Moonlight Closure by SpikeMe4Now

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. I don't wish to harm them, I simply want to borrow them and have a little bit of fun with them.

Author's Note: This is in response to the challenge I posted a few weeks ago. I thought it would be cool to remember how the Willow/Tara relationship first started. This is a series of behind-the-scenes stories that deal with the start of the Willow/Tara relationship. Each story can be read as a standalone.

Special thanks goes to Chris Cook of Through the Looking Glass and Artemis for creating the title graphic at the top of the page. Thanks, Chris!

Summary: A behind the scenes take on what happened between Willow and Tara during the Season 4 episode New Moon Rising.

"Mmmm," Willow mumbled, wrapping her arms tighter around her girlfriend. This morning had totally worn her out, and she didn't really feel like getting up right now-especially to answer the phone. Besides, it was Tara's phone anyway, if anyone should get up to answer it-then it should be her...

However, when Tara moved to do just that, Willow slid her leg over Tara's, and gripped her hard-preventing her from moving.

"Willow..." Tara giggled, reaching a hand to her girlfriend's shoulder. "Phone..."

"Snuggles," Willow replied. She pressed her lips to Tara's forehead, refusing to let her go. "Let the machine get it," she pleaded, cuddling up closer.

At that moment, the phone stopped ringing, and the girls heard Tara's voice coming from the speaker.

"It's probably just Buffy," Willow continued-moving her lips against the heated skin of Tara's forehead, "calling about a Scooby meeting or something."

Willow chuckled and pulled away, so as to look into her girlfriend's eyes. "What did I tell ya?"

"Just calling to see if Willow was with you," Buffy continued. "Scooby meeting at Giles'-in about an hour. Oh, you can come too if you want. See ya soon."

Tara looked at her girlfriend adoringly, as The Slayer hung up. "Now who's the psychic?" she asked mockingly.

Tara chuckled, and pressed her lips against Willow's. She kissed her softly for a moment, before gradually extending her tongue. She ran it tentatively against Willow's lips; seeking permission to deepen the kiss, and was pleased to be granted immediate access. She instantly sought Willow's tongue; initiating a passionate melee, that resulted in the passing of about five minutes.

"Mmmm," Willow sighed, as Tara pulled away. "More," she said-leaning in for another kiss.

"What about the meeting?" Tara asked, turning her cheek. She'd love nothing better than to spend the entire day smooching with her girlfriend-but what if something was wrong in Scooby-Land?

Willow grudgingly kissed her girlfriend's cheek; she knew Tara was right. "I guess," she pouted, "but smoochies are better." Willow emphasized her point by capturing Tara's bottom lip. She sucked on it gently for a few seconds; seductively running her tongue along it, before letting it go.

Tara was slightly flustered now, having lost herself in Willow's kiss. "Mmmm," she said dreamily-her eyes half closed with sensation. Maybe Willow was right...a few more smoochies wouldn't hurt...With that thought, Tara succumbed to her pleasure principle, and heatedly fused her lips to Willow's.

The girls pulled away from one another after a minute though-their sense of duty washing over them. What's more, if they'd continued with the kissage, it wouldn't be long before Tara's fingers would've inevitably ended up between Willow's legs, and she'd once again be making love to her girlfriend. She was doing a lot of that lately; loving her girlfriend. Ever since she'd first made love to Willow-about a week ago now-she'd been unable to keep her hands off her.

Like this morning-they'd both had no classes to contend with, so had chosen to sleep in. However, seeing as Willow had taken to sleeping naked (which was mainly because she was too worn out from Tara's lovemaking, to bother about getting re-dressed), Tara had been unable to resist the lure of her girlfriend's nude form-and had started to place soft kisses all over her body. The next thing she knew; Willow was wide-awake, and within minutes, she was bringing her girlfriend to the heights of passion-over, and over, and over-until eventually, the reprieve of sleep beckoned them.

"I'm gonna have a shower," Willow ventured, as she extricated herself from Tara's embrace, and got out of bed.

Tara merely nodded-becoming distracted by Willow's nakedness. It took all of Tara's willpower to remain in bed, as her girlfriend gathered up everything she'd need to take to the bathroom with her. If Tara didn't know better, she'd suspect Willow was doing this on purpose; walking around naked; waiting until she'd located everything, before finally putting on a robe. On second thoughts-she did know better, and Willow was definitely doing this on purpose. Her girlfriend was such a tease...

"What?" Willow asked, oh so innocently-noting the smirk on Tara's face. Tying the belt of her robe, she moved back towards the bed and sat down next to her girlfriend.

"That's why ya love me-right?" Willow quipped, giving her girlfriend's cheek a return kiss.

"Mmmm," Tara replied, wrapping her arms around Willow's neck, and kissing her lips-she'd show her who the tease was...

Tara swiftly dragged her girlfriend down towards the bed, as she thrust her tongue into her mouth. Within seconds, Tara had deftly untied her girlfriend's robe, and was using her left hand to gently knead one of her breasts. Her right hand meanwhile, had somehow made its way in between Willow's legs, and was now skillfully massaging her clit.

Willow moaned at Tara's touch, and began to move her hips rhythmically in response. Tara's fingers felt like pure bliss against her engorged nub, and as she continued to play tag with her tongue, Willow couldn't help but run her hands roughly against Tara's back. Unfortunately, the girl still had her tank top on, but that wasn't really a problem for Willow. Promptly, she worked her hands underneath the material of her girlfriend's top, and was now caressing the bare skin of Tara's back.

Tara ceased her movements then, as she pulled away from her girlfriend. Willow's hands were forced back down to her sides, and she looked up restlessly at Tara. What was going on? Why had Tara stopped?

Willow couldn't believe it-Tara wouldn't just leave her like that; work her up, and then...?

Tara giggled, at Willow's uncertainty-of course she wouldn't; but it was amusing to watch her squirm for a moment. With determination, she repositioned herself in a kneeling position, before bringing her hands down to Willow's thighs, and gently spreading her legs wide.

"You know I wouldn't," she said softly, dropping her head down to Willow's mons. She then used her tongue to quickly lap up all of Willow's juices, before wrapping her mouth around her clit. She hastily sucked the sensitive nub into her mouth, as she thrust two of her fingers deep into Willow's body.

Tara began to slowly thrust her fingers inside her girlfriend, as she continued to gently suck on her clit. Every now and then she would put her tongue into play as well, and would cease her sucking-in order to circle her tongue firmly against the throbbing nub instead. After a few minutes; her thrusts began to get faster and faster; deeper and harder, as she continuously pressed her fingertips against Willow's sweet spot.

Willow was now moving frenziedly under her ministrations, and Tara loved every minute of it. Her girlfriend's responses, made all this worthwhile-knowing that she brought her happiness...Tara cherished making love to Willow; treasured watching the girl lose all her control, as she succumbed to wave, after wave of pure ecstasy.

As she continued sucking on Willow's clit, and thrusting into her body, Tara began to gradually sense her girlfriend's impending release. She consequently increased the intensity of her movements; thrusting deeper, and deeper; faster, and faster-sucking harder and harder...until Willow finally screamed out her name, and began to surf the waves of rapture.

Tara removed her fingers then, and replaced them with her tongue. She curled her tongue upwards; pressing it against the inner wall of Willow's core; as she rode out her girlfriend's orgasm-letting her juices flow directly into her mouth. She loved the way Willow tasted, and always looked forward to being rewarded in this manner. When Willow had finally stopped gushing with pleasure, Tara continued to lap up her essence; until she'd absorbed every last drop she could find.

By then, Willow had regained a bit of her composure, and Tara slowly made her way up her girlfriend's body. She placed both her hands on either side of Willow's face, as she leaned down and gently kissed her lips. She pulled away a second later, softly whispering, "I love you," as she moved to her side.

Willow turned to her side as well, so that she was now facing her girlfriend. She looked warmly into her eyes, and wished like crazy she could return her words of love; could return her lovemaking. This last week had been one of the best weeks Willow could ever remember living through-but with each passing day, she'd become more, and more frustrated by her inability to admit the truth; to tell Tara she loved her. What's more, every time Tara made love to her-which was now too many times to count-Willow continued to feel guilty for not giving anything back. Her girlfriend deserved to be loved, Willow thought to herself, she deserved someone more worthy than she was...

Squelching her thoughts, Willow leaned over and pressed her lips to Tara's-kissing her briefly. "It's definitely shower time," she said ruefully, forcing herself to get out of bed.

"And it's your fault we're gonna be late," Willow continued playfully, as she wrapped her robe around her body.

"Yeah," Willow confirmed, picking up all the stuff she'd gathered. "Your fault...with the teasing...and the tongue..."

Willow's heart skipped a beat at Tara's words. She loved it when her girlfriend tried to talk sexy-style; it rarely happened due to their mutual shyness-but when it did, the results were explosive...

"I like," Willow replied, as she unwittingly dropped her things. A second later, she was once again sitting on the bed, thrusting her tongue roughly into Tara's mouth. She kissed her passionately, working her hands underneath Tara's shirt, as her tongue battled heatedly with her girlfriend's.

Tara forced herself to pull away after a minute; at this rate, they'd never get to the Scooby meeting. "Willow," she said breathlessly, lifting her hands to Willow's cheeks, as she broke their kiss, "Scooby meeting..."

"Right," Willow replied dazedly, her breathing labored. She didn't want to stop kissing her blonde beauty, but when duty called...With that, she dragged herself off the bed, regathered all her stuff, and quickly rushed out the door. She hadn't dared to say a word to Tara; or even look at her, during the whole process-knowing that if she did; chances are, she'd yet again become distracted...

Tara watched in silence as her girlfriend left the room, taking a few meditative breaths. Each time she made love to Willow, or engaged in any form of sexual activity with her girlfriend; she was always left feeling a little frustrated-sexually speaking. Seeing her girlfriend naked; touching her naked body; tasting her; watching her come-over, and over, and over...well, it was enough to send anyone into a state of intense longing. She'd never been a big fan of self-gratification, but without it; she had no idea how she'd've survived this past week; in constant need of release...

Glancing at the clock, she realized she'd have no time for relief this morning; it had already been almost an hour since Buffy had called, and they were definitely going to be late. With that thought, she hastily dragged herself off the bed, and began to scrounge around for something to wear. A few minutes later, she was standing in front of the mirror, brushing the tangles out of her hair, and letting her thoughts drift.

She thought about how special this whole week with Willow had been; how their one-month anniversary was now less than a week away, and how she wanted to do something to commemorate the occasion; to show her commitment to Willow. She'd thought about this a lot lately, and the idea of a pet kept coming back to her. When couples got pets together, it formed a kind of pact between them; symbolized that they were willing to commit; willing to accept the responsibility of a long-term relationship; showed that they had enough confidence in their bond, to believe it would last-at least as long as their pet's lifespan.

She had to get the right pet though-she couldn't just surprise Willow, and have her be allergic to it or something; she'd have to talk it through with her. Although...she didn't wanna be too forward; too pushy. You can't just ask your girlfriend of less than a month, if she wanted to get a pet with you-especially when you weren't even certain that your girlfriend was in love with you. Sure, she knew Willow cared for her, but was she ready for a commitment? Now that she'd found Willow, Tara knew she'd never want anyone else-that she'd love her forever...But how did Willow feel?

Tara sighed as she continued brushing her hair. There was still so much her girlfriend was holding back from her; she could sense it. There were times, when she would look into Willow's eyes; and she could almost feel the intensity of her girlfriend's emotions; almost believe that Willow could love her; that she might've actually fallen in love with her...

But then Willow would look away; put a wall around her feelings, and Tara would chastise herself-for ever daring to dream her love was being returned. She was just grasping at straws; letting her own wishes cloud her thoughts; allowing her to read something in her girlfriend's energy, that just wasn't there...

With that thought, she put down the hairbrush, and grabbed her toiletry bag-feeling the need to freshen up a bit. A few minutes later, she was back from the bathroom-teeth brushed, and face washed. She returned to her position in front of the mirror, and reached for her foundation. She quickly finished rubbing the powder into her skin, and was now carefully applying some eye shadow, when Willow walked through the door.

"Hey," the redhead replied, dropping her towel into the hamper, and dumping the rest of her stuff on the floor. "You're putting on makeup without me…?" she pouted, moving to stand next to her girlfriend.

Tara put the applicator down, before wrapping her arms around Willow's neck. "Only the basic stuff, sweetie," she explained, pressing a soft kiss to her girlfriend's lips. "You can still do the lipstick..." she trailed off as Willow's lips made their way to her neck, and began pressing soft, butterfly kisses against her skin. "Mmmm," she moaned, closing her eyes when Willow's lips suddenly reached the base of her neck, and decided to try a bit of sucking instead.

Willow pulled away after a few seconds; she didn't want to leave a telltale mark on her girlfriend's neck, especially right before a Scooby meeting. She met Tara's gaze and smiled, pleased to note the sudden ruddiness of her skin. "Lipstick…?" she ventured.

"Right," Tara replied, feeling a little light-headed. She turned and reached for her lipstick, before handing it over to her girlfriend.

Willow took it eagerly, and applied it to her own lips. She then grasped her girlfriend's cheeks with her hands, and brought their lips together-effectively transferring the makeup.

With that, Tara picked up the applicator again, and finished applying her eye shadow. She then swiftly did Willow's eyes, before they both headed out the door.

As they walked through the student lounge, Tara once again began thinking about their upcoming anniversary. She wondered what Willow had planned for that day-if she'd planned anything at all...Maybe she should plan something? No, on second thoughts-she'd leave the planning up to Willow; she was never very good at organizing things like that. Besides, she didn't want to make too big a deal out of it; not if Willow didn't either-she was still too unsure of what she meant to her girlfriend; of what their relationship meant to her...

This brought her thoughts back to the whole commitment-issue. The date of their anniversary was quickly approaching, and she still hadn't even brought up the subject of her mutual-pet idea. But how was she to broach the topic with her girlfriend? She couldn't just go up to Willow and say: 'Hey Wills, we've been together for a whole month now, and I really wanna commit to you-so what do you say to getting a pet together?' Okay, so she wouldn't exactly say it that way-she'd probably end up stuttering like crazy, and her words would come out all disjointed, and incoherent, and Willow would have no idea what she was talking about.

What's more, she didn't want Willow to think she was pushing for a commitment from her; that's not what this was about. She wanted to show Willow that she was the one committed; that she was in this for the long run, and that even if Willow eventually left her; she'd still be a part of her life; still be willing to share things with her i.e. the ownership of a pet. She needed to know if Willow was willing to accept it; to accept the fact that she never wanted to be without her; that she would always be around-in whatever fashion she wanted...

They were outside now; making their way across campus, and Willow had purposefully been keeping quiet. She could sense that there was something on Tara's mind, so had decided to leave the girl to her thoughts. Besides, her girlfriend would tell her if something was wrong...

As they continued walking in silence, Tara began to realize what Willow was doing; that the girl had probably noticed her intense introspection. She smiled at that; loving the idea of how in-tune they were to one another. Taking a deep breath, she decided it was time to finally bring up her idea-she couldn't avoid it any longer. She would have to be careful though; feel things out first-merely hint at what was on her mind, and see how Willow reacted.

"I'm more of a dog person myself," Willow replied honestly, "but I'm not like 'death to all cats.' Why?"

" 'Cause I was thinking of getting one," she replied softly, forcing herself to remain calm. She didn't want Willow to see how nervous she was; it might clue her in on...

"Can you have one in the dorms?" Willow asked, interrupting her girlfriend's thoughts.

"No, but..." Tara trailed off, realizing Willow had a point, "this would be a sneaky cat," she giggled.

"That would be cool," Willow chuckled in response. But why did Tara want to get a cat all of a sudden? Was it a witch thing? "You mean; it'd be sort of like a familiar?"

"Actually, I…I was thinking it'd be sort of like...a pet," Tara explained. "You know, we could...we could name her Trixie, or...Miss Kitty Fantastico-or something..."

Willow smiled, instantly warming to the idea. "And we could make Kitty go bonkers, with string, and catnip, 'n stuff...?" she let out excitedly.

"Good, 'cause..." Tara trailed off, reminding herself to be careful; she didn't want to reveal too much. "I want my room to be...Willow-friendly..." she finished off delicately.

As she squeezed her girlfriend's hand affectionately, Tara decided to change the subject. "So...I'm excited about the Scooby meeting...I think. What's it about?"

She didn't want to make too big a deal over the whole cat-thing, but was nevertheless overjoyed by Willow's reaction. Her girlfriend had just given her the green light to get a pet; a pet they could possibly share ownership of. This was definitely a good sign in Tara's book; but she'd leave it until their anniversary, to bring up the whole mutual ownership concept; she didn't want to scare the girl off...

"I'm not sure," Willow replied, taking a second to think about her response. "Probably just your garden-variety disaster," she quipped.

Tara smiled, and gave Willow's hand another squeeze. Willow squeezed back, as they continued walking in silence. She was feeling a little giddy now; and only part of it had to do with the tingly-ness of holding her girlfriend's hand. As Tara's notion of getting a cat began to sink in, Willow couldn't help but contemplate the implications of it.

The fact that Tara had-in a way-asked her permission before getting it; showed how considerate the girl was, but also showed her how much of a couple they'd become. It was almost as if Tara wanted the decision to be mutual; as if this kitty would not only be hers, but theirs...What's more, getting a pet with someone meant you planned to spend a lot of time together...that you were in a long-term relationship...

Is that what Tara was saying-that she was committed to her? Was that why she'd been so introspective just now-why she'd seemed kinda nervous? Willow already knew how much Tara cared about her; how much the girl loved her, she didn't need any more proof...yet she couldn't help feeling thrilled by her girlfriend's willingness to show her commitment in this manner.

The more she thought about it, the more she loved the idea of getting a cat with Tara. Not only did it show her how committed Tara was to their relationship, but it would be a way of showing her own commitment as well. She loved Tara deeply, and her inability to tell her so, was becoming more and more frustrating with each day. She now had a way of at least letting Tara know how much she cared; of letting her know how important she was, and that this wasn't just a transitional relationship for her.

With that thought, Willow turned towards her girlfriend, and had to force herself not to kiss her; they were in public after all. "We're almost there," she ventured instead, stating the obvious.

Tara chuckled in response, bringing Willow's hand to her lips-kissing her softly. "You could've stopped me anytime, sweetie," she reminded her girlfriend, before kissing her hand again.

Willow shivered at the sensation of Tara's lips on her skin, and also at the memory of Tara's tongue; working it's magick inside her body..."Mmmm," was all she said, as Tara pulled her lips away.

Tara's smile widened at Willow's reaction, and she was just about to tease her about it, when she realized they were now outside Giles' door. She gave her girlfriend a discerning look instead, before letting go of her hand.

Willow grinned back, seeing the glint in Tara's eye. She couldn't help wondering what Tara had been about to say, as she opened the door. "Hey guys," she greeted the gang.

"You're almost an hour late," Anya exclaimed indignantly, as Willow and her girlfriend stepped inside. She was sitting in Xander's lap, and found it unfair how she'd had to be here-bored to tears-while The Witch had kept them all waiting. "The meeting's almost over, and we've had to sit here..."

"Ahn," Xander interrupted, "they probably had a good reason," he turned his attention to the two witches in the doorway, "right?"

"Right," Willow was quick to reply. She gave Tara a knowing look, and the two girls blushed slightly. "Uh..."

"Magicks," Tara interjected, giving Willow a shy smile-it was kinda the truth...

Willow grinned at Tara's ingenuity, as they sat down on a couple of nearby stools. "We...we got distracted," she explained, moving her attention towards Buffy, "with the...the magicks. Did we miss anything important?"

"Nope," Buffy was quick to reply; sitting on Giles' desk, dangling her legs playfully, "nada; zip; zippo. Patrol's been totally uneventful-my kill count's way down."

Willow turned towards her girlfriend. "She means there's been less bad-guy activity."

Tara nodded at Willow's explanation. She didn't really need one, but she loved how Willow always tried to make her feel comfortable.

"And we know what that often indicates," Giles interjected from the kitchen, holding a bag of pretzels.

"Buffy doesn't make her quota," Xander joked, shaking his finger mockingly at Buffy, "bad Slayer."

"Well, I wish it were that innocuous," Giles continued, "but with Adam around, I...I feel he's involved somehow." Thought said, he turned around and poured some pretzels into a bowl.

"When things get slow," Willow explained to Tara, "it's usually because there's some extra evil brewing"

"Except the weird thing is," Riley cut in from the living room, "we've been busy at the Initiative. Our squads are pulling a lot more captures. We've got demons coming out of our ears."

Giles chose that moment to head out of the kitchen. "So the activity's shifted, but not stopped," he observed, offering the bowl of pretzels to Willow, and then to Tara.

"That's fascinating," Giles continued, as he sat down at his desk; putting the bowl down next to him.

"To an extremely bored person, maybe," Anya remarked snidely. "Well, that was a thrilling hour," she continued sarcastically, as she and Xander stood up. She hadn't wanted to come here in the first place, and would've much rather spent the time playing some new sex-game with Xander-she liked those...

Giles wasn't too pleased by the ex-vengeance demon's remarks, in fact-he was downright insulted by them. He stood up with purpose, determined to give her a piece of his mind.

Willow stood up as well, and turned towards her girlfriend-who was still sitting down. She smiled warmly at Tara, and was suddenly eager to get back to her dorm-she had no classes today, and she was sure they could find something interesting to do...

Noticing the spark in her girlfriend's eye, Tara instantly sensed what Willow was thinking. She too would like nothing better, than to spend the rest of the afternoon making love to her girlfriend.

"You know," Giles began forcefully, turning his attention solely towards the ex-vengeance demon, "I don't really appreciate your snide remarks Anya. Now, I have a great deal of experience in these matters..."

Hearing the creak of the door opening, Willow turned her attention away from her girlfriend, and looked to see who had entered the room. At the sight of her ex-boyfriend standing in the doorway; hands in his pockets; eyes locked on hers, she suddenly felt as if someone had literally stuck a fist into her chest, and ripped her heart in two.

Oz was the last person she'd expected to see, and she could feel the tears reaching her eyes, as all the pain of his departure returned to her. Why was he here? How long had he been back? And what was he doing standing in Giles' doorway? Oh God, she felt as if her whole world had just been shattered; this wasn't happening; it was all a dream...right...?

Tara looked up at her girlfriend in confusion, sensing the sudden change in her energy. What was going on here? Why was Willow so flustered? And who was the short, red-haired stranger in the doorway? She alternated her glance from her girlfriend, back to the stranger, and then back to Willow-who seemed to be getting more, and more unbalanced by the second. Why was that? What was causing such an intense reaction? She suddenly felt like leaping out of the chair, and putting her arms around Willow-wanting desperately to calm her down; she hated seeing her so upset.

"...And if I say there is a matter of some import brewing, I...I..." Giles trailed off, as he realized that both Xander and Anya's attention seemed to be focused on a point behind him. Curiosity getting the better of him, he slowly turned around, and was surprised to see the young werewolf had returned to Sunnydale.

"Hey," Oz greeted the gang, his eyes focused on Willow. He'd come here straight from Willow's dorm; figuring she was probably at a Scooby meeting, since she wasn't in her room. He would've preferred to be having this encounter in private, but he'd been too impatient to wait around for her to return. Besides, the gang would eventually find out he was back, and he might as well face them all at once-get it over with; especially since he hoped to return to the fold.

He was extremely nervous now, seeing as he had no idea how Willow was going to react to his sudden arrival. Looking into her eyes, he could see how shocked she was; could see the confusion and pain that was clearly evident in her gaze. Maybe he should've called first-given her time to adjust to the idea of his return? It's just that he was so eager to see her again; he'd missed her so much, and he hadn't even organized a place to crash yet. She'd been the only thing on his mind for so long; had been the reason he'd gone; the reason he'd wanted a cure so badly; the reason he'd come back...everything he'd done-he'd done for her.

He felt terrible about what he'd put her through; about what he'd done to her; about his own weaknesses...and yet she'd been willing to forgive him-had wanted him to stay. He couldn't've stayed though; not when there was even a remote chance that he could hurt her again; the chance that The Wolf inside him could destroy her. He just hoped it wasn't too late for them; that she hadn't found someone else; that she still cared for him, and that she was willing to give him another chance. He was a different person now; and if she let him-he'd prove it to her; show her that he was now worthy of her love; that he would never hurt her again, and that he would love only her for the rest of his life.

"Oz," Willow choked out eventually, still not totally trusting her own eyes. It had been so long since she'd seen him; like another lifetime really, and she had no idea how to react to his unexpected arrival.

Hearing Willow say her ex-boyfriend's name, Tara's whole body began to shudder. She moved her eyes back towards the stranger. "Oz," she whispered his name in understanding, as she looked back at Willow, and then down to the floor. No wonder Willow was so upset...

She had to force herself not to cry-not to draw attention to herself. She'd known this day was coming; known that Willow had a past; known that someday he would return, and that she would then have to let her go...She just hadn't realized it would happen so soon. It felt like she'd only just found Willow, and to lose her now; just when they were getting so close; when they were even alluding to long-term commitment...Oh God-what was she to do? Why did this have to happen now? What did it mean for them? Was Willow gonna go back to him? Would she leave her? How was she going to survive without Willow in her life?

As Tara whispered her ex-boyfriend's name, Willow turned towards her girlfriend; unexpectedly reminded of her presence. She suddenly realized how this must be affecting her, but she had no idea what to do. How could she reassure Tara, when she herself wasn't sure what this meant-how she felt about Oz's arrival? Things were definitely screwed up; not only was her ex-boyfriend back in town, but he'd come back; just when she thought she was over him; when she was now in a loving relationship with someone else...someone who was sitting right next to her, and was now utterly distraught over the current events...

