions Dawn before she takes a bite of her sandwich.

"Wondering if I could go to Kaylee's, spend the day and night there?" Dawn looks hopefully at her sister.

"Have any homework, reports are projects that you need to do for school?" Buffy questions as she takes a sip of her coffee.

"Your room cleaned and your clothes in the hamper ready to be washed?" Buffy raises an eyebrow, remembering the pile of clothes on the floor in her sisters room when she went by it a little earlier.

"Umm, it can be in record time." Dawn bounces lightly in her seat, when she sees the acceptance on Buffy's face, she squeals. "Thank you!" Dawn quickly finishes the rest of her bacon before running out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

"She spends more time away from here on the weekends, than here." Tara comments as she finishes her sandwich.

"She's growing up. Wanting to spend more time with her friends than with her family." Buffy sighs quietly. "Pretty soon she'll want to go away to college."

"Driving will be first." Tara raises an eyebrow at the paling slayer, trying not to chuckle.

"God, I hope she doesn't. The only one of us that drives is Xander and Anya." Buffy grabs another piece of bacon, munching as she thinks. "I guess I could see if he wants to teach her to drive if she wants to learn." Buffy takes the last piece of toast putting a couple slices of bacon on it, eating it quickly as she sees it's getting late. "I got to go."

"Have a good day, sweetie. Don't forget, chicken burritos tonight for dinner." Tara smiles as she watches Buffy quickly place her dishes in the sink.

"Good. Been a while." Buffy grins at Tara, not able to stop from clasping the witch gently on the shoulder. "Do you need any money for the food?"

"No, I'm okay." Tara smiles at the slayer as she heads towards the kitchen doorway.

"Be good, Phoenix." Buffy looks down at the playing puppy. "I think we're going to need to get more chew toys." Buffy chuckles before quickly heading to work.

"I think your mommy's trying to see how long it takes to drive me insane with her attitude changes." Tara talks to Phoenix as she does the dishes, chuckling as the puppy barks at her. "So, you agree. Glad I'm not the only one that sees it!!"

"Ready for me to get the second container of burritos?" Tara looks at the empty glass container before reaching for some more salsa and chips.

"So, you ready to agree with me?" Anya questions, grinning as she leans in nibbling on her ear.

"I don't know. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. She just confuses the hell out of me." Tara admits.

"Then, after dinner we'll go back to my place where there's no confusion, just you and me and a whole apartment to get up to all kinds of naughtiness in." Anya wiggles her eyebrows at the witch.

"Planning on naughty things happening?" Tara allows a playful grin to come across her face, watching as Anya's eyes light up.

"Come on, guys. Time to eat dinner." Buffy narrows her gaze on the two women. "You two can get all mushy later."

"Sorry." Tara blushes lightly, as her and Anya slowly separate from the short distance they were from each other.

"It's okay." Buffy smiles quickly as she places the container on the hot pads, scooping out a burrito to place on her plate before sitting back down. "Do I even want to know what you two have planned for tonight?" Buffy questions around a mouthful of food.

"Probably not." Anya smirks then yelps as Tara pinches her thigh. "I didn't tell her what we were planning on doing. I could, you know. OWW!" Anya frowns at the blushing witch as she rubs her thigh. "Save that shit for later." Anya giggles as she shifts out of range of the witch's strong fingers.

"You'll be going home by yourself if you keep it up." Tara sighs before glancing over at an extremely quiet Buffy. "What are you going to do tonight?"

"Other than patrol, I need to make some more stakes." Buffy shrugs, making brief eye contact for a few seconds before glancing back down at her plate. "You guys coming back here for lunch tomorrow?"

"If you don't mind." Anya answers, as she finishes her last bite of burrito, gently pushing her plate away. "I don't want to overstay my welcome."

"You're fine, Anya. You're welcome anytime." Buffy's lip quirks briefly in a half smile. 'Just, please, don't get like you two were in the shop, please!' Buffy begs silently as she grabs some tortilla chips munching as she watches the two women.

"Did you get a list of questions together for me to test you with?" Anya looks hopefully at the witch. "I was serious about the offer."

"Actually, yes I did. But I can't ask you to question me every night this week to make sure I know everything." Tara pats the woman's thigh, after she moves closer.

"I can help, if you want." Buffy offers quietly. "I don't mind, and gives me ammunition if you get something wrong."

"You haven't done anything lately for me to pick on you about. The last thing was the runny egg drips down your chin and shirt. I about used it for all its worth." Buffy smirks at the witch.

"Well, starting tomorrow for the next two weeks, I'm going to be working and studying. You two need to send me all your best wishes to do well on my finals, then hopefully I'll be a college graduate and can get a job teaching." Tara smiles. "And I will definitely take both of you up on your offers."

"No. Tonight's going to be my last relaxing night for the next couple weeks. No books allowed." Tara shakes her head, smiling.

Anya starts to open her mouth to make a comment, closing it back quickly when she thinks twice about it. Smiling innocently at Tara as she looks at her.

Anya stands and quickly gather's the dirty dishes to get out of the dining room before she gets in trouble.

"You're the one dating her." Buffy mutter's as she scoops out another burrito, chuckling quietly.

"Thanks for reminding me." Tara turns her gaze on Buffy, smirking. "Thanks for the offer, I will take you up on it. Did you get enough to eat?"

"Yes, I did. Thanks." Buffy grins self consciously. "There might even be a burrito or two left for a late night snack."

"Good. Do you want me to fix anything else for you before we leave?" Tara smiles at the blonde slayer.

"No, I'll be fine, thank you for the wonderful dinner." Buffy finally sits back, patting her stomach. "I'm probably going to have to take a nap before going out on patrol tonight."

"You're welcome. If you need any help, be sure to call." Tara stands gathering the rest of the dirty dishes.

"Help with my nap?" Buffy jokes standing to carry the container with the burrito's left in it to the kitchen.

"I somehow doubt napping is possible with Tara around." Anya pipes up, as she loads the dishwasher.

"And on that note, I'm taking Phoenix outside." Tara whimpers before calling to the sleeping puppy, quickly opening the back door, following her outside.

Buffy places the burrito's in a container, putting it in the refrigerator before sitting down at the island watching Anya for a moment, actually looking at the woman. Taking in the slim form with the slight curves, groaning quietly, Buffy shuts her eyes. 'Not thinking about this, not thinking about this.' Buffy flashes back to the dream, groaning louder, she runs a hand quickly over her face.

"Do you need some aspirin?" Anya questions as she hears Buffy groan, turning to catch her running her hand over her face.

"We're going to have to do pooper scooper detail out in the yard." Tara chuckles as Phoenix runs in, stopping by Buffy, barking.

"You are spoiled." Buffy chuckles leaning down, scratching her head for a few minutes before sitting back up, watching as the puppy runs around to bump into Anya, sitting down waiting for her to love on her.

"Doing your rounds, Phoenix?" Anya chuckles, leaning down picking the wiggling puppy up to love on her.

"I'm going to run up to get my bag." Tara smiles as Phoenix licks Anya's cheek enthusiastically. "Did you have some left over burrito's on your face?"

"Don't enjoy it too much, I'm not going to do that!" Tara jokes as she quickly leaves the kitchen.

"NO FUN!!" Anya yells after the witch, chuckling at the puppy. "She's no fun at all, now is she Phoenix?"

"Be careful, she may seriously not go home with you!" Buffy jokes. "I don't put anything past that woman anymore."

"She's quite the surprising one." Anya agrees softly as she lets Phoenix down on the floor. "Willow did a serious screw up by losing her. And I just might have to thank her." Anya states seriously.

"This supplier that found some hard to find weed for one of her customers." Buffy interjects quickly, smiling as Anya nods in thanks.

"Trafficking in Mary Jane now, Anya?" Tara jokes, making Buffy roll her eyes. "You said weed."

"I never said I was nice." Tara chuckles. "We better get going, Anya. That way we can make it to your apartment before it gets dark. You have a good night, Buffy. Please be careful."

"I will. You two have a… never mind. I'm sure you will." Buffy drops her head on the island as the two women laugh. "Shoot me now, please." Buffy whimpers.

"Have a good night, sweetie." Tara runs a hand down the blonde hair as she and Anya leave, missing the quiet whimper coming from Buffy.

After Buffy hears the door, shut, she lifts her head slowly. "Can I just go on record as saying, I am really praying that dream wasn't just a dream and is a slayer dream?" Buffy questions the empty room. "Because I can live with that." Buffy chuckles at herself before going to get ready for patrol.

"Here, let me put this up for you." Anya takes the bag from Tara, walking quickly back to the bedroom to set it down on the dresser, smiling at the thought of the witch staying the night. Slowly walking back out to the living room, she curls up on the couch next to Tara. "I had fun last night." Anya tilts her head so it's lying on Tara's shoulder, smiling as the witch shifts and wraps her arm around her, urging her to get more comfortable.

"Yeah, well, no taking advantage of that knowledge!" Anya grumps. "I slept better last night than I have in a long time, thank you." Anya whispers softly as she rubs her head lightly against Tara's chest.

"You're welcome." Tara smiles softly as she starts stroking her fingers through the shop keepers blonde hair. "What do you want to watch?" Tara questions as she flips the television on, slowly changing the channels to see what's on.

"Whatever you want. I'm not in any kind of particular mood." Anya chuckles briefly. "Well, there is a mood I'm in, but it might be too soon yet."

"Hmmm. What mood would that be?" Tara questions with a knowing lift of her eyebrow, looking at Anya as she shifts to grin at her.

"I'm in very much a pouncy mood." Anya admits. "Your teasing has got me ready to jump you at a moments notice!"

"My teasing?" Tara widens her eyes in mock surprise. "I'll have you know I haven't been teasing. I thought you were." Tara laughs as Anya rolls her eyes. "Okay, so we've both been teasing. And it's been a very pleasurable pastime, also." Tara admits softly. "I have to tell you, I'm surprised, even with my knowing that you talked about sex all the time to get a rise out of people. I kind of thought you'd want to jump in bed the first chance you got."

"Well, don't get me wrong, because I definitely do want to jump in bed with you. But I kind of figured we'd take it slow, see how well we actually liked each other before taking it any further." Anya admits quietly, shifting down on the couch, to lay her head in Tara's lap. "I knew that I was attracted to you, but I've come to the very serious realization with spending time with you that I'm falling in love. I don't want to screw it up by forcing anything, or pushing for a more physical relationship."

"Anya." Tara whispers the shop keepers name, stroking her hand over the woman's cheek and neck. "Were you always this much of a sweetheart?"

"No." Anya admits, a small grin crossing her face. "You make me want to be a better woman."

Tara chuckles quietly. "Channeling Jack Nicholson is not necessarily a good thing, honey."

"I know, I know. But it's true." Anya smirks as she shifts to look up at Tara. "I loved Xander, don't get me wrong, but it's different with you. I was mostly interested in the sex side of things with him, but with you I enjoy just sitting on the couch, talking, making out, touching…" Anya shrugs as she trails off. "You know, that kind of thing."

"I think I understand. We have a friendship between us, also. It's not just about the physical portion of the relationship. We just enjoy being in each others company." Tara suggests softly.

"Yes, that's it!" Anya grins. "Of course, I won't complain if we get to the physical portion sooner rather than later, but I'm not going to push it. I just want you to be aware that I love you for you. Not because of your sexual abilities."

"Well, we haven't had sex yet, so I think I can figure that out for myself, Anya." Tara chuckles looking down at the woman, her eyes twinkling merrily. Slowly becoming serious, Tara sighs softly. "I love you, too, Anya. And truthfully? I really don't want to watch television."

"What do you want to do?" Anya question softly, her eyes closing as Tara's soft fingers stroke over her collar bone.

"Spend time acquainting myself with this wonderful, beautiful woman that has captured a good portion of my heart." Tara whispers, smiling gently as Anya slowly opens her eyes to look at her seriously.

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Anya questions softly, slowly shifting so she's sitting beside Tara, looking at her intently. "Because I am serious, I don't want to push you into something you're not ready for."

"You're not pushing, Anya." Tara watch's Anya for a moment, before reaching up to brush her hand over the woman's face, cupping her cheek gently. Leaning in, Tara brushes her lips softly over Anya's three or four times, before pulling back to smile softly.

"Don't stop now." Anya whimpers, following Tara, pressing her lips firmly against Tara's, groaning quietly as Tara's tongue sneaks out to caress over her lips. Eagerly allowing the tongue entrance, Anya battles gently with Tara, sucking softly on the witch's tongue, before easing back to soft presses of lips.

"Hmmm." Tara hums softly, her hand having migrated to Anya's hair, not letting her escape too far, her other hand having snuck down, caressing the flesh at the woman's waist after maneuvering the shirt partially out of the way. "So soft." Tara murmurs as her fingers stroke over Anya's side and stomach, as her lips caress her jaw, slowly making her way down her neck nipping gently at the flesh before licking strongly over her pulse point.

"God, Tara." Anya cries out quietly as the witch's hand slides up to cup her breast firmly. "Please tell me I'm not dreaming." Anya whispers as her hands creep under Tara's shirt, shoving it up out of the way, so she can caress the witch's breasts.

Tara inhales deeply as Anya's fingers start to pinch and tweak her nipples through her bra. "Ease back, sweetie." Tara whispers softly, smiling as Anya whimpers loudly as she releases the witch. Quickly pulling her shirt the rest of the way off, Tara reaches behind her to unhook her bra, sliding it down her arms to drop beside the couch.

Anya swallows hard as Tara takes off her bra, her hands already reaching for the witch. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?" Anya whispers, her hands caressing over the soft flesh for the first time, groaning in pleasure as the nipples harden quickly under her caresses.

Tara moans quietly, pressing her body into the hands caressing over her breasts. "Goddess!" Tara cries out as Anya quickly dips her head, sucking and nibbling on a nipple.

"I could eat you up." Anya admits as she finally releases the breast, working her way over to the other one, following Tara as she eases back against the end of the couch, hovering over the witch as she grasps the other nipple between her teeth, gently tugging it up before releasing it to kiss and lave it with her tongue.

Tara wiggles her self around, gently tugging Anya so she can divest her of her shirt, quickly unhooking her bra and tossing it. "My turn." Tara murmurs urging Anya up the short distance, groaning as she slides up, pressing their lower bodies together. Tara finally captures a nipple in her eager mouth, sucking on it strongly while flicking it with her tongue.

"Shit!" Anya moans as Tara captures one breast in her mouth, while her hands pull her down more firmly into the witch. Unconsciously, Anya starts to slowly rock her body as Tara's hands caress firmly over her back while she continues to nip, lick and suck her way across her breasts.

Tara growls quietly as she runs her hands down to Anya's ass, grasping the flesh firmly as she continues caressing the breasts in front of her. Shifting her leg, she presses it firmly into Anya's apex, giving the woman something to rock against.

Groaning loudly, Anya takes advantage of the leg pressing into her, rocking slowly at first against the leg, gradually building up the speed and pressing down more firmly. As she feels Tara's fingers flex into her ass cheeks, Anya whimpers as the pleasure shoots through her.

"Clothes bad." Tara mutters as she tries to slide her fingers under Anya's slacks, dropping her head back on the couch, Tara pants heavily, closing her eyes. Sliding her hands around she quickly unbuttons and unzips Anya's slacks. "Can you let up for a moment?"

"Yes." Anya whimpers, continuing her rocking motion, but dropping her head down beside Tara as she slides her body to be more even with Tara's.

Tara can't help but chuckle. "Anya, honey? This would work a hell of a lot better without the clothes."

Tara bites her lip to keep from laughing. Groaning as she feels the desire heavy in her own body, she slides her hands down Anya's sides, shifting her so they're lying on the couch side by side, facing each other, her leg still firmly between Anya's, groaning as Anya shifts and presses her thigh against her firmly.

Anya allows a small smile to cross her face as she hears Tara groan in response to her shifting her leg, before crying out Tara's name in pleasure as Tara quickly shifts a hand down between their bodies.

Tara whimpers at the flood she encounters, stroking through the damp folds, she slides her two middle fingers gently into the shopkeepers body while rubbing her palm against her swollen clit. As Anya shifts her head and she feels her starting to suck strongly on her neck, Tara bites her lip as she grinds her body down onto Anya's thigh while picking up her hands pace.

"SHIT!" Anya cries out loudly, rocking her body against Tara's hand as she brings her to the pinnacle of release. As Tara grinds the palm of her hand against her clit, it tips Anya over the edge. "Tara!" Anya whimpers her name as she collapses on top of the witch, panting heavily, her body continuing to rock.

Tara presses down hard on Anya's thigh, circling her hips as she feels the orgasm working through her body, biting down gently on Anya's shoulder as she climaxes, Tara whimpers loudly.

As her body slowly starts to relax, Anya does a half-hearted chuckle, until Tara shifts her fingers, rubbing over her inner muscle.

"Laughing will cause me to do something to cause a major flood." Tara warns in between panting breaths. Smirking as Anya whimpers long and loud.

"God, it's been so long." Anya buries her head against Tara's shoulder as she rotates her hips, the pleasure building quickly. "Tara, I want to…damn!" Anya's hips start to jerk as she gets closer to a mind blowing orgasm.

"Want me to stop?" Tara whispers softly as she starts to press more firmly against the muscle, a firm circular motion inside the woman's body. Groaning quietly as Anya's inner muscles start to clench and unclench at a feverish pace.

"Yes…no…" Anya's whole body starts to shake as she feels the orgasm working through her body. "Taraaaaaaa…." Anya cries out the witch's name as the release flows from her body.

Tara's body shakes gently in response to Anya's climax, as Tara continues the soft stroking over the ex-demon's g-spot, dragging out the pleasure.

Anya's hands clench in Tara's hair tightly, her body continuing to jerk and spasm with the release.

As the clenching slows, Tara gently eases her hand out of Anya, moving it from between their bodies, wrapping her arms gently around the woman, urging her completely down on her body, stroking her hands up and down the woman's back, as Anya slowly calms down.

After a few minutes, Anya slowly lifts her head, looking down into Tara's dark blue, passion filled eyes. "Thank you." Anya whispers softly, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on Tara's lips.

"What are you thanking me for?" Tara questions the woman, confusion clouding her eyes.

"First off for dating me, and actually loving me." Anya states seriously, before a devilish gleam enters her eyes. "Secondly, for the best orgasm I've had in years. Thirdly for all the future orgasms to come." Anya smirks, then starts laughing as Tara's fingers quickly make their way to her ribs, tickling her mercilessly. "Not fair!" Anya wiggles trying to get away from the fingers hitting her ticklish spots.

"Anya!" Tara yells as Anya falls off the couch onto the floor, laughing hysterically. "Are you okay?" Tara questions, though with the way the woman is laughing, she figures she is.

It takes a moment for Anya to get control of her laughter. "I'm okay. Promise." Anya grins at the witch, before standing and holding her hand out to Tara. "Come with me. I'm going to spend the next couple hours showing you just how okay I am." Anya smiles softly as Tara stands and kisses her softly.

"Promises, promises." Tara chuckles as she follows an eager Anya towards the bedroom.

"An…Any…Anya…" Tara tries to whimper the ex-demon's name, finally getting it out.

"Yes?" Anya softly questions before going back to stroking her tongue from the bottom of Tara's slit, diving inside the woman briefly before sliding up and over her clit before doing it again, smiling briefly at the sweat laden, quivering witch.

Tara arches into the woman's mouth, while digging her fingers into the bed. Her desire at an all time high from Anya's slow steady stroking. "Goddess!" Tara whimpers continuously, her body shaking uncontrollably.

Anya stops licking the witch for a moment. "You taste so good, do you know that?" Anya whispers before licking over the witch again. "The musky rich taste." Anya smiles at Tara's loud whimpers, as she slowly starts the stroke again, wiggling her tongue inside the witch for an extra few seconds before continuing up over her clit, having to fight herself to keep from sucking the rock hard muscle in her mouth to give the witch the release she needs, wanting just an extra couple moments. "Would you like me to suck you into my mouth and slide my fingers inside you?" Anya questions before diving back in, ever so slowly licking over the witch again, giving her time to answer, if she can.

"Plea…" Tara tries to get out the word please, obviously having gotten enough of it out for Anya to acquiesce by sucking her swollen muscle into her mouth while sliding what felt like three fingers into her sopping center, causing her to climax instantly, crying out the ex-demon's name.

Anya keeps up her ministrations on the witch, stroking steadily in and out of the witch, her fingers curled to rub over her g-spot, while sucking and flicking the continuously spasming muscle, groaning at the sweet reward escaping from the witch, as Tara rolls from one orgasm into another. Anya works hard to keep up with Tara's bucking hips, breathing in deeply through her nose as she unconsciously sucks stronger on Tara's clit, making the witch arch up hard as another gush of fluid escapes from her, before she collapses on the bed, passed out from the pleasure. Easing away from Tara, Anya groans as she laps gently at the witch, enjoying the flavor of the woman immensely, smiling briefly at the continued twitching of the woman's body.

Grabbing the covers, Anya pulls them up as she eases up to lay beside Tara, wrapping her arm around the witch as she eases her body close to her side, kissing her gently on the cheek, Anya reaches back to turn the small lamp off before burying her face in the witch's damp neck, enjoying being close to Tara, before allowing her body to relax and slowly fall asleep.

Buffy nods to the bouncer as she walks into the Bronze, deciding to spend a couple hours at the bar before going home to the empty house via another trip around Sunnydale. Paying for the soda, she slowly works her way around the bar, smiling as she notices Willow with her girlfriend, sitting close to each other in one of the booths. When Willow notices her and waves her over, Buffy smiles and eases in the seat across from the two women.

"Christina, I want you to meet one of my best friends, Buffy. Buffy, this is Christina." Willow blushes lightly as Christina removes her arm from her shoulders to shake hands with Buffy.

"It's a pleasure to be meeting wee Willow's best friend." Christina smiles as she shakes the small woman's hand, surprised at the strength in the grip.

"I'm glad to meet you." Buffy smiles briefly, gauging the woman for a few moments. "So, I won't stay long, I just thought I'd spend some time here before heading home to an empty house."

Willow starts to open her mouth to question the words, when she realizes what it means and snaps her mouth shut, looking elsewhere. Deciding to change the subject, she smiles a strained smile at the slayer. "Busy night tonight?"

"A little bit busy, but not too bad." Buffy admits softly. "She ready, or do you want to wait?"

"You can't be serious?" Christina questions looking from Willow to Buffy. "I'm starting to wonder 'bout you my Willow." Christina raises an eyebrow looking at Willow questioningly.

"I know you don't want to believe it, but what I told you is the truth. If you're willing to walk around Sunnydale for a while, we can prove it to you." Willow softly states after looking around the area to make sure no ones listening in.

"Trust me, Christina. There are many, many things that go bump in the night." Buffy explains. "If you know it, and are prepared, there's a better chance that you'll stay alive. The people in this town have a habit of explaining things away instead of believing what they see."

"You two are being for real?" Christina frowns in disbelief. "Okay, just for the hell of it, I'll go with you. But you and I are going to have a wee talk after this." Christina states seriously looking at Willow.

"And when you find out what I've told you is the truth?" Willow questions worriedly. "I want to know if there's a chance…" Willow trails off turning her gaze briefly to Buffy, noticing the silent support. "…A chance that you'll still want to date me." Willow whispers softly, her gaze back on the pale blue eyes of the Scottish woman.

"Oh, Willow, my sweets." Christina whispers, the brogue a little thicker, brushing a thumb over the redheads cheek. "I don't think I'll ever not want to be with you. But I'm a wee bit worried about ye."

"Let's clear it up." Buffy states calmly looking at the two women as she slides out of the booth.

Willow takes a deep breath, smiling as Christina shrugs her shoulders but quickly follows Buffy. 'Please let her be okay with this.' Willow mentally states, the woman having been a salvation to her over the past weeks. The tall Scotswoman having wormed her way into her heart with her soft lilting tones, and sparkling eyes.

Buffy strides down the sidewalk, followed by the two women. Keeping her senses open, she listens to the two of them as they quietly talk.

"You mean to tell me that wee little slip of a girl is something like a superhero?" Christina asks incredulously.

"Yes, Buffy is the slayer. She's saved the world…" Willow trails off thinking. "How many times have you saved the world, now?"

Christina looks at Willow, frowning, as the two women had been whispering to each other, and Willow even questioned Buffy in the same tone. Knowing there's no way the woman could hear them with her being a good 10-15 yards ahead of them.

"I don't know, six or seven I think." Buffy answers as she slows down at the entrance to the cemetery. Buffy chuckles at the shocked look crossing the Scot's face. "Keep an eye open, and try not to be too terribly surprised."

Christina slowly follow's Buffy into the cemetery, starting to believe the two women, even against her better judgment. Either that or both women need to be put in the crazy house.

Willow glances nervously up at the woman, noticing the thoughtful look on her face. Sighing quietly, Willow hunches her shoulders and follow's Buffy silently.

"We've got company." Buffy slowly eyes the surrounding area, her senses wiggling. "Be careful, there's more than one." Buffy whispers as her eyes zero in on a gravesite with a hand working it's way out of the ground. Continuing her perusal of the area, she slowly turns in a circle, searching out the shadows and the other newer graves. Seeing some movement in the dirt, Buffy nods her head before spinning around nailing the vampire sneaking up behind her in the jaw with her fist, knocking the demon back.

"What the fuck?" Christina blinks at the quickness of Buffy's attack, to the man… vampire?… she's fighting, noticing as the face changes quickly and the eyes turn yellow.

"Watch." Willow softly states keeping her eyes open as she peruses the area, pulling out the bottle of holy water and cross.

Christina watches as Buffy and the… vampire fight each other viciously, Buffy nailing the vampire with multiple punches before jumping up, kicking him in the face before dropping down to the ground, knocking his feet out from under him. As she pulls out a stake and the vampire disappears in a cloud of dust, Christina runs a shaking hand over her face.

Buffy snarls as she jumps up, running around the two women , jumping up in the air, slamming into the other vampire trying to sneak up on the two women. "You are going to die. You won't be given the chance to hurt anyone." Buffy growls as she picks up the vampire, throwing him a good twenty feet before running after him, dusting him before he can stand.

