What If? 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: None
Author's Notes: What if Willow went to one of the other colleges courting her during her senior year? What if there was no Dawn or Glory? If Joyce didn't have an aneurism and die? What might have happened? This story is the Scoobies Freshman year of college. No Anya/Xander hook up from the past. Plus other little things – be forewarned – I will be playing fast and loose with time-lines!!
Pairing: Buffy/Tara

Summary: Buffy meets a very special witch while out on patrol one night.

"Mom, I'm going to go head out on patrol." Buffy calls to her mom as she pulls on a light jacket and checks to make sure she has a knife and a couple stakes on her.

"Be careful, honey." Joyce wipes her hands on the dish towel as she walks out of the kitchen, smiling at her daughter.

"You sure you don't mind staying home while going to college?" Joyce questions as she watches Buffy start to open the door.

"Mom, we've been over this before. I know you need to save as much money as possible and if it's easier on you my being here while going to college, that's what I'll do." Buffy sights quietly. "I don't mind."

"I know you don't, but I kind of feel guilty that you're not getting the whole 'college' experience." Joyce admits. "I can take out a second mortgage on the house."

"No, Mom. NO." Buffy states more adamantly. "It really isn't that big a deal. Willow's going to MIT, Xander's got a job at a construction site. It isn't like I'll be living on campus and sharing a room with a friend." Buffy shakes her head before glancing out at the night. "And it saves you a lot of money." Smiling she looks at her mom before quickly walking over and giving her a quick hug. "It's okay, honest."

Joyce smiles and hugs Buffy back, thankful that after all the years and problems they had been through, they were finally on an even keel. "Be careful. Kill lots of evil monsters and come home safe and sound."

"I will. Love you, mom." Buffy grins as she opens the door heading out as she hears her mom telling her she loves her.

Buffy quietly hums to herself as she patrols downtown Sunnydale on her way to the campus, knowing that a lot of vampires look for a co-ed snack. She had already killed three newly risen vampires in two different cemeteries.

Strolling along, she senses a vampire around and listens intently as she hears a noise coming from the alleyway just ahead. Quickly sliding into the shadows of the alley, she sees a vampire just sinking his teeth into this young teenager. Running full tilt, she rips the vampire away from the teen and slams the vampire against the wall, disorienting him. "Are you okay?" She questions the teen, and as he nods his head, holding his neck he looks at surprise to the petite blonde girl that just saved him. "Go home. Stay to the well lit areas and preferably to crowds." She admonishes the kid.

Buffy watches him go and shakes her head at the stupidity of the people in Sunnydale before ducking as the vampire takes a swing at her. "That's not nice. Trying to take advantage of my not paying attention to you." Buffy smiles at the vampire before backhanding him across the jaw.

"Fuck you." The vampire growls out as he quickly pops back up from where Buffy had knocked him down. "I'm gonna kill you slow, little girl."

"Don't think so." Buffy shakes her head as she calmly waits for the vampire to attack. As he lunges towards her she jumps up and tucks into a roll over top of him coming to land behind him before spinning around and catching the vampire upside the head with a back spin kick.

"You know you actually have to touch me to hurt me." Buffy smirks at the vampire as he runs towards her again, quickly dodging to the side, Buffy slams her stake into his heart through the back. "You weren't any fun." She grumbles quietly as she twirls the stake before tucking it back away in the back of her jeans.

Buffy grins as she heads past the Bronze, scoping out the alleyway making sure there were no vamps before nodding to Jimmy the bouncer as he let her in to look inside. She smiles thinking about the fact that Jimmy just let's her slide in without paying the door charge after she saved him from the 'disfigured' mugger that one night.

Opening her senses fully, she glances around, sweeping haze eyes briefly over the dancers on the dance floor as she feels a slight tug at her senses, she narrows in on the dark corner that always seems to attract the vampires. Quickly sliding and dodging around bodies, Buffy makes her way back and stakes the vampire that was just getting ready to bury her teeth in the unsuspecting man. "Be careful who you decide to suck face with. You might not like the results." Buffy quickly turns on her heel and heads out of the Bronze winking at Jimmy as she leaves.

"It's what I do." Buffy shrugs her shoulders before quickly heading down the street. She feels sad as she works her way towards the campus, wishing Willow had decided to stay in Sunnydale to go to college, but knowing in her heart that the redhead was way too brilliant to go to a little hick college. Not with MIT, Harvard and Oxford recruiting her. Shaking her head she smiles, realizing that it was only a little over a month away before Christmas break and Willow would be back to visit.

Buffy hears a muffled cry coming from behind one of the college buildings and quickly runs over seeing four different vampires attacking a blonde woman. Quickly staking one vampire, she grabs two more, flinging them back and away from the woman before slamming her fist in the last vampires face, breaking his nose. Glancing briefly at the woman, she notices that it didn't look like they had started feeding yet and breathes a sigh of relief. Spinning around and double fisting the vampire across the head she calls out. "Be careful, try to stay out of the way." Jumping up she kicks the other vampire hard in the chest, smiling as he flies back a good ten yards before coming back down to sweep the legs from the third vampire out from under him as he tries to sneak up on her from behind. Quickly staking him she growls as she feels the other vampire ready to hit her and falls down in surprise as he disappears in a burst of flames.

Tara sees the vampire closing in on the petite blonde that had come to her aid and quickly sends a fireball to dust him. Calling herself all kinds of stupid for being out so late by herself, she knew she was in trouble when the four vampires surrounded her. She can take care of one, maybe two by herself but had known she was about to kiss her ass goodbye when she saw all four of them. Not believing how thick the townsfolk people were not realizing they were living in vampire heaven, she shakes her head and watches as the petite blonde quickly takes care of the fourth vampire. Suddenly feeling shy she grabs up her books that she had previously dropped and whispers "Thank you." Before quickly heading back to her dorm room.

Buffy stands there watching the retreating back of the blonde and frowns, realizing that though she would have been able to defeat the vampires, she obviously had done some kind of magic spell to help her. Starting to follow the woman, her eye is caught by something shiny on the ground, kneeling down she picks up the charm that had obviously fallen off either a bracelet or a necklace. Walking slowly to where more light was shining she smiles at the Celtic Cross in her hand. Looking up, searching for the blonde she realizes she's already disappeared and sighs quietly. "Thanks whoever you were. Hopefully I'll see you again and give this back to you." Tucking the charm into her front pocket, Buffy finishes canvassing the campus before working her way back home.

"Mom, I've got to get going or I'm going to be late for class." Buffy calls out to her mother as she grabs her backpack and slings it over her shoulder.

"You too." Buffy yells as she heads out the door, starting up a quick jog to get to her college class in time.

Buffy grumbles as she sits down in the back of the Psyche class. 'I swear that woman is evil' she thinks to herself looking at Professor Walsh talking quietly with the TA Riley Finn. Buffy eyes the Senior, having to admit the man was good looking and definitely built. But something about him sets her teeth on edge. Finally giving up her musings she glances around the class, actually paying more attention to her class mates as she grabs her book and notepad out. Seeing a blonde head that seemed somewhat familiar at the other end of the classroom and halfway down, Buffy tilts her head trying to place the woman.

Glancing back to Professor Walsh as she starts the class, Buffy puts the other thoughts out of her head and quickly starts taking notes.

Tara quietly groans as she stands up to leave class, feeling her back catch slightly from when the vampires had pushed her against the tree the previous night. Gathering her books up and pressing them against her chest she slowly walks out the door smiling shyly at the Professor and TA as she leaves the Psyche room. Slowly heading towards the Cafeteria, she jumps as she feels a small warm hand on her arm. Quickly looking up into smiling hazel eyes, she blinks a couple time before realizing this is the woman that had come to her rescue last night. Blushing she looks back down, letting her hair slide to cover her embarrassment.

"I think this might be yours." Buffy smiles as she holds out the charm in front of the blonde woman. "And I owe you a thanks for last night."

Tara shakes her head and slowly reaches out smiling at the charm she thought gone. "No, y-you saved me." Tara runs her thumb over the cross before tucking it away in her purse. "Thank you. I thought for sure it was gone." Glancing up briefly Tara smiles before turning towards the Cafeteria.

"Umm, I'm going to get something to eat, since it's like lunch time and that's what most normal people do. Do you have a class?" Buffy questions intrigued by the shy blonde. "Maybe we can talk about how you know about the things that go bump in the night…and how you did what you did?" Buffy smiles trying to catch the blue eyes she has only gotten brief glimpses of.

Tara stops stunned as the pretty little blonde asks her to get something to eat. "I w- was going to the Cafeteria. If you w-want to come." Tara looks up grinning slightly. "I was p-planning on g-grabbing a sandwich and eating outside." Tara admits.

"Sounds good." Buffy nods in agreement and turns to walk with the taller blonde. "I'll buy."

"You d-don't have to buy." Tara shakes her head glancing briefly to the side watching the blonde bounce along, smiling to herself. Tilting her head slightly, she feels the strength and…Mystical power? Coming from the woman.

Buffy smiles as they get in line, grabbing a tray she winks at the blonde. "Nope. I'm buying. Isn't that often when someone saves me. So I feel the need to spend some of my mom's hard earned money."

Tara chuckles quietly. "If you insist." Quickly looking through the fruit, Tara grabs an apple, placing it on the tray as they work their way down the food, watching in surprise as the little blonde starts piling up the tray. Raising an eyebrow at the quantity of food, Tara grabs one of the pimiento cheese sandwiches and a water to the tray.

"That all?" Buffy looks at the small sandwich, apple and water. "What about dessert? They've got brownies? Come on, you got to like chocolate." Buffy jokes as she grabs a couple plates with brownies on them. Quickly walking to the cashier, Buffy digs her money out of her pocket paying for the food before heading out to the Quad, with the other woman following her. Glancing around she smiles as she sees an empty bench and makes a beeline for it.

"By the way, my names Buffy Summers." Buffy grins as she holds her hand out to the other blonde after setting the tray down on the bench.

"T-tara Maclay." Tara shyly takes the other woman's hand before looking up curiously. "Exactly what are you?"

Buffy sighs quietly, knowing that Giles was going to go ape shit on her ass. But for some reason she feels the urge to let this woman know everything. "A college student?" Buffy raises an eyebrow and grins slightly.

Tara smiles briefly before looking down and unwrapping her sandwich. "More than a college student, I bet." She murmurs before taking a bite.

"Yeah, but I always get in trouble if I just blurt it out." Buffy admits quietly looking out across the quad at the students walking by. "How did you take that vampire out last night?"

Tara looks sideways at the blonde, wondering if she should tell her. Running a finger over the edge of her water bottle she unconsciously straightens her back, deciding she got away from home to become someone, and this wasn't getting it done. "I'm a witch. I did a fireball spell." Tara finally whispers out before nibbling on her sandwich some more.

"I should have known that." Buffy grumbles quietly. "Slayer brain MIA again." Buffy growls quietly as she grabs up another sandwich quickly devouring it.

Buffy's eyes widen as she makes contact with the witch's blue eyes. "You know what a slayer is?"

Tara nods her head excitedly. "They're mentioned quite frequently in a couple of my Magical texts. Seems that sometimes they would work together with different witches. I should have known with the demon population here that the likelihood of the Slayer living here would be extremely high."

Buffy smirks as she leans back against the bench. "I gotta tell Giles this. He'll probably flip." Chuckling quietly she glances over the woman. "How long have you been here? I mean obviously you didn't go to high school here, I'm sure I would have remembered you."

"No, I didn't go to high school here." Tara quietly admits before finishing her sandwich. Taking a sip of her water she glances up, looking at the clouds drifting by in the sky. "I'm in my Sophomore year here. Imagine my surprise when I left home to come to college and I end up on a Hellmouth." Smiling softly she glances at the slayer. "I finally figured out why I got such a good package deal with the scholarships, grants, tuition and boarding."

Buffy laughs and nods her head. "They have a hard time keeping the classes filled." Not understanding why she feels so comfortable with the woman, Buffy watches her intently, smiling as she starts taking tiny bites out of her apple. "Please tell me you don't make it a habit of walking around after dark."

"Not normally no." Tara makes eye contact before looking back at her apple. "I didn't realize how late it was getting when I was studying at the library. I try to be in the dorm room by dusk."

"Just try to be careful. Unfortunately I can't be everywhere all the time to protect people." Buffy states sadly before sipping on her soda.

Tara feels her urge to reach out to the obviously hurting woman. Briefly placing her fingertips on her lower arm, Tara smiles. "I'm sure you do everything you can. If people would pay more attention instead of dismissing things as 'ugly muggers', or 'overgrown dogs' they would help themselves out immensely." Tara pulls her fingers away from the warm, electric feel of the slayer's arm. Glancing down at her watch, she realizes she's only got ten minutes to make it to her next class. Gathering her trash she stands up and throws it in the can beside the bench. "I need to head to my next class." Tara looks and actually makes longer eye contact with the enchanting hazel eyes. "Thank you for lunch."

Buffy smiles standing gathering the wrappers from her food and frowns as she sees the brownie sitting there. "Here, take your brownie." Handing it to Tara she grins at the little laugh coming from the witch.

"Thank you." Tara giggles quietly. "Yes, I do like chocolate." Quickly turning to head towards class, she's stopped by the warm hand on her arm again.

"See you again?" Buffy can't understand why she feels sad at the woman leaving, and wants to make sure they'll run into each other again.

"At least every Tuesday and Thursday." Tara grins and nods at the other woman. Chuckling at the confused look on the slayer's face she tilts her head. "Psych class."

Buffy smacks the side of her head before grinning. "Definitely see each other then. You better hurry. I don't want you to be late."

"Thanks again, Buffy." Tara quietly whispers before quickly walking across the quad to her next class.

"You're welcome, Tara." Buffy breathes out, wondering at the feelings coursing through her. Glancing down at her watch, she groans remembering she'd promised her mom she'd be at the Art Gallery to help her unpack some crates. Then she needed to go to the Magic Box and train. "A slayer's day never ends." She grumbles as she throws her book bag over her shoulder and heads towards the Art Gallery.

Joyce smiles as she watches her daughter silently and quickly unpack the shipments she had gotten in. Chuckling to herself she finally walks over to her and places a hand on her shoulder. "Who is he?"

Buffy glances up in shock at her mother as she had been thinking very seriously about a pair of beautiful blue eyes and a crooked grin that had shown itself briefly during the conversation at lunch. "What did you say, mom?" She smiles apologetically at her mother.

"I was wondering who has caught the eye of my only daughter." Joyce smiles at Buffy as she hops up on one of the unopened crates looking at her with confused eyes. "What's wrong, honey?" She questions after seeing the confusion.

Buffy thinks about her mothers phrasing and realizes she's been thinking about Tara non-stop since their lunch that afternoon.

Grabbing a chair, she pulls it to sit in front of Buffy, waiting patiently as she watches the different emotions crossing her face.

Tucking her legs up under her to sit in a cross-legged position, Buffy places her elbows on her knees and leans her chin down on her fisted hands. Thinking deeply, realizing as the blue eyes make another appearance in her mind, her heart speeds up momentarily.

"What's wrong, honey?" Joyce reaches out and places a hand on her daughters leg. "You know you can talk to me about anything, don't you?"

Buffy sighs as she straightens her back and picks at a callous on her hand. Finally looking up and making eye contact with her mother, she whispers "I met someone last night on patrol that's actually in my Psych class."

"No, the fact this person helped out last night and knows about slayers actually makes things easier." Buffy thinks hard about what she's going to say next. "The fact that I can't get this persons eyes out of my head since I bought lunch for us this afternoon is what's confusing me." Buffy finally admits.

Joyce thinks heavily about what Buffy is saying and not saying. Realizing as she plays over the phrasing of her daughter's words that she was using words like someone, person, us. Not he's, or his. Looking intently at her daughter she reaches up and grasps her hand catching her eyes with hers. Taking a gamble she questions "What's her name?"

"I listened to what you were and weren't saying, Buffy." Joyce smiles softly at her daughter.

Buffy looks down blushing. "Her name's Tara. I just met her last night but after actually talking with her today I feel drawn to her." Looking up confusion filling her eyes. "I don't like girls, mom."

Joyce sighs quietly grasping the hand in hers tighter. Wondering how to phrase this to not hurt or alienate Buffy. "Buffy, I love you. And I'll love you no matter what." Joyce looks into her daughter's hazel eyes smiling sadly. "Maybe you don't like girls per se. Maybe you just like this one girl." Joyce reaches up and brushes a stray hair off Buffy's cheek. "It's hard if you choose to see if there's a possibility of a relationship between you two. Same sex couples are still frowned upon and treated badly a lot of the time." Joyce sighs thinking about some of the people she works with, the artists and some of the horror stories about how they are treated. "You know that I have a few artists that are gay. And with what they've told me about their lives and how they're treated, I wouldn't want that for you."

Buffy looks in her mom's eyes searching, not believing how well she's taking this. "I don't know mom. Maybe it's just a tiny crush. Maybe if I'm around her more often I'll find out she has a hairy eyeball or something and go running the other way."

Joyce chuckles as her daughter tries to make light of it. "I know you, baby. Once someone catches your eye it takes a world ending apocalypse to get it back out of there."

Buffy nods her head silently in agreement knowing her mother's right. "What should I do?"

"Find out if there's a chance she may return the feelings." Joyce suggests quietly. "Ask her out to lunch, maybe invite her over to dinner in the future." Joyce smiles as she sees her daughter perk up a little more thinking about it. "I'll support you no matter what honey."

"You're the best mom ever." Buffy whispers jumping down and hugging her mother tightly.

"You are." Buffy smiles as she pulls back. "I need to run. I'm already late to meet Giles for a training session."

"Are you going to come home first or just go straight out on patrol?" Joyce smiles at her daughter.

"Depends on what he's got planned. If it's a light workout I'll head home. But for some reason I have a feeling he's going to be putting me through my paces." Buffy grumbles. "I've been able to ditch a few sessions and I think I'm about due to pay for it."

"Be careful. I'll see you later." Joyce watches as Buffy quickly grabs her gear and heads towards the door waving as she walks out. Sighing quietly looking at all the unpacked crates, realizing there was only the one left that Buffy had been sitting on. "Thanks Buffy." She whispers glad that all she had to do was finish setting the items up in displays and unpacking the last crate.

"Giles, I'm here." Buffy yells out as she quickly enters the Magic Box, knowing she was going to catch hell for being late.

"Buffy, you don't have to yell. I'm not deaf, you know." Giles mutters out before looking at the young woman in front of him. "I'm sorry my dear. Unfortunately she has the manners of a billy goat."

Chuckling quietly, blue eyes glance up at the watcher. "Actually I think she's quite charming and nice."

Buffy strides toward the counter and stops dead in her tracks as smiling blue eyes look her way. "Tara!"

"You know each other?" Giles questions as he finishes ringing on the ingredients for the young woman.

"Giles, this is Tara. Tara, this is my watcher dude, Giles." Buffy smirks as she waits for the blast from Giles.

"She knows all about me, Giles." Buffy rolls her eyes before grinning at a blushing Tara.

"We k-kind of ran into each other last night." Tara starts glancing up briefly smiling at Buffy. "Four Vampires decided I'd make a good snack. She saved me from them. Then she saved me again this afternoon from the hunger demon." Tara jokes softly.

Buffy chuckles quietly as she walks closer to the witch. Looking down at the stuff she's buying, she frowns. "You aren't planning on turning me into a toad with all this stuff are you? I don't think I'd look good being green."

Tara looks up in surprise at the blonde standing close by her and picking through her ingredients. "No. I th-think you look good as you are." Tara's eyes widen slightly and she blushes deeply looking back down at her hands.

Buffy's heart skips a beat at the compliment and she grins from ear to ear. "I didn't realize you shopped here."

Tara glances back up and smiles softly. "It's the only shop in town that carries real supplies and not just henna tattoos." Tara crookedly grins at the slayer. "Tattoos aren't really my thing."

Buffy chuckles leaning her hip against the counter, facing the witch. Watching her intently.

"Yes, well. I dare say this young lady has been coming in here for the past year." Giles smiles at the young woman. "I don't know how you two haven't ever been in here at the same time."

"Maybe fate had different plans. Hell, we've been in the same class all year and didn't know it either." Buffy murmurs casually taking in the other woman's taller figure. "What do you have planned for me tonight Giles?" Buffy questions not turning her gaze away from Tara.

Tara blushes as she has the distinct impression that Buffy's checking her out. Glancing up and seeing the interest in the hazel eyes, Tara catches her breath before exhaling quietly.

Giles looks at his slayer in confusion, cleaning his glasses furiously. "Yes, well. I figured you should start on the weight bag then work on your dexterity and throwing skills. After I closed down the shop I was going to get padded up and work on your hand to hand combat."

"Okay." Buffy agrees amiably watching the interesting colors the witch is turning. Glancing up, noticing that it would be dark in an hour she tilts her head at Tara. "You going straight back to campus?"

"I need to make a couple more stops. I need to go by the grocery store and stock up on juice while it's on sale." Tara admits quietly swallowing before glancing back up, letting hazel eyes catch hers. "After that I need to go to the library for some more studying."

Buffy looks into the warm blue eyes and smiles. "I can't have that. You'll be there late again and I would be worried about vamps trying to munch on you. No, that isn't going to work. Why don't you stick around here and after I finish training I'll walk with you to the grocery store and the library. I'll patrol around the campus and check in on you before walking you home?"

Tara looks up in surprise and shakes her head. "You don't have to go to all that trouble for me. I'll be okay."

"I insist." Buffy reaches out and tucks the hair covering the woman's face behind her ear, shocked at her own daring.

Tara slowly lifts her head as she feels the warm fingers caress her cheek as they tuck her hair behind her ear. Blinking a couple times before nodding her head. "Okay." Tara whispers quietly and smiles as an absolutely beautiful smile crosses the slayer's face.

"Want to watch me beat up inanimate objects before Giles comes in for me to beat up on him?" Buffy smirks sliding her eyes to actually look at the watcher.

"Okay." Tara agrees quietly, smiling softly as she hands the watcher the money for her ingredients.

Giles sighs before accepting the money and quickly giving the change back to the young woman. "There's chairs already in the back for you to sit on. I'll be in there in a little while, Buffy."

"Thanks Giles." Buffy smiles as she motions for Tara to proceed her. Glancing over the back of the witch smiling at the long skirt flowing down over what looked like army boots to the…army boots? Buffy glances back down and smirks. Reaching around to open the door to the back Buffy points towards a wooden bench against the wall. "If you want you can sit there. Or you can sit on the stack of mats in the corner." Buffy smiles as Tara sets her items down on the bench but heads to the stack of mats sitting down in lotus position glancing back up at her with smiling blue eyes.

Buffy grins as she heads to the corner and grabs a pair of shorts and tank top to work out in, heading to the changing area Giles had set up for her. Quickly stripping and putting the clothes on she grabs her tennis shoes and sits down on the mat quickly tying her laces up. Pulling her hair back in a tight ponytail, she starts stretching her legs out glancing up to look at Tara. "How long have you been practicing?" Buffy questions as she shifts her body up to a straddling position slowly sliding all the way down before leaning over sideways groaning as her muscles pull slightly since it's been a while since she's given them a good stretching.

Tara's eyes widen slightly as she watches Buffy and coughs quietly. "Umm my Mom started teaching me when I was basically a baby."

"So your mom's a witch, also?" Buffy pushes up with her arms and slowly swings her legs up and in front of her before lowering her body back down and reaching for her toes, pressing her forehead against her knees.

"Yes, as was her mother before her. All the women in my family are witches." Tara admits, starting to feel a little warm.

"So, if my memory serves me that makes you a hereditary witch? Doesn't each member get stronger the further down the line?" Buffy glances up making eye contact with the woman.

"So that must make you pretty powerful." Buffy hops up bending over backwards to stretch her back out before slowly walking towards the reinforced weight bag Giles hung from the ceiling.

"I guess so." Tara glances up as Buffy starts to slowly hit the bag gradually building up speed before interspersing legwork with it. Looking over the well toned muscles of the slayer, Tara feels a shiver work through her body at the obvious power and strength of the woman.

"Don't you know how powerful you are?" Buffy grunts out between punches and kicks.

"I've never been tested." Tara admits quietly. "My mom said I was powerful, but it isn't something that I just do all the time. I only use magic if I have to, or when I'm practicing new spells."

"They have testing for that sort of thing?" Buffy stops turning towards the witch.

Tara grins and nods her head. "Yes, they test you from the simplest spell up to extremely complex spells. Covens will make you do spell after spell to see how strong you are, how long you can last. Some witches are very powerful, but they weaken quickly. Say they can only do one huge spell then they're done before they can recharge. There are other witches that aren't very powerful, but have good stamina. They can cast spell after spell for hours on end."

"Which are you?" Buffy questions. At Tara's shrug, Buffy frowns. "Your mom never put you through your paces?"

"When I was younger she did. But as I got older and my powers grew stronger she wasn't able to." Tara looks down as tears slowly come to her eyes.

Buffy catches the glint in the woman's eyes and quickly strides over to kneel in front of her. "What's wrong?" When Tara just shook her head and made sure her hair covered her face, Buffy growls quietly reaching up to lift her chin and look into the tear filled eyes. "What's wrong? Please tell me" Buffy whispers quietly.

Buffy thinks over the conversation realizing that there could be a couple reasons why Tara's mom wouldn't have been able to test her and she feels her heart ache for the other woman. Slowly standing up she sits down beside Tara and wraps an arm around her, hugging her gently. Buffy hears the door to the training room open and sees Giles step in. As he looks up she shakes her head gently and urges him back out with a look and tilt of the head. Giles glances from one woman to the other and quickly leaves, shutting the door gently behind him.

"B-buffy. Why are you being so n-nice to me?" Tara asks the question out of nowhere as she feels the other woman gently stroking her back as she slowly calms down.

Buffy stops her stroking for a moment before picking it back up. "Because I like you." Buffy watches to see if there's any reaction from Tara. As the woman sits there quietly and reaches a hand up to wipe the tears from her face, Buffy sighs. "Aren't you used to people being nice to you?"

"No." Tara answers bluntly. "My mother was the only one that was ever nice to me."

Buffy gets the distinct impression that Tara doesn't wish to discuss this any further, so she doesn't ask anymore questions. Thinking quickly she smiles. "I'll be right back, okay?"

Tara nods as she wipes the rest of the tears from her face. Glancing up she watches as Buffy quickly jogs out of the back room, blinking at the muscles flexing in the slayer's legs, Tara closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "Not exactly what I need. And it's not like she'd be interested in me that way, anyway." Tara mutters as she quietly centers herself.

"Giles, I promise I'll work extra extra hard at the next session." Buffy quickly tells the watcher as she jogs out of the training room.

"Yeah. We were talking and I think we hit on a sad subject that upset her." Buffy quietly explains. "I think her mother died and her life hasn't been the best." Buffy frowns as she grabs the phone down quickly dialing her house. "Mom, are you fixing dinner?"

"Hello, Buffy." Joyce chuckles quietly at her daughter. "Yes, I'm fixing spaghetti and garlic bread. Are you coming home for dinner?"

"Depends?" Buffy winces slightly. "How do you feel about setting another place at the dinner table?"

"Would this other place happen to be for a certain young lady?" Joyce questions surprised.

"If she'll come to dinner. She was buying some items here at the Shop when I came in. I figured if it was okay with you I'll see if she'll come over tonight." Buffy silently begs her mom to let her bring Tara to dinner.

"That didn't take you long." Joyce chuckles quietly. "Please bring your young lady to dinner, Buffy."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you." Buffy smiles hugely. "But mom, please don't call her that."

"My young lady. I don't even know if she likes me or not." Buffy's eyes widen as she realizes what she's said in front of Giles. Making eye contact with the Watcher, she watches as he turns a funny color and whips his glasses off pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I'm sure she likes you. How can she not?" Joyce smiles before continuing. "I'll be on best mom behavior."

"Thanks mom, you're the best." Quickly hanging up the phone she winces as she looks into the serious eyes of her watcher. "Go ahead and yell at me."

Giles sighs and shakes his head. "I'm not going to yell, Buffy. Just be careful. From the little I've talked to that young woman in the past year I don't believe her home life was the best."

"It's not what she's said but more of what she hasn't." Giles shakes his head. "And more of a feeling I get. Just take it easy." Giles smirks his lip a bit. "She seems to be a lovely young woman, Buffy."

Buffy smiles glancing towards the door to the training room. "Yes she is." Buffy whispers before looking down at her clothes. "I've gotta change. Thanks for not being mad Giles."

"How can I?" Giles whispers to himself as Buffy's already ran back into the training room. "Just please take care, my dear." Giles taps the ear piece of his glasses against his chin thinking about the past. Shaking his head he adds a couple items that he noticed he was getting low on to the order list.

"I don't know about this." Tara looks around as she and Buffy walk from the store towards Buffy's house.

"It's fine. Come on, what were you going to do? Go home and eat a cup of Ramen Noodles?" Buffy asks and sees the guilty flush cross Tara's face and sighs. Buffy shifts the bags she's carrying to her left hand and loops her right arm through Tara's left arm. "Come on, spaghetti and garlic bread. She'll probably have a salad fixed and maybe even dessert. Where would you get a better offer?" Buffy grins at the witch.

"Okay, okay. You've already talked me into going to your house for dinner. But you're positive she isn't going to be upset?" Tara looks worriedly at the slayer before glancing down at the arm hooked through hers, feeling a smile working across her face.

"I'm positive. I called and asked, she laughed and said yes. No problem." Buffy smiles as they turn onto Revello drive. "Mom always fixes extra anyway."

"So take charge." Tara giggles as the slayer stops and pouts out her lip looking at her with sad puppy dog eyes.

"Little ol' me?" Buffy pouts and blinks her eyes. "I just invited you to dinner. You could have said no."

Tara laughs loudly at the slayer before opening her eyes wide and covering her mouth. "Sorry."

"Sorry for what?" Buffy looks at the witch questioningly. "You didn't do anything wrong. And I like your laugh. It's honest and from the gut, not these fake haa haa laughs that most people give."

Tara blushes looking down before glancing back up into the serious hazel eyes. A small smile playing about her lips Tara whispers "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Buffy hooks her arm back through Tara's and heads down the sidewalk before turning up the walkway to her house. Letting the witch's arm go, she opens the door and waves her in. "Welcome to my humble abode."

Tara giggles as she walks into the home and stops a few yards in waiting for Buffy.

"Mom, we're here." Buffy calls out loudly as she shuts the door. Setting the bags of Tara's juice down by the door before smiling at the witch.

"Let me put your jacket up." Buffy smiles at Tara as she quickly pulls her own jacket off hanging it up as Tara slowly removes her, handing it to Buffy. "Let's go meet my mom."

Joyce glances up from slicing the cucumbers to place on the salad, smiling at her daughter then seeing the obviously shy blonde walking in behind her. "Hi honey." Joyce smiles as Buffy kisses her quickly on the cheek.

"Mom, this is Tara Maclay. Tara this is my mom." Buffy smiles as Tara glances up smiling quickly at her mom.

"Thank you for letting me come over to dinner tonight, Mrs. Summers." Tara smiles at the older version of Buffy.

Joyce casually observes the young woman, seeing why her daughter seemed to be captivated by the warm blue eyes. Smiling towards Tara she shakes her head. "You are more than welcome to come over to dinner whenever you wish, my dear. I always fix too much. And please, it's Joyce."

"Thank you, Joyce." Tara looks down as she blushes. Glancing back up she looks at Buffy and raises an eyebrow "I need to wash my hands, could you tell me…"

"Sure. Up the stairs and on the left." Buffy smiles as Tara grins thankfully at her and quickly leaves the kitchen. Waiting a moment as she hears the woman start up the stairs she turns to her mom, grinning.

Joyce chuckles at the obvious smitten look on her daughters face. "No hairy eyeball?"

"She seems to be a lovely young woman, Buffy. But I've only seen her briefly." Joyce laughs at her daughter. "Why don't you set the table."

"Okay." Buffy mutters quietly before turning to pulls the plates and bowls down walking into the dining room.

Joyce's lip quirks up at her daughter's actions. "Definitely smitten." She quietly mutters to herself as she pulls the garlic bread out of the oven.

"That was a wonderful dinner, Mrs. Summers." Tara smiles feeling more comfortable in the two women's presence.

"Joyce, my dear." Joyce corrects the young woman, smiling gently. "I didn't make anything for dessert but we do have ice cream?" Joyce makes it a question looking at the two young women.

Joyce smirks at her daughter. "Rocky Road, Butter Pecan and just plain vanilla."

"One Rocky road with extra chocolate syrup for my growing daughter." Joyce sighs before looking towards a giggling Tara. "And you, dear?"

Tara smiles fully or the first time and Buffy's breath catches in her chest at the absolutely beautiful woman. Blinking her eyes a couple times, Buffy slowly stands gathering the dirty dishes, taking a pile into the kitchen.

"I don't really think I have room for dessert, but thank you." Tara starts to stand and help gather the dishes.

"No, no dear. Buffy and I will get them. You're a guest." Joyce pats Tara on the shoulder smiling at the young woman. "And are you sure you can't fit just a small bowl in there somewhere?"

"Maybe just a scoop of vanilla with a little syrup?" Tara grins lopsidedly at the elder Summers.

"Then that's what you'll get." Joyce gathers up the rest of the dishes and follows her daughter into the kitchen. Quickly setting the dishes in the sink she watches as Buffy stares out the back door. "Honey, something wrong?"

Looking over her shoulder with worried eyes she looks at her mom. "I'm scared mom." Glancing back out at the night she slumps her shoulders.

"What are you scared of honey?" Joyce walks over and places a hand on Buffy's shoulder.

"My feelings." Buffy whispers. "I just met her last night, mom. And when she just smiled in there I felt my breath actually catch in my chest." Making eye contact with her mom in the reflection of the back door she sighs. "I didn't even have that with Angel, mom. What if she doesn't return my feelings?"

Wrapping her arms around her daughter, Joyce squeezes her gently. "This has definitely hit you fast, hasn't it honey?"

"Just go slowly honey. And ice cream is just the start." Joyce hugs her tightly before releasing her and opening the freezer pulling out the ice cream.

"I'll get them mom. What did she want?" Buffy grabs the bowls down and the ice cream scoop out of the drawer.

"I got it. If you want, maybe just take the syrup into the dining room?" Buffy smiles as she scoops out the vanilla. "You did want butter pecan, didn't you?" Buffy questions as she looks at the three containers of ice cream.

"A couple scoops, please." Joyce pulls the chocolate sauce down before walking to the dining room. Sitting down she smiles. "Buffy's bringing in the ice cream."

Tara runs a finger over the edge of her glass. "You have a beautiful home, Mrs…Joyce." Tara catches herself and grins at Buffy's mom.

"Thank you. May I ask you something, Tara?" Joyce questions the young woman and as she nods shyly she smiles. "Are you doing anything for Thanksgiving?"

Joyce frowns at the stutter from the young woman. She had only stuttered a couple times through the whole dinner, but she stutters twice over those few words. "Well you do now, if you want."

"I usually bake a few pies the night before and get the turkey in the oven first thing in the morning. We have the usual fixings with dinner." Joyce hesitates as Buffy comes in juggling the three bowls if ice cream. "Do you need help dear?"

"I got it." Buffy smirks as she quickly sets the three bowls down on the table and slides them to the two women. "So was I hearing talk of Thanksgiving Dinner?"

"Yes you did. Is there anything special you enjoy at Thanksgiving?" Joyce looks towards Tara.

"Sweet potato casserole." Tara whispers. "My mom used to make it every Thanksgiving."

"I haven't ever made it before. If you have a recipe…" Joyce looks at the woman.

"I can get the ingredients and make it when I get here, if that's okay?" Tara offers.

"That's fine. How long will it take to bake?" Joyce smiles encouragingly at the young woman.

"It'll take roughly 45 minutes to bake. Probably take me 15 minutes to prepare." Tara grins thankfully at the woman before squeezing a small amount of syrup on her ice cream and scooping up a small portion to eat. Her eyes widen as Buffy grabs the syrup and turns it upside down squeezing what must have been half the bottle on her huge bowl of ice cream.

Joyce chuckles at the look on Tara's face. "If you haven't figured it out already, my daughter likes to eat."

"Mom!" Buffy whines quietly as she sets the syrup back on the table before scooping up a big bite of ice cream.

Tara chuckles and shakes her head. "She must burn thousands of calories just standing still. I'd love to have her metabolism."

"You and me both." Joyce smiles in understanding at the other woman. "It's enough to make me sick."

"You two do realize I'm sitting right here and can hear everything you say, right?" Buffy grumps as she eats her ice cream.

"Yeah, yeah. You two sound real broken up about it." Buffy grumps before grinning. "Giles and Xander are still coming to Thanksgiving dinner, you have any strays you're inviting from work this year, mom?"

Joyce shakes her head. "Nope, everyone now has significant others or family to spend Thanksgiving with."

"One of my best friends since Sophomore year. He's spent Thanksgiving with us every year since then. His home life isn't the greatest. His parents are both alcoholics and he's lucky if they'll throw a microwave dinner in the microwave for him." Buffy growls out angrily.

"Yeah if I could I'd knock some sense into his parents and into Willow's parents both. From one set that treat their son like shit to another set of parents that pretty much completely ignore their daughter." Buffy snarls out.

Tara watches Buffy, in shock at the emotion coming from the slayer. Tara reaches across the table and lays a calming hand over Buffy's other hand. "Goddess, if you get that angry over their parents, remind me to not tell you about my father and brother." Tara's eyes widen as she realizes what she said and quickly pulls her hand away from the slayer.

Buffy's eyes jerk over to the witch's as what she said sinks in to her haze filled brain. "Tara?" She questions lowly.

