A Witch In LA

Chapter 14

“This is gonna be Dawn’s room.” Faith grunts out as she places the luggage by the dresser. “I guess that mean’s it’s yours tonight, too.” Faith grins slightly.

Buffy nods as she quickly throws her overnight bag on the bed before sitting down looking at Faith. “You seem to be doing good.”

“Oh, yeah. Doin’ real good.” Faith murmurs shifting uncomfortably. Looking up she catches Buffy’s hazel eyes with hers and sighs quietly. “I ain’t no fuckin’ good at tryin’ to say stuff sweet and nice. I usually just throw out what I want to say and people take it or leave it.” Faith growls out.

Buffy’s eyebrows rise at Faith. “I would agree with that. So what are you trying to say here, Faith?” Buffy questions as she watches the slayer.

“I wanna thank you.” Faith mutters quietly, starting to pace back and forth in front of Buffy. “You may end up fuckin’ hatin’ my guts. Not that you ever liked ‘em to begin with. But you may really, really end up hatin‘ me now.” Faith shoves her hands into her pockets while striding back from one end of the room to the other.

“Jesus, Faith!” Buffy growls out loudly. “Just say what you’ve got to say. And I don’t hate you, just to clarify that point. I’ve had time to come to a few home truths and realized we both made mistakes. We may never be best buds, but I wouldn’t mind calling you my friend.”

Faith stops and turns with stunned eyes towards Buffy. “You wanna be my friend?” At Buffy’s nod and soft smile, Faith strides over to one of the chairs and pulls it over to sit in front of Buffy. Sitting down she looks back up into the slayer’s hazel eyes. “Well, we’ll see after I tell ya’ what I gotta tell ya‘.”

“Enough already, Faith. Please just say it.” Buffy grumbles, starting to feel tense.

“I wanna thank you for sending Tara here. Whether you know it or not she’s become my world. And I owe you for that.” Faith admits quietly.

Buffy shifts back on the bed, surprised. “Are you trying to tell me…?”

“I love her. Of course Gunn was treading on thin ice for a while when he was hitting on her, before I admitted to myself that I liked her. It took Fang to make me realize it.” Faith growls out. “She’s my life, B. I love her completely. Something I never felt for anyone before. Or will feel again.” Faith whispers the last.

Buffy stares quietly, in disbelief at the slayer. “You’re in love? With Tara?” She questions, trying to get it through her head. “When did you start liking…” Trying to wrap her head around it, Buffy frowns looking at Faith.

Faith looks up and can’t help but smirk at the slayer. “B, I always liked women. I just never announced the fact. I liked guys, too.” Faith shrugs at the statement.

“Does she love you?” Buffy questions softly, already knowing the answer. It had stared her in the face when she saw the witch.

“Yeah. Hard to fuckin’ believe, huh?” Faith grins. “I told her my whole sordid story, everything I did in my life, including the shit I put you guys through…” Faith trails off momentarily, frowning before quietly finishing. “She still loves me.”

Buffy reaches out and places her hand on the slayer’s arm. “Don’t keep beating yourself up about what happened, Faith. Like I said, we all made mistakes. I’m as much to blame as you are. But, to let you know…” Buffy makes sure she has Faith’s attention and smiles as Faith looks at her with serious brown eyes. “I consider Tara my sister. You hurt her, I’ll kick your ass, understood?”

Faith feels her lip quirk up slightly before chuckling and finally laughing. “Threats, I can deal with.” Holding her hand out to Buffy, she watches as Buffy looks at it before glancing back up with a raised eyebrow. The next thing she knows she’s being hugged by the small blonde. “Yo, B. You break the merchandise you’ll have to explain it to Tara. And trust me you don’t want to piss the witch off.” Faith chuckles quietly as Buffy finally releases her death grip.

“Tara’s a pussy cat.” Buffy shakes her head smiling. “She wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Faith coughs a couple times and shakes her head. “B, she’s kind of changed somewhat. We ain’t just in love with each other. We’re really truly soul mates. We kind of temper each other.”

Buffy frowns in confusion at the slayer. “What do you mean?”

“Some of her calmness has rubbed off on me.” Faith smirks slightly before continuing. “And she got some of my attitude in the exchange.”

Buffy flops back on the bed groaning. “Oh, God! Not two Faith’s!! You didn’t make sweet, calm, loving Tara into a brash, horny Faith clone?”

Faith chuckles and smacks Buffy on the leg. “She’s still sweet, calm and loving. Brash? Not so much. As for the horny part, I’m thinking she was that way before me. And just to let you know, that woman has absa-fuckin’-lutely ruined me for everyone else.”