Slowly standing from where she was kneeling, Buffy sends her senses out, while intently studying the area. Finally allowing herself to relax after a few minutes, she walks up to the two women, brushing off her jeans after she tucks away the stake. Looking from a pale, stunned Christina, to a nervous Willow, Buffy sighs quietly.

"They're fucking real." Christina states in stunned surprise. "She fought them, and then she turned them to dust." Christina's gaze focus' in on the slayer. "What else is real?" Christina hoarsely questions.

"Werewolves, demons, Gods, or at least Hell Gods." Buffy shrugs. "A bunch of different kinds of demons, witch's, and warlocks." Buffy rattles off quickly.

Willow gently squeezes the woman's arm, watching her intently as the stunned blue eyes turn to her, smiling softly as Christina's eyes warm and she hugs her softly. "Will it be okay, once it settles?"

"Well, it helps that I don't think you're fucking loony." Christina admits, allowing a smirk to cross her face for a moment. "And it also means I'm gonna be a lot more careful."

"Do you want to see anymore, or do you want me to walk you two back to your car?" Buffy questions, letting out a relieved sigh when she realizes Christina isn't going to freak out.

"I think I've seen enough." Christina's smile wavers slightly. "If you don't mind walking us back, I'd appreciate it."

Willow sighs and leans into the tall woman as Christina wraps her arm around her, the three walking back to the Bronze, where Christina was parked. "Thanks, Buffy."

"No problem, Wills. If you two need me, call. It was nice meeting you, Christina. Hope we didn't end up scaring you away." Buffy smiles apologetically at the woman.

"It's a wee bit on the scary side." Christina nods her head in acknowledgement of that fact. "But it also makes other things make a bit more sense. Pricing of housing, how cheap it is to go to school here, the death rate." Christina rolls her eyes, sighing quietly. "Let me take the wee one home. It was nice meeting you, too." Christina allows a genuine smile to cross her face, a dimple showing on her right cheek.

"Just be careful, and try not to be out by yourself at night." Buffy smiles then chuckles as Willow hugs her quickly. "Call me, Wills. You still need to come by and meet Phoenix."

"I will. I promise. It'll probably be after school ends, though." Willow releases the slayer before climbing in the vehicle, smiling up at Christina as she shuts the door. Waving to Buffy as Buffy winks and walks away. Willow watches as Christina walks around the car, climbing in beside her. "Are you okay with this?"

"You didn't make it happen, Willow. You just know about it." Christina starts the vehicle, quickly driving towards Willow's house.

"I don't just know about it, I actively participate in the fighting of it." Willow admits, her gaze turning to the window, looking at the passing houses. "I got so deep in it, that I went to far, hurt the people I love." Willow frowns hard looking down to her lap, where she's wringing her hands together tight, smiling as Christina gently places her hand over them, squeezing softly.

"Is that how you lost Tara?" Christina questions gently before pulling her hand away to turn down Willow's street.

Willow sighs deeply, nodding her head. She'd told Christina about her and Tara breaking up, but not giving her any details. "So much to explain and tell you. Needless to say I am…was a witch. I abused my powers, and for all intents and purposes raped Tara's mind. And I'd understand if you don't want to have anything to do with me." Willow whispers before opening the door, to quickly stride up to the door, fumbling with the keys as she tries to unlock the door, whimpering as she feels two hands land on her shoulders, turning her gently around.

"Come here, my wee Willow." Christina pulls the woman into her arms as she hears the sobs starting to come from the redhead. Taking the keys from the unresisting redhead, Christina holds her against her in one arm while unlocking the door with the other hand. Gently urging the redhead to walk into the house, she looks around, shutting the door and walks to the couch, dragging an unresisting Willow down onto her lap, cradling the sobbing woman in her arms.

After a few long moments of crying, Willow finally brings her tears under control, an occasional shuddered exhale working it's way out of her.

"Feel like talking about it?" Christina questions softly, placing a kiss on the top of Willow's head while continuing to stroke gently over the woman's back.

"I don't come out looking very good." Willow admits. "I pretty much became a power hungry bitch and thought I was above everyone else. Don't interrupt, please." Willow whispers as Christina starts to open her mouth as she looks at the woman. "Let me get everything out, then you can decide to run the other way, or…" Willow shakes her head, not wanting to think about the possibility of the woman staying, not wanting to get any deeper into hoping for something that probably wouldn't happen. Taking a deep breath, Willow slowly starts to explain the strange world that is her life, explaining being a witch, as is Tara. Falling in love with the blonde woman, the problems the Scooby group had with Glory, what happened to Tara after their argument, going after Glory after the Hell God stole her mind, through getting back Tara's mind before they finally destroyed Glory, but not before Buffy sacrificed herself. Taking a moment to get control of her emotions. Willow bites her lip thinking heavily, before continuing on to how she took charge of the group, ordering them around to where she finally decided to bring Buffy back. Explaining how her best friend was ripped out of heaven by her own hands, to how she and Tara argued about Willow's abuse of the magic. The first forget spell, taking Tara's memories from her, because she didn't want to argue with the woman through finding out about Buffy's being in heaven and the subsequent second spell after promising Tara she wouldn't do magic.

Christina frowns deeply, but continues to stroke her hands over the redheads shaking back. Trying to comprehend what the woman's saying with the fact that she just found out that everything the woman's talking about is real. As she continues to listen to Willow explain how she finally stopped using the magic, knowing it's too much of a temptation to go back to what she was like, and really truly hating the thing that she'd become to how after months of them being separated, Tara discussed how she could never be with the redhead again, and her own subsequent moving out of the slayer's house to move back home to help her get her head back in the right frame of mind.

"I'll understand if you don't want to see me anymore, Christina." Willow whispers, afraid to look up into the woman's eyes, afraid of the condemnation she'll see there.

"Oh, my wee Willow." Christina allows a tear to ease down her cheek as she pulls the redhead in tighter against her. "You've been through a rough life, haven't you my wee little one?" Christina gently pushes Willow's head into her neck, smiling gently as the redhead finally wraps both arms around her, crying softly.

"Please tell me you aren't going to leave me." Willow cries out softly, finding an immense amount of comfort in the woman's arms, not having thought she'd ever feel this way about anyone again.

"Shhh. Try and relax, my sweet red Willow." Christina gently rocks the woman, continuing to stroke over her back. "I'll be here for as long as you need me."

Willow allows herself to relax more into the woman, hugging her tightly around the neck. "Thank you." Willow whispers as she gently rubs her cheek against the woman's shoulder.

Buffy unlocks the door, easing into the house, smiling down at Phoenix as she jumps at her barking. "Let's take you out, Phoenix." Buffy locks the door behind her before walking to the kitchen, following an eager puppy. Sitting down on the back steps, Buffy sighs quietly as she watches Phoenix run around. "Just you and me tonight, Phoenix. I don't much feel like going to sleep, what do you say we throw in a movie and eat some popcorn?"

Phoenix tilts her head, panting at the woman after using the bathroom and running back to her.

"Well, let's see if you did any damage to anything in the house." Buffy smiles at Phoenix as she scratches her head. Heading back into the house, she smiles as Phoenix stops to lap up some water before looking at everything with a critical eyes, looking for accidents and any teeth marks on anything. Working her way from the kitchen into the dining room, Buffy doesn't notice, or smell anything. Walking into the living room she chuckles as she sees the half gnawed rawhide and the toys strewn around the living room. Seeing a pillow shifted on the couch, Buffy walks over to the item, chuckling as she notices little black hairs on the item. Continuing her perusal of the room, she doesn't notice anything else wrong.

"Well, huh." Buffy turns around looking at the room again, before glancing down at her tail wagging puppy. "You didn't have any accidents in the house, and I don't see where you chewed on anything you shouldn't have. Of course, it looks like you made yourself at home on the couch." Buffy narrows her gaze on the puppy as she barks at her before jumping up on the piece of furniture, looking at her.

"Damn animal. Let's get you a treat." Buffy mutters walking back to the kitchen, digging out a couple of the small milk bones, chuckling as Phoenix barks excitedly. "Tara said she was working with you on sitting. So, sit, Phoenix." Buffy states authoritatively, chuckling as Phoenix tilts her head looking at her. "Sit, Phoenix." Buffy states again, kneeling down in front of the puppy, smiling as Phoenix finally sits down. "Good, girl." Buffy hands her a bone, rubbing her head firmly. Standing up, Buffy puts away her weapons before grabbing the remote to curl up on the couch, smiling as Phoenix runs in, jumping up beside her on the couch. Turning the television on, Buffy relaxes while rubbing the puppy's stomach as she flicks through the channels, finally coming across a movie that looks promising.

"Easy, my wee one." Christina whispers as Willow jerks away, looking around disoriented.

Willow blinks her eyes, realizing she's still curled up in Christina's arms and that it's morning. "Goddess, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."

"You're okay, Willow." Christina smiles at the woman as she eases off her lap. "But I would be a liking you to tell me where the bathroom is."

"Oh, follow me." Willow blushes deeply leading the way upstairs to the bathroom. "If you want to take a shower or anything, I can get you towels."

"That'll be okay?" Christina questions as she stops in the doorway to the bathroom.

"Of course. Here, wait a minute." Willow smiles at the woman before walking over to the linen closet pulling out a couple towels and washrag. "Here you go, let me by you for a second." Willow blushes again as Christina shifts out of the way. Kneeling down in front of the bathroom cabinet, Willow pulls out a fresh deodorant, toothpaste and razor blade. "If you need anything else, let me know."

"I would say fresh clothes, but I be a thinking that yours won't fit me." Christina smirks as the redhead as she eases by her.

Willow laughs quietly, shaking her head. "I somehow doubt even my socks would fit you. I could get you a t-shirt and look through my father's things, see if maybe he might own a pair of sweatpants. That'll be your best bet." Willow offers looking up at the woman.

"I can put my clothes back on. Thanks, Willow." Christine reaches up to run a finger gently down the redheads neck.

"So, I haven't managed to scare you off?" Willow questions after swallowing hard.

"No, no matter how hard you tried. I'll not be running off that easy, my wee one." Christina smiles. "I've decided I like you, so for better or worse, you're stuck with me, unless you tell me to leave."

Willow bites her lip, blushing lightly as she looks up into the smiling countenance of the tall Scotswoman. "Let me see what I can find for you." Willow whispers before turning to go to her parents room, her heart feeling lighter than it has in a very long time.

Christina smiles as she gently closes the door to the bathroom, setting the towels down on the sink before turning to the enclosed shower, turning the water on to get hot. Slowly stripping, Christina folds her clothes before stepping into the shower, groaning at the water beating down on her, sighing. "I do like you, wee one. You've seen what you've done and you're regretting it. I don't think you'd be making the same mistakes again."

"You have to slam the orbs together to destroy them." Tara looks intently at the slayer as the angry woman slides a knife in the back of her jeans.

"I'm going to take these idiots out one way or the other. Warren killed Katrina, I know he did but I can't prove it." Buffy growls searching through the weapons chest seeing if there's anything else she can use.

"Here's the route that the armored truck is taking. This is your best bet." Willow hands the printout to the slayer, frowning deeply. "Is there anything else I can do?" Willow questions worriedly, looking from Buffy to Tara and back again.

"No. Thanks for your help researching this, Wills." Buffy allows a small smile to cross her face before she heads to the door. "I know Christina and you have plans tonight, go have a good night."

"Be careful, sweetie." Tara calls after the quickly departing slayer, holding Phoenix as she tries to follow the slayer. "No, Phoenix, honey. You have to stay here."

"Yes, she is. So, where are you and Christina going tonight?" Tara questions, trying to get her thoughts off the slayer and the danger she's in. Smiling at the blushing redhead, glad that Willow had started to come around more often the last couple weeks. The two women slowly becoming friends again.

"She wants to take me to that new Japanese place that fixes the food in front of us." Willow smiles shyly. "What plans do you and Anya have tonight?" Willow sits down in the chair across from the blonde witch.

"She should be here in about fifteen minutes to half an hour, after she closes up the shop." Tara nibbles on her lip, worrying about Buffy. "We're just going to stay here, wait for Buffy to get in. These three idiots have me worried. Buffy doesn't normally have to go up against humans." Tara feels her heart getting heavy at the thought of the blonde slayer getting hurt, or possibly having to hurt humans, knowing it'll tear her up. Rubbing her forehead, Tara thinks back over the last couple weeks. How with Buffy and Anya's help, she graduated school with top honors, and how Buffy's still confusing the hell out of her with her mercurial disposition changes. One moment being teasing and playful to being quiet and keeping to herself.

"I don't think I ever really said this, but…" Willow rubs her hand nervously over the arm of the chair before looking back up, looking intently into the curious blue eyes. "I'm sorry for everything I did to you. And even though I never deserved your forgiveness, I want to thank you for giving it to me."

"Oh, Willow!" Tara smiles softly at the woman, seeing the woman she first fell in love with, finally shining back from the green depths, knowing that Willow is really and truly right with the world again. Standing up she quickly walks over to her and kneels beside her hugging her tightly. "You finally got back to yourself, sweetie."

"Thanks for making me own up to what I was doing." Willow cries, hugging her ex-lover tightly. "Between you making me deal with my problems of my own making and then Christina talking with me and helping me see just what I did to you, I finally feel like I'm back to myself now."

"That's all I ever wanted for you." Tara smiles softly as she pulls back brushing loose hairs behind Willow's ears. "You're going to be okay now."

"I am." Willow smiles tremulously as she wipes the tears from her face. "Just so you know, I'll always love you. You showed me a part of myself I never realized was there. And I understand more of what you told me when you broke up with me that day for good. And no matter how much it hurt, it was really the best thing for us."

Tara brushes a tear from Willow's cheek, smiling gently at the redhead. "Christina is a very lucky woman to have you, Willow. I need to tell her to make sure she takes care of you."

Tara blushes, then chuckles wickedly as Willow smirks at her. "We're getting along great. Now that schools over with, I've been going to the shop and helping her during the day. Kind of reorganizing items, seeing what's selling and what's not, that way we can mark the stuff down and get rid of it."

"And I'm sure you're having lots of smoochies going on in the store when you're by yourself, also!" Willow jokes with the blonde, finally feeling like she can, without it breaking her heart of the thought of the two women together.

"You actually expect me to believe that?" Willow questions with a lifted eyebrow, smirking at the blonde.

"Stop it!" Tara smacks Willow lightly on the leg, smiling at the redhead as she sits back down on the couch, scratching Phoenix's head before she jumps down running to the door. Smiling Tara waits for Anya to walk in.

Willow glances towards the door as it opens, watching as Anya quickly walks in, shutting the door behind her. "Hi, Anya." Willow whispers softly, still not real sure how the ex-demon feels about her, not having spent much time with the woman.

"Hi, Willow." Anya smiles briefly at the redhead, then reaches down to the wiggling Phoenix. "Hi there, Phoenix. Are you being a good girl?" Anya chuckles as Phoenix barks and licks her hand.

"Of course she is." Tara chuckles as Anya looks and winks at her. "Close up the shop earlier than you planned to?" Tara questions glancing at the clock.

"Yes. I thought it for the best. I knew you would be worried." Anya explains, looking knowingly at the blonde as she sits down beside her, kissing her softly on the lips before grunting as Phoenix jumps up into her lap. "You're too damn big for this, Phoenix!"

"She's only about four months old. She's got a lot of growing to do!" Tara chuckles as she clasps the shopkeepers hand in hers, threading their fingers together.

Anya smiles and squeezes the fingers gently, seeing and feeling the worry practically coming off the witch in waves. Turning her gaze to Willow, she's surprised the ex-witch isn't picking up on the feelings coming from Tara. Even with her limited magical abilities, she's tuned in enough to Tara to feel them.

"I'm going to go. I need to get ready." Willow smiles at the two women as she stands, quickly walking to the door.

"Be careful, Willow." Tara calls after the redhead. "You know you're welcome to come by here anytime."

"I know. Thanks, Tara." Willow smiles before turning her gaze on Anya. "Take care of her, Anya. You have a wonderful woman there."

Anya watches as Willow leaves the house, surprised at the acceptance she saw in the woman's eyes. "She's really okay with us, now, isn't she?"

"I think it's more that she's okay with the world now." Tara admits softly, leaning into Anya as she wraps her arm around her shoulder. "I'm worried."

"I know you are." Anya whispers, stroking her hand down her lover's arm, hugging her tightly. "She'll be okay, Tara. She has to be, we haven't had a chance to talk with her."

Tara nods her head. "I may end up moving in with you, if this isn't what she wants or causes problems, you know that, right?"

"I know." Anya sighs quietly. "Not that I don't want you to be with me whenever possible. But I know that she cares for us, Tara. Every time I catch her looking at either one of us I see longing in her eyes before she turns away or puts that damn slayer look on her face."

"You're positive?" Tara questions softly, shifting so she looks at Anya. "I mean, sometimes I see what you're talking about, then other times I just see a good friend looking back at me."

"1200 plus years can't be wrong, Tara." Anya smiles softly at the witch brushing her thumb over the worry lines between the witch's eyes. "Trust me, on this." Anya whispers brushing her lips softly over Tara's.

"Not right now. Are you hungry?" Tara pulls back to look at the woman, frowning deeply. "I probably should fix something. That way when Buffy gets home, she has something to eat if she's hungry." Tara jumps up, striding into the kitchen, leaving a bemused Anya sitting on the couch.

"Why don't you do that?" Anya murmurs to the empty room, shaking her head. "We have got to get this thing figured out. Between Buffy's hot and cold routine with both of us, and Tara feeling guilty over her feelings for Buffy, I have got to knock some sense into these two!" Anya looks down in surprise as she hears a quiet bark come from Phoenix. "You agree?" As Phoenix licks her hand, Anya chuckles. "So you and I are the two smart ones in this family, huh? Damn good thing they have us then!" Anya laughs quietly as Phoenix wags her tail enthusiastically. "Let me see what Tara's up to."

Anya follows Phoenix into the kitchen, watching as Tara starts chopping up vegetables throwing them in a container. "What are you fixing?"

"Beef stew." Tara bites her lip as she turns the meat before turning back to chop more vegetables.

Sitting down at the island, Anya silently watch's Tara for a few minutes. "Want any help with anything?"

"No, thank you." Tara looks up, briefly, a quick smile crossing her face before she turns back pulling down spices to throw in with the meat.

"Where's Dawn at?" Anya questions, wondering why the teen wasn't in the other room.

"Her friend Kaylee's parents took the two of them to their summer house at the beach for a couple weeks. I thought I mentioned it to you?" Tara looks up confusion showing in her eyes.

"You might have. But there's a good possibility that I might have been distracted at the time." Anya admits, smiling softly at the witch.

Tara blushes lightly turning back to the meat. Adding the water and additional seasonings, Tara slowly adds all the vegetables she'd chopped, stirring the items gently before covering the pot and turning the gauge down to let the stew simmer. Walking over to Anya, she wraps her arms around the woman's waist and hooks her chin over her shoulder, hugging her tightly. "I love you." Tara whispers softly.

"I love you, too." Anya hugs Tara tightly as she tilts her cheek down to lay on the witch's shoulder. "She's going to be okay, Tara. I promise. If not, you get to kick my ass."

"You enjoy it too much when I do that." Tara smiles, holding Anya tightly. "I wish we could afford a cell phone. When I get a job teaching, that's going to be the first thing I buy is cell phones for all of us." Tara sighs deeply.

"We don't have to wait for you to get a full-time job, Tara. I'd be willing to pay for the phones." Anya offers softly, knowing she'd been over this type of thing before with the witch.

"Anya, you know I can't accept you doing that." Tara whispers pulling back gently to look in the woman's eyes. "You do to much already."

"You don't let me do hardly anything." Anya frowns. "Tara, I make good money running the Magic Box. I also have quite a bit of money put away from when I was a vengeance demon."

"Sort of." Anya grins mischievously. "Through the years some of my more… happy customers would give me tokens of their appreciation. I have multiple boxes in different banks holding jewelry. I can send a couple items to the auction house, and none of us would be hurting for money or a very long time to come."

"No, actually I'm very serious." Anya admits, looking seriously at Tara. "Would you let me help you?"

Tara stands there in shock, looking at Anya. "Anya…" Slowly disentangling herself from the ex-demon, she pulls one of the stools to where she's sitting beside the ex-demon. "I can't accept your help, sweetie." Tara runs a hand down Anya's cheek. "And I know Buffy is stubborn enough not to accept it, either. She's trying her best to pay me back for the money I gave her for Phoenix. We've had a couple arguments over that." Tara admits, frowning.

"You're tensing up again." Anya points out looking at the tense body of the witch.

"I can't help it." Tara mutters, standing up to pace back and forth, glancing out the window at the fading sun. "Every time she goes out there, I'm afraid something's going to happen. This shit with the stupid idiots really has me worried. She's never had to go up against humans before, Anya. And if Warren did kill Katrina, there's a possibility he's going to try and hurt her."

"Do you know where she's going?" Anya questions, watching Tara stride back and forth in the small area. "And can you try to calm down, you're getting Phoenix riled." Anya sighs looking down at the puppy as she alternates whimpering and growling lowly.

"Damn it! No, I don't know where exactly she is." Tara mutters as she slows down, reaching for the puppy. "Come here, Phoenix."

"Does she do that often?" Anya blinks a couple times as Tara sits down on the floor, Phoenix climbing into her lap, pushing against the witch.

"What, get upset? Actually, the few times Buffy and I have argued and she's been in the same room, she has gotten upset. She's pretty tuned into our emotions." Tara explains softly as she calms the dog, sighing heavily.

Anya tilts her head watching as Tara pets the puppy, calming her down. Anya decides right then and there that one way or another before the next week is out, she was going to have a very serious discussion with Buffy, whether Tara wants her to or not. "How about we curl up on the couch and you try and relax. I'll make you a cup of tea." Anya states calmly as she stands filling up the kettle, turning it on before pulling down a mug. Digging through the different teas, she finally pulls out a honey chamomile bag, placing it in the mug before hunting out the honey, placing it beside the mug.

"Go get comfortable in the living room. I'll bring the tea to you when it's ready." Anya urges softly, smiling as Tara nods her head, easing Phoenix off her lap before standing and slowly walking out of the kitchen. Turning back to the kettle, Anya waits for it to boil while thinking about the two women that are slowly but surely becoming her life.

Buffy growls silently as night falls across Sunnydale. Glancing at the stops that the armored truck is supposed to make, she tries to figure out where Warren, Jonathan and that other nerd would decide would be the best place to hijack the truck. Making a calculated guess she heads across town.

"I SO do not have time for you, right now!" Buffy growls ducking a swing from the vampire that jumped out at her from the alleyway.

"Make time, little girl." The vampire hisses, slamming a fist into the slayer's stomach before grunting in pain as she knees him hard in the balls, making him drop to the ground in pain.

"I said I don't have time for you!" Buffy growls, staking him quickly, before continuing on her way, unconsciously rubbing her aching stomach. Jogging across town, Buffy keeps her eyes open, a small smile crossing her face as she eyes Jonathan looking around nervously. Slowing down, she hides in the shadows as she sneaks up on the young man, glancing around she snarls her nose as she watches Warren flip the truck with the other guy egging him on.

Quickly snatching Jonathan back, with her hand over his mouth, she hisses in his ear. "You're going to jail, Jonathan. I would have thought you had learned your lesson the last time you decided to play games." She frowns when she watches his eyes silently begging her to release him. "You warn them, I'm going to beat you within an inch of your life then drop you off outside the police station with a confession attached to you, understood?"

Jonathan nods his head quickly, the fear obvious in his eyes. As Buffy slowly pulls her hand away, he lets out a shaky breath. "Thank God. You got to stop him, he's gone off the deep end. He killed his ex-girlfriend, Buffy." Jonathan whispers begging her. "He's got a power boost, you got to destroy the orbs to beat him."

"I thought it was all going to be fun and games, but he went over the edge with Katrina. I never really wanted to hurt anyone, Buffy." Jonathan quietly begs her. "Please, I promise to never, ever do anything like this again. Destroy the orbs."

Buffy growls quietly, knowing that Jonathan's telling her the truth, since she already knows that she has to destroy the orbs. "Don't fuck with me, Jonathan. I've about had it with you and your games." Buffy warns before slowly working her way to the corner, watching as Warren rips the doors off the back of the truck, pulling the bags of money out.

"Andrew, get your ass over here and help me unload the truck. Where the hell did Jonathan disappear to?" Warren yells as he tosses more bags out of the back of the truck.

"I don't know, but it never fails he disappears when there's work to be done." Andrew grunts as he picks up two of the bags of money, carrying them the short distance to the vehicle, tossing them in the trunk.

Buffy sneaks up on the sandy haired man, called Andrew. As he turns back to the armored vehicle, she smacks him on the back of the head with a stake, knocking him out. "Coming back for you, ANDREW." Buffy stresses the boys name, before quickly easing up to the outside of the armored truck.

"Andrew? Where the hell did you go, you're falling behind." Warren bitches as he throws some more bags out. "Bunch of idiots I'm working with. The less work you guys do, the less money you get!"

"How about you don't get any money at all?" Buffy snarls as she spins around in front of the opened car, daring Warren to come out.

"Oooh. It's the slayer." Warren shivers as if he's scared, before smirking as he quickly strides out of the armored car, watching as Buffy backs up, watching him intently. "I'm going to so enjoy kicking your ass, you know that? And after I kick your ass, I plan on fucking it!" Warren laughs evilly as he works his way closer to the slayer.

"You aren't getting anywhere near me, you sick bastard!" Buffy growls as she jumps up, doing a quick spin kick. Surprised when she lands that he just stands there smirking at her.

"That isn't going to get it done, honey." Warren chuckles at the surprised slayer. "I've got a bit of a power boost and there ain't no way you're going to be able to beat me!" Warren snarls as he slams his fist into Buffy's cheek.

Buffy shifts as she sees the punch coming at her, but not quickly enough to dodge it completely. As her head snaps back, she follows the flow of the hit, spinning away from Warren, eyeing him, trying to figure out where he's hiding the orbs. Not holding back, she comes in swinging, knocking him back, but not knocking him down. Continuing the fast, hard punches, Buffy grunts as Warren slams his fist in her ribs. As she feels one of them give, Buffy cries out in pain.

"Oooh, I like that sound." Warren growls as he slams another fist into her ribs time and time again, chuckling madly as he hears the satisfying crunches.

