Take Comfort in Faith by Magrat

Summary: This is a sequel to Passion Never Dies.

Willow pushed her left hand out letting the diamond catch and sparkle in the light from the bedside table lamp.

Tara watched amused and touched by the actions of her lover. They lay together, their legs entwined, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Tara reached for the champagne flute. She sipped a little of the wine before offering it to Willow, holding onto the glass as the redhead drank. Tara watched as a small drop of the wine escaped from the corner of her Willow's lips and trickled down her chin. The blonde set the glass down and then slowly moved over her lover. Tara bent her head to Willow's neck. Her tongue moving up until she met the tiny rivulet of wine, tracing it's path upward until she reached the lips of her beloved. She heard Willow's breathe hitch and catch as she sucked in the redhead's lower lip. Tara pulled away and looked into Willow's eyes. "Beautiful, you are so beautiful."

"I...tonight has been so perfect...I can't believe you asked me," said Willow her eyes sparkling.

"That was the easy part. The hard part was waiting for you to say yes," said Tara.

Willow blinked at Tara in disbelief. "You never seriously thought I was going to turn you down?"

Willow smiled and once again admired the ring on her finger. "I love this. Hey, I'll have to find one for you."

Willow's mouth opened slightly and her breath started to quicken. "Oh, god yes. That sounds so good."

Tara once more reached for the champagne flute and started to pour some of the clear, bubbly liquid onto Willow's well-muscled abdomen.

Sebastian eyed the ragged, ranks of vampires that stood before him. He felt like screaming but knew he couldn't. One show of weakness and it would be all over with. How could he have ended up here? Faced with this?

He thought back to happier times, when he had hunted throughout Europe with Darla, Angelus, James and Elizabeth. He had grown bored and joined The Master and Luke on their trip to North America to open The Hellmouth.

Sebastian had been proud of their joint heritage, they were all members of the order of Aurelius. One of the most feared and revered vampire clans. That was until the slayer came along. He felt himself start to morph in to his vampire face when he thought of her and her friends. Mere children had destroyed the order and eventually forced him to flee The Hellmouth, not just once, but twice, once when she had killed The Master and again when she had joined forces with her soldier boyfriend. Facts he would never forgive or forget.

"Safe, safe to live as rats, in these stinking sewers," said Sebastian as he approached the vampire who had spoken out against him. "We have an underground city here ripe for us to control and all you care about is safety." He turned as if to walk away but twirled round quickly and back-fisted the vamp hard against the sewer walls. He stood above the vamp. " I want no talk of safety. There will be no scurrying rats in the order of Aurelius." He pulled a stake from his coat and plunged it deep in the vampire's heart reducing it to a pile of dust. "Do you understand?"

"He means the local police. The underground city is big business here. You know the amount of tourists that go on the ghost walks. Never mind the amount of academics, film crews and ghost hunters who come here to try and prove ghosts exists."

Sebastian sighed. He was very dapper, dressed in black trousers, a white shirt and black overcoat. He had neatly trimmed black hair and his image was finished off with a smart goatee and moustache. He looked like a successful businessman or lawyer. "Do I have to explain it all again. We pick off either a straggling tourist on one of the ghost walks or someone down in the underground city by themselves. We kill them. No one feeds; this must look like a human murder. We make ourselves scarce until the tourists come back and then we repeat the process. Eventually the people will be too scared to come back and the city will be ours. I will perform the first killing. Now, you are all dismissed."

Sebastian strode down the cold, damp corridors of Edinburgh's underground city. He imagined what it would be like when he became ruler. He ducked into a room as he heard of an approaching tour guide taking his customers on one of the city's midnight tours.

The vampire decided to follow. Maybe tonight could be the start of his plans. He watched with delight as two of the tour party started to lag behind. The two women looked like easy pickings. The redhead was so tiny he was sure he could break her in half. He was just about to make his move when caught sight of their faces. Witches and not just any witches but friends of the slayer.

He had recognized the redhead straight away. Her blonde friend was less familiar to him, but he had seen her fighting with the slayer, when the soldiers had left town. Sebastian decided to follow close; to see if could figure out why they were there.

"Will," squeaked Tara. "You really are insatiable. Anyway, I want to catch up with the guide, I find the whole underground city fascinating."

"I find it's like being in Sunnydale with all these underground tunnels," said Willow. "And you'll have plenty of time to study all of it when you take up your post at the uni...Tara what is it?"

The blonde witch had stopped and was standing still. She almost seemed like she was sniffing the air. "Willow, can you feel something?"

Sebastian turned and walked away not ready to tackle the two powerful witches yet. He was determined to carry on with his plan. They made it more difficult but at least he was sure of whom he was up against.

"It's gone, I just felt something evil, but it's gone now. Lets catch up with the rest of the group," said Tara giving an involuntary shiver as she looked over her shoulder.

Tara flopped down on the couch exhausted. "Who thought moving house would be so much hard work."

"I've put the kettle on and think I've got the coffee machine to work," said Moira. "So who wants what?"

Willow came bounding into the sitting room, a manic grin on her face. "The guy from the furniture shop has bought in the last bed. Who wants to help me make it up?"

"No, she doesn't. We've tried looking for her power source, but to no avail," teased Tara.

"I'm not sure if we should let you have any caffeine, sweetie," said Tara. "Although, if we hook up the electricity to you it would probably save us some money."

"I get it, Willow's the target for mocking today, and it's okay I can take it," said Willow. "Enough chat, I'm going to get Dawn's room ready."

"Sit by me. I've hardly seen you all day. I miss you," said Tara giving Willow her little lop-sided smile.

"K," said Willow and sat on the floor in front of Tara and leaned back against her. Willow's eyes closed as she felt the blonde's hands start to massage her shoulders. "Hmm, that's nice."

"What do you think?" asked Willow. "Some kindly folks welcoming us to the neighborhood?"

"Hey Giles," said Connor. "Can you help with the bags, while I pay for the cab and help Dawn in."

"Sure," said the older man surprised by Connor's arrival. "Tara, Willow you have some visitors."

"Maybe, you were right sweetie," said Tara. "We have friendly neighbors baring gifts."

"Hey Tara, Willow, I have something special for you," said Connor pulling the taxi door open and revealing Dawn.

"Dawnie," said Willow. "Why didn't you call...we could have met you at the airport...and I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow?"

Willow and Tara watched Dawn concerned, both noting the heavy brace on her right knee.

"Yeah, it's fine, I drank plenty of water on the flight, had my meds and kept my legs moving, no big, said Dawn.

"And you keep me on the doorstep," said Dawn. "Will, you sound worse than Buffy and I was hoping to escape from being big sistered all the time."

"And you thought things would be easier with me and Tara," Willow couldn't help but giggle at the irony, but still blushed slightly when she realized in her anxiety she hadn't let the younger woman into the house. "I'm sorry Dawn, welcome to our new home," she said making a big sweeping motion with her arm.

"Does Chinese sound good?" asked Moira. "Edinburgh's pretty well know for their Chinese. The Indian takeaways are a bit ropey.

"So Connor why are you here, exactly?" asked Willow. "Not that I'm displeased at seeing you..."

"It was sort of me," said Dawn. "Connor spent so much time taking me back and fore to the hospital, putting up with my moods, I just thought he could do with a vacation."

