Rising from the Wreckage

Disclaimer: The characters and show all belong to Joss Whedon, Fox, Mutant Enemy, Kuzui, et al. No copyright infringement was intended. The storyline, however, is the sole property of the author. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.

Summary: Willow and Tara have a birthday surprise for Buffy.

"An electric back massager?" Tara arched her eyebrow in amused dismay at Willow's suggestion. "I dunno..."

"Okay," Willow lamented as she stirred the marinara sauce for the lasagna, "it was the best idea I could think of on short notice. Two weeks ago I wasn't sure I'd even be in town for Buffy's birthday anyway."

Tara heard the faint tinge of regret in Willow's voice, and instinctively stood behind her, slowly wrapping her arm around Willow's waist. "I'm just glad you came home, honey. I'm so glad you're back."

Willow turned her head to regard her lover with a smile and a kiss. "Me too, babe, me too." Reaching up with her finger, Willow tenderly traced the fading red mark where her cheek had been cut three days earlier. Tara had said little concerning her ordeal in Spike's crypt, and Willow and Buffy chose not to pressure her into talking about it. She had said that Faith had released her, but wasn't sure exactly why. She also revealed something she had overheard, a heated debate between Faith, Spike and Warren, regarding the blue disk that Buffy had found earlier in the week. Something about the 'First Gift of Exodus.'

When Willow thought about what Faith and Spike had subjected Tara to, anger had flared like a harbernero pepper lodged in her esophagus. But it was a pale ember compared to the white-hot hatred that surged through Buffy. When she had informed Buffy about her abduction, it was all that Tara could do to bodily restrain the Slayer from charging out the door as she vowed bloody vengeance on the rogue Slayer and the punk vampire. Buffy was intent on putting them down like mad dogs, but one look into Tara's pleading eyes convinced her to cool her head and her heels. Tara assured her that she was well, and that charging into the enemy's camp without a plan of action would be folly. Once again, Buffy had mused, Tara had taken on the role of the peacemaker, the voice of reason. And once again, Tara had surprised Buffy with the strength of will she demonstrated under such agonizing conditions.

Still, the kidnapping incident drove home to Willow how precious the love she held for both Buffy and Tara was, and how fragile any happiness could be, especially near the Hellmouth. She and Tara had privately resolved that night to do whatever it took to bring Buffy into their hearts and into their bed.

Turning away from Tara reluctantly, she lifted a wooden spoon to her lips to taste the sauce. She then offered the spoon to Tara, who still kept her arms around Willow's taut waist and sipped at the spoon.

Willow tossed in a handful of freshly chopped basil and stirred as she pondered her current dilemma. "You're right, of course. An electric back massager isn't the best idea for a birthday gift for Buffy. Especially since..." she stalled for a moment, a sexy smile playing on her lips.

Tara nodded, her own smile matching Willow's. "Especially since the three of us are in love with each other. Yeah. Unfortunately Hallmark doesn't cover polyamorous relationships."

"Oh, I dunno," Willow giggled. "I saw a few at the grocery store the other day that said 'Happy birthday from the both of us'. Just not quite intimate enough for our purposes."

"My point exactly," Tara purred, leaning against Willow's back. The gentle pressure of Tara's breasts on her back, even fully clothed, never failed to ignite a fire in Willow's body. Tara leaned forward and placed her lips on Willow's ear, kissing and nibbling. "Okay, first we put the lasagna together, then sock it into the fridge before we bake it tonight. Then we'll head over to the mall and find a gift for her." She kissed Willow's earlobe lightly, sending shivers down Willow's neck. "We need to give Buffy something special, Willow," she whispered. "Something to let her know that she will always be loved."

"Yeah," Willow nodded, leaning back into Tara's body. She closed her eyes, daydreaming of Buffy's face, particularly her lips. "Tara?"

"Like in bed, Tara. I plan on finding out soon enough, y'know, I just wanted to know what to expect."

Tara pursed her lips for a moment, lost in a sweet memory of her brief tryst with the Slayer. "Actually, Will, I'm not entirely sure."

Willow's brows shot up in surprise. Turning around within the circumference of Tara's arms, Willow faced her lover, a questing look in her eyes. "I thought that you two had..." she struggled to find the right words.

"Done the deed?" Tara volunteered, smiling as Willow's face suddenly matched her hair. Her heart always melted whenever she made Willow blush. "Truth to tell, Buffy and I only went part of the way."

"I shit you not," Tara smiled sweetly, but there was no disguising the passion smoldering in her eyes. She leaned toward Willow, her lips straying against the redhead's. "Buffy and I only made it to third base. As in petting below the waist, and some nipple suckage."

"Oh, nipple suckage," Willow growled quietly, whispering against Tara's mouth. She planted a soft trail of faint kisses from Tara's lips to her left ear, leaving a sweet warm path in her wake. "Yours or hers?"

"Hers," Tara answered, melting into Willow's embrace. "She has the sweetest breasts, honey. Soft and firm, large but not too voluptuous, with the cutest pink nipples. Almost a pale coral." Tara's hands found their way under Willow's shirt and began tracing lazy circles on her back.

"Hey, I've seen her naked before, y'know," Willow purred, thoroughly enjoying Tara's ministrations. "I used to be her roomie, remember? Of course, that was before I considered the possibility of jumping her bones."

"Trust me, Willow," Tara giggled, as her hands traveled lower down Willow's back and toward her derriere, "her bones are definitely jumpable. And she's such a good kisser, babe, so passionate, so loving...mmm," Tara hummed with pleasure as Willow's hands trailed down her shoulders and cupped her breasts. "And her lips were so sweet, so soft-" She lost the power of speech as Willow's lips sought her own, melding into a searing kiss.

The incessant buzz of the kitchen timer interrupted their tryst, and Willow reluctantly pried herself away from Tara's arms and reduced the heat under the marinara sauce. "Whew," she sighed, partly from relief that she didn't burn the sauce, and partly from arousal from Tara's touches. "That tears it," she vowed silently. "Tonight, after the birthday party, we do not let Buffy go to bed alone!"

"There's a good idea for a birthday gift," Tara agreed, smiling wickedly. "Between the two of us, we give her the best sex she's ever had."

"From what she's told me about Riley," Willow nodded, "that won't be difficult."

