Food for Thought by Onyxsundrops

Once the words reached Willow's ears, the redhead bit her lip, pondering the question. On one hand, she could lie and save herself the fatal blow of rejection. Or she could close her eyes, tell the truth, and wish for the best. Choosing the latter, the redhead's answer blurted out louder than she intended.

"Yes." Although it came out as nearly a shout, the single word seemed to freeze in the air before Tara understood its full meaning.

The blonde stared, dumbly, at her partner and tried to catch her breath. Slowly, the heaving motion of her chest slowed as her heart quivered, then skipped beneath her breast.

"Say it again." Barely audible, the low plea escaped Tara's lips as a thin sheen of water clouded her vision.

Willow's eyes opened to the sight of her girlfriend's slightly desperate blues. Through the haze, she noticed Tara's hand gripping one of her pillows as the blonde waited on the edge of tears.

"I love you, I love you," With an overwhelming confidence, Willow repeated the phrase several times, enjoying how each word absorbed within her tongue, planting itself there for many future uses. Just short of the fifth 'I love you', Tara couldn't contain herself any longer.

"Oh Willow," the blonde's affectionate gaze pierced through the kneeling redhead's heart, stopping her words at the base of her throat. "I love you, too. I..," Tara choked back a sob and hurriedly crawled forward to embrace her lover. Underestimating her own strength, Tara hurled herself into Willow's arms.

"Eep," Willow literally squeaked as they both toppled backward to the floor, but quickly forgot the pain when Tara began covering her face with excited kisses.

Buffy lightly knocked, but after receiving no answer, she boldly turned the knob and cautiously peeked into the room. Craning her neck through the crack, she saw sock-clad toes wiggling from the end of the bed, which had also been joined by a slightly longer jean-clad leg. Quickly concluding that each leg didn't belong to the same person, she moved more into the room.

"You know, I hear this oddly soft rectangular thing is really good for the snuggles," she smiled and patted the mattress as she looked down at the couple. Glad she hadn't walked in on anything more than PG13, Buffy giggled at the mess of limbs. "I was just seeing if you guys were ready, but..."she allowed herself to trail off, a warm smiling stretching her face.

"Sorry, Buffy-," Willow squealed when Tara nuzzled her neck, completely aware of Buffy's presence, but still too caught up in the feeling of the redhead's skin. "We're coming." She finally managed. Tara snorted, but groaned in protest when Willow began untangling herself, or at least trying to.

As soon as Buffy had left the two alone, Tara finally released the redhead from her grip. She stole another quick kiss from her girlfriend before Willow continued her search under the bed.

Willow hummed in triumph when she spotted the red shoe. "Well, when it wasn't in the closet, I knew it was under here somewhere." She smoothed a hand over her hair and grinned as she held up the lonely object.

The blonde smiled, "Not the shoe, silly." She ran her fingers over red strands that Willow had missed.

"Oh. Oh!" Willow blushed. "I just knew... It's hard to...," she struggled for the right words, smiling at the sparkle in Tara's eyes. "Every time I looked at you, I knew." She breathed deeply. "And it was just...'Wow'. Everything. When we talked or held hands...kissed... or did other things," another blush, "you're just a 'wow' kinda girl."

Embarrassed by Willow's admiration, Tara glanced down. "I'm captured by your wow-ness," Willow continued, receiving a trademark smile for her use of words.

"When I first saw you at the restaurant," the smile remained as Tara looked up. "I knew that you were special and that I could fall in love with you. And I did then, but every minute since has only made it stronger. Made me stronger." She reached across, rubbing her thumb over Willow's cheek. "Thank you."

Willow hiccupped then giggled as fresh tears rose to the surface, "Keep this up, and I'm going to be a walking puddle all day."

Tara added a skip to her step as she waved goodbye to the two figures in the car. Buffy was in the process of climbing into the passenger seat from the back, so Willow's wave had been momentarily blocked. The blonde saw her girlfriend playfully swatting at her best friend and guessed that Willow was asking why Buffy hadn't just used the door instead.

Her day at work had been dragging, the sudden rain having kept most of the potential customers indoors. Adding to the slowness was the fact that both Anya and Faith were absent from the restaurant, leaving a strangely quiet atmosphere and distracted cook.

She hadn't wanted to pry, but after hearing Buffy's frustration at the house, Tara's mind wandered to Faith. She didn't know much about their past, but wondered about the reasons, which kept the young brunette away. It was clear, if given enough attention, the emotion behind Faith's shadowed eyes.

Although it was slightly out of character for Tara to mingle in other people's affairs, she could sense that something was on Faith's mind. She made a promise to herself to at least attempt to speak to the brunette. Tara knew that it was easier for some to talk or open up to people they hardly knew, versus close friends. It was almost as if the thought of judgment wasn't as painful or personal.

Upon realizing that she was standing outside of her door, and also that she was beginning to get stares, Tara blushed and entered her apartment.

Musing to herself about the morning as she returned from checking her mail, Tara released a surprised, yet happy gasp as she stopped in front of her door.

"Hello you." Two beautiful eyes stared back at her. "Looking for something?" The green eyes blinked as small lips curved into a silent answer.

About an hour after Tara hung up the phone, there was a knock at her door. Shaking the nervousness from her system, the blonde quickly answered.

"H-Hey, come in," she smiled as her guest entered, "have a seat." Tara motioned toward the couch as she closed the door.

Sensing the nervousness in Tara's movements, concerned fingers grasped the blonde's hand as Tara turned to leave the room. "Hey, something wrong?"

"N-No," she chided the butterflies in her stomach, "No, I'm being silly." Squeezing the hand within hers, she continued, "I have a surprise for you."

"Um," Tara bit her lip to stifle her laugh, "not sure about that one. Let me go find it," she gave Willow's hand a final squeeze before the redhead planted herself on the couch. "Stay here, I'll be right back." With that, she disappeared down the hallway.

Tara had been gone for more than five minutes and Willow was being to regret her promise not to move. Not just because she was anxious to know what Tara was back there searching for, but also because her ankle had begun to itch. After careful seconds of consideration, she used the tip of her shoe to scratch the spot, but quickly realized that it wasn't doing the trick.

Reaching down without looking, the redhead's nails grazed over the area. "Rat. Rat!" She screamed when her hand connected with short fur. "Oh god. Get it, get it!" She continued when Tara ran back into the living room.

The first thing the blonde saw was her almost pale girlfriend, eyes shut tightly as her hand gripped the couch cushion. Willow blanched even more as Tara began to laugh. "It's not a rat. It's your surprise. Must've gotten out when I opened the bedroom door." She spoke more to herself.

Willow still refused to open her eyes, "A jumbo rat? You got me a jumbo rat?" She asked, slightly hysterical.

"Willow, sweetie, it isn't a rat. See, look," Tara scooped down, picking up the gray kitten. "It's a kitty." The small bundle in her arms finally meowed.

"Not a rat." Tara assured. She had been nervous about Willow's reaction to her surprise, but never expected the redhead to mistake it for a rodent.

As Willow's heart returned to normal beats, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed by her actions. Especially when Tara sat beside her, and four small legs sauntered to her lap. "Aw, she's so cute," she paused, twisting to look at the kitten, "is she a she?" Tara nodded. "Okay."

"She was sitting outside my door when I came from getting the mail," the blonde rubbed behind soft ears.

"What if she already has a mommy. Some kid could be out looking for her right now," her inner-voice told Willow to be quiet, especially since she didn't want her guesses to be true.

"Well, there is one small problem." Both the kitten and Willow turned heads. "In order to keep a pet in the apartment, you have to put down a 'pet deposit'. And I'm guessing that's why none of the neighbors claimed her."

Tara shrugged, "I was going to talk to one of the managers tomorrow. I'll just say that I was thinking of getting a kitten. If it-."

"But won't they know that something's up? I mean, is it really necessary to bring them into it, " Willow cut in. "Look at her, she's not exactly Cujo. And she'll be very quiet too."

Willow prepared to continue her innocent coercion, but Tara was already sold. "What shall we name her?"

"I don't know," Willow giggled as the kitten's whiskers tickled her palm, "I've never had a real live pet before... well, I mean, I've had fish. But they don't really do anything."

"I'm sure we'll think of something," Tara sighed happily, "so you're not allergic, right? I wasn't sure."

"Nope, not that I know of. And even so, it's nothing a bottle of eye drops and a trip to the drugstore won't cure." The kitten pawed its way up her stomach, clinging to the material of her shirt.

"Aw, love you," Tara smiled toward the animal, lightly curling her fingers through fur. From the corner of her eye, she caught Willow's pout.

"I love you," adoration emitting from her face, Tara stared into the redhead's eyes.

The next morning, a sniveling Xander arrived at the restaurant with Anya's fretting hands in tow. The young man was obviously overdressed for the weather, looking as if he'd bundled up for a blizzard. It was a day before his birthday, and he vowed to get over his cold before then, even if it included putting the local drugstores out of business.

"Xander, you look awful," Willow commented, observing her friend's appearance as she stepped back.

"The smell isn't too flattering either," Buffy snorted as she leaned against the front counter. The place was pretty empty for a Friday, and business hardly picked up until around noon, so the cook used the free time to hangout in the front with her friends.

"You should be at home, in bed," Tara smiled kindly and unconsciously stepped back when Xander coughed.

"I was, but someone," he glanced at Anya, "thought it would be better for me to get out-," a sneeze replaced his words.

"Well, there's no point in staying in bed like a big slug," Anya took the moment to cut in. "And besides I needed him to pick me up from work, anyway."

"Yeah, I forgot about that," Buffy began, "so how's that going for you? The whole telemarketing thing?"

Off the other's looks, Anya explained, "Oh, I quit," she flapped her hand in the air as if it didn't matter, "it was boring and they only paid on commission. And anyway, Xander needed me. I'm taking care of him," she beamed, proudly. Although flashes of the movie Misery had suddenly popped into Xander's mind, he smiled at his girlfriend's efforts.

"Well, thanks for gracing us with your germs, Xander," Buffy joked before her attention was drawn to the new customers who had just entered. Break was officially over as two more people walked through the door, but the blonde couldn't complain. It was Friday, and Friday equaled payday, so Buffy was happy to get back to work.

"Would you like some hot tea?" Tara asked Xander when he and Anya took a seat at the table near the counter. "I have a mixture. It might help with the ickiness." She gestured toward her throat. The blonde received a subtle rub from Willow's hip as the redhead went to help the customers and Buffy exited into the kitchen.

Nodding, Xander smiled thankfully as Tara disappeared in search of the herbal tea she'd brought from home. Anya flipped through the menu, frowning, and pointed to an item when Tara returned.

"What's in this?" Tara turned her attention to the picture of a vegetable omelet.

Tara frowned, "It's a bagel," she arched a confused eyebrow and looked to Xander. The young man shrugged and went back to sipping his tea. When Anya gazed at her expectantly, the blonde knew she was serious. "Um, raisins-."

"Bleh." Anya scrunched her nose. "What about this one? No, never mind, forget that one." She skimmed the paper, "what's this?"

"Corned-beef on rye with Swiss cheese," she nervously bit the inside of her lip as Anya pondered the information. Quickly scanning the room to see if anyone was waiting for her, Tara watched Anya point to another item.

Knowing that she'd be awhile, Tara pulled out the chair across from the couple. She hoped that any minute Willow would rescue her, but it was no use. Tara glanced at her partner and saw that she was busy. Sighing in defeat, she turned back to Anya.

Twenty minutes later, Tara knew almost every item on the menu by heart. When it seemed as if all hope was lost, she received a gift... of garbage. The blonde had jumped at the opportunity to empty the trash when Buffy asked, in fact, she practically tripped over her feet trying to grab the bag.

After two tries, Tara managed to open the dumpster's lid and lugged the bag onto the other side. Brushing her hands off, she hoped she could make a beeline for the restroom before Anya saw her. It wasn't about avoidance, she was just a firm believer in personal hygiene.

"Hey Tara." Startled, Tara jumped back. "Whoa," Faith helped steady the blonde before she fell into the dumpster, "sorry about that."

She had been walking past the opening of the alley to the side of the restaurant and spotted the blonde standing near the large green dumpster.

"F-Faith," still surprised, Tara smiled at the brunette. "What are you doing here? N-Not that you're not allowed to be here, but-." She blushed, noticing that she had begun to babble. "Sorry," Tara added, sheepishly.

"Don't worry about it," Faith waved it off, "I was just coming to see Buffy, then I saw you. What were you doing?"

"Oh, Buffy had asked me to take out the trash." Tara said, seeing a pensive look cross Faith's face.

"Is she mad at me?" The question was unexpected. "I mean, I've been sort of MIA lately... not exactly the best girlfriend-quality." Faith chuckled, though she inwardly chided herself.

Tara chose to answer honestly," She's worried," a frown creased her brow, "but I don't think she's upset." Pausing, the blonde's friendly gaze settled on Faith. "I-I know it's not my place, but maybe you should talk to her."

"What do I say?" Faith knew that she shouldn't be bombarding Tara with questions, but the gentle concern in the blonde's eyes was like a beacon for asking guidance.

Tara thought back to her promise to speak to the brunette, but she hadn't expected it to happen so soon. She had wanted to have some time to know what she was going to say, yet the vulnerability present in Faith's voice told Tara to just say what came to her mind.

"I care about... I love her," Faith answered honestly. "I have for a while, but it's just...," her sentence broke off again as she kicked a small rock by her foot. Struggling for the right words, she shoved her hands in her pockets. "I've finally got what I've wanted for so long, and I don't know how to act. Does that make sense?"

"Earned." The brunette looked up, surprised, when Tara cut in. Tara wasn't aware that she'd spoken aloud until Faith nodded in understanding.

"Faith, acceptance is given. It isn't always earned," Tara shook her head, "Buffy wants to be with you because she wants to, and because she knows that you're a good person." She reflected on her own relationship. "I don't know what Buffy feels or thinks. But I think, inside she has already given you her love. All you have to do now... is accept it." She smiled encouragingly, hoping Faith understood what she was trying to say.

The backdoor had opened slightly, "Hi," Willow smiled brightly, then noticed Faith.

"I'm going to go," she pointed at the door, sharing a grateful smile with Tara as the blonde nodded. Exchanging a greeting with Willow, she headed toward the kitchen.

"I was beginning to think Anya talked you into quitting," Willow chuckled, stepping out of Faith's way and into the alley. "You aren't planning on making a run for it, are you?" She joked, only half serious. The redhead had caught a few glimpses of her partner as Tara sat with Anya and Xander. Briefly, she had noticed the tolerance on the blonde's face, but knew that Tara could only put up with so much of Anya's grumbling.

"Good." The pout turned into a matching grin. "So what were you and Faith talking about?" She circled her arms around Tara's waist, leaning into her lover.

Enjoying the warmth of Willow's body, Tara hummed, "Buffy." She looped her arms around the redhead's shoulders, her fingers brushing against the hair, which rested on the base of Willow's neck.

"Something like that," Tara breathed the scent of lavender and honey. "So I was thinking...."

"Yeah." Willow gently pushed. The heat was already starting to rise in Tara's body and she knew it would be impossible to get a whole sentence out if Willow kept kissing her with every word. Instead, she went straight to the point.

"Dinner." The blonde groaned when Willow's hand repeatedly trekked up her back, smoothing over her shirt. Willow didn't have a chance to reply as Tara's lips covered hers.

Hands roaming to her girlfriend's butt, Tara groaned again in appreciation as Willow shuddered. Her fingers traced the hem of Willow's shirt, reaching under to rub over soft skin. When she knew she had the redhead where she wanted her, Tara pulled back. She backed away and moved Willow's hands until they rested within hers.

Playfully stepping out of reach, she smiled, teasingly, at her girlfriend's dreamy stare. Traces of Tara's kiss lingered on Willow's abandoned lips, leaving the redhead yearning for more.

"So what are you cooking?" The question broke Willow from her daydream. She found Tara's eyes, seeing the sparkle as the blonde winked, just before disappearing back into the building.

Staring, dumbfounded, at the closed door, Willow's mouth gapped. The panic was already starting to set in. Tara wanted her to cook? Her? The same person who had once blown up her parent's microwave, trying to boil an egg in a coffee cup?

Before she had time for the fear to fully take over, Tara's head had peeked through the door. "You coming?" She grinned from ear to ear. Like the love-struck woman she was, Willow followed behind the blonde. She just hoped Tara liked soggy fish-sticks and kool-aid.

"Hey Willow," Buffy smiled as she entered the kitchen and saw her best friend frowning over one of her mother's cookbooks. "So what do we have so far?" Willow glanced up with a look of helplessness crowding her features. Setting the book aside, she wordlessly motioned Buffy toward the refrigerator.

Pulling the door open to the frozen section, she pointed out each item. "We have this... this... and this," she held up each bag.

Incredulously, Buffy turned to the redhead. "You're finally cooking dinner for your girlfriend, and all you can think of is...," she tilted her head to see the packages, "freezer burned fish-sticks and frozen peas?"

Willow nodded; looking lost as she retrieved the cookbook and hopped onto the counter top. Squeezing the book in her hands, she wished a creative idea would appear in her mind.

"C'mon Willow," Buffy chuckled lightly, "no matter how many cookbooks you use, you're never going to turn fish-sticks into fillets."

"You could always order-in and switch the containers," Buffy offered with a shrug, and regretted her suggestion with Willow suddenly perked up.

"Yes!" Willow scrambled from the counter and ran into the living room, "Where should I order from?" She asked when she found the phone book.

