Please read the Disclaimer before continuing to remain in the site or reading the stories. These stories contain adult material with scenes of women loving women. Consider this story to have an R rating. If this is illegal in your state or you are underage, please go to a more appropriate site now.

Disclaimer: I don't own any Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters. No copyright infringement is intended. Original characters are mine.

Pairing: W/T... eventually

Angst Rating: Highest rating... buy stock in Kleenex

Rating: PG 13 for adult themes and eventual W/T goodness.

lcountry@quiknet.com

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Sunshine peeked through the curtain in Willow’s room and streamed across the redhead’s face. She wrinkled her nose and tried to roll away from the intrusive light, but she was pinned in place. She smiled, remembering exactly who was pinning her to the bed. She opened her eyes and yawned, stilling smiling. Tara was curled around her side with an arm tossed over Willow’s chest.

She studied Tara for a few minutes. She loved the way the blonde looked while she slept. Tara’s face was relaxed and her lips always seemed extra full after a night of rest. Willow was just about to do a detailed study of Tara’s long, delicate eyelashes when the eyelashes in question fluttered.

"Hi," Tara said lazily. She made no attempt to pull away, in fact, she hugged Willow tightly, pressing into her until there wasn’t room for a molecule of air between them.

"Good morning." Willow was smiling giddily. Her first date with Tara the night before had been playful and fun and relaxed, just like old times.

Tara yawned and rubbed her cheek against Willow’s chest. She made a purring sound deep in her throat. "Great morning," Tara corrected.

They snuggled quietly for a few minutes, and Tara remembered the previous night with a smile. Willow had explained the Stonehenge relic and then completely forgiven Tara for the relic’s effects. It made forgiving Willow’s mistakes a bit easier, and even if she hadn’t been forced into her addiction, the magic did have a siren’s call. Tara’s dreams had been filled with images of Willow, happy images.

"No morning sickness?" Willow finally asked as she lightly rubbed Tara’s back.

"Nuh uh." Tara snuggled closer. She rooted her nose gently as she moved her face higher onto Willow’s chest. "Maybe it’s a witch thing," she mused. "Morning sickness of the non-morning variety." She traced a circular pattern on Willow’s collarbone over the top of her nightshirt.

"I’m just glad you’re not sick. Maybe it’s over." Willow twisted her neck and kissed the top of Tara’s head. She sighed, thoroughly enjoying the early morning cuddles.

"Maybe," Tara said, though she doubted her bouts of nausea were through. "I had fun on our date." She was still tracing patterns on Willow’s chest, only now she was making large circles around Willow’s left breast. She wasn’t anywhere near the nipple, in fact the circles were so large, she was actually barely touching her breast. The subtle contact was more soothing than arousing.

"I had fun too." Willow couldn’t seem to stop smiling. "Though, I didn’t get a goodnight kiss." She gave Tara a playful squeeze.

The blonde witch chuckled. "Honey, I dated you for months before I ever got a goodnight kiss."

"We kissed on our first date." Willow’s brows knitted as confusion covered her face.

"Yeah, well, that was the first date you knew was a date." Tara’s hand stopped and comfortingly cupped Willow’s breast.

"Oh, really?" Willow asked impishly. "And just how long did you date me before I figured it out?"

"Too long." Tara laughed as she burrowed her face into Willow’s shoulder.

"I was kinda’ clueless, huh?" Willow shifted her weight toward Tara. The blonde’s body reacted instinctively and they ended up on their sides facing each other. Their legs were still lightly intertwined from the knees down.

"I didn’t want to scare you off." Tara smiled bashfully.

"You could have kissed me last night," Willow said even more bashfully. "I mean, a first date kiss, ya’ know. It’s not like I woulda’ even let you get to first base."

Tara cleared her throat and then very slowly shifted her gaze to her own hand, which was still cupping Willow’s breast.

"Well, will ya’ look at that." Willow blushed. "You got to first base without even kissing me." She sighed dramatically. "I’m a slut."

Tara giggled and patted her hand over Willow’s heart. "This is nice," she whispered.

"Yeah, it is." Willow rested her hand over Tara’s.

"Even without a goodnight kiss?" Tara joked.

"Yep." Willow looked into Tara’s eyes, and, for a moment, both witches were lost.

"If I didn’t have morning breath, I’d give you that kiss right now." Tara bit her lip and her eyes drifted down; she was astonished by her own boldness. Her doubts were mostly gone, and she was enjoying starting over with Willow. She didn’t want to rush.

Willow could sense Tara’s nervousness. She could also feel their relationship slowly rebuilding. "Tell you what," she said impulsively. "I’ll go freshen up…" She eased out of Tara’s embrace, smiling when the blonde whimpered in protest. "And then I’ll cook breakfast."

"Breakfast?" Tara looked like a pouting child. She hadn’t had her fill of Willow-snuggles.

"Yeah." Willow smiled as she stood. "After you freshen up, come downstairs…"

"For breakfast," Tara said flatly. Her lips were pinched into a frustrated line.

"For our second date," Willow corrected.

Tara’s mouth relaxed into a beguiling smile.

"Give me half an hour." Willow backed away from the bed. "Okay, 45 minutes."

"Hurry," Tara implored with playful insistence. "Hungry pregnant women are not known for their patience." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. "We like instant gratification."

Willow blushed at the innuendo. She liked the idea of impatient Tara. As visions of the blonde ravishing her snuck into the back of her mind, she grabbed some clothes and then sprinted from the room.