"When...when did you get back?" she choked out, her voice thick with unshed tears, as she turned her attention back to Oz.

Looking into her ex-boyfriend's eyes, Willow could feel all her old feelings coming back to her. Here was Oz; the guy she loved-no wait; the guy she used to be in love with...the first guy she'd ever slept with; the only guy she'd ever slept with...he'd meant so much to her, for so long...and he was back...standing right in front of her...

She had no idea how she felt about this-how she felt about him. She'd loved him for so long, and now...now she didn't know anymore; didn't know how she felt. She was in total shock-mode, and her mind was racing; working a mile-a-minute; doing its best to comprehend the situation, and she simply couldn't think straight anymore. Any second now, she'd burst into tears, and let the universe swallow her whole-it'd be easier than dealing with the sudden pain in her chest; the confusion in her brain, and the sick feeling in her stomach.

The two ex-lovers looked at each other intently, neither knowing quite what to say to one another. No one did actually; the room was eerily silent, and no one seemed willing to break it. As he looked around the room, Xander could sense the uneasiness; the tension, and decided to do something about it; that was his job after all; comic-relief-guy...

"Oz, man," he began; walking over towards the young man he kinda considered to be his friend. "Hate to sound grandma, but...you don't call...you don't write..." he trailed off as he extended his hand.

"Yeah, sorry," Oz replied, reaching out his own hand. He half-smiled at the taller guy; realizing what his intention had been. Trust Xander to ease the tension a bit...

"So, are you here, here; or are you just passing through?" Buffy inquired, as Xander pulled away from the young werewolf. She suddenly felt very protective of her best friend; remembering how distraught Willow had been when he'd left. What was he doing back? How was Willow going to handle it? Would he leave her in shambles like last time? He better not hurt her again...

Oz thought about The Slayer's question, not sure quite how to answer it. He'd love to stay; but it all depended on Willow's reaction. He was back for her; back to resume their relationship...if she let him; if she wanted to, and if she still cared for him...

"Well, um-let's not, uh...bombard the poor chap with uh...questions right off," Giles cut in, as he headed towards the kitchen. "Can I get you something," he continued, taking off his glasses, "um...tea perhaps...?"

"I'll pass," Oz declined, "thanks." He hadn't come here for pleasantries; he had a purpose; a Willow-Purpose. Turning his attention away from the Englishman, he returned his gaze back to his ex-girlfriend.

"Look," he continued, taking a few steps towards her. He needed to talk to Willow in private; to state his case; to let her know how he'd changed, and to take the first step in patching up their relationship. "I'm going to Devon's; to see if he's got a place I can crash, but...I was hoping that we could talk...later...tonight?"

Tara risked a quick glance at her girlfriend, before dropping her eyes back down to the floor. She wanted to see what Willow's reaction was-how she felt about meeting up with her ex. Oz's suggestion had cut through her like a knife; The Werewolf wanted his girlfriend back; wanted to take Willow away from her...Why else would he be here?

That's why she wanted to gauge Willow's reaction; to see if she wanted the same thing; to see what effect his request was having on her, and to suss out the nature of her energy. If Oz was what Willow wanted, then she wouldn't stand in the way. She'd step aside; let her go to him-as long as it made her happy. She didn't have to like it though; didn't have to be happy about it-she just wanted to know.

Unfortunately, she'd gained nothing insightful by looking at Willow; all she'd sensed was confusion. This only upset her more; tore at her heartstrings. A part of her wanted to pull Willow into her arms; hold her close; comfort her-while another part of her wanted to run screaming from this room; to crawl into a hole; cry her eyes out...The very real threat of losing Willow was just too much for her to bear.

"I guess so..." Willow replied hesitantly; not knowing what else to say; what else to do...Oz was here; he was real, and he wanted to talk...She'd dreamed of this moment for so long; since the day he'd walked out on her...and now it was really happening...

Oz smiled softly in response, as his eyes searched Willow's-wondering if she remembered what tonight was. He didn't know what to make of her expression, but he could tell she was still a little dazed, and not fully aware of the implications of his nighttime visit. Well...he'd surprise her tonight-if she didn't already figure it out by herself.

"It's great to see you guys again," he said then, throwing a quick glance around the room, "really." He tossed a final glance in Willow's direction, before turning around, and heading out the door-pleased with how things had played out.

Everyone watched in silence as Oz left the room-the tension permeating the air like an ominous gas cloud. Willow was still in shock-doing her best to keep her tears at bay; Tara remained glued to her chair-also forcing away tears; while the rest of the gang were somewhat paralyzed-none of them knowing what to make of things; what to say, or even how to react.

After a few seconds, Anya broke the silence-deciding as usual to speak her mind. "Everyone's uncomfortable now," she remarked.

At the ex-vengeance demon's words, Buffy snapped out of her revere, and walked over to her best friend. "Are you okay?" she asked gently, placing her hand tenderly against Willow's arm.

"What...?" Willow turned around, not really hearing her friend's question. She'd been too caught up in her thoughts; too busy with trying to understand what was happening-what it all meant. She still couldn't believe Oz was really back. Everything had all happened so suddenly; she felt like she was in a daze; like none of this was real...

Looking at her girlfriend, Tara began to realize she was of no help here. She was too distressed, and would most likely burst into tears soon...which wouldn't do anyone any good. Willow's friends still didn't know about the extent of their relationship, and she didn't want to clue them in now-especially when there probably wasn't even going to be a relationship for much longer. Besides, Willow didn't need any more grief right now-the girl needed some support; needed some guidance, and she was obviously in no position to provide it...

Willow turned around at Tara's voice, instantly reminded of her presence. Oh God, how must Tara be feeling?

"I…I realized, um," Tara continued. "I'm…I'm l…late for…for study group..."

"Tara...wait," Willow whispered, taking a step towards her girlfriend, and reaching for her hands.

She knew Tara didn't have a study group now; knew why she was desperate to leave, and she suddenly felt terrible. She needed to reassure her; let her know she wasn't going to leave her...and yet she couldn't. How could she soothe her girlfriend, when she herself didn't know what she wanted? Everything was so confusing, and the one person whom she'd come to depend on for support and guidance-her loving girlfriend-was now unable to help her.

"No…no, it's…it's okay," Tara pulled away, scared to let Willow touch her. She knew the second the girl's hands met hers, she'd burst into tears-she was having a hard enough time as it were-keeping her composure. She had to get out of here, and fast-before she did something she'd regret. "Y…you…you should be with your friends," she looked away, and then back at her girlfriend, needing to look into her eyes, and yet unable to at the same time, "and...and I…I should go..."

With that, she practically ran towards the door, ignoring her girlfriend's plea. She couldn't deal with this right now; couldn't handle it. She needed some time to come to terms with what was happening-to calm down, before she talked to her girlfriend. She knew what she had to do; knew she was gonna have to let Willow go, but if she talked to her right now-she'd probably do something wholly selfish like beg her to stay...plead with her not to leave, and that just wouldn't do...

Tara had never done that before, and Willow hated the feeling it gave her-a sudden sickness in the pit of her stomach. She was totally distraught over Oz's return, and now her girlfriend wasn't even speaking to her; her lifeline-the one person in all the world who understood her; who was always there for her; was now unable to even look at her; unable to touch her; who was now running away from her, because she was hurt...scared...confused...

She desperately wanted to go after Tara; comfort her, let herself be comforted...but she couldn't. What was she going to do? She didn't want to lose Tara, but now that Oz was back...? What did it all mean? What was she going to do? Why did she suddenly feel like throwing up? And why did Tara have to leave? Poor Tara...what must she be thinking...? The girl meant so much to her; she'd been her touchstone for so long now; had pulled her through her darkest moments; made life worth living again...and she just couldn't imagine a future without her. So where did Oz fit in?

Willow burst into tears then, and Buffy reached for her best friend, bringing her head down to her shoulder, and wrapping her arms around her neck. She held Willow close, not saying anything-just being there for her. She hated Oz at that moment; hated him for what he'd put Willow through, and if he did anything to hurt her again, she'd use his Wolfie-ness to justify killing him-she was The Slayer after all. Okay, on second thoughts-she didn't really hate him; probably wouldn't kill him...but he better not do anything to hurt her best friend again...

Willow shook her head, her tears making it difficult to form words. "I...I...I just wanna...I wanna...be alone...think things through...okay...?"

"Okay," Buffy replied, watching in concern as Willow walked out the door. She hoped her friend would be all right.

As soon as she closed Giles' door behind her, Tara let loose all the tears she'd been holding back. They were now streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks, as she broke off into a run. She needed to get back to her room-and fast. The pain inside her was just too great, and she needed to set it free-needed to do something to release it. She hated crying in public; but she just couldn't stop the tears-so she ran, and ran, and ran; letting the pain wash over her; letting the anguish consume her, as she rushed towards the privacy of her room.

The second she reached her dorm; Tara leapt onto her bed; curled up in a fetal position, and began crying in earnest. Her Willow-her wonderful Willow; was going to leave her. She was never again going to kiss her sweet lips; never going to hold her close; curl up to her at night; watch her get dressed in the morning; put on makeup together; do spells together; joke around with her; have dinner with her; have lunch with her; make love to her; tell her that she loved her...

Oh God, her life was suddenly not worth living. Willow meant everything to her; she held her soul; possessed her heart, and without her-nothing else mattered. Sure, she knew this day was coming; knew Willow didn't love her; knew she had to let her go...But why did it have to hurt so much? Why did she have to leave so soon? How was she going to go through life without Willow?

Tara suddenly chastised herself; how self-centered could she be? Here she was, worried about her own selfish needs, when her Willow was in pain. Oz had hurt her terribly; he'd been her first love, and now that he was back, Willow was scared, confused, and had no idea what to do. Her girlfriend needed comfort, and even if Willow no longer wanted to be her girlfriend; that didn't mean she should ignore her; let her suffer alone. How could she have been so selfish as to run out on her? Willow had never lied about her feelings for Oz; she'd never pretended to be in love with her, so she should not be surprised that this was happening.

Tara got out of bed and began pacing the room, contemplating her actions. Glancing out the window, she was surprised to see it was already dark out. How long had she been crying? Should she call Willow-see how she was-apologize to her? She shouldn't have run off like that; she'd probably upset Willow even more...

Reaching for the phone, she decided to call her-let her know she still loved her...that whatever she wanted to do was fine...that she understood...However, as she looked at the receiver in her hand, Tara quickly changed her mind, and put down the phone. What would she say to Willow? Would she be interrupting something? Oz had said he was gonna drop by that night-what if he was already there? She didn't want to intrude.

Besides, what if Willow didn't want to speak to her? What if Willow wanted to be alone? What if Willow had already decided to go back to Oz? She didn't want to hear that over the phone. If Willow was going to break up with her, she wanted to see her in person. She wanted to let Willow know she still wanted to be a part of her life-she'd die without her. She'd rather have Willow as a friend, than as nothing at all.

As she began pacing the room again, the tears returned to her eyes. Everything in her room reminded her of Willow. The girl's things were everywhere; from her spell books; her clothes; her jewelry; a few of her stuffed toys, and even her energy. There was a residual Willow-essence left in her room-from their constant spell casting; their lovemaking...Each time Willow had let loose; accepted her love; released her energy...it's essence had seeped into the room, and it was now as much a part of the air, as Tara's own energy.

Crawling back onto the bed, Tara realized, she'd never make it through the night-not without Willow. How could she sleep without her baby? How could she sleep knowing she was with him; with Oz; with the man she loved; the man she used to make love to; the man who used to make love to her...? Did she miss it-making love to him-to a man? Was she satisfied with the way she-Tara-made love to her? How did it compare-having a woman make love to you, as opposed to a man?

As the tears returned, Tara once again curled up in a fetal position-letting the sobs wrack her body. Was Willow really going to leave her? What was she doing now? Was Oz with her? Were they talking...? What if they were...? NO! Willow wouldn't...she wouldn't be...NO! The very thought of Willow and Oz together intimately...in a sexual way...well, it made her feel physically sick. She suddenly felt so nauseous in fact; that she was now leaping from the bed, and rushing into the bathroom.

She returned to her room about half an hour later, still feeling a little queasy. She'd been unable to stop throwing up; as her mind continued to dwell on the image of Willow and Oz; patching up their relationship...together...in bed...kissing...making love...declaring their love for one another...Which is why she was now, once again running back towards the bathroom.

She got no sleep that night; having spent half of it running to and from the bathroom; and the other half crying her eyes out, doing her best to ignore the image of Willow and Oz together, and trying her hardest to come to terms with her loss. She knew it was inevitable; Willow was going to leave her. The love of her life was back in town-sure, he'd hurt her; but Willow had forgiven him; Willow loved him, and if he made her happy...then who was she to stand in her way?

Willow's happiness meant more to her than her own did, but that didn't make losing her any easier. She wouldn't get to make love to her anymore; wouldn't get to tell her she loved her; wouldn't be allowed the privilege of waking up next to her in the morning; wouldn't get to touch her; to kiss her, and to love her like she wanted to love her. She would have to satisfy herself with friendship; with platonic love; with being someone she could talk to; someone she could do spells with, and never someone who meant the world to her-never her soulmate; her lover...

As Willow walked back towards campus, she did her best to keep the tears at bay; she didn't want to let her pain consume her; to let the confusion bother her...but she couldn't help it. She had no idea how she felt; what she wanted to do, or what it meant to her that Oz was back. She needed someone to talk to; someone to hold her; someone to tell her it was going to be all right, that she'd work it out-she needed Tara. Her girlfriend was the only person who always made her feel better; who always knew what to say, and who always understood her. Which is why she was now walking down the hall towards Tara's room.

She stopped before she reached her door however; realizing it wasn't right-she had no right to impose on Tara this way. Her girlfriend had made it clear; she needed some time alone; she couldn't be around her right now; she was hurt, and scared, and unable to deal with her presence-just yet. She'd seen it all in Tara's eye; sensed it in her energy, as she'd bolted from the room. She'd never seen Tara so hell-bent on getting away from her; never seen such hurt in the girl's eye; such fear, and she hated herself for being the cause of it.

At that moment, she hadn't cared that all the Scooby members were present; hadn't cared that they could find out about her and Tara; hadn't cared that she was bursting with anguish. At that moment, all she'd cared about was the fear in Tara's eyes. She'd wanted so desperately to comfort her; to reassure her; to let her know she wasn't going to leave her; to tell her that she loved her, but as usual she was held back, and then Tara had left-ignored her pleas, and just bolted from the room. She'd been hurt by the rejection; hurt that Tara wouldn't accept her touch; wouldn't hear her out...and yet she totally understood it.

So why was she now, less than a few feet away from Tara's door? Why was she seeking Tara's comfort-seeking Tara's help? Hadn't Tara made it clear that she wanted to be alone-that she was scared? What good would her presence do? It's not like she was able to tell her that she loved her-that she wasn't going to go back to Oz. She should leave the poor girl alone; deal with the anguish by herself. Tara didn't need to be burdened with her indecision-with her neediness; Tara needed reassurance, and if she wasn't going to give it to her...then her presence would only make things worse.

With that thought, she turned away from Tara's dorm, and headed back towards her own. She didn't feel like she was going home though-Tara's room was her home. She always felt safe in Tara's room; as if nothing could hurt her there, and everything would always be all right. Tara's room was her sanctuary, just as Tara herself was her touchstone. She suddenly couldn't help noticing how absurd the situation was-the one time she needed Tara the most; she couldn't go to her. How was she going to get through this without Tara's help?

Opening the door to her own room, Willow somehow didn't feel right about being there. This room felt empty-unlived in...desolate. Both she and Buffy had once called this room home, and yet now-it had probably been unslept in for over a month-unless you count Amy. This room was no longer a home to anyone-and even Amy The Rat considered the cage more of a home than the room itself. This thought suddenly made Willow's mood even worse. She moved towards her bed and sat down, trying to remember the last time she'd slept in it.

She sighed-the last time she'd slept in this bed; Tara had gotten hurt. She'd left her girl alone for one night, and mayhem had ensued. Ever since that night, she hadn't left her girlfriend's side; hadn't spent a single night apart from her-and that was now almost a month ago. What was she going to do tonight? Would she be able to sleep alone? Would Tara allow her back into her bed? Did she have any right to ask? How could she sleep without Tara by her side?

Stretching out on the bed, Willow suddenly remembered Oz. Her ex was coming by tonight. What did he want to talk about? How long would he stay? Was he back because of her? Did he want to get back together? Why hadn't he called? What had he been up to all this time? Was this really happening? What was she going to do? How did she feel about him? Did she still love him? Did she want him back? Had Tara been right last week-was she holding back from her emotionally, because she was still in love with Oz?

She got up off the bed, and began pacing-surprised to note that it was already getting dark. How long had she been lying down-running her questions over, and over in her head? What was she going to do? Maybe she should call Tara-see how she was doing? A bit of time had passed now; maybe the girl was willing to speak to her again?

Picking up the phone, she looked at the receiver-unaware that Tara was now doing the exact same thing in her own dorm. Just like Tara, she contemplated calling her girlfriend. She still wasn't quite sure what to say to her though, and as she thought about it, the knocking at the door startled her, and she put down the phone. Oz was here...She nervously ran her hands over her clothes, and through her hair, before moving towards the door. Here goes...

"Hey," Oz greeted, as she opened the door. He was causally leaning against the doorframe, smiling softly.

Looking at Oz, Willow felt her breath catch; as her heart began to race. This unsettled her in more ways than one. Firstly, she was now in a new place emotionally; she was over him...right? What's more; she had a girlfriend; someone who loved her deeply; someone she loved back-even if she hadn't told her yet. So why was her heart racing? Why was she thinking about how much she'd missed him? She had no right to be thinking that-to be feeling this way. She was suddenly more confused than ever...

"So," she began, doing her best to smother her errant thoughts. "You…you wanna come inside?"

Oz smiled at his ex-girlfriend, realizing she still hadn't figured it out. He suddenly couldn't wait to show her-to let her know what had happened. "Actually, I want you to come outside," he began, his smile widening, "I wanna show you something."

Willow's breath caught in her throat again, and she suddenly felt even more uncomfortable. Oz's smile had always had a huge effect on her, and seeing it again-after all this time; she had no idea how to react to it. She didn't want to betray what she had with Tara-but how do you simply stop loving someone? How do you forget what you used to have-forget how they used to make you feel?

"Okay," she replied softly, forcing herself to relax, "just, um...let me get my coat first..." As she turned towards the closet, she couldn't help but wonder what Oz wanted to show her; what he was up to.

Oz watched in silence as his ex-girlfriend grabbed a coat, and draped it over her shoulders. She was so beautiful-he'd missed her so much; missed looking at her; missed her fiery-red hair; her emerald-green eyes; her smile, missed holding her; kissing her; making love to her, missed everything about her.

He'd stopped by Xander's on his way over here, wanting to know if his girl was still free. Upon hearing there was no new guy in her life, he couldn't have been happier. It showed him she hadn't moved on, that there was still a part of her that loved him; that she'd been waiting for him, and that he still had a chance to win her back.

Turning around, Willow couldn't help but notice the look in Oz's eye-she knew that look well. It unsettled her even further-was Oz back for her? She didn't know how she felt about that. She had a girlfriend now-she couldn't go running back to her ex-boyfriend, just because he was back in town. Oz had hurt her so much; he'd betrayed her trust; left her in shambles, and there was still the whole werewolf issue-the reason he'd left in the first place.

Tara on the other hand, had never hurt her; never betrayed her, and had become one of the most cherished people in her life. However, seeing Oz just now, she didn't know what to think anymore. She was confused; she still felt her breath catch at his smile-and yet she now loved Tara. What did it all mean?

Willow nodded, as they began to walk down the hall. They were soon outside, walking across the campus grounds, and Oz kept steeling glances at his ex-girlfriend. He could see she was lost in thought, but he wished she would look up; notice the moon-realize what it meant. He was very eager to surprise her; to let her know how he'd changed-he simply couldn't wait to see the expression on her face when she realized what he'd done.

As they continued walking in silence, Willow couldn't stop the constant questions running through her brain. What were they doing out here? Why was he back? Was this really happening? And how was he going to react when she told him about Tara? She knew she couldn't keep her girlfriend a secret from him-that he would have to know.

He stopped walking as Willow said his name, turning around to face his ex-girlfriend. He wondered for a brief second if she'd noticed the moon-but her somber expression told him otherwise.

"This is all so weird," she continued. "I…I…I feel like...this isn't really happening...like it's a dream or something..."

Willow was confused-Why should she look up? Had she heard correctly? What was going on?

As she looked up in confusion, her eyes locked onto the full moon. Wait! Had she seen correctly? Was that a full moon? But wasn't Oz...? Oh my God-what did it mean? How had it happened...?

Oz grinned, noticing her bewilderment. "I guess you stopped keeping track of 'em after I left," he noted.

"Full moon...?" she burst out, alternating her gaze from the sky, back down to Oz, then back at the sky again. It wasn't possible? Oz was Oz...he wasn't...How had it happened? She looked back down at her ex, just to make sure he was really Oz, before looking back up at the moon.

"Full moon," Willow repeated, as she continued to shift her eyes back and forth, between Oz and the sky, "but…but how?"

She was elated; ecstatic..."I mean, you did it," she grinned. "How…how did you do it? Where did you go?"

Taking a final look up at the sky, Willow returned her gaze back to Oz. "Oh my God, Oz!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him. This was incredible-he was cured. She couldn't believe it-this was great...

Oz closed his eyes as he pulled Willow close to him-enjoying the sensation of his ex-girlfriend's embrace. It had been so long since he'd held her this close; smelled her scent; felt her warm body against his. It felt so good to be holding her again-he'd missed her hugs; missed her, and he loved her so much. Maybe this meant she missed him too? Would she give him a second chance?

As she tightened her hold on her ex-lover, Willow closed her eyes, unwittingly pressing her body tight against his. She was so thrilled by what she'd found out, that she'd momentarily forgotten her position; forgotten about their break-up; forgotten that she no longer had a right to hold him like this; that he no longer had a right to hold her, and that she now belonged to someone else. The only thing she was thinking of; was how happy she felt that he was cured; how this was everything he'd always wanted, and how he could finally live a normal life.

After a few seconds though, she began to realize what she was doing; how she was reacting, and that it wasn't right to hold him like this. She was with Tara now-she shouldn't be hugging Oz...

As Willow pulled away from him; Oz noticed the confusion on her face; saw how nervous she suddenly was, and he felt his heart race as he met her gaze. He could tell she'd been affected by their embrace; that it had stirred up old feelings, and he hoped it was a sign...that he was in with a shot...that they could work things out...

"This is..." Willow whispered, wondering why her heart was racing, "I mean, it's...wonderful for you..." she trailed off, not knowing what else to say.

The fact that Oz was cured changed things; made things more complicated. Their break-up had hinged not only on his treacherous cheating, but on his Wolfie-ness as well. Now that he was cured; they had a chance for a normal life; a normal relationship. What's more, if he'd come back for her, found a cure for her, how could she disappoint him...? How could she tell him that she didn't want him anymore-that she was in love with someone else, and that he'd done all this for nothing?

She didn't want to hurt him, but she didn't want to hurt Tara either. She suddenly had no idea what she wanted to do. Why did things have to be so complicated? It would've been so much easier if he hadn't found a cure; she wouldn't have felt so guilty about having to reject him; about letting him know she was...what...gay? Was she really? She obviously still cared about him...What did that say about her sexuality-about her relationship with Tara? What did it all mean?

"I talked to Xander," Oz began, interrupting her thoughts, "and he said you didn't have a new guy..."

"No...no new guy..." Willow trailed off, a feeling of dread entering her body. She could tell where this was going; could sense what he wanted...So why wasn't she telling him about Tara; stopping him off at the pass; letting him know the truth before he...? Her thoughts trailed off as he grabbed her hand, and she experienced the old-familiar tingly-ness of his touch. She was suddenly struck dumb by her confusion; by her reaction, and was unable to say or do anything.

"I know what I put you through..." Oz continued, pleased she hadn't pulled away, "and I'm not gonna push. But I am...a different person than when I left...and I can be what you need now..."

Willow felt tears come to her eyes; her suspicions had been confirmed. Oz found a cure for her; he still loved her; wanted a second chance...How could she say no to him? How could she hurt him? What was she going to do? How did she feel...?

She pulled her hand away from his, realizing his touch wasn't helping matters. She needed to think things through; needed to decide what she wanted to do, and she wasn't ready yet to give him an answer.

"It's okay," Oz interjected, seeing her confusion, "I...no rush...whatever you want..."

Willow smiled, pleased by the reprieve. "Thanks, I...I...I'm not ready to, I...I mean I...I don't know what I...I feel, and I...I..."

"Why don't we talk," he suggested, wanting to put her at ease. He could see the uncertainty in her gaze, and it gave him hope...but he didn't want to push.

With that, the two ex-lovers made their way to Oz's van, where he grabbed some stuff he'd accumulated on his travels. They then headed over to Willow's dorm, where they spent the rest of the night talking; catching up, and becoming more, and more comfortable around one another.

When morning had arrived, they were still talking, and they were both feeling as if they'd never been apart-like they were simply enjoying one of their old, all-night chat-sessions. Willow was now stretched out at the head of the bed, holding an Indian sari Oz had given her, while Oz lounged back lazily at the other end.