"Hey, it was fun, I enjoyed going to the physio department, more fun could not be had in a big city," said Connor. "I hope I'm not putting you out..."

"And I thought I could help you with any manly tasks you need doing in the house," said Connor.

"He's good," said Dawn. "And I don't think I have ever seen Anya happier. She wanted to know when you are going to come visit again?"

"Okay, if one of you are pregnant, I'm calling the papers," said Connor grinning.

"Because you're conception, that was normal," said Dawn sticking out her tongue.

"At least I was conceived and not a just small ball of energy," countered Connor.

"Children, please," said Giles interrupting the friendly bantering. "I for one am fascinated to hear what news they having been keeping secret."

"Hmm, Giles, it's nothing...we didn't know when it was the right...we wanted everyone to know and I suppose that since Xander and Anya won't travel with the baby...Oh Buffy and Fred, they're not here but I could talk to Buffy later on the net and I'm babbling again aren't I?" asked Willow breathlessly coming to a stop.

"What my wonderful girlfriend is trying to tell you in her oh so inimitable way is that I asked her to marry me, and she accepted," said Tara looking at Willow with total adoration.

"At last," said Giles. "I was wondering when you were going to get round to telling me."

"Willow, I'm not blind. I had noticed the diamond ring you have been sporting on your left hand for the last couple of months," said Giles quite enjoying the redhead's slight discomfort, he then changed his stance and smiled. "I'm sure you two will have very many happy years together."

"Why should I mind? I think you are made for one another," said Giles sweeping them up both up in a big hug and kissing Tara on the top of her head.

Connor caught Willow by the arm and moved her away slightly. "I'd like to say sorry,"

"She glows, when you see her, she just gives off these wave of happiness," said Connor. "And it is all down to you. Thank you for making her so happy. I think I'm just starting to realize what a special person you are."

The group had a pleasant dinner and near the end the conversation changed towards everyone's plans for the next few weeks.

"I don't know," said the young man. "I thought I might stay here a while and then head off to Ireland, see where dad came from."

"Willow that reminds me when do you want to start...you know?" asked Moira brought up short not sure how much Willow wanted to reveal in front of Connor and Dawn.

"It's okay Mo, everyone knows about it. I don't want any secrets," said Willow. "What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to come to my house, just you and me, for about 3 to 4 days," said Moira.

Willow looked at Tara. "K, after Tara's first week at the university and only then if it goes fine."

Willow threw a cushion at Dawn. "Hey missy, you will look after my fiancé and not corrupt her."

"Yeah, 'cause that's Will's job," said Tara giggling and then more seriously to Dawn. "We booked you on a ghost walk on Saturday night as you wanted, but I'm not sure if you'll manage..."

"It's pretty uneven and a little slippy when you go underground," explained Tara.

"Don't fuss," said Dawn. "It'll be fun. I've wanted to go on one ever since you told me about it."

Tara spooned behind Willow holding her lover close. "Our first night in our own home. Things couldn't get much better."

"I bet you could, but you had better save that thought for another day," said Tara.

"I always said you were the brainy one," said Tara laughing softly and kissing the back of the redhead's neck. "So tell me your idea."

"You know Giles and Moira go home Friday," said Willow. "I thought it would be a good idea if Connor went with Dawn on the ghost walk. If she has any problems he could carry her..."

"Dinning room table?" asked Tara smiling softly in to the back of Willow's neck.

Willow turned round and kissed Tara. "I thought I could lay you down and..." Willow started to kiss Tara breasts and slowly moved down the blonde's body giving her a quiet preview of the plans she had in store for her on Saturday night.

Dawn shivered in the cold Edinburgh air as she and Connor waited for the guide to start the ghost walk, "Why do these things start so late?"

"It'd be pointless to have the walk at 2:00 in the afternoon. Midnight makes it more scary," said Connor grinning. "Maybe Tara was right and you should have waited awhile."

"Tara just likes to fuss, you know what she's like," said Dawn. "Besides I had a feeling they were looking forward to us going out tonight."

Willow sighed as Tara's hands worked down Willow's back, slowly and gently massaging her muscles. Tara then bent her head and trailed kisses where her hands had once been, letting her full breasts sensually rub against the redhead. When Tara reached the bottom of Willow's spine, Tara traced back up her backbone rubbing her breasts more firmly against the hacker's silky skin, knowing how Willow loved that.

"Please what?" asked Tara kissing Willow's neck. The blonde held herself up with her arms, her lover under her quivering with excitement.

"Turn over," whispered Tara moving to the side. She looked at Willow's body, sweat glistening on her flanks. Tara could feel her own excitement rising. "I know I've said it before, but you are so beautiful."

Willow felt Tara's fingers trace patterns on her skin, every movement burning her once again. Full lips, adding to the fire that burned within the hacker, replaced fingers. Willow groaned as the blonde kissed round her nipple and then drew the pink bud into her mouth. The redhead's back arched as the flat of Tara's hand teased her other nipple until it was painfully erect. "You're driving me mad."

Tara lifted her head and looked into glittering green eyes. "Is this what you want?" asked Tara as she dipped one slender finger into Willow's wetness.

Willow's head lolled back and her breathing quickened; her eyes flew opened as the finger was withdrawn as quickly as it had entered her.

The blonde waited a beat until she had her lover's full attention; she then slowly sucked her finger into her mouth. She loved the way Willow's mouth hung open and her eyes dilated as she carried on sucking her finger. "You taste so good."

Tara knelt between her lover's legs and spread them slightly wider as she hooked her arm under Willow's thighs and reached up to hold the redhead's wrists flat against the bed. She dipped her head and kissed the inside Willow's thighs. She placed a soft kiss against Willow's erect clitoris. Tara pulled back again nipping Willow's tender skin and making her jump.

"Please baby, no more teasing. I want to feel your tongue," pleaded Willow, desperately struggling against the firm but gentle hold Tara had on her wrists.

Tara smiled deciding that Willow had had enough of her sweet torture, she released her hands. Instantly Willow hands moved to hold Tara's, squeezing them tight. The blonde licked the very tip of Willow's clit, before plunging her tongue into her lover, luxuriating in the in the taste and scent of her Willow. Tara then concentrated on the redhead's hard clit, taking it into her mouth and sucking on the engorged nerve.

"Oh baby, that's so good...don't stop. Please, don't stop," said Willow her body twisting in pleasure, feeling her orgasm rising under Tara's skilled touch. She moved her hands on to her lover's neck urging her on.

Tara felt Willow's movements become more and more desperate and knew her lover was close to the edge. She started to lick and nibble on Willow's clit and felt the nerve throb as she took her lover through her pleasure; it made her feel totally alive every time she brought Willow to orgasm. It felt like their connection grew stronger every day.

"No, I didn't enjoy, I loved it," said Willow giving Tara a lazy smile and kissing her on the lips. "Almost as much as I love you," before turning Tara on her back. "Now, I'm going to make you scream my name."

Sebastian trailed the tourist group with his young lieutenant, a vamp he had high hoped would rise above the usual cattle he had to work with. "It is time for you to prove yourself."

He pointed to a member of the tour party who was straggling, a young woman on crutches. Her usually attentive partner had wondered off slightly examining the open doorway of what might have once been a shop.

