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.

"Need any help with anything else?" Tara questions as Joyce places the pork chops in the oven to cook.

"Don't think so. You already prepared the salad, the pork chops are baking, and I'm boiling the noodles for macaroni and cheese." Joyce frowns. "You know, rolls would be good with dinner."

"Hmm." Joyce opens the refrigerator, pulling out the Crescent Rolls. "How about stopping tomorrow and picking up some more of these. I bought them for Thanksgiving Dinner."

"We can do that. I need to pick up the ingredients for the casserole." Tara smiles softly at Joyce.

"What are all the ingredients?" Joyce smiles as she places the rolls back in the refrigerator until it's time to bake them.

"Canned Yams, brown sugar, butter, corn flakes and pecans." Tara smirks. "And more butter."

"I have butter, pecans and brown sugar here." Joyce offers before checking her brown sugar and pecans. "I have half a bag of pecans and brown sugar each, is that enough? I also have two full sticks of butter left."

Tara shakes her head. "I'll have to buy more butter. It actually calls for a LOT of butter. I'd prefer to not run you out." Tara smiles apologetically at Joyce. "The pecans and brown sugar will be fine."

"Then just buy what you need, are you sure I can't pay for the ingredients?" Joyce offers again.

"No, I'll get them." Tara smiles softly. "Do you mind if I set my easel and paints up in either your garage or basement this weekend? My Art teacher is wanting me to paint a portrait of his wife."

"Of course you can, dear. The garage will probably be better. We can lift the garage door, the sun shines in beautifully there, for half of the day." Joyce winks at Tara before looking at her unusually quiet daughter. Tilting her head as Buffy just follows Tara with her eyes, sitting quietly.

"I can shift the items from in front of the door, so you have a clear space to work. Do we need to use a drop cloth?" Buffy glances briefly at her mother.

"Doesn't matter, it won't hurt the concrete floor." Joyce sits down across from Buffy, watching Tara sit down beside her.

"I'll get the door." Buffy quickly stands, making Tara and Joyce exchange confused looks. Watching Buffy walk towards the living room, they both hear the knock.

"No. I think she heard whoever it is, walking up the steps." Tara admits as she thinks about it. "Remember, her senses are a lot stronger now."

"That's right." Joyce nods as she listens to the voices coming from the living room. Grinning she winks at Tara. "Seems Xander decided to come visit. I'm going to need to fix something more than just the pork chops. He can eat as much as Buffy."

"Hey, Xander!" Buffy opens the door, pulling her best friend in, hugging him tightly.

"Wow. A hello before you even know it's me, and a hug. I must have been a good boy this week." Xander grins goofily hugging Buffy back.

"I don't know about that, but I was going to come by your place tomorrow night, to make sure you're still coming for Thanksgiving Dinner, plus to tell you some very important news." Buffy grins at Xander, as she finally releases him from the tight hug.

"Food's involved. Of course I'll be here. Important news? Good or bad?" Xander looks worriedly at the slayer.

"Good. Very, very, very good." Buffy smirks at Xander. "But you might want to sit down, this is going to come as a shock."

Xander raises an eyebrow in question, before quickly walking to the chair and sitting down. "I don't necessarily like the idea of being shocked here, Buff." Tilting his head, he notices how her eyes are sparkling happily, and is there just the slightest hint of orange in her eyes? He wonders to himself, shaking his head at the possibility. "Okay, hit me Buffinator. But, not literally." He mumbles quickly holding his hands up in a defensive gesture.

"I'm not going to hit you." Buffy grumbles quietly before sitting down on the end of the couch closest to him. Taking a deep breath she looks Xander in the eye. "I want to tell you I met someone last week that has turned my life completely upside down." Watching as Xander's eyes open wide in surprise, Buffy smirks. "And to let you know, I am completely and totally in love."

"Wow, I mean wowsa! But just a week, Buff? Isn't this kind of quick for you?" Xander looks at the slayer, stunned. "It isn't Dead boy, is it? He hasn't come back from LA to totally screw up your life, again?"

"No, Xander. It isn't Angel." Buffy sighs out, irritated. "It isn't a vampire. And like I said, I just met her last week."

Xander listens, and then picks up on the one tell tale word. "Her?" He squeaks, his eyes widening perceptibly, mouth opening and shutting, not able to say anything else.

"Yes, her." Buffy plops back into the couch. "A very loving, kind woman, that loves me, despite all my faults." Buffy grins thinking about Tara.

"Maybe it's because of your faults that I love you, have you thought of that?" Tara questions softly from the entry way to the dining room. Smiling at Buffy, before blushing, and looking down, as Xander turns his gaze on her.

Xander blinks repeatedly at the sight of the beautiful blonde. "Shedoinkle!" Xander mutters.

Buffy hops up walking over to Tara, hugging her tightly before taking her hand and bringing her to the couch. As the two women sit down, Buffy rolls her eyes at the glazed look coming over Xander's face, while Tara giggles. "Xander, please." Buffy growls quietly.

Xander shakes his head, getting the very naughty thoughts to hide back in the recesses of his brain, until he's by himself. Glancing from Buffy to her friend, he swallows watching as Buffy wraps her arm around Tara, hugging her to her side.

"Tara, I would like you to meet one of my best friends since Sophomore year, Xander." Buffy smiles at the blush covering Tara's face, knowing how far down it reaches. Licking her lips unconsciously, she growls quietly. "Umm, Xander. This is Tara Maclay, my girlfriend."

Tara glances up into the unfocused gaze of Xander. "It's n-nice to m-meet you, Xander." She stutters quietly, looking back down so her hair covers her blushing countenance.

"What have I told you about that, love?" Buffy quickly reaches up and tucks Tara's hair behind her ear. Placing her finger under her chin, she urges her face up. "You're beautiful, brilliant and absolutely wonderful. I don't like you hiding." Stroking her thumb over the blushing cheek, Buffy smiles softly. "Okay?"

Tara smiles and nods her head. "Okay." Leaning in, she brushes her lips over Buffy's before pulling back. "It'll be hard to stop. I've been doing it for so many years."

"I know. But I'm going to do my best to break you of that horrible, horrible habit. I like looking at your beautiful blue eyes." Buffy admits quietly, smiling lovingly at Tara.

Xander whimpers and closes his eyes, knowing he's probably going to get hit for the thoughts running through his head. "You're doing this to torment me, aren't you?" He mumbles running shaking hands through his hair. "And since when do you like girls, Buff? I mean it's all good, but the last time I checked, you liked the testosterone." Xander opens his eyes looking from Buffy to Tara. "Oh, it's nice to meet you, too, Tara." Xander smiles self-consciously at the woman before reaching out a hand.

"Okay, warmth is good. Definitely not a vampire." Xander grins a little more easily, as he watches her smile at him. "You're not an Incan Mummy, Vengeance Demon, Bitca or Preying Mantis Lady, are you?" Xander questions her inquisitively.

Tara looks confusedly from Xander to Buffy. Seeing Buffy's eyes roll, she giggles. "No, just a plain ordinary witch."

Xander's eyes get wide and he whimpers quietly. "No love spells, no love spells, no love spells."

Buffy reaches over smacking him gently. "Xander, behave." Turning to Tara she winks. "He got Amy Madison, a girl we went to school with, to do a love spell for him. Needless to say, it backfired, and all the women wanted him. Even Drusilla." Buffy smirks at Xander.

"Drusilla? The crazy vampire with…" Tara thinks for a moment. "…Spike, right?"

"That's the one." Buffy notices the sad light in Tara's eyes, realizing she remembers she was also the one that killed Kendra.

"Wait a minute, all the women?" Tara raises an eyebrow at Buffy. When the slayer blushes a dark red and lowers her eyes, Tara elbows her. "This another one of those stories, you're going to have to explain to me?"

"Yes." Buffy whimpers quietly. "I was a bad, bad woman. But I was under a spell, honest! And nothing ended up happening, surprisingly enough, because of Xander." Buffy looks at the blushing Xander. She narrows her eyes on her best friend. "Get those thoughts out of your head, Xander, or I'm going to kick your ass."

"Yes, and you weren't the only one under a spell." Joyce states crossly as she walks into the living room. Shaking her finger at Xander, Joyce continues. "I was embarrassed for the longest time after that!"

Tara's eyes open wide. "You, too?" At Joyce's nod and smirk, Tara laughs quietly. Eyeing Xander, she chuckles. "I bet you enjoyed the hell out of that, didn't you?"

"At first. But it went to hell, very quickly. The main highlight was Drusilla thumping Dead Boy for me." Xander admits, smirking at the remembrance.

"Angel." Buffy answers quietly. "Xander has issues with him. Of course Hyena Boy, has nothing to complain about!"

"Ah, Buffy. This just isn't fair, bringing up all the stuff I did in high school." Xander mutters blushing.

Joyce laughs, while Tara giggles quietly. "You obviously left a lot of stuff out, Buffy."

"I think you only hit on the bad stuff, sweetie." Tara reaches up and runs a hand down Buffy's cheek. "Some of these things sound decidedly more the opposite."

"Are you staying for dinner, Xander? We're having pork chops, salad, macaroni and cheese along with crescent rolls. I also threw in some chicken breasts when I heard your voice." Joyce smiles at the young man.

"You know I will never, ever turn down dinner, Mrs. S." Xander grins goofily at Joyce. "Especially, not with three beautiful women."

"You don't need to suck up, dear. You're already invited to dinner." Joyce grins.

"Doesn't hurt." He looks from Joyce, sitting on the other side of Tara, to Tara and back. "So…How are you with the new revelation?" He questions softly.

"What revelation?" Joyce blinks at him seriously, before looking over to Tara and Buffy, who has her arm wrapped around the witch, rubbing her face against her shoulder, while Tara's playing her fingers over her daughter's knee. Catching the women's eyes, she winks.

"What, Buffy and Tara?" Joyce tilts her head, looking at the young man as he nods. "That's old news. They've been hot and heavy, all over each other for a while now." Joyce smirks.

Tara giggles quietly. "She even helped out with 'Operation Horny Slayer' and everything." Tara gets a dig in.

"Hey! I resemble that remark." Buffy grumbles, pouting. "And it just isn't right, that you two got together behind my back, for Tara to take advantage of me."

Xander turns different shades of red, as many x-rated fantasies start playing behind his eyes. "Wait a minute! You just met her a week ago, stop picking on me!!" Xander grumbles brushing a hand across his face.

Tara blushes and laughs quietly. "Sorry, Xander. We are picking on you, but to be honest…" Tara hesitates looking at Buffy.

"Everything they said, was true." Buffy grumbles quietly. "Me Slayer. Me found Mate. Me want Mate." Buffy grunts against Tara's neck. "ME GOT MATE!!" She crows loudly before laughing as Tara pinches her.

"Behave, or I'm going back to my dorm room by myself." Tara scolds before laughing quietly.

"You wouldn't be mean to my baby girl, would you?" Joyce questions smirking at Tara. "After everything that happened this past weekend, not counting last night?"

"There's just something wrong here. I know there is. This isn't one of those hidden camera deals, is it?" Xander questions looking around the room.

"No, it isn't." Tara admits quietly. "Explain it to him, sweetie. He's going to think we're not serious."

Buffy sighs quietly. "But, it's fun picking on Xander." Seeing the serious look in her loves eyes, she nods. Leaning in she kisses her briefly. "Okay, it's kind of like this. I met Tara last Monday, saved her from four vampires, even though I'm not so sure I actually saved her now. She's got some kick ass Wicca thing going on. Anyway, she ran off before I got a name, or knew who she was. The next day in one of my classes, guess who I should see? Tara. We've been in the same class all year long and never realized it."

"Don't forget, I've been going to the Magic Box for the last year, also." Tara interrupts quietly.

"Yeah, there's that, also." Buffy nods her head smiling. "Anyway, I took her to lunch, and her blue eyes captured my heart."

"I can attest to that. The whole time she was helping me unpack the shipment I got in, she was off in her own little world. When I finally got her to admit it, she said she'd been thinking about Tara's blue eyes." Joyce smiles softly at Tara as she blushes.

"I went to the Magic Box to train and guess who was there? My Tara. I invited her to dinner and it kind of went from there. Before we knew it, we were doing major kissage by Friday night. Anyway, long story short. My slayer half found her mate, and wanted her. I agreed, and now I'm whole, not just Buffy, or the slayer. I'm Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Tara brought us together into one whole being."

Xander tilts his head, replaying everything Buffy said through his brain. "But, I always thought you were the slayer, what do you mean, the two parts of you?"

"I kept that part of me separate, Xander. Almost like another person. All slayers do it. We access the strength and other powers she has, but we never fully integrate ourselves with her. Because I, and my slayer half, fell in love with Tara, it caused us to become whole. Kind of made me accept that portion of me. Tara made me realize it was what I needed." Buffy shrugs. "Don't know how else to explain it." Buffy smirks and hops off the couch, to kneel beside Xander's chair. Grasping one of the legs with her hand, she lifts him up quickly and easily. Setting the scared man back down, she smirks.

"By the way, once I accepted that part of me, I became even stronger." Buffy sits back down beside Tara, pulling her in close.

"Uh, well, uh. Damn!" Xander whispers. Looking at Buffy in shock. "So you're like Buffy, but on major steroids."

"Damn. I don't see you for roughly two weeks, and everything changes. Have you talked to Willow, yet?" Xander's eyes sparkle with mischief.

"No." Buffy shakes her head. "I'm waiting for her to come home for Christmas. I figured telling her in a letter, or on the phone, just isn't the thing to do." Shaking her finger at the man, she growls quietly. "And don't even think about telling her! I'll pinch you black and blue."

Tara chuckles quietly, looking from Buffy to Xander. "Are they always like this?" Tara questions Joyce.

"I have it. Thank you." Joyce grins as she ruffles Xander's hair as she walks by the chair.

"Get a grip, Xan. He knows." Buffy smirks as the sad look crosses his face. "Sorry, pretty much everyone knows. And you aren't allowed to say anything to Willow."

Tara sighs as the two friends banter back and forth. "I'm going to go get my books together, to be ready for when we leave, okay?" Tara questions softly looking at Buffy.

"Sorry." Buffy looks chagrined at Tara. "I need to get some clothes together, to leave at your dorm room."

"Well, right now, you only need to bring one change of clothes, sweetie. Remember, I'm coming here to stay for Thanksgiving break." Tara reminds Buffy.

"I know. But, it gives me an excuse to go upstairs with you and get smoochies. I thought I behaved myself quite well while you were studying, and deserve a treat." Buffy wiggles her eyebrows at the witch.

"You just want to watch us making out." Buffy grumbles, looking at Xander with narrowed eyes.

"Well, duh!" Xander looks at her in surprise. "I'm not as stupid as I look, Buffy."

Tara giggles quietly at the young man, biting her lip. As Buffy turns her gaze to her, Tara shrugs her shoulders. "He's being honest, sweetie."

"Great. Next you're going to tell me, you don't mind making out to his utter enjoyment." Buffy growls quietly.

"I won't go that far." Tara admits smiling briefly. "Personally, I like making out for my utter enjoyment." Tara smirks at Buffy, before blushing looking down.

"Oooh! I got a live one." Buffy hoots quietly. "But, you're not going to help us. Sorry, Xander."

"Damn!" Xander mutters dejectedly. "I guess I'll keep your mom company in the kitchen, while you guys go have fun."

Tara giggles watching the young man walk towards the kitchen. Grasping Buffy's hand, she pulls her gently towards the stairs, quickly trotting up them, with Buffy laughing quietly behind her.

As soon as they hit Buffy's room, Tara wraps her arms around Buffy's waist and presses her lips firmly against Buffy's. Groaning as Buffy's tongue runs tantalizingly between her lips, urging her to allow her entrance. Quickly opening her lips, she tangles her tongue with the slayer's, groaning as the slayer's hands work their way through her hair, gently massaging her scalp. Digging her fingers into the slayer's waist, Tara urges her body in closer, grunting in pleasure as Buffy's body makes contact with hers. Sucking gently on Buffy's tongue for long moments, she finally releases it, to tilt her head against Buffy's. Panting heavily, Tara grins. "Is that a good enough treat, for a slayer that behaved her self?"

Buffy smirks before capturing Tara's bottom lip between her two lips, running her tongue over it repeatedly before releasing it. "For starters."

Tara laughs quietly. "Gather a change of clothes, sweetie." Tara releases the slayer to gather her books.

Buffy watches Tara as she tucks her books in her bag. "You are a surprise, Miss Tara Maclay." Buffy softly states.

Tara glances over to the slayer, who hasn't moved. "What am I a surprise about? And you need to get your stuff together, sweetie."

Buffy smiles. "From the blushing, embarrassed witch to a total vixen, to a calm collected woman. It'll be interesting what you'll be like, once we actually make love." Buffy quirks an eyebrow at the witch, smirking.

Tara blushes and shakes her head. "Behave. Do you need help getting your clothes together? Should we go ahead and grab weapons for you, also?"

"Wouldn't hurt." Buffy nods her head before walking to the closet, pulling out a pair of jeans and a UC Sunnydale sweatshirt to wear tomorrow. Grinning as Tara opens her dresser drawers. Watching the woman blush and bite her lip, at the selection of underwear.

Feeling the slayer's eyes on her, Tara looks up with surprise showing in her blue eyes. "You actually wear these?" Tara questions hoarsely, as she hesitantly holds up a pair of red thong underwear.

"Oh, yeah! Red's kind of my favorite color, also." Buffy grins at the witch. "And I can't wait to see you in some sexy red underwear. I bet it will look absolutely delicious, contrasting against your pale skin."

"Oh, yeah! That's the color I like, right there." Buffy smirks as she walks over to the witch. "I like how when you blush, it goes all the way down across your chest. That is a major turn on, and I really, truly hope I can make you blush for a long time to come."

"I'm going downstairs." Tara whispers, watching the copperish colored gaze of her lover. "Finish gathering everything."

Buffy pouts as Tara practically runs out of the room. "No fun." Buffy grumbles, before grinning at the panties Tara had dropped back into the drawer. "You're coming with me." Grabbing them along with a matching colored bra, Buffy quickly tucks all her clothes into a small bag, before throwing a couple stakes on top of the bag for patrol that night. Laughing quietly as she grabs Tara's book bag, she quickly brings everything downstairs.

Joyce glances up as a blushing Tara comes in and sits down on a chair in the kitchen. Raising an eyebrow at the witch, as she bites her lip looking down. "Was my daughter misbehaving?"

"Not so much. It was more some of the clothes she owns that kind of…embarrassed me." Tara admits quietly.

Xander looks from Joyce to Tara and back again. "What clothes does Buffy have that's embarrassing?"

"Don't you mind, Xander." Joyce smirks at the teen before laughing quietly at the dark red Tara's turning. "You're going to need to get used to it, my dear."

Tara looks up with embarrassment, biting her lip. "I don't know if I will." She admits quietly.

"You will. Because you're going to become very used to those type of items, if I have anything to say about it." Buffy states quietly walking into the room and wrapping her arms around Tara's waist. "And not just seeing me in them, but wearing those type things." Buffy whispers quietly into Tara's ear. "That's what I want for Christmas."

"Honey, stop embarrassing the poor woman." Joyce grins at her daughter. "Xander, get your mind out of the gutter and set the table."

"Yes, Mrs. S." Xander hops up tearing his gaze away from Buffy and Tara. Grabbing down plates he opens the silverware drawer grabbing a handful of silverware before trotting out to the dining room.

Buffy places a soft kiss on Tara's cheek, after she finally drops her hands. "What do you want to drink, Tare?"

"Water's fine." Tara takes a deep breath looking up at Buffy. Wondering what she's going to do with the woman. Shaking her head and smiling she stands. "Joyce what do you want?"

Joyce glances up. "Diet Coke, please." Finishing placing the pork chops on a platter with the chicken on another plate, she carries them into the dining room.

Tara grabs down glasses and fills them with ice as Buffy pulls out the drinks, quickly filling them. Tara places a quick kiss on Buffy's check and whispers. "I love you, even if you are spoiled rotten." Before gathering the salad, and the macaroni and cheese to take into the dining room.

Buffy grins happily watching Tara walk into the dining room as Xander comes in. "What do you want to drink, Xan?"

"Coke, if you got any." Xander looks around and grabs the two waters and diet coke that Buffy finished pouring. "She's pretty, Buffy. Kind of makes me jealous."

"Yeah, you have a girlfriend a few days after meeting her and I can't find anyone for me! I feel like such a loser." He pouts with eyes twinkling. "Maybe I should have you look for a girlfriend for me. I can't fault your taste."

"Watch it." Buffy growls quietly at Xander before winking at him. "Get in the dining room, Xan."

"Rotten." Buffy murmurs as she grabs a coke for Xander. Quickly pouring the drink she notices the Crescent rolls in the basket. Grasping the rolls she strides into the dining room, smiling at Xander telling Tara a story about him and Willow when they were 5.

"You know, I still have that Barbie doll at home, but don't you dare tell Willow." Xander narrows his gaze on Buffy. "I've decided to wait till the fifteen year anniversary of my taking it from her to give it back. Don't ask me why, because I haven't a clue." Xander shrugs his shoulders when he gets the questioning look from Buffy.

"You still like her, don't you?" Buffy questions quietly as she sits down by Tara, unconsciously placing her hand on the woman's leg.

Xander looks down nodding his head. "Yeah, but I kinda screwed that up. Nothing unusual for me." Xander smiles sadly as he reaches for a chicken breast placing it on his place before grabbing a pork chop. Plopping a good hunk of macaroni and cheese on his plate he grins at Joyce. "Looks wonderful, Mrs. S."

"Thanks, Xander." Joyce grasps the platter with the pork chops on them and sets one on her plate before handing it to Tara. Scooping out some salad into her bowl she accepts the Macaroni and cheese from Xander placing a small amount on her plate.

"You know her and Oz split, right?" Buffy murmurs after swallowing a bite of salad.

"Yeah. But she's clear across country going to school, Buff. And I'm afraid that ship done sailed." Xander shrugs his shoulders. Looking up at Buffy with pleading eyes, silently begging her to let it go.

Buffy sighs and nods her head. "Mom, I'm going to spend the night tonight with Tara, okay?"

"Tara can stay here." Buffy looks up grinning. "Then you can drive us to the college tomorrow."

"Not a good idea. I don't have any clothes here." Tara interrupts quietly after swallowing her bite of pork chop.

"Oh, okay. Guess I'm definitely going to the dorm room of love." Buffy smirks, as Tara blushes. "Gotta love that blush."

"Okay, I'm sorry." Buffy wraps her hand gently around Tara's forearm. "I'll behave."

Xander stares at the two women, his eyes unfocused as he imagines them in the dorm room of love. "Oww!" Xander yells and jumps, looking accusingly at Buffy.

"Buffy, honey. Please behave." Joyce laughs quietly. "You have poor Tara blushing so much, I'm starting to worry all her blood is going to her face instead of the rest of her body. And poor Xander is probably going to be bruised from you kicking him."

"Okay, okay. I'll be nice. I'll sit here quietly eating my dinner." Buffy grumbles, pouting.

"Put that away, sweetie." Tara murmurs quietly in her ear. "I'll make it up to you later."

Buffy's eyes widen and she grins hugely at Tara before straightening in her seat to eat her dinner happily.

Xander tears his gaze away from the two women to look at Joyce. "So, Mrs. S. Is there anything I can bring for Thanksgiving Dinner? I make a mean can of cranberry sauce." Xander grins.

"Yes, you may bring a can or two of cranberry sauce." Joyce smiles shaking her head.

"What all do we need to pick up at the store tomorrow, mom?" Buffy questions quietly, reaching over for a notepad and pen. Writing down rolls, canned yams, butter and corn flakes. "I got the ingredients Tara needs plus rolls. Anything else?" She glances at Joyce as she picks up her pork chop with her other hand, taking a healthy bite.

"I don't think so." Joyce looks at Tara. "We'll probably need to drive over to your dorm room to pick up your supplies, won't we?"

Tara nods. "Buffy and I can get the majority of it. But the easel and the canvases might be a little awkward. I have the key to the Art room, so whenever you want to go by there we can."

"Good. You know what, why don't we have a change of plans. I'll come by the college, we'll check out your paintings and load up your stuff, stop at the store on the way home then bake some pies." Joyce suggests as she finishes her dinner.

"That's fine. Actually it kind of makes more sense. That way Tara has extra time to work on that painting." Buffy tilts her head and looks at Tara for a moment. "It didn't even occur to me to ask, but why the hell is your Art Teacher asking you to do a painting of his wife? Why isn't he doing it himself?"

"Honey, he may be good at teaching and the mechanics but not at the actual doing." Joyce explains quietly. "If he was a real good artist, he wouldn't be teaching."

"Okay." Buffy shrugs her shoulders. "As long as it's normal and Tara isn't getting shorted."

"I'm not, sweetie. He's really helped my painting since I've been here." Tara admits softly.

"Artist, going for a degree to become an English Teacher and also taking a lot of business classes." Buffy grumbles. "I hook up with an extremely smart, brilliant, kind, loving, sweet, gorgeous woman. And why am I grumbling? That's great." Buffy smirks looking at Tara. "Sorry, didn't mean to make you blush again." Buffy winces.

"Now, what did I say about that?" Buffy gripes hooking her finger under the witch's chin. "Stop that."

"I'm trying." Tara smiles softly before turning her gaze on Joyce. "So you want to come by my dorm after you close up tomorrow?"

"I think that might be the easiest thing to do. I'll probably close around 3:00, it'll take me a while to actually close and lock up the shop. So it'll probably be closer to 4:00 when I get to the dorm room."

"I'll be there to help you gather your stuff together, then wait for mom. Are you going to want to pick up Chinese or something for dinner tomorrow night?" Buffy questions her mother.

"It would be easier. There's that new Thai restaurant, if you two want to try it? I've heard a couple of the women at work mention that it was good. We can stop and pick some up to go." Joyce offers.

"That place is great." Xander pipes up as he snags the last chicken breast, sticking his tongue out at Buffy as she growls at him. "I get food from there at least twice a week."

"Nah. I'm going to be late at work tomorrow night, some last minute stuff to get done before the long weekend." Xander shakes his head as he quickly cuts his chicken and pops a piece in his mouth.

"You done, sweetie?" Tara questions Buffy, who seems to be debating on something.

"Hmm? Yeah, I'm done." Buffy smiles. "Let me get it." Buffy quickly stands gathering her dishes along with Tara's.

Tara watches Buffy head into the kitchen with a raised eyebrow. Turning her gaze back on Xander, she chuckles as he grabs the last of the food, dumping it on his plate. "I think Joyce was right. You do eat as much as Buffy."

"Oh, definitely." Xander admits smiling. "I don't cook and the only time I get a home cooked meal is when I come here. So I definitely put it away when it comes to Mrs. S's cooking."

"Xander, with my hooking up with Tara, Mom and I discussed having a family type dinner every Sunday night at 5:00. And since you're family, there's a standing invitation." Buffy offers quietly, smiling at Tara before looking over at Xander.

Buffy stands behind Tara's chair, resting her hands on Tara's shoulders. "Good. Tare, we probably need to head out on patrol and get you back to school." Buffy glances up at Xander. "You drove, right?"

"Sure did." Xander nods his head. "If I think there's the slightest chance I'll be out late, I have the vehicle. Also carry a stake, cross and holy water at all times. You trained me well." Xander smirks at Buffy.

"Good, I just wanted to make sure, or Tara and I would have walked you home." Buffy strokes her fingers over Tara's shoulders. Not realizing her hands were moving Tara's collar, making the mark on her neck visible.

"Holy Schmolly, Buffy!! What did you do to the poor woman?" Xander's eyes widen at the huge hickey on Tara's neck.

"Huh?" Buffy looks up confused before realizing where Xander's eyes were looking and leans over to see the mark showing from where she'd shifted Tara's shirt. "Yeah, that's kind of where I marked her." Buffy admits quietly.

Tara laughs quietly before tilting her head back to look up into Buffy's eyes. "Yes, one of the marks anyway."

Buffy's narrows her gaze for a moment. "Yeah, but you kind of did away with that mark."

"Hmmm. But I might let you do it again. Repeatedly." Tara smirks then groans as Buffy tilts her head down and captures her lips in a soft kiss.

"I'm holding you to that." Buffy whispers quietly as she pulls back from the witch's lips.

"Ow!" Xander yells out in pain, making the two women look at him confused. "I kicked myself." He mutters. As the two women laugh at him, he frowns. "It isn't that funny." As they both laugh even harder, he thinks about it before smiling. "Okay, so it is funny that I kicked myself. You two are going to make life a living hell for me. I'm just letting you know this right now."

"Ready to go? I need to stop at Willy's…" Buffy blinks, frowning. "I guess I'll drop you off at the dorm and go back to Willy's after."

"Sweetie, I can go with you to Willy's bar. It isn't that big a deal." Tara smiles softly as she stands.

"And a hole it is." Xander nods his head. "Of course, Buffy redecorating it for them frequently has nothing to do with it." Xander smirks at the slayer.

"Yeah, yeah. But he just asks for it, the idiot." Buffy laughs. "Promise to do what I say?" Buffy questions softly. "I just want to make sure you don't get hurt."

"I know." Tara nods her head, smiling in acceptance. Glancing towards the kitchen, she smiles as she watches Joyce make her way into the dining room. "I guess we're going to head out. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Of course." Joyce smiles as Buffy gives her a hug and kiss. Raising an eyebrow and opening her arms at Tara, she laughs as Tara blushes and tentatively wraps her arms around her. "Be careful, you two."

"We will." Tara bites her lip, smiling. "It was really nice meeting you, Xander."

"Same here. You know, if you know anyone that's looking for a boyfriend…" Xander wiggles his eyebrows, making Tara laugh.

"Let's go, so I can get you back to your dorm room before it gets too terribly late." Buffy smiles before winking at Xander. "Don't be a stranger, Xan. Remember Sunday night dinners."

"I'll be here." Xander nods his head, smiling as he stands gathering his dirty dishes. He watches as the two women gather their bags and head out of the house. Turning he grins at the smile of love on Joyce's face, as she watches them leave. "Mrs. S. I just have to say, you are probably the absolute best Mom ever."

"And why is that, Xander?" Joyce grins as she heads back into the kitchen to make short work of the dishes, laughing quietly as Xander grabs a towel drying them and putting them away.

"Multiple reasons. But this time, the acceptance of Buffy and Tara." Xander admits smiling.

"How can I not accept it?" Joyce looks out the window, thinking. "I mean, think about it. Can you ever remember Buffy looking that happy or that at peace in the time you've known her?"

Xander cocks his head to the side thinking, before raising his eyebrows in surprise. "You know, now that I think about it, no I don't."

"The last time I remember her possibly being close to that happy, was when she was seven years old. Seeing Buffy like that…" Joyce smiles and shakes her head. "It makes me happy. A person can't argue with that."

"I guess not." Xander smiles. "But do they always kiss and hug that much? I'm afraid I'm going to get the heck beat out of me." Xander groans quietly.

"Might want to be in a different room, then." Joyce smirks at the young man. "This will give you an idea. When I came home tonight I went upstairs. Buffy's door was open and I glanced in. I had to stop at the sight of Tara studying, just stroking her fingers over Buffy's arms that were wrapped around her waist. Buffy was basically a pillow that Tara was leaning back against, while Buffy was wrapped around her." Chuckling quietly Joyce shakes her head. "Buffy was just purring contentedly away at being close to Tara. Completely happy just as she was."

"Purring?" Xander swallows trying to get the idea of Tara using Buffy as a pillow out of his head.

"It's something to do with her being a slayer, and being content and happy. I never heard her purr before Tara." Joyce smiles. "You'll hear it, I'm sure."

"Wow." Xander blinks. "That's kind of cool." Sighing quietly he puts away the last glass. "Thanks for dinner. I need to head to the apartment. I've got to be at the site early tomorrow. Have a good night, Mrs. S." Xander leans in and gives her a peck on the cheek before heading towards the front door.

"I will." Xander answers as he heads out the front door, waving towards the kitchen window as he gets in his car, smiling, as Joyce waves back.

"Did you get all the demons, sweetie?" Tara questions the fact that they hadn't come across one demon on their way to Willy's.

"I haven't felt a single one. I guess between my rampage and the Military group, we've knocked the majority of them out." Buffy looks around, surprised as they make their way quickly to Willy's. Not feeling any demons in the bar, she shrugs looking at Tara. "I don't feel anything in here, either."

"Hey, Willy. Where's all your customers at?" Buffy questions the empty bar, looking towards the irritated looking bar tender.

"Like you don't know." He grumbles. "What the damn Initiative hasn't captured, you demolished the other night. The few that were lucky enough to evade you, high tailed it out of town."

"Initiative?" Buffy questions, quickly hopping up on a bar stool looking at the owner.

"Yeah, like it's any big secret. They've been experimenting on demons. They capture them, put chips and shit in their heads. If it works, they let them go. If not, they either get killed or from what I heard, dismembered, to be used for some top secret project. That's all I know. Oh, and the fact that they seem to be centered around the college." Willy bitches as he pulls himself a beer out of the cooler and sits down. "Want anything?"

Buffy raises an eyebrow in surprise. "Being friendly towards me isn't the norm, Willy. What's up?"

"Ain't got nothing else to do. You ain't tearin' the place up for once, and it's dead as a door nail since everybody's gone, dead, or captured." Willy shrugs taking a swig of his beer. "I might just close up the bar for the weekend and get some much needed rest."

"What about Spike? I heard he was one of the vamps that got fixed." Buffy smirks at the thought of Spike not being able to hurt anyone.

"Yeah, he left town not too long ago. He said something about finding someone to get that blasted chip out of his head and he was gone." Willy looks down at his beer bottle before finishing it off. Glancing over for the first time at Tara, Willy eyes her up and down before smirking. Before he knows it he's five feet from the ground and on the other side of the bar. "What the fuck?" He screams in surprise.

"You don't look at her like that, or the next time, I'll take your head off, understood?" Buffy growls shaking Willy. "When you start getting business, you let the clientele know she's off limits. I catch anyone even looking cross-eyed at her, and I'll make sure they die a long painful death, understood?"

Willy nods his head quickly in surprise, as Buffy slowly lowers him to the floor. "I got you, Slayer. Nobody even thinks about the woman."

"No, but he sure as hell was eyeing you a lot more than I liked." Buffy growls deeply, making Willy shake in fear as he watches her eyes narrow and spark orange flames.

Backing away slowly, with his hands up, he whimpers. "It won't happen again, promise."

"Better not." Buffy's lip snarls up before she turns looking at Tara. Seeing the concern in the blue eyes, Buffy slowly calms down. "Sorry." She whispers quietly.

"That's okay, sweetie. Obviously very protective." Tara grins crookedly at the slayer. "Just be careful not to hurt anyone, especially if they haven't done anything but look or make a comment, okay?"

"I'll try. I'm not promising anything, understand?" Buffy grins as Tara runs a hand down her cheek and neck. "I guess we can head to the campus. Seems like the town is pretty much dead."

"It appears that way." Tara smiles as Buffy reaches down picking up their bags as they head towards the door.

"Be seeing you, Willy." Buffy growls out before letting the door slam shut behind her. "So, now we know the military group is called the Initiative. I'll get the info to Giles tonight."