After brushing her teeth and changing in world record speed, Willow bounced down the stairs to the kitchen. She started some hash browns and then fluffed some eggs in a bowl and sliced vegetables for two omelets and then looked around the kitchen unhappily. The room wasn’t romantic, and that simply wouldn’t do.

She ran to the linen closet and got a starched white tablecloth and went to the seldom-used dining room table and then put out the best china and glassware. After flipping the hash browns, she poured juice in the champagne glasses and lit candles. True, it was daylight, but she wanted to romance Tara. As she scanned the table, she realized what was missing. She ran through the house and out the back door like a whirlwind. She went outside and sighed happily when she saw Mrs. Brown, the next door neighbor, in her side yard.

"Good morning, Mrs. Brown." Willow trotted over to the low fence.

"Willow, how are you, dear?" Mrs. Brown looked up from her flowerbed where she was on her knees pruning a low hedge. The kindly woman had a neatly styled bun of white hair, and she tucked a stray strand of hair into place and smiled brightly as she looked up at Willow.

"Good. I’m good…" Willow eyed the lush bed of roses behind the elderly woman. "Just, um, fixing Tara some breakfast."

"Tara’s back?" Mrs. Brown stood and wiped her wrinkled hands on her apron. "Have you two patched things up?" she asked hopefully. "She’s such an angel."

"We’re working on it." Willow smiled shyly and blushed. Tara had spent many mornings helping Mrs. Brown in her garden. The gentle-spirited blonde witch had quickly made her way into the venerable woman’s heart. It only took a few visits before Mrs. Brown figured out that Tara was more than Willow’s roommate. Mrs. Brown hadn’t been shocked; in fact, she had been overjoyed that Willow had found such a sweet partner.

"You should bring her flowers," Mrs. Brown said with a twinkle in her faded brown eyes. She could see Willow staring at her prize roses. "Red for love, white for friendship, and you can’t forget the yellow." She pulled a small pair of hand shears from her apron pocket as she went to the bushes that were in full bloom.

"Why yellow?" Willow smiled and scooted along the fence as she followed Mrs. Brown down the row of flowers.

"Because they’re your sweetheart’s favorite." Mrs. Brown snipped several flowers of each color and then handed the bundle to Willow. "You want to make her swoon, don’t you?" she asked with a wicked glint in her eyes.

"Thanks." Willow blushed a shade that matched the color of the darkest red rose.

"Hurry up." Mrs. Brown shooed Willow away. "Don’t leave her waiting or you’ll burn breakfast."

"The hash browns!" Willow spun and ran for the house. "Thanks again," she yelled without turning.

"It’s about time." Mrs. Brown went back to her flowers and smiled. She’d missed Tara. The blonde had a gentle nature and a green thumb. The plants in Buffy’s yard had seemed to thrive under Tara’s care. Mrs. Brown peeked over the fence at the now neglected flowerbeds in her Buffy’s back yard. They were overgrown and wilting, as if the plants had been in mourning since Tara left. "Don’t let her get away again," she said as she looked into the house at Willow.

Tara came into the kitchen and frowned. Willow was nowhere in sight. She looked at the pile of dishes and knew that her lover had indeed cooked breakfast, and from the lingering aroma, she could tell breakfast included her favorite veggie omelet.

"Willow?" Tara wandered through the kitchen.

"In here." Willow popped her head into the room and held out her hand. She took Tara’s hand and led her to the dining room.

"Oh, Willow, it’s perfect." Tara’s heart melted. She looked over at the redhead and almost cried. The table was set for a formal feast and fresh roses filled the crystal vase as a centerpiece. She turned toward Willow. "How is Mrs. Brown?"

"She misses you." Willow guided Tara to her seat and pulled out the chair. "I think she has a crush on you," she added in a whisper. "She called you an angel."

"Well, don’t worry. I’m a partial to redheads." Tara sat and stared in amazement at the table. It was a simple breakfast, but she could see all the special touches Willow had made. In addition to the flowers, Willow put orange slices twisted into curly decorations on the plates and she sliced the toast into tiny triangles, just the way Tara liked them. There were two kinds of jam, blackberry, and marmalade, Tara’s two favorites.

"You partial to all redheads?" Willow inquired. She took a sip of juice, watching the blonde over the rim of her glass.

Tara shook her head and sipped her own juice. Her eyes met Willow’s over the top of her glass. "Just one," she whispered as she lowered her glass.

"Good," Willow replied primly. She dug into her omelet with gusto.

Tara and Willow had a wonderfully relaxed breakfast. There was no mention of demons or slaying. It was if they had a respite from the evil in Sunnydale, and neither wanted to leave their private world. After breakfast they washed the dishes together. A small soap fight erupted and most of the kitchen ended up splashed with suds.

"Okay! I surrender!" Tara said as she opened a cupboard and used it as a shield.

"Unconditional surrender?" Willow asked as she held a scoop of suds on both hands.

Tara didn’t reply.

"Ahem?" Willow inched closer, her suds at the ready as she wriggled excitedly. "Unconditional surrender?" she repeated with a thick, and very shoddy, German accent.

"Never!" Tara closed the cupboard and tossed handfuls of flour at Willow.

"You are so dead!" Willow coughed and tried to wipe the flour from her face. The suds in her hands mixed with the white powder creating a gooey mess. She laughed even as she tried to fling the sticky goop at Tara. "Yuck!"

"That’s what you get." Tara put both hands on her hips indignantly. "Unconditional surrender? As if!" Her face glowed. She was happier than she had been in months. It was as if her soul was mending, each second she and Willow spent together seemed to provide just the salve her tattered heart required.

"You can’t use flour bombs," Willow complained. "It’s against the kitchen convention."