Oz smiled. "A woman in Tibet traded it to me for the Radiohead record...got a lot of mileage out of the barter system."

"Well," he replied, "it's where I stayed the longest. This warlock in Romania sent me to the monks there to learn some meditation techniques-very intense...all about keeping your inner cool."

Willow chuckled. "Good, 'cause you were such a spaz before," she teased. "So that's it...you keep your cool...and no more wolfie?"

"No, there's more," he explained. "I take some herbs and stuff; some chanting; a couple of charms." He lifted his hand up in demonstration, bringing her attention to the string of beads wrapped around it.

"It's incredible...you've been all around the world...you've had this complete mind-body transformation..."

Willow paused then, giving her ex a small smile. "I've just been here-same old Sunnydale," she quipped.

"It's true," she paused again, as she remembered. "Some of it," she continued, "you know...was me telling myself I hated you...and cursing your name-not literally..."

Willow trailed off, as her eyes locked onto her ex-boyfriend's. She suddenly felt a little nervous; conflicted by her emotions; by the sudden racing of her heart; by what it all meant...

"It's so light out," she commented, looking out the window, trying to remain calm.

"Or we could just," Oz ventured, placing his hand on Willow's, "sleep a little while...?"

Looking into her ex's eyes, Willow felt even more nervous than she had a second ago-she had no idea what to say to him; how to react to his touch. She could feel the old spark coming back to her, but it was different somehow-a little disturbing...Like a distant memory one had long-since forgotten, and had now returned to haunt her...to remind her of what she used to have-just when she'd finally learned to live without it; finally moved away from it; finally put it out of her system...

Looking into his ex-girlfriend's eyes, Oz sensed the girl's sudden nervousness, and decided to back off. He didn't want to push, and if she weren't ready yet...he'd wait till she was...as long as it took...

"I'll have the...less confusing waffles right now," she choked out, doing her best to remain composed.

With that, Willow got up off the bed. She then grabbed her old toothbrush, and Buffy's toothpaste. "Lemme just, ah...freshen up," she told Oz over her shoulder, before giving him a soft smile, and heading out the door.

Oz smiled back at his ex-girlfriend, as he watched her leave. He was pleased by how things had gone; pleased by their conversation; by their ever-increasing comfort with one another, and he couldn't help thinking that things were definitely looking good for them...

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door, and he slowly stood up to answer it.

That night had been one of the longest nights in Tara's life; she'd felt as if it would never end. She'd been unable to sleep-unable to do anything but think about Willow and Oz, and what was going to happen to them now. As soon as she'd seen the first speckles of light shining through her window, Tara had decided to go to her girlfriend; she couldn't be alone with her thoughts anymore-she needed to know what had happened; what Willow had decided. With that, she'd had a quick shower, and was soon rapidly making her way towards Willow's dorm.

When she finally reached her girlfriend's room, she took a few deep breaths, before tentatively knocking on her door. Realizing that Willow might still be asleep, she decided to knock again. She was just about to knock for a third time, when the door opened, and she came face to face with her girlfriend's ex-boyfriend.

She suddenly felt as if the wind had been knocked clear off her body; Oz was still here; he'd spent the night...and upon glancing inside, she couldn't help but note that Willow was nowhere to be seen. What was going on here? Had Willow and Oz...? NO! They hadn't...had they...? They wouldn't have...? Willow wouldn't do that to her...right?

"I…I…I'll come back," she continued, feeling as if all her fears had now come to pass. She couldn't be here anymore. She needed to throw up again-needed to be alone; needed to get away from Oz, and needed to crawl into bed and never see the light of day again.

Oz looked at the strangely familiar blonde in the doorway, wondering who she was. "Are you looking for Willow...?" he asked, not waiting for an answer. "She's just in the bathroom, down the hall," he explained, pointing towards the shower block.

"No…no…no…it's…it's okay," Tara replied, backing away from the door. She couldn't see Willow just yet; couldn't be around her. Seeing Oz had totally shocked her, and she didn't want to intrude; wasn't prepared to hear Willow say those words to her; wasn't prepared for the truth, and wasn't prepared to be cast-off.

Looking at the blonde, Oz couldn't help but think where he'd seen her before. She looked oddly familiar. Who was she? "I saw you at Giles' yesterday," he burst out, suddenly remembering.

"Yeah," Tara replied nervously, doing her best to steady her breathing. "Sometimes...Willow takes me with her to the...S…Scoobies..." she explained, wanting desperately to be elsewhere.

"You sure you don't wanna come in?" Oz asked, confused by her reaction. Why was this girl so nervous? Who was she? Was she a witch friend of Willow's? Is that why she'd been at the Scooby meeting?

Tara shook her head at Oz's invitation. She smiled nervously at him; before rushing down the hall; in the opposite direction of the bathroom. She didn't want to run into Willow just yet; she needed some time to compose herself; to come to terms with what was happening; to accept the fact that Willow had made her choice-that she wanted Oz, and that she was going to leave her...

Tara felt tears coming to her eyes at that thought, but was unable to stop them. With sudden vigor, she increased her speed, as she began to run down the stairs; through the student lounge; across the campus, and towards her room. When she finally reached the hallway of her dorm, she made a quick beeline towards the bathroom-once again needing to throw up. The thought of Willow and Oz together; of what must've happened between them, made her feel ten times sicker than it had last night.

Last night, her thoughts had only been speculations. This morning however, they were very much a real possibility. Why else had Oz still been in Willow's room? They couldn't have spent the whole night talking...could they? Was that what they'd done? Was she just jumping to conclusions? Willow was an honorable person; she wouldn't cheat on her...would she?

On second thoughts, Oz was the love of her life...she missed him terribly...still wasn't over him, and if he wanted her back...then why would Willow refuse him? She obviously hadn't told him about her new relationship, seeing as Oz hadn't known who she was. What did that mean? Why hadn't Willow told him about her?

Tara was now gently splashing water onto her face, doing her best to calm herself down. She didn't know what to think anymore; didn't know what to do. All she did know; was that she loved Willow; would always love her, and that she couldn't live without her. She knew the girl cared for her; that she enjoyed her company; that she felt connected to her, but she also knew the girl didn't love her. She'd seen the way Willow had struggled this week; seen how she'd wanted to return the love she'd shown her, and seen how much it pained her that she couldn't.

All this brought Tara to her final conclusion; she'd been delusional. Even though she knew Willow didn't love her; that she was still in love with her ex-boyfriend-something inside her had wished otherwise. There'd been a secret hope from deep within her soul; that she'd been mistaken; that Willow was just scared to let go of her past, and that she would someday realize she loved her. She knew how silly that was now; knew how stupid she was to think that.

In fact, she'd let it totally cloud her judgment; her perception...all those times she'd thought she'd seen a flicker of love in Willow's eye; seen the way her energy glowed after she'd made love to her, and mistakenly interpreted the brightness as concealed love. How could she have been so stupid-so deluded? What's more, she didn't deserve Willow's love. She was a nobody-a half demon...someone who had no right to be loved by such a goddess as Willow. It was her own fault for daring to dream...daring to hope...and daring to fall in love...

With that thought, she slowly made her way back to her room, before curling up in her armchair, and letting the tears fall. She cried, and cried, and cried...unable to stop the tears, as she slowly came to terms with the fact she'd lost Willow. The girl wasn't hers anymore; she belonged to Oz. In fact, she'd always belonged to him-Willow's heart had never once belonged to her, and it never would...she'd been a fool to ever think otherwise...

As he shut the door behind Willow's blonde friend, Oz couldn't help feeling confused about her hasty exit. Why hadn't she stayed? Why had she seemed so nervous? Who was she to Willow? And why was there something strangely familiar about her-about her scent? It's like her scent was mingled with someone else's; but it was very faint; almost undetectable, and he couldn't quite place it...

Willow took that moment to walk through the door, interrupting Oz's thoughts. As she placed her stuff next to the sink, she turned around and noticed the confusion on her ex-boyfriend's face.

"Your friend came by," he explained, "the blonde girl...but she wouldn't stay...?"

As he turned around to grab his coat, Willow suddenly felt the tears come to her eyes. Tara had stopped by...she'd seen Oz...Oh my God-she probably thought that...? How had that made her feel? Was she all right? Was she hurt? Willow couldn't stand the thought of her Tara in pain...feeling what...betrayed...? She should've realized the girl would come by this morning-she was probably scared, confused, and desperate to know what was going on; what she'd decided...

"So what do you think," Oz continued, draping the coat around himself, "where do you wanna go?"

Willow looked up at Oz's question, suddenly remembering his presence. Go? What was he talking about? Oh...breakfast...she suddenly didn't feel like breakfast anymore. She needed some time alone; to think about how she felt; what it all meant, and what she was going to say to Tara. The girl deserved to know the truth...only what was the truth? How did she feel? What had last night meant to her? What did Oz mean to her? She knew she loved Tara, but with Oz back...and cured no less...How could she let him go? She didn't want to hurt him...didn't want to disappoint him; especially since she still cared for him...but he was her past...she was over him...?

Only, his cure changed things, made it possible for them to have a normal relationship; it's everything she'd always wanted...right? But what about Tara? No one made her feel quite like Tara did. Her girlfriend touched something inside her that not even Oz had ever reached; she felt connected to her like no one else-she was her guiding light. Everything was more powerful with Tara-more intense; even the lovemaking. Oh God...what was she going to do? And why hadn't she told Oz about her? What was she waiting for? He needed to know...

"Willow?" Oz asked, interrupting her thoughts. He'd been standing there watching her for about a minute, wondering about her confusion.

"Oh," Willow looked up, giving her ex a forced smile, "I...I...I guess I drifted off..."

Willow took a deep breath, doing her best to steady her emotions. "I...I...I don't really, um...maybe we should, um...skip the waffles, I...I feel kinda tired, I...I mean, I...I..."

"I get it," Oz replied, interrupting her. He could see her confusion; realized where it was coming from...that she needed to figure out what she felt for him. If that was the case, then he was more than happy to leave her with her thoughts; confident that she still had feelings for him; that she needed to sort through them, and the more she thought about it, the sooner he'd be allowed back into her heart...

Willow smiled gratefully at her ex. "Thanks," she whispered, holding back the tears until he'd closed the door.

As soon as he left, she felt as if a dam had burst inside her, as her tears began to flow. Grabbing her favorite stuffed puppy dog, she stretched herself out on the bed, and let her tears loose; allowed her thoughts to wander...

She was so confused; so terrified, and all she could think about was how Tara must be feeling; what she must be thinking...how she deserved to know what was going on; deserved to know how she felt about her; how she felt about Oz. Only how could she tell her when she didn't know herself?

For a long time since he'd left, she'd dreamed of this moment; fantasized about the day he would walk back into her life-cured and wanting her back. Only now that she'd finally gotten it...she had no idea if she wanted it...Which made her feel totally guilty. He'd left to find a cure, and he'd come back for her. In fact, he'd never actually broken it off with her...there'd never been any actual closure to the relationship; she'd just assumed they were over...

Is that why she felt guilty about her relationship with Tara-why she hadn't told anyone about it-why she found it hard to tell Oz? Is that why she couldn't tell Tara that she loved her? Had she been tied to Oz the whole time through lack of closure...felt like they hadn't really broken up...that she wasn't free to see someone else; wasn't free to fall in love...? Was that it...?

And how did she feel now-about his return? What did she want? She should be ecstatic about his cure; overjoyed he was back-pleased to have finally gotten what she wanted. So why wasn't she? Was it really what she wanted? Was Oz the one she couldn't stand to live without? Was Oz the one who touched her soul...made her feel like a complete person...or did that honor belong to Tara?

She loved Tara so much; couldn't imagine her life without her, and she didn't want to let her go. But what was she going to do about Oz? Was she really ready to let him go...ready to accept she was gay...ready to embrace her future with Tara? Why couldn't things be clearer? Why wasn't Tara here with her; holding her; comforting her...telling her it was okay? She'd come to depend so much on her girlfriend; come to take it for granted that she'd always be around, that she'd always be there to comfort her...and now that she was upset...she so desperately wanted to go to her...

She needed her Tara; needed to feel her touch; needed to be held close and told it was all right; needed to feel her energy surrounding her, and needed to feel her love...But she had no right. Tara was the one hurt here-the one who was being put through hell...and she was the one hurting her...the one causing all her pain; through her indecision; through her confusion...

Oh, what was she to do? She felt like her brain was about to explode. She had so many thoughts-so many questions...and yet she had no answers for them. Who could she turn to? She needed help...needed someone to talk to...but who...?

At that moment, Willow looked up as she heard the door opening. It was Buffy...her best friend...maybe she could help...maybe it was about time she told her the truth; revealed her secret...? Although; she couldn't help feeling terrified by the idea.

She hadn't told anyone about Tara yet; in fact, the only person who actually knew the truth about them was a bleached-blonde vampire, whose opinion she couldn't care less about. Telling her friends; well, it scared her to death-scared her because she cared about these people; cared about what they thought of her; about what they thought of Tara, and she desperately wanted their approval...their acceptance...

What would she do if Buffy couldn't give it...if she freaked? Could she handle it now...when she was already under so much pressure; in so much pain...Only, what choice did she have? Who else could she talk to...?

"Yeah," Buffy replied, rubbing her neck. "I just...I don't wanna talk about it," she continued, dropping her overnight bag, and taking off her coat. "I wanna hear about you and Oz. You saw him right?"

"All night?" Buffy replied in surprise, a grin creeping to her face. "Oh my God," she continued, taking a seat on the bed next to Willow.

"Wait..." she paused, realizing something. "Last night was a wolf moon...right...?"

Willow chuckled at her friend's teasing. "No kink," she smiled. "He didn't change, Buffy...he said he was gonna find a cure, and he did...in Tibet."

Buffy couldn't be happier for her best friend. "Oh my God," she grinned. "I can't believe it!"

She frowned as she noticed her friend's lack of enthusiasm. "Okay, I'm all with the woo-hoo, here, and...and you're not?" What was going on? Why wasn't Willow happy?

"No, there's 'woo' and…and 'hoo'..." Willow began, taking another breath, "but there's 'uh-oh,' and...'why now'...and...it's complicated..."

Willow paused at Buffy's question, deciding it was finally time..."It's complicated," she sighed, bracing herself, "...because of Tara..."

Buffy looked at her friend in confusion, wondering what she meant. What about Tara? Was there a love triangle...? "You mean Tara has a crush on Oz...?" she asked her friend, surprised to see her shaking her head. "No?"

At Willow's nervous smile, her fears were confirmed...No! It couldn't be? Willow and Tara...? They were friends...witch buddies...magickal playmates...Her best friend wasn't gay...was she...? When did this happen? Why hadn't she seen it?

"Oh," she stood up, wondering what to say, "um...well...that's great...you know..." she continued, trying to sound calm. She didn't want Willow to know how freaked she was. "I mean," she began pacing the room nervously, "I think Tara's a…a really great girl...Will..."

"She is," Willow, replied, unable to stop from smiling. Tara was the best thing that had ever happened to her...and what they had together was...

"And there's something between us," she continued. "It…it wasn't something I was looking for. It's just...powerful...and it's totally different from what Oz and I have..."

"Well, there you go," Buffy ventured, doing her best to be supporto-gal, but failing miserably, as her tension got the better of her.

"I mean, you know," she continued, "you have to...you have to follow your heart, Will...and that's what's important...Will..."

Willow couldn't help but notice her friend's edginess. "Why do you keep saying my name like that?"

Looking at her best friend's false cheer, Willow unavoidably realized what was happening.

She should've known...should've realized Buffy couldn't handle this...oh God, what was she gonna do...?

"What? No...Will, d..." Buffy paused, as she realized what she was doing-how she was acting.

How could she be such a hypocrite? Hadn't she just had an argument with Riley about the same thing? Sure, there was a difference between dating a werewolf, and being gay...but both were unconventional relationships. Why should she be okay with one and not the other?

She knew she was wigged; that she wasn't totally okay with Willow being gay-but she didn't want her friend to know that. She needed some time to think things through...to get used to the idea, and she didn't want to hurt her best friend in the process. Willow was obviously upset now; obviously needed some guidance-what with the whole Oz thing; and she needed a best friend who was there for her...

With that thought, Buffy moved to sit on the bed, wanting to reassure her best friend that it was all-good...that she wasn't freaked...even if she was a little...

"No," Buffy exclaimed, doing her best to sound convincing. "No, absolutely no to that question."

Willow looked at her friend, not entirely sure she believed her. She could see how wigged out Buffy had gotten; could see how nervous she'd been...

Willow sighed, deciding to let it go. Besides, she needed Buffy's help right now, and even if the girl was freaked; she still seemed willing to be there for her; to hear her out. Right now she needed that...hopefully all Buffy needed was some time...

Buffy smiled, seeing her friend relax a little. "What did you say to Oz?" she asked, deciding to change the subject-to get to the crux of the problem.

"I was gonna tell him..." Willow trailed of guiltily. "But then we started hanging out, and...I could just feel everything coming back..."

Buffy smiled at her friend sympathetically, knowing exactly what she meant. She too would feel the same way if Angel walked through that door...you never totally get over your first love...

"No matter what, somebody's gonna get hurt...and the important thing is, you just have to be honest...or it's gonna be a lot worse."

Willow nodded, realizing her friend was right. But what was she gonna do? What was she gonna say? Who should she be honest with...herself...Tara...Oz...? And what was the truth?

"The truth," she explained, moving into babble mode "I...I don't even know what the truth is anymore...who I want...what I want...what I don't want-oh Buffy, I...I don't know anything anymore, and I've...I've already hurt Tara, she...she saw us, this morning-I mean...she saw Oz...in my room, and...and she probably thinks we...we...and I...I should tell her, but I...I don't know what to say to her...how to explain...I mean, nothing happened, but...but she's gonna want to know...what's going on...I mean, what I want...what's between us...between Oz and me, and I...I don't know what to tell her. She's my girlfriend Buffy, and I...I don't wanna hurt her, and I...I don't wanna lose her...I care about her so much, but I...I don't wanna hurt Oz either...What am I gonna do Buffy...what am I gonna say...?

She burst into tears then, clutching her soft toy to her chest, and burying her head into it.

Buffy looked at her best friend with sympathy, not knowing what to say to her-how to reassure her. "Will," she began, wracking her brain for something profound to say, "I...I...why don't you talk to her...go see her...let her know what's happened. You should tell her you're confused...that you don't know what to do. If she cares for you, she'll understand..."

Willow wiped at her tears, giving her friend a grateful smile. Buffy was right-she should talk to Tara. The girl would definitely understand-although; that was the problem. She knew Tara loved her, that she would always be there for her...but it only made her feel guilty. Tara deserved more-she deserved to be loved back; deserved to be reassured...only Willow wasn't sure she could...

On second thoughts though-she really needed to explain about this morning. She knew Tara well enough by now, to know she'd be eating herself up over it; feeling hurt; confused; saddened; scared; betrayed, and God knows what else...

"You're right," Willow conceded, putting down the puppy dog. "I should see her...let her know..."

Willow sighed at her friend's question, her tears returning. Of course she loved Tara; loved her more than she thought it possible to love someone...but she'd never said it to her...never said it out loud. Saying it would make it real...would make it true...and Willow wasn't sure she was ready for that...especially now that she was so confused...with Oz back...

"I...I...Oh Buffy, I can't say it...but I do...I really do, and she loves me...she's told me...shown me, and I...I've never been able to say it...to return it, and I don't know why I'm holding back from her, and I...I just can't say the words to her, and now...now it's all so complicated...I don't know what to do Buffy...it hurts so much..." she trailed off, wiping away the tears as she stood up.

Buffy smiled at her friend in sympathy. "It'll be okay, " she reassured. "Deep down you know what you want, and you'll figure it out..."

Looking down at The Slayer, Willow hoped she was right. "I hope so," she whispered, before heading out the door.

As Willow walked up to Tara's door, she paused for a moment before knocking. It had been a long time since she'd had to knock to enter this room; and the thought unnerved her...scared her...Tara's room was her sanctuary, and now everything was all confused; all topsy-turvy...forcing her to beg entrance into the one place she called home...the one place where she felt safe. Willow hated this; hated the situation, and she suddenly had to close her eyes for a minute-allow herself to relax; give her time to compose herself. Why did things have to be so complicated?

While Willow stood outside her door, Tara remained curled up in her armchair, recovering from her crying-jag. She hated the idea of what her girlfriend might have done last night; what it meant to have seen Oz in her room this morning; but she couldn't ignore the very real possibility that they'd slept together, and that Willow had decided she wanted him back.

Although; even though she hated the idea, she didn't hate Willow-could never hate her. She'd known this day was coming; known she would one day go back to him, and the least she could do was be there for her-let her know she'd always be her friend...and hope that Willow would still want to be a part of her life as well.

When she suddenly heard the knock on her door, Tara instantly knew who it was. Although; a part of her didn't want to get up and answer it-scared that she wasn't ready to hear the truth...to see Willow...to say goodbye to her. Nevertheless, she got up, knowing she couldn't avoid the inevitable forever.

Upon opening the door, Tara felt her breath catch at the sight of her girlfriend. She'd missed her last night, and seeing her now, it took all of her willpower not to reach out and pull her close, kiss her hard, and beg her not to leave...Oh God, she loved her so much...How was she ever gonna say goodbye to her...?

"Hi," Willow whispered nervously, her breath catching in her throat. Tara looked so sad standing in the doorway; she could almost sense the anguish inside her; could almost feel the pain emitted by her energy...

All she wanted; was to walk into her arms; kiss her lips; hold her close, and let their energies combine; allow themselves to draw strength from one another; allow herself to be comforted, and in turn comfort Tara.

Whatever her feelings for Oz happened to be, Willow was sure of one thing; she definitely loved Tara-even if she wasn't free to tell her. The thought of a future without her was unimaginable...

She could feel the girl's confusion; could see how distressed she looked, and Tara had to force herself not to cry...She hated seeing Willow in pain...in distress. She wanted so badly to comfort her; to hold her close...but did she even have the right to anymore? Would Willow reject her embrace? She suddenly realized she was still standing in the doorway, so she stepped aside to let her girlfriend in, before moving to close the door behind her.

"I can only stay, ah, for a minute," Willow explained, as she stepped inside, turning to face Tara. "I have class."

As she met her girlfriend's eyes, Willow knew what she had to say; knew she needed to reassure the girl. "I just want you to know," she began, doing her best not to tear up, "that what you saw this morning, it wasn't..."

"No, it's okay," Tara interrupted, not wanting to hear the words. She could see how nervous Willow was, and she just couldn't bear to hear her say...

Besides, she didn't want the girl to think she'd done something wrong; that she held it against her-she'd always known this day was coming.

"I…I always knew that if he came back..." she reassured, doing her best to remain composed.

"We were just talking," Willow interrupted, seeing where this was going. "Nothing happened."

"Oh," Tara exhaled, a relieved smile creeping to her lips. So Willow hadn't...? She had to be sure though; she couldn't quite believe her ears. "Really?" she whispered, a tear coming to her eye.

Willow nodded in response, her heart aching for Tara. She could see the deep emotion in the girl; could feel her pain, and she wished like crazy that she could make it all better; that she could let her know she loved her, and that she was never gonna leave her...

"But, you know..." Willow ventured instead, needing to be honest. She had to tell Tara the truth; let her know her emotions were conflicted...she couldn't lie to the girl-give her the wrong idea..."it was intense," she continued, "just talking...we have a lot to talk about..."

"I kinda feel like my head's gonna explode," she explained, turning around and taking a few steps away from Tara.

Even though Tara now knew Willow hadn't slept with Oz-it didn't really lessen her anxiety. Just because Willow had remained faithful to her, didn't mean she wanted to stay with her-that she didn't want to go back to Oz.

Although; sensing her girlfriend's sudden confusion, Tara desperately wanted to comfort her; to let her know she understood. She would always love her; always be there for her, and she wanted Willow to know she wouldn't judge her-no matter what she decided to do. Willow was her whole world-her whole life...

"Whatever-you know-happens..." she interjected, as Willow turned back around to face her, "I'll still be here...I'll still be your friend..." Tara forced the tears down, as her eyes locked onto Willow's.

"Of course we'll be friends!" Willow let out vehemently, tears coming to her own eyes. "That's not even a question."

The very thought of not having Tara in her life scared her...unnerved her...How could the girl ever think she wouldn't want to remain a part of her life? Tara meant more to her than anyone...she was her symbol of hope...

"But I'm saying," Tara explained, also finding it impossible to stop herself from tearing up, "I know what Oz means to you..."

She needed to let Willow know that even though it hurt her; she still loved her; would always love her, and that she didn't have to feel guilty for leaving her...that she wasn't obligated to remain with her...if she didn't want to...

"How can you," Willow burst out, her tears threatening to spill, "when I'm not even sure...?"

Tara took a step closer to her girlfriend-her heart aching for her. She didn't quite know what to make of her words, and was trying desperately not to put her arms around her; kiss her; hold her; comfort her...Willow's pain was so great, it cut through Tara's whole being, made her own anguish pale in comparison...

It tore her up-not being able to go to her...Oh God, Willow...what was gonna happen to them? How could she stop the girl's pain, when she couldn't even hold her...?

"I mean," Willow continued, trying desperately to explain things to Tara, "I know what he meant to me...but he left, and...everything changed...I changed, and...then we..." she trailed off, unable to say the words...

