Captive by Marcia M

Rating: PG-13
Uber Setting: Fairy Tale/A Masquerade Ball.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Joss Whedon, ME, etc, etc, owns them, but the story is mine. This fic is for enjoyment, not money.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse http://mysticmuse.net
Just ask.
Feedback: Yes, please.
Spoilers: Nope. AU.
Author's Note: Reading Michelle's fairy tales inspired me to write one. Thanks to my beta!!
Pairing: Willow/Tara

Willow had her prey in sight. She made certain her mask was firmly in place as she stealthily circled the crowd, waiting for the opportunity to make her move. She could feel her nervousness; her heart was pounding and her breathing was shallow. She wiped her palms on her thighs as she saw her target move toward a secluded corner.

Willow moved silently behind the woman, grabbing her from behind, sliding one hand around to cover her mouth as she brought a dagger to the blonde's slender throat. Dropping her voice to a low growl she whispered "Do as you're told and you won't get hurt." She pulled the curvaceous body against her and slowly maneuvered them toward a door that led to an unoccupied room. As she moved them into the empty room, she turned her blonde captive so she could look into her eyes, pressing her back against the door. She made sure she kept the dagger close to the pale, slender, lickable neck – 'Okay, Willow, focus. You can do this.' She pushed her body against the other, using her weight to pin the voluptuous form to the door.

Tara felt her breath quicken as the warm body pressed against hers. She tried to unobtrusively take in her captor. He was clad in knee high boots, tight black leggings and an emerald velvet thigh length button jacket with matching beret, both of which matched the emerald eyes that were looking into her blue ones. She could see red hair sticking out under the beret. 'Huh, never been attracted to a man before – wait, attracted? Hello, he's holding a knife to your throat, getting a little desperate aren't you?' Tara mentally shook herself to stop the rambling in her brain. She would have to pay attention and look for an opportunity to escape. Of course, the other question was, why was she captured in the first place?

"What's your father's name?" Willow hissed close to a delectable ear, trying to keep her voice low and menacing. She wedged her forearm between two perfect breasts and tightened her grip on the dagger, though the blonde had made no real attempt to struggle up to this point. She tried to concentrate on keeping her façade in place and not the softness that was surrounding her.

"M-my father's name?" Tara asked. Her brow furrowed as she was confused by the question. Why would anyone want to know her father's name?

Willow pushed her hips forward and tightened her grip on the dagger as she growled, "Answer the question."

"S-Steve Maclay," Tara replied, as she tried not to concentrate on the throbbing settling in her center as warm breath tickled her ear.

Willow frowned, she didn't know of Maclay. "And you're the princess of what land?"

"P-princess? I'm n-not a princess," Tara replied and was immediately deflated as her captor step back. Tara held in a sigh, of course it was a mistake, there was no reason for her to be kidnapped. She assumed that would be a good thing and it should have brought some relief. Like most young women her age, she daydreamed about someone coming to sweep her off her feet. Although she would have to admit, a knife- wielding kidnapper wasn't on the top of her list of candidates for the position.

Willow stepped back and studied the woman in front of her, trying to pick up some sign that she was lying. As she realized it wasn't a lie, she stepped back further and forgetting to disguise her voice she squeaked "Not a princess? How can you not be a princess? This is a ball, it's full of princesses, of course you are, you can't fool me, I mean look at you…" she gestured with her hand as her eyes traveled slowly up her body. She had been watching her all night as she moved around the room. The blue dress that intensified the color of her eyes, the way it moved around her legs as she meandered through the crowd, the way it came in at the waist and clung like a second skin to her breasts as she breathed in and out. She felt her mouth go dry as all of her fluid seemed to be pooling in the center of her body. How could she be affected just be looking at this woman?

Tara simply shook her head and she felt her skin flush under the redhead's scrutiny when a sudden thought hit her. 'It's not a he; it's a she, at least it sounded like a she.' She looked closer wishing that the mask didn't cover most of the face. She could only see the chin of her captor; the rest of the features were covered by a full phantom mask, except of course those emerald eyes. Tara wondered if she should try to escape or just wait and see if she would be let go since obviously this was a case of mistaken identity. She watched as the redhead snapped out of her stare and began to pace.