"Yeah?" Tara asked as she grabbed a towel. "And?" she wiped her fingers and giggled as Willow continuing shaking her goo encrusted hands.

"It’s not fair." Willow looked over and flashed a pathetic pout.

"Poor darling." Tara went to Willow and began wiping her face with the towel. "Did a mean old witch outsmart you?" she cooed. She cupped Willow’s chin in one hand and caressed her cheek with the towel in the other.

"A very mean witch," Willow protested, but her silly grin betrayed her feigned anger.

"Poor dear," Tara whispered. She was standing so close to her lover that she could feel the heat from Willow’s body. She inched closer, pushing Willow against the counter behind her. "You never can trust a witch." She tossed the towel aside and ran her hands through Willow’s hair. "They’re very tricky, sneaky even."

Willow’s breathing hitched and her eyes dilated. She licked her lips and her body arched toward Tara’s.

"Is there something you wanted?" Tara teased.

The redhead could only whimper.

"Darling." Tara sighed, her face suddenly serious. She rested her arms on Willow’s shoulders. "We’re starting over," she said firmly, her eyes locking with Willow’s. "On equal footing," she added purposefully.

Willow tilted her head to one side. Her hands moved up and wrapped around Tara’s waist.

"I’m not calling all the shots here," Tara explained. "If you want something…" Her eyes darted down to Willow’s full lips and she swallowed and licked her own lips before making eye contact with Willow again. "Take it," Tara said firmly.

Willow smiled sensually. Her hands moved up Tara’s sides and then around her back. "I want a kiss," she whispered.

"Then take it," Tara replied throatily. She moaned when Willow did just that. If time with Willow had been a salve to her soul, then kissing her was a magical healing potion. Soft, sensual kisses followed as they reclaimed each other. Neither deepened the kisses. They were gentle explorations meant to reacquaint them, and unlike the heated kisses from the ill-fated night with the stone relic, these kisses were full of devotion and promise.

Tara broke the kiss so she could take a breath, but she didn’t release Willow from the embrace.

"Wow," Willow said shakily.

Tara nodded as she felt her heart hammering in her chest.

"Wow," Willow said again. She reached up and caressed Tara’s cheek. Her fingers moved to Tara’s lips and traced them.

"Yeah." Tara sighed, and she felt Willow’s fingertips follow her lips as soon as they curled into a Tara-grin. She kissed each fingertip as her eyes locked with Willow’s.

"So, all I had to do was ask?" Green eyes sparkled with mischief. "You couldn’t have told me that sooner?" Her hands moved down Tara’s cheeks to her neck.

"It wasn’t time before," Tara explained. Her heart hammered faster, but it wasn’t arousal. It was fear. "Willow?"

"Yeah, baby?" The redhead was mesmerized by Tara’s throat. She moved her fingers into Tara’s hair and reveled in the silky texture.

"I don’t w-want us to date," Tara said, her voice quivering.

"What?" Willow’s voice was barely a whisper. Her body stiffened in Tara’s arms.

The blonde felt the reaction and shook her head. "No, baby, that’s not what I mean," she said hurriedly. She squeezed Willow’s waist reassuringly. "Dating is what you do when you’re deciding if you want to spend time with someone, if they’re worth getting to know better."

"Uh huh?" Willow’s eyes were full of fear.

"I already know I want to spend the rest of my life with you," Tara said nervously. As soon as the words left her mouth, her spirit lightened. Then she saw Willow slowly grin and she knew she’d made the right choice. "I don’t want to date you. I want us to be together, a couple, you and me, I want us to be an ‘us’ again."

"You mean?" Willow’s grin blossomed into a beaming smile.

"Will you take me back?" Tara asked.

"Goddess, yes!" She pulled Tara even closer and hugged her. "Yes, Tara. Goddess, yes." She was crying now, but she wasn’t about to break the embrace to wipe the tears away.

"Thank you." Tara began to cry as well. She shifted and took a step away, but Willow pulled her back into a fierce hug. "Honey, I need to breathe," Tara joked.

"Did I hurt the baby?" Willow jumped back.

"No." Tara took both of Willow’s hands and kissed her knuckles. "She’s fine. We’re both fine."

"Good." Willow moved closer and gingerly hugged Tara. "Better?" she whispered.

"Could be a little snugger," Tara commented. She smiled as Willow’s arms squeezed slightly. "Better."

They stood in the embrace for a few moments, each absorbing the love of the other, neither ready to escalate.

They heard the front door burst open and Willow pulled back.

"Guess we’ve got company." Tara smiled wryly.

"Tara? Willow?" Buffy called out from the living room.

"Stay here." Tara’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

"What?" Willow asked, clearly confused.

"Stay," Tara ordered. She flashed her resolved face and then went toward the living room. "Buffy?" She stormed out of the kitchen, her eyes scanning every inch of the living room. "Did you bring Amy with you?" Her tone was guarded.

"No," Buffy said indignantly. "She’s at the hotel with Giles going through her magic DTs." She looked around. "Where’s Willow?" She moved closer to Tara and looked at the flour on the blonde witch’s hands and the suds in her hair. "Something I should know?"

"Can I come out?" Willow called out plaintively.

"Yeah," Tara answered.

"Hey," Willow said as came out of the other room.

"Oh … my … god." Buffy laughed when she saw Willow. The redheaded witch was still covered in flour and soapy flour goo.

Tara looked at her beloved and laughed with the Slayer.

"Very funny." Willow went over to Tara and grabbed her hand. "You’re lucky I’m in a good mood." She stole a quick kiss.