"I don't know," Willow choked out-her tears getting the better of her. She wanted so badly to let Tara know she loved her-that she'd fallen in love with her, but as usual-she simply couldn't get the words out..."I just..." she trailed off as her thoughts consumed her.

Tara had pulled her out of one of her darkest times; had made life worth living again, and without her...Willow had no idea how she'd have survived these past months...Tara was her everything...and yet she couldn't say it...Oh God, she hated herself...hated what she was putting her baby through...hated her inability to say what she wanted...Tara didn't deserve this...

"Life was starting to get so good...again...and," Willow sighed, moving closer towards her girlfriend, "you're a big part of that..."

The emotions were suddenly too much for Willow, and the tears began to flow uncontrollably down her cheeks. She loved Tara so much; never wanted to loose her...but now that Oz was cured; it changed things...and she felt guilty for not wanting him back; guilty for wanting to be with Tara...and yet she still wasn't sure how she really felt...

"And here comes the thing I wanted most of all," she explained, doing her best to convey her thoughts, "and...I don't know what to do, I...I wanna know...but I don't..."

Tara couldn't take it any longer; the sight of her Willow in so much pain; the sight of her tears; the look of sheer anguish in her eyes...well; it broke her heart; broke her soul...and she could do nothing but reach out for her-regardless of how welcome her touch would be. She just couldn't ignore Willow's tears...her baby was in pain...and she needed to reassure her...

With that thought, Tara slowly reached out her right hand, and pressed her fingers to Willow's cheek; brushing off her tears.

Willow's eyes turned at the sight of Tara's hand reaching out for her; she could instantly feel a spark of energy coming from it-could feel Tara's love for her; Tara's concern...and it only made her tear up even more...

"Do what makes you...hap…happy," Tara whispered, doing her best not to cry, as she ran her fingers down Willow's cheek. It felt so good to touch her...and it broke her heart. What if she never got to touch her again?

Happy? Oh God, didn't Tara know she made her happy...that she'd never been happier in her life than when she was with her...? Willow couldn't hold back any longer; she couldn't resist-she needed her Tara; needed her touch; needed her lips; her mouth; her tongue, and selfishness be damned-she needed her comfort, and needed her love most of all...

With that, she flung her arms around Tara, dropping her head to her girlfriend's shoulder, as she worked her hands up against the girl's back. She let loose with all her emotion; as Tara tightened her hold on her; stroked her hair, and as Tara unwittingly began to release some of her energy...This was what Willow wanted; this was what she needed...only she wanted more; not just her girlfriend's arms around her; not just her energy...she wanted her love as well.

As Willow pressed herself against her body, and dropped her head to her shoulder, Tara couldn't help but tighten the embrace; stroke her hair; release her energy, and do her best to comfort the girl. She was suddenly scared that it would be the last time she'd get to hold her like this. She didn't want her Willow to leave...

As Willow's sobs deepened; Tara began to sense her need; knew what she wanted. How could she refuse? She loved Willow so much, and if the girl needed to be reminded of it; needed to experience that love; needed its comfort-then Tara would be happy to oblige, especially if this were the last time she'd get to hold her this way; touch her; make love to her...

As Tara made love to her girlfriend; both girls were aware of how urgent her lovemaking was; how primal; how desperate, and how full of love. With every touch; with every kiss, and with every thrust of her tongue-deep inside Willow's core, the beauty that was Tara's love for her girlfriend shone through her energy, and seeped into Willow.

When Willow had finally recovered from the effects of her girlfriend's lovemaking, she turned to her side and captured her lips-tasting a little of herself in Tara's kiss. She couldn't believe how intense her release had just been; how magickal the girl's touch was, and how she was now inevitably feeling at ease...comforted.

She broke the kiss then, needing to look her girlfriend in the eye. It was amazing how Tara had known exactly what she'd wanted; what she'd needed...without her having to speak a single word. She'd never been this connected to anyone before, and she once again found herself drifting off into a state of confusion.

"I love you Willow," Tara said softly, sensing her girlfriend's sudden shift in energy. She wanted to reassure her; to let her know that her love was the one thing she could always be sure of, no matter what happened.

"I will always love you," she continued-tears in her eyes as her forehead met Willow's. "You have to know that..."

"I...I do, and I...I don't wanna lose you," Willow replied, her tears mingling with Tara's. "I...I just don't know what to do anymore..."

"No, it's not okay," Willow replied vehemently. "You...you need to know, I...I...I..." she trailed off; still unable to say she loved her.

Taking a deep breath, Willow decided to go another route. "It's just," she began, "last night...it changed things...I mean, complicated things..."

"He...he found a cure," she explained. "He didn't change...last night was a wolf moon, and he...he wasn't a wolf..."

"Oh," Tara sighed in understanding. They could lead a normal life...How could Willow not go back to him? It's what she always wanted. It's what would make her happy...

"But Tara," Willow continued, sensing the girl's resignation, "I...I'm not sure if that's what I want anymore," she explained.

Tara cut off Willow's words with her lips, hating the pain she saw in her eyes. "It's okay," she repeated. "I...I just want you to be happy, and I...whatever you decide...I will always love you...always be here..."

Willow's heart melted at Tara's words, and she suddenly felt even worse. She had no idea how to respond, and felt herself tear up again. "Tara I..."

"Oh Willow," Tara sighed, pulling the girl into her arms. She lay on her back against the bed, and dragged the girl on top of her, holding her tight. She then began to once again infuse her energy into Willow, needing to relax her, to calm her down, and to reassure her.

After a while, Willow eventually pulled herself out of Tara's embrace, deciding she'd imposed on her girlfriend enough. Besides, she'd already missed her class, and was gonna be late for study group if she wasn't careful. What's more, she needed more time to think-to figure out what she wanted to do...

"Okay," Tara replied, watching in silence as Willow pulled on a robe, before locating a towel and her bathroom kit.

Tara sighed as Willow closed the door, her emotions a mess. Glancing at the clock, she realized that she was only a few minutes late for class. With that thought, she quickly jumped out of bed. Class would be a good way of taking her mind off things...allow her to clear her mind-give her a reprieve from all the constant crying.

Before grabbing her books though, Tara decided to pick up Willow's clothes, and place them in the hamper. When she came across the girl's sweater however, she hesitated. She impulsively decided to wear it herself-as a way of keeping her girlfriend close to her; a way of calming herself down; reminding herself of Willow's presence; of their lovemaking...

With that, she deftly pulled Willow's sweater on, before putting the rest of her clothes away. She then grabbed her books and headed out the door, doing her best not to think about Willow's inevitable departure.

As she made her way towards class, Tara was surprised to suddenly hear Willow's name being spoken-by her ex-boyfriend no less. She paused in her tracks, and turned around to face him.

"Hey," Oz greeted, looking a little confused as he walked towards her. "I thought I sm…ah, heard Willow."

Tara felt a little nervous, as Willow's ex came to a stop in front of her. She could tell he'd sensed Willow's scent on her, and couldn't help feeling scared by the implications.

"Hey," she forced herself to reply, suddenly noticing the books in his hand. "You're um...you're coming back to school here...huh?"

"Pretty much," he began, unnerved by the lingering Willow-scent he could sense. "Feeling...oddly motivated," he continued, sniffing the air again. Why could he smell Willow in the air? Where was it coming from?

"That's um, that's great," Tara replied, doing her best to remain composed. "I mean that's...that's great for you and Willow...right?"

"Is that her sweater?" Oz interrupted, wondering if that's where the scent was coming from.

Tara could sense the guy's increasing agitation, and looked down nervously. "I just...I just hope that you guys'll be very...happy."

Moving closer towards the blonde, Oz realized that it wasn't just the sweater that smelled like her. "You smell like her," he stated. Why was that? What's more, it wasn't just Willow-scent he was smelling. If he wasn't mistaken, the muskiness of the scent reminded him of...

"She's all over you," do you know that?" he continued, getting angrier and angrier-unable to control his emotions.

"I can't...I…I can't talk about this," Tara cried, doing her best to walk away. She knew the guy could smell Willow on her; could smell her essence-the effects of her lovemaking, and she didn't want him to find out this way.

The blonde's response infuriated him; scared him, and he grasped her arm, holding her in place. "But there's something to talk about?" he demanded, hoping against hope that it wasn't what he suspected. The idea of Willow having another lover besides him was unthinkable, and it was rapidly making him crazy.

Tara gasped as Oz tightened his hold on her, unsure of how to respond to his question. He was scaring her...

"Cause she never said anything to me like that," We talked all night and she never..."

As Tara began to walk away from him, Oz moved towards her. He now realized why this girl had been so nervous this morning, why he'd sensed a familiar scent about her, and he needed to know the truth.

Tara was suddenly extremely frightened by Oz's behavior. She hated when a guy grabbed hold of her in anger, it reminded her of her brother...of her father...and she knew what inevitably followed.

"Is she in love with you!!!?" He shouted, suddenly feeling something primal building inside him. The idea of Willow with another lover invoked the innermost reaches of his animalistic urgings...

Tara had no idea how to respond to his question. She herself didn't know if Willow loved her or not.

Tara was surprised when Oz let go of her, and followed his gaze downwards. 'Oh my God' she gasped silently, as his hand began to grow fur.

Knowing the change was upon him, and realizing he couldn't stop it, Oz looked up at the blonde to give her a quick warning, before he lost it completely.

Dropping her books, Tara wasted no time in heeding the emerging werewolf's warning, and began running down the hall.

As Willow walked back towards her dorm, after her quick shower, she couldn't help remembering Buffy's words. The Slayer had told her that deep down she knew what she wanted, and that she'd figure it out...Well, wasn't Tara what she wanted? Hadn't she just proved that? Wasn't Tara the one person who she always gravitated towards-the one person whose love she couldn't live without? How could she have been so blind? She loved Oz, would always love him-but he'd never made her feel like she was alive...never completed her...never touched her soul. Tara on the other hand did all that and more...Tara was her soulmate.

That's why she was confused by her feelings for Oz...why they unsettled her. If she'd never met Tara, she'd almost certainly be with Oz now...there'd be no confusion. She loved him; he made her happy, so she would be with him. However, seeing as she had actually met Tara-she know knew that what she had with Oz would never compare-would never fulfill her like what she had with Tara.

So why was she still holding back from her? Once again, Buffy's words rang in her ears...she knew deep down...she needed closure. Only...she couldn't help feeling torn apart by it...she didn't want to hurt Oz. However, she now knew that it was inevitable, and that it would be unfair on all three of them if she didn't. Being with Oz would be a lie, and even if she could have a normal life with him...be in a relationship that didn't have a stigma associated with it...she'd soon become unhappy with her lot-she just couldn't live her life without Tara.

With that thought, Willow had finally reached her dorm, and was now deftly locating her textbooks. She then made her way over to the library for her study group, and did her best to concentrate on her work. It was futile however, as her thoughts kept drifting off towards Oz, and Tara, and trying to figure out the best way to let Oz know the truth...a way that wouldn't hurt him too much.

Her attempt at studying was suddenly interrupted by the sight of Tara. The girl had rushed into the library, and was now urgently meeting her eye. As she rushed to meet her, Willow couldn't help but notice the anxiety clearly evident in her energy.

"Oh my God," Willow gasped out; If Oz had hurt her...? "Are you all right?" she asked delicately.

"I'm fine," Tara reassured her softly. "Riley and the Commando guys, they stopped him. But they don't know its Oz. I tried to tell them, but...they took him away..."

"I think they might hurt him..." she trailed off, worried about how it would effect Willow.

With that, Willow quickly turned around and grabbed her books, before rushing off to locate her best friend.

When Willow had left the library, Tara turned around slowly, and went off in search of her dropped schoolbooks. She then decided she didn't really feel up to going to class, so went back to her dorm and curled up in her armchair. She stayed there for the rest of the day; letting her thoughts drift off.

When nighttime came, she stepped outside briefly for some dinner. When she got back, she turned on her fairy lights, and tried to do some studying-to get her mind off things.

However, when the power went off abruptly, she was forced to abandon her efforts, and once again made her way over to her armchair. She then proceeded to wallow in her thoughts; in her fears; in her depression, as she tried her best to come to terms with losing Willow.

That night, as they made their way out of the Initiative, Willow knew that Oz wasn't quite ready to see her-just yet. She needed to talk to him though-needed to finally say goodbye to him. Which is why she called out to Riley, asked him to speak to Oz-to let him know she'd be in her dorm, and that she wanted to talk to him...when he was ready.

Which is why the two ex-lovers were now sitting in Oz's van; parked outside Stevenson. The tension was thick between them; the atmosphere was silent, and Oz was staring out the window-unable to look at his ex-girlfriend.

After a while, Willow finally decided to break the silence. "This thing looks pretty good," she began-referring to the van, " considering you drove it overseas."

"Well," Oz replied, still unable to look at her, "it broke down outside of Mexico, and I traded my bass to have it fixed and garaged."

He paused, as his thoughts consumed him. He hated his ego...hated the way he'd been so sure of himself...he should've waited..."I shouldn't have come back now," he sighed, "I just thought I'd changed..."

"You have changed," Willow smiled, recalling how he'd restrained himself earlier-in the Initiative holding cell. "You stopped the wolf from coming out...I saw it..."

"But I couldn't look at you," he explained, "I mean...it turns out...the one thing that brings it out in me is you...which falls under the heading of ironic in my book."

Taking a deep breath, Oz gathered up all his composure, and finally risked a glance at his ex-girlfriend. "Well, so we're safe then," he quipped sarcastically, " 'cause you'll never do that again..."

Willow's smile widened, as her mind drifted towards Tara. Of course she was happy...Tara was the best thing that had ever happened to her...she was her soulmate...

"It may be safer for both of us if you don't," he interjected, not really wanting to hear the details. He wasn't sure if he could remain composed...the idea of Willow and that blonde-well; it just brought out the animal in him...

Willow stopped smiling, seeing the pain in his eyes; knowing she'd put it there. "I missed you, Oz," she explained, wanting to let him know that she still cared...that she would always care, but that she was in a new place now...

"I wrote you so many letters," she continued, "but I didn't have any place to send them...you know?"

Willow paused for a moment, trying to gauge his expression. "I couldn't live like that."

Looking into her eyes, Oz realized she was right. "It was stupid to think that you'd just be...waiting," he sighed.

"I was waiting," Willow was quick to explain. "I feel like some part of me will always be waiting for you. Like if I'm old and blue-haired, and I turn the corner in Istanbul and there you are, I won't be surprised. Because...you're with me, you know?"

Their eyes met for a long moment, as they both realized this would be their final goodbye.

Willow nodded, suddenly saddened. Sure, she knew he had to go; but she'd still miss him...With that thought, she leaned over towards her ex-lover, and pulled him close-letting the tears fall as she finally said goodbye to him; finally said goodbye to their relationship...

As she pulled away from the embrace, Willow knew what she had to do. "Oz," she whispered, forcing the tears back, "I...could you, um...could you wait here for a minute-before you go-I...I need to get something...?"

Oz looked into the tear-filled eyes of his ex-girlfriend, and smiled. "Okay." He could never deny her anything. He was going to miss her though-he'd never loved anyone as much as he loved her.

She rushed towards the room she shared with Buffy, and deftly located the shoebox she was after. It was right where she'd left it, all those long weeks ago-under her bed. As she picked it up, she sat down and looked at it for a minute; contemplating what the box meant to her.

The box contained every single letter she'd ever written to Oz; from the day he'd left-to the day she'd met Tara. She hadn't realized it at the time, but her first encounter with Tara in the laundry room, had changed her life completely. Which is why she'd unwittingly stopped writing to Oz from that day forward.

Her letters to Oz had been cathartic; had been her way of dealing with the pain; of letting Oz know what she thought, of complaining to someone-when she'd had no one else to complain to; when even her best friends no longer wanted to listen. When Tara had entered her life though; she'd no longer felt the need for such an outlet-she'd found a real, live, human person to listen to her; to comfort her; to make her feel better, and to love her.

As she walked back towards Oz's van, Willow realized she was finally about to set herself free. By giving these letters to Oz, she would effectively unburden herself; finally break through to the last vestiges of her emotional blockage.

As she stepped back into the van, Oz looked pointedly at the box in her hands; curious as to what was inside it.

As he took the box from Willow, he looked down at it, not really wanting to accept it, yet knowing that he had to. He knew what Willow was doing; knew what these letters were; knew what they represented, and a part of him didn't want to acknowledge it. These letters were Willow's way of letting him go; of saying goodbye to him, and even though he didn't want to say goodbye to her; he knew there was nothing else he could do. She'd made her decision, and he would have to accept it.

"I'll never forget you Oz," she ventured, lifting her hand to his shoulder for a brief moment, "and...and if you're...whenever you, um...have access to-you know...with the email thing, I...I'd love to know you're okay...know what you're up to...from time to time...?"

Willow smiled in response, and looked into his eyes fondly. She knew she'd miss him; knew she'd think about him occasionally, and she was sad he was leaving. However, she couldn't help noticing that she also felt strangely content. She stared into his eyes for a few more seconds, before saying her final goodbyes.

"Me too," Oz replied, before turning his head, and starting the engine. He couldn't look at her anymore-it just hurt too much.

With that, Willow stepped out of her ex-boyfriend's van, as he drove off into the moonlit night.

Watching him leave, she cried soft and gentle tears, as she was finally able to mourn her past, and embrace her future. When Oz had eventually disappeared from the horizon, Willow slowly made her way back to her dorm room; allowing her tears to run their course.

Even though she was sad; mournful as a result of his departure-she knew it was for the best; knew it would be too hard to face him daily. She and Oz could never simply be just friends-there was too much history; too many emotions, and even though they'd always care for one another; their lives just weren't meant to be spent together. Oz wasn't the one she needed; he wasn't the one who completed her-wasn't the one she loved with her whole being. That honor belonged to Tara, and it was about time she finally told her.

Stepping into her dorm room, Willow quickly located the brightest candle she could find-needing it to guide her in the enforced darkness. The power still hadn't come on, and she didn't really like the idea of walking to Tara's in the dark-not with all those pesky demons and vamps running around.

As she made her way slowly towards her girlfriend's room, Willow couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Even though she was going over there to finally acknowledge her love for Tara-she wasn't entirely sure of her reception. She'd put Tara through hell these last couple of days; been unable to reassure her; unable to let her know what was going on-how she felt...She wouldn't blame Tara if she never wanted to speak to her again...

Although; on second thoughts, she knew Tara better than that; knew the girl loved her; cared for her, and wanted to be a part of her life. She'd made that perfectly clear. Which brought to mind her next thought; she wasn't worthy of Tara's love; wasn't fit to be her girlfriend-and yet, the thought of being without her was just too horrifying. With that, Willow decided to save the noble acts for the saints-Tara was hers, and by all the Gods in heaven, she was going to claim her tonight; regardless of whether or not she deserved her.

Tara got up slowly, as she heard the knocking at her door. She knew it was Willow; knew the girl was about to break her heart, and she had to force herself not to cry-she'd already cried too much these past two days. It was about time she faced the facts; accepted the inevitable, and let her girlfriend go.

As she opened the door however, all her brave thoughts went out the window, and she once again found herself on the brink of tears. Willow looked so beautiful-standing in her doorway; illuminated by the bright light of the candle in her hands. She was really going to miss her...

"No candles?" Willow asked nervously. "Well, I brought one...it's extra flamey..."

Sensing this, Willow decided to take the initiative, and purposefully stepped into the room. She then tentatively handed the candle over to her girlfriend, before closing the door behind her. She was here with a purpose...and she suddenly couldn't wait to finally let Tara know how she felt. Especially when she could clearly see how distressed her girlfriend was, and knew she was probably thinking the worst...that she was about to break up with her...let her go...

"No," Tara interrupted, unwilling to hear those words. She knew Willow didn't love her; was gonna go back to Oz...but hearing her say it was just too much...she couldn't bare it.

"I…I understand." she continued, forcing down the tears, "you...you have to be with the person you lo…love..."

Willow smiled in response, knowing she was about to surprise her girlfriend...that she was finally going to make her happy...finally going to give her what she deserved.

Willow's smile widened. "I mean," she replied gently, her eyes locking tightly onto Tara's; wanting to gauge her expression. She could see the uncertainty in her gaze, and suddenly needed a reassurance of her own. "Okay?"

"Oh, yes," Tara whispered, feeling as if her whole world had suddenly become surreal. She couldn't believe this was really happening. Had Willow just told her she loved her...that she wanted to be with her? Or was this all a dream...?

"I feel horrible about everything I put you through," Willow continued then, her guilt getting the better of her. "A…and I'm gonna make it up to you," she explained, "starting right now..."

Willow smiled warmly at Tara, doing her best to silently let her know what she meant.

Tara's heart skipped a beat at her girlfriend's words. Willow was gonna make it up to her...Did that mean what she thought it meant? Was she finally going to make love to her? She couldn't help but smile at that thought.

Willow smiled at her girlfriend, sensing her eagerness. She nodded in confirmation, and her smile widened, as Tara blew out the candle; knowing without a doubt, that the girl's shyness had just kicked in.

Even though Tara had already made love to Willow, and had even been almost completely naked in front of the redhead, she apparently still felt a little apprehensive at finally being on the receiving end. With that thought, Willow suddenly wanted to do everything in her power to make Tara's first time a memorable one.

She'd been holding back for so long; afraid to let go of the past; afraid to say goodbye-not just to Oz, but to herself as well. Oz represented her past; Tara represented her future; the person she was yet to become, and who could only truly exist once she'd accepted the truth, and given her love completely to her kindred spirit.

As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Willow began to gradually make out Tara's outline. A few seconds later, she could finally see her girlfriend clearly; the way she just stood there, holding the extinguished candle in her now trembling hands, as she waited for her to make a move. Looking closer at Tara's face, Willow noticed her tears...Why was she crying?

"Tara?" she questioned softly, bridging the gap between them. Willow tentatively took the candle from the shy blonde, and placed it on the nearby dresser. "Are you okay?" she asked, moving back to stand in front of her girlfriend.

Tara had no reply to that; Willow was in love with her; she wanted to make love to her, and she was still finding it difficult, to believe it wasn't all a dream. How could anyone love her? Why would anyone love her? She'd been so sure Willow was going to return to Oz; to be with the person she loved-not her. That she hadn't-made Tara so ecstatic; she could do nothing to stop the sudden flow of tears.

"Hey," Willow soothed, linking her hands with Tara's. She squeezed them gently, doing her best to calm the girl down. It was all her fault; she'd held back from Tara for so long; put the girl through hell; allowed herself to take comfort in her arms; in her lips; her tongue...and then not even had the decency to tell her how she felt.

"I'm so sorry," she continued, as tears came to her own eyes. "I..." Willow lifted Tara's hands to her lips, and kissed them gently. "I..." she trailed off again, releasing her girlfriend's hands. She reached up and cupped the girl's cheeks instead-gently wiping away her tears.

As she lovingly comforted her girlfriend, Willow suddenly knew what Tara needed...she knew what had to be said.

She kissed her lips firmly-with determination. She made no move to deepen the kiss however, or even to move her lips, but chose merely to keep the heady contact going for about a minute. When she finally pulled away, there were fresh tears in her eyes, and she felt as if all her love for Tara had finally reached its breaking point.

"I love you," she said passionately; her eyes locked with Tara's; her hands gripping the girl's cheeks tightly, and her whole body quivering. Now that the words were finally out, Willow felt like a bird; that'd been caged up for years, and was finally experiencing a taste of freedom, after a lifetime of captivity.

"I love you Tara Maclay," she repeated, pressing a quick, hard, kiss to her lips. "What's more," she continued, pulling away, "I'm in love with you, and...and it feels so good, to finally be able to say it..."

She kissed her again, harder this time, and longer as well. A few minutes later, she pulled her lips from Tara's, as the need to once again say those words became unbearable. Now that she was free, it was like her soul wanted to make up for all those times she'd wanted to tell Tara how she felt, but hadn't been able to.

With tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks, Tara dropped her forehead to Willow's. Each time her girlfriend said those words; her whole body shuddered with emotion. The extreme passion and ferocity behind them, made it impossible for Tara to ignore the truth; that she was loved. She didn't deserve to be loved; didn't deserve to be standing here with Willow-and yet she was. How was that possible? What had she done to become so lucky-so blessed? Today had been one of the worst days of her life-and yet it was now also the best. The emotions running through her body were unparalleled, and Tara was still a little in shock as a result of them.

Willow's words had dazed her, and every time the girl kissed her, she'd been unable to move; unable to respond; unable to do anything, but stand there and allow Willow's lips to maintain contact with hers. Meanwhile, her brain had done its best to take in her words-to accept the truth behind them. Her shock was now beginning to wear off though-enough to allow her lips to move, anyway.

"Love," she gasped out, her lips brushing against Willow's as she spoke. "You…you really...?"

"I do," Willow was quick to respond. She closed her eyes, in an attempt to curb her tears, but they kept flowing anyway. "I love you," she continued, deciding to open her eyes-tears be damned. Besides, she wasn't the only one crying; they'd been through so much today, and they deserved to let loose. She kept her forehead pressed to Tara's, as she spoke.

"My...my feelings," Willow replied gently. "I...I've known for a long time-how I felt-and every time, I...I wanted to say it, I...I couldn't." She paused then, so she could get a small sample of Tara's lips. "Mmmm," Willow sighed, letting go a second later. "I just couldn't say it," she repeated.

This was news to Tara-Willow had known? "You...you knew you...you l…loved me?"