Tara's eyes turned toward the floor as she sat down at the breakfast table. "If we can only convince her to let us love her. I mean, we've kissed, we've cuddled, we've opened up about our love for each other, but she's still a little skittish about crossing that line."

Willow nodded knowingly at her lover. "You mean sex? Well, she's been burned before. With her past relationships, with Angel, Riley, especially with-" she cringed as she spat out the name, "Spike. All her past lovers either betrayed her or just left her."

"We'd never do that," Tara answered vehemently. "I love you both so much. I desire you both. And I know you want her as much as I do."

Willow walked back to where Tara was sitting and wrapped her again in her arms. "You know that," Willow smiled as she nipped Tara's ear. "And I know that. And tonight, Buffy's gonna know that."

Tara smirked slightly as she recognized the earthy tones that suffused Willow's voice, the sexual energy that made her skin positively glow. "You have a plan then, Willow?"

"Ooh yeah," Willow growled as she maneuvered her face toward Tara's for another kiss. "And it's hella better than an electric back massager."

The birthday party was in full swing, and for once in Buffy's life free of any unpleasant incidents. Xander and Anya brought the wine ("Congratulations on your newfound ability to be tried as an adult," Anya greeted her sweetly as she entered the house) and gave her a gift card for the local video rental place. Giles presented her with a copper bracelet that he claimed was a good luck charm that had been passed down from his grandfather to his father to himself, and Tara confirmed that the bracelet possessed a faint aura of benevolent magic, perhaps a mild protection spell.

Dawn's gift was next, and she grinned knowingly as Buffy tore the red tissue paper off of the shoebox. Buffy opened the box, revealing a black leather fanny-pack. "It's just the right size for your stakes and a few vials of holy water," Dawn dimpled proudly as Buffy held the pack, "and check this out," she added, pointing to a Celtic Cross embroidered on the front of the pack in metallic blue-silver thread.

"It's nice, Dawnie," Buffy smiled, admiring the cross image, "but I don't know if just sewing a cross onto the pack will make it vamp- proof."

"Maybe," Dawn demurred slightly. "That's why I hedged my bet and asked Father Brown over at St. Francis of Assisi to bless the pack for me."

Giles crooked an eyebrow toward Dawn. "Hmm, very clever, Dawn. No vampire or demon could withstand the touch of a blessed object."

"Yeah," Dawn smiled, "I got the idea from watching Kevin Smith's 'Dogma.' George Carlin played that idiot priest who blessed his own golf clubs."

Buffy leaned forward and kissed her sister's forehead, causing Dawn to squirm slightly at the display of affection. "Thanks Dawnie," she said happily. "I know I'll be able to use this."

Buffy picked up the box with the names Willow and Tara on the tag, having saved it for last. Willow and Tara sat on either side of Buffy as she opened the gift. Willow felt a slight surge of anxiety, hoping that the Slayer didn't find their gift for her to be overly sentimental. Tara glanced at Willow for a second, her familiar and welcome gaze having its usual calming effect on Willow's nerves. Tara had assured Willow repeatedly that Buffy would enjoy her gift.

Buffy tore gently at the wrapping paper, lifted the lid, and marveled at the golden filigree heart locket inside. "Wow, guys," Buffy breathed, "this is beautiful." She opened the locket, revealing two small photographs. The photo on the left showed Tara with Buffy, both in swimsuits. Buffy remembered that day; the Scooby Gang had taken to the beach and enjoyed a rare day of relaxation before Buffy, Willow and Tara had started their sophomore year of college. The other photo was taken from a photo-booth at the mall, during their junior year at high school, the two of them exchanging a chaste kiss. Buffy smiled as she remembered her and Willow goofing off as the camera clicked their pictures.

"This is lovely," Buffy announced joyfully, her voice thick with emotion as she took the necklace out of its box and fastened the clasp behind her neck. She admired the locket as it dangled on its chain, a lump forming in her throat. "Thanks, guys," she gushed, reaching her arms around their shoulders and pulling them into a warm shared embrace.

"Happy birthday, Buffy," Willow said gleefully, thoroughly enjoying the easy closeness she shared with her two loves. Tara nodded in agreement, also cherishing this contact. "If anyone deserves one," the blonde witch said solemnly, "it's you."

"Hear, hear," Giles agreed whole-heartedly, while Xander started to hum loudly and tunelessly a vague melody only later identified as 'Birthday' by the Beatles. When the others gaped at his performance, he shrugged his shoulders and said blankly, "Anyone can sing 'Happy Birthday to You', I wanted to be different."

"Okay guys," Buffy announced, pulling herself away from the two witches, standing up from the sofa and heading for the kitchen. She emerged with a carton of cookies'n'cream, announcing, "Who wants ice cream with their cake?"

"Me, me, me," Xander chanted, a goofy grin splitting his face. Anya rolled her eyes in bemused tolerance at her fiancé's antics, while Giles and Dawn chuckled silently. Willow and Tara simply exchanged a secret smile together. As much as they enjoyed the company of their friends, they had been biding their time, waiting for the chance to be alone with Buffy. Then, Tara thought, catching the gleam of passion in Willow's eyes and knowing her lover's expression matched her own, the real party can begin.

After about an hour of cake-eating, friendly chatting and hearty laughter, Giles sat up from his customary seat in Buffy's living room and dusted cake crumbs off of his gray slacks. "Well, I must be going home, I'm afraid. I promised myself that I would put in some research time tonight. Perhaps find some significance in these so-called Gifts of Exodus that Tara had mentioned." Approaching Buffy, he gave her a gentle, fatherly hug. "Many happy returns, Buffy."

"Thanks, Giles," Buffy answered warmly as Giles walked out the door, recognizing the emotion behind his calm exterior. Giles wasn't a man to waste emotional displays; if he gave a fatherly hug, he meant it. He had once joked that the average Brit would "rather be mugged than hugged."

As Giles departed, Willow, seeing that the party was winding down, cast a sidelong glance at Xander. "Uh, Xander," she stage-whispered, "about that-thing-we discussed earlier..."

"Ooh, right, that 'thing'," Xander nodded quietly, understanding lighting his features. "Hey, Dawn Corlione," Xander announced brightly, "how about Anya and I take you to see 'Lord of the Rings'-" Anya lifted her head suddenly, a protest forming on her lips, only to be stared down by Xander. "-and let your sister have some alone-time with Willow and Tara?" he directed this last statement to his girlfriend. Anya nodded reluctantly, her face relaxed into a resigned pout.