Buffy raised both eyebrows. "Apparently a very good mood."

"Ignore her," Tara said as she squeezed Willow’s hand. She yanked the redhead back for another longer kiss.

"I love it when my evil plan works out," Buffy said smugly. She headed toward the kitchen, entirely pleased with herself. "You’re welcome, by the way," she yelled as she disappeared through the door. It had been her idea to send Dawn to stay with Xander and Anya so the two witches could be alone.

"We really should thank her," Tara said.

"Yeah, but she’s so smug," Willow said grouchily.

"So let her be." Tara smiled sensually. "Then we can all be happy."

"Good point." Willow pulled Tara into the kitchen. "Thanks, Buffy," she told the Slayer.

"You know, I think everything just might work out," Buffy said around a bite of leftover hash browns.

"Buffy!" Willow squealed. "The jinx! The jinx!"

"Uh oh." Buffy swallowed.

Tara sat at the table and suddenly felt nauseous. Buffy had violated the ultimate Scooby taboo. She had sent out the message to the universe that all was well. That pretty much assured the hellmouth would toss something nasty at them.

*****

"Hurry up," Giles said impatiently. He banged on the bathroom door. "You’ve been in there almost an hour. I’m sure you’re quite clean." In fact, Amy had been in the shower for over 90 minutes.

"Whatever." Amy shoved the door open and stomped out of the bathroom. She was wearing a fresh set of clothes, courtesy Giles’ credit card and the hotel gift shop.

"We need to get to the magic shop." He went into the steam-filled bathroom and got his overnight bag. "I want to make some herbal tea for you. It will help with the nausea."

"Nausea?" Amy laughed. "I puked up toads, Giles. Toads. Do you have any idea what those things taste like?"

"Well, no," he admitted.

"Then shut up," she said angrily.

"You did come to me for help," he reminded her.

"I know, but it hurts," she whined. "It really hurts. How did Willow get through this?"

"She just did." Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "That’s the only way to get through any addiction."

"Well, thank you very much, Oprah," Amy snapped.

"You disposition has gone downhill since you became human again." Giles sighed and walked away. "You were always so friendly as a rat." He put on his glasses. "Maybe we should get you a giant wheel so you can burn off some of this excess energy?"

Before Amy could make a snide comment, a flash of light erupted a few feet away from her. "No!" she backed toward Giles.

"Thought you could hide?" Rack said as he materialized.

"Get out." Giles rushed the warlock.

"Away," Rack said in a bored tone. He waved a hand at Giles and sent him flying across the room. "You’ve been without me too long. I can taste your need." He moved toward Amy. "Bet you missed me." He pointed a finger at her and a burst of red energy flowed into her chest.

"No…" Amy covered her head with both hands as the energy hit her and lifted her into the air. Her body shook and her arms dropped. "Don’t want it," she mumbled. A drunken smile covered her face.

Giles tackled the warlock. They rolled across the floor as Amy dropped to the carpet in a huddled lump. Giles got in a few punches but he had no defense against Rack’s magic. A bolt of fire hit Giles and tossed him through the air.

"Tell Strawberry she can’t hide behind her girlfriend forever." He disappeared in a flash of light.

"Amy?" Giles struggled to his feet and ran to the fallen witch. "Dear lord." He rolled her over onto her back and grimaced. "I’m sorry," he whispered. "I’m so dreadfully sorry." Guilt overwhelmed him as he studied her coal black eyes.

"Didn’t want to," Amy murmured. "Tried not to use it."

"I’ll see that he never comes near you again," Giles promised. He grabbed his jacket from the nearby couch and covered her and then ran to the phone and dialed. "It’s me," he said into the phone instead of a more cordial greeting. "Rack was here. Yes, yes, I’m fine. He forced his magic on Amy."

On the floor across the room, Amy’s smile widened.

"I need to bring her to your house. Just temporarily," he said into the phone. "No, tell her to calm down. It’s not for long."

"So easy," Amy whispered. "They see what they want to see." She rolled onto her side and inhaled, reveling in the feel of Rack’s magic.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Giles led Amy through the front door. He had to steer her around the furniture because she was still high from the influx of dark magic.

"You can’t really think I’m gonna’ let her stay here, can you?" Anya demanded. She stood near the kitchen counter and glared at Giles.

"We can’t very well let her stay in the hotel," he replied gruffly. "And I don’t want her anywhere near Willow or Tara."

"Oh, but she can come near me?" Anya stomped her foot. "You don’t care about me. You never have," she accused.

"Of course I care." He shoved Amy onto the couch. "The fact is, you’re not a target." Giles grabbed a blanket from the nearby chair and covered the darkhaired witch. "Besides, she’s quite harmless."

Amy smiled down at her hands. She was studying them intently, ignoring everything else. A dark magic haze left her feeling fuzzy around the edges.

"Not a target?" Anya stormed over to the Watcher and poked his scorched shirt. "Looks like everyone’s a target."

"Do shut up," he said testily. "Help me cast a masking spell. I don’t want that wretched warlock finding us again."

"Fine, whatever." Anya went to the kitchen and opened a cupboard. It was full of herbs and the most common magical supplies the Scoobies used. "We have two witches just sitting around doing nothing over at Buffy’s. Can I point out that having a witch here would certainly make this easier and more effective?"

"No, you most certainly may not." Giles rubbed his forehead and sighed.

"This better not interfere with Xander and me having se—"

"Do shut up, Anya," he repeated. "I beg of you."

"Whatever." She tossed him one last dirty look and then began grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle. "I’ll need fresh mugwart." She pointed to the small deck outside. "There’s some in the flower box on the patio. Hurry up."