"Under his jacket, Buffy, in the bags hooked around his waist!" Jonathan yells as he sees the slayer slowly get up from the ground, holding her ribs. "Come on, Buffy! I know you can do it!" Jonathan whispers, frowning.

Buffy groans, as she takes a last ditch effort by slamming her body into Warrens, her hands reaching around the guys waist, as they fall back onto the bags of money, feeling the bag, she yanks it away from him, crying out in pain as she slides away from him, pulling them out of the pouch, she looks up into Warren's shocked eyes. Slamming them together, she growls as they break apart. Slowly trying to stand, she drops back to the ground for a moment, trying to catch her breath.

"Fucking bitch! This isn't the last of it." Warren snarls as he runs over to the car, yanking on the jet pack, strapping it on as Buffy slowly stands trying to make it over to him. "We'll meet again, slayer. As for you, Jonathan?" Warren turns his gaze towards the Jonathan. "Better pray that I don't find you."

Buffy watches in disbelief as Warren takes off into the air, flying away. "No, way." She whispers, dropping back to her knees, grasping her ribs.

"Is there anything I can do?" Jonathan questions as he runs up beside the slayer, frowning at the pale woman.

"Get the fuck away from me." Buffy snarls. "You better plan on being on your best behavior, because this is your last get out of jail card, Jonathan. Call the cops, explain to them that you came across the armored car being robbed, that a concerned citizen was able to knock out one of the robbers, and scared the other one away. All that money better still be here when the cops arrive, understand me?" Buffy slowly stands, her arm tight against her ribs, as she stares Jonathan down.

"Go, Buffy. I'll call the cops." Jonathan whispers, defeated, as he slowly walks back to the car, tying Andrew up before pulling the cell phone out of the car, calling the police.

Buffy slowly walks away, heading towards the house, listening as Jonathan calls in the attempted robbery. Her body hunched over her ribs protectively as she makes her way as quickly as possible towards her house, silently praying that she doesn't run into any trouble on the way.

Tara stirs the stew before trying a bite, frowning as she tries to figure out what it needs. Adding a little more pepper and onion salt, she stirs the stew meditatively for a few minutes, until all of a sudden Phoenix starts barking and howling at the front door. Dropping the spoon, she runs out of the kitchen towards the door as Anya comes flying down the stairs from where she'd went up to use the bathroom.

Throwing the door open, Tara groans as the slayer practically collapses in her arms. "Goddess!" Tara cries, trying to hold the woman up, so she doesn't hit the floor. "Anya!"

"I'm here." Anya wraps her arms around the slayer, helping Tara move the slayer towards the couch. "Where are you hurt?" Anya questions, as they lay Buffy gently on the couch.

"Phoenix, go lay down, please!" Tara hoarsely states to the puppy that's running around, growling and whimpering. With a shaking hand, Tara brushes the hair away from Buffy's face, frowning at the bruised, swollen cheek and the blackening eye. "Where are you hurt, Buffy?" Tara questions the obviously disoriented slayer.

"I'm on it." Anya jumps up, running to get the first aid kit, pain pills and ice.

"Buffy, I can use my powers to help heal you, but there are side effects." Tara looks up into the slayer's pain filled eyes.

"What?" Buffy swallows, closing her eyes briefly as the pain shoots through her side.

"To heal you properly, it will link us in a way. But it'll take quite a bit of my power to heal you completely." Tara frowns, trying to think of how to explain it.

"No." Buffy states adamantly. "I'll heal on my own, with the slayer healing. Don't drain yourself for this." Buffy whimpers loudly as she shifts and she feels her ribs shift. "It'll probably only take three days give or take for them to heal."

"Here." Anya frowns as she sees the bruising on the slayer's side. "Is there any internal damage?"

"I can't tell." Tara admits, biting her lip. "Buffy, we should get you to the hospital. There could be more damage than just your broken ribs." Tara gently places the ice against the slayer's ribs.

"I'll be okay." Buffy shakes her head, frowning hard. "Don't have the money for the hospital bills. Wrap them up."

"No, you won't!" Buffy snarls at the ex-demon. "I'll be fine, get me wrapped up, I'll take a handful of pain pills and crash. Simple as that!"

"Fucking pain in the ass." Tara growls as she yanks some ace bandages out of the first aid kit. "Anya, can you prop her up while I wrap her?"

Anya nods her head, frowning heavily. Shifting behind Buffy, she pulls the shirt up, to keep it out of the way as Tara gingerly starts wrapping Buffy's ribs.

"Is this too tight or not tight enough?" Tara questions the slayer as she wraps her ribs.

"A little tighter might be good." Buffy groans as she feels the ribs grating against each other.

Tara flinches as she hears the pain in Buffy's voice. Unwrapping what she'd done, she quickly re-works the wrapping, pulling it snugger as she wraps the slayer's ribs. "Better?"

"Perfect." Buffy nods her head, closing her eyes as she tries to concentrate on breathing and ignoring the pain shooting through her side.

Tara finishes wrapping the slayer's ribs, nodding to Anya to lay the slayer back down. "Do you want to stay down here, or do you want to try and make it up the stairs to your own bed?" Tara questions quickly as she opens the pain pills, shaking out five of them into her palm handing them to the shaking slayer before grabbing the water Anya had the foresight to bring with her.

Buffy pops the pills in her mouth, accepting the glass of water from the witch, her hands shaking so bad from the pain that she splashes the water over her.

"Let me." Tara whispers, wrapping her hand over Buffy's to help steady her, helping tilt the glass to her lips, watching her quickly swallow the pills. Putting the glass on the coffee table, Tara looks intently at the slayer.

"Bed, in a little while." Buffy murmurs, easing back down on the couch from where she'd shifted up slightly to drink the water.

Anya works down to the end of the couch, quickly untying the slayer's Doc Martin's and gently pulling them off.

Tara places the ice back on Buffy's ribs, her hands starting to shake. "What happened?" Tara hoarsely whispers looking back at Buffy.

"Warren." Buffy rasps. "Got the orbs, but he got in a couple good shots first. Jonathan actually helped, but Warren got away with a fucking jet pack." Buffy grouses, her eyes closed, the pain obvious on her face.

"Rest for now, Buffy. Is there anything you need?" Tara questions softly, her hand stroking the hair off the slayer's forehead to gently cup her cheek, surprised as Buffy presses her face into her hand.

"No, thank you." Buffy whispers as she allows herself to enjoy the witch's soft caresses.

"I'll go put up the stew, I don't think any of us are going to be eating tonight." Anya clasps her hands on Tara's shoulders, smiling down at the witch tilting her head knowingly towards the slayer.

Tara looks towards Buffy, seeing the closed eyes and the way she's pressing in against her caress. Looking back up at Anya, she sighs, nodding her head in acceptance that Buffy obviously does care.

"Stew and a big salad." Tara admits softly, brushing her thumb over the slayer's cheek for a few moments before easing her hand away. "Let me get a wash cloth and wipe some of the dirt off your face. Would you like some juice, or something?"

Slowly opening her eyes, Buffy nods her head. "Juice would be great." As Tara goes to stand, Buffy reaches for her hand, grasping it gently. "Sorry for being a bitch earlier."

"Don't worry about it, Buffy." Tara smiles softly down at the slayer. "Let me go get the cloth and your juice."

Buffy sighs as she closes her eyes, smiling as she feels a warm tongue lick over her hand. "Come to see how I am now that Tara's disappeared, huh? She wasn't mad at you Phoenix, she just wanted to make sure I'm okay." Buffy scratches the puppy's head gently.

Tara watches as Buffy pets Phoenix. As Phoenix looks at her, she smiles at the puppy before walking completely into the living room. "Here, Phoenix." Tara kneels besides the couch, handing Phoenix a piece of Beggin' Strips that the dog loves before gently wiping the slayer's face clean. Placing the damp cloth aside, Tara reaches for the juice. Placing the straw in the slayer's mouth, she smiles as Buffy quickly drinks the juice.

"Thank you." Buffy whispers, finally opening her eyes searching the witch's worried eyes. "I'll be okay, honestly."

"Did you damage anything else with the broken ribs?" Tara questions softly. "You didn't puncture a lung or anything else, did you?"

"No, I'm pretty sure I didn't. I'm not having any other pain from that area, except for the ribs themselves." Buffy admits, as she raises her other hand to wipe it across her eyes.

"Are you hurt elsewhere, besides the shiner you have?" Tara smiles crookedly at the slayer, finally allowing herself to relax a tiny bit.

"Here's an ice pack for her face." Anya hands it to Tara, smiling gently at the witch. "How long will it take for the pain pills kick in?"

"Try and stay still." Tara admonishes quietly as she gently lays the ice pack on Buffy's cheek, looking up at Anya. Reaching up, Tara grasps the ex-demon's hand, squeezing gently.

"Would you be more comfortable upstairs?" Anya frowns looking at the slayer lying on the couch.

"Probably." Buffy admits, slowly opening her pain filled eyes. "I just don't think I can make it up the stairs."

"We could carry you." Anya suggests looking from Buffy to Tara. "Couldn't we do one of those chair with our arms, carrying her up the stairs. She's going to need to get up there anyway, if she needs to use the bathroom."

"We could. She doesn't weigh anything." Tara turns to Buffy, watching her intently. "Even with carrying you, your ribs are going to probably get jostled. Want to go now, wait for the pills to kick in, or wait until you have to go up the stairs?"

Buffy frowns as she thinks for a moment. "I don't want to make you two carry me. I'll probably be able to make it up the stairs later."

"Buffy!" Tara growls the slayer's name. "We can carry you, that's not a big deal. So, do you want to wait for the pills to kick in, or go now, that way you can rest comfortably in your own bed?"

Anya bites back a laugh as the two women stare each other down. "Forget it! Your choices just disappeared. Tara, try and shift around the other side of Buffy." Anya gently pulls the ice packs away from the snarling slayer, setting them on the coffee table. Waiting for Tara to ease her leg on Buffy's other side. Both women gently ease an arm around the slayer's back and the other under her legs. "Ready?" Anya questions softly, over Buffy's protestations.

"One, two, three." Both women gently lift the slayer as Anya and Tara shift slowly from the couch. "Sorry, sweetie." Tara murmurs as she hears Buffy grunt in pain as she's shifted.

"It's okay." Buffy whimpers, wrapping her arms around the two women's backs as they carefully carry her up the stairs.

"Do you need to use the bathroom now, before we take you to your room?" Tara questions as they reach the top of the stairs.

"Bathroom." Anya states calmly as the three women slowly work their way into the bathroom. "Can you do this on your own, or do you need help?"

Tara sighs as she and Anya gently set the slayer on her feet. Not giving the slayer a chance, Tara nods to Anya before sliding her hands down to quickly unbutton and unzip the slayer's paints. "I'm closing my eyes, to help protect your sensibilities. Anya, can you do the same?"

"Of course." Anya smiles at Tara before closing her eyes, while holding onto Buffy.

Buffy blushes even more as Tara closes her eyes, as she gently eases her pants and panties down, before standing, helping Buffy to sit on the toilet.

"We'll go outside to give you some privacy." Anya reaches ahead, grasping Tara's hand as the two slowly make their way out of the bathroom, with minimal banging into things.

Buffy sighs quietly after the two women leave, shutting the door behind them. "This is absolutely embarrassing." Buffy grumbles before relaxing enough to use the bathroom, sighing in relief. Quickly finishing, Buffy flushes the toilet before trying to stand, crying out in pain as she twists her body, making her ribs grate.

"Buffy! We're coming in." Tara yells, hearing Buffy cry out, her and Anya come barreling into the bathroom. "Tried doing it yourself, didn't you?" Tara states more than questions as she and Anya help Buffy to stand before Tara quickly pulls Buffy's pants and panties up, leaving the pants undone, figuring she'd probably end up taking them off anyway. "Bedroom." Tara nods towards Anya as they lift Buffy, quickly carrying her to the bedroom carefully maneuvering to yank the covers down before lying Buffy down gently.

"Do you want to bother with sleepwear, or just sleep in your underwear?" Anya questions as she pulls off the slayer's socks, her hands quickly shifting up to slide her pants down over her legs.

Tara sighs quietly at Buffy looks away, blushing in embarrassment. "Buffy, there's no need to be embarrassed." Tara eases the slayer's shirt off. "Do you want a nightshirt?"

"Please." Buffy states shortly, clenching her teeth tightly as the two women gently take her clothes off, trying to ignore the soft hands accidentally brushing against her body.

"There, all situated for the night." Anya states calmly as she pulls the covers gently over the slayer.

"Thank you." Buffy keeps her head turned to the side until the two women silently leave her room.

"Come on, Phoenix. Let's go downstairs." Tara murmurs softly to the dog. "If you need anything, yell." Tara sighs softly as she leaves the room, following Anya down the stairs.

Tara walks straight to the kitchen, opening the back door for Phoenix to go out before stepping out on the steps, sitting down staring up at the dark sky.

Anya slowly follows Tara, grabbing the holy water and cross that Tara had given a cursory glance to before continuing to go outside. "She'll kick your ass for this when she gets better."

"Can't kick my ass for something she doesn't know." Tara whispers watching the stars twinkle up in the sky. "She can't even stand for us to help her, or see her unclothed, Anya."

"No, she can't stand the thought of needing help, Tara." Anya explains. "She's stubborn and pigheaded and doesn't like accepting help. You know that even better than I do." Anya finally sits down behind Tara, placing her legs gingerly on either side of the witch, before wrapping her arms around her waist, hugging her tightly. "Tell me honestly, wouldn't you be embarrassed if you were hurting and needed help like she did?"

Tara thinks for a minute, wanting to deny that she'd be embarrassed before groaning and dropping her chin on her chest. "Don't make sense, Anya. I want to be upset and you're trying to make me see reason."

Anya chuckles softly, squeezing Tara gently. "She'll be better in a couple days."

"Yeah, but that bastard is still out there, Anya." Tara sighs quietly, reaching down to pet Phoenix after she butts her hand.

"Hopefully Jonathan turned him in, like Buffy told him to." Anya places a soft kiss on the witch's neck. "Come on, let's go inside. That way if Buffy yells, we'll hear her."

"Okay." Tara sighs, allowing a small smile to cross her face as the two women stand, walking into the house. Stopping at the refrigerator, Tara pulls out another juice for Buffy before turning the kettle on.

"Take that up to her, I'll fix you another mug of tea. Any special requests?" Anya questions as she grasps Tara's mug before reaching up for the tea bags.

"Whatever you make is fine." Tara watches Anya for a moment as the woman sets down the tea bags, turning to look at her. "Thank you." Tara whispers, wrapping the woman up in a tight hug, kissing her softly on the neck.

"You're welcome." Anya hugs Tara back, chuckling softly. "I love you, and as soon as Buffy's aware enough, we're having a discussion."

"We'll see." Tara rubs her cheek over Anya's shoulder, enjoying the hug before pulling back slightly, placing a soft kiss on her lips. Groaning quietly as Anya gently deepens the kiss, softly stroking their tongues against one another before bringing the kiss to a soft series of light presses. "Goddess, I love you." Tara whispers tilting her head against Anya's.

"Go check on the disgruntled slayer." Anya brushes her hand down Tara's neck, smiling as Tara closes her eyes.

"Okay." Tara sighs smiling softly before grabbing the juice and slowly heading towards Buffy's room. Chuckling as she sees Phoenix curled up on the end of Buffy's bed.

Buffy glances towards the door as Tara comes in with some juice. Watching her silently as she sets it down on the nightstand within reach before slowly backing out of the room.

"Let me know if she bothers you and I'll make her come out." Tara offers quietly before turning and heading down the hallway to go downstairs.

Buffy sighs silently as she slowly reaches for the juice, shifting the straw so it bends at the proper angle so she can slowly sip it with minimal fuss and movement. As she starts to feel a little woozy, the pain pills finally kicking in, Buffy sets the juice down, pulling the covers more firmly around her neck as she smiles at the warmth of Phoenix lying at her feet. "I'm crazy, aren't I, Phoenix? They're just being helpful, nothing more, right?" Buffy chuckles as Phoenix slowly works her way up the bed to lay down gently beside her. Rubbing her hand over the dogs head, Buffy sighs quietly. "What do you think, Phoenix? Is there something there with those two? Or is Tara just being her usual caring self and Anya being helpful?" Carefully shifting her body to try and get a little more comfortable, Buffy allows the pain pills to finally do their job, slowly falling out of consciousness.

Tara shrugs as she picks up her tea. "She didn't say anything. Phoenix is lying on the bed with her. I figure the pain pills should be kicking in anytime, so she'll probably be snoozing before long." Tara blows gently over the cup before sipping the tea.

"What are you wanting to do tonight? Because we need to do something to get your mind off grumpy butt upstairs." Anya sits down beside Tara, patting her gently on the leg.

"I know one thing that keeps your brain from working too hard." Anya wiggles her eyebrows at the witch, before chuckling.

"Got that right." Tara admits, laughing quietly as she sets down her tea, tilting her head against Anya's shoulder. "You definitely have a tendency to make me forget anything and everything but what you're doing to me."

"When I put my mind to it. Sometimes I don't want you to be that out of it." Anya admits. "I kind of like having you still comprehensive. I kind of really like the wicked things you do back." Anya admits, kissing the top of Tara's head as she gently eases her arm around the witch, hugging her gently.

"I love you, sweetie." Tara murmurs as she closes her eyes taking a deep cleansing breath.

"I love you, too." Anya smiles. "Do you think if we went upstairs you might be able to rest?"

"I might be able to crash just from the emotional turmoil." Tara admits quietly.

"Finish your tea, then we'll go upstairs and see if you can't get some sleep." Anya offers softly.

"If that's all you want, which I figure you're confused and upset enough, without throwing us into the mix tonight." Anya presses her lips to Tara's cheek after the witch shifts.

"Thanks, honey." Tara sighs as she grasps the mug, sipping the tea as she quietly watches Anya turn everything off but the light by the end of the couch before checking the door and heading into the kitchen to check the back door. Finishing the tea, Tara turns off the light at the end of the couch before taking her mug into the kitchen, placing the mug in the sink as she hugs Anya after she locks the back door.

Anya hugs Tara back gently. "Let's get you upstairs and ready for bed." Anya whispers into Tara's ear before releasing the witch, clasping her hand in hers as they make their way upstairs to Tara's bedroom.

"I'm going to look in on Buffy before coming to bed." Tara offers quietly as she stops outside the slayer's room.

"See you in a few minutes." Anya watches as Tara gently pushes the door the rest of the way open, walking into the slayer's room. Silently Anya goes to the bathroom, doing her nightly ritual before walking to the bedroom.

Tara sighs quietly as she looks at Phoenix glance up at her from where she's lying against the sleeping slayer's side. "You probably aren't supposed to be up there, but I'm not going to argue." Tara softly tells the puppy before looking at an obviously sleeping slayer. Reaching down, Tara brushes the hair from the slayer's forehead, looking at her worriedly. Placing the pain pills beside the half bottle of juice, in case Buffy wakes up needing them, Tara turns her gaze back on the slayer. Watching her for a few minutes, Tara finally brushes the back of her fingers against the slayer's cheek before turning and leaving the slayer's room, walking down to her bedroom, smiling as she watch's Anya slowly strip her clothes off before pulling on a silky negligee. Smiling at the ex-demon's predilection for the sexy sleepwear, Tara gently shuts the door.

"She okay?" Anya questions as she folds down the bed, climbing in between the sheets, propping her head up on her hand as she watches Tara change.

Tara slides her shorts on before unhooking her bra, pulling it off to toss in the hamper as she digs around for one of her tank tops to pull on.

Anya bites her lip as Tara's breasts sway gently as she leans over the dresser drawer. Turning her gaze to Tara's butt, she rolls her eyes. "Like that's any help." Anya grumbles as she plops down on her back, looking up at the ceiling.

"What was that, honey?" Tara questions as she slides the drawer shut, pulling the tank top on as she walks to the bed, turning the light off before climbing in beside Anya.

"Just made the mistake of watching you change." Anya grins at Tara, her eyes twinkling.

"Always." Anya admits quietly, reaching up to tuck some loose hair behind Tara's ear. "I never realized the absolutely sexy, gorgeous, voluptuous, kick ass body you were hiding all these years." Anya grins as Tara blushes, looking down. "I can talk about doing all kinds of nasty wicked things with you and it doesn't make you look twice, I say that and you blush. You are one strange woman, Tara Maclay."

"Not just say, but do." Tara chuckles as she eases her body in against Anya's, wrapping her arm around her waist as she tucks her head in against her shoulder. "And yes, I know I'm strange." Tara grumbles before sighing gently as Anya wraps her arms around her hugging her against her side.

"I love you, Anya." Tara whispers as she shifts her body around, burying her face in Anya's neck before kissing the skin within reach.

"I love you, too." Anya smiles, squeezing the witch gently as she finally feels Tara starting to relax.

Anya finishes fixing breakfast, placing a couple plates in the oven to keep warm while taking one piled high plate, placing it on a tray before opening the back door to let Phoenix back in. "Be quiet, Phoenix. Pretty much everyone else is still asleep, okay?" Anya chuckles as Phoenix wags her tail and heads towards her food bowl. Placing the large glass of juice on the tray and making sure she has everything else, she slowly carries the tray up the stairs, gently pushing the door open to the slayer's bedroom.

Smiling as she looks at the slayer rubbing her face as she wakes up. "Here's breakfast. I don't think I'm quite up to par to Tara's cooking, but I don't usually ruin breakfast food." Anya explains quietly as she sets the tray down on the dresser before going over to help prop Buffy up. "How are your ribs this morning?"

"Sore." Buffy admits, grunting as she shifts up, wincing at the pain shooting through her body. "Better than last night, I can probably maneuver around by myself today."

"Don't push it. Rest is the order of the day." Anya tucks the covers into the slayer before turning back to grab the tray, carefully placing it across the slayer's lap as she sits down on the edge of the bed, holding it steady.

"I could eat downstairs." Buffy grumbles as she stabs a sausage link, shoving it in her mouth.

"Stop bitching." Anya stares the slayer down as the hazel eyes shoot up in surprise. "You and I need to have a very serious talk. And I think it's about time for that to happen."

"Anya!" Tara hisses from the doorway as she pulls the robe around her tying the sash.

"Go downstairs and eat your breakfast. I left it in the oven to keep it warm." Anya stands looking into Tara's angry blue eyes. "I'm done with pussy footing around, watching you tying yourself up in knots, if you aren't doing it to yourself, Buffy's doing it with her being bitchy or ignoring us. How many times in the last three weeks have you come over so damn tense that you couldn't sleep? I said when this was over with Warren this discussion was going to happen. For all intents and purposes it's done. It's my turn, so go downstairs."

"I might as well pack my stuff now." Tara growls spinning around on her heel heading back to her bedroom and slamming the door.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Buffy snarls after she hears the bedroom door slam as Anya turns back to look at her.

"This is about all the damn looks back and forth. The fact that you definitely care about Tara, hell, the fact that you actually love her. The fact that I think you care about me, and may even like me more than just a friend." Anya starts quickly, picking up the tray placing it on the nightstand as she sits back down right beside Buffy, staring her in the eyes. "It's about this." Anya growls, quickly placing both hands on either side of Buffy's face, capturing the slayer's lips in a heated kiss, quickly sliding her tongue in the slayer's unresisting mouth, swirling her tongue around Buffy's, groaning as Buffy finally starts to respond to the kiss, gently stroking back, a tentative hand reaching up to cup Anya's neck.

Buffy whimpers quietly as Anya finally pulls away from the surprisingly intoxicating kiss.

Anya watches Buffy intently as the slayer's eyes slowly open, surprise, wonder and a hint of fear showing in their depths. "You love Tara. I know this for a fact. You two have been dancing around each other for months. You running hot and cold has been tearing her up inside. And the fact that she feels guilty as hell about loving you at the same time she loves me. I'm not going to deny the fact that I think you are an extremely sexy, wonderful, beautiful person, Buffy. I've come to care about you deeply, and given half a chance I could come to love you also." Anya watches as the tears slowly come to Buffy's eyes as Anya explains about how it's been bothering Tara, and as Buffy tries to shift her face away, Anya grabs hold of her head more firmly, holding it in place, making her keep eye contact. "Now, you've got a few choices here, Buffy. You can decide to just stay friends with us, but there will be no more of this flirting one moment and the cold shoulder the next, it's driving Tara crazy. Hell, the few times you've done it to me, it drives me nuts! And I'm not even around you a third of the time Tara is! You can decide you can't deal, and Tara will move out and move in with me. We'll remain friends, helping you out as much as we can, but we won't be coming over here except as you need us. Or, we can become a threesome in the truest sense of the word. Spending time together, going out on dates together and making love together."

Anya drops her hands, reaching for the slayer's food, placing it back on her lap before looking up into the slayer's face. Seeing the confusion written all over her. "Think about it, Buffy. Let us know what you decide." Anya stands, walking towards the door.

Buffy's eyes follow Anya. "Anya?" Buffy whispers softly, watching as Anya turns back to look at her, a calm look on her face, but a lot of emotion showing in her brown eyes. "Tell me I'm not dreaming." Buffy bites her lips, the tears starting to fall. "Please tell me I'm not imagining this and I'm going to wake up in a few minutes and this be my imagination playing tricks on me."

"It's not a dream, Buffy. No tricks, no imagination. Just the truth." Anya explains softly, walking back to the shocked slayer, taking the tray back from the slayer's unresisting hands, practically dropping it on the nightstand. Reaching for Buffy, Anya helps her out of the bed. "I think you might want to talk with Tara." Anya whispers, brushing a hand over the slayer's cheek.

"If I wake up and this is another dream, I'm going to do what I should have done last time." Buffy jokes, wiping the tears from her face, before wrapping her arms around Anya, hugging her gently.

"Dreaming about us?" Anya questions, finally allowing a chuckle to escape from her lips.

"Yeah. Damn thing ended before the pay off. And if you two are half as hot as the dream, I'm going to be an extremely happy woman." Buffy laughs, then groans as she grabs her ribs.

"There'll be plenty of pay offs from now on. But you have some serious apologizing to do to Tara." Anya states seriously as she looks into worried hazel eyes.

"No, she loves you." Anya explains softly. "That's why it's been so rough on her. Go, talk to her, Buffy. Better yet, go in there and kiss her till she can't see straight."