"Can I, Buffy?" Dawn turned to her sister, her eyes forming a silent plea. "Please, I'll be good, I promise."

"You sure about this?" Buffy asked. "I dunno, with Spike and Faith around. Especially what they did to Tara the other night..."

"Don't get too over-protective on us, honey," Tara cooed gently, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. Willow smiled in agreement, adding, "Xander can look after her, no problem." As she spoke, she set her lips in a firm line, her brow firmed and her eyes stared directly into Buffy's. This phenomenon was universally recognized by the rest of the Scooby Gang as her 'resolve face'. Buffy glanced back at Tara, only to find her features mirroring Willow's.

Sagging back into the couch, Buffy nodded, "I seem to have been outvoted." Dawn whooped gleefully, rushing to the closet to grab her coat.

"Don't worry about Dawn, Buffy," Xander assured the slayer, "I won't let her out of my sight."

Anya shrugged non-committally at his vow; as much as she enjoyed the combination of Xander and darkened movie theaters, she didn't look forward to adding Dawn to the equation. She might end up having to watch the movie for once. "As long as no one expects me to spring for popcorn," she muttered sullenly.

"Not a problem," Buffy answered. She lifted herself off the couch and reached for her purse. Fishing out a twenty, she handed the money to Dawn, saying, "Popcorn's on me. And stick to well-lit streets, okay?"

"Will do, Buffy," Dawn leaned in quickly, giving her sister a peck on the cheek. "Have fun, girls. Don't do anything I-" She looked at the three women, noticing the secret glances that Tara and Willow were giving Buffy, and reddened slightly. "Uh, on second thought, forget I said anything." With that, she followed Xander and Anya out the door.

Willow stuck her head out the door, shouting, "Oh, Xander, make sure you guys get there good and early. Dawn likes to watch the trailers."

"Who doesn't?" Xander asked as he jumped into the car. Once the two women were in with him, he turned the ignition, and the car sped off into the night.

Willow closed the door, making sure to lock and latch it behind her, then turned to Buffy and Tara. Buffy sat on the sofa, her eyes roaming over Willow's form, taking in the subtle curves of her body, admiring the way her hair shined in the dim living room lights. A gulf of silence filled the room, as three lovers each sought each other's eyes, each wished to make the first move. The atmosphere seemed to carry an electric charge. The night was pregnant with possibilities.

Tara approached Willow, taking her hand in her own, and led her to the sofa, on either side of Buffy. "So, girls," Willow grinned as her arm found its way around Buffy's shoulder. "Here we are, the three of us alone." She started to stroke Buffy's shoulder through the fabric of her blouse, hoping that Buffy would get the subtle hint and lean into her touches. Although Buffy seemed to relax under her hand, she refused to take the initiative for herself. She wanted to. Gods, she wanted to. But that same familiar fear haunted her, holding her back. So close to what she desired and she was afraid to grasp it. Afraid to lose what she had in pursuit of something more.

Tara saw that fear working behind Buffy's eyes, could practically envision her neurons firing, sending warning signals to her mind. Time to break the ice, she reasoned. "Hey, guys," Tara eased her way into the suggestion, "you know what I've always wanted to do?"

Tara smirked at the thought. "Please, just living in Sunnydale's extreme enough for me! I was thinking of something else." She paused for a beat, gauging Buffy's face for her reaction. "You guys ever play 'truth or dare'?"

Buffy's eyes widened until they were big as baseballs. "Uh, no, not me," Buffy admitted.

"Me neither," Willow added. She caught a secret signal from Tara's eyes, then added enthusiastically, "but it sounds like fun!"

Buffy glanced back and forth between the two witches, odd crooked little smiles on their faces. Tara reached out her hand to stroke Buffy's hair in slow gentle caresses. "Don't worry, honey," Tara soothed Buffy with her calming voice, "Willow and I would never do anything to make you uncomfortable. If you feel weird at any moment, just say the word and we'll stop. Okay?"

Buffy considered Tara's words, recognizing them as true. She rolled the words 'truth or dare' around in her head, tasting them, weighing them, getting used to the idea. Finally she said, "Why not?"

"Great," Willow dropped her hands in her lap, as Tara grabbed her purse and rifled through it. "Let's see," she murmured as she looked through her purse, "I know I had one in here, where-Ah, here it is," she called out triumphantly as she produced a single red die. "Okay, how do we want to do this, lowest number or highest number goes first?"

"Okay," Tara answered, "Lowest." She shook the die in her hand for a second, and threw it onto the sofa. A single white dot appeared on the top of the cube. Tara's face beamed as Willow smirked petulantly. "Looks like you go first." Willow then took the die, and rolled out a three. Buffy then rolled a four, establishing the order of turns.

"Before we go any further," Buffy suggested, "we should set up some ground rules. First, no dares involving life-threatening situations, or dangerous stunts. I mean I'm the Slayer, but you guys don't have that protection. Got it?"

"Sounds good," Tara agreed, tucking her feet under her legs in a comfortable lotus position. "Second, during the first turn, Willow challenges me, then Buffy challenges Willow and I challenge Buffy, then the second round we switch so everyone gives everyone else a challenge. Okay?" Buffy and Tara nodded their agreement.

"And one more rule," Willow offered, "if you fail to successfully answer the question or perform the dare, you have to do a double-dare in the next round. Okay?"

"Okay," Buffy and Tara chorused. "Now let's do it," Buffy turned to Willow to start the ball rolling.

Willow pursed her lips in thought for a moment, then replied; "I dare you to take your clothes off, and spend the rest of the night completely naked, except for your panties."

Buffy stifled a chuckle at the faintly scandalized expression on Tara's face. There's no way Tara's gonna go through with this, she thought to herself. No way...

Tara's shocked features melted into a sexy smile. She stood up from the sofa, gave Buffy a knowing wink, reached for the hem of her t- shirt and peeled the garment off, tossing it carelessly on the easy chair. Reaching around to her back, she unhooked her bra, which soon accompanied her shirt. Buffy and Willow stood in awe of the large firm breasts that spilled out of their confinement. She then kicked off her shoes and socks, slowly unbuttoned her fly and scooted out of her blue jeans, revealing her pale blue cotton panties. She resumed her seat, unashamed of her nakedness, a victorious smile lighting her face. For a moment, Buffy was reminded of the deli scene from 'When Harry Met Sally'. "I'll have what she's having," she quipped to Willow, who chuckled at the reference.