"I’ve been reduced to being Anya’s gardener," he muttered under his breath.

"Snip, don’t tear!" Anya yelled. "Use the herb knife next to the door."

Giles rolled his eyes and dutifully took the small herb cutter with him.

*****

"How are things here?" Xander asked as soon as Dawn headed up the stairs to her bedroom.

Buffy smiled enigmatically.

"They fell for the old ‘leave ‘em home alone’ trick?" He smiled contentedly. "So, any signs of witchy lovin’?"

"They were covered with soap and flour when I came home." Buffy smiled at the memory.

"Is that some lesbian thing?" Xander crinkled his eyebrows as he tried to think of a naughty use for either substance. A slow smile spread over his face as several came to mind.

"Xander, get that look off your face before Willow gets back down here, or you’re toast." Buffy looked up the stairs expecting to see the redhead coming to throttle Xander.

"And what might they be doin’ upstairs?" A lurid sparkle danced in his eyes.

"Tara’s puking." Buffy smirked as she watched the sparkle fade along with his color. "Shall I go into detail?" She edged closer. "See, first Tara got all pasty-faced, and then her face got a little green. Next thing I knew, she was covering her mouth and running to the bathroom…"

"Enough!" Xander looked like he needed to run to the bathroom.

"Enough what?" Willow bounced down the stairs two at a time.

"Nothing!" Xander insisted. "So, how’s your lil’ Wicca?"

"She’s feeling better." Willow frowned. "Brushing her teeth right now." She paled slightly. It was difficult for her to stand by while Tara was ill, but she loyally offered her complete support.

"I think I’ll just go home and help Anya babysit the rat." Xander moved toward the door. "Hey, I’ll go back to work! Ah, wonderful work, where men are men, and demons, rat-girls, and barfing witches are just distant memories."

"Plus the paychecks," Buffy reminded him.

"Yeah." He smiled and got a faraway look in his sable eyes. "They pay me to hang out with humans. How cool is that?" He waved at both women and trotted for the door. "Say hi to Tara." The door slammed as he made his escape.

"I wanna’ get paid to hang out with humans," Buffy grumbled.

"Did Xander leave?" Tara asked as she came down the stairs.

"Couldn’t handle the discussions of morning sickness." Willow went to Tara’s side and rested a hand on her belly. "Feeling better?" concern filled her voice.

Tara nodded and smiled shyly. She pressed both hands over Willow’s, trapping her hand in place. "Much better," she whispered huskily.

Buffy backed out of the room, leaving the two witches alone.

*****

The rest of the day was uneventful. Willow and Tara went to the magic shop and researched ways to help keep Rack away from Amy. Buffy and Dawn helped, but they were mostly useless with research. Buffy finally went to the training room and worked out. Dawn tried to be helpful, but she couldn’t read most of the spells based in light magic because they were in Latin.

Anya and Giles kept in contact over the phone. The former demon was furious that not only was she baby-sitting a former rat, but her beloved shop was being run by amateurs.

Dawn offered to cook dinner. The young teen was thrilled that Tara was living with them again and she wanted to do something to help celebrate the two witches reuniting officially. She cooked her one specialty, spaghetti.

"So, did you like it?" Dawn asked excitedly. She was clearing the table and needed extra reassurance.

"For the forth time, yes." Buffy rolled her eyes. "Great dinner. Never had better."

"It was delicious, Dawnie." Tara smiled as she handed the teen her plate. "I loved the mushrooms."

"Excellent," Willow chimed in. "You want some help with the dishes?"

"No!" Dawn said quickly. "Buffy will help me. You and Tara should go relax in the living room, listen to some music, play some CDs."

"And did you have some CDs in mind?" Tara asked with a wry grin. She glanced over at Willow and raised an eyebrow. "I think we’re being set up," she said in a loud stage whisper.

"Not set up," Dawn insisted. "Just sending you to relax, on the couch, with some nice music."

"You don’t have a Barry White CD waiting in there, do you?" Buffy asked suspiciously.

"Ew!" Dawn laughed. "No." She put both hands on her hips. "It’s an instrumental CD, I’ll have you know."

"Romance music?" Buffy asked. "Maybe something slow, with a beat you can dance to?"

Dawn blushed hotly and squirmed. She wanted Tara and Willow back together in every way possible, and she wanted it now.

"Join me in the living room?" Willow asked sweetly. She extended her hand to Tara and pulled the blonde to her feet. "Feel up to a dance?" she added in a sensual whisper.

Tara smiled and dipped her head. She held Willow’s hand as they left the kitchen.

"Yes!" Dawn raised her fist into the air triumphantly.

"You’re so obvious," Buffy said with a snort. She went to the door and peeked into the living room. "Obvious, but good." She waved her sister over and together they watched the two witches swaying to the music in the other room. "That was nice," she told Dawn quietly.

"Purely selfish reasons," Dawn said self-consciously. "My tummy’s been rumblin’ since they broke up."

"Mine too." Buffy ruffled Dawn’s long brown hair and tugged her away from the door. "Come on. We’ve got dishes to do."

*****

Anya and Xander were curled up on the couch while Amy sat in a nearby chair. Giles was in Anya’s small office reading while the others watched a movie.

"Oh, Xander." Anya buried her face in his chest and sniffled loudly. "I hate this part," she said with a sob.

"I know, An," he comforted. "You cry every time."

Amy looked up from her bowl of popcorn with a bewildered expression.

"He worked so hard," Anya said sadly. "And that stupid priest ruined everything."