"N-nothing. D-don't w-worry about I-it." Tara shakes her head letting her hair slide forward to hide her face.

Joyce pales slightly and places a firm hand on Buffy's arm. As Buffy looks towards her she shakes her head. Pleading with her silently to leave it be for right now. Finally all the tale tell signs added up. The obvious shyness, the stuttering, the hiding behind her hair, almost afraid to say anything or speak up for herself. The poor girl had obviously been abused as a child.

"Well, I know you need to go on patrol, Buffy. Would you like me to take you two to the college?" Joyce questions softly.

Buffy tilts her head watching Tara not look up and sighs quietly. "Tara, do you want to ride back to the campus? I know you said you needed to go to the library. It'll be quicker if mom drops us off."

Tara nods her head without looking up. "That would b-be g-good." Tara stutters out.

Buffy clenches her hand into a tight fist, feeling the urge to put it through something or someone. Closing her eyes she takes a couple deep breathes to get control of her anger. Finally opening her eyes she looks into her mother's worried eyes and smiles sadly. "Mom, we would love for you to drop us off on Campus."

"Let me get my purse and keys." Joyce quickly stands up and heads to the living room.

Tara briefly looks up and sees the worried eyes of the slayer watching her. Lowering her eyes back to the table, she slowly stands and collects the bowls, stopping as the warm hand of the slayer covers hers.

"If you ever want to talk, I'll be there for you." Buffy whispers quietly, unconsciously running her fingers over the soft hand.

Tara feels her heartbeat speed up at the soft caress and nods her head. "Thank you." Slowly pulling away, Tara takes the bowls into the kitchen and sets them in the sink.

Running water over the bowls, Tara looks down silently kicking herself about opening her mouth about her family.

Buffy stands quietly in the doorway to the kitchen, watching the obviously upset witch. Hearing her mom come up silently behind her she leans back against her. Turning she points to the living room. Listening for Tara, Buffy looks at her mom. "She was abused, wasn't she?"

Joyce looks into her daughter's sad eyes and frowns. "It appears that way, Buffy. She's going to need to be handled with kid gloves dear. Tread carefully so that you don't scare her off. I do think she likes you in a more than friend way."

Buffy smiles at the uplifting thought. "Very slow, very careful. Got it." Buffy whispers and looks towards the kitchen hearing movement. "We're ready to go Tara, if you are." Buffy calls as she walks to the door leaning down to pick up Tara's groceries.

"I can c-carry those." Tara starts to reach for the bags and looks up when Buffy pulls them out of reach.

"I've got them." Buffy smiles softly and winks. "I've got super powers, I can lift bags of juice with a single finger."

Buffy feels her heart lighten as Tara actually makes and holds eye contact as she gets a partial smile from the woman. Opening the door she ushers Tara and her mom out.

Standing in the doorway to Tara's room, Buffy shifts from one foot to the other as the woman quickly sets her bags down by the desk and grabs her backpack shoving a couple note and text books in with a handful of pens. Smiling as she looks in the room, realizing there were small Christmas lights hanging around the ceiling.

As Tara walks towards her, Buffy holds her hand out for the book bag. As Tara looks questioningly at her, Buffy smiles. "I can get your book bag for you."

A slight frown crosses her face as she looks at Buffy. "I can carry my own book bag, Buffy." Tara mutters quietly as she slings it over her shoulder, pulling the door closed behind her, heading down the stairs.

Buffy's shoulders slump before she quietly follows the witch. "Would you like to come to dinner tomorrow night?" Buffy questions as they walk across the campus towards the library.

Tara hears a note of sadness in the slayer's voice and she slows down glancing over at the woman. Seeing the slumped shoulders, she frowns trying to figure out why she seems so sad. Blinking her eyes a couple times she thinks about how Buffy wanted to carry her bag and wondered if that could be what was upsetting the woman. Shaking her head at the improbability, she takes a deep breath and slides the book bag off her shoulder.

Buffy sees the bag swing in front of her and she unconsciously reaches for it taking it from the witch, throwing it over her shoulder as she straightens and a bounce enters back in her step.

Tara watches in stunned surprise as the slayer switches from being sad to happy in a few seconds. Deciding to file that thought away for future reference. She quickly walks up the steps leading to the library and thanks Buffy as she opens the door for her.

Buffy follows Tara as she works her way through the library towards the back section.

Tara looks up and smiles briefly at the slayer. "I usually set up here." She watches as Buffy slides the book bag off her shoulder and gently places it on the table.

"Are you okay here by yourself?" Buffy glances around seeing a few other students studying, nothing tweaking her senses.

"How long will you need?" Buffy glances up at the large clock. "Or should I just come back in roughly an hour to see how you're doing?" Buffy pins the blue eyes with her determined hazel eyes.

Tara quirks her lip up slightly. "I will need a minimum of an hour. Maybe longer, depending."

Buffy nods "I'll be back in roughly an hour to check on you. Don't you dare try to sneak back to your room by yourself, understand?"

Buffy looks curiously at the witch for a moment. "I'm going to go check for bumpy things. I'll be back later."

"Bye Buffy." Tara smiles as she watches the slayer walk away. "Exactly what is going through your brain, Buffy?" Tara whispers to herself before frowning at her book bag. Grumbling she starts pulling her work out taking her notes as to what books she needs before heading into the stacks.

Buffy strides out of the library, her thoughts on the witch. Unconsciously allowing her instincts to lead her to a vampire hiding in the bushes ready to jump on an unsuspecting co-ed. Growling deeply, Buffy kicks him hard in the head knocking him out before staking him. Tucking the stake away, Buffy continues silently stalking the denizens of the night. Feeling the anger build up at the thought of the woman's father and brother beating on her, Buffy growls deeply. "Better pray to God that you don't show up here. I'll fucking rip your hearts out." Looking out over the quad searching for something to take her anger out on, Buffy kicks a rock smirking as it goes at least a hundred yards. Feeling something trying to sneak up behind her, she waits until it's close before dropping down and swinging her legs around, dropping the vampire on it's ass. Quickly popping back up in a fighting crouch. Buffy waits for the vampire to come after her. Smirking as the vampire comes up swinging, Buffy let's loose. Taking her anger out on the hapless vampire, Buffy throws punch after karate chop after spinning back kicks at the vampire, not letting up. Finally as the vampire collapses on the ground unconscious, Buffy looks down at it and snarls her nose before quickly staking it.

Sensing another vampire nearby, Buffy stalks quietly towards it when she sees a group of…men?…soldiers?…zap it and drag it away, frowning she follows silently behind the group, sticking to the shadows. Seeing them disappear down a drain opening, Buffy growls and makes a mental note to check this out later. Jogging quickly away from the area, Buffy makes another circuit of the grounds, still feeling angry, but not finding anything to take it out on she grumbles quietly to herself before taking deep breaths to calm down before trotting up the stairs to the library. Quietly working her way back, she stops and watches the blonde writing across her notepad quickly while flipping the pages with her other hand glancing between the book and pad. Smiling she leans against the edge of the book shelf crossing her arms, observing the woman.

Tara flips the page of the book frowning as she quickly skims over the material. Placing her fingers under the section she needs she quickly writes down the information. Realizing someone is watching her she glances up and smiles at Buffy. "I'll only be a few more minutes if you want to sit down."

Buffy smiles and quietly slides into the chair across from Tara. Looking at the flowing writing of the woman, she grins. It's beautiful just like the witch. Crossing her arms and laying her chin on them she silently watches Tara as she finishes taking her notes.

Tara fights the urge to laugh as Buffy watches her. Finishing she glances up making contact with happy hazel eyes. "Enjoying yourself?" Tara smirks slightly at the slayer.

Tara blushes and shakes her head before putting her items back in the book bag and stacking the books to be dropped off at the desk to be re-sorted. Standing she rolls her eyes as Buffy grabs and slings the book bag around her shoulder while tucking the other books under an arm heading to the front of the library. Following behind the slayer, Tara takes the opportunity and slowly rakes her eyes over the slayer's petite form, the obvious play of muscles under her tight jeans and the predatory way she moves. Surprised at the feelings of desire working through her body, Tara shifts her eyes to look at the floor as they reach the desk.

Glancing up smiling as Buffy places the books on the counter as she heads towards the door. Walking through the open door, Tara whispers "Thanks, Buffy."

"You're welcome." Buffy grins letting Tara walk slightly ahead of her, watching the gentle sway of her hips. Slow, slow, slow. Buffy mentally tells herself as she raises her eyes from the witch to pay more attention to their surroundings as they walk back towards the dorms.

Tara can't help but smile at the slayer as she unlocks the door to her room. "Would you like something to drink? I have juice and water."

"Water would be good." Buffy slides into the room and gently places the book bag beside the desk. Watching as Tara kneels down and opens the tiny refrigerator, pulling out apple juice and a water, she rocks silently back and forth. "You didn't answer earlier. Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night?"

Tara closes the refrigerator before standing and handing Buffy the water. Gently shaking her apple juice, she tilts her head considering the blonde slayer. "Are you my guardian angel, now?" She questions seriously.

Buffy almost spits out the water she's drinking. "Me an angel? Hell no. Some of the things I've done…" Buffy trails off shaking her head. "I'm no angel. I'm a girl that got drafted into this fight. And I like you. Mom likes you. She said you were more than welcome to come over for dinner anytime." Buffy smiles engagingly at the witch. "So, dinner? Tomorrow?"

"Do I have a choice?" Tara quirks her lip up at the slayer, finally just giving in to whatever the blonde wants.

"You always have a choice." Buffy seriously admits. "If you don't want to come over, please just say so. If I piss you off, tell me. Anything you want to say, please say it."

Tara blinks a couple times at the slayer's serious comments and nods. "I will." She whispers and smiles softly as Buffy grins at her. "What time?"

Buffy frowns in confusion for a minute before she realizes she's asking about coming over for dinner. "What time's your last class tomorrow?"

"My last class ends at 2:30. I'll probably come straight back here to do some studying and finish working ahead in a couple of my classes." Tara admits.

"You work ahead?" Buffy groans and falls back against the door. "She's a brain. She's going to find out what an idiot I am and go screaming in the other direction."

Tara laughs quietly at the slayer. "I somehow doubt that you're an idiot. And I wouldn't consider myself a brain."

Tara blushes while looking down. "I'm a double major. I'm going for teaching credentials with a second major in Art. Minor in business." She whispers the very last.

Buffy glances back around the room quickly, paying more attention to the few items hanging on the wall, narrowing her gaze in she swears she can see T. Maclay in the corners of the pieces. Continuing her inventory of the room, she now sees what looks like art pads, pencils, charcoals, paints and other items neatly stacked in the corner.

Slowly bringing her gaze back to Tara she raises an eyebrow. "When do you have time for a life?"

"When do you have time to go out and have fun. Live it up, dance the night away. Go out on a date, go to the movies or out to dinner? You know, life!!" Buffy growls out.

"I…I go to class and study." Tara frowns. "Summer I get a job and find an apartment to stay in until school starts back up."

Buffy paces back and forth. "What about a…" Here she hesitates thinking about her phrasing. "How about going out on dates? Isn't there someone out there that has asked you out? Wanted to snuggle with you while watching a movie?" Buffy stops her pacing and looks at the woman. "Wanted to kiss?" She whispers.

Tara opens her mouth and shuts it a couple times watching the slayer. Not knowing what to say she sits down on the bed, absentmindedly peeling the label from the apple juice she's been sipping. "No."

Buffy feels her heart constrict at that simple word. Standing there looking at the blonde dumb-founded, Buffy internally winces. Finally getting up the nerve she whispers "Anyone you ever wanted to do any of those things with?"

Tara feels her heart jump as she glances up quickly and looks back down. "Not before, no." Tara finally admits as she pulls the label the rest of the way off.

Buffy frowns wondering at the 'before' part of that statement. Deciding to stop pushing she finishes her water and walks over to the small trash can by the desk. Dropping it in she smiles as she looks at the blonde. "I guess I'll have to do something about that, then." Smirking as Tara's eyes widen before she looks back down, Buffy slowly walks towards the door. "I need to finish patrol and do some studying when I get home. I'll come by tomorrow evening and walk with you to our house for dinner."

Tara glances up as Buffy opens the door, "Thanks Buffy." She watches as the slayer hesitates before glancing over her shoulder and smiling at her, nodding. As Buffy shuts the door gently behind her, Tara flops back on her bed, closing her eyes. "What am I getting myself into?" She whimpers quietly to the empty room, before a slow beautiful smile works its way across her face. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it's going to be worth it."

Buffy quickly works her way through the cemeteries, all the vampires she came across meeting a quick violent death as she works her way home. Opening the door, she hangs her jacket up and locks the door behind her glancing in the dining room smiling at seeing her mom working at the table. Walking towards her and pulling out a chair, she shits down and frowns, thinking about her conversation with Tara.

Joyce glances up as Buffy sits down beside her. Watching the emotions crossing her face and the frown that's looking to take up permanent residence on her daughters brow, she sighs quietly and slides the papers in the folder and puts them in her briefcase. "What's wrong now, honey?"

Buffy glances up, her eyebrows almost meeting she's frowning so hard. Standing up she paces from one end of the room to the other. "She's never been on a date before Mom. From what I was able to get out of her, she's never had a life except school and work. She hasn't even been kissed!" Buffy growls out striding more quickly back and forth. "What kind of family does she have that she's never been on a date? Never been to a school dance? When she frowns and doesn't even understand when I ask her if she has a life and her answer is she studies, goes to class and works during the summer so she can afford an apartment." Buffy stops and stares at her mother.

Joyce's eyes open wide as her daughter rattles everything out quickly. Opening her mouth as Buffy looks at her, she shakes her head and closes it back not knowing what to say.

"She's double majoring and has a minor also! Majoring in Teaching and Art while minor in business! What kind of class load is she taking to do all this? I actually paid attention to her room while I was there after I walked her back from the library. There were three beautiful paintings on the wall, and if I saw right, she painted them. She's going to work herself into the ground. Or a fucking early heart attack." Buffy yells out the last words slinging her arms up in the air before raking a hand through her hair. Collapsing back onto the chair Buffy drops her head onto the table.

Joyce reaches out and runs a calming hand over her daughters head, frowning as she thinks over everything Buffy said. "Honey…" Joyce starts and stops, completely at a loss. Rubbing her daughter's back, Joyce sighs. "I assume from what you said that she doesn't even have any friends at the campus then?"

"I don't think so." Buffy whimpers quietly. "Mom, what am I gonna do? What can I do?"

"Start off by being her friend. Talking to her, maybe get her to go to the Bronze when she feels more comfortable. Invite her over to dinner as often as you want, honey." Joyce offers what she can.

"She's coming to dinner tomorrow night." Buffy admits lifting her head and smiling sadly at her mother. "I'm going to run by the campus and walk with her here."

"You've taken on a lot, you realize that, don't you?" Joyce watches as her daughter nods her head.

"She's worth it." Buffy grins. "She's obviously very smart if she's taking all these courses. Then to get the grants and scholarships…" Buffy shakes her head in disbelief. "Do you think you'll need your usual summer help?"

"Thanks mom." Buffy stands and kisses her mom on the head. "I need to go upstairs and do some studying before I crash. I can't imagine taking all the classes she does. Just with the few I'm taking and patrol I've got enough to keep me busy."

Buffy smiles happily as she walks across the campus heading towards Tara's dorm room. Thinking about how she had shocked Giles when she didn't argue or complain once during the training session today. Taking the workout seriously had surprised the watcher. Buffy giggles quietly at his surprise as she did twice as many of everything that he wanted her to do. Watching as the students hurry about their lives, Buffy smiles softly hoping that soon Tara will have a life to enjoy instead of just school or work. "And hopefully I'll be part of that life." Buffy smiles at the thought. Quickly walking up the steps Buffy opens the door and jogs up the two flights of stairs striding towards Tara's door. Nodding at a couple students she passes along the way, she stops outside the witch's door and runs a hand quickly through her hair before knocking.

Buffy rocks back on her heels and smiles as the door opens. Glancing over the blonde quickly, Buffy quirks her lip. "Did someone order their own personal bodyguard service to walk them across Sunnydale to spend an enchanting evening eating dinner and talking nonsense with two women starved for company other than each others?"

"Now, now. Be nice to the not so bright slayer. She doesn't understand the big words." Buffy's eyes crinkle up at the witch.

"Oh, what am I going to do with you?" Tara murmurs. "Did you want to come in for a moment? I need to put my shoes on."

Buffy smiles and eases into the room, walking around it looking more closely at the paintings. The three paintings couldn't be more different. The one was a riot of colors that just seemed to jump out at you, no rhyme or reason but something that made her smile while looking at it. Looking over at another softer colored painting that was obviously of a beachside locale with waves gently rolling in and a little boy building a sandcastle while his parents look on. The sand dunes with a golden retriever running over them towards the boy. Looking more closely, Buffy grins as she sees a little crab scrabbling across the sand away from the boy, the detail unbelievable as she looks more closely at the painting.

"Th-that painting helped earn me a scholarship." Tara murmurs quietly. She had been observing Buffy as she put her shoes on. Waiting patiently for the slayer to finish looking over the paintings, she decided to say something when the woman stalled on that painting.

"It's absolutely unbelievable." Buffy starts to reach toward the painting but stops her hand short of actually touching the canvas. "The details. The more I look at it the more I see. The tracks in the sand from the crab scuttling away. The retriever almost looking like he's grinning as he comes running back towards his family. The soft loving smile on the woman's face as she watchers her son playing in the sand. The father watching his wife while gently running a hand over her back." Buffy tilts her head smiling softly. "The dolphins you can barely make out in the distance." Looking over at the blushing woman Buffy quirks her lip up slightly. "How come I have this feeling I can look at this painting for hours and hours and still find things I didn't see before?" Shifting back over to the riot of colors, feeling a vibrancy jumping towards her from the painting she grins from ear to ear. "This one just jumps out at me yelling 'LOOK AT ME, I'M BEAUTIFUL, I'M BOLD, I'M GORGEOUS.'" Buffy tilts her head nodding in agreement with her assessment.

"I would love to spend large quantities of time looking over your paintings. I haven't even gotten a chance to look at the other one. However we have dinner to show up for." Buffy walks slowly towards the blushing witch. Placing a gentle hand on her lower arm, Buffy smiles softly. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes." Tara glances up making eye contact with Buffy and smiles in response to the grinning slayer.

"Do you have any other paintings besides the three hanging on the wall?" Buffy questions quietly as they head out of the dorm room.

"Yes. I have a few more in the closet and under the bed. A good portion of them are in the Art Rooms storage area. The teacher is kind enough to allow me to keep them there since I don't really have anywhere to store them." Tara blinks in surprise as Buffy threads her arm through hers again as they walk across the quad heading towards Buffy's house.

"Do you sketch also…Never mind that was a stupid question. Of course you do, you have the charcoals and other supplies in your room." Buffy smacks her own head at her stupidity. "Have you thought about having a showing? I mean if your other paintings are even a third as good of the two I looked at in your room…"

Tara smiles shyly. "My teacher says they are all excellent. I haven't gotten up the nerve to look around at the Galleries around town to see if they might be interested in showing my work."

"Hmmm." Buffy grins, realizing they never did mention what her mom did in front of Tara. "Would you be interested in showing your work?"

"Well, I can't promise anything, but I kind of have an in with one of the Gallery owners in town. If they maybe were able to see some samples of your work to make a decision…" Buffy trails off grinning.

"Are you serious?" Tara softly breathes the words. "If I could sell some of the paintings, I might be able to afford a nicer apartment come the summertime. Plus buy more supplies."

Buffy frowns at the words, wondering just what kind of apartment she had stayed in previously. Shaking those thoughts out of her head she smiles and squeezes the arm threaded through hers gently. "Let me see what I can do."

"No thanks yet. And if they decide to have a showing it will be because of your ability, I will have just brought you to their attention." Buffy has the urge to wrap her arm around the witch and hug her, but refrains mentally chastising herself.

As they walk up the steps to her house, Buffy glances at a smiling Tara. Releasing the witch's arm, Buffy unlocks and opens the door, motioning Tara into the house. "Mom, we're here."

"Jacket?" Buffy asks as she quickly shrugs out of hers and hangs it up holding her hand out to Tara, smiling as she shrugs out of her coat handing it to her. "Why don't you sit down, I'll go see how dinners coming along." Buffy motions to the couch and smiles as Tara sits down. "Do you want something to drink?"

"Water would be good." Tara smiles as Buffy as she shifts back on the couch, getting comfortable.

"I'll be back in a few minutes." Buffy grins before spinning on her heel heading into the kitchen.

"Hi mom." Walking closer to the older Summers woman, Buffy whispers "Mom, you wouldn't believe the two paintings in her room. They're absolutely gorgeous. And two totally different paintings. I know I'm going to ask a lot here, but do you think you could maybe check her paintings out and see if you think they're good enough to have a showing at your gallery?" Hesitating for a moment Buffy looks out of the kitchen doorway, thinking heavily. "Don't mention you own a Gallery in town. I didn't tell her yet."

Joyce shakes her head at her daughter's quick rambling. As she sorts out what her daughter is asking, she raises an eyebrow. "Honey you have never really been that interested in art…"

"I know mom. But you've got to see them. Give her a chance? Please? The detail on the beachside painting is unbelievable. And the colors that jump out from the other one just call attention to it. I didn't promise anything, just that I had an in with an owner of one of the galleries in town and that I would see if they would check her paintings out. I didn't promise anything, honest." Buffy begs quietly.

Sighing at her daughter, Joyce wraps an arm around her shoulders and nods her head. "Fine, Buffy. But I can't make any promises. And you might want to explain to her who you're going to be talking to about this, so she doesn't think you're trying to pull something over on her."

"Do you think?" Buffy frowns wondering at the possibility. As her mom moves over to check on the dinner Buffy opens the refrigerator and pulls a couple waters out. "How long before dinner's ready?"

"At least half an hour. I was running late at the Gallery." Joyce smiles apologetically.

"That's fine. I think I'll talk to Tara, maybe show her my room and Mr. Gordo." Buffy smirks at her mom. "Got to see if Mr. Gordo likes her. Can't have a relationship with someone he hates."

"Of course." Buffy quickly strides out of the kitchen to the living room, leaving a bemused Joyce standing there alone.

Buffy smiles at Tara as she walks into the living room. "I was wondering if you would like to see my room and meet Mr. Gordo. Mom said it would be at least another half hour before dinner was ready. She was running late tonight."

"That's fine." Tara grins as she quickly stands up before frowning imperceptibly. "Mr. Gordo?"

"My absolute best friend since forever. He got me through some of the most horrible times in my life." Buffy grins over her shoulder at the witch as they quickly walk up the stairs. Walking into her room, she picks up the stuffed animal and hands it to Tara. "Mr. Gordo, I'd like you to meet Miss Tara Maclay. Miss Tara, this is Mr. Gordo."

Tara chuckles quietly looking down at the stuffed pig. Running gentle fingers over the fur. "It's nice to meet you Mr. Gordo." Tara looks up with twinkling eyes at the slayer.

"Why don't you have a seat." Buffy motions to the bed as she slowly paces back and forth in front of the bed.

Tara frowns as she watches Buffy become serious and start pacing. "Is everything all right, Buffy?"

Buffy sighs and looks at the witch. Sitting on the floor in front of the witch, Buffy tilts her head looking up at the woman. "I didn't tell you the complete truth. Or actually I did, I just didn't tell you everything." Buffy watches as confusion crosses the witch's face. "Remember how I said that I had an in with an owner of one of the Gallery's in town?" At Tara's nod Buffy grins apologetically at the witch. "It's mom."

Tara takes a second and let's that information sink in. "Buffy, I don't want her to do this just because you asked. I don't want her to feel obligated in any way, just because you've decided to take me under your wing for some strange reason."

Reaching out and placing her hand on the witch's shoe, Buffy shakes her head. "She won't do this just because I asked her to. She'll look at your work and decide for herself if she deems it worthy of a showing. She won't do it because she feels obligated. It's her livelihood, her business. She won't just do something like that for a friend, she has to honestly believe that the artist is worthy of the showing and has a good chance of selling his or her work." Buffy explains quickly and sincerely. "And there's no strange reason. I already told you why."

Tara considers the woman for long moments seeing the honesty in the hazel eyes and sighs before smiling lopsidedly at the slayer. "So I'll earn it on my actual abilities and not because her daughter has befriended me?"

"Right." Buffy grins nodding her head happily. "You're not mad at me for not telling you the truth from the beginning?"

"No, Buffy." Tara shakes her head smiling softly. "I am glad you told me quickly. If you had waited I might have thought you were trying to hide something from me."

"Thank you, mom." Buffy mutters and sees the questioning look on Tara's face. "She suggested I explain she's the person I was talking about."

"Very smart." Buffy nods her head. "And I'm going to have to be on my best behavior for a while to pay her back." Buffy smiles engagingly at the witch.

Buffy tilts her head looking at the floor before glancing back up at Tara. Standing up she sits down next to Tara on the bed. Running her finger over the comforter that's between them, Buffy smiles. "I was thinking about when you were talking about being tested to see how strong you are?"

"Giles knows people at different covens. If you want, maybe I could ask him to check into someone maybe coming here and testing you, or maybe even you going to one of the covens." Buffy looks up and shifts slightly on the bed, pulling one leg up so she's facing the witch. "All I can do is ask. If you would like to know."

Tara shifts, unconsciously mimicking the slayer. "I honestly don't know what it would tell me. I mean, it isn't like if I find out I'm real powerful I'm going to do anything different than what I'm doing now."

"You have a point." Buffy has to agree with the witch. Shifting to lay on her side, propping her head up on her hand she considers the woman. "So…I know you're a witch, brilliant, excellent artist and shy. What else should I know about Tara Maclay?"

Tara blushes looking down at the comforter, playing her fingers over one of the flowers on it. "I just turned twenty last month. And as you've already figured out I haven't had much of a life before now."

"But only as you feel comfortable. Maybe going out to the movies, hitting the Bronze and dancing. That type of thing." Buffy watches the witch.

"Gives me a good reason to teach you." Buffy chuckles quietly. "If I can help Willow out, I can definitely help you." Buffy hears her mom call from downstairs. "Looks like dinner must be ready." Buffy quickly stands up off the bed watching Tara gracefully shift and stand up.

Joyce smiles as the two women walk into the dining room. "I hope you like chicken." Joyce smiles at Tara.

"That's fine. I just can't eat shrimp." Tara admits smiling at the older woman. "Allergic." She shrugs gently as she sits down.

"When would be a good time to maybe have mom look at your paintings?" Buffy answers her mom's look indirectly.

"Whenever she w-would want to." Tara blushes looking briefly at Buffy before turning apprehensive eyes on Joyce. "You don't have to. I m-mean don't do it j-just because…"

Joyce places a calming hand on the young woman. "I look at different artists work all the time, Tara. I just have to make decisions on whether or not they will make a good showing at the gallery." Joyce smiles. "I don't want you to get your hopes up, for every artists' work that I display there's ten that I don't."

"I understand that." Tara smiles relaxing. "That's why I'm getting a degree in teaching. The world will always need teachers, but artists…" Tara trails off grinning lopsidedly. "For every artist that can make a living, there's probably at least a hundred that can't."

"Very smart, young lady." Joyce smiles at Tara. "It's always best to have something else to fall back on." Joyce reaches out for the chicken and pulls a breast placing it on her plate before passing the plate to Tara.

Tara glances up smiling at Buffy. "What are you majoring in?" Tara questions quietly.

Buffy blushes and looks down at her plate playing with her mashed potatoes. "I'm not really majoring in anything." Glancing up briefly at her mom she frowns. "Unfortunately with what I do…"

Tara's frowns realizing that Buffy was alluding to the fact that most slayer's don't have a chance to have any kind of career. Feeling sad at the thought of this young, beautiful, vibrant woman dying, Tara sets her fork down, clasping her hands on her lap. "It must be hard." Tara whispers.

Joyce nods her head silently looking at her daughter. "It isn't the easiest thing coming to terms with. Not that I think I ever will."

Buffy reaches out to her mother and smirks. "Yeah, but technically I've already beaten the odds once. Maybe I can have a normal life."

Buffy sighs and grins. "My Sophomore year there was a prophecy that I was going to die."

"Yes, the Master drowned me. Luckily Xander brought Angel down looking for me and Xander performed CPR bringing me back. I was pissed and proceeded to kick the evil vampires ass." Buffy grins slightly, before frowning. "But I was dead long enough for another slayer to be called." Thinking about Kendra, Buffy looks down at her plate sadness creeping in.

Tara shakes her head looking from one woman to the other. "The second slayer died?"

"Oh, boy." Buffy mutters before grinning at Tara. "Yeah. But if I get started telling you about everything, we're going to need days to go through everything. Because one story will lead to another…"

Tara chuckles quietly at the slayer. "I have a feeling that a lot has happened."

"That's putting it mildly." Joyce murmurs before glancing at Buffy. "Have you checked to see how Faith's doing lately?"

Buffy nods her head, feeling tears work their way to her eyes. "Yeah, no change." Glancing up she shakes her head at Tara. "Even longer story, she's the current slayer and she's in a coma at the hospital. Maybe we can get together and I'll give you a brief breakdown of my so called slayer life."

Tara nods seeing the obvious sadness in the slayer's eyes. "Maybe we can exchange some stories." Tara offers quietly, knowing that if they were to become friends she will need to open up to the woman, no matter how much it might hurt. But knowing in her heart that her mom wouldn't want her to keep the pain inside, or to shut herself off.

Buffy glances quickly to her mom. Surprise evident in her eyes at the fact Tara seems willing to open up. "That would be wonderful." Buffy smiles and watches as Tara slowly starts eating again. Grinning to herself, Buffy quickly attacks her food looking up occasionally at the witch.

Joyce smiles at the two girls. "Do you mind if I ask where you're from originally?" Joyce questions Tara.

"No, ma'am." Tara shakes her head smiling up at the woman. "I'm from a small town in north Texas."

"What kind of foods do you like to eat?" Joyce smiles encouragingly at the young woman, smiling as twinkling blue eyes look back at her.

Buffy grins and wiggles her eyebrows at her mom. "Looks like you're going to be outvoted mom."

Tara giggles looking from one woman to the other. "I take it you like spicy food, also?"

Buffy smiles at Tara nodding her head. "She won't fix it too often. She grumbles that it upsets her stomach." Buffy smirks at her mom. "But I could really go for some hot wings."

Tara chuckles quietly. "How hot can you eat them? I have a recipe for some killer hot sauce."

Joyce shakes her head. "You realize dear that you are now going to have to make them for Buffy. She's going to bug you until you do." Joyce smiles. "Get me a list of ingredients that you need and I'll have them here so you can possibly come by and fix them sometime. I'll fix myself a hamburger or something."

Tara bites her bottom lip to keep from laughing. "If you have a pen and piece of paper I can write down the ingredients."

"Yes." Tara nods her head. "I fix them quite frequently during the summer when I have an oven to cook in."

Joyce chuckles looking at her daughter, before turning back with a smirk on her face towards Tara. "Told you."

Tara smiles shyly looking down. "It's best if I make the sauce and let the wings soak in them for a few hours before baking them."

"Saturday I need to work at the Gallery, if you want to come over and have a girls day here, you're more than welcome to." Joyce makes the offer, hoping that maybe will give the two women time to talk and get to know each other.

Buffy smiles thankfully at her mother before turning back to Tara. "If you need to study, you can bring some books with you. Even though I honestly think you should take some time off and relax."

Tara blushes looking down at her plate before looking back up at Buffy. "Saturday is fine."

"Good, that's settled." Joyce finishes her dinner watching as Tara quickly finishes her last bite. "Would you like some more, dear?"

"No, thank you. It was wonderful." Tara smiles at the woman as she gently places her napkin over her plate.

"I didn't have time to actually make anything for dessert, but I did pick up some turnovers and they should be done in a few minutes." Joyce smiles and winks at the two women. "I got Buffy's favorite."

"Mmmm. Raspberry turnovers will never be turned down." Buffy smiles as she finishes her third chicken breast.

Joyce gather's her dirty dishes, quickly walking into the kitchen to check the turnovers. She smiles as she turns and watches Tara bring her dishes in. "Do you like Raspberry turnovers? I know you said you like everything…" Joyce trails off smiling.

"Raspberry is fine." Tara looks down briefly before glancing back up. "I want to thank you for letting me come here for dinner."

"No thanks necessary, dear." Joyce pats her gently on the arm. "It gets a little lonely around here with just us two. Xander and Rupert will occasionally join us for dinner." Glancing out towards the dining room she smirks thinking about her daughter. "Plus I know Buffy misses Willow. When she decided to go away for college, it left a vacuum in Buffy's life. Those three have been almost inseparable since their Sophomore year." Joyce smiles sadly.

"She's been through a lot, hasn't she?" Tara whispers watching the emotions crossing the older woman's face. "You've been through a lot with her being the slayer."

"Yes, very much so." Joyce admits. As the oven timer goes off, she turns and pulls the turnovers out, placing them on a rack to cool. Placing the oven mitts on the counter, she tilts her head considering the witch for a moment. "It's something that I never would have wanted for Buffy. Hell for anyone." Joyce shakes her head and looks up seeing her daughter standing in the doorway rolling her eyes. Smirking with her eyes twinkling she continues "But it sure made her a better person than she was shaping up to being."

"Mom!" Buffy whines slightly. "Just because I was almost a carbon copy of Cordelia doesn't mean you have to tell Tara about what an uncaring, unfeeling bitch I was in my younger days."

Tara's eyes open wide in surprise as she turns watching Buffy. "I don't believe it."

"Oh, do." Buffy admits quietly. "I was the quintessential bottle blonde cheerleader. Snobby and bitchy to everyone who wasn't in the 'clique'. I never would have considered becoming friends with someone like Xander or Willow. And it would have been my loss." Shaking her head she places her dirty dishes in the sink, leaning near the blonde. "I didn't realize what a self-centered bitch I was and if for no other reason, I'm glad my becoming the slayer changed that." Smiling sadly at her mother.

"Well, I have to admit that you seem to be a very nice, caring woman now." Tara shyly admits glancing up at the blonde.

"Of course." Buffy smirks at her mother before walking over to the freezer grabbing the ice cream out. Setting the ice cream down on the island, Buffy accepts the two bowls her mother hands her with a turnover in them. Frowning she looks at her mom. "You don't want any?"

"Not right now, honey. I need to get some work done." Joyce smiles and winks at her daughter. "Please feel free to come to dinner any time dear." Joyce smiles as she leaves the kitchen.

"Your mom is nice." Tara smiles as Buffy scoops ice cream on one of the turnovers.

"Yeah, she's pretty cool. We had our problems, especially before she found out I was the slayer. And we won't even discuss after she found out I was the slayer." Buffy rolls her eyes and grins. "How many scoops?"

"Two it is." Buffy quickly scoops the ice cream onto the other turnover before frowning at the small amount of ice cream left. "How about three scoops?" Buffy glances up and feels her heart skip a beat at the crooked grin pointed at her.

"Twist my arm." Tara murmurs and laughs as Buffy quickly scoops the last of the ice cream out onto her turnover.

"Do you mind eating in here?" Buffy smiles as she pulls out a stool sitting on it. "I kind of like it better in here than the dining room."

"More homey." Tara acknowledges as she slides onto the other stool. "Do you make it a habit of taking in strays?" Tara looks questioningly at the slayer.

Quirking her lip slightly, Tara plays in her dessert. "Actually I am." Looking up and making contact with the confused hazel eyes, Tara smiles sadly. "The only person that ever wanted me was my mom."

Buffy reaches out and places her hand over the soft, larger hand of the witch. "I think the people in your life must have been complete idiots. And if you would like I would be happy to go smack some sense in them for you." Buffy's lip cocks up hoping to make the witch smile.

Tara giggles and smiles back at the slayer. "Regular smacks or slayer smacks?" Tara's eyes twinkle at Buffy.

"I could let you choose on a case by case basis?" Buffy smiles and winks at the woman.

Feeling her heart lighten, Tara smiles and turns her hand over to clasp Buffy's fingers in hers. Squeezing gently she whispers "Thank you."

"For what? Offering to smack around people that didn't have the good sense to see what a kind, caring woman you are? It would be my pleasure." Buffy smiles softly and swallows as she feels the soft fingers caressing her hand.

Tara realizes that she's unconsciously caressing the slayer's hand and blushes before gently easing her hand away from Buffy's. Looking down she starts eating her dessert, glancing up occasionally.

Buffy sighs after Tara pulls away watching the woman, quickly scooping up her dessert working her way quickly through the turnover and ice cream. "Do you mind walking back to campus? I hate to bother mom when she gets started on her work. I'll make sure no muggers" Buffy smirks before continuing "get hold of you."

Tara smiles up at Buffy and shakes her head. "That's fine. I don't think I could ask for a better body guard." Finishing the last bite of her dessert, Tara looks back at the slayer and tilts her head. "You probably need to patrol, don't you?"

Buffy glances out the window at the night and nods her head. "Yeah. I'll do it on the way back from dropping you off."

"You wouldn't mind?" Buffy's eyes search the witch's face, seeing only the genuine offer to help, Buffy smiles. "Thanks. It makes the patrol go faster having someone with me. Even though I do get worried something might happen." Buffy frowns as she thinks about something happening to the woman.

"I'm not completely defenseless, Buffy." Tara smiles lopsidedly at the slayer. "Remember, I can throw a pretty wicked fireball. I've also been known to put up a good barrier spell given a few moments time. Amongst being able to levitate."

"Levitate, control where a stake, or in my case pencils go?" Tara chuckles as she literally sees the light bulb go on. "I can't tell you how many pencils I've used since being here. And not for my courses!!"