Buffy throws her arm over her eyes, groaning loudly. “I do NOT want to hear this.”

“Be glad that we moved upstairs, then. Fang was getting a little irritated with the noise level.” Faith smirks needling the other slayer. “And I can’t tell you how much razzing we got from Queenie. But she did tell us that Wesley seemed to get very uncomfortable whenever we got too loud.”

“Faith, if you continue on with this conversation, I’m going to have to kick your ass.” Buffy growls out roughly.

“Ah, ruin my fun, B.” Faith chuckles. “Come on, let’s get the rest of this stuff in the other two rooms.” Faith reaches down for Buffy’s hand and pulls her up and off the bed. “We okay?”

“Yeah, we’re good.” Buffy smiles slightly. Leaning down to grab Xander’s and Willow’s bag, Buffy frowns. “This may not be so good, though.”

“What?” Faith looks at Buffy.

“Willow.” Buffy whispers the redhead’s name looking back at Faith.

“All I have to say about her, is as long as she doesn’t hurt my witch, I’ll ignore her.” Faith growls out quietly. “She hurts Tara I’ll rip her fuckin’ head off.”

Buffy blinks in surprise at the absoluteness of the words the other slayer was saying. Not knowing what to say, she just quietly prays that Willow doesn’t go off the deep end when she finds out.

“I guess Tare will probably talk to Red. We weren’t exactly planning on her being here.” Faith narrows her eyes slightly looking at Buffy.

Buffy sighs and sits back down. “Sit down Faith, let me explain what the hell’s been going on at home.”

Faith sits down and quietly listens as Buffy explains what’s happened in Sunnydale after Tara left.

**********************

Giggling Dawn and Tara ease into Dawn’s bedroom, seeing an obviously stunned Faith sitting in front of a frowning Buffy, Tara quickly strides over to Faith and kneels beside her. “Love?” She whispers worriedly.

Turning dazed eyes on Tara, Faith reaches down and runs a hand down her cheek. “She ain’t gonna get you back.”

“No, love. I’m yours.” Tara smiles softly at her slayer.

“I’m yours, too.” Faith smiles tugging Tara up and into her lap hugging her tightly. “What are we gonna do about Red?” Faith questions quietly.

“I’ll talk with her. Alone.” Tara states adamantly, knowing Faith will have a problem with it. “Don’t argue with me on this. You’ll only irritate matters.”

Faith growls quietly at Tara. “She hurts you…”

“I know, I know.” Tara whispers running a hand through her hair and leaning in to brush her lips over Faith’s. “I guess everything went okay here?” Tara grins stroking one of Faith’s dimples.

“Yeah, I’m still here and in one piece, ain’t I?” Faith smiles at Tara, running her hand down the witch’s back.

Tara grins and wiggles her eyebrows. Leaning in so she can whisper in Faith’s ear. “Looks good, but I’ll want to make a thorough investigation later.”

Faith groans quietly before chuckling. “I’m holding ya’ to that.”

Tara laughs and kisses her cheek. “Let me up, love. I think it might be best to get this taken care of sooner than later.”

Buffy and Dawn keep glancing at each other in between watching the two women. Buffy smirks at Dawn, as Dawn laughs quietly. Standing up as Tara stands Buffy quietly offers. “Want me to go and run interference for you?”

Tara looks at Buffy appreciatively. “I appreciate the offer, Buffy, but I think this is something I need to do on my own.”

“She should be in the room two doors down, babe.” Faith watches Tara. “You yell if you need me, understood?”

“Yes, love.” Tara grins. Glancing down at the small bags, she sees one that she knows is Willow’s. Reaching down, she hesitates before grasping the handles and picks it up. “I’ll take this to her.”

Faith stands and watches Tara walk out of the room, her hands clenched tightly by her side. “Fuck I hate this.” Faith growls out quietly.

Buffy groans and buries her face in her hands as she watches Faith start to pace again. “Faith why don’t you go beat up on a weight bag or something.”

Faith growls at Buffy. “Can’t. I busted the last one and they haven’t made a new reinforced one yet. And Fang gets testy when I want to use him as a punching bag.”

Dawn giggles before sitting down beside her sister. “I assume you got the complete run down on those two?” Dawn questions watching Faith.

“Yep.” Buffy chuckles. “You okay with it?”

“For now.” Dawn mutters and laughs as Faith turns wary eyes on her. “Faith, if you harm her in any way, I will beat you to a bloody pulp.” Dawn looks at the slayer seriously.