"Never knew ‘the Exorcist’ was a tearjerker." Amy pushed her bowl back and stood. "I need some fresh air." She fidgeted nervously. "You wanna’ go with me?" she asked Xander.

"Kinda’ busy here." Xander was holding Anya and softly rubbing her back. "It’s just a movie," he whispered. "I’m sure the real demon killed them all and is still possessing the helpless little girl."

Anya nodded mutely as she watched the movie between her fingers. She loved Xander. He was more considerate than most humans, and he always knew just what to say when she was upset.

"I’ll be on the deck." Amy went outside and looked out at the skyline. The city lights sparkled like gemstones and the chilled air was a refreshing change from the dry, warm air inside. She pulled the door closed and leaned onto the rail with her elbows resting on the cool metal.

"I’m impressed," Rack said quietly, though he was nowhere to be seen.

"They’re fools." Amy smiled and continued staring into the night. "That makes them vulnerable." She knew he was standing nearby. Making himself invisible was a simple spell and it made her task easier.

"They want to help you." His voice was barely a whisper, but Amy could hear that he was smiling one of his cruel grins. "That makes them even more vulnerable. They want to trust you."

"How long do I have to stay here?" she asked in hushed tones. She kept her eyes on the horizon and tried not to move her lips too much in case Giles or the others happened to be watching.

"I thought you’d do anything for me," he asked dangerously.

"I will," she answered quickly. "It’s just … well, they’re boring."

"Don’t worry. I’ll make it worth your while," he promised.

Amy heard tiny crackling sounds and then her body felt like it was being warmed from a fire deep in her belly. She smiled and gripped the rail to keep from swaying.

"Just keep playing the victim," he whispered. His voice trailed off with a slight breeze.

Amy nodded, though she knew he was gone. Some tiny part of her felt a pang of remorse as she looked over her shoulder at Anya and Xander, but that part of Amy Madison was the minority. Amy’s life now revolved around making sure she got her magical fix, and she’d do anything to get it.

*****

The credits rolled on ‘Thelma and Louise’ and Dawn flipped off the television. "That’s a stupid ending," she said grumpily. She looked over at Buffy and frowned. "I don’t wanna’ watch any more movies where the brave female heroes plummet to their deaths." She raised both eyebrows. "I’ve had enough of that to last a lifetime."

"Got it." Buffy smiled fondly at her sister. She reached over and ran her hand through Dawn’s hair. "Though some people are worth jumping for."

"Yeah, well, don’t ever do it again." Dawn cleared her throat and stood up. She could feel tears starting and she didn’t want to cry. "We should send them up to bed." She nodded toward the couch where Tara and Willow were sleeping in each other’s arms.

"Not asleep," Willow mumbled. She inhaled and opened her eyes with a yawn. She was stretched out of the couch with her back along the cushions and she was spooning Tara, who was sprawled in front of her, sound asleep. Willow smiled and moved her hand in tiny circles where it rested on Tara’s belly.

"You’re awake," Buffy agreed sarcastically. "Those closed eyes, snores, and drool are just an act."

"There was no drool." Willow blushed and leaned forward and kissed Tara’s ear. "Honey, wake up. We need to go to bed."

"Mmm." Tara reached down and grabbed Willow’s hand and moved it up so she could kiss her fingers drowsily.

"Come on, sleepyhead." Willow shifted her hand and ran one finger along Tara’s cheek. "Up and at ‘em."

"Bedtime for you too," Buffy said quietly. She climbed gracefully to her feet and then yanked Dawn toward the staircase.

"Hey!" Dawn stumbled to a stop. "Normal human here." She rubbed her shoulder. "I might need this arm socket later, you know."

"Bed," Buffy ordered sternly, but her eyes sparkled playfully.

"Yes, ma’am." Dawn saluted crisply and then headed upstairs with a huge sigh. "Tara and Willow never yanked my arm outa’ the socket when they were in charge."

Tara’s eyes fluttered open and she yawned. "Did we miss the end?" She sat up slowly, bringing Willow with her. She had a befuddled expression and her hair was sticking up on one side. "Night, Dawnie," she called out to the retreating teen.

"Night, Tara." Dawn turned and smiled sweetly, then looked at Buffy. "Notice, no ripping me limb from limb."

"Good night," Buffy said as she rolled her eyes.

"Sweet dreams, Dawnie," Willow added. She pulled Tara into her arms and hugged her tightly. "I know I’ll have sweet dreams," she whispered in the blonde’s ear.

"I have to make another sweep before bed," Buffy said as she stretched her arms over her head. "You two gonna’ be okay?" She flipped on a lamp and looked for her weapons.

"Sure," Willow said instantly.

Tara nodded and blinked her eyes against the light like an owl.

"It’ll just be you two and Dawnie," Buffy said innocently. "Ah ha!" She grabbed a stake from behind a chair. "And she’s a really sound sleeper," Buffy added. "Plays that stereo really loud all night long. Can’t hear a thing that goes on outside her room."

Tara’s eyes widened, making her look even more like an owl. Her cheeks blushed pink.

"Subtle," Willow said wryly as she tossed Buffy a crooked smile. She stood and offered her hand to Tara. "Come on, sweetie. You look tired."

"I am," Tara said as she stood. She turned to face Buffy and her blue eyes locked with the Slayer’s slightly paler eyes. "Be careful, and don’t stay out all night trying to give us privacy," she cautioned. "We like having you around," she softened the gentle warning by saying the last part with a shy smile and dipping her head to one side. "Besides, we’re tired." She bit her lip and smiled at Willow. "We probably will be sleeping."