Buffy blushes looking down before Anya tilts her face back up, leaning in to kiss her again. Buffy can't help but ease her body in closer to the shopkeeper as she deepens the kiss, battling gently against the shopkeepers tongue, before groaning as Anya sucks gently on the tip before releasing it, placing another soft kiss on her lips.

"Damn." Anya blinks a couple times. "Go, Buffy. She's probably packing her bags right now, thinking I've gone and screwed everything up."

"Surely not." Buffy looks in surprise at the woman before heading towards the door after Anya nods her head seriously.

Anya follows Buffy to the hallway, watching as the slayer gently pushes the door open to the bedroom. Smiling, Anya turns and quickly strides downstairs, to give the two women some time to get things situated.

Buffy swallows hard as she eases the door open, hesitating for a moment as she sees Tara standing at the window, her shoulders slumped and her head bowed. Slowly walking towards the witch, Buffy watches her intently.

"So, should I start packing?" Tara questions without turning around to look at who was walking up behind her.

Buffy gently reaches out for the witch, placing her hands on the slumped shoulders. "I certainly hope you aren't planning on moving out." Buffy whispers, noticing how the witch tensed quickly when she started speaking.

Tara bites her lip as she slowly turns around, looking apprehensively at the slayer.

"I'm sorry." Buffy whispers watching as Tara's brow furrows in confusion. "For being a bitch, for not being able to make up my own mind, for being stupid." Buffy explains softly before sliding one hand around the witch's neck. "Anya suggested this, and I'm thinking it's a pretty damn good idea." Buffy breathes out the words before leaning up the short distance, capturing Tara's lips with hers, kissing her softly.

Tara stands there not responding, as the surprise of having Buffy's lips on hers finally abates, she realizes Buffy's kissing her. Moaning into the caress, Tara presses in more firmly, wrapping her arms gently around Buffy's waist as she eases her body against the slayers, as she teasingly sneaks her tongue out to trace over Buffy's lips, growling as Buffy slides her mouth open, granting her entrance. Quickly slipping in, Tara swirls her tongue over and around Buffy's while sliding one hand up to cup the slayer's neck, as she tilts her head for a more fitted contact, stroking more firmly in the slayer's mouth as she flicks her tongue repeatedly against Buffy's, until slowly bringing the kiss to an end, placing soft kisses over the slayer's panting mouth, working her way across her jaw. Sucking the slayer's earlobe in her mouth, Tara closes her eyes as she finally releases the flesh, dropping her head on the slayer's shoulder.

"I'm not dreaming, right?" Buffy pants heavily, as she tries to catch her breath. "Anya swore to me I wasn't dreaming, but I want to hear you say it."

"Goddess, I hope you're not dreaming. Because if you're dreaming, so am I." Tara admits quietly, finally allowing a smile to cross her face as she gently eases away to look into Buffy's happy hazel eyes. Brushing her thumb over the slayer's cheek, Tara smirks as Buffy closes her eyes, leaning into the caress. "You need to go lay back down, sweetie. I know you're hurting."

Buffy slowly opens her eyes. "What was the healing thing you wanted to do?" Buffy questions softly.

"You willing for me to do it now?" Tara's lip curls up in a half smile at the slayer.

"Depends." Buffy smirks at the witch. When Tara raises an eyebrow in silent question, Buffy chuckles, before groaning and grasping her ribs. "Is there a chance I'll be getting more smoochies from you and Anya if I'm healed?"

"I'm sure that can be arranged." Tara chuckles at the slayer. "Come on, lay down. I need to go downstairs." Tara urges Buffy over to the bed, helping her onto the bed. "Need anything else?"

"No. I think I'm going to be okay now." Buffy admits, smiling as Tara laughs as she walks out of the room. "And if this is a dream, I'm just going to shoot myself and be done with it!" Buffy growls as she shifts in the bed, getting more comfortable.

Tara quickly walks down the stairs, glancing in the living room before walking into the kitchen, smiling as she sees Anya standing at the sink, sipping on a cup of coffee as she looks out the window. Gently sliding her arms around her waist, Tara places a kiss on her neck. "Thank you."

"Everything all right now?" Anya sets her mug down, placing her hands on Tara's arms, squeezing gently.

"We still need to talk and discuss things, but I feel like a huge weight has been lifted, and I owe you for that." Tara squeezes Anya gently.

"You don't owe me anything. There will be a lot of talking, discussing and apologizing before this is over, but as long as we can talk it out, we'll be okay." Anya smiles as she turns in Tara's arms, hugging the witch.

"Goddess! I thank Her every day for you asking me out on that date." Tara whispers as she slides a hand to the back of Anya's head, threading her fingers through her hair before diving in for a deep, forceful kiss, nipping on Anya's playful tongue for a few minutes before finally breaking away to breathe.

Tara chuckles, hugging Anya tightly. "Come upstairs, I want to heal Buffy's ribs, now that she'll consider me doing it."

"Can you use some of my energy so it won't drain you completely?" Anya questions, aware that healing is one of the more draining and intense spells there are.

"Actually, yes." Tara smiles at the ex-vengeance demon. "You know what this will do, right?"

"It'll link you to a certain degree. Not as much as it would have last night, since the healing has already started, but there will still be some awareness between you two of what the other is feeling." Anya states calmly as they walk up the stairs.

"Not just us two, all three of us, if you're helping." Tara smiles at the woman. "So, no matter what, there's going to be some awareness of the other two in our mix."

"That's fine." Anya nods her head as she follows Tara into the witch's bedroom, smiling at Buffy who seems to have dozed off in the few minutes Tara was gone. "So, did she kiss you senseless?"

"She worked on it." Tara chuckles as she sits down on the edge of the bed, brushing her hand over the slayer's cheek, watching as the eyelids flutter and hazel eyes come into focus. "I mentioned this last night, but I want to tell you again. The healing will link us to a certain degree. An awareness of what the others are feeling. It won't be as strong as it would have been if I'd done it last night, but it will still be there. Will that be okay?"

"It seems the petite little slayer has been having naughty dreams about us." Anya smirks at a blushing Buffy. "And, obviously, at least one of them seemed very, very real."

"You have no idea." Buffy grumbles looking down at the comforter, as she blushes even redder.

Tara laughs quietly. "Well, let's get you healed and see about dreams coming true."

Buffy's head snaps up in surprise before she closes her eyes and whimpers quietly. "Have a fire hose ready, I'm probably going to spontaneously combust, then."

Anya snorts, watching the slayer. "Let's get her healed, that way she can finish eating the rest of her breakfast and we can eat. Then I suggest we might actually want to sit down and talk about things."

"Healing first." Tara nods her head in agreement, smiling as Anya places her hands on her shoulders. Tara runs her hands down Buffy's side, coming to rest over the busted ribs, opening herself, smiling gently as she feels Anya already open, what magical ability she has available for her to use. "Done this before?"

"A long time ago." Anya answers quietly, her eyes watching Buffy. "Try and open yourself, Buffy. Allow her to come in, the easier you make this on her, the less power she'll need to use of her own."

"You're right." Tara whispers, thinking about it. "If you are willing to open yourself completely to me, I can use your own healing abilities to make you heal, without using hardly any of mine or Anya's powers. I'll still need to cycle them through me, but it won't drain us."

"Take down that wall you keep around yourself." Tara smiles crookedly at the slayer. "That mental wall that you use to guard yourself against demons sensing you, and the wall you use to keep your emotions in check."

"I'm not sure I can." Buffy admits quietly. "I've had them in place so long…" Buffy sighs quietly. "Let me try." Buffy closes her eyes relaxing, going back to how Giles had told her to put the wall in place, working on reversing the process.

After roughly a half hour, Tara jerks as Buffy pulls the wall down, the mystical energy coming off the slayer in waves.

"Shit!" Anya whispers, her eyes opening wide in surprise as she feels Buffy's energy. "Damn good thing she has that wall."

"Goddess!" Tara whimpers, quickly tying herself to the slayer's energy, looping it through her and Anya before sending it back in concentrated form to the slayer's ribs, sensing as they knit back together, the bruising and swelling disappearing in record time. Slowly tapering off the energy, Tara allows the rest of it to cycle through towards the rest of Buffy's bruises and scrapes before shutting down the connection completely. "Close yourself back off." Tara whispers, shaking uncontrollably, turning her gaze towards Anya who finally plops down on the bed beside her.

Anya blinks as she tries to stop her own shaking, her eyes looking into surprised blue eyes. "You didn't have any idea?"

"None." Tara shakes her head, running a shaking hand through her hair before looking back at a confused looking Buffy. "The power you have is unbelievable, Buffy. Goddess, I could probably use your healing ability to heal other people and it not even make a dent in the stores of energy you have. Let alone being able to tap into it for spells."

"Is that a good thing?" Buffy frowns watching the two women. "And why are you two shaking like you're on drugs or something?"

"That's pretty much a good analogy." Tara places her shaking hands on her thighs, taking deep cleansing breaths to try and calm her body down. "You pretty much gave us a very serious charge, and the link is going to be stronger than I realized." Tara closes her eyes allowing her happiness and how much she loves these two women to come out from behind her own walls.

"Wow." Buffy and Anya both whisper at the same time as they can actually feel how much Tara loves them both, the caring and complete trust she has in them.

"If you concentrate, you will be able to feel how the other person is feeling. We all use our walls, I'm assuming, since Anya was a demon, she already has her walls in place. I do because of my magical ability, Buffy because of her being the slayer. With our walls in place, it shouldn't bleed over to the other two. IF Buffy takes down her walls, without us being prepared, we're probably going to have the same reaction." Tara explains quietly. "Now that we know what we're in for, we can filter it so it's not such a strong dose."

"She probably wouldn't take her walls down unless she has a very good reason, anyway." Anya offers softly. "She's never taken them down in the whole time I've known her, or I would have known."

"No, I keep them pretty much under lock and key." Buffy admits, frowning. "How can I do what you did?" Buffy looks at Tara.

"Letting us know how you feel?" Tara makes sure she's understanding what Buffy's asking. "Just open yourself to us, letting yourself think about us." Tara explains, shrugging. Then whimpers quietly as Buffy opens herself, allowing both women to feel the confusion she'd felt, the hurt, the caring, finally the love. The strength of her feelings sending little snippets of when Buffy was with either or both women, as to how she felt at that particular time. Then the complete joy that she's now feeling, as the three women have finally admitted how they feel about each other.

Buffy slowly closes down the connection, biting her lip as she watches Tara and Anya. The surprise, the tears and finally the happy smiles crossing their faces. Buffy grunts as both women land on top of her hugging her tightly. "Okay." Buffy chuckles. "I guess I did that right."

"Very right." Tara murmurs softly, pulling back to wipe a tear off her face, smiling as Anya continues to hug Buffy around the waist. Tara chuckles as Anya finally allows them to feel the caring, and love she feels for both women before closing her feelings off again. Patting Anya gently on the back, Tara smiles as Buffy clasps her hand, squeezing gently. "Come on, you two. Let's eat and then let Buffy get cleaned up, since she couldn't do it yesterday."

"Yes, a shower would be of the good." Buffy chuckles as Anya finally releases her. "Is it okay if I meet you two downstairs?"

"Of course." Tara smiles as she watches Buffy practically bounce out of the room, the obvious feeling of happiness and being healed, making a world of difference in the Slayer.

"Looks like I was right." Anya smirks knowingly at Tara, chuckling as Tara turns around and kisses her lovingly.

"Yes, you were. I guess I'm going to have to make it up to you for ever doubting you." Tara laughs quietly before standing. "Come on. Let's head downstairs. Where's Phoenix?" Tara questions looking around, expecting to see the puppy.

"She was eating breakfast. I kind of think she's tuned into our feelings, so she may be staying out of the way until we get everything situated." Anya admits, as the two women walk downstairs, laughing as Phoenix barks, from where she's chewing on one of her Nyla bones on the living room floor.

"You knew what was going on, too, didn't you?" Tara chuckles at the happy puppy. "I guess we should eat breakfast before it's so dried out, it'll be like eating beef jerky."

Tara laughs, hardly believing what's happening is happening. "Goddess, I feel so much better, now."

"Knew you would. All that damn shit you were carrying around. You and Buffy both will do a lot better now!" Anya chuckles as she tilts her head, thinking. "And just think about the lovings to come." Anya licks her lips lasciviously while leering at the witch.

"Fun to be had by all involved." Tara admits, laughing as she pulls the food out of the oven, uncovering the foil wrapped plates. The two women sitting down to eat breakfast in a companionable silence while they wait for Buffy to join them.

Buffy steps into the shower, groaning happily as the hot water beats down on her body. Enjoying the heat as it seeps into her skin, she smiles at the thought of the two women downstairs that actually care and love her. "And it isn't a dream." Buffy chuckles as she starts shampooing her hair. "Maybe that was a slayer dream. Have to see if it comes true." Whistling, Buffy quickly cleans herself, before stepping out of the shower, drying her body thoroughly before running a towel over her hair, tossing it in the hamper before brushing the blonde hair, frowning as she looks in the mirror. "About time for a touch up." Buffy grumbles, seeing the roots starting to show. Grabbing the hair dryer, she dries and styles her hair before finishing the rest of her morning toiletries. Heading back into her room, she grabs the tray of food, tossing a piece of sausage in her mouth chewing as she trots down the stairs.

Tara smiles as Buffy places her plate on the island, putting away the tray before plopping down, smirking. "Feeling better?"

"Here, that's cold. Why don't I heat it up?" Anya offers, reaching for the plate of food.

"It's fine. I'll eat cold breakfast food from now until the end of the time, if it's with you guys." Buffy chuckles as she quickly works her way through the plate of food.

"Maybe I should have let you talk with her before this." Tara admits looking at Anya, her lip quirked.

"Told you." Anya wiggles her eyebrows. "Dealing with all this pain, heartache, being bitchy… There was absolutely no need for it! You guys need to learn to be more open."

"Hello!! Miss Straight, over here. What was I supposed to think?" Tara grumbles waving her hand towards Buffy.

"Not as straight as you thought." Buffy chuckles. "I think it was on Dawn's birthday that I started to actually think about things a little more." Buffy frowns as she thinks about it. "Spike made a smart-ass comment about my trying the other side of the fence. Thinking there was something going on between us." Buffy looks at Tara a small smile playing on her face.

Tara blushes looking down at her empty plate. "He could probably tell I already cared for you in a more than best friend way at the time."

"Back that far?" Anya questions as she grabs more juice out of the refrigerator, filling all three women's glasses.

"Probably even further back than that." Tara admits looking from one woman to the other, shrugging her shoulders.

"And you weren't ever going to admit how you felt?" Buffy looks seriously at Tara.

"No." Tara returns Buffy's gaze. "You never gave me any kind of sign to begin with that you might like me as more than a friend. Hell, until recently with Anya's comments, I thought it was just flirting in a friendly way. Not that you could possibly care for me."

Anya shrugs her shoulders. "Tried telling her that I would talk to you about this, but she was afraid that it would ruin your friendship. Then there was the whole me dynamic that was messing with her mind even more."

"Before our first date." Anya states calmly as she sips her juice, looking from one pair of shocked eyes to the other pair. "What?"

Anya chuckles, shaking her head. "It was when I asked her out, that I figured you liked her. That quick look of despair and heartache that you covered up quickly kind of tuned me in. Then the fact that Tara glanced towards you for a moment before accepting my invitation."

"I was mentally talking with myself." Tara admits running a finger over the top of her glass. "Deciding to go out on a date with a woman that I cared quite a bit about, that was open to a relationship, or pining away after a woman I loved that would never return my feelings."

"So, see! You two were being idiots." Anya crosses her arms, smirking at the two women. "Now, I expect lots and lots of orgasms for bringing us three together." Anya ducks the hand towel Tara tosses at her, laughing loudly.

"Like you aren't already having lots and lots of orgasms." Tara grumbles, before smirking at the ex-demon.

Buffy turns from one woman to the other and back again as they banter back and forth, before whimpering quietly. "I have some serious learning to do, don't I?"

Tara chuckles looking at the slayer. "You have a great learning curve. I'm sure you'll catch up in no time." Reaching out, Tara gently squeezes the slayer's shoulder smiling softly at the slayer. "We're not just going to throw you on the bed and take advantage of you, sweetie."

Buffy tilts her head, slowly pouting her bottom lip out. "You're not?" Buffy's eyes twinkle merrily as Tara blushes lightly before rolling her eyes.

"That's my girl!" Anya chortles, smirking at the two women. "Now we're talking!! Let's go upstairs, Tara's bed is the biggest one."

"ANYA!" Tara yells, blushing deeply. "Stop that." Tara grumbles at the laughing ex-demon. "I don't think she's going to be ready for us to pounce on her."

"Speak for yourself." Buffy murmurs softly. "I've been thinking about you two, fantasizing and pretty much being horny as hell. You two kissing and hugging and touching has been enough to drive me completely crazy."

"But, we haven't…" Tara looks confused at the slayer. "We haven't been all hot and heavy around you, Buffy."

"Yeah, well…" Buffy blushes lightly looking down. "I've caught you making out a few times at the store, looking through the window. Most of the time I head home."

"So, she's caught you feeling me up at the store is basically what she's trying to say." Anya looks at Tara, a small smile playing on her face.

"I bet it was. You always like to play out in the main area. I usually wait till we're back in the office, downstairs, or in the training room." Anya flutters her eyelashes at the witch, smirking.

"Ummm." Buffy bites her lips looking at Tara apologetically. "It's usually you I caught with your hands in the cookie jar, per se."

"Goddess!" Tara murmurs, dropping her head into her hands, whimpering quietly. "How come I have this feeling I'm going to be in for some serious teasing?"

"Of course, sweetie." Tara looks up at the slayer glancing towards Anya, smiling as Anya watches Buffy intently.

"I'm assuming you aren't meaning how the sex portion is going to work, right?" Anya questions Buffy, tilting her head.

"Well, that also. But more of telling Dawn." Buffy whispers looking down at the island. "I have a feeling she might freak."

Tara sighs quietly, looking from Buffy to Anya and back. "I don't know, Buffy. But I don't want to hide our relationship. I went through that before and it bothered me more than I ever let on."

"I always wondered." Buffy smiles apologetically at the witch. "If I had been there for

"Don't blame yourself, Buffy. If I hadn't been so afraid of speaking up, and stood up for myself it wouldn't have been a factor." Tara allows a small smile to cross her face. "Then I was also afraid of becoming a demon, so I actually figured I wouldn't be around for much longer anyway." Tara frowns as she thinks about that time. "I don't know if I ever told you, but I want to thank you for standing up to my family that day." Tara glances up looking at the slayer, her eyes serious. "You can never know how happy I was that day. I finally felt like I belonged somewhere."

"You do belong. I think without you here the last couple years, this group would have imploded." Anya reaches across grasping Tara's hand. "You mothered us, you were there to listen when we needed an ear, you were the glue that held us together, Tara."

Buffy nods her agreement, watching as Tara blushes, looking down. "You do so much for all of us, Tara. You have literally helped keep me sane since I came back. I just wish I'd had the foresight to come to you to begin with." Buffy stands and walks behind Tara, wrapping her arms around the witch's waist, hugging her gently. "If I had, I never would have went to Spike and I might have started getting my head on right a lot sooner." Buffy looks at Anya, smiling gently at the woman as she smiles in agreement. "You see what you do for us? And that's barely scratching the surface."

"Stop." Tara sighs in embarrassment, shaking her head lightly. "And if it wasn't for all of you, I would be back home with my father and brother. I think… No, I know I got the better end of the deal." Tara places a hand on top of Buffy's arms while squeezing Anya's hand that's still in hers.

"Okay, enough of this mutual admiration society. What's the plans for the day?" Anya smiles at the two women, her eyes twinkling wickedly.

"I know what you're voting for." Tara narrows her gaze on the woman. "We actually need to talk. Who's going to break the news to whom. Or are we all going to sit down with each person individually? Or just have one big group meeting and throw it out there for everyone to freak out?" Tara raises a hand to brush across her forehead. "I have a feeling what we went through with Willow is going to be mild compared to how she's going to act with this news."

"Ummm." Buffy looks apologetically at Anya, watching as Tara shifts around in her arms frowning at her. Wincing, Buffy smiles slightly, embarrassment obvious on her face. "That might be less of a problem than you think."

"What exactly are you saying here, Buffy?" Tara blinks her eyes in surprise at the slayer, wondering what she might be talking about.

"Well, after you two broke the news to her and Xander, I kind of went over to her house." Buffy starts, moving over to sit down again. As Tara nods her head to continue Buffy bites her lip. "She was pissed and angry, wondering how long I knew about you two. Then when she finally started calming down I kind of went on about my feelings, I wasn't even aware I was talking out loud." Buffy rubs a hand over the back of her neck. "Long story, short. I told her I loved Tara, and that she wasn't the only one hurting from you two dating. We had a big yelling match, she told me to leave and that was pretty much it that night. That's also the night I found Phoenix." Buffy looks down to the lightly snoring puppy, smiling.

"So, how can you telling her about all three of us having a relationship going to be a good thing?" Anya questions, frowning heavily. "Sounds like she'll freak out even more!"

"That's not the end of it." Buffy admits, a small smile playing on her face. "When Tara went over to your apartment the first time, and was late getting home?" Buffy looks from one woman to the other, making sure they know what night she's talking about. As they nod for her to continue, Buffy sighs. "I ran into Willow at the Bronze. She apologized and went on about how we can't help who we love. Needless to say I also brought up the fact that I was having very confusing feelings about both of you, not just Tara. I think I kind of shocked her, but she said she's there for me, if I need her. We've talked a few more times since then. That night before I admitted I liked both of you, she actually told me I should tell Tara how I felt." Buffy looks up, smiling briefly.

"Huh." Tara blinks in surprise and shock glancing back over to Anya, noticing the shock on her face. "Well, maybe Willow won't be a problem."

"She might get a little freaked, but I honestly don't think it'll be that bad." Buffy looks from one woman to the other. "She's dating a wonderful, beautiful woman, and I think that with Christina being 'normal' and not part of the insanity that is our lives is actually good for Willow."

"It can't be easy on her dealing with everything. I know if I had went back to her, that it would have been hard for her to be around me all the time. I wouldn't have done magic around her, but if you're tuned into the other person, you can sense when they've done magic. And, honestly, that wouldn't have helped Willow in the long run." Tara admits sighing quietly.

"Kind of a moot point, you couldn't go back to her, anyway." Anya pats Tara's hands gently. "I know it shouldn't, but it still pisses me off that she treated you like she did.'

"You're not the only one that gets upset when you think about it. That night when we argued and yelled at each other, I kind of threw what she did to Tara in her face. That might have been part of what made her a little more understanding when I talked to her the second time." Buffy shrugs, watching Tara.

"She said last night that she'd always love me, but that I did the right thing by breaking up with her. She even apologized for the things she'd done." Tara smiles looking up at Buffy. "I bet you were the one that made her come to that realization. She's back to the woman she was before, Buffy. And I can honestly say that I consider her my friend."

"Good." Buffy smiles, exhaling a breath she'd partially been holding. "I really would like for all of us to get along. How do you think Xander will take it?"

Anya shrugs her shoulders looking at Tara. "I haven't a clue. He shocked the hell out of me with his reaction to Tara and I dating."

"It was very surprising." Tara agrees softly, thinking what would be the best way to tell the group. "Maybe you would want to talk with Willow. Since you're already discussed your feelings with her regarding us." Tara looks at Buffy, tilting her head. "If you want us to be there with you, we will. But since she already kind of knows…" Tara grins lopsidedly at the slayer.

"I think she'll be okay. Maybe I'll call her later, see if I can come over to see her." Buffy agrees to the idea. "I'm still more worried about Dawn."

Tara sighs deeply looking at the slayer. "I don't know what her reaction will be, Buffy. She took Anya and I dating okay, after the initial shock wore off. She probably never even entertained the idea of you liking a woman, so it might be a little harder."

Buffy frowns as she starts thinking, trying to remember something tickling at the back of her mind about Dawn.

"There is one thing I have to say." Anya offers quietly, looking seriously at Buffy. "I have to thank you for not having the guts to ask Tara out. If you two had admitted your feelings before I was in the picture, I never would have had a chance with either one of you. So your delaying and fighting it, actually gave Tara a chance to find out she cares for me, also. And she probably never would have if you'd been together."

Tara smiles softly at the ex-demon, reaching over to clasp her hand gently. "I think this was meant to be, Anya. Things happen for a reason, and maybe we three are meant to be together. So, no more worries about how we came to be together. We just accept it and enjoy each other, how does that sound?"

"I agree wholeheartedly." Buffy whispers smiling at the two women. "This is the Hellmouth after all. We can't do things the easy or normal way, now can we?" Buffy chuckles as the two women roll their eyes.

"I'm going to go take a shower." Anya smiles, standing. "Then we need to decide how we're going to spend the day today. You know what my vote is." Anya chuckles before leaning over, placing a gentle kiss on Buffy's lips before walking over to Tara, giving her a quick kiss.

Both Buffy and Tara watch Anya sway out of the kitchen before looking back at each other, laughing quietly. Tara shifts her chair so she's sitting closer to Buffy. "What do you want to do today, sweetie?" Tara questions softly, stroking her fingers through Buffy's hair.

"In a way, I'd love to do what Anya's suggestion is. But in another way, it's almost too fast." Buffy frowns. "No, it's not that it's too fast." Buffy looks up into questioning blue eyes, before sighing. "I'm afraid, Tara. I've never been with a woman before, I don't know what to do, how to act. I'm afraid I'm going to be one big huge disappointment."

"Oh, sweetie." Tara stands, wrapping both arms around Buffy, hugging her tightly. "Just do what feels right, what you're comfortable with. If all you want to do is hug, kiss and light touching, we'll honor your wishes. Hell, if you want to just be curious, to look, touch, taste, either Anya or I will be more than happy to let you explore. Just take your time, sweetie. We don't have to literally jump right into bed with each other right off the bat. If you have questions, ask."

Buffy releases the breath she'd been holding, smiling at Tara. "I can explore?" Buffy hesitantly questions, a small smile playing about her lips.