Both Buffy and Willow drank in the sight of the nude figure before them. Tara's breasts were larger than either Buffy's or Willow's, but were hardly like melons. They fit her frame perfectly, tipped with small firm nipples that stood out from pale brown aureoles. Her torso sloped gracefully toward the faintest vestige of a potbelly, which made her body all the more attractive to Buffy. For a brief second, Buffy had wished that Willow hadn't allowed Tara to keep her panties on; deep within her body she felt a slowly growing heat rising, and with it a desire to see Tara entirely naked.

"Uh, Buffy," a quiet, yet insistent voice jarred her out of her reverie. Buffy blinked and turned toward Tara, who smiled serenely. "Your turn to ask Willow something."

"Uh," Buffy glanced at Tara, seeing a faintly hungry turn to her lips. She gulped slightly as she turned her attention to her best friend. "Truth or dare, Willow."

Willow hummed tunelessly for a second, then said, "Truth." Tara started to make a slight clucking sound with her tongue against her palette, causing Buffy to laugh lightly as Willow's face flushed further.

Buffy crooked an eyebrow in mock-condescension, then continued; "Okay, when did you first lose your virginity?"

Willow smirked slightly and rolled her eyes. "By 'losing my virginity' are we talking about my first sexual experience, or the first time someone gave me an orgasm, or what?"

Buffy literally did a double take at Willow's question; she never heard Willow use the word 'orgasm' before. Somehow, hearing Willow talk so frankly about sex sent a slight tremor of pleasure through her thighs. Smiling, Buffy said, "For the sake of this particular discussion, loss of virginity shall be defined as penetration, and breaking of the hymen."

"Well," Willow chirped brightly, "then it was when I was five." Now Buffy gawked at Willow, her jaw wide open, while Tara squinted slightly in a dubious fashion. "I was climbing a picket fence and I slipped." Buffy winced in sympathetic pain at Willow's statement, while a part of her was disappointed that Willow's story wasn't particularly juicy.

Tara made a harsh buzzing sound with her throat. "Sorry, can't accept that one, Willow. You copped that line from 'Chasing Amy'."

"Oh, darn," Willow grimaced, angry at being discovered. "Okay, give me another question, a dare, something."

"Uh, uh, uh," Buffy grinned evilly, causing Willow to squirm in equal parts embarrassment and desire. "You'll get a double-dare during the next round. Sorry honey, we agreed on the rules."

Willow tried to scowl at Buffy but couldn't stifle the amused laughter at Buffy's sexy grin. "Hoist on my own petard," she quipped. She peered into Buffy's eyes for a second, seeing a smoldering light deep within them. Oh yes, Willow thought happily, she's so turned on by us! Tonight she's ours!

After recognizing Willow's delighted smile and the growing desire within Buffy, Tara regarded the Slayer with a challenging stare. "Buffy, truth or dare?"

Buffy considered the hungry eyes that stared at her and said somewhat timidly, "Better go with truth for now."

"Buffy," Tara asked calmly, "Before you and I made out last week, have you ever had any kind of..." she paused, seeking the apt word, "...physical experience with another woman?"

Buffy grimaced as the question was posed. She glanced back at Willow, and saw the worry that etched her brow with small ravines. "Well," she started, wringing her hands in her lap, "I've gone toe to toe with Dru more than once. And more than a few other female vamps..."

"Buffy, you're stalling," Tara quipped. "Is there something you want to share with the class?"

Buffy hung her head, measuring what she wanted to say to Tara, afraid of speaking the wrong words or conveying something that would be hurtful. Willow grasped Buffy's hand in her own, whispering in her ear, "It's okay, Buffy. You don't have to..."

"No, Will," Buffy turned toward her beloved, her eyes shining with half-formed tears. "She should know." Returning her gaze to Tara, she added, "It's just that after your abduction the other day..."

"Was it Faith?" Tara furrowed her brow, lowering her eyelids so Buffy couldn't read her eyes.

Buffy nodded sadly. "Faith. It was during my senior year at Sunnydale High when we first met her. You know about how a Slayer's called when the previous slayer dies, right?"

"When you 'died' at the Master's hands, before Xander and Angel could perform CPR, Kendra was called," Tara recited, remembering how Willow had explained the situation shortly after she first met Buffy. "And when Dru killed Kendra, Faith was called. I got that."

Buffy puffed a sigh of relief; at least she wouldn't have to explain the details of Faith's calling. "Well, when Faith first came to Sunnydale, I was kinda guarded around her. She was so uninhibited, so free, and that kinda put me off at first. She kept on me to lighten up, to 'find the fun,' and I didn't know if I could trust her, but at the same time I wanted so much to be like her. Anyway, after the Council forced Giles to 'test' me, they sent Wesley to replace him as my Watcher. I wasn't having any Watcher except Giles, though, and I rebelled in any way I could against Wes."

"The fact that he screamed like a woman didn't help his case any, either," Willow grinned showing her dimples, which helped put Tara at ease.

"That night," Buffy continued soberly, "Faith and I patrolled together, and we took on a fat vamp called Balthazar. Sort of a Jabba the Vamp. During the patrol, we hit the Bronze at one point. I wanted to just sit and relax for a moment, but Faith had other ideas. She took my hand and led me to the dance floor, and we danced together. And we were hot out there. I felt the beat hit me from the speaker system, and it ruled me. It took me over, and I surrendered to it, to her. To Faith. We gyrated close, real close, and we radiated pure sex on the floor. I looked into her eyes and saw her desire. She was a jungle cat in heat.

"After our session on the dance floor, I had to get out for some air. I ran out of the Bronze and into the nearest alley. Faith followed me, keeping close, letting my body feel her heat. She leaned into me, into my back, and the next thing I knew, her hands were inside my bra. And I didn't care. I'd have done anything to keep feeling her hands on me. I was hers, and she knew it. She started caressing me, her hands sliding lower and lower, until they started to slip beneath the top of my jeans." Buffy stopped telling her story and poured some wine into a nearby glass and took a sip.