"Mmm hmm," she admitted, closing her eyes. "I've loved you for so long, and...and, I...I wanted to tell you-so many times-oh Tara...I almost did once; that night, you remember, I...I pulled you close; with power; or magick, or...or whatever it was? You...you walked into the room, and I...I couldn't get it out of my head...I loved you. You looked so beautiful, so...so...and I wanted you near me, and then-POOF-there you were...and when I held you close; that's when I wanted to tell you. I didn't know how you felt though, so I told myself to wait-in case of-you know, rejection...but that was just an excuse..."

She kissed Tara then-hard on the mouth; letting herself absorb the concentrated flavor of her girlfriend's lips. When she pulled away a minute later; she was breathing heavily; her tears were still flowing, but she moved her head back a bit, in order to look deeply into Tara's tear-filled eyes. She needed to see the emotion that lay in her sea-blue gaze, just as she wanted to express her own feelings; let there be no mistake about the sincerity of her words.

"I was wrong though," she explained. "My...my excuse, I mean. 'Cause, you see, even after you told me, I...I still couldn't-you know-say it. I was...holding back, and...and I had no idea why. It was horrible; every time I tried to say it, I...I couldn't..."

She was actually kinda surprised by Willow's revelation. She hadn't known Willow had felt this way for so long; and it made her look at things through new eyes. Sure, she'd known Willow had cared for her; that she'd had strong feelings for her-but love was different. She'd held back allowing Willow to make love to her, simply because she was a romantic. She was now even more grateful that she'd waited. Willow was ready now-ready to give herself completely, just like Tara had during their first time; this would make the experience that much more powerful...

Willow smiled. "Yeah," she replied, her tears starting to dry up. "Now I'm free..."

"Oz...Oz was my past; he was, I dunno...safe-I mean-not safe-I mean, I...I was a different person with him...and I was scared." She took a deep breath, focusing her thoughts, doing her best to figure out how to explain things. "I was scared to...to let go; to give in to who I am; to let myself love you, and to...to open myself to the pain again. You're...you're different; it would hurt more, and-unlike Oz-when...when I met you; there was this instant connection-you know-?"

Tara pressed a soft kiss to Willow's lips, her heart pounding at the girl's words; Willow had felt the connection-she was scared-she didn't want to get hurt. Didn't Willow know she'd never do anything to hurt her? Why hadn't she said anything? Oh God, Willow was the most precious thing in Tara's life, and she'd never let anything, or anyone, hurt her. She deepened the kiss then, thrusting her tongue between Willow's lips; exploring the soft recesses of her mouth. When Willow's tongue reached up for hers a few seconds later, Tara pulled away; she could tell there was more Willow wanted to say-and kissing was just too distracting...

"You woke me up," Willow whispered, as their foreheads met again. She too wanted to continue with the kissing-but she also wanted to let Tara know everything she'd been holding back; talk now, make love later...

"It's like," Willow let her lips move against Tara's as she spoke, "there was a part of me-a part I didn't even know-a part that's always been there, but...but I've always been afraid of...and I don't just meant the gay-thing, I...I also mean, with the magicks-and the love, and...and...'Cause...the way I love you-it's…it's different-different to how I loved Oz."

She hoped her words had come out clearly. Willow wanted Tara to know how much she loved her; how much she cherished what they had, and how Tara had brought out her hidden potential. Before she'd met Tara, Willow had been struggling with who she was; with the witch thing; the Oz-Veruca thing...and with everything in her life. Her best friends didn't understand her-Oz hadn't understood her; then he'd cheated on her, left her...made her feel kinda inadequate.

Although; even when they'd been at their happiest, Willow had always felt like something was missing-like the love she felt for Oz should've been more passionate-more intense. That's why she'd been so hurt to find out about his affair with Veruca-that he wanted her in an animal-like way; a way he never wanted her.

For this reason, it was different with Tara. With Tara-everything was more intense; more powerful-and yes, even slightly animalistic sometimes. Sure, they took everything slow; made sure the other was happy; comfortable...but there was also this primal urge inside her, whenever Tara made love to her; whenever she herself touched Tara. When Oz made love to her, he didn't always manage to bring her along for the ride, yet with Tara; she'd succeeded every time. When Tara touched her, it was like Willow's whole body exploded with sensation; like she was no longer in control of herself, and she became a purely sexual being-Oz had never made her feel like that.

"More intense," Willow explained, moving into babble mode, "more primal; and urgent; and passionate; and I...I just can't control myself sometimes...and that's something Oz never made me feel. But with you, I...I feel like...like you've awakened my soul or something, and I...I know that sounds corny, and...and...but...it's how I feel, and I...I-oh God Tara-if you weren't in my life, or if anything happened to you, I'd...I'd-you know-go insane or something. It's like we're the same person; like at times, I...I feel like you can read my mind; like I could read yours; and...and you are me, and I am you, but...but different-you know? That's why it would hurt...why I'm so scared. I love you so much, and...and Oz had already hurt me, and I survived; I got over it; I forgave him...but I…I don't know if I could go through it all again-the loss; the pain-and I know you wouldn't, you know-hurt me-and I don't wanna hurt you, and...and a part of me thinks I'm no good for you-that you could do better-that...that, I...I don't deserve you..."

"What?" Tara interrupted, lifting her head up. How could Willow think that? Willow was ten times the person she was...If anyone wasn't good enough...What's more, Tara was still trying to comprehend all of Willow's revelations. She'd awakened the girl's soul...Willow loved her...she didn't think she was good enough for her...All this was just too much for Tara to accept. "How can you think that?"

"Because," Willow smiled, "every time you look at me-every time you tell me you love me-whenever you make love to me; it's so beautiful-so magickal, and I...I never..."

Tara didn't want to let her finish that sentence; she knew what Willow was about to say. "No," she burst out. "You've given me m…more than you'll ever know..."

"We're connected," Tara explained, "and I...I've never been in love, and t…to feel like that, its...it's powerful, and...special. M…making you happy...makes me happy. I feel what you feel-remember? You just said it, and I f…feel it, too..."

Tara's words made Willow tear up again. "Oh Tara," she sobbed, moving her forehead back down to rest against hers, "I...I love you..." She closed her eyes then, taking a couple of deep breaths. Once she'd composed herself a bit, she pulled away again. "I was so happy this week...It's been the best week of my life..."

"Then Oz came back," Willow sighed, "and I...I didn't wanna hurt him, but I didn't wanna hurt you either, and it wasn't about choosing, I...I love you, and I loved Oz, but I just-it's so hard to let go of something-and I'm not even making sense anymore. All I know, is that I...when I...when I saw him-I felt everything coming back; all the good things; the way we used to be-and then I look at what you and I have, and...and then I thought about how he came back for me-how he found a cure, and I...I didn't wanna disappoint him...he was cured...it's what I've always wanted-we could've had a normal relationship...but I...you...you make me so happy-no one's ever made me feel like you do. You make me feel like a complete person-I just couldn't let you go, I...I wanna be with you-always-but a part of me was still, you know, holding back-to the past."

"Yeah," Willow whispered, "I was scared to say goodbye...to Oz; to who I was...and to let myself love you. It's so hard-letting go-realizing you're-you know-not the person you always were; but someone different; stronger; more powerful...I feel so strong with you-as if I could do anything. As long as you're with me; I'm happy, and alive, and...complete."

Tara smiled at that-Willow was complete. It made her feel positively radiant, to realize Willow felt that way because of her. In fact, it was the same way Willow made her feel. Tara felt empty without Willow, and that's part of why she'd been so scared today. She could understand if Willow didn't want to be with her-if she'd gone back to Oz; but it would've devastated her if the girl had gone out of her life completely. She'd rather have Willow as just a friend, than not have her at all. Besides, Willow held her heart, and that was something she never wanted back; it would always belong to Willow.

Tara's words brought a warm flush to Willow's face, and she couldn't help grinning. It felt so good to be talking like this-to finally let herself speak with absolute honesty; to return Tara's sentiments; to reveal everything...Speaking of which, there was more she needed to say to Tara...to let her know all that had happened today.

"Although," Willow interjected, letting her head drop back down, "Oz will always be a part of me, and I...I guess I needed closure. I needed to finally let him go; to accept who I am; who we are, and...and now I'm free." She pressed a brief kiss to Tara's lips. "You see," she continued, "I...I finally said goodbye to him. After we rescued him, I sat in his van, and...and we talked."

"About us," Willow continued, "about how you made me happy; about how much I'd missed him, and about how I...I couldn't live my life in the past; how I had to move on; how it wasn't the right time for us anymore, and even though it made me feel kinda sad-it was a different kinda sad; it didn't hurt. You see, last time-when he left-I was devastated; it hurt, and a part of me didn't wanna let him go...wasn't ready to accept we were over, 'cause you know-he left to find a cure-to be what I needed...and he was coming back. That's why, when he did, come back-all cured and everything-I kinda, you know...felt obligated, and...and I didn't know what to do; it was all so confusing...but I realized something..."

Willow smiled, before pressing another brief kiss to Tara's lips. "It wasn't him I needed anymore..."

"No," Willow replied, her lips brushing against her girlfriend's. "It's you I need Tara...it'll always be you..."

"Really," Willow reassured, pulling away slightly. "You're the only one I need to make me happy," she told her girlfriend, while she gazed into her eyes. "When I hugged Oz goodbye, I could feel myself letting go; saying goodbye to my past; to who I was; to what we used to have...and even though I cried in his arms; cried as I watched his van leave-I felt sorta-content..." Willow softly kissed her girlfriend again, speaking the final word against her lips. "Free..."

Willow pulled away from Tara then, wanting to look her in the eye. "Free to love you; to…to make love to you...If you still want me to...?"

Tara couldn't breathe; could barely think, as she absorbed what Willow was asking; heard the words she'd only ever dreamed would come out of her mouth...It was finally time; her girlfriend was actually going to make love to her. She was so scared and nervous at the thought of it; and yet she suddenly found herself unable to wait any longer.

"I…I w…want you to," she whispered, her eyes locked intently with Willow's, "m…make love to me..."

That was all the encouragement Willow needed; and at Tara's words, she brought her girlfriend's lips to hers, and kissed her with passion. She moved her lips roughly against Tara's, opening and closing her mouth; capturing Tara's lips with hers, and then letting them go a second later-only to recapture them; again; and again, and again...

Tara responded in kind, and brought her hands to Willow's back. She ran her fingers firmly up and down Willow's spine, as their lips continued to nip at one another. The heat emanating from Willow's body, and from hers; was more intense than it had ever been. It was as if there were no more barriers between them; no reason to hold anything back, and they were both free to accept the totality of the love between them; the all-encompassing, fully reciprocated-love.

Tara had always given her love freely, but every time she'd accepted it; Willow had felt guilty-as if she were accepting something she had no right to. Her inability to reciprocate Tara's feelings; her actions, had been a sore spot with Willow this whole week, and she couldn't be happier; now that she was finally going to give back to her girlfriend.

Tara wondered why Willow's lips were no longer against hers, and she couldn't help leaning forward-to resume contact. She was startled when Willow's hands on her cheeks, held her in place; prevented her from moving.

"I love you," Willow replied. She needed to say those words again, to once again let Tara know how she felt-before she showed her.

Tara's heart melted; she'd never get tired of hearing Willow say she loved her. "I...I love you, too..."

As she felt the tears returning; Willow closed her eyes for a moment; wanting to compose herself. She was about to make love to Tara, and she wanted it to be perfect; to not only please her sexually, but to also let Tara know exactly how much she was loved. The first time Tara had made love to her, the girl had merged their essences together; leaving her heart behind-Willow wanted to do the same. She wanted to give her own heart to Tara; to fully unite herself with the girl she loved, and finally experience what it was like to unreservedly love Tara.

Opening her eyes, Willow gave Tara a warm smile. "You ready?" she asked huskily.

Tara nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. "I...I am," she whispered, her voice coming out as a breathless gasp.

With that, Willow moved her hands down from Tara's cheeks, to rest on her shoulders. She kept her hands there for only a moment; pausing to lock her eyes with her girlfriend's, before working her thumbs underneath Tara's sweater; which was actually her sweater, but that was beside the point...She then tentatively maneuvered the sweater off Tara's shoulders; down her arms, and let it fall gracefully to the floor.

Tara was so beautiful, Willow thought, as she watched the sweater fall. She loved her so much, and she hated being responsible for her anguish. Willow knew how hard the last couple of days must've been for Tara, and she wished there was some way she could make it all better-take back the pain.

She knew there wasn't though, and as her eyes moved back to Tara's; Willow realized that the only thing she could do was to make it up to her; to focus on the future; on the present. She might've hurt Tara; put her through hell; made her think she wasn't loved-but all that was about to change. She'd make sure Tara knew exactly how much she loved her; how much she cared about her, and would do her best to make sure Tara never felt unwanted, or unloved again.

With renewed purpose, Willow lifted her hands back to Tara's cheeks. She looked at her warmly, taking a few deep breaths, as she prepared to seal their future together. A few seconds later, she kissed Tara deeply-instantly thrusting her tongue inside the girl's mouth. The events of the last two days had finally caught up with her, and all her pent up passion and emotion, came pouring out into that kiss.

As she circled her tongue around Tara's, her hands inevitably moved from the girl's cheeks, and down towards her back. Tara's hands also moved to Willow's back, and the two girls began to caress each other heatedly. While their hands continued their passionate movements, their hips meanwhile, also began to move-thrusting their lower bodies against one another for stimulus. They were becoming increasingly aroused by one another's actions, and their desire was beginning to consume them. Therefore, a minute later, both girls pulled away-desperate for something more satisfying.

"Clothes," Willow gasped out, her mind fogged up with desire. She was now breathing quite heavily, as she looked into her girlfriend's eyes.

She too was now totally flustered, and could hardly wait to see her girlfriend naked. What's more, as she continued to gaze into Willow's eyes, she could see how desperate the girl was to see her naked as well. This only served to arouse Tara more; the idea of being completely naked in front of her girlfriend was...delectable. Sure, Willow had already seen her without clothes; had already touched her naked body, but there was still one part of her Willow hadn't seen; and Tara was quite eager to show it to her.

Reaching for the base of her shirt, Tara was surprised to suddenly feel Willow's hands against hers. What was going on? Why was Willow stopping her? She looked up at the girl's face, and was comforted to see her affectionate smile.

She was very nervous about doing the right thing; about making Tara happy, and felt that if she set the pace herself, she'd be able to gradually discern Tara's reaction-to figure out what the girl wanted. What's more, undressing Tara completely, was something she'd been fantasizing about for a long time-and being the tease she was, Willow wanted to do this slowly; to make them both crazy with anticipation, before bringing them some much-needed, and well-deserved; satisfaction.

Tara could sense some of what Willow was thinking. She knew the girl so well by know; knew how much of a tease she was; knew how-just like her-Willow liked to draw things out. Tara herself had taken things slowly the first time she'd made love to Willow. She'd wanted to take the time to experience each new sensation; to let each moment last as long as possible. Also, she remembered how Willow had insisted she-Tara Maclay-do all the undressing. Was it any wonder, Willow wanted the same for her? With that thought, Tara decided to give Willow the floor-to sit back and enjoy whatever her girlfriend had in store for her.

Willow was pleased by Tara's acquiescence, and smiled warmly at her girlfriend. Without a word, she gradually worked her hands underneath Tara's blouse-resting her hands against the girl's stomach. She loved how Tara's shirts always seemed to fall short of her pants-leaving a very tantalizing patch of exposed skin. This tendency always drove Willow crazy, and whenever she caught sight of her girlfriend's enticing nakedness; she had to physically restrain herself from reaching out and touching her-especially if they happened to be at a Scooby meeting; or at the Café; or the Bronze, or anywhere in public for that matter.

Tara shivered slightly at Willow's touch; the girl's hands against her skin were quite electrifying. "Mmmm," she sighed-closing her eyes.

Willow's smile widened at Tara's response, and she instantly began moving her thumbs in slow circles. She took pleasure in the way Tara trembled and arched her back, knowing it had everything to do with her sensuous movements. Willow kept her eyes open as she caressed Tara's skin; she wanted to fully absorb all of Tara's reactions. The girl was a ticking time bomb of sexual energy, and Willow couldn't wait to watch her explode. With determined movements, she gradually worked her hands upwards-her thumbs circling against her stomach, then her ribcage-while her fingers caressed her sides.

All the while, the material of Tara's shirt continued to slide upwards, until it was now bunched up around her breasts. "Tara," she whispered.

Tara was still shivering a little, but she opened her eyes. What did Willow want? She looked at her girlfriend questioningly, words escaping her for the moment.

"Lift your arms," Willow requested huskily. She could see the question in Tara's eye, and knew the girl's mind was quickly becoming too hazy to think straight.

"Oh," Tara breathed out, instantly complying. Why hadn't she thought of that? As her arms reached for the ceiling, Tara couldn't answer her own question. Willow had taken that moment to hastily drag her shirt off her body, and the passion in the girl's eye had been enough to send anyone into light-headedness.

Willow gasped, as she took in the sight of Tara's semi-exposed chest. Tara's breasts always seemed to have a hypnotic effect on her, and no matter how many times she looked at them; touched them; suckled at them-she could never get enough of them. "I love your breasts, baby," she sighed, reaching her hands towards them, "they're beautiful."

"Mmm," was all Tara could manage-closing her eyes, as Willow's hands pressed up against her bra. She arched her back at Willow's touch, pushing her breasts further into her girlfriend's hands. Tara was well aware of Willow's obsession with her breasts, but each time the girl touched them-or reacted to them with passion-she simply couldn't stop herself from responding in kind; from feeling all hot and sexy because of it.

"Beautiful," Willow repeated, as she gently squeezed the soft mounds of flesh. She ran her thumbs across Tara's nipples, feeling them stiffen against the cotton of her plain white bra. Tara moaned at the sensation, and Willow let out a satisfied grin; she loved invoking a sexual reaction from her girlfriend-loved teasing her. Although, as she began to press her thumbs into Tara's nipples-moving them around in slow circles, Willow couldn't help but long for more direct contact.

"This has to go," she said breathlessly, her hands gradually making their way towards Tara's back. Within seconds, she'd located the clasp of her girlfriend's bra, and quickly snapped it open. She worked the straps down Tara's arms-as her head dropped gradually-until her forehead rested against Tara's. "I love you," she whispered, before amorously kissing her lips.

Tara instantly leaned into the kiss, hearing Willow say she loved her was more powerful than any known aphrodisiac-more powerful even then the most erotic of caresses. Tara was still getting used to the idea of Willow being in love with her, but as her girlfriend's tongue worked itself into her mouth, and her hands deftly pulled off her bra; she rapidly began to succumb; to accept the magnitude of the forthcoming events.

Willow soon brought her hands up to Tara's cheeks, breaking their kiss. She really wanted to look at her girlfriend's exposed cleavage, and even though her tongue swirling around Tara's was very stimulating-it simply couldn't compete with the sight of Tara's breasts. Which is why her eyes were now locked onto Tara's bare chest, as her breathing began to get more and more ragged. Looking at her girlfriend's breasts, Willow was pleased to note how stiff her nipples were. With that thought, she moved her hands from Tara's cheeks-down to her shoulders, and tentatively lowered her lips to the girl's left nipple.

She slowly closed her mouth around the pinkish flesh-moaning, as she tasted it. Tara also moaned, and brought her own hands up to Willow's shoulders. She gripped the girl gently, as she arched her back-pressing her nipple further into Willow's mouth. Tara wanted more contact, more sucking, and more Willow-hands on Tara-breasts. The warm-wet sensation of Willow's mouth was just heaven...

Willow could sense this, and moved her left hand to Tara's right breast, as she increased the intensity of her suckling. She sucked hard on the girl's nipple, letting the fingers of her left hand move against Tara's right breast, until they were firmly holding her right nipple. She pinched it for a second, then pulled on it gently, and rolled it around between her thumb and fingertips. All the while, she sucked harder and harder on Tara's left nipple, doing her best to keep the stimulation of both her breasts synchronized.

This action evoked a series of soft moans from her girlfriend, which caused a swift increase in the wetness between Willow's legs. It aroused her to no end, to realize the effect her touch had on Tara, and she suddenly wanted to do more to please her-to do all she'd been unable to do before. On second thoughts however, she was happy to keep her attention on Tara's breasts-for at least a little while. Even though Willow had played with Tara's breasts, almost every day this past week, she still couldn't get enough of them.

She forced herself to pull away after a minute though; tonight was different. There would be plenty of times when she could enjoy Tara's breasts-and only her breasts-but now was the time to enjoy all of her body. She'd waited for so long-or so it felt like-to finally make love to Tara, and she had to make sure everything was just perfect for the shy blonde.

As Willow pulled away from her breasts, Tara instantly missed the contact. "Willow?" she inquired, her eyes opening slowly.

"Oh," Tara smiled in realization. When Willow reached for her top button however, Tara surprisingly had a thought-although, how she managed that, considering the inebriated state she was in-was beyond her. "B…boots first," she suggested.

Willow instantly removed her hands; the girl had a point. "Right," she smiled, "boots..."

With that, Willow sank to her knees, and made quick work of unlacing Tara's boots. She wondered why the girl hadn't taken them off earlier that evening-when she'd been alone, but realized she'd probably been too distraught to care. This thought, brought back all of Willow's guilt, but she tried to forced it down; they'd already talked enough about this-and she had a girlfriend to make love to.

As soon as she'd helped Tara off with her boots and socks, Willow stood up, and kicked off her own shoes. She was now ready to take off Tara's pants. Without a word, she locked her eyes with Tara's, gave her a warm smile, and then brought her hands to the waistband of her pants. Of their own accord, her hands suddenly started to tremble. Willow knew it was a result of her nervousness; and of her guilt, but she was determined to see her task through-to remove her girlfriend's pants.

"Are you okay?" Tara asked softly. She could sense the disturbance in Willow's energy; could feel her shivering-and it worried her slightly.

Willow smiled shyly at her girlfriend. "I...I guess I'm a little nervous," she began, "I...I want this to be perfect, and I...I'm so sorry for today-for yesterday-and for everything, I...I wanna make up for all I've put you through-to show you how much I love you-but I've never-you know-made love to a girl before-and I'm so sorry Tara-I want this to be..."

Tara silenced Willow's babbling with her lips. She leaned over and pressed her lips hard against her girlfriend's. A second later, she pulled away. "No more," she whispered huskily, "no more pain."

"It's in the past," Tara explained-without even a hint of a stutter. She was determined now; and her bold-side had re-immerged. Lifting her hands up to Willow's cheeks, she kissed her again-softly, chastely-pulling away after only a few seconds. "I love you," she began, locking her eyes with Willow's, "and I...I never thought you'd feel the same way. With Oz back, it...it tore me up, and I...I knew I had to let you go...to be with the person you loved..."

"That's my point," Tara returned. "You see, I...I never thought you could love me...that I could make you happy-and...and I'm kinda glad..."

"What do you mean?" Willow was confused now. Why was Tara glad? How could she be happy about getting hurt?

"Oh," Tara smiled, " I...I don't mean the pain-I mean I...I...what I wanna say is...If Oz hadn't come back, I'd be, uh...I'd still be wondering-you know?"

"About what?" Willow smiled as she slowly began to see Tara's point-but she still needed the girl to spell it out for her-she wanted to be sure.

"About us," Tara replied. "I...I'd never be sure you-that you were happy...I'd always be scared that someday-Oz would come back; that you'd leave, and...and you...you'd never be able to..."

"And now I know..." Tara trailed off, as her girlfriend leaned over and kissed her lips softly.

Tara nodded. "I'd go through it all again...if I had to-if it meant finding out you...you loved me."

"Willow," she paused-a tear coming to her eye, "I...I've never been happier, and it's...it's all 'cause of you."

Willow looked at her girlfriend warmly-taking in her words, and realized she was right. If Oz hadn't come back, she'd still be unable to admit her feelings; she'd still be holding back, and Tara would still be under the impression that she was unloved.

"Oz coming back," she explained. "I mean...you're right-it's a good thing, and if he hadn't come back now...I'd still be-you know-holding back..."

Willow paused then, as she thought of something. Even though she'd been unable to tell Tara she loved her; the feelings were still there. What if Oz hadn't come back when he did? What if Oz had never come back? Would she still have been holding back a month from now-a year from now? Is that why The Powers That Be had sought to bring him back into her life?

As she looked into her girlfriend's eyes, Willow knew the answer to her questions; the answer was no. Sure, she'd probably hold back for a little while longer, but she'd realize the truth, in time. Every single day since Tara had first made love to her; told her she loved her, it had become harder and harder for Willow to keep her feelings bottled up.

She knew that eventually she'd've opened up; come to terms with her break-up; realized that she needed closure, and would've found some way of dealing with it. Although, it probably wouldn't have happened this rapidly; but it would've happened. Oz's presence had simply moved the process along-allowed her to accept the truth a lot sooner than she would've normally.

"What is it?" Tara asked her girlfriend softly. She'd seen her trail off; seen her eyes glaze over, as her mind started to race-and Tara couldn't help but wonder why.

Willow snapped out of her thoughts. "Oh, I...I was just thinking about...about what I said-about holding back and stuff."

"I mean, that...that even if Oz hadn't come back now, I still would've-you know-loved you. I mean, admitted I loved you, 'cause I...I don't think I would've held back much longer. Ever since you said you loved me, I've wanted to say the words back to you-but I couldn't...and each day it's been harder and harder to hold them back. What I wanna say, is that I...I would've realized what was holding me back-eventually-and then I...I would've found some way to say goodbye to him-you know? Although, you're right-it was a good thing-him coming back when he did. I mean...even though I would've told you eventually-it probably wouldn't have been so soon...but I still would've told you-you know?"