"Do we need to stop by his place?" Tara questions as they walk quickly towards the campus.

"No. I'll just call from the dorm's pay phone downstairs. Hey, how come you don't have a phone in your room?" Buffy looks at Tara.

"I didn't have anyone to talk to before. Plus it costs $15 a month additional to have it." Tara shrugs looking up at the night sky occasionally as they walk.

"Hmm. Makes sense." Buffy nods her head. "Plus you always got the payphone downstairs if you need it."

"It probably wouldn't hurt. That way if Mom needed to call at night for anything, she can get ahold of us." Buffy thinks about it. "I don't have an income, and I hate to ask mom for the money." Perking up, she grins. "I'll get with Giles. Telling him he has to pay for it if he wants to be able to get in touch with me." Buffy chuckles.

"That isn't nice, sweetie. I can probably swing the phone. It isn't that much." Tara offers quietly.

"Yeah, but if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be getting one." Buffy explains her reasoning.

"True. But I've also been spending a lot of time eating at your house, so I'm saving a lot of money on groceries." Tara smiles softly. "And that really isn't very nice of me to be eating all your mom's food."

"Right. Like what you eat is a lot." Buffy rolls her eyes at Tara as they make it to the campus. Buffy let's her senses go, not noticing anything out of the ordinary she shrugs mentally. "I mean one pork chop, a very small helping of macaroni and cheese, one roll and a small salad. Whoo hooo. I would have very easily added that amount to my plate to finish off. Honestly Mom hasn't been making more than usual. Occasionally I'll let there be leftovers, but not often. So it's no biggie."

"You sure? I still don't feel right." Tara looks concernedly at Buffy. "I guess I could always do dishes from now on to help out and other stuff around the house."

Buffy pulls Tara to a stop outside her dorm. Placing both arms around the witch's neck, Buffy pulls her in, looking deep in her eyes. "There's nothing to be concerned about, trust me. Yes, we can help out with dishes. Yes, you can help out with cooking, cause God knows, I can't cook." Buffy smirks at the witch. "But everything's okay, I promise."

"If you promise." Tara smiles softly. Giggling as Buffy pulls her in for a soft light kiss.

"Let's get to your dorm room of love. I feel like some heavy making out." Buffy wiggles her eyebrows, making Tara laugh quietly.

Tara opens the dorm room, grumbling quietly. Squeaking out in surprise as she's lifted up in strong arms and twirled around the room. Dropping her book bag, she places her hands on Buffy's shoulders. "Buffy!" Tara cries out before laughing.

"I only had one class, today. All of the rest of them were cancelled. So I've been waiting for you to get back here." Buffy slowly eases Tara down her body, till she's standing on her own feet. "But I did get your bag packed while I was waiting and I put your dirty clothes in one of those plastic bags from the grocery store, that way we can wash them at the house." Buffy smiles hugely.

Tara chuckles quietly. "So you've basically been a bored slayer while I was in class?"

"Yes." Buffy nods her head, before jumping back on the bed flopping down on her back and holding her arms out. "Come here and keep me company for a little while since I've been a good girl."

Tara can't help the laugh that works out of her. Tilting her head she considers the slayer for a moment. Glancing over at the clock, she figures they should have a couple hours before Joyce will be here. Raising an eyebrow she leans down and unties her boots before kicking them off. Slowly easing her hip onto the bed, she places a hand on either side of Buffy, laughing at the slayer bouncing on the bed watching her.

Buffy smirks up at the witch, noticing the twinkling blue eyes looking at her. Wrapping her arms around Tara's neck, she gently urges her down. "Until we can't take it anymore, or my mom shows up." Buffy leans in kissing Tara firmly.

Tara eases her body gently over Buffy's, her body sliding easily between the slayer's legs as she spreads them. Propping her upper body up with her elbows, Tara runs a hand through Buffy's soft hair, smiling happily. Taking her hand, she runs a fingertip over Buffy's eyebrow and down the slayer's cheek, to brush lightly across her lips.

Buffy watches Tara intently as she traces her finger over her face. As she comes to brush it repeatedly over her lips, Buffy sneaks her tongue out to flick the digit teasingly. Running her hands down the witch's back, Buffy groans quietly as Tara pushes her body hard into Buffy's as she reaches her butt cheeks, digging her fingers in gently.

"Goddess!" Tara whimpers, closing her eyes at the shot of arousal coursing through her so quickly and easily. Opening her dark blue eyes, Tara closes the short distance and brushes her lips against Buffy's, placing light, tantalizing kisses first against the top lip, then the bottom. Working her way slowly across Buffy's jaw, making her groan as she finally sucks the slayer's earlobe in her mouth.

Buffy arches her body up against Tara's, growling deeply. Wanting to feel skin, Buffy runs her hands up to un-tuck Tara's shirt before hesitating a moment, trying to decide to go north or south with her hands, whimpering, she slides one hand up over the witch's soft back, while wiggling one hand under the waist band of Tara's skirt and panties, to stroke over the flexing muscles of Tara's ass.

Feeling Buffy's hands against her skin, Tara moans loudly, rocking her body gently against Buffy's. Running one hand down Buffy's neck, across her top to cup her breast, Tara runs her thumb firmly over the quickly hardening nipple. Unable to resist, Tara dives in, kissing Buffy thoroughly, searching out all the hidden secrets in the slayer's mouth, battling against her tongue before nipping the tip gently. Working her hand down, Tara shifts Buffy's shirt up running her fingers over the lace covered breast, before whimpering at not being able to touch skin. Easing up Tara looks down into Buffy's copper colored eyes, smiling momentarily before shifting back on her knees, easing Buffy's shirt up and off before smirking at the front closure bra. Quickly unhooking the bra, Tara slowly uncovers Buffy's breasts, moaning at the sight before her, she shifts her body so her heads even with the slayer's breasts. Running one finger around the crinkled aureole, Tara slowly runs her tongue around the other breast.

"God, Tara! Stop teasing." Buffy moans, pushing her breast up towards the witch's mouth.

"Mmmm. Not teasing." Tara murmurs slowly licking up the breast, stopping just shy of the nipple. "I didn't get much of a chance to enjoy these…" another firm lick from the side of the breast, stopping again before making contact. "lovely, firm…" tongue circling around the rock hard nipple, "delectable breasts." Tara whispers before flicking her tongue firmly over the nipple, making Buffy cry out in pleasure. Quickly laving the nipple for long moments, Tara finally sucks it into her warm mouth, rolling her tongue repeatedly around the hard flesh, while pinching the other nipple lightly between her thumb and forefinger.

"God, don't stop." Buffy whimpers, unconsciously wrapping her legs around the witch, rocking her lower body against Tara's abdomen.

"No, not stop." Tara mutters before kissing her way over to the other breast to lave and suck it repeatedly, pushing her body against Buffy's. Running a hand down to Buffy's waist, before sliding down further over a hip and thigh, Tara grasps the slayer's leg, squeezing gently.

Sucking the nipple, and in turn, half the slayer's breast in her mouth, Tara sucks hard, flicking her tongue against the hard flesh.

"Yes!" Buffy hisses out at the strong suction and tongue. As Tara releases her breasts, and scrapes her teeth gently over her nipple, Buffy rocks her body harder against the witch. As she realizes that's she's close to climaxing just from Tara paying attention to her breasts and the rocking motion of her hips, Buffy slows her body down, panting heavily. "Need…slow…down." Buffy releases her locked legs, letting them slide from around Tara's waist. Realizing her hands are buried in Tara's hair, she slowly untangles her fingers and urges Tara up to hug her tightly.

"Wasn't finished." Tara whimpers before burying her face in Buffy's neck, sucking the hot, sweaty skin into her heated mouth.

Buffy arches into Tara's mouth, growling deeply before easing over to lie on top of the witch. Easing her body up so Tara's mouth can't distract her, Buffy smirks looking down at Tara, before opening her eyes wide as Tara's hands come up to cup Buffy's breasts firmly. "Ah, hell." Buffy mutters grasping the hands and placing them on either side of the witch, looking at her seriously. "Stop that."

Tara growls before closing her eyes and pushing her head hard into the pillow. "I wasn't done acquainting myself with your breasts, Buffy." Tara almost whines.

"No, but the rate I was going, that wouldn't have been the only thing you would be acquainting yourself with." Buffy admits her body still achy and heavy with desire. "And if I don't stop you now, I'm not so sure if I would be able to stop."

Tara's eyes open and she nods her understanding. "I still wasn't done." Tara softly smiles. "I have a feeling the longer we wait, the quicker we'll hit the edge of no return. And you know what that means."

Buffy sighs watching as Tara's eyes slowly go back to their normal blue color as the passion comes under control. "Yeah, I'll go to hold your hand and the next thing we know, we'll want to jump each other just from that."

"Hmmm." Tara smiles as Buffy finally releases her hands and wraps her arms around the slayer, tugging her down to lay on top of her. "I don't think it'll get that bad, before we…" Tara blushes lightly before placing a kiss against Buffy's cheek.

"Before we have hot monkey loving?" Buffy smirks, finally feeling her body starting to relax as the hard edge eases a little.

"I was thinking more along the lines of hot slayer loving, but…" Tara laughs quietly as Buffy growls.

"Okay, hot slayer loving it is." Buffy agrees chuckling. "Lots and lots of hot slayer loving. With hopefully lots and lots, and lots, and lots, and lots…"

Tara smacks Buffy lightly on the ass. "Are you a record and got caught in a groove?"

"Must have…" Buffy leans up and smirks down at the witch. "Lots of witchy loving, also."

"Oh, definitely." Tara smiles lifting her head off the bed, to press her lips against Buffy's. "I love you." Tara whispers as she lowers her head back to the pillow, smiling softly.

"And do I ever love you." Buffy smiles before easing her body down slightly, to tuck her head against Tara's breasts.

Tara runs her fingers gently through Buffy's hair. "What do you want for Christmas, sweetie?"

"I just want you to be with me. Hug, kiss, tease and pick on me. That'll be a perfect Christmas." Buffy smiles softly, gently rubbing her cheek against Tara's breast.

"But I want to do or get you something." Tara runs her hands up and down Buffy's bare back.

"Buy yourself the sexiest underwear you can find from Victoria's Secrets and model them for me Christmas morning." Buffy grins into Tara's breast. "I think I've changed my mind, I don't want you in red, I want you in a dark blue that match your eyes when you're aroused. Or maybe a very dark violet, when you're close to…" Buffy leans up grinning down at Tara.

"When you're close to climaxing, orgasming, screaming my name at the top of your lungs." Buffy whispers before capturing the witch's lips with a soft kiss.

Tara blushes shaking her head at her love. "So, for Christmas you want me in sexy underwear?" At Buffy's nod, she chuckles quietly. "What am I going to do with you?"

"You are already silly, sweetie." Tara giggles as Buffy pinches her side lightly. "I should get up to gather what art supplies I need to take to your mother's."

"Okay." Buffy sighs before rolling off Tara to stand up beside the bed. Looking down at herself, she smirks before fastening her bra back. Looking around she finally locates her shirt hanging off the lamp. Chuckling she grabs it and pulls it on.

"That'll be remedied tonight." Buffy grins wickedly before walking to the door and opening it as her mom raises her hand to knock. "Hi, Mom. Tara's finishing gathering her supplies."

Joyce jumps back and places a hand over her heart. "Don't do that!" Taking a deep breath to get control of her racing heart, she shakes a finger at Buffy. "It's not nice giving your mother a heart attack."

"Sorry." Buffy smiles apologetically at her mother. Turning she gathers up Tara's bag that she placed the clothes in, throwing it over her shoulder before walking over to Tara and squatting down beside the witch. "The easel's going, right?"

"Yes." Tara glances up smiling at the slayer. Looking back down, she finishes putting her paints in her carry-all, along with her brushes and other paint paraphernalia. Glancing around she quickly stands, reaching for the picture her teacher gave her of his wife, tucking it away in a side pocket of her bag. Opening the bottom drawer on her dresser, she pulls out her old t-shirt and sweat pants that she paints in, attested to by the fact that they're covered in multi-colored paint splatters, that no amount of washing will ever get out. Tucking them in her bag, she glances around her room as Buffy picks up her easel, balancing it easily over her other shoulder, Tara shrugs and looks at Joyce. "I guess that's all I need."

Tara nods, grabbing her purse and keys as they walk out of her room. Making sure the door locks behind her, she follows Joyce down the stairs and out to the Jeep. Placing her items in the back after Joyce unlocks and opens it. She grabs the easel from Buffy and lays it down, smiling as Buffy tosses the other bag in the back. "Did you want to drive over to the parking lot closer to the art building?" Tara questions turning to Joyce.

Joyce looks up at the beautiful day and grins. "I've been cooped up inside all day, if you don't mind we can walk."

"That's fine I'm used to walking everywhere." Tara shakes her head, grinning as Buffy wraps her arm around her waist.

"Want to talk about walking everywhere?" Buffy grumbles good-naturedly, grinning at her mother.

"Yes, well you and vehicles are not known for getting along, dear." Joyce smirks at her daughter.

"I know, I know." Buffy laughs quietly. "Tara, I didn't think to ask. But do you have a driver's license?"

Tara shakes her head looking down. "No, f-father wouldn't allow it." Tara admits quietly. "Of course, I can't afford a car, so it's kind of a moot point, anyway." Tara softly continues.

Buffy silently snarls before hugging Tara tighter to her side. "Maybe we can see if Xander, Mom or Giles will teach you, if you want to learn."

"Thanks." Tara smiles, glancing at the older woman. As they walk up to the Art Building, Tara digs the keys out of her pocket before unlocking the door. Allowing Buffy and Joyce ahead of her, she turns and makes sure it latches back properly before leading the way to the storage area. Tara smiles as she flips on the light after unlocking and entering the room. Waving her hand towards one corner where there were probably closer to a hundred paintings, she blushes looking down at the ground. "That's them over there."

Joyce raises an eyebrow at the stacks of paintings covered with sheets to protect them. Turning back to Tara, she watches Buffy gently place a finger under her chin, raising it.

"Please." Buffy whispers looking into shy blue eyes, smiling as she watches Tara smile at her.

Turning, Joyce walks over to the paintings gently uncovering them, before kneeling beside them looking through the first stack with a critical eye, she grins, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck rise like they only do when she's come across a great find. Replacing the sheet she moves to the next stack, inhaling deeply at the riot of colors jumping out at her from the paintings in this stack, shaking her head at the talent of the young woman standing shyly behind her. Not able to resist, Joyce quickly, but reverently works her way through the canvas' looking at all the paintings. Stopping on one that was a beautiful landscape, with the setting sun shooting a myriad of colors through the sky, with the snow-covered mountains in the background majestically rising, almost like they were trying to touch the sun before it disappeared.

"This would look beautiful hanging above the mantle." Joyce whispers, not realizing that Buffy and Tara had walked up directly behind her, so Buffy could see some of the paintings, also.

"It isn't your choice." Tara smiles crookedly at the woman. "If you must, you can consider it an early Christmas present. I can get the supplies and frame it for you, if you want."

"It isn't that hard." Tara smiles. "I just don't bother framing the pictures, unless I'm going to hang them." Tara blushes momentarily. "Or, I guess, sell them. But, since I haven't even really thought about selling them…"

Joyce slowly stands, replacing the last sheet before brushing her slacks off with her hands. "Well, I suggest you might want to think about framing your paintings. You can borrow the basement to put the supplies in, and the paintings, for that matter. That way we can discuss what we think would set off each painting the best. Joyce chuckles quietly as shocked blue eyes look at her in disbelief. "Yes, I want to have a showing of your paintings. I would be a fool not to. As you're framing the paintings, we can work out pricing for each one, and I'll number them doing the paperwork as we go."

Buffy smiles hugely before hugging her mother tightly. "I guess that means her paintings are really, really good, huh?"

"Yes, dear, they are." Joyce nods her head, squeezing her daughter back. "And I guess that means I need to give you a finder's fee, for finding this gem."

Buffy smirks as she pulls away. "I'm sure we can figure out something." Buffy giggles at her mother's narrowing eyes.

"Okay, okay. I'll be nice." Buffy snickers quietly before closing the distance between her and the witch, placing a brief kiss on the full pouty lips. "But, I'm going to insist on lots and lots of kisses in payment."

"Oh, get a room." Joyce grumbles good-naturedly at her daughter. "Come on, let's go to the grocery store, that way I can get home and start baking pies."

"We'll help." Buffy and Tara both speak up at the same time, before looking at each other and laughing softly.

Buffy holds her hand out for the painting, carrying it lovingly as they walk back to the vehicle to do the grocery shopping.

"Joyce, I really wish you'd…" Tara's interrupted by Joyce looking at her with narrowed eyes. "Okay." Tara whimpers quietly.

"I have told you again and again, that the four or five dollars I spent on the ingredients for your casserole is not to be worried about. So, please don't bring it up again." Joyce starts chuckling as Tara pouts her lip and kicks her foot against the kitchen floor. "You look just like a little five year old kid that got her favorite toy taken away from her."

Tara looks up with laughing blue eyes and a huge grin on her face. "Well, in a way, I did get my favorite toy taken away from me." Tara glances out the kitchen window to the dark night beyond.

Joyce laughs as she sips on her tea. The two women having finished baking the pies a little while ago, Tara had even pre-prepared her sweet potato dish, so they were waiting for Buffy to get back from patrol. "I'll have to let Buffy know, she's a toy now."

"That may not be a good idea." Tara giggles for a moment. "She'll want to be play…" Tara blushes deeply and looks down at her cup of tea.

"Played with all the time, yes dear. I know." Joyce smirks at the blushing witch. "You two, still haven't…" Joyce trails off delicately.

"No." Tara shakes her head before lifting her tea and taking a small sip. Biting her lip, she looks up at Joyce. "Can I ask you a really big favor?"

"Would you maybe take me to the mall sometime without Buffy knowing?" Tara blushes again, but keeps eye contact with Joyce.

Joyce raises an eyebrow at Tara's blush, but nods her head. "I don't see any problem with that. Do I want to know why you want to go to the mall without Buffy knowing about it?"

Tara bites down on her lip again, blushing even darker. "She kind of asked for a specific Christmas gift."

Joyce chuckles quietly. "Let me guess, it's something that you wear, but only Buffy will see?" As Tara quickly nods her head and looks down, Joyce laughs quietly. "That's good, I actually need to go to Victoria's Secrets and pick up Buffy's normal Christmas stocking stuffers, also."

Tara buries her face in her hand as she laughs. Finally getting control of her laughter, she looks back up to a grinning Joyce and shakes her head. "Nothing like talking to my girlfriend's mother about buying sexy underwear to wear for her daughter. I think there is something fundamentally wrong about this." Tara's shoulders start to shake again as laughter comes bubbling out.

"There probably is, but I'm not going to look for it." Joyce laughs, shaking her head. "You make her happy, and for that, I would willingly buy out the whole store." Joyce comments sincerely, covering Tara's hand with hers. "I seriously haven't seen her this happy in many, many years. Thank you."

Tara smiles softly and nods her head. "I honestly don't think I've ever been as happy as I am with your daughter, Joyce. She switches from being shy to sexy, to breathtakingly beautiful, to rotten, to the most loving person, in mere seconds. Of course, she's always beautiful, but…" Tara trails off, smiling softly as she thinks about Buffy. "Sometimes there's this glow that seems to come from deep inside her that just bursts from her. Goddess, I love her so much." Tara shakes her head running a finger around the top of her cup. "To think what I might have missed out on, if I hadn't accepted her offer for lunch that day."

"I'm stubborn. I wouldn't have taken no for an answer." Buffy whispers walking into the kitchen. "Or I would have hounded you until you did accept." Buffy winks at her mom before wrapping her arms around Tara and resting her chin on her shoulder.

Tara tilts her head against Buffy's, pulling one hand down away from her tea to stroke softly over Buffy's arm. "How was patrol, sweetie?"

"Boring. I think I killed all the demons that were here." Buffy admits shrugging her shoulders. Placing a kiss on Tara's neck, Buffy inhales deeply of Tara's scent, feeling content to have her in her arms. "So, what did you two do while I was on patrol?"

"Finished baking pies and talked about you." Joyce grins as she finishes her tea and places the mug in the sink.

"But of course." Joyce smirks. "I'm going to watch television for a while, if you two want to join me." Joyce makes the offer as she walks out of the kitchen to sit down in the chair in the living room.

"Hmmm. You in my arms sounds like a definite plan." Tara smiles softly, as Buffy rubs her nose against her neck. "Your nose is on the cold side, sweetie."

"Cold and wet means I'm healthy, right?" Buffy questions smiling before replacing her cold nose with warm lips.

Groaning quietly Tara leans more into the kiss. "I think I much prefer warm and wet." Tara admits as Buffy's tongue teasingly licks up her neck.

Buffy grins as Tara groans. Placing one more kiss on her lover's neck, Buffy slides her hands away from Tara. "Let's go watch TV with mom." Buffy smiles before placing a quick, but firm kiss on Tara's lips.

Tara stretches as she slowly wakes from her slumber. Smiling softly she reaches out, feeling for Buffy, thinking maybe the slayer had shifted from where she was laying half on top of her the previous night while they slept. Not coming into contact with the warm slayer as she expected, she opens her eyes and frowns as Buffy isn't in bed…Glancing around the room, she pouts. "She's not even in the room." She grumbles quietly. Standing, she pulls on her sleep shirt while grabbing clothes to wear for the day. Taking a quick shower and dressing, Tara pads downstairs, not seeing Buffy in the living room, she works her way to the kitchen.

"Where's Buffy?" Tara softly questions Joyce, who's having a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper.

"I'll have a cup of coffee." Tara waves at Joyce, for her to stay seated while reaching for a mug, quickly filling it with coffee and a teaspoon of sugar. Easing open the door to the garage, Tara stands there in stunned surprise as she watches Buffy finish laying out her paints in a nice orderly fashion on the make-shift table.

Buffy glances up smiling at Tara. "I asked mom for her suggestions on how to set this up." Buffy waves at the open garage, as the sun streams in over the area Buffy had prepared. "If you want me to switch anything around, let me know."

Tara slowly walks over looking at her easel already set up with the canvas waiting. Over to the crate with her paints and brushes laid out, with her palette and other supplies on the side. Setting down her cup of coffee on an empty spot, Tara slowly wraps her arms around Buffy's waist and pulls her in for a soft, loving kiss. "You did wonderfully." She whispers, smiling as she pulls back from the kiss.

Buffy smiles happily before leaning in for another kiss. Hugging Tara tightly, she narrows her eyes on her fading mark, licking her tongue firmly over the mark, she growls quietly. "Gonna have to refresh this later. It's fading quicker than I thought it would."

Tara chuckles quietly. "I heal relatively quickly. Which, I've been extremely grateful for in the past." Tara sighs quietly before hugging Buffy to her tightly, as she feels the slayer stiffen in response to her words. "It's okay. Since you've got everything set up for me, I'm feeling the urge to get started."

"Then do." Buffy relaxes into the soft embrace. "If mom needs any help, I'm here."

"Not at all. Would you mind if I sneak out here occasionally to watch?" Buffy smiles hopefully.

"You can take up residence out here and watch me, if you want." Tara whispers pressing her lips gently against Buffy's. "I don't mind at all."

Buffy releases Tara as she reaches down for the picture and clips it on the top of the easel, considering the picture and the canvas. Taking a soft leaded pencil, Tara quickly does a pale outline on the canvas of the features of the woman, before stepping back tilting her head, considering what she's done before leaning back in making minute changes. Nodding at the base of what she's done, she grins over at Buffy who's watching her intently. "I need to get my painting clothes on." She looks down at her skirt and top. "These aren't good to wear for this."

Buffy nods her head, still stunned into silence at how quickly Tara did the rough sketch. Watching Tara quickly stride out of the garage, Buffy walks up to the canvas, realizing if it wasn't for her slayer eyesight, she probably wouldn't have even seen the pale marks on the canvas from where she was standing previously. "Well, damn." Buffy shakes her head before calmly walking into the kitchen.

Joyce looks up from pouring another cup of coffee, laughing quietly as Tara practically runs through heading up the stairs. A moment later Buffy comes in kind of off kilter to sit at the island. "You okay, honey?"

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine." Buffy mutters shaking her head and grinning. Hearing Tara come running back down the stairs, she grins at the site of Tara in a size too large t-shirt, with a pair of sweat pants cut off around the calves of her legs. Chuckling at the different colors of paint smears and splatters on the clothes, she whimpers as Tara stops and places a firm loving kiss on her lips before heading out to the garage.

"I assume the set-up was okay?" Joyce murmurs into her coffee, her eyes laughing at her daughter.

"Yes, it was." Buffy nods her head, looking longingly at the garage door. "Mom, is it normal for an artist to do a brief outline of a subject on the canvas before painting it?"

"Depends. In the case of Tara doing a painting like this, it would be very normal. Her teacher is obviously wanting an actual painting of his wife, not the artists interpretation." Joyce explains quietly. "Say, if she was to paint you, she probably wouldn't do that."

"Okay, that makes sense. But, she did the outline in like, less than a minute. It was like stroke here, stroke there, boom bang, and it was done." Buffy raises her hands in surprise.

Joyce chuckles and nods her head. "How much do you want to bet she'll probably have that painting done this weekend?"

"What?" Buffy looks at her mother surprised. "But, doesn't it usually take longer to do that kind of painting?"

"Yes, but for that girl to have as many paintings as she does, I can guarantee you she is extremely talented, and when she gets on a roll, she probably doesn't stop." Joyce sips her coffee watching her daughter.

"I think I'm gonna go watch her paint." Buffy grins before grabbing a water to head towards the garage door.

"Nope. She said that if I wanted, I could take up residence and watch her paint." Buffy smirks as she walks out in the garage.

Joyce raises an eyebrow before walking towards the door, sticking her head out she watches the quick strokes of Tara's hand. As Tara glances up at her with a streak of peachish colored paint across her cheek, Joyce laughs quietly.

"You can come out and watch, if you want. It doesn't bother me." Tara smiles briefly.

"You are definitely one very unusual woman." Joyce slowly walks out and sits down on the crate beside Buffy. "You know, most artists are temperamental, and can't stand to have people watching them."

"Yep." Tara turns and grins at the two Summers' women. "But I'm not the normal temperamental artist. My mother always said if I couldn't be comfortable painting or sketching in front of people, that it wasn't meant for me. She honestly believed if you were happy with what you do, that you could do it anywhere with anyone around you."

"I bet she also said if you were completely happy with what you were doing, it would come through in your painting." Joyce comments, watching as Tara nods her head smiling softly before turning back to her painting.

Tara tilts her head before continuing with her painting. "When she was teaching me the ways of Wiccan, the biggest part is finding your self. Unfortunately, after she died, I kind of buried myself, and only interacted with teachers and some of my classmates. And then, only when I had to." Tara looks back smiling lovingly at Buffy. "I have someone, actually more than one." Tara's eyes make contact with Joyce, nodding towards her in acknowledgement. "Reminding me of what my mother actually was trying to teach me. To be at peace and happy with myself. But not to hide away from life, to actually be a part of it. Thank you." Tara bites her lip for a moment before turning back to continue painting.

Joyce wraps an arm around Buffy as she leans against her. The two of them watching quietly as Tara slowly works on getting the first layer of the painting done. Joyce nods her head at the confident firm strokes.

"I'm sorry, if I sound ignorant, but do all artists do a painting the way you do?" Buffy questions quietly as she watches Tara.

"No. Every artist is different. Some start with the background and work their way forward, sometimes they start in the middle working their way out. I start on the focus of the painting, doing the generalities of the subject. Add more details as I go, working my outward slowly. For the real intricate details I wait until the end, like the sparkle in the eye, the shine of the light off lip gloss, a slight shadow on the cheek, highlights in the hair. I kind of start with a base, building up as I go." Tara shrugs as she continues to work, talking at the same time.

"I think I drive my art teacher crazy. He said he wasn't going to mess with the way I did things, because he didn't want to screw me up. He just makes suggestions, comments to maybe make me think about things, so I will try something different." Tara looks over her first pass of the painting, glancing up occasionally to the photograph. Adding a slightly heavier layer of paint around the woman's chin, before turning and dropping the paintbrush in the cleaner. Taking one of her old towels, she methodically cleans the rest of her supplies. "I think this is good for today. Give the paint a chance to semi-dry before I work on it anymore." Tara smiles as she pulls the paintbrushes out of the cleaning solution, making sure to get all the paint off before laying them out to finish drying.

"You're going to need to take another shower." Buffy comments smiling at Tara and the streaks of paint across her face and through her hair. Not even thinking about the paint on the woman's hands, as she had wanted a little different texture in areas and had used a fingertip or knuckle for the desired effect.

"You should see me when I'm doing one of my wilder pieces." Tara grins at Buffy.

"So, do you need help getting the paint washed away from those hard to reach areas?" Buffy questions quietly as she watches Tara ease closer to her.

Tara shifts her body between Buffy's legs and wraps her arms around her waist, looking intently into the hazel eyes. "Can I paint you?" Tara questions seriously.

"You mean on a canvas or as in, paint me?" Buffy smirks as she wraps her arms around Tara.

"Canvas. Body paints will have to wait till we're a little more, well acquainted." Tara blushes biting her full bottom lip. "Of course, that will definitely have to happen in the future."

"I am so there." Buffy whispers leaning in and kissing Tara softly. Brushing her lips briefly over Tara's she pulls back. "And, if you really want to paint me for real, I'm not going to say no."

"Good, I kind of have an idea for your mother, a Christmas present, but I'll need to do it on the sly, so no painting it here. But, I can make a few sketches with ideas and see if you like." Tara softly runs her thumb down Buffy's cheek. "I need to shower."

"You're planning on giving her a painting of me for Christmas?" Buffy questions, keeping her arms looped around Tara's neck.

"Actually of you, and her." Tara smiles as Buffy leans in kissing her again. "This isn't getting me clean."

"I'll help." Buffy offers again, kissing Tara repeatedly with just gentle brushes of the lips against each other, nothing deeper. "I would dearly love to spend all day just kissing, hugging and exploring you. Making love to your body, but not making love. Does that make any sense?"

"Yes, but I don't think it can happen that way." Tara runs a hand through Buffy's hair. "Sooner or later, the desire will build up past the point of no return, and we would either have to make love, or jump into an ice cold lake and freeze our body parts till the desire leaves us." Tara grins lopsidedly at the slayer before leaning in and kissing her firmly, before pulling away to whisper. "But when we do make love, you can definitely spend all day making love to me. You just have to remember, that I'll be returning the favor."

"Oh, please don't say things like that." Buffy whimpers quietly, leaning her head against Tara's shoulder. "It wouldn't take much and I would definitely let you have your way with me." Buffy rubs her cheek gently against the woman's shoulder.

Tara nibbles her lip, quietly contemplating the slayers words. "You're just waiting on me to be ready, aren't you, sweetie? You're more than ready now to make love." Hugging Buffy tightly to her, Tara places a kiss on her head.

"Only when you're ready. Not before." Buffy states running her hands down Tara's back to grasp her waist gently, fingers clenching and unclenching. "Mom's water bill will be hell, but maybe it will be counteracted with the electricity going down, because I'll be using cold water." Buffy chuckles quietly.

"I love you, sweetie." Tara murmurs as she leans back from Buffy and kisses her gently at first, slowly, deepening the kiss. Pressing her hand against the slayer's cheek, as she tilts her head just the slightest bit more for a better fit, Tara flicks her tongue out playfully against Buffy's, the two playing tag, first in one mouth then the other woman's mouth, before Tara sucks on the tip of Buffy's tongue, hearing her groan.

Buffy grunts quietly as Tara finally breaks the kiss, breathing heavily. "Xander, if you keep watching us, I'm going to literally kick your ass to the eastern seaboard." Buffy growls out dropping her forehead on Tara's shoulder.

Tara stiffens and blushes deeply as she turns her head to see a guilty looking Xander blushing and shuffling his feet awkwardly. Chuckling quietly at the obviously busted young man, she relaxes and hugs Buffy a little firmer. "Love you. I need to shower off some of the paint." Tara kisses Buffy briefly as she lifts her head back up.

Buffy smiles softly as Tara walks into the kitchen. Slowly turning her gaze to Xander, she raises an eyebrow at her best friend. "Get your fill of girl on girl kissage for the day?"

"No." Xander looks up smirking. "I think I can watch that all day long and never get enough."

Buffy hops off the crate shaking her head. "Be careful, Xander. You really don't want to piss me off for real." Buffy smirks before hugging him. "Come on in."

"Yeah, she just started it this morning." Buffy smiles proudly. "She's extremely talented. We have a painting inside that she gave to mom yesterday. If you want to come in, you can check it out. She's going to frame it for mom."

"You gonna close up the garage or leave the door open for now?" Xander questions as they start to walk towards the door to the kitchen.

Buffy stops confused for a moment, wondering if she should shut the door. "Can you stay here for a moment?" At Xander's nod she quickly runs in the house and up the stairs. Knocking on the bathroom door, she calls out. "Tara?"

"Wait a second." Tara calls back, wrapping the towel around her as she opens the door. "What is it, sweetie?"

Buffy stops and grins at the sight of Tara in a very short towel. Tongue easing out to lick her lips at Tara's silky legs.

Tara chuckles and snaps her fingers in front of her girlfriend's eyes. "You wanted something?"

"Oh, I'd say that is a resounding yes." Buffy growls easing into the bathroom and shutting the door behind her. Reaching up she wraps her hand in Tara's hair and kisses her deeply, running her other hand down to stroke Tara's thigh.

Tara moans quietly into the slayer's mouth, stroking a hand down the slayer's strong neck. As Buffy's hand inches up and around to cup her ass, Tara growls and breaks the kiss. "Goddess, Buffy!" Tara pants heavily, easing her body away from the slayer. "If we keep this up, we're going to end up going at it on the bathroom floor." Tara growls and pushes back into the slayer, so her backs against the door attacking her lips almost roughly.

Buffy grunts out in pleasure, sliding both hands around Tara, dislodging her towel. Running her hands up and down the witch's side, Buffy kisses Tara back, battling against her strongly. Reaching up, she strokes her thumbs against the side of Tara's breasts, making the witch arch into her strongly. "Fuck!" Buffy exclaims quietly as Tara releases her mouth. Nipping down the woman's neck, she licks down across the top of her chest before finally capturing one nipple between her lips and sucking firmly.

"Buffy…" Tara whimpers out, pulling Buffy's head in even closer to her body, as Buffy strokes firmly over her other breast. Realizing she's been rocking her body against Buffy's, Tara pushes in even harder against the thigh that's wedged between her legs.

Buffy finally releases the nipple she has been lovingly torturing, to kiss back up and suck strongly on the mark she had previously placed on Tara's pulse point. Finally releasing the soft skin, Buffy wraps both arms around Tara to pull her in tight against her body, effectively stopping the witch's rocking motion. "Not like this." Buffy whispers out, trying to get control of her rampaging hormones.

"Not like this." Tara whimpers, biting her lip as she feels the desire coursing through her veins. "But not much longer. I promise."

"Take all the time you need. I won't push, no matter what." Buffy places a soft kiss on the skin she'd re-marked.