Dawn didn't want to admit it but she was starting to realize that Tara had been right; the walk had been a real struggle and only her pride was keeping her going.

"Don't make a sound. Don't worry this will be quick. You won't feel a thing," said the vamp.

The rest of the party turned to see what the commotion was. "Has something happened here?" asked the tour guide.

"No! no fuss," said Dawn louder than she meant. "I'm sorry," turning to Connor. "Please, just call Willow."

Willow bit gently into Tara's tender flesh, not enough to mark but enough to claim the blonde as her own.

"It could be important Will, not that many people have our number," said Tara sitting up on the couch they had been making love on moments before.

"Give me about 20 minutes," said Willow. "No it'll be hard to catch a cab at this time. Go to Irene's restaurant. Yes, where we went last night. I'll call and explain."

Sebastian was furious and a little dumb founded; the way the boy moved had been unbelievable. He had only ever seen vampires move like that or the slayer, but the young man was neither.

He listened keenly to the conversation they had with the guide. He watched how easily the young man carried the woman to the surface. He followed close behind and watched them enter a small, classy looking restaurant.

The vampire toyed with the idea of entering. He decided against it. Instead he waited outside, he had to know who the boy was. He spelled danger. He had taken out his lieutenant without a blink of an eye.

A car pulled up outside the restaurant. It took Sebastian all his control not to vamp out. The witches! Why had the girl, Dawn, called Willow and Tara? He needed information on all four of them. He couldn't think at the moment. His senses clouded by pure hatred and anger.

Walking back to one of the entrances to the underground city Sebastian was waylaid by a beggar. The vampire snapped his neck and then dumped the body in the tunnels, the action calming him slightly.

By the time Sebastian went back to his lair, he had calmed down considerable and his quick predatory mind had started to work.

He picked up the phone and dialed a transatlantic number. "Special projects, put me through to Lilah, she's worked for me before. Sebastian De La Cruz."

Tara entered the restaurant practically at a run. Leaving Willow locking up the car. She went straight to Irene. "Where are they?"

Irene led Tara through the kitchen, which was winding down for the night, into the staff room where a pale looking Dawn has eating a chunky looking soup.

"Dawnie, are you okay?" asked Tara putting her arms round the shoulders of the seated woman.

"I turned away just for a second," admitted Connor shamefacedly wondering how Tara was going to react when she knew the full truth.

"We promised Buffy. We said Dawn would be safe with us," said Tara feeling a little sick as her emotions' of worry, guilt and annoyance all clashed.

Irene watched the interaction bemused. In the last few months Willow and Tara had been regular customers of the restaurant and the blonde had always seemed so mild, but tonight she was acting like an enraged mother bear.

Dawn turned to look into Tara's eyes. "Don't blame Connor. You were right I shouldn't have gone. Irene made me some soup and now all I want to do is go home and sleep."

Tara turned to Irene wanting to get Dawn home. "Thank you, we're very grateful."

"No, it's the least Connor can do," said Tara eyeing the young man severely. She took the crutches and headed back out to the parking lot.

Connor smiled weakly. "She's okay. Tara's just a little protective. I'd like to thank..."

"Enough of the thanks. Get out there before she has your guts," said Jayne smiling as they left she turned to Irene. "Remind me never to make Tara lose her temper."

"No, you don't," said Willow. "We are not going to feel guilty because we wanted time on our own."

"Buffy, only asked for Giles. What happened to Dawn was terrible, but it happened and us being there wouldn't have made a difference."

"Baby, you can't keep tying yourself in knots over this. Try to lighten up or you'll end up pushing her away," said Willow squeezing Tara's hand.

Connor woke early and decided to make amends by making breakfast. He turned on the television and that was where Dawn found him when she came down.

"He wasn't the first. A tour guide was killed in the same way 2 months ago," said Connor.

"Oh, some beggar was killed in the underground city last night. His neck was snapped," explained Dawn. "And for some reason Connor seems to think that a vampire did it."

"C'mon we can't get involved in every death in the world," said Dawn and then changing the subject. "How's Tara this morning?"

Dawn couldn't contain herself any longer. "What's wrong with her? I mean, she totally over reacted..."

"She thinks if we had gone with Giles or even if I had stayed that you would have been safe," explained Willow.

Willow put her hand on Dawn's arm cautioning her. "Don't, she just loves you and worries..."

"Done what?" asked Dawn. "Tara, Buffy couldn't stop what happened. Nothing or no-one could have stopped it."

Tara looked at Dawn; she reached up and brushed a lock of hair from her face. "What you went through..."

Dawn held on to Tara's right hand and traced the jagged scar that was still visible from the open fractures she had received at Glory's hands. "Nothing worse than what you went through. At least I wasn't brain sucked."

"And you could be every time you take on a vampire or a demon, but you never hold back. You didn't stop fighting after Glory and I won't either. Tara I don't want you to worry about me. When I was lying in my hospital bed, all I could think was how much I was looking forward to coming here and this trip. You and Willow are two of the most important people in my life and I just want to have a good time with you both," said Dawn moving forward and hugging the woman she considered to be her second mother.

"No, maybe a little over protective," said Dawn smiling. "Especially since we have more important things to talk about."

"Your wedding," said Dawn. "What sort of ceremony are you going to have and when? Oh, and where?"

"So you haven't thought anything beyond the romantic proposal," said Dawn shaking her head. "It's a good thing I'm here to get you two organized."

Willow stood at the bedroom door smiling listening to Dawn and Tara giggling. She knew Tara had been tense ever since Dawn arrived and she had been worried about the slight distance between them.

"Fine, they were laughing so that has to be a good sign," said Willow. "Now, what was it about that death you were so worried about?"

Connor didn't want to lie to Willow but he was worried that revealing the truth now might cause more trouble. He felt torn and ended up compounding one lie with another. " Nothing, Dawn was right we can't investigate every suspicious death in the world."

If you're sure," said Willow. "I was looking forward to seeing how hard it was to hack into the Edinburgh coroner's office."

The next week became a fun time for them all. Dawn and Connor had learned that Tara was petrified that her stammer would return when she started lecturing. They decided to devote the week to making the blonde as happy as possible and take any pressure off Willow. They capped off the week by booking them into Irene's for a meal.

"They will love you. You know that? In fact I'm more worried about the amount of freshman I will have to fight off who will have serious crushes on you, male and female," said Willow.

Tara smiled she knew she had enough knowledge to do the job and she had had a pretty successful lecture tour when her book was published. It was just this deep feeling of dread that she had that her life couldn't be this good. Living in a beautiful, vibrant, historical city, having the job she had always wanted and Willow.

Tara watched the redhead, she was just sitting still, studying the menu, and she looked like an angel. Tara was so in love with Willow and the love she was receiving from her was incredible.

"Maybe, I should forget it. I don't need magick," said Willow, her own worries starting to surface.

"You didn't think so before," said Willow simply without a trace of accusation in her voice.

"I was wrong, Moira's taught me things that even my mother didn't. I trust her and most of all I trust you, Will," said Tara stroking the back of Willow's hand.

"Willow, this isn't about me. It's about you, what you are," said Tara moving her hand up and cupping Willow's chin. "The power you have."

The redhead closed her eyes as Tara stroked her cheek. "Hmm, I don't think I can be away from you that long."