"Yes. I believe that may be the best thing for you to do. Become comfortable with our bodies, since you're already comfortable with us personally. You're just scared of the intimacy of the relationship." Tara hugs Buffy before leaning down to kiss her gently. "There's going to be a learning curve for all of us, Buffy. I've never had a lover with preternatural strength before. There are things that will definitely be different because of it. So, if there's anything you like or want, you just need to tell either Anya or myself. Or both of us." Tara smirks at the thought. "There may be things we like having done that is better with two sets of hands instead of one."

Tara chuckles wickedly stroking a hand down the slayer's neck. "Say that I like my breasts being pinched and teased at the same time I want someone to be inside me, an extra hand would be extremely handy to have around right then."

Buffy blushes as she squeaks out Tara's name. "I can't believe you! Here I always thought you were sweet and innocent…" Buffy sighs shaking her head.

"Told you before that I'm not innocent, Buffy. And just so you're aware, lovemaking between women isn't always sweet, soft and slow. It can be quick and fast, hard and rough, and can take an extremely long time to where you think you're going to scream for a week if you aren't given release. And Anya is very, very good at keeping me on the cusp of orgasm without letting me tip over." Tara explains softly, watching as Buffy's eyes dilate with desire. "But when she takes it that bit further, it's a mind blowing experience when you tip over the edge. That first night she did that to me, I passed out from the immense pleasure."

Buffy closes her eyes, whimpering deep in her throat, feeling her body starting to ache in arousal at the thought of the two women making love, and Anya bringing Tara's body to a fever pitch of sensation. "I think I want to explore." Buffy finally whimpers out in soft, ragged tones, her eyes opening as she looks at Tara with desire.

"Good. I think that would be a wonderful way for you to start." Anya chuckles as she walks into the kitchen, brushing her hair. "Who would you like to explore first?" Anya questions, tilting her head as she looks from Buffy to Tara, considering the two women for a moment. "Would it freak you out to much if I watched while you learn Tara's body?" Anya questions quietly, thinking about how watching the two women together would be an extremely satisfying and highly arousing sight.

Tara smirks at Anya, before turning her gaze back to a lightly panting slayer, the hazel eyes unfocused. "Sweetie?" Tara questions quietly, stroking a thumb over Buffy's cheek.

"Definitely be okay." Buffy swallows, her mind coming back from her own fantasies of what it would be like to watch Tara and Anya making love. "As long as I get to watch you two, sometime?"

"I think that can definitely be arranged." Tara smiles before kissing Buffy quickly. "I'm going to shower, then head to the bedroom. Meet you two there." Tara smiles at the two women as she slowly walks out of the room.

"Anya?" Buffy questions, her gaze still on the empty doorway Tara disappeared through.

"The woman has a body to die for." Anya admits softly. "She's more muscular than I ever imagined, her breasts are absolutely gorgeous, the soft stomach that I can't ever keep from touching and caressing." Anya sighs quietly, closing her eyes. "The hips, and just wait until you get your first taste of her, Buffy. The rich musky flavor, then when it turns sweet as she comes." Anya growls quietly as she licks her lips at the thought of Tara.

Buffy blushes deeply at the thought of doing THAT to Tara, before quickly standing, the arousal heavy in her body. "I better see if Phoenix needs to go out." Buffy calls softly to the dog, opening the back door as the puppy runs out it, barking playfully.

Anya chuckles as she follow's Buffy, wrapping her arms around the slayer's waist as she watches Phoenix play. "Don't be afraid, Buffy. Touch, kiss, lick, suck, nibble on anything you want. To look at her, you wouldn't think it, but Tara is very adventurous and willing to try anything you can think up. It actually surprised me quite a bit, and I'm not surprised easily."

Buffy nods, leaning back into Anya's arms, surprised at how comfortable she feels wrapped up in the ex-demons embrace. "Is it so wrong for me to feel this comfortable around you two? I feel like I've come home whenever either one of you hug me." Buffy admits quietly.

"No, it isn't wrong. It's something you haven't had in a very long time, that you deserve, Buffy. We all deserve to be happy, to feel comfortable with the people we love. Unfortunately it isn't something we've had much of lately." Anya explains gently. "I do love her, Buffy. More than I ever thought I would. Over the past month I've come to care very deeply for you. To even love you, which I think is kind of strange myself, with the way we always were around each other." Anya chuckles softly.

"The night you stayed here, and grabbed my ass was the first time I really paid attention to you, Anya. Listened to what you weren't saying, instead of just listening to your words. I think I realized at that time that there was a lot more to you than I ever realized there was. I'm sorry for being such a bitch to you in the past." Buffy whispers as she turns in the shopkeepers arms, wrapping her arms around Anya's waist.

"Yeah, well. Just to let you know, I remember that night." Anya finally admits to the slayer, grinning. "I let Tara know a while ago, but I don't know if she told you."

"She didn't." Buffy chuckles hugging Anya tightly. "So grabbing my ass and Tara's breasts are a definite cure for what ails a person, huh?"

"Oh, most definitely." Anya laughs quietly, reaching up to tuck a couple strands of hair behind Buffy's ear, watching the slayer. "Yes, I do love you, Buffy." Anya whispers as she closes the short distance between them, capturing Buffy's lips in a sweet, gentle kiss, groaning as Buffy takes the initiative to stroke her tongue gently over Anya's lips. Allowing the slayer entrance, Anya sucks gently on the questing tongue, smiling as she hears the deep groan come from the slayer. Releasing the muscle, Anya swirls her tongue gently around Buffy's, for a few long moments, the two women gently battling against each other, before slowly easing back from each other's lips, breathing heavily.

Anya chuckles quietly. "Wait until Tara gets a hold of you. That woman kisses better than anyone I've ever known." Anya laughs as Phoenix comes up to them, panting heavily after playing in the yard. "I guess Phoenix is ready to go in. And Tara's probably finished with her shower."

Buffy's eyes widen in trepidation before Anya kisses her again, smiling encouragingly at her. "Anything?"

"Anything." Anya smirks at the slayer. "You take the urge to nip on her toes, do it! Anything you want, Buffy. Trust me on this."

Buffy takes a deep calming breath, nodding her head. "I am so going to look forward to this."

"You and me both." Anya nibbles her lip. "If it's half as hot as I'm thinking it's going to be…" Anya shivers, the desire coursing through her.

"You know, I would have thought you would be jealous, and not want to share." Buffy admits quietly as they walk into the house. "With the way you went on about Xander."

"Different dynamic. Plus guys usually cheat. Tara wouldn't cheat, that's just not her. Plus the fact I knew from the beginning that she loved you, so I opened myself to the thought of it possibly becoming a threesome from the beginning." Anya shrugs, smiling. "Let's get you upstairs, Buffy. You will never be the same after this!" Anya smirks as Buffy whimpers quietly.

"Go, Buffy." Anya gently urges the slayer. "It's Tara, do you honestly think she's going to do anything to hurt your or cause you any pain on purpose?"

"No." Buffy answers shortly, taking a deep breath, trying to relax. "I'm more afraid I'm going to do something to hurt her."

"Buffy." Tara states softly, opening the door. "Relax, you aren't going to do anything to hurt me." Tara reaches up and strokes a hand down the slayer's cheek, smiling as she instantly presses into the caress. Turning her gaze to Anya, she smiles softly.

"I'll come back in a few." Anya mouths 'give her time to relax' towards Tara before turning and walking downstairs.

Tara gently urges an unresisting Buffy into the bedroom, before sitting down on the edge of the bed, looking up at the slayer. "Do you want to do this, Buffy?" Tara questions softly, stroking her thumbs over the slayer's hands she's grasping.

"God, yes!" Buffy whispers hoarsely, her eyes looking up from where she was studying the floor into the sapphire blue eyes of Tara. Kneeling down in front of Tara, Buffy places her hands gently on her knees, trying to get her thoughts in order. "I'm nervous I'm going to do something wrong, or something to hurt you. I've never been with a woman before, and I'm afraid that I'm going to be rougher than I should be."

"Sweetie, just because Anya and I are women, doesn't mean that we don't like the occasional firmer touch." Tara tries to state delicately, to try and make Buffy more comfortable. "How about if you do what you want, and if its too rough, I'll say something. You'll become more comfortable and relaxed after a few minutes."

Buffy nods her head uncertainly, as she realizes Tara's sitting there in a soft, silky robe, not her usual cotton robe that she wears around the house. Running her hand over the fabric that ends at her knees, Buffy tilts her head. "I don't remember you ever wearing this before."

"Anya griped about my regular robes and bought me this." Tara admits, grinning crookedly. "For some reason my normal robes irritate her."

"I can understand why." Buffy raises her eyes, smiling. "What I've seen has been known to make me extremely confused."

"What you've seen?" Tara questions running a hand through the slayer's hair, watching her intently.

"Yeah, that one night when you were writing your paper. You were lying on the bed in a tank top and shorts. Needless to say, I stood at your door for a few minutes before saying anything." Buffy admits shyly.

Tara frowns slightly, thinking back to the night she's talking about. "That's when you practically ran out of the house?"

"Nothing practically about it. I did run out of the house." Buffy chuckles, as she unconsciously runs her hands down the witch's legs, stroking up and down slowly.

"Seeing all the skin on display, the surprising muscle tone. Then when you stood up and stretched." Buffy inhales deeply. "That little strip of skin that showed about drove me nuts. I had to get out of here, because I was feeling guilty as hell for ogling you like that."

"No need to feel guilty anymore, sweetie." Tara whispers, smiling. "You can look your fill, not just look, but touch." Reaching for the slayer's face with both hands, she strokes her thumbs gently over the velvety soft cheeks. "Would you like to look? To touch?"

"Please." Buffy whispers, slowly standing, her gaze riveted on Tara as she stands, gently shrugging off the silk robe. As the cloth slides down her body, uncovering the witch's body, Buffy whimpers quietly as the pale, silky looking skin, comes into view. Her eyes following the slide of the robe, Buffy inhales deeply as her eyes slide down the full, soft looking breasts with pink aureoles. Her hands, of their own volition, start to reach for the witch, before Buffy stops.

Tara watch's Buffy intently for her reaction, smiling gently at the obvious pleasure and approval crossing the slayer's face. As Buffy stops her hands short of their obvious destination, Tara gently clasps the slayer's wrists in her hands, placing the unresisting hands on her chest. "Touch, Buffy." Tara whispers quietly, smiling as hazel eyes look up at her, wonder and love showing deep in their depths.

"Beautiful." Buffy whispers before dropping her gaze back to watch as she gently squeezes the breasts in her hands before stroking her fingers over the warm flesh, tapering down to gently tweak the quickly hardening nipples. Buffy glances up quickly as she hears a quiet groan come from Tara, smiling as she sees the obvious pleasure crossing Tara's face.

"Am I allowed to touch?" Tara questions quietly, her hands gently squeezing Buffy's shoulders.

It takes a moment for Tara's question to sink in. Blinking at the witch, Buffy grins as she steps back out of the witch's grasp. Quickly stripping her shirt off, Buffy drops it on the floor before unhooking her bra, letting it follow behind. Glancing down at her own breasts, she looks up apologetically. "I'm definitely not well endowed."

"You're perfect, sweetie." Tara hoarsely whispers as she takes in the beautiful tan skin, the small but perfect breasts tipped with dark rosy nipples. As Buffy slides her pants and panties down in one fell sweep, Tara finds herself holding her breath at the thin strip of trimmed hair on the slayer's mound. "Goddess, you're beautiful." Tara whispers as Buffy stands, Tara's eyes caressing over the slayers deceptively delicate looking body, the muscles playing under the skin with each movement Buffy makes.

Buffy watches the obvious approval crossing Tara's face as she looks over her body. Realizing she hasn't finished her own perusal of the witch, Buffy's eyes caress back over the witch's chest, her fingers twitching at wanting to feel the warm flesh again. Hesitantly, Buffy allows her eyes to slide down further, over the witch's waist, down to the neatly trimmed dark blonde hair covering the woman's mound. Inhaling deeply at the sight, Buffy moans, closing her eyes as the scent of the witch's arousal invades her being.

Easing back on the bed, Tara lays down, as she tilts her head to watch as Buffy finally opens her passion filled eyes. Patting the bed, Tara chuckles as Buffy crosses the short distance, climbing in beside her. Easing onto her back, Tara watches as Buffy reaches for her without any prompting, stroking a hand down the side of her neck. Glancing up as Anya eases into the room, Tara smiles gently at the shopkeeper as she quietly sits down in the chair, nodding towards her, smirking.

Leaning down, Buffy brushes her lips gently over Tara's, slowly deepening the kiss as she eases her body in closer to Tara, groaning as Tara's warm hand strokes down her side, clasping her gently at the waist. As she battles gently against Tara's tongue, Buffy whimpers as Tara's hand slides up, cupping her breast firmly, rubbing her thumb over her quickly hardening nipple. Breaking off the kiss, Buffy groans, arching her body into the caress. "I thought…" Swallowing, Buffy whimpers loudly as Tara pinches her nipple firmly. "I was supposed to be learning your body."

"Sorry." Tara whispers, smiling at the slayer before gently squeezing Buffy's breast once more, letting her hand drop away from Buffy's body.

"No, you're not." Buffy chuckles at the witch before kissing the soft skin of her neck, slowly working her way across the warm skin. Licking over the witch's pulse point, Buffy smiles as she hears Tara's heartbeat quicken. Gently sucking the soft skin into her mouth, Buffy nips softly as she releases it, laving the flesh with her tongue. "I'm allowed to do and try anything?"

"Y-yes." Tara groans quietly as Buffy shifts over her, keeping her weight to her arms and knees as she slowly drags her breasts against hers, shifting her body down, dragging the hardened nipples down her stomach as Buffy stops to circle a hard nipple with her strong tongue.

Buffy whimpers as she sucks Tara's nipple gently in her mouth, having the urge to nip the hardened nub, Buffy hesitates a moment glancing up to watch Tara moan and shift before nipping gently, growling at the cry of pleasure escaping Tara's mouth. Biting down a little firmer, Buffy flicks the captured flesh with the tip of her tongue.

"Goddess!" Tara cries out loudly, her fingers digging into the bed covers as she lifts her body, pushing up into Buffy's body. Groaning as she comes into contact with Buffy's hot sex, Tara raises her hands, grasping the slayer's hips while she pushes her lower stomach into the wet heat.

"Shit!" Buffy cries, releasing the witch's breast as she pushes against the witch, slowly shifting her body against Tara. "Maybe I can…hmmmmm…can wait to learn your body." Buffy pants.

"I think that's a great idea." Anya whispers, in a sex roughened voice. Watching the two women together, even though they hadn't gotten very far, has her body aching for release. "Is it okay, if I join?" Anya hesitates before standing up.

"Of course." Buffy squeaks as Tara quickly shifts, switching Buffy onto her back on the bed, hovering over her.

"Good." Tara growls quietly, nipping down Buffy's neck, sucking strongly on the slayer's pulse point as she presses her sex against Buffy's, a slow circular grind.

"Don't be greedy." Anya whispers, her hand stroking down Tara's back as she climbs in the bed, smiling as Tara grunts, shifting her body, so she's straddling one of Buffy's thighs. Reaching down, Anya runs a hand up Buffy's other leg, smiling as Tara starts a gentle rocking motion, her sex pressing against Buffy's thigh. "Tense your leg, Buffy. Give Tara something hard and firm to rub against." Anya softly orders before running her hand up the inside of Buffy's leg, cupping the slayer's sex firmly.

"Goddess!" Tara cries out as Buffy does as Anya suggested. Shifting her body, Tara supports herself with her arms as she rocks harder against Buffy.

Buffy whimpers loudly as Anya's hand strokes over her body at the same time Tara shifts one hand to pinch and twist one of her nipples. "I want to touch, taste someone, please?"

Anya groans at the offer, looking from Tara's passion filled eyes, to Buffy's begging eyes. "Okay." Anya finally acquiescence's. Shifting her body up the bed, she straddles Buffy's face, groaning quietly as eager fingers stroke over her.

"So wet." Buffy whispers in amazement, stroking over the ex-demons folds, raising both hands, Buffy gently separates the silken folds, inhaling deeply of the lightly musky smell before running her fingers over the woman's sex, searching for Anya's clitoris. Rubbing a finger over the hardening muscle, Buffy smiles as Anya jerks at the caress. Continuing the soft motions, Buffy urges Anya down, replacing her finger with a tentative tongue. So intent on what's in front of her, she's not aware of Tara's shifting body until she feels a warm tongue stroke strongly over her own swollen muscle. Her body jerking at the caress, Buffy groans loudly into Anya's sex, surprised as she hears Anya groan in response.

"Taste so good, Buffy." Tara whispers before separating the slayer's lips as much as possible so she can dive deeply inside the slayer with her tongue, swirling around strongly, holding onto the slayer's thighs before bringing her tongue out to slide up and over the swollen, twitching muscle, quickly capturing it between her lips, Tara alternates sucking and licking the flickering muscle. As Buffy's hips start bucking more firmly, Tara slides two fingers deep within the slayer while sucking continuously on the spasming muscle, moaning as the slayer's swollen nub impossibly swells even more. Realizing the slayer must be holding back from the release for some reason, Tara releases the muscle for a moment. "Let it go, sweetie." Tara murmurs before diving back in, flicking her tongue strongly over the quivering muscle, before dragging her whole tongue over the rock hard muscle.

"SHIT!" Buffy cries out her release as Tara clamps down strongly, sucking voraciously on the muscle.

Anya shifts off and away from Buffy, allowing her the release that had obviously been a long time in coming from the way Buffy was bucking and crying out. Lying beside the slayer, Anya strokes her hands firmly down the slayer's body, placing soothing kisses along her neck and shoulder as Buffy finally collapses back on the bed.

Tara gently eases up the other side of the slayer, leaving her hand cupping the slayer's mound, keeping a light pressure against the twitching body. Placing gentle kisses on Buffy's neck, she smiles as she watches a slightly worried Anya still stroking her hands over Buffy's body, trying to bring the slayer down from her orgasmic high.

"Buffy, are you okay?" Anya questions softly, reaching up to cup the slayer's face, watching Buffy intently.

"She was holding back for some reason." Tara offers softly, her eyes turning towards Anya with wonder. "You don't think…" Tara turns her gaze on Buffy, frowning. "Buffy, sweetie?"

Buffy whimpers as she blinks, trying to bring the two women looking at her worriedly into focus. "Huh? What was that?" Buffy groans, her body twitching.

Anya strokes her hand gently down Buffy's face. "Have you ever had an orgasm before, Buffy?"

Buffy hesitantly nods her head. "But never to that degree before." Buffy admits, between heavy pants.

"Did you?" Anya partially questions, raising an eyebrow at Tara. When Tara shakes her head no, a small wicked smile crossing her face, Anya chuckles quietly. "Who's going to get to have that particular pleasure the first time?" Anya questions, smirking at the witch.

"I guess, in all fairness, it should be you." Tara admits quietly reaching over to Anya, brushing her thumb over the shopkeepers bottom lip. "Just don't do to her what you did to me that first night. I don't think she'd be able to handle that just yet."

"What are you two talking about?" Buffy finally questions hoarsely, as she gets her breathing under control.

"Talking about a very intense, freeing orgasm." Tara admits, smiling at the slayer. "That Anya is going to introduce you to, very soon."

"Not for a little while. I kind of got sidetracked from what I was doing earlier." Buffy blushes lightly, her eyes alight with mischief. "Now the problem is, do I finish what I was doing with you, or Anya?" Buffy questions quietly, looking from Tara to Anya and back again.

Tara chuckles quietly. "Go ahead and enjoy Anya. I won't mind watching for a little while." Tara whispers leaning over the slayer to kiss Anya, starting off slow, gradually the two women deepening the kiss until they're battling strongly against each other. Tara whimpers as Anya ends the kiss, nipping her way strongly across her jaw, sucking on her earlobe for a few moments.

Buffy whimpers watching the two women above her, her hands unconsciously working to each woman's back, stroking down and over their butts, before shifting back up over each back. "Maybe I should watch."

Anya chuckles as she nips Tara's earlobe, backing away from Tara to look down at Buffy. "Whatever you wish, Buffy. Just make up your mind, because before this day is over, I'm planning on making you scream."

Buffy blushes darkly, looking from one woman to the other, not able to make up her mind.

"I'll make this easy." Tara whispers, shifting from the bed, walking over to the chair. Smiling at the two women as she sits down, tucking her feet under her. "I can wait."

Anya smiles down at Buffy. "Do you want to decide what you want to do? Or do you want me to take the lead?"

Buffy growls quietly, finally deciding she wants to taste the ex-demon again, as she licks the flavor of her off her lips. "My turn." Buffy smirks as she shifts over Anya, kissing her passionately.

Tara inhales as the slayer takes control, her dominant spirit exerting itself. Swallowing as Buffy quickly works her way down Anya's body, Tara whimpers as Buffy nips playfully at the ex-demons breasts.

"Tell me if I do something you don't like." Buffy murmurs as she works her way down Anya's body, wanting to again taste the light musky flavor permeating the room, among Tara's and hers arousal.

"Don't worry, I will." Anya whispers, arching her back as Buffy nips down her stomach. Easing her legs further apart, Anya groans quietly as an adventurous hand caresses over her folds, learning her body.

Gently separating Anya's outer lips, Buffy inhales deeply of the woman's aroma, before stroking her fingers over the wet flesh. Looking upon Anya at her most vulnerable, Buffy smiles gently as Anya shifts her body wantonly. Stroking her fingers through the juices coming from the ex-demon, Buffy leans in, tentatively at first, stroking her tongue up and over Anya before licking more firmly as she feels the hard muscle under her tongue twitch, and Anya jerking up at the caress. Teasing Anya's opening with one finger, Buffy moans into the woman as Anya pushes herself against the finger. Sliding in, Buffy can't believe the ease with which her finger slid into the woman, quickly adding a second one, then a third, Buffy starts a quick in and out motion.

"Yesss!" Anya hisses as Buffy adds more fingers to her stroking, her hips bucking at the pleasure Buffy's causing her, Anya whimpers loudly as Buffy finally sucks her into her mouth, sucking firmly, quickly bringing her to the edge of release. As Buffy flicks her tongue strongly against the quivering muscle, it finally tips Anya over the edge.

Buffy moans at the hot, sweet fluid escaping Anya, quickly lapping at the surprise, Buffy unconsciously continues stroking in and out of the ex-demon, extending her orgasm, surprised at how strong the woman's inner muscles are as they clench and unclench against her fingers, her own body clenching in response. As Anya finally starts to ease her hips down onto the bed, spent, Buffy places one more kiss on the woman's hot, hard nub, before gently kissing her way back up Anya's body, brushing her breasts over the ex-vengeance demon as she finally reaches her lips, kissing her gently. "Good?" Buffy hesitantly questions.

"More than good." Anya whimpers, finally opening her eyes to look into Buffy's happy hazel eyes. "Great, excellent, and a very serious wow." Anya admits, chuckling as she hugs Buffy, pulling the slayer down against her body.

Tara chuckles quietly at the two women, her own body humming with desire. Realizing she's surprised at how much she's turned on at watching her two lovers, definitely coming to the conclusion that they were going to have to figure out living arrangements and soon, because she doesn't want to be without either woman.

"Get over here." Anya whispers to Tara, smiling as the witch quickly untucks her legs, striding the short distance to the bed.

"You called?" Tara whispers smirking as she lays down beside the two women, caressing her hand down Buffy's slightly sweaty back to cup a butt cheek in her hand firmly. "Definitely grab worthy." Tara chuckles wickedly as she squeezes the flesh.

"Watch that!" Buffy growls, leaning over the short distance, kissing Tara firmly. "Oh…" Buffy tilts her head after she kisses Tara in contemplation. "I can grab you, now." Buffy slides a hand over to stroke and pinch the witch's nipple, smirking as Tara chuckles.

"You could have grabbed them then, also, you know." Tara laughs quietly as Buffy rolls her eyes. Flexing her fingers firmly in to the muscular flesh, Tara wiggles her eyebrows. "So, what do you want to do now?"

"Attack." Buffy states simple, lifting herself quickly from Anya to Tara, nipping and sucking her way down Tara's body.

"I think we created a monster." Anya laughs as she shifts on her side, scooting back a bit to give the two women more room. Reaching over, Anya runs a hand down Tara's neck, chuckling at the little red marks Buffy left behind.

"So not AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH" Tara arches her words turning into a passionate cry as Buffy sucks her clit into her mouth strongly, while sliding her fingers deep into her body, starting a fast, hard rhythm in the witch. Jumping up into the caresses, Tara whimpers loudly, clenching down on the pleasure giving fingers.

"GOOOOODDDDD." Buffy growls as she releases the muscle to get her breath for a few moments before diving back in, licking strongly over the quivering muscle, lapping up the fluid escaping from the witch, noticing as the flavor starts to change from the dark rich musky flavor, becoming lighter and sweeter as Tara starts to explode against her mouth and fingers.

Anya laughs quietly, as she leans her head against Tara's shoulder, her eyes watching Buffy intently. As Tara whimpers, her hips grinding softly before slowing down, Anya smirks knowingly as Buffy finally lifts her face from where she'd been buried between Tara's thighs, licking her tongue around her lips and mouth, trying to gather all the fluid there. "I was right, good isn't it?"

"More than good." Buffy chuckles deeply as she works her way up Tara's body, stopping to kiss Anya first, laughing as when they break off the kiss, Anya licks strongly across her chin.

"I'll help clean you up." Anya murmurs, running her tongue over the slayer's chin and lips, gathering up all the left over juice that she can find.

Tara blushes lightly at the two women before moaning into Buffy's soft lips as she kisses her gently. "Goddess, I love you two." Tara murmurs, wrapping an arm around each woman, hugging them tightly.

"Can we spend all day in bed?" Buffy questions seriously, shifting her body to lay on the other side of Tara, running her fingers caressingly over the witch, watching with rapt attention as Tara's nipple tightens and hardens at her touch.

"You might get hungry." Tara smiles as Buffy's curious fingers stroke over her body, alternating gentle glides with light pinching to firm stroking.

"And poor Phoenix would be doing the potty dance." Buffy admits, frowning as she shifts to look around the room. "Where is she, anyway?"

"Probably downstairs." Anya laughs quietly. "I think she's glad we finally got everything situated between us."