"You would've told me?" Tara grinned-Willow's words had pleasantly surprised her.

Willow reached up and cupped Tara's cheeks. "Definitely," she said passionately. "I...I love you too much, to...to hide it...for too long, I mean."

Willow smiled at her girlfriend, before merging their lips together. She began to move her lips slowly, rhythmically opening and closing them against Tara's. Her hands meanwhile, made their way from Tara's cheeks; down to her neck; to her shoulders; along her back, before finally coming to rest against her ass.

Tara's hips bucked into Willow's at the girl's intimate touch, and her own hands followed suit. She gripped Willow's ass tightly, as she thrust her tongue into Willow's mouth. Talk-time was over; action-time was here.

Willow moaned at Tara's touch, and gently squeezed the girl's ass. She also met Tara's tongue with her own, and instantly felt her legs go all wobbly. They needed to get to the bed-and soon, or else they'd probably end up making love smack-dab in the middle of the floor. Willow had noticed Tara's escalating shakiness, and sensed that her legs were also in danger of giving-way soon.

With that thought, she kept her lips merged with her girlfriend's, and her hands tight on her ass, while she gradually maneuvered them towards the direction of Tara's bed. A few seconds later, the back of Tara's legs found the side of her bed, and the two witches tumbled onto the mattress.

With Willow lying on top of Tara, the two girls slowly made their way upwards. Willow's hands had moved from Tara's ass, to rest against the bed; aiding their movements, while Tara's hands remained in position on Willow's derriere. All the while, their tongues continued to play together, as they kept up their passionate kissage. Before long, Tara's head was resting against some pillows, as Willow's legs positioned themselves in between Tara's thighs-effectively spreading the girl's legs.

She broke the kiss then, and moved into a kneeling position between her girlfriend's legs. Tara's hands were consequently forced to relocate themselves by her sides, as she looked up expectantly at her girlfriend. Her breathing was labored-as was Willow's; her eyes were half-closed; and she could barely think straight, but she could sense what was coming. The look in Willow's eye told her how determined the redhead was, and how she could barely wait to lay eyes on her totally naked form.

Looking down at her girlfriend, Willow smiled softly. "I love you," she whispered, as her hands moved to the waistband of Tara's pants.

With slow and steady movements, she made quick work of Tara's top button, and had unzipped her fly within seconds. She then gently spread open the edge of her pants, guiding Tara's hips upward for a moment, before she worked the material down her legs. Tara bent her knees during this process, and then lifted her legs up slightly, so that Willow didn't have to move while she undressed her.

Throwing the pants to the floor, Willow turned her attention back to her almost-naked girlfriend. There was only one article of clothing left, separating her girlfriend form complete and utter nakedness. This was the one part of Tara-Willow had yet to see. She'd fantasized about the sight of her girlfriend's sex; had imagined what it would look like; feel like; taste like, and she was suddenly very nervous about actually seeing it. Turning fantasy into reality was always a very memorable moment-one that needed to be afforded the proper respect. Which is why she decided to draw it out for a little while longer.

Tara looked up at her girlfriend, and wondered why she wasn't moving. Willow was just kneeling between her legs, looking into her eyes-not doing anything. "Willow-are you okay?"

Willow smiled at her girlfriend's question. "I'm fine," she replied softly. "I...I just wanna look at you...for a moment. You're...you're so beautiful."

"I've waited for so long," Willow continued, moving her hands to Tara's knees, "to...to touch you." She began to slowly move her hands upwards, sliding them sensuously against Tara's thighs. "I've...I've dreamed of this moment," she confessed, her hands coming to rest on Tara's hips. "I...I wanna see you...touch you, and...and make love to you..." she trailed off as her fingertips moved to the edge of Tara's panties. "Is it okay?" she asked, wanting permission.

Tara could only nod, her heart racing, and her skin tingling, at Willow's touch. She couldn't believe how sexy Willow's actions were-how sexy her words were. Willow had looked her deep in the eye as she'd made her sensuous journey, and the passion in her gaze, mixed with the huskiness of her voice, and the heat of her touch-had been enough to send her consciousness half-way to the moon and back. What's more, she could now barely wait to expose herself to Willow; to let the girl see her completely naked; to have the girl touch her, and to experience what it was like to be made love to.

"Please," Tara croaked out, a few seconds later-when Willow still hadn't made a move. What was she waiting for?

Willow snapped out of her daze, at Tara's plea. She'd become immersed in her girlfriend's eyes-in her own sense of anticipation, and longing. With a warm smile, she deftly grasped the edge of Tara's panties, and gently guided them downwards. Tara lifted her hips in response, and then bent her knees and lifted her legs one at a time, so as to aid with the undressing. When Willow had finally thrown the cotton panties to the floor, she moved her gaze back to Tara's eyes. She had yet to look at what she'd just unraveled, and was now practically bursting with anticipation.

Tara straightened her legs, as she waited for Willow's next move. The girl was just looking into her eyes, and Tara could do nothing but return her gaze. She too was now fit to bust with anticipation, but was also feeling a little shy. There was a certain vulnerability; in lying spread-eagle; naked, in front of her girlfriend. What's more, she was now so wet, she could feel herself trickling onto the bedspread, and she couldn't help being a little embarrassed by it.

"I love you," Willow said softly, noticing the blush creeping into Tara's cheeks. She could sense the girl's sudden attack of shyness, and wanted to do something to ease her discomfort. The girl was obviously feeling a little vulnerable-just as Willow had last week, and she knew simply sitting there wasn't doing her any favors. It was time to stop holding back, and give Tara what she needed; what they both needed.

With that thought, Willow slowly dragged her eyes down Tara's body. She smiled as she took in the sight of her breasts, and had to force herself not to reach out for them; to take them in her hands; to kiss them; to taste them, and to run her tongue over their nipples...

She failed with her restraint, and before she knew what'd happened, her thumbs were pressing into Tara's nipples, while her fingertips rested against the sides of her breasts. Tara arched her back at Willow's touch, and moaned softly. This pleased Willow, and she began to move her thumbs in slow circles; further stimulating the girl's nipples. Tara-nipples were just too hard to resist.

As she continued her caress of Tara's breasts, Willow resumed her perusal of Tara's body. When her eyes finally locked onto the light, honey-colored curls between her girlfriend's legs; she let out a soft gasp, and stopped her thumb-movements. She hadn't been prepared for the wholly erotic sight of another girl's sex-of Tara's sex. It was downright intimate; sensual, and oh so delectable...

Tara smiled at Willow's reaction; it was kinda like her own had been. She remembered what it'd felt like last week; when she'd first seen Willow exposed. She too had become speechless, and paralyzed-and it made her feel blissful; to realize she'd provoked a similar reaction in her girlfriend.

As Willow continued to stare at her-dumbfounded, Tara decided to remain still. She'd give her girl enough time to get used to what she was seeing-let her set the pace. Besides, they were in no rush; they had the rest of their lives to make love to one another. She'd waited this long, she could easily wait a few more minutes.

Looking at Tara, Willow soon began to get over her state of paralysis. She suddenly couldn't wait to touch her girlfriend; to feel the sensation of her downy hair between her fingers; to explore her womanly folds, and to feel the warm-wetness of her desire. With trembling hands, she slowly moved her fingers from Tara's breasts; down her ribcage; over her stomach; across her waist, before coming to rest against her hips. Her thumbs were now barely an inch away from Tara's curls, and the sight of it held her spellbound.

Tara could say nothing to Willow's compliment. She was now utterly intoxicated, as she took in the sensation of her girlfriend's hands; on her skin; so close to her sex. The anticipation was killing her, but she wouldn't have it any other way. She loved how Willow thought like she did-how the girl tended to draw things out. Tara was a firm believer that new experiences should not be rushed; that first times only happened once; and as such, one needed to savor every last moment.

She herself had followed this motto, during each first time with Willow; the first time she'd seen her naked; the first time she'd touched her intimately; the first time her fingers had entered her, and the first time she'd tasted her essence; used her tongue to bring her to orgasm-And now that it was finally her turn; she couldn't be happier that Willow would afford her the same pleasure. No one had ever made love to her before, and she wanted to remember every second of it-for the rest of her life.

Willow suddenly became very nervous, as she came to realize she had no idea what to do next. This would be her first time making love to a woman, and the fact that this was also Tara's first time being made love to-made perfection that much more important. Willow wanted Tara's first time to be spectacular-to bring her to the highest reaches of ecstasy-but how was she to do that? She didn't know the first thing about how to please a woman; oh sure, she knew what she herself liked-but what did Tara like?

Did Tara want to be penetrated? Would it hurt her to be penetrated? She knew the blonde Wiccan was technically a virgin, and she remembered her own first time-what it'd felt like. Oz had been tender with her; used his fingers to help her get used to the sensation first-but even that had still hurt a bit. Sure, she'd been no stranger to self-love, just as she was sure Tara had probably also experimented a little-but when someone else entered your body; it was different. Your own fingers never hurt as much, they could never reach too far; could never quite find that elusive sweet spot-which is why a heated massage of the clitoris was always preferred.

Maybe she should stick with that-find the girl's clit, and make love to her that way? Although, that was something the girl could probably do for herself-and Willow wanted this to be special. She knew how rare it was to actually find a girl's pleasure center, and she was certain that Tara had probably never experienced the power of such an orgasm.

She herself had only experienced it once with Oz-but almost daily with Tara. When the girl had made love to her for the first time; she'd not only merged their essences, but had also managed to somehow locate that special spot inside her. Which is why she now wanted to do the same-to fully combine herself with Tara, and to give her the most powerful orgasm of her life; it was the least she could do.

However, that was easier said than done. A drawback of being a virgin; was that deep penetration could lead to the breaking of skin, and Willow wasn't too sure if Tara would appreciate being taken completely. Although, as she thought about it, Willow recalled Tara's love of riding. In the back of her mind, she could remember reading somewhere; that horseback riding was known to sometimes eliminate that part of a girl's composition. What's more, Willow also remembered seeing tampons lying around in her girlfriend's drawers-hopefully, it meant that she was probably no stranger to a little penetration.

Maybe she could take her time; enter Tara slowly-ask for permission before she did anything? The more she thought about it, the more she realized that would probably be the perfect solution. She'd ask Tara to guide her-just as she'd guided Tara during her first time. She just hoped she'd be able to do what Tara had done.

Looking away from her girlfriend's curls, and back up to her face-Willow suddenly fell in love with her, all over again. This shy blonde meant everything to her-she was her soulmate, and as their eyes locked together, Willow's nervousness surprisingly began to fade. Somehow, she knew everything was going to be okay-as long as love was involved; nothing else mattered.

Unbeknownst to Willow, as she began to relax, she unwittingly began to glow-in the same manner she had when she'd pulled Tara close with her power. What's more, it was also the way Tara had glowed, when she'd first made love to her. She was definitely able to achieve her goal-even if she didn't know it. The love she had for Tara was just too strong to be denied, and because of her innate power, she should instinctively be able to merge their essences together.

Deep down inside, Willow sensed all this-but her mind just couldn't recognize it. Which is why her shakiness resurfaced, as she finally began to move her left hand towards Tara's curls. The moment her hand covered Tara completely, she felt a surge of energy rush through her body, and into her girlfriend. She couldn't help it-the feel of those soft downy curls, and the knowledge that she was touching her girlfriend's most intimate spot; had brought all her love and power to the forefront.

Tara gasped at the sensation, and thrust herself into Willow's palm. The zing of her girlfriend's energy had surprised her, and had caused her whole body to shudder with sensation. The feel of Willow's hand against her mound was sensuous enough, but add that to the heat of her power...and wow! Tara had never felt anything like this before in her life, and she just couldn't stop shuddering.

Willow noticed this, and suddenly chastised herself. She hadn't meant to release her energy so quickly; so unabashedly, and so intensely. It's just that she'd been unable to control her love for Tara, and with it her passion.

Tara forced her eyes open, needing to reassure her girlfriend. "Oh no," she interrupted, "I'm fine, it's...it's not like that, I...I...oh God Willow-it's just so...so...I've n…never felt like this before..."

Tara smiled at her girlfriend. "Yeah," she whispered, her trembling slowly subsiding, "I'm okay..."

Tara nodded; as she finally began regain her composure. "Your power was just...intense. I...I feel so...I dunno...ready..."

"Oh," Willow smiled in realization. Her infusion of energy had turned Tara on-but not only that; it had served as a prelude-allowed Tara a sneak preview of her soul, and had relaxed her enough to bring out her bold side.

"You...you'll have to show me," Willow continued, "I mean-tell me what you want, I...I've never-you know-and I...I wanna make you happy. I mean," Willow's smile widened, "I...I wanna show you, what it's like, to...to-you know..."

Tara's face turned a little red, as she realized Willow was referring to an orgasm; that she was under the impression she'd never had one. "Willow, I...I've-y…you know-um...I've h…had...I mean, I…I...I sometimes, I...I...you know..."

Willow smiled affectionately at her girlfriend's embarrassed stammering. "I know," she whispered reassuringly. "What I mean is, I...I...it's different when, um...when it's-you know-so I...I wanna...I wanna find your-you know..."

Tara thought for a second, as she tried to figure out what Willow meant. The girl wanted to find her..."Oh," Tara gasped, her face turning a deeper shade of red. Willow was referring to penetration-to finding her sweet spot.

Tara had never been a big fan of penetration; which is not to say she hadn't tried it; she just hadn't had much success with it, so had preferred to use other methods of personal satisfaction. In fact, she'd never had an orgasm in such a manner, seeing as she'd never been able to find that so-called g-spot. What's more, she hadn't even believed it existed, until last week-when she'd stumbled across Willow's.

"You...you always find mine," Willow explained, interrupting Tara's thoughts, "so I...I wanna find yours-if it's okay. But I...I don't wanna-you know-hurt you, 'cause I know you've never-you know, so I...I..."

"It's okay," Tara reassured, her embarrassment rising. "You...you w…won't hurt me. I mean, I...I've t…tried myself, b…but I...I've n…never f…found...so I...I m...mainly-you know...b…but I...I have t…tried..."

"Oh," Willow smiled, realizing what Tara meant. She unexpectedly became extremely turned on by the idea; the image of her girlfriend penetrating herself...she quickly reined herself in, forcing the images out of her mind.

Sure, she'd always thought Tara had dabbled with the self-love; just as she herself had; but to actually hear the girl admit it...well, it was one of the sexiest things Tara could've done. It only served to prove Willow's theory; about Tara's innate sexuality. Tara might seem all shy and innocent on the outside, but from the moment they'd first met, Willow had seen through that; had recognized her hidden potential.

Tara was one of the most sensuous people she'd ever laid eyes on, and the way she enjoyed certain things, left Willow breathless. No one ate pizza; listened to music; or performed a spell, quite like Tara. In fact, no one lived life quite like Tara. The girl made every single action seem so sensual; erotic somehow-from the way she talked; the way she moved; the way she ate; the way she slept, and especially the way she made love. In Willow's mind, Tara was a living; breathing; sex goddess, and she couldn't wait to unleash her pent-up sexuality.

"It's okay," Tara replied breathlessly; suddenly eager to feel Willow inside her. "I...I want you..."

"Inside," Tara confirmed, her blush deepening even further. Despite feeling rather daring, she was still a little embarrassed by their conversation. She was just grateful that she and Willow were so much alike; to the point where they understood one another, despite their incoherent sentences.

With that, Willow dragged her eyes back down to where her left hand rested; against the golden-brown curls between Tara's legs. She slowly moved her fingers against her girlfriend, enjoying the feel of her soft hair.

At Willow's movements, Tara shyly spread her legs a little wider; she wanted to be as accommodating as possible. Her heart was racing now, as Willow's fingers ran over her mound. The feel of her girlfriend's hand against her sex, was the most erotic feeling Tara had ever experienced. In fact, it was so sensual, that she was finding it extremely difficult not to buck her hips-to push herself into Willow's hand, and beg for her touch.

Tara was so wet, Willow noted, as her fingers reached Tara's opening. This was a good sign-it meant that penetration would hurt less; that it would be easier for her to enter her girlfriend, and easier to bring her to orgasm. She chose not to go in just yet though; she wanted to locate her clit first; to turn her on a little more, just in case she could never find that obscure bliss-axis.

Tentatively, Willow moved her fingers upwards, until they were spread against the curls of Tara's mound. Her thumb meanwhile, was now positioned just above her opening, as she prepared to locate Tara's clit. She curled her thumb inwards, so that it gradually worked its way in between Tara's folds; she had no idea where the girl's nub was to be found, but was nevertheless determined to find it.

Surprisingly, she was almost instantly successful; as soon as her thumb slipped upwards, Willow came across a slightly engorged piece of flesh. She figured straight away, that this was Tara's clit. She pressed on it firmly, moving her eyes upwards to gauge Tara's reaction.

Tara moaned and bucked into her touch, giving Willow the response she was looking for. She needed to make sure though-just in case. "Tara," she said softly.

"Mmmm?" she responded, her eyes closed with sensation. The sudden pressure of Willow's thumb on her clit had surprised Tara, and she was now in a bit of a daze.

Despite her exhilaration, Tara understood what Willow was asking. "Oh yes," she replied breathlessly, her eyes still closed.

Willow was pleased, but she suddenly realized she needed more guidance. Now that she'd found Tara's clit-how did the girl liked to be stimulated? "Um, Tara..."

"Yes?" Tara opened her eyes, wondering why Willow wasn't moving. The girl was still pressing her fingers into her clit, but that was all she was doing; didn't Willow know she needed a bit of friction?

"Oh," Tara replied, her cheeks turning crimson. She realized Willow wanted guidance-just like she had, during her first time. "Okay," she continued, doing her best to force down her sudden shyness.

With tentative movements, she brought her right hand over towards Willow's left. She pressed her fingers against Willow's thumb, and shyly began to guide her movements; showing her what she liked. She needed to feel a firm, yet steady pressure against her clit, so she pressed Willow's thumb hard against her; but moved it in slow circles; providing the rubbing sensation she desired.

As Willow followed her lead, Tara couldn't help but close her eyes, as she unwittingly began to move her hips. She kept her hand against Willow's the whole time though, even when the redhead no longer needed to be guided. Willow didn't mind; in fact, she kinda liked it; she found it very arousing to have Tara help with her own inducement-it was very sexy. What's more, the way Tara moaned softly, and thrust her lower body upwards-was also very much of a turn on. Willow loved watching her girlfriend's reactions; loved the idea that she was responsible for them; loved Tara-period.

With that thought, Willow's energy began to shine even brighter around her-illuminating the darkened room. She was unaware of this though; all she knew; was that she loved Tara, and was now ready to make her extremely happy; ready to make with the penetration, and find her legendary pleasure-spot. She continued her movement against Tara's clit, as she moved her right hand away from her hip, and down to her opening. She turned her hand upwards, before extending her middle finger. She then gently probed Tara's opening, marveling at how wet her girlfriend was, and how easily her finger slipped into her folds.

As she tentatively explored Tara's womanhood, Willow could feel her own wetness building. She hadn't realized how sexy it was to touch a girl so intimately-especially when that girl was Tara. After a few seconds of shy exploration, she'd finally located her girlfriend's entrance. Without another thought, she slowly pushed her finger against it-being careful to keep her penetration gradual. Her plan was thwarted however, as Tara instinctively bucked her hips upward-pushing Willow's finger completely into her body.

"Oh God!" Tara burst out, trembling with sensation. As soon as she'd felt the tip of Willow's finger making it's way inside her, she'd been unable to control herself. A part of her had wanted to feel fuller-as if her body was missing something. In fact, she still felt that way. Her inner muscles were clenched tightly around Willow's finger, but she was now so wet, and so aroused, that she needed more.

She'd never felt like that when she did this herself-but then again; she was never this wet; or this turned on, when she was by herself, and both her hands were now clenching the bed sheets. What's more, she could feel the sizzling of Willow's energy inside her-emanating from the girl's finger, and its effect was unlike anything she'd ever felt. She could also feel a warmth spreading throughout her body-and she suddenly realized it was Willow's essence; gradually seeping into her.

Willow smiled at Tara's reaction; enjoying the sensation of making love to her girlfriend. The feel of the girl's muscles clenching around her finger-the tightness, and the wetness of it all; was something Willow would never forget. She simply loved it; loved how powerful it made her feel. The very idea that her actions; her movements; her touch, were causing Tara to moan loudly; to gyrate uncontrollably-greatly appealed to Willow's sensibilities. Her love for Tara was so immense, that it pleased her to no end-to have the ability to make her happy.

"More..." Tara pleaded, her mind rapidly losing all sense of reality. She was now bucking her hips heatedly against Willow's hand, as she felt herself moving closer and closer towards her peak.

At her girlfriend's request, Willow removed her middle finger from inside Tara's body, only to progressively return it a second later; making sure her ring finger joined it. She was surprised at how easily Tara accommodated both her fingers; she'd been so sure the girl would be hurt by this much penetration. Although, Tara's muscles were now clenched super tight around her, and if her wetness hadn't been so intense-Tara probably would've found the situation slightly uncomfortable.

Keeping her movement against Tara's clit steady, Willow began to gradually move her fingers. She figured she'd start out thrusting slow, and then increase her speed and force, as Tara got used to it. Pretty soon, Willow noted the way Tara reacted to her movements, and started to gradually ascertain what she liked-simply by maintaining the same rhythm.

After a minute, she curled her fingers slightly; rubbing their tips against the interior wall of Tara's sex. Looking down at her girlfriend's ever-increasing moans and gyrations, Willow couldn't help but think she was doing something right. Even if she hadn't managed to find Tara's pleasure-point yet, the girl was obviously enjoying the sensation of her tentative finger-thrusts.

"You like?" she asked, slowly but surely increasing the force behind each thrust. She knew the deeper she reached inside Tara, the closer she would get to what she was after.

"Mmmm," Tara replied, moving her hips up to meet Willow. She was now well past the point of coherent thought, and couldn't quite manage a proper response. As Willow continued to thrust into her again and again; going deeper and deeper; she suddenly let out a rather loud cry-her girlfriend had finally managed to locate her happy-point.

At Tara's reaction, Willow almost ceased all movements, until she realized what'd happened. She'd found Tara's erogenous-core, and was now more determined than ever, to reach her goal. With newfound purpose, she began to thrust harder and harder against Tara's g-spot, while her thumb increased both its pressure and speed, as she continued to rub it against her clit.

The closer Tara got to her peak; the more determined Willow became; and the more of her essence she began to release. She loved Tara so much, and she wanted to do everything in her power to make her happy. She continued to thrust her fingers harder and harder into Tara's body; pressing as deep as she could; over and over and over again-never once forgetting to keep her clit-action going as well.

Willow was thoroughly enjoying Tara's response to her lovemaking-the way her eyes were closed tight; the way her hips thrust uncontrollably upwards, and the way her moans were becoming louder and longer-as she let loose completely. She loved seeing Tara this out of control-this abandoned...it was a side of her girlfriend she'd never seen before; yet had always known existed. Tara was definitely the most sexual person she'd ever met-and Willow loved the fact that she was responsible for bringing out her wild side.

With that thought, the last part of Willow's essence finally seeped into Tara's body. She'd been unable to stop it; her love and affection for her girlfriend had been so great at that moment-she just had to be a part of her. Tara instantly felt the presence of Willow's soul, and it brought about her own release; pushed her over the edge-so to speak.

"Willoooooooooooooooooow!" She screamed her girlfriend's name; as the tremors coursed through her, and she pushed Willow's essence back into her own body. She'd never felt anything this wondrous, or this intense in her whole life. As she continued to convulse around Willow's fingers, she quickly lost all conscious thought, as she gave herself over to wave after wave of intense pleasure.

With her essence returned to her, and her heart gifted to her girlfriend, Willow was mindful enough, to fully enjoy Tara's descent into ecstasy. As she rode out her girlfriend's orgasm, Willow made sure to keep pressing her fingers inside the girl's core-she wanted to prolong Tara's happiness for as long as possible. When she'd ridden out the last of Tara's convulsions, she gently removed her fingers, and wiped them against the bedspread. She instantly regretted that action-she should've tasted her girlfriend's essence instead. She'd just have to sample her directly-once she'd settled down of course; Tara seemed too worn out for another round just yet.

With that thought, Willow made her way up towards the top of the bed, and gently guided Tara's head into her lap. The girl's eyes were still closed, as she continued to recover from her date with oblivion. Looking down at her naked girlfriend, Willow began to affectionately stroke her hair-all the while thinking how precious she was. Tara meant the world to her, and she was so glad she'd finally told her; finally made love to her. Tara was the most beautiful person who ever lived; she was warm-hearted; caring; selfless; and utterly sexy. Willow had never loved anyone as intensely as she loved Tara.

As Tara eventually began to regain consciousness, the first thing she noticed was Willow's hands-stroking her hair. "Willow?" she inquired softly, opening her eyes.

Willow continued stroking her girlfriend's hair, as she spoke. "You wanna sleep?"

Tara thought for a moment, before answering. Willow had just given her the most powerful orgasm of her life; and not only that-she'd also given her heart to her. That was something Tara had never expected to own, and she could practically feel it inside her-beating against her own. She might be a little tired from her out-of-control ecstasy, but she wasn't too tired to love her girlfriend.

" I wanna..." she trailed off as she sat herself up, moving to face Willow head on, "I wanna m…make love to you."