"You're not actually going to do that, are you? I was only kidding with you." Buffy flopped down on the couch and reached down, taking the phone book before Willow reached the 'R's'.

"Relax Will," Buffy went on, lightly tossing the book onto the table, "you'll think of something?"

"We?" Willow pressed and chewed her lower lip as she flashed Buffy a pitiful smile.

"Okay, we'll think of something," Buffy dramatically rolled her eyes. "When are you expecting Tara?" She asked, already forming a plan.

"All right, here's what we're going to do." Buffy began as Willow listened eagerly. "First, you're going to get off your rump and drive me to the store." Nodding, the redhead easily agreed to the first proposition.

"Secondly, I am going to show you why I am the best friend you'll ever have," the cook grinned, "and why you will be doing my share of the chores for a week."

"Nope," Buffy's smile grew, "but if you think Tara would be satisfied with soggy-sticks. We can do three days instead." She baited, waiting for Willow to give in.

"A week." Willow groaned as she accepted Buffy's terms. When the blonde stood and held out her hand, she frowned, staring at the five digits. "What?"

"Oh, don't think you're going to sucker your way out of this one," Buffy gestured for Willow to shake her hand. "And no crossed fingers." The redhead cursed and removed her other hand from behind her back. "Or toes." Buffy added as she glanced down, watching her friend unsuccessfully trying to rearrange her feet.

The two walked around the nearly empty grocery store, "What are you doing tonight?" Willow asked as she grabbed a few boxes of noodles, putting them in the shopping cart.

"Faith is stopping by later tonight. I was thinking we'd go out somewhere, but I'm not sure yet." Buffy took Willow's selection and placed it back onto the shelf, before reaching for a different brand.

It was the second time Buffy had replaced the redhead's choice. She loved her best friend, but it was obvious that cheap-o-Willow was putting quarters over quality.

"Oh," Willow emphasized the word with curious eyes. "Looks like I'm not the only one wining and dining tonight."

Buffy blushed and swatted Willow's arm, "It isn't like that," she added a silent 'yet'. "We talked about a few things, and I think I understand where she's coming from." She paused, remembering the subtle fear in both her and Faith's voice. "I mean, I know there's more we have to talk about, but we're good for now."

"Good?" Willow asked as her friend nodded. "Like good, good? Good enough for smooches, good?"

"Maximum smooches?" Buffy frowned, "Is that with tongue?" She didn't notice as the other customers standing around, turned to look at them.

"Oh yeah," Willow's eyes glazed over as she replied. The teenager beside them, reddened with embarrassment, while her boyfriend's ears perked up.

Buffy gave her friend a 'maybe' look and grinned. She was enjoying the time with her best friend, and although mundane, just simply hanging out with Willow at the store, was something she had missed.

"C'mon, we better hurry," she checked her watch as they moved to the next aisle. "If I'm right, we should be able to get this in the oven and have some time to spare." The cook gave her friend a knowing looking, "Which I'm sure will be just enough time for you to pick out an outfit and frown over it in the mirror for a half-hour."

Willow prepared to argue, but knew it was true and closed her mouth. As her mind began envisioning possible clothing choices, she continued grabbing ingredients. Unfortunately, 99.9% of what she picked up never made it to the basket before Buffy intercepted it and switched with another item. It didn't help that whenever her friend switched, the price was more expensive than before. Forcing back the mental picture of her bank statement, the redhead relented and decided to put aside her cheapness for the occasion.

Buffy rounded the corner into Willow's room, and just as she had expected, she found the redhead standing before the mirror.

"Yes," Buffy rolled her eyes, cutting in before Willow had a chance to ask if she looked okay. "No," she interrupted again when it looked as if the redhead was about to speak.

"I haven't said anything," Willow pouted, pulling at the material of her blouse.

"Yes, you look great. No, you don't need to change," Buffy smiled, already knowing what her friend was going to ask.

"Buffy, let me talk," Willow childishly stomped her foot. When the blonde didn't say anything, Willow went on, "Okay, now...what does this look say to you? Honestly." She straightened her posture and posed for her friend.

"Well, what look are you going for?" Buffy asked, observing her friend's attire.

"Hmm, more like...," Buffy paused and titled her head before continuing with a tearful, pleading tone, "'I swear I wasn't prostituting officer'".

Shocked, Willow frantically looked around, trying to find something, anything to throw. Her options consisted of a shoe and her earrings, both of which she needed, so instead she settled on a scowl.

"Hey, you asked," Buffy's cheeky grin threatened to break away from her face. The sound of the doorbell changed Willow's eyes from glare to panic. As she glanced back into the mirror, she could already hear Buffy jogging down the stairs, before she caught low voices in the foyer.

The redhead made her way down the stairs, stopping as she reached the bottom. Noticing that the scene lacked a certain beautiful blonde, she frowned.

"Oh, sorry Will," Buffy blushed, leaving her fingers intertwined with Faith's, as she pulled back from kissing the brunette. "I'm sure," the doorbell rung again, "see, she's here."

Tara smiled as Buffy opened the door. "Hi Buffy, Faith," her tone dropped when her eyes landed on those of her girlfriend. "Willow." The name was whispered as Tara stepped through the entrance and took in the redhead's appearance.

"Hi." Willow's voice was equally low and lustful. Buffy and Faith shared a look before turning back to the slightly dazed couple.

The voices outside Tara's daydream finally broke the blonde from her trance. Crimson roses colored her cheeks as she and Willow both returned to their surroundings. "You look amazing," she shyly glanced at the floor before meeting green eyes again.

"Oh geez Tara, you just had to tell her that didn't you?" Buffy wanted to get a final jab at her best friend before leaving. "Now it's going to take me a whole month of insults to deflate her head."

"Shoo," Willow said, ushering the two laughing women out of the door. Shaking her head as she turned back to Tara, Willow grinned broadly. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" She admired the light brown, knee length skirt and cream shirt the blonde wore.

Tara pretended to think about the question, but rather than using words, she used her lips to answer. She felt hands cradle the base of her neck and fingers sliding into her hair as Willow deepened the kiss.

Slightly out of breath, they both pulled back with sedated half-smiles. "Shall we," Willow gestured toward the kitchen. The aroma mixed with her lover's natural scent, pierced Tara's senses as she nodded.

Dinner was spent with shy glances, suggestive smiles, and a game of not-so-discreet footsie. Afterward, Tara had complimented on Willow's cooking several times, until the redhead finally admitted that she had help making the vegetable lasagna.

The confession earned her an 'I know and it's okay' smile from the blonde and a forgiving kiss.

"Next time, I'll cook for you. How is that?" Tara asked, joining Willow in the living room.

"Wonderful." Enjoying the quiet evening, Willow snuggled closer to the blonde as they settled onto the couch. "So," she grabbed the remote from the table, "movie of the week or all-night cartoons?" Willow asked, beginning to flip through each channel.

"I could settle for All-Night Willow." The blonde smiled at how Willow's cheeks puffed out as she blushed.

"Hmm, let me check," Willow paused dramatically, pretending to check the TV menu, "yep, she's on tonight." Grinning, she moved in and caught Tara's bottom lip between her teeth. She pulled gently and groaned when Tara countered the movement, catching the redhead's top lip. There was no point in fighting for dominance as Willow gave into Tara's soft probing.

Pulling back with a lopsided smile, Tara stopped and stared dreamily into emerald eyes. "I love you." Emotions threatened to spill over.

Willow found herself staring back, disbelief slightly crowding her thoughts. It was hard to believe that someone as special and beautiful as Tara could love someone as awkward as her. But she knew it was real. She saw it, felt it whenever she gazed into those revealing blues.

"I love you, too." She traced the corners of Tara's eyes with her thumbs before kissing away the ghosts' of her fingerprints.

The front door opening and closing, and the sight of a cautious looking blonde, brought the make-out session to a halt. "Did I interrupt?" Buffy smiled, knowing she'd gotten her answer when four frustrated and highly aroused eyes glanced her way. She cringed and silently disappeared into the kitchen before those eyes began throwing daggers.

"I should go." Regret was obvious in the blonde's voice, "I have that appointment with the Vet tomorrow before Xander's party." She bit her lip as she apologetically laced her fingers through Willow's hair.

Kissing the pout for Tara's mouth, Willow mumbled an 'okay' and reluctantly followed the blonde off the couch. Countless small kisses later, Willow finally said goodbye for the night when Tara's cab had arrived. She had offered to drive her home, but they both knew that Tara wouldn't make her appointment. Not because she would oversleep, but because she would want to spend the entire day in bed with the redhead.

With a sigh, Willow flopped back onto the couch, turning directly to the cartoon channel.

Stepping into the living room, Buffy watched as Willow reclined onto the sofa, a look of relaxation on her face. "Hey, um, don't you have some dishes that need washing?" She questioned with a smug expression on her face.

"No, it's your...," Willow trailed off and mumbled her third 'damn' of the evening before sulking into the kitchen.

Willow hummed a rhythm she hadn't been able to get out of her head since she woke that morning. She checked her watch and looked back to the old brick building on the corner of High Street. When Tara had told her where she'd be that evening, the redhead decided to greet her partner and surprise her outside the Veterinarian's office.

She was enjoying the light breeze and evening sun as she sat upon the hood of her car, waiting for the blonde's appearance. A quarter 'til eleven, as if on cue, Tara exited the building, but had yet to notice the redhead across the street. Her attention was drawn to the large hemp bag slung over her shoulder as she smiled down at the small, napping body.

Spotting her distracted girlfriend, Willow gracefully hopped off the hood as Tara began walking along the sidewalk. She guessed that Tara had used the oversized purse to smuggle the kitten out of her apartment and couldn't help but to smile at the sneakiness. The redhead frowned, wondering if Tara had some sort of keen sense of her direction because she hadn't looked up once since leaving the building. She thought about shouting Tara's name, but chose otherwise and hurriedly slid into the driver's seat before starting the car.

Drawing closer, Willow rolled the passenger's window down as she pulled alongside Tara. "Hey pretty lady," she flirtatiously wiggled her eyebrows, "wanna ride?"

Tara felt the car behind her slow and quickened her pace, but stopped when she recognized the voice. "Willow?" The blonde turned toward the voice with relief. "What are you doing here?" A delighted grin lit up her face.

Willow parked along the curb and joined her partner on the sidewalk. "Well, I waited outside the Vet to surprise you," her tone playfully changed, "but you totally ignored me." She held a hand to her heart in feigned hurt and added a pout for bonus, knowing she'd be rewarded.

"Aww," Tara gently touched Willow's cheek. "Did I hurt Willow-feelings?" She asked and giggled as the redhead's pout wavered, sighing into her caress.

"Yes," Willow nodded, relishing in delicate fingertips, "and you're going to have to try really hard to make it up to me." She grinned as Tara's face moved within whispering distance.

"I'm sure I can come up with something." The soft, promising words made Willow gulp, suddenly in need of support as she leaned back onto her car. "Now, how about that ride?" Tara continued, enjoying the reaction she received from her partner.

Coughing to soothe the dryness of her throat, Willow regained her bearings. "Your chariot awaits," with a silly grin she held the door open for Tara. Love-struck and slightly dazed, Willow almost followed behind the blonde but realized she was the driver. With another goofy smile, she sprinted to the other side.

Tara watched her girlfriend maneuver through slow traffic, taking in every possible detail as the redhead focused on the road. The temperature was fitting, considering the city's name, and Tara continued her observation with a content smile. Because of the heat, Willow had pulled her hair back into a short ponytail, and Tara watched a stray bead of sweat run down the side of Willow's neck before disappearing under the light blue top. She chewed on her lip, praying for more to follow. Her eyes briefly flickered to Willow's face.

Ooh, her lips are moving, Tara noticed absentmindedly as her mouth quirked into a smile. Soon her one-track mind got the best of her and lowered its sights back onto the glistening neck. She felt a hand on her thigh and marveled in the warm touch while drifting back to her surroundings.

"Uh," Tara blushed, having no idea what Willow just asked her. "Um... huh?" Unaware that she was still gnawing on her bottom lip, the blonde's eyes grew wide in confusion.

When they stopped at the red light, Willow had noticed the look of concentration on her girlfriend's face. "Are you okay?" She repeated her question and brushed away the drop of sweat near her ear. The redhead missed Tara's silent whimper as she wiped her sweaty hand on her cargo-clad thigh.

"Are you hungry? We could stop and get something, if you want," Willow went on, figuring that the heat was getting to Tara.

"Y-Yeah, okay," the fog slowly began to disperse from Tara's mind. "That would be great," she nodded, dumbly, and grinned.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Another nod from the blonde as traffic began to move again. "Okay," Willow nodded back, "we'll just drop Miss Kitty off and-."

"Oh, well... I just thought," Willow sputtered. "But if you... did you already name her?" She asked, a twinge of disappointment in her voice.

"No, but I like it. Miss Kitty," Tara mused, the smile remaining glued to her face, "it's fantastic. Thank you," she leaned over, kissing Willow's blushing cheek.

"Oh, I forgot to ask," Willow playfully slapped her leg as if to punish herself. "So how is she? What did the doctors say?"

"100% healthy," Tara beamed. Ears twitching, Miss Kitty roused at the mentioning of her name. She meowed in protest when Tara lifted her from the comfortable, towel-stuffed bed and placed her on top of the bag. The skirt Tara was wearing was slightly thinner than usual, and although the kitten's claws weren't long, she hadn't wanted to get scratched.

"Somebody's a little grumpy," Willow noted as the kitten chased her fingers, trying to catch one between baby teeth.

Tara laughed when Miss Kitty tried to do the same with her hand. Just as the furred body relaxed and closed her eyes, the car stopped and Tara was once again placing the tired kitty back into the bag.

"I'll be right back," Tara squeezed her partner's hand and exited the car, carefully putting the bag strap over her shoulder. Willow smiled and waited patiently as the blonde disappeared into the apartment building.

After putting out fresh food and milk for the animal, Tara skipped down the sidewalk, slowing her steps as she neared the car. Willow faced the other way, her lips moving as she sung along with the radio. Tara stopped, watching with a smile and thankful that Willow hadn't noticed her presence yet.

Tara grinned at her little rocker as the redhead apparently began getting more into the song. Bobbing her head and drumming on the steering wheel, Willow's voice grew louder as she sung along with Garbage.

Instead of 'me', a shriek escaped Willow's mouth as she jumped, finally noticing that she was being watched. "Ta-," she paused, trying to steady her breathing.

"I didn't bust your eardrums with my scratchy voice, did I?" Willow blushed, still mortified at having been caught singing. "It's just that I've had this song in my head all day. So I was excited when the station played it."

"I thought it was beautiful," Tara grinned. The song was still playing as she gave Willow's hand a quick kiss. "Keep going," she encouraged, noticing as Willow's other hand continued moving with the music.

If her girlfriend had shaken her head any harder, Tara was sure it would've fell off. "C'mon," she gave Willow a little shake as the redhead put the car in drive. "If you do it, I'll sing with you. Promise." She threw in a lopsided grin.

"Well, we'll sing the next one." The blonde wasn't about to let her partner off the hook so soon. "Or." Willow's look was priceless as Tara held up a CD she had found in the side pocket of the door. It was clear that Tara wasn't going to relent, so she nodded, watching the disk slide into the player.

It was a mixed CD that Buffy had made during her brief 'trapped in the 80's/disco' period, and Willow had cringed every time she heard the stereo blasting from the next room. She had told her best friend that the CD was lost, but the redhead had actually hidden it in her car, knowing Buffy wouldn't search there.

"Oh, I know this one," Tara grew excited as the intro began. Willow groaned. It was obvious that her actions were coming back to haunt her as Love Is A Battlefield by Pat Benatar filled the car.

Prompted by Tara's voice and already knowing the song from countless hours of hearing it through thin walls, Willow joined in.

Anyone walking the streets of Sunnydale, heard the music before they saw the car as every artist from ABBA to Donna Summer blared through the speakers. Willow had given up her embarrassment long ago and loosened up as she and Tara sung song after song.

Eventually, Studio 04 died down with the Last Dance as the couple arrived at the small Japanese restaurant for lunch.

Giggling and still buzzed with adrenaline, the girls found a table near the window as the waiter greeted them with menus.

"What time is Xander's party again?" Tara asked after their drinks arrived and their orders were taken.

"Oh," Willow held up a finger and finished chewing on a piece of ice. "The 'party' party was canceled due to Xander's crabbiness and Anya's motherliness," she grinned, "but we're supposed to be meeting up later at the Bronze. That is, if Anya can manage to drag Xander out of the house again."

"Either way," Willow went on, shrugging as she fished another cube from her cup of ice. "Do you want to go dancing tonight?" She asked, reaching across the table with her dry hand.

"I'd love to." Tara's fingers laced with Willow's as she smiled into the redhead's eyes. Her gaze flickered to the mouth below and she suddenly cursed her single-mindedness, which seemed to be on repeat today. She watched as Willow twirled her tongue over the ice cube until it melted.

Her lips are doing that thing again, Tara noted. She blinked. Looked into Willow's eyes and blinked again.

"You sort of spaced out on me again," Willow frowned, concerned as she caught Tara's eye.

The redhead glanced out the window, "It seems hotter than usual. Probably a heat wave."

"Yeah," Tara swallowed, "a heat wave." She wasn't talking about the sun. Continuing her self-torture, the blonde watched as each ice cube slowly disappeared.

There didn't seem to be a word to describe the air. Hot? Humid? Alive? The Bronze was packed like any other night, as limbs formed webs across the room. Hands reaching, pulling, pushing, and being tossed freely, all searching for something to hold on to.