Buffy's shoulders sagged slightly. "And then three vamps crashed the alley, and we went back on full Slayer mode. I mentally filed away what had happened in the alley for later, maybe to ask Faith why she wanted to seduce me—maybe even see if she wanted to take things further. Unfortunately, things went south that night, and-" she stalled, balling her hands into tight fists. "Faith accidentally killed someone, Allan Finch. And the next day, she had covered her tracks, erased all the evidence and acted like it didn't happen. I confronted her, and she said, 'No, you don't get it, I don't care'!" She lifted her glass, taking a deep draught of wine in one gulp. "That's when I realized that the Faith I thought I knew, the Faith I thought I wanted, was pure fiction. I saw the real Faith for the first time that morning. And I was ashamed of what she had done to me. So I never talked about it since then." Feeling Willow's hand squeeze hers, Buffy sniffed back her tears. "And I'm so sorry that I never told you before, Willow."

"Don't be, babe," Willow suddenly let go of Buffy's hand, and wrapped her arms around Buffy's shoulders, hugging her fiercely. "Just remember, you don't have to shoulder the burdens alone anymore. You've got us."

Tara leaned forward in her seat, regarding Buffy with eyes wide with concern and compassion. "She's right, Buffy. I wouldn't want to relive my run-in with Faith and Spike, but you needed to let it out."

"What is it about me and bad girls-slash-guys?" Buffy asked dejectedly. "Angel, Faith, then Spike. You'd think I'd know better by now."

"You do," Willow whispered, moving her lips up to Buffy's ear and blowing, sending shockwaves of arousal through Buffy's system. Already she could feel her panties getting moist. "You're with us now, after all, not them."

"Yeah," Buffy replied, squirming delightedly under Willow's treatment. "And the next time I see Faith, I'm gonna have words with her for what she did to you, Tara."

Tara's expression shifted; her smile faded and her brows knitted. "I don't know what her story is right now, Buffy. I'm not entirely sure whose side she's on. I don't think she knows really. I sensed something within her that night. She's at war with herself. Promise me something, Buffy, when you do see her next time, let her speak first."

Buffy clenched her jaw tightly for a second, before releasing it and shaking her head in exasperation. "Okay, Tara. Just for you, though. And Willow." Buffy, Willow and Tara sat silently for a moment, each alone in their thoughts, but as they looked into each other's eyes, they somehow communicated their hearts, in a way far more profound than simple speech.

Shaking her head to dispel the darkness of her confession, Buffy announced, "So it's round two, and I have to ask Tara now?" Willow nodded, and Buffy thought for a second. "Okay, Tara. Truth or dare?"

"Hmm," Tara pursed her lips and shrugged her shoulders, which caused her naked breasts to bob slightly, to the secret pleasure of both Buffy and Willow. "I'll go for truth this time."

Buffy thought for a second, then said, "What do you like best about making love to Willow? And I want details, Tara."

Tara turned her gaze to Willow, whose face flushed a vivid red. "Goddess, Buffy," she breathed huskily, "where do I begin?" Willow turned her head away from Tara's eyes, as the naked woman regarded her as a hungry man eying a banquet, but she found her gaze still returning to the nude form of her lover, her body pulsing hotly with growing sexual need.

Tara contemplated the reaction she triggered in Willow, and then turned toward Buffy, whose eyes had become hooded, and had absently unbuttoned the top button of her blouse. She licked her lips before she continued. "First off, I like to look at her body. I could just drink her in for hours. The gentle sweep of her breasts, the way her nipples harden when she's aroused, the curve of her tummy, the wiry copper thatch between her legs, the perfect globes of her ass. She still doesn't believe it, no matter how many times I tell her, but there isn't a square inch of her that isn't beautiful."

"Oh, God, I know," Buffy whispered breathily, her right hand resting absently on her cheek.

"When she's aroused," Tara continued, her voice deepening, growing more husky, "her eyes darken a little. Not like when she was doing dark magic and they turned black, but more like a darker green. That first night when she came to me after saying goodbye to Oz, I saw her eyes flicker in the light of the candle she brought for me, and my heart melted. Then, after I blew out the candle, I just watched her in the ambient light from the window. She was so shy, almost like a deer caught in the headlights."

"I was just afraid that I'd disappoint you," Willow admitted sheepishly, nervously twirling a lock of her hair between her fingers. "I never had sex with a girl before..."

"Willow," Tara flashed Willow a reassuring wink, "I wasn't exactly the Lesbian Playgirl of the Western World myself. All I ever did before was neck and cuddle with two different girls, both of whom ran for the hills once they met my family. Can't say as I blame them for leaving, though. But you, Willow, you were my first real lover. And you always turn me on."

Turning her head toward Buffy, her lips full and sensuous, her eyes glowing with desire, she continued; "The first time we made love, she let me guide her. I took her hands in mine, and pressed them against my boobs, so her palms were cupping my nipples. She started to rub them slowly in a slow circular motion, just enough to make them stand erect under my shirt. I began to unbutton her shirt, and as I looked into her eyes I could see want and fear battling. I kissed her then, her mouth so sweet against mine. I pressed my tongue against her lips, feeling them open, then her tongue met mine and they started to move slowly together. I could taste the cherry of her lip gloss, feel the friction of her lips against mine-"

She closed her eyes, her head swaying back, the memories intoxicating her like sweet wine. "We stoked a fire within us that neither one of us could resist, nor did we want to. Suddenly, Willow tore at my shirt while I broke off two of her buttons to get hers off. My hands seemed to have minds of their own, they needed to touch her, fingers aching to feel everywhere on her body. We fell back on the bed, moving as one, I don't even remember how I had lost my panties, but that didn't matter. The goddess who had haunted my fantasies from the first day I met her had given herself to me, naked and unafraid. She leaned against me and began to kiss my lips, cheeks, ears, neck, breasts...she stayed down there quite awhile, licking, nipping, biting, before moving downward, licking and kissing her way to my core. She was clumsy at first, I'll admit that, we both were. But our passion, our pleasure at being together, at making love for the first time, more than made up for it.