Willow pulled her gaze away from the blonde and began walking back and forth, trying to think. Willow began to pace faster and unconsciously fidgeted with the dagger in her hand. Not realizing she was speaking out loud she began to babble. "It should still count, right? I mean he said princess but, technically I said I would capture the most beautiful woman in the room and he didn't negate the statement so of course that meant that she didn't have to be a princess, just the most beautiful, which of course she is…"

Tara felt a smile threatening to curve her lips and she fought the urge to let it escape. Definitely a woman, an adorable babbling redhead and – hey! Did she just bend the tip of her dagger? Tara watched intently – yes, there it was again. As the redhead fidgeted with her "dagger" she put her finger on the tip and bent it. Tara decided it was time for some answers. As the redhead started her next lap, Tara lunged to grab the dagger from her hand. Unfortunately she tripped in the process and crashed into the redhead. They tumbled to the floor, Tara landing half on top of her captor, and managing to pin the redhead's hands above her head.

Willow stifled a gasp as the blonde unexpectedly crashed into her. Then she had to stifle a moan as a thigh settled between her own. She felt soft breasts pushed into her. She didn't even think of trying to get up, instead choosing to enjoy the position she was in.

When they had tumbled down, the redhead's beret had fallen off allowing auburn tresses to tumble down to her shoulders. Tara clasped both the redhead's hands in one of her own, keeping them pinned above her head as she gently pushed silken tresses away so she could see those green eyes. "Who are you?" she whispered as she moved her free hand to the mask. She pulled it off, tossing it aside as she was finally able to see the beautiful woman's face. She stared at every curve, every freckle, memorizing each detail, knowing that too soon, she would never see it again.

"A-a kidnapper?" Willow squeaked finally, becoming unnerved by the blonde's intense gaze. 'She must think I'm horrible, she won't even speak, just keeps looking at me.' Clearing her throat she said more forcefully "I mean, yes, I'm a kidnapper, I shall demand ransom for your return or, or I shall do unspeakable things to your body." Images of herself ravishing the blond had jumped into her head, causing her voice to drop to a husky level during the last part of her statement.

"O-of course, I have a dagger and, and the mask to hide my identity…" Willow trailed off as she realized she no longer had either.

"Dagger?" Tara fought to suppress a giggle and she did, sort of, as she used her free hand to pick up the "dagger". She put the tip on the floor and wiggled it back and forth, watching as the blade wobbled easily under the gentle pressure.

"You s-sort of bent it while you were pacing and t-talking to yourself." She finally let the grin that had been lingering just below the surface finally escape as she looked down at the redhead.

Willow forgot how to breathe and all other thought left her brain as she was dazzled by the smile from the woman above her. She wanted to stay pinned under this woman, basking in her radiance forever. As soon as the thought came into her head the blonde spoke again, breaking her silent request.

"Tell you what, I'll let you up since I know you really never meant to hurt me and I guess never actually wanted me anyway, okay?" She stood as she spoke and gently pulled the redhead up with her, before quickly taking a step back, hoping the redhead wouldn't realize the effect she was having on her.

Tara took a step back, her eyes widening "B-but, the d-dagger was f-fake, and I'm nobody, there's no r-reason to h-hurt me." Even as she said the words, it was difficult for her to believe this woman was capable of intentionally hurting her or anyone, but still she took a step back away from the redhead.

"Oh! No! No, no, no, I would never hurt you!" Willow exclaimed, horrified that this lovely creature would think that. "I meant that I do want you, you were my target all along, I just assumed you were a princess but that's okay that your not, you're beautiful and it was an honest mistake."

Tara shook her head trying to dispute the fact that she was beautiful and ignore the flare of desire when the redhead had said she wanted her, of course the redhead hadn't meant "want" her, want her… but – Tara's thoughts were cut off as the redhead continued her monologue.