"Did you come up here for this, or was there a reason?" Tara murmurs as she slowly eases back from Buffy, blushing at her nakedness. Looking down, she grasps the towel to quickly wrap it around her body.

"You didn't have to do that." Buffy frowns as Tara covers her delicious body. "Of course, looking at all that soft, pale, warm skin, it does kind of distract me." Buffy admits.

Tara giggles and shakes her head. "Concentrate, sweetie. Reason for coming up here?"

"Oh, yeah. There was one." Buffy nods her head looking down at the firm legs. "You realize you have surprisingly strong legs. I think I might spend some time tonight getting better acquainted with them." Buffy quietly murmurs.

"Oh, ummm." Buffy shakes her head, looking up into laughing blue eyes. "You distract me, what can I say?" Buffy grumbles before smiling. "Do you want me to close the garage door, or leave it open?"

"Okay. I guess I'll go down there and let Xander out of the garage now." Buffy reaches behind her fumbling for the door handle.

"Well, I was planning on just asking you the question and running back downstairs, but I kind of got waylaid." Buffy waves a hand towards Tara's scantily clad body. "But, I better head down. It serves him right, anyway." Buffy grins before easing out of the bathroom.

Tara laughs as Buffy shuts the door. Dropping the towel she turns on the water, easing into the shower shaking her head at Buffy.

"Yeah, yeah. You don't look real sorry." Xander grumps looking over Buffy's slightly rumpled clothes and messed up hair. "You actually look like you've been making out instead." Xander starts laughing as Buffy looks down at her clothes and blushes. "Might want to straighten your clothes and run a brush through your hair."

"Yeah, I'll take the suggestion under advisement." Buffy grumbles walking over to the garage door, pulling it down and locking it. "Let's head in before I decide to smack you around a little, out of general purposes."

Xander's eyes widen and he quickly runs into the kitchen, hoping Joyce can run interference for him.

Buffy chuckles as Xander runs away before stopping and looking at Tara's painting. "Definitely would be a good Christmas present for Mom." Buffy nods as she thinks about Tara painting herself and her mother, before following Xander into the house.

"My dear, that was an absolutely wonderful dinner." Giles smiles at Joyce as he places his napkin on his plate.

"Thank you, Rupert." Joyce smiles before looking at Buffy, who is sitting as close as possible to Tara without being in the woman's lap. Shaking her head she glances over at Xander who, in his defense, was trying not to stare at the two girls, but not having much luck. Chuckling quietly, she looks at what foods left. "Does anyone want a piece of pie or would you rather wait?"

"I think I'll have a little bit more turkey and this casserole thing here." Xander eyes the sweet potato casserole. "Whatever that is, it's great."

Buffy narrows her gaze on the little bit of casserole that's left, snatching it away from Xander before he gets a chance to grab it. "Mine." She growls quietly.

"It appears so." Tara smiles softly at her girlfriend. "Sweetie, I can make more tomorrow after we go to the store and get more yams."

"Come on, Buffy." Xander whines. "You can have a whole batch to yourself tomorrow. Can't I have what's left? Oh, by the way, wonderful casserole Tara, I didn't know you made it." Xander smiles at Tara.

Buffy grudgingly gives the rest of the casserole to Xander. "More tomorrow, right?" Buffy double-checks with Tara, and as Tara nods, she smiles.

Giles smirks and glances at Joyce. "I think I might wait a while, let the food settle."

"I'll clean up the table and put the water on." Buffy stands, gathering up the empty containers and dirty dishes.

"I'll help. We'll do the dishes, Joyce." Tara gathers the left over dishes that Buffy wasn't able to grab and follows her into the kitchen.

Giles' eyes follow the two women into the kitchen. Glancing back at Joyce, he raises an eyebrow. "How are those two doing?"

Joyce rolls her eyes before smirking. "They're getting along great, even if they do have a tendency to take three times longer to do stuff than necessary."

"I know you did, dear. Would you rather have me say you're always making out with Tara, instead?" Joyce grins and winks at Giles, laughing quietly as he blushes and looks down. "At least someone's making out around here."

"Mom!" Buffy whines quietly, and the rest of the group snickers as they here Tara laughing at Buffy.

"Mister Giles, what tea would you like?" Tara comes to the doorway smiling at the watcher.

"The water ready?" He questions standing. At her nod, he follows her into the kitchen.

Xander quietly finishes his dinner, watching the interaction between Joyce and Giles with a wondering look. Shrugging his shoulder at the possibility, he smirks at the thought Buffy would probably freak, especially after the band candy incident. Chuckling quietly to himself, he grabs up his dirty dishes to take to the kitchen as Giles comes back.

"You two need another pair of hands?" Xander questions as Tara washes the dishes and Buffy's dries.

Buffy glances at the young man with a raised eyebrow. "Is that a for real offer, or were you hoping to catch us making out?"

Xander stops and thinks for a moment. "Maybe a little bit of both?" He grins at the two women, backing up slightly at Buffy's narrowed gaze, but laughing at Tara's huge grin. "Buffy, lighten up. Tara seems to be okay with it."

Buffy looks over at her grinning girlfriend and shakes her head. "I wonder about you sometimes."

"Good." Tara's lip quirks up and her eyes twinkle mischievously. Leaning in she presses a quick kiss against Buffy's lips. "You can put away the dishes if you want to, Xander."

"Okay." Xander grins gathering the dishes and quickly putting them away. "You want company on patrol tonight?" Xander questions looking at Buffy.

"Probably not going to bother." Buffy shrugs her shoulder. "I need to talk it over with Giles, but considering the lack of killable demons…" Buffy trails off smirking.

"Well, if you hadn't been all horny slayer and went out killing all of them Sunday night." Tara bites her lip to keep from laughing.

"TARA!" Buffy yells out, blushing. "I can't believe you're picking on me like this."

Tara laughs and leans in to whisper quietly in Buffy's ear. "I'll make it up to you later, sweetie. Promise."

"Really?' Buffy whispers back. "Exactly how are you planning on making it up to me?"

Buffy considers her grinning mate. "I don't know if I like that grin, or not." Buffy mutters quietly.

Xander shakes his head at the two women as he finishes putting away the dried dishes. "I guess I'll go out and see what the older crowd is doing, if there isn't going to be any more smoochie action." Xander whines before leaving the kitchen.

Tara giggles as she rinses the last pan, placing it in the drainer. Leaning back against the counter, she watches Buffy dry the pan and put it away. As Buffy drapes the towel over the counter, Tara hooks a finger in the slayer's front jeans pocket and tugs her over in front of her. Placing her hands on Buffy's waist, she tilts her head, silently considering the slayer.

Buffy moves in front of Tara as urged and hooks her arms up over her shoulders, looking up the short distance into serious blue eyes. "What is it?" Buffy questions softly.

"Just thinking." Tara reaches up running her hand through Buffy's hair. Cupping the side of Buffy's face, Tara closes the distance separating them and kisses Buffy softly. "I love you." Tara whispers pulling Buffy in to hug her gently, tilting her head against Buffy's.

"I love you, too." Buffy smiles before tucking her face into the crook of Tara's neck, placing a soft kiss on the warm skin. "What are we going to get up to tomorrow while mom is at work?" Buffy questions in between delicate kisses.

"I don't know if you want to…" Tara trails off sighing quietly. "Have you gone by the hospital lately?" Tara questions softly.

"No." Buffy feels a streak of guilt course through her at not having visited Faith. "Would you, maybe, want to go tomorrow?" Buffy hesitantly questions.

"I think I would like that." Tara nods her head. "Maybe I can get up early, paint some more first thing in the morning. Then get cleaned up to visit Faith. We can stop on the way back here to get more ingredients for another casserole, if you really want it. I mean, I doubt you were just doing it to irritate Xander, or anything." Tara smirks.

Buffy giggles rubbing her cheek against Tara's shoulder. "I would NEVER do anything like that. But it was definitely very good. Can you maybe make it occasionally for Sunday dinners?"

"Whenever you want, sweetie." Tara smiles. "Let's go see what the rest of the group is up to. I'm surprised Xander hasn't tried to sneak in here to catch us making out."

"We haven't been making out…at least, not much." Buffy pouts as she pulls back, looking at her girlfriend's lovely blue eyes. "I'm actually feeling a bit deprived."

Tara smiles and runs her finger over the slayer's pouty lip. "Want to make out?" Tara questions laughing quietly as she gets a definitive nod from Buffy. "In the kitchen?"

Buffy furrows her brows, thinking about it for long moments while capturing the finger playing over her lip and sucking gently. Flicking her tongue over the tip, she finally releases the digit and nods her head. "In the kitchen, the garage, the living room, the bathroom, the bedroom…Wait a minute! We've already made out in all those places." Buffy chuckles as Tara blushes lightly. "We can always sneak down to the basement and make out down there?" Buffy wiggles her eyebrows.

"We've also got closets to make out in." Tara suggests, laughing quietly as the calculating look comes into Buffy's eyes.

"Attic, too." Buffy raises an eyebrow and nods her head knowingly. "I'm sure we can come up with all kinds of new places. We haven't even discussed visiting the Magic Box yet. All kinds of nooks and crannies to hide away in."

Tara nods her head biting her lip, her blue eyes twinkling merrily. "And that's not even starting to consider the fact that we can make out on tables, counters, dressers…"

Buffy continues. "Washing machine, dryer, coffee table." Buffy tilts her head considering the possibilities. "Then, if we want to consider the dorm - the whole dorm…"

Tara busts out laughing at Buffy. "Can you see it? People coming in and out and we're making out in the common room?"

"I'm up for it." Buffy grins at her laughing girlfriend. "Come on, let's see what the rest of the crew are up to."

Tara leans in and kisses Buffy firmly before pulling back smiling. "Let's go make Xander nuts."

"Want to go with me when I walk Xander home?" Buffy questions Tara softly, looking up into the blue eyes smiling down at her.

"Of course." Tara runs her finger gently over the slayer's eyebrow. Giles had left earlier and Xander was sitting at the other end of the couch while Buffy was lying down with her head in Tara's lap.

"What are you two going to do tomorrow?" Joyce questions from the chair, smiling at the two women.

"I'm going to paint some more in the morning." Tara starts, smiling gently at Joyce.

"Then we're going to go to the hospital." Buffy continues glancing over at her mother. "Visit for a while."

Joyce nods her head in understanding, glancing over at Xander, who looks uncomfortable. "Have you visited Faith lately?" Joyce questions softly.

"No, there hasn't." Buffy frowns hard at the thought of Faith possibly being in a coma for the rest of her life.

"I'll see if I can help, sweetie." Tara murmurs, running a finger soothingly over the slayer's furrowed brow. "There's probably something else causing the coma. Something spiritual. I didn't tell you about the feelings and clips from the past I got when I touched her knife." Tara admits quietly, watching as Buffy's eyes widen as she shifts up and around to face Tara.

"Sunday night when I came back here with your mom getting a bag together for you, I was getting your weapons when I came across Faith's knife. I opened the box and touched it." Tara shivers uncontrollably. "I saw what happened on the rooftop, I saw glimpses into her soul. Her spirit's shattered from what I could tell. She didn't know if she was coming or going, literally. One moment she cared and loved you like a sister, the next minute she hated your guts. It shifted back and forth so much." Tara frowns in remembrance. "She's literally a lost soul. I don't know how much I can do, but I'll do what I can." Tara offers quietly.

"Will you need to do any actual spells?" Buffy questions, watching the turmoil on Tara's face.

"Cleansing spells could help." Tara nods her head, finally smiling. "I was planning on doing a meditation to try and search out the cause of the fracture."

"Excuse me for sounding stupid, but what kind of meditation?" Xander questions watching the witch intently.

"Yeah. I don't want you doing anything that might hurt you." Buffy clasps Tara's hand in hers. "If there's any danger to you, whatsoever, you're not doing it." Buffy states adamantly.

"No, no should." Buffy growls quietly. "Either you will be, or you're not doing it. Simple as that."

"Buffy, sweetie." Tara sighs quietly watching Buffy's face. Finally giving in, she shakes her head. "I can use someone to anchor me, someone that Faith wouldn't feel antagonistic towards." Tara continues as she sees Buffy about ready to offer her own services.

"That leaves me out." Buffy shakes her head. "Xander, what do you think?" Buffy shifts to look at the young man.

"I don't know, Buff." Xander shakes his head. "I mean, I'll do it in a heartbeat. But I'm not so sure there isn't bad blood between us, too. You know, the whole trying to kill me thing."

"I should be able to tell if there's a problem when we get there." Tara softly speaks up, looking from Buffy to Xander. "And, I guess there's another story that I will need to be told?"

Xander blushes a deep red looking down at the couch. "Faith and I kind of have a little bit of a past."

"She used you and threw you out of the room, Xander. She tried to strangle you." Buffy winces at saying this out loud.

"Yeah, and she was totally fucked up with everything that happened, and I never should have slept with her." Xander bitches. "I let my hormones take over. I was a stupid idiot." Xander realizes what he said and he looks apologetically at Joyce. "I'm sorry, Mrs. S."

Joyce shakes her head. "Xander, I've heard worse from Buffy when she gets on one of her rants. And I may not know everything that went on, but from my understanding, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"And hindsight is twenty twenty." Tara smiles encouragingly at the young man. "From what I can deduce from what Buffy's told me and the bit you've just said, there were mistakes on both sides. And there's a very good possibility that Faith's problems started long before she came to Sunnydale."

Joyce smiles and shakes her head at the young woman. "If you can tell there's a problem with Xander anchoring you, let me know. I'll come to the hospital."

Buffy blinks in surprise at her mother. "That's probably not a bad idea, mom. I think out of all of us, she liked you the most. And you never did anything to piss her off." Buffy whispers the last.

Tara looks at Joyce, nodding her head. "You may be the best choice. I honestly would have to say your concentration would be better than Xander's." Tara looks apologetically at Xander.

"That's okay, Tara. You're right. My concentration is for shit most of the time." Xander admits, frowning.

"Well, you'd have to hold my hand." Tara starts and then laughs at Xander's pout. "I would tether my essence to yours. You would need to keep your concentration on me while I kind of immerse myself in Faith's being." Tara shrugs her shoulder "It's kind of hard to explain. You'll just basically need to mentally hold onto the thread that will be me."

"You were going to do this without being anchored?" Buffy questions, a note of anger in her voice as she looks at Tara. "You were planning on going into Faith's head without a way out?" Buffy's jaw clenches.

Tara's eyes widen perceptibly. "Ummm. I need to get something to drink, will you help me, Buffy?" Tara stands, quickly walking towards the kitchen, with Buffy following right on her heels.

"Uh, oh." Xander whispers as he watches the two women quickly exit the living room before turning his gaze on Joyce. "That don't look to good."

Tara doesn't stop in the kitchen, she continues on out the back door, stopping on the back porch as Buffy shuts the door behind her. Turning to face the slayer, Tara tilts her head looking into her angry eyes.

"You don't ever take a chance with your life. Not on something you have a choice on. On this I will not be flexible." Buffy states firmly, with a hint of the anger she's feeling in her tones.

"There honestly isn't that much of a likelihood that something would go wrong, Buffy." Tara calmly starts, watching Buffy. "She doesn't know me. Since she doesn't know me, she shouldn't bear me any ill will. That would be the only way I could be in any danger, whatsoever, of not being able to come back to myself. Being tethered to someone is just an extra precaution. Depending on how cognizant Faith is, she'll be able to follow the line back to whoever is holding me. I would actually be in more danger of something happening if someone was on the other end that she didn't like, or was angry at." Tara explains quietly. "In that case she could take it out on me. But I'm kind of hoping if I'm in there with her, I can get her to…talk to me. For lack of better wording. Let me in to possibly help her mend what's broken."

Buffy frowns, walking down the steps to the back yard, pacing back and forth in front of Tara as she finishes speaking. "So you're telling me you'll actually be in more danger with someone anchoring you than you would be just doing it yourself?" She glances up at Tara and as her girlfriend nods, Buffy growls out. "Is there anything else we can do? Can we make some kind of fail-safe that we can call you back to yourself? Or maybe after a certain amount of time you'll come back to your body no matter what?" Buffy looks up pleadingly at the witch. "I can understand there possibly being a problem with someone anchoring you, and I see why you didn't mention it at first. I still don't like it." Buffy narrows her gaze on Tara, before sighing, walking up the steps to lean against the witch. "I can't let anything happen to you."

"I'm sorry, sweetie." Tara wraps her arms comfortingly around the slayer. "I love you. I could make a fail-safe to where I would come back to my body after a certain amount of time. The only problem with that is if I'm making serious headway and get called back to my body, there's a chance it may do more harm than good." Tara softly explains, running her hands up and down the slayer's tense back.

"Can you do it so that I could call you back?" Buffy slowly feels herself relaxing against Tara.

"We can stop by the Magic Box and pick up a couple ingredients. But I want you to promise me to wait before calling me back, okay? I may need three or more hours in there just to get her to trust me." Tara sighs quietly. "This will probably take multiple trips."

"Do you want the chance of getting her back and helping her?" Tara pulls back, looking into Buffy's upset eyes.

"You won't lose me, I promise." Tara bites her lip. "I love you and trust me, I don't want you to lose me either." Tara giggles, watching Buffy roll her eyes. "Are you okay now?" Tara becomes serious, running a hand through Buffy's hair.

"Anything I can do to help you get there a little quicker?" Tara whispers, before leaning in and placing a soft kiss on Buffy's cheek, slowly working her way down to Buffy's jaw.

Buffy groans, closing her eyes to the soft kisses Tara's placing down her jaw, finally reaching her neck. "This is good." Buffy whimpers.

Tara smiles as she works her way to Buffy's pulse point, nipping it lightly. As Buffy pushes her neck more into her lips, Tara sucks down firmly on the skin for long minutes, to the obvious pleasure of the slayer. Finally releasing the soft, hot flesh, Tara eases back so she can see Buffy's eyes. "I wouldn't do anything that I honestly didn't believe would be safe, Buffy. Believe me."

Buffy sighs quietly, before nodding her head. "If you got a glimpse into Faith's mind from touching that knife, I guess you got a good idea what it's going to be like, right?"

Tara frowns, biting her lip. "She's so confused. With just the little bit I saw, she's so lost and hurt." Tara's sad blue eyes look into the slayer's hazel eyes. "She needs help, Buffy. She needs someone that she can trust and come to no matter what. If you're okay with it, I want to offer myself as that person."

Buffy grumbles under her breath before looking back up at Tara. "So you're basically going to be, what? A sister, confidante, best friend?" She questions quietly.

"Yes." Tara answers grinning crookedly. "Pretty much all three, if she'll have me as such. There's no guarantee that she'll talk to me, or open up. But I'm hoping, given time, we can bring her back and help her in the real world."

"I'll have to talk to Giles. The Watcher's Council will send their goon squad after her again if she wakes up." Buffy rubs a hand over her forehead, thinking. "Then there's the police. I don't know if they're still looking for her or not."

"I hate to say it, but if either the Council or the police come after her, it would only make things worse." Tara admits softly.

"Yeah, I kind of figured that. Especially after Wesley fucked up when we were almost able to help her." Buffy growls out at the thought of how things might have been different if it hadn't been for the Watcher's Council. "Make a fail-safe. We'll discuss this more before we get there tomorrow. I want a time limit set to where if you're not back I can call you back."

"Thank you." Tara runs her hand gently down Buffy's cheek before leaning in and kissing her softly.

"I don't know why you're thanking me. You're doing this to help out Faith for me." Buffy finally smiles easier at the witch. "I guess we should go back in. Mom and Xander are probably worried we're out here ready to come to magical and slayer blows or something." Buffy chuckles quietly.

"Never happen. I'll never hurt you." Buffy shakes her head before pulling Tara in for a gentle hug.

"Accidents happen, Buffy." Tara whispers hugging Buffy back. "Say I'm coming out of the laundry room carrying a basket full of laundry and you bounce into me knocking me on my butt." Tara pulls back, her eyes full of mischief.

"Hey! You didn't fall." Buffy grumbles before smiling. "I get what you're saying. I'll never intentionally hurt you, or raise a hand to you in anger. Is that better?"

"Ah, they're probably thinking we're out here making out." Buffy smirks as they walk back through the kitchen into the living room.

Joyce breathes a sigh of relief as the two women come back smiling and holding hands. "That's a relief." She mutters glancing over at Xander who nods his head quickly in agreement.

"Tara's going to do the thing by herself, but I'm going to have the capability of bringing her back if I get worried." Buffy looks towards Tara. "She kind of explained that Faith might get angry at whoever's holding her and take it out on her instead. So we talked about it and decided this way might be best."

"If you're sure?" Joyce nods her head looking towards Tara, who smiles softly in reply.

"I honestly believe it would be for the best." Tara admits looking towards Buffy. "I'll have a come back to me button for Buffy to press." Tara smirks at the slayer.

Buffy's eyes glint mischievously at Tara. "Could be interesting." Buffy whispers after leaning in close to the witch. "Where would this…button, be located?"

Tara blushes, before chuckling quietly. "Wait and see." Tara grins crookedly at the slayer, laughing silently.

"Could be fun." Buffy nods her head. "Xander, you want to stick around a while longer, or head home?"

Xander watches the two women, grinning. "I don't know. I'm kinda enjoying watching you two."

"Xander, don't make me hurt you." Buffy grumbles narrowing her eyes on the young man.

"And on that note, I think I should go home." Xander jumps up walking over to the door, grabbing his jacket on the way.

"Be nice, sweetie." Tara chuckles at her girlfriend. "Let's walk him home and do a patrol to make Mr. Giles happy."

"Rather make us happy." Buffy mutters, quietly following Tara out of the house. When Tara stops turning around, looking at her, Buffy raises her eyebrows. "Did I say that out loud?"

"Exactly how were you wanting to make us happy?" Tara questions softly, easing her body till there's just a short distance between them.

"DO NOT do this to me, you two!" Xander whimpers out loud. "I really don't want my ass kicked!"

Tara backs away from Buffy, blushing. "S-sorry, Xander." Tara looks down embarrassed.

"Tara!" Buffy gripes, tilting Tara's chin up. "Stop, stop, stop! Don't stop the blushing…." Buffy grins as Tara's eyes fill with mischief. "But stop hiding those beautiful eyes."

"Sorry." Tara smiles. "Come on, let's stop getting Xander in trouble. I don't want him to not like me because I'm the reason he's always got bruised shins." Tara giggles glancing towards Xander.

"Occasionally bruised shins, I can deal with." Xander jokes. "I expect I'll have them frequently. I just don't want major mojo'd slayer there to literally kick my ass across Sunnydale."

"Okay, okay." Buffy grumbles wrapping her arm around Tara's waist while threading her other arm through Xander's. "Walk the poor, bruised man home."

"The sooner we get done with taking Xander home and patrol, the quicker you get more smoochies…." Tara entices, smirking at her girlfriend.

"Can you up the smoochies to…" Buffy starts, before realizing she's about to say something very, very naughty in front of Xander. Blushing a deep red, Buffy snaps her mouth shut.

Tara blushes, before laughing quietly. "At least I'm not the only one that blushes." Tara wiggles her eyebrows before leaning around like she's trying to see how far the blush goes. Giggling quietly as Buffy gently squeezes her waist.

"And you didn't even make her blush, she did it all on her own." Xander puts in, watching Buffy curiously. "I'm kinda curious as to what was floating through her head to make her blush like that."

"If she told you, I might have to turn you into a frog." Tara narrows her gaze on Xander and wiggles her fingers, laughing as he jumps back.

Buffy groans quietly, pulling the two with her. "Let's get you home. I am not telling you what went through my head."

"What about me?" Tara questions softly. "Are you going to tell me what you almost said?"

"Play your cards right, and I'll show you." Buffy chuckles, before squealing. "That wasn't nice!" Buffy grumps rubbing her butt.

Tara leans in till her lips are right against Buffy's ear. "I could offer to kiss it and make it better?"

"I'm going to shift around." Tara blushes deeply, before shifting to Xander's other side.

Xander breaths a heavy sigh of relief. "Maybe I'll make it home in one piece, now." He grumbles before offering both his arms to the women on either side of him. As they thread their arms with his, he chuckles. "A dream come true. A beautiful woman on each arm, unfortunately they're with each other and not with me. Damn!"

"Want to go to the Bronze tomorrow night?" Xander questions, grinning. "It's been a while since we went to the old haunt for you to dance, and for me to make a fool of myself."

Buffy chuckles. "We'll have to talk Tara into going. She's been a little on the apprehensive side about going."

"Why?" Xander glances at a lightly blushing Tara. "She can't be any worse than me at dancing."

"See, Tara? It isn't that big of a deal. I promise I'll show you how to dance." Buffy states softly looking around Xander towards Tara as they walk Xander home.

"You…her…Bronze…dancing!" Xander whimpers. "Lots and lots of bruises, smacks and hits coming my way. Not a good idea. Nope, not at all. You two go, I'll stay home. Yes, that will help me keep my sanity along with all my body parts my own."

"You'll be okay, Xander." Tara giggles. "I don't think we'll do anything naughty at the Bronze."

"Speak for yourself." Buffy whispers a little louder than she meant to. As Tara and Xander both stop, looking at her, she looks from one to the other. "Ummm, did I say that out loud?"

Tara shakes her head at Buffy before heading up the walkway to the front of the apartment building with a slightly dazed Xander stumbling along with Buffy. "I'm assuming this is Xander's apartment building?"

"Yes, it is." Buffy chuckles quietly, lightly smacking Xander on the shoulder. "You're home Xander."

"Finally." Xander shakes his head getting thoughts of the two women doing some very serious, naughty dancing out of his head. "Do you two want anything to drink?"

"I'm fine, thanks." Tara smiles softly before glancing and chuckling at Buffy shaking her head vehemently. "I guess we're going to go finish patrol. You have a wonderful night, Xander."

"Yeah, Xander. I'll call you tomorrow, see if I can talk my girlfriend here into going to the Bronze." Buffy smirks at the young man as he quickly nods his head before running into the apartment building.

"Are you trying to get him in trouble?" Tara questions Buffy softly, wrapping her arms gently around Buffy's waist.

"Would I do something like that?" Buffy questions, grinning as she eases her body into Tara's. Groaning quietly at the pressure, Buffy places a soft kiss on Tara's neck.

"Don't try and distract me." Tara chuckles quietly as Buffy continues to place butterfly kisses up her neck. "And yes, you would do something like that."

"Hmmm. You taste wonderful." Buffy murmurs licking softly over the witch's pulse point.

"Sweetie?" Tara questions softly, moaning quietly as Buffy starts sucking on the skin she had been licking. "This isn't the place to do this."

"You trying to stop me?" Buffy pouts as she pulls away, before whimpering as Tara leans in capturing her lip, stroking it softly with her tongue. As Tara pulls away, Buffy groans. "That was a tease."

Tara laughs quietly. "Come on, sweetie. Let's walk around Sunnydale." Tara threads her fingers through Buffy's urging the slayer along.

"There aren't any demons around here to kill." Buffy gently squeezes Tara's hand. "I don't feel anything for at least a…" Buffy sends out her senses, tilting her head. "Huh."

"I feel a high concentration of demons close to the campus. I bet that's the Initiative's hide out." Buffy frowns heavily. "Going to have to figure out what to do about that group."

"You can't take them on yourself, sweetie." Tara looks around as they walk slowly through Sunnydale. "Plus, until you know exactly what they're up to, and who they are…"

"Yeah, yeah. Not a lot I can do. I just don't like them capturing the demons and performing experiments on them. God only knows what they're doing." Buffy sighs quietly.

"I guess this means we'll be patrolling around the campus a little heavier now?" Tara leans into Buffy, smiling as Buffy eases her hand away and wraps her arm around her waist.

"Now, that isn't going to work for me." Tara murmurs quietly. "See, if I can be with you, I want to patrol. Want to help you out whenever possible."

Tara turns to look at Buffy. "Like I wasn't in the line of fire before? If it wasn't for you, I'd either be pushing up daisies or deciding which tasty co-ed I want to have for dinner." Tara cups Buffy's cheek, smiling softly as the slayer leans into her hand. "Sweetie, I want to help. Plus you're all big with the slayer powers, so you'll be there to protect me. And if you need help, I'm there for you."

"You aren't going to be talked out of this, are you? No matter what I say or do, you're going to insist on going with me." Buffy looks into the loving blue eyes.

"When I can, sweetie. Like I said, whenever possible. It won't be an every night thing, I have to study, paint and do my papers for school. But when I can swing going out with you on patrol, I want to be there for you." Tara explains softly.

Buffy sighs heavily, before smiling at her girlfriend. "That I can deal with." Buffy closes the short distance, kissing Tara softly. Smiling as Tara quickly deepens the kiss, invading her mouth, rolling her tongue strongly against hers.

"Play your cards right, there'll be lots more than smoochies when we get there." Tara giggles as she backs down the street watching Buffy slowly prowl after her.

Tara's eyes sparkle with laughter as she picks up her pace a little, occasionally glancing behind her to make sure she doesn't run into anything. "Well, for starters, I kind of thought I could enjoy your charms, since you have a tendency to stop me when I'm just getting started."

"As long as what's good for the goose, is good for the gander." Buffy offers, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Buffy looks knowingly up and down the witch. "You are definitely not the gander. Though I do enjoy taking a gander at your charms."

"So that makes you the gander?" Tara quirks an eyebrow up. "I guess you do buy the meals."

"Be careful, or I'll cook your goose." Buffy picks up her pace, slowly closing the distance between them.

"Sounds kinky." Tara smirks at Buffy, before squealing as she turns to run towards Revello Drive.

"Kinky?" Buffy murmurs to herself as she chases after the witch. "Be careful what you say around me!" Buffy yells out, letting Tara stay ahead of her, chuckling at the witch.

"You trying to say you're kinky?" Tara yells back as she runs up the steps to the house, laughing as she tries to catch her breath.

"Don't really know. But I'm willing to find out, if you are?" Buffy chuckles, hopping up the steps to land right in front of Tara. "In a year or two." Buffy finishes, before pushing Tara back against the door gently.

"That long?" Tara murmurs, grinning as Buffy's body presses softly into hers. "I guess it depends on your version of kinky, huh?" Capturing Buffy's lips with hers, they battle gently against each other for long moments. Finally breaking off the kiss, Tara pants heavily, burying her forehead against Buffy's strong shoulder. Clenching the slayer's waist with her hands, Tara shifts to place gentle kisses against Buffy's neck.

"Maybe we should move this inside. I would rather not give the neighbors a free show." Buffy murmurs as she runs her hands up and down Tara's sides, thumbs brushing ever so gently against the starting swell of her breasts.

"Inside." Tara agrees, unconsciously pressing into the soft caresses, before reaching behind her to open the door, both women walking into the house.

"Goodnight, Joyce." Tara murmurs quietly, watching as Joyce heads up the stairs.

"'Night, mom." Buffy waves at her mom, grinning as her mother waves at both of them before walking out of sight. Shifting onto her side, Buffy buries her face in Tara's stomach while wrapping her arms around the witch.

"Buffy!" Tara giggles as Buffy rubs her face against her stomach. "That tickles!"

"Think that tickles?" Buffy mumbles into the warm stomach, running her hands under the shirt, pushing it up out of the way before she starts nipping playfully across soft skin.

Giggling and twitching from side to side, trying to escape the slayer's playful mouth, Tara tries to gently push Buffy away, to no avail. "Buffy!" Tara hisses in between laughs. "We're going to keep your mom up!"

"Then you need to be quiet." Buffy suggests, her fingers starting to thrum up and down Tara's sides. "Don't want to keep mom up, now do we?" Buffy shifts her body slightly, continuing with her nipping caresses up Tara's torso, before the playful nips turn to hot, serious kisses.

"Oh, sweet Goddess!" Tara pushes her body into Buffy's hot mouth as it caresses across a cotton covered nipple. "Not… good… idea…"

"I think it's a very good idea." Buffy mutters before diving back in, growling quietly at the cloth in her way.

"Continuing this, is good…" Tara whimpers as Buffy literally bites through the center of her bra shoving it out of the way to get to her aroused nipple, quickly sucking it into her eager mouth. "Just not here!" Tara cries out quietly. Threading her fingers through Buffy's hair, urging her away from her body.

"Upstairs?" Buffy questions hoarsely looking up with desire filled eyes, inhaling deeply of the combined scents of their arousals.

"Upstairs." Tara squeaks as Buffy, in seconds, rolls off her to stand in front of her.

Grasping Tara up in her arms, gentling cradling her love into her body. Buffy literally leaps up the stairs, before striding into her bedroom. Setting Tara down on her feet, Buffy turns and locks the door. Taking a moment, Buffy leans her forehead against the door, taking a couple deep breaths to calm down.

Tara eases off her top, watching Buffy intently. Looking down at her ruined bra, Tara quickly slides it off, tossing it in the trash can. "You owe me a new bra." Tara whispers, fingers working their way to her skirt, unbuttoning and sliding down the zipper. Stepping out of the skirt, she walks over to Buffy, wrapping her arms around Buffy's waist. "Come to bed, sweetie."

Buffy moans as Tara's hands start stroking over her stomach, shifting her shirt up.

"You were very, very naughty tonight." Tara murmurs, nibbling on Buffy's neck. "Running up here to change after we walked Xander home? I mean, teasing me isn't very nice." Tara reaches up to nip on Buffy's earlobe while caressing her hands over Buffy's bare breasts, pinching then gently.

Whimpering, Buffy pushes into the witch's caress. "Anything I can do to make it up to you?"

"Oh, yes. I've already figured out what will make a proper payment." Tara grins wickedly. "Now, bedtime." Tara whispers, stroking over Buffy's breasts one more time before backing away from the slayer.

Buffy turns around, her eyes glowing with desire. "You going to leave those on?" Buffy looks pointedly at Tara's panties before she quickly lifts her shirt off, throwing it in the hamper while working her way slowly towards Tara.

Tara's eyes darken as Buffy strips while walking closer towards her. As Buffy slides the sweatpants down her muscular legs, Tara whimpers at the sight of the slayer standing before her in all her naked glory. Reaching down, Tara unconsciously pushes down her panties, stepping out of them. Closing the few feet that separate them, Tara clasps Buffy's waist with her hands, groaning deeply as their breasts brush together. "Payment time." Tara hoarsely comments, urging Buffy onto the bed.

"What is payment going to consist of?" Buffy questions, her eyes watching Tara intently for a few moments as she eases onto the bed, lying on her side watching as Tara climbs in beside her, pushing the covers down to the end of the bed.

"You'll just have to wait and see." Tara grins wickedly at the slayer. "Lay back, sweetie."

Buffy narrows her gaze on Tara before doing as asked. "Am I going to regret this?"

"I certainly hope not." Tara murmurs quietly, before pressing her body into Buffy's side. Running her hand over Buffy's cheek, Tara leans in kissing Buffy firmly, stroking her tongue teasingly over Buffy's lips.

"Sorry." Tara murmurs as she shifts her body down, running her hand firmly over Buffy's shoulder, to caress her breast softly at first before alternating firm pinches with a gentle scraping of her thumbnail over the hardened nipple. As Buffy groans deeply, Tara glances up watching the emotions crossing Buffy's face, as she continues teasing the slayer's breast.