The air-conditioning unit was on full blast, but nothing soothed the heated bodies on the dance floor. Self-consciousness melted away as hormones collided, screaming for release and staining the air with frustration.

Green swam in blue, bodies dancing close, in danger of becoming one. Hips swaying, eyes glazing, clothes rubbing, sending frictional waves throughout the body. Fingertips envied the water beads trickling down smooth surfaces as sighs greeted the moans left in the throat.

Tara's hands traced the curve of her girlfriend's spine as she danced to the music, ignoring everything outside of Willow's eyes and touch. Nothing else existed. Not the shadow of envious stares, or inadvertent bumps from bodies moving wildly beside them. Nothing. Nothing but her Willow. The redhead's touch reignited the flames threatening to burn the very core of her soul, and Tara shivered within the heat.

Willow watched her dance partner's eyes close as Tara titled her head back slightly. Revealed to her sight, she kissed the blonde's throat and moaned as if she were tasting the sky. Nibble. Lick. Basking in the vibration of Tara's tremble, she caught a piece of skin lightly between her teeth as the blonde struggled on weak legs. Blowing, Willow cooled the damp flesh and gave the surface another nip before meeting Tara's eyes.

Four familiar mouths hung open, standing out among the rest of the salivating openings.

"What are...?" Buffy paused, her thoughts elsewhere as she watched the couple grind slowly. There wasn't any point in continuing, especially since nobody was listening.

"Oh, this is the best birthday ever," Xander mumbled, grinning to himself. Anya's reply was put on hold as she too became entranced by the scene before her. The two people out on the floor resembled nothing of the quiet and clumsy girls that she was so used to.

Faith looked from Buffy, to the dance floor, then back. The need in her eyes was on overdrive when the blonde finally caught the aroused gaze.

"Later." "Bye guys." Their hurried voices whispered in unison before rushing onto the dance floor, hoping to soak up the excess desire floating around the couple.

Noticing the lack of full chairs around the table, Xander finally snapped out of his daydream. Although he wasn't sure if it was the feeling of desertion or Anya, not so gently, pulling him onto the floor that really did it.

Doesn't matter about the time we take
doesn't matter about the lies we make
Go slow

The music changed to something a little more mellow, giving the girls time to catch their breaths. Most of the couples left on the floor didn't dance, unless you count the casual side to side head movements. A blonde and redhead stayed glued to the same spot, not willing or in any hurry to let go as they swayed along.

I think of how you're making me mad
I think of all the love we had
Feel so

Always questioning, never quenching your thirst
Let me die when I lie to you first
I follow

Arms enveloped, bodies pressed firmly together, until even the air was in need of oxygen. Tara's neck fit perfectly with Willow's as her head rested on the redhead's shoulder, prompting Willow to mimic the pose.

When I'm with you, it's from within
I know you can see through my skin
I'm hollow

Dying. That was how Willow would describe the feeling within Tara's arms. Not the mournful death of grief and loss... no, this was something different. Peaceful. The feeling you get from knowing that if you perished before your next breath, your spirit would linger to exhale. Within the warmth of cradling arms, Willow's life was no longer an unlived dream. Her world was before her, carefully wrapped and decorated with blue gems and smiling lips.

Eventually, the crowd began to dwindle and many of the partygoers drifted off. Some went in search of conversation, while others went of looking for different forms of interaction.

"Where's Anya?" Xander asked as they regrouped at the table. Faith shared a secret look with Buffy; Willow shared a smile with Tara, and Xander shared a frown with himself.

"Hey folks," the Bronze manager held a hand up, quieting the audience. "We have an announcement." Just as the words left his mouth, Anya had confiscated the microphone.

She grinned down at her petrified boyfriend before gesturing toward the back. "Hit it," she yelled to one of the men working the equipment. With his cheeks fiery from embarrassment, Xander squirmed in his seat as the theme music began.

"Happy birthday to you..." Anya began, and swayed as the others joined in. Even people who didn't know the young man began cheering and singing along.

As Xander continued staring in amazement, embarrassment and pride at his girlfriend, Buffy took the opportunity to quickly strap a clown hat to his head. Smiling childishly, Xander's grin grew upon noticing the cake placed in front of him. Some of the icing had melted, but it was still edible, and his heart swelled even more.

"...orgasms." She snuck in, giggling as she scrambled off the stage. She was greeted with a kiss as Xander literally swung her up in his arms.

It seemed as if everyone was 'making with the smoochies,' as Willow had sometimes called it. Buffy and Faith were also locked into an intense... lip-lock, and not wanting to be left out, Tara's mouth found what it sought.

"Hey, you girls up for a game of pool?" Xander asked as he collected the colorful balls. A quick glance around showed that Buffy, Faith, and Anya were chatting at the table nearby. Well, Anya was talking and the new couple was using the systematic approach to obliviousness: Nodding and smiling.

"How about it?" Tara asked her girlfriend. Willow shrugged, smiling as she nodded.

"Great," Xander handed the redhead the other cue, "want to throw in a friendly wager?"

"Oh no," Willow shook her head fiercely, "I might as well give you my money now, since I have no idea what I'm doing anyway."

"I'll bet." Willow looked surprisingly at her girlfriend. Tara shrugged, never losing the lopsided smile on her face.

They started off with a small amount as Xander motioned for Willow to go first. "Don't worry," Tara placed a reassuring hand on her back, "I'll help you." She said after noticing the lost expression on her partner's face.

Nodding, Willow leaned into the table, but couldn't quite get her finger position right.

"Here." Tara moved in, gently draping herself over Willow's body. Her left hand slid down the redhead's arm until it rested against her fingers. Her breath tickled Willow's neck, causing her fingers to fumble and slip further down the stick.

Once Tara had fixed the placement, she didn't move from behind Willow, but ran her other hand up until it settled on a slender hip. Willow shot, missing every ball, but didn't seem to care as she melted into the blonde.

"Do you know what you're doing to me?" She whispered, hoarsely. Briefly thinking back to lunch, Tara grinned.

"I know exactly what I'm doing to you." The words were more of a groan than a sentence. She pressed further into the radiating body until she didn't know where she began and ended.

"Ladies, ladies," Xander paused before taking his turn, "I'm all for the girly lovin', but it's a little distracting."

"Sorry," Tara smiled, sheepishly. She wanted nothing more than to make love to Willow right there on the fuzzy, green table, but she quickly got herself in check. She stepped away from the redhead, but not before getting another swipe across a goose-bumped arm. Willow shot an invisible dagger toward Xander's head, but it, unfortunately, missed as he leaned in for his turn.

After several missed shots and flying balls, Tara and Willow eventually forfeited, leaving Xander to his winnings. A whole, shiny quarter.

"Are you okay?" Tara asked as she and Willow collected their drinks from the bar.

"Yeah. It was all the dancing." Willow finished sipping from her bottled water. "I'm just... all hot and sticky and in desperate need of a shower now," she admitted, fanning herself with a napkin.

"Hmm, I must be biased, because I happen to like you hot and sticky." Tara added in a low, sultry tone, "And I love it when you dance. It makes me want you so bad."

"Oh, really?" Willow asked with a sly smile. She took both her and Tara's drink and placed them on a random table. "Well then, let's go make you want me more." She grinned, taking the blonde's hand and leading her toward the floor.

'Goodbye's' were shouted as the group split up for the night around eleven o'clock. The four remaining girls packed into Willow's car, all heading for the same destination.

"Fun night?" Willow asked, flashing a smile in the rearview window at her friends. Tara sat beside her, her rotating fingers making grooves on the redhead's leg.

"Best night." Buffy replied from the backseat and leaned into Faith's shoulder. "We should all do this again. Many, many times." She grinned, happily.

"Definitely," Faith nodded, sharing her girlfriend's idea. Placing a kiss against Buffy's forehead, they both relaxed into a comfortable position. The blonde shifted a little, realizing that she was half sitting on something.

"Hey, isn't this mine?" She pulled the mixed CD from under her thigh. "I've been looking all over for it. Where'd you find it?"

Tara chuckled lightly, watching the expression on Willow's face. "Oh, uh," the redhead searched for what to say, and 'I hid it from you' was not the best answer.

"I found it," Tara cut in, turning to briefly face the other blonde, "you must've left it in here without knowing," she fibbed innocently. Buffy frowned, but seemed to believe it and shrugged as she stuffed the CD into her purse.

Willow smiled in relief and softly gripped the hand on her leg as the car pulled into the driveway.

Whispers were barely heard as the group made their way inside the house. "We're going to call it a night," Buffy announced. She wasn't tired, but the prospect of making out with the brunette beside her was enough to send her to bed early. Before a reply was heard, two pairs of legs had already disappeared from the top of the stairs.

Tara watched them go and met the fixated gaze of two beautiful green eyes. Willow skipped working her way up to it as her mouth pressed firmly to Tara's. She usually wasn't as urgent, but her body was still buzzing from their last dance. An aroused sort of greediness overtook her. Almost as if she were starving and wanting nothing more than to feast on the blonde. Inch by inch.

Tara feebly reached for the banister next to her. She feared breathing, not wanting to lose the texture of Willow's lips against hers. Panting, mouths slowly pulled apart, leaving bits of skin clinging together before releasing.

With as much effort as possible, Willow backed away, stepping two steps up. Hearing faint music from Buffy's room, she took two more steps up the stairs. "So, how about that shower?"

The husky question reached Tara's ears as she watched her girlfriend slowly stepping backward up the stairs. A confused frown worked its way to the middle of her eyebrows. Was Willow actually planning on leaving her? More importantly, was she really going to leave her so...

A light vest flying through the air quickly brought the blonde back to her surroundings.

"Oh." Was all Tara could say as another article of clothing flew down the stairs, landing at her feet.

Willow kept a watchful eye on Buffy's door as she threw her shirt down. She'd never live it down if Buffy or Faith happened to walk out at that particular moment. She heard an 'oh' from the bottom of the stairs and hoped that Tara understood what she was getting at.

When her girlfriend still hadn't moved, she took a breath and braved the cold as she tossed down her bra.

It was only when a silk purple bra landed on her shoulder that it finally clicked for Tara. Ascending the stairs, she caught sight of her shivering girlfriend, standing in half her glory and felt all thought leave her mind. Willow smiled, seductively, as she continued her journey backward and into the bathroom with Tara following every step of the way.

"What," kiss, "the hell," kiss, "is that?" Faith was finally able to get out after being bombarded by her girlfriend's mouth. The two were snuggling in Buffy's bed as the radio played on low. They lay close together under the watchful, plastic eye of Buffy's favorite stuffed animal.

There was another noise, followed by a thud and loud rumble. Both girls sat up, listening for any signs of an intruder. The silence was once again broken, this time by a shriek.

"Oh," Buffy brushed off her concern once she heard a familiar sigh. "That's Willow," she concluded, frowning at the other sounds. "I don't recognize that one, so it must be Tara."

Questioning eyes were raised, unblinking as they bore into Buffy's blushing face. "It's the walls. We have thin walls, and you can hear everything." She explained a little hurriedly, not wanting Faith to think there was a different explanation behind her knowledge of moans.

"Sure," the brunette smiled as she nodded. Hearing a low bang and frustrated growl, she stared at the closed door. "Damn, Tara must be a firecracker," Faith smirked teasingly and yelped when Buffy poked her, none too gently, in the ribs.

They settled back onto the bed, Buffy smiling as she toyed with dark locks. "What are you grinning about?" Faith inquired, contentedly.

"I like kissing girls," Buffy spoke before her brain caught up. "A girl." That's not right either. "You." She blushed under Faith's smile as the brunette leaned over so that she was staring down.

"I like kissing you too." She proved it with her lips. Buffy's hand blindly searched for the stereo remote and finding it, turned the volume up.

Willow was seeing doubles. More specifically, double Willows. The redhead was facing the mirror, panting as her breath made fog on the glass.

Tara, however, was not shown in the mirror. She was busy dragging her lover's jeans down to the floor. Once her task was complete, she grabbed a hold of purple panties, forcing it to take the same journey downward.

The blonde was still fully dressed; something of which Willow had whined about the moment Tara had begun to undress her. As Tara stood behind her trembling, wonderfully naked girlfriend, she stared into the mirror. Willow was looking back, the desire in her eyes nearly melting the glass.

Tara moved her thigh up until it nudged the apex of Willow's legs. Willow shuddered, gripping the sink and pushing back against the weight. Still gazing into the reflection, Tara brushed the redhead's hair to the side and licked along the collarbone. Her eyes never left their focus as she repeated the gesture on Willow's neck and flicked her tongue across an earlobe.

It was agony. Sweet, mouth-watering agony and Willow loved every second. She was anxious to have the blonde resemble her present unclothed state, and so she moved a hand back, tugging on Tara's shirt.

"Shouldn't a shower include a...shower," the last word was gasped out. Tara pressed her leg up further until Willow was practically on her tiptoes.

"What's the matter, sweetie," she added more pressure, feeling moisture against her thigh as Willow grunted. "Aren't you wet enough?"

The redhead whimpered an inaudible response. The sexy smile that appeared on Tara's face reduced her to a puddle. Fluidly, she weakly reached back again.

Willow gripped Tara's clothing, indicating that she wanted them gone. Tara smiled into green eyes as she removed her leg and backed away. Following with her eyes, Willow turned to face her lover with an almost wicked grin.

Tara leisurely removed her shirt as if she had all the time in the world. However, the look in Willow's eyes told her otherwise. She unsnapped her bra, covering her breasts with her forearm as the material fell to the floor. The couple continued watching each other, and as the blonde moved her arm, she swore she could see Willow's nipples harden.

Willow felt the skin of her nipples bunch together until tightening painfully. But the pain was more pleasurable as she saw more skin become exposed. She was antsy, trying to stop herself from rushing toward Tara and ruining the blonde's clothes. Not so patiently, she waited until the last barrier fell away and charged. Quickly spinning Tara so that she was now slanting over the sink, Willow marveled at the sight.

Breasts pushing into Tara's back, Willow leaned in, cupping her hands over soft orbs of skin. She squeezed rosy peaks between fingertips and was rewarded with a strained gasp and the sight of Tara's smoky eyes. Their eyes had connected in the glass again as Willow began periodically reducing and increasing the pressure of her fingers. It was Tara's turn to squeal loudly, flooding the inner confines of her labia until liquid escaped.

"Go-," Tara tried to speak but found it harder as Willow began rocking into her.

"What's that, Tara?" The redhead asked, eyes half closing when she sped up. Tara struggled to keep her gaze from wavering. The emotions jumping across Willow's face were unbearable for Tara to watch, especially since she was trying not to climax too soon.

Turning in Willow's hands, Tara captured her lover's mouth in a fierce kiss. Lifting so that she was half standing, half sitting, the blonde pulled Willow between her legs.

"Still want that shower?" She asked, nuzzling Willow's neck and placing scattered kisses on her face. She heard something that might've been a 'yes' as she massaged Willow's back.

The water was warm against their skin, pouring gently and drenching their already soaked bodies.

Willow's hand had found the outer folds of Tara's vulva. She circled around the spot, gathering honey and reaching in further. The redhead dipped and pulled as if playing an instrument and Tara's moans became the evidence of her talent. Pressing a lonely finger into the heated channel, Tara's hips jolted forward, her head barely hitting the tiled wall.

Raising one of her legs, the blonde hooked it around Willow's waist, pulling Willow and the digit further inside. A low gurgle echoed from the base of her throat as water bounced off her moaning lips. She rocked her hips forward, riding Willow's unmoving hand as the redhead's mouth found her erect nipple.

Willow suckled the aroused tip into her mouth, ever so often, blazing her tongue across the top and sides. Tara's hands squeezed her ass, traveling up to the small of her back, her blunt nails leaving white tracks. The redhead's hand moved upward, pressing hard against Tara's clit as her other hand moved behind the blonde.

Tara felt the double assault as one of Willow's hands rubbed her labia from behind while the other focused on her swollen clit. As she worked, Willow didn't miss a beat as she switched to the other sensitive pebble. Green eyes looked up into Tara's face, memorizing the sight and sounds as her girlfriend drew closer.

In a moment of pure bliss, Tara's barely focused eyes found those of her lovers. Using her weak limbs, she managed to pry eager lips away from her breast and to her mouth. The blonde sucked on the tip of Willow's tongue as the redhead's hands circled faster. Everything was heightened as Tara desperately tore her mouth away from Willow's. Sucking in a lung full of air, she could feel the print of Willow's finger prickle the underside of her clit, and a new flood poured from within.

She was so close. Lips latched to the side of her throat, sucking hard. So close. So...close. So...the words were lost as her stomach muscles fluttered, shattering under the intensity of her orgasm. Her screams vibrated the drops of water falling from the showerhead, and echoed into every pore on Willow's body.

Arms held her tight as she threatened to dissolve. Willow whispered lovingly into her ear when her head fell onto the redhead's shoulder. Aftershocks still racked her body as she sorely lowered her leg back onto the tub's surface.

"Breathe, baby," Willow murmured for the second time. It was a good thing that they were both already in the shower. Otherwise, the redhead knew they'd be cleaning the bathroom for days. She was still highly aroused and watching Tara reach her peak, only strengthened her need.

As if reading her lover's mind, Tara took another shaky breath and crushed her lips against Willow's. It was clear that the redhead needed release and fast, and Tara was more than happy to help her out. Sure she wanted to take it slow, just as Willow had, but there was nothing unromantic about a quick release.

Pulling her mouth away, her lips curled into a lopsided smile as she backed Willow onto the side tile. There was a bar above the soap dish, and although it was short, it was just the right size to test Willow's strength. Sinking to her knees, random strands of blonde hair stuck to Willow's thighs as they were lifted onto Tara's shoulders.