“If I harm her in any way, I’ll lay down and let you beat me to a bloody pulp.” Faith mutters quietly. Looking seriously at the teen, Faith states honestly and from the heart. “I love her, Dawn. Completely and irrevocably.”

Dawn nods her head. “And surprisingly enough I believe you.”

“Thanks, Little D.” Faith grins at the teen. Sighing she turns facing the room Tara had headed towards. Trying to relax so she has a better connection to the witch’s feelings, Faith growls when she can’t relax. “Fuck me.” Faith grumbles.

“What’s wrong?” Buffy frowns.

“If I’m relaxed, calm, I can feel Tara’s emotions. If she’s worried, scared, happy, angry. But I can’t calm down enough to sense her emotions.” Faith grumbles loudly.

“You’re connected?” Dawn whispers quietly.

“Yeah, something to do with being soul mates.” Faith waves her hand dismissively. “We fucked with Lorne something awful when we sang for him. He wants us to sing again, but he won’t read into it anymore. Anyhow, he realized we were soul mates when we sang.”

“Why don’t you explain to us how you two fell in love?” Buffy suggests quietly, smiling as an idea works into her brain.

Faith frowns looking at Buffy. “You want to know how we got together?”

“Right. Start at the beginning and tell us everything…except for any of the sex. I won’t have you corrupting my sister…or me for that matter.” Buffy smirks at Faith.

Faith chuckles quietly. “Well it all started when she arrived and offered to cook…”

****************

Tara hesitates for a moment outside the room Willow should be in. Taking a deep breath, she knocks firmly on the door.

Xander opens the door and smiles sadly down at Tara. “Hey, Tara.”

“Hi, Xander.” Tara smiles softly at the young man. “Is Willow here?” She looks at him questioningly and as he shifts, she sees Willow curled up in one of the chairs. As green eyes look up at her, Tara sighs quietly seeing the pain imbedded deeply in the lackluster depths.

Xander looks back at Willow with a raised eyebrow. “Ummm, do you want me to stay, Will?”

Willow moves her gaze to her best friend’s and shakes her head. “No, it’s okay.” She whispers quietly before looking back at Tara, noticing how happy and content her ex-lover seems. Looking down at the floor, Willow hears the door click shut and a whisper of clothes coming closer.

“I brought your bag.” Tara places the bag on the end of the bed before walking over to the chair across from Willow. “May I sit?” As Willow briefly looks up and nods her head, Tara eases down in the chair, clasping her hands in front of her.

Tara takes stock of the redhead, frowning at the shell of the once vibrant woman. “You haven’t been eating, have you?” Tara questions quietly.

Willow looks up, making eye contact and shakes her head. “I can’t keep much down.” She admits. Looking down at her hands, she picks at her fingernails. “Did they tell you want happened?”

Tara nods her head. “Yes. They also told me that you’ve been magic-free since it happened.”

Glancing up, Willow whispers. “Not one, not even a tiny one. But it‘s hard, the withdrawals….” Willow shivers at the thought, thankful they weren’t near as bad as they were. They only occasionally come up on her now.

Tara nods her head. “That’s the black magic trying to purge itself from your body, Willow.” Frowning she leans forward. “I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but you need to go to a coven and get training. The magic is a part of you. Denying it now will cause more damage to your already taxed body. You need to learn to control the magic, not let it control you. And I‘m sorry I was never able to help you with that.” Tara whispers out the last quietly.

Willow shakes her head. “You tried to help me, you tried to tell me what it would do. I didn’t want to listen, so please don’t blame yourself. I, I don’t know if I can ever do magic again, Tara.” She cries quietly.

“Talk with Mister Giles, Willow. Have him see if the Coven in Devonshire will help you. They’re one of the best covens in the world. They can help drain off your excess magic while you’re learning the proper way to deal with your powers. You have to get control, if not, you’re either going to kill somebody or end up killing yourself. And no matter what has happened between us, I don’t want you hurt.” Tara admits quietly looking at the hacker sadly.

Willow looks in the blue eyes searching, finding compassion, caring and hurt, she doesn’t see love anymore. “There’s no chance you might consider…” Willow trails off and watches as Tara closes her eyes and shakes her head.

“Willow… Goddess how do I say this without making things worse.” Tara murmurs standing and quietly walking back and forth, unconsciously picking up Faith’s habit of pacing when she’s upset or worried.

Willow watches Tara, surprised at the pacing. Tara always would calmly and quietly sit and explain things, she never physically paced or did anything like that. “Tara, please just say what you need to.”

Tara stops and faces Willow. “Willow, I loved you with my whole heart. But you did something that made it impossible for me to be with you.”