Buffy starts chuckling and it quickly turns to laughter. "That is absolutely priceless." Eyes twinkling mischievously Buffy looks at Tara "So buying a couple hundred pencils for you for Christmas wouldn't go amiss?"

"As is whittling you some stakes for Christmas?" Tara laughs with the slayer. "I'll make sure to keep an eye out for fallen tree limbs."

"Oooh. I know what I'm getting for Christmas." Buffy sing-songs smirking at the witch. Standing she gathers both their bowls and quickly places them in the sink running water in them.

Turning around and placing a hand on Tara's shoulder, Buffy smiles. "I'm going to go get my gear. I'll be back in a few minutes."

Tara smiles and nods her head. "If it's okay, I'm going to run to the bathroom before we head back."

"Please feel free to consider this your home, Tara." Buffy squeezes gently before pulling her hand away. "I'm going to go upstairs and get my stuff."

"Thank you." Tara smiles watching as Buffy walks out of the room, shaking her head before slowly standing and heading up the stairs to the bathroom.

"You okay?" Buffy questions Tara after she finishes staking the two vampires they came across in the cemetery.

"I'm fine." Tara smiles at the slayer. "Maybe I should have looked for some pencils to bring with me?"

Buffy chuckles quietly as they continue on patrol. "I'll buy you a couple packs and keep some at the house in case of emergency."

Tara laughs and shakes her head. "Earlier tonight you mentioned about when you d- d-died." Tara finally stutters the word out. Taking a deep breath to help her relax, to help her stuttering, she continues. "I know who Giles is, you've mentioned Xander before but who is Angel?"

Buffy sighs and looks up at the night sky, unconsciously twirling the stake in her hand as they walk. "That's a long story. As you know I came here my Sophomore year. I met Xander and Willow. Xander overheard me talking to Giles, who's cover was being the school librarian. Anyway Xander overheard us talking about vampires and things kind of snow-balled from there. Xander and Willow helped me with patrols, research, whatever was needed. Well this was before my senses were really working, I hadn't trained at being a Slayer, I fell through the Watcher's Council's cracks. Anyway about my senses, like now I can feel a vampire a good distance away. Then I really couldn't feel vampires. This guy named Angel would drop by and give me cryptic messages about what was going on around town then disappear." Buffy tucks away the stake, and clasps her hands behind her back, looking down at the ground as they continue walking. "I ended up having feelings for him, the tall, dark and handsome mystery guy. Needless to say he was a vampire. With a soul."

Tara looks at the slayer in surprise. "He was a vampire and you didn't know it. But he has a soul?"

"Yeah. We danced around each other for a while, but I fell in love with him. And that is another story in of itself, and I really, really don't come off good in that one. Anyway, there was a prophecy that I would die fighting the Master. I quit, told Giles that I didn't want to die and he could find some other idiot to take over the slaying. There happened to be a vampire attack in the school that Willow and Cordelia found, blood and body parts all over the place. When I saw the fear in Willow's eyes I couldn't run away. I went after the Master. He drowned me and luckily enough Xander didn't accept the prophecy. He shamed Angel into going down into the Master's lair looking for me, he performed CPR, I was pissed and kicked the Master's ass." Buffy shrugs and brushes some dirt off her pants.

Tara walks along in stunned silence, eventually looking at the slayer who's walking quietly beside her looking down at the ground. "You died, and were brought back. Activating…" Tara trails off not remembering the woman's name.

"Activating the new slayer Kendra. You fell in love with a vampire. A vampire with a soul?" Tara questions.

"Yeah, he was cursed with a soul by gypsies for killing a woman, the future of their tribe." Buffy frowns before looking up into blue eyes. "And that is another story, which will lead to another one…"

"I have a feeling you have a lot of stories to tell." Tara shakes her head in disbelief. "I guess that's enough to talk about for tonight."

Buffy scuffs her foot over the sidewalk as they slowly work their way through patrol on the way to the campus. "Is this where you tell me you don't want to know me and go running to your dorm room refusing to have anything else to do with me?"

Tara stops, stunned. Turning she watches as Buffy stops and turns back to face her, a sad look on her face. "Why would that make me not want to be friends with you?"

"Hello! Vampire Slayer, in love with a vampire. That in of itself is enough." Buffy waves her hands in the air.

"I-I-in love w-w-with a v-v-vampire?" Tara stutters out horribly, feeling her heart drop at the current tense.

Buffy frowns at the witch, not understanding why she's stuttering so horribly now. "Yeah, I fell in love with him. I mentioned it before."

Buffy finally understands and shakes her head vehemently. "Past tense, was in love. Not any more. I'll always care for him. A part of me will always love him, but I'm not IN love with him." Slowly reaching out a calming hand, Buffy strokes down the jacket covered arm.

Tara takes a moment to digest what Buffy told her and smiles softly as she watch's her stroke her arm. Taking a deep breath Tara looks up into the worried hazel eyes of the slayer and smiles crookedly. "So you were in love with a vampire with a soul. But you're not anymore. That was everything big that happened your Sophomore year of high school?"

Buffy smiles and gently squeezes the arm under her hand before shifting and threading her arm through Tara's, urging them to continue walking. "Pretty much. There were fights and stakings. The Harvest when the Master tried to break out of his prison by using Luke as his vessel. Broke that up, unfortunately Xander had to stake Jesse, his best friend that had previously been turned. I still see him get a look occasionally on his face when he thinks about Jesse."

"Worse things than that have happened." Buffy shakes her head looking down. "So many things that could have been avoided if only I had done what needed to be done. The people that died because of me." Buffy swallows feeling the tears gathering in her eyes as she thinks about Jenny Calendar.

Tara feels the heartache coming from the slayer in waves and without even realizing it reaches out and gently clasps the woman in a soft embrace. "You can't save everyone, Buffy. No matter how much you wish you could, you can't."

"No, but I could have saved quite a few people my Junior year if I had done my job instead of letting my feelings get in the way." Buffy whispers clasping the witch tighter and turning her cheek to lay across the woman's shoulder.

"My Junior year may be an all day story and then some." Buffy chuckles sadly. Buffy stiffens and quickly pulls away as she feels a vampire nearing them. Looking around searching the darkness she gets a glimpse of something moving behind one of the trees halfway up the block.

Tara looks at Buffy in surprise as she pulls away from her without saying anything, but as soon as she sees the look on Buffy's face, she realizes she feels a vampire nearby.

Buffy glances back at Tara and smiles as she sees the comprehension on her face. "Let's continue." Buffy shifts her body a little farther away from the witch and pulls the stake out from her pants holding it so it isn't visible.

"So, did you read the chapters for Psych class tomorrow?" Tara smirks slightly wondering when the slayer had time to do any studying.

"More or less." Buffy grins as they close in on the vampire. "I swear Professor Walsh is evil."

Buffy's prepared as the vampire jumps out in front of them, hoping to catch the two women unawares, he looks down in surprise at the stake that's sticking in his chest back up to the blonde opening his mouth as he disintegrates.

"Not too bright." Buffy brushes the dust off her sleeve as she tucks the stake away again.

"I haven't met any vampires that are. It seems when they get turned they lose whatever brains they had." Tara admits quirking her lip at Buffy. "And what's this about Professor Walsh being evil?"

"Her eyes are cold. Always, I have never see any warmth in them for anybody or anything. Then her TA Riley sets my teeth on edge." Buffy shakes her head.

"Really? I overheard some of the other girls talking in class that think he's an absolute…dream boat I believe their phrasing was." Tara giggles as she sees the look of disgust crossing Buffy's face.

"Nope. He's not my type." Buffy states easily, grinning about the thought of what her type is now. Glancing at the witch she sees a questioning look come over her face. Wanting to see if she has the nerve to ask, Buffy waits quietly as they continue strolling through Sunnydale.

Tara watches the grinning slayer, wondering if she should ask when a sideways look at her and a partial smirk crosses her face. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she gets the distinct impression Buffy's almost daring her to ask. Vacillating between asking or not asking the slayer, Tara tucks her hands in her jacket pockets and feels the Celtic Cross charm that she hasn't had a chance to put back on her bracelet. Deciding to take it as a sign, she questions quietly. "What's your type?"

Buffy's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. It had taken a while, but the woman finally got up the nerve to ask. Debating on how to answer the question, Buffy tilts her head momentarily. "Hmmm. That's a tough question. My type seems to have undergone a radical change recently." Buffy looks up at the night sky briefly, trying to decide on what to say. "I guess my type is a kind and loving spirit. Someone that would love me just as I am, faults and all. Maybe someone extremely smart that won't make too much fun of my being slayer thick." Buffy raises an eyebrow and slides her eyes towards the witch before looking back at the sidewalk.

Tara hesitates on her next step before continuing the walk, tilting her head to look at the slayer with a wondering glance. "And is this type tall, dark and handsome?" Tara holds her breath waiting for the answer.

Buffy's lip quirks up slightly enjoying the fact that Tara seems to be coming out of her shell quite nicely. "No. Not at all. Pretty much the opposite on all counts."

Tara bites her lip and watches the slayer a little more intently as they come into view of the campus. "So this type is short, pale and ugly?"

Trying not to giggle Tara tilts her head and with twinkling eyes does the comparison. "Well the opposite of tall is short. Dark is pale and handsome is ugly, right?"

Buffy narrows her eyes briefly then sees the merriment twinkling in the witch's beautiful blue eyes and doesn't fight the chuckle working it's way out. "Are you playing dense on purpose?" Buffy finally asks, watching Tara.

Tara blinks in surprise at the slayer's question, not expecting her to so bluntly put out there what the two had been dancing around.

Buffy swallows and backs up a step. "Forget I said that. Just imagine this conversation hasn't taken place." Buffy mentally kicks her own ass. Way to keep things on a slow even keel.

Tara watches as the slayer literally backs off both physically and emotionally. Seeing the self-condemnation in the slayer's eyes, Tara feels her heart go out to the obviously distraught slayer. "So what would you consider the opposite?" Tara whispers giving Buffy the opening to do what she wished.

Buffy considers the slightly taller woman before taking the step back towards the witch. "Not so tall, maybe a couple inches taller than me. Light coloring, blue eyes. And pretty…no make that beautiful." Buffy whispers quietly. Putting it all on the table to see what happens, Buffy silently prays that she hasn't just shot herself in the foot.

Tara stands staring at Buffy in shock, blinking her eyes trying to let the slayer's words make sense in her fuzzy brain. Knowing she feels something for this woman that she's never felt before for anyone, she looks in confusion at Buffy. "I – I – ." Tara stops, not knowing what to say.

Buffy looks down away from the confused blue eyes she was intently watching. "You don't have to say anything. Let's get you home." Buffy slowly turns heading towards the dormitory.

Tara walks alongside the slayer, silently contemplating the younger woman. Seeing the sad look on the slayer's face as they slowly walk up the stairs to her dormitory, Tara makes eye contact with hazel eyes as she holds the door open letting her precede the woman inside. After walking up the stairs, Tara digs around in her purse pulling out her dorm key. As she unlocks the door she watches as Buffy shifts as if to leave. Reaching out, she clasps the slayer's arm gently. "Come in for water."

Buffy glances up from the milky white hand on her arm to warm blue eyes silently begging her to come in. "Okay." Following Tara in the room, she watches as she gently shuts the door and shrugs off her jacket hanging it up in the closet.

"Can I hang up your jacket?" Tara offers holding her hand out for the jacket and smiles softly as Buffy quickly strips the jacket off and hands it to her. Turning around and hanging it up, Tara walks over to the tiny refrigerator and pulls out two waters, handing one to Buffy. Bending over she unties her boots and slides them off before sitting at the top of the bed crossing her legs and tucking her skirt about her. Looking up she watches as Buffy shifts slightly. "Sit down, please." Tara points to the bed in front of her.

Buffy swallows silently as she kicks her shoes off and sits down Indian style facing Tara. Opening her water she takes a quick sip waiting for Tara to say something, anything.

Picking gently at her skirt, Tara looks up watching Buffy for long moments before whispering "I'm not beautiful."

Buffy looks up in shock at the witch, expecting anything but that. Feeling the urge to argue with the woman, Buffy hesitates before calming down. Catching blue eyes she shakes her head and makes the statement, letting the truth show in her eyes. "Yes you are."

Tara holds her breath as she sees the truth shining from Buffy's eyes. That to Buffy she is beautiful. "I…I don't know what to say."

"Thank you is the most accepted statement to make in a case like this." Buffy allows herself a small smile.

Feeling her lip quirk up at the slayer, Tara nods her head. "Then, thank you Buffy."

Buffy allows a sigh of relief to escape her before smiling fully at Tara. "You're not going to tell me to leave you alone and to never darken your doorway again?"

Tara tilts her head and smirks. "No, I don't think so. But…" Tara trails off and watches as a questioning look comes across the slayer's face. "What happens now?" Tara continues quietly.

"Depends." Buffy reaches out and runs a fingertip over the top of Tara's hand before slowly pulling her hand away and placing it back in her lap. "Would you consider…dating?" Buffy more breathes the last word than actually giving it voice.

"Then it's about time you did. The thing is, would you want to date me?" Buffy finally asks outright.

"Why wouldn't I want to date you?" Tara questions a confused look crossing her face.

Buffy bites back a laugh, and shakes her head. "I guess that means that isn't a consideration?"

"My mom ingrained in me growing up that love is love no matter where or who it came from. To never turn it away if it's offered. Whether it's the love of a friend, a family member, or as a significant other, they are all equally important. She didn't believe that you couldn't love a person because of their sex or color. She believed you loved a person for who is inside." Tara smiles thinking back to her mothers words spoken so long ago.

"Very, very smart woman." Buffy watches the love cross Tara's face as she thinks about her mother.

"She was." Tara smiles sadly making eye contact with Buffy. "I miss her. She was my friend as well as my mother growing up."

Buffy reaches out and gently clasps Tara's hand in support. Smiling as she feels Tara start to caress her hand. Realizing it was getting late, Buffy sighs and gently squeezes Tara's hand as she releases her grasp and slowly stands up. Finishing the last of her water, Buffy places it in the trash can before turning to face Tara who's standing quietly by her bed.

"You need to finish patrol then maybe sort of finish your reading for Psych class?" Tara quirks her lip up slightly watching the slayer.

Buffy groans and closes her eyes. "Don't remind me. I don't feel like reading five chapters. I'll probably fall asleep before I finish the first one." Leaning down she slides her feet quickly in her shoes and ties them.

Tara chuckles quietly before quickly walking over to her desk. Flipping through the notebooks, she pulls out her Psych one and hands it shyly to Buffy. "I made notes on the most important points for each chapter if you would like to borrow it to read over before class tomorrow."

Buffy looks down in surprise at the notebook. Hesitantly reaching out for the book, Buffy smiles at Tara. "Thank you. Can I buy you lunch in payment?" Buffy offers smiling her thanks.

"You don't have to buy me lunch, but maybe we can go to lunch together?" Tara offers.

"It's a date." Buffy smiles at the phrasing, tucking the notebook under her arm before closing the short distance between them. "You can definitely say no if you want, but…" Looking up into the warm, caring blue eyes Buffy tilts her head smiling softly. "May I kiss you goodnight?"

Tara blinks a couple times before nodding her head, holding her breath as Buffy leans in and brushes her lips gently against hers. Unconsciously raising her fingertips to brush against her tingling lips, Tara smiles.

Buffy pulls back and watches as the smile crosses Tara's face and her fingers press against her lips. Smiling in response, Buffy reaches up and gently touches a fingertip against her cheek. "I need to go."

Tara nods her understanding, not able to say anything just yet. Watching silently as Buffy pulls her jacket down off the hanger and shrugs her arms in it before tucking the notebook away inside. Following her to the door, Tara holds it open as Buffy starts to step through. Reaching out a hand to stop the slayer, Tara smiles as Buffy turns and looks at her questioningly. Leaning in Tara quickly presses her lips against Buffy's again before pulling back. "Good night, Buffy. Be careful."

Buffy grins hugely and nods her head. "Better believe it." Buffy whispers as she practically floats through the door to finish patrol and go back home.

Tara watches Buffy walk down the hallway before backing into her room, shutting the door and locking it. Leaning her back against the door, Tara stares out the window marveling at the unexpected turn of events. How two nights ago she was saved from four vampires by the vampire slayer. And tonight she was kissed by the same woman, but not just a vampire slayer, no a caring, kind, loving woman that thinks she, Tara Maclay, is beautiful. Realizing her heart is beating a thousand beats a minute, Tara presses her hand against her chest, smiling happily. Shaking her head, she quickly strips and puts on her sleep wear before turning out the light and climbing in bed, falling asleep with the picture of caring hazel eyes in front of her.

Buffy hums happily as she unlocks the door sliding into the house and quietly shutting and locking it behind her. Pulling out the notebook, she smiles softly at the thought of Tara before she takes off her jacket, hanging it up. Noticing a light on in the kitchen, she walks in and is surprised to see her mother still up.

"Hi, Mom." Buffy smiles and kisses her on the cheek as she walks by to grab a water out of the refrigerator.

Joyce sips her tea as she watches her daughter smiling and humming. Raising an eyebrow Joyce murmurs. "Good patrol?"

"Patrol was boring. Came across five vamps. Pretty much all newly risen." Buffy smiles sitting down across from her mom sipping on her water, placing the notebook on the island beside her.

"Best walk to campus." Buffy admits quietly. "I gave her a run-down of what happened my Sophomore year in high school and she didn't run the other way." Buffy grins at her mom.

"You told her about Angel?" Joyce questions as she sips her tea, watching her daughter surprised at the happiness on her face.

"Yep. I didn't get into everything, but I figure Saturday I'll maybe tell her most of what happened Junior year." Buffy stops smiling and looks down as thoughts of what happened work there way through her mind.

Joyce reaches out and gently covers her daughters hand. "Honey, don't dwell on it. Things happen for a reason. So tell me why you're all happy and smiling."

Buffy blushes and looks down. "Multiple reasons, actually. She agreed to go out on a date with me." Buffy looks up grinning madly.

Shrugging her shoulder's Buffy leans her chin down on her propped up fist. "Got to talking about what 'types' I was interested in and I made a few comments, leaving it open for her to question more seriously or leave it be and a few minutes later she actually asked if my type was tall, dark and handsome." Buffy smirks in remembrance. "I pretty much said just the opposite." Shaking her head she looks at her mom, smiling. "She's got a wicked sense of humor once she opens up, mom."

Joyce shakes her head and questions quietly. "So how did you end up getting her to go on a date with you?"

"Oh, after clarifying types a little, I asked." Buffy admits quietly. "It just kind of rolled around to it, and I took the plunge. Then when I was getting ready to leave I asked if I could kiss her."

"Do you expect me to kiss and tell – to my mother?" Buffy frowns and sighs dramatically.

"You told me about everything else that happened tonight, you can't tell me if you kissed?" Joyce grumbles quietly.

"We did. A brief brush of lips. Then as I was leaving, she stopped me and kissed me again." Buffy admits quietly while smiling at the thought. "She has the softest lips imaginable."

"Don't over share, dear." Joyce murmurs quietly before chuckling. "Is she coming to dinner tomorrow night?"

Buffy blinks and shakes her head. "I don't know. I didn't ask tonight, but I'll see her in class and we're going to grab lunch at the Cafeteria together tomorrow." Buffy smiles softly thinking about Tara. "And don't worry, mom. We're not gonna jump in the sack quickly or anything. At least not to…you know." Buffy blushes glance at her mother.

Joyce sighs and shakes her head at her daughter. "Just be careful, honey. You're old enough to do what's right." Standing up, Joyce placing her cup in the sink. "Night, honey. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Night mom." Buffy smiles watching her mom leave before glancing back out the window at the night, getting lost momentarily thinking about warm blue eyes. Shaking herself out of her thoughts she picks up Tara's notebook and heads upstairs to get some reading and studying done.

Tara glances up as she walks to her Psych class, and smiles as she spies a certain slayer leaning against the wall by the door. As Buffy turns her eyes towards her, Tara chuckles at the obvious happiness coming from the slayer. Slowing down to stop in front of her, Tara raises an eyebrow. "Any problems last night?"

Buffy shakes her head. "None. All the bumpys were good little boys and girls for me. They went poof without any problems." Turning to walk into class, Buffy stops just inside. "Do you want to sit together?"

Tara blushes and nods her head agreeing to the suggestion. "Yes. Were you able to do any of your reading?"

"Oh, don't remind me!" Buffy groans quietly as she climbs to a relatively empty section and sits down digging in her book bag. Handing Tara her notebook, she grins. "You are a lifesaver. I tried to read the chapters, but halfway through the first one I almost fell asleep. After that I read your notes. Condensed version Tara is a lot easier to read."

Tara giggles and places the notebook under her text. "Any time you need to borrow it, let me know. I usually work ahead as much as time allows and re-read over sections as they come up."

Buffy groans and bangs her head down on her books. "The brain, the brain." Buffy looks up with a pouty lip, but twinkling hazel eyes. "This isn't gonna work. The brain and the slayer." Buffy sighs dramatically. "I'm going to bore you senseless and you're going to go find some other hot babe to take my place. Someone that's brilliant and sexy."

Buffy pouts her lip out even further and is surprised when Tara taps it with her finger.

"Put it away. I can't do what I want to with it here in class." Tara murmurs blushing lightly.

Buffy's eyes open wide and she grins from ear to ear. "Remind me to pout when we're not in class."

Tara chuckles before turning to face the front of class as Professor Walsh starts speaking.

As the two women talk as they leave the class, Buffy's stopped by Riley. "Uh, Buffy. I was wondering. We're throwing a party tomorrow night at the dorm and I wanted to know if you wanted to go?"

Buffy looks at Tara and shakes her head. "No, Riley. Thanks for the offer but I sort of have tentative plans for tomorrow night. Thanks anyway." Buffy places her hand in the middle of Tara's back as they walk down the hallway.

"He likes you." Tara murmurs quietly, glancing over at the slayer, intensely aware of the small warm hand in the middle of her back.

"We can't help the people we like." Buffy raises an eyebrow looking at Tara briefly. "And I don't like him."

Tara giggles as they quickly make their way to the Cafeteria. Tara chuckles quietly as she watches Buffy pile up the tray again. Grabbing a ham and cheese sandwich, chips and juice, Tara frowns as Buffy insists on paying again.

"Come on, it's not that big a deal." Buffy grumbles quietly at the look. "I want to, and if it makes me happy to buy you lunch, you should let me, right?"

Tara sighs and rolls her eyes at the slayer. "Just don't make it a habit." Tara smiles softly at the slayer. "I'll get spoiled and expect you to buy me lunch all the time."

Tara glances out at the darkening skies and nods her head. "Might be a good idea." They quickly find an empty table and sit down. Tara grabs her items off the tray and watches as Buffy starts unwrapping her food and eating.

Buffy looks up and watches as Tara tucks some hair behind her ear as she nibbles on her sandwich. "So, what's your plans for tonight?" Buffy questions quietly.

Tara looks up and smiles apologetically at the slayer. "I have a paper that I need to finish typing. Then I have some reading I need to do for one of my classes."

Tara chuckles quietly. "I usually spend Fridays doing laundry." Tara admits quietly.

Buffy pops a chip in her mouth, chewing it thoughtfully. "What time do you finish with the laundry?"

"Well, I can do a patrol around town and work my way over here. Then maybe take you out to the Espresso Pump or somewhere for coffee and a snack? Or if you want to go dancing…" Buffy trails off smiling at the witch.

"No, no dancing." Tara shakes her head before smiling softly. "Espresso Pump sounds good." Tara looks down and finishes her chips. Sipping her juice she glances back up smiling as Buffy finishes her food. "Your mom's food bill must be outrageous."

Buffy growls good naturedly at the witch before laughing. "She's mentioned getting a second job to help pay for food. But she hasn't done it yet." Buffy winks at Tara before picking up the trash from the table and placing it on the tray. Glancing up at the clock, Buffy sighs quietly. "You have to go to class, don't you?"

"Hmmm. Spend time walking with you to class, or by myself? Hard decision." Tara murmurs quietly before laughing at the look Buffy sends her. "I would love for you to walk me to class."

Throwing the trash away and placing the tray on top, Buffy hesitantly holds her hand out to Tara and smiles as she laces their fingers together. "You don't mind?" Buffy whispers quietly as they walk out of the building heading towards Tara's next class. Buffy glances at the dark clouds, praying silently that they hold off.

Tara thinks for a moment. "I never had someone before. Not someone for me, but I don't see what's wrong with showing small amounts of affection in public." Looking down as they walk, Tara glances up making eye contact with Buffy. "How do you feel about it?"

Buffy glances down at their hands and raises an eyebrow, making Tara chuckle quietly. "I just know how people are. Mom's worried that people are going to talk or get angry, possibly violent. She has a few people that she works with that are gay, and I guess they've been telling her some of the horror stories about what they've been through." Buffy admits gently squeezing the hand in hers.

"You've talked to your mom?" Tara breathes out the question more than gives it voice, slightly shocked.

"Yeah." Buffy admits as they walk up the steps into the building. "Tuesday I was kind of distracted when I was helping her. I told her everything. It's kind of a rule we have now after the whole slayer hiding stuff. We try and tell each other everything. She's been cool. Sort of shocked and surprised, but cool." Buffy smirks as she thinks about telling her mother about the kisses.

Walking down the hallway, Tara stops outside the door to her class looking intently at Buffy. "You have a very caring and understanding mom. She reminds me of my mom." Tara smiles sadly as she slowly eases her hand out of the slayer's grasp. Reaching up, Tara tucks a stray hair behind Buffy's ear. "I better go in. Looks like the professor is coming down the hall."

Buffy nods. "I'll see you tomorrow." Silently she watches as Tara smiles before heading into the classroom. Taking a deep breath, Buffy grumbles. "I guess I should go see what Giles wants me to do, and maybe even get some studying done."

Giles watches Buffy as she sits at the table, actually studying. Shaking his head in disbelief, he finishes re-stocking the shelves. Early Christmas shoppers have already started buying stocking stuffers. He makes a note to buy more scented candles before glancing up as Buffy stands.

"Giles, I just remembered I saw something the other night. I was out patrolling around campus when I was after a vampire and this group of…men, I guess, shot it with stun guns and took it down in the drain system by the dorms. I didn't get any demon vibes off these other guys, but I just thought it was really strange." Buffy admits.

Giles pulls his glasses off and chews on the earpiece. "No vibes at all, so they're human? That is quite strange. Have you seen them since?"

"No, but I'm going to keep a closer eye out. They were wearing night gear, they had ski masks on and were all in black, they all looked identical." Buffy quickly explains walking over to the counter, leaning her hip against it watching Giles quietly.

"Sort of like military personnel, then." Giles glances up as Buffy nods her head. "I'll see if I can find out anything. Keep your eyes open. I don't like the fact that it sounds like they're capturing the demons. There's only so many reasons you would want to do that, and unfortunately I can't think of any good ones." Giles admits.

"No, not of the good. Only good evil demon is a dead evil demon." Buffy mutters quietly. "I'm ready to start training, anything in particular you want me to work on?"

"Just continue with your normal training. I don't think I'll be padding up today." Giles winces slightly thinking about his bruised body.

"It's quite alright dear." Giles smiles at the slayer. "I must admit that I'm not really able to challenge you anymore. I'm at a loss as what to do."

Buffy glances around at all the magic books and ingredients. "Too bad you can't do up a spell to make you stronger, quicker and not get hurt as easily." Buffy smirks at Giles.

"Quite right." Giles rolls his eyes. "In all my research I have yet to come across any spells like that. Even though my poor body would greatly appreciate it if I could."

Buffy laughs quietly as she heads towards the training room. "I'm in the training room, if you need me."

Giles smiles as Buffy disappears into the room, surprised at the change the last couple days in the slayer. "You, my dear, must be completely taken with the young witch. And if this is the kind of reaction we get after a couple days, I can't wait to see what you will be like if you two continue being friends." Giles smirks to himself, that if they actually become more than friends he will probably end up in traction at the hospital.

Buffy quickly dresses, making sure she has multiple stakes tucked away along with a couple knives and a cross. Jogging down the stairs, she stops and smiles at her mother. "I'm going out on patrol, mom."

"Be careful, honey. Are you stopping to see Tara?" Joyce looks up at her daughter, smiling.

"Planning on stopping by her room around 9:00 and taking her to the Espresso Pump." Buffy admits quietly. "We haven't set up a time for her to come over tomorrow."

"Whenever she wants too, dear. I'll be home probably after 5:00." Joyce gives her daughter the information and winks. "I have the wings in the refrigerator and all the ingredients she asked for. I have a feeling you're in for more than you bargained for with this young lady." Joyce chuckles thinking about some of the ingredients.

"Are you talking in a personal way or in a hot food way?" Buffy questions, leaning against the wall, watching her mom laugh.

Looking up Joyce smirks. "Probably both. Even though, I must admit you two seem drawn to each other." Joyce thinks about how Buffy has been acting since she met the young witch.

"I'm happier when I'm with her mom. I don't understand it, but…" Buffy trails off shrugging. "It is what it is. I get a nice tingly sensation when we touch. And when we kissed was like major tinglies. And I really, really hate the fact that I haven't been able to see her today." Buffy admits quietly.

"Well I guess that means you should head out on patrol, because the sooner you do that, the sooner you will see your young lady." Joyce murmurs quietly, feeling happy for her daughter, but feeling sad that it's been so long since she, herself, felt that way.

"Don't wait up." Buffy smiles and quickly heads out of the house, to patrol the streets of Sunnydale and work her way to Tara's dorm.

Tara folds the last of her laundry, placing it in the laundry basket. Glancing up at the clock she frowns when she realizes it's almost 9:30. Hoping Buffy hasn't already come and gone, she grabs up the basket walking to the door, opening it and runs straight into Buffy.

Buffy grabs quickly onto Tara to make sure she doesn't fall. "You okay?" She questions and as Tara nods and smiles crookedly at her, Buffy sighs and smiles back. "I kind of started getting worried, so I thought I'd check to make sure nothing decided to make you their late night snack."

"I got a late start on laundry." Tara admits, chuckling quietly. "I got caught talking to another student about one of the classes and time slipped away."

Buffy smiles and looks down at the laundry basket. "Can I lug this upstairs for you?"

Tara shakes her head grinning at Buffy. "Are you going to pout if I don't let you?"

Buffy nods her head and blinks her eyes adorably at the witch. "Yes I will." Tilting her head she thinks about it briefly, grinning. "I might pout anyway. We're not in class anymore!" Buffy wiggles her eyebrows slightly.

Tara blushes looking down at the hands still gently clasping her arms. "I can't believe I said that."

"You're not going to back down on what you said, are you?" Buffy questions jokingly. "I mean, here I was looking forward to being kissed every time I pouted. What will I look forward to if you don't plan on following through?"

Tara laughs, and blushes deeper at the same time. "I don't have any experience…well almost no experience." Tara glances up her eyes twinkling at the slayer. "So I guess you'll have to teach me."

"Oooh! I like that idea." Buffy grins tucking the basket under one arm, while reaching for the witch's hand. "I foresee lots and lots of smoochies in the near future."

Tara smiles while their fingers interlace and the two women walk companionably up the stairs to her dorm room. Gently easing her hand away from Buffy's, Tara unlocks and opens the door letting Buffy precede her into the room.

"Where would you like me to set this down at?" Buffy questions looking at the obviously freshly made bed and clean room. Inhaling deeply of the vanilla smell, Buffy smiles.

Tara smiles and gently takes the basket from Buffy, setting it on the end of the bed. Pulling the clothes out and placing them in the dresser drawers before placing the basket in the bottom of the closet.

Buffy watches as Tara quickly and efficiently puts her clothes away, noticing as she did that she didn't have that many clothes in the drawers or the closet for that matter. Frowning slightly at the thought the witch obviously doesn't have a lot of money to spend, Buffy makes a mental note to make sure she comes over for dinner as frequently as she can get her to. Buffy shrugs out of her jacket and tosses it over the back of the chair.

"Would you like something to drink, or do you just want to head on over to the Espresso Pump?" Tara questions turning to look at the slayer. "And how was patrol on the way over here?"

"Patrol wasn't bad. Came across a couple vamps looking for dinner. I actually spent a little time cruising around the campus before coming to your room. I saw some guys capturing a vampire the other night when you were studying in the library and I wanted to see if I came across any more." Buffy admits quietly leaning a hip against the desk.

"Wearing all black, masks and had stun guns?" Tara cocks her head and watches as Buffy straightens up and nods her head. "I've seen them a couple times when I've been late getting back from the library. They seem to run in groups of four or five."

"Did they seem…" Buffy thinks for a minute. "Organized and maybe militaristic?"

"Yes. Very organized. I didn't see anything on their clothes that would suggest military, but just the fact that they were all wearing the exact same outfit and moved with precision kind of screams military." Tara nods her head at Buffy. "Is there something wrong?"

"Possibly. Anyone that captures Demons makes me uneasy. It usually isn't of the good, if you know what I mean." Buffy settles her hip back against the desk, smiling. "Enough talking about boys and their games. I kind of missed not seeing you today." Buffy admits quietly, watching Tara intently.

A small smile crosses Tara's face. "Well in that case, I guess it's okay if I tell you I missed you, too." Watching a huge smile cross the slayer's face, Tara feels her heart beat a little faster.

"Hmm. Then there's the fact I didn't get to see you last night, either." Buffy murmurs as she stands up, slowly easing closer to the witch.

Tara's eyes darken slightly as she watches Buffy quietly come closer. "No, we didn't get to see each other last night." Tara agrees as Buffy comes to stand just a few inches from her. As the slayer obviously pushes her bottom lip out, with her eyes twinkling, Tara can't help but giggle. Reaching up, she taps the bottom lip. "Seems someone is feeling a bit rotten tonight."

Tara tilts her head considering the slayer, her lip quirking up slightly as she runs a fingertip over Buffy's bottom lip. Leaning down, Tara shifts her finger away and gently captures the slayer's bottom lip between her two lips pulling gently before releasing the lip. Pulling back she opens her eyes glancing briefly into Buffy's hazel eyes before leaning back down and brushing her lips over the slayer's, moaning quietly as Buffy wraps a hand around her neck, pressing more firmly against her lips. The firm kiss turns to just brief brushes of soft lips against each other.

Pulling back, Tara breathes deeply, then smiles as she feels a warm hand cupping her cheek. Slowly opening her eyes, she looks into the dark hazel eyes of the slayer.

"Maybe we should go to the Espresso Pump." Buffy whispers her eyes shifting to the witch's lips. Groaning quietly, Buffy leans in the short distance and presses her lips firmly against Tara's, easing her tongue out to caress softly over the witch's lips.

Tara moans as she feels the slayer's tongue stroking over her lips, tentatively reaching out, Tara slides her tongue against Buffy's. Two tongues slowly wrapping around each other. Running her hand through Buffy's hair, Tara closes the short distance between their two bodies, groaning as her body comes into contact against the slightly shorter slayer.

Buffy growls quietly before sucking Tara's tongue gently into her mouth, flicking her tongue against Tara's, before gently pulling back and placing smaller kisses against Tara's swollen lips. Panting heavily, Buffy lowers her head to Tara's shoulder, smiling as she feels Tara's hands stroking over her back, as they both slowly get their breathing under control. "Wow." Buffy whispers. "If you kiss like that now, I can't wait till you get a few more kisses under your belt."

Tara blushes as she eases slowly back, running a hand around to the slayer's cheek, playing her thumb over a soft cheek. "I have a good teacher." Tara whispers quietly.

Buffy looks up into the dark blue eyes, feeling her legs weaken at the passion so obvious in the blue depths. "I have a feeling the teacher is going to become the student very quickly." Buffy admits quietly. Lowering her eyes back to swollen lips, Buffy unconsciously licks her lips. "God!" Buffy growls out quietly before closing the distance and kissing the witch again. Both women quickly go to deepen the kiss, no hesitation this time, tongues stroking more firmly against each other. First battling gently in one mouth before being chased into the other woman's mouth. After long moments, both women back away, breathing heavily.

"Sweet Goddess." Tara breathes out, her eyes closed. Panting heavily she eases back another step to keep from diving back in for another kiss. Finally opening her eyes, she looks into the slightly flushed face of the slayer. Feeling her heart pounding against her chest, Tara shakes her head. "If…" Tara trails off looking into the almost dark brown eyes of the slayer and the obvious desire therein, she changes her wording. "When we take this further, I have a feeling I'm going to spontaneously combust."

Buffy grunts quietly in agreement, knowing her temperature is at an all-time high at this moment. But, God she wants to see how high it will go. Closing her eyes, taking deep calming breaths, Buffy mutters out. "Maybe an ice cold water would be good right now." In lieu of an ice cold shower, Buffy continues in her head.

Tara nods her head and eases past the slayer to grab two waters out of the refrigerator, handing one to Buffy. Watching as the slayer quickly rips the top off the water and downs half of it, Tara smiles. Moving somewhat unsteadily over to the bed, Tara flops down on it before opening her water.

Buffy watches Tara intently, not believing how beautiful the woman is with slightly mussed hair, swollen pouty lips, flushed cheeks and dark blue eyes flashing with desire. "God you're beautiful." Buffy growls out quietly.

Tara looks up making eye contact with Buffy before smiling softly. "And you are absolutely gorgeous."

Buffy grins at the witch before finishing off her water. Going to stand at the door, she waits patiently for Tara to finish her water. "You still wanting to go to the Espresso Pump?" Buffy questions.

"Is it still open?" Tara looks at the clock, surprised to see it's almost 10:30. "Maybe we should forgo coffee tonight." Tara turns apologetic eyes on the slayer.

"Would you like to go for a walk around campus?" Buffy offers quietly, not wanting to leave the witch just yet, but knowing if she stays in the room alone with her that things may get a little heavier quicker than either woman was probably ready for.