Fearing that she would fall, Willow quickly grabbed the bar with both arms behind her back. Tara supported the majority of her lower weight, so the redhead wasn't straining much as her feet left the ground.

The first stroke was slow, from bottom to top as Tara collected every drop of her lover's taste. As she made the second stroke, her flat tongue tightened as it glided upward and inward. The blonde pulled Willow's legs further apart until her labia spread wide enough for her nose to bump the enlarged heart of her lover's core.

Willow breathed deeply through her nostrils, releasing the air through a shaky moan. She felt Tara's tongue delve deeper and circle the inner walls as the blonde's nose danced with her clit. From side to side, the trembling knob throbbed and stiffened until Willow's thighs began to shake. Hot liquid streamed down onto Tara's chin as she replaced her nose with her lips. Drawing the bundle into her mouth, she suctioned lightly, increasing the tension and pulling.

Floating, Willow rocked forward, groaning when Tara followed her every move, firmly locked. The blonde bit down slowly...slowly...pulling...

Willow's body quaked with a violent release as she struggled to hold onto the slippery bar. Her head thrashed around as Tara prolonged her orgasm by pushing two fingers into her opening. The redhead's body gripped the fingers, sucking hungrily and freeing another rush of fluid.

Limp, Willow literally slid down the wall and joined Tara at the bottom. She tasted herself on Tara's lips and rested her forehead against the blonde's.

"Sleepy," Willow mumbled between breaths. Nodding, Tara helped her girlfriend out of the tub and wrapped her in a towel before grabbing one for herself. They could take a proper shower in the morning, but for now, all she wanted to do was curl into a comfy bed and sleep.

"The city of Townsville…" Scrambling and faint voices could be heard from downstairs as the volume on the television was quickly lowered. Unknown to both Faith and Buffy, the damage had already been done.

Willow opened her eyes, wincing at the sudden brightness streaming through the curtains. Taking a moment to fully awake, light breathing changed her focus from glaring at the sun to smiling at the slumbering figure beside her. Tara was facing her as she lay on her back with the sheet pulled to her neck as she slept. Willow grinned, moving in to place a kiss on the slightly parted lips.

It was rare that she woke up before the blonde, usually they awoke at the same time or she would awaken to find blue eyes studying her. A quick glance at the clock told her that she had time to return to sleep, but she was already too alert to go back to bed. At a loss for what to do, the redhead didn't want to wake her partner so she opted to stare at her instead.

Beginning with the gentle face, she used her hand to outline the surface without touching. Gliding over the forehead, she hovered counterclockwise over adorable ears and continued on to soft lips, which she couldn't help but to lightly kiss again. Tracing the shadow of her kiss with a floating fingertip, she moved upward toward closed lids and smoothed over the corners. Simply taking in the features, it still amazed her that this person was with her, not only in bed, but in everything. In every breath she took, the scent of love stuck to her senses, absorbing into her heart.

As she finished Tara's peaceful face, she realized that she'd ran out of skin to analyze. Instead of removing or pulling the sheet down the blonde's body, she took a final look and slid underneath. The sun's rays illuminated the red sheet, making it seem as if she were in some sort of cave, the faint glow as her guide.

Spelunker Willow, she grinned to herself as she set off on her mission to explore Cave Tara. The redhead chuckled inwardly, knowing she'd seen one too many episodes on the National Geographic channel. Her mind continued the game as she climbed down along the smooth, steady moving wall looking for the riches she knew were hidden lower.

Boobie-rubies, talking to herself, Willow stared in awe at Tara's chest. Checking authenticity, she lightly cupped both breasts, quality confirmed. Mentally documenting the find, she resumed her task. Trailing down soft, curving rocks and stopping to gently kiss a hollow in the surface, she went on until a new light entered the cave.

"Having fun?" A tousle haired Tara had lifted the sheet to see underneath and was now smiling at her girlfriend.

"Shh, Willow Jones has just found the golden treasure of Cave Tara." The redhead said quietly in her best British accent. Grinning, Tara bit her lip to stop laughing but to no avail.

The wall appears to be moving. Abort now or face sudden death by embarrassment. The redhead took a longing glance back and scrambled above land. Blushing, Willow snuggled into Tara's arms as the blonde began rubbing her tummy.

"So, Willow Jones," Tara began with amused eyes and a matching smile, "how was the adventure?" Her hand was now lazily zigzagging from side to side.

"Breathtaking," Willow beamed, the blush still present in her cheeks, "but I might have to go back for the golden treasure." She giggled when Tara tickled her side.

"The treasure's yours… if," the blonde stressed the word as her hand traveled lower, "…I get to do a little exploring of my own." Her fingers grazed above wiry hairs.

Willow squirmed, "A trip to the copper mine?" Tara nodded, her fingers circling. "I could arrange that," the redhead squeaked.

Before Tara could respond, a yawn escaped her lips. "Still sleepy?" Willow asked. Tara moved to shake her head, but she yawned again and nodded instead. "Go back to sleep, baby. I'll wake you in an hour." The blonde didn't bother protesting as Willow kissed her temple and slid from under the covers. Eyes drooping, Willow's stretching, unclothed body was the only thing she took into her slumber.

Willow found a T-shirt and pair of sweat pants as she watched her girlfriend drift back to sleep. Once dressed, she leaned over and whispered into Tara's ear before happily bouncing down the stairs. The redhead found that apparently Buffy and Faith awoke too soon as well, since they were both crashed out on the couch with the cartoons still on.

Allowing herself a smile at the display, Willow turned off the television and bounced back upstairs. Although not before blushingly retrieving the clothes, she'd removed the previous night. The sight of the bathroom wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. Glancing around the small room, she involuntarily shivered when her eyes landed on the shower bar. At once, memories came back into her mind as she gathered the forgotten clothes, put them aside and began cleaning.

"I didn't get my second wake up snuggles." Full lips pouted. When Tara received nothing but a bug-eyed expression from Willow, she blushed and followed the gaze.

"I thought about using the sheet, but…" the blonde shrugged, trailing off as she looked down at herself. She had found the T-shirt she'd let Willow use and fearing the draft, donned a pair of her girlfriend's sleep-shorts that she found in the same place.

The material clung to her fuller hips, delicately stretching the fabric until taut. Willow was spellbound, knowing that her mind would completely shut off if Tara were to turn in any way. Tara ducked her head, coloring under the intensity of Willow's eyes. She noticed a speck of cleanser on the redhead's forehead and stepped forward to remove it with a piece of tissue.

"Snuggles?" With wide eyes and a hopeful smile, Willow finally met the blues staring back at her.

"I love you," Tara chuckled at her silly girlfriend, still gently wiping her forehead. She felt herself being pulled in by yellow rubber gloves before a mouth met hers.

"I love you too," Willow said after drawing back. Her eyes focused on something over Tara's shoulder.

"How did you get in?" She asked, confused at the new arrivals. "And what are you doing here?" Tara glanced back over her shoulder with her arms around Willow's waist.

"We brought breakfast," Anya held out a crumbled bag as she continued munching on her donut. "Oh, and Xander needs the bathroom." She added as an afterthought.

"Hey Will, Xander and Anya are here," Buffy's belated announcement was yelled from downstairs, "and they brought food," she finished a little excitedly.

Laughter was heard from the living room as Willow turned toward Xander, but the young man wasn't looking at her. Suddenly aware of what he was looking at, Tara blushed and turned to lean back into her partner. Green eyes narrowed as his gaze finally rose. He chuckled nervously and searched for something else to look at, which just happened to be a pile of clothes behind Willow. Quickly averting his eyes again, they unfortunately landed on those of her girlfriend.

The way Anya tore into the donut with her teeth, while giving him the 'evil eye', made Xander cringe. Knowing a lose-lose situation when he sees it, he studied his shoes instead.

"Just let me finish up here, then you can have it." Despite the brief emergence of the green-eyed monster, Willow inwardly smiled. She knew her baby was a knockout. Tara stood by as the redhead began putting the cleaning supplies away.

"Donut?" Anya offered, breaking the silence. Smiling, Tara gratefully accepted one from the bag and ate quietly as Willow finished.

"All yours," the redhead peeled of her gloves and washed her hands before also taking a donut.

Xander shuffled into the bathroom as the two girls left. Anya's eyes followed as the couple walked toward Willow's room. With an unreadable smile, she tilted her head and shrugged before strolling down the steps.

"If you want…" Willow stopped as she searched through her closet. They were wrapped in towels, having just finished their shower as the rest of the gang chatted downstairs. "If you want, you could bring some of your stuff over to the house. And I could take some of my stuff over to yours, so that we'll have stuff to wear, if we do stuff." She glanced back, nervously. "Sounds like a lot of stuff, huh?"

The redhead had been a little hesitant to approach the extra clothing situation with her girlfriend, not knowing how Tara would react. Although they had professed their love for each other, Willow still felt a little nervous. She didn't want to impose or have Tara thinking that packing a moving van was next on her list of things to do.

"Sure, I think that would be great," the blonde was sitting with her legs crossed on the bed. She noticed the look on her girlfriend's face. "Willow, I don't mind if you bring clothes over. I want you to be comfortable, and if that means bringing… stuff," she smiled, "then you can bring anything you want."

"Willow." Tara playfully admonished, stopping the redhead before she tried to explain herself. "There's nothing to explain. It's fine, really." She stood up, joining her partner near the closet entrance. "And anyway, you should be more worried about me showing up with twenty boxes and a U-haul."

Lips quirked, making Willow grin and easily greet Tara's mouth. Buffy's repeated knocks on the door were drowned out as the kiss intensified and towels fell away.

It was amazing, nearly blinding Tara's sight as she watched her girlfriend leaning against the front counter talking with Faith. The red of Willow's hair resembled flames dancing across her face as the wind drifted in from an open window. The blonde smiled to herself, taking a moment to simply enjoy her partner's stance and facial expressions.

Willow's eyebrows scrunched as if she were about to frown, but instead she turned her eyes toward the pair that were watching her. Offering a smile, the redhead winked and wiggled her fingers toward Tara as a brief greeting. With a lopsided grin, Tara blushed and returned the gesture as she floated back into her daydream.

The redhead felt tingling in her body and grinned, somewhat dazed, at the newspaper Faith was reading. The brunette's eyes flickered from Willow to Tara and focused back onto the paper with a smile. The soft rustling of pages turning, awakened Willow from her reverie.

"You know," she began while keeping a wondering eye on Tara, "if you're looking for a job Faith, you could always work here."

Faith glanced up from the classifieds as if weighing the offer. "Nah, there's something about working in restaurants that turn me off from food." Highlighting a section, she went on, "I mean, sure it's not a 'they die, we deep fry' tight of place, but I think I'll pass anyway." Faith shook her head, finishing with a polite smile.

"Well, if you change your mind," Willow shrugged, "the offer's there." They shared a smile before the manager excused herself to ring up a customer.

Anya practically bounced into the building, unable to retain her excitement when she found the small huddled group on break.

"The circus is coming," she gripped a pink flyer in her hands, "and ohh, they have monkeys and –." Her excited rant was cut short, partially bursting her joy.

"...the circus never comes to Sunnydale. Why start now?" The redhead read over the sheet of paper, a little unbelieving.

"They're probably looking for fresh talent," Anya snorted, giving Willow a meaningful look.

"Well, Anya," Buffy glanced over her best friend's shoulder, reading as well, "I guess this means you'll be getting a job after all. Ooh, flying monkeys, you should fit right in."

"No, mine is a different 'hey'," the redhead said, finally realizing what Anya had been implying before Buffy's comment.

"I, for one, would definitely like to know how she does that," Xander pointed toward a photo of a contortionist and grinned childishly.

"Oh, it really isn't as hard as it looks." Tara blushed as all eyes turned to her. "I-I was a gymnast in high school," she shrugged. Willow suddenly looked very interested, as did the others.

"So you can do that, huh?" Xander seemed entirely too interested, causing a few eyes to roll, in the crowd of women.

"Tara's right, I'm sure it's not that hard. In fact, I can show you if you'd like." Xander nodded enthusiastically, his eyes lighting up at Anya's offer. "Although," she went on, "it might be a bit uncomfortable for you at first." Anya grinned when Xander's smile vanished from his face and he shifted from foot to foot.

"As much as we would all love to see you bend Xander into a pretzel, Anya, I'm kind of curious to know how she does it too," Faith's comment earned a squinted glare from her girlfriend. "In a totally non-Xander way, of course," she backpedaled.

"Sure, sure, pick on the only guy here," Xander held his hands up in mock defense, "but I wasn't the only one drooling. Right Will?"

The redhead's eyes had been glued to the photo and she managed to look surprised when she heard Xander's statement.

With wide eyes, her gaze darted around the group before focusing on a spot beyond Faith. "Ohh, look... a customer," Tara crossed her arms, "and he's coming in here...," the blonde raised an eyebrow, "...or not." Willow's voice faded out. Realizing that she was caught, she did the only thing that came to mind.

"Xander, you troll," she swatted him on the shoulder and forced an innocent smile when she faced her partner. "I was just admiring the fine printing," she smoothed her hand over the edges, "...is this Kinkos?" She looked around the room, but nobody was providing her a way out.

Tara flashed her 'sure you were' expression and gently retrieved the flyer from her girlfriend's hands. "It says here that after tonight's opening, they have a show every night this week," she finished reading and placed the sheet on the counter, where eager hands snatched it up.

"I'm in," Faith nodded as a chorus of agreement went around the circle of friends.

"This is going to be so great," Anya clapped, "I'm going to eat cotton candy and ride the Ferris wheel until I puke."

"They don't have a Ferris wheel at the circus. That's the fair," Willow cut in, matter-of-factly.

The blonde looked to the non-arguing members, who looked back amused. "Uh... ohh, look... customers," she pointed behind the group. Lucky for her, the group actually did enter the restaurant instead of walking away.

Breathing a sign of relief, the gang disbursed to various parts of the building, all of them knowing the argument was far from over.

Loud barking, which some might classify as laughter, boomed throughout the restaurant. Willow's eye squinted as she regarded the assembled group of guys at the corner booth.

"They've been at it for almost an hour," Tara whispered to her partner as she dropped her tips into the jar on the counter.

The group had arrived a short time ago and had ordered a large sub- sandwich, half of which remained untouched. But it wasn't that, which irked the redhead, it was only that the content of their conversation had driven many of the other customers away.

From the front counter, Faith cast an annoyed look toward the gang. Willow had asked them to quiet down, but the silence had only lasted long enough for one of the boys to utter another joke.

"Uh, excuse me," a little impatiently, one of the boys gestured to Tara while the others stifled their laughter.

"I can go," Willow told her girlfriend, but the blonde shook her head and went to assist the table.

The redhead kept a watchful eye on her partner as the bell chimed signaling a new arrival. The young man was ruggedly handsome, his eyes looking down at something before landing on the front register.

"Actually, I was looking for someone. Maybe you could help me," he stuffed what looked to be a letter, back into his jeans.

"Willow, I need –." Tara stopped in her tracks, forgetting what she was about to say as she saw the newcomer.

"Donnie?" Tara repeated, surprise in her eyes as she took in the appearance of her brother.

"Tara," a smile lit up the young man's face as he held out his arms. The smile on his face widened when the blonde rushed forward, and was engulfed by Donnie's arms as they hugged.

Willow and the others regarded the two with confused, yet highly curious looks. The same question flooding each of their minds.

"Tara?" Willow wasn't aware that she had spoken as she stepped around the counter.

The new presence, and seeing her girlfriend smile, both warmed her heart and unnerved her. It was obvious that the embracing pair was close, or at least knew each other, but the redhead wondered about the closeness. She had to admit that she didn't know every detail about Tara, but an ex-boyfriend had never crossed her mind until now.

Hearing her name, Tara stepped back, smiling at her girlfriend. She motioned for the redhead to come closer, holding her hand out for Willow to take.

"Willow," she smiled, pulling her partner closer, "I'd like you to meet, Donald, my brother." The blonde looked back and forth, missing the hint of relief that flashed across Willow's face.

"Donnie." The young man corrected before smiling down at the redhead. "So you're the girl who's stolen my sister's heart," he chuckled, "I know, it's a cliché." He watched the emotions play across Willow's face as she stared at his sister.

Willow's eyes stayed on Tara's face as a smile broke out on her own. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she had a chance, she felt herself being lifted from the ground in hug.

"Sorry." Despite the apology, Donnie grinned as he released his hold. He glanced behind the redhead, where a small group of people had formed near the kitchen door. Two blondes, a brunette and a dark-haired young man shifted expectantly as they watched close by.

As if sensing the group's curiosity, Tara took Willow's hand, "C'mon, there's some people I want you to meet," she told Donnie as she and Willow moved toward the gang.

"So, what are you doing here?" The blonde asked her brother, once introductions had been made and the others wondered off again. "I mean, I know you said you were going to visit sometime, but I didn't think it would be so soon. What about work?"

"They won't miss me," he shrugged, "when I got your letter, I had already made up my mind. And anyway, I'm not staying long. I'll probably leave out tomorrow morning; I just wanted to come see how you were doing."

"How's dad?" Tara asked after a quick glance around to make sure she wasn't needed.

"The old man's hanging in there," Donnie smiled sincerely, "he misses you, but I think he understands your reason for... that you wanted to be closer...." His words faded off and Tara could see traces of the teenaged boy devastated by his mothers' loss.

"So anyway," his mood brightened a little, "we have a lot of catching up to do."

