New Paths

Buffy whistles as she folds the laundry that her mother dropped off beside her.

Joyce looks at her daughter in confusion as she whistles, only stopping when she laughs and smiles, before she goes back to whistling again. “Why are you in such a good mood? Do you have a date with Riley or something?”

“Nope. Riley and I broke up last night.” Buffy said looking up and grinning hugely at her mother.

“And that’s cause for you to be this happy?” Joyce drops down in the chair across from Buffy, confused.

“Nope. That was cause for a big sigh of relief, after realizing he was useless and not what I wanted or needed.” Buffy admits, starting to frown. “Mom, I found someone I want to date. I don’t know if they want to date me, but I’m going to ask them out later.”

Joyce tilts her head and looks at Buffy questioningly. “And this person is…?” Joyce urges Buffy to explain who she wants to date.

Buffy blushes darkly as she finishes folding a pair of jeans. “You’re probably going to freak on me.” Buffy admits quietly as she picks up an old t-shirt and folds it. “It’s a girl… woman at the college.” Buffy finally admits after a few minutes of folding laundry.

Joyce blinks at her daughter, her brain not quite understanding what Buffy said. “Huh?” Joyce finally questions.

Buffy bites her lip and looks up at her mom. “I’m going to ask a woman out on a date.” Buffy whispers before watching the stunned surprise cross her mother‘s face, before she frowns at her.

“Buffy…” Joyce shakes her head, as she frowns deeply. Not knowing what to say to her daughter, she just stares at her.

“Don’t take this wrong, mom. But I’m not asking your permission.” Buffy states calmly.

Joyce just stares at her daughter, wondering when she had decided she wanted to date women. Not really knowing how she feels about the thought of Buffy dating another woman, she decides on not saying anything, as that may be the best thing right now.

“She’s a wonderful young woman that goes to college with me. She and Willow are… were… Hell I don’t know if they still are or not, but they were friends. Tara liked Willow, but Willow didn’t have a clue.” Buffy shrugs her shoulders as she looks down. “I kind of liked Tara from the moment I saw her, but with her liking Willow and my dating Riley, I just sort of ignored my feelings until last night when Tara ended up needing some help.” Buffy finishes folding the laundry and runs a hand through her hair. “You’d like her mom, if you give her a chance. She’s quiet, extremely shy, has this adorable stutter and knows about me being the slayer. She’s also a Wiccan, as in is actually able to do spells and the like.”

Joyce silently listens to Buffy talk about the young woman she’s going to ask out on a date. Sighing quietly, Joyce looks down at her clasped hands. “It’s your life, Buffy. I can’t make you do something you don’t want to. Just… be careful.”

Buffy nods her head, smiling briefly. “Thanks, mom. Now all I have to do is figure out what to do as a date, that isn’t going to freak her out.” Buffy sighs as she thinks. “I can’t take her to the Bronze, especially after last night. Going out to dinner and a movie is so cliché.” Buffy mumbles to herself, starting to frown.

“Picnic, honey.” Joyce suggests softly. When she sees Buffy look at her questioningly, Joyce smiles gently. “Take her on a picnic. Get a blanket, a bottle of sparkling apple cider, finger sandwiches, strawberries, that type of thing. Maybe a single pretty flower to give to her, if you think she’d like it.”

Buffy blinks and slowly nods her head, a big grin coming across her face. “That’s a brilliant idea. I need to get a basket to carry everything in, a blanket, the food together…” Buffy’s mind starts whirling as she glances up at the clock, seeing it’s almost 11:00 am. “Maybe a late lunch, I need to call her…” Buffy jumps up, starting to pace.

“Calm down, honey.” Joyce can’t help but laugh at her daughter’s nervousness. “Go call her and set it up. I’m going to go up to the attic and see if I can’t dig out that picnic basket along with a blanket you can use. I have stuff to fix for sandwiches, but I don’t have anything else. You may want to stop at the store and pick up some different fruits to put in the basket while you’re there, along with something to drink.”

“Thank you, mom.” Buffy quickly strides towards her mom and hugs her quickly after Joyce stands up, getting ready to run upstairs. “I appreciate your help.”

“If you two make it to a fifth date, you better be sure to bring her by here for dinner.” Joyce narrows her gaze on her daughter.