Willow shivered as the blonde's fingers moved down her neck. "If you keep that up, we won't need a reunion, we'll be skipping dessert."

"I'll give you more than promises," said Willow sliding her instep up Tara's calf making the blonde gulp and flush. Willow changed the subject with a wicked grin. "Are you going to the gallery opening?"

"I suppose," said Tara who had received an invite to the opening of a new art gallery owned by the partner of the head of the university's History faculty.

"You should go, take Connor and Dawn," said Willow. "Besides it'd look weird if all the other professors went and you didn't."

"You can do that another day and they can all be stunned by the hot mamma yamma you are engaged to."

Tara's first week at the university passed in such a blur that she didn't feel have time to feel nervous and before she knew it she was dropping Willow off at Waverley railway station. They shared an emotional farewell and Tara left before she changed her mind and begged Willow to stay at home.

Connor fidgeted with his tie. He always felt awkward in a suit and tie but he had enjoyed the look of jealously from most of the men in the room when he had walked in with Tara and Dawn on his arm. It felt so alien to him being amongst these people staring at pictures on walls and talking non-stop. His whole body ached for action.

Stefan the head of the faculty's boyfriend had hijacked Tara and the small, effeminate man had delighted in telling her the juiciest gossip about most of the people in the room. She had smiled and enjoyed the special treatment she was receiving.

As the night wore on she found herself on her own, admiring the work of young Edinburgh artist. Who had painted a lovely picture of Princess Street.

"I meant Edinburgh," said the man. "All that beauty, but with such an underbelly of darkness. Like you. Like Willow."

"What?" asked Tara her eyes darting around the room for Connor? Her heart pounding wondering whom this person was.

"Don't look round for Angelus's son. I could kill you before he comes near," said Sebastian.

"Yes, and you are a witch but we have no reason to get into these things," said Sebastian pleasantly.

The vampire smiled. "Did it ever worry you that she her addiction was because of you? That she only used dark magick to revenge you?"

Sebastian moved closer placing one hand on Tara's shoulder, whispering in her ear in a grotesque parody of a lover's pose. "What would you do if it was the other way round, if I turned her?"

"And her?" asked Sebastian quietly. "Could you bring yourself to stake her, watch her body crumble into dust? Or would you offer her your throat? You could be lovers for all eternity," said Sebastian. "Wouldn't you like that? You would both stay young and beautiful."

Tara tried to center herself against the rising tide of panic that was threatening to engulf her. She needed to stay calm and find out what he wanted. "Is that what you're offering me? Vampirism?"

"You and Willow could rule this city at my side. You could experience the power and darkness that is deep in your nature," said Sebastian seductively in Tara's ear.

"But she does, doesn't she?" asked Sebastian. "And you never answered my question. Do you ever feel guilty about her addiction?"

"And you know all about demons. You thought you were one most of your life," said the vampire.

"Know so much about you? And not just you. Hmm, lets see. Willow is a powerful, magick-addicted witch. Dawn is the younger sister of the slayer. Well, not really. She is actually a bundle of energy made human by some monks and Connor is the impossible off-spring of two vampires," said Sebastian a small self-satisfied grin on his face. "A very strange family you have built around you. It makes me wonder why you have so many objections to joining mine."

Tara tried to move from the vampire but the grip he had on her shoulder was like steel. She had no way of breaking free from him.

"Are you the vampire equivalent of a used car salesman, 'cause I have to tell you; your sales pitch, could use some work," said Tara trying to see if she could goad him into making a mistake.

Sebastian continued to speak as if Tara hadn't uttered a word. "And your little family is vulnerable. My lieutenant came so close to killing Dawn until Connor intervened." He heard a gasp and a sharp intake of breath from Tara.

"You didn't know. They didn't tell you what really happened," said the vampire with glee. "Why I wonder?"

"Maybe they didn't want to worry you. I mean it's only six months since Dawn was kidnapped and tortured by that cult who wanted to open the Hellmouth."

" How did you feel about that?" continued Sebastian seeing another way into the witch's psyche. "I know Dawn's like a daughter to you. I bet it must have burned knowing that the worst the self-righteous slayer would do to them was get them thrown into jail. You called me a monster, but how would you describe those humans? Didn't Dawn's first hospital report say she would never have use of that leg again?"

Tara almost let her shoulders sag in relief as she saw Connor walk purposely towards her, but didn't, she wouldn't, not in front of this creature.

Sebastian released the blonde's shoulder but wheeled her round to face him holding her hand, which he raised to his lips and kissed. "We will meet again my lady and before you think of hunting, don't forget how vulnerable Dawn is."

The vampire turned and stalked off, bumping Connor's shoulders as he passed him.

"W-where's Dawn?" asked Tara looking wildly round the room a horrible feeling starting in the pit of her stomach.

Connor looked at Tara as if the witch had grown another head. "Tara, she's just over there getting all the gossip from Stefan. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Y-yes. I'm...I'm just missing W-willow. I want to go h-home so I can call her before she g-goes to bed," said Tara.

"Okay," said Connor but the young man was concerned by Tara's change in mood. "Tara are you sure that guy didn't..."

"But Tara, I can't remember the last time you stuttered. Do you want me to go after him? If he has done something to you..."

"Please Connor, I just want to go home and talk to W-Willow," said Tara with an edge to her voice that told Connor she didn't want to argue with him.

Willow sat back on Moira's sofa in front of the roaring fire with Maggie sat at her feet. Mora entered the room with a bottle of malt whisky and a couple of cut crystal glasses.

"Hmm yes, please," said Willow grinning. "All I would need is to be sitting with Tara in my arms and I think my life would be perfect."

Moira poured a couple of generous measures and passed a glass to Willow. "Good health," she said as the chinked their glasses together.

"Do we start the magick tomorrow?" asked Willow with slight trepidation in her voice.

"No," said Moira. "In fact we are not going to do any magick the whole of this week."

"We will do some magick. Probably the next time, but I want to get into your mind. Find out what happened to you. Why you did these things..."

Willow's cell phone started to ring "Hey baby," said Willow. "I was just telling Moira how much I missed you."

Moira moved to the kitchen to give Willow some privacy. After 5 minutes the redhead came through to her. "How's Tara?"

"She's fine, I think. She seemed... I don't know a little strained. She said it was just 'cause she was missing me," said Willow. "So she just called to wish me goodnight."

Connor looked at Tara in surprise. Her desk was covered in books; she had her laptop and Willow's plugged in. "Busy?"

"You were going to show me this great little dojo you found in town," said Connor.

Tara ignored him as one of the laptops bleeped. "Yes," she said. "Giles, you are a star."

"Oh, council stuff, anything I need to be fighting?" Asked Connor coming round to look at the screen.

"No," said Tara quickly clicking the window shut. "But I think I'll take you training. We'll drop Dawn off at the restaurant and we can join her when we finish."

"Okay," said Connor, not wanting to argue with Tara. She had had hardly slept the night before and he had heard her go into her study at about 4 am and it was now almost noon. "Do you want something to eat?"

Tara hadn't heard him, she had just turned back to her work. "I'll see you at 5."

Connor stormed into the living room. "Since when did she develop a stubborn, bossy, workaholic streak?"

"No, there is something more. She was weird last night," said Connor trying to explain.