"Uh!" Willow was getting frustrated. "This was a bad idea I'm going to kill Xander – not really kill him but you know with the wanting to but in the he's my best friend way and not with the violence only with the glaring and maybe the smacking but no real violence or, or anything, because I'm not a violent person, though sometimes clumsy so that's why the fake dagger and I was going to invite you to dinner and make it up to you if my kidnapping had been successful and I don't know why I listen to him, he made it seem so simple…"

Tara finally had to reach out and place her hand over the redhead's mouth as she tried to catch up with everything that was being said. "Xander – as in Alexander?" was the first question she asked the redhead.

Willow simply nodded as the blonde's hand still covered her mouth. She was enjoying the tingly warmth that the contact was causing and had to focus her attention so she could answer this beautiful woman.

"As in Alexander Harris, Prince of Saradonia?" At the redhead's nod she continued "and he's your best friend?" again a nod "and exactly who…?" she trailed off as realization began to dawn on her. The red hair, emerald eyes, breathtakingly beautiful, her eyes widened and she tried to pull back from her, lowering her head allowing her blonde locks to cover her crimson cheeks. "F-forgive me m'lady. I m-must apologize for my ignorance and earlier b-behavior. Is there any way and I can possibly make it up to you… Princess Willow?" Tara never raised her eyes, keeping them glued to the toes of Willow's boots as she spoke.

Willow groaned. She hated this part, hated being treated different because of who her parents were. She didn't have any real power; it wasn't likely she would ever rule or anything, being the youngest of four children. She placed a finger under the blonde's chin, trying to get her to look up.

"Tara" Willow repeated, letting the name roll off her tongue "please, look at me," she requested softly.

Tara was torn, wanting to keep her eyes averted. She was so embarrassed by her previous behavior, and yet she wanted to do as Princess Willow asked. She slowly raised her eyes, blue meeting green once again and her breath caught in her throat. 'Nice job Tara' she began to herself, 'it would have been easier to fall for a kidnapper but oh no, you choose to fall for a beautiful Princess and how did you manage to fall so hard in such a short time?'

Willow thought she would drown in the blue pools that were Tara's eyes. Holding Tara's gaze, she gently grasped Tara's hands "It's just a title, it doesn't mean anything. There's no need to act differently-"

"B-but, I th-threw you on the ground a-and I don't think that is a-acceptable behavior to bestow on a beautiful princess" Tara interrupted, becoming unnerved by Willow's touch and closeness. Willow must have been looking for another princess to have someone to talk to about, well whatever princesses talked about and now that she knew that Tara was no one, she assumed Willow would be more than eager to part ways, but why was the redhead still holding her hands?

Willow had no idea how the blonde had just turned the situation around to think it was her fault. "Well, you did think I was a kidnapper intent on ravishing you and – did you say beautiful? I would never use that term to describe myself but… Tara, I know you just met me, but I've watched you all night and I know I want to get to know you better. My name is Willow, just Willow. And I know I said I thought you were a princess and you would make a much better princess than me, I mean your beautiful and graceful, and stunning and I said beautiful already right? And, and… but that doesn't matter, I still want to know you – Tara Maclay, and you know aren't you going to stop me like you did last time?"

A slow lopsided smile began to spread across Tara's face as they redhead babbled on. She had no right to expect anything from Willow but if the princess wanted to spend a little more time with her, she was definitely not going to complain. At Willow's question she slowly raised her hand and placed the tips of her fingers against Willow's lips. She stifled a gasp as Willow placed a gentle kiss on her fingers, before gently clasping them again and lowering them to their sides. As Tara's head began to clear she finally realized some of what Willow had been saying. "I thought you said you were going to hold me for ransom?"

"Well, I know that's what I said originally but I wasn't really going to do that since, well, I don't really need ransom. I was just going to take you back to show Xander that I had succeeded in the kidnapping." Willow explained, as she couldn't help but smile back at the blonde she was quickly becoming infatuated with.

"Y-yes, I got that but you just said r-ravish, not ransom, during your last, um, monologue."

"Monologue? You mean the babblefest? Did I actually say ravish?" Willow gulped, feeling like she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

Tara nodded "Yes," she said simply. Figuring she didn't have a chance with Willow, she thought she might as well get in some teasing, see how much she could get the princess to squirm. She stepped closer, inching into Willow's space.