"She made me orgasm three times in ten minutes, until my joints were pure rubber. But I still had the strength to pay her back, and I was happy to. When I first brought my tongue to her center, the first thing I thought was the kettle corn they serve at carnivals, y'know that stuff? Sweet, but kinda salty, and I couldn't get enough of her. Each time I sucked her into my mouth, she bucked wildly like I brought a live wire to her vagina. I looked at her the first time I brought her to orgasm, seeing the joyous smile on her face, and felt rewarded somehow. She and I held each other for the longest time after we finally tired each other out, just whispering to each other, sharing our hearts. I remember her body spooning against mine, her back squashing my breasts, as we finally fell asleep that night, smelling the jasmine from her herbal shampoo, and thinking that I knew what Heaven felt like."

After several seconds of silence, Buffy exhaled sharply, "Whoa!" The three women just stared at each other, their eyes darkening with smoldering lust. Tara smiled triumphantly as she noticed that Buffy was panting heavily, her blouse was unbuttoned, her back was arched and her right hand was cupping her breast. Glancing back toward Willow, she saw that her jeans were unzipped, and she seemed to yank her hand away somewhat abruptly. Okay, girls, she snickered wickedly, time to turn up the heat...

"Willow," she cooed as she addressed the redhead, "since you failed in your first challenge, you must take the dreaded double-dare. And I've got a doozy for ya."

Tara rubbed her hands greedily, before she spoke. "I double-dare you to strip for Buffy. I don't just mean taking your clothes off either, I mean a full-on Vegas-style show, with lap-dance." Buffy chuckled throatily for an instant, whispering, "Thank you, Tara!"

Willow gaped at Tara, her mouth hanging open like a trout. After a second though, she appraised Buffy's impatient leer, seeing the undisguised want in her face, and a knowing smile erased her shocked expression. "Can I choose the music?" she asked innocently.

Willow slowly got up from the sofa, and without another word approached the CD player next to the television. She thumbed through the CD rack and pulled out the case she had been looking for. "This album just came out a couple of weeks ago, but there's this one cool song on it," she explained. She put in the CD and programmed the player to play only one specific track, before turning her attention to Buffy.

As the track started, a slow reggae tempo poured out of the speakers like honey from the comb. Willow strutted to the beat until she stood directly in front of Buffy, her eyes locked with the Slayer's. Gwen Stefani began to sing, and Willow began to sway her shoulders.

There's times when I want something more
Someone more like me
There's times when this dress rehearsal
Seems incomplete

She slowly peeled off her shirt, revealing a pale blue lace bra, transparent enough for Buffy to make out the outline of Willow's areolas. Willow fought the urge to giggle as she saw Buffy's lips opened in stunned silence.

But you see the colors in me
Like no one else
And behind your dark glasses
You're something else

Kicking off her shoes, she lifted her left foot, resting it on the sofa cushion between Buffy's knees. She reached down, making a point of displaying her modest (but still attractive) cleavage to Buffy's approving eyes, and casually pulled off her stocking. Replacing her left foot with her right, she removed the other stocking with the same slow seductive motion, draping the stocking around Buffy's neck.

You're really lovely underneath it all
D'you want to love me underneath it all
I'm really lucky underneath it all
You're really lovely

Willow shimmied her hips to the rhythm, her eyes locking with Buffy's, never letting her go. She cocked her head slightly to the left as she slipped her thumbs under the straps of her bra, stretching slowly until the snap between the breasts popped open, releasing her breasts for Buffy's approval. Buffy's eyes widened at the sight and a guttural moan emerged from her throat, voicing her approval.

You know some real bad tricks
And you need some discipline
But lately you've been trying real hard
And giving me your best

Tara squirmed in her seat, thoroughly enjoying the show. As she had said earlier, she always enjoyed seeing Willow's naked body, and the added pleasure of seeing Willow teasing Buffy further stoked the fire between her legs. She watched as Buffy's body swayed in time with the music, her eyes never leaving the redhead, and knew that Willow's sensuous display was having the same effect on the Slayer.

And you give me the most gorgeous sleep
That I've ever had
And when it's really bad
I guess it's not that bad

Buffy's hand strayed over her breasts, touching them lightly through the fabric of her shirt. She was amazed at how turned on she was just from watching Willow's striptease. She found herself recalling Faith's comment a lifetime ago; "You ever notice how slaying makes you hungry and horny?" Well, I am officially horny, Buffy decided. Her breathing became labored as a sheen of sweat formed on her brow, and her thighs were growing moist.

You're really lovely underneath it all
D'you want to love me underneath it all
I'm really lucky underneath it all
You're really lovely

As Willow slowly unzipped her fly, she tried to hide her own excitement, her own need to make love to the Slayer. She couldn't believe that she was writhing before her so wantonly, her once-prevalent shyness long forgotten. She wanted to be open to Buffy, to give herself freely to her. Without another thought, she bent down, displaying her butt to Buffy, and peeled her jeans down her legs. Standing up and kicking aside the discarded garment, she stood happily before the Slayer, clad in nothing but lace panties, which were already damp with her arousal.

So many moons that we have seen
Stumbling back next to me
I've seen right through and underneath
And you make me better I've seen right through and underneath
And you make me better, better, better

Buffy had shirt unbuttoned and her hand was working its way inside her bra, stroking her breast openly. Willow, however, had a better idea. She approached Buffy with agonizing slowness, until she stood directly in front of the Slayer, her knees pressed against the sofa on either side of her. She leaned forward until Buffy's nose was pressed against her bosom. The Slayer could smell a faint trace of jasmine and sandalwood that the redhead had dabbed between her breasts, plus a trace of musk that was uniquely Willow. The combination of scents took possession of Buffy's senses, and she absently reached her arms out to Willow, wanting to embrace and caress her. Pushing slightly with her knees, Willow jumped on the couch, straddling Buffy's legs, her butt swaying against the Slayer's lap with each beat of the song.

For real, 'cause underneath it all
You are my real Prince Charming
Like the heat from the fire
You were always burning
And each time you're around
My body keeps staling for your touch
Your kisses and your sweet romancin'
There's an underside a you that so many adore
Aside from your temper everything else secure
You're good for me, baby
Oh that, I'm a sure
Over and over again
I want more

Willow allowed Buffy's hands to roam her back and buttocks, electric sparks running under Buffy's fingers through her skin. She brought her hands up to Buffy's blouse, reaching under the garment to unfasten her bra. With gentle yet insistent tugs, Willow pulled both blouse and bra off, revealing the firm breasts that she had desired to see for so long.