Tara searches the slayer's eyes, seeing the hunger there, but the decision to try and take things slow. Not wanting the night to end either, Tara nods her head setting her water on the nightstand. Standing she walks towards her closet and is stopped by a soft hand on her arm.

Smiling softly, Tara reaches up and runs a thumb down her cheek. "You weren't the only one making the decisions here, you know."

Buffy leans into the caress. Sighing quietly, she closes her eyes. "I think I could stay here like this for the rest of my life and be happy." Buffy whispers.

"You haven't had a very good life, have you?" Tara whispers wrapping her arms gently around the slayer and pulling her into a soft hug.

"I've had a Slayer's life." Buffy sighs loosely wrapping her arms around the witch and easing her body in against the fuller body of the witch, silently groaning at the soft flesh. Her body urging her to lose herself in this other woman. "Maybe sometime you would like to tell me a little bit about what your life was like? I mean, you don't have to if you don't want too…" Buffy trails off as Tara hugs her tighter.

"Let's go for the walk and maybe some talking." Tara whispers. Easing her grip on the slayer Tara smiles sadly at the woman. "Get your jacket, I don't want you to get sick."

"Yes, ma'am." Buffy smiles softly before easing completely away from the witch and walking the short distance to the desk, grabbing her jacket from the chair and shrugging it on while watching Tara slide her jacket on. "Do you have a cross to carry with you?" Buffy questions quietly.

"No." Tara shakes her head. "Just my Celtic Cross that I need to put back on my bracelet."

Buffy pulls the wooden cross out of her jacket pocket handing it to the witch. "You really should carry one with you. It helps deter the vampires. It won't stop them, but a few seconds can mean a big difference."

"Thank you." Tara accepts the cross and tucks it away in her jacket pocket. Walking over to her desk, she grins mischievously as she grabs out a hand full of sharpened pencils. "I might want to bring these with me while I'm at it."

Buffy chuckles at the witch. "Maybe I should start carrying a handful around with me, in case of emergency."

Tara's eyes twinkle merrily at the slayer. "Never know when they might come in handy."

Buffy holds her hand out and smiles softly as Tara eagerly accepts and laces their fingers together as they walk out of the dorm room.

"What time would you like to come over tomorrow?" Buffy quietly asks the question as they walk around the quad.

"What time would you like to eat the wings?" Tara grins at the slayer. "They'll need to soak in the sauce for a couple hours to be flavored good before I bake them."

"So if I want to have the wings for lunch, you'll need to be at the house early to make the sauce and get the wings soaking?" Buffy questions a huge grin on her face.

Eyeing the slayer, Tara chuckles quietly. "Yes. Probably need to be there around 9:00 if you want to eat the wings at noon."

"Definitely want to eat at noon." Buffy grins swinging their arms as they walk. "Maybe I can come by early, walk you to the house and we can stop and get breakfast on the way."

Tara slows down and pulls Buffy to a stop. Looking at the slayer with a quirked eyebrow. "Are you planning on my staying at your house all day tomorrow?"

"Yes." Buffy admits grinning. Looking at Tara before tilting her head. "Are you okay with that?"

Tara sighs quietly, shaking her head. "How come I have this feeling you are going to turn my world completely upside down?" She questions quietly.

Buffy closes the distance between them and runs a hand down the witch's neck, smiling softly as her heartbeat picks up the pace. "I think your world needs to be turned upside down." Buffy whispers.

"Maybe it does." Tara agrees, closing her eyes at the slayer's caress. Moaning quietly as soft lips brush ever so lightly across hers before pulling away. Opening her eyes she smiles at Buffy. "Walk?"

"Walk." Buffy nods her head, turning she slides her arm around the witch's waist, squeezing her hip gently.

Smiling softly, Tara wraps her arm around the slayer as they walk around the campus, passing Howell House, they both chuckle at the students running in and out of the house, obviously having a good time. The music blaring and even some of the couples dancing on the grounds. "Looks like the party of the year." Tara grins as they walk by.

Buffy searches the grounds and nods her head. "Yeah, but it's just asking for vampires to come visit. If you don't mind, maybe we should work our way around outside here for a little while, make sure everything stays just a party."

"That's fine." Tara unconsciously squeezes the slayer a little tighter into her body.

Grinning as she snuggles in closer against the witch as they walk, Buffy questions her softly. "Would you like to stay for dinner tomorrow night also? Mom will usually pick up pizza or something for Saturday nights. We have a pizza and movie night, then I usually go out on patrol later."

"You aren't." Buffy shakes her head. "Honestly, mom doesn't mind. And all the time I spend with you, makes me want more." Buffy admits.

"If you're sure, I would love to stay for dinner." Tara smiles softly as she gently strokes her fingers over the slayer's waist. "Uh, oh. Looks like trouble coming in a group." Tara mutters seeing five vampires heading towards Howell House.

Releasing Tara, Buffy double checks around them before heading to intercept the vampires. "Stay close, but not too close." Buffy growls out to Tara.

Tara silently follows Buffy, keeping an eye open for any other demons while readying a couple spells. Pulling her pencils out, she smiles as she watches Buffy wade into the midst of the vampires, making comments and just generally pissing them off. As one of the vampires goes flying, Tara using her levitating spell to make the pencil fly straight into the heart of the vampire, dusting it quickly. Continuing to watch Buffy dodge and duck punches thrown at her while connecting with various combinations of punches and kicks, Tara marvels at the fluidity of the slayer. The smooth transition from one fighting style to another. When the slayer literally jumps up and tucks into a roll over the vampires converging on her, Tara's eyes widen in surprise. Coming back to herself, she quickly sends another pencil into another vampire's heart. Watching as Buffy stakes one quickly in the back before kicking the feet out of one of the two that's left and staking him.

Buffy looks around realizing Tara must have taken the other two vampires out before slowly advancing on the last one. "It isn't nice to try and take advantage of college kids just trying to have a good time." Buffy growls out before snapping off a side kick hard into the vampires ribs, knocking it back several yards before following up with a spinning back kick, knocking it to the ground. Quickly dusting it, she walks over to Tara, "You okay?" Buffy questions, double-checking the witch even though she tried to keep an eye on her while fighting the vampires.

"I'm fine." Tara smiles reaching up to brush some vampire dust from the slayer's cheek. "Should we continue cruising around the college?"

"Yeah." Buffy bounces slightly on the balls of her feet, the adrenalin rush from fighting the vampires at full force. Stretching her senses to the fullest, Buffy doesn't feel any vampires nearby, but keeps an eye out while clasping the witch's hand.

Tara chuckles at Buffy's obvious energy. Sighing quietly, she debates on how to tell the slayer about her life, where to start. Looking down at the ground, thinking about her family, Tara hopes she doesn't scare the slayer away, but knows in her heart that she needs to open up to this wonderful woman. This woman that has already told her so much about herself and will probably tell her more tomorrow.

Buffy glances at the witch, noticing the sad expression on her face. Pulling her to a gentle stop she looks at Tara. "Are you okay? I mean, is something wrong?"

Tara shakes her head smiling softly. "Just trying to decide where to start my life story." Tara finally admits before tugging on the slayer's hand to continue patrolling. "My mom started training me in the Wiccan ways when I was a baby. She taught me not to abuse the power. To understand the right and wrong way of using magic. I didn't understand to begin with, but she insisted that I never speak to Father or my brother about what we did in private. We always practiced the spells when they were gone, or when we went out of the house, spending a girl's day together. Later on I found out Father didn't abide the use of magic, that it was evil. He caught me practicing levitating one day in my bedroom and whipped me saying that it was the demon in me that allowed me to do such evil things." Tara looks down at her hand where Buffy is squeezing it gently in support. "Mom explained to me it wasn't evil or a demon in me that caused it, just that all the women in her family have the magic in their blood. Growing up, Mom supported me and loved me, but Father must have realized what she was doing, he caught us practicing a couple times and it went downhill from there. He started b-beating both of us." Tara inhales deeply, feeling the tears gathering in her eyes. "He taught D-donnie to b-beat me while he would abuse my mother." Tara swallows hard looking up at the night sky, not realizing that they had stopped walking and Buffy was stroking her arm in a soothing gesture. Glancing at the slayer, Tara shakes her head. "My mom d-died of cancer, but I think she more wanted to die to get away from my father. She insisted I get away, go to school and find someone to love with my whole heart. To never, ever stay in a relationship like she had, to think more of myself than that. She had squirreled away a small nest-egg and put it into a savings account for me. When I turned 18 I gathered up what few belongings I had, along with mom's Book of Shadows and crystals, closed the account and made my way here to school. I put what money was left in the bank and try to make do with the money I get from grants and scholarships."

"Oh, Buffy. You have nothing to be sorry for." Tara whispers quietly. "Some people have good lives some have bad and other ones have okay lives. It's the way the world is. And I honestly believe everything happens for a reason."

Tara shivers uncontrollably and whispers. "Pretty bad. Hospital worthy quite a few times."

Buffy growls at the thought of this kind, loving woman being beat. "Do they know where you are?"

"No." Tara shakes at the thought of them finding her. "That scares me more than anything. That one day they'll find me."

"They will NOT hurt you again!" Buffy growls the words out strongly. "If you have any inkling whatsoever that they are here, you call me or come straight to my house. Understand?" Buffy looks into the witch's blue eyes. "I am being very, very serious. Even if I didn't have a romantic interest in you I wouldn't want you to be hurt."

Tara looks down, her hair covering her face and nods silently. Glancing up as Buffy brushes her hair back behind her ear.

"Don't do that." Buffy whispers. At Tara's confused look Buffy raises her other hand and cups both cheeks. "Don't hide your beautiful eyes. You are beautiful, Tara. You should show the world just how much. And you can't do that by hiding."

Tara blushes looking down at the ground before looking back up, searching the slayer's hazel eyes, seeing the truth in her gaze. "Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me for speaking the truth." Buffy smiles sadly. "Just believe it." Sighing quietly she strokes her thumbs over the petal soft skin. "I really want to kiss you right now, but I have a feeling it won't be just a brief kiss." Buffy admits.

Tara's lip quirks up. "Are you trying to corrupt me?" Tara's eyes twinkle as she grins lopsidedly at the slayer.

"No…" Buffy trails off thinking for a moment. "Well, maybe." Tara laughs quietly, making Buffy grin. "I just want to make you happy."

"And if corrupting me makes me happy?" Tara chuckles as Buffy's eyes glint up mischievously into hers.

"Then I say the corrupting needs to take place somewhere besides the middle of the Quad." Buffy growls out jokingly.

"Thanks for listening to me, Buffy." Tara's smile softens and she reaches up brushing a fingertip over the slayer's eyebrow. "I haven't talked to anyone since my mom died, and I miss that so much."

"Not really. I couldn't belong to any after school activities. I went to school, came home, worked on the farm, helped mom fix dinner, clean the house, and did my school work. I never was able to go to birthday parties or sleepovers or anything like that." Tara admits.

"So we have a lot of time to make up for." Buffy decides then and there to make sure this woman is shown everything possible. "Let's continue."

Tara watches the slayer out of the corner of her eyes as they make another slow circuit of the college grounds, not coming across any other strange happenings before they slowly walk up to her room. Unlocking and opening the door, Tara turns expecting Buffy to follow her in and looks in surprise at the slayer standing in the doorway. "Aren't you going to come in?"

Buffy looks up and shakes her head. "I think I better stay here. Not that I don't want to come in…" Buffy trails off hoping Tara will understand.

"Afraid things will go further than either of us are ready for?" Tara questions quietly and as Buffy relaxes her tense stance and nods silently in agreement, Tara smiles gently. "What time are you planning on picking me up?"

Buffy smiles and bites her lip looking at the witch. "Now?" She raises her eyebrows hopefully.

Tara chuckles quietly. "I don't think I need to get the wings ready this early."

Buffy pouts and before she realizes she's even doing it, Tara closes the distance between them, capturing the lip caressing it gently with her tongue. Moaning quietly into the caress Buffy gently flicks her tongue over Tara's lips tempting the witch to deepen the kiss. Running her hand up to cup behind the witch's head, Buffy tilts her head as tongues gently caress each other for long moments before she eases away from the witch, smiling as she opens her eyes.

"I better go. Between 7:30 and 8:00?" Buffy whispers stroking her fingers over the soft nape of the witch's neck.

Swallowing Tara nods. "That would be perfect." She huskily whispers back to the slayer. "Be careful on the way home."

"I will." Buffy acknowledges the witch as she slowly pulls her hand away. "Tomorrow morning."

Tara smiles as Buffy backs out into the hallway before turning on her heel and striding towards the stairs. Watching the slayer as she walks out of sight, Tara steps back into her room, closing and locking the door. "Goddess, Mama. I think I'm falling in love." Tara whispers as she stands at the window looking out at the night sky.

"What are you doing up so early?" Joyce questions Buffy who's dusting and cleaning the living room. "I guess I don't have to ask why you're cleaning, do I?"

Buffy looks up grinning hugely. "I need to leave in a few minutes. I'm taking Tara to breakfast before bringing her here."

Joyce stares in stunned silence at the huge grin on Buffy's face. The last time she remembers her daughter looking that happy was when she was a little girl. "Maybe I shouldn't go to work today." Joyce narrows her eyes on her daughter, keeping a straight face. "I think I should play chaperone."

"MOM!" Buffy whines quietly before noticing her starting to grin. "That's just wrong." Buffy grumbles as she finishes dusting. Stomping into the kitchen she puts the polish away.

"Do I even want to know what happened last night?" Joyce questions as she makes a pot of coffee.

Smirking at her mother, Buffy waggles her eyebrows. "You already told me you didn't want details."

Sighing quietly and wiping away an imaginary tear, Joyce sniffles. "My little girl is growing up."

"Jeeze, Mom!" Buffy growls smacking her lightly on the shoulder. "We just kissed a couple times, walked around the campus and staked a few vampires."

"Oh, yeah." Buffy whispers quietly. "Definitely more kissage." Buffy growls quietly thinking about the witch.

"Buffy, just leave and take her out to breakfast. Do you still want me to pick up dinner and a movie?" Joyce questions, smiling at her daughter.

"Please? She's afraid of overstaying her welcome, but I insisted she stay." Buffy smiles at her mother.

Shaking her head Joyce questions. "What kind of movie do you want me to pick up?"

Buffy's smile falls from her face and her eyes widen. "I haven't any idea what kind of movies she likes. Hell, I don't even know if she's ever gotten to see any movies. I mean, my God, she'd never even been kissed before!"

"Calm down, honey. I'll pick up a couple different movies." Joyce tries to calm Buffy down.

Taking a deep steadying breath, Buffy nods. "Thanks Mom." Looking at the clock, she frowns. "I gotta go. Love you, and thanks for being so understanding."

Joyce smiles as Buffy runs out of the room, hearing the door slam, Joyce pours herself a cup of coffee. "My dear Tara, if you can make Buffy smile like that I'll welcome you with open arms and do everything I can to make life easier on you." Joyce murmurs into her coffee cup.

Buffy looks at her watch, pacing outside Tara's dorm room as soon as it hits 7:30 she quickly knocks on the door. Waiting she rocks back and forth while clasping her hands behind her back. Looking up and down the empty hallway smirking.

Glancing up as the door opens, Buffy grins. "Did I wake you?" Buffy smirks at the disheveled hair and the hazy eyes looking back at her. As her gaze travels further down the nightshirt that ends prematurely mid-thigh, Buffy feels her breath catch at the silky looking legs.

Tara's awake enough to realize it's Buffy and rubs her eyes looking at the slayer. Glancing back at the clock, she groans. "I forgot to set the alarm. Goddess, I am so sorry, Buffy. Let me take a quick shower and get ready." Tara turns leaving the door open for Buffy to come in while grabbing clothes, her shower kit and a couple towels. Yanking the robe on, she looks apologetically at the slayer. "Ten minutes. Make yourself comfortable."

Buffy chuckles as Tara goes running out the door, unable to resist she pokes her head out and watches as she runs down the hallway skidding to a stop as she enters the communal showers.

Coming back into the room, Buffy gently shuts the door and walks over to the bed reaching down to straighten up the sheets and comforter, Buffy hesitates feeling the warmth of the witch still in the sheets. Unable to resist, she picks up the blondes pillow and presses her face in inhaling deeply of Tara's scent. "Sweet god, she smells good." Buffy mutters before laying the pillow back down and quickly making the bed. Sitting on the edge, she waits patiently for Tara to come back to the room. Smirking as she looks at her watch she hears the door open exactly ten minutes later.

"I am so, so sorry." Tara mutters as she roughly runs the towel over her hair trying to dry it quickly.

"Easy." Buffy murmurs as she stands up, stilling the witch's hands. Pulling the towel from her and throwing it over the chair, Buffy grins. "Good morning." Buffy leans in and gently kisses the witch on the lips before pulling back. Running her hands up and down Tara's arms, Buffy looks into the deep blue eyes and smiles as Tara calms down.

"Good morning." Tara smiles at Buffy. "Goddess, let me brush my hair, it probably looks like a rats nest after my drying it with the towel." Tara turns and grabs her hairbrush and quickly brushes it through her hair.

"Yes, I did." Buffy agrees quietly. Her fingers itching to run through the blondes silky strands that are lying somewhat damply over her shoulders. Noticing for the first time that Tara's wearing a blue blouse tucked into faded blue jeans. Faded blue jeans that happen to hug the blondes curves in an absolutely drool-worthy way. Remembering what those legs looked like bare, Buffy inhales deeply and closes her eyes. "Dry your hair. I don't want you to catch a cold." Buffy hoarsely states before opening her eyes watching the blonde.

Tara notices the darkening eyes of the slayer and swallows deeply. Reaching over for the towel, she quickly rubs it over the ends of her hair. "Have any problems on the way home last night?" Tara questions softly watching the slayer.

"No. Pretty quiet on the way home." Buffy tucks her hands under her thighs to keep from reaching for the witch.

"You should have probably taken off your jacket until I was ready to leave." Tara finishes drying her hair before grabbing the brush and running it through to get out the rest of the knots until it lays smoothly.

"Didn't think about it." Buffy shrugs slowly standing and walking towards the window, looking out over the bright sunny day. "It's actually a beautiful day out." Turning she watches as Tara sits down and pulls her boots on, quickly tying them.

Tara glances up with mischief in her eyes. "I'll have to take your word for it. Until twenty minutes ago I was sawing logs."

"Did you find any good pieces to make stakes out of while you were sawing?" Buffy jokes quietly watching as Tara stands and walks towards her.

"That's what I should have been doing. Whittling stakes instead of sawing logs. I'll have to remember that next time." Tara smiles warmly at the slayer. "Are we the only two college students up this early?"

"I believe so." Buffy whispers closing the short distance between them. Reaching up with a slightly unsteady hand, Buffy slides it through the silky strands of the witch's hair, smiling at the softness.

Not able to resist Tara leans down the short distance and captures Buffy's lips with her own, gently caressing first the top lip then the bottom lip before tilting her head and running her tongue gently between the slayer's opened lips. Slowly wrapping her tongue repeatedly around the slayer's for a few short moments, Tara pulls back a tiny distance to flick her tongue over the slayer's top lip, smiling before pulling completely away.

"Can I go out the door and come back in?" Buffy whimpers quietly. "I want another good morning kiss like that one."

Tara chuckles and shakes her head. "You don't have to leave and come back in for another kiss."

"Good." Buffy growls quietly before leaning back into the witch, wrapping her arms around her waist and pressing her lips more firmly against Tara's, groaning as Tara quickly flicks her tongue out over her lips. Opening her mouth and capturing the playful tongue, Buffy sucks gently on the tip before releasing and battling gently against each other for long minutes, before slowly pulling away placing smaller and smaller kisses on the witch's pouty lips before finally stopping.

"Goddess." Tara groans. "Can I have a good morning kiss like that every morning?"

"It can definitely be arranged." Buffy groans leaning her head down against Tara's shoulder. "Maybe mom should have stayed home to play chaperone today." Buffy mutters.

Tara pulls Buffy in tighter against her body, groaning at the pressure before chuckling quietly. "Chaperone?"

"She was picking on me this morning. Joking about staying home and playing chaperone." Buffy smiles as she shifts in snugly against the witch.

Stroking gently over the slayer's back, Tara smiles as Buffy feels like she's almost trying to crawl inside her. "Buffy?" Tara chuckles as she just gets a humm from Buffy. "Are we just going to stand around here all day hugging and kissing?" Tara bites her lip to keep from laughing.

"I don't see anything wrong with that idea." Buffy murmurs rubbing her cheek over the witch's shoulder. Almost purring in contentment at the stroking of the witch's hands.

Tara tries to hold the laughter back, since Buffy sounds so serious, but she can't. First her shoulders start shaking then her chest and stomach start shaking. Watching as Buffy pulls back with narrowed eyes, it finally works it's way out. Laughing loudly Tara pulls back and flops on her bed burying her face in the comforter, her whole body shaking.

"Are you laughing at me?" Buffy pouts watching as Tara laughs. "That just isn't nice." Buffy pounces on the bed beside the witch. "Wicked witch's get tickled. Are you ticklish?" Buffy growls out before running her fingers gingerly over her ribs, making her squirm and laugh even more. "Oooh, witch is ticklish. You are in so much trouble."

Tara gasps out. "Not fair." Tara laughs harder as Buffy hit's an especially ticklish spot on her ribs. Shifting around, Tara turns over onto her back, trying to grasp the slayers quicksilver hands. "Not…faiiirrr!" Tara cries out, giving up on grasping the slayer's hands, she grasps Buffy's jacket, pulling.

Buffy shifts her hands quickly to the bed as Tara pulls her jacket and in turn pulls her down over her. "Careful." Buffy whispers looking down into laughing blue eyes. Watching as the blue eyes become serious, Buffy shifts one hand up and runs it over the witch's cheek.

Tara runs her hands up over the slayer's jacket to clasp behind her neck, tugging her down to brush her lips over the slayer's.

Buffy groans and deepens the kiss. Threading her hand in the silky hair, Buffy whimpers into the witch's mouth as she feels hands working down her back, urging her body closer. Easing her body into the witch's, but keeping the majority of the weight to the hand supporting her, Buffy finally breaks off the kiss, panting heavily. Opening her eyes, looking into the deep blue eyes of the witch, Buffy growls quietly.

Finally getting her breathing under control, Tara moves both hands to cup the slayer's face. Shifting up and pressing a feather light kiss to the slayer's lips, she drops her head back down on the bed. "Breakfast?" She finally whispers before grinning lopsidedly at the slayer.

"Breakfast." Buffy agrees smirking. "Of course, I probably should move if we plan on leaving to go to breakfast."

"You, Miss Tara Maclay are a major temptation." Buffy whispers before leaning down and kissing her quickly before rolling off the witch and standing. Offering her hand out to Tara, she smiles and helps her up.

"And you are irresistible." Tara murmurs quietly. "Let's leave before we get sidetracked again."

"I don't mind getting sidetracked." Buffy admits as she watches Tara grab her purse checking for her keys before opening the door.

"I don't either." Tara smiles as Buffy walks past her out into the hallway. "But if a certain slayer wants to try my hot wings, we should get moving."

"Oh, that's it. Just go straight to the slayer's weakness." Buffy jokes. "That isn't playing fairly."

"Oh, like using slayer speed to tickle me so I couldn't capture your hands was fair." Tara laughs as Buffy grabs her hand, lacing their fingers together and tugging her quickly to the stairs.

"I would never take advantage of my abilities that way. So I have no clue what you're talking about." Buffy smirks as she pushes open the door leading to the quad.

"Wellll…" Buffy winks before laughing lightly. "Maybe not, in this case." She admits.

Squeezing Buffy's hand, Tara smiles. "So what kind of food does the Espresso Pump have?"

"You've never been there before?" Buffy questions quietly. At Tara's shake of the head, she sighs. "Well, it doesn't have actual food, food. They have things like bagels and muffins. And of course, coffee and tea."

"I like all those things." Tara glances at Buffy. "I'm more of a tea drinker, but occasionally a coffee or Mocha tastes pretty good. I usually buy that instant stuff that you can just add water to when I get an urge for one."

"Then you're in for a treat. We'll get you one of those large Mocha's fresh made with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Mmmm Mmmm!" Buffy shivers as if in heavenly bliss.

Tara laughs quietly. "That sounds very good. Maybe a chocolate chip muffin to go with it?"

"Whatever the lady desires." Buffy gently bumps their shoulders together. "If you wish multiple Mochas and muffins, you will have them."

"Hmmm. Maybe one Mocha with the muffin and another Mocha for the walk to your house?" Tara questions.

"Then that's what you'll have." Buffy reaches over with her free hand and strokes the witch's hand. "So soft." She whispers quietly. "And I have my callused, weapon roughened hands, sorry."

Tara pulls them to a stop and grasps Buffy's hand placing it on her cheek, holding it there with her hand. Tilting her head into the hand she smiles softly. "You have honest, hard working hands, Buffy. And they're wonderful." Turning her face she places a kiss in the palm of Buffy's hand before gently easing it away and continuing their way to the coffee shop.

Buffy unconsciously looks at the hand Tara had kissed, smiling. "I never thought of them that way. I just thought of them as being rough and ugly. The hands of a killer." She whispers the last.

"You are definitely good for the ego." Buffy eyes the witch quietly. Buffy opens the door as they reach the coffee shop. "If you want to go ahead and grab a table, I'll grab the food and drinks."

"Okay." Tara smiles softly looking around the shop and seeing a tall table empty, she works her way towards it.

Buffy smiles watching Tara before walking up to the counter to place and pay for the order. Waiting patiently for the Mochas Buffy watches as Tara calmly sits watching her, smiling. Buffy turns and grasps the tray as the employee calls her number. Walking over to the table and placing a Mocha gently in front of Tara followed by her chocolate chip muffin, Buffy hops up on the seat and takes a bite out of her bagel with cream cheese.

"Only one bagel?" Tara questions, her eyes twinkling as she gently tears a piece of her muffin and pops it in her mouth, chewing slowly.

"Don't want to ruin my appetite for wings." Buffy smirks at the witch. "Are you trying to say I eat a lot?"

"Delicious." Tara sips the hot coffee gingerly. "I don't think I'll be happy with the instant stuff anymore."

"Sorry." Buffy watches Tara for a few long moments as the witch finishes her muffin. "I guess that means I'll have to bring you here frequently so you can get your Mocha fix."

"You won't get any arguments from me." Tara sips her Mocha watching as Buffy pops the last of her bagel in her mouth.

"Did you want another muffin?" Buffy questions before reaching out and clasping Tara's hand gently in her own.

"I'm fine." Tara admits, smiling as she glances down to the strong hand clasping hers. Running her thumb gently over the top of the slayer's hand, Tara glances back up making contact with beautiful hazel eyes.

"Do you want to get another Mocha for the walk to the house?" Buffy smiles softly as Tara gently squeezes her hand.

"I'm afraid if I have a second one I'll be up for a week." Tara admits grinning. Looking down into the cup, she shakes her head. "That's more caffeine than I'm used to drinking in a weeks time. But it was delicious."

"Hmm." Buffy murmurs quietly. "Means witch is going to have extra energy to burn. This could be promising." Buffy looks at Tara, her eyes twinkling.

"Oh, great!" Tara laughs quietly. "You're probably going to have me clean house, right?"

Buffy shakes her head. "Oh, no, no, no. I can come up with lots better things to do with that energy." Buffy smirks and winks. "You finished?"

"Anytime." Buffy gathers their trash placing it on the tray and walks towards the door, placing the trash in the receptacle. Holding her hand out as Tara comes up beside her, Buffy grins happily as she laces their fingers together and they head towards her house.

Buffy watches quietly as Tara chops up different peppers tossing them into a mixing bowl adding seasonings, vinegar and all sorts of other items before mixing it together. Inhaling deeply, Buffy's eyes widen at the spicy smell. "Am I going to have a stomach lining after we eat these?" She questions jokingly.

Tara looks up with twinkling blue eyes. "It may be questionable." She admits. "But it'll be good to see how hot you like your wings. I have a more potent sauce, but it needs to be simmered for about 10 hours. I usually make a big batch at the beginning of summer and place it in jars, using it the rest of the summer." Chuckling quietly, she grabs down a cup and pours some of the sauce in it, covering and placing it in the fridge. Picking up the huge package of wings, Tara opens and quickly rinses the wings, placing them gently in the mixing bowl. After rinsing all the wings, Tara gingerly tosses them, trying to make sure they all get coated with the sauce. Placing some wrap over the bowl, she opens the refrigerator and shifts items around to make room. Placing the bowl in the fridge and closing it she places the cutting board and utensils in the sink, rinsing them off before washing her hands thoroughly.

"What I want to do and what we'll probably do are two different things." Buffy looks down at her hands. "I need to finish telling you about the past couple years." Buffy glances up into the warm blue eyes of the witch. "And if you don't go running the other way after I finish, maybe we'll see if what I want to do is possible in the future." Buffy sighs quietly.

"What exactly are you wanting to be possible in the future?" Tara asks huskily, having a gut feeling she knows what it is, but wanting Buffy to admit it.

"A serious relationship. Taking this…" Buffy glances up smiling briefly. "Attraction further when you're ready. Having lots and lots more smoochie action. Walking in an afternoon summer shower, seeing if we can make my mom turn all kinds of funny colors by kissing in front of her, and making all kinds of cute, couple-y remarks. Watch you napping, see if you snore or drool." Buffy chuckles quietly at the narrowing blue eyes. "See if you like to cuddle when you sleep. And thousands of other things."

"Sounds like you want a lot." Tara whispers reaching out and running her hand over the side of Buffy's face.

Buffy rubs her face against the soft hand. "I want everything." Buffy admits. "Let's go get comfortable in the living room and talk, okay?"

Tara nods gently pulling her hand away as they make their way to the living room. As both women sit down on the couch, Tara looks expectantly at the slayer.

"Is it okay if I have another kiss before I tell you the story of the rest of my life?" Buffy hopefully questions. "Just in case?"

"Of course you can have another kiss, but I don't think I'll run…" Tara trails off as Buffy places a finger on her lips.

"Hear the story first." Buffy whispers before replacing her finger with her lips, gently kissing Tara. Pulling back, Buffy looks intently at Tara for a few moments before starting the story of her Junior year. Explaining about coming closer to Angel, how Spike and Drusilla arrived on the scene, Kendra. Going on to slowly explain her 17th birthday, how Angel lost his soul at that moment of perfect happiness. Explaining the gypsy's curse completely, how Miss Calendar was actually of the Kalderash gypsy clan, sent to watch Angel. Smiling briefly as she sidetracks to talk about how Spike and Dru had come to the school during Parent/Teacher night and her mom whacking Spike in the head, saving her. How her mom didn't know at that time that she was the slayer. Taking a deep breath, Buffy finally explains how Angelus killed Jenny Calendar, Drusilla killed Kendra. Angelus put together the Judge, her blowing up part of the mall because The Judge couldn't be destroyed by any weapon forged and how Xander snuck onto a base stealing a rocket launcher to kill the judge, which lead to her backtracking telling about the Halloween when they all became their costumes, chuckling quietly.

Tara watches the slayer intently as she talks about her Junior year, frowning at how Buffy felt she was too blame for everyone that died and Giles being tortured, because she couldn't bring herself to stake Angel…Angelus. And at the end, when the start of the end of the world happened with Acathla being brought to life, she knew he got his soul restored but still killed him to stop the destruction. Sending him to Hell. And as she finally whispers that she ran away to LA when she couldn't handle it, and even there she couldn't get away from the creatures of the night. As she stops talking, Tara reaches out and clasps the slayer's hands within hers.

"It wasn't your fault, Buffy. And, please tell me honestly. At that time, could you have killed Angelus? Were you strong enough to go up against him? From what you told me, he was a very conniving, extremely smart vampire. He took the time to learn his enemies before he went after them, unlike most of the vampires I've come across that just attack." Tara softly places the questions out there for the slayer. "In the end, you did what you had to. And, unfortunately it was your love, not Angelus that you had to send to Hell." Tara leans in and brushes a kiss on the slayer's cheek. "You were barely 17 years old when this happened, Buffy. You were still a kid and he was your first love. You made mistakes, but if you honestly had them to do over, I don't think you would."

"I wouldn't." Buffy admits quietly, smiling briefly. "Do you want something to drink?"

Tara glances at her watch and nods. "I'll go with you, shift the wings around in the sauce while I'm in there."

Buffy pulls the bowl out, setting it on the counter before reaching back in grabbing a water for herself and an apple juice for Tara. Watching as the witch uncovers the bowl and shifts the wings around, she smiles softly enjoying the simple sight.

Tara replaces the wrap and turns towards the refrigerator, chuckling quietly at Buffy who's just watching her with a smile playing about her lips. "What are you doing?"

Tara places the bowl in the refrigerator before turning. Facing the slayer, Tara leans against the island. "Are you wanting to continue the rest of your life story, or do you want to take a break for a little while?"

Buffy tilts her head considering for a moment. "I really kind of want to finish telling you everything. I mean I'm not telling you all the little things, just hitting on the big stuff." Buffy admits quietly.

"I'm positive." Buffy nods her head smiling. "But other bad things happened my Senior year, mostly to deal with Faith." Buffy admits. "I might as well tell you everything and get it out in the open."

"Living room?" Tara offers as she grabs her juice. Following the slayer out into the living room again, Tara sits down sipping her juice as Buffy tucks her legs under herself, sitting beside Tara.

Quickly Buffy explains what happened after running away, then finally coming back. Her welcome back party, the zombies. She explains how Angel came back from Hell. How she hid him from the rest of the group. Finally starting on the part about Faith, how she was jealous of the younger woman, how everyone thought she was so 'cool'. Kakistos coming after Faith, how they fought and killed the vampire that had murdered Faith's watcher. Gwendolyn Post, Faith's new watcher, that actually had been dismissed and pitted the two slayers against each other. Finally when they realized Post was evil, they defeated the woman. But not before driving an even bigger wedge between them. The new idiot watcher Wesley Wyndham-Price, showed up after her 18th birthday surprise and the Watcher's Council fired Giles for caring too much. Explaining how Deputy Mayor Finch died, Faith going to work for the Mayor, poisoning Angel, then her part in stabbing the slayer, planning on feeding Angel her blood. Faith jumping off the roof, ending up in a coma at the hospital. Buffy unconsciously wipes a tear from her face, feeling her heart ache for everything the other slayer had been put through. A good portion of it because she was too involved with Angel or just plain jealous of the other girl. Finally telling about the Mayor's Ascension, how the whole student body helped. They blew the mayor and the school up, and finally Angel leaving to go to LA.

Tara sits there beside Buffy, thinking over everything the slayer has told her. Seeing where everyone, not just Faith and not just Buffy had obviously made mistakes. The poor girl never should have been left on her own, living in rat-trap motels. Something about what Buffy was telling her, hitting a cord deep inside her. "Do you know whether or not Faith was abused when she was younger?" She questions softly.

Buffy looks at the witch questioningly before shaking her head. "No. She never really talked about herself like that. She would tell stories about kicking ass, but she never went into her personal life."

Tara nods frowning slightly. "Just from what you've told me, I have a feeling her home life was probably similar if not worse than mine." Tara explains quietly. "Of course, this is just conjecture on my part since I have never met the woman and don't know her."

Buffy sits there, thinking deeply about the past. How Faith always changed the subject or got defensive when questioned about her life. Seeing that maybe there was something in what Tara is saying.

"About six months." Buffy admits quietly. "I try to visit every weekend, and if I can during the week occasionally."

"Of course." Buffy smiles at the witch. "So, you're not going to run away from here? From…me?" Buffy hesitates saying the word softly.

"Goddess no, Buffy." Tara shakes her head turning her body to face the slayer, laying a calming hand on the tense thigh. "I've noticed that you've just hit on most of the bad things that's happened. Surely there were just as many, if not more, good things that have happened. I know you probably told me the bad things, thinking you were showing me at your worst, but I see a young courageous woman that was thrown in a fight doing the best she could. Yes, she made mistakes, but that's part of growing up. Everyone makes them, unfortunately the fate of the world doesn't lie on everyone's shoulders. So your mistakes seem huge in comparison."

Buffy listens to the words Tara is speaking, and actually hears what is being said. Looking into warm blue eyes, Buffy smiles. Placing a hand over the one resting on her thigh, Buffy squeezes it gently. "Can I keep you?"

Tara laughs quietly. "What, are you planning on telling your mom that I followed you home? That you'll promise to feed me, water me, take me out on walks?"

Buffy rolls her eyes at the joking witch. "I have a feeling you're already potty trained, so that would be a good selling point." Buffy smirks before shaking her head. "You make me feel better, not so much like everything's my fault."

"Everything isn't your fault, Buffy." Tara opens her arms and smiles as Buffy quickly leans into the embrace. "You're not the world's keeper. Not even with being the slayer." She continues quickly before Buffy can interrupt. "You can't keep people from dying, you can't kill every demon in the world before it commits some kind of atrocity. Goddess Buffy, even if you wiped out all the demons in the world, there's still human kind that commits just as many atrocities and they have souls!" Tara hugs Buffy tightly, running her hands gently up and down the strong back. Smiling as Buffy burrows in tighter against her, Tara runs her hands more firmly over her back. "Are you purring?" Tara questions confused.

Lifting the slayer's chin, Tara quirks her eyebrow at the slayer. "I didn't think it was possible for humans to purr. Are you part cat?"

Buffy shakes her head smiling. "No, something to do with my being a slayer." Buffy admits quietly. Seeing the question in Tara's eye Buffy looks down blushing deeply. "Can we hold off on that for a while? I'll explain later." Buffy remembers how when reading one of the Watcher's books during research, it made note of the before unknown phenomena of a slayer purring. Tabling those memories for the moment, Buffy grins at the witch. "Time to put the wings in?"