“I will.” Buffy grins hugely at the thought of her and Tara dating. “I gotta call her.” Buffy grabs her purse, digging around for the slip of paper that she had written the Wiccan’s phone number on. Finally exhaling the breath she’d unconsciously been holding she walks into the kitchen, grabbing the cordless phone and walking out on the back porch, sitting down on the steps before dialing the number.

“Hello?” Tara answers the ringing phone with a hint of trepidation in her voice.

“Hi.” Buffy smiles at the sound of Tara’s voice. “Oh, this is Buffy.” Buffy smacks her head and rolls her eyes.

“I sort of f-figured that out.” Tara giggles quietly at the slayer. “How are you?”

“I’m fine, wonderful in fact.” Buffy runs a finger over the crack in the concrete as she thinks. “I’ve pretty much got everything set up for you and your date. You know that big oak tree out in the quad by the Art Department Building?” Buffy questions softly.

“You actually got me a date?” Tara whispers in shock.

“Yes, I did.” Buffy smirks at the shocked tone in the Wiccan’s voice. “Do you know the tree I’m talking about?”

“Uh, yeah.” Tara blinks, plopping down on a chair beside the phone, her mind not functioning well, with it being in shock.

“Good. Now, I need you to be there at 3:00 on the nose, okay?” Buffy can’t help the mischievous smile that crosses her face. “Can you do that?”

“Yes. I c-can.” Tara shakes her head to get out of the fugue state she’s in. “Buffy, why… what…?” Tara blinks in surprise.

“Dress casually and comfortably. Remember be there at 3:00 this afternoon, okay?” Buffy reiterates, making sure Tara understands.

“Are you going to tell me who m-my mystery date is?” Tara finally questions blinking, as she thinks for a few minutes. “And are you going to be somewhere c-close by in case she is a psycho?”

Buffy chuckles loudly at that. “Yes, I’ll be very close by. I promise. Trust me, she’s not a psycho. Though I guess some people would think she is, but she actually isn’t. My word on it.”

Tara sighs quietly, slowly nodding her head. “Okay. I’ll be there, but if this date is a dud, I’m giving up for the next couple years on finding someone, okay?”

“Don’t say that.” Buffy grumbles quietly. “You deserve to be happy. You’ve just had a run of bad luck. It’ll get better… I hope.” Buffy quirks her lip slightly. “Don’t forget, or I’ll come and hunt you down.”

“I won’t. Thanks, Buffy.” Tara finally whispers, surprised at the thought of the caring young woman that seems to have taken an interest in being her friend, and savior.

“Don’t thank me yet.” Buffy laughs softly. “Bye, Tara.”

“Bye, Buffy.” Tara answers back equally as soft.

Buffy slowly disconnects the phone before hanging it back up. “Hope you like what I’m planning.” Buffy murmurs quietly before getting with her mom to gather what items she’ll need, along with a list for the store.

***

Buffy looks down at the blanket, with the food spread out and the glasses sitting beside the small ice container, with the apple juice chilling inside it. Looking down at her watch she sees it’s a little before 3:00 and starts looking towards where the dorms are, waiting to get a glimpse of Tara coming her way while she starts to pace back and forth.

***

Tara looks at the clock, noticing it’s almost 3:00. Debating with herself for a moment, she finally runs a hand down her one pair of jeans and picks a piece of imaginary lint off her button down shirt, the navy blue color, bringing out the depth in her eyes. Grabbing her keys and ID, she tucks them in her pockets before taking a deep breath and walking out the door, towards the person Buffy has decided to set her up with as a blind date.

Making her way quickly towards the large oak tree, Tara keeps her eyes lowered to where she can see far enough ahead of her to keep from running into anything, taking slow, deep, even breaths to keep from going crazy and becoming a complete basket case at this blind date. Wondering what the woman would look like, especially with Buffy picking her out. Allowing a small smile to cross her face at the thought of the beautiful, petite, slayer, Tara finally shakes her head. “That’s just what I need, a crush on another straight girl. Not a smart thing, when this one could literally rip me apart just by using her pinkies!” Tara mumbles to herself as she finally starts to look up, knowing that she should be almost to the tree.

Frowning as she sees Buffy standing by the edge of the blanket, but no one else nearby, Tara looks around a little more intently, making sure she didn’t miss the other woman. Slowly making her way towards Buffy, Tara tilts her head. “Is she late?” Tara asks softly.