Willow nods her head looking down. “Yeah, I stole your memories. You can’t ever trust me again because of it.”

“Yes, you stole my memories. After having my mind messed with by Glory, my sanity literally ripped away from me, you reached in and took my memories from me.” Tara states quietly, not in a condemning tone of voice, just in a factual voice. “I can forgive you what you did, Willow. But, I can never forget and I can’t ever trust you completely because of it. You promised me to go a week without doing any spells and you didn‘t even last a day.”

Willow watches Tara with tears streaming down her face. “I’m sorry.” She whimpers out quietly.

“I know you are.” Tara sits down reaching across to gently lay her hand over Willows, smiling sadly. “But I have to tell you, I’m not in love with you anymore, Willow. A part of me will always love you. You helped me become the person I am today. You helped the poor abused girl become a stronger more secure woman.”

“But you’ve become even stronger and more…” Willow trails off, not knowing what she’s wanting to say.

Smiling crookedly Tara looks at Willow. “More forceful, outgoing, stronger, take charge…” Trailing off Tara chuckles quietly. “Stubborn, and I have even been called a pain in the ass occasionally.”

Willow smiles uncertainly at Tara. “How did you change so much from the time you left Sunnydale ‘til now?”

Tara sighs before leaning back in the chair and crossing her legs. “I know this is probably going to hurt you, Willow, but you deserve to know.” Looking down Tara runs a finger over the bracelet Faith had bought her a couple days ago while they were out shopping. Smiling softly at the gold bracelet with the pentagram hanging from it, remembering how Faith said she was going to look for a stake to keep it company. Chuckling quietly at the thought of how Faith was a romantic at heart, no matter that she might not have the words to say it.

Willow watches the emotions crossing Tara’s face, realizing Tara’s in love. Feeling a momentary pang of hatred seep through her at the thought of someone else knowing her love, she frowns looking down. Realizing she has given up any rights at the thoughts running through her mind, she sighs, feeling her heart get heavy at the thought she will never know this wonderful woman’s love again. Calling herself every name imaginable, she looks back up as Tara starts to speak again.

“I wasn’t looking for love when I came here.” Tara admits quietly watching Willow. “But it found me. It practically beat me over the head.” Tara chuckles quietly. “And I don’t want you to be angry at the person I’ve fallen in love with. I know it’s going to hurt you no matter what, and I really hope you can come to terms with it one day.” Tara frowns before taking a deep breath looking deeply into the sad green eyes. “I’ve fallen in love with Faith.”

Willow falls back against the back of the chair in stunned silence. “She…you…killer…”
Willow shakes her head not able to say anything.

“We love each other, Willow. We’ve discussed everything that both of us have been through, I know what she’s done. I also know how much she regrets the things she’s done in the past, and if she were given a second chance she would change so much. I also know that it wasn’t all her fault.” Tara states quietly watching the emotions crossing the hacker’s face. “But she’s a different woman now. She loves me completely and would never hurt me. You may not like her, hell you can hate her if you want. But I want you to realize that she loves me and she won’t ever hurt me. She makes me happy, Willow. Completely happy.” Tara whispers out, waiting for Willow to be able to say something.

********************

Buffy and Dawn chuckle as Faith finishes telling them about Angel’s ultimatum to the rest of the crew about cleaning up.

Buffy shakes her head at the calmer, and easier going Faith. “Try your senses now, Faith. Tell us what you feel.”

Faith looks in surprise at Buffy before feeling along her senses to Tara, feeling that she’s worried, but calm. Sighing as she realizes that Tara’s okay she smiles at Buffy. “Thanks, B. She’s worried, but okay. I guess she’s probably talking to Red about us by now.”

Buffy smiles and nods her head. “You’re welcome.”

Faith grins at her sister slayer. Looking around at the clock, she groans realizing it’s after lunch. “Damn, we didn’t get anythin’ fixed for lunch. I guess we’ll probably order somethin’ in, unless everybody throws sandwiches together.”

“Sandwiches are fine. You guys don’t have to go to any trouble for us.” Buffy grins laying back on the bed watching Faith. “She’s good for you.” Buffy admits having been studying the slayer the whole time she was recounting the first few days of Tara being there.

“She’s the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me, B.” Faith admits quietly looking from a grinning Dawn to a smiling Buffy. “It’s like a part of me was missin’ and I didn’t even know it till she came along.”

Dawn giggles quietly. “I have a feeling that Faith is just as good for Tara, if not more so.” Dawn smirks at her sister. “Tara’s more confident than she was before, Buffy. She didn’t come across like the shy, upset woman she was when she left.”