Looking at the time, Tara nods. "Yes, it is. Are you going to want anything else to go with the wings?"

"We've got makings for salad. I think Mom has some garlic bread in the freezer also." Buffy mentions. "Do you want either or both?"

"Salad might be good. Something green to go along with the wings." Tara smiles as she grabs the bowl out. Turning the oven on, she opens the cabinet she remembered the pans being in, grabbing a couple out. Opening a couple cabinets, she comes across some spray cooking oil and sprays the pans putting it up before quickly and efficiently placing the wings on the two pans. Spooning the left over sauce on top of the wings, Tara slides the pans in the oven, setting the timer before turning and rinsing off the utensils, placing them in the dishwasher.

Turning she watches as Buffy quickly throws the salad together, smiling as she peels and slices the cucumber in record time. Grasping the tomato, Tara rinses it off before placing it in front of Buffy, watching her quickly chop it up into small sections. Covering the bowl, Buffy places it back in the refrigerator. "I may not be able to cook, but I am good at slicing and dicing." Buffy admits grinning as she leans against the refrigerator.

Tara grins lopsidedly at the slayer. "Being good with a knife is probably a perquisite to being a slayer."

"Probably 45 minutes." Tara tilts her head at the slayer. "Some of them were pretty big, so they might need a little longer."

"So maybe an hour." Buffy smiles. "Whatever are we going to do for the next hour?"

"Well, we could play tic-tac-toe." Tara starts, biting her lip. "Maybe checkers?" At a shake of the slayer's head and smirk. Tara taps her chin. "Monopoly? Trivial Pursuit?" Laughing as Buffy shakes her head vehemently, Tara tilts her head. "Well, what do you suggest?"

"Making the student the teacher." Buffy grins hugely. "I figure another half hour max of kissing, you'll be teaching me."

"Oh, trust me. You are an excellent kisser. Definitely a natural." Buffy watches her intently. "Or we can behave and maybe turn the television on, see what there is to watch."

Tara considers the slayer for a long moment, closing the short distance between them and kissing her quickly. "Maybe slowing it down and watching TV isn't a bad idea." She whispers quietly.

"Okay." Buffy nods her head easily in agreement. Clasping the witch's hand in hers, she leads her back out into the living room. Sitting down on the couch, Buffy releases the hand in hers and unties her shoes setting them by the end of the couch. Looking up at Tara she smiles. "You can make yourself comfortable." Buffy nods down at her boots before reaching for the remote.

Tara smiles sitting down on the end of the couch leaning down and untying and sliding her boots off before situating herself in the corner of the couch, glancing over occasionally at Buffy as she flicks through the channels.

"Here, I don't care what we watch." Buffy hands the remote to Tara, scooting slightly closer to the witch.

Tara glances at the remote now in her hand to Buffy who was trying to scoot closer, but not be obvious about it. Considering the couch for a moment, Tara chuckles quietly. "Scoot forward, Buffy."

Buffy scoots up to the edge of the couch without questioning Tara, but does have a confused look on her face. Watching as Tara shifts her legs up behind her on the couch, lying down on her side. Eyes opening wide with understanding, Buffy lays down in front of her and snuggles her back against the front of the witch, smiling as Tara wraps an arm around her waist as Buffy rests her head on Tara's upper arm.

"Oh, yeah." Buffy murmurs running her fingers over the witch's arm. Swallowing as she feels Tara's breasts pressing gently into her back.

Bending her right arm, that Buffy's laying on, up so she can run her fingers through the slayer's hair. Easing her face closer, Tara rests her cheek against Buffy, inhaling the smell of the slayer. Unconsciously her other hand's stroking over the slayer's stomach, shifting the shirt finding warm velvety soft skin.

Feeling extremely content and happy, Buffy starts purring quietly at the soft caresses.

Tara slows her caresses for a moment before continuing as before after hearing Buffy start purring quietly. Making a mental note to look through her books to see what it means. Pressing her lips gently against the slayer's head, Tara relaxes more, shifting her leg so her knee is lying over Buffy's leg.

Sliding her hand down to rest over the witch's leg, Buffy's purring gradually increases. Feeling her eyes getting heavy, Buffy rubs her face against the witch's arm and presses her body more firmly back into the witch's as she slowly falls asleep.

Tara inhales deeply at the pressure of the slayer's body pressing back firmly into her body, her breasts aching. Groaning quietly Tara buries her face in the slayer's hair, closing her eyes. As she hears the slayer's breathing deepen, Tara shifts the tiniest bit so she can see the slayer's face and grins as she realizes Buffy's fallen asleep. Laying her head back down, Tara kisses the back of Buffy's head before whispering. "You are absolutely precious." Tara quietly lies with the slayer, continuing her stroking as she silently contemplates the woman in her arms. Realizing there was a very real possibility that this woman could die at any time, being the slayer was pretty much a death sentence. Feeling tears come to her eyes at the thought of the slayer dying, Tara takes a steadying breath. 'What am I going to do, Mama?' Remembering her mother telling her to never turn down love that's offered, Tara closes her eyes wondering what her Mom would say to her loving the slayer. Smiling sadly Tara realizes she would tell her to take every day as a precious gift and not leave anything undone that she wanted to do. Finally chuckling quietly, she realizes she'd also probably tell her that she couldn't have met a more perfect person for her.

Flexing her fingers gently into the slayer's firm stomach, Tara smiles as the low timbered purring gets louder. Flexing her fingers again, Tara can't help but chuckle as it gets even louder.

"Sort of." Tara admits shifting her arm from underneath Buffy's head and propping herself up to look at the slayer, smiling as she shifts to lay on her back looking up at her.

Resting her hand flat against the skin of the slayer's stomach, Tara looks down, smiling softly.

"I fell asleep, didn't I?" Buffy questions blushing slightly. "I didn't drool or snore or anything, did I?"

"Sorry." Buffy looks into the darkening blue eyes above her. Arching up slightly into the hand on her stomach.

"Nothing to be sorry over." Tara whispers looking deeply into Buffy's eyes. Inhaling at the depth of emotion looking back at her. Leaning down, she brushes her lips across Buffy's briefly before easing back. "You didn't get a lot of sleep last night, did you?" Tara softly questions.

"Not a lot. But my little cat nap has given me my second wind." Buffy admits tilting her head as Tara laughs quietly.

"If you're not going to get your quota of sleep, I'm going to make you cut back on visiting hours." Tara reaches up and taps her finger against Buffy's nose.

"Can't do that. I'm trying to figure out how to spend more time together, not less." Buffy shakes her head at the witch.

"I won't be the cause of you getting hurt…" Tara hesitates for a moment, closing her eyes. "Or worse."

"You won't be." Buffy murmurs sincerely. Reaching up, she runs her hand through the silky soft strands. "Come here." Buffy urges quietly, moaning as Tara eases her upper body down onto hers, breasts pressing against each other as Tara's lips capture hers in a sweet, gentle kiss.

Unable to resist, Tara slowly deepens the kiss, her tongue playing for long moments over Buffy's lips, ignoring the slayer's invitation to enter her mouth. Capturing the slayer's bottom lip between her teeth, she nibbles gently before stroking her tongue more firmly over her lips, finally accepting the unspoken invitation and searches out the warm cavern. Seeking out all the nooks and cranny's before swirling her tongue firmly over and against the slayer's.

Buffy moans into the kiss, not realizing her hands have shifted to Tara's waist, moving the woman so she's laying completely over top of her. Wrapping her arms around Tara, Buffy arches up into the softer, voluptuous form of the witch.

"Sweet Goddess!" Tara mutters hoarsely as she finally breaks off the kiss, panting heavily. Looking at the slayer with desire filled eyes, Tara dives back in firmly battling against the slayer's tongue, her hands threading through the slayer's hair, grasping her strongly. Bringing the kiss to a slow end, Tara shifts her head to the side, groaning as Buffy pushes her breasts firmly against hers. "I weigh too much, Buffy." Tara tries to shift off the slayer, but is stopped by firm hands keeping her in place.

"No way." Buffy growls quietly. "You are not too heavy. As a matter of fact, you feel perfect." Buffy strokes her hands gently down the witch's back, stopping at the waist band of her jeans, running along the edge. "Ah, hell!" Buffy mutters as the timer goes off on the stove.

Tara can't help but chuckle at the slayer. Easing up slightly, Tara brushes her lips over Buffy's again. "Let me go so I can check on your wings, sweetie."

"Do I have to?" Buffy pouts, gently squeezing the witch. "Personally I kind of like where you're at."

Easing down till her nose is brushing against the slayer's nose, Tara admits in a whisper "I kind of like being here."

"How about a compromise?" Buffy grins looking into the gorgeous blue eyes of the witch.

"After lunch we pick up where we left off?" Buffy caresses the lower back of the witch watching the adorable half grin come across her face.

"Done." Tara grins at Buffy before brushing her lips once more across the slayer's lips. Easing her body up and off Buffy to stand by the couch, Tara chuckles at the look of loss coming across the slayer's face. Tapping her finger against Buffy's bottom lip, she winks. "After lunch." As Buffy breaks into a grin, Tara shakes her head at the slayer before heading towards the kitchen. Digging around she finds the oven mitts. Opening the stove, Tara pulls the pans out eyeing the wings deciding they need probably another ten more minutes. Resetting the timer, she turns to head towards the living room and stops at the sight of Buffy leaning against the wall watching her. "You could scare someone sneaking up on them like that." Tara smiles softly at the slayer.

"I'll be sure to make some noise next time." Buffy looks apologetically at the witch. "They obviously need a little longer?"

"Probably another ten minutes should do it." Tara admits quietly. Continuing her walk, she works her way over to Buffy. "I've got an idea on how to spend the next ten minutes."

"Really." Tara murmurs placing her hands gingerly on the slayer's waist and leaning in against Buffy brushing her lips repeatedly over the slayers, quickly capturing the slayer's tongue as it invades her mouth. Sucking gently for long moments, Tara finally releases Buffy's tongue, following it back into the slayer's mouth, flicking against the slayer's tongue repeatedly. Groaning as Buffy sucks firmly on her tongue, before nibbling gently on the tip.

As Buffy releases Tara's tongue, she pulls the witch in tightly against her body. Growling quietly, Buffy nibbles down the side of the witch's neck, flicking her tongue out occasionally until she reaches the pulse point, sucking more firmly as Tara tilts her head giving her free reign. Hearing Tara groan loudly, Buffy smiles before licking strongly over the soft skin that had garnered her attention.

"Buffy!" Tara cries out quietly as she pushes harder into the slayer's body at the feelings coursing through her body. Sliding both hands under the slayer's shirt and over the slayer's warm back, Tara gently scrapes her nails over Buffy's lower back, groaning at the electric response of the slayer jerking into her body.

"Shit." Buffy hisses out burying her head in the witch's neck, pressing her body in tight against the taller woman. Trying to get control of the arousal shooting through her body, Buffy takes deep breaths, inhaling deeply through her nose before whimpering at the smell of the witch's obvious arousal.

Both women jump slightly as the timer goes off on the stove. Chuckling Tara flexes her fingers briefly before easing back from the slayer.

Buffy lets Tara pull away. Closing her eyes she bangs the back of her head against the wall before getting her body under control.

Tara watches Buffy with concerned eyes momentarily until she sees the woman relaxing. Her own body shaking in response to what happened, Tara works her way over to the stove turning the timer off before pulling the wings out and setting them on the racks to cool. Turning the oven off, Tara moves and leans against the counter, letting her own body calm down for a few long minutes.

Buffy finally opens her eyes and smirks at the dark blue eyes watching her intently. "Maybe mom should be here to chaperone." Seeing the grin work it's way across the witch's face, makes Buffy chuckle quietly. "And, just to let you know, you are now officially the teacher." Buffy growls out before moving and plopping down on one of the stools at the island. Running a slightly shaking hand over her face, Buffy closes her eyes. 'God a cold shower is definitely in order right now.' Buffy thinks to herself, surprised at how much she wants Tara. Never having wanted Angel to a tenth of this degree.

"Are you okay?" Tara whispers quietly watching the slayer's slightly shaking hands, not feeling to steady herself.

Looking up at Tara with passion filled eyes, Buffy laughs quietly. "Depends on how you look at it." Seeing the questioning look, Buffy sighs looking down at her hands. "I'm going to be blunt, so be prepared. I want you. I want you so much I'm shaking." Buffy growls quietly holding out her hands, showing Tara. Looking up Buffy shakes her head. "I know you're not ready to take this further right now. Hell, I'm probably not ready…Well, yeah I'm ready." Buffy admits clasping her hands and placing them on the counter top. "But we should take this slow. And unless I keep my distance, I might be tempted to push for something you're not ready for." Buffy whispers the last bit in a sad tone.

Tara looks at the slayer thinking heavily. "If I said no, or asked you to stop, would you try to push for more?" At the shocked look coming across the slayer's face and the vehement shaking of her head, Tara quirks her lip up slightly. "Then I can call a stop if I'm not ready."

Buffy nods her head in stunned surprise. "Yes, you can. I won't force you, ever." Buffy looks at the witch intently. "Of course, I may need to call a break occasionally to get my hormones back in check."

Tara grins, biting her lip. "I might need to run and take a cold shower frequently."

Buffy blushes before laughing quietly. "That thought has actually occurred to me more than once in the last couple days. Hell in the last couple hours."

Tara laughs quietly before grabbing down plates. Picking up the wings and placing them on the plates, she piles one high for the slayer while only putting a dozen on a plate for herself. Placing the big plate in front of Buffy, she turns and grabs out the sauce she had separated earlier along with a couple waters. Placing them on the island she smirks at Buffy. "Try the wings like they are first, then if you're still wanting to kick it up more, pour some more sauce over them." Turning back she grabs the salad and a couple dressings out of the refrigerator.

Buffy watches Tara as she grabs the extra sauce and gingerly pours it over her wings before setting it back down. "That all the wings you're going to want?" Buffy questions looking at her plate piled high.

"Probably." Tara admits quietly. "A dozen is about the max I can eat, they fill me up." Tara watches Buffy, smirking slightly. "You afraid of them?"

Buffy looks down at her plate and back up to the mischievous blue eyes. "Should I be?"

Buffy watches as Tara grab a couple bowls down and forks out of a drawer for their salads. Scooping some salad into a bowl for each of them, Buffy smiles as she watches Tara put a small amount of French dressing on her salad.

"Don't know. Depends on if you like it hot." Tara picks up a wing and starts eating lunch, watching Buffy.

Buffy gingerly grabs a wing taking a tentative bite. Chewing the meat, she grins. Quickly finishing the wing she grabs another, finishing eating it, her mouth has a good hot tingle. Debating on throwing more sauce on the wings she looks up into laughing blue eyes.

"Dip one in the sauce and eat it, see how you like it." Tara pokes her salad, smirking. Watching as Buffy dips a wing quickly in and out of the cup of extra sauce. Tara slowly chews her salad. Watching as Buffy's eyes widen as she eats the wing, Tara chuckles.

"Damn." Buffy mutters at the heat. Loving the flavor of the wings, Buffy debates on whether or not she can handle eating them all with the extra sauce. Deciding what the hell, she grabs the cup and pours it over the wings, grinning maniacally at the thought of her mother having some of these wings. "I have got to keep a couple aside for mom, see if I can shame her into eating one." Buffy mutters before quickly attacking the wings.

Tara laughs at the obvious mischief in the slayer's voice. "Don't you do that to your mother. She'll never want me to come back."

"Sure she will." Buffy grins as she takes a quick sip of her water before digging back into her wings.

Tara finishes her wings, before sliding her plate aside and pulling the rest of her salad in front of her. Slowly eating her salad, Tara shakes her head as Buffy quickly and systematically works her way through the wings. Surprised that Buffy's actually able to eat the wings, Tara wonders if it has something to do with being a slayer.

Buffy groans quietly as she finishes the wings, licking the extra sauce from her fingers. "You said the cooked batch of sauce is hotter?" Buffy looks up at Tara.

"Yes." Tara hoarsely answers, feeling a shot of arousal go through her body at watching Buffy lick her fingers clean.

"These were absolutely delicious." Buffy murmurs. "And extremely spicy. I like." Buffy grins. "We'll have to have you cook up a huge batch of your sauce for me to try."

"I can do that." Tara whispers. Shaking her head at the thoughts running through her mind, Tara grasps her plate and Buffy's, dumping the bones in the trash before rinsing the plates and washing her hands.

Buffy stands picking up the salad bowls reaching around Tara, placing them in the sink. Reaching both arms around the witch's waist, pressing her body lightly into Tara's, Buffy turns the water back on washing her hands, smirking as she hears Tara groan quietly. Pressing in more firmly, Buffy places a kiss on the witch's shoulder while turning the water back off. Holding onto the sink edge with her damp hands, Buffy nuzzles into the witch's neck. Gently scraping her teeth over the sensitive skin before flicking her tongue up and over her neck.

Tara whimpers, reaching down, grasping the slayer's damp hands, pressing them against her stomach, covering them with her own hands. "Goddess, Buffy." Tara whispers out quietly.

Hooking her chin over Tara's shoulder, Buffy closes her eyes. Flexing her fingers into the witch's stomach, Buffy swallows. "Time to back off?" Buffy questions.

Tara pushes back gently before turning in Buffy's arms, wrapping her arms around Buffy's waist. "Did I say it was time to stop?" Tara huskily questions. Shifting her body, Tara urges Buffy in against her. Groaning at the slayer's breasts pressing against hers.

"Oh." Buffy whimpers quietly, rubbing herself against the witch. "It might be best to…" Buffy growls as Tara starts placing butterfly kisses down her neck.

Sucking gently on the slayer's pulse point, Tara works her hands under the slayer's top to caress her back. Groaning at the strength of the muscles twitching under hands, Tara releases the skin she's sucking on and buries her head in the slayer's neck. "Goddess, you smell good." Tara whimpers inhaling deeply of the slayer's aroma.

Buffy groans, grasping the witch's waist, gently digging her fingers in the flesh.

Tara closes her eyes holding the slayer close, biting her lip at the pleasure of their bodies pressing into each other. Rubbing her cheek against the slayer's neck, Tara takes a deep breath.

Buffy chuckles quietly. "You don't have to say it." Buffy runs a hand up the witch's arm, fingers threading gently through the blonde hair. Leaning back she looks into blue eyes. Glancing down to the full lips of the witch, Buffy moans quietly. Closing the gap between them, Buffy brushes her lips briefly over Tara's before pulling away from her. "Let's go snuggle on the couch."

Tara grins lopsidedly at the slayer as she follows her into the living room. Cocking her head to the side as she watches Buffy stretch out on the couch on her side and pat it, Tara chuckles. "Is this a good idea?"

"Just snuggling. I'll behave." Buffy promises grinning up at the witch. Watching as Tara sits down and then shifts up onto the couch, Buffy wraps an arm around her waist, and gets comfortable.

"I might." Buffy admits inhaling deeply. "What shampoo do you use? It smells good." Buffy buries her nose in the witch's hair.

"I can buy you a bottle of it, if you like it that much." Tara bites her lip to keep from laughing. Stroking her fingers over Buffy's hands, Tara laces their fingers together.

"Don't think it'll smell this good on me." Buffy squeezes Tara in tighter against her.

Tara smiles as she feels Buffy shifting around, obviously getting more comfortable. Allowing herself to relax, Tara closes her eyes running her other fingers comfortingly over the slayer's arm, enjoying the warmth and security of being wrapped up in the slayer's strong embrace.

Joyce opens the door and closes it gently behind her, as she comes home from work. Walking into the kitchen, she sets the pizza boxes down before frowning, wondering where Tara and Buffy are, as she walks into the living room. Stopping in her tracks at the sight of Buffy and Tara asleep on the couch, with Buffy's arms wrapped around the woman. Taking a moment to look at the adorableness, Joyce eases back out of the room, smirking. Grabbing the disposable camera that she keeps on hand, she tiptoes back into the living room. Taking a couple pictures, she chuckles as she pockets the camera.

Walking over and sitting in the chair, she crosses her legs and clasps her hands in front of her. Raising an eyebrow she coughs loudly, and bites back a laugh, as both women jerk as they wake up.

"Oh, Goddess!" Tara shifts up, pulling her hand out of Buffy's. "I am s-so sorry." Tara mutters standing up.

Buffy groans and rolls over, placing her face in the pillow they had been laying on. "Mom, that just isn't nice."

Joyce laughs and reaches out, as Tara goes to walk by her, placing a comforting hand on the young woman's arm. "It's okay, Tara." Standing up, she smirks at her daughter. "Pizzas are in the kitchen as are the movies." She heads upstairs to change.

Buffy watches Tara, standing to quickly walk towards the witch. Wrapping her arms around the taller woman, she hugs her tight. "It's okay. Mom was obviously laughing at our expense. If you didn't see the glint in her eye, trust me, it was there."

"Positive." Buffy presses her lips against Tara's temple. "She might pick on us for a while to come, but she's okay." Buffy smiles, as Tara wraps her arms around her waist. "Want to see what mom rented?" Buffy questions.

"Sure." Tara agrees, releasing Buffy before they head into the kitchen. Tara grabs down plates, as Buffy grabs the movies, looking at them.

"Look at what she rented!" Buffy mutters handing over the movies, shaking her head.

"Beauty and the Beast, Charlie's Angels." Tara laughs as she looks at the last movie. "Witches of Eastwick?"

"I got a variation." Joyce smirks as she walks into the kitchen, grabbing a plate and flipping one of the pizza boxes open.

"Buffy." Tara reaches out and clasps Buffy's forearm, squeezing gently. "It's actually kind of funny." Tara grins crookedly at the slayer.

"Great." Buffy growls out quietly. "My mother and my gir…" Buffy coughs and blushes before continuing. "You and my mom are going to gang up on me." Buffy quickly grabs a plate, throwing a few pieces of pizza on it, and almost running into the living room.

Joyce raises an eyebrow at her daughter's quick exit. "Wellll…" Joyce drawls the word out before looking over at the obviously stunned witch. "So, you're my daughter's girlfriend?" Joyce's lip twitches up on one side before she laughs quietly.

Tara turns dazed eyes back at Joyce. "I-I don't know…But it m-may seem that way." Tara whispers quietly.

"Welcome to the family." Joyce grins before glancing towards the doorway. "It seems my daughter embarrassed herself by almost saying that, so you might want to talk to her." Joyce grabs a water before picking her plate up and heading into the living room.

Tara reaches up and runs a shaking hand through her hair. Glancing up, she watches as an embarrassed Buffy slowly walks into the kitchen. "I need to get something to drink and grab the movies."

"Buffy?" Tara questions quietly, watching as hazel eyes look up at her. "Did you…Do you…" Tara blushes deeply and looks down.

Buffy looks questioningly at the witch, as she finally realizes what she's asking. "I would love for you to be my girlfriend, if you want to be?" Buffy whispers.

Tara reaches out and runs a fingertip over Buffy's bottom lip. "Let me think about this for a minute. Be the girlfriend of an incredibly beautiful, sexy, strong, smart, funny, savior of the world? It sounds like a real hardship." Tara's eyes twinkle at the slayer.

"Yes." Tara admits grinning before leaning in, placing a quick kiss on Buffy's forehead. "But I think that's something a girlfriend is allowed to do." Tara grins as she turns and picks up her pizza. "Would you mind grabbing me something to drink?" She questions over her shoulder, as she walks out into the living room.

"I, uh, yeah, uh…" Buffy shakes her head in stunned surprise before grinning. "Girlfriend." Buffy does a happy, little dance, before grabbing a couple waters out of the refrigerator and heading into the living room.

Buffy groans at the end of the movie. "Those moves were all fake, I mean, come on now!! Wire city, no one can do those kinds of things."

Tara chuckles quietly before looking at Buffy, with mischief filled eyes. "I don't know, when you jumped up, and tucked into a ball over the vampires the other night, I wouldn't have thought that was possible."

Buffy rolls her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. And speaking of vampires, I need to do patrol."

Tara looks at the time, realizing it's after 9:00. "I guess I should head out with you. You're still walking me back to the dorm, right?" Tara questions as she reaches for her boots.

"Why don't you just stay the night? I'll fix breakfast in the morning, then maybe drive you to your dorm, and check out your paintings?" Joyce makes the offer, looking at the two women.

"Sleeping on the couch all night, is not a comfortable place." Buffy looks at her mother questioningly. "Taking a nap on it is okay, but not a whole night."

Joyce shakes her head. "If she wants, she can stay upstairs. Just, no funny business." Joyce narrows her gaze on her daughter.

"I appreciate the offer, but I don't have anything to wear." Tara murmurs quietly, looking down as she ties her boots.

"Would you want to stay?" Buffy questions quietly watching Tara. "Just snuggles." She tries to entice the blonde witch.

Tara looks up grinning briefly, at the last two words, before looking back down. "I wouldn't mind." Tara admits.

"But do you want to stay?" Buffy questions, reaching out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "No pressure, I'll walk you home to the dorm, if you aren't ready to stay. Even though I thought you might want to stay over Thanksgiving and Christmas break." She glances over at her mother, watching as Joyce smiles nodding her head in agreement.

"I was going to make the suggestion. I kind of figured Buffy could bring you to the house Wednesday night, and you could stay through Saturday, before going back to the dorm Sunday, at Thanksgiving. Then I kind of figured, it would be good to have you stay over at Christmas instead of the dormitory." Joyce smiles encouragingly at the young woman.

"I think I was the one that made the offer." Joyce smiles softly at the young woman. "Buffy, why don't you go ahead and go on patrol. Tara and I can watch the last movie, if she wants. I'm sure I have something she can wear to bed."

Buffy grins and leans in, kissing Tara quickly. "Then I need to go do a quick patrol, so I can get back here." Standing up, she walks over to her mom, whispering in her ear as she hugs her. "Thank you, so much."

"You owe me." Joyce smirks at her daughter, as she pulls away. "Be careful, honey."

"Just be careful." Tara watches, as Buffy runs up the stairs. Frowning, she looks at Joyce.

"She needs to get her gear for patrol." Joyce grins as Buffy pounds back down the stairs.

Joyce chuckles before turning her gaze on Tara. "Go ahead and get comfortable. Did you want to watch Witches of Eastwick?"

"That's fine." Tara grins at the older woman reaching back down and untying her boots, before sliding them off and tucking her legs back up on the couch, getting comfortable.

Joyce stands up and switches out the movies. Sitting back down in the chair, she glances over at Tara, watching her for a few moments. "She likes you a lot."

Tara turns and looks at Joyce. "It's mutual." Tara admits plucking at her jeans. Glancing back up with serious blue eyes, Tara tilts her head, considering the older woman. "I know she mentioned that she doesn't keep anything from you, but I was wondering if she told you…" Tara trails off frowning.

"She did." Joyce stands and sits down beside the younger woman. Gently wrapping her arm around her shoulders, she squeezes her gently. "If you need someone to talk to, I can be there for you."

Tara bites her lip and nods her head. "What is it about you two?" Tara looks up with a quirk of a lip. "I go years not talking to anyone since my mother…" Tara wipes a hand roughly across her eyes, trying to stave off the tears gathering there. "I go from my normal life of studying and going to class, to having a girlfriend with a wonderful mother, taking me under their wings."

"And you're not used to having people care for you anymore?" Joyce questions quietly. At Tara's nod, she squeezes her shoulders more firmly. "Welcome to the family, Tara. Now you're going to have Buffy, me, Rupert, Xander and Willow, be there for you." Joyce laughs quietly. "As soon as she tells Xander and Willow, I don't think she's talked to either one of them, since she met you."

"I don't think so." Joyce smiles, and runs her hand comfortingly over the girl's hair. "Xander will probably have the normal teenage boy reaction to this type of thing." Joyce chuckles quietly as she sees Tara grin. "Willow I'm not so sure how she will react. She's a great girl and might be surprised to begin with, but I don't foresee her having a problem. I mean we're talking about a young lady that is Jewish, that came over here celebrating Christmas every year. Not to mention she is a budding witch, I'm sure she'll go nuts over being able to talk with you about spells and things."

"You're telling me." Joyce smiles. "I mean, here my boy-crazy daughter, all of a sudden goes completely gaga over a beautiful young woman, with the most gorgeous blue eyes ever."

"Yes, you are." Joyce hugs Tara firmly. "And we are going to make you realize that fact. Now I have this urge for popcorn, what about you?"

"That sounds good." Tara nods her head before standing up, following Joyce into the kitchen.

Buffy whistles, as she walks up the sidewalk to her house. Unlocking the door, she eases it open, before turning and locking it behind her. Walking into the living room, she pouts when she realizes everything but the light is turned off, and there was no sign of her mom or Tara. Shrugging her jacket off, she hangs it up, before turning the light off and heading up the stairs, taking them three at a time.

Seeing the closed door to her mom's room, she eases open the door to her own room, peeking her head in.

"You just going to peek in here, or come on in?" Tara glances up with laughing blue eyes.

"Making sure you were decent before I came in." Buffy explains, walking into the room. "I do kind of need to take a shower." Buffy eyes the witch sitting cross-legged on her bed, smiling in relief. "I was afraid mom was going to give you one of her floor length nightgowns, and I was going to miss out on your great looking legs."

Tara raises an eyebrow, turning a light pink. "I don't know about that, but she asked what I normally sleep in…" Tara glances down at the t-shirt and shorts Joyce loaned her. "And since she didn't have a large enough t-shirt for me to use, she loaned me a pair of shorts."

Buffy grins before walking over to her dresser, pulling out her pajamas. Setting them down on top of the dresser, she bends over and unties her boots before sliding them off. Glancing at Tara before pulling the two additional stakes she had in her pants out, throwing them in her drawer by the bed. "I thought you might have been asleep when I got home."

"Well it is a little after midnight." Tara grins at the slayer. Becoming serious, she looks over the dirty slayer. "Patrol rough?" Tara questions, standing up when she notices a scuff on Buffy's cheek.

"Yeah, ran across a group of six vamps. They got in a few lucky shots, but not anything bad." Buffy watches as Tara comes to a halt in front of her and reaches up, brushing her hand gently over her cheek.

"It's not bad enough for healing, but I can clean it for you, if you get the First Aid Kit." Tara offers quietly.

"You can heal?" Buffy watches as Tara nods her head and smiles. "You are just full of surprises, aren't you?"

Tara looks down. "With your slayer healing you probably don't need it that often, but I can help with anything serious." Tara offers.

"Let me get showered, I'll be back in a few minutes." Buffy smiles, reaching up, ready to brush a loose hair behind Tara's ear, before frowning at her dirty hand. Holding it up in front of Tara's eyes, she shrugs. "Shower time."

"Yes, shower would be of the good." Tara smiles understandingly at the slayer, watching as she grabs her pajamas and walks out of the room, to the bathroom. Sitting down, Tara waits patiently for Buffy to come back into the bedroom.

"Thank you." Buffy watches Tara as she puts the antiseptic in the kit and closes the lid.

"It wasn't anything." Tara shakes her head before sitting down beside Buffy. "So were the six vampires the only ones you came across tonight?"

"Yeah, it was kind of weird. They don't usually run in groups that big. I think a trip to Willy's bar is going to be in order." Buffy distractedly mutters, as long silky legs are just inches from her hands.

"Yeah, demon bar." Buffy crosses her arms across her chest. "I get to go in, threaten, and if that doesn't work, beat some demons up. Last resort, I trash the place or thump Willy a couple times."

"Sounds like fun." Tara looks questioningly at the slayer's defensive posture. "What's wrong?"

"Nothings wrong." Buffy smiles softly. "Just have tempting girlfriend…" Buffy grins hugely at saying the word. "Anyway, hands are wanting to wander, hence, my keeping them to myself."

Tara tilts her head, looking into smiling hazel eyes. "Is this maybe a bad idea?"

Buffy shakes her head. "No, I want you here." Buffy reaches over, turning the lamp on, before standing up, to turn the overhead light off. Coming to stand by the bed, she looks down at Tara, feeling slightly nervous. "What side of the bed would you like to sleep on?"

"It doesn't matter." Tara whispers watching Buffy closely. "What side do you normally sleep on?"

Tara stands up, walking around the bed and pulls down the covers, climbing in before looking up to watch, as Buffy climbs in on the other side of the bed. Turning on her side, she smiles as Buffy stretches. Propping her head up on her hand, Tara plays with the cover, biting her lip. "Your mom is very understanding and open minded."

Buffy looks at Tara questioningly. "In a you and me way?" Buffy clarifies, and as Tara nods her head, smiling softly, Buffy grins. "My having a girlfriend is probably the absolute most normal thing about me."

Tara chuckles quietly. "She did make the comment that it surprised her, that her 'boy-crazy daughter', likes a woman." Tara blushes, looking down at her hand.

Buffy reaches up and tilts Tara's face ,so she can see Tara's eyes. "What was her exact phrasing?"

"She didn't do or say anything to upset you, did she?" Buffy questions worriedly, not thinking her mother would do anything like that, but needing to ask.

"Oh, no, not at all. She was absolutely wonderful." Tara reaches out and runs her hand over Buffy's arm. "She just made a comment about my being b-b-beautiful." Tara blushes again.

"You are." Buffy murmurs, scooting a little closer to the witch. "You're probably tired, aren't you?" Buffy questions watching Tara.

"A little." Tara admits running a finger gently over Buffy's cheek. "You have such soft skin."

Buffy's eyes droop at the caress. "Thank you." Buffy tilts her cheek into the hand now cupping her face. "It's late, and you probably should sleep."

"I guess." Tara murmurs not entirely convinced. "But before we do, I need to do this." Tara leans in the short distance separating them and brushes her lips over Buffy's. Pressing her lips more firmly against Buffy's, Tara slowly deepens the kiss, groaning as Buffy's tongue eagerly twines itself with hers. After long moments of battling, Tara pulls away, resting her forehead against Buffy's, realizing her hand is buried in the slayer's hair and Buffy has a warm hand grasping her waist. Swallowing Tara finally opens her eyes and looks into the passion filled eyes of the slayer. "I'm really starting to think this may not be a good idea."

Buffy groans before shaking her head. "Very good idea. I just have this feeling with all the heavy make out sessions we've had today, the feelings are a little closer to the surface." Growling, Buffy reaches behind her and shifts just the slightest distance, to turn off the lamp. "And that's why there will be no more kissing right now, I don't want to do something you're not ready for." Buffy debates for a moment, before running her hand back down Tara's side, urging her to lay against her side, while she's lying on her back. "Go to sleep, my beautiful witch." Buffy murmurs, wrapping her arm around Tara's back, and stroking her hand through the silky soft hair. Pressing a kiss against the top of Tara's head, she smiles as the woman relaxes after a few minutes and slowly eases her arm across her stomach.

"Thank you, Buffy." Tara shifts down so her head is on Buffy's shoulder. Squeezing Buffy's waist, she rubs her face against the slayer. "You know it probably wouldn't take much."

"I know." Buffy smiles at the thought of being the one to pull back. "I don't want my hormones, to be the deciding factor of when we make love." Running her hand down Tara's back, Buffy squeezes her gently. "If we need to take a step back and not make out…" Buffy growls quietly at the thought. "Not make out as much." Buffy nods, liking that thought better. "Then that's what we'll do."

"You're an absolutely wonderful woman." Tara whispers. "Thank the Goddess for sending you to me." Tara works her fingers between the slayer's pajama top and bottoms, to stroke over the warm soft skin.

Buffy moans and arches into the fingers stroking over her stomach. Breathing deeply, she reaches down with her free hand, stopping the movement. "Not a good idea." Buffy hoarsely gets out, before threading her fingers with Tara's.

"No need to be sorry." Buffy murmurs. "And at any other time, I definitely wouldn't complain, but since we're trying to be good…" Buffy trails off chuckling.

"I'll behave." Tara breathes out, feeling her eyes getting heavy. "'Night, sweetie."

"Goodnight, Tara." Buffy whispers feeling the woman's arm get heavier across her waist.

Buffy groans quietly as she wakes up, feeling an unusual weight against her body, taking a moment, she finally smiles as she realizes it's Tara laying half across her. Realizing her right hand is buried in the soft strands of the witch's hair and her left is running over the woman's back, Buffy purrs uncontrollably as she feels the strong, yet soft fingers of the witch caressing her skin just below her breast.

Tara smiles when she feels Buffy waking up. As Buffy starts purring loudly, Tara chuckles quietly. Stroking her hand more firmly over the warm skin, Tara rubs her face against Buffy's shoulder.

"How long?" Buffy smiles at the soft caresses, surprised at the witch's comfortableness in the sensual caress.

"Why didn't you wake me?" Buffy murmurs, before running both hands down the witch's back.

"You need your rest." Tara smiles. Shifting up, she smiles down into the soft hazel eyes. "I like waking up here." Brushing her lips tenderly across Buffy's, she slowly pulls away. "I should probably get up. I think I heard your mom head downstairs half an hour ago."

Buffy releases the witch, watching as she climbs out of the bed stretching. Groaning at the strip of skin revealed at her stretching, Buffy feels her fingers twitching to run over the soft looking pale skin. Biting her lip at the small belly button, Buffy closes her eyes, trying to get the thoughts running around her brain to go away.

Walking around, Tara reaches for her pile of clothes she had folded up and set on the dresser the night before. "I'm going to go shower and get dressed."

"Yes, your mom showed me last night." Tara smiles at the Slayer. "Meet you downstairs?"

Buffy nods her head, watching as Tara opens the door before closing it gently behind her. "Oh, boy." Buffy moans, pulling the pillow over her face. "This is not going to be easy." She growls out before rolling out of the bed, quickly making the bed before stripping and putting on clothes.

"Good morning." Joyce looks over, smiling at her daughter. "How was patrol last night?"

"Came across one group of vamps and that was it." Buffy hops up on the stool. "How were things here?"