"I do need to figure out something to fix for dinner." Tara murmurs softly as she shifts to slide down to the end of the bed, smiling back at the two women as they groan in protest. "No matter how enticing it is to spend all day in bed with you two, we do need nourishment." Tara picks up her robe sliding it on before tying the sash gently, watching the two women.

Buffy pouts as Tara walks out of the room, but the pout turns into a grin as she feels a hand caress up her leg, grasping her hip gently.

"You know, we could order food to be delivered. That way she isn't spending part of the day fixing dinner." Anya offers quietly.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea." Buffy smiles, turning over to face Anya. Reaching up, Buffy looks at the woman curiously as she runs her hand gently down her cheek. "Thank you, Anya." Seeing the confused look coming across her face, Buffy places a gentle kiss on the ex-demons lips. "For seeing that we cared for each other and doing something about it. For not being jealous, for a million reasons." Buffy hesitates for a moment, looking into the kind and caring eyes of the ex-vengeance demon. "I'm sorry for all the times I was hateful to you. I never realized what you were really like, and I feel like shit for not taking the time to get to know you better."

"It's okay, Buffy." Anya swallows the tears she feels coming to her eyes at the compassionate and sincere tone in Buffy's voice. "I kind of always thought you were pretty self-centered and bossy. So…" Anya shrugs, smiling at the slayer. "We both know better now, and are working on remedying that. I want you to know I do love you." Anya whispers, brushing her thumb gently over Buffy's bottom lip. "Having Tara talking about you all the time gave me more of an insight as to what makes you tick. Of course, I can't say that I'm happy with you for driving her crazy, but I know you didn't do it on purpose. If I can get over Willow and the shit she pulled, I guess I won't hold the things you did against you."

"Thank God." Buffy mutters, tilting her head against Anya's shoulder, hugging her tightly. "I feel like shit for the way I treated her."

"You just didn't know what to do, Buffy. Plus the fact Tara never came out and told you how she felt about you just compounded the comedy of errors that is your life." Anya chuckles quietly as she feels Buffy nod her head quickly. "But, like I said earlier. I'm glad things happened the way they did. Now I have two very beautiful, loving, caring women in my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world."

"I think that could be said for all of us." Tara whispers, smiling at the two women as she leans against the door frame. "I laid out a pork loin for dinner."

"Put it in the refrigerator. You can cook it later this week, we're going to order out." Anya smiles at the witch as Tara chuckles quietly.

"I hate to say this, but I need to go clean up the back yard." Buffy murmurs, stroking her hand down Anya's back one more time before smiling apologetically at the ex-demon as she shifts off the bed, standing and stretching. Groaning quietly at the pleasant ache in her body, Buffy smiles.

"I like that smile." Tara whispers, noticing the sated smile crossing the slayer's face. "I plan on seeing a lot of it, also."

Anya chuckles at the deep blush crossing Buffy's face. "You never had a clue as to how much of a horn dog Tara is, did you? Hell, of course you probably didn't…" Anya stops, blinking her eyes a couple times as she thinks, her gaze turning back on Buffy as the slayer blushes even darker. "You HEARD them!!" Anya yells pointing at the slayer.

Tara giggles quietly. "We tried to be quiet, but I'm sure there were a few times things got loud."

"Slayer hearing, you didn't have to get loud. Most of the time I turned the radio on trying to drown it out." Buffy admits, grinning at Tara. "Now I have first hand knowledge of what happens."

"You haven't even scraped the tip of the iceberg." Tara murmurs, her eyes darkening as she looks at Buffy.

"I know." Tara nods her head, glancing over to Anya, watching her dress. "Damn. How did I get so lucky as to have you two love me?" Tara questions softly.

"Personally, I think I'm the lucky one." Buffy admits, walking towards the doorway, stopping and brushing her lips tentatively over Tara's mouth. "Is this okay?" Buffy questions softly.

"Kissing me?" Tara whispers looking into the beautiful hazel eyes of the slayer and as Buffy nods, Tara smiles gently. "Always." Tara reaches up to stroke her fingers gently down the slayer's cheek. "I'm a very touchy, feely person, Buffy. I will never turn down being touched, kissed or caressed. And I like to touch, kiss and caress in return."

"Does she ever." Anya whimpers quietly. "She's not shy about getting naughty in public, Buffy. So if you have a problem with that, you might want to tell her now."

Buffy blushes lightly before shaking her head. "I don't think I'll have a problem."

"Good." Tara chuckles quietly as Buffy smiles placing another kiss on her lips before heading downstairs.

"I think we might have already corrupted the slayer." Anya chuckles walking up to Tara, who has a happy grin on her face.

"She needs to be corrupted." Tara murmurs quietly, kissing Anya softly. "I can't wait to see what her reaction is going to be when you get a hold of her and give her g-spot a good working over."

Anya groans at the thought. "It'll be interesting, to say the least." Anya smirks as the two women work their way downstairs.

Tara chuckles as she watch's Buffy snarl her nose as she cleans up after Phoenix. Shaking her head, she turns back to Anya who's making nachos for them to munch on. "I'm going to have to get a pooper scooper for Buffy at the pet store."

"She's not having much luck with the shovel?" Anya chuckles as Tara rolls her eyes.

Tara groans as the phone rings. "Hello, Summers' residence." Tara smirks as Anya grates more cheese.

"This is Jonathan, I really have to speak with her." Jonathan quickly rattles off. "It's about Warren."

"What about Warren?" Tara hoarsely questions. "I was hoping the police might have found him by now."

"NO! He's still loose. I just saw him buying a gun. I…" Jonathan keeps talking unaware that Tara dropped the phone.

"BUFFY!" Tara screams barreling through the back door towards the slayer, Phoenix running out behind her barking excitedly before growling deeply, making a beeline towards the slayer.

"OPEN YOURSELF, NOW!!!" Tara screams running towards the slayer as she sees movement behind Buffy, watching as Phoenix runs towards the movement. Everything seeming to move in slow motion, as she feels the slayer opening herself at the same time Warren comes into view, a gun pointing straight towards Buffy. "NOOOOOO!!" Tara screams, using the slayer's power to slam into Warren at the same time he pulls the trigger.

Buffy turns towards where Tara's looking, unconsciously dropping her walls completely as she watch's Phoenix launch her small body at Warren at the same time he pulls the trigger on the gun pointed at herself. Trying to drop out of the way, Buffy cries out in pain as the bullet slams into her shoulder, spinning her around.

Anya screams as she comes out of the kitchen a few seconds behind Tara, watching everything happen, not able to do anything as she watch's Buffy get shot and spinning around to collapse on the ground at the same time Tara blasts Warren with magic as Phoenix clamps her jaw on Warren's thigh, growling as she shakes her head viciously.

Tara runs towards Warren, readying a spell to knock the gun from his hand, that somehow he was able to hold onto after she hit him with the first magic blast, eyes opening wide as he turns the gun on her, Tara sends the spell at him at the same time he pulls the trigger. Grunting as the bullet rips through her side, Tara forces herself to continue towards the man, unable to concentrate enough to do any more magic, she reaches him, slamming her foot between his legs as hard as she can, before collapsing, grabbing her side.

Anya cries out, looking from one woman to the other, seeing blue eyes begging her to check on Buffy, Anya stops at the slayer first, dropping down beside her. "Buffy??!!" Anya cries, gently turning her over, whimpering at the blood soaking the slayer's shirt. Pressing her hand against the wound, she reaches up with a shaking hand, feeling for a pulse, sighing quietly as she feels the slayer's heartbeat. "Buffy? Please." Anya whispers, reaching up with a shaking hand, brushing the slayer's hair from her face.

Tara turns her snarling countenance back on Warren, who's whimpering as he grabs his balls with both hands, unable to fend off Phoenix who's snarling and growling at him. "Good, girl." Tara whispers, trying to stand. Groaning at the pain in her side, she slowly crawls her way the couple yards to the gun, shoving it further away for the time being before working her way towards Anya and Buffy. "Anya?" Tara whispers worriedly.

"I'm too unfocused to be of any help." Tara admits, pain obvious in her voice. "Get the phone, call the hospital and the cops." Tara shifts the last bit of distance, taking over for Anya by putting pressure on the unconscious slayers shoulder.

Anya stands starting to run back to the house, when she hears the sirens. Turning surprised eyes back to Tara. "Somebody else must have called them?" Anya half questions half states.

"Go out front, flag them down." Tara swallows hard, trying to ignore the pain in her own body as she looks down at Buffy. "Anya!! Get Phoenix in the house, I don't want her to go after whoever might be coming to help."

Anya nods, calling to the dog, quickly getting her to go in the house before shutting the door and running around the front to wave down the police cars and ambulance.

Anya runs back towards Buffy and Tara, frowning as she notices the amount of blood coming from Tara's wound. "Lay down, Tara." Anya begs as she takes over putting the pressure on the slayer's wound watching as Tara turns even paler, before slowly falling over. "HURRY UP!!" Anya screams at the paramedics and policemen running into the yard.

"We got it, ma'am. Give us room." The first paramedic orders as he quickly inspects the wounds, putting a pressure bandage on Buffy's wound as another paramedic works on Tara.

"What happened?" The Sergeant questions as he watches the woman shake, her scared eyes watching the paramedics work on the two women.

Anya looks at the Sergeant with shell shocked eyes. She points towards Warren who's still whimpering on the ground. "He came out of nowhere with that gun." Anya shifts her hand to point towards the gun. "He shot Buffy, as Tara tried to come help, he shot her. Tara kicked him in the balls."

The Sergeant tilts his head as he looks at the man, seeing what looks like a good bite on his thigh. "The bite?"

Anya looks up at him, silently begging him, even as she can hear Phoenix howling and barking in the house.

The Sergeant sighs looking from the man that obviously came in trying to kill these women to the house where a dog had tried to protect it's family. Nodding his head silently. "I can't blame him for protecting you, I guess the perpetrator must have gotten bit before showing up here." He gives the woman the reassurance she needs, with her two friends being shot, she doesn't need the added heartache of having the dog taken away for protecting them.

"Her." Anya whispers, the tears finally falling from her eyes. "Just a puppy, roughly five months old." Anya admits quietly, her gaze back on the paramedics as they hook up IV's and put the two women on stretchers.

"The other ambulance should be here in a few minutes. We're going to go ahead and get this one to the hospital." One of the paramedics states hurriedly as they lift the stretcher, partly carrying, rolling the slayer towards the ambulance. "Ma'am, it's imperative that we get these women to the hospital as quickly as possible. Can you get there by yourself?"

Anya nods her head as she watches another pair of paramedics run into the back yard, gathering Tara, taking both women towards the waiting ambulances.

"Ma'am?" The Sergeant watches his partner cuff the suspect after gathering the gun, placing it in an evidence bag.

Anya turns haunted eyes towards the policeman. "I've got to get to the hospital. I have to contact Willow and Xander."

The Sergeant sighs quietly, looking at the other set of policemen looking for any other evidence. "Jackson?" He calls to one of the policemen. As he looks towards him, he nods towards Anya. "Can you make sure she gets a hold of the people she needs to call and makes it to the hospital while we take in the perp?"

"Yes, sir." The policeman walks towards Anya. "Sir, there isn't anything else that we can find. Looks pretty cut and dried. Plus the fact the perp fit's the description of last nights attempted robbery."

"I noticed." The Sergeant nods his head in acknowledgement. "Ma'am, Jackson will make sure you're taken care of. We'll have to get signed statements, but we'll do that later."

Anya whimpers quietly as the policeman wraps a comforting arm around her shoulders, urging her towards the police car.

Anya shakes uncontrollably in the waiting room, one of the nurses having gotten her a blanket as she realized the woman was in shock, wrapping her up gently before going back to her duties. Looking up every time someone walks by the door, Anya whimpers quietly at the thought of her two lover's in the operating room.

Willow almost crushes Christina's hands as they run into the hospital. "Buffy Summers, Tara Maclay! Anything on them?" Willow almost screams at the nurse, her eyes filled with tears ready to drop at a seconds notice.

"They don't have any family, they only have us, their friends and loved ones." Willow snarls looking at the woman. "What's their condition?"

The nurse unconsciously shifts away from the redhead before looking back at the computer, punching up the other name. "It looks like they're both still in surgery, I don't have any other information at this time."

"I want to know as soon as you hear anything, ANYTHING, understand?" Willow narrows her gaze on the nurse, before practically dragging Christina behind her as she heads towards the waiting room. "Anya?" Willow hesitantly questions the ex-vengeance demon, dropping Christina's hand as Anya's haunted eyes look up at her, silently begging for everything to be put to rights. Willow whimpers before running towards the shop keeper, sitting down beside her to wrap the unresisting woman in her arms.

"He, he just showed up. We got a call, Tara ran out the door screaming for Buffy, and he shot them." Anya whimpers, crying brokenheartedly. "He shot both of them." She keeps repeating over and over again, shaking uncontrollably.

"I'll see If I can't get more information." Christina whispers softly, catching Willow's eyes for a brief moment, nodding silently at the thanks she sees reflected there.

"They're strong, Anya. They'll make it." Willow whispers rocking the distraught woman, silently praying that they will be alright. Closing her eyes, Willow tilts her head against Anya, surprised at how small the woman seems at this moment.

"I can't lose them, Willow." Anya whimpers. "Can't." Anya curls up into a small ball, pressing herself against the redhead as she shakes uncontrollably.

Xander comes skidding to a halt outside the waiting room, sliding in, watching as Willow cries silently while trying to comfort Anya. "Anything?" He hoarsely questions as he walks towards the two women, kneeling in front of them, gathering them both in his arms as all three Scoobies cry.

Xander paces nervously, looking occasionally over at his ex-fiancée as she finally fell asleep from pure exhaustion with a healthy dose of shock, leaning against, of all people, Willow. Biting his lip, he allows a small smile to cross his face at Willow's new girlfriend Christina as she glances at him with concern as she holds Willow gently against her side. "I'm going to get some more coffee and snacks." Xander finally whispers before turning and striding out of the waiting room.

Christina glances down at the table that already has quite a few snacks, sodas and partially drank coffee on it, shaking her head.

"It's what he does in times like these." Willow whispers, rubbing her cheek against Christina. "He does food runs to try and keep busy, to keep his mind off what's happening."

"I be a wishin' there was somethin' more I could be a doin'." Christina softly whispers, her accent extra heavy with the emotion coursing through her.

"Goddess, why can't they at least tell us if the surgeries are going well?" Willow whispers looking up at the clock for probably the hundredth time. "We've been here for hours."

"Want me to be a seein' if I cain shake somethin' loose?" Christina offers hoarsely.

Willow smiles softly at the woman. "I don't want you to leave me." Willow finally whispers after a few moments, smiling as Christina wraps her up more firmly in her arms.

"Excuse me? Are the family for either Buffy Summers or Tara Maclay here?" A nurse questions quietly from the doorway.

"Both." Willow answers, looking down as Anya wakes up, looking at the woman with swollen, red eyes and a tear stained face.

"What is it?" Anya questions, uncurling herself to stand shakily, walking towards the nurse. "Please, how are they?"

The nurse nods, as she reads the note on the chart that the two women didn't have any actual family but the friends that were there for them. Sighing quietly, she looks up as a young man walks in, wrapping his arm around the woman questioning her to support her.

"It was touch and go, but it looks like they're both going to make it. The one woman, Buffy Summers, that was shot in the shoulder lost a lot of blood, and looks like there was some nerve and muscle damage from the bullet, but it looks like she should heal without losing too much mobility in her arm. Tara Maclay is in a little worse condition, there was a lot of internal damage from the bullet, it looks like it had shifted around a bit inside her." The woman hesitates looking up when the blonde whimpers quietly.

"She went after the guy that shot them, then dragged herself back over to Buffy." Anya explains, tears starting to fall again.

"That might have caused it." The nurse frowns, wondering how the woman could have moved at all with being shot where she was. "The doctors had to remove her spleen and her large intestine was nicked along with a few other things. She's going to be on some heavy antibiotics to try and counteract that. She isn't completely out of the woods yet, but it looks promising."

"They're in recovery right now. Ms. Summers was out of surgery first and will be put in a room in another hour. They won't be allowed any visitors for a while yet." The nurse smiles apologetically at the group of young people.

"Can they be put in the same room to recover together?" Anya questions hopefully. When the nurse looks up starting to shake her head no, Anya stiffens, her eyes starting to flash. "Those two women will do a lot better if they're in the same room. Do whatever you have to, but they should be able to recover together. I want to see them, now." Anya states imperviously, her backbone finally reasserting itself after hearing her lovers should be okay.

"Fine, but I want to see them. I'm not going to visit with them, I just want to see them from the doorway." Anya strides towards the nurse, looking at her angrily. "And I want to see them in the same room, together!"

"Give me a few minutes." The nurse finally gives in as she looks from one angry, unforgiving face to another, before turning around to talk with the doctors of the two women.

Anya starts to pace back and forth as she waits for the nurse to come back, biting on the edge of her thumb nail in worry.

Xander looks in confusion from Anya to Willow. "Why are you insisting on them being in the same room?" Xander finally questions Anya softly.

"That's where they would want to be." Anya answers shortly, as she runs shaking hands through her hair. "Want to be together." She whispers, her eyes on the doorway as she spins on her heel pacing back and forth.

Willow blinks a couple times as she watch's Anya, hearing what she's saying, trying to figure out what she isn't saying. When an idea of what Anya is trying to say pops in her head, her eyes open wide. "Anya?" Willow questions hesitantly, watching as Anya turns haunted brown eyes towards her. "You three?" Willow softly whispers the question.

Anya slowly nods her head towards Willow. "Today." Anya finally admits, her eyes starting to fill with tears again. "This morning, actually." Anya drops down in the nearest chair, placing her face in her shaking hands as the sobs start working through her body. "Can't lose either one of them. I can't, not after finally getting us together, it just wouldn't be fair."

Xander stands there in stunned disbelief as he looks from his ex-fiancée towards his best friend with haunted eyes. Finally shifting towards the nearest chair, he slumps down, burying his face in his hands as what Anya said sinks in.

"Okay, two of you can go see the two women, but only from the observation window. You can't go in the room." The nurse looks at the group of people, not surprised when the one woman stands up quickly, walking her way.

Anya turns back, looking towards Willow and Xander. "Which one of you want to go?" Anya questions softly.

"Wills, you go." Xander looks up at the redhead, nodding his head towards Anya. "She would probably rather have you with her, than me anyway." Xander admits quietly.

Willow frowns at her best friend, before sighing quietly. "Thanks, Xan." Willow whispers as she walks towards Anya, offering her hand towards the shopkeeper.

The two women follow the nurse to the room they'd put Buffy and Tara in. Anya's legs almost give out as she looks through the window at the two pale, lifeless women that such a short while ago had been full of life, joking and making love. Placing her hand against the windowpane separating them, Anya tilts her forehead against the cool glass as tears drop unheeded down her cheeks.

Willow wraps her arm around the shaky ex-demon to help support her, while whimpering quietly at the sight of the machines hooked up to the two blondes, the IV drips and other numerous things taking their vitals and delivering much needed medication and blood.

"You guys should probably go home, try and get some rest. They probably won't be conscious for a long time." The nurse offers quietly, not surprised when both women shake their heads.

"I'm staying." Anya states adamantly as she straightens her back, wiping her face free of the tears. "And as soon as one of them comes to, I want to be allowed in to talk to them." Anya turns hard brown eyes on the nurse. "I suggest you make sure that happens."

The nurse nods her head hesitantly. "We'll let you know as soon as there is any changes in their condition."

Anya turns her gaze back on her two lovers. Staring for a few minutes, Anya opens herself to the two women, sending them all her love that she feels, hoping quietly that they might feel it and that it might help them.

Willow turns surprised eyes on Anya as she feels the waves of feelings coming from her. "You really love them both." Willow whispers softly.

"Yes, I do." Anya admits, sighing as she closes her eyes. "Damn Hellmouth." Anya whispers, clenching her hand against the glass, pounding twice before turning to walk back towards the waiting room.

Willow turns her gaze from Anya's back to her best friend and ex-lover. "You two are going to be all right, you have to. You don't have a choice." Willow whispers, sending her love towards the two women before slowly following Anya back towards the waiting room.

The haggard looking group look up at the doorway as they hear a decidedly pissed off sounding English voice demanding to know how Buffy and Tara are doing.

Chuckling quietly, Xander slowly stands walking out of the room to talk with Giles.

Anya shifts from where she'd been lying on the small couch, rubbing her face wearily. "Is any of that coffee hot?" She questions as she slowly stands walking towards the table looking at the multiple cups.

"Try the ones on the other end, you'll have better luck." Willow whispers, as she shifts from where she'd practically been sitting on Christina. Smiling apologetically at the woman. "Sorry."

"You were fine." Christina smiles gently at Willow, stroking a hand over the messy red hair. "But I be a thinkin' that we all should be a goin' home and taking showers before a comin' back."

"Maybe." Willow rolls her neck, groaning quietly as she looks up at the doorway as Giles comes striding in.

"Bloody idiots." Giles growls. "Now that I'm here, does someone want to explain exactly what happened?" Giles questions softly, as he looks from one person to another, stopping momentarily on the new face in the group.

"Buffy foiled Warren's attempt at hijacking the money from an armored car, he didn't like it and came to the house to shoot her the next day. He shot Buffy and Tara." Anya plops down on the chair, rubbing a hand over her forehead. "Phoenix…" Anya's eyes open in shock. "Phoenix, she hasn't been out since this happened. She hasn't been fed or watered."

Christina looks down at Willow, raising an eyebrow in silent question. "Would you be a willin' to let me take the pup out?" Christina turns her gaze on Anya. "Do you think she'd mind me?"

Anya frowns, looking at the woman for a moment before looking at the rest of the group. Short of Willow going, Christina was probably the best bet. "Here." Anya shrugs off her shirt, leaving her in a camisole. "This smells like me. It might help." Anya starts to hand the shirt to Christina, before realizing there's blood splattered on the cloth, pulling it back down, Anya whimpers quietly as she runs her fingers over the smears and splatters.

Christina closes her eyes at the obvious pain in the woman's cries. Walking slowly towards Anya, she kneels in front of her. "Here. Be a givin' me the shirt. I'll take care of the pup. You take care of your women." Christina eases the shirt away from Anya, accepting the set of keys Anya digs out and hands to her.

"The foods in the garage, her leash is by the back door. Watch her, she might try and sneak by you as you open the front door. She gets antsy when Tara or Buffy aren't around for a while." Anya explains softly, looking thankfully at the tall woman.

"I'll be sure to keep an eye open." Christina pats Anya gently on the shoulder as she stands, quickly leaving the room and the hospital.

Giles rubs the bridge of his nose as he feels a serious headache coming on. "Okay, I don't know where to start the questions."

"Don't bother starting them yet, Giles. Let's just make sure they're going to be okay." Willow and Xander both move to sit on either side of Anya as she sits there just staring vacantly across the room.

"Miss Summers is coming to and asking for an…" The nurse hesitates as she looks down at the paper. "Anya or Tara?"

"Oh… Please, come with me." The nurse states, quickly heading back to the room.

Anya sits down in the chair between the two beds, reaching for Buffy's hand, unconsciously sighing in relief at the color slowly working its way back into the slayer's pale features. Glancing at a still very pale, lifeless witch, Anya whimpers quietly, reaching her other hand out towards Tara, stroking her fingers gently down her forearm.

"What…happened?" Buffy questions hoarsely, blinking her eyes open to focus in on Anya. "Where's…Tara?"

Anya frowns as she looks at Buffy, shifting around so she's facing the slayer. Running her free hand up over the slayer's forehead, Anya sighs quietly before explaining everything that happened to the slayer up to and including the fact that Tara was lying in the other bed beside the slayer.

Buffy turns her head looking towards the witch, her eyes full of pain. "Is she going to be okay?" Buffy whispers, tears flooding her eyes.

"They think so. From the sounds of it, she had a lot of internal damage. They had to take out her spleen and something about her large intestine being nicked among other things." Anya bites her lip to try and keep from crying. Raising the slayer's hand to her face, Anya presses her lips against the palm, before brushing her cheek against the calloused hand. "God, you two scared me." Anya admits, tears starting to fall again. "Buffy, I love you. I want you to know that. There's no question, no possibility, it's there. Get well, please?" Anya whimpers as weak fingers stroke down her cheek.

"Doesn't work that easily." Anya places a calming hand on the slayer's chest. "Don't move, you might rip out the stitches."

"Why can't we do it?" Buffy questions looking intently at the ex-demon as she tries to shake off the effects of the drugs.

"First off, it takes a very powerful witch to do what Tara did. Secondly, not every witch has the training or know how to use your abilities like she does. I would assume her mother's teachings must have encompassed a lot of different things." Anya admits, her gaze shifting towards Tara. "When you're better, you could try opening yourself a little to Tara, see if she's aware of it."

"You're open right now." Buffy whispers looking towards Anya from where her eyes were drawn inexorably towards Tara.

"Yes. I figured it might help her if she felt me." Anya admits softly. "You can't do that, or you'll have every demon in Sunnydale coming to make you dinner." Anya explains running a hand down Buffy's cheek. "Just let her feel your love. Right now that's what she needs more than anything."

Buffy nods hesitantly, gently squeezing the hand holding hers. Blinking as the shot the nurse gave her for pain starts to work through her system.

"Sleep, Buffy. The nurse will probably be coming soon to make me leave. Giles is here." Anya admits quietly as she slowly stands looking down at the slayer. "Next time they let someone come in, do you want him to visit you?"

"Want you…" Buffy slurs quietly as her head shifts and the drugs carry her back to unconsciousness.

"You have me, Buffy." Anya smiles gently at the slayer, brushing the hair away from Buffy's face. Sighing quietly she looks from Buffy to Tara. "You both have me." Anya whispers to the quiet room before placing Buffy's hand back on the bed, reaching for Tara's hand, holding it for a few moments before following the nurse that came to get her out of the room.

"Stay here, and behave." Christina admonishes Phoenix as she shuts the door, leaving the windows cracked to jog quickly into the hospital.

Everyone looks up as Christina strides into the room. Anya questions her softly. "How's Phoenix?"

"She be out in me vehicle." Christina admits, a small smile on her face. "Very stubborn animal you got there. She wouldn't be goin' back inta the house for me, sat down by my car and wouldna budge."