The restaurant's doors had closed for the night twenty minutes ago, and seven remaining people stayed behind. Xander, Anya and Donnie were seated at a table talking, and Faith and Buffy had disappeared into the back a short time ago.

"Why didn't you tell me that you had a brother," Willow lightly nudged her girlfriend's shoulder.

"Didn't I?" Tara fiddled with the blinds until the window was covered. Willow pretended to search her memory and shook her head. "I'm sorry, I must've been too caught up in other things," the blonde gave her partner a meaningful look.

"Valid point," Willow grinned, "just don't do it again, missy." She gently brushed her hand against Tara's arm. "I like knowing everything about you, and that includes where you came from. That means siblings, half-siblings, cousins, second-cousins, parents, aunts, grand-."

Pulling her lips away, Tara had used the best remedy to stop Willow's rambling. Honestly, she loved every part of Willow, but she knew that the redhead would eventually make it past third generations if given the chance.

"How about I just draw you a family tree instead," she joked, but before Willow could respond, Anya's familiar cackle interrupted her. Amused, they looked over to the laughing trio, who quickly looked away from them, which of course made both girls suspicious. Giving each other a curious look, the couple joined the others.

"Hey Tara, had any mashed potatoes lately?" The grin on Xander's face almost cracked his lips.

It took the blonde a second before her eyes grew wide, nearly popping out. "You didn't." She cast an accusing eye toward her brother.

"Give it to me," Tara held out her hand when she saw what he was trying to hide under his hands.

"Guys, what...," Willow looked from Xander to Anya, who were quietly giggling to themselves, "what is it?"

"Nothing, it's nothing," Tara lied as she unsuccessfully tried to pry her brother's fingers from the table. Willow frowned, noticing a glossy surface sticking out from between Donnie's hands.

"Is that a picture?" The redhead watched Tara blush and vigorously shake her head. "It is…," she smiled, moving closer when Tara finally retrieved the photo, "let me see it."

Quickly hiding the picture behind her back, Tara inched away from Willow's grabbing hands as the redhead followed her.

"Let me see it," Willow asked again, her hands flexing and ready to tickle. Tara shook her head, backing up until she hit a wall. "Tara," the redhead moved smoothly, her resolve face beginning to form.

Tara gnawed on her lip and watched Willow step closer until she could feel her girlfriend's breath against her mouth. Mesmerized by the proximity and those eyes... and Willow moistening her lips... and-. Tara whimpered inaudibly, suddenly flushed and completely unaware that she no longer held the picture.

Willow placed a chaste kiss on her girlfriend's lips and grinned as she backed away from the dazed blonde. Her eyes lowered to the photo and she bit the inside of her mouth before catching Tara's mortified eyes.

"Laugh," a small smile worked its way onto the blonde's face," c'mon, I know you want to, so go ahead."

Willow's small frame shook, but still no sound came from her lips, which was probably because she was using all of her will not to laugh.

"It's so... cute," she managed through tight lips. Silence filled the room as eyes refused to make contact for fear of cracking. As if a dam had broken, Willow couldn't take it anymore and burst into laughter. "I'm sorry," she squeaked between giggles.

The picture in her hand was off a three-year-old Tara, who had apparently just woken up from the nap she had across her dinner plate. With tiredness in her eyes, the little girl's face and hair was caked with mashed potatoes as she dazedly blinked at the camera. A small broccoli sprout stuck to her cheek on one side and her forehead was adorned with scattered peas.

"I have more," Donnie's voice piped in as he pulled a large envelop from inside his jacket pocket. Eagerly, Willow and the others gathered around for their next dose of laughter.

"What is this, 'embarrass Tara day'"? Tara smiled, amused as she eyed the pack of photos.

"Aw, Sweetie," Willow kissed her partner's cheek, "don't worry, I have plenty of embarrassing pictures too."

"Yeah, Buffy has this picture of Willow dressed up as 'Mr. Stay-puff'," for Halloween," Xander cut in with a grin. Willow blushed, remembering when she dressed up as the marshmallow man from 'Ghostbusters'. Though her costume wasn't really a 'costume', it was more like sixteen bags worth of cotton balls glued to a garbage bag and a swimming cap.

"This coming from somebody who dressed up like 'wonder woman'?" Willow countered, raising an eyebrow.

"Wonder woman?" Anya also raised an eyebrow toward her boyfriend, "So that's why you like to play dress-up when we-." Xander gently squeezed his girlfriend's hand, prompting her to stop before she went into details.

Donnie cleared his throat, smiling at the friendliness of the group. Although he hadn't been completely happy when Tara decided to leave, hearing his sister laugh and seeing her happy was enough to know that it was the right choice.

"Okay, moving on," Xander blushed, fiddling with the napkin holder as all eyes turned to him. When the kitchen door swung open and two slightly disheveled girls came sauntering through, all of the focus shifted from the young man.

"Jeez, took you long enough," Anya huffed, rising from her seat. Since Tara's brother was in town, the gang had decided to go out to dinner after they finished cleaning up, and it felt like forever to Anya.

"What were you gals doing back there anyway?" A smile appeared on Xander's face, signaling his wandering mind.

"Uh huh," Willow looked at Buffy, noticing something from the corner of her eye. She looked over to Faith and jerked her head to the side, motioning for the brunette's eyes to follow.

Before Faith got the hint, Anya spoke up. "Vacuuming what, the lint from your neck?" She noticed the developing hickey on Buffy's neck, "Jeez, look at that," she moved closer to examine the blonde's throat, "that's definitely a two- weeker." She smiled, approvingly.

"Can we go?" Buffy ignored the comment, not seeing the smug grin crossing her girlfriend's face.

Tara, who had remained silent during the conversation, took her lover's hand. Snuggling into Willow's side, the blonde saw her brother's pleased smile and blushed under the brightness. After a few more nagging comments from Anya, the group headed out.

He and the rest of the gang were standing a little beyond the entrance to a large fence that circled around small tents and other attractions. Upon arrival, they had learned that not only was the circus in town, but that the carnival had joined them. The two together created a mixture of freaky displays and other fun activities.

"Honey, help me out here," Xander looked for support, but received a slurred response. His girlfriend was in the process of picking out a hardened piece of cotton candy from her teeth and wasn't paying much attention to her boyfriend.

"Is it still there?" Anya opened her mouth wide, asking the closest person, Tara, to peek inside.

The blonde frowned, hesitantly looking in, "Um... yes," she spotted the dark blue chunk. Tara watched the other blonde dig deeper before huffing in defeat.

"There is no way in hell my girlfriend is sticking her finger in your mouth," Willow protested, stepping back and pulling Tara with her.

"Oh, that's right, you're the only one who can have fun with her fingers," Anya snorted, emitting a blush from Tara and a scowl from Willow.

"Uh hello, does anyone believe me?" Xander pointed back toward the object of his argument.

"Guys, we're not going to spend the entire night fighting over this," Buffy moved from in between the two. "Watch and learn kiddies." She kicked the clown in its shin.

They all watched as the bells on its head jingled and the large smile on its painted face never wavered, as it remained stock-still.

Xander looked behind her, "Okay, then why did the eyes just move," he inched back fearfully. Tara, noticing the same, shifted closer to Willow.

"Oh for crying out loud," Anya threw her hands up and marched over to face the tall clown. Preparing to hit the clown once again, this time across the face, her hand froze when the large dark eyes turned her way.

"Eeek," she literally squealed and pushed her cotton candy into the clown's face on instinct. The clown grumbled something inaudible, but Anya was not close enough to hear it. The blonde was halfway down the dirt path before any of the others knew what happened.

Willow looked at her girlfriend, the same idea in their minds as they saw Anya running for the hills. Their eyes focused back on the clown who had left his statue-like position and was now glaring down at the remaining people. Hastily, the redhead grabbed her partner's hand and they took off behind Anya.

The clown muttered again, his porcelain face stained with cotton candy. Having been kicked in the leg countless times in the past twenty-four hours, by several bad children, he wasn't about to allow a couple of teenagers do the same.

The dark colors shadowing his eyes added to the creep-factor, and prompted the clueless trio into action. Clouds of dust followed them as they took off, leaving the clown to follow slowly, his floppy shoes weighing him down.

"Get back here," he called behind the rapidly disappearing people. When it was clear that he wouldn't catch them, he stopped, wheezing slightly. "Damn kids," he muttered before turning back.

"I told you, I told you," Xander breathed deeply once the gang regrouped. "Oh man, I can already feel the nightmares coming on. Dark sewers and whispering clowns," he shuddered.

"Brains, brains," he continued, "oh wait, that's a different movie," he grinned childishly when the girls looked at him a little strangely.

"Okay, so um, maybe we should stick together for a while," Willow nervously looked around the group, relieved when they nodded in agreement.

"Ooh, 'mirror maze'," Anya piped in excitedly, the clown completely forgotten. She pointed to a small set-up behind the group.

"Let's do that baby," Tara's excitement also rose as she ran her thumb over Willow's hand. She had always wanted to visit an attraction like the 'mirror maze' since she was a child, and getting to see herself make-out with Willow from all sides, was just a very, very good bonus.

"Monkeys shumonkeys," Anya batted her hand, "you'll see the monkeys later. Better yet, I'm sure you'll see one in the mirror." She smiled, happy with herself.

"Hey," Buffy pouted, puffing her cheeks out, which actually made her resemble a monkey.

"Am I going to have to get between you two?" Xander stepped forward, his mouth and mind thinking and meaning two different things.

Buffy's jaw tightened, but before she could fire back, her girlfriend had taken her hand. "Let it go," Faith lightly squeezed the hand within hers, "she's just trying to get a rise outta you."

The blonde nodded, kissed her partner and shot a final glare toward Anya. Willow and Tara had already made it to the entrance of the tent, waiting as the others caught up.

"Anya, please don't make Buffy mad," Xander began, "we're here to have fun, not shout mean words." They followed behind the two couples.

"Sweetie, that was just pillow-talk," Anya snorted, "besides, you know that we always play like that. She's not mad at me," she yelled ahead, "isn't that right, Buffy?"

Buffy looked back, shaking her head but smiling too. Although Anya could work a nerve, the girl brought a certain zest to the group.

Inside the maze, black-lights shined purple, illuminating the whites in the glassy room. The maze was divided by several tunnels, some of which led to dead ends and others leading to large rooms.

"First one to the end, gets a piece of cheese," Buffy giggled as she and Faith dashed down one of the openings. The other two groups split up, each taking their own routes.

Tara had deliberately slowed her pace as she and Willow disappeared further down the maze. They had yet to see any other people passing through, and it was clear to the blonde that they were alone.

"You know," she stopped and leaned against the mirror, giving Willow a suggestive look, "I've always wondered what it would be like to watch myself." She quirked an eyebrow, hoping not to sound too arrogant as she pulled the beautiful redhead into her.

"Ooh, kinky," Willow grinned, "we'll definitely have to try that one day." She pressed her lips to fuller ones, melting into her lover. Tara mumbled in agreement under the weight of the redhead's mouth.

Lips overlapped, biting softly and pulling as tongues peaked through. The pink tips lashed and hands began to roam, rumpling clothing and searching over curves. Tara's eyes closed as fingers laced with the strands of her hair, she pressed in deeper, her tongue seeking entrance once again. Happy to comply, Willow sucked the slippery muscle and gently scraped her teeth back as her own tongue soothed the blonde's tastebuds.

Small moans escaped the thin openings between their interlocked mouths. Blue orbs slowly blinked open, growing wide as they became more focused.

"T-The mirror just looked a-at me," Tara stammered nervously, still staring behind Willow.

"You mean you looked into the mirror," the redhead followed her girlfriend's eyes, but didn't see anything unusual staring back.

"No, I mean a big brown, glassy eyeball just looked at me," Tara explained. They watched the mirror but nothing happened.

"I don't see anything," Willow poked her finger into the glass, then turned back to her girlfriend.

"What is this, the psycho circus?" Tara frowned. "There!" She nearly shouted, pointing back to the mirror. Willow's head whipped back, but saw nothing.

"Maybe we should catch up with the others." Willow suggested, suddenly a little freaked. Tara nodded, stealing glances back at the mirror as she and Willow continued down the tunnel.

Anya laughed until tears literally fell from her eyes, "Hehe, that was fun," she slid the small slot back so that the other side was hidden from view.

They had stumbled upon the back passage of the maze and once finding the little door built into the mirror, Anya insisted on playing around. However, she never expected to find two of her friends making-out in the tunnel.

"Too bad there wasn't a place to speak from," Anya spoke more to herself. Shrugging, she pulled Xander along, who smiled goofily and followed.

Faith and Buffy were munching on cheeseburgers when the gang finally reassembled on the other end of the maze. For fear of sounding crazy, both Willow and Tara agreed to not mention the eyeball incident.

Tara glanced over to Anya who was looking at her, and the blonde frowned, a sense of familiarity brushing the back of her mind. Waving it off, she turned back to her girlfriend. "Where to next?" Tara asked, waiting for suggestions.

"Let's go ride the rides," Faith smiled when she heard the riders screaming from the top of the large machines.

"I told you they would have a Ferris wheel," Anya muttered. Willow rolled her eyes at the comment, but smiled secretly. She couldn't wait to get Tara twenty feet in the air.

"So how about we take a trip to the beach this weekend," Willow suggested, her hand swinging with Tara's, "just me and you. How about it?" They inched closer to the front of the line.

"Yeah," Tara smiled, kissing the redhead's cheek, "and we can have a little picnic too." The blonde squeezed her partner's hand, already giddy about the event.

"Next," a voice prompted them to step up onto the metal platform. An older man opened the gate for them, ushering them into their seat before locking it. "Enjoy the ride," he gave them a friendly smile and flipped the switch to elevate them.

The loose swinging seat lurched backward as it drew closer to the top. When the small bench rocked again, Tara looked fearfully over the edge. It wasn't that she was afraid of heights, it was the falling part that worried her. The blonde's eyes held excitement and vulnerability, but a smile graced her face when she felt a comforting hand squeeze her thigh.

"Are you sure you don't want to get off?" Willow asked, finding Tara's fear slightly adorable, "I can wave down. Just say the word."

"No, it's okay," Tara bit her lip, silently reassuring herself, but the rocking was getting to her. "What if we tip over?" She glanced over again at the tiny heads below.

"We won't, baby," the redhead smile, trying to think of ways to soothe her partner. Once they reached the peak of the Ferris wheel, Tara had begun to nibble on her lip even more. She caught bright eyes staring at her and blushed under the concern she saw there.

"I'm a big baby, aren't I?" Tara asked, taking Willow's hand so that their interlocked fingers rested on her lap.

"Of course not. It's totally understandable, well with the chance of plunging headfirst into-." Wide eyes quickly stopped her rambling. "Just relax, it'll be all right," Willow hastily rubbed her partner's hand with both of her palms.

"Anything I can do?" The redhead asked, hopeful. Tara seemed to ponder the question before a wicked smile lit up her face.

"Midair snuggles?" With a lopsided smile, Tara added, "And maybe something extra?" She reddened even more when she realized what she was hinting at.

"Tara!" Willow feigned shock when each seat was filled and the ride began. She smiled, thinking back to a conversation she had several days ago with her girlfriend.

The redhead looked around, seeing that the other riders were lost in their own worlds as the wheel rotated. "Are you cold?" She had been carrying her jacket the majority of the night and now took the opportunity to spread it out over her and Tara's lap. When Tara smiled in appreciation, Willow leaned in, nuzzling the blonde's neck.

"I love you," she kissed the crook between Tara's jaw and throat. Becoming bolder, her hand released the blonde's and she gently rubbed her palm against her girlfriend's leg.

"I love you too," Tara murmured, feeling the heat of Willow's touch. Her breath hitched when ardent fingers brushed the top crease of her thigh. An 'oh' was suddenly formed by her lips when Willow's tongue peeked out against her earlobe and the redhead kneaded harder.

"And why can't we? Hmm?" Willow smiled, inching her hand over toward the center. "You said you wanted to be more daring."

"That's not what I meant," Tara hesitated, briefly closing her eyes. "I-I meant, like kissing and stuff."

"The ride's almost over," Tara continued weakly as she unconsciously shifted, which caused her legs to open a little.

"Then we'll ride again... and again," the redhead whispered, "... and again. Until your little heart's content... or my fingers cramp up." Willow giggled against a blushing neck.

Tara also chuckled and shook her head at her lover's persistence. "So I'm supposed to just sit here while you..." she gasped, the night air filling her lungs and drowning the groan. Willow's eager hand had drifted under the jean material without the blonde noticing. Sneaky fingers had also released the metal button and were in the process of lowering the zipper.

"Well, not just sit there," Willow's knuckles traced over cotton. "I'm sure there'll be a little squirming, and maybe some sweating," she nipped at a full lip, her eyes still cautious of their surroundings. Whenever they drew closer to the ground, the redhead would only pause for a brief second until they were out of sight again.

Working an arm around Tara's waist, Willow grazed over the blonde's breast. "Willow, you're not actually going to do this, are you?" Tara's eyes darted around nervously, her body betraying her as she felt herself grow wetter in anticipation.

Feeling extremely bold, Willow nodded, rubbing over cotton until soapy cream rose to the surface. She took a moment to lick the digit, savoring the sweet contrast of arousal and fear. Knowing that Tara would stop her if she became uncomfortable, she teased her way back onto the warm surface.

"How does it feel?" The redhead used two fingers to push further down the valley between Tara's legs. Her probing fingertips were met with more liquid as she dipped underneath the cotton, stretching the fabric to the side.

"Willow," Tara strained, desperate to open herself wider for her girlfriend. "Please." One word and she felt Willow circle her outer lips twice before sliding inside.