Buffy watches Tara curiously, before arching up into the caresses. Starting to reach across, planning on stroking a hand through the witch's hair, Buffy grunts out in displeasure as Tara intercepts the hand placing it back on the bed.

Tara looks searchingly into Buffy's eyes for a few moments before shifting her body. Moving over the slayer, Tara straddles the slayer's waist, reaching down to grasp both of the woman's hands, shifting them up to the headboard. "Please?" Tara softly begs, wrapping the slayer's fingers around the slats.

"What are you…" Buffy moans as Tara leans down, capturing one breast in her mouth, sucking firmly. "Ohhhh." Buffy whimpers as teeth start nibbling around the hard nipple. Opening her eyes, that she'd unconsciously closed, she looks up into the passion filled eyes above her. As Tara shifts her body, so it's making contact with her lower abdomen, Buffy pushes her body up into the wet heat pressing into her.

Tara smiles softly at the slayer, before groaning as she grinds her body into Buffy's muscular stomach. Swallowing deeply, Tara shakes her head. "This isn't what I have planned." Tara mutters, lifting her body so it isn't pressing into the slayer, chuckling as Buffy whines at the loss. Taking a couple deep breaths, Tara shifts her body so it's lying half on top of Buffy, one leg sliding between Buffy's thighs.

Buffy arches up, pressing herself against the firm thigh between her legs, groaning deeply.

"Easy, sweetie." Tara murmurs, shifting her leg so it's not pressing so firmly against Buffy's apex.

"Shit!" Buffy cries out, the desire a hot pool centered in her lower abdomen. "Tara, need a break." Buffy whimpers out between pants, trying not to shift her body down onto the leg that's barely brushing against her.

"Yes. But…FUCK!" Buffy loudly exclaims as a hand that had previously been caressing her thigh, slides to firmly cup her sex, pressing gently against her.

"Shhhh, sweetie." Tara shifts up the short distance to place a soft kiss on Buffy's lips. "Need to be quiet." Becoming uncertain for a moment, she searches Buffy's eyes. "Can I?" Tara questions, pressing in more firmly against Buffy. "Can I try this?"

Buffy whimpers, her body breaking out in a thin sheet of perspiration as she tries to keep her body from shoving down into the warm hand. Nodding her head, afraid to say anything, Buffy bites her lip as a finger slides between her lower lips.

"Sweet, Goddess!" Tara whimpers at the flood of fluid that escapes from the slayer as she runs a finger over the silken lips. Her body shaking with desire, Tara forces herself to keep her eyes open, watching the emotions crossing Buffy's face. As her finger slides over a firmer area of flesh, Buffy's eyes shoot open as her body jerks up in response. Seeing the pleasure in Buffy's eyes, Tara concentrates on that area of flesh, alternating barely there brushes of a fingertip to firm circular motions.

"Tara!" Buffy cries out quietly, her hips jerking in response to the finger bringing her quickly to the edge.

Tara bites her lip, her body unconsciously rocking in rhythm with Buffy's. Watching the pleasure build on Buffy's face, Tara presses more firmly over the swollen area, bringing another finger into play, gently easing it between the slayer's lips, seeking through the wetness to the opening, pressing in a short distance.

"Yesss!" Buffy hisses as she feels the finger pressing in, whimpering as the other finger stops its circular motion.

"Wait one second…" Tara starts, shifting her thumb up to take the place of the finger, pressing gently, smiling as Buffy presses down, her hips doing a circular grind. Easing the finger further into the slayer, whimpering at the wet, velvety cavern of the slayer's body. Burying her head in the slayer's neck, Tara pants quietly, her own desire at a fever pitch. Slowly pressing in until her finger's buried as far as it will go. Experimentally pulling the finger out a short distance, Tara slides it back in the slayer's needy center.

"More…please?" Buffy whimpers, her hips urging Tara into a steady rhythm stroking in and out.

Tara licks up the slayer's sweat, moaning at the flavor as she eases a second finger into her lover's body, picking up the pace of her stroking, her thumb continuing to press and rub against the hard muscle. As she feels the slayer's body tensing, the muscles inside her clenching and unclenching at an almost fevered pace, and the muscle under her thumb twitching almost frantically, Tara shifts her face away to watch Buffy. As the pleasure intensifies on the slayer's face and Buffy arches up, as the orgasm shoots through her body, Tara claims the slayer's mouth in a deep kiss, swallowing the slayer's cry. Moaning into the kiss herself, as she feels the flood of hot fluid come from the slayer, covering her hand.

Slowing down the stroking, Tara finally stops her hands movements, leaving her fingers inside the slayer, not wanting to give up the feeling of the heated cavern. Moving her lips to caress over the slayer's neck, Tara arches into a small warm hand caressing over her back.

Buffy whimpers for a few long moments, her body still shaking from her release. Clenching her inner muscles on the fingers still inside her, Buffy strokes a hand down the witch's back for a few minutes as she slowly regains use of her faculties. "Why?" Buffy questions softly, moaning as the fingers inside her shift, almost as if trying to learn the feel of her body. "Tara, please!" Buffy cries out, her body shifting as the fingers hit a sensitive spot, making her arch up into the caress. "Oh, fuck!" Buffy whimpers as the fingers stroke repeatedly over the area. "Don't stop." Buffy's body becomes tenser, as she feels an intense orgasm working through her.

"Don't plan on stopping." Tara mutters, biting gently on Buffy's shoulder, continuing the caress. "Want to learn you, everything, inside and out." Tara nips her way up to Buffy's lips, running her tongue over the slayer's panting mouth, groaning as Buffy captures her lips in a strong kiss as Buffy clenches down firmly on her fingers, saturating her fingers and hand with her essence. Continuing her stroking over the slayer's sweet spot, Tara extends the slayer's orgasm. As Buffy finally breaks the kiss, Tara stops her stroking, tilting her head against Buffy's cheek, panting heavily herself in response to Buffy's reaction.

Finally easing her fingers out of her lover, Tara shifts her aching body down, resting her head on Buffy's breast, bringing her hand up ready to caress over the slayer's velvety skin, instead bringing it curiously to her face, her eyes looking at the glistening wetness covering it. Wonderingly, Tara brings a finger to her mouth, licking up the liquid, groaning at the musky/sweet flavor of the slayer.

"Damn, Tara!" Buffy growls, watching as Tara laps up the liquid on her hand. Her body clenching in response to the erotic sight before her.

"Taste good." Tara murmurs, quickly devouring all of the slayer's juices from her hand. Groaning as she finishes the last of the liquid, Tara shifts, her eyes traveling down the slayer's body. "Hmmmm…." Tara's eyes become impossibly darker as she considers her options. Nibbling on her lip, she starts to slide down Buffy's body.

"Oh, no." Buffy captures Tara, wrapping both arms around her, Buffy whimpers at the obvious want and desire in Tara's dark violet eyes. Rolling, she stops as she presses Tara's body into the bed. "My turn." Buffy growls quietly.

"Buffy?" Tara hesitantly starts, her brows furrowing. Trying to figure out how to phrase what she wants to say.

Buffy whimpers, burying her face in Tara's neck. "No! You're not going to tell me that you want to wait! God! Don't you know how much I want to taste you? Touch you? Run my fingers, lips and tongue all over your body?"

"Goddess!!" Tara whimpers loudly, stroking her hands down Buffy's strong back, smiling softly at the muscles flexing under her fingers. "I want that too, Buffy." Tara scrapes her nails up Buffy's back as she thinks. "I swear, it won't be much longer before I'm ready. Goddess, if you wanted to it wouldn't take much before I'd allow you to take me."

Buffy shakes her head, groaning into Tara's neck as the nails scrape strongly back down her back. "If you aren't ready, I won't push you. But damn it! I want a taste so damn bad!"

Tara grasps Buffy's hand. Sliding both their hands down her body, Tara closes her eyes as the pleasure shoots through her body as she gently presses Buffy's fingers through her desire.

Buffy's eyes widen in surprise, before narrowing with desire at Tara's urging. Traversing the witch's swollen sex, carefully keeping from coming into contact with her clit, Buffy gather's as much of the woman's juices as she can, cupping her fingers before slowly bringing her hand up to her lips. Inhaling deeply of the witch's arousal, Buffy growls before quickly licking up a stray line of juice running down her palm. Grinning hugely, Buffy laps up the liquid, uncontrollably purring loudly.

Tara doesn't know whether to whimper, giggle or laugh as she watches the slayer, deciding to chuckle quietly at the purring, Tara watches as Buffy's tongue takes long strong strokes up her palm, over a finger before doing it all over again. Feeling the desire coil even more strongly within her body at the sight, Tara's body arches up, wanting to feel that tongue stroking over her like that. Throwing her arm over her eyes, to block out the sight, Tara whimpers loudly.

Buffy's eyes glance up curiously at the witch, before she notices the increased scent of arousal. Smiling in realization, Buffy continues to clean her hand, purring loudly. Grunting as she finishes the last, she eyes her mate. "Sure I can't slide down to clean up any left over juices?" Buffy questions, purring even louder as she leans down to lick over the witch's breast, wrapping her tongue around a quickly hardening nipple before sucking strongly.

"Buffy!" Tara calls out quietly, arching up into the slayer's mouth, threading her hands through Buffy's hair, holding her in place. Her body shaking with desire, Tara's eyes widen in realization as the orgasm works through her body in reaction to Buffy's sucking.

Pulling away from the witch's body, Buffy looks in surprise at Tara's arching body, inhaling deeply of the woman's climax, Buffy can't stop her hand from easing down to gather up as much of the liquid as she can. Savoring every drop, Buffy watches Tara intently, while cleaning her hand. If possible, purring even louder than before, the sound literally rumbling through her chest.

"Are you okay?" Buffy questions softly in between purrs. As Tara's eyes open and she nods her head, obviously still dazed, Buffy smiles. Easing up her lover's body, Buffy kisses her lips softly before leaning over to turn off the lamp, coming to rest beside Tara on the bed. "Come here." Buffy urges Tara to lay half over her, smiling softly.

Tara moans quietly, before rubbing her face repeatedly over Buffy's breast, while easing her lower body against Buffy's leg, throwing her own leg over the slayer's strong thighs. "I love you." Tara places a kiss on Buffy's breast, smiling as the nipple quickly hardens at the soft caress. "Was it…" Tara hesitates before continuing. "Did I do okay?"

Buffy reaches down, urging Tara's face to look up at her. As she makes eye contact with her lover, she smiles lovingly. "You did so much better than okay. And if that's what you did the first time, I have some very serious lovings in store for me." Buffy strokes a hand down Tara's face, watching as the beautiful smile crosses her face. "That was absolutely wonderful." Buffy closes her eyes at the shot of arousal that courses through her body thinking about the witch. "I never actually expected to feel anything that wonderful in my life." Buffy admits. "Just thinking about it, makes my body quiver again in desire. Is that what you want to know?" Buffy softly questions opening her eyes to look at her lover.

Tara nods her head, reaching down she grabs the covers pulling them up over her and Buffy's body, allowing the heavy feeling of sleep to work it's way through her body, smiling contentedly as the slayer's deep purring lulls her to sleep.

Leaning down, Buffy kisses the top of Tara's head. "I love you." Buffy murmurs to the sleeping witch, running her hand gently up and down Tara's back in a soothing gesture. "And you just wait. When you let me have my way with you, you won't be sleeping at all." Buffy smirks, closing her eyes. Buffy falls asleep with the purrs rumbling through her body.

Tara smiles softly as she watches Buffy sleep. Placing a gentle kiss on her lover's cheek, Tara shifts her body out of the bed.

"Shhh. Sleep, sweetie. I'm just going to paint. You rest." Tara murmurs quietly, stroking a hand over her lover's cheek, smiling as Buffy whimpers quietly in her sleep, shifting to her side. As the soft snores start up, Tara walks over to the dresser, quickly pulling on her underwear before sliding the paint splattered clothes on. Glancing once more at her lover, Tara smiles before easing out the bedroom door, gently shutting it behind her. Quickly taking care of her necessities, she quietly sneaks down the stairs, walking into the kitchen.

Joyce glances up, chuckling as Tara blushes as she walks into the kitchen. "I could ask if you had a good night, but…"

"Oh, Goddess!" Tara mutters, turning an even darker shade of red. "I'm g-going to paint." Tara hurries to the garage door, opening it and slipping out of the kitchen.

Joyce laughs quietly. Quickly making a second cup of coffee, she walks out to the garage, watching as Tara quickly opens the garage door. "Here." Joyce hands Tara the coffee. "So where is my daughter?"

"Sleeping." Tara murmurs into her coffee cup, still blushing. Kicking herself mentally for putting her hair back into a ponytail.

"Wore her out, huh?" Joyce smirks as the young woman blushes more. "I'm taking it the dry spell is over?"

Joyce raises an eyebrow looking at Tara. Watching her for a few minutes trying to decipher what Tara's not saying.

Tara glances up, seeing the confused look on the woman's face, she giggles. "Ummm, no sheets to hang from the window, just yet?" Tara ingeniously states, laughing quietly as the dawning comprehension comes across Joyce's face.

"And on that note, I think it's time for a subject change." Joyce laughs, watching as Tara sets her coffee cup down, gathering her paint supplies, mixing and preparing her paints on her palette. "Do you want some more coffee?"

Tara glances up shaking her head. "It'll just get cold. Once I start painting, I have a tendency to forget about drinking, eating or much of anything else." Tara quirks her lip.

Joyce glances down at her watch, sighing quietly. "I would love to stay here, watching you paint. But I need to head into work. I got a small shipment in Wednesday that I need to display today."

"No, thank you." Joyce smiles at the kind-hearted woman. "I just need to take my cup in, grab my things and head out. There's bagels in the kitchen, if you don't feel like cooking later." Joyce offers as she heads back into the house.

"Thank you, Joyce." Tara smiles after the woman before turning back to the painting, grasping a paint brush, quickly stroking across the canvas, becoming engrossed in her painting.

Buffy rubs her face against her pillow, smiling as she slowly regains consciousness. Reaching out with a hand, she pats around the bed. As it dawns on her that she's in bed alone, she pouts. Rolling over onto her back, she stretches, moaning quietly as she inhales. The lingering scent of sex, invading her senses. "Where are you?" Buffy questions the empty room, opening her senses, grinning hugely as she figures out from the sounds that Tara's obviously painting down in the garage.

Hopping out of the bed, Buffy yanks on her shirt and pants from the previous night, making a quick detour to the bathroom before flying down the stairs and out to the garage, skidding to a halt at the sight of Tara painting quickly, streaks of color on her cheek, forehead and chin.

Tara finishes painting the section she's on, before glancing up, making eye contact with Buffy. "Sleep well, sweetie?"

Buffy swallows hard as Tara's voice seems to wrap itself through her whole body. "Slept very well." Buffy admits, slowly walking towards Tara. "But my morning was a little…lacking?" Buffy smiles as she reaches Tara, leaning in to kiss her softly.

"Lacking, as in lacking a very sexy, voluptuous witch beside me." Buffy explains, reaching up to tuck a loose hair behind Tara's ear. "Good morning." Buffy murmurs before leaning back in for a deeper, longer kiss.

Tara groans quietly, wanting to wrap her arms around Buffy, the paint brush and palette keeping her from what she wants. Softly battling Buffy's tongue for a few short moments, Tara whimpers as Buffy pulls back, grinning.

"I'm going to get some coffee, do you want something?" Buffy offers, slowly backing towards the door separating the kitchen and garage.

"Please." Tara nods her head smiling. "Oh, wait a minute." Tara turns getting ready to set down her supplies, when Buffy quickly walks over, grasping her coffee cup. Glancing up, Tara smiles in thanks at her lover. "Thank you, sweetie."

"You're welcome." Buffy's eyes twinkle happily as she quickly walks back to the kitchen, pouring the coffee into two mugs, heating them up in the microwave before adding sugar and cream. Quietly walking back out the garage, she sets the coffee down a short distance from Tara before hopping up on the crate she had sat on the day before, silently watching Tara as she sips her coffee, surprised at how much her lover has already done this morning on the painting.

"What are you thinking?" Tara questions softly as she switches paint brushes, choosing a smaller, more delicate brush.

It takes a moment for Buffy to realize Tara asked her a question. "Actually, I'm not thinking too terribly much. Just enjoying the view." Buffy grins before a completely wicked smirks takes its place. "Of course, I was enjoying the fragrance even more." Buffy wiggles her eyebrows at Tara.

Tara rolls her eyes. "I didn't think there was much use in taking a shower when I would just need another one after painting." Taking a sip of her coffee, before turning back to the painting.

"Are you going to finish it this weekend?" Buffy looks from the painting to Tara.

"Most of it, probably." Tara admits, working on the shading. "I have the delicate shading to finish, along with small details."

"Yes, smarty." Tara chuckles. "What time is it?" Tara questions working on the cheekbones.

"It was around 10:00 when I came out here." Buffy admits looking down at her empty coffee cup.

"Let me finish this, then I'll get cleaned up." Tara smiles as she continues with her delicate brush strokes.

"Whatever you do. Your mom said something about having bagels." Tara's eyes slowly caress over Buffy's body. "You aren't wearing underwear again, are you?" Tara questions hoarsely as her eyes make contact with Buffy's eyes.

Buffy raises an eyebrow as a knowing grin crosses her face. "Want to come inside to find out?" Buffy eases open the door, standing in the doorway.

Tara's eyes darken with desire, as she silently contemplates the slayer. Dropping her paintbrush in the cleaning solution while grasping a rag to wipe off the excess paint on her palette, cleaning it quickly without even watching what she's doing, Tara sets it down. Slowly walking towards Buffy, a sly smile crosses her face.

Buffy's eyes widen as she watches Tara smile. As Tara invades her personal space, Buffy whimpers as a warm hand works it's way under her shirt, fingers walking up her stomach to softly stroke over her breast.

"No bra." Tara murmurs, urging Buffy back into the kitchen. Sliding her hand around the slayer's body, caressing firmly over her back, Tara presses her body strongly into Buffy's. Stroking downwards, Tara slides her hand under her lover's waist band, groaning as she runs her fingers over a warm, muscular butt cheek. Lightly digging her fingers into the slayer's flesh, Tara feels her desire flowing strongly through her body. "No panties." Tara takes a deep breath, getting control of her emotions, before slowly stepping back.

Buffy fights the urge to grab Tara, pulling her back into her body. "You're teasing again."

"Not teasing." Tara shakes her head. "Putting on hold for a little while." Tara smiles crookedly at the slayer. "Let me finish cleaning my supplies and shut the garage door. I'll be in, in a few minutes."

"Want help?" Buffy questions softly, watching Tara quickly walk towards her supplies.

"No, thank you. I have it under control." Tara smiles at Buffy before she glances down to properly clean her brushes and palette.

"We do." Buffy considers Tara for a few minutes before slowly walking towards the woman. Wrapping a hand gently in the blonde locks, Buffy kisses Tara, starting off with teasing nips on the full, pouty lips to strong flicks of her tongue over those full lips before taking advantage of the invitation of delving further, battling strongly with Tara's tongue, before having to break the kiss to breathe.

"Buffy!" Tara cries out as Buffy's other hand strokes strongly up her side, cupping her breast firmly. Panting heavily, Tara buries her head in Buffy's neck.

Easing her body in close to Tara's, Buffy wraps both arms around her waist. "Just so you know, I love you completely. I also want to make love to you. I won't push for this. I just seriously hope it won't be much longer, because I really, really want to love all of you."

Tara whimpers quietly, before nibbling on the skin by her mouth. "What if I were to say take me upstairs…" Tara starts to question, before yelling Buffy's name as she's scooped up in strong arms.

"Yes!!!" Buffy yells running into the house, carrying Tara tucked firmly against her.

"Don't you dare say no!" Buffy growls, quickly running up the stairs, heading towards the bedroom.

"No, not saying no. However, I need to get the paint off my body." Tara squeals as Buffy plops her down in the middle of the bed before quickly stripping her own clothes off.

"After. You'll just need another shower when I'm done with you." Buffy growls, her eyes glowing a bright orange as she climbs up on the bed, straddling the witch. Quickly reaching down, Buffy urges Tara up so she can pull her shirt off. Reaching around, Buffy quickly undoes Tara's bra, groaning deeply as the full breasts come into view.

"Goddess, Buffy!" Tara calls out, as Buffy leans down strongly sucking on her breast. Clasping Buffy's head in her hands, Tara pulls her in even tighter against her.

Nipping gently around the nipple, Buffy takes a moment to glance up into deep violet hued eyes. "I need a clear, concise answer to this question, okay?" As Tara nods her head, swallowing hard, Buffy smiles softly. "May I make love to you?"

As a huge grins crosses Buffy's face, she quickly captures the witch's lips in a passionate, loving kiss. "God, it seems like I've been waiting for this for forever." Buffy admits, starting to shake as she runs tender hands over Tara's face.

"You don't have to wait any longer." Tara whispers, stroking her hands over Buffy's strong back. "Make me yours, my slayer."

"Which part?" Tara questions quietly, running her hands around to the front of the slayer, cupping both breasts in her hands.

"Call me yours." Buffy reaches up, pushing Tara's hands more firmly into her breasts.

"You're my slayer." Tara watches the love cross Buffy's face. "Please, sweetie."

"Yes, I'm yours." Buffy shifts her body, gently easing the witch's pants and panties down her silky legs. "And I am SO going to make you mine." Buffy growls before shifting to balance her body over Tara's, letting it brush softly against her lover's.

Arching up, forcing more contact between their bodies, Tara reaches around Buffy, urging her to bring her body down against hers.

"You sure?" Buffy questions, watching as Tara nods her head in answer. Slowly pressing her body down into Tara's, Buffy moans as their bodies come into firmer contact.

Tara eases her legs apart, arching up into the slayer's body. "Buffy, make love to me."

"Your wish, is my command." Buffy whispers, kissing Tara lovingly, before placing firm, kisses down the witch's neck, spending a long moment sucking on her pulse point, smiling as the witch cries out in pleasure. Slowly working her way down Tara's body, she pushes her stomach into the witch's apex while alternating loving kisses to teasing nips all over Tara's breasts, her hands brushing against Tara's sides as she works her way down Tara's ribs and abdomen.

Tara arches up as Buffy flicks her tongue playfully around her belly button. Pushing her body against Buffy, Tara whimpers as she feels a hand easing over her lower abdomen.

Buffy bites her lip as she shifts further down Tara's body, her hand finally reaching Tara's apex, brushing softly over the neatly trimmed mound. "My turn." Buffy starts making contact with desire-filled violet eyes. "Am I allowed to try this?" Buffy questions softly, blowing a warm breath of air over her lover's flushed nether regions.

"You are so beautiful." Buffy murmurs, stroking a shaking hand down her lover's swollen lips. Leaning in, Buffy tentatively places kisses over Tara's mound, slowly working her way over the swollen lips. Smiling softly as Tara moans, her body squirming under her loving touches, Buffy slowly reaches up with both hands, separating Tara's lips before leaning in, her lips and tongue learning her lover's body, this most intimate area. Purring rumbling through her body, she starts with soft, short strokes over her lover.

"BUFFY!" Tara cries out as she feels a strong tongue stroke teasingly over her body.

Smiling, Buffy nuzzles in, finally narrowing in around her lover's clit, stroking softly around the swelling muscle, not coming into contact with it yet. Stroking back down with her tongue, she purrs louder as she feels Tara's leg hooking around her body, a heel burying itself in her lower back. Feeling her lover starting to shake with desire, Buffy gives up on teasing her. Slowly, yet strongly, Buffy strokes her tongue from the bottom of her lover's slit, delving quickly inside her lover as she traverses her way up to drag the length of her tongue over Tara's swollen clit before capturing it between her lips to suck softly, purring strongly into her lover's body.

Tara arches up, her eyes opening wide while she grasps Buffy's head, her body quivering, the pleasure coursing through her strongly, Tara whimpers at the strong purring sensation vibrating into her, as a tongue flicks once, twice… "BUFFFFFYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!" Tara screams loudly, shoving her body into Buffy's mouth as she climaxes.

Buffy's whole body rumbles in pleasure as Tara explodes. Quickly swallowing all the juices she can capture, Buffy laps at her lover, while she feels Tara's body shaking uncontrollably. Placing one more gentle kiss over the hard, quivering flesh, Buffy slides two of her fingers to her lover's entrance, as she eases her body up, placing gentle kisses along the way before she leans down, looking into her lover's dazed eyes. "I love you." Buffy whispers before kissing Tara softly, sliding her fingers gently into her. Stopping at the barrier inside her lover's body, Buffy breaks the kiss to lean her forehead against Tara's. "Don't want to hurt you." Buffy whimpers.

"Goddess, Buffy!" Tara pants out, shifting her body a short distance away from Buffy's hesitant fingers. Wrapping her arms strongly around her lover, Tara shifts her face so she can bite gently on Buffy's shoulder as she rocks her body strongly into Buffy's fingers.

Buffy whimpers as Tara forces herself onto her fingers. Feeling her lover's hymen give way, Buffy's body shakes in commiseration. Being careful not to move her fingers, Buffy presses her body gently into Tara's, keeping her from rocking so that her body can become used to this new intrusion.

Placing gentle kisses along Tara's cheek, Buffy waits for a few long moments, smiling as Tara's unconscious clenching from the pain, finally starts to ease. "Love you." Buffy murmurs into Tara's ear as she eases her fingers back a short distance before sliding gently back in. Sighing in relief, Buffy eases her fingers completely out of her lover. "I'll give you time to get over the soreness." Buffy whispers, running her hand up Tara's body, caressing her lover softly. Shifting her body to lay beside Tara's still slightly shaking body, Buffy places gentle kisses along her cheek before working her way down the pale column of her throat, sucking strongly on her mark. Finally breaking away, Buffy smiles into her lover's eyes.

"Let me run you a bath." Buffy quickly rolls off the bed running out of the room before Tara can say anything.

Shaking her head, while giggling quietly, Tara rolls on her side, watching for Buffy. As Buffy comes striding back in the room, Tara's eyelids droop to half mast as she looks at her lover. "Sweetie?" Tara sing songs Buffy's name, desire heavily lacing the tones.

Buffy's eyes light up at the look on Tara's face. Quickly striding to the side of the bed, Buffy drops to her knees, her head even with Tara's. "What thoughts are floating around that brilliant mind of yours?" Buffy questions hoarsely.

"Want you." Tara murmurs before leaning in, capturing Buffy's mouth in a strong battle for dominance.

Finally easing away from Tara's dominant kiss, Buffy growls deeply. "Want to stay in bed all day?" Buffy grins wickedly, before the grin slowly disappears from her face. "We can't." Buffy finally whispers, looking sadly at Tara. "Need to go by the Magic Box and visit Faith." Buffy admits, watching as the desire in Tara's eyes slowly disperses. Buffy smiles apologetically at the witch as she stands, gathering the witch up in her arms, Buffy nuzzles her face in her lover's neck, nipping playfully.

Tara giggles, wrapping her arms around Buffy's neck. "You know this is very, very strange."

"What is?" Buffy questions before licking strongly over Tara's neck as she carries the witch into the bathroom.

"You picking me up like I weigh nothing, carrying me around. Just looking at you, people would think you're a 98 pound weakling." Tara chuckles as she feels fingers pinching her butt gently.

"Sorry, but try a 105 pound weakling." Buffy grumbles good naturedly as she sets Tara on her feet. "Check the water, make sure I didn't make it too hot." Buffy smiles as she walks out to get towels and wash cloths.

Tara shakes her head, smiling at Buffy before groaning at the slight twinge of pain coming from between her legs. Sighing quietly, she trails her fingers through the water. "It's perfect, sweetie." Tara smiles as Buffy hands her a wash cloth.

"Then climb in. I'm going to go downstairs and close up the garage." Buffy rolls her eyes, before chuckling. "Should have probably done that before attacking you."

"I'm not complaining." Tara's eyes glint with humor. "As a matter of fact, you can do that to me anytime you want."

Buffy laughs watching as Tara slowly eases down into the hot water. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Take your time, sweetie." Tara groans quietly as she submerges her body in the hot water, reaching out to turn the water off. Watching as Buffy grins before leaving the bathroom. "I hope you're going to put some clothes on first!"

"Are you sure about this?" Buffy questions worriedly, watching as Tara finishes the cleansing spell.

The two women had quickly gotten cleaned up before walking to the Magic Box, gathering the items Tara needed before working their way to the hospital. Buffy explained Tara away as being a cousin of Faith's, having just found out what happened to the girl. Tara quietly explained to the nurses that her religious beliefs required quiet for the next 4-5 hours, as she prayed over Faith. Buffy had to bite her lip to keep from chuckling at the explanation that was, in a round about way, exactly the truth.

Tara glances over at Buffy, smiling gently. "It's okay, sweetie." Glancing back down at the dark-haired slayer, Tara sighs. "So much pain and anger inside her."

Buffy watches as Tara pulls a chair right up against the bed, biting her lip, she accepts the small braided cloth Tara prepared right before she did the cleansing spell. "I just need to catch the end on fire, then wave the smoke around you?"

"You don't even have to do it around me, just wave it in front of my face, when I inhale it, it'll trigger me to come back to my body." Tara explains softly. "Please remember, wait at least until 6:00 before doing it." Tara looks over at the clock, seeing it's already almost 2:00. "Give me all the time you can. That would only give me four hours, but I don't want to push it with the nurses."

"I'll make sure they leave you alone." Buffy tucks the cloth in her front pocket watching as Tara places a spare pillow on the chair before climbing on top of it, crossing her legs in a lotus position.

"Come here, sweetie." Tara looks at her nervous lover, smiling. Watching as Buffy walks towards her, she reaches up to grasp Buffy's jacket, pulling her down to kiss her firmly. "I love you." Tara smiles reassuringly at Buffy. "I'll be okay."

Buffy smiles back, before walking to the other side of the room, leaning against the wall by the door, watching as Tara reaches up, placing a soft hand on Faith's temple while placing the other over her stomach. Listening as Tara calmly starts chanting in some foreign tongue, Buffy crosses her arms over her chest, getting comfortable to wait for her lover.

As Tara works herself deeper, searching for a thread of Faith's essence, she wonders what could have happened in the woman's life to have caused her the amount of pain she sees flaring from the woman. Seeing a weak light, realizing this is what's left of Faith, Tara reaches for it.

Tara projects her body within Faith, hoping the woman 'seeing' another person might be better for her than just the invasive light that is her essence. Tara takes a mental deep breath, while gently caressing over the dark slayer's essence, sending her calming influence and strength into the fading woman. "Faith, please. If you realize I'm here, I want you to know I'm here to help you. Concentrate on me, let my strength help you. When you feel stronger, if you can imagine yourself here in front of me, I would like to…talk to you, for lack of better words." Tara smiles softly, reaching deep within herself, tapping the deep store of energy that she has only tapped twice before in her life. Sending her strength and healing energy into the light, Tara sends a thin, but steady stream into Faith. Being careful not to overload the woman, Tara waits patiently.

Faith's psyche feels the intruder within her. Feeling the strength and calmness, Faith frowns, not knowing what to think of what the person is doing. Cautiously flowing towards the bright light, that's trying to strengthen her, She tilts her head as she 'hears' the woman stating she wants to help her. Feeling only goodness and caring coming from the source, Faith calls out. "Why?" While trying to do as the woman said, trying to picture herself in front of the woman.

Tara sighs in relief as she feels Faith reaching for her, calling to her. "Why do I want to talk with you?"

"Yeah. And why would you wanna help me?" Faith gradually follows the strong light, growing closer.

"Because there are people that care about you. That want to help you, whether you believe it or not. I'm hoping to earn your friendship and possibly trust." Tara calls softly, watching as Faith's essence slowly strengthens.

Faith feels the urge to fight and argue against what the woman's saying, but another part of her, her heart, is telling her the woman is wanting to help her. "Why should I believe ya'?"

"You shouldn't." Tara admits quietly, surprised as Faith materializes in front of her. "You don't know me, you don't know who or what I am. I would suggest you wait and see if I'm someone you can trust."

Faith narrows her gaze on the woman in front of her, tilting her head, she considers the woman. "There's something about you that almost seems familiar."

Tara nods her head in realization that Faith is a lot smarter and more observant than what Buffy had explained. Not to fault her lover, Tara has a feeling Faith prefers people to believe that. "I'm only here for a short period of time. What you feel, that's familiar, is probably Buffy's mark." Tara explains softly, watching Faith for a reaction.

Faith backs away from the woman, snarling her nose in disgust. "Buffy? What do you mean, her mark?"

Tara wonders how to explain it, before just blurting it out. "I'm just going to say it. If you can't get past this, I won't ever be able to help you. I'm Buffy's mate. Buffy and her slayer half both decided they love me. If you tap into the slayer portion of you, you'll know I speak the truth." Tara explains softly. "She's the reason I'm here, Faith."

Faith turns her back on the woman, shaking uncontrollably at the thought of Buffy. "What, she sent you here to finish me off?" Faith clenches her hands in anger.

"No." Tara sends her calming influence to the angry slayer. "She wants you to get well, Faith."

"Yeah, so she can send me to jail, or let the fuckin' council finish the job." Faith snarls.

Tara feels a deep sadness well up inside her, at the dark slayer's words. "No, Faith. That isn't it. She wants you well, she wants to give you a second chance at life. You two really need to talk." Tara admits. "It isn't something that I can make right, or really explain. I can tell you that she feels guilty for the way she treated you, and wishes she could do everything over."

Faith hears the truth in the woman's words. "Who are you?" Faith turns to look at Tara, deciding to think about Buffy later.

"I'm sorry." Tara smiles apologetically at Faith. "My names Tara, Tara Maclay." Concentrating, Tara makes herself more solid within Faith's psyche, gently reaching out with her hand. "If you concentrate, you can almost take flesh." Tara offers quietly watching Faith, while still holding her hand out expectantly.

Faith looks from the warm blue eyes down to the hand stretched towards her. Clenching her jaw, not knowing what to do, Faith shakes her head. "No. I don't think so." Faith steps back away from the offered touch.

Faith watches the sad, hurt expression cross the woman's face before the look disappears. "Why are YOU here to help me?"

"Because I'm the only one that can do this, plus I know the deep heartache Buffy has in regards to you." Tara explains. "Faith, I don't know what's happened to you in the past, but you need a friend." Tara closes her eyes, thinking heavily before whispering. "In a way, I see a kindred spirit in you, Faith." Tara admits opening her eyes to look in the dark angry eyes of the dark slayer. "I see a spirit that was abused. My father and brother beat me for as long as I can remember. I've had multiple broken bones, been put in the hospital, even misjudged a broken beer bottle and got my ribs cut and punctured by it." Tara doesn't explain that it had punctured her lung.

Faith listens as Tara calmly explains about her past, unconsciously flinching when she mentions the beer bottle. "Yeah, well, shit happens." Faith mutters.

Tara nods her head, not smiling as she sees the slight softening of the slayer's angry essence. "Yes it does." Tara admits. "But, if you're willing, I would like to visit with you again."

"Yes, Faith. I do." Tara keeps eye contact with the dark slayer. "And if you want, I would be willing to talk with you about anything you want. I never had a friend before, and given the chance I think you would make a wonderful friend." Tara softly whispers.