"Good. We talked some." Joyce smiles thinking about the young witch. "I think she's a little worried that Xander and Willow might react adversely to her."

"What?" Buffy frowns, realizing she hasn't told either one of her best friends. Of course, she hasn't talked to either one, since she and Tara met. "I haven't talked to either of them. I'd rather tell Willow face to face, instead of over the phone." Buffy taps her fingers on the counter, thinking. "I need to double-check with Xander, to confirm Thanksgiving dinner. I'll tell him then." Buffy nods her head, making the decision.

"You're being very open about this relationship." Joyce makes the observation, as she places more bacon in the skillet.

Buffy listens, making sure the shower is still running, before making the admission to her mom. "I think I'm falling in love with her, mom."

Joyce raises an eyebrow, smirking to herself, as she gently turns the eggs. "Really?"

"Yes." Joyce turns her head, grinning at her daughter over her shoulder. "I believe the correct phrasing would be, you HAVE fallen in love with her." Joyce turns back, sliding the eggs onto a plate, before cracking a couple more.

"Yeah." Buffy admits, resting her chin on her hand. "How could it have happened this quickly?"

"Sometimes love's like that." Joyce smiles. "I fell in love with your father five minutes after meeting him."

"Oh no." Buffy groans quietly, dropping her head onto the counter. "Not a good thing to say here, mom."

"Buffy, just because things didn't work out between your father and me, doesn't mean it won't between you two." Joyce shakes her head at her daughter. "Every relationship is different. So, did you behave last night?" Joyce raises an eyebrow, looking over at her daughter.

"Yes." Buffy grumbles. "But I have to say, this is going to drive me completely nuts. So if I start doing really weird things, you'll know why."

"Okay." Buffy hops off the chair and opens the refrigerator, smiling as she hears Tara coming quickly down the stairs. "Do you want milk, juice or both, with breakfast, Tare?" Buffy questions, pulling them out of the refrigerator.

Tara looks in surprise at Buffy and shakes her head, smiling as she realizes she had heard her. "Juice would be great." Looking over at Joyce, she smiles. "Anything I can help you with?"

Tara smiles, nodding her head. "I slept wonderfully. Thanks again, for letting me stay."

"No thanks necessary." Joyce waves her hand, as she finishes placing the food on the plates, grabbing a couple to place on the island. "Sit down and eat." Turning around, she grabs the plate piled high for Buffy, placing it besides Tara's plate, before sitting down herself to eat.

"That's not nice." Buffy pouts, looking up at Tara with twinkling eyes, she pushes her lip out even further.

"Uh, uh." Tara blushes at Buffy. Tapping her finger on the offending lip, before turning back to her plate.

Joyce shakes her head at her daughter. "How come I almost want to ask, but when I think about it, I don't?"

"It isn't bad." Buffy mumbles around her bacon. "Tara likes my pouty lip." Buffy wiggles her eyebrows at her mom, before sliding her eyes in Tara's direction.

Tara blushes looking down at her plate. "Isn't my fault. She's always teasing me with it." Tara mumbles before taking a bite of her toast.

Tara looks from Joyce to Buffy, seeing the merriment in the slayer's eyes. "What is going through that brain of yours, Buffy?"

"Just thinking about what we're going to be like in a months time." Buffy leans over and nips Tara's ear lobe quickly, before her mother uncovers her face.

Tara blushes at the insinuation in the slayer's voice and action. "Oh, Goddess!" Tara whimpers quietly.

"I do NOT want to know." Joyce mutters before quickly finishing her breakfast and placing her plate in the sink. "I'm going to go take a long, luxurious bath, then we can go look at Tara's paintings." Joyce practically runs out of the kitchen.

"I think we embarrassed her." Buffy murmurs shifting around on the stool so she's facing Tara. Reaching down, she shifts the stool so it's touching hers, smirking at the witch sitting sideways between her legs, Buffy raises an eyebrow, as Tara's eyelids drop to half mast and her eyes darken. Lifting her leg up and placing it across the witch's lap, Buffy leans in and places light nips up Tara's neck. Reaching her ear, Buffy sucks the lobe in gently, flicking her tongue against it before licking repeatedly, up and down the outer shell of the witch's ear, grinning as she hears the deep groan come from the witch, and the strong hands suddenly grasping her thigh and calf.

"Yes." Buffy starts working down the side of the witch's jaw, before raising her hand to the other side of the woman's face, urging it gently to turn her way, before capturing the full lips in a tender kiss.

Tara moans into the slayer's mouth, at the gentle caress of Buffy's tongue, languorously searching out all the secrets of her mouth. Moving the hand from Buffy's thigh, to clasp the back of her head, Tara tilts her head just the tiniest bit, for firmer contact, flicking her tongue teasingly against Buffy's, while her right hand slowly works it's way from the slayer's calf, over her knee, to the top of her thigh.

As Buffy finally pulls back slightly to pant heavily, she unconsciously shifts her body in closer to the witch, groaning loudly, as her center makes contact with the woman's hip bone. "Ah, Fuck!" Buffy quickly shifts back, though her body is telling her to push in harder against the brief contact. To grind 'til the buildup in her body finds release.

Breathing heavily, feeling like her heart is trying to escape her chest, Tara growls at the brief, hot contact that was taken away, almost before she realized it was there.

Buffy shakes her head. Quickly shifting her leg off the witch, she slides off the stool and keeps backing away until her back comes into contact with the back door. Closing her eyes, she slowly slides down the door to sit on the floor. "Sorry, sorry, sorry. Too much, too fast." Buffy mutters burying her face against her knees.

It takes Tara a moment to realize what Buffy was apologizing for. "Buffy.." Tara quickly kneels in front of the slayer. "It's okay, don't beat yourself up over it."

"Slayer brain and body, very bad." Buffy grumbles, feeling the desire flowing like thick molasses through her body. Finally admitting to her self, that her slayer portion would be more than happy to take the witch, right here on the kitchen floor, consequences be damned. But the Buffy portion is trying to reign in those feelings, get control of the desire. "Why the hell do you affect me this way?" Buffy hoarsely questions, looking up with confused hazel eyes. "I've never had a problem controlling myself, my body, before." Buffy admits looking into the dark blue eyes of the witch.

Tara shakes her head at a loss. "I don't know, Buffy." She whispers reaching out a shaking hand, before pulling it back into her body before it reaches the slayer's cheek.

"I think I'm going to go take a nice, long, cold, shower." Buffy mutters watching as Tara slowly stands, before hopping up, and easing around the other side of the island. "Very long, very cold, shower." Buffy growls running out of the kitchen and up the stairs, leaving a slightly worried, but ultimately laughing witch behind her.

"We're going to have to do something." Tara murmurs quietly to the empty room. "Either, not be left alone together, or no touching." Tara shakes her head before cleaning up the kitchen, feeling the desire in her own body, calling out for the slayer.

Joyce climbs slowly down the stairs, after being kicked out of the bathroom by her daughter. Frowning she looks at Tara, sitting calmly on the couch, with her hands clasped between her knees. "Why did I just get kicked out of the bathroom?"

Tara looks up blushing deeply. "Ummm…" She looks back down, not knowing what to say. "Things got a little heated?" She kind of half states, half questions.

Joyce rolls her eyes. "What are you two doing to each other?" Joyce grumbles sitting down. Looking back up quickly, she shakes her head. "That was rhetorical, I don't really want to know." Joyce smirks as she sees the relief cross the witch's face.

"I don't know, but do you have extra blankets or something I can borrow, for when I stay here this coming weekend?" Tara questions, biting her lip. "I think it might be best I sleep on the couch, or on the floor."

"We'll figure out something." Joyce glances up to the ceiling, wondering what her daughter had done this time. "You didn't have an argument or anything like that, did you?"

"Oh, no. Not at all." Tara quickly replies. "I just think hormones are going crazy right now." Tara admits embarrassedly.

"And with her being the slayer, that probably doesn't help any." Joyce nods her head, admitting the fact.

"Rupert once told me, that the slayer sometimes has a very hard time controlling strong emotions. Something about how they came to be, that their more…primitive side, can come to the fore." Joyce explains as best she can. "It's never been a problem with Buffy before, but you may be calling to that deep, hidden side of her."

Tara blinks, considering what the woman is saying, trying to remember anything in her books that mentioned this. Sighing when she can't remember, she glances at Joyce. "Do you know anything about her…purring?" Tara hesitantly asks.

Joyce raises an eyebrow at the witch. "She purrs?" At Tara's nod, Joyce thinks for a few moments. "Rupert said something about that happening once before, to another slayer, but I don't think he ever told me what caused it. Would you like me to ask?"

"No, I don't think it's anything bad." Tara smiles reassuringly at the woman. "But it's happened a few times. I think Buffy knows, she just isn't saying."

"I'm sure. With everything else she's told me, if it was bad, she'd probably admit it, before running in the opposite direction." Tara chuckles quietly. "I think she tried to tell me everything bad that's happened, and hardly any of the happy times she's had."

"I believe so. I mean, she said she was just hitting on the big stuff. Like Angelus, Faith, the Mayor." Tara rattles off quietly, looking up at the stairs. Still hearing the shower running, she giggles.

"No, no. Sorry. It's the fact the shower's still running that makes me giggle." Tara points towards the ceiling.

"Yes." Tara nods picking at her jeans. "She's still beating herself up for not staking him when he first went evil. She feels she's to blame for everything that happened. Everyone that was hurt or killed by him." Tara whispers sadly.

Joyce nods her head frowning. "I don't think she'll ever forgive herself completely for what happened."

"She should." Tara quietly states. "She was barely 17 years old, her first love. She made a mistake, she shouldn't pay for it the rest of her life."

Tara looks up confused for a moment, before realizing what Joyce means. "I guess so. Mom always complained I took things too seriously, and thought stuff through too much. That I never had time to be a kid."

Joyce nods, smiling. "Trust me, being around Buffy that will change." Joyce chuckles at the smile crossing Tara's face.

"I'm coming to realize that." Tara's eyes twinkle. "She's really a very wonderful woman." Tara mentions seriously.

Tara blushes deeply looking down. "A lot." Tara looks up into Joyce's caring eyes, not seeing any censorship, just a questioning. "I've never had anyone that makes me feel like she does. I don't see myself feeling like this about anyone else. I…I feel complete when she's around." Tara admits softly.

Tara considers the question, before slowly nodding her head. "If my heart picking up speed whenever she walks into the room, when she touches me, tingles shoot through my body, and when she kisses me…" Tara trails off, getting dreamy eyed at the thought of the slayer's kisses.

Joyce coughs quietly. "I would say that's a yes." Joyce laughs, as Tara's eyes open wide in embarrassment. "Tara, I'm going to make this comment, and actually mean it. Do what feels right. You're both of age, and happiness is so hard to find. So grab on with both hands."

Tara blinks in surprise at the older woman, basically telling her, it was okay for her and Buffy to sleep together. "Uh, thanks?" Tara sort of questions turning pink. "When we're ready, I'll remember that."

Joyce laughs before standing up. "Let me check on Buffy. That's one long shower."

Tara blushes at the comment, watching Joyce quickly walk up the stairs. "I can't believe it." She quietly states to the room. "Thanks, Joyce."

"Mom." Buffy whines before wrapping a towel around her body and opening the door. "What the hell is wrong with me?" Buffy grumbles before walking back to the mirror, brushing her drying hair.

"I was ready to jump her!" Buffy growls out. "Hell, I think I still am ready to jump her, even after a 45 minute cold shower!!" Buffy turns and throws her hands in the air. "I mean, come on now. Why is my control flying out the window? I've never had this problem before."

Becoming serious, Joyce leans against the wall, watching her daughter. "Maybe you should speak with Rupert about this, Buffy. It might have something to do with your Slayerness."

Buffy stops brushing her hair and looks at her mother. "Do you think that's it? I mean, I can usually turn the slayer part of me on and off at a moments notice, but it was making an appearance earlier." Buffy admits thinking about it.

"Talk to him, Buffy. He might be able to shed some light on the subject." Joyce offers, not knowing what else to say.

"Great. Go talk to my watcher-dude, about the fact I want to jump Tara, and do all kinds of hot and heavy things to her, and with her. That'll make him have a heart attack." Buffy growls out, striding out of the bathroom towards her bedroom.

"Buffy!" Joyce calls out in admonishment to her daughter, as she follows her into her bedroom.

"Can't help it, mom." Buffy grumbles, quickly pulling clothes on. "I was ready to fucking hump her like a dog in heat in the kitchen. Something just ain't right. I never, NEVER, wanted to do that with anyone else." Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she pulls her socks and shoes on, tying her boots almost viciously. "And that's something I, and I'm sure, Tara, is not ready for."

Joyce stands there in stunned silence, completely lost as what to say. Watching Buffy's heavy breathing, and obvious irritation with herself. "All I can do is suggest you talk to him, honey. It probably has to do with your being a slayer."

"Probably." Buffy admits, her shoulders slumping. "But if I get like that after just a few make-out sessions with her, what am I going to be like when I actually go further? I mean, there hasn't even been any out of bounds touching, if you know what I mean."

"Oh, honey." Joyce walks slowly over to the bed, sitting beside her daughter. "This may actually just be normal hormones. You found someone that you are completely in love with. And obviously very, very attracted to."

Buffy smirks at her mom. "Oh, yeah. Definitely attracted to. I mean…" Buffy's eyes widen, and her hands start waving in the air, "GOD! I noticed her eyes first, but when the rest of her came into view…" Buffy growls low and deep.

"Too much information, my dear." Joyce pats her on the shoulder. "I suggest you talk to Rupert, the sooner the better." Joyce stands, heading out of the bedroom.

"Okay." Buffy mumbles, pictures of Tara still flitting around in her brain. "Maybe I should take another cold shower." Buffy whimpers.

Tara smiles shyly, as she unlocks the door to her dorm room, letting Joyce precede her in.

Buffy stops in front of Tara, and gives her a fleeting kiss on the cheek. "It's okay, Tara." Buffy grins, as Tara relaxes and smiles more fully. "Want me to help you get any of the paintings out?"

"If you want to get the ones out of the closet, while I get the ones from under the bed?" Tara motions absently towards the closet.

"I can do that." Buffy quickly walks the few steps towards the closet, watching Tara kneel down beside the bed. As the jeans pull taut over the curvaceous blonde, Buffy groans, quickly turning her attention to the paintings.

Tara slides the first small stack of paintings out from under the bed, leaning them against the wall, before reaching back under the bed, and pulling out the other stack. Standing up, she places the small oil paintings on the bed, spread out for Joyce to look at, while separating the bigger paintings to lean against the wall, easier for her to look through.

Joyce stands transfixed in front of the vibrant colors jumping out at her. Knowing of at least four different patrons that would jump at the chance to buy this painting. Turning to take in the beach side painting, Joyce smiles softly at the absolute love and detail that obviously went into the painting. Taking a step closer, Joyce notices what Buffy had seen previously, the more you look at the painting, the more you see, the intricate lines, the details, the way the grass almost seemed to wave in the breeze. Glancing briefly towards Tara, she sees the girl looking down, fidgeting. Turning her gaze to Buffy, she watches as her daughter inches closer to the witch, before reaching down, clasping the fidgeting hands. Walking towards the third painting, Joyce tilts her head, moving in closer for a long moment before shifting back from the painting. As she moves back to a certain distance, she laughs, as the picture finally comes into focus.

"Oh, this is absolutely unbelievable. How many people don't get this?" Joyce turns, smiling at Tara.

Blushing, Tara shakes her head. "I think you're maybe the third person, that's actually realized what it is." Tara admits.

"What?" Buffy questions, releasing the witch's hand to walk over beside her mom. Tilting her head first one way, then another, Buffy moves in closer, before backing up, like she'd seen her mom do. Still not able to see what they're obviously talking about. "Okay, what am I missing? All I see is differing shades of paint, blending into each other."

"It's a portrait, Buffy." Joyce explains. "It isn't something that just anyone will ever be able to make out. The shading, texture, is done in such minute detail, that unless you have a very discerning eye, you won't see it."

"It's of my mom." She whispers looking up, smiling. "It isn't something that I would sell. It's something I experimented with, to try something different. My Art teacher couldn't believe how well it turned out. He had me do another one, of a lighthouse, for himself. It drove his wife nuts trying to figure out what it was." Tara chuckles quietly. "He has this thing for lighthouses, and when he hung it up in the middle of a bunch of other paintings, she was absolutely lost." Tara shrugs grinning lopsidedly.

Buffy grumbles and pulls out the chair to sit on it, staring at the painting, not seeing a portrait.

"I'm sorry, Buffy." Tara whispers, walking towards the slayer. "Most people won't see it. It's just something with the way the brain interprets, what the eyes see."

"It's not fair." Buffy pouts her lip out, still looking at the painting, surprised when she feels warm lips caress gently over her lip, before quickly disappearing. Looking up into smiling blue eyes, Buffy feels her lip lift up into a smile. "Feeling better now." Buffy grins more fully at the witch.

Buffy stands and hugs the witch to her quickly before releasing her. Turning to look at her mom, she smiles as warm arms wrap around her waist, and a chin rests on her shoulder. Placing her hands over Tara's, Buffy sighs enjoying the closeness. Watching as her mom inspects each painting intently, Buffy grins, knowing what the look crossing her mom's face means.

"How many more paintings did you say you have?" Joyce glances up questioning Tara, smiling at the sight before her.

"Is there any particular time that I can maybe see them?" Joyce picks up an oil painting that called out to the wild, uninhibited side of her. Realizing it makes her feel like a teenager again, or maybe how she was when the band candy incident happened. Blushing at the remembrance, she places the painting back on the bed.

Tara watches Joyce curiously, wondering why that particular painting made the woman blush. Obviously from the smile, it reminded her of some happier time. Making a mental note to set that painting aside, Tara unconsciously strokes her fingers over the shirt covered stomach of the slayer, tilting her head to rest against Buffy's, as Buffy starts purring uncontrollably.

Joyce doesn't realize what she's hearing at first, but as the noise starts getting louder, she looks over at the two women, realizing its Buffy. Watching, as Buffy keeps her eyes closed, and the side of her face brushing absently against the side of Tara's cheek.

"Umm, the teacher will probably let me have the keys this weekend, if I ask him." Tara admits quietly.

"Please do. I would love to see the rest of your paintings." Joyce nods her head, smiling encouragingly at Tara. "And if the rest of your paintings are as good as these, I would love to have a showing for you."

Tara smiles happily, squeezing Buffy's waist tightly, before releasing the slayer.

"I'm going to the grocery store before heading back home. Buffy, would you mind walking me out to the vehicle?" Joyce smiles at her daughter as she opens the door, stepping out into the hallway.

"Okay." Buffy looks towards Tara. "Is it okay if I stick around for a little while today? I'll help you put the paintings awa when I get back."

"Yes, you can stick around." Tara smiles at the slayer. "You don't have to ask, you're always welcome here, Buffy."

"Thanks." Buffy whispers, leaning in to brush her lips over the witch's soft lips. "Hmm." Buffy licks her lips, as she straightens back up. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

Joyce shakes her head at her daughter, as they walk out of the dorm. "She's an absolutely remarkable artist, Buffy. Most painters will stick to one style of painting, but she does all different kinds, and does them extremely well. They talk to you, that's why you had to say something to me, wasn't it?"

"Yeah." Buffy smiles. "The one with all the colors hanging on her wall, it just jumped out at me."

"Well, I have to admit, if the rest of her paintings are as good as those. Which I'm sure they are." Joyce smiles at her daughter. "I'm going to see how soon I have an opening and get her in. I foresee her making lots of money."

"Really?" Buffy's eyes light up, and she bounces unconsciously on the balls of her feet.

"Really." Joyce smiles at her daughter. "But don't say anything to her, I don't want her to get her hopes up. I have been known to be wrong about an artist before, you know."

"That happened once, and you were just starting!!" Buffy picks her mother up hugging her, as she spins her around.

"Put me down!" Joyce laughs out at her daughter. As Buffy sets her back down on the ground, she grabs her wallet out of her purse. Handing $50 to Buffy, Joyce raises an eyebrow. "Take your young lady out for a nice lunch. And try not to jump her, okay?"

Buffy blushes deeply, and nods her head. "Thanks, mom." Buffy tucks the money in her jeans pocket, watching as her mom climbs in the Jeep. "Be careful on the way home."

"I will. Have a good day, I'll see you later." Joyce smirks at her daughter, before pulling out of the parking space. As she pulls away, she glances in her rearview mirror, laughing as she watches Buffy practically run back into the building. "I have so got to call Rupert, and see what the hell is going on." Joyce mutters to herself, before thinking about it, deciding to see him instead.

Buffy quickly runs up the steps and slides to a stop in front of Tara's door, knocking lightly, she grins as the blonde opens the door. "I'm back."

Buffy stops and pouts, as she notices all the paintings have already been put awa. "I was going to help you with putting your paintings away."

"It wasn't that hard, Buffy." Tara smirks at the slayer. Watching Buffy prowl around her room. "Got extra energy to burn?" Tara questions, watching the woman.

"Yeah, and if we don't get out of here, I'm afraid something might happen." Buffy admits quietly.

"I mean the cold shower did absolutely no good." Buffy grumbles. "And you and I being alone, in a room, with a bed…so not such a good idea!" Buffy waves her arms around, looking pointedly at said piece of furniture.

"Do I get at least one kiss before we walk out the door?" Tara questions quietly, working her way slowly towards the slayer.

Buffy swallows before turning her head towards the witch. Eyeing her, Buffy shakes her head. "I think it might be too dangerous." Buffy admits. "Once I get you in my arms, I might not let go for the rest of the day."

Tara's eyes darken at Buffy's admission, wondering exactly what they could get up to for the next six hours, give or take, before Buffy would need to go out on patrol.

Seeing the look of passion in Tara's eyes, and the scent of arousal coming from her, Buffy groans loudly, and turns to bang her head roughly against the door. "Please, Tara. Let's go outside, where there's people to make me behave. Because I honestly want to try and take things slow, no matter what my body is telling me to do." And my inner slayer, Buffy grumbles to herself. Definitely stopping by Giles' apartment tonight before heading home.

Buffy breathes out in relief, as she quickly opens the door, stepping out into the hallway, as Tara closes and makes sure the lock is engaged, before they walk down the stairs and out the door.

"Holding hands asking too much?" Tara glances over towards the slayer, who was keeping a good two feet between them.

Buffy chuckles, before easing closer to the woman. Holding her hand out, she smiles as Tara laces their fingers together. "I have got to figure out something to keep my hormones in check." Buffy whispers. "Because I really don't want to go without kissing or hugging you."

"Wouldn't work." Buffy grunts out at the image. "You wearing a sack with it ending at the very top of your thighs, and showing your arms and legs, uh, uh. Not helping at all."

"Don't think that would work, either. I'd still know what's going on under that tent." Buffy eyes the witch, grinning from ear to ear.

Tara's eyes widen momentarily at the partial slip, before looking at the blushing slayer. Inhaling deeply, Tara decides to stop with the comments. Squeezing Buffy's hand as they walk, Tara watches as a soft smile crosses the slayer's face. "Where are we walking to? Or are we just walking?"

"Nowhere specific." Buffy admits, looking around at the beautiful day. "Do you have anything in particular, that you would like to eat for lunch?"

"It was." Buffy nods her head. "Okay, I'm going to try wrapping my arm around your waist. If it gets to be too much, and I end up putting distance between us, you'll know why."

Tara giggles and releases the slayer's hand, as they wrap their arms around each other's waist, as they continue walking. Tilting her head, Tara rests it on the slayer's shoulder. "Can I ask you something?"

"How long did it take for you to realize, you were in love with Angel?" Tara whispers.

Buffy opens her mouth and shuts it a couple times. "I guess it was roughly four or so months." Buffy finally admits.

"So it took time, it wasn't a fall in love at first sight thing?" Tara questions.

"No, it wasn't a see vampire, fall in love with vampire thing." Buffy bites her lip. "And honestly, at first I couldn't hardly stand him. He was always showing up, dropping little nuggets of information, before disappearing again. Definitely cryptic guy."

Tara rubs her cheek against the slayer's shoulder, thinking. "So, how long was it, from the time you realized you were in love with him, before you two…" Tara trails off unable to continue the question.

"Not quite a year." Buffy admits, tilting her head, so it's resting on top of Tara's.

"The next time I make love?" Buffy queries quietly. At Tara's nod, Buffy smiles. "Maybe just a little."

"I won't lose my soul, Buffy." Tara softly whispers, slowing down, until they're both standing still. Lifting her head, she comes to face Buffy, with mere inches separating them. Looking intently into slightly scared hazel eyes, Tara reaches up with both hands, stroking her thumbs over petal soft cheeks. "And what's happening between us, is obviously very new to both of us, in more ways than one." Tara smiles gently.

"And yes, I would like to wait before we make love." Tara bites her lip, while running one hand down to cup the slayer's neck. "But I almost feel like I've known you my whole life. Or I've been waiting for you my whole life." Tara admits, leaning in 'til she feels Buffy's warm breath on her lips. "And since you already own my heart and soul, it's just a matter of time, before you own my body." Tara closes the short distance, kissing Buffy slowly. Her lips pressing softly to both of Buffy's, before pressing over the top lip, then the slayer's bottom lip, before pulling away.

Buffy looks at Tara in a daze, after the soft, sensuous kisses. As she starts getting her faculties about her, she blinks, looking into the loving blue eyes staring back at her. "Did you just say, what I think you said?" As Tara smiles shyly, Buffy wraps her arms around the witch, pulling her in firmly against her body. Burying her face in the witch's neck, Buffy mumbles. "God, Tara! No one's ever told me they love me so beautifully." Buffy feels an inner calmness that she hasn't ever felt before, a feeling of rightness.

"I do love you, Buffy." Tara wraps her arms around Buffy's waist, and hooks her chin over the slayer's shoulder.

"I love you, too." Buffy states quietly, but with a sincere note of conviction. Pulling back, so she can look in Tara's eyes, Buffy smiles. "I think I can give you kisses, without making a spectacle of humping you, now."

"I think so." Buffy nods, wrapping her arms up and around Tara's neck, pulling her in for a long, thorough kiss. "Oh, wow." Buffy blinks after ending the heart-stopping kiss. Trying to get control of her breathing, she watches Tara's slightly parted lips. As Tara's pink tongue licks across the full pouty bottom lip, Buffy groans, watching it disappear back in the warm cavern she's just dying to explore again. "Ah, hell!" Buffy mutters before closing the distance, quickly diving back into to the witch's warm mouth, her tongue caressing Tara's pink, tantalizing tongue. After many minutes of carnal tongue wrestling, Buffy pulls back, flushed and panting heavily.

"Oh, boy." Tara takes staggered breaths, leaning her head against Buffy's. "I think I need a very serious cold shower right now."

Buffy laughs, running her hands down the surprisingly strong feeling back of the witch. As Tara arches her body hard into hers at the stroking, Buffy smirks. "Sensitive back issues?" Buffy questions in a soft sexy voice.

Tara groans, as Buffy strokes over her back again. Arching even harder into the slayer's body. "I think so." Tara whimpers.

Stopping her hands motions, Buffy rests them on Tara's hips. "Why don't we go eat lunch?" Buffy murmurs into Tara's ear, before placing a soft kiss on the lobe.

"Umm, unless you want me to pick you up and carry you, you might want to let go." Buffy chuckles.

"I got a choice?" Tara giggles before slowly pulling away from the slayer. "What are we going to eat?"

Buffy shrugs her shoulders. "There's a little Italian restaurant around the corner, if you feel like Italian."

"I can eat Italian any time." Tara admits. "Kind of like Chinese food. Chinese is good all the time."

"Hmmm. Actually Chinese sounds better, now that you bring it up." Buffy smiles at the witch, as she urges them to walk. "Great Chinese place a couple blocks away, if you want?"

"I want." Tara smiles as they pick up the pace, walking arm in arm towards to the Chinese restaurant.

"Hi, Rupert." Joyce smiles at Buffy's watcher, as he usher's her into his apartment.

"Hello, Joyce." Giles smiles shyly. "What do I owe the honor of your visiting me?"

"It's actually about Buffy." Joyce sits down gently on the couch, looking up at Giles.

"Tea would be lovely." Joyce watches him walk towards the kitchen, smiling softly. "You're still coming to dinner Thursday, right?" Joyce calls out.

"Definitely." Giles answers as he makes the tea. Placing everything on a tray, he walks out into his living room, gently setting the tray down on the coffee table. "What time are you planning on having Dinner?"

"I figured around 2:00 would be a good time." Joyce admits reaching for the tea and dropping a sugar cube in to stir it absentmindedly. "It's going to be you, Xander, Buffy, Tara and myself, this year."

"Ah, yes. The new addition to the group is going to be there." Giles smiles at the thought of the young witch.

"Yes, I do. She's been coming into the store for the last year. I dare say the poor dear has had a rough time of it." Giles admits quietly, as he takes his glasses off and sets them down.

Giles clenches his jaw at the thought of that gentle young woman being abused. "Pillocks!" Giles growls.

Joyce looks up and raises an eyebrow. "You have the same look on your face that Buffy had, when she found out." Joyce smirks. "It would seem Tara has a tendency to make people want to protect her."

Joyce laughs and shakes her head. "Actually, I came to talk to you about how Buffy's been acting lately, in regards to Tara."

Giles grabs his glasses putting them back on to look seriously at Joyce. "How is that?"

"You know that she has always been very protective of her friends and family, right?" Joyce starts and at Giles' nod, she looks down. "Well, it's even worse with Tara. They have become…closer recently."

Giles unsteadily sets his cup down on the coffee table while leaning forward. "But they just met."

"No, no. They haven't gone that far." Joyce opens her eyes wide. "However, as Buffy has said, there's major kissage going on. Well, today she uh…" Joyce blushes biting her lip.

"Go ahead and say it, my dear." Giles reaches across the short distance and pats Joyce's hand.

"Her wording - not mine. She said she wanted to practically hump Tara like a dog in heat." Joyce admits, blushing deeply.

"I, uhh." Giles sits back, stunned. Pulling his glasses off, he pinches the top of his nose, thinking heavily. "Anything else you've noticed?" He hoarsely gets out.

"Purring. Very, very loud, purring." Joyce admits looking up at the watcher, seeing the stunned look on his face.

"She's purring?" He questions to confirm, before hopping out of his chair and grabbing a couple books down from the shelves. "There has only been one other case about a Slayer purring. Or, at least, one documented case." Giles mutters as he sits down flipping through one of the books. "I never read much about it, since it was so rare."

Joyce nods her head. "Tara and Buffy had talked about it, somewhat. Tara believes Buffy knows something about what causes the purring, but was shy about telling her."

Giles glances up briefly with a confused look. "Buffy knows something about it? That girl has a deep seeded fear of researching. How did she come across it?"

"Who knows?" Joyce smirks. "Buffy, kind of, marches to the tune of her own drummer."

"Got that right." Giles growls, flipping through the book before coming across the section he was looking for. Quickly reading over the scant information, Giles grabs the other book, searching for additional information. Finally finding the information, he reads the couple pages, blinking in surprise before closing the book. "Bloody hell." He mutters yanking his glasses off and sitting them on top of the books on his lap.

"No. Not really." Giles shakes his head before opening his eyes, looking stunned at Joyce. "You know Buffy keeps a tight reign over her slayer half, correct?" Giles questions and at Joyce's nod, he smiles briefly. "Yes, well, it would seem the Slayer has found her mate and is wanting to mark her territory."

Giles sighs, before sitting back in the chair. "The slayer portion of Buffy is very primal. She finds something that she wants, she goes after it. Buffy's purring is the slayer portion of her. Her feeling contentment, happiness, at finding her mate. Tara makes her complete. The slayer half and the Buffy half, are in complete agreement."

"It means that sooner, rather than later, the slayer is going to want to take what's hers." Giles explains quietly. "Whether Buffy and Tara are ready or not, the slayer is going to want to physically mate with Tara."

"Oh, dear." Joyce whispers. "So them wanting to take it slow, is going to be impossible?"

"Quite." Giles nods his head. "There is something else about the slayer mating, that I believe, I should tell you." When Joyce looks at him questiongly, he smiles. "The slayer that it happened to before, she was the longest lived slayer, ever."

Joyce opens her mouth in surprise, before shutting it quickly. "How long did she live?"

"She was almost thirty years old. I never told Buffy about her, since it was unknown for a slayer to ever live even close to that age before." Giles takes his glasses off, tapping them on his chin. "She might have even lived longer, if an unforeseen accident hadn't occurred."

"Her mate was killed. The slayer went completely mad and disappeared. A new slayer was called less than a week later." Giles admits softly.

"I want to ask, just because I'm curious." Joyce smirks briefly. "Was the slayer's mate a woman?"

Joyce laughs quietly before reaching for her tea. "I think Buffy might be stopping by here tonight. You may want to prepare yourself as much as possible."

"Thanks for letting me know." Giles nods his head. "I'll make a few notes. If she got a hold of the first Watcher's book, it just mentioned in it, that the slayer purred at finding someone that she was in complete harmony with, both physically and mentally. In other words, someone they both loved. I'm betting that's the one that she found."

"Does it say anything in there if they try to not consummate their relationship?" Joyce questions worriedly.

"So we don't know if it might have an adverse effect on Buffy, if she tries to hold back. Did it say anything about the mate and how she reacted to the slayer?" Joyce questions.

"She had an almost uncontrollable urge to touch the slayer, when they were within sight of each other. It's mentioned in the book…" Giles trails off opening the book back up and reading the part again. "She couldn't help stroking the slayer?" Giles looks up, blushing.

"I don't think that's as bad as it sounds." Joyce laughs. "Tara had her arms wrapped around Buffy earlier and was stroking her stomach through her clothes. I don't even think she was aware of doing it. That's when I heard Buffy purring for the first time."

"Yes, that is better than it sounded." Giles murmurs, smiling. "Any other worries or concerns?"

"No." Joyce bites her lip for a moment, considering the watcher. "Do you have a problem with Buffy and Tara being together?"

Giles looks up blinking for a moment. "No." He shakes his head. "First off, I believe it is rather normal for young people to be curious." He smiles briefly. "Second of all, even though I never mentioned it to Buffy, most slayers are bi-sexual. They are usually very sexual creatures."

Giles blushes and nods his head. "Yes. I don't know how or why, but Buffy has always had more control over the slayer portion of her. Most of the girls don't. That is one of the reasons we try to isolate and train possible slayers. And in the case of Faith, she let that portion have freer reign, than others do." Giles grins.

"From one extreme to the other." Joyce murmurs quietly. "Poor Tara. I wonder if she knows what she's getting into?"

Giles shakes his head, smirking. "I'll make sure Buffy tells her. Or, I guess I could talk to her about it." Giles blushes darkly.

Joyce chuckles while watching Giles. "How about I talk to Tara about it, if Buffy can't?" Joyce stands and pats him on the shoulder. "You talking with Buffy will probably be bad enough."

"I dare say you're right." Giles nods his head in agreement before standing and walking Joyce to the door. "Is there anything I can bring for dinner Thursday?"

"Just yourself." Joyce smiles. "You can come by earlier, if you wish. Hopefully Buffy will get a chance to talk to Xander before Thursday and not just spring it on him."

Giles chuckles. "Yes, giving that young man a heads up, may be for the best. I would hate to have him drooling all over the place, if they can't keep from touching each other."

Joyce groans at the thought. "I guess we're going to need to find someone for him, so he has something else to think about!"

Giles laughs. "You may be right. You have a wonderful day, dear. You know you're more than welcome to come by at any time."

"Thanks, Rupert." Joyce smiles before quickly leaving the watcher. As she climbs in her vehicle, she considers the watcher. "And maybe, I should think about having someone for me, while I'm at it." Joyce smirks before starting the Jeep and heading to the grocery store.

"Oh, that was wonderful." Tara grins as the slayer finishes the rest of her General Tso's Chicken, that she couldn't eat herself. "Are you getting full yet?"

"Maybe." Buffy murmurs, narrowing her gaze on the smirking witch. "You picking on me?"

"That didn't sound very convincing." Buffy mutters as she finishes the last of the food. Sipping on her soda, she considers the other woman. "Do you need to study this afternoon?"

Tara nods. "I need to read a couple chapters and work on a paper that's due Wednesday."

"Umm." Tara thinks for a moment. "A couple of my afternoon teachers already cancelled classes. I think my latest class ends around 2:00 Wednesday." Tara smiles at Buffy. "That's as long as none of my other teachers decide to start the Thanksgiving break early."

"Then, if it's okay with you. I'll plan on picking you up around 2:30?" Buffy offers smiling.

"That's fine." Tara smiles as the waiter takes their plates away asking if they need anything else. Tara raises an eyebrow at Buffy in question.

Tara runs a finger across the top of Buffy's hand, smiling as Buffy captures her fingers in a firm clasp. Looking up at the hazel eyes, Tara sighs. "I guess we won't have any smoochie action when you take me back to the dorm, will we?"

"Probably not a good idea." Buffy admits. "I'll walk you back, make sure you get in your room okay, and then visit Giles. See if he can find out anything for me."

Tara bites her lip, looking intently at the slayer. "Will I get to see you tomorrow?" She questions quietly.

"Yes." Buffy answers quickly and decisively. "Even if it's only for a couple minutes, with me standing in your doorway. I'm going to come by during patrol."

"Good." Tara strokes her thumb over the back of Buffy's hand. Looking up as the waiter places the check on their table.

Buffy smiles apologetically at the witch as she pulls her hand away. Reaching into her pocket, she pulls out part of the money her mom had given her and places it with the check after glancing at the total. "Ready?" Buffy questions, standing.