Anya sighs, before a smile slowly crosses her face. "That dog loves those two women completely. I'll see what I can do with her."

"I'll go with you." Giles offers standing as he follows the ex-vengeance demon out, honestly wanting to see the puppy that put up such a fight to try and protect Buffy.

Anya heads towards the barking, knowing Phoenix's bark. Opening the door, she grasps the leash as Phoenix jumps out, whimpering quietly as she leans against her legs. Kneeling, Anya pets the dog. "It'll be okay, Phoenix. Your two mommies are in the hospital where you can't go. But they'll be okay." Anya lifts the heavy dog up, cradling her in her arms as Phoenix licks her face.

"Here, she's too heavy for you to try and hold. Let me." Giles offers softly, smiling at the dog. "Phoenix, I'm Giles." Giles offers his hand to the dog, smile as she hesitantly sniffs his hand, looking at him with an intelligence he never would have believed possible before she licks his hand in acceptance. Grasping the dog, Giles and Anya walk towards the hospital, sitting down on an outside bench. Giles smiles as the dog climbs off his lap to lean against Anya, whimpering quietly.

Anya smiles down at Phoenix, petting the dog surprised at the amount of comfort she feels from the animal. "You're probably wondering what's going on." Anya finally whispers looking at the watcher.

"That would be putting it mildly." Giles turns his gaze on the ex-demon, watching as she sighs quietly.

"Well, this is the way it happened…" Anya starts, slowly explaining to Giles how she came to be dating Tara, the obvious feelings Buffy had for the witch, and also herself through to an abbreviated version of the three women finally coming together the day before. "Now we're here, with the two of them in the hospital shot by that asshole Warren." Anya snarls.

Giles sits in stunned disbelief, not even cleaning his glasses, just staring at Anya, his mouth open in surprise.

Anya glances up, sighing at the watcher's look. "I thought it would be best to tell you, give you time to get used to the idea. If you don't approve, fine. But don't say or do anything stupid to hurt their feelings. Buffy thinks of you as a father, and honestly, I believe Tara thinks of you that way, also. It'll hurt them beyond belief if you disapprove."

"I…I…" Giles finally whips his glasses off, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tries to comprehend what Anya just finished telling him. "All three of you are together?" He glances at Anya as she nods her head, watching him intently. "Dear, Lord." Giles mutters as he stands pacing back and forth. "What the bloody hell are you three thinking?"

Anya blinks at the watcher. "We're thinking we love each other and want to be together, is what we're thinking."

"Sorry, but you can't tell us what is acceptable or unacceptable." Anya shakes her head at Giles. "I would have thought better of you RIPPER." Anya emphasizes Giles' nickname, making Giles pale.

"All your little exploits were well-known in the demon community Ripper. Don't think I don't know about the things that went on with you and Ethan and the rest of your merry band." Anya snarls, standing up jabbing him in the chest with a stiff finger. "I suggest you get rid of the high and mighty better than thou fucking attitude, and support us. If not, you can get your ass on the next plane back to merry ol' England. While you're at it, you can find someone else to run your shop for you."

Giles unconsciously moves back from the angry ex-demon, his eyes wide in shock, wondering why it had never occurred to him that with Anya being an ex-vengeance demon that she would know about what happened, that the demons talk to each other was a given. It having not occurred to him, leaving him dumb founded as the woman urges the puppy to follow her as she leaves him alone, slowly sitting down on the bench, thinking about his own past misdeeds and own sexual experiments. Silently, Giles wonders if he has any right to judge anyone for the choices they make.

Anya sits down on the ground, her back against the hospital building, running her hand gently over Phoenix's head as the dog lays in her lap, whimpering quietly. "Everything will be okay, Phoenix. Everything has to be okay."

"Anya?" Willow hesitantly questions the ex-demon, finally finding her. As Anya opens sad eyes to look at her, Willow tilts her head towards the hospital. "Buffy's come around again, and they say it looks like Tara might wake up soon. I'll keep Phoenix." Willow murmurs as Anya throws the leash towards her as she hops up running into the hospital. Walking slowly around the building, Willow frowns as she notices Giles sitting on the bench, a dejected slump to his shoulders. Gingerly sitting down on the opposite end of the bench, Willow waits to see if he feels like talking.

"Do I never stop screwing up when it comes to you kids?" Giles questions quietly glancing towards Willow from the corner of his eye. When he sees Willow turn to look at him a frown on her face, he shakes his head. "You needed guidance to help you learn the magic arts, instead of me telling you no. Buffy needed me to stay here to be a father to her, to help her after being brought back from Heaven. Even Xander could have used a father figure, instead of that sorry excuse he has." Giles stops for a moment looking up at the afternoon sun, running a hand roughly through his thinning hair. "Now I started to be an idiot in regards to those three women, practically telling Anya that they can't be together."

Willow inhales deeply, turning stunned eyes on the watcher. "I hate to tell you this, but I'm going to pretty much tell you what Buffy told me. You don't have any right to tell them who they like, love or even want to fuck. And I believe we've all screwed up enough over the years that we don't need to add to it. You can't imagine the amount of pain I felt when Tara and Anya started dating. But you know what I have finally come to realize?" Willow whispers hoarsely towards the watcher, his sad eyes looking at her, silently telling her to go on. "It's nothing compared to the amount of pain I caused Tara. And I have absolutely no right to judge them. The only thing I can do is be there for them, to love them, and hopefully one day have their friendship. Slowly I'm working my way back into Tara's good graces. She's already forgiven me for what I did to her, but I'm not ready to forgive myself." Willow hesitates for a moment running a hand through her hair. "They need friends and family that love and support them, Giles. If you can't do either of those things, it might be best if you aren't around."

Giles sighs deeply, feeling the weight of the world settling on his shoulders. "I feel like a foolish old man." Giles finally admits, brushing his hand across his eyes as he feels the tears gathering. "Do you think the puppy would do better if she got to see Buffy and Tara?" Giles questions quietly looking down at a sad looking Phoenix.

"Probably. But it's kind of a moot point." Willow admits softly. "They won't let her in the hospital."

"What they don't know won't hurt them." Giles mutters, quickly whispering an incantation for a glamour spell, making the dog look like a bunch of flowers, to the normal person.

"What did you do?" Willow questions, seeing Phoenix but feeling the magic surrounding the puppy.

"To everyone but those that know her, she looks like flowers. Phoenix, you have to be a very good girl and be very, very quiet." Giles explains softly to the dog as he picks her up to carry her into the hospital, a surprised and grinning Willow following closely behind.

Anya strides into the room, surprised as she sees the two beds pushed closer together, Buffy reaching over the short distance to stroke her fingers gently over Tara's arm. Easing her body between the two beds, Anya places one hand on Tara's thigh and the other on Buffy's cheek, looking down at the slayer. "How are you feeling?"

"It hurts like hell." Buffy admits, frowning. "Like a damn firebrand in my shoulder, but I told them I'd call if I needed painkillers, letting them know that I don't like to take drugs."

"You should take them, Buffy. It'll let you get some much needed rest." Anya offers quietly, leaning gently against the bed. Turning her gaze to Tara, she sighs at the pale witch.

"Her fingers were twitching a little while ago. They said she might become partially awake, but they're pumping her pretty full of pain killers and antibiotics right now." Buffy whispers looking at Tara.

Anya shifts up to place a gentle kiss on Tara's forehead before whispering quietly. "Heal, sweetheart. Get well so you can come home and be spoiled." Turning her gaze to Buffy, she leans in to gently brush her lips over the slayer's lips. "You take your pain pills so you can rest. The more rest you get, the quicker you'll heal." Anya offers quietly as she pulls away from the soft caress.

"You need to get some rest, too." Buffy murmurs her hand grasping Anya's gently. "Promise me you'll go home and eat, rest and relax. Don't spend all your time here."

"But…" Anya starts to argue, stopping as she sees the look of determination coming across the slayer's face. "Okay. Do you mind if I stay at your house? That way I can take care of Phoenix, also."

"God! Is Phoenix okay?" Buffy questions, looking up at the doorway as a hesitant Giles stands there holding the dog in question. "Giles?" Buffy looks worriedly up at the watcher.

"Just bringing you some flowers to brighten your day." Giles murmurs, emphasizing flowers. "They were just begging to be brought up to you to make sure you two are alright." Giles turns his eyes towards Anya, smiling apologetically at the ex-vengeance demon. "Shhh. Phoenix, remember you need to be quiet." Giles whispers as he brings the dog to the side of the bed for Buffy to pet her.

"Going to have to get you a rabies shot after dealing with Warren, aren't I?" Buffy jokes with the puppy, smiling as Phoenix whimpers quietly while licking her hand. "You're a good girl. And when we're all better, you're going to get to go to the park and spend all day chasing any kind of bug you want, and playing catch. Thank you, Giles." Buffy looks up, the happiness obvious in her eyes.

Giles looks at a softly smiling Anya as he answers Buffy, hoping Anya hears the apology in his tones. "It's the least a blind old fool can do."

Anya looks up to the watcher, seeing the apology in his eyes and voice. Nodding her head, she smiles gently at Giles. "It's a wonderful thing for you to do, Giles."

"Well, I don't want to chance the glamour breaking down. I need to get her back outside." Giles explains as he gently eases the dog back against his chest looking down at Buffy. "Get well, Buffy. If Tara should wake up while I'm gone, please pass on my well wishes for a speedy recovery for her, also. I'm going to go ahead and take this girl back to your house, if you're okay with that."

"Thank you, Giles." Buffy whispers smiling as the watcher blushes lightly, nodding his head as he quickly leaves the room. "How come I think there were some serious undertones going on with that conversation?"

"Nothing for you to worry about. It's all straightened out now." Anya gently squeezes Buffy's hand. "Do you want me to call the nurse and have her bring you some more pain medication?" Anya whispers as she sees the pain cross the slayer's face.

"You won't shut up, until I do, will you?" Buffy opens her eyes, blinking at Anya.

"No, I won't." Anya admits running a hand gently through the slayer's hair. Smiling softly as Buffy finally gives in, nodding her head for a shot. "Love you." Anya whispers softly, pressing another gentle kiss on the slayer's lips before easing out of the room to locate a nurse.

Willow sighs as she opens the door to her parents house, smiling at Christina as the woman carries in the bag of food, taking it to the kitchen. Following her in, she stops and leans against the wall watching as she unpacks the containers of Chinese placing the chopsticks and napkins on the table before looking up at her.

"What?" Christina questions, seeing the small smile playing about the redheads mouth.

Willow just shakes her head, walking towards the tall woman and wrapping her arms around her waist, resting her head against her upper chest, sighing in contentment as Christina hugs her gently. "Thank you for being such a big help with everything."

"No thanks necessary, my wee Willow." Christina offers quietly, pressing her lips gently to the top of the redheads head. "The doctor's seem to be a bit confused about Buffy healing as quickly as she is. Tara seems to be doing a lot better today."

"Slayer healing is a wonderful thing. I was in the room when Buffy insisted on Tara tapping into her energy to help her own healing along. I never knew Tara could do that." Willow admits quietly, sighing as strong hands gently glide up and down her back. "I'm starting to think I didn't really know Tara at all. The more I think about the past, the more I realize I hardly ever questioned her about herself or anything else. I'm a selfish woman, I also realized we haven't talked much about you." Willow shifts back in the tall woman's arms, looking up into soft blue eyes. "I want you to tell me all about you."

Christina chuckles quietly. "Ain't much to tell." Christina admits softly, reaching up to stroke along Willow's cheek. "Why don't we be sittin' down to eat while I tell you the boring story of my life."

"Yes, it is my wee one." Christina smirks as she sits down, watching as Willow opens the refrigerator grabbing a couple sodas out for them. "I grew up one of four children. I have an older brother and two younger sisters. We grew up arguing and fightin' as siblings do. But we love each other. When Da and Ma realized I was a bit brighter than they expected, they sent me to live with Da's sister in Florida, to get a proper education. I got accepted to college here, where I got a living allowance and grants and scholarships to help with the schoolin'." Christina shrugs, digging into her chow mein. "See, boring."

"What about friends, what are your brother and sisters doing now? Past girlfriends or boyfriends?" Willow questions as she digs into her food.

"Got some friends back in Scotland, not that many. Where we lived was up in the highlands away from a lot of people and we kept to ourselves mostly, except for schoolin'." Christina admits, tapping her chopsticks on the outside of her box. "When I came to America, I was more worried about doing good in school to make my family proud, so didn't deal much with other people." Grabbing a dumpling out of one of the other containers, Christina chews thoughtfully for a few moments. "My brother is married now and has two kids of his own. My two younger sisters are fightin' over the 'catch' of the highlands, trying to win his favor." Christina chuckles quietly.

Willow watches as the obvious love and affection for her family crosses her face. "What about you, girlfriends, boyfriends?" Willow questions softly.

"Aye, I had one of them." Christina smirks at Willow as the redhead groans and bangs her head down on the table. Deciding to give the redhead a break, Christina chuckles quietly. "Robert was a guy I dated my senior year of high school. Found out later he was an ass, dating another girl at the same time, even got her pregnant. Probably because I wouldn't put out for him." Christina shrugs at the thought. "Better off without him, anyways."

"I'm not. That just cemented the thought in my head that I not be a liking men." Christina smirks at the redhead. "I never could get to that point of thinking about him that way. I was always more interested and dreaming about different girls. Should have known well before I ever even dated him." Christina grins cockily at the redhead. "And if I hada met you then, I would have definitely known."

Willow blushes looking down at her food from the mischief filled blue eyes across from her. "Well, unfortunately at that time I was dating Oz and probably wouldn't have noticed you." Willow admits quietly.

"Wouldna givin' you the choice not to notice me, my wee Willow." Christina chuckles loudly as Willow looks up in disbelief. "I would have definitely been a' doin' things to get your attention."

Willow whimpers quietly. "What about the girlfriend?" Willow questions, trying to get the subject off her.

"Ah, now that be a wee bit different. Pretty lass, was Dee." Christina nods her head. "Whirlwind affair that burned out quickly. Practically jumped into bed with her right off the bat, I did." Christina admits, frowning. "Unfortunately we weren't meant for each other and went our different ways. Dated a few times after that, but nothing serious." Christina sighs looking at Willow. "At least not until a wee slip of a pixie with red hair and green eyes turned my world on it's axis."

Willow blushes lightly at Christina's words. "You're a smooth talker, Christina." Willow jokes softly, looking up at the pale blue eyes, becoming lost in their depths as she sees the caring and seriousness there. "Will you stay tonight?" Willow questions softly watching as Christina frowns and looks at her questioningly. "I kind of would like to curl up in your arms and sleep again." Willow admits, biting her lip. "I don't think I've ever felt as cared for or as safe as I do when I'm in your arms."

Christina nods, a small smile coming across her face. "I'll be here for you, my wee Willow." Christina reaches across the short distance to gently stroke down Willow's neck.

"Thank you." Willow breathes out the words, pressing into the caress as she closes her eyes, feeling a happiness and a light sense of arousal work through her body at the gentle caress.

"I don't care how fast or well you're healing, you shouldn't be running up and down the hallway." Nurse Sanderson growls at Buffy, her hands on her hips.

Buffy throws her right hand up in the air, already knowing better than to try doing it with her left shoulder yet, the muscle being stiff and sore still. "I'm going stir crazy. And you guys separated me and Tara, so I thought I'd visit her to see how she was doing!" Buffy bitch's, frowning heavily at the nurse.

"Well if you hadn't been caught in a compromising position, we wouldn't have split you two up! That woman has serious abdominal injuries that she needs to heal from!" Sanderson growls into Buffy's face.

"We were KISSING! That was it, nothing else was going on or was going to happen!" Buffy snarls angrily. "I'm just going to visit her. Nothing else! I promise."

Anya chuckles as she walks down the hallway towards Buffy and the nurse, having heard Buffy groan and grumble the whole day before after they moved Tara. "Ask the nurse when the doctor is going to release you, Buffy." Anya states as she stops outside Tara's room, poking her head in, laughing quietly at the smirk on Tara's face.

Nurse Sanderson sighs, dropping her hands from her hips. "This afternoon." She finally admits, shaking her head as she thinks about the doctor releasing this little hellfire on an unsuspecting public.

"YES!" Buffy yells jumping up in the air as she dodges past the nurse to slide to a halt beside Anya, poking her head into the room, grinning hugely at Tara. "They're releasing me, so now they can't tell me I can't come visit you!"

Tara laughs, then groans as she grabs her stomach. "Don't' make me laugh, Buffy." Tara's eyes twinkle at the slayer as Buffy and Anya come into the room one on each side of her bed.

Leaning down, Buffy quietly whispers. "Can you do more healing to help yourself so you won't be in here as long?"

"Only if you'll let me help your shoulder out some more." Tara whispers back, her eyes serious. Looking over at Anya, Tara raises an eyebrow in question.

"I think it's a wonderful idea, and I'm more than willing to help." Anya admits quietly, looking towards the doorway, waiting for the Gestapo bitch of a nurse to show up.

Buffy runs to the door. "We're having a little prayer over Tara, so we would appreciate not being disturbed." Buffy tells the nurse as the woman sits back down at the nurses station.

"You better not be getting up to anything in there!" Nurse Sanderson growls looking at the small blonde.

"I PROMISE!" Buffy practically yells, rolling her eyes. "One time! ONE TIME! Get caught kissing and they think I'm a damn horn dog."

Nurse Sanderson wait's until the little blonde spitfire disappears behind the door, before turning and chuckling with the other nurse on duty with her. "I hate to say it, but I think I might actually miss her when she's gone."

"It has been more entertaining since those two have been here." Nurse Allen laughs quietly. "They're bound and determined to keep us on our toes."

"The soreness should wear off sometime this afternoon." Tara murmurs quietly after they finish the healing spell, smiling gently at the slayer. "I didn't want to heal you so quickly and completely that you would be tempted to get up to meanness before leaving the hospital."

"No fun." Buffy grumbles, easing a hip against the bed, reaching to stroke Tara's jaw line. Smiling gently as she watches Anya's hand stroke a finger down the witch's cheek. "What about you?"

"I pretty much made the internal damage heal, and took away some of the pain, but I'm leaving the external area alone. They're already freaked enough at how quickly you're healing. And amazed, but not freaked that I seem to be doing so much better, that I don't want to chance them wanting to call in specialists to figure out what's going on." Tara admits quietly, smiling up at the two women. "Anything else on what they're going to do with him?"

"He's in jail." Anya frowns heavily. "I had to go by and give my statement, and they saw you earlier today, didn't they?" Anya questions Buffy before looking questioningly at Tara, also.

"Yeah, some detective came and got my story. Pretty much told it as I remembered it, except for the magic part." Buffy smirks looking down at Tara. "They said he wasn't able to walk for a few hours. Did you tap into my strength when you kicked him?"

Tara blushes deeply looking down. "I don't think so." Tara bites her lip self- consciously. "I wish I could have been there a split second sooner."

"Don't blame yourself." Buffy whispers, brushing the back of her knuckles against Tara's cheek. "If you hadn't come out when you did, and I tried to duck out of the way, he would have hit me in the heart, Tara. So without you, I'd be dead."

Tara pales at the thought, shaking slightly. "Actually we should thank Jonathan for calling us." Tara looks up seriously. "Do you think if he had friends that were actually good people, that he'd stop doing the stupid things he does?"

"Maybe." Buffy gives Jonathan the benefit of the doubt. "Maybe we should talk with him, or see if Xander wants to become friends with him. They have that geekdom thing that they both share."

Tara grins sardonically at the slayer, her eyes shifting to the doorway as Giles hesitates. "Come in, Giles."

"I didn't want to interrupt." Giles blushes lightly. "I was down in the billing department and are having all the hospital bills sent to the Watcher's Council. Ummm. Buffy, can I speak with you for a minute?"

Buffy growls quietly before leaning down to place a gentle kiss on Tara's lips. "Be back after watcher-dude says what he has to say."

"Okay, sweetie." Tara smiles watching Buffy walk towards the door, while grasping Anya's hand tightly. After Buffy's out of sight, Tara looks up at Anya. "You going to tell me what transpired with Mr. Giles?"

"No." Anya shakes her head, as she shifts more up on the bed beside Tara. "It's over and done with."

Tara raises an eyebrow at the ex-vengeance demon. "He seems to be a bit more…I don't know. Hesitant? Around you. Almost like he's afraid of what you might say or do."

"Good." Anya smirks. "Do you think they might let you out of this place in another day or two, that way you can heal completely?"

"You're telling me." Anya lifts Tara's hand and places it in her lap, playing with her fingers. "Poor Phoenix is going crazy. She doesn't like you guys not being there. She's okay around me, but when I'm here Giles says she whimpers and howls almost nonstop."

"Well, with Buffy coming home that should help." Tara glances at the doorway, hoping Buffy comes back before long. "Were you able to get a hold of Dawn?"

"Yes. She freaked, but once I explained you two were going to be fine, she calmed down. I think she's going to try and get them to come back early." Anya smiles at Tara. "Then we have to decide how to tell her what's going on with us three."

Tara groans quietly. "Not something I'm looking forward to." Tara admits, her lip quirking. "But everyone else seems to be dealing, more or les."

"Yes they are." Anya grins down at the witch. "I love you." Anya whispers as she strokes the tips of her fingers down Tara's cheek.

"I love you, too." Tara presses into the caress, sighing softly. "I want to go home." Tara admits. "I don't want to be here anymore."

"Then tell them. I'll go see if they can't get the doctor here. Tell them to do whatever blood tests they deem necessary, and that you'll sign any and all release forms so they won't be sued if something happens. We'll take you home, heal you completely and be done with this whole mess." Anya states calmly and logically.

"Sic 'em." Tara smirks at the shopkeeper, laughing quietly as Anya nods, and leaves the room on a mission. "Goody. Buffy and I can both go home."

"What's up?" Buffy questions, leaning against her bed as Giles sits down in the chair in her room.

"Of course, I'm having the Council take care of both of your hospital bills, I just mentioned that." Giles starts, rubbing the back of his neck roughly. "I've been talking with the Council off and on for the last couple months, and have finally swayed them to the realization that you should be compensated for the job you do. They're going to backdate payments to you from when you became a slayer. You will also have full benefits, so if you should get hurt to where you need a hospital stay, it will be covered." Giles pulls out his billfold, handing a card to Buffy. "Just give the hospital billing department this, and it'll be taken care of."

Buffy stares in stunned disbelief at the watcher accepting the card but not able to say anything.

"I've been a complete ass when it comes to you, Buffy. I should have stood up to them a long time ago, and never should have left you here by yourself. You needed someone to count on, and I should have been that person." Giles sighs as he roughly runs a hand through his hair. "And it took Anya bringing me down a peg or two to realize that."

"She didn't tell you?" Giles looks up with stunned surprise on his face. When Buffy shakes her head and looks inquiringly at him, he sighs deeply. "I went off about your threes relationship. Saying that it was unacceptable, and pretty much made an ass of myself." Giles admits, frowning. "She threw a few things in my face about my past and the fact I had no right to judge anyone. And she was absolutely correct."

Buffy blinks at the watcher for a few minutes as he looks embarrassed and apologetic. "You're okay with us, now?"

"Yes." Giles answers simply looking up hopefully into Buffy's face. "Can you forgive a buggered old fool?"

Buffy nods her head, a slow smile crossing her face. "Yes, I can." She whispers, hopping down and leaning over the watcher hugging him with her one good arm. "If you haven't, you might want to apologize to Anya."

"I have, and profusely." Giles admits, grinning. "I've even taken to walking Phoenix around the neighborhood to give her something of a break. That dog of yours is one of a kind."

"She loves you and Tara completely. Pretty much like Anya, I'd dare say." Giles chuckles as Buffy laughs. "Whenever Anya or myself will say one of your two's names she barks excitedly and runs to the door. I think she's been wanting to come back and visit with you."

"Well, she'll be a happy camper when we get home, then." Buffy smiles briefly, before it slowly turns into a frown. "I wish Tara could come home with us."

"If I could find that smarmy doctor, she will be." Anya growls walking into Buffy's room. "I've been looking for him for the last fifteen minutes and can't find the little bastard. I'm going to insist on the nurses paging him." Anya snarls turning back around and leaving the two sitting there in stunned surprise, before they bust out laughing.

"Well, I would say Tara may be coming home, also." Giles pulls off his glasses, laughing quietly.

"I should get out of here and let you change. Your doctor should be by anytime to release you, then we'll wait and see what they say about Tara." Giles smiles gently at the slayer before standing and walking out to visit with Tara.

"Well, damn." Buffy allows a smile to cross her face. "Backdated pay? I might be able to pay off the house, God, that would be wonderful not to have that hanging over my head anymore."

As the three women work their way out to the car, Giles shakes his head as he follows them. "If any of you three show up in there again, they're going to run the other way."

"Good." Anya grumbles as she has one arm wrapped gingerly around Tara's waist and the other firmly planted around Buffy's. "We're doing the healing in the car on the way home. I don't want you two to wait any longer."

"Yes, ma'am." Tara tries to hold back a smirk, but as Buffy leans around Anya and grins at her, Tara can't help the chuckle that escapes.

"You two being in the hospital for a week is long enough. Xander has even gotten to the point of stopping by the house every night, seeing if we need anything. And let's not even discuss Willow. She's there in the morning when I leave to come to the hospital and spends most of the day at the house, sometimes Christina's there with her." Anya grumbles as she helps Tara in the back seat while Buffy gets in on the other side.

"Thankfully I'm usually at the shop." Giles chuckles as he gets behind the wheel, waiting for Anya go climb in the front seat before starting it.

"Be prepared, Mr. Giles. You'll probably get some overflow." Tara warns the watcher seriously. "Buffy will be unblocking her powers and it just about flipped Anya and me out when she did it, so make sure your walls are in place and seriously reinforced."

Giles nods his head, strengthening his own mental walls. "Go ahead." He waits before pulling out, making sure that his walls are secure, still surprised at the flow of energy he feels. Carefully making his way towards Buffy's house while the three women work together to finish healing Buffy and Tara. Sighing quietly he pulls in the driveway, turning the engine off as he turns to look at the three women, noticing the healthier caste to both Tara's and Buffy's countenances.

Tara breathes out, leaning against Buffy's side as she finishes the spell. "Can we not do this again for, like, forever?"