"Would you like me to come and visit you again?" Tara questions quietly. "It will be hard for me to come here during the week because of school, but I can come on the weekends."

Faith's arms drop down in surprise. "You would spend your weekends coming to see me?"

"Yes." Tara doesn't push, realizing that things are going good and not wanting to chance screwing things up.

Faith glances around. Finally making contact with the calm blue eyes watching her, she shrugs. "Do what you want. Can't stop you no-how."

"I'll be back tomorrow." Tara watches as Faith slowly starts to fade as she stops concentrating on making herself be a form.

"Tomorrow." Faith let's a small grin come across her face, before heading back to her center.

Gently easing off on the flow of energy she has continuously been sending into Faith, Tara finally turns it off before releasing her grip on the slayer's essence, watching as it pulses and is a lot stronger than it was before. Starting the chant to send her back to herself, Tara allows a smile to cross her face as she fades away.

Buffy unconsciously chews on the side of her thumb nail as she stands there watching her lover and Faith intently. Looking towards the door as she catches a movement out of the corner of her eye, she smiles, waving Xander in.

"Good, I guess." Buffy shrugs her shoulders as she jams her hands in her jeans pockets. Looking up at the clock in the room, Buffy sighs. "She's been there for three hours."

Xander nods his head looking from Faith to Tara and back again, before tilting his head. "Buffy?" Xander questions a worried note in his voice.

Buffy unconsciously stiffens at the note in Xander's voice. "What?" She hisses, pulling the cloth from her pocket.

"Is that a smile on Faith's face?" Xander glances towards Buffy, surprise evident in his look.

Buffy swallows as she looks towards Faith, seeing the small quirk of the slayer's lips. Glancing up to the feedback on Faith's monitor, she notices more activity than normal. Quickly striding over to the machine, she picks up the tape looking back over the readings, noticing that it had picked up. Turning to look back towards Faith, Buffy comes to stand beside Tara, looking at Faith.

"I think it is." Buffy admits, smiling up at Xander. Turning back to look at Tara, she sighs in relief as she sees her lover's fingers twitch before Tara slowly opens her eyes. "Everything okay?" Buffy questions quietly, grinning hugely as she sees her lover's blue eyes looking towards her with love shining in their depths.

"I'm fine." Tara stretches her body, moaning as the muscles that haven't been shifted for over three hours groan in protest. Easing her legs down onto the floor, she stands, hugging the slayer to her tightly. "I got a start. She hasn't really opened up to me yet, but given time…" Tara trails off smiling as she notices Xander. "Hi, Xander!"

"She didn't try to hurt you, obviously, so that's a good thing." Buffy keeps Tara against her, burying her face in the witch's neck. "I love you."

"I love you too, sweetie." Tara closes her eyes, breathing a huge sigh of relief. "I did tell her I'd come to visit her on the weekends, if she was okay with it."

"She basically told me she couldn't stop me." Tara smirks to herself, running her hands up and down Buffy's back. "It's going to take time. Hopefully she'll come to trust me the more I come to visit."

Buffy nods her head in agreement, before gently pulling back a short distance to look at her lover. "This is going to cut into our weekend lovings, isn't it?" Buffy jokes, her lip quirking up. "I guess I can't complain if it helps her." Buffy admits turning to look at Faith. "She smiled right before you came back."

Tara turns to look at Faith, seeing the slight difference in her facial expression. Smiling softly, Tara sends her senses out, reading Faith's aura, noticing just the slightest bit of calmness working through it. Feeling a little better seeing that, she wraps her arms around Buffy's waist, pressing into the slayer's strong back while hooking her chin over her lover's shoulder.

"Xander, can you maybe talk to her, or hold her hand? Whatever it is that you usually do when you come here?" Tara questions the young man softly.

Xander looks down embarrassed, before nodding. "You aren't allowed to make fun of me." He mutters glancing back up at Buffy and Tara. "Okay?"

"I guess I won't either." Buffy sighs exaggeratedly before smiling softly at Xander.

Xander eases down, resting his hip beside the slayer on the bed, grasping one hand in his larger hand, stroking his thumb gently over the slayer's hand. Reaching up with his other hand, he strokes through the dark brown locks of the slayer.

Tara watches the young man curiously for a few moments, before glancing back towards Faith, watching her aura. Noticing as Xander starts talking, the conflicting colors almost literally battling against each other. Seeing that part of Faith cares for the young man, while another part, the angry, hating part, battles against the caring section, trying to beat it back. Realizing this is Faith in a nutshell, Tara sighs quietly.

"What do you see?" Buffy whispers, tilting her head back so she whispers in her lover's ear.

"About what I expected." Tara admits. "Faith is literally fighting against herself. Part of her cares, while the other part is angry and hateful."

Buffy accepts the witch's words, while leaning her body against her lover's more firmly, purring quietly as she relaxes into her lover's arms.

"Do you want to stay, Xander?" Tara questions softly as the young man stops speaking, just calmly stroking the slayer's hair.

"Yeah, for a little while." Xander doesn't glance towards Tara or Buffy, but continues to softly caress the slayer's hair, while clasping her hand gently in his other hand.

Tara slowly releases the slayer, before turning to leave Xander and Faith alone, stumbling briefly.

"Whoa!" Buffy calls out, grasping Tara. "What's wrong?" Buffy questions holding Tara to her.

"Sorry, just dug a little deeper into my stores of energy to help Faith, than I realized." Tara smiles at Buffy. "It just kind of tired me out." Tara admits, stroking a hand over Buffy's cheek as she sees the worried look in her lover's eyes. "I'm okay. Nothing a good meal, a nap and a little meditation won't cure."

"If you're sure." Buffy searches Tara's eyes, finally relaxing as she watches Tara nod her head smiling gently at her.

"That's all it is, sweetie. Kind of like doing an all-night cram session for a test." Tara chuckles at her lover. "Take me home, and put me to bed." Tara wiggles her eyebrows grinning at Buffy.

"Will you two please go?" Xander whimpers before turning to look back at Faith. "Faith, come back to me, you hear what I have to put up with? I could use your sarcastic remarks to take my mind off those two!"

"Shhh." Tara places a gentle finger over Buffy's lips, watching Faith's aura curiously as the caring comes through stronger, beating back the anger and pain. "Yes, Faith. You need to come and help keep Xander from getting quite so many bruised shins. Of course, the poor guy can't help it. We're always making comments that gets him in trouble." Tara chuckles watching a little of the hate and anger recede from the slayer's aura. Nodding her head, she grins at Xander. "She knows about us, Xander. Her slayer half felt Buffy's mark."

Buffy stiffens before turning her gaze on her lover. "Felt my mark? How could she feel it? I mean, yeah you got the spot on your neck, but…?"

Tara smiles softly at Buffy. "Sweetie, you marked my soul with your love. We're a part of each other, no matter how you look at it."

"Not really." Tara shakes her head. "While I was in there, she made the comment that there was something about me that seemed familiar. I took a chance and told her the truth." As Buffy growls deeply, a hint of anger coming into her eyes, Tara looks deeply into her lover's eyes. "Nothing happened, sweetie. She's angry at the world in general and you guys, I'm sure for differing reasons. She isn't angry at me in particular. She didn't lash out at me in any way. She needs a friend, and she saw the truth in my eyes."

"You're going to continue to do things to tick me off, aren't you?" Buffy grumbles loudly, looking into her lover's blue eyes.

"Probably." Tara admits. Sighing quietly, Tara glances from her lover towards Faith, unaware she still had her senses open to the dark slayer. Frowning at the strong sense of worry coming from the woman, Tara grasps Buffy arm gently. "Wait before you say anything else." Tara softly murmurs into Buffy's ear, before walking towards Faith.

Leaning against the bed, Tara reaches out to stroke a finger over Faith's forehead, easing the small frown creasing it. "It's okay, Faith. She can't help but worry for me. She loves me. She isn't really angry at me per se, but at what she perceives as my possibly being hurt."

Buffy watches Tara before glancing at Faith, noticing for the first time the tense look to Faith's features, watching as they slowly relax at Tara's words and her soft caresses. Taking a chance, Buffy eases up beside Tara, wrapping her arm around her waist. "I will never hurt her, Faith. Yes, we'll argue and probably get angry with one another. But we'll talk about it until we come to an understanding." Buffy smiles as she feels the encouraging squeeze from Tara's arm. "That's what friends and loved ones do, talk about things. Given time, we all can forgive anything, especially if we're willing to change. I hope you give me a chance to put right some of the wrongs I've done. We'll come back and visit you again tomorrow." Buffy smiles softly.

Tara hugs Buffy to her side tightly. "Faith, take her words to heart. You have a place here, if you wish it. You have a lot of people that care for you and want you to get well. I know you have a lot to think over, so we're going to leave. I'll…see you tomorrow." Tara smiles at the wording.

"Bye, Faith." Buffy whispers, allowing Tara to urge her slowly out of the hospital room.

"Yeah. I'll be there for dinner. I guess this means no Bronze tonight, huh?" Xander grins at the two women.

"No. I need to get Tara home, take care of my love." Buffy admits, glancing worriedly at Tara. "We haven't had much to eat today, and she definitely needs her strength. I don't want her to pass out on me."

"Go." Xander smiles at the two women. "I'll see you Sunday." Xander watches as the two women smile before walking away. Turning back to Faith, Xander chuckles. "Those two are definitely a trip, Faith. You really do need to come back to us and see those two together. What Buffy said was true. We've all done bad things, hurt each other, but we eventually forgive each other and go on. Please come back to us. I'm sure there are a ton of stories you haven't told us. I still think about the one you told us where you were naked and fought the vampires that were attacking the church bus? I still crack up laughing when I think about it. So, please Faith. Please come back and be a friend to us. I think Tara can really use one. From what I've gathered she never had anyone except her mother growing up." Xander sighs, watching the woman. "Friends are hard to come by."

"Sit down." Buffy eases Tara down on the chair, before walking to the bank of telephones. Buffy digs in her pocket for change, shaking her head at her lover. "Damn pain in the ass doesn't have the strength to walk home and she was going to try." Buffy punches the buttons firmly. Waiting for the phone to be picked up, Buffy turns around to watch Tara.

Tara frowns, watching Buffy. Whispering, knowing Buffy will hear her. "I'm fine. I could have made it home." As Buffy narrows her gaze on her, Tara sighs and rolls her eyes. "Pain." Tara mutters.

"Mom, are you about done for the night?" Buffy questions as her mom picks up the phone.

"I was just getting ready to close up, why? Did everything go okay? Is Tara okay?" Joyce questions worriedly.

"Everything went fine. Tara's just very tired and doesn't really have the strength to walk home. It doesn't help that all she's had is a bagel to eat today." Buffy admits quietly. "If you could come by the hospital when you're done closing down, I'd appreciate it." Buffy smiles softly as she watches Tara lean her head back, closing her eyes.

"Thanks, mom." Buffy hangs up the phone before walking around the corner shoving more change into the soda machine. Walking back to Tara, she kneels in front of the witch, opening the soda. "Here, you can probably use the sugar." Buffy offers quietly.

Tara quirks her lip as she accepts the soda. Reaching out with an unsteady hand, she runs her fingers over Buffy's cheek. "I'm really okay, sweetie. I just used a lot more of my power than I was planning on. I kind of projected myself inside Faith, then sent a lot of healing and calming energy into her while I was there. I need to make sure I eat good and do a couple meditations myself before I do it again. I just wasn't prepared to expend that much power."

Buffy urges Tara to drink the soda. "So if you prepare, it won't be such a drain?" Buffy questions, stroking a hand over Tara's thigh.

"No, it won't. It basically needs a dusting off and some usage." Tara smiles in between sips of the soda, feeling the sugar hit her system.

Buffy sighs in relief, leaning her head to rest against Tara's knee. "Good. If that's all it is, I won't argue about you doing this again. I really wasn't looking forward to the bitch session we were going to have if I had to explain to you that you couldn't help her."

Tara chuckles quietly, running her hand through Buffy's hair. "We would have had to do it somewhere other than your house. I'm afraid you mom might freak if we get into another argument this quickly."

Buffy laughs, rubbing her face against Tara's leg, as she unconsciously moves her body in closer to Tara. Wrapping her arms around Tara's lower legs, Buffy whimpers quietly. "I love you."

"I love you, too, sweetie." Tara smiles as she feels, more than hears, Buffy start purring. Finishing her soda, Tara sets it down on the table to stroke both her hands down Buffy's back.

Joyce rolls her eyes as she comes in the hospital. "You two do realize you're in a public place, right?"

Tara blushes before laughing quietly as Buffy just snuggles in closer. "Well, if we make anybody sick, they're in the right place." Tara jokes looking up at Joyce.

"Won't make them sick. Turn them on, I can see." Buffy mutters. "But not make them sick."

Tara rolls her eyes before tapping Buffy on the shoulder. "Come on, sweetie. I need to get some food in me."

Buffy quickly shifts back before helping Tara up, keeping a strong arm around Tara's waist.

Joyce shakes her head. "That didn't take much. God forbid you actually get hurt or sick."

"Not allowed." Buffy grumbles, keeping Tara tight against her as she walks her out to the Jeep.

"I can get in the Jeep by myself." Tara smacks Buffy's hands as she starts to pick her up to put her in the front seat.

"I wanna help." Buffy pouts, trying not to grin as she shifts her hands around, trying to grasp Tara's waist to help her into the Jeep.

Tara keeps swinging at Buffy's hands, starting to giggle. "Behave, or no more smoochies for you!"

Buffy's hands stop, and she looks up into Tara's twinkling blue eyes. "You wouldn't?" Pouting, Buffy moans as Tara leans in kissing her firmly.

"What's for dinner?" Buffy questions, reaching up to stroke a hand through Tara's hair.

"A couple buckets of chicken." Joyce answers as she pulls into the fast food restaurant. "Potatoes and rolls?" Joyce offers looking from Tara to Buffy.

Buffy watches as her mom walks into the restaurant before easing her upper body between the two seats, looking into Tara's laughing blue eyes. "Want a kiss." Buffy wiggles her eyebrows at Tara while puckering her lips.

"You need help." Tara shakes her head at her lover, smiling before closing the short distance, kissing her. Groaning as Buffy's tongue eagerly seeks entrance, Tara eases her mouth open, battling softly with Buffy's searching tongue.

Buffy shifts herself in as close as she can against Tara from the angle she's in. Running a hand up Tara's side, she gently runs her fingertips over the soft swell of Tara's breast as she sucks Tara's tongue in her mouth.

Whimpering as Buffy releases her tongue, Tara tilts her head back against the seat, reaching up to press Buffy's hand firmly against her breast. "Sweetie." Tara murmurs.

"I know." Buffy grumps before nipping playfully at Tara's neck as she pulls away from the witch. "I'll behave." Buffy moves, sitting in the back seat, wrapping her arms around her chest to keep from reaching for Tara.

"Do you think your mom is going to need help carrying the food out?" Tara shifts to look at Buffy, laughing quietly at the puppy dog eyes looking back at her. "I can help her." Tara offers shifting her body to open the door.

"NO!" Buffy almost yells, reaching out to stop Tara. "I'll help her." Buffy shakes her head. "You need to rest." Buffy quickly opens the door, jogging over to the restaurant doors, glancing back as she hears Tara laughing. "Yeah, yeah. You think it's funny. Just wait, I'll get mine." Buffy mutters to herself, before smirking.

"Want to take a nap on the couch, or in bed?" Buffy questions as she tears a hunk of meat from her piece of chicken breast, munching on it while watching Tara nibble on her wing.

"I'll go up to your room. That way if you guys want to watch television, I won't be in the way." Tara smiles softly at Joyce before scooping up some mashed potatoes with gravy.

"You wouldn't be in the way." Joyce smirks towards her daughter. "Buffy'll probably insist on curling up with you, anyway. Not sleeping, you understand…"

"MOM!" Buffy yells, blushing deeply. "You're not supposed to talk about your daughter like that." Buffy grabs a roll, tearing a piece off before shoving it in her mouth.

Tara bites her lip before sliding her eyes towards Joyce, grinning. "You're probably right, Joyce. Not much sleeping would probably get done if she decides to lay me…I mean lay down with me." Tara hesitates just long enough, for both women to know she meant what she said, that it wasn't a mistake, before giggling as her lover's mouth drops open.

Joyce laughs appreciatively before turning wide eyes on Tara. "Sheets?" Joyce questions. As Tara blushes, and nods her head briefly, Joyce looks up beseechingly at the heavens. "God, please help me. I'll need you to make sure I get a few hours sleep each night!!"

Buffy whimpers, burying her face down on the table, her face hot enough to start a fire.

Tara laughs quietly, watching Buffy. "Don't worry, Joyce. I'm sure we'll spend the week in my dorm room." Tara jumps up and runs upstairs as Buffy looks at her with an extremely wicked look in her eyes.

Joyce watches Tara's quick escape before turning her gaze on her daughter, laughing quietly at the calculating look on her face. "Payback?"

"You'll get yours, too." Buffy admits, narrowing her gaze on her mother. "You started this whole conversation, you know." Buffy reaches down grabbing her chicken breast, taking a bite out of it, thinking about possible paybacks.

Buffy sighs looking at her lover's plate. "She doesn't eat enough." Buffy quickly places another piece of chicken on the plate along with a roll and some more vegetables. "I'll be back down in a little while." Buffy stands, clasping the plate in her hand while reaching for Tara's glass, quickly walking up the stairs.

Joyce watches as Buffy quickly leaves. "It's definitely going to be interesting around here." Joyce whispers to the empty room, sighing. "I'm going to have to find something to do on the weekends, or those two are going to drive me crazy." Joyce shakes her head before going back to finish eating her dinner.

Buffy stands in the doorway watching as Tara slides between the covers as she climbs in the bed. "I would prefer you eat a little more before sleeping." Buffy quietly states walking into the room, sitting beside Tara on the bed.

"You didn't eat enough." Buffy looks down at the plate and glass before setting them on the nightstand. Turning back, she runs a hand down Tara's cheek, smiling as Tara sighs quietly, pressing her cheek into the caress.

"I'm more tired than hungry right now." Tara admits looking into Buffy's worried gaze. "I didn't sleep a lot last night, then the power expenditure kind of wore me out." Tara watches Buffy for a few long moments. "Sweetie?" Tara questions.

"I sleep better when I have my purring slayer here with me." Tara smiles as Buffy's eyes light up.

"Then you'll have her." Buffy stands up walking over to the door, gently closing it before turning around, stripping her clothes off before climbing in bed beside Tara. "Not fair, you have clothes on." Buffy points out as she wraps Tara up in her arms, burying her face in the witch's hair, curving her body into Tara's back. Inhaling the witch's scent, Buffy shifts the hair out of the way so she can place soft kisses on the back of Tara's neck.

Tara smiles softly, before giggling as Buffy's fingers play gently over her stomach. Placing one hand behind her, on Buffy's thigh, Tara caresses the strong leg. "Want my purrs, let me shift around."

"Please?" Tara softly begs, smiling as Buffy releases her. Shifting around to face the slayer, Tara grins. Kissing her quickly, Tara shifts her body down, resting her head on Buffy's breast while throwing her leg over Buffy's thighs. Stroking her hand over Buffy's stomach, Tara sighs deeply, closing her eyes as the rumbles start working their way through Buffy's body. "Love you." Tara murmurs, gently digging her fingertips into Buffy's stomach, making the slayer purr louder, before slowly falling asleep.

"Love you, too." Buffy murmurs, wrapping her arms loosely around Tara, stroking her fingers softly over the witch. "Would still like skin." Buffy grumbles in between purrs, before smiling, relaxing deeper into the bed.

"Ma'am! There has been no NHT activity this week." Finn stands at attention, wincing internally as he prepares to be blasted.

"Ma'am, there has been no hostiles anywhere in Sunnydale. It's…It's like they either all left town or were killed." Riley waits to see what else his superior has to say.

"I suggest you find out exactly what has happened to them!" Walsh snarls her nose at the soldier. "We are nowhere near being finished with the testing." Walsh turns back to her computer screen, punching new information into the program she's running. "Dismissed."

Riley snaps off a text-book salute before spinning on his heel, heading to the elevator. Clenching his jaw in anger, he punches the button waiting for the elevator to open, before striding out, walking towards his room. Slamming into his room, he strips yanking on sweatpants and a tank top. Working his way down to the workout room, he attacks the heavy weight bag, working out his pent-up frustrations.

Giles taps his pen on the desk as he waits for Jeffries to come back to the phone. Sighing as he hears the man pick up.

"I'm sorry, Rupert old chap. That's the only information I have here in my diaries. Why are you so interested in that particular slayer?" Jeffries questions as he flips through the Watcher's diaries again.

"Just call me curious. You would think there was more information on this particular slayer than what is in the books." Giles hedges around the truth, not wanting to give anything away. "I was re-reading the books, and was curious, is all it is."

"Well, I must say, you've peaked my interest also. I might have a couple people that are at the Council look into this a bit, shall I?" Jeffries offers closing the book.

"Yes, if you want." Giles tries not to sound to eager. "Just be sure you don't mention my name. That'll close the doors quicker than anything." Giles chuckles quietly.

"Yeah, well, Travers, that bloody ponce, needs his ass kicked." Jeffries shakes his head. "I never agreed with what he did to you."

Giles smiles at the note of anger in Jeffries voice. "Thanks, Jeffries. If you happen to find out anything, I would appreciate you giving me a ring."

"As soon as I have any information, consider it yours." Jeffries chuckles. "How's your slayer doing?"

"She's doing quite well, actually." Giles smirks, thinking about Buffy and Tara. "I just spent Thanksgiving with her and her mother."

Jeffries chuckles at the note in Giles' voice. "Still got a thing for your charge's mother?"

Giles blushes deeply, thankful that Jeffries can't see him. "Of course not! We were under a spell, nothing to be done about it." Giles swallow's as he feels the surge of feelings whenever thoughts of the 'Band Candy Incident' cross his mind. Shaking his head, he tries to get his mind off thoughts of Joyce.

"Riiight!" Jeffries drawls out, laughing. "Keep telling yourself that, old man. Maybe eventually you'll believe it. Well, it was great to hear from you again. Don't be such a stranger."

"I won't. Thanks again Jeffries." Giles smiles as he hangs up the phone, before tapping his chin, thinking heavily.

"Why is there basically no information in any of the Watcher's books?" Giles questions out loud, to the empty room. "The longest lived slayer ever, and they give basic information, don't really explain how her mate died, don't mention the strength and power that she has, or the total integration of the slayer with the woman." Giles frowns hard, trying to figure out what the Council is hiding.

Buffy chuckles quietly as she hears her mom knock so quietly on the door, she wouldn't have heard it normally, even with regular slayer hearing. Her enhanced hearing was all that let her hear it. Making sure the sheets cover her, she calls out just loud enough for her mom to hear her. "Come in, mom."

Joyce eases open the door, poking her head in. "I don't really want to come in, I was just checking to make sure she's okay." Joyce's lip quirks up in a smile at the sight of Tara snuggled up, asleep almost on top of Buffy, while her daughter's just calmly stroking her hand down the woman's back.

"She's asleep." Buffy glances down at Tara, smiling softly. "Obviously." Buffy glances back up, rolling her eyes. "I didn't get her to eat any more, but when she wakes up, I'll insist she eats again." Buffy's gaze moves to the plate of food before glancing back at her mom. Feeling Tara's fingers flex and stroke over her stomach, purrs rumble deeply through her body. Looking at her mother, she smiles apologetically. "I can't seem to help it."

Joyce chuckles quietly. "Doesn't bother me. I'll take these downstairs." Joyce walks on in the room, gathering the dishes. Turning to glance at Buffy, she questions her softly. "Do you two need anything?"

"Nah, I think we're good. We'll eat whenever sleepy-head here wakes up." Buffy murmurs, running a hand through the witch's soft hair, smiling as Tara buries her face even harder into her breast. "Thanks, mom."

"You're welcome." Joyce smiles as she quietly leaves the room, shutting the door gently behind her. Working her way down the stairs, Joyce laughs quietly. "Maybe Rupert will let me spend some time over at his place on the weekends. I'll have to think of an excuse…" Joyce grins wickedly as she throws away the food, placing the dirty dishes in the sink for later.

Buffy smiles as she feels Tara waking up. As Tara rubs her face gently against her breast before placing a kiss on the hardening nipple, Buffy groans quietly. When Tara starts to suck on the nipple, Buffy whimpers, gently pushing the witch away.

"You need food." Buffy explains as she runs a gentle finger down Tara's cheek. "You need to meditate and then we'll curl up on the couch, watch some television then come back upstairs so you can get a good nights rest."

Tara wakes up completely, frowning. "I didn't hear anything in there about snuggles." Tara narrows her gaze on her lover.

"Hugs, some kisses, but that's going to be it." Buffy runs a hand through the witch's soft hair, smiling. "I want to make sure you're strong for tomorrow. Because if you get wore out like that again, I'm going to put my foot down." Buffy turns her serious gaze on Tara. "Plus, I kinda thought tomorrow, if you were up for it, after dinner we could head to your dorm room of love and break it in properly." Buffy wiggles her eyebrows, grinning.

"I wonder how thick the walls are." Tara's eyes glint with mischief. Shifting up, Tara leans in to kiss Buffy firmly. Running her hand from Buffy's stomach up to cup a firm breast, Tara grins down at Buffy. "Snuggles?" Tara questions hopefully, running a thumb over the hardening nipple.

Buffy growls capturing the hand teasing her breast. "Stop that!" Buffy grumbles, her eyes glowing. "Did you wake up horny? And I really, really can't believe I'm telling you to stop!" Buffy shakes her head in disbelief. "I'm serious, baby. I want you to eat and rest properly, okay?"

"Eat, meditate, television and sleep!" Buffy narrows her gaze on Tara, before laughing quietly. "Come on, let's get you fed."

Tara shifts and flops down on her back. "I can't believe you're turning down lovings!"

"Me, either." Buffy admits, shifting up and over Tara, leaning down and kissing her quickly before flipping off the bed. Gathering Tara's clothes, she places them beside the witch, before pulling her own clothes on.

Tara sighs before slowly getting dressed. Sitting back down on the bed, she watches Buffy as she finishes dressing. "I love you." Tara whispers as Buffy finishes.

Buffy looks towards Tara, grinning hugely. "I love you, too. But that doesn't mean I've changed my mind."

"Meanie." Tara grumbles standing up. Closing the distance between them, Tara wraps her arms around Buffy's waist. "I'm not going anywhere until I get a toe-curling kiss from you!"

"Hope I don't disappoint." Buffy murmurs before capturing Tara's lips with hers, running her hands up to clasp Tara's cheeks between her hands. Kissing her lover passionately, Buffy starts off slowly running a tongue tantalizing over the witch's pouty lips before gaining entrance, flicking her tongue against Tara's before curling her tongue up, tickling it over the roof of her lover's mouth. Shifting her body in tight against Tara's, Buffy wraps her tongue repeatedly over Tara's, before enticing it to come play in her mouth, capturing the eager muscle, Buffy sucks firmly. Hearing Tara groan into the kiss, Buffy releases the muscle but nips it lightly as it slowly leaves her mouth. Finally having to pull away to breathe, Buffy makes eye contact with Tara, seeing the dark eyes gazing back at her. "Toe curls?" Buffy pants.

Tara nods her head, her eyes dropping back down to Buffy's lips. Leaving one hand around Buffy's waist, she shifts her other hand up, clasping Buffy behind the head as she dives in for another heated kiss. Battling strongly against her lover's tongue, Tara groans deeply before running her hand from Buffy's waist down to cup a firm cheek, digging her fingers in gently, smiling into the kiss as Buffy whimpers. Finally releasing the slayer, placing firm kisses along her jaw line, Tara rests her head against the slayer's strong shoulder.

"You realize you have turned a shy, innocent, stuttering witch into an extremely sexually charged, horny witch?" Tara questions, trying not to laugh. "I planned on living my life out with maybe a cat or dog for company. Teaching children and, I guess, dying a spinster witch."

"Does spinster mean virgin? Because you definitely can't say you're that!" Buffy jokes. "And I so look forward to continuing the education of a certain witch. She's already shown me more than I thought possible." Becoming serious, Buffy runs a hand down Tara's back. "I want to spend the rest of my life taking care of you, loving you, and just being with you."

"Goddess, I want that, too." Tara murmurs, wrapping her arms around Buffy, hugging her tightly.

"Of course, there's going to be arguments and fights in there, also." Buffy sighs, knowing that Tara was too strong willed and stubborn for them not to butt heads.

"Probably." Tara admits, grinning as she places a soft kiss on the strong neck. "But I bet there'll be some terrific make up lovings to go along with those arguments and fights."

"As long as the loving lasts longer than the fights, I guess I won't complain too much." Buffy giggles as Tara nips playfully along her neck. "Need to get some food in you, before you decide I'll make a better dinner."

"Oh, I know you would make a better dinner." Tara mutters between nips. "But you would make an absolutely scrumptious dessert."

Buffy moans quietly as she hears the desire in Tara's voice. "Food, please?" Buffy whimpers quietly. "Obviously you're feeling better, but I want your strength to be at full capacity, okay?"

Tara finally nods her head, before frowning. Backing away she looks at Buffy for a moment. "You didn't finish eating dinner before you came up here, did you?" Tara questions, her eyes narrowed.

"I ate enough." Buffy shrugs her shoulders looking at Tara. "Come on, let's get some food in you."

"Yeah, we'll do that." Tara shakes her head at her lover as they walk out of the room. "And we're going to get more food in you!"

Buffy starts to say something when her stomach grumbles loudly. Blushing deeply at the tell-tale sign, she looks down at the floor when blue eyes turn to look at her knowingly.

"You seemed to be sleeping…comfortably, when I checked on you two." Joyce bites the inside of her cheek before glancing back at the television.

Tara squeaks, blushing deeply before turning her gaze to an innocent looking Buffy.

"She came in to check on you." Buffy grins before heading quickly into the kitchen.

"That's okay, Buffy put fresh sheets on the bed, but the…uh dirty sheets weren't in the hamper. Maybe you should find out what she did with them. I didn't look outside to see if they were hanging from the window." Joyce quickly states, trying to keep the laughter at bay.

Whimpering quietly, Tara blushes even darker. "I think you're worse than Buffy." Tara mutters before quickly following Buffy into the kitchen, Joyce's laughter following her.

Buffy chuckles quietly as she hears her mother picking on Tara. Quickly pulling the chicken out of the refrigerator, along with the mashed potatoes and gravy.

"Okay, what did you do with the sheets?" Tara questions from the doorway, watching Buffy scooping food onto the plates.

"Do you want your chicken heated up, or do you prefer it cold?" Buffy questions, ignoring the question for the time being.

"Me too. It always loses something when it gets re-heated. It's much better cold." Buffy explains as she puts one of the plates in the microwave to heat the potatoes and gravy. "Now what's really good cold, is meatloaf sandwiches. Of course it's hard to have leftover meatloaf with me around." Buffy admits as she pulls out the plate before sliding her plate in. Starting the microwave, Buffy turns, grabbing a couple wings and a leg, setting them on Tara's plate before placing it on the island grabbing the rolls.

Tara growls deep in her throat, her eyes narrowed on her lover as she ignores her question. Easing towards the refrigerator, Tara pulls out a couple sodas. Placing them on the island, she blocks the microwave as Buffy goes to pull out her food. Raising an eyebrow, Tara watches Buffy.

"What?" Buffy questions, her lip quirking up in a smile, her eyes twinkling merrily at Tara.

Growling, Tara grasps Buffy by the waist, pulling her in tight to her body. "What… Did… You… Do… With… The… Sheets?" Tara looks at her laughing lover, as she questions her clearly and succinctly.

"Hung them from the window." Buffy wiggles her eyebrows, grinning hugely at Tara.

"YOU DIDN'T?" Tara almost yells as she runs out of the kitchen, Buffy's laughter following her.

"Told her the sheets were hanging from the window." Buffy laughs harder as Tara comes in, her eyes narrowed on her.

"I put them up. Thought maybe I could get somebody to frame them for me. Maybe hang them up in my room." Buffy smirks at Tara. "Could call it The Virgin Witch - NOT!" Buffy yells the last word as Tara reaches out pinching her side roughly. "MOM!!" Buffy cries running away from Tara, laughing.

"Don't you dare get me in the middle of this." Joyce raises her hands, shaking her head. Chuckling quietly she watches as Buffy keeps her and the chair between her and a circling Tara.

"I do owe you." Buffy nods her head, grinning madly. "I'm sure I owe you multiples."

Tara raises an eyebrow at Buffy's wording. "Multiples?" She whispers knowingly, so that only Buffy can hear her.

Buffy's eyes widen in surprise, before she blushes lightly. "Okay, now that we've picked on each other for a little while, why don't you go eat?" Buffy tries to distract the witch.

Tara shakes her head. "Don't think you'll distract me that easily. You will pay for this!" Tara grins wickedly at the slayer before turning, heading into the kitchen.

"I'm going to bed." Joyce mutters. "I'll fix a good breakfast in the morning." Joyce chuckles before quickly heading up the stairs.

"'Night, mom. Hey, you working tomorrow?" Buffy questions, standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"Yes. I let some of the girls have off for a long weekend." Joyce nods her head smiling. "Goodnight, dear."

"'Night." Buffy calls out before slowly walking into the kitchen. Stopping in the doorway, she watches as Tara delicately nibbles on her chicken leg. Seeing that she has already eaten one of the wings and her potatoes, Buffy walks into the kitchen, stopping beside her to run a hand down her cheek. "Want some more potatoes?"

"You eat, sweetie. I reheated your plate." Tara points towards the microwave smiling at Buffy.

"We have makings for salad, do you want a salad to go with this?" Buffy questions softly.

"No, I want you to sit down and eat." Tara states firmly looking at her lover. "We can worry about more items later."

"Okay." Buffy agrees softly before leaning in and kissing her softly. "I placed them in a box. I do want to keep them." Buffy admits quietly. "Kind of weird, I know. But I want them exactly the way they are."

Tara smiles softly, reaching up to stroke softly over the slayer's jaw. "Eat, sweetie. I don't think it's weird. Sweet, adorable and maybe just a tad eccentric, but not weird. Now sit down and have dinner."

"Okay." Buffy murmurs brushing her lips once more over Tara's before walking to the microwave, pulling her food out before grabbing the bucket of chicken, placing it on the island.

Tara smiles as Buffy starts eating dinner. Finishing her chicken leg, Tara picks up her fork, twirling it between her fingers.

Buffy eats her dinner quickly, watching Tara before reaching into the bucket, placing another piece of chicken on her lover's plate.

"Are you actually full, or are you just saying that?" Buffy questions after she finishes her bite of chicken.

"I'm really almost full." Tara looks apologetically at Buffy. "I can maybe eat a little more, but not this much." Tara's eyes turn to look at the large thigh.

"Eat what you can, don't stuff yourself. I'll finish the rest." Buffy smiles at Tara as she grabs another piece of chicken out of the bucket for herself.

Tara chuckles quietly before nibbling on the thigh, watching Buffy work her way quickly through the rest of the bucket of chicken.