A gush of stickiness coated Willow's hand as she slowly pushed deeper until her middle knuckles rested against the slick folds of Tara's core.

Unexpectedly, the ride slowed and then stopped. Her fingers stuck within Tara's pulsating wetness, Willow gazed dazedly as they neared the platform. Tara, on the verge of climax, struggled against moving, afraid she'd release in front of the strangers waiting in the line.

"It's okay baby," the redhead unwrapped her arm from behind her girlfriend and pulled two tickets from her pocket. Although it was somewhat of a struggle, she managed to hand the operator the tickets.

"We're going to ride again." Blushing, she smiled at him. Her hand firmly locked between Tara's legs, she heard the blonde's heavy breathing. "Actually, we... we'll be riding two more times," Willow said, reaching for two more pink tickets.

The man frowned, but shrugged and took the tickets without a word. The couple's seat jolted upward, allowing more riders to get on. The movement pushed Willow's snug fingers to the back of Tara's sensitive walls and the blonde nearly bit a hole in her lip.

Out of sight once again, Willow continued pumping, however, she could only reach so far from her position and chose to remove her hand all together. Tara gasped, then pouted, but never had the chance to complain as she felt the hand slide under her panties again. This time, Willow took the top approach, which gave her more access to the span of Tara's mound. She twisted wet fingers in soft curls as her mouth sought the blonde's lips.

Tara kissed her lover passionately, uncaring of her surroundings. With a numb hand, she reached over, cupping Willow's breast under the jacket. Willow moaned under the pressure and curved her fingers, causing them to bump against Tara's clit.

"W-Willow, I need to-," Tara whispered, rocking her hips forward, the seat rocking with them.

"What baby?" Willow squeezed the hardened flesh between two fingers, "What do you need?" She teased the top with the pad of her fingertip.

"I'm going to come," the blonde managed to squeak out. Willow looked up, watching as they reached the top of the wheel. Aware that Tara's cries would mingle with the other screams penetrating the night, she pressed in, rubbing the underside of the blonde's clit. Time seemed to freeze when Tara's greedy center exploded, her eyes glued to the stars as she came.

Willow held the shivering blonde until she calmed, her smile matching Tara's. "You," Tara paused when another tremor ran through her. "You are so going to get it," she grinned, already thinking up a plan.

Willow smiled innocently, her eyes widening but she remained silent, too aroused to speak. Unfortunately, she wasn't going to have time to 'get it' as the wheel made its way around the last time.

"There are still some rides we haven't tried," Tara whispered, her eyes seeing through the heated vibes coming from her partner. Willow gulped, walking unsteadily alongside Tara as they exited the Ferris wheel.

After a quick stop at the restroom, the couple hurried to catch up with the rest of the gang. Tara snuck another furtive glance toward her partner as a tiny grin crossed her face. She was buzzed from the Ferris wheel and although she hadn't been able to return the attention yet, it was still fresh on her mind.

"Happy thoughts?" The redhead asked when she noticed the smile playing across Tara's features.

"Mm-hmm," Tara grinned as they entered the tent that housed the circus' furry performers. It was a small tent, meant to allow some of the guests to view and perhaps pet the animals before they went out.

"Aw, they're all caged," Willow frowned, "why are they caged?" Only the smallest animals were present as she watched several people in brown outfits tend to the creatures' needs.

"Oh, that's to stop them from running around biting people," Anya said as a matter-of-fact. "Ooh, the monkeys." She clapped, stepping closer to the small, metal cage.

"No, I don't think so," Tara tried to reassure her partner, "I think they have people who make sure they're taken care of." Her words satisfied the twinge of pity in the redhead's belly. A curious monkey had climbed the railing, looking intently at the group. Its eyes flickered from each face as small, dark hands gripped the bars.

"Does anyone else have the sudden urge to free them?" Willow pouted, only half serious.

"Yes, and then we can all stand around until they eat us," Anya scoffed, completely serious.

"Uh, Willow, you're not planning on doing anything...oh say, crazy, are you? 'Cause being eaten is bad. Very, very bad," Xander rambled, inching behind Faith and Buffy.

"No," Willow rolled her eyes, although not denying that the thought crossed her mind.

"You know, I hear that monkeys are very affectionate beings," Anya began, "that means they like to warm up to you before they bite your head off." She received a groan or two from the group as she watched her boyfriend pale.

"Anya, that's really not helping," Buffy backed up, not wanting the young man to lose his dinner on her shoes. "And beside, I seriously doubt that little thing," she pointed to the animal behind Anya's shoulder, "could possibly chew through your head."

"Says the person who thinks her arms are listed as horse delicacies," Anya's lips drew up into a smirk. She saw the contemplative look on Tara's face and jumped to her own conclusion.

"Oh, you didn't know that Willow has horse-phobia?" Anya asked, cheeky. "My guess is that with the red hair, they'll think she's one big carrot plus or minus an arm." She snorted, laughing solely at her own joke.

Willow ignored the comment also noticing that Tara wasn't paying much attention to Anya's words. The blonde's mind wandered and as she began concentrating on the slowly drying wetness between her thighs, her thoughts rewound to Willow's touch. A silly grin crossed Tara's lips as she shifted, unconsciously shivering when her jeans brushed against her sensitive center.

"Hey," Willow nudged her girlfriend with her hip, "Wanna make a run for it?" She smiled, motioning toward the exit that she'd seen Tara eyeing several times.

Drifting out of her lovely daydream, Tara noticed that she and Willow were being left behind as the rest of the gang walked around. "What about the show?" Curious blue eyes twinkled as she regarded her partner.

"Well, if you really want-." Willow's response was cut short when Tara practically dragged her through the exit doors.

They had walked around the fairgrounds for twenty minutes and other than the casual kisses they'd managed to sneak in, the couple found themselves unable to find any privacy. They could've gotten on one of the rides, but Tara had insisted on wanting more than ten minutes to get her 'revenge'. So instead they opted to check out some of the other attractions.

"Ooh, let's go see the fortune teller," Tara excitedly pointed at the dark tent.

"Don't tell me that you actually believe in that stuff," Willow responded, incredulously, but smiled at girlfriends' behavior.

"You don't?" Tara frowned then grinned mischievously, a thought popping into her mind. "Let me see your hand."

"Why?" Her red-haired partner asked curiously and decided to keep her hands to herself. "You're not going to try anything funny, are you?" Willow joked and nervously regarded the blonde's waiting hand.

"C'mon, let me see it," Tara giggled as a timid hand stretched out palm upward. Running a single finger down the patterns as she observed the creases and lines on Willow's hand, Tara hummed.

"Hmm what?" Willow asked, stopping herself from quivering under the blonde's tickling caress.

"Nothing," Tara shook her head, raising a teasing eyebrow to accompany her half-smile. She cast another brief look at her partner's swirling lines and tugged on the redhead's hand. "C'mon." Willow followed as the blonde led her beyond the dark velvet curtain covering the entrance.

The inside of the tent resembled a typical 'gypsy shop' that the girls usually saw portrayed on television. Incense burned and various items lay across the table and spread throughout the small space.

A woman sat behind a short, wooden table hidden by a dark purple cloth. Her dark hair shined under the dim light created by numerous lit candles. As Willow and Tara stepped further into the tent, the woman looked up from her book, smiling with a hint of interest. She wasn't heavily made up like most fortune tellers and wore a pair of small earrings and a barely visible necklace around her neck.

"H-How much?" Tara sat, feeling a little uncomfortable under the stranger's gaze. The woman tapped the jar beside her.

Tara placed two crumbled bills into the jar and waited as the woman removed a deck of cards from within her robe sleeve. The blonde glanced up at Willow, watching her girlfriend skeptically roll her eyes. The same eyes quickly looked downward when she found her gaze met by the fortune teller.

Silently, the woman lay five cards onto the table facing down in the form of a T. Two of the cards overlapped in the middle while the others rested on the sides and the bottom. Tara nervously tapped her foot against the ground, waiting for the woman to finish. Honestly, she'd thought that she would at least get to ask a question, but the teller remained quiet, concentrating on her work.

Willow, who had been leaning against Tara's chair, stepped forward as the woman began turning the cards.

Along with pictures, words appeared at the bottom of each card. 'Gaia' was printed on the first flipped card and 'Gibbous Moon' followed, laying on top. From the sides, the words 'Sleeper' and 'Visitor' appeared, and finally, 'Door' was revealed on the last card.

Willow frowned, staring over the collection of cards and looked from Tara to the fortune teller. She nodded to herself, waiting for the silence to end and noticed the slight tremble in Tara's hands. The fortune teller's face remained unreadable and neither girl was able to tell if she was simply concentrating or waiting. Tara briefly looked to her partner before turning back to the dark eyes.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Wrapped in a pink towel, Willow leaned against the doorframe, having just returned from her quick shower. Her partner had been silent off and on several times during the remainder of the fair and most of the ride back to her apartment.

"It's nonsense, remember," Tara shook her head, toweling her damp hair as she sat on the bed wearing a thigh-length T-shirt. Her half-smile betrayed her mind as she thought back to the fortuneteller's vague explanation. Thin strands of hair stuck to the blonde's forehead as she once again shook her head, this time to stop herself from putting the woman's words into a coherent thought.

"You're being avoid-y," Willow lingered in the hallway, listening as a tea kettle whistled and remembering that she had put it on before taking her shower.

"I'm not being avoid-y," the blonde couldn't stop the whine in her voice. Yes, it was important to know what the message was all about, but dwelling on it would only make it more confusing.

"I just don't want to think about it," Tara went on truthfully, "and it's probably nothing anyway. You said so yourself, remember?" She asked, smiling and trying to stop the barely visible tension that had crept into the room.

Also seeing the intruder, Willow paused, choosing her words carefully. "Just...," she moved further into the room to take her girlfriend's face into her hands, "just promise that you'll talk to me. I don't want some kooky lady's riddles coming between us. Okay?" The redhead felt the firm jaws nod before lips grazed across her own.

"You're unbelievable," Tara whispered as she pulled away from her partner's mouth. The whistling from the kitchen was becoming louder and after another brief kiss, Willow reluctantly backed away.

Tara smiled after her girlfriend, appreciating Willow's movement and the glimpse of skin she caught beneath the snugly wrapped towel. During the ride home, her thoughts had been on both the fair and her girlfriend. More specifically, her girlfriend as the fair. She could worry about the other things later, but for now, Willow was all that mattered.

After a quick glance toward the door and checking that she could still hear Willow fussing over the tea, the blonde approached her dresser, a little hesitantly. She stared at the object within the oak cabinets and finally lifted it from its corner position. Get a grip, Tara she told herself, trying to still her nerves. The object had been with her for almost a year, but lay untouched until now. Caught in her musings, Tara barely heard the soft footsteps until the figure called her name.

"Tara, did you want-" Willow stopped when her partner hurriedly turned, hiding her hands behind her back. Of course, the redhead's curiosity piqued and the question of sugar or not was totally forgotten. "What are you hiding back there?"

Tara tried to drop the item back into the drawer, nearly smashing her fingers at the unsuccessful attempt. When it was clear that she'd have to face up to her plan, the blonde tried one more time to feign ignorance but to no avail.

"Baby?" Willow's face tightened, her lips crinkling as her 'resolve' face emerged.

"Guess." Tara blurted out, completely unsure as to why. All she knew was... well, she didn't really know anything at the present moment, seeing how her blood was boiling with anticipation.

"Clue?" Willow asked, noticing the slight change in Tara's stance and knowing it was definitely something of the good variety.

The smiling blonde thought about it for a second before offering one word. "Red."

"Hmm, okay," her lover weighed the possible options. "It is Naked Tara... in the bedroom... with candies?" She asked, automatically going into her Clue mode.

"You're such a big sweet tooth," Tara giggled, "and no, it isn't candy." She closely tossed the item from hand to hand behind her back.

"But you like my sweet tooth," Willow smiled seductively and inched toward her lover. Tara reddened, biting back her reply. She saw Willow moving closer, recognizing the predatory gestures, and knew her girlfriend was about to seize her.

The redhead cursed her foiled plan, stopping just a little distance away. "Okay, is it Naked Tara... in the bedroom..." she tried to peek around the sides, "...with a candle?" Willow guessed horribly.

"Nope," dry hair whipped around Tara's face, "and Honey, I have a shirt on." She grinned.

"Not for long." Teeth flashed and the blonde managed a mental 'uh oh' but refused to give in yet.

"Now, now," Tara admonished in a motherly tone, "you don't want to go biting off more than you can chew, do you?"

"Well, I am quite hungry," Willow countered, shaking off Tara's idle warning. Nothing could sustain her hunger as her gaze drifted up soft thighs, knowing what was beneath the thin shirt. "Now, are you gonna tell me what you're hiding?" She paused. "Or am I gonna have to get it out of you some other way?"

There goes that vicious, but oh so wonderful, mouth again, bearing those soft... Oh, stop it Tara, she's moving in. The prey's mind was caught between fantasy and reality. The reality being that she wasn't sure Willow would like what she held hidden.

"So, let's try this again." Willow was a breath away from her now, but hadn't tried anything. "Is it Naked Tara... in the bedroom..." Tara held out the item, "...with a big, red dildo?" The redhead gasped in surprise, although not unpleasant.

"I wasn't sure if you'd ever... I mean, I've never used it. It's just... there," Tara stammered, watching for any signs of a negative reaction.

"And you want to..." Willow trailed off, excited but watching for signs of Tara changing her mind.

"Only if you want to," Tara bit her lip self-consciously. "We don't have to u-use it. We can just play around. I mean, no actual penetration." She finished, flushing with embarrassment and a different, more familiar, kind of heat.

Carefully, Willow took the stiff, rubber phallus from Tara's gripping hands. "It's actually not that big," she said, measuring it against her longest finger. "Just two or three inches."

"So you're not mad? I didn't want you to think that-" Tara was cut off as her lover finished her sentence with her own answer.

"That I wasn't measuring up," the redhead grinned, receiving an eye roll and typical lopsided smile.

"Well, you do," the blonde responded honestly, a shiver as evidence of her assertion.

"You're damn right," Willow chuckled without hiding her smugness. "And if I remember correctly, you're not so bad yourself." Her eyes lowered as she ran the toy up Tara's thigh, dipping briefly in between, then over the trembling muscles. Subconsciously, the blonde squeezed her thighs together. She wanted the redhead in a way that words couldn't even explain, but she was being greedy...

...well a little nibble won't hurt, Tara thought while pressing into her lover. Somewhere in the back of all of those cobwebs and uncensored visions she was having, Tara knew that she needed to stop. How did she become the seduced, anyway? Willow mind-tricks, and ooh...

"...stop." The blonde gasped, on the verge of giving into the pleasure. She watched a slow and very smug grin cross Willow's face. The redhead looked about ready to mentally high-five herself, if she hadn't already.

Two claps echoed in Willow's mind and she considered teasing Tara again, but froze when the towel around her dropped to the floor. It was her turn to whimper.

Willow felt like clay as a hand cupped her dewy mound, manipulating the structure and stretching. Tara threw the phallus onto the bed where it bounced off and landed on the floor. She would have no use for it tonight. Her red- haired lover mumbled as she was twirled around and positioned facing the wall and away from Tara. The blonde's hand moved with her, twisting to fit securely within the slippery warmth.

Glancing to her side at the tall mirror, Willow grinned when she saw blue eyes staring back at her. 'I love you,' Tara mouthed and rubbed herself into the redhead's ass when Willow returned the words. It was a struggle, but the blonde finally removed her shirt from her body and left it hanging on her wrist, tickling Willow's quivering legs.

Sure fingers started to move and the redhead clinched, already too aroused and fearing a quick release. Within minutes, a single finger had found the spot above her entrance, which strangely enough, was dryer than the rest of her center. The sensation was different, incredible, and burning. Tara pressed into that single spot, curved the last bit of her finger and rubbed firmly against the surface. Willow bucked back, gripping the sheets in her hands as she struggled to remain slanting over the mattress. Her eyes caught the silver reflection of Tara loving her body, and she groaned deeply, dripping anew.

Tara rubbed her hardened nipples against Willow's shoulder blades and ran her teeth along the curve of her shoulder. Her eyes locked onto the mirror and she bit lightly, adding pressure as her clit throbbed against the slope of the redhead's ass. A simple swipe against the underside of the pulsating flesh would send her over the edge. With barely controlled restraint, she pulled back from Willow but kept her pace within her lover. Sliding down, she ran her hands over firm skin and pulled the outer lips apart with her free hand.

Willow's green eyes were ablaze when she felt the first slither of wetness lap at the tender sides of her center. Her wild gaze found the mirror and her knees almost buckled when she saw the intensity on Tara's face as she rescued every drop of liquid dripping from her core. The redhead's stomach muscles melted under the warm pressure of Tara delving, twirling, sliding into every inch of her soul. Soft noises, which Willow soon recognized, vibrated against the folds as Tara's fingers explored deeper.

Legs trembled as muscles surrendered to quick jerks and spasms, and Tara knew her lover was near. Loving to watch Willow orgasm, the blonde stretched out her tongue, flicking quickly as her eyes stayed on the mirror. It was only a side view of Willow's beautiful face, but it was enough and Tara watched the slight movement of twitching eyes before red hair was thrown back and Willow gave voice to her passion.