Willow gulped visibly "I, uh" she was having a hard time breathing as she felt the heat from Tara's body surrounding her, seeping into her skin. She took a timid step backwards trying to force herself to breathe, speak, anything, but she couldn't seem to get her brain to function.

Tara held back a smirk as she watched Willow take another step back. She had other plans though so she took two steps forward to match Willow's retreat. She finally let her smirk show through as Willow bumped into the wall. She brought her fingertips up, lightly brushing them up and down Willow's arm. She looked down, watching her fingertips drawing lazy patterns. She raised her eyes, looking up through her lashes "Yes? You were saying?" She willed herself not to stutter and pushed her own primal feelings down, trying to keep her libido in check.

Willow felt her heart rate increase and her skin flush from Tara's proximity. Part of her knew that Tara was just testing her, but she didn't care. Before she had been trying to step away; now she wanted the blonde closer. "Yes, yes I was, saying something. Ravish, yeah, I meant it. I-I'm a kidnapper, and I think as a kidnapper I should ravish you but I think I should start small maybe just your lips, well I never was a captor b-before, this being my first attempt. But hey! I captured you…" Willow looked down and realized she was the one pinned against the door. She lowered her head.

Tara watched as Willow looked down. The redhead was so adorable. Tara muffled a sigh, and relaxed her stance. Just as she was about to speak her whole world spun. "What the-"

Willow saw Tara relax, just liked she hoped and she took the opportunity to reverse their positions. Now she had the blonde pinned to the wall. "Now, like I was saying, I captured you and now" her voice dropped to a husky whisper "I think I'll ravish your lips" she leaned forward until her lips were practically touching Tara's when she suddenly realized what she was doing.

Tara was holding her breath. She really wanted to kiss Willow but she had no idea how things had progressed so quickly. She wasn't really sure she wanted to stop. She watched Willow's lips as they got closer and closer until they were almost touching and then – she stopped. Of course she stopped, she must have realized who she was about to kiss.

Willow turned at the last second and pressed her lips against Tara's cheek. She let them linger a few seconds, before pulling back.

Tara's skin was tingly but she pushed her feelings down. Content to just be near Willow for as long as she was allowed.

Willow once again placed a finger under Tara's chin, forcing her to meet her gaze "That has nothing to do with it. It's just that I like you, I really like you and want to get to know you better, and we seem to be moving really fast and I have a confession to make." Willow paused in her mini-babble to make sure Tara was listening.

Willow forced a serious expression on her face as she continued. "I'm not really a kidnapper."

Tara felt a slow smile spread across her face and a slight giggle erupted "Um, yeah, sweetie, I figured that out after about the first five minutes, as s-soon as you bent your dagger. And now I know you're a princess."

'Sweetie, she called me sweetie.' Willow thought she might explode from happiness. "Well, do you think you would mind dancing with this non-kidnapping princess?"

"Well, not here exactly, unless you really want to. I was thinking more out there, where there's music and, well dancing" Willow smiled.

"Oh! Are you s-sure, I mean with me?" Tara questioned again. She was sure she was dreaming now and would wake up all too soon.

"Absolutely," was Willow's immediate and heartfelt reply. She interlaced her fingers with Tara's and gently led her towards the door.

"If this is a dream, I never want to wake up" Tara whispered to herself, not realizing she had spoken out loud.

"It's not a dream but I hope we spend the rest of the night dancing together – and many more days and nights together." She said the last and couldn't resist leaning forward and placing another kiss on Tara's cheek.

Tara felt a blush touch her cheeks and she leaned in to reciprocate the kiss on Willow's cheek, wanting to feel and taste Willow's skin beneath her lips. "Definitely."

They moved into the ballroom and began moving around the dance floor, lost in each other's eyes, bodies swaying together. Smiles were plastered on their faces and they could have been the only two people in the room. Finally they were, as everyone else had gone home. But neither cared; they wanted to spend the rest of the night – and their lives – together, in each other's arms. Happily. Ever. After.

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Captive

by Marcia M

Copyright © 2003

marciamk936@hotmail.com