"Do you need to do the meditation anywhere in particular?" Buffy questions in-between bites.

"It would be better for me to do it outside." Tara admits, before placing the rest of her thigh on Buffy's plate before wiping her hands clean.

"Communing with nature, type deal?" Buffy grabs the thigh, tearing a piece of meat from the bone and eating it.

Tara grins at Buffy before nodding. "Yes. The communing with nature, under the full moon, sky clad deal." Tara's eyes twinkle as Buffy drops the piece of chicken she'd picked up, her eyes becoming unfocused. "Of course, you know that sex is very potent magic, right? Done in the right way, it'd re-charge my batteries and give me plenty left over for whatever I need to do."

Buffy's eyes narrow on her lover. "You're just saying that so you can get snuggles, aren't you?"

Tara giggles, watching Buffy. Raising an eyebrow she doesn't answer the slayer, but continues to watch her.

"Tara?" Buffy considers her lover, wondering how much what she said was the truth and how much was her wanting to make love.

"Praying to the Goddess, and giving her the offering of our love would also be considered a blessing." Tara bites the inside of her cheek, to keep from laughing at Buffy.

Buffy growls watching Tara intently, seeing the twinkle in her lover's eyes, Buffy crosses her arms across her chest. "You're just saying that."

Tara's lip quirks up, before she laughs quietly. "I'm saying it, yes. But it's true. To a certain degree. I would need to use the extra built-up energy right away, I wouldn't be able to keep the overage to use later." Tara admits the truth of the matter.

"You mean, if you and I…" Buffy's eyes widen as she waves her hand between them. "It would give you a power boost?"

Tara laughs, nodding her head. "More or less. It's more like a quick re-charge. Just imagine me being a re-chargeable battery, and you're my charger." Tara wiggles her eyebrows.

"So, I just need to plug you in?" Buffy's eyes start to hint towards orange. "But, I have to tell you…" Buffy hesitates, her eyes slowly caressing over Tara's face and neck, before dipping lower. "It won't be a quick re-charge."

"Start the meditation outside. We will need to start with a spiritual cleansing for both of us." Tara explains softly. "But you may not want to do this."

"Because, for me to use the energy to re-charge, we'll need to let it build up to an almost unbearable level without release." Tara finally gives the catch of the matter to Buffy.

"No climax. Major frustration, knowing you, the desire will ride below the surface all day tomorrow, flaring up at the most inopportune times. Probably making you extremely bitchy. It really isn't worth it to put you through that." Tara admits before smirking. "But if I ever need to use a lot of magic, that would be the way to go. We get all hot and sweaty then put the magic build-up to a particular use? I bet the two of us together would have a blast that would be absolutely unbelievable."

"Why would I have anything to do with the blast?" Buffy questions, a confused look on her face. "It would be your magic, just my body."

Tara chuckles at her lover's naiveté. "No sweetie. You would be feeding my magic with your strength, your power, your love." Tara closes her eyes thinking for a moment. "Okay, for comparison purposes only. If Xander…" Tara chuckles at the wide-eyed look of her lover. "Was my partner in the build-up, he is a very kind, understanding man. But he doesn't have your strength or power and he definitely does not have your love for me. So imagine a firecracker. You and Xander are both firecrackers. If I place the firecracker on my open palm, when it went off, what would happen?"

"It would burn you." Buffy narrows her eyes trying to figure where her lovers going with this.

"Now, that would be Xander. What would happen if I placed the other firecracker, you, in my palm and closed my hand around it?" Tara raises an eyebrow watching her lover.

"It would probably blow your hand off." Buffy whimpers as she shakes at the image.

"Exactly." Tara nods her head, smiling at her lover. "It was just to give you an idea, sweetie. I don't plan on blowing my hand off, I promise."

Buffy nods her head, but still feels her heart aching at the thought. Taking a deep breath, she shakes the thought out of her head. Pushing her plate away, Buffy decides she's had enough. "Would it be best for you to meditate outside?" She questions seriously.

"I don't have to, but it puts me in direct contact with the Goddess, so it would make things easier, as long as the Hellmouth signature isn't too strong here, which I doubt it is with you living here." Tara grins crookedly at the slayer. "You've pretty much put your stamp on the house, I'm sure it's seeped out to the yard, also."

"What?" Buffy questions, rubbing her face with her hands. "Are you trying to confuse me tonight on purpose?" Buffy mutters.

"Sorry, sweetie. Spend enough time somewhere, your essence will seep into it, changing it. Your natural goodness has turned a negative area into a very positive area." Tara tries to explain, frowning. "Am I making any sense whatsoever?"

"You're saying that because I'm good, I've made this area good?" Buffy tilts her head thinking about it. "But I've screwed up so much, wouldn't that just counteract the goodness?"

"Oh, sweetie." Tara murmurs as Buffy's insecurities show themselves. Quickly walking around the island she wraps her arms around her lover, squeezing her tight from behind. "You made mistakes. You didn't screw up, you weren't bad. You did everything with love in your heart. Your intent was pure, but no matter what, sometimes things happen beyond our control." Burying her head in Buffy's neck, Tara places a firm, loving kiss on the skin under her lips. "We all make mistakes, sweetie. None of us are perfect."

"Oh, no. I'm not perfect." Tara shakes her head. "I did everything I could to keep my mother with me. Even after she told me to let her go. I dragged out her suffering for my own selfish reasons." Tara admits, a hard sob escaping her chest, tears flowing from her eyes.

Buffy's eyes open wide as she turns around quickly to lift Tara up into her lap, wrapping both arms around the witch as she cries. "Tara, baby…" Buffy rocks the witch gently, stroking one hand gently through the blonde hair while holding her tight with her other arm.

"She forgave me, even a-after my dragging out her life for months." Tara whimpers quietly, curling up into a tight ball against her lover.

"Oh, baby." Buffy murmurs, placing soft gentle kisses against Tara's head. "She understood why you did it, you just said she forgave you. I'm sure she loved you completely, how could she not? You're an extremely lovable woman." Buffy smiles softly, placing another gentle kiss on Tara's head. "You just wanted to keep the one person you loved completely, with you. The one person that understood you and wanted to help you in any way she could. I'm sure she understood why you tried to heal her, tried to keep her with you. She knew you did it out of love, Tara. And I'm sure that if there was any way she could have stayed with you, she would. Please, sweetie, don't let this eat away at you. Come on, your words are coming back at you, babe. You made a mistake, it happens." Buffy whimpers, tears rolling down her face, as she continues to rock her lover while placing kisses anywhere she can reach.

Tara uncurls her body enough to wrap her arms around Buffy's neck and bury her head against her neck, her body shaking with the sobs still working through her. "I-I know." Tara stutters. "B-but it's so h-hard."

"Let me get you upstairs. You can meditate tomorrow, can't you?" Buffy questions softly and as Tara nods her head, Buffy gathers her tightly in her arms. Glancing at the dirty dishes, Buffy holds Tara tightly in one arm while she gather's the dirty dishes, dumping the bones in the empty chicken bucket before placing the dishes in the sink and carrying the bucket and Tara to the trash can, dropping the bucket in before wrapping both arms back around the witch, heading upstairs, turning the lights off as she goes.

Stopping at the top of the stairs, Buffy hesitates looking from her bedroom door to the bathroom door. Glancing down at the still slightly shaking witch, with the occasional sob working it's way out, Buffy frowns. Deciding a nice long, soothing soak in the tub might be for the best, Buffy stops, grabbing towels out of the closet as she carries Tara into the bathroom. Placing the towels on the sink, Buffy turns the water on, flipping up the stopper. Easing Tara down her body, Buffy places a finger under her chin lifting it to look in the sad, red eyes of her lover. Placing a soft kiss on her lips, Buffy smiles while running a thumb over her cheek.

"Take a bath, relax." Buffy explains watching Tara. Placing another gentle kiss on her lips, Buffy proceeds to slowly and gently disrobe the witch. Checking the water in the tub, Buffy turns the water off before easing Tara towards the tub.

"Uh, uh." Tara murmurs, her hands shaking, pulling Buffy's shirt up. "You're coming with me."

"Go ahead and get in, babe. I'll climb in after you." Buffy watches as Tara wipes a hand across her face before nodding, slowly easing down into the tub. Buffy sighs as she watches Tara close her eyes, relaxing. Quickly stripping her clothes off, Buffy eases in behind Tara, wrapping her up in her arms, urging her to lean back against her chest.

Tara whimpers quietly, before shifting to her side, resting her cheek against Buffy's shoulder. "I know she f-forgave me, but I s-still feel so guilty for d-doing that to her."

"From what you've told me about your mother, she wouldn't want you to do this to yourself." Buffy soothes the witch, running her hands gently over her back and side. "Let it all out, babe. I know you've been holding this in for a long time, let it out, don't hold it in anymore."

Tara finally lets the heart wrenching sobs out, curling as tight as she can into Buffy's strong, loving arms.

Feeling her heart break, Buffy holds Tara as tightly as she dares against her. "I love you." Buffy murmurs quietly, stroking her leg up and down against Tara's legs, trying to soothe her.

"L-love you, too." Tara murmurs in between sobs, brushing her face against Buffy's shoulder. Taking deep breathes, slowly gaining control, Tara bites her lip as she feels a weight being lifted from around her heart. Closing her eyes, she smiles softly. 'Sorry, momma. I know you forgave me, but I couldn't forgive myself until now. I love you, and I miss you.' Tara thinks, sending her thoughts to the heavens, hoping her mother knows what's in her heart. Taking a couple more shaky inhales, feeling her heartbeat calm down, Tara sighs quietly. "Thank you." Tara murmurs, placing a sweet kiss on Buffy's cheek.

"Feeling better?" Buffy questions, continuing her loving caresses. Feeling Tara nod her head, Buffy smiles, finally letting out long breath of air. "Do you want me to add some more hot water and actually bathe you?"

"You don't have to bathe me." Tara shakes her head, placing a soft kiss on Buffy's neck, sucking gently on the velvety skin.

"I know I don't have to, but do you want me to? Or would you rather just climb out and let me dry you off so we can go to bed?" Buffy tries not to laugh at the witch's tickling nips. "None of that now. You're probably going to be up early tomorrow, and I want to make sure you do everything you possibly can to be prepared for tomorrow." Buffy growls while rolling her eyes at her next thought. "Because I know damn good and well you won't put it off 'til Sunday to visit Faith."

Tara grins before nipping on the slayer's pulse point, before sucking on it strongly. As Buffy groans and shifts under her, Tara sucks stronger. Finally releasing the hot skin, Tara shifts back, looking at the dark red spot. "How long will that stay before your slayer healing makes it go away?" Tara questions huskily.

"Don't know." Buffy whimpers. "But you have to stop, please. I don't think you really want a horny slayer taking advantage of you right now."

"Actually, I think that would be perfect." Tara admits before shifting her body so she's straddling the slayer.

"I'm going to say no, Tara." Buffy states seriously, running a hand down her cheek. "I want you to be strong for tomorrow. Plenty of sleep tonight, and whatever meditations you need to do tomorrow, okay?"

Tara sighs as she strokes her hands over Buffy's shoulders. "You're going to turn me down no matter what, aren't you?"

"Sorry." Buffy furrows her brow at Tara. "I just want you to be prepared for tomorrow. I promise that I'll make it up to you."

"I'm going to hold you to that." Tara admits looking into her lover's eyes before capturing her lips in a loving kiss. "Now, dry off and bed." Tara frowns looking down at Buffy's body, before smirking as she pinches a nipple before quickly climbing out of the bath tub.

Buffy grumbles quietly under her breath before grinning as Tara bends over to run the towel over her legs. Hopping out of the tub, Buffy sneaks up behind Tara.

"Unless you plan on letting me do what I want, you better not finish what's going through your mind." Tara finishes drying her body before tucking the towel around her body turning to look at a disappointed slayer.

"I can't argue with that." Buffy admits, frowning at her now covered lover. Accepting the towel Tara hands her, Buffy quickly dries her body off. Wrapping the towel around her, Buffy grins at Tara. "Let's go curl up in bed, maybe some hugs and kisses before sleep."

"I guess I'll have to make do." Tara blinks her eyes at the slayer, before giggling. "Come on, sweetie." Tara tugs on Buffy's hand, urging her out of the bathroom to the bedroom.

As Buffy stretches she looks at the bed, growling. "This is getting old." Buffy bitches to the empty room. Listening intently, she doesn't hear anything. Frowning, she hops out of bed, quickly dressing before running down the stairs eyeing the empty living room before walking to the kitchen, as the kitchen is empty, Buffy feels her heart start to beat quicker in fear as she pulls open the door leading to the garage. The garage door's still down and no Tara.

Turning back, Buffy whimpers. Trying to think of where Tara might be, the light finally goes off and she runs to the back door. Closing her eyes in relief, Buffy tilts her head against the door, calming her pounding heart. "Nothing like getting my blood flowing good, first thing in the morning." Buffy mutters before easing the door open, walking out to sit on the steps, silently watching Tara.

Tara inhales deep cleansing breaths, feeling a hundred percent better. Opening her awareness, she starts to smile as she feels Buffy's unique essence. Slowly opening one eye she looks towards her lover, grinning at Buffy silently bouncing on the seat, tapping her fingers on her leg. "You okay, sweetie?" Tara questions opening her other eye.

"Now I am." Buffy mumbles, frowning. "You leaving me in bed alone, is starting to get old. I just want you to know that!" Buffy hops up, striding across the yard to kneel in front of Tara. "Plus I kind of got worried when I couldn't hear you when I woke up." Buffy admits.

Tara leans in to place a gentle kiss on Buffy's cheek. "I was just doing the meditations, sweetie."

Buffy sighs in relief, hugging Tara to her tightly. "I'm going to run upstairs and take care of my morning rituals." Buffy pulls back, grinning. "I was worried about you and didn't take care of things."

Tara chuckles quietly. "Go use the bathroom sweetie. I'm going to work some more on the painting before I get cleaned up so we can visit with Faith."

"'Kay." Buffy hops up, offering her hand to Tara. "Do you want anything to eat or some coffee?"

"Maybe a little bit of something. Juice would be good." Tara smiles, leaning in to give Buffy a kiss, frowning as Buffy pulls back. "Hey!" Tara frowns.

"Didn't hit the bathroom this morning, remember? Teeth haven't been brushed." Buffy admits, blushing. "I'll be back down in a few minutes to give you a proper good morning. Promise."

Tara chuckles as she watches Buffy run back into the house. Following behind, Tara detours to the garage, turning on the lights before lifting up the garage door. Quickly preparing her supplies, she looks at the painting, tilting her head considering what she's done. Deciding there was a good chance she might be able to finish the painting this morning, she glances up as she catches Buffy coming into the garage out of the corner of her eye.

Buffy carries a glass of orange juice outside for Tara, placing it on the crate before wrapping her arms around the witch, giving her a proper good morning kiss.

"Mmmm. Much better." Tara murmurs, placing a couple soft kisses on the slayer's lips as she brings the kiss to a close. "I wanted to get an early start, so that I could possibly spend more time with Faith, if I need to."

"That's fine." Buffy smiles, hugging Tara to her tightly. "I'm going to run in and do a load of laundry. Do you want me to come and get you at a particular time?"

"What time is it, sweetie?" Tara questions, running a hand through Buffy's hair, tucking her chin over Buffy's shoulder.

"I think it was a little before 9:00 when I just came out." Buffy strokes her hands down Tara's back. "How are you feeling today?" Buffy questions softly.

Tara tilts her head, rubbing her cheek over Buffy's shoulder. "Better. I'd been holding that in for so long…" Tara sighs, hugging Buffy tighter. "Thank you."

"I didn't do anything." Buffy shakes her head, kneading Tara's back gently. "I'm just glad you feel better. I know there are things that we haven't told each other. It's hard to tell each other everything with just the short time we've known each other, but I want you to come to me for anything. Mom will definitely be there for you also." Buffy admits.

"I know." Tara smiles before tucking her head in Buffy's neck, placing a gentle kiss on the skin, before glancing down at where her mark should be. "Now that just isn't fair." Tara grumbles.

"My mark is already gone from your neck." Tara gripes before chuckling. "Slayer healing is a good thing, but at this moment in time, it's irritating me."

Buffy laughs, shaking her head. "You are one strange witch. But you're my love." Buffy giggles as Tara starts placing little nips along her neck.

"Yes, I am. But it isn't right that you can place your mark on me, but mine won't stay for 12 hours!" Tara mutters against the slayer's neck as she nips along the strong column before sucking on her ear lobe. "Maybe I shouldn't paint at all this morning." Tara murmurs suggestively in Buffy's ear before licking over the sensitive skin behind her ear.

Buffy whimpers quietly, then groans as Tara shifts her body in even closer to her. As their breasts press strongly against each other, Buffy's hands shift down, clasping Tara's butt, urging her in even tighter against her body, smiling as Tara grinds her body into her. "Oh, God, that feels good." Buffy groans hoarsely as Tara's thigh settles in perfectly between her legs.

"Upstairs?" Tara questions hopefully. Shifting her hands to caress down Buffy's sides, Tara's fingers stroking teasingly over the side of Buffy's breasts.

"You don't make things easy." Buffy whispers, unconsciously, pushing herself down on the strong thigh. "Thought you wanted to finish your painting? Then visit Faith, come back home for dinner. Then sneak off to your dorm to give mom some quiet time before seeing Faith tomorrow."

"So are you trying to say you would rather wait till later to have some one on one time?" Tara questions quietly, nibbling on the sensitive skin of the slayer's shoulder.

Moaning at the caresses, Buffy starts to whimper quietly. "I want you, no denying that. But I was just thinking we could have a longer time together, if you finished everything here first."

"Hmmm. So you have an ulterior motive with your thoughts." Tara smirks. "Longer period of one on one time, huh?" Tara sighs quietly. "Promise me that tonight you'll let me spend all the time I want learning your body?"

Buffy feels her body jerk slightly at the thought of Tara spending hours touching, kissing, nibbling her body.

"It's only fair. You said that you have the memories of the slayer, that you know about what pleasures are to be had…" Tara trails off smirking before nipping a little firmer on the skin at Buffy's pulse point. "I only have a brief encounter with a book to give me ideas, so I want to see what you don't like, like, and really like." Tara chuckles.

"I don't think you'll have to worry about me not liking something." Buffy murmurs, groaning loudly as Tara sucks strongly on her neck. "Tara?" Buffy whimpers, pushing her neck into the witch's mouth.

Sucking strongly for a few moments longer, Tara releases the skin she'd attacked. "Better go, before I decide to take advantage or you." Tara takes a deep breath, before releasing the slayer from her clasp.

"As someone very wise said, is it taking advantage if you want it?" Buffy murmurs, before chuckling quietly at the flair of desire crossing Tara's eyes. "I'm gone. I'll be back in a couple hours, okay?" Buffy softly runs a hand down Tara's cheek, smiling as she presses into her hand.

"Go, sweetie." Tara murmurs placing a kiss in Buffy's palm. Sighing quietly, she watches Buffy quickly stride out of the garage. Glancing back at the painting Tara rolls her eyes. "You are NOT what I want to do right now, but since what I want to do is gone…" Tara quickly works on mixing her paints together, to get the right shade before working quickly and efficiently on the painting, immersing herself completely in what she's doing.

Buffy quickly gather's all the clothes from the different hampers taking them downstairs. Sorting them, she smiles looking at Tara's skirts. "Why do you wear these when you look so delicious in jeans?" Buffy questions quietly. Sighing, she finishes sorting the clothes before deciding to do the jeans first. Loading the washer, Buffy trots back up the stairs, deciding to get some cleaning done around the house for her mom, since she has energy to burn.

As Buffy finishes placing the laundry in her drawers she looks around the cleaned bedroom, smiling. "Who knew that channeling pent up frustration into cleaning would actually make me feel better?" Buffy smirks. "Would rather have put the energy to something else."

Buffy jumps, having been so engrossed in what she'd been doing, she didn't hear Tara come upstairs. "You know what I want to be doing." Buffy rolls her eyes, before laughing quietly at the paint smears over Tara's face, arms, hands and in her hair.

"You're laughing at me, aren't you?" Tara glances down at her paint splattered body. "I get into what I do. What can I say?" Tara looks back up, wiggling her eyebrows. Tara looks over Buffy's room. "So your extra energy went into cleaning the house, I take it?"

Buffy blushes and nods her head. "Yeah. Kind of had to do something." Buffy closes the distance between them, running a finger down the blue streak of paint on Tara's cheek. "Why don't you shower and I'll try to figure out something for us to eat." Buffy offers softly, looking over Tara for a moment. "Did you finish your painting?"

"Yes. Or at least pretty much. I'll wait 'til next weekend and look it over again to see if there's anything I want to work on more." Tara smiles at Buffy. "You already took a shower, didn't you?" Tara runs a hand over the damp ends of Buffy's hair.

"Yeah, a little while ago." Buffy nods towards the bathroom. "Go shower. I'll go find something for you to eat."

"Yes, ma'am." Tara murmurs before leaning in for a soft kiss. "Bagels would be fine for breakfast."

"Okay." Buffy's eyes follow Tara out of the bedroom, her body moving to watch as Tara slides into the bathroom. Standing there for a moment, Buffy smiles. "Love you." Buffy calls out quietly before jogging down the stairs, pulling out butter, cream cheese and jams out of the refrigerator. Buffy walks over to the bread box. Listening to the shower running upstairs, Buffy sets the bagels on the counter before curiously walking out to the garage. Flipping the light on, she walks over to the painting, raising an eyebrow at the likeness of the woman compared to the picture. "Damn." Buffy murmurs before leaving the garage.

Hearing the shower shut off, Buffy slices one of the bagels in two before placing it in the toaster. Surprised to hear Tara already coming down the stairs, Buffy turns to watch her walk into the kitchen.

"Hah!" Tara snorts in laughter at the surprise on Buffy's face. "Leaving the shower running fooled you, didn't it?" Tara chuckles before walking towards the slayer.

"No tricking the slayer, that's mean!!" Buffy mumbles before groaning as Tara kisses her thoroughly.

"Have to stay ahead of you." Tara murmurs quietly before kissing Buffy again. Cupping Buffy's cheek, Tara smiles. "I love you."

"I love you." Buffy smiles back placing a quick kiss on her lips. "Here, let's get the bagels done so you can eat."

Tara looks at the island chuckling. "Did you get out every kind of topping you could?"

"Yeah. Didn't know what you were in the mood for." Buffy admits as she places another bagel in the toaster, handing Tara the plate.

"Thanks, sweetie." Tara sits down looking over the toppings. Spreading cream cheese on one half, she slowly nibbles on the bagel while watching as Buffy throws a third bagel in the toaster before sitting down across from her. Finishing the first half, Tara spreads some jam on the second half watching as Buffy hops up grabbing the other bagel out of the toaster and placing half on each of their plates. "You eat it, sweetie."

"I had a couple earlier in between cleaning." Buffy watches Tara intently. "Eat. I want you to have your strength built up."

"I'm starting to think you're wanting to fatten me up, too." Tara mumbles before taking another bite of her bagel.

"I wouldn't complain." Buffy eyes the witch. "Even though you look absolutely gorgeous as it is." Tilting her head, Buffy considers the witch. "Can I ask you something?"

Buffy quirks her lip at the witch. "Why do you almost always wear skirts when you look so good in jeans?"

"Tara, you have a body to die for." Buffy explains softly. "You hide it behind those long skirts. Hell, even the jeans don't do your body justice." Buffy grins, making Tara blush even deeper. "You have a gorgeous body, Tara. If I thought you would, I'd love for you to run around naked all the time. Of course, I wouldn't ever get anything done because I'd always be watching you."

Tara bites her lip before chuckling quietly. "So all you'd be doing is watching me?"

Buffy rolls her eyes. "I'm sure I'd be touching, kissing and other things, too." Buffy grins, her eyes twinkling.

"Buffy, my body's nothing. Yours is the one that's perfect." Tara states sincerely. "You're sleek, powerful, and beautiful." Tara whispers, looking deep into Buffy's eyes. "You're like a panther." Slowly a smirk crosses Tara's face. "My sleek, powerful, beautiful, purring panther."

"Okay." Tara wiggles her eyebrows before laughing. Shaking her head, Tara finishes her food. "Let's get ready to go, sweetie."

"I'm giving you a heads up now, I am going to pounce on you here very, very soon." Buffy growls as they clear the table, putting away the items.

"Good." Tara smirks, before running a soft hand over Buffy's shoulder. "Because I plan on doing some pouncing of my own."

"Ooooh. Promises, promises!" Buffy grins. "Come on, beautiful. Let's go to the hospital."

Tara smirks at Buffy as she paces back and forth in Faith's hospital room. "Thanks, sweetie."

"Yeah, yeah. I can't have them seeing you do your mojo to try and figure out why all of a sudden they're getting major activity going on with Faith's brain functions." Buffy looks over as Tara prepares herself. "And you already laid the groundwork yesterday with the religious belief thing."

"I may have laid the groundwork, but it didn't really occur to me to threaten them with a lawsuit if they tried to interfere." Tara's lip quirks up. Glancing back at Faith, she runs a gentle hand over the woman's forehead. "I'm almost ready." Looking back over at Buffy, Tara smiles softly. "You have the cloth?" At Buffy's nod, Tara looks over her lover, noticing that she's a lot calmer than she was yesterday. "I love you, sweetie."

"I love you, too." Buffy watches as Tara calmly places one hand over Faith's temple and another over her stomach like she'd done yesterday. As she starts the chant, Buffy relaxes back against the wall by the door to wait patiently.

As soon as Tara immerses herself in Faith, Faith's aware of the woman. Faith feels surprise shoot through her at the thought the woman was willing to come back to visit her again. Being honest with herself, Faith knows that she probably wouldn't come back to visit her. Taking her time, Faith listens as Tara calls to let her know she's there. 'Like I couldn't tell.' Faith chuckles to herself.

Slowly working her way towards the woman, Faith notices how she's feeling stronger, better. Frowning, Faith concentrates on her psyche, seeing the thread of her essence to the pure light feeding it. Thinking about it for a long time, Faith finally realizes that Tara's giving her own strength to help her. Frowning even deeper, Faith wonders why she would do that for someone she didn't even know. Someone that has killed, and tried to kill her lover and the rest of the Scooby gang.

"I know you're close by, Faith. If you don't want me here, I'll leave." Tara calls out softly. "I don't want to force myself on you."

Faith sighs before coalescing in front of the witch. Looking at the blonde woman, with the sapphire eyes, Faith tilts her head. "Is that what you look like in real life?" Faith questions hoarsely.

Tara glances down at her form before looking back up at Faith. "Yes. Would you prefer I look different?"

"Nah. I was just curious." Faith prowls around, glancing over at Tara occasionally. "You're strengthening me. Trying to heal me." Faith comments.

"Yes." Tara answers quietly, trying to figure out where Faith is going with this.

"Do you have any idea what I've done in the past?" Faith stops, staring at the witch with cold brown eyes.

Tara sees the flash of pain coming from the slayer. Sighing mentally, Tara shakes her head. "No. She told me about a confused, scared, young woman that came here to Sunnydale looking for help. And what you found was a slayer, whose accomplishments were probably thrown in your face, hiding her vampire lover from everyone." Tara thinks for a moment. "She blames herself for being so self absorbed, that she ignored you. Used you for her own selfish reasons. Never allowed you to have the support and caring that you should have had."

Faith stands there in shock looking at the witch. B, worried about her? Blaming herself for the stupid fuck-ups she'd done? "Why would she think she's to blame for my own fuck-ups?" Faith growls.

"She feels that if she'd been there for you, actually been a friend to you, that things would have been different." Tara explains softly. "Faith…" Tara starts to take a step towards the woman, but stops, realizing that she may not want her to be closer to the woman. "Faith, I would suggest you actually discuss this with Buffy. I can tell you what we discussed, but I can't tell you everything that is in her heart. Only she can explain to you what she feels."

Faith clenches her jaw as she thinks about talking with Buffy. "I ain't ready for that." Faith admits.

Faith's eyes slowly come to gaze on the witch. "Tell me something…" Faith starts hesitantly.

Tara waits, and as Faith doesn't continue, she tilts her head. "Go ahead, Faith."

Faith sighs quietly before looking around, almost afraid of what the answer is going to be. "Yesterday, after you left me?" Faith glances quickly at the witch and as Tara nods, Faith continues quickly. "Was Buffy angry at you yesterday?"

Tara blinks for a minute before slowly nodding her head. "Sort of. She's worried that something is going to happen to me." Tara admits quietly. "How much do you remember?"

Faith starts pacing back and forth agitatedly in front of the witch. "I-I was thinking I was dreaming all this time. Buffy and Xander both have been to visit me before, haven't they? Even Joyce has come by a few times." Faith looks up almost scared at the witch.

"Yes." Tara states softly, not knowing how Faith is going to react after finally realizing whatever had been said before is the truth, not dreams.

"I-I got to think." Faith shakes her head, her projected self paling considerably.

"I'll come back, if you decide you don't want to talk, I'll leave." Tara tries that, as Faith nods her head before she quickly disappears, Tara sighs quietly. "See you tomorrow." Tara calls out quietly, as she slowly stops the flow of power to the slayer, before coming back to her own body.

Buffy watches in surprise as Tara's eyes open. Glancing up at the clock, Buffy quickly strides over to the witch. "Is everything okay?" Kneeling beside Tara, Buffy lays her hand on the witch's knee.

"Buffy, what…" Tara starts to question Buffy before turning her gaze on Faith. Looking back at Buffy, Tara smiles softly. "We'll talk later, sweetie." Leaning down, Tara kisses Buffy softly. Standing, Tara looks down at the dark-haired slayer. Running a hand gently over the wrinkled brow, Tara sighs quietly. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, Faith. Just remember you have people here that care for you."

Buffy watches Tara with concerned eyes, before standing to walk towards the door. Watching Tara turn to walk towards her, Buffy reaches her hand out for the witch, smiling softly as Tara laces their fingers together. Following Tara out of the room, Buffy waits quietly for her to say something. Walking out of the hospital, Buffy glances occasionally at Tara, watching the concerned look on her lover's face. "Is everything okay?" Buffy questions hesitantly.

"I'm not real sure." Tara admits, looking towards Buffy. "Let's discuss it when we get home, okay?"

"Okay." Buffy agrees readily, wondering silently what happened. When Tara slides her hand free to wrap it around her waist, Buffy smiles and leans her body in tight against Tara's as they slowly walk back to Revello Drive.

"Do you want anything?" Buffy questions as she gets ready to head to the kitchen.

"Water would be good." Tara smiles as Buffy nods, disappearing into the kitchen. Sighing quietly, Tara curls up in the corner of the couch after taking her shoes off. Glancing up, she accepts the water from Buffy. "Thank you, sweetie."

"You're welcome." Buffy sits down beside Tara, taking a sip of her water before placing it on the coffee table, shifting her body to face Tara.

Tara places a hand on Buffy's thigh, smiling at the slayer. Playing with the water bottle, Tara thinks for a few minutes. "Sweetie, I need to ask you a question and I need you to try and remember exactly what was said."

Tara reaches up and runs a soft fingertip over the frown starting on Buffy's brow. "It's okay. This is something that could possibly help me to understand what I may be going into tomorrow regarding Faith." Tara explains softly. "What did you talk with Faith about when you visited her? Try and remember if you were angry, sad, happy. What exactly you were talking about, anything at all you can remember."

Sighing quietly, Buffy looks down at her hands, remembering back to when Faith was first in the hospital. "The first couple weeks I didn't visit her at all. We had kicked the mayor's ass at graduation, and Angel left to go to LA." Buffy starts quietly. Thinking heavily, Buffy frowns. "When I finally went, the first couple times, I didn't say anything. I just watched her, trying to understand what the hell went so wrong." Buffy glances up with sad eyes as Tara runs a finger under her chin, urging her to look at her.

"Whatever happened, happened, Buffy. I'm not going to judge you. But I need you to be as truthful and honest about everything as you can be." Tara cups Buffy's cheek, leaning in to kiss her softly.

"Of course." Tara shifts her legs to place her feet on the floor, patting her thighs for Buffy to lay down and get comfortable.

Buffy smiles shifting her body around, looking up into Tara's caring blue eyes. "The first time I said anything to her, I was…hateful, I guess would be a good word." Buffy admits, pain crossing her face. "I told her I blew up the mayor into a million pieces at graduation, that her sugar daddy was so much snake bits and pieces all over Sunnydale." Buffy sighs deeply, feeling the pain of her own words. "God, I was a bitch." Buffy rubs a hand over her forehead. "On following visits, I questioned her. Asking her why she turned against us, that I offered her friendship, and she spit on my offer by turning against us. Finally I asked her seriously, what I had done wrong. As I questioned her, I started thinking about everything that I'd done from before Faith came to Sunnydale. Finally I admitted to myself that I was to blame for the majority of everything that happened. If I hadn't been hiding Angel, actually accepted Faith. Allowed her to become a part of the gang, instead of keeping her out, that everything could have been so different. I never actually let her be a part of us, I felt jealous of how everyone looked at her, thought she was cool." Buffy takes a deep breath, trying to get her thoughts in order.

"Did you say all this to Faith when you perceived you were to blame?" Tara questions softly, stroking her fingers gently through Buffy's hair.

"Yeah. I was bouncing off thoughts and ideas to her, like she was there actually listening to me." Buffy chuckles sadly. "Stupid, I know. But I didn't perceive it, it was the truth, Tara."

"Buffy." Tara sighs quietly as she cups Buffy's cheek. "She was, Buffy." Tara whispers, her voice deep.

"She was listening to you. That's why today was so short. She questioned me regarding what happened after I left yesterday. She asked if you were mad at me." Tara frowns for a moment. "Then she asked if you, Xander and your mom had visited previously."

"Oh, shit." Buffy closes her eyes, groaning deeply. "Everything I ever talked to her about, she actually heard?" Buffy opens her eyes, pain deeply etched on her features.

"Yes. That's why it's so important that you tell me everything you can remember about what you talked about." Tara brushes her thumb over Buffy's bottom lip. "She looked scared, Buffy. I don't know what she's scared of. That's what I'm trying to find out."

Buffy rubs her eyes hard. "Well, whatever it is, it's probably regarding me. I'm pretty sure I'm the one that visited her the most and probably couldn't shut my mouth the whole time." Buffy admits. "Xander probably just sat with her the majority of the time. Mom…I'm not sure what mom talked about. You'll have to ask her."

"Then let's continue, sweetie." Tara watches Buffy. "It'll be okay. Whatever it is that has her rattled, we'll work through it."

"The rest of my visits were variations of the same thing. I talked to her about how I screwed up, that if I had things to do different, I would. Went into detail as to how I would do them. Asked her forgiveness over and over again." Buffy's eyes tear up. "Told her I wanted my sister slayer back. That some of the best times I'd ever had was us slaying together."

Tara reaches up and brushes a tear away from the slayer's cheek. "How long and how often did you go on about wanting to slay together, wanting her back as your sister?" Tara questions softly.

"Probably the last three months give or take." Buffy watches as Tara's eyes become distant as she thinks.

"So, she's been in a coma for six months, the first, what month in-a-half give or take you either didn't talk to her at all, or were being difficult." Tara tries to state diplomatically.