You've used up all your coupons
And all you got left is me
And somehow I'm full of forgiveness
I guess it's meant to be

Tara, who had been sitting a couple of feet away from Buffy to give Willow room, couldn't resist this display any longer, and scooted toward Buffy, her hand resting on Buffy's hip. Willow leaned into Buffy's lap, her breasts pressing gently against Buffy's. Noticing Tara's presence, Willow tilted her head slightly, moving her body slightly toward Tara's and nipping at her ear with her lips and teeth. "We got her," she whispered, her voice raw with pure lust. Tara nodded joyously, turning to Buffy and recognizing the need for release in the Slayer's eyes. A release that she and Willow would gladly provide.

You're really lovely underneath it all
D'you want to love me underneath it all
I'm really lucky underneath it all
You're really lovely

The song was nearing its end, and Willow returned her attentions to Buffy. She started to suck at Buffy's earlobe, causing Buffy to arch her back with each sweet contact, crushing her breasts up to Willow's. Willow rained soft sweet kisses against Buffy's cheek, nearing her mouth, while Tara took Willow's place at Buffy's ear, nipping at the lobe and blowing little puffs of air into her ear. The pure eroticism of their treatments, the heat and aroma of their bodies, finally proved too much for the Slayer, and her body convulsed in a small orgasm, leaving her limbs soft and pliable as putty. And that was just foreplay, Buffy grinned absently. I am not gonna survive the night.

Ooh, ooh, ooh, Underneath it all
Ohh, ooh, ooh, Underneath it all
Ooh, ooh, ooh, Underneath it all

The song ended, and Willow slumped happily against Buffy's body, while Tara cuddled with both of her lovers. The two semi-nude witches shared a secret smile, pleased at the results of their sexy games with Buffy. The Slayer sagged against the sofa, her body molded to the bodies of the two witches, sated for the moment but knowing that her desires would flare up again.

"Uh, Willow," Buffy murmured, her lips touching Willow's hair. "You can get off now."

Willow snuggled closer to Buffy, her head resting against Buffy. "Don't wanna." Lifting her head to catch Buffy's eye with hers, Willow whispered, "Truth or dare."

Buffy threw her head back, feeling her ardor return in full force. "Oh God," she purred, "I don't think I could survive a dare right now, so truth."

Willow began to trace the outline of Buffy's nipple with her fingernail, sending fresh sparks of arousal through Buffy's system. "Do you want me to stop?"

Buffy glanced back at Willow, and then to Tara, who's wicked smile matched Willow's. "The truth, Buffy; do you want us to stop?"

Willow's lips fell on Buffy's nipple and sucked greedily. Buffy gasped sharply before replying, "Oh God no!"

"Do you want us to take this to our bedroom?" Tara suggested, her lips brushing against Buffy's ear as she whispered. "Do you want us to make love to you?"

Buffy swallowed hard, recognizing the crossroads where she stood. She had both feared and longed for this moment since the nature of her love for both Willow and Tara was made clear to her. She longed to join the two witches who had captured her heart, to love them and be loved by them, but feared damaging their love the way she had with both Angel and Riley. But as she scanned both woman's eyes, she saw the devotion they held for her, coupled with unbridled lust. She knew that what they shared wouldn't self-destruct in one night like Angel, or turn to regret like Riley.

"Yes," Buffy whispered, turning her head to kiss her lips, then turning back to Willow to kiss her as well. Willow moved to get off of Buffy's lap so they could head upstairs, but Buffy shook her head. Taking a firm hold of Willow's buttocks, she lifted them as she stood up, causing Willow to shriek in surprise and wrap her arms around Buffy's neck and her legs around her torso. Buffy growled with passion as she carried Willow up the stairs, Tara leading the way to the bedroom she shared with Willow.

Once the three lovers rushed inside the bedroom, Buffy slowly lowered Willow onto the bed and let her go. She tore off the rest of her clothing, the last of her inhibitions and fears shattered by the love and passion that they shared. Tara joined Willow on the bed, as the two women removed each others panties, touching and caressing the exposed skin, murmuring endearments as they kissed, tongues lapping at each other.

Finally, Willow turned toward the naked Slayer, her hand outstretched. "Come here, Buffy," she purred, and Buffy was more than happy to comply. Willow and Tara each took a hand, gently pulling Buffy onto the bed between them, and began to touch her in earnest, their hands exploring every inch of her heated flesh. Buffy reached out to touch Tara's breasts, but the blond witch gently pushed Buffy back onto the bed, whispering, "There'll be plenty of time for that later. This is your birthday, Buffy. This first time is for you."

"You just lie back," Willow cooed seductively, "and leave the driving to us." Buffy's mind was flooded with her passion, and she was unable to protest, not that she wanted to. Willow and Tara leaned against Buffy's body, casting a smoldering glance at each other before they began to kiss Buffy's lips and neck. They each one took one side and slowly worked their way down her body, until they attacked her breasts. Willow suckled at Buffy's left breast, nipping and sucking gently, while Tara took her right breast with long slow licks. As they sucked her nipples, their hands slowly stroked at Buffy's labia, burrowing between her lower lips, causing her to arch her back with each stroke. Occasionally they lifted their heads and kissed each other, the sight of which excited Buffy even further.

After giving her breast one last languid kiss, Willow started to work her way down Buffy's ribcage, kissing and licking the taut skin of her belly, nestling her tongue into her bellybutton for a moment, causing Buffy to sharply inhale with pleasure, before she continued her descent to the nest of blond curls between her thighs. Tara moved slowly toward Willow, blazing a path of exquisite heat with her lips and tongue down Buffy's torso until she met Willow, her head pillowed against Buffy's thigh.

"Wha...what are you two doing?" Buffy craned her head to watch Willow and Tara's faces as they gazed at her sex.

"We're going to eat you out, Buffy," Willow purred. "And we're gonna do a better job of it than Riley ever did, I bet."

Buffy sighed dreamily. "Riley never liked oral sex," Buffy admitted with a trace of melancholy. "He was strictly missionary."

Tara and Willow looked at each other in surprise. "He was an idiot, then," Tara announced. Grinning hungrily, she added, "His loss is our gain." After exchanging one last kiss, Willow and Tara lowered their heads between Buffy's legs, slowly touching the folds of her vagina with their tongues.