“No.” Buffy smiles nervously at Tara. “She’s here.” Buffy waves to the blanket. “Why don’t you sit down and make yourself comfortable?”

Looking down, really noticing for the first time the elaborate picnic spread out on the blanket, Tara’s eyes open wide in surprise. Easing down onto her knees, Tara shifts to where she’s resting on a hip as she curiously looks at the different items, noticing the different sandwiches, the strawberries, grapes, raspberries, blackberries, bing cherries still on the stem, along with what appeared to be a couple slices of brownies. Having been so involved in looking at the different food items, she wasn’t aware that Buffy had sat down beside her and was opening the juice, pouring a glass.

“I know you like apple juice, so that’s what I got to drink. Me and alcohol are not a good combination. Plus I didn‘t know if you drank or not.” Buffy explains softly, letting Tara know without flat out saying it, that she was her date.

Tara’s eyes widen as she shifts and looks at a lightly blushing slayer. “Buffy?” Tara questions, the shock obvious in her voice.

Buffy raises her eyes from where she’d just finished filling the glass. “Yes, I’m your date.” Buffy smiles hopefully at Tara.

Tara blinks in surprise at the slayer, not knowing what to say. Tilting her head questioningly at the woman, she opens her mouth to say something, but closes it again, still not knowing what to say.

“Left you speechless, huh?” Buffy chuckles nervously. “I know you wanted to have a normal date with a beautiful woman. And I wanted a date with you… I know I’m not exactly beautiful, but will this work?”

Tara can’t help the crooked grin that crosses her face when she realizes that Buffy is more nervous than she is about this date. As Tara silently thinks about it, she looks at the care and obvious thought that went into what Buffy had done, while looking out at the college campus, where students are coming and going. Tara realizes that Buffy had put them at a beautiful spot, but not a hidden away place. Anyone could see them, since they are centrally located. Slowly she turns her gaze back on the slayer, her eyes softening as she watches Buffy pluck nervously at her jeans. “First off, you are b-beautiful.” Tara whispers, while reaching out to gently capture the nervous hand. “You went to a l-lot of trouble for this date, Buffy.” Tara waves her other hand around at the amount of food.

“I wasn’t real sure what you liked, or didn’t like.” Buffy sighs in relief, allowing a small genuine smile to cross her face. “I didn’t know if you might be allergic to something, or not eat meat, or just plain didn’t like some things.” Buffy explains quietly. “We obviously have a bunch of different fruits. I even have a container with fruit salad in it.” Buffy points to the containers, before grabbing the different sandwiches and placing them between them. “We have ham and Swiss, chicken salad, pimiento cheese, and egg salad sandwiches to choose from.” Buffy places three of each sandwich down between them, smiling.

Tara can’t help but laugh as she looks at the quantity of food. “Buffy, I don’t think I’ll be able to eat much of this.”

Buffy shrugs and grins before patting her own stomach. “Trust me, it won’t go to waste.” Buffy unwraps one of the ham and Swiss sandwiches, offering Tara half, smiling as the blonde accepts it.

“Thank you.” Tara murmurs before nibbling on the sandwich, looking up occasionally at the slayer, a grin crossing her face as Buffy quickly works her way through her half of the sandwich. “Why didn’t you just ask me out on a date, Buffy?” Tara finally questions when she finishes her half of the sandwich, her fingers reaching out to snag a couple grapes.

Buffy shrugs and looks down at the blanket. “I guess I was afraid you would turn me down.”

“I probably would have.” Tara admits after a few seconds, watching as Buffy’s head snaps up and her face pales. “But not for the r-reason you probably think. I would have turned you down because you just b-broke up with your boyfriend, Buffy. Plus, as far as I could tell, you’re completely and irrevocably straight.”

Buffy shifts to lie down on the blanket. Propping her head up on her hand she looks at Tara and slowly shakes her head. “I may have only been with men, Tara. But I honestly don’t believe I’m completely straight. How else would I be able to explain my being attracted to you for about three months now?”

“Three months?” Tara blinks in surprise at Buffy, mentally doing the math, knowing she didn’t actually meet Buffy until right at two months ago.

“I saw you and Wills talking in the dorm room commons area. It must have been right after you two met at the Wicca Group meeting.” Buffy explains quietly.