Tara sighs softly. "After that you questioned what went wrong, trying to figure it out. Then you repeatedly begged her for forgiveness and told her to come back to you." Biting her lip, she considers her options. "It could honestly be anything, but I'm going to pray and hope it's the fact that you want her friendship, her forgiveness and even her love that has her scared."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Buffy frowns sitting up quickly facing Tara. "I didn't say anything about love, here."

Tara chuckles quietly. "Honey, you love her like a sister. You've come to think of her as a family member. You even said it, you want your sister slayer back."

Buffy rolls her eyes, before quirking her lip up. "Misunderstood that, didn't I?" Buffy admits, grinning.

"There's many kinds of love, Buffy. You love your mom, Mr. Giles, Xander, Willow, Faith and me. Who do you love more, your mom or me?" Tara questions, trying not to laugh at the completely confused look crossing her lover's face.

"You love us both. You love me in the I wanna get hot and sweaty kind of way, where you love your mother in the you're my mother kind of way." Tara smirks at Buffy.

"That was just an example, sweetie. I know it's not just sex. Goodness we haven't even made love but a couple times." Tara chuckles, running her hand down Buffy's face.

"A couple of absolutely wonderful, mind blowing times that I want to repeat time and time again." Buffy admits, chuckling.

"And we will. Hours and hours of repetition. Hours and hours of discovery." Tara whispers watching Buffy's eyes take on an orange tinge. Glancing up at the clock, Tara looks back at Buffy. "What time will your mom be getting home today?"

Buffy's eyes make the same trip Tara's did. "I'd say we have a good three hours before she'll be home." Buffy's eyes come to rest on Tara. "Got something going through that brilliant mind of yours?"

"Not brilliant, just wanting to get back to what I was thinking about last night and earlier today." Tara admits, grinning crookedly. "Can I talk you into a little afternoon fun?"

Buffy groans, closing her eyes. "What kind of fun are we discussing here?" Buffy questions hoarsely.

Tara chuckles, grinning down at the slayer. The hand that had been stroking the slayer's neck, slowly eases it's way down, brushing softly over the slayer's breasts. Watching the slayer, Tara smirks as Buffy's lips separate and a quiet moan escapes them. Seeing the pleasure crossing Buffy's face, Tara circles a nipple before pinching it gently.

Coughing a couple times to clear her throat, Buffy finally opens her desire filled eyes. "Do you want to continue teasing me here, or do you want to take this somewhere more…comfortable?" Buffy questions hoarsely.

"Oh, I don't know." Tara tilts her head, smirking as she cups Buffy's breast, running her thumb over the rock hard nipple. "I'm having fun here…" Tara hesitates for a long moment running her hand over to the other breast, gently squeezing the breast. "But I think there is more fun to be had."

Buffy groans, biting her lip. Glancing up to Tara's dark eyes, Buffy shifts her body capturing Tara's lips, quickly invading the witch's mouth. As the witch groans into her mouth, Buffy shifts her body around more, not breaking the kiss, until she's straddling the witch. Running both hands through the soft honey blonde hair, Buffy whimpers as Tara captures her tongue, sucking on it firmly.

Slowly pulling away, panting roughly, Tara looks at the stairs. "Bedroom." She states simply.

"Oh, yeah. Definitely bedroom." Buffy groans quietly, before shifting off Tara to stand by the couch.

"Yes, but I don't want to get spoiled by you carrying me everywhere." Tara laughs quietly. "Plus, you're going to need your strength." Tara chuckles wickedly before quickly trotting up the stairs.

Buffy follows right behind the witch, watching the enticing body in front of her. "I think you need to worry about your strength more than mine." Buffy mutters, reaching out a hand, running it over Tara's butt as they work their way into her bedroom.

"Now, now. None of that." Tara turns and raises an eyebrow at Buffy. "You kept me from continuing my fun the other night. Time to pay up." Tara huskily whispers.

"What continuing?" Buffy questions confused, reaching out to run a hand down Tara's cheek. Closing the distance between them, Buffy runs the hand in Tara's hair, kissing the witch firmly before working her way down the woman's neck, placing hot wet kisses on all the skin she comes across.

Running her hands down the slayer's muscular back, Tara whimpers before slowly easing away. "Sweetie, my turn." Tara unbuttons Buffy shirt, gently easing it off the woman. Running her hands along the slayer's ribs, Tara reaches around unhooking the slayer's bra before sliding it down her arms, slowly uncovering Buffy's firm breasts. "Goddess, I love your breasts." Tara murmurs as she let's the bra drop to the floor as she reaches up to gently cup a breast in each hand, brushing a thumb repeatedly over a hardening nipple.

Buffy groans loudly. "Tara…" Buffy starts before she whimpers loudly as Tara leans down, capturing one of her nipples in her mouth, swirling her tongue repeatedly around the nipple before sucking gently.

Easing back from the slayer's body, Tara smiles as Buffy tries to follow. Running her hands down the slayer's firm abdomen, Tara takes a moment to collect herself before easing the button out of the hole of the slayer's jeans. Easing the zipper down slowly, Tara smirks as Buffy unconsciously pushes her body against Tara's hand. Running her hands around the inside of the jeans waistband, Tara slowly pushes the jeans down the slayer's strong legs, kneeling in front of the woman as she pulls one leg off as Buffy lifts it before pulling the other jeans leg off. Slowly traversing the slayer's body, Tara looks up from the delicate feet, over the slim ankles to the muscular calves and thighs, hesitating for a moment on the silk clad mons before continuing until her eyes look into her lover's copper gaze, her eyes glowing brightly with love, lust and passion.

Placing her hands on the slayer's outer calves, Tara slowly stands, running her hands up over the slayer's legs, stopping at her waist, hooking a finger of each hand around the strip of cloth as she leans in to nip softly along the slayer's bottom lip before caressing it with her tongue.

"Hmmm?" Tara hums as she lavishes kisses across the slayer's jaw, sucking the woman's earlobe in her mouth to suck, lick and nibble on the flesh.

"Shit!" Buffy calls out loudly, her body arching into Tara's. "Please." Buffy finally whimpers.

Tara urges Buffy towards the bed, gently pushing the slayer until she falls back, bouncing slightly. Tara's eyes darken as Buffy's breasts jiggle the slightest bit. Quickly stripping her own clothes off, Tara takes a moment, debating on what route to take.

"Leaving my panties on?" Buffy questions finally, after a few minutes trying to get the words out.

"No." Tara's dark blue, almost violet eyes gaze on Buffy's face, watching the woman for a few long moments.

"If you're trying to drive me completely nuts, it's working." Buffy hoarsely states. "Tara, I want you." Buffy whimpers softly.

"You're not getting me. At least not yet." Tara whispers before kneeling on the bed beside Buffy, her hands gently easing the strip of cloth barely covering the slayer's sex down Buffy's legs, before tossing it in the general direction of the hamper. Leaning over Buffy, Tara kisses her softly. "I want you. And by the Goddess, I am going to finish what you kept me from doing." Tara hoarsely admits, before she starts working her way down the slayer's body.

"Make sure those hands behave." Tara looks up, making eye contact with the slayer. "They're not going to stop me this time, Buffy. I plan on finishing this trip." Tara smirks before running a tongue strongly across Buffy's stomach before dipping in to flick the slayer's tiny belly button. Feeling the muscles in the slayer's stomach fluttering under her lips and tongue, Tara hesitates for a moment, inhaling deeply of the slayer's aroma. "You smell wonderful, you know that? You taste even better." Tara growls before shifting down further, nudging the slayer's thighs, groaning as Buffy spreads her legs wide, her hips rolling with her desire.

Curiously, Tara runs a finger over the slayer's glistening mound. Her hand following along with the slayer's gyrations. Hearing the slayer whimper with need, Tara makes herself glance up. Seeing the desire and want in the slayer's eyes, Tara keeps eye contact as her finger slowly traverses the slayer's slit. Gently separating the slayer's lips, Tara whimpers at the flood of liquid that oozes from the slayer. Unable to resist any longer, Tara tentatively lowers her head, reaching out for the slayer with an eager tongue. Sliding the tongue through the slayer's wetness, Tara groans loudly at the flavor of the woman.

"Much, much better direct from the source." Tara huskily states before diving in as she hears Buffy groan loudly, hips starting to shift more urgently in her desire. Running her tongue over the slayer's silken folds, Tara whimpers before running her hands up, easing the slayer's outer lips apart. Gazing upon the slayer's body, Tara slides a finger over the swollen muscle begging for attention, inhaling deeply as Buffy cries out, her body jerking at the caress.

"Taraaaa…please." Buffy whimpers loudly, the desire coursing through her body, the heat feeling like it's going to burn her from the inside out.

"You're being impatient, sweetie." Tara eases a finger gently into the slayer, closing her eyes at the feeling of the slayer's body dragging the finger in as deep as it will go. Breathing heavily, Tara quickly adds a second finger, stroking in the slayer's body before eyeing the slayer's clit. Watching in wonder as the swollen muscle seems to spasm in need. Hearing the slayer moan and whimper in desire as she arches up into her stroking fingers, Tara tentatively runs her tongue over the distended muscle.

Unable to resist the slayer's response, Tara starts licking in earnest. Taking long strokes over the muscle, Tara starts alternating it with quick flicks of her tongue. As Buffy's gyrations make it harder to keep up her stroking, Tara wraps an arm around Buffy's leg, latching her lips around the muscle sucking firmly.

Jerking hard into the witch's mouth, Buffy whimpers long and loud, her body tensing and her legs shaking as she arches, climaxing.

Eagerly continuing her ministrations as the slayer gives up her nectar, Tara's surprised at the sweeter taste of the slayer's orgasm. Wanting more, Tara continues to alternate licking and sucking the slayer, making the woman buck and cry out even more as another orgasm works through her body. Easing up on her sucking, Tara laps at the slayer, gathering up all the juices she can find, moaning into the slayer's body at the deliciousness of her lover. Easing her fingers back inside the slayer, Tara leans her cheek on the slayer's thigh, panting heavily, as she runs her fingers inside her love, searching out the warm cavern. Placing gentle kisses on the slayer's twitching thigh, Tara curls her fingers inside the slayer, finding the slayer's sweet spot, Tara strokes softly over the spot. Groaning at the slayer's clenching body.

"Oh, sweet mother!" Buffy pants heavily, her hips working in an exaggerated circle at the pleasure building inside her. As Tara presses more firmly, Buffy's eyes squeeze shut, the pleasure too much, Buffy cries out Tara's name as she feels her body release.

Tara continues her tight circles on the slayer's spot while sliding the short distance, lapping the slayer's body with her tongue. "Goddess!" Tara cries out, finally easing her fingers ministrations, gently easing out of the slayer before diving in and greedily gathering up all the fluid she can find.

As Tara's tongue strokes eagerly over her body, Buffy whimpers and cries in pleasure. As she feels the inquisitive muscle wiggling it's way inside her, Buffy jerks in response.

Curling her tongue inside the slayer, Tara draws more of the slayer's delicious flavor out, satisfying some deep need in her that craves the woman. Slowing down her stroking, Tara places loving kisses on the slayer's sex, one lingering one on the still quivering muscle before gradually working her way up her lover's body, Tara nibbles gently on one nipple before working her way over to the other one, bathing it with her tongue. Placing soft soothing kisses up the slayer's neck until she reaches the woman's panting mouth, placing a chaste kiss on her lover's lips as she looks into Buffy's sated gaze.

Seeing the slayer so obviously pleased, Tara smiles before shifting her body to lay beside her lover, tucking her head in the woman's shoulder while stroking a hand lovingly up and down her lover's body, placing a kiss on Buffy's shoulder as she feels the purrs rumbling through the slayer's body, becoming louder and more consistent the firmer she strokes.

Snuggling in tighter against Buffy's body, Tara let's her eyes slide close as the rumbling purrs vibrate through her body, making her smile. "I love you."

"Love you, too." Buffy finally works out, her body arching as Tara's leg slides up over her thighs, brushing firmly across her still swollen muscle.

Buffy reaches down, grasping the witch's leg, urging it back up, her body arching again in response to the brushing of the witch's leg over her still, very aroused, body. "You're fine." Buffy shakily runs a hand over Tara's thigh.

Seeing Buffy's still aroused, Tara shifts her body, her thigh sliding firmly between Buffy's legs. Looking down at her lover, Tara grins crookedly.

Buffy groans as another shot of arousal courses through her body as Tara grins at her. Clasping the woman behind the neck, Buffy gently urges her down, kissing her lovingly. "That smile melts me inside." Buffy whispers as she kisses across the witch's jaw.

"It does?" Tara questions, groaning loudly as Buffy raises her leg, pressing against her apex. Pressing down, Tara tilts her head against Buffy's shoulder. Starting a slow easy rock, Tara whimpers as Buffy runs her hands up her body to gently massage over her breasts. Grinding down more firmly, Tara gradually picks up her rocking motion.

"Yessss!" Buffy hisses as Tara shifts her body, press in harder against her body, their two bodies shifting and rocking together. Watching as Tara presses up, hovering above her to bring her lower body into a more solid contact.

Tara looks into her lovers glowing eyes, whimpering. Closing her eyes, Tara rocks harder and faster, her body sliding effortlessly over the slayer's hard thigh. Feeling the perspiration trickling down her body at her efforts, Tara feels the pleasure building to an almost unbearable level. "So, close…" Tara whimpers, before crying out in release as Buffy's stroking hands pinch her nipples firmly.

Buffy watches the pleasure cross Tara's face as she cries out in release, before arching her body, grinding firmly into Tara's leg as she quickly follows Tara.

Tara collapses on top of Buffy, panting heavily. Groaning into the slayer's shoulder as Buffy strokes down her back, kneading her butt cheeks gently. Smiling as the purrs rumble through Buffy. Placing a kiss on the damp skin by her lips, Tara closes her eyes in pleasure.

Buffy slowly works her hands up her lovers back as she tries to gain control of her shaking body, finally threading her hands through the damp blonde strands. Breathing heavily, Buffy closes her eyes. Enjoying the feeling of rightness coming from Tara lying on top of her, the smell of their combined scents permeating the room.

"Can we do this every day for the rest of our lives?" Buffy questions softly. Chuckling as she feels Tara nod her head. "Multiple times a day?" Buffy smirks as she gets another nod. "All day long, every day from now until the end of time?" Buffy's body starts shaking with laughter as Tara nods enthusiastically against her shoulder.

"Still not done learning your body. Got lots and lots of touching, kissing, kneading, nibbling, nipping and maybe even an occasional bite here and there to do." Tara shimmies her body, getting more comfortable against Buffy's firm torso.

"I'm liking the sounds of this more and more." Buffy admits, smirking as it feels like Tara's getting ready to take a nap. "Honey?"

"Mmmhmmm." Tara murmurs pressing her lips against the slayer's neck before teasingly running her tongue over the damp skin, moaning at the taste of the slayer. "Taste so good." Tara whimpers, licking eagerly.

"Not as good as you do." Buffy moans, stretching her neck out to give Tara more to lavish. "Honey, I really don't want you to stop…" Groaning loudly as Tara goes from licking to nipping gently. "Mom's gonna… Oh, yesss!" Buffy arches hard as Tara comes across an extra sensitive area on her neck.

Finding the sensitive spot, Tara attacks it, loving the way Buffy's body starts to arch and shake under her.

Feeling the pleasure shoot through her body, as if it has a direct link to her center, Buffy groans loudly. Unbelievably, Buffy arches as an orgasm shoots through her body. "What the hell?" Buffy finally questions as Tara eases up on her caresses.

"Don't know if it was the spot, or the person." Buffy smiles, before wrapping her arms around Tara. Sighing quietly, Buffy rubs her cheek against Tara's head. "We should get cleaned up before mom comes home." Buffy finally admits.

Tara starts chuckling. "Why? You don't want her to come home to see you've obviously been in bed making love all afternoon?"

Buffy shakes her head. "You have a very strange sense of humor." Buffy runs tickling fingers up the witches sides, grinning as she starts squirming. "And we haven't been making love all afternoon. Just the biggest portion of it." Running her fingers over the scar on Tara's side, Buffy frowns, as she stops tickling the witch.

"What, sweetie?" Tara notices the quick change in her lover's features. As she feels Buffy's fingers tracing the scar, Tara sighs quietly.

Buffy's brows furrow as she feels the depth of the scar tissue, judging the length and where it's located, her eyes capture Tara's. "How bad was this?"

Tara looks down, breaking eye contact with the slayer. As Buffy cups her cheek, gently urging her to look back up, Tara sighs deeply. "It punctured my lung." Tara finally admits.

Buffy growls deeply, her eyes flaring brightly in anger. "He better pray that he never, ever crosses my path." Buffy growls angrily. "I will tear him limb from limb for harming you."

"Ssshhhh." Tara runs a calming hand down Buffy's cheek. "Easy, sweetie. It's in the past, let if stay there. Please." Tara looks at the slayer with sad blue eyes.

"No, they shouldn't have. But in a way, they're the reason I'm here." Tara tries to explain, searching the slayers angry eyes. "If my father and brother had been kind and caring, I never would have come here to college. And if I didn't come here to college…" Tara trails off, hoping Buffy would see where she's going with this.

"We would have never met." Buffy finishes, the anger still boiling within her. "If he shows up, I won't kill him. But I reserve the right to…discuss the proper way to treat a woman." Buffy offers a partial compromise, the thought of how she will 'discuss' this with Tara's father rolling around in her mind.

"Buffy?" Tara questions softly, seeing and feeling the slayer's deep-rooted anger. Surprised at being able to actually feel the slayer's emotions, Tara takes a moment to try and figure out why.

Buffy watches Tara, the anger still roiling around inside her. Seeing the surprise and confusion crossing Tara's face, Buffy tries to shake the anger that's flowing through her veins like molten lava. Wrapping her arms around Tara, she gently rolls them so she's laying over the witch. Letting Tara's calming vibes sink into her being, Buffy buries her face in Tara's neck. Breathing deeply, Buffy let's the rest of her anger drain away.

"Still doesn't mean if they show up, I won't knock some sense in them." Buffy admits. "I don't think I could be near them and not do something." Buffy leans up to search her lovers blue eyes.

"Hopefully, you'll never have to meet them." Tara runs her thumbs softly over Buffy's cheeks. "So that way I don't have to worry about your doing something that you'll regret."

"I won't regret anything I do to those bastards." Buffy states calmly and sincerely.

Buffy's eyes widen. "Uh, oh!" Turning to look at the clock, Buffy starts to laugh. "Mom just pulled up in the driveway." Buffy admits, her eyes twinkling as she looks back at Tara.

"You go ahead. I'll get dressed and run downstairs." Buffy places a quick kiss on Tara's lips before hopping off the bed dressing quickly.

"Like she isn't going to know what we were doing, anyway!" Buffy calls after the witch, hearing her chuckle as she closes the bathroom door. Laughing, Buffy heads downstairs.

"Need help?" Buffy questions as she trots out to the Jeep to help her mother unload the groceries.

Joyce peaks from around the back of the Jeep, eyeing her daughter. "Been home for a while?" Joyce questions with a raised eyebrow.

"After you help me get the groceries in, you might want to go brush your hair." Joyce smirks as she heads towards the house.

Buffy groans and rolls her eyes before following her mother into the house. "Just wait until you find someone. You are going to be in for some serious ribbing." Buffy grumbles setting the groceries down on the counter before going out to the vehicle to get the last bags.

Joyce chuckles as she watches her daughter stride out of the kitchen. "If only." Joyce wishes quietly. Before quickly putting away the groceries.

"What's for dinner?" Buffy questions as she sets down the last of the groceries, helping her mother put them away.

"Want burgers and hot dogs, Mexican or meatloaf?" Joyce questions leaving a big package of hamburger out on the counter while putting another package in the refrigerator.

"Let me check with Tara. I'm up for any and all of the above." Buffy admits, grinning.

"Aren't you always." Joyce shakes her head watching Buffy leave the kitchen. Joyce finishes putting away the rest of the groceries, waiting for Buffy to come back.

Buffy leans against the wall by the bathroom door. Knocking gently she smiles as Tara cracks the door, poking her head out. "Dressed yet?" Buffy questions, trying to sneak a peak at the witch.

"Hoping I am, or that I'm not?" Tara questions, raising an eyebrow, making sure to stay behind the door.

"Nope. Last time you came to visit me in the bathroom, there was a reason and it took a while for you to get to that reason." Tara looks inquisitively at the slayer.

"You're no fun at all." Buffy whines, running her hand over Tara's, while gently pushing against the door.

"Hamburgers and hot dogs, meatloaf or Mexican for dinner?" Buffy finally asks before running a finger over Tara's jaw.

"How about hamburgers and hot dogs for dinner tonight? I'm sure your mom was planning a more regular meal for dinner tomorrow night. Give me a few minutes and I can come down to help, if she wants." Tara's eyes twinkle merrily as Buffy tries to push the door open again. "Stop that! Your mom's going to know you were up to something you take much longer."

"She already told me I needed to brush my hair." Buffy admits, smirking. "So, I'm just trying to do what she told me."

"Riiight." Tara drawls out, chuckling. "Even though your hair does need a good brushing. I wonder what could have made it look that way?" Tara jokes looking at her lover's messy hair.

"Fine, obviously it needs a good brushing. Now why don't you let me brush it and make everyone happy?" Buffy starts bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"Okay." Tara gives in, opening the door, letting Buffy come into the bathroom as she runs out, completely dressed, to head downstairs.

"NOT FAIR!" Buffy yells, after Tara's already down the stairs, realizing Tara duped her. Hearing Tara's laughter, Buffy grumbles as she grabs the brush, realizing as she looks in the mirror, that she looks like she had been laid well and thoroughly. "And I have." Buffy smirks into the mirror before setting it to rights.

"Hi." Tara shyly states as she walks into the kitchen, blushing as she sees the knowing look she receives from Joyce.

"Hamburgers and hot dogs are fine." Tara glances around. "Do you want some help?"

"Nope. Got it covered." Joyce chuckles quietly. "I was actually surprised that you two were home. I kind of figured that you might still be at the hospital with Faith."

"Yeah, well…" Tara sighs quietly as what happened comes to the fore again. "We weren't there that long. Faith kind of had a freak and wasn't wanting to talk." Tara sits down, running a finger over the island counter.

Joyce looks with concern at Tara, before glancing up as she watches Buffy standing there looking nervous. "What about?" Joyce questions softly.

"She realized that everything any of us had said to her actually happened." Buffy admits coming to stand behind Tara, massaging the witch's tense shoulders.

"She heard…" Joyce starts, then stops as the ramifications of what that could mean crosses her mind.

"Yeah. My being a total bitch to her." Buffy admits, the self-hatred evident in her tones.

"Sweetie." Tara murmurs reaching up and clasping Buffy's hands, pulling them down around her. "There's a good possibility that she isn't even thinking of that. What might have her scared is the fact that you want her back, want her friendship and want to make up to her for everything that happened."

"My luck don't run that way, Tara." Buffy admits, tilting her head down to rest against Tara's, as she sighs deeply.

"Give it time, sweetie. We'll try and help her as much as we can." Tara looks sadly at Joyce. "Faith remembered you visiting her a couple times, also."

Joyce nods her head. "I did." Joyce sits down looking at her daughter's guilty eyes to Tara's sad eyes. "Mostly I just sat with her. A few times I talked about the fact that I should have insisted she come to stay with us. She never should have been left to her own devices, living in those rat infested motel rooms. That's pretty much all I ever talked about when I was with her."

Tara nibbles on her lip in contemplation, while stroking Buffy's arms. "Buffy, sweetie?" Tara questions hesitantly.

"You want me to talk to Xander, don't you?" Buffy questions, anticipating what her lover is going to ask.

"Okay." Buffy smiles softly at the witch, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead before pulling her arms away to pick up the phone. "I'll go outside."

Joyce watches as Tara furrows her brows in thought. "What are you thinking?" Joyce questions softly.

"I'm thinking that ultimately, Faith is scared shitless that all the people that she's tried to hurt are wanting to help her. They're wanting to be her friend." Tara admits glancing up, pinning the older Summers woman with her deep blue eyes. "I don't think she knows what love is, and it, more than anything, scares her."

Joyce's considers the witch's words. "You may be right." Joyce reaches over and pats Tara's hand before standing to make the hamburger patties for dinner.

Tara watches Joyce while she fixes the hamburgers, placing them in the skillet. "Joyce?" Tara questions softly.

Turning, Joyce looks at Tara, seeing the apprehensive look on her face, she smiles. "Tara, you're my daughter's girlfriend. You're doing things to her in my house, that I really would rather not even think about, so if you have something to ask or say, just spit it out." Joyce smirks at Tara as she blushes deeply. "Of course, she's probably the one actually doing the corrupting in this relationship."

Tara can't help but giggle at Joyce. "I'm not so sure about that…" Tara wiggles her eyebrows, even as she's blushing. Taking a deep breath, Tara relaxes. "I do actually have something to ask you." Tara looks searchingly in Joyce's eyes.

"When Faith comes out of her coma and needs somewhere to stay…" Tara hesitates, then smiles as she sees the dawning understanding on Joyce's face.

"If she will, it's wonderful of you to allow her to come here." Tara let's out a huge sigh of relief.

"No, it's something that I should have done previously." Joyce watches as Tara smiles in understanding.

"We all make mistakes." Tara shrugs softly. "Sometimes we have a chance to correct them, sometimes we have to make up for them the best way we can, and other times we just have to go on." Tara leans back and glances out the back door, smiling as she watches Buffy wave her hand around while she's talking to Xander. Turning her gaze back to Joyce, she frowns. "I'm more worried about the police and the Watcher's Council." Tara admits.

"Rupert is trying to deal with the Watcher's Council. If he can get them to give us a chance to help Faith, they can probably deal with the police." Joyce explains quietly.

Tara growls quietly, her eyes darkening. "They better do what's right regarding that woman. I believe they screwed up enough before."

"They have a hard time learning from their mistakes." Joyce rolls her eyes. "I just hope we have a chance to make things right." Hesitating for a moment Joyce looks down at the counter before looking back up. "Do you think there's a good chance you can help her? Not only wake up from the coma, but…" Joyce taps the side of her head, watching Tara intently.

"I think so." Tara smiles softly. "The biggest battle will be Faith herself. If she'll let me help her. I can help the physical portion, and some of the spiritual portion. But unless she's wanting to be better, I can only take her so far."

"Maybe visiting her. Talking to her to let her know you're here for her, if she needs you to be. Basically being a friend to her." Tara's eyes turn to the door as Buffy walks in. "I think the biggest thing that Faith needs, is to know that there are people here that really do care for her. That could make the biggest difference."

Buffy nods as she walks in. "That's pretty much what Xander said he talked to her about, when he visits her. That he's here for her." Buffy hangs up the phone before turning around to stand beside Tara, smiling as she wraps an arm around her waist. "He's got the guilt complex thing going on, too. He said he talks to her about how he shouldn't have taken advantage of her." Buffy sighs quietly. "I feel like we all fucked up royally regarding Faith."

"She made her own decisions, Buffy." Tara whispers quietly. "Circumstances may have made her think she didn't have any choice. But ultimately, she did. There's just as much eating away at her for what she's done, what choices she made, that she has to get through before we can help her get well."

"Well then, I guess that means we've got to do everything in our powers to help her through this. To help her get well." Joyce calmly comments as she stands to turn the hamburgers, and put the hot dogs on to boil. "Do you think I should go in tomorrow morning and sit with her for a while?" Joyce questions as she sits back down.

Tara nibbles on her lip as she considers Joyce's offer. Finally after a few minutes she nods her head. "Honestly, I think it could only help."

"Then I'll go there tomorrow morning. What are you two doing tonight?" Joyce questions, raising an eyebrow as Tara blushes and Buffy smirks.

"Well, I kind of thought you'd enjoy having the house to yourself tonight. So Tara and I are going to her dorm room of love." Buffy yelps as Tara pinches her. "HEY!"

Joyce chuckles as she stands to check on the food. "Looks like dinner's almost ready, ladies."

"I'll get the condiments out of the fridge." Buffy mumbles as she pinches Tara quickly on the nipple while her mom's back is turned, chuckling as Tara smacks her hand. Leaning in to Tara's ear, Buffy whispers quietly. "Remember everything you did to me this afternoon?" As Tara nods, Buffy chuckles wickedly. "It's coming back to you tonight three fold."

Tara whimpers in realization. Before her eyes start to twinkle. "Sounds like you're aware of the Wicca creed."

"May have heard it mentioned a few times." Buffy chuckles as she sets the items on the island as her mother places the platter with the hamburgers and hot dogs there. "We eating in here?"

"That's fine with me." Tara smiles in agreement as she stands, grabbing a knife out of the drawer slicing a tomato quickly for the hamburgers.

"Cheese?" Buffy questions as she grabs a head of lettuce out of the refrigerator, tossing it to Tara.

Catching the head of lettuce Tara raises an eyebrow at the slayer and narrows her eyes. "Be careful what you toss my way! I would like some cheese for my burger." Tara admits while cleaning the head of lettuce.

"Potato chips?" Buffy questions, reaching up in the cabinet when she gets two nods.

As the three women sit down to eat dinner, Joyce looks at the two women as they sit close to each other, Tara handing items to Buffy before she even asks for them. Chuckling quietly, Joyce grins even bigger as Buffy and Tara both look at her with questioning looks on their faces. "Buffy, did you even notice that Tara was handing you what you needed before you asked for it?"

Buffy frowns looking from her plate of food to Tara back at her mom. "She was?" As Joyce nods her head, laughing, Buffy turns and stares at Tara. "What's up?"

Tara shrugs looking confused. "I guess I kind of felt what you wanted. I don't really know. Think something." Tara questions looking at Buffy. As she gets the feeling of what Buffy would like to be doing, Tara blushes deeply and smacks her on the leg.

"Yep, she can tell what I'm wanting." Buffy smirks knowingly at the witch. Picking up her hamburger, Buffy takes a huge bite, her eyes twinkling merrily.

Sighing at the two women, Joyce looks questioningly at Tara. "What are you two going to eat for breakfast tomorrow?"

"I still have some leftover lunchmeat and cheese. I figure we can finish that off." Tara glances at Buffy. "I also have Ramen noodles, if we need them." Tara chuckles as Buffy scowls.

"Throw that shit away." Buffy snarls. "I actually still have some money left over from what you gave me for dinner the other day. There's enough to go out for breakfast." Buffy looks at Tara.

"I'd rather finish off the food in the refrigerator before it goes bad." Tara admits quietly. "I hate to waste food."

"It might get eaten tonight for a late night snack." Buffy comments before starting on her second hamburger.

"You have a microwave in your room, right?" Joyce questions watching as Tara nods her head. "I have some extra cans of soup, plus Buffy always likes to munch on something, so I usually keep a couple cases of microwave popcorn on hand."

"HEY!" Buffy yells, frowning. "You make it sound like all I do is eat." Buffy grumbles before starting her third hamburger.

Tara raises an eyebrow and watches as Buffy quickly polishes off that hamburger. "That's what, your third burger? And how many hot dogs, four or five?"

"Even if you two are planning on staying in Tara's dorm room, you're still coming here for dinner each night, right?" Joyce questions as she finishes her dinner.

"Yes. If you don't mind." Buffy raises an eyebrow before smirking at her mom. "If Tara didn't have so many early classes, we could stay here more often."

"Are you saying you don't like my dorm room?" Tara questions before popping a potato chip in her mouth.

"Oh, no. I'm not saying that. Though my bed is bigger than yours." Buffy states seriously.

"Not while we sleep, we don't." Buffy mutters around another hot dog. "But when we're….OUCH!"

"BUFFY!" Tara smacks Buffy on the leg. "Behave." Tara blushes deeply, not daring to look at Joyce.

Buffy raises her eyes towards her mom hesitantly. Seeing her mother raising an eyebrow and giving her 'the look', Buffy whimpers. "Sorry, mom. I didn't think."

"Just don't give me any details, and we'll be okay." Joyce finally smirks at her daughter and Tara. "Want to take a few things with you tonight for food to keep at your room?" Joyce changes the subject, smiling at the still blushing witch.

"It probably wouldn't hurt to have some kind of munchies there." Tara's eyes lift, as she smiles shyly.

"Maybe one of the big cases of popcorn for now." Buffy tips the bag of chips on her plate after she realizes the hot dogs and hamburgers are gone.

Buffy slides her gaze towards Tara, grinning. "Yeah, for some reason my appetite is humongous."

Sighing at her daughter, Joyce stands and pulls another package of hot dogs out of the refrigerator. "More hot dogs, okay?"

"That's fine." Buffy watches as mom throws the hot dogs on the stove to boil. Turning to look at Tara, Buffy grins as she closes the distance between them, placing a gentle kiss on the witch's cheek. "You want something else?" Buffy questions as she runs a hand down Tara's back.

"No, thank you." Tara leans against Buffy, closing her eyes groaning quietly as Buffy strokes down her back. "I like that."

"Maybe if you play your cards right, I'll give you a back massage tonight." Buffy smiles as Tara arches into her hand.

"Whatever you want, you got." Tara tucks her head into Buffy's neck, running one hand up and down the slayer's thigh.

"I'm going to go soak in the tub. Don't get distracted and forget the hot dogs are on the stove." Joyce looks at Buffy knowingly before heading out of the kitchen.

"Thanks, mom." Buffy calls after her mom, smiling as she feels Tara place a soft kiss on her neck. "I love you."

"I love you, too, sweetie." Tara murmurs before shifting her hand to shift the slayer's shirt up and stroke over her stomach. "Like skin." Tara whispers as she flicks her tongue over the slayer's pulse point, humming in pleasure.

"I need a shower." Buffy whimpers as her body starts to vibrate, the purrs rumbling through.

"No, you don't." Tara shakes her head before shifting her body in closer to Buffy's, licking more firmly over Buffy's neck, smiling as she closes in on the sensitive spot that got such a reaction from the slayer earlier.

"Oh, shit!" Buffy cries out softly as Tara starts to lick and nibble her neck. "Tara, honey! Gotta stop, if not…" Buffy groans deeply as Tara sucks the skin in her mouth while flicking her tongue strongly over the sensitive flesh.

Slowing down gradually, Tara finally eases her mouth away from Buffy. Looking up into her lover's passion filled eyes, Tara grins crookedly. "So that spot could bring you great pleasure without me doing anything else to you?" Tara questions softly.

"I don't know, but I think we might want to try it sometime." Buffy looks deeply into Tara's beautiful blue eyes. Shifting her body so she's completely facing the witch, Buffy captures her lips in a searing kiss. "But tonight isn't going to be about me. It's going to be all about you." Buffy admits before nibbling on the witch's earlobe, grinning as she hears the harsh intake of breath.

"I thought I got to spend all night tonight learning your body." Tara whimpers as Buffy flicks her tongue repeatedly down her neck.

"Hmmm. That was before you spent this afternoon driving me absolutely crazy with your lovings. Tonight is my night, now." Buffy works her hand under Tara's shirt, stroking over her lover's strong back. "And I can't wait."

"I think your hot dogs are probably done." Tara groans as Buffy slowly pulls away. Watching the slayer with hooded eyes, Tara unconsciously licks her lips as she considers the woman. "Then I've got tomorrow morning."