"I suppose," agreed Connor reluctantly. "Hey, I know what I will do. I'll fix you both some lunch."

Moira picked up the ball and threw it down the dune for Maggie as her and Willow made their way to the beach. They were both muffled up against the strong wind blowing from the North Sea.

"And if it was anywhere else it would be swarming with tourists," said Moira. " But it's too bloody cold here."

Willow sat down on the hard packed sand. Maggie came back and lay beside her content to have the redhead stroke her.

"In a little while," said Willow. "Moira why are we here. I mean the last couple of days we have walked lots and I have seen some beautiful scenery but..."

"But you're thoughts are troubled young Skywalker," laughed Moira as she flopped down on the sand by Willow. Willow joined in the laughter and then more soberly. "That's part of what I'm worried about, that I am more Anakin than Luke if you want to carry on the Star Wars analogy."

"Good, never been better. I mean we are engaged, we've bought a house together..."

Willow closed her eyes remembering. "Oh yes, so much. It was good, it could be so intimate, but I spoiled it. I made it dirty."

Willow watched the seagulls wheeling in the gray sky, impervious to Moira's words.

"The council should have done more...sprung Faith from jail, sent you some help..."

"Yes, she keeps telling me that she doesn't want to dwell on negativity. That she loves me," said Willow.

"The problem isn't about what Tara feels is it? It's about you, why do you always feel you have to have higher standards than everyone else?" Asked Moira pushing at Willow's self image.

"Willow when Giles sent Tara to me she was like a scared little girl. I helped her and she started to work hard at her studies, her magic and with the council but there was always something missing, like she wasn't complete. I grew to know her and we became good friends and still I knew there was some part of her closed down. That was until she came back from Sunnydale last year, I noticed the difference as soon as she walked in the door. She was no longer living for her work, a cause to fight for or take care of Giles and Connor. She was living for herself, the added vitality she had was incredible and whether you want to believe it or not that was all down to you," explained Moira.

Willow turned and smiled, touched by the care Moira had always shown her lover. "I'm so pleased she had you and Giles to look out for her after everything that happened."

"Angel got me away from Racks," said Willow delving into memories she kept well hidden. "Afterwards Xander was there even Anya and Cordelia were kind to me and I became close friends with Fred."

"About magick?" Asked Willow. "Not really the last time we had a meaningful discussion about that I was almost burnt at the stake," said Willow anger darkening her features.

"You mean Sara as my mum called her? Not really, they asked a couple of times about where she was and then forgot about her," said Willow her tone sad.

"Well my mom is impressed she red some of her work and she keeps telling me I could have had my PHD if I had carried on with my studies," said Willow with a sardonic laugh. "My mother's at last proud of me because of my girlfriend's achievement."

"Never notice me most of the time. When I was 17 it took my mom months to notice I had my haircut. I'm not saying they didn't love me...I just wasn't important...and hey now I'm trying the whole I had a problem 'cause my childhood sucked route," said Willow claming up again.

"Is that what you think?" Asked Moira staying as neutral as possible trying to be a catalyst for Willow to explore her emotions.

"Are we playing twenty questions?" Asked Willow looking out to sea wondering if this was really what she wanted. Maybe some things were best left unsaid.

"Will, you had a problem. I want to know why. I know the first time you went into really dark magick was to revenge Tara, after Glory attacked her but there was more to it than that, magick didn't corrupt you," said Moira struggling to find the right words.

"It made me feel important, special, and the power...Tara tried to warn me...I tinkered with things, changed spells but now when I think about it the problem was I didn't respect why things were done that way, why there was rules, boundaries you shouldn't cross. I just knew I could do things, I just wanted make people proud of me but everything I did seemed to be messed up and then I compounded one mistake with another," said Willow looking dejected. "I pulled Buffy out of heaven, I messed with Tara's mind and then drove her away. Moira I don't deserve..."

"Bloody hell Willow if I didn't know better I would have had you pegged as a Catholic, the first thing you are going to have to get over if this is going to work is this guilt trip," said Mora raising her voice for the first time and her usually sparkling blue eyes hardening. "Don't you think you were punished enough? You tried so hard to keep Tara; she left. You lost you're friends for a while, but you came back from that. The strength of character you had to rebuild your life is incredible."

"But what Willow? Asked Moira. "Do you ever except credit for anything? You are a practicing Wicca now?"

"I was before," said Willow and then the redhead sighed and shook her head, she knew that wasn't the full truth. "Okay maybe not quite, but yeah I do, it was one of the things that helped me recover...I studied and it helped." Finished Willow feeling the explanation was a little lame.

"Yes, of course," said Willow and then ducked as Maggie dived on her covering her in sand.

"Maggie, you bad dog," said Moira laughing and ruffling the dog's golden head as she rose to her feet. "I think she is fed up, do you want to go back?"

"Yeah, sure," replied Willow shaking herself down. "Moira how did you get addicted to magick?"

"Hmm, I was young stupid and thought I knew better than anyone else," said Moira. "Only I didn't." The older woman stopped for a second staring into Willow's eyes. "What ever you have done I have done worse and Willow no one gets addicted to Magick, I was like you; taken over by power until there was not a lot left of me."

Willow wanted more, she felt she needed to know about Moira's journey but the older woman had moved away throwing the ball for the dog. She watched the two of them as they played on the sand and then as Moira loaded the dog into the back of her jeep. It struck Willow that Moira never spoke about her own private life or herself at all and it suddenly felt strange to Willow that someone who seemed so open was actually hidden most of the time.

The older woman turned to see a perplexed look on Willow's face. "Something up?"

"No, not really," said Willow deciding subtlety was probably the best way to go about finding how Moira ticked.

Wang Po stretched behind the counter of the small and exclusive dojo he ran. He ran his Wing Chung club from there but also hosted other clubs and allowed individual martial artists who he respected to train there. He believed in cross training and that all arts could be improved by. He looked up in pleasure as he saw one of his favorite's enter. He bowed to her. "Dr Maclay, welcome."

"Is he licensed?" asked Po, this was something he always required, that the people who trained in his establishment had their own insurance.

Po smiled, one of the reasons he liked this young American was her strict adherence to etiquette. "Dr Maclay if he is training with you I don't think there is a problem."

Tara fetched Connor who was introduced to Wang Po and he watched as the two went through their stretching routine and then Katas. Connor picked up a kick shield and Po watched in shock as Tara pounded the shield in an almost savage way. He had seen Japanese senseis that had punished students in this way but he had never expected to see this behavior from Tara who he always thought of as a balanced and gentle soul. Connor dropped the kick pad and moved onto some hook and jab mitts and once again Tara started her pummeling . Po was about to step in and demand a timeout when Tara turned and caught the young man with a reverse roundhouse kick, her heel landing hard against the mitt. Connor shook the mitt off with a small yelp and went towards his water bottle shaking his hand ruefully.

Tara followed him and took a pull from her bottle sweat glistening on her arms and brow.

"The one you neglected to tell me about, the one that attacked Dawn," said Tara.

"Yes big ahh, Connor what did you think you were doing? Why didn't you tell me the truth?" Asked Tara.

"Dawn, didn't want to worry you and I slayed him," said Connor shrugging. "So I don't understand what your problem is."