Tara looks intently at Buffy. “You saw us talking, and you were attracted then?”

Buffy slowly nods her head. “Yeah. But I saw the way you looked at Willow… and then I was dating Riley, so I kind of buried it. When Willow told me about Oz coming back, and her absolute clueless-ness in the fact that you liked her, my heart broke knowing that you were going to be hurt.”

Tara swallows hard as she looks into Buffy’s sad eyes. “It was my own fault, Buffy. She never l-led me on or gave me any indication that it was m-more than friendship on her part. I’m just glad Oz came back when he did, or I might have asked her out and that would have hurt even more to be turned down flat.” Tara admits quietly. “I just miss seeing her as a friend now.”

Buffy nods her understanding. “She and Oz have pretty much been inseparable since he came back. I don’t even get to see her that often, and we share a dorm room.” Buffy smiles briefly. “Would you like another sandwich?” Buffy questions as she looks at the sandwiches, smiling as Tara laughs.

“It’s been forever since I’ve h-had a pimiento cheese sandwich.” Tara grins crookedly at the slayer, relaxing more and shifting her body to mirror Buffy’s. Accepting the half of the sandwich, Tara takes a small bite while watching Buffy. “Have you ever been attracted to a woman before?” Tara finally asks as they slowly eat.

Buffy looks up, blushing darkly. “Twice.” Buffy admits quietly, sighing heavily. “One was a teacher at my high school. But I think all students have crushes on a woman teacher at one time or another. Then the other time was Faith, the other slayer. But I definitely didn’t want to take it any further with her, because I didn’t want to become just another notch in her very notchy bed post.” Buffy explains softly.

Tara blinks, and then frowns heavily. “Another slayer? I thought there could be only one at a time?” Tara looks intently at Buffy.

“Yeah, that’s the way it’s supposed to be. There’s a little loop hole.” Buffy looks up, a small sad smile on her face. “I died my Sophomore year in high school, the Master drowned me and Xander gave me CPR, bringing me back. I was dead long enough for the next slayer, Kendra to be called.”

“You died.” Tara pales and reaches out to grasp the slayer’s hand in hers, enjoying the warmth of the touch and the slight tingle working through her body from it. “I didn’t know.”

“We don’t talk about it a lot. There’s so much shit that’s happened in the last four years, hell at my old high school, I burned down the gym.” Buffy tries to lighten the mood. “And here, the Sunnydale High school, we blew up!”

“Goddess, what are you planning to do with the college?” Tara jokes, her eyes starting to twinkle merrily at the slayer. “Now that you mentioned it, I do remember the High School being blown up. It was at graduation, right?” Tara shakes her head, remembering that that was the talk of the town for a month afterwards. She’d been working at the grocery store to make ends meet and pay for her small one-room apartment during the summer.

“You were here when that happened?” Buffy questions, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes. I was working at one of the grocery stores for the summer to help pay rent.” Tara admits, smiling briefly.

“What grade are you in?” Buffy grabs a strawberry, taking a bite and groaning quietly. “Damn, this is good.”

Tara chuckles as she watches Buffy, her heart beating a little quicker when the slayer licks the juices from her lips.

“Here, you have to try one.” Buffy grabs another one dangling it in front of Tara. Buffy’s eyes grow wide when instead of reaching out and taking the small strawberry from her hand, Tara leans forward and captures it between her teeth. Whimpering quietly as Tara hums as she eats the strawberry, Buffy grabs some juice and quickly downs it.

“Very good.” Tara grins wickedly as she looks at the flushed slayer. “I’m a junior.”

“Huh… What are you majoring in?” Buffy grabs another sandwich and chomps on it, trying to get her mind out of the gutter.

Tara laughs quietly as she watches the obviously flushed slayer, relaxing even more as it sinks in that Buffy is definitely attracted to her. Allowing herself to get comfortable, Tara grabs a couple raspberries and pops them in her mouth, chewing gently as she considers Buffy. “Business Management is my major. I’m minoring in Art History. What about you?”

Buffy rolls her eyes as she grabs a fork and one of the containers of fruit salad. “I’m not really majoring or even minoring in anything, to tell you the truth. I’m taking the prerequisite English, Math, History and Science courses, along with Psych, Poetry, a couple business classes.” Buffy shrugs as she thinks about it. “I’m taking classes, but I don’t know what I want to do. It isn’t like I’ll probably live very long to have a job, or even graduate from college.” Buffy admits quietly.