“No, my witch is very much together and even will make Angel sit up and take notice if he does something to piss her off.” Faith chuckles quietly.

“Your witch?” Buffy raises an eyebrow at the possessive term.

“Yep. My witch.” Faith grins and nods her head. “She’s mine and mine alone. Just as I’m hers.” Faith grins happily.

The two sisters look at each and shake their heads. “I’m not even going to try and figure this out.” Buffy grumbles quietly.

Faith just shrugs before sitting down grinning.

******************

Tara waits patiently, as Willow doesn’t say or do anything, just staring at her with an indescribable look on her face. Feeling along her connection to Faith, she quirks her lip at the happiness finally coming from the slayer.

Willow has every thought imaginable running through her brain, hatred first off, at the thought of Faith even thinking of touching her love. Then down right self-disgust at the thought she has no right to think that. She lost her rights the moment she chose magic over the woman sitting in front of her. Finally bringing her thoughts down to the barest essentials. Tara isn’t hers. She doesn’t love me, and I have no one to blame but myself. Tara has opened herself to love after the shit I put her through. Yes, she loves the person I would probably most wish to see buried at the bottom of the ocean with concrete boots, but it isn’t my decision. Finally it hits her. It’s Tara’s choice to love whoever she chooses, not Willow’s, not anyone else’s. And no matter what, she has to abide by what Tara chooses, unless she wants to go back to being the evil black veined, magic high, bitch she was.

Looking up into the warm blue eyes of her former lover, and hopefully, one day friend, Willow whispers. “I don’t much like Faith and I doubt that I ever will. But I have no right to interfere or cause you any more heartache or pain.”

Tara blinks in surprise, expecting to have some kind of fall-out over Faith. “Thank you, Willow.”

“Don’t thank me. I don’t deserve it.” Willow mutters quietly. “Do you think the Coven can help?”

“I’m positive of it.” Tara smiles softly. “Contact Mister Giles, see if he can set it up. You need help. It isn’t something you can do on your own, Willow. You’re wasting away.”

Willow glances down at her impossibly thin arms and sighs. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

“What can you hold down?” Tara questions as she slowly stands up, running her hand down her skirt to try and ease some of the wrinkles.

“Broth. A few crackers.” Willow admits looking up, smiling just the tiniest bit.

“Chicken?” Tara raises an eyebrow in question and smiles at the nod. “I’ll see what I can rustle up for you. Why don’t you try and rest. Do you want me to see if Buffy or Xander will come back in here?”

Willow nods her head. “Maybe see if Buffy can come keep me company. She gets worried.”

Tara places a warm hand on Willow’s shoulder. “I want you to take care of yourself, Willow. The next time I see you I want to see a smiling and happy Hacker, okay?”

Willow smiles a little bigger and pats the hand on her shoulder. “I’ll try.”

“Be sure you do. Let me hunt out Buffy and get you something to put in your stomach.” Tara quickly walks to the door, gently closing it behind her.

Willow reaches up and wipes a tear from her face as it sinks in that she had the most precious gift and threw it away. Smiling softly at the thought of Tara and Faith together. Willow laughs quietly at that thought. Definitely not something she would have ever expected. Sighing sadly, she shifts to move to the window looking out at the afternoon sky.

**************

Tara smiles as she peeks her head around the door at Faith stretched out bantering with the two Summers girls. “I’m going downstairs to see if I can get some broth and crackers for Willow. Buffy, do you maybe want to go keep her company? I think she needs someone to hash over what I told her with.”

Buffy jumps up nodding her head. “Yeah, that would be best. How did she take it?” Buffy questions worriedly.

“Actually a lot better than I expected her to.” Tara admits quietly. “I think what happened with the accident and black magic kind of has her thinking things through a little more, instead of just reacting.”

“It does.” Buffy tilts her head considering the witch. “You’re getting her to eat?”

“Yes, I also suggested she contact Mr. Giles to get her in the Coven at Devonshire.” Tara smiles softly at the slayer. “She needs help, Buffy. She needs to get the magic under control. It’s part of her and it will build up until something happens if it isn’t regulated. Please make sure she gets help.”

Buffy smiles her thanks. “I will.”

Tara watches Buffy stride down the hallway towards Willow’s room before easing the door open and disappearing inside. Feeling a pair of warm, strong arms wrap around her waist turning her around, Tara smiles and tucks her head in against Faith’s neck, wrapping her arms around Faith, hugging her tightly.

“You okay, babe?” Faith huskily questions stroking her hands over Tara’s lower back.

“Yes.” Tara softly replies. “She’s lost so much weight.”