"MY problem is that you put us all in danger, you haven't even asked how I know," said Tara and then shaking her head. "The man I was talking to at the gallery last night was called Sebastian De La Cruz, he is a vampire and he knows everything last thing about us."

Connor slumped on the floor his back against the wall." Tara I'm sorry, I thought it was dealt with. I would never have...Hey wait a minute why didn't you tell me he was a vampire last night?"

Tara sat on the floor crossed leg in front of the young man never breaking her penetrative stare. "And what you have done Connor? Chased him out into the Edinburgh night? Hell this city is like a maze, with narrow alleys, slopes and never mind the umpteen entrances to the underground city. What do you think would have happened if you had gone after him?"

Connor broke eye contact not wanting her to know how much that had hit home. "What do we know about this vamp?"

"Conn this isn't the place," said Tara watching Po out of the corner of her eye. "But yeah, I have a lot of information that Giles has gathered. I want you to watch Dawn. Willow comes home tomorrow and I will explain to her when she arrives and I want you and Dawn gone by the time she comes back."

Connor hung his head feeling like he had taken a blow straight through his heart. "Tara I'm so sorry. If I had known for one minute..."

Tara burst out laughing any sign of temper that she may have had disappeared. "I don't mean like that sweetie. I want some alone time with Willow and Giles said Moira has some books that will be helpful so I'm sending you up to fetch them with Dawn."

"No...I don't know how the time with Moira has gone and I want to explain to Willow in the person not over the phone," said Tara

"Everything I want no secrets between any of us," said Tara feeling she had made her point when she saw how shamefaced Connor looked.

"A little, Tara didn't want me in the house by myself. Sometimes you'd think I was 12 not 22," said Dawn.

"I mean Willow is my sister's best friend, but I'm not related to Tara," explained Dawn.

" Thank you, it's okay, I mean it was hard but, Tara was there for me, she was like a surrogate Mom," said Dawn. "I missed her when she left."

"She went to go to university in England, didn't she?" Asked Jayne. "It must have been hard for her and Willow."

"Yeah," said Dawn, closing her eyes to choke back the emotions from what had been the worst period of her life.

"Here they come now," said Jayne relieved to see Tara and Connor enter the restaurant, feeling she may have intruded too much on the younger woman's life.

"On my rehabilitation. Do you think I can start doing magick again?" Asked Willow sounding jokey but anxiety was clearly evident in her eyes as she waited for Moira's reply.

Moira took a moment to consider her reply. "There has never been a time when you couldn't do magick. You have a great gift but you need to take responsibility for it. Do you think you're ready?"

"I think so, is not good enough Willow. You have to be sure. I'm sure you have the support you need and I'm sure you have the capabilities and the maturity to control yourself. I don't believe you have the power issues you had before," said Moira moving to the couch where Willow was sitting.

Willow nodded her head in agreement. "No, I don't think, I do, I'm older and I think I've found my place in the world. I'm not anyone's sidekick anymore, I know and I'm happy with who I am and I'm even pretty sure I'm a good person. So the next time I come up here maybe we'll do some spells?"

"No," said Moira and then seeing the redhead's face fall she added. "I think the first time you cast again it should really be with Tara."

Willow smiled. "Do you really think so? I mean I want to...oh, but what if she doesn't want to...with me...It would be great but maybe she still won't trust me...if she said no..."

Moira had tried to interrupt as Willow became more and more animated and in the end she just burst out laughing.

Willow stopped and stared at Moira in between her gasps for air and giggles. "I've heard Tara tell me about your babbling but I've never really heard you in full flow before."

Willow hesitated pouting for a second and then grinning at Moira. "I can get a little carried away, can't I?"

"Just a little and Willow I know Tara will want to do magick with you," said Moira.

Moira steadied her gaze and made sure she had Willow's full attention. "I'm 100% sure."

"Willow, there will be a time when you might have to cast when someone you love's life is in danger and that is when you will need to have all your emotional control, but if you start gently, casting with Tara when you feel relaxed and comfortable it will help."

"What do you want to do Dawn?" Asked Tara. "I'll understand if you want to go back home. Things could get dangerous here."

Dawn shrugged; she had sat through a painful lecture from Tara, sure that Connor had already heard the same thing. "Tara, things are dangerous where ever I go, but if Connor and I have attracted this vamp to you we should do something to help. Anyway, how much trouble can one vamp be?"

Willow disembarked from the train at Waverley station. She came through the gate and expected to see Tara in the in the station but instead she was surprised to see Connor and Dawn waiting for her. "Hey, where's Tara?" She asked, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

"We are going to Moira's," explained Connor. "Tara gave me the car so I could give you the keys for you to drive home."

" I guess Tara must have been busy if she let you drive the car," said Willow, winking, while taking her keys from Connor and giving Dawn a hug. "Why are you going to Moira's?"

Willow eyed them both suspiciously. "Why didn't she mention anything to me before I left?"

"Why do I get the feeling something is going on?" Asked Willow putting her head to one side and giving Dawn and Connor her best penetrative stare.

"I couldn't say...I think they just called our train. We'd better go," said Dawn.

"O-okay," said Willow slowly, standing with her hands on her hips. "See you later."

Willow put her key in the door and the moment she entered her house she felt her skin prickle and her heart pound. She could feel, almost touch the magic in the air. "Tara?"

Willow's mouth went dry as Tara came out of the living room. Tara was simply dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, with no make-up but her skin and her hair shone in the hall light and she looked stunningly beautiful.

Tara closed the distance between them. "Hey, I missed you." They clasped hands interlocking their fingers.

Tara leaned in to kiss Willow on the lips just softly making no attempt to deepen it. She pulled away from Willow. "I...you know I prepared things and rehearsed a little speech...god and now I'm not sure if I've overstepped the mark. Moira said you had done so well and that you might be ready..."

"Tara, I can feel it. I know what your magick feels like. I could almost taste your essence when I walked in. I know you've never practiced in the house since I moved here so I'm guessing you want to cast with me?" Asked Willow hoping that her guess was right and knowing that this could be the last step in putting the ghosts of the past to rest. Closing the circle and making them both complete.

"Mind...I never thought you would trust me enough to make this happen again. It means a lot," said Willow pulling Tara into her arms. "No, scrub that, it means everything."

Tara put her arms on Willow's shoulders to stop herself from being completely pulled into the hug. "Follow me," she whispered and dropped her hands to hold one of Willow's and led her into the living room. She hoped Willow couldn't feel her shaking; she felt like her legs had turned to jelly.

Willow's breath hitched as she saw a red rose sitting on a symbol formed out of black sand and salt.

"How could I forget? Our first spell," said Willow smiling, as she came up behind Tara and wrapping her arms round her and rested her chin on her shoulder feeling safe and comfortable using this as a starting point, offering a silent thank you to Moira for putting her in this frame of mind.

"Not really, but I thought it would be a bit much to try and arrange us fleeing for our lives followed by demons and hey soda machines don't come cheap," giggled Tara.

Willow joined in the giggles before adding. "Does that even count? I mean we weren't exactly expecting to do magick that night. So we float the rose and in a test synchronicity we pluck the petals one by one."

Willow took Tara's face in her hands and kissed the end of her nose. "Don't worry, I've never felt more ready for anything, but what about you? Maybe you still don't think it's right? I mean, I would respect that and we could try another day."