Tara stands pulling on her jacket grasping Buffy's hand as they work their way out of the restaurant. As the two women walk back towards the campus in companionable silence, Tara wonders if it would be such a bad thing for the two of them to make love. Yes, she did just meet Buffy a week ago, but she already feels like she's known the woman for years. Glancing out of the corner of her eye at the caring woman walking beside her, Tara smiles softly. Maybe here soon, they can consummate their relationship.

"Would you mind if I maybe, left some stakes and other items in your dorm room, just in case I need them for future use?" Buffy questions quietly, watching the people they pass on the street, smiling as they don't even seem to notice the two women holding hands. 'Bet they'd notice if I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and kissed Tara silly.' Buffy smirks to herself at the thought.

"Of course you can. Whatever you think is best." Tara eases her hand from Buffy's grasp and wraps her arm around the slayer's waist, so she can close the distance between their bodies and lay her head more easily on her shoulder.

Buffy eases her arm around Tara's waist, cupping her hand around the witch's hip, stroking her fingers over the firm flesh. "If you're sure?" Buffy smiles as she feels Tara nod her head in the affirmative. "I love you." Buffy whispers before placing a kiss on Tara's head.

"Goddess, I love you, too." Tara murmurs, digging her fingers a little more firmly in Buffy's side, before inching them under the layers of clothes to stroke over the warm flesh, sighing in contentment at the skin on skin contact.

Buffy closes her eyes, trying to keep her reaction at bay, but unable to stop the purring creeping up through her chest. Giving in, she let's the noise rumble through her body. Tilting her head so it's against Tara's, the two women continue walking to Tara's dorm room. As they walk up the steps to her floor, they both unconsciously walk slower and slower, not wanting their time together to come to an end. Sighing heavily, Buffy grumbles. "If I could get control of my hormones, I wouldn't have to leave so soon."

Tara smiles before pulling her keys out of her pocket, finally releasing the slayer from her grasp. "Maybe we should just let your hormones take charge." She whispers quietly.

Buffy's whole body goes on alert as the words escape the witch's mouth. Groaning loudly at the arousal coursing through her body, Buffy shakes her head. Trying to get naughty thoughts from playing through her mind, Buffy takes a step back away from the door. "You aren't ready." Buffy mutters, watching as Tara slowly turns towards her with a questioning look.

"God, I hope not." Buffy growls deeply. "But I don't think you need a horny…" Buffy glances up and down the hallway, seeing students going in and out of rooms. "Horny girlfriend jumping on you and humping your leg, or whatever body part is handy."

"Would that help, getting some relief?" Tara questions quietly, watching the flare of desire in the Slayer's eyes.

"I honestly don't know." Buffy whimpers, seeing the serious look in Tara's eyes. "You aren't ready to make love."

"I didn't say anything about making love." Tara closes the distance between them, leaving an inch between their bodies, her warm breath caressing Buffy's cheek as she whispers close to her ear. "I asked if you had some help, be it borrowing a leg, a hip, a…hand, would that help?" Tara blushes deeply at her forwardness, but unable to stop. Placing her hands on the slayer's waist, Tara eases backwards into her open doorway, gently urging the slayer to come in.

Buffy unconsciously follows the witch in, no longer thinking logically as her body and the slayer half of her tries to take over. Her body pressing in firmly against the curves of the blonde, Buffy's hands rise of their on volition, threading through the soft tresses as she continues following the witch, not even hearing the door click shut behind her as Tara slowly eases back to the bed. Buffy follows the witch down on the bed, her lower body straddling one of the witch's firm thigh as she leans in, kissing her deeply.

Tara groans as Buffy takes control of her mouth, her tongue seeking and strongly stroking against hers. Shifting the slayer's clothes up, Tara strokes her hands down the muscular back of the slayer, moaning as it flexes under her caresses. As her fingers are interrupted by a bra being in the way, Tara growls into the slayer's mouth, fumbling momentarily as she unhooks the bra to continue her stroking up and down the hot, soft skin.

Buffy presses her body slowly down into the witch's, jerking as her hot center comes into contact with a warm, firm thigh. Working her lips down the witch's jaw, Buffy rotates her hips, a shot of pleasure shooting through her at the contact, making her come to the realization of what she's about to do. "No." Buffy strangles out as she pulls away from the witch. Easing off the bed and backing up until she's against the wall. Buffy reaches up behind her, hooking her bra back before pulling her clothes into some semblance of order, and shoving her hands in her pockets to keep them from reaching out to the witch.

Tara looks at the slayer in confusion for a moment as she watches her back away. Flopping back onto the bed, Tara throws an arm across her eyes, groaning at the thrumming in her body. "This can't be healthy to stop right now." Tara growls between heavy pants.

Buffy snorts, watching the witch as her chest rises and falls rapidly as she tries to get control of her body. "I don't know, but I should probably leave now." Buffy whimpers as she notices how the woman's nipples are straining against her top. Buffy swallows as her mouth starts salivating as thoughts of sucking, licking and nipping at those decadent breasts, works its way through her x-rated brain. Working her way to the door, she whispers. "I'm leaving. I'll make sure the door locks behind me."

"I will." Buffy nods her head taking in one more heated look at the voluptuous witch spread out on the bed. As she opens the door, ready to slip out, Buffy smiles. "I love you." She whispers before pulling the door closed, making sure it locks, laughing to herself as she hears the moaned, 'I love you', through the door. Resting her forehead for a moment against the door, Buffy takes a couple deep breaths. "Giles, now." She mutters to herself, turning and running down the stairs, out of the building, hoofing it quickly over to the Watcher's apartment.

"Giles, I have a serious problem!" Buffy growls as she strides into the Watcher's apartment without even knocking.

"Ah, yes. Regarding Miss Maclay?" Giles hides his smiling countenance behind the Watcher's book, rereading over the section about the other slayer.

"Your mother paid me a visit this afternoon. She was somewhat worried, so she decided to talk to me about it." Giles admits, watching the slayer.

Buffy growls while striding over to the couch, collapsing on top of it. "Am I going to have to beat it out of you, Giles? Because, honestly. Right now, I feel the need to take my frustrations out on someone." She looks at the watcher with narrowed eyes.

Giles swallows seeing the fire burning in the slayer's eyes. Without a word, he hands her the book to let her read over all the information he has.

Buffy slowly reads over the pages, frowning before flipping back and re-reading. Snapping the book closed she looks up with angry eyes. "So, you're basically telling me that I'm going to rape Tara if she isn't ready for this? I'll fucking stay away from her if that's the case!"

Giles sits there stunned at the slayer's words, not having realized, that in a nut shell, that's what it would be considered if the other woman wasn't ready. "I – I would suggest you speak to her about this." Giles finally gets out, looking at the slayer.

"I can't go near her right now, Giles!" Buffy yells, jumping up off the couch. "I just came from her room. And yes, she was willing to try and help me out, but she isn't ready! She's not ready to be that physical with me. Kissing, hugging, light touching, yes. But having a slayer ready to pounce on her like dessert? I don't think so!!" Buffy growls deeply, pacing from one end of the room to the other.

"Buffy, unfortunately, you aren't going to be able to control this. And I'm afraid the longer you hold it back, the worse it's going to be." Giles explains to the slayer calmly. "You need to speak with your young woman and explain what's going on."

"I can't, Giles." Buffy whimpers. "If I go over there right now, or even later tonight, I won't be able to stop myself." Buffy collapses on the couch, burying her face in her hands. "I don't even know how I stopped myself before."

Giles sighs quietly. "Would you like for me to talk with Tara?" He offers, blushing at the thought of talking about this with the young woman.

Buffy looks up with sad eyes at Giles. "I don't know how she would take discussing something like this with you, Giles. I mean, she seemed okay with you at the shop, but her track record with men hasn't been the best. Her father and brother used to beat her. Beat her bad enough to put her in the hospital." Buffy pulls her legs up, wrapping her arms around them, rocking back and forth.

"Want me to call Joyce?" Giles whispers quietly. "She is more than willing to talk with Tara over this."

Buffy laughs sarcastically. "Isn't that good? Hey, Mom. Would you mind going and telling my girlfriend that she doesn't have a choice, I'm going to be fucking her silly, whether she's ready or not?"

"Buffy, it isn't that bad." Giles sighs, shaking his head. "You already said she was willing to help you out. Once the situation is explained to her, I'm sure everything will be okay."

"But she shouldn't have to be in this situation at all." Buffy grumbles. "Why can't we be two young women that just met and are dating, making out in hidden little nooks and cranny's like other normal couples? Taking it slow, enjoying discovering each other, without my wanting to pounce on her and do all kinds of wicked things to her?" Buffy cries out, roughly rubbing her face with her hands. Buffy quickly stands looking around the apartment. "Where's your weapons at, Giles? I think I'm going to hit the sewers, since its still daylight. See if I can't come across some evil things to kill."

Giles stands, grabbing a couple stakes out of a drawer, tossing them to Buffy before grabbing a knife that was almost long enough to be considered a short sword. "I'll have Joyce visit Tara."

Buffy nods her head as she takes the knife and the holder from the watcher, sliding it through the loops on the inside of her jacket. "Tell mom I'll probably be home late." Buffy growls, leaving the watcher in the apartment alone.

Giles picks up the phone and quickly dials the Summers' residence. "Ah, Joyce. It would seem Buffy is in a bit of a quandary."

"Yes. I dare say she pretty much yelled, saying she wasn't about to rape her and would stay away from her. From what she mentioned, Tara is probably close to being ready to be physical with her." Giles explains blushing.

"I'll be there in a few minutes. Thanks, Rupert." Joyce sighs at the thought of the poor girl and what she has unknowingly gotten herself into.

"I will not take advantage of that sweet, kind woman." Buffy growls as she lifts the manhole cover, climbing down she moves it back into place, waiting a few moments for her eyesight to adjust. Allowing more of the slayer to come forth, helping her to see in the dark.

Climbing down the ladder, she jumps the last few feet looking first one way then the next, sending her senses out. Finally getting a twinge, she heads down the right side of the tunnel, stealthily working towards where her senses were taking her. Stopping at the end of the tunnel that drops down into a small cavern-like room, Buffy grins at the eight vampires lounging about below her. Crouching down, she listens for a moment as they talk amongst themselves.

"Fred, I don't know. I think it might be best we get the hell out of here and come back some other time. That military group is capturing all us demons and performing experiments on us. I mean, look at what they did to Spike! He's older than all of us put together and they've fucked him up royally. I personally don't wanna be fixed like he is." John rails against the leader of their group.

"Oh, shut the fuck up John. As long as we stick together, they won't take us on." Fred growls.

Buffy frowns, wondering if this is why she keeps coming across groups of vamps, instead of the usual one or two that hang out together. Waiting for a few more moments, with none of the vampires making any other comments, Buffy slowly eases a stake out of her waistband and the knife from its hiding place. Judging the distance, she smirks as she jumps, landing in the midst of the vampires.

"Looks like you guys are just waiting for a party. Here I am boys, come and get me." Buffy growls, slowly eyeing the vampires.

Buffy smirks as one vampire takes a clumsy swing at her. As he spins around she kicks him in the back, knocking him against another vampire. Feeling one sneaking up behind her, Buffy jumps up into a spinning kick, letting the slayer have full reign of her senses, something she's never done before.

One of the vampires sees the orange glow coming from the slayer's eyes and tries to back away, scared shitless. But before he takes more than half a step, he feels the blade of the knife slice into his neck before he turns to dust.

Yelling out a battle cry, the slayer at full strength decimates the vampires in less than a minute, quick stakes to the heart with the one hand, and the other beheading the vampires so quickly, they don't even have a chance to move. Gazing about her seeing nothing but settling dust, the slayer growls before raising her head sniffing deeply. Feeling a deep buzz telling her to head in a certain direction, she silently works her way towards another vamp nest.

Joyce holds the book gingerly in her hand as she knocks on Tara's door. Smiling as she hears Tara.

"Buffy, I thought you were…" Tara's eyes widen and she blushes. "Sorry, I thought it was Buffy."

"Please, come in. Is there something wrong?" Tara questions quickly after Joyce walks into her room. Gathering up her books she has spread out on her bed, she places them on the small desk before turning to Joyce.

"Yes and no." Joyce winces at the witch. "Buffy's fine, but we have found out what's going on with her and needless to say she's very upset in regards to what this means to you."

"Please, sit down." Tara motions to the bed as she pulls out the hard plastic chair, facing Joyce. "What does it mean?" She whispers, finally realizing that Joyce is holding a book in her hand, with a post it marking a page.

"Maybe I should let you read this, first." Joyce offers the book to Tara, watching as she quickly flips it open.

Scanning over the pages, Tara's eyes widen in shock and surprise. Rereading the section mentioning the slayer was the longest lived slayer, and possibly would have lived for quite a while longer if her mate hadn't been killed, Tara gently closes the book, thinking heavily.

Joyce watches as the different emotions play across the woman's face, first shock and surprise, then wonder and disbelief. Finally as intense blue eyes look up into hers, Joyce inhales, seeing the determination and love coming from the blue depths.

"She told Giles she had to go kill evil things and not to expect her home early." Joyce answers quietly.

"Uh, well." Joyce blushes looking at the witch. "She went off on Giles, stating she wasn't going to rape you, and that's what it boils down too if you're not ready. I think she kind of fixated on the part about the slayer wanting to mark what's hers."

Tara closes her eyes and nods her head. "She would. She always goes for what she considers the worst thing. I bet it didn't even sink into her brain that this is a very, very good thing to happen. That she has the possibility of having a relatively normal life. Albeit still killing monsters and evil things, but living past the age of 20."

Joyce smiles and nods her head. "You're probably right. I think that's part of the reason you two are meant to be together. Your seeing the good in things will balance out her always seeing the negative side. Two halves of the same coin."

Joyce raises an eyebrow looking at Tara considering the witch. "She has three different classes. Her last one ends around 1:00. I believe…" Joyce digs around in her purse, hoping she still has the piece of paper Buffy gave her of her classes at the beginning of the term. Sighing she pulls it out, handing it to Tara. "Here, this is her schedule for this term."

Tara takes the paper and glances over it, nodding her head. "Thanks, Joyce." Looking back up, she blushes momentarily. "Ummm, this is still embarrassing as hell." Tara admits looking down. "Do you think I can go home with you, maybe pack a change of clothes for Buffy?"

Joyce smirks at the witch and nods her head. "Planning on keeping her here tomorrow night?"

"I think it might be best for all concerned." Tara nods her head watching Joyce. "Don't tell her. I wouldn't put it past her to not come to school tomorrow, if she knows what I'm planning."

"You may be right." Joyce nods. "Come on, let's take you to the house and get 'Operation Horny Slayer' set into motion."

Tara laughs at the older woman's words. "You are probably the most understanding mom in the universe."

"I wouldn't go that far." Joyce mutters as they head towards the Jeep. "I was pretty harsh with Buffy growing up after she was called. Of course, I didn't know what she was for a couple years and that didn't help matters." Joyce unlocks the door before walking around to the driver's side, climbing in before heading towards the house. "And right after I found out, I was even worse. I made things extremely hard on her. I just wouldn't understand that it wasn't something she could not be. I thought after Faith showed up, that Buffy could be a normal girl." Shaking her head at her own foolhardiness, she glances at an understanding Tara.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way." Tara murmurs. "It's what she is. It's a part of her, obviously more of a part than I realized, after reading that section. Her fighting it is only going to make things worse." Tara glances out the window watching as the stores pass by. "From what I read, when the girl actually embraces her slayer side, she becomes more adept, more powerful." Tara leans her head against the window. "She's like an eagle or wolf. They mate for life. I wonder if she even realizes that? She may have loved Angel, but the slayer portion of her could never have accepted him."

Joyce pulls into the driveway, turning to look at the young woman sitting so calmly beside her. "How do you do that?"

Tara blinks, her blue gaze on the slayer's mother. "I guess it's as my mother said. I have a very old soul." Tara smiles briefly. "I know this is bothering Buffy a lot more than it is me. Yes, I'm a virgin. Hell, until Buffy, I had never even entertained kissing another person before." Tara's lip quirks up. "But it feels right. It feels natural. I can't ever remember wanting anything more, than to spend time with her."

"I'm going to ask, even though your words pretty much put everything into perspective. Are you sure this is what you want? Are you positive you're ready to take this relationship to the next level?" Joyce questions softly, placing a caring hand on the woman's shoulder.

Taking a deep breath and searching her inner self, Tara smiles at the calmness she feels inside. Silently she questions her mother. 'Am I doing right? Is this the proper thing to do?' Imagining her mother's answers. 'Sweetie, do you love her? If you do that is your answer.' Looking at Joyce, Tara smiles fully. "I'm positive this is the right thing to do. I honestly don't believe I can be more ready, than I am."

Joyce hugs Tara tightly. "Well, welcome to the family, daughter-in-law." Joyce smirks as Tara giggles. "Let's get Buffy's clothes situated." Joyce releases a huge sigh of relief as she climbs out of the vehicle, the two women walking up to the house.

"Should I maybe take some of her weapons to the room? She asked earlier if she could leave some stakes and stuff there." Tara questions as they walk up the stairs towards Buffy's room.

"I don't see why not. I think she keeps a box of extra weapons in the bottom of the closet, if you want to grab some out." Joyce mentions as she pulls out underwear and sleepwear for her daughter, before chuckling quietly at the thought the sleepwear probably wouldn't get much use. Looking , she watches as Tara kneels down in front of the box.

Tara pulls out a couple stakes, smiling at the large pile in the box. Placing it back, she pulls another box out, with numerous knives with sheaths in it. Seeing a wood box she picks it up and opens it, frowning at the knife on display inside. Hesitantly, she places her hand on the handle and cries out silently, as the images spin behind her closed eyes. Swallowing hard, she pulls her hand away and quickly closes the box putting it back where it belongs. 'Definitely need to visit Faith.' Tara thinks to herself running a shaking hand over her forehead before reaching in and grabbing a couple other knives, placing them with the stakes. Taking a moment to center herself from the fragmented images and feelings that came from touching the knife, Tara slowly stands smiling uncertainly at Joyce. "Do you have a bag or a small box for me to put these items in?"

"I'll grab one of Buffy's extra gym bags and put everything in it." Joyce offers as she watches Tara. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." Tara nods, reaching down grasping the items and setting them on the bed beside the clothes Joyce has already gathered.

Joyce watches Tara for a few moments before sighing. Walking to the closet, she grabs down a pair of her daughter's jeans that she doesn't wear too often, along with a shirt, hoping she doesn't realize they're missing. Placing them on the stack of other clothes, Joyce pulls out a gym bag from under the bed, tucking everything away neatly.

Tara smiles as Joyce walks out of the bedroom, coming back with a new toothbrush and other essential bathroom items placing them in the bag. "Do you think we have everything?"

"Everything but money to feed the garbage disposal." Joyce mutters reaching into her pocket, pulling out what cash she has on hand. "Here, hopefully that will keep her from starving." Joyce smirks at Tara.

Tara laughs quietly as she tucks the money away. "I have some Ramen Noodles at the dorm, but she's already more or less given me her thoughts on those."

Joyce chuckles and nods her head. "She likes something she can actually sink her teeth into most of the time. I would say we'd stop at the store and pick up some rolls and lunch meats for you, but I don't know how much room you have in your little refrigerator."

Tara thinks about what she has in the fridge. "I have mostly waters and juices. I can pull most of them out, leaving a couple of each in the refrigerator. That way there's plenty of room for lunchmeat and cheese, so it won't cost so much." Tara offers pulling the money back out of her pocket, handing it to Joyce.

Joyce smiles. "Let's head to the store and buy a couple pounds of lunch meat, along with a pound of cheese. I have some little packets of mayonnaise we can throw in the bag. She likes mayo on her sandwiches."

Tara grabs the bag, following Joyce down the stairs to the kitchen, watching as she digs around in one of the drawers, grabbing a handful of packets.

"That's fine." Tara smiles as Joyce grabs down a small bag, dropping the packets in before handing it to her. Tucking it away inside the bag she chuckles. "This is like extremely strange."

"This whole situation." Tara explains. "I was just planning on finishing my education, buying a small house and getting either a cat or a dog for companionship. Teaching during the week and painting on the weekend. Living out my life alone. Then, this little blonde tornado literally spins into my life, turning everything upside down."

Joyce chuckles quietly. "That's Buffy. She has a tendency to turn everyone's lives upside down." Wrapping an arm around Tara's shoulder, Joyce squeezes gently. "Come on, let's go to the store and do some shopping, that way you can get back to studying."

Buffy groans as she slowly drags herself up the stairs. Her whole body aching she finally reaches the bathroom, stripping off her filthy clothes before turning the water on. Glancing in the mirror, she shakes her head. Turning, she climbs into the shower, the hot water pounding down on her sore body. Leaning against the side of the tiled wall, she closes her eyes as the water slowly eases some of the soreness. Turning around so it hits her front, she dips her face under the spray, letting it wash away some of the dirt and grime.

Sighing, she reaches back for the shampoo, pouring a good bit into her cupped hand before working up a good lather, scrubbing her head thoroughly. She plays over the events of the night, knowing she'll have to tell Giles about what happened, and let him know that there are definitely government type people capturing the demons. Buffy chuckles quietly. "Pickings are going to be slim for them now." She grunts out in pain as she comes across a tender spot on her ribs. Continuing to wash her body meticulously, she looks down as the dirty water swirls down the drain.

"Wonder how things went with mom and Tara." Buffy mutters to herself as she finishes washing, letting the water continue to run over her body. Tilting her head against the side of the shower, she closes her eyes, smiling at the thought of Tara. She had made four different trips by her building while she was out tonight, half tempted to see the witch. Knowing that she wasn't in the best of shape was the only thing that had kept her from running up the stairs and beating the door down. Finally turning off the water, Buffy steps from the shower, grabbing a towel. As she dries her body, she looks up to the steam covered mirror. Stopping for a moment, she reaches out and wipes her hand across it, looking at her reflection. "You are an idiot. You should have probably taken Tara up on her offer. It isn't like you actually had to have sex!! You could have kept your clothes on and just…" Buffy trails off shaking her head.

Sighing, Buffy dries her hair and brushes her teeth before crossing the hall into her room. Groaning, she doesn't even bother pulling on her pajamas, she sets the alarm and collapses on top of the bed, as soon as her head hits the pillow, she's asleep.

Joyce glances up from sipping her coffee and reading the newspaper. As Buffy struggles into the kitchen half asleep, Joyce raises an eyebrow. "Rough night?"

"You have no idea." Buffy groans as she pulls down a coffee cup, dumping more sugar than usual into the cup, she fills it up with coffee before stirring briefly. Leaning back against the counter, she quickly sucks the hot beverage down before making another cup.

"Must have been rough if you aren't even adding milk." Joyce looks over her daughter, not seeing any obvious wounds. "Did you get hurt?"

"Just roughed up a bit." Buffy mutters grabbing a bagel, throwing it in the toaster before opening the refrigerator and grabbing out cream cheese. "Did you get to talk with Tara yesterday?"

"Yes, I did." Joyce nods watching Buffy carefully, seeing the stiffness in her movements. "You have a very understanding and lovely girlfriend, Buffy. I think she understands what's happening better than you do. Give her a chance, okay?"

Buffy looks down, feeing tears come to her eyes. "Mom, I don't want to take advantage of her. I want to take her out on dates, flirt with her, hold hands, kiss, without there being all this other heavy stuff." As the bagel pops up, Buffy throws it on a plate and places it across from her mom on the island. Sitting down, she quickly spreads some cream cheese across it.

Joyce watches Buffy, waiting to see if she's going to say anything else. As Buffy proceeds to eat her breakfast, Joyce pushes her coffee cup away from her and looks at her daughter seriously. "As Tara said yesterday, the slayer is part of who you are. You can't change that, and she doesn't want you to change. Follow her lead, honey."

Buffy searches her mom's eyes and finally nods. "But just in case, maybe I should ask Giles for a tranquilizer gun and give it to Tara to shoot me, if I get a little more rambunctious than she's ready for."

Joyce bites her lip, trying to keep the laughter at bay, but is unsuccessful. As she laughs, she sees the hurt look cross Buffy's face. Quickly getting control of her laughter, she reaches out and pats her daughter's hand. "Honey, I don't think that's going to be a problem. I have a feeling your young lady will meet you more than halfway, in regards to this. And no matter what, you won't let things get out of hand. I know you. So, relax and let things progress, okay?"

Buffy sighs quietly. "I'm going to tell her to thump me upside the head if she needs to. But I'll see how things go. I'm planning on stopping by to see her tonight, during patrol."

Joyce grins secretively as she turns her back on her daughter. "You do that, dear. She's worried about you."

"Thanks, Mom." Buffy quickly hugs her mother as she places her dirty dishes in the sink. "I better head to class. Love you." Buffy calls out as she heads into the living room to grab her book bag.

"Love you too, honey. Have a good day." Joyce smirks as she watches her daughter out of the kitchen window. "And a good night." Laughing, Joyce quickly finishes getting ready for work.

Tara leans against the wall across from Buffy's last class of the day, waiting patiently for the teacher to dismiss the class. Smiling as she thinks about her conversations with her other teachers and how nice they'd been when she told them she couldn't make today's classes. She'd spent the morning running from one classroom to the other, getting assignments and turning in a paper before running back to her dorm room, spending the rest of the time studying and working on papers.

As the students finally start filing out, Tara straightens, waiting to catch a glimpse of a certain petite blonde. As Buffy finally trudges out of class, Tara frowns at the obviously tired slayer. "Buffy?"

Buffy glances up when she hears her name, her face breaking out in a huge grin at seeing Tara standing there, obviously waiting for her. Unmindful of the other students, Buffy quickly weaves her way through to stand in front of Tara, kissing her firmly on the lips. "What are you doing here?"

Tara smiles reaching for Buffy's arm, pulling her towards the buildings exit. "I'm here for you."

"Kind of figured that. But shouldn't you be in class?" Buffy allows Tara to pull her along behind her.

"Nope." Tara picks up her speed as she gets outside, quickly making her way towards her dorm, with a confused slayer in tow. "Had something more important, to take care of today."

Buffy follows Tara, frowning wondering what was more important to the woman, than her classes. As Tara unlocks the door and urges her inside her room, Buffy turns to question her, being met by arms and lips instead. Groaning and dropping her book bag, Buffy wraps her arms around Tara's neck, meeting the inquisitive tongue searching out all her hidden secrets.

Tara growls deeply as Buffy returns her kiss, pulling the slayer's body tighter in against hers, breasts and thighs pressing firmly against each other.

Buffy moans as she feels a firm thigh slide between her legs, pressing deliciously against her aching body. Breaking off the kiss, Buffy pants heavily trying to get control of her breathing as she kisses her way down Tara's neck, sucking gently on the pulse point calling out to her.

Tara arches into the slayer's lips, her fingers digging into the slayer's back lightly. "Bed, sweetie." She mutters urging the slayer back towards the bed.

"No, no. Not a good idea." Buffy mutters pulling her lips away from the tender skin, licking her tongue firmly over the dark red spot. "I'm gonna be good, even if it kills me." Buffy whimpers as fingers stroke down her back to grasp her ass cheeks firmly. "Oh, God." Buffy groans, arching up into Tara at the sensation.

"You can be good all you want. I'm the one going to be bad." Tara growls into Buffy's ear as she digs her fingers into the slayer's butt cheeks firmly. Moving her hands up to the slayer's shoulders, she pushes gently, so Buffy's sitting on the bed. Placing a knee on either side of the slayer's hips, Tara pushes just that bit more, so Buffy falls back on the bed. Leaning down, Tara nips softly down Buffy's neck and across her collar bone. "Tell me you don't want this and I'll stop." Tara murmurs into the slayer's skin, as she works a little further down, into the skin revealed by the v-necked shirt.

"Ah, hell!" Buffy arches up, as lips push the shirt partly out of the way and caress over the start of a breast. Purring starting deep inside, making her whole body vibrate.

"Getting ready to make love to you." Tara admits as she balances herself on her knees above the slayer. Grasping the bottom of her shirt, Tara pulls it over her head and throws it across the room. "Now, can I?"

Buffy looks up wide eyed at the delightful sight of satin covered breasts, playing hide and seek through the lace. "Oh, wow!" Buffy slides her hand up the silky soft skin of the witch's stomach and rib cage, to brush tantalizingly over the covered breast. Flinching as she feels the nipple stiffen under her palm, as her own breasts cry out for attention. Looking up into dark blue eyes, Buffy whimpers. "Tara, I wanted to go slow with you. Take my time."

Tara smiles down into Buffy's beautiful hazel eyes. "That's wonderful, sweetie." Tara leans down and brushes a kiss across the slayer's mouth. "But we aren't really talking about me right now." Tara sighs as she sees the confused look come into the slayer's heated gaze. Easing her body from above Buffy to lie beside her, Tara props her head up, looking down at Buffy as she strokes over the skin showing at Buffy's neck. "I'm going to have to explain this to you, aren't I?" Tara questions quietly.

Buffy nods her head, watching as Tara's eyes gradually lighten from the dark blue to her more normal colored blue. Purring more strongly as Tara strokes her skin.

Tara blushes looking down at the hand stroking over the slayer's collar bone. "Do you feel the overwhelming urge to find relief for yourself, or is it to make love to me?"

Tara chuckles quietly. "But the urge is more to find release for yourself, right?"

Buffy shakes her head. "No, it isn't the release I think I'm really looking for. It feels more like I want to mark you as mine." Buffy admits quietly. "Like a dog marking its territory. I want to mark you as my territory."

Tara inhales deeply, trying to work through what the slayer is saying. "Your half wants to make love to me. The slayer half is wanting to mark me as hers, meaning she wants to be able to…say smell me and smell herself on me?" Tara questions softly, wondering if this is what the problem is.

Buffy frowns, biting her lip. "I think so. I mean, I know I want to make love to you. Touch you, kiss you. But the slayer portion is like, pounce on you."

"You seem to be pretty in control of the slayer half right now." Tara makes the observation, actually surprised as she thinks about them having this conversation as they are right now.

"I think she's buried kind of deep right now." Buffy admits quietly. "I went on a major rampage last night and let go completely. I don't think I'll need to do patrol for a few nights now."

Tara searches the slayer's eyes, seeing the truth in her statement. "You gave her total free reign for the first time last night, didn't you?" As Buffy nods her head, Tara smiles. "How did it feel?"

"Weird. Kind of like, I was there in the background, seeing and hearing everything going on, but not being in charge." Buffy explains.

"Did you try to take control back?" Tara strokes a finger down the slayer's cheek.

"No, not until I took out the last vamps nest I found in the sewers. After that, I kind of just stepped forward and she let me." Buffy watches Tara for a few minutes. "So, does this mean we're going to be able to hold off a little while, now?"

"It's entirely up to you." Tara murmurs quietly. "Obviously you letting her have free reign, kind of wore her out, I guess. But one thing you have to remember, she is a part of you. I don't think she'll do anything that you ultimately don't want her to do."

"Do you think so?" Buffy questions hesitantly, and at Tara's nod and grin, Buffy sighs quietly. "Oh, yeah. I'd say it wore her out. Wore me out, too. I got home, and let the shower beat on me for roughly an hour before drying my hair. I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow and was gone until the alarm clock went off this morning." Buffy reaches up, running a hand down the arm of the witch.

"You do look tired, sweetie." Tara runs a thumb over the dark circles under the slayer's eyes.

"Do you want food or sleep first?" Tara questions watching Buffy's eyes light up at the mention of food. Chuckling Tara presses a kiss to Buffy's cheek. "I'll make you a couple sandwiches, get comfy."

"'kay." Buffy watches as Tara looks around locating her shirt and pulls it back on. "You didn't have to put your shirt back on. I kind of liked the view."

Tara raises an eyebrow at the slayer. "If I'm going to go shirtless, you have to, too." Tara's eyes get wide as Buffy quickly strips her shirt off, dropping it beside the bed. "Okay." Tara mutters before slowly pulling her shirt back off, blushing deeply.

"Oooh!" Buffy watches as the blush works its way all the way down the witch's chest. "Braless too?" Buffy unconsciously licks her lips at the thought of seeing the blush completely.

"Wanna watch the blush in its entirety." Buffy admits glancing back up, grinning.

Tara blushes again. Looking down, she notices her chest turning red, groaning she turns her back on the slayer and pulls the meats and cheese out of the refrigerator. Quickly making two huge sandwiches for Buffy, she grabs a bag of chips and carries it over to the bed, setting the items down in front of the slayer. "Eat." She orders quietly before going back and making herself a regular sandwich. Putting the items up, she sits down across from the slayer.

Buffy pouts at missing the blush, but grins when she realizes that in the near future, she'll get to see it as often as she wants. Picking up a sandwich she takes a huge bite. Chewing she watches as Tara sits down across from her, nibbling on her sandwich. As she quickly finishes the first sandwich, she opens the bag of chips and dumps some on her plate. "Want some?"

"Please." Tara nods her head before realizing she forgot to get drinks for them. Easing off the bed, she quickly kneels by the fridge and pulls out a juice and water. Handing the water to Buffy, she sits back down to finish eating her dinner.

Buffy licks her lips after finishing her sandwiches and chips. Sipping on her water, she watches Tara before speaking. "So, you decided to take time off from classes today to jump my bones?"

Tara glances up, biting her lip and nodding. "Pretty much. I did go to all my teachers and got the assignments. I kind of did some personal researching today, also." Tara admits quietly, blushing again.

Buffy raises an eyebrow as Tara blushes. "Personal research?" Tilting her head, Buffy smirks. "What kind of personal research?"

Biting her lip, Tara quickly gathers the used paper plates, empty chip bag and throws them in the trash. Looking at a couple of the books she checked out of the library, she rolls her eyes. "Personal, personal research." Tara mutters.

Buffy watches as Tara's eyes light on a couple books before her comment. Standing up, curious, Buffy walks slowly over to the books. "Oh." Buffy whispers, shifting to read the titles on the books. "Personal research, huh. I didn't know they had these type books at the library."

"Any good information?" Buffy casually flips one of them open, blinking at the titles of the listed chapters. "That might have been a stupid question, Buffy." She mutters to herself.

"I didn't get to read it in depth. I kind of, hit on certain chapters, so I wouldn't be completely at a loss." Tara admits blushing so dark her face is almost a burgundy color.

Buffy glances over at the blushing witch. "You did this so you could make sure I…" As Tara nods Buffy smiles. "It obviously made you a little more comfortable with what you were doing, didn't it?"

"Yes." Tara whispers. "I have more of an idea, of what to do and where to do it." Tara bites her lip before looking up into the understanding eyes of the slayer. Breathing a sigh of relief, Tara smiles.

"Hmmm." Buffy picks the book up, glancing through it. "Maybe I should borrow this and read up on it, myself. I don't want to be embarrassed by doing something wrong."

Tara shakes her head. "That's the main point I read in the book. If it feels right to both parties, then it isn't wrong. There isn't necessarily a right and a wrong way of doing something. Just what feels good." Tara smirks. "Obviously, a lot of things can feel good."

Buffy looks up from her perusing of the book, watching the mischievous look on the witch's face. Closing the book and placing it back with the others, Buffy watches Tara. "And what kind of things, feel good?"

"Anything, everything." Tara shrugs, closing the distance between them and wrapping her arms around the slayer's waist, leaving a gap between their bodies. "Since you obviously aren't losing control, do we get to do some serious making out?"

Buffy grins and nods her head. "How serious do you want to get? I would dearly love to enjoy certain attributes, that have been calling out to me the last hour, or so." Buffy murmurs her eyes dropping down to Tara's breasts.

"With or without the bras?" Tara whimpers as she watches the desire flood into Buffy's eyes at her words.

"Whatever you're comfortable with." Buffy answers before leaning in and kissing Tara softly. "Only what you're comfortable with."

Tara smiles as she leads Buffy back towards the bed, lying down she faces the slayer, urging her to climb in beside her. "Serious making out." Tara breathes into the slayer's ear as she works her way from the slayer's ear, down her jaw, to suck briefly on her chin before flicking her tongue out and over the slayer's lips.

Buffy whimpers as Tara works her way down her neck, sucking lightly at various points along the way. Arching into the witch's mouth as she licks across her pulse point, Buffy clasps her waist in a firm grip, easing herself into the witch. Stroking her hand over the satiny soft skin, Buffy lightly trails her fingers up and over the witch's back, as she feels firm fingers digging gently into her back. Groaning loudly as nails scrape up her back, Buffy jerks her body in tighter against Tara.

"Like that?" Tara questions hotly as her lips caress over the slayer's ear lobe.

"God, yes!" Buffy groans again as the nails make another trip, down her back this time.

"Hmmm. Something seems to be getting in my way." Tara murmurs as she works her hands to unhook Buffy's bra. "May I?" Tara questions as she eases her hands up and over the slayer's shoulders, ready to take the bra off.

"Please." Buffy whimpers looking into the desire filled blue eyes of her love. "May I?" Buffy questions, her hands at the witch's bra clasp.

"Goddess, yes." Tara answers quickly before sliding her hands down the slayer's arms, easing the bra down with them. Swallowing hard, as firm pert breasts come into view, followed by rosy colored nipples. Inhaling deeply at the sight of the slayer, Tara whimpers quietly.

Buffy quickly unhooks the bra, following Tara's lead by easing the straps down her arms, amazed at the ample cleavage slowly being revealed to her greedy eyes. Watching as pale nipples come into view, Buffy bites her lip. Unable to resist, she tilts her head down and captures the nipple.

"Oh, Goddess!" Tara cries out, arching up, pushing her breast into the hot wet cavern of the slayer's mouth. Clasping her hand to the back of the slayer's head, she holds her in place, moaning.

Running her tongue around the quickly hardening nipple, Buffy moans at the flavor of the witch. Pulling away momentarily, Buffy runs her tongue more fully over the witch's breast before circling the aureole.