"Fuck." Willow rarely cursed, but the moment deserved a little extra something as her vision returned. Still a little blurry around the edges, she turned and saw Tara perching on the edge of the bed, the need leaking from her eyes and body. The blonde's fingers inched toward her clit but Willow reached it first. Bending her index and middle finger, the redhead clamped onto the hardened bundle and squeezed. The pleasure literally made Tara fall over and land on her partner, but she wasn't finished. Grinding herself against Willow's open legs, the blonde smeared her wetness against her lover's thigh as she crashed onto the other side of consciousness.

"Ooh, mail," Buffy smiled, pulling a white envelope from the restaurant's small mailbox. It was the first piece of mail they'd received since opening and the blonde cook was both excited and cautious. "It's from the health department." She frowned, opening the letter as she leaned against the window, waiting for Willow to unlock the door.

"They've scheduled us for a mandatory inspection," Buffy continued, her frown deepening.

"What?" Willow struggled with her keys as the door finally swung open. "But...but we haven't done anything wrong. Unless there's something you're not telling me." She frowned at her best friend.

"Don't worry," Buffy rubbed her friend's shoulder, "I always pick all of the blonde hairs out of the tuna salad." Without looking at Willow's expression she walked back into the kitchen.

"She's kidding," Tara gave her partner a reassuring smile. The blonde watched Buffy grinning in the small kitchen window as the cook tied a bandana over her head.

"Right, right," Willow nodded, different thoughts running through her mind. "So why do you think they're coming? Maybe someone complained," her teeth caught the corner of her lip. "Should we make a complaint box? We could put it next to the tip jar, you know, balance it out a little."

"Willow, sweetie, it's okay." Tara cradled her girlfriend's face within her hands. "We're new. They probably just want to make sure we're following the rules or codes and that we're safe for the public." She kissed the adorable pout, "Okay?"

"Okay," the redhead smiled then frowned. "Should we get uniforms? The place down the street has shirts and hats and these cute little clippy things that they wear." She gestured wildly with her hands.

"Do you honestly think," Buffy pushed through the door, having heard Willow's question, "that a few shirts and some pin thingies are going to bring in more customers? 'Cause if it is, I must be doing something wrong."

"Well, you could always wear that apron Anya got you." The cook grinned, "I'm sure that'll turn some heads."

"Anya bought you an apron? That was really sweet of her," Tara leaned into her partner, "why don't you ever wear them?" Both Willow and Buffy stared at her as if she were crazy. "What?"

Their responses were nearly shouted in unison. Needless to say, Tara didn't ask any more questions about Anya's gift.

Several hours later, the doorbell jingled and Faith sauntered in. "Well, Red," she flopped down on the front stool, swirling around to face Willow who stood at the counter, "looks like I might be needing that job after all." The brunette acted like it had taken all of her willpower to say so few words.

Faith nodded, gloomily, before perking. "So does this mean I get free food now?"

"Well, you can get free smells." The redhead grinned. "And they're quite tasty too," she smacked her lips, playfully teasing the other girl.

Rolling her eyes, Faith's mouth curled into a smile before she headed back to see her girlfriend. Buffy was cutting fruit when she entered the kitchen.

"You are looking at the newest employee of this here little shindig." Faith chuckled when the blonde turned and enveloped her into a hug.

"You're kidding me, right?" The cook kissed her partner before pulling back. "You got desperate, huh?" She smiled, knowingly.

"Well, I'll be more than happy to show you the ropes," Buffy smirked, pulling Faith in for another kiss.

"They're making out back there," Willow looked at the kitchen door for the second time. "What if the health people come and they're all...well...you know."

"I'm sure they're just-." Silverware clattered to the ground, echoing into the front of the restaurant. "I'll go check," Tara cleared her throat and hurried behind the door.

"Rough night," the redhead smiled, nervously, to a couple who looked toward the kitchen door. "They're just," a squeal came from the kitchen, "uh...rearranging...things." She busied herself with cleaning the counter and avoiding eye contact.

Tara caught an eye-full and squealed loudly when she entered the back of the kitchen. "O-Oh, sorry...sorry," she backed up. The couple wasn't into anything too heavy, but Tara couldn't shake the sound of plastic gloves in strange places. The blonde apologized fiercely until she had backed herself all the way out of the kitchen.

Buffy removed her sweaty hands from under Faith's shirt, blushing as she peeled the gloves from her fingers. "We've been busted," she laughed, stating the obvious.

"And I think we've scarred poor Tara." Breathlessly, the brunette leaned her head against the backdoor of the room.

"They were, uh," plastic gloves, Tara shuddered. "Cleaning." She lied halfheartedly, fearing that Willow's overloaded mind would flip-out from the truth.

The redhead frowned but shook it off and nodded as Tara joined her behind the counter. "Anything new?" The blonde waitress asked.

"N-...damn it," Willow sighed, glancing out the window, "those kids are back." She groaned, unhappily.

A few days ago, a group of teenagers had started hanging out in front of the restaurant. At first, she didn't really care, but then it became a habit.

"I'll be right back," Willow huffed. Tara watched her girlfriend as she talked with the diverse group of youths. The conversation was apparently short as the redhead walked back in with a smile on her face.

"I promised them free drinks if they left and only came back as paying customers." Willow said, grabbing five plastic cups from the holder and pouring the drinks.

The four girls had closed shop an hour ago and were thoroughly cleaning the restaurant. Buffy pulled out the small radio from its dusty hiding place. Blowing the speckles away, she coughed repeatedly as she wiped the remnants of dust from the silver object.

"Does it work?" Tara asked, taking the radio when Buffy handed it to her. The blonde turned a few knobs and smiled in triumph when music played through the speakers.

"Now cleaning won't be so boring," Faith said from her position atop the counter.

"Yes, and that might actually be true if you were cleaning." Willow raised an eyebrow toward the brunette. Taking her cue, Faith hopped from the counter and grabbed an extra broom.

When they'd finished up, Faith and Buffy began inching toward the door. "We're going to take off," the cook grabbed her jacket. "Will you guys be okay here?"

"Yeah, we'll be leaving soon anyway." Willow called after the retreating figures. "They were making out, weren't they?" She turned toward her girlfriend.

Tara reddened as she lowered the last blind, "Um, maybe...just a little," the blonde faced her girlfriend, knowing that she wasn't mad from the teasing smile.

"I knew it," Willow smirked, "besides, cleaning never made that much fog on the window."

"You knew that I was lying?" Tara pouted, moving closer to the redhead. By the time Willow grinned, Tara was already on her. "I guess I'll just have to punish you for that," a wicked smile lit up her face.

"Mmm-please." Willow mumbled into the kiss. Time stopped as they explored each other, growing closer until their bodies seemed to melt together. Swaying lightly, they lost themselves, moving along with the slow rhythms on the radio.

Willow smiled down at her sleeping partner and brushed her lips around the outline of Tara's jawbone. Settling into her exploration of the blonde's skin, she groaned softly when a faint beeping noise tickled her ear. The redhead tried to ignore the sound, but couldn't and turned over her shoulder to see a green light flashing on her laptop. Grumpily, Willow unattached herself from around Tara and blinked at the 'low battery' sign flashing across the dim screen.

Staring, dumbly, as if her mind couldn't function properly while away from the slumbering figure underneath the blanket, it took Willow a minute or two to plug her laptop in. She chanced a tempting look back at the bed, but the allure of her email pulled her away. After deleting the spam mail that her software hadn't caught, the redhead's attention lingered on a specific email title. Final confirmation. She grinned as she read the screen and her mood brightened instantly when she sent her reply of thanks to the sender.

In her sleep, Tara turned fully onto her back, breathing softly as her hand slid underneath her lover's pillow. Still glowing, Willow quickly kissed her partner and quietly left the room in search of breakfast.

A note from Buffy, attached to the counter, said that she and Faith would open the restaurant to give them extra 'snuggle time', so Willow didn't worry too much about being late. However, when her eyes lowered to the 'I need a favor,' written at the bottom and a smiley face with its tongue circling the word 'favor', the redhead frowned. Her brain went over every possible favor the blonde could want and her frown grew at each one.

After twenty minutes of scrounging through the kitchen, Willow settled on toast, juice and a smile. Since the tenants were hardly home during the past week, the refrigerator was quite bare and wheat toast and apple juice was the only edible items, which didn't require culinary skills. Balancing the plate and glass as she perfected her smile, Willow returned only to find that Tara was still asleep. Or was she?

Blue eyes snapped shut when Willow entered the room, although not before catching the redhead's surprise. Evening her breathing to make it appear as if she were asleep, Tara waited for her girlfriend to set the food on the table, and gently rolled halfway onto her side. When Willow's back was to her, she quickly brushed the hair away from her neck, leaving the expanse of skin for her lover to view. But Willow did more than view, especially when Tara felt soft, slightly wet, lips kiss her throat.

Willow felt a moan rumble against her mouth and smiled into her partner's neck. From the small tremble in the blonde's frame and the groan that followed, she knew that Tara wasn't asleep. Her theory was proved with another kiss and the blonde, subtly, tilting her head back onto the pillow.

"Are you awake?" Willow asked, quietly. When Tara didn't respond, a sneaky grin teased Willow's lips and she pulled away. "I guess I'll go take my shower then," she whistled as she began collecting her things.

Spurred by Willow's voice, the blonde shivered as her nipples tightened under the blanket. Regardless of the fact that her body had a mind of its own, Tara stuck to her plan and kept her eyes shut.

"Ever notice how things just…harden, when there's a breeze," Willow went on speaking to herself as she grabbed a towel from her closet. With her back turned, she grinned and thought that she could actually hear Tara's toes curl.

"Oh well, I guess a nice, hot shower will take care of that," she finished in a singsong voice, moving toward the door.

"Don't you dare leave this room." A sensuous voice stopped her within the doorway.

"Oh, you're awake." Willow glanced over her shoulder, eyebrows rising in mock surprise.

"I'm more than that," Tara snorted, wearing nothing but shorts and a lazy smile as she threw back the covers. Since plan A was officially a bust, the blonde decided to try a different method as she directed a smiling Willow into the bathroom, leaving behind the forgotten toast and juice.

The couple arrived at work slightly later than usual and although Willow had rushed her partner through the door, Anya was hot on their trail before she could lock it.

"Hello everybody," she called, brightly. "I didn't have the chance to come by yesterday, so I thought I'd stop in today."

Anya ignored the comment as her gaze settled on Faith and the apron the brunette was wearing. "They got you too, huh?" She shook her head and clicked her tongue in disappointment. "So where do you hide the string bean pods, anyway?" The blonde looked toward the kitchen before glancing at Willow. "I know they're back there somewhere."

"Would you like to see them?" Faith asked with a sinister grin, mentally sizing the annoying girl and knowing that the closet would fit her.

"Honey, please don't frighten away our only customer," Buffy said, leaning against the door. "And yes, you are paying this time." The cook added as she looked back to Anya.

"That's right, I am your only customer," Anya nodded, jutting her chin out and ignoring the rest of Buffy's statement. "So be nice or there'll be no tip for you," she wiggled her finger at the new employee.

"You're just a regular ball of sunshine, aren't you?" Faith shook her head as she began taking chairs down from atop the tables.

"What can we get you, Anya?" Tara quickly cut in, breaking her silence for the first time. When Anya held her tongue, took a seat and began frowning over the menu, Tara knew what was to come and settled in the seat across from her.

"What are you plotting now?" Willow asked once business had calmed down a bit. She leaned against the back kitchen counter, keeping an eye out front as Buffy smiled at her.

"Right," the redhead smirked, "so what's the favor? I don't have to sell anything, do I?" She raised a curious eyebrow.

"No," Buffy chuckled at a distant memory. "But I was wondering…well, you see..." she saw the 'I can't wait to hear this' expression on Willow's face. "Do you, by any chance, have any special plans for the weekend?"

Willow frowned, expecting to hear something beginning with 'well, I have this idea', which in the past, had been followed by a call to her parents.

"Something that, uh, requires, oh I don't know...," Buffy went on, lowering her voice, "me having the house to myself?" She plastered a cheesy grin to her face, hoping to persuade her best friend.

"The entire weekend?" Willow grinned and mischievously poked the blonde's shoulder. "And why, may I ask, would you need the house for the entire weekend?" She asked, holding back her laughter when she saw the cook's expression.

"No reason." Buffy knew that her friend could read her face like an open book and fought the urge to turn away. But she did turn and her gaze landed on the small window and the brunette hunched over the table, seemingly fighting sleep.

Willow followed the movement. "Well, Tara and I had planned to have a smorgasbord, you know, with different flavored ice creams and old romance films...."

"Uh huh." Buffy's eyes remained on the window. Faith's nodding head slipped from her hand and the suddenly alert brunette looked around to see if anyone had noticed.

"…and then we were going to paint our toenails and have a tea party on the front lawn." The redhead watched for her friend's expression, "Which reminds me, I accidentally turned your favorite sweater orange, but it's nothing bleach won't get out."

"Right." Buffy's eyes glazed over as she watched Faith stretch. Her head titled to the side to catch the curve as her girlfriend's breast strained against her T-shirt.

"Yeah." The cook blinked, "Wait, what? No, we…no. Did you answer my question?" Completely lost, Buffy turned toward her friend who smiled knowingly.

"You won't hear from us the whole weekend," Willow promised. "Well, except if the house burns down. But then, the phone might catch fire too, so you won't actually 'hear' from us."

"I get it," Buffy smiled thankfully, "so you're just going to hangout at Tara's place?"

"I've made plans, yes," Willow bit back her secret grin. Her plans didn't exactly involve Tara's place, well not unless they got caught up like that morning, but it would only be for a few hours.

"I know that look," the blonde smirked, "that's your 'I'm being sneaky' look. Spill." She hopped onto the counter, careful of the stove.

"It is, isn't it." Willow giggled, smugly. "But I won't spill just yet, I don't wanna curse anything." The redhead mentally went over her plans, "Although, when we get back, I'll give you the child friendly version of my sneakiness but only if you spill too. How's that?"

"Sounds good." Buffy nodded, her own plan formulating in her mind when Willow left.

Willow wheeled the car around Tara's apartment block like a demon, barely slowing enough for the speed bumps. When the vehicle came to a screech along the sidewalk that led to the blonde's apartment, Tara released her grip on the cushioned seat.

Glancing from the entrance to Willow, Tara looked at her partner expectantly. "Aren't you coming in?" She frowned, watching the redhead's eyes dart around several times without holding her gaze for more than a second.

"No, I, uh," Willow hesitated, knowing that if she saw Tara's eyes, her resolve would crumble. And so would one of the important parts of her plan. "I have some, um, things to take care of. Errands and…stuff."

"Willow, are you all right?" Worry creased the blonde's forehead as she leaned in, cradling her girlfriend's head so that Willow would look at her. "I-If I did something w-wrong, j-just tell me."

Willow inwardly cursed herself at the sound of Tara's stutter, and found herself mirroring the other girl's position. "Absolutely not," she used her thumbs to smooth the frown on the blonde's lips, "There are just some things I forgot to do around the house. It's not you, honestly."

Accepting the redhead's kiss, Tara's fears disappeared but her curiosity remained. "What kind of things?" She smiled, hoping to charm the answer from her partner. Willow's strangeness during the past twenty four hours had bothered her but Tara didn't press, knowing that the redhead would eventually tell her. Or so she hoped.

"Things that I need to do before tomorrow," Willow chuckled nervously, "you know that I'm always lazy on Fridays."

"Mm-hmm," the blonde hummed in mock agreement. "Well then," she sighed, working a small pout onto her face, "I guess that I'll go," the pout deepened. "Are sure I can't persuade you?" A lazy finger ran up Willow's thigh and the redhead tensed, though not in fear.

Tara looked as if she were about to protest but shrugged instead. "Okay." She kissed Willow's cheek and pulled back to exit the car. Before her foot touched the ground, the blonde felt herself reeled back and into a real kiss.

"I'll call you," her lover whispered against her lips. Tara nodded and stepped from the car, leaning through the window for a final goodbye.

Grinning while savoring the taste of Willow, Tara backed up onto the sidewalk and turned to leave.

"Tara, wait," Willow called and the blonde's hopes flared. Skipping back to the car, she expectantly leaned through again. "How good are you with directions?"

"Are you serious?" The disbelief on Tara's face was priceless when Willow nodded. Blinking, it took the blonde a minute to wrap her mind around the question. "I'm okay, I g-guess. Why?"

The blonde resisted the urge to childishly stomp her foot as she watched the car disappear down the street. Her girlfriend's question wasn't the first for that day, in fact, Willow had been asking her random questions all day. Making her way up the sidewalk, Tara dismissed her thoughts. It was probably nothing, anyway.

"What are you doing down there?" Sipping on a soda, Buffy glanced down into the poorly lit room.

"Looking for…hey, these are my skates." A single white and red skate rolled near the bottom of the stairs.

"You didn't know how to use them." A sputtered response came from the top before shoes clacked against the basement steps. Buffy sat on the last two steps, watching her unnaturally energetic friend run back and forth across the room unloading her arms into a large pile on the floor. "Hey, that's my Scooby flashlight."

"You don't know how to use it," Willow mumbled through a blanket that covered her face. Flashlights, blankets, sleeping bags, and a large inflatable tent lay in a big pile as the redhead ran back to rummage for other useful items.

"Someone's going camping," Buffy's head danced from side to side, speaking in a singsong voice as Willow ran back across the room

"Something like that, yes." The redhead grinned, dropping dusty candles into the pile.

"Wait, you're not gonna be camping out in the backyard, are you?" Panicked eyes moved back and forth, dizzily watching her best friend.

"No," Willow snorted. Both girls heaved a sigh of relief, although Willow's was more because she was finished. "I'll be completely away from the house," she smiled, "which means you can make all the noise you want." The redhead winked.