Willow smiled warmly and pulled Tara’s hand to her lips. "We’re not in any hurry." Her eyes met Tara’s and they shared a smoldering look that conveyed passion and patience. They didn’t need to rush because they had all the time in the world.

"I won’t be long," Buffy promised. She backed away and let out a long breath. Just watching the two witches look at each other was enough to spark a warm pulse somewhere belong the Slayer’s belt. That was something she didn’t want to process at the moment. She cleared her throat and headed for the door. "See you in the morning."

"Be careful," Willow said one last time as her best friend left. She turned to Tara and smiled. "Come on, Cletus must be exhausted. I’m not really sure I like her watching an R rated movie."

"Willow, if you insist on calling our child Cletus, I’m gonna’ have to hurt you." She pulled her lover toward the stairs.

"Hey, blame Xander." Willow swung her hand in Tara’s and they made their way to the second floor. "Besides, it’s the only name that rhymes with fetus."

"Well, rhyme it with something else," Tara said as they went into their room. She narrowed her eyes and pressed her forehead to Willow’s. "Or … else."

"Have you ever tried to rhyme ‘embryo?’ It’s not gonna’ happen." She left a quick peck on Tara’s nose. "Now, into bed with you." She swatted Tara’s butt. "Both of you."

Tara squealed and ran to the bed. She leapt under the covers and wiggled until she was comfortable. "Embryo?" She tilted her head as she went through names in her head. By the time Willow had the lights turned down and had lit a protection candle, Tara had only come up with one possibility.

"Well?" Willow asked expectantly. She climbed into bed and settled down beside Tara. "Come on, you’ve got that smug smirk. Let’s hear the new name."

"We could call her … Embry-anna," Tara offered with a giggle.

"And that’s so much better than Cletus." Willow snorted a laugh. She turned on her side and studied Tara in the flickering candlelight. She had missed the sweet, laughter-filled nights with her lover.

"Kinda’ has a ring to it," Tara continued. She reached over and pushed a stray strand of hair out of Willow’s eyes. "Actually, I really do like it."

"You’re not serious, are you?" There was a hint of alarm in Willow’s voice. Having grown up being called every possible tree name other than Willow, she wanted her child to have a tease-proof name. She cringed remembering one bully who used to call her ‘Oak Rose-n-bush’, and another who called her ‘Maple Redwood.’

"Not Embry-anna," Tara said seriously. She shifted and settled onto her back and guided Willow closer until the redhead was resting on her shoulder. "But I do like the name Brianna."

Willow twisted her mouth to one side as she rolled the name over in her mind. She decided she liked it too. "Okay, Brianna is definitely at the top of the list." She scooted back onto her own pillow so she could look at Tara. She smiled as her eyes traveled down Tara’s chest, lingering on the blonde’s full breasts, then down to her belly.

Tara reached over and took Willow’s hand and placed it over her belly and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I love you," Willow said quietly. Her eyes continued to map every inch of Tara’s upper body. She sighed as poetic phrases filled her mind. She decided that Tara had the most exquisite breasts on the entire planet.

Tara could see Willow’s eyes reflecting the candlelight. She smiled and moved Willow’s hand over her belly to her breast. The redhead’s gaze shifted away from Tara’s body to meet the blonde’s eyes.

"You can touch me, darling." Tara blushed. It was still hard for her to believe that Willow was so completely enraptured by her. "You always were a breast gal," she joked.

"Well, can ya’ blame me?" Willow said as she cupped Tara’s breast. Her eyes fluttered closed as the warm, fleshy weight filled her hand. "You have the most incredible breasts," she said with a sensual sigh.

"I wish I wasn’t so tired," Tara said forlornly. She moaned as her body reacted to Willow’s explorations.

"Is this okay?" Willow asked as she scooted closer and pressed her cheek against Tara’s soft breast through the fabric.

"Yes, love." Tara smiled and ran her hand through Willow’s hair. "Feels nice." She inhaled deeply when Willow began nuzzling her.

"So, you don’t think I’m a perv?" Willow shifted her weight and took a breast in each palm, as if comparing their weight and shape. She loved the feel of Tara’s body, especially her breasts.

"You’re my perv." Tara bit her lip keep from moaning as Willow moved back and forth between Tara’s generous peaks. Tara’s body was waking up, but she knew she didn’t have the energy to make love with Willow the way she wanted to. She wanted their first time back together to be perfect, and a sleepy, late-night quickie wasn’t what Tara had in mind.

"I am you know," Willow said with a giggle.

"What?" Tara smiled as she played along.

"Your … perv." Willow nuzzled each breast through the soft fabric of Tara’s flannel nightshirt.

"Sit up, baby." Tara eased Willow back and then sat up. She locked eyes with her lover and then lifted her shirt up and over her head. She smiled shyly as her nipples hardened from the rapid change in temperature. "There ya’ go, my breast gal." Tara leaned back into the bed and pulled Willow toward her.

"Oh, Tara." Willow’s mouth felt like it was watering and going dry at the same time. She cautiously moved her hand over Tara’s closest breast and gently squeezed her warm flesh. "Goddess." She fell forward and moaned as she rubbed her face over the newly exposed skin. It was rapture.

Willow sighed and murmured as she thoroughly enjoyed what Tara had offered. She rested her elbow on the bed and held her chin cupped in her palm as the other hand explored. It was tactile, and loving, but the touches didn’t escalate. She was simply enjoying the exquisite, sensual landscape that she’d been away from too long.

"I’ve missed you." Tara’s voice cracked with emotion. When Willow touched her, it was with absolute devotion and reverence. She couldn’t imagine ever letting anyone else love her. She moaned when Willow’s thumb brushed over her nipple. "Darling…" She turned slightly toward her lover and ran her hand through Willow’s hair.