"I'll go along with that." Anya whispers, smiling at her two lovers. "Don't like either one of you being hurt. So no more, understand?!"

Buffy chuckles and lifts her left arm, rotating it before wrapping it around Tara, pulling her in firmly against her side. "All healed?" Buffy questions, her fingers shifting to the witch's shirt, trying to move it up to look at her abdomen.

"Buffy! That can wait until we get in the house." Tara admonishes the slayer, gently smacking her hand, trying not to laugh at Buffy's pouting lip.

"Was just wanting to check the wound." Buffy mumbles before leaning in to quickly kiss Tara.

"Someone's wanting you guys to stop playing around and come into the house." Anya looks at the two women from where she's standing outside the door, waiting for them to climb out.

Buffy chuckles as she hears Phoenix barking excitedly. "How does she know we're here?"

"She just does." Tara shrugs her shoulders, grinning. "I don't have a clue as to how she does it, but she does."

"Phoenix!" Willow yells as Phoenix pushes past her running out to the vehicle wagging her whole body excitedly. "Damn dog." Willow grumbles trying not to laugh as Buffy hauls the dog up in her arms twirling around with her.

"Thanks for helping out, Willow." Tara smiles at the redhead as she looks back at Buffy rolling around on the ground with Phoenix, roughhousing.

"It's the least I could do." Willow chuckles as Phoenix and Buffy end up nose to nose, Phoenix' tail swinging back and forth quickly. "Is she smiling?"

"Buffy or the dog?" Tara questions jokingly wrapping an arm around Anya as she comes to stand on the porch beside her. "Phoenix, come up here and see me!" Tara calls, laughing as Phoenix swipes a tongue quickly over a sputtering slayer's face before running towards her.

"Oh, I see how you are!" Buffy grumbles wiping the slobber off her face as she quickly follows behind Phoenix. "What's for dinner?" Buffy questions as she walks up the stairs heading into the house, following the rest of the crew.

"I'm going to go home." Willow smiles as she gather's a book she brought to read while she puppy sat.

Willow blushes and slowly nods her head. "We're going to see that new Sandra Bullock film then go out to dinner."

"Have a wonderful time. Please tell Christina thanks for everything she's done, also." Tara smiles as Willow grins at her before leaving the house.

"I actually put a roast in the oven along with a bunch of vegetables, it should be getting close to being done." Giles admits as he heads towards the kitchen.

"Okay, that's going to be a snack, but what's for dinner?" Buffy jokes, rubbing her stomach. "Hospital food just doesn't feed my hungries."

Buffy frowns as she looks at the witch, kneeling on the floor in front of her and pushing the shirt up out of the way, gently running a finger over the pink scar left behind. "That's going to stay, isn't it?"

"Yes." Tara admits looking down at the scar. "I could heal everything, but I'll keep the scar. Your slayer healing, being part of you will probably make the scar almost non-existent like it's done with your other wounds."

Buffy growls quietly as she climbs up on the couch beside Tara, wrapping her up in her arms. "We're going to be okay, right?"

"Yes, we are." Tara murmurs burying her face in Buffy's neck, smiling as she feels Anya's arms wrap around her other side.

"Eventually we're going to need to talk about living arrangements." Anya offers quietly, pressing gently into Tara's back, while stroking a hand through both women's hair.

"I kind of figured you'd move in here, with us." Buffy offers almost shyly. "It kind of makes the most sense, if you wanted to."

Tara pulls gently away from Buffy, shifting back so she can look from one woman to the other. "I think that would be a wonderful idea. Do you think we can all get along well enough to live together?" Tara jokes raising an eyebrow at the two women.

"I don't know, but we're going to need another bathroom or two with four women living in the house." Buffy admits, frowning.

"Xander could probably do it, if not he has his buddies on the construction crew that know how to do those things." Anya suggests, thinking.

Tara smiles indulgently at the ex-demon, before leaning in and kissing her lovingly. "I think that would be a wonderful idea."

"Ladies, it would seem Dawn is already on her way back. They cut their vacation short to bring her home." Giles blushes lightly as he watches the interaction of the three women.

"She was worried about you, even though I told her that you were healing and as soon as we got you both out of the hospital we were going to heal you both." Anya explains, frowning momentarily. "And that probably means she's going to be here in a few hours. When did she leave the message?"

"Willow wrote down that she called around 1:00, and that they'd probably be back around 6:00 or 7:00 tonight." Giles explains looking up at the clock, noticing it was already after 5:00.

"Yes." Buffy answers quickly. "I'm not going to be without you two again anytime soon. Even if all we do is sleep together and nothing else tonight, I'm wanting to be curled up between you."

"The roast is ready and I've got some rolls in the oven baking right now. Do you ladies want a salad with dinner?" Giles questions quietly, sighing as he realizes how much the three women obviously care for each other and just how much of a fool he was.

"I'll fix it." Tara pats her two lovers on the leg as she quickly stands, walking towards the kitchen. Giles silently following.

"How are you wanting to discuss this with Dawn?" Anya runs a hand through Buffy's hair, smiling gently as Buffy scoots closer to snuggle in against her side.

"I want to talk with her first." Buffy shrugs. "We'll go from there. She's my sister, hopefully she won't freak too badly."

"If that's what you want. Tara and I are here if you need us." Anya wraps her arms loosely around the slayer, tilting her head against Buffy's, sighing quietly. "Everyone else knows and are fine, once we get past this last hurdle, I'll feel better."

"I love you." Buffy whispers as she leans back to look into Anya's eyes. "You're a very wonderful woman, and I'm lucky to have you in my life."

"I think that goes for all of us." Anya whispers, stroking her hand down Buffy's cheek. "I feel blessed to have you and Tara in my life. I honestly believe together we can make it." Anya's lip curls up in a half smile. "And I want all three of us to be together."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Buffy threads a hand gently through Anya's hair before leaning in to kiss her gently, moaning as Anya quickly deepens the kiss, gently sliding her tongue over and around hers.

"Damn." Anya whispers as they finally break off the soft, loving kiss. "For a straight girl you sure can kiss." Anya smirks as Buffy growls at her.

"Not so straight, damn it!" Buffy grumbles, leaning back into the couch, pouting. "And if I knew that you two liked me, we would have been together long before we were."

"I just can't believe with all the flirting you and Tara did, that neither one of you realized the other one was in love with you." Anya chuckles as Buffy rolls her eyes. "One good kiss and that's all it would have taken, Buffy! Instead you two danced around each other. I still don't understand it."

"Slayer stupidity." Buffy grumbles blushing lightly. "Whenever I think back over everything that Tara said and did, I realize all the signs were there. But maybe I was afraid of what would happen if we did come together. How everyone would react, the fact that Willow's my best friend probably factored into it pretty heavily."

"She was the easiest one out of everyone. She figured it out and questioned me briefly, I don't even think she was that surprised." Anya admits, tilting her head as she thinks about it. "I think Xander was pretty shaken up at the thought, but he came around quickly."

"Hell of a time to figure it out, though." Buffy grumbles quietly. "I'm sorry you had to deal with it by yourself."

"Wasn't that much of a problem, Buffy." Anya sighs quietly leaning in against the slayer, tilting her head on her shoulder.

"Yes, it was." Buffy murmurs, stroking a hand soothingly over the ex-demon's thigh. "Giles told me what he did. You shouldn't have had to deal with that."

Anya rubs her cheek against Buffy's shoulder. "Everything's fine now. So nothing to worry about."

"Dinner's ready, you two." Tara calls softly from the dining room, smiling at the two women.

"How's it going?" Anya questions quietly as she walks up behind Tara, looking out the back door where Buffy and Dawn are talking.

"I haven't heard any yelling or screaming, or seen any violent hand gestures." Tara whispers, watching the two sisters.

"Yes, she does." Tara strokes a hand gently over the arms wrapped around her waist. "Goddess, I hope Dawnie doesn't end up hating us."

"She could never hate you. She love's you, Tara." Anya whispers in Tara's ear, kissing the flesh lightly. "Come on, let's go sit down and watch television. No sense in standing here worrying."

Dawn stares at Buffy in stunned silence as she explains about her feelings for Tara and Anya.

"Dawn?" Buffy questions worriedly as her sister doesn't say anything, just looks at her with wide eyes. "Something, anything?"

Dawn's mouth works for a few minutes. "Both?" Dawn squeaks out the word, and as Buffy hesitantly nods her head, Dawn whimpers and runs a hand over her eyes a couple times contemplating the concept. Finally speaking quietly. "I knew you loved Tara, but I never even considered the possibility of there being something between all three of you."

"You knew?" Buffy whispers in surprise, blinking her eyes owlishly at her sister.

"God, Buffy! Do you think I'm completely blind?" Dawn rolls her eyes. Turning around, she slowly walks back and forth, thinking heavily. "I've never seen you be so happy one moment and completely and insanely mad the next. Your mood swings were horrible!" Dawn explains. "You would always make sure there was plenty of food left over for Tara even if you were still hungry, knowing Tara wouldn't mind that you finished the food. A ton of little things. I honestly don't mind the idea of you and Tara being together." Dawn explains quietly as she turns to look at her sister.

"You have a problem with the three of us being together." Buffy whispers, her eyes sad, the hurt showing in the hazel depths.

"I…" Dawn shakes her head. "Buffy, I just don't know. It never occurred to me that you three would try to have a relationship together. It's…strange." Dawn admits rubbing her forehead. "Do you love them both? Really, truly love them both?" Dawn questions, her eyes piercing Buffy. "You're not just doing this because you love Tara and Anya's kind of a…two for one deal, right?"

Buffy shakes her head slowly. "I have to admit that I loved Tara first, but as I got to know and understand Anya better, she wormed her way into my heart, also." Buffy admits softly. "And I honestly can't think of one woman without thinking about the other. I do love them both, Dawnie." Buffy looks at her sister, her eyes pleading.

Dawn tilts her head looking at her sister. Considering everything for a few long minutes. "Do you think this relationship will work?" Dawn questions seriously, wanting an honest answer.

"I want it to work. We all three want it to work, Dawn." Buffy sighs quietly. "It's not going to be easy. There'll be the normal relationship problems threefold." Buffy quirks her lip up at the word threefold. "But I want to try. And none of us want it to be one of those things where say, Anya and Tara are together one night, Tara and I the following night and then Anya and I the night after. We want this to be a relationship with the three of us in the truest sense of the word." Buffy bites her lip as she waits for what Dawn might say or think.

Dawn looks down at the ground, sighing quietly. Thinking about everything her sister has told her, when it occurs to her that Buffy is treating her like an adult, not her bratty little sister. And in turn, she's actually responding more like an adult instead of her usual whiny self. Allowing a small smile to cross her face, she realizes that a lot of that is to do with Tara being in the house, and no matter what, she wants the witch to stay with them. And honestly, being around Anya has actually become pleasant once she really got to know the ex-vengeance demon a little better. Slowly raising her head, Dawn raises an eyebrow. "If I catch you three doing strange and kinky things in places that I can see you, I'm going to go live with Xander or Willow, understood?" Dawn fights the grin trying to break out on her face.

It takes Buffy a moment to come to the realization that Dawn is joking with her…and then it hits her that she's telling her that she's okay with the threesome. As the huge grin crosses her face, Buffy watches an answering grin finally crossing Dawn's face, followed by giggles. "I love you!" Buffy yells, wrapping her sister up in her arms and spinning her around. "Thank you, Dawnie!" Buffy laughs loudly.

"That's okay, it'll clean up!" Buffy chuckles before slowly setting her sister back on her feet, holding her steady as she wobbles. "We got to go tell Anya and Tara."

"Okay." Dawn follows her laughing sister in the house, smirking at Anya and Tara as they look at her hesitantly. "No kinky stuff where I can see it, understood?" Dawn raises an eyebrow, chuckling as the two women look at her in question. "And do something to deaden the sound, if you can. I'd appreciate it." Dawn flounces up the stairs, laughing, leaving the three women and Giles down in the living room.

"She's okay with us?" Tara whispers, her eyes on Buffy as the slayer prowls towards her and Anya.

"Yes, Buffy?" Giles answers, surprise still showing on his face from Dawn's words.

"We'll be back tomorrow. You don't mind staying here with Dawn, do you?" Buffy questions, her eyes roaming over Tara's and Anya's forms. "Us three need some time to discuss things, and it would probably be best to do it by ourselves."

Giles whips off his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yes, quite right. Go children, please." Giles whimpers quietly at the images trying to flit through his mind.

"Clothes?" Anya questions as she stands, walking quickly to the door, seeing the gleam in Buffy's eyes.

"Won't need them." Buffy growls as she follows a lightly blushing Tara and a laughing Anya out of the house.

"And you worry about me. I think poor Giles is about ready to have his head explode." Anya chortles as the three women quickly make their way to her car.

"Drive, Anya." Tara whispers as Buffy pulls her in on top of her on the front seat and starts running her hands firmly over her breasts while nipping at the back of her neck.

"Yep. We created a monster." Anya smirks as she quickly pulls out of the driveway, turning the car towards her apartment.

"Yes, you did." Buffy agrees, licking across Tara's neck, while burrowing her hands under her top, stroking her fingers over the silk clad breasts. Smiling as she hears Tara moan in pleasure. "I just wish I had two mouths so I could have both of you at the same time." Buffy growls before sucking the soft skin she'd been licking into her mouth, sucking strongly, knowing it'll leave a mark, but not caring.

"Shit!" Tara cries out quietly, starting to squirm in Buffy's lap as Buffy pushes the bra up out of the way and starts pinching her nipples.

Buffy chuckles wickedly as she slides a hand down to Tara's skirt, dragging it up her legs. "Are you wearing underwear?" She questions Tara, her hand sliding between Tara's legs, growling as she comes into contact with the cloth barrier. "I'll probably be able to afford to buy you new underwear here soon. Hope you don't mind." Buffy quickly tears the fabric with one hand at one hip before sliding over to the other hip, tearing the fabric there, flipping the useless panties down as she slides eager fingers over swollen, dew covered lips.

Anya whimpers quietly as she glances over seeing Buffy caress a moaning and wiggling Tara's slit. "Can't drive and watch at the same time, you two. This is so not fair." Anya growls, speeding up slightly as they draw closer to the apartment building.

"Not…me…" Tara pants, whimpering loudly as Buffy slides two fingers deep inside her, working her into a frenzy of need as she brushes the heel of her palm briefly over her swollen clit, not giving it the pressure she needs.

Buffy smirks as Anya quickly pulls into the parking garage, bringing the car to a quick halt in her parking spot. "Want me to continue this here, or upstairs?" Buffy whispers, grinding her palm briefly against the hardening muscle.

"Goddess, people…" Tara whimpers, pushing her body against the hand pumping strongly into her and the palm pressing against her needy clit.

"Does it bother you that someone can look in and see what I'm doing to you?" Buffy questions hoarsely. "Or does it turn you on that much more?" Buffy reaches up with her other hand, wrapping it in Anya's hair and bringing her over for a ravenous kiss while pumping her right hand even faster into Tara as she hears the loud moans and feels the extra wetness oozing out of the witch at her words.

"BUFFY!" Tara screams, reaching down to press Buffy's hand hard against her, burying the slayers fingers deep inside her as she comes.

Buffy moans into Anya's mouth as she feels the hot flood of liquid saturate her hand, and Tara's muscles clenching down so hard on her fingers that Buffy wonders if she'd be able to remove them even with slayer strength.

"Upstairs, now." Anya growls after pulling away from Buffy's mouth, inhaling the smell of Tara's climax deeply within her senses.

Buffy finally eases her hand away from Tara as the witch eases her internal muscles. Opening the door, Buffy helps Tara out of the vehicle, quickly following her as she notices the witch stumble as her legs aren't quite ready to support her yet. Slamming the car door, Buffy wraps her left arm around Tara while slowly sucking and licking the juices off her right hand as the three groaning women make it to the elevator, riding it up the three flights to Anya's floor.

As soon as Anya unlocks the door, the three women are barely inside with the door shut behind them, before Buffy grabs Anya, pulling her in against her other side, kissing her ravenously.

Tara moans quietly at the carnal display, gently urging the two women towards the bedroom, stripping her clothes off as she helps Buffy and Anya take their clothes off in between hands and lips landing on various body parts, teasing, pinching and caressing, not knowing who's hand is where.

Buffy growls quietly as she feels someone's fingers slide deep inside her while nipping on firm flesh, taking a moment to realize she's nipping on someone's butt cheek, not even caring who it is, Buffy starts licking and nipping her way across the firm flesh while rocking her hips into the fingers working in and out of her at a feverish pace. Running her hands up over the back in front of her, Buffy wiggles her hands under the person's body, grasping hold of full, firm breasts, grinning at the realization she's got hold of Tara. Feeling smaller, firm breasts press into her back, Buffy sighs in happiness at being sandwiched between the two women.

"Want…over…" Tara mumbles, moaning quietly as Buffy lifts her body from her, effectively lifting Anya with her. Grinning, Tara turns over and spins her body around, burying her face against Buffy's apex, licking strongly over the rock hard clit of the slayer while reaching up and sliding three fingers deep within Anya center, brushing her thumb firmly over the ex-vengeance demon's clit at the same time she starts a fast rhythm inside the shopkeeper.

Finding Tara's sex right in front of her, Buffy dives in, her body rocking against the sensory overload as her back is nipped and licked, her clit sucked on and fingers pounding away inside her. Sucking strongly on Tara's blood engorged clit, Buffy whimpers as she feels the climax working through her own body. Sliding her fingers through Tara's wetness, Buffy starts pumping three fingers in and out of the witch, growling as she hears Tara whimper more into her sex. Working the fourth finger in, Buffy groans loudly as Tara clenches her fingers, her hips jumping uncontrollably as the witch explodes, a small warm flood soaking her hand, tipping Buffy over the edge as Tara unconsciously, or consciously scrapes her teeth over the swollen flesh she'd been sucking on.

"FUCK!" Anya screams loudly as Tara slides a slippery finger in her ass at the same time she presses hard into her clit and buries her fingers deep inside her. Collapsing on top of the slayer, all three women groan quietly as they become one sweat-soaked heaving mass of flesh.

Feeling to spent to move, the three women, pant heavily, lying in a tangle of limbs for long moments before Tara chuckles quietly.

"What are you laughing at?" Anya slowly eases her body off Buffy, groaning as Tara's fingers slide from her various body parts.

"Is this the life-affirming sex I've heard about?" Tara whimpers quietly as Buffy slowly rolls off her.

Buffy groans, flopping her head on the pillow. "I don't know, but it took me a while to figure out who was where, and to tell you the God's honest truth? I'm still not sure!"

"Well, I know where Tara's fingers ended up." Anya sighs quietly as she taps Tara on the leg. "You going to spin around and lay up here by us?"

"Don't have the energy." Tara mumbles, shifting her hands to a leg on either side of her to caress gently.

"We're going to need a bigger bed." Buffy considers the logistics of the three women sleeping together. "When's your lease up on the apartment?" Buffy questions Anya, turning her head to look at the woman.

"Keep it or sublease it?" Tara questions, groaning as she feels two hands stroking up either inner thigh.

"Don't know, don't care. Just going to move Anya in as soon as possible. We can worry about everything else afterwards." Buffy mutters, her hand stroking gently over Tara's sex, curiously seeking out the folds and crevices, smiling at the dampness of her sex.

Anya chuckles as her fingers collide with Buffy's. "Want to see, or should I say, feel a really neat spot?" Anya questions, looking at Buffy as she grasps the slayer's hand.

"Okay." Buffy agrees, curious about the ex-demons mischievous grin and Tara's low groan. Allowing Anya to wrap her index finger around hers, Buffy blinks in surprise as Anya slides their two fingers within Tara. As Anya feels deep within the witch, coming across a certain area after hooking their fingers, Anya slides Buffy's finger over the area.

"Feel that spot, remember that spot, caress that spot." Anya orders softly, sliding her hand away from Tara as Buffy curiously does what Anya told her to do.

"FUCK!" Tara growls loudly, her hips starting to jerk and jump at the uncontrollable pleasure starting to build within her body at the slayer's curious caressing. "Damn, you, Anya!" Tara whimpers loudly as her body starts shimmying and shaking as she can't control her response.

Buffy shifts her body, watching in amazement as Tara's body practically vibrates with the arousal coursing through her. Stroking more firmly and quickly, Buffy shifts her body around, to get a better angle with her finger, gingerly sliding another finger in to caress over the spot, eyes opening wide as Tara arches high off the bed, groaning loudly at the same time the witch floods her hand and arm with her orgasm.

Anya chuckles as she watch's Buffy and Tara, her hand stroking gently over Buffy's back, knowing the slayer is so engrossed with what's happening with Tara that she really isn't even aware of what Anya's doing. Figuring it probably won't take long for Buffy to reach the same release, Anya quickly slides three fingers within the slayer, searching out the slayer's g-spot, stroking firmly and quickly.

"DAMN!" Buffy cries feeling the immense pleasure coursing through her body as Anya obviously starts doing to her what she'd just finished doing to Tara. Rocking her body against the pleasure giving fingers, Buffy slides down on top of Tara as Tara pulls her down.

"Don't hold back, enjoy it." Tara whispers, stroking her hands up and down Buffy's back as Buffy rocks against her body and Anya's pleasure giving fingers. Tara smiles as Anya winks at her.

Buffy whimpers, burying her face between Tara's breasts as she feels the fast build up of extreme pleasure in her body, even her toes feeling like they're tingling, looking for release. Her body uncontrollably shaking with desire, Buffy screams as the orgasm rips through her, literally soaking Anya in her juices. Seeing spots of colors sparking behind her closed eyelids, Buffy whimpers continuously for long minutes as Anya's fingers slowly still inside her before easing out.

"Hmmm." Anya moans quietly, licking up some of the slayer's juices. Gathering more, she shifts to dangle her fingers in front of Tara's lips. "Want some?"

"Anya!" Tara growls at the teasing ex-demon before grabbing the hand pulling it down to suck the juices from the fingers.

Buffy blushes darkly at the two women, burying her face even more firmly into Tara's chest.

"Don't be embarrassed." Anya presses a kiss against Buffy's shoulder. "It tastes absolutely wonderful."

"Greedy." Anya grumbles. "You could always situate yourself to clean it up the right way, you know!"

"Buffy, sweetie?" Tara murmurs quietly, smiling as Buffy looks up hesitantly. "Turn around." Tara grins lasciviously at the slayer.

Buffy whimpers, burying her face against the witch again. "There's just something wrong with this picture."

"Buffy, shift up." Anya orders considering things for a moment, smiling as Buffy does as asked. "Tara, you turn around. You need to be cleaned properly, also." Anya slides down to the end of the bed, watching as Tara shifts around so she can lap hungrily over the slayer's body, making Buffy blush even more. Gathering up some of the liquid glistening on Tara's thighs, Anya offers it hesitantly to Buffy. "Try, please?"

Buffy looks at the glistening finger for a second before capturing it in her mouth, sucking the sweet liquid from it, closing her eyes and groaning at the sweet flavor. Finally gathering all the liquid, Buffy grunts. "Different."

"Different type orgasm." Anya wiggles her eyebrows as she slides between Tara's thighs licking her way slowly up one of Tara's thigh, gathering every last drop.

"HEY! That's mine." Buffy growls, frowning at the ex-demon, unconsciously shifting her body as Tara's tongue and lips caress over her inner thighs.

"You snooze, you lose." Anya smirks at the slayer, before laughing as Tara's body jumps as she starts laughing.

Wrapping her arms tightly around Buffy's waist, Tara hugs her. "There's plenty more where that came from, sweetie. Be thankful Anya hasn't given you the work over yet!"

"You told me not to. Wasn't it something about giving her time to acclimate herself to us before teasing her unmercifully?" Anya frowns as Buffy buries her face in Tara's apex, lapping up the liquid. "Now, that's just downright mean." Anya taps Buffy on the back of the head, chuckling as Buffy growls at her.

Laughing, Anya slides up beside the two women. Turning her head, she watch's as they clean each other of their orgasms. When Tara turns lust-filled eyes towards her, Anya raises an eyebrow in question.

"Buffy, sweetie. I think it's time for you to attack Anya." Tara chuckles as she hears a grunt of approval come from Buffy and Buffy practically pushes herself up and off the bed, turning in the air and landing between Anya's spread legs. "Damn. Wish I could do that!" Tara states after seeing that little maneuver.

"More, More, More, More." Buffy growls, her eyes twinkling merrily as she works her way up Anya's body, spreading the ex-demon's legs further apart as she slides between them, fingers playing around the woman's sex.

"Sex crazed monster. She finally found out what good sex is li……" Anya whimpers loudly as Buffy quickly slides her fingers home within her, searching and finding her g-spot, stroking with her strong fingers, quickly bringing her to a shivering, shaking mass of need. "BUFFY!" Anya screams as reaches her orgasm in record time.

Buffy grunts happily, opening her mouth as she tries to engulf the ex-demons whole sex in her mouth to try and capture all the fluid escaping from the woman.

Tara can't help but laugh at the slayer's antics. "Anya, there's no more thinking we created a monster, I know we have."

Buffy looks up, a huge grin covering her cum soaked face. "You think?" Running a tongue around her lips, gathering up more of the ex-vengeance demons juices, she tilts her head. "I've been missing out all these years. Lots and lots of time to make up for." Buffy nods her head as she thinks about it. "Lots and lots of making up to do."

Tara laughs gleefully as she slides down, lapping the slayer's face clean, grinning as she hears the groan coming from Anya as she slowly lands back in this plane of existence from her orgasm. "And all the time in the world to do it."

"Promise." Tara whispers, kissing Buffy gently, groaning as Anya slides up beside them, stroking her hands gently over both women.

"Promise." Anya adds her promise, kissing first Buffy, then Tara before all three women tease each other in a three way tangle of tongues, before they slide back on the bed, collapsing as their bodies finally give in to the exhaustion working through them after their sex marathon.

"Love you." Tara murmurs quietly as the three women shift, spooning against each other.

"Love you, too." Buffy wraps her arms around Anya while she smiles as Tara's arms wrap around both women.

"Love you two, too." Anya places one hand on Tara's arm and the other on Buffy's arm as she slowly feels herself drifting off to sleep.

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Shattered Souls

by Kinetic-Kid

Copyright © 2005

kwhite14@yahoo.com