Tara inhales deeply at the comment, it shooting straight through her heart at the thought that this beautiful young woman could possibly die… Actually had already died once for her calling. Looking down at the blanket, Tara starts to think seriously about the advisability of becoming involved with Buffy. Slowly she thinks about her past relationships, finally coming to the conclusion that there are no guarantees in life. She, herself, could just as easily get hurt or killed before Buffy could. Sighing quietly, Tara looks up watching as Buffy seems to be in a world of her own. Reaching out, Tara gently traces her finger over the top of Buffy’s hand. “Please don’t think about that. Anyone can die at any time, Buffy. I could get run over by a truck walking to the grocery store. Any number of things can happen to either of us, and not necessarily because of your calling.”

Buffy slowly nods her head in understanding. “I know, but the likelihood is I’ll be taken out by some vampire or demon.” Buffy explains quietly. “I’m already one of the longest lived slayers in history. And the more I think about it, the wiser you would be to probably stay away from me.” Buffy sighs heavily, feeling the weight of the world come crashing down on her shoulders again.

“No.” Tara shakes her head, threading her fingers through Buffy’s and tugging gently to get her to look up. “Life is fleeting, Buffy. For all of us. We don’t know how long we’re meant to be on this earth, and all we can do is enjoy what time we have. For some reason we were meant to run into each other. Whether we were meant to be friends, lovers, or whatever, we were meant to know each other. It could be for a short period of time, say weeks… but who’s to say we both won’t still be kicking around when we’re in our eighties?” Tara smiles encouragingly at the slayer. “We don’t know. And that’s part of life.”

Buffy bites her bottom lip as she looks at the Wiccan, seeing the seriousness in her gaze. “Does this mean you would consider going out on another date with me?” Buffy finally questions hopefully, a small smile crossing her face.

Tara chuckles at the slayer’s words, breathing a sigh of relief as Buffy finally starts to relax again. “I don’t know… What do you have planned for the second date? It’ll be extremely hard to top this one.” Tara looks at the spread of food.

“Well, unfortunately there isn’t a lot to do in Sunnydale.” Buffy winces, before laughing quietly. “I could always take you out on a patrol with me. Show ya’ a good time.” Buffy wiggles her eyebrows as she jokes with Tara.

“Oooh… You know how to turn a girls head.” Tara jokes back, picking up a grape and tossing it at the slayer, laughing as Buffy shifts and catches it in her mouth, grinning as she eats the grape.

“We have the usual, dinner, movies and the Bronze.” Buffy shrugs as she finishes her fruit salad. Reaching for one of the bing cherries, she pulls it off the stem, chewing around the seed before placing the seed in her empty container along with the stem. “And if all works out, we have a dinner to go to at my mom’s.”

Tara raises an eyebrow in surprise at the slayer. “Your mom’s?”

“Yeah. She said if we made it to the fifth date that I had to bring you over to meet her and have dinner.” Buffy smiles shyly at the Wiccan.

“You told her…” Tara blinks at the realization that Buffy had obviously told her mother that she was asking her out on a date.

“Yeah. I can’t actually take credit for the picnic, it was mom’s idea. I was having a little mini-freak and didn’t know what to do. She helped out with a few suggestions.” Buffy admits quietly.

“Did she freak?” Tara questions quietly, looking intently at Buffy.

Buffy shrugs her shoulders. “I honestly don’t think she knew what to do or say. It was a huge surprise for her, because as far as she knew I had never been interested in a woman before. I’m sure we will have more discussions, but I think she’ll be open to my having a relationship with you.”

Tara smiles softly, realizing how different Buffy is compared to most of her other relationships. Between the sneaking around that was her first relationship, and the majority of other dates and relationships she’s had since then that she honestly believed were more experimentations, Tara sighs softly. Buffy being so open and genuine, making her feel even better about the slayer.

“Would you like another half of a sandwich?” Buffy questions as she reaches for one of the chicken salad sandwiches, smiling at the Wiccan.

Tara shakes her head and pats her stomach. “I’m fine. I’ll probably just munch on the fruit, so go ahead and eat what you want.” Tara laughs as Buffy grins and unwraps the sandwich with one hand, Tara realizing that she still has the slayer’s other hand clasped in hers. “Sorry.” Tara starts to release Buffy’s fingers and pull her hand away.