“Yeah. She don’t look too good.” Faith murmurs quietly. “She’ll get the help she needs.”

“I’m sure she will. Right now let me get her something to eat. Or sip as the case may be.” Tara corrects herself. Pulling back slightly, Tara leans in and brushes her lips over Faith’s. “I love you.”

“I love you too, babe. Want help? It’s past lunch so I don’t know if we should order food or just make sandwiches.” Faith reaches up and pushes a stray strand of hair behind Tara’s ear.

“I have the making for subs, if everyone’s okay with that.” Tara smiles, looking over Faith’s shoulder seeing a grinning Dawn. “What are you grinning at, Dawnie?”

“You two are cute together.” Dawn bubbles up before giggling quietly. “I can’t believe I just said that about Faith.” Dawn groans before laughing.

“Oh, please, don’t even get her started about being cute. She goes off.” Tara rolls her eyes glancing at her lover. “A slayer is not cute!!” Tara mimics Faith.

“Got that right.” Faith growls out before smacking Tara’s ass gently. “Little D, wanna come with?”

“Yes.” Dawn yells and jumps up off the bed running to the door, making Tara and Faith both laugh.

“Should we see if Xander wants to?” Faith looks questioningly at Dawn.

“Xander and food? Of course he’ll want to come.” Dawn rolls her eyes at the slayer. “Plus someone needs to tell him about you two.”

“Nah, we’ll just make out in front of him until his head explodes.” Faith grins evilly at the teen.

“Okay.” Dawn agrees bouncing while laughing.

“Oh, Goddess! What have I gotten myself into?” Tara mutters before chuckling. “How long do you think it’ll take before he runs into another room or hit’s the floor passed out?”

“Taking bets?” Faith growls out, running a hand over the witch’s waist.

“Yes, I am, but you are allowed no hands below the waist or on certain body parts. And I‘ll tap my watch as the start signal.” Tara narrows her gaze at her lover. “Winner between us two gets whatever we want. Dawn, what do you want if you win?”

“Well, hell! That ain’t no fun.” Faith growls out. “But I’ll bet anyway. Fifteen minutes.”

Dawn laughs. “I say ten minutes. And I want pancakes every day I‘m here for breakfast.”

Tara grins wickedly. “I say less than five. Let’s go get the poor guy.”

Faith narrows her eyes on her lover, trying to figure out what she’s up to. “How come I think I’m gonna lose?”

Tara just chuckles. Quickly walking up to the door, she knocks. Smiling at Xander she raises an eyebrow. “We’re going down to the kitchen to throw something together for lunch, want to keep a bunch of women company?”

“Am I stupid?” Xander’s eyes open wide. “Heck yes, I’ll come to the kitchen.”

The three women laugh as they all quickly head to the kitchen.

*****************

Buffy quietly eases into the room. Walking up to Willow, she places a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You okay?”

“She doesn’t love me anymore.” Willow whispers out heart brokenly. “I fucked up so bad, Buffy.” Willow sobs into the slayer’s shoulder.

Wrapping her arms gently around Willow, Buffy strokes her back not knowing what to say to the redhead.

Finally long moments later, Willow gets control of her tears. “She loves Faith, Buffy. Faith! It doesn’t make any sense. Tara and Faith?” Easing away from the slayer, Willow wipes her eyes with the heel of her hands.

Buffy clasps Willow’s hands in hers. “Let’s sit down, Willow.” Buffy urges as she helps Willow over to the bed. Sitting down in front of her, Buffy sighs quietly. “I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but those two love each completely. You have to see them together….” Buffy looks searchingly in the hacker’s sad eyes. “Faith’s eyes light up at just the thought of Tara, Willow. When Tara came in the room…You could literally light the room with the brilliance of her smile.”

Willow looks down at their clasped hands. “I don’t have any right to be upset, do I?”

“Unfortunately, you don’t.” Buffy answers softly. “You’re going to need to accept the fact that Tara is in love with someone else. You need to get yourself pulled together and then look for someone to love and that loves you.” Buffy reaches up and strokes a hand down the red locks.

“She told me I need to go to the coven, to get help with the magic.” Willow murmurs quietly.

“Then that’s what you need to do. You and I both know that no matter what, Tara will always have your best interests at heart. She wouldn’t steer you wrong.” Buffy makes the statement quietly.