Friday morning came quickly for Willow and incredibly slow for Tara. The couple spent three hours on the phone the previous night, and only ended the conversation when yawns replaced words.

After a brief morning call to her partner, Willow hustled around the room, throwing clothes into separate overnight bags. The few items, which Tara had brought over to her house, worked out perfectly, especially since the redhead was packing as less clothing as possible. Tossing the two light bags down the stairs, Willow grabbed a book and two, large rolled up sheets of paper before heading out.

Several hours later, Tara watched her girlfriend usher a couple out of the door, smiling as she did so.

"Closing time." The redhead happily announced as she flipped the 'open' sign around. "C'mon people, this place is not gonna clean itself." Willow virtually bounced around the restaurant as she began cleaning.

"Ready?" Willow asked. After a shower and small nibbles from their dinner and each other, the couple found themselves seated in the redhead's car.

"Where are we going?" Tara asked for the third time and just as the other times she received only a grin. "Yes." The blonde answered, looking around the car for any signs of their destination.

Lucky for Willow, the redhead was able to get rid of the evidence by stuffing everything into her trunk. She watched Tara scan every item for clues and tried to look nonchalant when the disappointed blonde gazed at her with interest.

Stretches of highway flashed by as the car merged easily with the evening traffic. Tara remembered making a date to go to the beach that weekend, but the direction that the driver was taking was off. The blonde kept making sideways glances at her girlfriend but Willow stared ahead, seemingly emotionless.

Unknown to the passenger, it took every ounce of Willow's strength to not laugh or break down and tell Tara everything. The furtive, yet curious glances continued for the next two hours until the car slowed just outside a large expanse of trees.

Pulling her coat tighter around her body, Tara stood outside the car and waited. Willow came around the car with her hands full of items. Wordlessly, the redhead handed a large flashlight, a pocket-sized dictionary, and a map to her girlfriend.

"The map is in English but the clues are in Latin," Willow answered, indirectly. "Don't worry they're easy to follow. And look," she unrolled the hand-drawn map, "if you want to cheat, it's all on the back." Giving her partner a kiss, the redhead started back to the car.

"You're just going to leave me out here in the wilderness?" Tara asked, unbelieving.

"It's a scavenger hunt, Baby," Willow shook her head as she got into the car. "You didn't think I'd make it that easy, did you?" Unknown to Tara, the rented cabin was actually less than seven minutes away and the woods weren't as large as they appeared. The Latin clues were only meant to give the redhead extra time. "Where's your sense of adventure?"

Willow giggled and shook her head, "I'll see you in oh," she checked her watch, "an hour tops." The redhead quickly got into the car, not looking back as her shaking body barely repressed her laughter.

"Wait…what if I get eaten by a bear?" Hearing the shout, Willow finally cracked as the car continued down the rocky path.

The dark cabin just beyond a small expanse of forest, stood secluded under the clearing. It wasn't an extremely cold night but Willow pulled her coat tighter around her body, breathing evenly, her breath steamed in the thin air. She sighed happily, surveying the exterior before taking a closer look inside.

Within the cabin, everything was as she remembered. Right down to the slow, whining creak of the front door to the stick-figure sketches she carved into the wooden floor years ago. The peaceful wooden oasis had always been apart of her life since she could remember. And although the cabin didn't technically belong to her and her family, she owned the memories.

After five years of being away, it felt good to be 'home'. It was the only place she'd ever felt safe. Before her parents countless business trips, her own responsibilities, and the numerous and often mundane obstacles in life, there was always 'home'.

In the distance, a small rabbit ran across the clearing, shaking the redhead from her thoughts. Tara would be arriving soon. She smiled at the thought of sharing the special place with the blonde. The cabin owner, who was also her silent accomplice and family friend, was responsible for the placement of each clue, and Willow just hoped that everything was perfect for Tara.

After a final look around and making sure that there was running water and the other necessities needed, Willow began preparing for her lover's arrival.

Tara looked over her shoulder for the third time since Willow left. She wasn't expecting the redhead to come back, but she still couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Realizing that she was disappearing deeper into the woods and had yet to glance at her map, the blonde came to a stop long enough to read and translate her first clue. The good news was that she was heading in the right direction, but had already passed the first X on the map.

The blonde turned to stare through the dark path she had just taken. "To walk with wings," she whispered into the night air. Subconsciously her mind went over every winged animal that could possibly be waiting for her less than thirty feet away. Taking a much needed breath to calm herself, Tara started back down the path.

Think happy thoughts. Think Willow thoughts. Tara told herself as her surroundings took on an eerie calm. She could handle crickets, birds, or even the sound of furry creatures communicating in the distance, but silence? Moving slowly along the path, the blonde came to a stop in front of a large tree.

Juggling her map, the flashlight and pocket-sized book, the blonde stared, stupidly, at the huge tree. Blue eyes skimmed over the map then focused back on the tree. She was standing in the right place but something was definitely missing.

A breeze blew through the trees, leaving small branches groaning and scrapping against each other. Tara cautiously looked over her shoulder before using her foot to spread out the dirt. Finding nothing, she hesitantly glanced around the tree on each side.

Knowing that it was borderline insane to be searching for unusual attachments on a tree, the blonde stepped back and once again read her clue. Biting her lip, Tara checked the tree a second time, stopping when her eyes turned upward.

What began as a frown rose into a smile before dropping into a look of disbelief, mainly at her own stupidity. Hanging from a low branch, a few inches above her normal eyesight, a row of beautifully colored butterfly pendants hung from a yellow thread.

The ornament, which looked handmade, swung gently within the wind as Tara smiled up at it. After unraveling the string, the blonde tied it to her belt loop. She wasn't exactly sure what the significance of the item was, or even if there was one, but she did know that she was one step closer to her lover.

Willow flung another burnt match into the old fireplace where it joined a half-dozen other worn matches. Huffing in frustration, the redhead grabbed another match, rearranged the firewood a second time and tried again.

After two more tries the wood finally caught fire, popping as the flame grew. Willow smiled in triumph, leaning back on her heels as she surveyed her work. Checking her watch, a chill of excitement ran through her body. Moving her attention to the large cooler she had brought with her, her thoughts drifted to chocolate-y places as she unpacked enough items for the night.

Tara smiled down at the small lavender-colored book in her hands. Hoping that her rusty translation was correct, the blonde ran her fingers over the cover and smiled once. Although it was a simple book, she was overjoyed with the idea of adding her and Willow's memories to the blank pages.

The wind picked up, creating a spiral of leafs that blew gently across the ground and removed Tara from her daydream. Cradling the scrapbook in her arm, the blonde grinned to herself as she started back on the path. A squirrel hurried up a nearby tree, its small feet scraping against the bark. All around her, Tara could hear the slight sounds of animals scurrying through bushes, searching for havens they could use to protect themselves from silent pursuers.

Humming lightly, Tara traced a finger over the map, her lips curving when she noticed that the next clue was straight ahead toward the end of the hand-drawn trail. She had a feeling that she was making good time and wordlessly congratulated herself. Quickening her pace, the blonde drew closer to her third and final clue.

Willow paused her gathering of small flowers as her senses reacted to a familiar earthy smell. Frowning and thinking that it couldn't possibly be what she thought it was, the redhead looked upward. What little clouds she could see had gathered over the trees, bunching as a dreaded rumble echoed across the sky. Her surroundings had quieted, signaling that whatever creatures were lurking beyond the wooden porch had taken refuge. It also told Willow that Tara was near.

No sooner than she saw the faint glow of light shining through the trees, had a single raindrop splashed on her eyelash. Quickly yet quietly, the redhead hurried up the steps to add the final preparations.

Tara felt a fat drop of water land on her arm and gazed up as her feet continued moving. When her eyes lowered, she froze and took in the sight before her. Along the path that she had been following, dozens of flowers aligned each side. Unaware, or perhaps uncaring, of the rain falling from above, the blonde picked up one of the blue wild flowers and twirled the stem between her fingers as she edged around the walkway and up the stairs.

Blue eyes sparkled once they landed on the cabin's interior. Untying the string from her jeans and placing it along with the book and other items onto a nearby chair, Tara glanced around the front room. The firewood crackled, illuminating the room and feeling it with warmth. Before she could further examine her surroundings, the sound of running water directed the blonde's attention toward the short hallway to her left.

Willow checked the water's temperature one last time before switching the hot water to off. As she looked up, her eyes found those of Tara's who was leaning against the doorframe clad in her damp clothing and smelling of fresh rain. With the flower still between her fingers, Tara bit her lip to stop the tears that threatened to spill over rapidly blinking eyes. Steam rose from the half full bathtub as red and yellow rose petals floated against fluffy bubbles. Pulling her eyes from the tub, she watched as her girlfriend silently rose to her feet, dropping her thick cotton robe in the process.

The blonde didn't need a dictionary to know what Willow's eyes were clearly saying.

Tara stretched, blinking rabidly as the last images of her dream fell away. As she moved to get up, the sleeping redhead beside her grumbled and clutched her waist tight. Willow mumbled again but smiled in her sleep when Tara ran a single finger over her mouth and lightly kissed her lips. Thinking about the night before, the blonde grinned at Willow's romantic thoughtfulness. After sharing their bath, the couple had been too exhausted to do anything but cuddle in front of the fire.

Bare feet thumped lightly against the cold wooden floor. The sun had yet to come up but tiny shadows of light flickered in the sky, signaling its coming arrival. While Willow slept, Tara used the opportunity to look around the small cabin. Oak cabinets and bookcases aligned the walls on both sides, some empty and others full of books and small knickknacks. Tara lazily ran her hand along the polished surfaces as she walked along the narrow hallway.

Stopping in front of the main fireplace, the blonde gazed upward, her gentle eyes regarding the large quilt that hung from the wall above the brass and brick frame. Tara couldn't guess its age but knew it was older than she was. The pattern and bright color gave life to the otherwise solid coloring of the room. After a final glance around the different areas of the cabin, Tara checked on Willow before quietly walking into the kitchen. While water boiled for tea, the blonde decided to investigate Willow's bag of goodies half-hidden beneath the table.

"The sun is coming up." The soft whisper tickled the short hairs below Willow's ear. Lips brushed against her cheek and the redhead slowly remembered where she was as she opened her eyes.

Tara smoothed a wisp of hair behind her partner's ear. She loved the fresh brightness of Willow's eyes in the morning. Swirling rivers of green swimming around pieces of burning amber, her lover's eyes were magnificent.

"Mmm," Willow sat up, smiling gratefully when Tara handed her a warm glass cup. Cradling the cup in her hands, the redhead inhaled the relaxing aroma and leaned over to kiss her girlfriend.

"Up." Tara said, offering her hand to Willow when the kiss ended. Her partner looked up at her questioningly but groggily rose to her feet. Retrieving the blanket, the blonde wrapped the thick comforter around their shoulders as they helped each other through the front door.

The porch creaked once then rested under their weight. Arriving in time to watch the last colors burst into the sky, the drowsy couple settled down onto the steps. Looking upward, the dark orangish purple hue of the clouds resembled spilt raspberry juice mixed with slices of mango.

Frosted with morning dew, the grass glistened against the dark wooden steps that had dried overnight. Birds chirped, calling home distant mates as both women sipped their tea in comfortable silence. The soothing heat warmed their bodies, melting away dawn's chill and spreading through their veins like fire.

Streams of cloudy light broke through red and green leafs, finding its place across the planes of Tara's face. While Tara looked up, Willow admired the beauty of her lover. The blonde's golden wheat hair hung in disarray but was flawless to Willow's eyes. Small pieces blew against the strong curve of Tara's jaw before resting in the smooth hollow of the blonde's collarbone.

"I love you." Willow wasn't aware that her lips had moved until Tara returned the gesture with a kiss, mumbling 'I love yous' against the redhead's mouth.

Tara crawled up the bed and snuggled close into Willow's shoulder as the redhead fingered the string of the pendants she had brought back last night.

"I made this when I was eight." Willow smiled, twisting the string around her thumb. "I would always tie it to my hair and call myself the Forest Princess."

"It's beautiful." Tara nuzzled the redhead's neck and laced her fingers with her girlfriend's free hand. "And you're beautiful," she added, imagining Willow dressed in a barely masking leaf bikini.

Grinning at the blushing redhead, Tara reached across to the bedside table and grabbed the blank scrapbook. "So what should we add first, hmm?" Eyes twinkling, she watched Willow nibble on her bottom lip.

"Do you promise not to laugh?" Willow asked as she fiddled with the corner of the first page. Her lover nodded and used a finger to playfully cross over her heart. "Tara, I'm serious," the redhead pouted although her lips curled into a smile.

"Okay, um, well I thought we could both add something of our own and then later, you know, add stuff that is special to us as a couple. It doesn't have to be anything, like, really big but-."

"Sweetie, that's a wonderful idea. Why would I have laughed at that?" The blonde asked and received a shrug of uncertainty.

"Of course not. Is this what you're adding?" Tara collected the ornament that had slid from Willow's lap and down unto the blanket.

"Yeah, I thought that since I've had it for so long it would be good to put it in the book." Willow peeled one of the thin corners back and carefully pushed the string and pendants down until it reached the bottom. "What are you adding?" She turned toward her lover.

"I, um, didn't exactly come prepared." The blonde smiled and stopped her girlfriend when it looked as if Willow was about to speak. "But...," she paused, thinking as she left the bed. "I have an idea." Tara disappeared into the main room, returning with the flower she had collected from the yard last night. "We can use this until I find something. Deal?"

"Deal." Willow nodded, using her hand to smooth over the plastic and the flower beneath it. "Are you hungry?" She asked as she returned the scrapbook to the table.

"Hmm, maybe just a little," Tara admitted and lazily ran a hand over her stomach.

Jumping to her feet and offering her hand to her girlfriend, Willow led the way to the kitchen, talking as they walked. "How about we eat and then I can take you on a mini tour of the area." The blonde nodded eagerly and began setting the table.

It was past breakfast time and bordering on one in the afternoon. Neither woman was exactly sure where the time went but looked forward to making the best of the day, so after finishing their lunch, the couple dressed and headed out into the forest.

"And this is where I almost died." Willow pointed to another tree as she and Tara walked along the grassy pathway. "Oh, oh, I nearly died over there too," the redhead's finger moved toward another tree several feet away. "And there," she pointed again, "I've had a lot of near death experiences," she nodded then noticed the amused look on her girlfriend's face. "What?"

"Okay, well, it might not have been near death but to a six-year old a scratch is a pretty big deal. I have the scars to prove it," Willow frowned as her lover pulled her along.

"I know. I was messing with you, please continue," the blonde said, smiling when Willow launched into another one of her near death stories.

An hour later, after circling the area twice, the couple was sprinting back to the cabin. Well, Tara was sprinting and Willow was wheezing somewhere behind the blonde. It had been Willow's idea to race her girlfriend back to the cabin and because she knew the area better, the redhead figured that she would win. She never counted on Tara leaving her in the dust, literally.

"I just...I need to...yeah," the redhead promptly collapsed on the porch steps. Exhaling deeply and feeling overheated as her legs threatened to give out from under her, Willow closed her eyes. When she opened them again, Tara was smiling above her with two glasses of water.

While her partner eagerly swallowed gulps of water, Tara relaxed into a hammock hanging nearby.

"I want a rematch," Willow stumbled over and into the empty space beside the blonde. The hammock sunk, forming to the curve of their bodies as they lay back.

"Willow, honey, you were walking. That hardly calls for a rematch." Tara took a sip from her water before reaching forward to set the glass on the ground.

"No...I was power-walking," the redhead smiled guiltily. Tara playfully rolled her eyes before growing more serious.

"I don't think I've thanked you yet," she gestured around her, "for all of this." Leaning in to whisper into Willow's ear, the blonde's lips grazed the skin beneath the redhead's ear. "Thank you." Her lips connected softly before Willow turned and captured her mouth.

Savoring the kiss awhile longer, the two women smiled as they separated. "So what should we do now?" Willow asked, raising a teasing eyebrow.

"How about we take a quick shower," the blonde traced over the slope of her girlfriend's jaw with her finger, "and then you can show me those scars." In an instant, Tara's eyes had darkened.

The redhead gulped and squeaked a loud, "Okay." With renewed energy, she hastily climbed out of the hammock. "Just let me do something really quick, okay?" Tara smiled, nodding as Willow disappeared into the cabin.

Tara reached the steps, already looking forward to her shower and the comfortable bed when Willow reemerged carrying something large, blue and folded neatly. "What is that?" She stopped in the doorway as her girlfriend walked past her and into the yard.

"C'mon, Tara, we can't sleep in the wilderness without actually, well...sleeping in the wilderness," the redhead began inflating the tent.

"Wh-...bu-," sputtering, the blonde looked into the cabin and then back at Willow.

"We can open a window." Incredulous, Tara frowned as Willow walked toward her with her hands behind her back. Her girlfriend simply stared at her, green eyes smoldering under the sun. Tara stepped forward, leaning in to kiss Willow, and possibly persuade her, but found her lips meeting air.

Willow moved back with a smirk and Tara's eyes scanned her figure before moving over to the tent. The blonde stared, blinked, then drifted off into another unmoving stare.

"Okay, so...maybe it isn't such a bad idea." She shrugged, verbally convincing herself even though she was already sold.

Main What's New Fiction by Author Fiction by Pairing eBooks

Subject Index Submissions Gallery Forums Links Awards Contact Us

If you find problems on these pages please email your host.

Food For Thought

by Onyxsundrops

Copyright © 2003

Onyxsundrops1@yahoo.com