“Don’t.” Buffy gently squeezes her fingers, keeping her from removing the hand. “I like it.” Buffy admits quietly.

Tara shifts slightly, starting to gently stroke her thumb over the slayer’s hand. “You’ve mentioned your mom. What about your father?” Tara questions hesitantly.

Buffy rolls her eyes as she finishes the bite of sandwich in her mouth. “Non-existent. They’re divorced and I’ve seen him twice in the last four years.” Buffy shrugs at the thought, finally having decided it wasn’t worth getting upset about her father’s lack of being there. “He’s married to his secretary now, so I guess he’s happy.” Buffy looks up a brief smile crossing her face. “What about your family?” Buffy questions softly.

“Hmmm.” Tara tilts her head, thinking. “My mother died when I was seventeen.” Tara finally admits the sadness obvious in her voice. “She had been ill for about three years. It was a blessing when she finally went. She’d been in pain for so long.” Tara shakes her head, unconsciously wiping the tears from her face at the remembrance of her mother. Smiling softly as she feels Buffy gently squeeze her fingers in commiseration. “I have a brother that’s two years older than me, Donnie, and my father.” Tara reaches for a strawberry, enjoying the fresh, sweet fruit.

“Do you see them much?” Buffy questions, wondering with the fact that Tara mentioned getting a job for the summer.

“Not since I came here to college.” Tara admits quietly. “My father is a very strict man. He pretty much disowned me when I insisted that I wanted to go to college. My brother’s just like him. With my grants and scholarships, Sunnydale offered the best package deal so here I am.” Tara smiles sadly at Buffy. “Now I understand why it’s so much cheaper to come here to school, than elsewhere.” Tara rolls her eyes, and chuckles quietly.

“Yeah, they have a problem keeping the student population alive.” Buffy grumbles quietly. “The vampires are attracted to the college, a lot of young fresh meat to choose from. Kids coming home drunk, the parties that are had at the different houses, they don’t need invitations in to those.” Buffy sighs quietly as she thinks about it.

“And you can’t be everywhere at once.” Tara states quietly, the understanding in her voice.

“I feel like I should.” Buffy admits as she frowns heavily.

“You can’t protect everyone, Buffy.” Tara squeezes Buffy’s hand gently. “No matter how much you would love to, you can’t.” Tara reaches out and gently tucks a stray hair behind Buffy’s ear.

Buffy closes her eyes at the soft touch of Tara’s fingertips caressing across her cheek and the top of her ear. “I know I can’t, but it still doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Tara shifts her hand to cup the slayer’s cheek, smiling sadly as Buffy leans into her hand and gently brushes her cheek against her palm. “It isn’t your fault that people die, or get hurt. You work and fight to help protect them. You can’t save everyone, sweetie. No matter how much you would love to, you can’t.” Tara brushes her thumb gently over the velvety soft skin.

“You’re not going to want to go on a second date with me, if we keep this up.” Buffy opens her eyes to look at the Wiccan. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to be such a downer today.”

“It’s okay.” Tara shakes her head, smiling gently at the slayer. “Part of us getting to know each other, is finding out what our lives are like, and how we feel about things.” Tara points to the few sandwiches that are left. “Eat, I know you can!”

Buffy chuckles and slowly nods her head. “Yes, the slayer metabolism works in overdrive.”

Tara shifts the bowls with the fruit in them closer, smiling as she picks up another strawberry, a wicked grin crossing her face. Watching as Buffy finishes the sandwich she was eating, Tara offers the slayer the piece of fruit, teasingly dangling it just above her mouth.

Buffy looks from the strawberry to the Wiccan, she then raises an eyebrow at the glint in Tara’s eyes, daring her to take the strawberry from her fingers. Never one to back down from a dare, Buffy leans up and captures the strawberry between her teeth while closing her lips around the strawberry and the tips of Tara’s fingers before easing back.

Tara inhales deeply at the slayer’s actions, pulling her hand back to her pounding chest. Her eyes are drawn to Buffy’s seeing the merriment obvious in the hazel eyes, along with a hint of desire flaring in the depths. Blinking a couple times, Tara slowly looks down. “Don’t tease the slayer, not good for your heart.” Tara mumbles, not meaning for Buffy to hear. Surprised at the loud chuckle coming from Buffy, Tara jerks her head up to look at a hugely grinning slayer.