Tara opened her mouth once more to put forward an argument that would give them both a get out clause, but the determined look on Willow's face stopped her. This was it. This was the point where she had to let her lover feel her trust or maybe damage their relationship forever. The blonde knew in her heart that she had run too soon from Willow all those years ago and that if she had been stronger, she may have been able to help Willow escape the cycle of abuse that she had gotten into. She knew she had to take this leap of faith and prove to Willow that she trusted her. Tara took a deep breath and sat cross-legged on one side of the rose she motioned for Willow to sit across from her. "You know I was so nervous that it took me three attempts to get the preparations right."

Willow nodded and sat, her heart pounding wildly. This was it, the moment of truth. Did she trust herself to do this? Yes, she did, and if Tara trusted her enough to be here doing this with her, then that was a special bonus that could only make things better and she relaxed ever so slightly. She closed her eyes and concentrated on slowing her breathing so that she could control and center herself.

Tara gave Willow the time she needed to prepare, when the redhead opened her eyes Tara reached for hands. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, although I feel like the first time we made love, sort of nervous but excited, and so sure that it was the best thing that was ever going to happen to me," replied Willow her voice barely a whisper as she leaned close to Tara her breath against the blonde's ear making her shiver.

They closed their eyes and held on to one another's hand, both of them imagined the rose floating between them.

Willow felt a soft breeze brush her hair and she opened her eyes to see the rose floating between them. "We did it."

Willow felt the magick course through her as she concentrated on imagining holding Tara's hand and plucking the petals one by one. It felt so good to be doing magick again and it felt so natural to be doing it with Tara. She opened her eyes again and watched with her heart singing as the petals floated down. She met Tara's eyes and grinned at the happiness in her lover's eyes and then her passion was let loose, she dropped Tara's hands and lunged at the woman kissing her with all the ardor she could muster. "That was amazing, you are amazing. Thank you, Tara I love you so much."

"Don't thank me, you did it. You learned control. I admire you so much, to come through everything," said Tara quickly releasing the circle. "Except for the part where we are now covered in salt and sand."

"Well remember the shower you asked me about? What about if we go and share one now?" Asked Willow mischievously.

Willow moved her hands softly over clean naked skin; she had felt the slight glean of sweat that was covering Tara's form, from their already passionate exertions. With gentle strength, she guided Tara on to her hands and knees.

Tara's breath hitched, she thought they were finished but Willow's suggestion had excited her immediately. Willow had been in a wild, untamed mood tonight and the pleasure this had brought her was beyond compare. She loved the feel of Willow's hands as they started to stoke her firm behind, she groaned in response surprising herself that she still wanted more. When Willow heard her lover moan she penetrated Tara with her thumb, and moved two fingers over Tara's hard clit. She moved in quick fluent movements, loving the way Tara was bringing her hips to up to meet her thrusts, they moved together and everything felt fluid as if their two bodies were melding into one. Willow only came back down to earth as she heard Tara call out her pleasure and shout her name over and over again.

Tara collapsed breathless on the bed and Willow quickly moved to hold her and kiss her. Willow was a little shocked to see tears in Tara's eyes. "Oh, baby, I'm sorry was I too rough? I didn't mean to hurt you."

"You didn't, I just...I can't believe this, that we are together like this, with everything so good and the magick and I realize that my brain isn't working properly 'cause that didn't make sense, even to me," said Tara burying her head into Willow's shoulder.

"It sorta did," disagreed Willow. "It feels like everything is perfect at the moment."

Tara's hands had started to move down Willow's body. Caressing her breasts, teasing out her nipples and the exploring Willow's pronounced ab muscles.

Tara put her head to one side and gave her a crooked smile. "What would you like me to do with my talented hands?"

"Hmm, nothing," said Willow in a low whisper. "But your talented tongue is a different story."

Tara let out a groan in response telling Willow that the blonde found that plan more than acceptable and just to reinforce this the blonde added. "And you always taste so good, so sweet."

Tara took her time, tasting Willow in all ways possible, she used her tongue to trace fiery patterns into the hacker's pale, delicate skin, exploring path down curves and hollows, licking, nipping and kissing until Willow was pleading for me. Only then did Tara move down the bed and softly kiss Willow's center.

Willow almost came off the bed as she felt Tara's intimate kiss. Tara kept the pressure light, using her whole tongue to lap Willow's hard nerve but with every stoke the contact got faster and harder, until Willow felt like her whole world was exploding in pleasure and delight. Tara's sensitive mouth picked up the pulse and she sucked the throbbing clit prolonging and intensifying her lover's exquisite release.

Tara came back up the bed to look tenderly into sleepy green eyes, they lay for a while just staring into one another's eyes, the feeling of love almost palpable in the air.

Tara rubbed the sleep out of her eyes; it was the third solid day of searching Edinburgh's sewers and underground city. She looked over at Moira who looked as tired as she felt. "Do you think Connor and Willow have found anything?"

"Shh," said Moira. "I thought I saw a light up ahead." Moira then turned to look at Tara. "This isn't your time or place; you know that, don't you?"

"What?" Asked Tara puzzled, but her friend had disappeared. She then felt strong arms grab her.

"The boss will be so pleased with us," said the vamps as she was dragged down the tunnel. "Hey, Sebastian look what we found."

Tara's heart skipped a beat when she looked over to the vampire and saw that he was holding a struggling Willow close to him.

"Ahh Tara, you've arrived just in time." He sunk his fangs deep into Willow's neck.

"Please, please, don't take her from me. I'll do anything. Oh god please," screamed Tara struggling between the two vamps that were brutally gripping her.

Sebastian lifted his head, Willow's blood was dripping down his chin and Tara could see the pain in Willow's eyes. Then her heart froze and fractured and her fear and dread increased by about a hundred times as green eyes turned yellow and her lover's pretty face thickened into the feral, demonic visage of a vampire.

"He hasn't taken me from you. He bought you to me," said Willow giving a grotesque smile, her fangs bared.

"W-willow," whispered Tara and she was right there in front of Tara, stroking her face.

"I didn't know how I'd feel when I saw you," said the vampire in a soft dangerous voice. "I thought I might hate you or feel sorry for you, but I realize all I still want is you." She pulled Tara in close and licked along her neck. "Lovers forever."

Willow kissed Tara and instead of the warm softness she was used to, it was hard and cold and she felt like she was going to gag. "Don't..."

"It's okay baby, I'll find you and you'll be mine always, for all eternity. I can't wait to taste you, you are always so sweet, like candy," said Willow as she kissed along Tara's neck and then slowly penetrated her with her fangs and started to gorge on her lover's life's blood.

The blonde didn't struggle, her mind seemed to be playing weird tricks with her, and she could see Moira's brown eyes boring into hers, brown since when? Tara shook her head trying to clear her mind. She felt dizzy and her arms and legs felt like lead weights, but she still managed to grip the stake in her pocket and plunge it deep into Willow's heart. Darkness overwhelmed her and her body fell to the ground to be showered with her lover's ashes.

"Tara, baby, wake up," said Willow shaking her lover who was screaming and violently trembling.

Tara's eyes flew open and she pushed her head against Willow's breast desperate to lose herself in the warmth and softness and to be soothed by the beating of Willow's heart.