Willow smiled at her girlfriend's thoughtfulness, and moved her hands up to cup her cheeks. "It's okay," she declined gently, pressing a soft kiss to Tara's lips. "You're tired...you should sleep a bit..."

Willow's protests were silenced by Tara's lips; pressed hard against hers. Now that she was aware of Willow's love for her; Tara felt a newfound confidence in herself; in their relationship. The sensation of Willow's love inside her, brought about a whole new side of Tara; made her feel strangely bold and at ease around the redhead. She now knew how much Willow loved her; knew that the girl wasn't gonna leave her, and she'd never been happier in her whole life.

"I love you," she said huskily, pulling away from Willow's lips. Before Willow could reply, Tara was once again kissing her girlfriend; the need to express her love was simply overwhelming.

Willow moaned into Tara's lips, as she felt the girl's tongue enter her mouth. She was a little surprised by Tara's forcefulness-but she quickly guessed where her sudden vigor was coming from. The moment Tara had opened her eyes; Willow had sensed a change in her; had felt a kind of unseen strength, making the blonde witch not only more powerful-but more assertive as well.

As her hands wrapped themselves around Tara's neck, Willow began to realize that it was probably her own doing. When she'd given her heart to Tara; she must've touched something inside her; given her the strength to believe in herself-in her own worthiness. This thought pleased her to no end.

With determined passion, Tara's hands quickly found their way to Willow's back, and underneath her shirt. She pressed her palms heatedly against her girlfriend's skin, as she worked her shirt upwards. She then pulled away from Willow's lips, so as to completely divest her of her coverings.

Within seconds, she'd also removed Willow's bra, and her hands were now deftly unbuttoning the girl's pants, and unzipping her fly. With Willow's help, she was soon throwing her girlfriend's pants to the floor, before her fingers grasped the edge of her panties, and hastily worked them down and off her legs.

They were both naked now; kneeling on the bed; breathing heavily, as they gazed into each other's eyes.

Looking at her girlfriend, Tara could barely wait to make love to her. She felt totally primal for some reason, and desperately needed to posses Willow; the woman she loved-who loved her back. With that thought; Tara swiftly descended upon her girlfriend; wrapping her arms around her shoulders, and thrusting her tongue deep into her mouth. She guided them both down towards the mattress, so that they were now lying on their sides-facing one another.

Their nipples were kissing; their legs were intertwined, and they could feel their girlfriend's downy curls against their thighs. They instantly began to rub themselves against one another, using their girlfriend's thigh to apply pressure to their clits. After about a minute, both girls instinctively reached a hand downwards; wanting to explore their girlfriend's folds; to enter their body, and to increase the intensity of their build-up.

They had never made love like this before; never felt so at one with each other. The sensation of skin on skin; nipple against nipple; clit against thigh, was so erotic; so exquisite, and oh so primal-that both witches began to glow with passion. There was a very powerful energy surrounding the two girls, as they used first one finger, and then another-to gently enter their girlfriend.

Their tongues were now heatedly clashing together; their one free hand was moving roughly up and down their girlfriend's back, while they used their other hand to thrust two fingers rhythmically inside their lover's body. Their actions were instinctively synchronized; as if they were so linked to one another; that they were no longer two separate entities, but were more like two souls; merged together, to become a whole new-more powerful-being.

Neither girl was thinking straight, as they continued to move together; continued to apply pressure to their clits; continued to thrust their fingers into one another, invoking a powerful energy from deep within themselves. This power was like the culmination of their entire spell casting to date; of all the times they'd linked their energies together; the intense sexual spark that always existed between them; from the very first time they'd joined hands in the laundry room; from each consequent time they'd done a spell together; to the sexual awakening of their journey into the nether-realms...

All this energy was now finally given free rein; was finally able to release the true essence of their power, that had been building up between the two Wiccans since the moment they'd first met. As the girls got closer, and closer towards their peak; the pent up energy between them became more, and more intense; began to upsurge with ever increasing vigor-until it could no longer build up its strength any further, and was eventually forced to free itself from the confines of the girls' bodies.

The Witches were propelled upwards as their climax consumed them-their bodies trembling as they released their energy. They'd never felt anything quite like this before; never felt so strong; so powerful; so perfectly happy, and so totally free. They were finally at one with each other; finally complete, and finally aware of what it meant to have found their soulmate.

As she gradually began to recover from the most powerful experience of her young life, Willow was surprised to realize that she and Tara were floating in mid-air; that they were almost touching the ceiling. She looked down at the floor, and then into her girlfriend's eyes.

She still had her fingers buried deep within Tara's body; her legs were still entangled with the blonde's, and her hand still rested against her girlfriend's back. Tara also had not removed her fingers, or her hand, and as their eyes locked together, they both gradually realized what had happened.

"Wow," Willow sighed eventually, still not removing her fingers, "that was...that was...and we're floating...wow..."

It was almost as if the two girls were afraid to move; afraid to stop touching each other; afraid to break their link, knowing that they'd soon be forced apart if they did. They both knew what had just occurred; how they'd finally become one person; taken their regular integration of energy to its final level, and completely amalgamated their souls...They were consequently reluctant to return to their own individuality; to once again become two separate people...not now that they knew how good it felt to be one...

After a while, the girls began to realize they couldn't remain this way forever; that they would soon have to separate.

"We should..." they both said the words simultaneously, trailing off when they realized they were in-sync. Smiling affectionately at each another, they reluctantly began to move their fingers out from one another's bodies.

Instantly, they both sighed at the loss of contact. They suddenly felt incomplete-as if they'd lost a part of themselves. Unable to deal with the abrupt separation; the two girls leaned towards one another, and fused their lips together, as they slowly descended towards the bed.

"That was amazing," Willow whispered against Tara's lips, unwilling to stop kissing her.

"Yeah," was all Tara could manage in reply-her emotions still running all over the place. They were now lying on the bed, and she began to gently run her hand up and down Willow's back.

"I've never...floated before," Willow confided, pressing another kiss to her girlfriend's lips. "You?"

"Once..." Tara confessed, thrusting her tongue into Willow's mouth. She briefly explored her girlfriend's inner crevices, before pulling away, in order to gently nip at her lips instead.

"You've floated before?" Willow asked; feeling a little disgruntled. When had Tara floated? She never said she could float?

"Yeah," Tara admitted, "but it was 'cause of you," she continued quickly, sensing Willow's reaction, as she kissed her again.

"That night," Tara pulled away, " when you first kissed me. You...you walked out of the room to go to a...a Scooby meeting. I...I lay on my bed, and I...I couldn't help thinking how great if felt, to...to kiss you...what it meant...and I was so happy, and...and then I was...I was floating.

"I love you, too, Willow," she replied softly-her love shining in her eyes, as she met her girlfriend's lips with her own.

The two girls kissed each other gently, content to simply lie in each other's arms, and enjoy the sensation of lip-to-lip contact. Their kisses weren't so much sexual, as they were spiritual-their love for one another seeping through with every meeting. The total union of their souls had somehow managed to infuse them with a new vigor; a new energy, and whereas they should've both been exhausted from the events of the last couple of days-they were now both feeling strangely energized-alive.

"Now?" Tara inquired; feeling a little surprised. She wanted to make love to Willow; have Willow make love to her. She wasn't feeling tired anymore, so had figured a night of lovemaking would be in order; a night of slow exploration; of one intense orgasm after another...So why did Willow want a shower? Did she want to stop? Was she tired?

"Now," Willow replied softly. She could sense her girlfriend's confusion, and realized she'd have to explain. "I mean...the power's still out...and it's really late, and...and there's probably no one in the shower blocks, so...so I thought we could, um...you know...have a shower...together...if you want..."

She didn't know why she'd suggested a mutual shower-the idea had just suddenly popped into her mind. She'd been kissing Tara, thinking about how much she loved her; how happy she was; how incredible their amalgamation had been; how she'd never felt so connected to anyone in her life...and then-out of nowhere-the notion had hit her. The more she'd thought about it, the more she'd liked it-a shower with Tara would be quite intimate...and very, very, sexy...

"Oh," Tara whispered, a blush creeping to her cheek. Willow wanted a shower...together...The idea had an instant appeal to her. A mutual shower was one of the most intimate, sensual things a couple could do together. Tara had never showered with anyone else, and the thought of showering with Willow-well...she suddenly couldn't wait. "Okay," she breathed out her approval.

Willow was ecstatic; she too had never showered with anyone before. She'd never had that opportunity with Oz-what with him being a guy and all, and the showers at the dorms not being co-ed...what's more, they'd never been to a hotel together...so the chance for a mutual shower had never really presented itself.

"Great," Willow replied, pressing a quick kiss to Tara's lips. She smiled at her for a brief moment, before she slowly crawled out of bed, and located her robe.

Tara quickly followed suit, and was soon wrapping her own robe around her body. She then grabbed a couple of towels, as Willow located her bathroom kit.

A few minutes later, the girls were silently making their way down the darkened hall. They finally reached the shower block-only to be taken aback as the lights started to flicker, before coming on completely. They were now standing in the front area of the bathroom-the bit with all the mirrors and sinks, and were forced to blink a few times as they got used to the sudden brightness.

"Yeah," Tara replied shyly, wondering if Willow would change her mind now. "You still wanna...?"

Tara nodded timidly, as a blush came to her cheeks. She loved the idea of showering with Willow, and the fact that she could now see her clearly...Well, it greatly appealed to her.

"Me too," Willow replied, pressing a gentle kiss to Tara's lips. She could tell how nervous her girlfriend was, and truthfully-she too was feeling a little nervous. "Nervous?" she asked, pulling away from the kiss.

Willow nodded. "A bit. I...I've never...never had a shower with anyone before..."

"Really?" Tara asked in surprise. She was sure Willow and Oz had..."You and Oz never...?"

"Oh," Tara replied softly, doing her best to keep the elation out of her voice. She couldn't help liking the idea of being the first person to share a shower with Willow; it was yet another thing she and Willow would be doing for the first time-together.

She suddenly realized that she'd been sharing quite a few first-time experiences with Willow lately. Willow was the first woman she'd ever made love to, and in turn; she was the first woman Willow had ever made love to. What's more, their mutual climax just then-well...she'd never experienced that before, and was sure Willow hadn't either. They had totally fused their souls together-become one person. It had been the most powerful experience of her life, and she now felt totally at one with Willow-as if they were no longer simply a couple-two separate people in a relationship. They were now one person-forced to share two separate bodies, but still remained linked together through the power of their bond.

"What're you thinking?" Willow asked her girlfriend, noticing the pleased expression on her face.

Tara smiled, realizing she'd drifted off. Oh," she began shyly, "I...I was thinking how it's our, um...first time...that, um...there's been a lot of, um...you know...first times...together...you...me...you know...?"

Willow grinned. "Yeah," she replied. "I...I know what you mean, it's...it's cool...you...me..." She trailed off as she lifted her hands up to Tara's cheeks. "Tara..."

Tara's heart melted as Willow kissed her lips; she would never get tired of hearing those words. Willow had said them to her now-so many times...in fact, she'd said them to her in the past hour, more than all the times she'd ever heard them said to her in her life...by anyone...

As she pulled away from the kiss a minute later, Willow laced her hand with Tara's, and shyly guided them towards the back of the room-where all the shower cubicles were. The cubicles weren't too large, but they did each have an enclave-with a small bench for towels, and clothes, and stuff. What's more, they were surprisingly roomy-enough to accommodate two people, without too much discomfort.

When they were both inside the confines of the nearest cubicle, Willow closed the door behind them, and turned to face her girlfriend. "Hey," she said shyly, suddenly unsure of what to do next.

"Hey," Tara whispered back, also feeling a little uncertain. She looked deep into her girlfriend's eyes, and did her best to steady her breathing.

It was ridiculous, she realized-her nervousness that is. She and Willow had become completely intimate with one another. In fact, she'd spent the past week constantly making love to her, and what's more-Willow had now finally made love to her as well. So why was she so nervous? It's not like they hadn't seen one another naked before? What was so nerve-wracking about taking a shower together? Willow was thinking much the same thing, and after a minute, the reason began to dawn on both of them; it all had to do with intimacy.

In the minds of these two sexy young witches; having a shower, was a private, personal thing; something not usually shared with anyone. Therefore, when they invited one another to share in such an act-it denoted a great trust; showed that there were no more barriers between them; showed that they were willing to expose their most vulnerable side to their lover, and thereby propel them into a very special stage of their relationship.

Now that she realized why she was so nervous, Willow decided it was time to break the silence. They couldn't just stare at each other for the rest of the night. "We should, um..." she trailed off, as she dropped her bathroom kit onto the bench.

"Yeah," Tara replied. She followed Willow's lead, and placed the towels she was holding down on the bench.

"I'll turn the water on," Willow ventured, stepping through the enclave, and towards the shower.

Her heart was racing now, as she watched Willow turn on first the hot water, and then the cold. The girl waited for a few seconds, before extending her hand and testing the temperature. She then adjusted the hot water a bit-turning up the pressure, until she was satisfied.

"You wanna test it?" Willow asked her girlfriend, stepping back into the enclave.

Tara simply nodded in response, as she took a step forward and reached out her hand. The water was a little hotter than she liked it, and she instinctively pulled her hand back-hissing softly between her teeth.

"Too hot?" Willow asked gently, as she came up behind Tara. She pressed herself against Tara's back, and rested her head on the blonde's shoulder, before reaching one hand around her girlfriend's waist, and the other towards the hot water faucet.

Tara shivered at Willow's sudden closeness, and smiled. "A little," she replied, as Willow turned down the pressure of the hot water.

Tara extended her hand back towards the steaming water, before replying. "Could be a little, um...hotter..."

Willow once again reached out her hand and readjusted the water temperature. "Better?"

After a quick test, Tara turned around in her girlfriend's arms, linking her hands around her neck. "Perfect," she replied, kissing her lips softly.

Willow pulled away after a few seconds and smiled shyly at her girlfriend. Looking deep into her eyes, she took a small step backwards, making sure to keep her hands in place around her waist. She then slowly moved her hands towards the knot of Tara's belt, and promptly untied it.

Tara remained perfectly still, as her girlfriend untied her robe. She was frozen with anticipation; her heart racing, as Willow slowly pulled open the terry cloth, and worked the robe down her shoulders. Willow's eyes remained locked to hers the whole time, and she only looked away when she turned around to place the robe on the door-hook.

When she turned back towards her girlfriend, Willow's mouth dropped open-the sight of her fully naked girlfriend; illuminated perfectly in the bright florescent light of the bathroom; had completely floored her. Sure, she'd seen Tara naked before-but not to this extent, and not quite so clearly. She was now able to make out every last inch of her girlfriend; from her generous breasts, right down to the golden-brown curls covering her mons.

"Wow..." she sighed, as her eyes trailed the length of Tara's body. "You're...you're beautiful."

Tara blushed at Willow's compliment, and suddenly realized how exposed she really was. Her first instinct was to bring her hands up to cover her body, but then remembered that would defeat the purpose. The whole mutual shower thing was about trust; intimacy; exposing her most vulnerable self to her girlfriend, and what better way to expose herself, than by allowing Willow to gaze at her utterly naked body? But why did the light have to be so bright?

"Oh God, Tara," Willow continued, unable to resist touching her girlfriend, "you're," she placed her hands against Tara's shoulders, running them down the length of her arms, "you're so...beautiful."

She then moved her hands to her girlfriend's hips, and sensuously maneuvered them up towards Tara's breasts. She tenderly cupped the soft mounds of flesh, before trailing her hands back down over her stomach; over her hips; along her thighs, and then up towards her ass. She gently squeezed her girlfriend's ass, causing Tara to buck her hips forward. She smiled at this, and slipped her right hand between Tara's legs-leaving her left against Tara's ass.

As Willow began to move her fingertips against the opening of her mons, Tara lifted her hands up to her girlfriend's shoulders. "Willow," she choked out-gripping her tight, in an attempt to pause her movements. "W…wait..."

Willow instantly removed her hands from Tara's body. "What's up?" she asked in concern.

Tara smiled softly. "It's your turn," she explained, moving her hands to the belt of Willow's robe.

Willow smiled in understanding. "Oh," she whispered, as Tara deftly untied her robe.

Within seconds, she'd worked Willow's robe down and off her shoulders, and was now placing it over her own on the door hook. She then turned around to face her naked girlfriend, and was unable to resist mimicking the redhead's earlier response. Willow's naked body was so delectable, and the sight of it in such bright light was astounding.

"Oh yes," Tara whispered, as her hands linked themselves around Willow's neck, and she brought their lips together.

The girls kissed each other passionately, their bodies melting together; breast against breast; thigh against thigh; and tongue against tongue. Unwittingly, they began to slowly make their way out of the enclave, and towards the steaming wetness of the shower region. As soon as they felt the wet heat of the shower streaming over them, the girls pulled apart from their passionate embrace. They let the water run over their naked bodies, as they stared into each other's eyes, doing their best to keep their faces as dry as possible-for the moment.

"This is nice," Willow ventured after a minute, reaching her hand up to Tara's cheek.

With that, Willow quickly stepped into the enclave, and opened her bathroom kit; grabbing a bottle of shampoo. She then poured some into her hand, as she returned to her girlfriend, handing the bottle over to Tara.

Tara closed her eyes, and turned her back towards Willow, as the girl began to gently massage the shampoo into her hair. A minute later, Willow was expertly rinsing Tara's hair, and grabbing the bottle back from the blonde, so as to repeat the process.

When Willow had finished rinsing Tara's hair for the second time, the blonde decided to return the favor. A few minutes later, she too was rinsing her girlfriend's hair for a second time; and enjoying every second of it.

Once the girls had finished with the shampoo, Willow returned the bottle back to her kit, and reached for the conditioner. It didn't take the young college students long, to work the conditioner into one another's hair.

The redhead smiled as she put back the conditioner. "We've got a few minutes to kill though," she reminded her girlfriend, "before we can rinse it out."

Tara grinned in response, joining her girlfriend in the enclave. "Right..." she trailed off, as Willow's hands reached for her ass, bringing their slippery-wet bodies together.

Both girls moaned at the sensation of their wet bodies rubbing together. Unable to resist the desire coursing through their veins, they began kissing passionately; running their hands all over one another. They quickly forgot all about the conditioner in their hair, as the heat between them began to intensify.

Before long, their hands had somehow made their way in between their girlfriend's legs, and they were now energetically massaging one another's clits. This was causing them both to feel extremely light-headed, and weak-kneed, and they were forced to lean against the wall of the enclave for support.

A few minutes later, they were both screaming out in ecstasy, as their mutual orgasms consumed them. When their trembling had finally subsided a little, the girls continued to remain in place; their foreheads pressed together, as their breathing slowly returned to normal.

"Wow," Willow whispered eventually, moving her hand from between Tara's legs. She placed it against her ass instead, and sighed when Tara did the same.

"A good way to, uh...kill a few minutes," Willow quipped, her breath tickling Tara's lips.

Tara chuckled, as she pulled away. She looked tenderly into her girlfriend's eyes, before releasing her ass in order to grasp her hands instead. She then shyly led them both towards the shower region, so that they could rinse their hair.

When the last of the conditioner had finally been removed, Willow returned to the enclave, in order to grab a bar of soap. She then moved silently to her girlfriend's side, before working up a lather between her hands.

Tara closed her eyes, as Willow began to run the soap over her skin. The sensation of her girlfriend's hands against her breasts; her stomach; her thighs; her back; her ass; between her legs, and every other little spot on her body, was more sensuous than anything she could ever compare it too. In fact, she was becoming so turned on by it, that her hands were forced to grip her girlfriend's shoulders for support-as her legs became dangerously close to giving way beneath her.

Willow noticed her girlfriend's reaction, and couldn't help feeling satisfied. What's more, she too was becoming increasingly turned on, as she observed the utter sensuality her girlfriend displayed. Tara's eyes were closed tightly shut; her body was gyrating against her hands, her breathing was labored, and every now and then she would let out these extremely sexy moans. Once again, Willow was bearing witness to Tara's innate sexuality-and she was enjoying every second of it.

When she'd gone over every inch of Tara's body-at least twice, Willow decided it was finally time to give her girlfriend a turn. She gently kissed Tara's lips, before reaching up towards her own shoulders, and removing the girl's hands. She then placed the bar of soap into her girlfriend's right hand, silently letting her know what she wanted.

Willow reacted just like Tara had, to her girlfriend's determined ministrations, and was now gripping her hands tight against Tara's shoulders, as the girl worked the soap all over her body. No wonder Tara had reacted like she had-this was the most sensuous experience of Willow's life-highly intimate too...

When Tara finally decided she was done, she pulled away from her girlfriend, and moved into the enclave to return the soap. She was now utterly turned on, and could tell Willow was feeling the same way. She was done with the sensuous teasing-she wanted some satisfaction.

When she returned to her girlfriend's side a few seconds later, Willow instantly wrapped her arms around her neck, and pulled her close-roughly capturing her lips. In turn, Tara placed her hands against Willow's ass, as their wet bodies began to slide sensuously together, under the warm spray of the shower.

As their hands traveled all over one another, Willow and Tara were effectively rinsing their soapy bodies, but were also bringing each other closer, and closer to the point of extreme frustration. The sensation of their wet, soapy skin, sliding together, moving together-was finally too much for the young witches to ignore. Which is why they eventually leaned into one another for support, as they reached between their legs, and gently used two fingers to enter their girlfriend's body.

Their legs were soon crumbling underneath them, as they continued to thrust their fingers into one another. They were know kneeling on the floor of the shower cubicle; their foreheads pressed together; their eyes closed, as their thumbs pressed into each other's clits, and their fingers pumped into their girlfriend's center. Before long, the young witches were once again screaming out in ecstasy, as they were hurled into yet another intense orgasm.

When their breathing had finally slowed down a bit, the two girls helped each other up into a standing position. They kept their eyes closed though, as they let the steaming water of the shower flow over their bodies-cleansing them from the effects of their lovemaking.

After a few minutes, they finally turned off the water, before moving back towards the enclave. It wasn't long before they were toweling one another dry; putting on their robes; heading out of the cubicle, and holding hands as they walked back towards Tara's room in silence-too worn out to speak just yet.

When they reached Tara's room, Willow moved towards the hamper and dumped her towel, before placing her bathroom kit onto Tara's dresser. She then turned towards her girlfriend, who was now sitting down in her armchair-looking up at her expectantly.

Being as short as it was, Willow's hair was already pretty dry. Tara's hair on the other hand, was still fairly wet underneath the towel she'd wrapped it in. Which is why she was now waiting patiently for Willow-knowing how much the redhead loved the honor of drying her hair.

"You want me to do your hair baby?" Willow asked, moving to sit in Tara's lap. She wrapped her hands around her girlfriend's neck, as she gazed into her eyes.

Tara was pleasantly surprised by Willow's actions, and instantly circled the smaller girl's waist with her hands. "Okay," she smiled, kissing her lips softly.

When she pulled away from the kiss however, Willow made no move to get up-feeling content to remain in her girlfriend's lap for a while longer. "Tara," she began, gazing deep into her eyes.

"I...I...that was...I mean, the shower thing...it was...I...I love you so much, and...and I've...I've...I mean...it was so intense...you...me...us...and I'm...I'm so sorry...for today...for yesterday...for...for everything...for holding back, I...Oh God Tara, what I've put you through...I'm...you're...oh baby...I love you so much, and I...I...I..." Willow trailed off as her emotions overwhelmed her, and she began to tear up.

"Hey," Tara whispered soothingly, reaching a hand up to Willow's cheek. She gently wiped at the tears, pressing soft kisses against her forehead, "it's okay...shh...baby...it's okay..."

Willow couldn't help it though; the events of the last couple of days had finally caught up with her. She hadn't slept in two days, had barely eaten, and had now had some of the most intense orgasms of her life. She was suddenly very exhausted, and she couldn't help but remember what she'd put Tara through-what she'd put herself through...and after the passion they'd just displayed in the shower block...she was feeling very drained and emotional.

What's more, she'd been so confused these last two days; so terrified. She'd been scared of hurting Tara; scared of hurting Oz; scared of saying goodbye to him; scared to accept who she was; scared about everything...and yet Tara had been her one true constant. The one thing she'd been sure of the whole time was Tara's love for her. What had she done to deserve it? She'd put her baby through hell, and yet the girl had still been there for her, and something inside Willow told her that she always would be.

"I love you Tara," she choked out, as her tears continued to fall, "and I...I'm so sorry, I...I...I just can't stop crying, I...I...I don't know why..." she trailed off as the sobs wracked her body, and she dropped her head to Tara's shoulder.

Tara held her girlfriend tight, running her hands tenderly against her back. "It's okay darling," she whispered soothingly, dropping her own head down to Willow's shoulder, "it's okay...shhh...shhh...sweetie, it's okay...oh darling...shhh...shhh..."

Tara was a little surprised by her girlfriend's sudden outburst, but soon began to realize where it was coming from. The girl was exhausted; both physically and mentally, and everything was finally beginning to catch up with her. As she continued to hold her girlfriend, and whisper soothingly in her ear, Tara began to slowly release some of her energy, gradually calming her down.

After a while, Willow's sobs began to subside, as the effect of Tara's energy kicked in. She didn't know what had possessed her to act so emotional, but was now beginning to feel progressively calmer. Her crying mood had finally stopped, but in its place, exhaustion had set in. Sitting in Tara's lap; being held by her; calmed by her, Willow unwittingly began to become so relaxed, that she was very close to actually falling asleep in her girlfriend's arms.