“Good ears.” Buffy smirks at Tara and taps her own ear with a fingertip. “You’re allowed to tease the slayer you just have to be prepared for what I might do afterwards.” Buffy wiggles her eyebrows, relaxing more with Tara, enjoying teasing the blushing Wiccan.

“Oh, Goddess.” Tara blinks and blushes, looking down at the fruit. “How come I have this feeling that I’m going to end up way over my head in this relationship?”

Buffy shakes her head. “Nope, not over your head. But I do have to warn you, I don’t need much sleep and my stamina is pretty good, also.” Buffy winks exaggeratedly at the blonde, laughing as Tara clasps her heart and flops back on the blanket. Shifting to look down at the glazed look in Tara’s eyes, Buffy uses her free hand to pat Tara gently on the cheek. “You okay in there?” Buffy laughs as Tara slowly shakes her head, the blonde’s eyes twinkling up at her.

“You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?” Tara finally questions, looking up at the hazel eyes laughing down at her. “Do you have any idea how long it’s been? My poor libido thinks I’ve become a nun!” Tara’s eyes open wide as she realizes what she said, she starts to stutter and blush darkly.

Buffy reaches up and presses a fingertip to Tara’s lips, smiling gently down at the Wiccan. “Easy, Tara. We’ll only go as fast as you want. I kind of like the teasing we’ve been doing. I haven’t had that in any of my past relationships.” Buffy admits quietly, shifting her finger from Tara’s lips to stroke softly over her cheek. “But if it’s too much, let me know. I don’t want to embarrass you, or hurt your feelings, okay?” Buffy explains quietly, looking into Tara’s deep blue eyes.

“Thank you, Buffy.” Tara relaxes again, smiling up at the slayer. Tara searches the hazel eyes above her, before reaching up with her free hand, and hooking it gently behind Buffy’s neck. “Come here.” Tara murmurs softly, urging the slayer to close the distance between them.

Buffy groans quietly before leaning down, brushing her lips softly over Tara’s, moaning at the soft feel of the lips caressing over hers, the light touch. Neither one of them deepens the kiss, just a series of soft brushes of lips against each other for a few long minutes. Breathing heavily, Buffy slowly lifts away from Tara’s lips looking down at the dark blue, passion filled eyes. “Wow.” Buffy finally whispers after trying to say something for the last few minutes.

Tara slowly nods her head in agreement, a small smile playing about her lips. “Definitely wow.” Tara leans up and presses her lips quickly to Buffy’s once more, before dropping her head back down. “I don’t think making out in the middle of the quad is such a good idea, though.” Tara finally admits.

“Screw ‘em.” Buffy growls roughly, leaning down and capturing Tara’s lips again, deepening the kiss slowly, moaning into the Wiccan’s mouth as she tastes the strawberries on the Wiccan’s tongue as they gently caress against each other.

“BUFFY?” Willow practically yells as she and Oz walk by the couple making out on the blanket, the shock and surprise obvious in her voice, after Oz had silently pointed towards the couple and whispered Buffy to her.

Buffy groans and breaks the kiss to drop her head on Tara’s shoulder. “Make her go away. It was just getting to the really good part.” Buffy whispers in Tara’s ear, making the blushing Wiccan laugh.

Tara can’t help but giggle at the slayer’s comment, before whispering back. “Want me to send her to the Himalayas? Or how about turn her into a bunny rabbit?”

Buffy’s body starts to shake as the ridiculousness of the situation, along with Tara’s comments, sink in. “You’re a wicked Wiccan, aren’t you?”

“I can be.” Tara admits quietly, grinning. “Are you going to talk to her?”

“I guess I should. The last she knew, I was seeing Riley. This should be interesting.” Buffy grumbles, as she hears Willow mumbling and huffing beside them. “Does she even realize it’s you?”

“Don’t think so.” Tara admits softly. “But she will as soon as you move. Your hair’s kind of covering my face right now.”

“Sorry.” Buffy chuckles as she starts to shift, letting her hair continue to cover Tara’s face while she looks down at her. “Here we go!” Buffy grins wickedly at Tara before leaning down and placing a quick firm kiss on her lips before shifting back completely.