Moira relaxed into her chair, with Maggie lying at her feet. She was reflecting on the last few days spent with Willow. She heard the sound of a car pulling up into her driveway. Maggie started to growl softly. "Shh, it's okay," said Moira placing her hand on the dog's head.

She went to the window and pulled back the curtain cautiously and was surprised to see Connor helping Dawn towards the door.

Moira went to her door and opened it before Dawn and Connor managed to reach it. "Hi, what are you two doing here?"

"She sent us here to get a book, but personally I think she just wanted Willow to herself," said Dawn limping heavily past Moira to be greeted enthusiastically by Maggie.

Connor came back from the car with a couple of backpacks. "Will it be alright for us to stay a couple of days?" He asked anxiously.

"Sure," said Moira ushering the young man into the house. "And what's all this about a book?"

Moira made some tea and brought a tray out of the kitchen, with some biscuits, cheese and cakes."

"So, I'm still waiting, what is all this about a book and how come that has got you two high tailing it up to Scotland in such a rush?" Asked Moira. "Hmm let me guess Willow and Tara wanted to…have some time alone."

Connor and Dawn gave each other a sheepish look before haltingly telling Moira about their adventures in the underground city and being found out by Tara who then locked herself in her study before telling them that she knew all about their secret and that she needed them to get a book from Moira. They explained how Tara had seemed to so upset over the vampire.

Moira listened patiently to their story before questioning them. "Why was Tara so jittery about this vamp? I mean she has faced hundreds, maybe even thousands of vamps over the years."

"Oh, I forgot," said Connor. "When we were at the art gallery he approached her. It was strange; I've never known a vamp to behave like that. He told Tara he wanted to turn her and Willow. It was so weird…Moira what is it?"

The older woman had blanched, all the color draining from her face. "His name?" She snapped out.

"Oh yeah, I have it here," said Connor digging a piece paper from his pocket. "Sebastian…"

"How did you…Moira what's going on?" Asked Dawn watching the witch pull out her cell phone.

"C'mon, answer," said Moira impatiently then disconnected the call and pushed in another number.

The older woman silenced Dawn with a look, terminated that call and tried another number. "What the hell…they're not answering their mobiles and their home phone isn't picking up either. Dawn have they an answering machine yet?"

"Yes, uhm Willow hooked it and the fax up before she left. Moira what's going on?" Dawn felt the cold prickling of anxiety creeping up her backbone.

"Don't you think you're over reacting?" Connor asked. They wanted private time. They've probably turned off their phones…"

"Tara was hoping they could work some magick together…maybe she unplugged the phone," said Connor trying to be reasonable and calm since Dawn and Moira both looked worried. "We saw Willow at the train station everything seemed fine."

"When was that?" Moira snapped out and then because of the hesitation. "What time…what time was it?"

"About 7 o'clock," said Connor trying to keep himself together and not be carried away with Moira's panic.

Moira checked her watch. "It's after eleven now, surely they would have finished by now?"

Dawn and Connor exchanged bashful glances before Dawn cleared her throat nervously. "Depends what sort of um…magick they were a…a working."

Connor made a strangled noise before starting to cough violently but Moira couldn't relax.

"I think we should drive up to Edinburgh," said Moira her eyes burning with intensity.

"Look lets get to bed. We can call them in the morning," continued Connor, shocked by Moira's behavior being used to the witch's seemingly laid-back attitude to life.

"The morning might be too late," said Moira. "Look if you two won't come with me I'll go on my own," she stated, walking towards the door.

Connor blocked her path. "C'mon on Mo, Tara knows what he looks like. She's not about to invite him in, now is she?"

Moira stopped a minute; intellectually she knew what he was saying was logical but she couldn't allow herself the luxury of relaxing. "Was it dark when Willow got home?"

"Why would he?" Connor argued, "I've never known a vamp to go through that much trouble for a meal."

"They won't be meals…aren't you taking in what I'm saying to you…you don't know what he's like," said Moira forcefully.

"He's just a vamp, Willow and Tara can handle one vamp," replied Connor. "They probably went to bed and forgot to plug the phone back in."

Moira woke drenched in sweat, the image from her dream too vivid, too real to ignore. She saw his bestial face; she could hear his voice taunting her that he could destroy her life. Again. "Sebastian," she spat out with real venom.

Her self-control gone Moira rang her friends' mobile phones and home phone, still nothing. She checked her bedside table 3:30. She could reach Edinburgh before daybreak. With that thought she was up and struggling to dress quickly and quietly without disturbing her young houseguests.

Moira went into the hall and bumped into Connor coming out of his room pulling a t-shirt on as he came out. "Connor what are you doing?"

"Yeah, she would," answered Dawn, joining the other two in what was becoming a very cramped space. "But, if you're both this worried I'm coming too. They're family"

Moira looked at the young woman with sad eyes. "Sweetheart, if he has gotten to them you don't want to be there."

"Yes, I do," said Dawn through clenched teeth as she turned from them and hobbled painfully down the stairs.

Moira drove as fast as she dared down the infamous A90 at least she didn't have to contend with the fog that habitually haunted this part of the Scottish coast. She knew this was insane. They had just piled into her jeep the dog in the back and without thinking were speeding towards two, probably, sleeping Wiccans.

They pulled onto Willow and Tara's quiet suburban road. Moira stopped her car outside the detached house, everything looked calm.

Connor shook his head, snapping out of the panic that had moved him to follow Moira. "This was a waste of time, everything is fine. They are fine."

"Your special powers tell you that?" Asked Dawn sarcastically sounding harsher than she meant, not sure why he was getting to her. "Just try the door, we have a key."

Connor looked at Dawn stung. He had presumed a long time ago that he had no chance with her but he was used to her treating him with respect. His eyes flashed. "Okay whatever, but if they are pissed this wasn't my idea."

Connor slammed the jeep door hard as he got out. He walked to the door and tried to turn the key, nothing. The dead lock was on. He was surprised; he had never known the two witches to ever leave it on. He panicked, common sense would have told him to knock but he was so pumped up that logic had no place. He climbed easily onto the garage. He made his way along to the back of the house where Willow and Tara's bedroom was situated. He was about to edge his way along the window ledge when reality kicked in. If he did this and nothing was wrong they were so going to toss his sorry ass into the street. He sat down on the roof of the garage, what the hell was he doing? He ran his fingers through his hair and inhaled deeply.

Connor finally moved and in a half daze walked back and jumped from the roof. As he landed he felt a hand grip him and before he had time to react, he was pushed against the garage door.

"Let me go," said Connor remaining still for a second, he knew he was being held by a human who he could easily shake off anytime he wanted.

"I don't think so, we've had some break-ins around here and here you are jumping from these nice peoples' house…"

"I haven't got time for this," said Connor pushing the man off, figuring him for a nosey neighbor.

"Police, stop and make time," said the man reaching for his hands and pushing him once more against the garage. Connor carried on struggling not believing the guy, his mind on Willow and Tara's safety.

Connor pushed the policeman away. "C'mon, son, that isn't the brightest thing to do." Connor felt his eyes on fire and he started to cough. He had been hit with pepper spray. At that moment he felt relieved to hear what sounded like Willow's voice.

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Take Comfort In Faith

By Magrat

Magrat70@hotmail.com