Tara could sense this, and she carefully guided them both into a standing position. Willow's hands were still wrapped around her neck; her head still rested against her shoulder, as Tara half-carried her slender girlfriend towards the bed. She gently laid Willow down onto the mattress, before carefully removing the girl's robe. She then pulled the covers over her girlfriend's naked body, placing a soft kiss to her forehead, as she noted the girl was now fast asleep.

Not wanting to wake her sleeping girlfriend, Tara quietly located her hair-dryer, and headed out towards the bathroom to dry her hair. Twenty minutes later, she silently crept back into her room, dumped her towel in the hamper, and put her hair-dryer back inside her dresser drawer. She then slipped out of her robe, switched off the lights, and crawled naked into bed. Willow was now lying on her side; so she took that opportunity to press up against her girlfriend's back; wrap her arm around her waist; and spoon with her, as she too drifted off to sleep.

Half an hour later, Willow began to stir, as the call of nature beckoned. She was a little surprised to find herself in bed, with Tara's arm wrapped around her waist. How had she gotten there? The last thing she remembered, was showering with her girlfriend, and then crying in her lap...She smiled-recalling what'd happened. She'd been so energized after they'd merged, and then after the whole shower-thing...well, she'd just given in to her hormones. Luckily for her, she had the most caring and understanding girlfriend around. She was so lucky...With that thought, she carefully pulled Tara's arm away from her waist, as she crawled out of bed.

"Willow...?" Tara stirred, suddenly aware of the missing contact. She hadn't been totally asleep in the first place-what with still feeling a little energized by their earlier lovemaking-the union of their souls.

Willow looked down at her half-asleep girlfriend, and smiled lovingly. "It's okay baby," she whispered, "go back to sleep. I'm just going to the bathroom."

Tara frowned, rolling onto her back and reaching her hands up to her girlfriend. She wasn't totally conscious of her actions; she just wanted her Willow. "Mmmm, Willow..." she pleaded for her girlfriend to come back to bed.

Willow's smile widened, and she moved back towards the bed. She sat down next to her girlfriend, and placed a gentle kiss to her lips. "I'll be back in a minute, sweetie" she explained, kissing her again, "okay?"

"Okay..." Tara mumbled reluctantly, as Willow stood up. She watched in silence as her naked girlfriend located her robe, and then headed out the door. As she waited for Willow to return, Tara began to feel her sleep induced state of semi-consciousness slowly fading. She was soon wide-awake, and very eager for Willow to rejoin her in bed.

As she walked back into the room a few minutes later, Willow slipped the robe off her shoulders, and promptly switched on the fairy lights-illuminating the room.

Willow smiled at her girlfriend. "Sorry baby," she began, making her way over towards the bed, "I...I just, I...I...I wanna look at you...see you...all of you, and I...there's something I...I wanna do..."

With that, Willow slowly worked down the covers, exposing her girlfriend's naked form to her gaze, as she sat down next to her.

Tara's breath caught in her throat-what did Willow have in mind? When she suddenly found herself being straddled by her girlfriend, Tara decided that whatever the sexy-redhead had planned; she was sure to enjoy it. "Okay," she whispered, as Willows lips descended upon hers.

Willow gently kissed her girlfriend, taking the time to enjoy her unique flavor; she wanted to taste every last inch of Tara. With that thought, she linked her hands with Tara's, as she used her tongue to explore the girl's mouth.

After a while, she moved her lips from Tara's, and began placing soft kisses against her cheek; against the line of her jaw; her neck; her collarbone; her chest, and finally latching onto one of her nipples. She let go of Tara's hands then, and moved her left towards Tara's other breast.

Her free hand came to rest against Tara's thigh, as she continued to lave attention onto her breasts. After a while, Willow wanted to taste more of Tara, and moved her lips away from her breast, replacing them with her right hand. She was now using both of her hands to sensuously tease Tara's nipples, as her lips made their way progressively down the length of Tara's stomach.

As her lips continued their exploration of Tara's skin, Willow released Tara's nipples, and moved her hands down to the girl's thighs. She then lifted her head up, un-straddled her girlfriend's hips, and tentatively spread her legs apart, moving to kneel in between them.

Tara's whole body was aching with desire, as she realized what Willow had in mind. Her girlfriend's loving attention to her breasts and skin, had left her wholly unbalanced. Which is why her hands were now firmly gripping the bed sheets, and her eyes were closed tightly shut, as she waited for the girl's next move.

She'd never felt a girl's lips between her legs; never felt a girl's tongue inside her body, and she now couldn't wait to experience the sensation, thanks to her girlfriend. She just hoped Willow would liked what she tasted...

As Willow gently spread her girlfriend's legs even wider, her eyes came to rest on the mystery that was Tara's womanhood. The reason she'd wanted the light on, was because she'd never really had a close look at a girl's sex before, and she wanted to clearly see what her girlfriend looked like, before she finally tasted her.

Reaching for a nearby pillow, she moved down the bed a bit, before gently placing her hands under Tara's ass. She then lifted her up slightly, and placed the pillow under her derriere.

"Is this okay?" Willow softly asked her girlfriend, wanting to know if she was bothered at being elevated in such a manner.

Tara forced herself to open her eyes, and smiled warmly at her girlfriend. "It's okay Willow," she whispered, her breathing heavy. "I...I don't mind..."

"Good...'cause I...I've never done this before," Willow explained, "and I...I wanna see you, and...and you know...taste you, and...and I'm so, um...nervous, and I...if I...if I do something wrong, you should, um...you know...let me know...okay...?"

She loved how shy her girlfriend suddenly was; loved the blush in her cheek; loved how sexy she'd sounded when she said she wanted to taste her, and it made her even more aroused than she already was. Unfortunately, this made her even wetter as well, and she suddenly hoped her girlfriend wouldn't be too put off by it. She knew Willow had never tasted another girl's essence, and even though she herself loved the way Willow tasted; it didn't mean Willow would like how she tasted.

Tara opened her eyes shyly. "I...I...yeah, I...I guess I'm a l…little nervous too..."

"Oh," Willow replied, suddenly understanding. She gave her girlfriend a shy smile, as she tried to reassure her.

"I...I, um...you...you don't have to worry, I mean I...I know what you're thinking, and I'm sure I...I'll...you know, and...and I...I won't do anything you, um...you don't want me to, but I...I really want to, um...you know...taste you, and I...I, ah...I already, um...know what you, ah-you know-smell like, and I...I know, if I...if I like that, then I'll, um...you know...like what you, ah...you know...taste like..."

"I like," Willow replied shyly. "It's ah...very, um...musky...and sexy...and I...I can't wait to, um...taste it..."

Tara was totally turned on by Willow's words, and could suddenly feel all her nervousness fading away, as she stared into her girlfriend's desire-ridden eyes. After a minute, she closed her eyes, as Willow finally looked away, and began to make her way further down the bed.

Willow positioned herself between her girlfriend's legs, placing her hands on the girl's thighs, as she bent her knees. She was now looking directly into Tara's sex, and could feel her own wetness building. With shaky hands, she slowly tangled her fingertips through Tara's pubic hair, and gently spread open her folds with her thumbs. She couldn't believe how sexy the sight of Tara's clitoris was; how enticing her slit was; how mouth watering her smell was, and how wet her own sex was becoming as she continued to stare at Tara's.

"Oh God, Tara..." she sighed, inhaling her scent, "you're so..." she trailed off as she brought her face closer towards Tara's mons. Without another word, she slowly extended her tongue, and had her first taste of Tara's essence.

She pressed her tongue tentatively between Tara's folds, using it to scoop up a sample of her juices, before returning it to her own mouth. She closed her eyes as she took in her girlfriend's taste, and sighed in appreciation as she swallowed her essence. The tangy-ness of Tara's nectar, was unlike anything Willow could ever compare it to; all she knew, was that she suddenly wanted more; she was totally hooked.

With that she moved her head back towards Tara's mons, and once again extended her tongue. Only this time, she opened her mouth a little as well, and pressed her own lips firmly against Tara's nether-lips. She then slowly began to lap up all of Tara's juices, taking her time to explore the flowery-petals of her girlfriend's sex.

When she felt as if she'd lapped up every last drop she could find, Willow decided to deepen her exploration, and tentatively moved her tongue towards Tara's opening. With gradual movements; she used her tongue to slowly enter her girlfriend's body; marveling at the sensation.

Tara instinctively bucked her hips upwards, as Willow used her tongue to penetrate her body. This was the most emotive experience of her life. The feel of Willow's tongue inside her was unlike anything she'd ever felt; it was warm, and soft, and intimate-and the felt totally different than the stiffness of her girlfriend's fingers.

"Willow," Tara gasped, as she felt the girl deepen her penetration, "I...mmmmmmm..." she started to moan uncontrollably, as Willow began to slowly remove her tongue, only to thrust it back inside; developing a steady rhythm.

From her girlfriend's heated response, Willow could tell she was doing something right. She'd never made love to Tara this way before; but she was nevertheless rapidly getting used to what the girl liked. With determined movements, she continued to thrust her tongue deeper and deeper into her girlfriend's body; pressing it as hard as she could; against the rough texture of her inner walls, as she searched for her hidden pleasure point.

Each time she'd made love to Tara with her fingers, Willow had managed to locate the girl's erogenous core, and was now extremely determined to do the same with her tongue. Which is why she made a point of curling her tongue upwards every time she thrust into Tara; copying the movements she always made with her fingers. After a few minutes, she knew she'd finally succeeded-when Tara's moans began to get louder and louder, and her hip movements began to get more, and more uncontrollable. She fully recognized this reaction, and decided to up the ante.

"Oh God-Willow!!!" Tara screamed, when she suddenly felt the pressure of her girlfriend's thumb against her clit. The double stimulation was just too much, and she could instantly feel the pressure building inside her body.

Willow could sense how close Tara was to reaching her peak, so she increased the speed of her tongue-thrusts, and began to circle her thumb around Tara's clit; pressing harder, and harder against the swollen nub. As she continued to thrust her tongue into her girlfriend's body, and apply pressure to her clit; she couldn't help thinking how much she loved this girl; how much it pleased her to finally bring her happiness, and how intimate this form of lovemaking was.

She was literally absorbing the girl's essence into her body; tasting her need; her desire; her love, and her womanhood. With each tongue thrust, she was getting closer and closer to her ultimate reward; to finally tasting the ambrosia that was Tara's love for her. With that thought, she began to thrust her tongue even harder against Tara's sweet spot, in an attempt to quicken her girlfriend's impending release.

Tara didn't disappoint, and she was soon screaming out her girlfriend's name, as she spiraled her way into oblivion. "Oh...mmmm...Willoooooooooooooooooow!!!"

Willow gladly rode out her girlfriend's orgasm, as she continued to press her tongue against Tara's inner-core. She was loving every moment of this; loving the intensity of Tara's reaction; loving the never-ending flow of juices spilling from her center; loving her taste, and loving the fact that she was finally able to make love to her girlfriend-in the way she deserved.

When Tara had finally recovered from her pleasure spiral, she noticed that Willow had removed the pillow from underneath her, and was now snuggling up against her. She turned to face her girlfriend and smiled softly.

"Hey," Willow returned, pressing a quick kiss to Tara's lips. "I love you, baby..."

Tara smiled in response, before zealously capturing her girlfriend's lips. She was suddenly very eager to show Willow how much she loved her as well.

The girls spent the rest of the night; hazily making love to one another; drifting in and out of consciousness, between orgasms. Needless to say, they didn't get too much sleep that night. What's more, when morning came, they were still too immersed in one another's bodies; in the need to make love to their girlfriend-that they forgot all about their morning classes.

"What time is it?" Tara finally asked, as she recovered from yet another bout of mutual lovemaking.

"I dunno," Willow gasped back, doing her best to steady her breathing. Forcing her neck to move, she groaned as she spotted the time.

"It's almost 12'oclock," Willow sat up hastily, "I've missed like two classes..."

The girls looked at each other then, and giggled. "I guess we kinda lost track of time," Willow ventured.

"Maybe we should get dressed," Willow suggested, as Tara pulled away. "I mean...I think we've totally missed out on breakfast...but lunch is coming up, and I...I kinda also wanted to go and see Buffy."

"He's kinda hiding out from the Initiative again," Willow explained. "When he found out that the demon they'd caught was Oz, he decided to help with the rescue-but he got locked up instead. So, when we went in to rescue Oz, we took Riley with us, and now he's hiding out in the ruins of Sunnydale High."

"Yeah, and I kinda wanna see how he's doing-on account of him helping Oz and stuff...you know what I mean?"

With that, the girls quickly got dressed, and headed off towards Willow's dorm. Upon entering, they took a seat on Willow's bed, and began to make out-needing to kill some time while they waited for Buffy to return.

That's exactly how Buffy found them, five minutes later. She'd just come from Riley's side; having brought him some breakfast, and was shocked to open her bedroom door; and find her best friend making out with her girlfriend.

The sight of it kind of unnerved her a little; the two Wiccans were in a highly passionate position. They were lying on the bed; hands running all over one another's bodies-under shirts; under skirts, between legs...and not to mention tongues thrusting into each other's mouths, as they made soft moaning sounds...

It was definitely more than she needed-or wanted-to see. The realization that her best friend was kinda gay, had momentarily wigged her out yesterday-but that was nothing compared to how she felt right now. What's more, it was now obvious to her what Willow had decided to do-whom she'd chosen to be with. So Oz was gone...?

Buffy didn't know how she felt about that. She liked Tara; owed her a lot, had even gotten used to her hanging around as Willow's friend...But how did she feel about her as Willow's girlfriend? These were the same kind of thoughts that had run through her head yesterday-when Willow had first told her about Tara.

Only now, she sorta had answers to them. If Tara made Willow happy-then she'd accept her into the fold; accept the fact that her best friend was gay, and do her best to be as supportive as possible. However, it was probably going to take her some time to get used to the idea-especially if her current reaction was anything to go by...

Although; in all fairness-she'd most likely be just as wigged coming across Willow and Oz in such a position. Intense make-out sessions were a pretty private thing, not something that should be shared-even with best friends. With that thought, she decided to finally let her presence be known.

"Ahem," she coughed, closing the door behind her. "Not interrupting am I?" she asked, hiding her edginess behind a smirk.

Tara instantly pulled away from Willow, mortified by The Slayer's entrance. She should've realized this was going to happen. What had she been thinking-making out with Willow, when Buffy could walk in on them at any moment? Why had Willow initiated the proceedings? The very second her girlfriend had started kissing her, Tara had been unable to resist her advances; had been unable to stop herself from dropping to the bed-dragging Willow on top of her; kissing her; touching her...

Buffy smiled as she watched the two girls hastily try to compose themselves. "It's okay," she said reassuringly, making her way over to her own bed, "just pretend like I'm not here."

Moving herself into a sitting position, Willow looked into her best-friend's eyes, trying to gauge her reaction. She'd purposefully planned this whole situation-wanting to see how Buffy would take the idea of her and Tara. She could tell how freaked she'd been yesterday-despite her denials, and wanted to know if she still felt the same way. Although; she hadn't planned on letting the girl bear witness to quite so much of her and Tara's...relationship...but Tara's touch was like magick; she'd gotten so lost in it...

As she continued to look at The Slayer, Willow found it hard to discern the girl's expression-what with the smirk and all. She knew Buffy well enough by now; to know that jokes were sometimes her way of dealing with stuff; of covering her discomfort. She just hoped that wasn't the case this time. She really wanted Buffy to accept her relationship with Tara, and hated the idea that she might not; that she might look down on her; that she might get freaked every time she saw them together...At least Buffy hadn't run screaming from the room...

Tara looked at her girlfriend, and then at The Slayer, and then back at Willow-seeing the intensity of the redhead's gaze. She suddenly figured out what was happening; realized her girlfriend's plan. No wonder Willow had been so insistent on coming here; so insistent on making out with her while they'd waited-she'd wanted to suss her friend out; see how she'd react to them. Tara had to love the girl's ingenuity; her Willow was definitely one of a kind.

Smiling at that thought, she looked back at Buffy, trying to gauge her reaction for herself. The Slayer didn't seem to be too freaked by what she'd walked in on; sure, her energy was a little erratic-but then again, that was to be expected. Walking in on a private moment between two people, was enough to make anyone feel slightly uncomfortable; and with all due credit, Buffy didn't seem to be handling it too badly.

"We're sorry," Willow told her roommate eventually, "we, uh...we were waiting for you to return, and we, uh...we kinda...you know...got bored and stuff..."

Buffy smiled at her friend. "It's okay Will..." she reassured, doing her best to convey that she wasn't wigged.

"Really?" Willow asked, still not entirely convinced. She looked intently into Buffy's eyes, but was unable to read her completely-not like she could read Tara.

"Totally," Buffy replied, deciding to change the subject. "So, what did you wanna see me about?"

"Just wanted to see how Riley was," Willow replied, deciding to let it go for now. "How's he handling the whole hiding out thing...?"

"He's doing okay, but I think he's still trying to deal with what I told him last night."

"Well, he uh...he was kind of wigged yesterday-when he found out about Oz being a werewolf, and..."

"That's why you were upset?" Willow guessed-referring to her reaction yesterday, right before she'd told her about Tara.

"The Oz thing...him helping and stuff. I think he's finally beginning to see that not everything is as black and white as he wants it to be; that..." Buffy trailed off, as the sudden sound of ringing interrupted her train of thought.

Seeing as she was closest, Willow stood up and reached for the phone. "Hey," she spoke into the receiver.

Willow sat back down on the bed, next to her girlfriend, and grasped her left hand. She smiled softly at her, before they both looked back towards The Slayer.

Buffy's face was now deathly white, as she listened to what Giles was saying. "Oh my God," she burst out. "Is he okay?"

"Thanks for letting me know," they heard The Slayer say. "I'll leave as soon as possible." With that, she hung up the phone, and turned towards the two witches.

"It's Faith," Buffy explained, as she walked towards her weapons chest, "she's in LA."

Willow looked towards her girlfriend and squeezed her hand; sharing a look of concern.

Slipping the knife into her boot, Buffy stood up and walked towards her dresser-in search of her wallet. "He's fine," she began, "I hope..." Finding her wallet, she pocketed it, and turned to face Willow's girlfriend. "I gotta make sure though," she explained, alternating her gaze between Willow and Tara. "Besides...I owe her...ya know..."

Buffy nodded, as she put on a coat. "I'll stop by and see Riley first though," she said, heading towards the door, "let him know what's happening."

Buffy stopped in her tracks, just as she was about to open the door, and turned towards her friend. "What do you mean?"

"You seeing Angel," Willow explained. "I mean...you just told him about the curse and stuff...you sure he won't get wigged, I mean...I know you're not gonna-you know...but being a guy, he might think...well...you know what guys are like..."

"Oh," Buffy replied thoughtfully-she hadn't looked at it that way...but wait, she hadn't told Riley..."Uh Will," she began, "I uh...I didn't tell him everything," she confessed sheepishly.

"I, uh...I kinda glossed over how the, um, whole curse thing is triggered...you know..."

Willow chuckled; she should've known. "So, he doesn't know about Angel getting a happy..."

"But he still might get kinda wigged," Willow pondered. "...You seeing your ex and all..."

"I'm sure he'll be fine," Buffy replied; only half convinced, as she turned back towards the door. "Besides, " she called over her shoulder, "after the whole Faith-thing, I don't think he's got the right to be wigged." With that, she opened the door, and headed towards the burnt-out wreck, which was once Sunnydale High School.

As Buffy closed the door, Willow turned back towards her girlfriend. "I hope everything goes okay."

Tara smiled at the redhead, and placed a soft kiss against her lips. "I'm sure it'll be fine," she whispered reassuringly.

Willow closed her eyes as Tara kissed her again, harder this time; causing all her thoughts to dissipate. She brought her free hand to her girlfriend's thigh, as she deepened the kiss-thrusting her tongue roughly against Tara's.

Tara responded by bringing her own hand to Willow's waist, and then moving it up towards her left breast. She kneaded the soft mound of flesh for a second, before using her fingers to gently pinch her nipple.

Willow moaned at the sensation, and moved her hand up from Tara's thigh, to between her legs. She used her fingers to press against the material of Tara's jeans, pushing into her girlfriend's clit.

Tara bucked her hips at Willow's touch, and unlinked her left hand, so as to return the favor. She placed her hand against Willow's thigh, pushing up the material of her skirt, until she was met with bare flesh. She then slowly worked her hand upwards, exposing more, and more of her girlfriend's skin, until her thumb was pressing against the edge of her panties.

Willow broke the kiss then, and looked passionately into her girlfriend's eyes. "Tara," she choked out, her eyes heavy with desire. "I..." she trailed off, as Tara chose that moment to slip her fingers under her panties, and began to gently rub them against her mons. She responded by lifting her hands up to Tara's shoulders and pushing her down to the bed.

She straddled her girlfriend's hips, as she reached down and unbuttoned her jeans. It took her less than a minute to work the denim down her legs, and remove her panties. Meanwhile, Tara had also deftly separated Willow from her underwear, and was soon throwing her girlfriend's skirt to the floor.

The girls were now naked from the waist down, as they began to make love to one another. They had entered each other's bodies with two fingers, and were using their thumbs to massage one another's clits. Within minutes, both girls were screaming their lover's name in ecstasy, as they spilled their juices; allowing their essences to mix together between their legs.

Willow collapsed against her girlfriend, as she removed her fingers from inside her. She brought her hand instinctively to her mouth, and licked her fingers clean; tasting not only her girlfriend; but also a little of herself as well. She then softly kissed Tara's lips, before moving off her body, to lie on her side.

Tara opened her eyes then, as her fingers were forced out of Willow's body. She too licked them dry, before turning to face her girlfriend. "Hey," she smiled warmly, bringing her lips to Willow's. She kissed her tenderly for a few seconds before pulling away.

Tara smiled in response, and brought her forehead to Willow's. "Yeah," she agreed breathlessly.

"Now?" Tara asked, feeling slightly worn out-but not quite able to resist another round either. They'd made love to each other all through the night; had barely gotten any sleep; had been unable to resist making love for the better part of the morning...and now as soon as Buffy had left the room-they were at it again...they just couldn't stop themselves...

Tara didn't know how much longer she could last before she collapsed with exhaustion, but ever since last night-when Willow had finally acknowledged her love; it was as if the redhead just couldn't stop expressing that love; couldn't stop touching her; couldn't stop making love to her, and couldn't stop saying that she loved her. Tara had never been happier in her whole life, and she too couldn't stop wanting to make love to her girlfriend. Now that she knew her love was returned; knew that Willow wasn't going to leave her, she felt kind of at peace...like she'd finally found her purpose in life; her soulmate.

Tara was right, sleep might be a good idea-they'd hardly gotten any last night..."Sleep," she agreed.

With that, the girls crawled under the covers, and snuggled up together-letting sleep overtake them within minutes.

When they finally began to stir, the better part of the day had gone by. It was 3:30 in the afternoon, and they had now not only missed breakfast, but lunch as well.

Tara was the first to wake up, and upon noticing the time; pressed a loving kiss to her girlfriend's lips. "Hey," she greeted, as Willow began to respond.

"What is it sweetie?" Tara asked, affectionately kissing her girlfriend's cheek.

Tara smiled fondly at her pouting girlfriend. "You can still make it for the last part..."

Willow considered this for a second before replying. "I guess..." she trailed off, as her stomach suddenly decided to complain about the lack of food it had received lately.

"Sounds like a plan," Willow replied, briefly kissing her girlfriend's lips, before crawling out of bed.

The girls quickly redressed themselves, and straightened up Willow's bed, before heading out the door.

"Mmm?" Willow turned her head towards her girlfriend and grasped her hand. "What is it?"

Tara smiled delicately, suddenly feeling a little nervous. Now that she knew Willow loved her; that she wasn't going to leave her...she was even more determined to make their anniversary special; to commit to their relationship. Although, technically-their anniversary wasn't until tomorrow; Tara felt like now would be a better time to actually get their pet; give Willow some time to think about what it implied, before bringing up the whole commitment issue.

She would tell Willow tomorrow that she wanted the cat to be theirs, and knew her girlfriend would understand what it meant; what the kitty symbolized. Willow was pretty perceptive that way, and would probably even figure it out before tomorrow. With that thought, she took a deep breath, before speaking her invitation.

"Well...I was thinking of, um...I just...I kinda...I kinda wanted to get a kitty-cat, and I was thinking that maybe you could, um...help me pick one out or something..."

"Oh," Willow replied, suddenly getting the picture. She remembered their conversation the other day, and instantly began to realize the meaning behind Tara's request. The girl wanted to get a pet; a sign of commitment...and Willow couldn't help loving her girlfriend's timing. They were now both totally open with their emotions-free with the loving. What better way to symbolize this new stage in their relationship, than by getting a cat together?

"Cool," Willow continued excitedly; her face lighting up as she began to think of how fun a little kitten would actually be, "and then we could stop by the pet store...get some toys and stuff. 'Cause you know-kitties love toys-and catnip, and we...we need to get some cat food as well, and...and...Oh, this is gonna be so cool...I can't wait...We're gonna get a Kitty...I mean-you're gonna get a Kitty...it's gonna be great..."

Tara grinned at her girlfriend's enthusiasm, and couldn't help noticing her Freudian slip. The girl had unwittingly said that they were going to get a Kitty; letting Tara know she was cool with the idea-that she was aware of what it meant. This pleased Tara enormously, and as they made their way across the student lounge, she realized something momentous...

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Moonlight Closure

By SpikeMe4Now4200

Spikeme4now4200@yahoo.com.au