"You’re so beautiful," Willow whispered. Her hand continued caressing and squeezing, but her eyes were pinned on Tara’s elegant face. She swallowed and took a deep breath to calm her quickly overheating passions.

Tara smiled and her fingers took purchase where they were sliding through silky auburn hair as the base of Willow’s neck. She eased Willow closer until their lips met. It was a soft, undemanding kiss that cooled passions instead of igniting them. The kiss let Willow know how much Tara loved her, but also that she needed more time.

"When I’m rested," Tara promised. She yawned, as if on cue, and then laughed self-consciously. "Sorry."

"It’ll be perfect," Willow agreed. "When you’re well rested," she stressed the last word making it perfectly clear she wasn’t willing to risk Tara’s health to rush things. Her hand still cupped Tara’s breast, with her thumb moving in tiny circles across the velvety skin. She rested her face on Tara’s shoulder and snuggled closer.

"Want me to leave my top off," Tara offered with a warm smile.

"Yeah," Willow admitted in an embarrassed whimper.

"Then take yours off too," Tara said wickedly. "I want Willowskin."

"Okay!" Willow sat and ripped her nightshirt off in one swift motion. The discarded garment flew across the room in a flutter of fabric. Willow snuggled back into place before the shirt had even hit the floor.

"Goof ball." Tara laughed as she ran her hand over Willow’s bare back. She pulled the covers up and sighed. "You feel good," she said with another yawn. Her skin tingled where it touched Willow’s bare flesh. She shifted her weight and kissed the top of Willow’s head.

"We feel good." Willow yawned as if Tara’s drowsiness had infected her. She closed her eyes and smiled. "We fit." Her hand still firmly cupped Tara’s breast, and she wasn’t about to let go.

"Yeah, we do." Tara sighed and closed her eyes. She inhaled the scent of Willow’s familiar peach shampoo as she wrapped one hand around Willow’s back. She was sure her arm would be cramped when she woke up, but it was well worth it. Tara’s other hand drifted down and rested on her own belly, over the child she shared Willow. "Good night, love," she whispered softly.

"Night, baby," Willow answered. She paused as she thought about her other baby. Her lips shifted against Tara’s breast as she smiled. "Good night, Embryanna."

Tara snorted a laugh and squeezed Willow closer. "Doofus."

*****

Across town, in a high-rise apartment, Doctor Diana was sleeping soundly. She reached over to her left and wrapped her arm around her lover and sighed.

Cassie leaned toward Diana, needing her partner’s warmth and strength. She was sleeping, but it was a restless and troubled slumber. She gasped her hand gripped her shirt and then she sat up abruptly. She huddled in the darkness breathing like she’d just run a marathon.

"Cass?" Diana sat up and rubbed her partner’s back. "Sweetie, you okay?"

"No," Cassie whispered. The blonde was shaking. She cleared her throat and leaned her face onto Diana’s shoulder.

"Dreams?" Diana held her lover for a moment and then leaned over to the table and flicked on the lamp. She reached onto the night stand and grabbed a bottle of water and quickly handed it to Cassie. "Talk to me, love."

"Tara Maclay." Cassie whispered hoarsely. She closed her eyes and rubbed the back of her neck. "She’s from a Mage…"

"Yeah, her great-grand mother. It was in her file, love." She pressed the water bottle into the shaking woman’s hand. "We knew that."

"Her mother would have been a Mage if she’d lived long enough." Cassie took a long drink of water. She looked over at Diana. "Her mom lost a child. I saw it."

"Tara didn’t mention it," Diana said. She wasn’t questioning her lover’s accuracy, merely stating a fact. "What happened?"

"Her husband threw her down a staircase." Cassie shivered; when she had these dreams, she lived them. In this case, she had relived the entire incident as Tara’s mother. "That was after he beat the living crap out of her to ‘expel’ her demons." She leaned over and put the water bottle on the night stand.

"Bastard." Diana pulled Cassie into a hug and kissed her temple. "So why are you seeing it, Cass?"

Cassie squeezed Diana tightly and inhaled her scent along with her strength. "She lost the baby. It was about a year before Tara was born."

"Uh huh." Diana leaned into the pillows bringing Cassie back with her.

"When she was bleeding out at the bottom of the stairs, she knew the baby wasn’t gonna’ make it and she invoked ‘refero’ before she passed out." She sighed and snuggled closer to Diana. "She asked for the child to be returned."

"The child she lost?" Diana closed her eyes and sighed. She should have known better than to take a patient who knew Rupert Giles. "The child was Tara."

"Yep." Cassie looked up at the lamp. "You wanna’ turn off that light?" She waited as her lover sat up and switched off the lamp.

"So why are you dreaming about it?" Diana asked, though she already had a suspicion.

"I think Tara’s gonna’ have to invoke ‘refero.’ Why else would I be dreaming about it?" Cassie’s voice was flat and she sounded exhausted.

"It might not mean that." Diana didn’t want Cassie to be right, but she had a sinking feeling her lover was as accurate as ever.

"Goddess help her if it does." Cassie shivered. "It’s gonna’ kill her to lose this child."

"I know," Diana felt her throat tightening. "Maybe we can prevent it." She rubbed Cassie’s back. "You wouldn’t have dreamt it if we can’t change the outcome, right? I’ll call her in the morning."

"Yeah. Sure," Cassie said quietly. She sighed and felt Diana pull her a bit closer. "There’s a good chance we can fix this." Both she and her lover knew she was lying.

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