“I never told you, and I don’t know if Tara did. But I took her memories from her before. It wasn’t just the spell that affected everyone, Buffy.” Willow whimpers out the admission. “We had an argument over the magic. She told me I was using too much, that I needed to get control. I was mad and basically told her to shut up. When she got angry with me, I looked up the spell and performed it on her. I wanted it to just go away when all I would have had to do was talk to her, Buffy. Simply talking and an apology would have taken care of it, but I did the spell instead. And since it worked that one time, I did it again. Thank God Xander stepped on that crystal.” Willow collapses on her side on the bed and curls up into a tight ball. “I’ve fucked up so bad. She has every right to hate my guts, but she’s still worried about me and doesn’t want anything bad to happen to me.” Willow looks up with tear filled eyes at the slayer.

“Willow.” Buffy feels her heart break for her best friend. Lying down in front of her, she runs a calming hand over her shoulder and arm. “Everything will be fine, trust me. We’ll find you some sexy little woman that will love you completely and make you smile at the drop of a hat.” Watching as Willow starts to calm down, Buffy smiles. “Let’s get you cleaned up. Then get something in your stomach.”

Willow nods her head. “Maybe I should eat up here. Faith probably doesn’t want to have anything to do with me.”

Buffy winces slightly. “Faith just pretty much said as long as you don’t hurt Tara, she’d ignore you. Faith is extremely protective of Tara.” Buffy admits quietly.

“They really love each other?” Willow questions looking at Buffy. As Buffy nods her head Willow murmurs. “At least she was open to love again.”

“Yes she was. And you need to be open to it also.” Buffy looks sternly at the hacker. When she gets a hesitant but honest smile in return, Buffy grins. “Come on. Time to clean you up.”

*********************************

Faith looks out into the dining room to a pacing and mumbling Xander, chuckling quietly. “I still say you cheated.”

“How did I cheat?” Tara smirks as she slices the tomatoes. Glancing over to a giggling Dawn she winks. “You still get pancakes.”

Dawn laughs at Tara. “Faith has a point.”

“No she doesn’t. I said she couldn’t have hands in inappropriate places, not we.” Tara wiggles her eyebrows.

“You cheated.” Faith growls quietly, coming up behind Tara and smacking her firmly on an ass cheek. “And you’re gonna pay for it later.”

“Hmmm. Promises, promises.” Tara murmurs grinning. “Get another knife and cutting board out, love. You can slice the onions while I start building the sandwiches.”

“How come I always gotta cut the onions!?” Faith grumbles quietly.

“Because you do it so well.” Tara smirks as she slices the sub rolls open. “Angel, if you can let the rest of the group know, I’ve almost got the subs ready for lunch.” Tara calls out a little louder, after piling the sandwiches up with meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomato’s, onions and hot banana peppers for herself and Faith. Slicing the subs in half, she places them on a couple platters and grins as Faith grabs the platters putting the rest of the crews in the middle and theirs in their normal spot.

“You use his vampire hearing for an intercom?” Dawn looks in surprise at Tara.

“Yes, I do.” Tara nods her head. “He likes to listen in when he shouldn’t, so I’ve started taking advantage of it.” Tara smirks and winks at the teen.

“What happened to my innocent, shy Tara?” Dawn moans quietly. “You’ve turned into a - a ….”

“Sexy, hot mama.” Faith growls out as she strides back into the kitchen grabbing drinks to take out to the dining room. “We got any chips?”

“Yes, we do.” Tara smiles at Faith before walking into the pantry and grabbing a big bag of regular and bar-b-que chips out.

“Anything else you want, Dawn?” Tara murmurs as she hands the chips to Faith before getting a bowl down to pour some chicken broth in for Willow.

“No, I think I’m going to be pretty much set. Is Willow coming down here?” She questions watching Tara.

“I’m not sure. I’ll go ahead and take this along with some juice and crackers upstairs. I can always bring them back down if she wants to eat down here.” Tara grabs a small tray and places the items on them.

“She’s coming down.” Buffy mentions as she walks into the kitchen. “She stopped and talked to Cordy after Angel let us know lunch was ready.” Buffy smirks at Tara. “He listens in doesn’t he?”

“Yes, the evil vampire.” Tara growls out winking mischief filled eyes at Buffy. Grabbing the mug out of the microwave, she holds it out and two seconds later a scowling vampire walks in.

“Wicked Witch.” He growls grabbing his mug and walking into the dining room.

Buffy stares after the vampire in surprise. Turning her eyes on a chuckling Tara she shakes her head. “Is everyone different than they used to be?” She questions no one in particular as she walks into the dining room.

Picking the tray up, Tara follows Dawn into the dining room, placing the tray in front of Willow, who’s sitting beside Fred, talking quietly. “If you need anything else, let me know.” Tara quietly mentions before walking to sit beside Faith.