Buffy jolted as though shot through with a lightning bolt at the first touch of their tongues. She lifted her ass off the bed, desperate to prolong the contact with her lovers. Willow, feeling Buffy's desire, quickened her pace as she licked the lower edge of Buffy's pussy, while Tara attacked the hard nubbin of her clitoris. Buffy's body arched with each lick, each bite and suck. Willow drank Buffy's juices greedily; she remembered her first taste of Tara, sweet and warm like mulled cider. Buffy's taste was sharper, spicier, and just as overpowering. Their mouths were glued to Buffy's nubbin, and they each brought a forefinger into her tunnel, thrusting in unison, staying with her through each buck and thrust. Willow and Tara brought their free hands in between each others legs, plunging two, then three fingers at a time into the folds of their vaginas. Unable to hold out any longer, Buffy's body tipped over the edge into volcanic orgasm, shuddering as she climaxed. Willow and Tara, overcome by the sheer power of Buffy's orgasm, crested into their own climaxes, but kept their mouths and fingers on Buffy's sex, drawing her out into a string of mini-orgasms, each one leaving her weaker, yet more sated.

Buffy was literally unable to move, her limbs lying limp at her sides, her entire body drained of energy. Willow and Tara crawled up her body until their faces were level with hers, kissing her gently on the cheeks and lips. Willow took Buffy's mouth with her own, and Buffy tasted herself on Willow's lips. She had never tasted another woman before, and found that she enjoyed her own juices. She found herself wondering what the other two tasted like.

Finally, after regaining enough strength, Buffy slowly brought her arms around her new lovers' shoulders, kissing each one on the lips, and said, "Thank you. That was—wow! I never came that hard, ever!"

"Happy birthday, Buffy," Willow dimpled as she smiled, nestling her head into Buffy's shoulder. "I love you, Slayer."

"And I love you both," Buffy declared. "I've been so scared of hurting you. Given the fiasco that was my love life before now, I was afraid that my love was toxic. But now, I'm where I belong, with the people I love most. And I'm never letting go of that again."

"Good," Willow declared, "because after tonight, we aren't letting you sleep alone."

"Besides," Tara added, a slowly growing desire lighting her eyes, "you still haven't gone down on us. We need to correct that tomorrow night."

"Why wait?" Buffy growled as her Slayer strength reasserted itself, and she flipped over Tara, pinning her to the bed with strong but gentle arms. Their lust rekindled, Buffy, Willow and Tara explored each others bodies, until every square inch of their flesh was stroked, sucked, licked or bitten. Finally, three exhausted young women pulled the comforter over their bodies and spooned against each other, the two Wiccans sandwiching the Slayer between them. As they fell into a deeply sated sleep, their only dreams were of each other.

Buffy Summers' last coherent thought before Morpheus overtook her was a realization that she no longer regretted being yanked from Heaven. Between the bodies of her true loves, she was there again.

The room was black, save for a single bright light that stabbed from the ceiling. Bester, dressed in a black business suit, observed as Faith struggled against the bonds that held her fast. The dark Slayer hung, suspended between the floor and ceiling by invisible bonds of pure malevolent force. Spike, the Slayer of Slayers, watched her struggle, a bored expression crossing his pale cheeks. The Slayer's torturer regarded the captive woman with contempt burning behind his eyes.

"So, Faith," Bester said almost conversationally to his prisoner, tossing a dagger of eldritch energy at Faith's back. "Let's review." The dagger didn't break the skin or injure the Slayer in any way, but still it hurt harder than the dagger that Buffy wielded against Faith years ago. "I assigned you and Spike to abduct the witch Tara Maclay. The goal was to demand the First Gift of Exodus for her, and once the Slayer delivered the ransom, you and Spike were to kill the Slayer and the witch. Am I right so far?" Faith glowered at Bester with her best 'bite me' sneer, which won her another eldritch dagger in the side. "AM I RIGHT?" Bester roared.

"But where is Tara?" Bester asked, cutting at her chest with another dagger. "Where is the Gift of Exodus? Both are safe with the Slayer. Our enemy lives, and I have sensed tonight that she and her lovers have consummated their relationship. The Three are now One. And if what Spike has told me, you are responsible for Tara's freedom."

"We didn't need her dead," Faith spat at Bester. "What's with you anyway, Mr. B? Kill Buffy, kill Tara, kill everyone! That's your problem, all kill, no subtlety."

"And you have a better idea?" Bester growled, contemplating an especially lingering form of execution for the Slayer for her having the effrontery to talk back to him in that tone of voice.

"Yeah, as a matter of fact, I do," Faith answered hastily. "Look, you need the Gifts of Exodus to do whatever it is you're gonna do, right? And some of the gifts are still missing, right? Well, now that T knows about the Gifts of Exodus, she's gonna tell Red and B. They'll do the research thing, and Red's such a web-jockey that she'll probably find out where the missing gifts are. They'll go and find them, to keep them safe, and all we have to do is be there to swipe the Gifts from them. We're like that French guy from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Indiana Summers and her band of tomb raiders go through the temple to grab the idol, dodge the poison darts, the tarantulas and that giant stone ball, then once they clear the temple we take the idol from them."

Bester regarded Faith with a gimlet eye, his dark mind slowly measuring Faiths' words, considering her suggestion. Finally he gestured, and the invisible bonds loosened and slackened, dropping Faith to the floor in a disheveled heap. "Get up, Slayer," Bester barked at Faith, gesturing for Spike to join him as he strode out the door. "We have work to do."

Spike followed Bester out the door, but then turned toward Faith, his face contorting to its vampiric aspect, yellowing eyes regarding her like a vulture eyeing a buffalo's carcass. "One of these days, chippie," Spike growled snarkily, "Bester's not gonna be there to save you. And when that day comes, I'm gonna have me a real good time." He reverted to his human face, and departed after Bester.

Alone in the darkened room, Faith examined where the daggers had struck her. No stab wounds, no injuries, not so much as a paper cut. But they hurt like hell. Faith looked at the door, her eyes narrowing into hard slits.

"I have got to get out of here," she whispered to herself. But she still didn't see a way to escape Bester's grasp.

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Rising from the Wreckage

Chapter 22

By Kirayoshi

JDmeans@aol.com