"Buffy!" Tara cries out quietly as Buffy sucks her nipple into her mouth, suckling firmly, occasionally flicking her tongue over the hardened nipple. Reaching up, she cups the slayer's breast in her hand, running her thumb over the firm flesh. Scraping her thumb nail gently over the nipple, she smiles as the slayer's body jerks into her. Panting heavily Tara gently squeezes the nipple between her thumb and forefinger.

"Tara…" Buffy whimpers as she releases the witch's breast, burying her head against Tara's neck. Trying to get control of her breathing, she arches into the witch's hand, as she scrapes her nail across her sensitive nipple again. "My, God, woman!" Buffy growls loudly.

"Not the scraping, but maybe the togetherness. A step back might be good." Buffy admits in between hard breaths.

"Okay." Tara slowly runs her hand back down and around to Buffy's back. Slowly easing herself onto her back, she pulls Buffy against her. "Relax sweetie." Tara murmurs, kissing the top of Buffy's head.

"Relax she says." Buffy mutters rolling her eyes. "Gets me all hot and bothered then tells me to relax. There's something wrong with this picture."

Tara chuckles running one hand through Buffy's hair, while caressing her back with the other. "Sleep, sweetie. You need the rest."

"Should go home, mom will be worried." Buffy mumbles as she gets more comfortable against Tara, her chest rumbling.

"No she won't. She knows you're here." Tara whispers, stroking softly over the slayer. Smiling as she feels her relaxing.

"Hush. Go to sleep. Everything's just fine, Buffy." Tara murmurs. "Everything's perfect." Tara grins as she feels lips press softly against her breast.

"I love you, too." Tara smiles as Buffy's leg shifts over hers, her arm and head becoming heavier as she falls asleep. Stroking across the slayer's arm and back, Tara sighs. "You're too precious for words, sweetie." Letting her own body relax, she slowly drifts off to sleep, feeling safe and protected in the slayer's grasp.

Tara smiles softly as she strokes over the slayer's warm skin, having woken up a little while ago and pulled the blanket up to cover them both as she got a little chilled. The slayer just wiggled herself in impossibly tighter against her, purring contentedly as she sleeps. Glancing over at the clock, Tara quietly chuckles realizing they've been asleep for roughly four hours.

Tara lies there looking up at the ceiling by the light of the moon, contemplating her life. Smiling softly as Buffy unconsciously shifts her leg further up and over her thighs pushing her body more firmly against her. Moving the hand stroking over the slayer's arm, she runs it over the slayer's jean covered thigh and knee, frowning at the feel of denim instead of skin. Trailing her hand back up, she strokes the slayer's arm again.

A while later, Tara becomes conscious of a small hand working it's way up her ribs, before it hesitates and traces one place in particular. Sighing as she knows what's coming next, Tara waits for Buffy to ask.

Buffy shifts and lifts heavy eyelids to look at Tara, before reaching over and turning on the light, blinking at the brightness. Searching the blue eyes, she pulls the blanket down and leans over, carefully looking at what her fingers found. Running her fingers over the jagged scar, Buffy looks back up with a questioning look on her face.

"Broken beer bottle." Tara murmurs quietly in answer to the unspoken question. "I zigged when I should have zagged. He nailed me when he was drunk one night."

Buffy growls deeply in her throat, her eyes having the slightest tinge of orange appear around the irises. "If those bastards ever show up here, they better pray to all that's holy that I'm not around. I'll make sure they meet some of the ugly bumpy muggers, and when they wake up, I'll beat the hell out of them repeatedly. Make them beg me to stake them, then beat them some more, before dusting their asses."

"Shhh." Tara wraps her arms around Buffy's back urging her to lay down, groaning as their breasts come into contact. "It's okay, sweetie. I doubt they'll find me here."

"It's the Hellmouth. It attracts demons. As far as I'm concerned, they're worse than the fucking vampires I stake." Buffy growls before tucking her head beside Tara's. "I probably weigh too much for me to be lying across you like this."

"Mmmm. You're perfect." Tara whispers urging Buffy to lay more fully on her, arching her body up at the feel of hard nipples brushing against her aching breasts.

Buffy smiles as she listens to Tara groan quietly. Tilting her head, Buffy licks gently up the witch's neck, circling around the sensitive skin behind her earlobe, making her arch. Leaning in closer, Buffy sucks on the sensitive skin, growling deep in her throat as Tara shifts her body the slightest bit, letting a thigh slide between her legs.

Tara feels her chest getting heavy as she breaths harder, arching her body up into the slayer's firm thigh, moaning at the pressure against her most intimate area. Sliding her hands down, Tara grasps the slayer's waist, holding her tightly as she arches up even harder into the slayer, as Buffy scrapes her teeth gently down her neck. "Oh, Goddess." Tara groans out, rotating her hips.

Buffy growls before sucking down firmly on the witch's pulse point. Pulling away to look at the dark red mark, Buffy quietly grunts in pleasure at the mark, that should stay with the witch for at least a week. Panting heavily, Buffy pulls up looking into the almost violet colored eyes. "Maybe we should stop." Buffy growls in a deep voice, much deeper than hers normally is, not really aware that she's sharing more with the slayer portion of her.

Tara notices the more orange hued eyes first, as the deeply growled words come from Buffy, she looks more intently into the slayer's eyes. Letting herself feel the slayer's aura, Tara smiles contentedly as she watches Buffy and the slayer slowly integrating themselves within each other, instead of being two separate entities. "I don't think we need too, Buffy." Tara whispers pulling the slayer down, kissing her passionately, flicking her tongue repeatedly against the slayer's, while running her hands down to cup firm butt cheeks. As they both pull back for oxygen, Tara nibbles gently along the slayer's jaw. "Feel the slayer, Buffy. Let her come to the fore." Tara murmurs quietly licking over an ear lobe.

Buffy feels for the slayer, surprised as she realizes she's there with her, trying to become complete within her. "Tara?" Buffy questions quietly.

"Let it happen. You're meant to be as one. You finally allowed her out of the cage you had her in. If you don't want to make love yet, that's fine, but you may want to let her…" Tara trails off for a moment, slightly embarrassed, before continuing. "Let her mark me with her scent. You mark me. I can share my virginity with you in the future, sweetie. At our own time and pace."

Buffy searches Tara's eyes, seeing the love and understanding there. The slayer half growls 'mate', in her head. Slowly easing back from Tara, Buffy reaches down to the woman's slacks, her hands at the button before looking back up for silent confirmation. Smiling as Tara nods and smiles at her lovingly, Buffy eases the button from the hole and slowly pulls the zipper down. Running her hands around the inside of the waist band, Buffy slides them down the woman's silky soft legs, groaning quietly as she smells the deep arousal coming from Tara's silk covered mound. Pulling the pants the rest of the way off, Buffy stands beside the bed drinking in the sight of Tara's womanly body. Feeling the urge to rub herself slowly over every square inch of skin, Buffy mentally chastises the slayer to take it slowly, feeling acceptance as they take another step closer to becoming one.

Tara watches the obvious pleasure crossing Buffy's face, as she caresses her body with her eyes. Watching the orange hued gaze look over her heatedly, Tara unconsciously shivers with arousal at the obvious look of desire in the slayer's eyes. "Clothes, Buffy." Tara whispers.

Buffy tears her eyes away from the witch's body, looking into the passion filled eyes of her mate. Nodding slowly as the words sink in to her haze filled brain, Buffy quickly unbuttons and unzips her pants, shoving them and her panties down together to kick them across the room. Not embarrassed at all with her body, so intent is she on looking at Tara's.

Tara inhales at the sight of the strip of neatly trimmed brown hair, doing nothing to cover the slayer's glistening sex. Closing her eyes at the shot of lust coursing through her body, Tara takes deep calming breaths, centering herself. Finally gaining some semblance of control, Tara opens her eyes to see the slayer standing right next to the bed, her eyes drinking in Tara's curves. Reaching down, Tara bites her lip and slowly eases her panties down her legs before kicking them off, looking back up as the slayer's gaze follows the movement, eyes slowly inching back up as Tara lays back down. As they come up over the knees to traverse her thighs, they stop and darken at the trimmed golden hairs barely covering the witch's pouty sex.

Buffy growls before closing her eyes and inhaling deeply through her nose, taking the scent of the witch into her very being. Opening her eyes, she makes contact with Tara's eyes. "Are you positive?" Buffy questions hoarsely, the slayer begging within her to please, please do this. Urging her to mark her mate with her scent, her being, so they can completely, become one with each other. Buffy's eyes shoot open, as the slayer slowly opens her mind to the things they can do, if they become one. Just silently begging to allow her to mark her mate, and let her mate mark her.

Tara groans at the different emotions crossing Buffy's face, unconsciously reading her aura as the two, work closer and closer to becoming one. As a brighter flair comes from the slayer's aura and Buffy's eyes shoot open in surprise, Tara watches, wondering what is to come.

"She…we…" Buffy hesitates again. "…I, don't just want to mark you with our, my scent." Buffy murmurs confusedly. "We want your scent over us, also." Buffy admits hesitantly looking into Tara's eyes. "We will be making love, but not…" Buffy/the slayer bites her lip wondering how to explain.

"I understand." Tara whispers lifting her hand to the slayer, urging her to lie beside her. Turning on her side and facing the slayer, Tara eases her body slowly closer. "How do you wish to do this, sweetie?" Tara questions softly brushing her lips over the slayer's cheek.

"She wants full control, of course we're already becoming one, so she won't have complete control, I'm with her, we're…" Buffy stops confused.

"Let it happen." Tara breathes the words into Buffy's ear. "She's wanting to guide you, not take complete control. Let yourself become one."

Buffy nods as she takes a deep breath, releasing the last of the control she had unconsciously been holding onto, smiling as the slayer whispers a thank you, and works her way completely through Buffy's body and mind, while gently easing Tara onto her back. Hovering above her, skin barely brushing against each other as the slayer, becomes one with Buffy. No more fighting against each other, holding back, or trying to keep the other half caged, Buffy whimpers at the power and strength coursing through her, more than she could have ever imagined. As her body shifts to straddle above Tara's waist, she slowly lowers her body down, groaning quietly as her sex comes into contact with her mate's body, closing her eyes, at the pleasure.

Tara feels her own arousal coursing through her to heights heretofore unknown. Admittedly she's only had the last few days to compare, but surprisingly, she'd never thought she would feel something this good, this right, this perfect. Tara smiles beautifully as she watches Buffy and the slayer finally become one. Realizing as they do, that to become one they had to find their mate, the catalyst. The one thing, both halves could agree upon to realize their full potential, hence it only being noted as happening once before. And without the mate, the two halves lose control of themselves, literally tearing each other apart. As the wet heat makes contact with her stomach, Tara arches up, pushing her body more firmly into her lover's.

Buffy's eyes slowly open as she smiles at her mate. "My mate, my love." She whispers before leaning down and placing an almost chaste kiss on the witch's lips. "Marking you, now." Buffy whimpers as she raises her body up, propping herself up with her hands as she slides her lower body down the witch's stomach, leaving a trail of glistening wetness in her wake, grunting as the witch's hips arch up, as her sex drags across Tara's, causing the witch to groan and grind against her. "Soon." Buffy whispers up to the witch as she shifts her body to slowly work down one thigh, grunting quietly at the pleasure shooting through her body. Closing her eyes, Buffy takes a moment before shifting her thigh firmly between Tara's.

Tara moans quietly at the pressure against her sex, her body aching for more. Grasping the slayer by the hips, she pulls her body down firmer against hers, while arching up into the contact.

Buffy buries her face in Tara's neck, rocking her body gently against Tara's, moaning at the wetness gathering on her own thigh from the witch, loving the smell, her own body sliding effortlessly against Tara's leg. Slowing down her rocking motion, she leans up placing a gentle kiss against Tara's panting mouth. "We don't have to actually continue this, Tara. We can wait, if you want."

"Completely one, now?" Tara whispers licking up the slayer's neck, enjoying the light film of perspiration covering the woman's body.

"Yes." Buffy whimpers. "I think I understand why she lived as long as she did now. The power I had is like comparing a new born baby to Arnold Schwarzenegger at the prime of his career."

"So, you're trying to say you're much stronger now?" Tara questions softly as Buffy gently eases over, so Tara's lying on top of her. Tara groans before she works her way down the slayer's body, finally edging her way closer to the breasts she hasn't had a chance to taste.

"You better believe it." Buffy cries out quietly as Tara sucks a nipple into her mouth, flicking her tongue quickly over the hard nub. "Tara, please mark me." Buffy groans. "Mark me with your mouth."

"Please." Buffy whimpers as Tara releases her nipple to look at her with slightly confused blue eyes. Pulling a hand away from the witch, Buffy points to her neck, the opposite side from where Angel's bite was. "Suck, suck hard, please."

Understanding dawn's in Tara's eyes as she eases back up the short distance, licking over the area with her tongue, flicking firmly before sucking it gently into her mouth, playing her tongue over it momentarily, before sucking firmly. Groaning as Buffy's hands grasp her hips, pulling her body down to make contact again with her thigh, having her grind into the slayer's firm, muscular body. Releasing the skin, Tara arches up groaning out Buffy's name.

"Feel the pleasure, Tara. I have her memories, they're mine now. So much pleasure to know." Buffy murmurs watching the witch's body flush with desire. "If you're ready, I will willingly give you this. If you want to wait, I understand." Buffy whispers quietly, watching the dark eyes of her love looking deeply into hers.

Tara pants, while grinding her body down harder into the slayer's rock hard thigh. Tara's eyes shoot open with pleasure before making contact and holding the slayer's almost copper gaze. "Goddess, I didn't expect it to feel this good." Tara whimpers, the heat and desire heavy in her body. Dropping her head to Buffy's shoulder, Tara stops moving against the slayer, slowly getting control of her body.

"We can wait. Take all the time you need. We made the slayer happy, she's one with me now, and I'm more than willing to give you what you need." Buffy whispers quietly into Tara's ear. Smiling softly as Tara's body slowly comes to rest on hers.

Closing her eyes, Buffy strokes up and down the witch's back, content and at peace with herself. Purring softly as she tangles their legs together before reaching over with one hand, searching for the blanket that got tossed to the side of the bed, pulling it gently over Tara before turning off the light.

"Sleep, love." Buffy whispers, smiling as she feels soft lips press a kiss into the side of her neck, and arms rise slowly to thread one hand through her hair and tuck the other under the pillow.

"Love you." Tara hoarsely moans into the slayer's ear as she feels her body get heavy with sleep, not even caring that she shouldn't be sleeping on top of the slayer, not having the inclination to move. "Wake me up if I get too heavy."

"I love you, too. You will never be too heavy." Buffy murmurs running one hand down to gently spread over the witch's strong buttocks, while the other one finds itself buried in gold hair. Buffy smiles, as the purring deepens, closing her eyes as she slowly drifts off to dream of her beautiful witch.

Buffy smirks as she lets herself back into the witch's dorm room. Having found the bag with her items in it, as she left Tara sleeping in the bed to wash up and grab breakfast.

Easing down on the edge of the bed, Buffy reaches out and brushes the hair away from the beautiful countenance. She had looked on the witch's cork board, at her class schedule for the day. Knowing she should wake her up so she has time to shower and eat before her first class, Buffy hesitates for a moment watching the sleeping beauty. Frowning at the thought she has to wake her up, Buffy leans in placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Wake up, my love." Buffy whispers into Tara's ear before pulling back, watching as Tara's eyelids flutter as she slowly wakes.

Yawning, Tara stretches as she blinks her eyes to full wakefulness. Blushing as she realizes the blanket has slid down and her breasts were uncovered.

"Oh, don't do that." Buffy whispers stopping Tara's hand from pulling the blanket back up. "You're beautiful, Tara. Every single bit of you." Buffy's eyes become mischievous as she wiggles her eyebrows. "Especially these." She murmurs running a hand over one quickly hardening nipple, before leaning down and licking firmly across the other one. "Mmmm Mmmm Good." Buffy whispers as she pulls back. "To hell with soup. I'll take Witchy any day."

Tara blushes and closes her eyes. "How come I feel like I'm going to be in for a very bumpy ride?" Tara questions, her lip curling up into a smirk.

"Depends on what kind of bumpy ride you're talking about." Buffy grins at her lover. "If you mean having a lover that's going to do anything and everything imaginable to bring you pleasure? You are definitely in for the ride of your life."

Tara laughs, opening her eyes looking into the laughing eyes of her lover, the orange hue almost imperceptible. Curious, Tara tilts her head. Deciding to wait and see when the hue becomes more pronounced, she glances over to the clock, groaning. "I have to take a shower and get ready for class."

"Yes, you do. That's why I woke you. I've got you a mocha and a bagel to eat." Buffy reaches over onto the nightstand and waves the bag at the witch, before handing her the mocha. "Not as good as the Espresso Pump, but the cafeteria doesn't do too badly with the mochas."

"Thank you." Tara murmurs as she shifts her body up, reaching for the mocha. Pulling the lid off, she sips the coffee. "You're right, not as good, but still not bad. Worlds better than my instant stuff." Tara grins at Buffy.

Buffy smiles in response as she pulls the bagel out. Unwrapping the foil from around the bagel, she carefully separates the top from the bottom, handing half to the witch. "Sorry, they had them pre-done with toppings."

"That's fine, Buffy." Tara leans in and brushes her lips over Buffy's cheek. "Thank you for breakfast."

"I see you found your bag." Tara comments, looking over the dressed slayer, before taking a bite out of her bagel.

"Yes, I did." Buffy nods, her eyes alight with amusement. "I take it you and mom were in league with each other?"

"Yes. I believe she called it 'Operation Horny Slayer'." Tara admits, smirking before taking another bite of her bagel.

Buffy's eyes widen as she blushes. "I think I need to have a talk with my mother." Buffy mutters quietly as she watches Tara finish off the first half of her bagel. "Here." Buffy hands her the other half.

"Thank you, Buffy." Tara whispers quietly. "You need to be nice to your mother. You realize she considers me her daughter-in-law now, don't you?"

Buffy's eyes widen in surprise and she shakes her head in disbelief. "Unfortunately, it isn't possible against the law and all that."

"Not who, what!" Tara taps Buffy on the nose with the bagel, giggling as a small amount of cream cheese takes up residence on the end of the pert nose.

Buffy crosses her eyes looking at the white spot on the end of her nose. "You going to leave it there?" She questions, uncrossing her eyes and looking at Tara.

"No." Tara admits, leaning forward and licking the cream cheese off the slayer, before sitting back to finish eating her breakfast.

"Mate, is my other half. The half that completes me, makes me happy forever and ever." Buffy grins. "You."

"Right. Most people believe their spouse is that. So, when you took me as your mate…" Tara laughs quietly as Buffy sticks her tongue out at her.

"Yeah, yeah. I guess you're going to go all girly on me and wonder where your engagement ring is next, huh?" Buffy raises an eyebrow smirking at the witch. Tilting her head she looks at the long delicate fingers, trying to gauge what size ring she might take.

"I don't need that to know you love me." Tara whispers, finishing her mocha. "But, I do need to take a shower and get ready for class."

Buffy frowns. Reaching for the blanket, she leans down rubbing her face on the witch's stomach, smelling deeply of their aroma mixing together. Looking back up to the darkening blue eyes, Buffy smirks. "Don't wash my smell away from your stomach. I kind of want to keep it there."

"That's fine. I'll check you out when you come back." Buffy grins wickedly. "If I can't smell myself on you, I'll just have to mark you again before you go to class."

Tara smirks as the orange hue becomes more pronounced, groaning before quickly climbing out of the bed, grabbing her robe and cinching it tightly around her body before grabbing her shower kit. "I have to shower quickly. Would you mind grabbing me something to wear?" Tara mutters quickly as she looks at the clock, realizing that she was pushing it to get clean and to class in time.

"Go." Buffy waves her out the door as she stands. Grinning as Tara quickly leaves. Walking over to the dresser drawers, Buffy slides them open perusing the panties, frowning at the number of sensible panties. "We are definitely going to go shopping for you." Buffy mutters holding up a pair with disdain. Sighing, she places the panties on the dresser as she slides open another drawer pulling out another sensible white cotton bra. "This is ridiculous. Those breasts call out for Victoria Secrets. Dark maroon bra, breasts spilling out from the..." Buffy gets side tracked for a moment, imagining the witch's pale breasts in contrast with the maroon bra. Licking her lips at the image, Buffy shakes her head.

"Gotta dress the witch." She mutters, pulling a pair of socks out before looking through the drawers, debating on the shirts. Deciding to wait and see what's hanging in the closet, Buffy quickly opens the door, sliding the clothes from one side to the other as she looks at each item. "Hmmm." Buffy frowns only finding one pair of jeans, the rest skirts. "She only owns two pairs of jeans?" She mumbles to herself. Grabbing down a skirt, she eyes the few shirts hanging and grasps one. Placing both items across the bed, Buffy pulls the slip she had seen out of the drawer before putting everything to rights. Quickly making the bed, she grins as she hears the door opening. Watching Tara as she quickly runs the towel over her head, Buffy walks in front of the witch untying the robe, dropping down to her knees burying her face in her stomach, sniffing deeply.

"What?" Buffy growls quietly, laughing inside. "I'm having a hard time picking up my scent."

"Buffy." Tara whimpers quietly as Buffy rubs her face over the soft stomach, before placing a firm kiss over her belly button.

Pulling away, Buffy sighs before standing up. "Fine, but remember you're mine." Buffy mumbles walking the few steps to the bed grasping Tara's panties, kneeling down to help dress her.

"Like I can forget with the glaring love bite on my neck." Tara mutters before looking at Buffy quizzically. "Buffy?" Tara questions as she places a hand on Buffy's shoulder for support as she lifts one leg then the other, as Buffy slides her panties up.

"I'm helping you get ready for class." Buffy answers the unspoken question. "Go ahead and brush your hair." Buffy turns grasping the slip and repeating the gesture, before doing the same with the skirt. Grinning at the half dressed witch, Buffy eyes the full breasts. "And the robe is gone." Buffy smirks pulling it off Tara.

"No fun." Buffy grumbles before leaning in and placing a quick kiss on one nipple. Turning around she grasps the bra, holding it up in front of Tara, smirking as the witch holds both arms out, straight in front of her, so Buffy can slide the bra up and into place, copping a good feel as she situates the breasts in the cups, before easing behind Tara to latch the bra. Rising up on her tiptoes she looks over Tara's shoulder, eyeing the witch before sliding her hands around, adjusting her again, and pinching each nipple briefly before heading over for the shirt.

Tara groans and shakes her head as she finishes brushing her hair. "I think you're enjoying yourself a bit too much."

Buffy grins and wiggles her eyebrows. "I like this. I think I might need to do this every day. Of course, we might want to start an hour or two earlier." Buffy admits quietly before quickly easing the shirt down and over the witch. "Sit down on the bed."

"I'll get my socks and shoes sweetie." Tara murmurs leaning in to kiss Buffy briefly. "I really need to get going."

"Not take it away." Tara whispers as she quickly pulls on her socks and shoes. "Just delaying for a time."

"I guess I can live with that." Buffy watches as Tara stands and grabs her book bag, double-checking the items in it before walking slowly to the door.

Tara stops for a moment and walks back over to the cork board. Pulling off the spare key to the dorm room, she hands it to Buffy. Seeing the questioning look Tara smiles. "It's the extra key to my room. That way, you can come and go at any time."

"Thank you." Buffy looks at the key smiling hugely. "Let's get you to class." Buffy opens the door, ushering Tara out. The two women clasp hands as they quickly head to Tara's class.

Buffy smirks as an obviously harassed witch works her way down the hallway. "What's wrong?" Buffy questions leaning in and placing a soft kiss on her lips.

Buffy raises an eyebrow in question as she urges the witch into the classroom, quickly taking two seats in the corner, away from the majority of the rest of the class. "What did he do?"

"He wants me to paint a portrait of his wife for Christmas and is willing to pay me $300 for it." She states exasperatedly as she digs out her books.

"That's wonderful!" Buffy exclaims before stopping and thinking. "Isn't it?" She questions.

"Yes it is, especially considering the fact that he's paying for all the supplies on top of the $300. The problem is, I'll have to start it this weekend if I want it to be done in time for Christmas." Tara mutters quietly as Professor Walsh starts class.

"Do it. We can set you up somewhere in the house." Buffy whispers to the witch, as she quickly takes notes on what the professor is saying.

"You'll just have to make it up to me." Buffy grins wickedly at the witch before nodding towards the front of the class room.

Tara grins as Buffy comes out of the cafeteria with the tray piled high. Sitting on their bench, she chuckles as Buffy sits down right against her, leaning in and kissing her firmly on the lips. "Getting a little more demonstrative with the PDA's, aren't you?"

Buffy nods her head handing a sandwich to Tara. "Yep. Dare anyone to say anything. I'll beat them up and then let you turn them into a frog." Buffy smirks at Tara before grabbing a huge submarine sandwich for herself.

Buffy thinks on it for a moment and nods her head in silent agreement. "You could be right."

"What are you going to do this afternoon, sweetie?" Tara questions as she grabs the juice off the tray taking a sip.

"I guess I need to visit Giles and let him know what's happened." Buffy rolls her eyes. "The watcher's book wasn't real clear on the previous slayer's abilities. I wonder if they even know what actually happened."

"I don't know." Tara admits quietly. "It almost seems like they didn't. Either that or they didn't bother putting all the information in the journal."

"That's possible. Just put the basic info down since it supposedly only happened the once. Maybe Giles will check with the Council and see if they have more information. I think he still has a couple people that he can get information from." Buffy murmurs before quickly finishing her sandwich.

"Hmmm. What do you mean, sweetie?" Tara questions softly looking at Buffy. "Shouldn't he be able to get whatever information he needs?"

Buffy's eyes widen briefly. "Oops, I didn't tell you. He kind of got fired from the Watcher's Council. He's still my watcher, just unofficially." Buffy bites her lip grinning apologetically. "Another story that I need to tell you."

Tara shakes her head smiling at Buffy. "What time are you going to stop by tonight?" Tara questions softly.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" Tara questions, running a soothing hand over Buffy's arm.

"Can I spend the night? I really don't want to be separated from you any longer than necessary." Buffy admits quietly. "I mean we don't have to... you know. I just want to hold you."

"Of course, Buffy." Tara leans in and brushes her lips against a petal soft cheek. "I kind of figured we would be spending a lot of time together. Even if it is just holding hands while we study." Tara smirks at the slayer.

"Lots of holding hands, frequent breaks for smoochies, and possibly even taking time out to eat occasionally." Buffy laughs quietly. Reaching up, running a finger over the mark on the witch's neck, Buffy smiles softly. "If you won't let me keep my smell on you, I'm having the uncontrollable urge to make sure that stays very prominent."

Tara blushes deeply, before trying to pull her shirt up to cover the mark. "So my choices are either going around smelling like sex or having a hickey the size of a golf ball on my neck?" Tara questions.

"Pretty much." Buffy nods her head, her eyes turning orange. "Would much prefer both." She growls quietly. "Lean in and see if you smell yourself on me, Tara." Buffy whispers.

Tara blinks momentarily. "Didn't you…?" Tara trails off looking at the slayer questioningly.

"I showered, but I wanted to be able to smell you." Buffy smiles briefly. "Smell." Buffy urges.

"People aren't going to be able to tell, love. Just me, and maybe vampires and the like, with extra sensitive sensory abilities." Buffy cups the witch's chin to kiss her firmly. "You need to go to your next class."

"Yes, I do." Tara admits brushing her lips briefly over Buffy's again. "You going to walk me to class?"

"Of course." Buffy quickly gathers their trash dumping it in the receptacle before grasping Tara's book bag along with hers, slinging them over shoulder and clasping Tara's hand in hers. "Hey, why don't you come to dinner tonight? We'll do a cursory patrol of Sunnydale before letting you study and do your homework."

"I can walk to your house after class." Tara offers as they slowly walk towards her class.

"Hmmm. I guess that'll be okay. I need to stop by the gallery and then talk with Giles. What time is your last class today?" Buffy growls quietly when she notices a couple guys watching them a little too intently.

"Four." Tara squeezes Buffy's hand. "It's okay, sweetie." Smiling softly as she reaches her classroom. "Meet you at your house around 4:30?"

Buffy hands Tara her bag and nods her head. "Be careful." Tara nods her head before turning and heading into class.

Buffy watches for a second, grinning before quickly heading out towards the gallery.

"Thanks." Buffy trots through the gallery, easing the door open to the storage room. "Mom?"

"Hey, honey, over in the corner." Joyce calls as she shifts a couple boxes looking for the Christmas paintings she wants to display, hoping to sell some for Christmas.

"You should invest in buying shelves." Buffy grumbles as she works her way back through the piles.

"Working on it." Joyce answers the non-question. "Of course, we'll have to move all this stuff somewhere else until the shelving units get put up."

"Yes." Joyce admits grinning at her daughter. "So…How were things last night?"

Buffy narrows her gaze on her mother. "Operation Horny Slayer?" Buffy growls hoarsely.

"Hmmm." Buffy hums, not actually answering her mother. "She's coming to dinner tonight, if you don't mind."

"Of course not." Joyce tilts her head considering her daughter. "Are you going to answer my question?"

"Don't know if I should. It's pretty bad when my mother and my girlfriend are in cahoots with each other." Buffy looks around. "You know, we might be able to pile the majority of this stuff in one area and get the shelving units put up in half the room, place the items on the shelves and get more units put up later."

Joyce looks around the area picturing what Buffy was saying and nods her head. "Then I can get everything organized. That might work."

"I bet if I talked to Xander and Giles, they'd be willing to help." Buffy offers watching her mom momentarily. "What are you looking for?"

"I have some Christmas paintings around here somewhere that I want to display." Joyce grumbles.

Buffy smirks as she starts over in one corner and starts sorting through the items. Thinking for a few minutes, Buffy softly starts speaking. "Found out something that the Watcher's information didn't mention about the other slayer. I'll explain my personal experience. I always kept the slayer separate, compartmentalized. As Tara mentioned, caged. I only let small parts of her out to help me when I needed it. Sunday when I was all riled up and went out slaying, I allowed the slayer out. I killed over fifty demons that night. When Tara kidnapped me, planning on taking me to her dorm room of love…" Buffy smirks momentarily at her mother. "The slayer half was calm and relaxed. I guess I wore her out, or maybe just made her happy. Needless to say, Tara realized that I was slowly becoming one with the slayer half of me, finally accepting what I am, I guess is what it boils down to. She made me give up the last vestige of my control over that part of me. I marked her, but didn't fully make love with her. We can take it slower now."

Joyce stops searching for the paintings as Buffy starts speaking, listening to her daughter calmly explain what's happening. "Are you trying to say the slayer portion of you, isn't actually a separate entity?"

"Not anymore." Buffy admits. "She's not meant to be separate, mom. And honestly, it's just me now, more or less." Buffy grins briefly. "No more keeping her separate, because she's me, and I'm her. I actually think that may be one of the reasons that slayer lived longer. Instead of fighting against herself, she was finally able to come to terms with both parts of her. Her mate, her love, made her realize what was needed, made her accept herself fully. Just like Tara did for me. Tara balances us." Shrugging her shoulders, Buffy smirks.

Joyce laughs quietly. "I guess that's a good thing, then. That you're in…harmony with yourself."

"Good word." Buffy opens another box, grinning. "These what you're looking for?"

Joyce walks over looking down into the box of paintings Buffy had pulled the cover off of. "That's them." Joyce nods grinning at her daughter. "Have you talked to Rupert yet?"

"Nope, came by here first, heading over there now." Buffy grins. "Let's see how much I shock him."

"Have you had a chance to talk to Xander?" Joyce questions as Buffy gets ready to leave.

"Ah, hell. No, I haven't." Buffy groans quietly. "And I'm not going to get a chance until tomorrow. I'll run by his apartment tomorrow night while I'm out on patrol. God only knows how he's going to react."

"Xander?" Joyce laughs at her daughter. "He'll probably end up drooling all over himself."

"Don't even go there, mom. I've already resigned myself to the fact that he's probably going to have us featured prominently in his dreams. Not that I probably haven't been in them before." Buffy grumbles quietly.

"Normal teenage boy, Buffy." Joyce smirks at her daughter. "Go talk to Rupert and let him know what's going on. I love you, honey."

"I love you, too, mom. See you tonight." Buffy waves as she quickly heads to the Magic Box.

Giles sits stunned at the table, just repeatedly mumbling. "Dear, Lord." Over and over again, after Buffy explained everything to him.

"Okay, Giles. If that's all you gotta say, I'm going to head to the house. Tara will be there in less than an hour." Buffy smirks as she hops down off the counter.

"At least. I'm going to see if I can find Spike and get more information from him sometime this weekend." Buffy explains quietly. "He may have left town, since I didn't come across him the other night. But I'll visit Willy's tonight and ask around. See you Thursday for Thanksgiving Dinner. I probably won't be by tomorrow." Buffy calls out as she quickly leaves the muttering Watcher.

"Bye, Buffy." Giles whispers to the empty shop. "Bloody hell! Full powered slayer? Surely to God, the Council knew. Why isn't that information in the books?" Giles frowns, thinking heavily about who he can trust to research this information for him.

Buffy trots down the stairs after she hears the light knock on the front door. Opening the door her eyes light up, wrapping her arms around Tara and pulling her in, she kisses her deeply, tongues battling gently against each other. Finally easing away to let the witch breathe. "Good evening." Buffy murmurs before brushing her lips lightly over Tara's.

Tara chuckles quietly, watching the slayer's eyes hint towards orange around the edges. "You know, when you start getting turned on, your eyes take on an orange hue?"

Buffy raises an eyebrow. "Is it my getting turned on, or just you being near me?" Buffy murmurs. "You need to study?" Buffy questions, seeing the book bag that Tara dropped in the doorway. "I guess it would be nice of me to let you actually come in the house, instead of pouncing on you in the doorway." Buffy frowns, leaning down grabbing the bag and ushering Tara into the house.

"If you don't mind, I was going to do the reading assignments for a couple of my classes." Tara admits softly.

"That's fine. Do you want to read down here, or can I entice you to get comfortable on my bed, using me as a pillow as you study?" Buffy wiggles her eyebrows at Tara.

"Will you actually let me read?" Tara questions, noting the mischievous glint in her lover's eyes.

"Maybe." Buffy chuckles. "Come on, let's see." Buffy trots up the stairs, placing Tara's book bag on the end of the bed before climbing up, placing her back against the headboard. Situating a pillow behind her, she wiggles in, giggling as Tara comes in the door. Spreading her legs, she pats the bed between them. "Get your book and situate yourself right here."

Tara laughs shaking her head. "I have a feeling this is going to be a bad idea." Reaching down she unties her boots, yanking them off before grabbing her first textbook. Climbing onto the bed she scoots herself back until she's leaning against Buffy, biting her lip as she feels Buffy's firm breasts pressing insistently against her back. Opening the book, she takes a deep breath starting to read the chapters.

Buffy grins as Tara starts reading. Wrapping her arms around her waist, she rests her cheek against the witch, smiling softly as Tara's fingers stroke gently over her arm and hands. Closing her eyes she breathes in the witch's scent, purring contentedly.

Studying, Tara quickly finishes reading the chapters in the one book. Setting it aside she reaches for the other book, quickly flipping to the section she needs to read. Smiling as she feels the feather light press of lips on her shoulder and arms squeezing her gently before Buffy rubs her face over her back. "Should I take a break so you can have smoochies?" Tara questions quietly.

"I wouldn't turn it down." Buffy smirks, working her fingers under the witch's shirt to stroke over her warm stomach. "But if you finish your homework now, we have more time tonight after patrol to play."

"You have a point. So I'll finish reading." Tara moans quietly as the fingers stroke more firmly over her stomach. "Of course, you should stop distracting me."

"Hmmm?" Buffy questions quietly. "Oh, sorry." Pulling her fingers out from under the witch's shirt, Buffy straightens the garment to clasp her hands together around Tara. "There all better now. I love you." Buffy presses another kiss against Tara's shoulder, before resting her cheek against the woman.

"I love you, too." Tara starts gently stroking over Buffy's arm again as she reads.

Joyce groans quietly as she sets her briefcase and purse by the door. Deciding to go upstairs and change before starting dinner, she quickly walks up the stairs, stopping outside her daughter's bedroom door. The sight of Tara studying quietly with Buffy wrapped around her, purring contentedly, leaves the woman wishing for someone of her own to be with.

Tara glances over to the door, smiling as she sees Joyce. "I'm almost done studying. If you want help fixing dinner, I can probably be down in five or ten minutes."

Joyce raises an eyebrow looking at her daughter who hasn't even bothered to look at her.

"I'm going to change, if you want to help, come on down when you're ready." Joyce winks at Tara before heading to her bedroom.

"Was she picking on me?" Buffy questions quietly. Reaching up, she shifts Tara's hair out of the way to place soft kisses on the sensitive skin of her neck.

"Mmmm." Tara moans quietly, quickly finishing the chapter she's reading and tossing the book to the end of the bed. Tilting her head further, Tara bites her lip as Buffy starts nibbling along the soft skin of her neck. "I believe so."

"Oh, okay." Buffy mumbles alternating kisses, nibbles, and licks. "You know you taste absolutely wonderful. Are you finished studying?"

"Yes." Tara groans out. "But, I promised to help your mother with dinner, Buffy."

"I know." Buffy sighs before licking strongly up the side of Tara's neck, before releasing her. "Okay. I can take a hint."

Tara eases off the bed looking down at a pouting slayer. Leaning down she brushes her lips across Buffy's pouty bottom one. "It isn't that bad, sweetie."

"And I like you being wrapped around me." Tara admits quietly. "Let's go downstairs and help your mother."

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What If?

by Kinetic-Kid

Copyright © 2005

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