Tara laughs quietly, before closing her eyes to take a couple deep breaths to calm down. Deciding to clear the dishes, she quickly and efficiently gathers hers and Joyce's, placing them in the dishwasher. Putting away the items Buffy isn't going to use, Tara leans against the refrigerator watching as Buffy quickly works her way through four more hot dogs.

"Should we gather up what stuff to take to your dorm room, then wait for mom to come down from her bath?" Buffy questions as she stands, placing her dishes in the dishwasher while Tara finishes putting away the other items.

"Oh, we always have time for kisses!" Buffy leans in giving Tara a soft kiss. "Always."

Tara chuckles quietly as she follows Buffy upstairs to gather their stuff together.

Tara glances towards Buffy, smiling at the slayer who's grinning from ear to ear. "What are you so happy about?"

Buffy turns mischievous eyes on the witch. "Just thinking about what I'm going to do to you when we get to your dorm room."

"Hmmm. I wouldn't consider it trouble." Buffy let's her hand slide down the short distance to brush over the witch's butt cheek. "I want to see how long it'll take for your neighbors to come knocking on your door." Buffy's eyes twinkle merrily at the thought.

Buffy turns her head towards the witch, her eyebrow cocked, an absolutely evil smile on her face. "In a heartbeat. Don't they get loud?" Buffy questions, smirking at the witch.

"Uh, huh." Buffy smirks before letting the smirk turn to a soft smile. "I know you do. Knowing you, you probably stuff cotton balls in your ears to keep from hearing anything that you think you shouldn't." Buffy chuckles softly as Tara nods her head, blushing. "Then, I think it's time they get a taste of their own medicine."

"They'll probably be getting a lot of their own medicine here soon." Tara quirks her lip, a glint in her eye.

"Oooh. I think my lovely, beautiful witch is starting to enjoy the thought of keeping her neighbors awake." Buffy grins happily. "I foresee lots and lots of fun, pleasure and happiness in our future!"

"Oh, most definitely." Tara smirks, laughing. "Do you feel any demons at all, sweetie?" Tara questions as they stroll towards the college.

"Other than the concentration I feel coming from the college, nope." Buffy shakes her head, frowning deeply. "I really would like to check that out."

"If it's some kind of military thing, you know they're going to have very high security." Tara glances at Buffy, seeing the worried look on the slayer's face. "I almost hate to suggest this, but since they seem to be located under the college…" Tara hesitates, biting her lip.

"I was thinking the same thing." Buffy nods her head, smiling gently at the witch. "Probably people that are working here, or possibly going to school here as covers, are part of the Initiative."

"It's a very good possibility." Tara's brows furrow in thought. "I have a very, very dangerous thought." Tara starts softly.

"No. NO dangerous thoughts. If it's anything that possibly puts you in danger, get it out of your head." Buffy growls, her eyes flashing.

"Okay." Tara sighs before shifting the book bag to a more comfortable spot on her shoulder.

Buffy grunts quietly as she glances at Tara out of the corner of her eye. "Why do you keep insisting on doing things, or thinking of things that put you in danger?"

Tara quirks her lip up sadly. "Because those are the thoughts that occur to me." Tara shrugs her shoulders, slowly walking up the stairs to the dorm room, followed closely by Buffy.

"Then have happy, non-dangerous thoughts occur to you for a while, will you?" Buffy grumbles, frowning. "What was your thought?" Buffy finally questions.

Tara turns surprised eyes on the slayer as she unlocks the door, allowing Buffy to precede her into the room. Tossing her book bag on the desk, Tara slides her jacket and shoes off before climbing on the bed, crossing her legs watching as Buffy sets the bags she was carrying in the corner. Smiling softly as Buffy pulls off her jacket hanging it on the back of the chair before toeing off her shoes.

Climbing on the bed so she's facing Tara, Buffy tilts her head watching the witch. "Go ahead."

"I was just thinking, that I could use a glamour spell, making me look like a vampire. Their commandos would try and capture me, you'd knock them out and find out who they are." Tara shrugs. "Not that much of a biggie."

"Yeah, but you're not taking into consideration that they are using taser guns on the vampires!" Buffy growls angrily.

"What, you don't like the thought of your girlfriend being…electrifying?" Tara wiggles her eyebrows, smirking at the slayer.

Rolling her eyes, Buffy shifts around and lays her head in Tara's lap. "Not happening. I really, really want you to get that thought of your head. I caved on the Faith thing, but there's no way in hell I'm going to let you put yourself in danger like that."

Tara sighs quietly. Knowing it was a crappy idea, but thinking it might be for the best. "Okay. That thought is gone." Tara smiles crookedly at the slayer, running her hands gently through the soft hair. "Now how about the thought of either going down to the common room, watching some television, or getting naked and driving the neighbors crazy?"

"Now, those thoughts I can deal with!" Buffy let's a smile cross her face. "Did you want to watch some television?" Buffy questions, closing her eyes as she enjoys the witch stroking her fingers through her hair.

Tara smiles as she feels the rumbles starting to work their way through the slayer. "No. I don't much feel like watching television." Tara continues to stroke through the slayer's hair with one hand, while running a fingertip over the slayer's features with a feather light touch.

Buffy smiles at the loving touch. As she feels Tara's finger stroke softly over her lip, Buffy flicks her tongue out to circle the tip before placing a kiss on the finger. "What do you feel like doing?" Buffy questions huskily.

"Truthfully?" Tara questions as she strokes down the slayer's neck, watching the slayer's breathing increase gradually. As Buffy nods her head, Tara smiles gently. "I would like to spend the next couple hours touching you, just like this." Tara admits, running her finger softly over the exposed collar bone of her lover.

Inhaling deeply, Buffy finally opens her eyes to gaze up into Tara's deep blue eyes. "No seducing me, this time. My turn to spend hours enjoying your delectable body."

"It could. But, honestly, I already have plans for tonight." Buffy admits, groaning as Tara's hand slips inside her shirt to brush softly over the starting swell of her breast.

"Sweet, God!" Buffy murmurs feeling her body clench in desire. "First off, I plan on both of us getting naked, very quickly." Buffy bites her lip as Tara's fingers sneak under her bra, stroking dangerously close to her highly sensitized nipple.

"Hmmm. Liking your plan so far." Tara eyelids droop as she feels the desire building quickly. Tara teases her fingers around Buffy's nipple, not touching it but stroking the hot skin and the crinkled areola surrounding it.

Buffy whimpers as Tara continues to tease, but not stroke directly over her aching nipple. "Then I was planning on giving you that back massage I promised earlier." Buffy hoarsely mentions.

"Sounding better and better." Tara admits, as she shifts her hand over to the other breast to slowly stroke over the slayer's velvety flesh, grinning at the groan of desire coming from Buffy.

Inhaling deeply, Buffy whimpers in need at the smell of their combined arousals starting to permeate the room with the musky fragrance. "After that I'm planning on playing it by ear." Buffy shifts around, slowly pulling away from Tara's hand to eye the witch hungrily.

Tara's body clenches as she notices the look on the slayer's face. "Goddess, you look like you're ready to devour me."

"Very apt description." Buffy growls as she leans in, kissing the witch hungrily. Shifting her body so she's balancing on her knees, while continuing to kiss Tara, Buffy swiftly unbuttons the witch's shirt. Quickly pushing the garment off Tara's shoulders, Buffy's hands reach around the witch, unhooking her bra, sliding the garment down off her shoulders before her hands greedily stroke the witch's full breasts.

Moaning loudly into the slayer's mouth, Tara arches into the small, hot hands as they stroke, pinch and squeeze her breasts. Finally breaking the kiss, so she can breathe, Tara pants heavily, a continuous whimper coming from her.

"I think the massage might have to wait a little while." Buffy's gaze caresses hotly over the witch's body. "But nakedness can't." Buffy's hands eagerly stroke down the witch's body, fingers nimbly unbuttoning her skirt as she urges the witch to straighten her legs.

"Are you planning on pouncing on me?" Tara questions shakily, the desire flowing strongly through her body.

"Yes." Buffy answers succinctly, as she slides the witch's skirt down off her legs. Growling at the plain white cotton panties, Buffy almost rips them off, before it occurs to her that she's already ruined one of Tara's bras and that the woman definitely didn't have the money to go replacing underwear because of her predilection of wanting to see the witch in sexy underwear. Taking extra care to gently ease the panties down her lover's legs, her nose twitching as the witch's smell invades her nostrils. Unable to resist, Buffy gently eases the witch's legs apart, smiling as Tara shifts her body for her.

Looking up as she slowly makes her way towards the witch's apex, Buffy closes her eyes at the look of absolute love and desire in Tara's eyes. Continuing up the witch's body, Buffy kisses her lovingly. "I want to pounce, now. Okay?"

Nodding her head, Tara runs her fingers over Buffy's cheeks. "Finish undressing, sweetie. Either I'm going to be returning the favor quickly after recovering, or we're going to be pouncing at the same time."

Buffy's eyes light up in consideration of the witch's words. "That, we can do." Buffy literally goes from all fours over Tara to standing by the bed stripping her clothes off in seconds.

"Laughing at me again, aren't you?" Buffy watches as Tara grins crookedly and nods her head. A slow grin crosses the slayer's face. "That's okay, since you came up with a very, very good idea, I'll let it slide this time."

Tara shifts down on the bed, her eyes tracing her lover's body. "Buffy, not to complain…but I'd really rather be making love to you right now instead of talking." Tara admits, her voice deep with desire.

Buffy's eyes widen before she climbs up above the witch, leaning down and kissing her passionately before she starts working her way down her lover's body, chuckling as Tara's hands caress her body, urging her to turn around.

"Sweetie…" Tara starts, then smiles as Buffy shifts her body around. "Hmmm… dessert." Tara murmurs as she strokes a finger over Buffy's swollen sex, loving how the slayer's body jumps at the caress before groaning and arching her own body as Buffy strokes across her. Sliding a finger between the juice covered lips, Tara traverses her lover's body, stroking gently, groaning as Buffy imitates what she's doing. "Goddess, this the game you want to play?" Tara moans questioningly.

Buffy smirks, then groans as Tara swiftly flicks a finger over her swollen nub. Taking a second, Buffy repeats the gesture.

"Guess so." Tara murmurs before urging the slayers hips down, quickly capturing her lover's swollen clit between her lips, flicking her tongue strongly over the begging muscle. Arching her own body up into the slayer's mouth as Buffy quickly follows suit. Panting heavily in between sucking and licking across the slayer, Tara reaches up to gently ease one finger into her lover's hot, molten core. "Goddess, so wet…" Tara groans into the slayer's body before quickly adding a second, then third finger as she strokes in and out of the slayer while continuing to love the slayer's hard clit with her mouth and tongue.

Groaning deeply into the witch's core, Buffy leans away from the witch, rocking her body against her lover's fingers. As she feels Tara suck firmly, Buffy whimpers loudly. Realizing Tara's hips are working against her fingers, Buffy quickly captures the witch's swollen nub with her mouth, swirling her tongue around, flicking and sucking alternately. As she feels Tara's body tensing under hers, Buffy picks up her ministrations, finally allowing her own body to start to release, their bodies start to shake as their orgasms work through them.

Whimpering loudly, Tara pushes her body up, as she starts to climax, her body shaking with her release. Moaning deeply as Buffy orgasms, flooding her mouth with her lover's essence. Gathering all of her lover's essence she can find, Tara finally collapses back on the bed. Inhaling in jagged breaths, Tara wraps her arms around Buffy's legs, squeezing firmly.

Buffy continues to lap gently over her lover's body, purring deeply as she gather's her lover's nectar. Buffy whimpers quietly as she realizes there's no more for her to gather, then giggles as she feels Tara start to playfully nip at her inner thighs. "What are you doing?"

"I thought that was kind of obvious." Tara chuckles before sucking the tender skin in her mouth.

Buffy squirms and starts laughing. "That tickles!" As she feels Tara release the skin, she breathes a sigh of relief before jerking and yelling her lover's name as she feels Tara's teeth scrape firmly across the skin she'd just released. "STOP THAT!" Buffy laughs loudly, squirming as she tries to get away from the witch's mouth and teeth.

Tara giggles as Buffy's body starts writhing above her, trying to get away. As Buffy's fingers start to thrum up her body, Tara shifts around under Buffy, starting to laugh. "BUFFY!" Tara cries out between laughs.

"Teach you to tickle me." Buffy grins, shifting her body around so she's straddling the witch, continuing to wiggle her fingertips over the witch's sensitive ribs. Buffy smirks as Tara's face, and body, flushes as she continues to tickle her lover. Watching Tara's eyes twinkle with laughter, Buffy smiles hugely. Finally easing up on the tickling, Buffy shifts to lay beside the witch, tucking her face in her lover's neck while throwing her leg across Tara's hips. Stroking Tara's abdomen and stomach, Buffy moves her body in as close as she can against her lover.

Tara smiles softly, wrapping an arm around Buffy, squeezing her gently. "I love you, sweetie." Tara closes her eyes, letting the slayer's purrs vibrate through her body.

"I love you, too." Buffy kisses Tara's neck, before flicking her tongue across the slightly damp skin.

Tara hums in pleasure as Buffy starts stroking her tongue firmly over her neck. "Goddess, you could do that all over my body, and I would NOT complain." Tara mutters as she stretches her neck, giving Buffy more skin to lick across.

"That could definitely be arranged." Buffy smirks, before gently nipping the skin she'd just finished licking. Running her hand up from Tara's stomach, to the witch's breasts, Buffy softly runs her fingertips over the soft skin. Burying her face in the witch's neck again, Buffy closes her eyes, continuing to stroke her lover's body.

"Just getting my second wind." Buffy runs a finger up and around the witch's nipple before flicking a fingernail over the hardening flesh.

"Seems more like you're enjoying teasing." Tara murmurs, arching her back as Buffy starts to pinch the nipple she was teasing with her fingernail. Moaning quietly, Tara strokes her hand down Buffy's back, kneading the slayer lovingly.

"Oh, no. Teasing is when you don't plan on following through. I will definitely be following through." Buffy leans up and grins at the witch. "But first, I promised you a backrub, and you're going to get it."

"You don't have to, sweetie." Tara runs a hand down the side of Buffy's face, before cupping it behind the slayer's neck urging her down for a soft kiss. "I would be just as happy to hold you and run my fingers over whatever skin I happen to find." Tara grins crookedly at the slayer.

"Ah, yes. But I know you really enjoyed my stroking my hands over your back." Buffy raises an eyebrow at the witch in question.

"Hmmm." Buffy murmurs before leaning down to kiss the witch lovingly. "Let me get off you, and you turn around, okay?"

"Okay." Tara states smiling as Buffy eases off the bed, walking over to her bag. "What are you doing, sweetie?" Tara questions turning on her stomach, but keeping the slayer in her sights.

"I've been known to get knotted up muscles, pulls and other annoyances while training and patrolling…" Buffy starts digging around in her bag, smiling as she pulls out the heating massage oil. "This heats up, helping the muscles to relax. Great for getting those damn knots out when they are being stubborn."

"Who normally works them out for you, sweetie?" Tara questions, closing her eyes as she shifts around on the bed, centering herself in the middle of the bed.

"I do it, unless it's in an area I can't reach. Mom or Giles, depending on where I'm at, at the time, will do it for me. Willow and Xander have been know to occasionally come in handy at times, also, when I'm in desperate need." Buffy admits softly.

"You three are really good friends, aren't you?" Tara softly asks, opening an eye to look at Buffy.

"Yes. We've been friends for over three years. Seen and been through some pretty horrible stuff together." Buffy sits down on the edge of the bed contemplating the past three years. "Poor Xander seems to be a demon magnet. He's attracted the Preying Mantis lady, Impata the Incan Mummy, Drusilla seemed to have a thing for him, even that Vengeance Demon seemed to like him. She disappeared, don't ever know what happened to her." Buffy tilts her head, thinking. "Of course, there was Cordelia, the Queen Bitch. The fluke with Willow, and of course the deal with Faith." Buffy shakes her head, grinning. "My dating Angel, seems pretty tame by comparison." Buffy grins.

Tara chuckles quietly, shifting the pillow under her cheek to a more comfortable position. "Do you think Willow will have a problem, with us?" Tara questions hesitantly.

"She might be a little wigged to begin with." Buffy admits, stroking her hand softly over the witch's back, soothing her. "But I don't think it'll be anything that she won't become okay with over time. Xander took it pretty well, but then again, he's a guy!" Buffy smirks.

"There is that whole, girl on girl thing, that he probably is enjoying picturing." Tara giggles.

"Don't remind me!" Buffy grumbles. "Enough talking about those two. Let me get to the massaging." Buffy eyes the witch's back, the smooth white skin. "You're beautiful, Tara." Buffy states simply and honestly.

Tara smiles and rubs her face on the pillow. "I disagree with you, about that, you know."

"I know." Buffy sighs quietly. "But I'm going to keep telling you that, until you believe me." Buffy shifts to where she's on one knee, throwing the other leg over the witch's thighs, gently easing her body down. "If I weigh too much, or it gets uncomfortable, let me know." Buffy softly whispers.

"You will never weigh too much, Buffy." Tara turns her head to look over her shoulder at the slayer. "Make yourself comfortable, please."

Buffy smiles and re-situates herself, easing more of her weight onto the witch. "This okay?"

"Yes, you're fine, sweetie." Tara sighs quietly. "I won't break. You don't have to be so…gentle or worried about me."

Buffy leans down and places a kiss on the witch's shoulder blade. "I'll still be gentle and worried, can't help it. But, if you ever need…or want something, let me know." Buffy offers quietly, as she straightens, opening the bottle and squirting a quarter sized dollop in her palm, before closing the bottle and setting it on the bed behind her. Gently rubbing her hands together, Buffy warms the oil as she spreads it over both hands, before starting at the witch's lower back, running her hands up firmly.

Groaning at the firm stroke of her lover's hands, Tara reaches up and moves her hair out of the way, before tilting her head back down into the pillow, relaxing more into the bed as Buffy starts to knead and massage her back.

Buffy smiles as she continues working her hands over her lover's back, feeling the tension working it's way out of her. Finding a couple extra tense areas, Buffy spends a longer time on them, loosening the muscles, before stroking more firmly over the witch's back, smirking as she hears the witch hum in appreciation. "Not too hard?"

"No. As a matter of fact, you can do it harder." Tara rolls her neck around as Buffy's fingers dig a little firmer in her shoulders. "Harder, Buffy." As Buffy works her fingers deeper into her flesh, Tara sighs in contentment. "That's perfect."

"Uh, huh." Tara mumbles, feeling her body relax even more as Buffy's hands work their way slowly down her back.

Buffy continues working over the witch's back. As she hears the witch start breathing more deeply, Buffy leans up, looking at the sleeping woman. Smiling softly, Buffy gently eases off Tara. Looking around the room, Buffy quietly walks over to the drawers opening them, finally finding a blanket. Looking back at the bed, Buffy tilts her head as she considers the room left on the bed. Deciding she'll have room if she lays on her side against the witch, Buffy turns off the light. Unfolding the blanket, Buffy gently lays it over Tara before climbing in beside her. Laying an arm gently over the witch's waist, Buffy lays her head down on the pillow, closing her eyes in contentment. "I love you." Buffy whispers, stroking her fingers gently over Tara's side, before she slowly follows the witch into slumber land.

Tara smiles softly as she glances up from her sketch pad, watching Buffy sleep for a few moments before turning her gaze back to the pad, quickly stroking lines and curves over the page, glancing up at her lover occasionally.

Buffy frowns as she slowly wakes up, hearing an unfamiliar noise. Running her hand over the bed, she opens her eyes as she realizes she's in bed alone again. As she's about ready to bitch, she stops and watches as Tara places quick strokes on her art pad. Shifting to prop her head up, Buffy watches Tara silently for a few long moments, smiling as blue eyes slowly lift to lock with her eyes.

"Morning, sweetie." Tara smiles softly as she sets aside the pad, dropping her charcoal back in the box as she slowly stands walking to the bed. Leaning down she places a gentle kiss on Buffy's lips before sitting beside her lover. Running her thumb gently over Buffy's cheek, Tara whispers quietly. "I'm sorry I fell asleep on you, last night."

"No problem." Buffy looks over Tara's charcoal stained clothes before raising an eyebrow. "How long were you up?"

"A couple hours." Tara admits, her hand stroking down the slayer's strong neck. "I need to go shower and get off the charcoal smears, don't I?" Tara questions as she sees her hands and the streaks of charcoal on them, knowing she's probably got them on her face and the rest of her body.

"So, it's not just paint you get messy with?" Buffy smirks as she eyes the witch, reaching up to brush at one particularly dark charcoal smudge on the witch's cheek.

"Nope. I'm pretty much messy with everything." Tara's eyes twinkle as she turns her gaze from Buffy's eyes to slowly traverse down her lover's half-covered body. "But, I must admit, I do need to make a trip to the art store and pick up a couple more pads."

"Are they open on Sundays?" Buffy slides her body closer to Tara's, running a hand over her lover's back.

"They're open from 10-2 on Sundays." Tara murmurs, closing her eyes as Buffy's hand caresses her back.

Buffy's eyes turn to the clock. "It's early. I would have thought it would be later than 8:00." Buffy states softly, moaning quietly as Tara starts to stroke a hand through her hair.

"That's okay. We're allowed to sleep occasionally." Buffy smirks, then chuckles as Tara pinches her gently on her arm. "Okay, we're allowed to sleep more than occasionally."

"Better." Tara smiles lovingly at Buffy. "Shower time? Then come back and finish off the meat and cheese for breakfast?"

"Hmmm. Depends. Do I get to see what you were sketching?" Buffy's eyes open to look at Tara.

"Of course you can." Tara smiles before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on Buffy's lips, before standing. Flipping the pad to the first page, she hands it to Buffy after she props her back against the head of the bed.

Buffy takes a moment watching as Tara climbs in to sit beside her on the bed, before turning her gaze to the art pad in her hand. Looking at the sketch of her face, Buffy's stunned at the likeness. As she slowly turns the pages, looking at the progressively more detailed, fuller bodied sketches, Buffy whimpers quietly. "Please tell me you aren't planning on using these for my mom's present." Buffy turns worried eyes on Tara.

Tara raises an eyebrow before glancing down at the full bodied sketch of Buffy's body, shown in intimate detail with the blanket just covering the barest minimum of her lover's sex. "You don't think she would appreciate the artists rendering of her daughter?" Tara glances up, her eyes twinkling merrily. "Turn to the one I was working on, sweetie. It's the next one and the last so far."

Buffy gently flips the page, blushing deeply. "I know I was covered with the blanket!"

"You were. Artist's poetic license. Plus I know what the blanket was hiding." Tara smirks at her lover as she glances down at the sketch. "You have an absolutely beautiful body, Buffy. I would love to sketch you dressed as you are now, without the blanket of course, in some of your fighting stances. The play of muscle, the shadows…Goddess! It would be unbelievable."

Buffy slowly closes the art pad, blushing profusely in embarrassment. "Who is going to be seeing these…drawings?" Buffy questions softly.

"Just us." Tara turns to run a thumb over her lover's bottom lip. "Unless you were willing for me to have them at a showing. I would never sell them, though. I am supposed to have some nudes for my art class by the end of the year. If you don't want me to use you as a model, I'll have to sign up for some night classes the teacher provides with a model. But that's not anything that we have to worry about for a couple months yet."

"Yes. Part of our final grade is on charcoal sketches, paintings, nudes, nature…" Tara smiles at Buffy. "It kind of has to be a well-rounded folio. If you don't want to have your absolutely beautiful body displayed, I'll do whatever model they have for the class I'll have to take."

"So, you could be sketching a male?" Buffy frowns deeply, not liking that thought.

"No, why should it?" Tara turns her gaze on her lover, before realizing what the hang up is. "Sweetie, my drawing a person's body would be the same to me as drawing that…" Tara eyes glance around the room, lighting on her desk. "That desk there. It's just an object to be drawn."

"So, I'm an object to be drawn?" Buffy pouts, but feels her lip trying to curl up in a smile as she realizes what Tara's saying.

"You are being rotten on purpose." Tara mutters before walking over to the bed and tapping Buffy on the nose. "No, you are not an object. You're my love, my life, my everything. I would much rather draw, sketch, paint you any day of the week than anything else."

"Oooh. Sounds like we're cycling back around to the body paints again." Buffy grins, climbing out of the bed and wrapping Tara up in a gentle hug. "I need to run to the bathroom." Buffy admits as she pulls away.

"And I need a shower." Tara grins crookedly at the slayer. "Let's go get cleaned up, sweetie."

"Yeah, I might as well shower while I'm there." Buffy eyes Tara for a moment, before turning and pulling on a robe, tying the sash tightly before grabbing her overnight bag, watching as Tara grasps her robe and shower kit.

"If you want, I've already added your toothbrush and deodorant to my shower kit. You can get cleaned up, then come back here to put your clothes on." Tara offers softly, smiling as Buffy sets down her bag before walking to the door.

"You don't have to twist my arm. I know a good deal when I hear it." Buffy grins as she opens the door. "Got your keys?"

"Yes, I do." Tara pats her shorts pocket as she walks out of the room, Buffy following closely behind as they walk down to the communal showers.

"You know, if they had made these shower stalls a little bit bigger…" Buffy wiggles her eyebrows as she trails off.

"We would run the whole dorm out of hot water." Tara chuckles quietly. "Let's get cleaned up, sweetie."

Buffy watches as Tara finishes eating her sandwich. Having finished the rest of the lunchmeat and cheese on her two sandwiches, Buffy was munching on popcorn as Tara eats the last of her sandwich. Buffy grins at the dark hickey on her lover's neck, enjoying the sight of the pristine white column of the witch's neck bearing her mark.

"You aren't thinking about pouncing on me again are you?" Tara questions softly as she sips her juice, watching the grin crossing her lover's face.

"What if I am?" Buffy sets the bag down before crawling the short distance towards Tara, pushing the witch gently back so she's lying flat on the floor, with Buffy looking down into the laughing blue eyes. "Maybe I want to give you a matching mark on the other side of your neck." Buffy eyes the soft skin, before her gaze travels down to the witch's covered breasts. "Or maybe leave my mark somewhere else."

"I think you already left multiple marks 'somewhere else'." Tara chuckles as Buffy pouts.

"Don't mean I can't put more on you. You've got all this white creamy skin that's just crying out to me. 'Come mark me, put your stamp on me, I want to be flushed red for a week also.' How am I supposed to ignore that?" Buffy questions, smiling.

"No, I guess you can't. The only thing is, if we start that again, we'll still be here at dinnertime." Tara gently rubs her hands up and down the slayer's sides. "I kind of want to check in on Faith. See if I can figure out where we stand." Tara admits quietly.

Buffy nods her head, sighing softly as she stands up, helping Tara to stand. "And we have to stop at the art store and pick you up another art pad."

"Definitely need more art pads. I have a feeling a certain slayer is going to be taking up a lot of them." Tara murmurs as she kisses Buffy briefly. "Let's go, sweetie."

"Okay." Buffy grabs the keys, tucking them in her jeans pocket before grabbing the piece of cloth out of her bag, tucking it away in case it's needed.

Tara chuckles as Buffy pinches her on her butt as they walk into Faith's room. "Hi, Joyce." Tara looks up, grinning at Buffy's mom. "How's everything?" Tara questions as she sets down the small bag, Buffy placing the larger bag with the sketch pads in it against the wall.

"More movement." Joyce smiles at the young woman, and her daughter. "I could swear she tried to squeeze my hand." Joyce smiles down at Faith.

"Of course." Tara smiles gently as she walks around the bed, scooting the chair close to the bed as she'd done before. "If you two want to talk, or whatever, that's fine." Tara smiles as she watch's Buffy lean against the wall by the door in her normal position.

Tara looks up at the clock, realizing it's a little after 11:00. "Give me to 4:00. If you get hungry, maybe Joyce wouldn't mind grabbing you something from the cafeteria?" Tara looks hopefully at the older woman. "I'm assuming you'll leave before that to go home ready to fix dinner?"

"Probably. I'm planning on making meatloaf, mashed potatoes, salad and some other vegetables for dinner." Joyce thinks quietly. "I'll probably make two decent sized meatloaf's since Xander will be coming to eat dinner also."

"Well, that's dinner for me and Xander. What are you two going to eat?" Buffy smirks at her mother.

"Very funny." Joyce rolls her eyes at her daughter. "I'll probably leave around two."

"Well, let's see if Faith is feeling sociable." Tara runs her hand over the dark slayer's forehead. "I'll be back later." Tara smiles at Joyce then Buffy. "Love you." Tara whispers at Buffy, smiling at the obvious love looking back at her.

"I love you, too." Buffy smiles back as she watches Tara close her eyes, placing her hand over the slayer, going into the trance to visit with Faith.

"I run interference, in case someone tries to come in." Buffy admits quietly. "After Tara's first visit, there was a lot more brain activity with Faith and the doctors and nurses were in an uproar, wanting to know what Tara did when we came back the next day. We played it off as being simple prayer. They wanted to be in here when she did it again, so I kind of threatened them with a lawsuit." Buffy smirks at her mom. "Some stupid nonsense about obstruction of her right to practice her religion her way."

Joyce chuckles quietly. "So you want to make sure no one tries to come in while she's working her magic?" Joyce looks back at Tara, watching as the slight frown seems to smooth out on her forehead.

"If you watch either one of them closely, you'll see their facial features move. With Tara it's more noticeable, with Faith you have to pay close attention." Buffy shifts her eyes from her mother to Tara's, as she sighs quietly. "The waiting is the worse." Buffy admits, shifting around to get more comfortable.

Joyce smiles sadly at her daughter. "Hopefully Faith will want to get better, sweetie."

Faith honestly doesn't know what to think as Tara arrives. She'd been aware of Joyce for a while, listening to the woman talk about anything and everything that occurs to her. When the woman apologized repeatedly about not making her come stay with them. Make sure that she had someone to talk to, to just be there for her, Faith could hear the sincerity in the woman's voice, the caring. Finally deciding to see what Tara may want to say, Faith thinks herself towards the woman, making form and appearing right in front of her.

"Hi, Faith." Tara smiles softly at the woman, noticing the confused state she's in. "Do you want to talk?" Tara comes straight to the point, the smile falling from her face.

"Why is everyone being so fuckin' nice to me?" Faith growls, frowning deeply. "I want the truth, do they actually care? Or is it a fuckin' set up for me to come to and send me back to the Council to be taken out?"

Tara sighs quietly, watching the woman. "Okay, first off, they do care for you. They all feel like they let you down, that if they'd done things differently you wouldn't be where you are. Buffy wants her sister slayer back, Faith. Joyce wants you to come stay with them. Hell, given the chance Xander would probably get down on his knees begging you to give him another chance at being the friend he feels he should have been instead of fucking you. Is that what you want to know?" Tara states bluntly, laying it all out on the table.

Faith blinks a couple times at the blunt words of the blonde, before a genuine smile crosses her face. "Damn, girl can say it like it is."

"Yes, well, don't get too happy just yet." Tara allows a quick smile to cross her face before becoming serious again. "We have Giles trying to talk to the Council. None of us are willing to allow you to be taken back to the Council. Honestly, with everything that Buffy told me about what they did to her, and how when she felt her and Angel might have been making some headway with you and they came in, I'd rather them stay the hell away from here. I don't trust them."

"Yeah, well, I ain't exactly a girl scout." Faith admits finally. "I fucked up, not them. I'm the one that killed Finch, I'm the one that killed that dude for Wilky. Strangled Xan, held a knife to Red's neck. It wasn't them, it was me."

"Faith, none of us believe that all that would have happened, if you'd had the support and friendship that you were entitled to. That you deserved." Tara softly makes the statements. "Everyone screwed up. Everyone! Not just you, not just Buffy, but everyone made mistakes. I just want to give everyone the chance to make things… no you can't make them right, but maybe make amends. To earn forgiveness, to be given another chance. Whether you want to believe it or not, you being like this is tearing Buffy up inside. The guilt and pain she feels for stabbing you, is literally eating away at her. She isn't aware that I know this, she talked about it some, but I can see it every time we talk about you. If you came to and never forgave her, you might as well bury that knife in Buffy, because you'll kill her."

Faith stares in stunned disbelief at the woman. "She has the knife?" She whispers.

"Yes, she kept it. It's in a box in her closet. Don't ask me why she kept it. I can hazard a guess, but I can't say why." Tara frowns. "Is there any chance whatsoever you can possibly forgive these people and give them a chance at being your friend?"

Faith swallows hard, thinking for a few long minutes. "You have a tendency to fuck with my mind, witch." Faith runs a hand through her hair, watching the witch. "Give me a while. Let me think. Can you bring someone else in with ya' when you visit?"

"Yes." Tara answers simply, watching the dark haired woman as the emotions cross her face.

"See if B will come with you." Faith whispers looking at the woman. "I want to talk with her."

"Okay. Do you want to talk to her now, or would you rather wait? It's Sunday, I won't be able to get back here 'til Saturday." Tara admits softly.

"How long have I been out?" Faith finally questions, what's been on her mind since the witch first came to visit her.

Tara sighs quietly. "Roughly six months. Thanksgiving was Thursday, hence my being able to come here the last three days."

"See you next week, witch." Faith allows a small smile to cross her face. "Bring B with ya'."

"I will, Faith. Take care." Tara answers softly watching as the woman's essences fades away, breathing a little easier.

Buffy stands up quickly as she watch's the obvious signs of Tara coming back. Looking quickly at her mother, she smiles nervously.

"Everything okay?" Buffy kneels down beside Tara, leaning into the witch's caress, as Tara runs a hand gently through her hair.

"I think it's going to be. It's going to take some time, but we're going to get there." Tara smiles as Buffy hugs her tightly. "Thanks for coming, Joyce. I think it helped a lot."

"I should have come more frequently than I did." Joyce sighs quietly. "Can't undo the past, but maybe we can go forward doing better."

"That's all we can do." Tara smiles. "We'll see you first thing Saturday, Faith." Tara stands, reaching back for the dark-haired slayer, grasping her hand gently. "I promise."

"I'll be right behind you." Buffy smiles as Tara and Joyce leave the room. Swallowing hard, Buffy plays with the sheet beside Faith. "Faith, I want you to know that I'll do anything I can to help you. Just come back to us, okay? I think that would be the best Christmas present any of us could ask for. Think about it? I got to see if Giles has gotten anywhere with the Council. Because we sure as hell aren't going to allow them anywhere near you. I don't even think Tara likes them much, just with the little bit I told her about them. She's strong, Faith. Stronger than you can imagine for a woman that's been what she's been through. She can probably help you more than all of us combined, if you let her. I better go, we got some stuff we got to get taken care of today. Maybe I can stop by a couple times this week and visit you, if that's okay?" Buffy whispers, clasping the slayer's hand in her own, gently squeezing it. Buffy sighs, watching the slayer for a few minutes. When she feels a very slight squeeze back, Buffy grins. "I'll take that as a yes. Thanks, Faith. Thanks for giving us another chance."

Buffy smiles as she pats the slayer's hand before quickly leaving, catching up to her mother and lover waiting down the hallway.

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