Xander sits across from Faith and Tara, looking from one woman to the next and shaking his head, blushing. Grabbing one of the subs off the platter he sets it on his plate and takes the bag of Bar-b-que chips handed to him and dumps some on his plate, before passing the chips on.

Tara runs her hand gently over Faith’s forearm and nods her head down the table towards Willow.

Faith turns her gaze down and blinks in surprise at Willow and Fred talking animatedly with each other. Glancing back at Tara with a raised eyebrow she grins. “You think?”

“Don’t know.” Tara shrugs grabbing half a sub and frowning as Faith dumps some chips on her plate. “I wish you would stop that.”

“What? You didn’t want any chips?” Faith questions before taking a huge bite out of her sub.

“Yes, but I can get my own.” Tara grumbles before popping one in her mouth, crunching on it.

“Habits are hard to break.” Faith smirks before grabbing a couple chips munching on them looking around at the group of people, talking and laughing.

“Almost seems like a family, don’t it?” Faith mutters watching Gunn and Xander talking, Cordelia, Buffy and Angel conversing about the happenings in LA and Sunnydale. Wesley, Dawn, Fred and Willow talking to each other.

Tara finishes her sandwich and wraps her arm around Faith’s waist. “Yes, it does.” Tara admits smiling. Looking at the quickly depleted sandwiches she raises her eyes scoping out the plates. “Should I make some more sandwiches?”

Xander purses his lips considering. “I could probably eat another one.” He admits.

Tara laughs and looks down at the rest of the group. Seeing a couple nods she stands before quietly asking. “Willow do you need something more?”

Willow glances down surprised to see she had eaten the whole bowl of soup and the pile of crackers Tara had placed on the plate. Placing a hand over her stomach, she sighs and smiles. “No, thank you.”

Tara nods before looking down at Faith and their empty platter, raising her eyebrow. “You want some more?”

Faith grins and grabs both empty platters and heads towards the kitchen, followed by a lightly laughing Tara.

Willow follows the two women with her eyes, smiling sadly. When she feels a tentative hand on her arm, she turns to look at a shyly smiling Fred.

“I don’t want to hurt you or anything, but those two really do love each other.” Fred hesitantly whispers.

Willow smiles and nods her head. “I can see it. I’m glad.” Willow looks down at her empty bowl running a finger around the edge. “I screwed up totally.”

Fred blinks at the redhead not knowing what to say. Finally whispering out. “We all make mistakes. We just need to learn from them and not make them again.”

Willow quirks her lip and nods at the brunette. “Yes. And I need to get my life back on track. How do you like working with these guys?”

“Oh, I don’t so much work as hide in my room most of the time.” Fred admits. “Tara and Faith are making me get out of the hotel and walk around town. Kind of making me face the world again.”

“Tara knows what people need. Try to listen to her. I didn’t and I just about killed Dawn and myself because of it.” Willow admits quietly glancing over at the teen laughing at something Wesley said.

“She’s been good for everyone here.” Fred admits smiling softly. “Especially Faith. Faith still likes to be a pain, but the edge is gone. And I don’t think she ever smiled before Tara came here. Now it’s commonplace.”

Willow swallows at the ache in her heart, but nods her head. “Good. Tara deserves to be happy, and if Faith makes her happy, I can’t argue.” Looking around she catches Buffy’s eyes watching her with a hint of worry. Smiling softly at the slayer letting her know that she’s okay, she watches as she nods and smiles back before turning back to Angel. “I think I’m going to go lay down for a little while.” Willow murmurs quietly.

“I think I’ll go to my room, also.” Fred stands with Willow. “I’ll walk with you, if that’s okay?”

Willow nods her head smiling briefly before looking at Buffy, whispering. “I’m going to go lay down, stay and talk.”

Buffy nods watching as Willow slowly makes her way out of the dinning room to head upstairs.

“Is she going to be okay?” Angel questions quietly watching the redhead.

“I think so.” Buffy smiles. “We’ll get her the help she needs.”

“If you need anything…” Angel starts and at Buffy’s nod, he sighs. “How are things between you and…” Angel growls quietly at the thought, but continues. “Spike?”

“They’re going slowly, but we’re talking and working things out between us. I think I’ve fallen in love with him, Angel.” She whispers quietly.

Angel frowns and nods his head. “If he loves you, really loves you. He’ll do everything for you. He dealt with Dru’s craziness and was actually faithful to her. He isn’t your normal vampire, Buffy. But please, just be careful.”

“I am.” Buffy smiles sadly at Angel. “How are things with you?”

“Good and not so good.” Angel admits quietly. “Maybe we can have an actual talk before you leave.”

Buffy nods in agreement.

***************