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"Oh?"

"It was a really old, cloven hoof vamp called Kakistos. It turns out that this vamp killed her Watcher"

"Let me guess," Tara interjected, "the vamp made its way to Sunnydale"

"You got it," Willow nodded. "She and Buffy went after it last night, and Faith managed to dust it."

"So alls good?" Tara asked with a smile. "But what happens to Faith now? Without a Watcher, I mean"

"Oh, Giles called the Council and shes gonna stick around here for a while until a new Watcher is sent."

"Thats good right," Tara grinned. "A Hellmouth with two Slayers"

"Yeah," Willow agreed, "Its a good thing"

"So whats wrong?" Tara asked gently. "Whats got you so upset?"

Willow sighed and kicked off her shoes. She then made her way up the bed and crossed her legs yoga style. "Its nothing really"

Tara moved up the bed as well and sat cross-legged opposite her friend. "Will" she coaxed, knowing the girl was stalling.

"Its Angel," Willow explained. "You remember that curse I told you about?" At Taras nod, she continued with her story, "Well, apparently the spell worked."

"What do you mean?" Tara asked with a frown.

"Buffy just told usme and Gilesthat Angelus got his soul backbut not before hed opened the portal to hell. Buffy didnt kill Angelusshe had to kill Angel"

"You meanshe killed?"

"Uh huh," Willow frowned. "She told him she loved him, then she kissed him, and then she killed him. No wonder she ran away," she sighed. "It must have been terrible for herkilling someone she lovedoh Tara," she suddenly burst into tears. "Its all my fault," she cried. "I did the curseit workedonly it worked too late. If only Id managed it earlierdone it better. She had to kill Angel"

"Hey" Tara said softly, reaching her hands for Willow. "Cmere," she wrapped the girl in a soothing hug. "Its okay Will," she whispered into her ear as she began to cry softly. "Its okayshhits okay"

Willow cried on Taras shoulder for a long while. She just let herself golet the tears flow, and let her best friend comfort her. She felt so terrible for the pain she mustve caused Buffy and felt entirely responsible for the fact that shed run away. No wonder Buffy had said she wouldnt understandhad been unwilling to talk with her about why shed left. It was all her fault. If she hadnt done the spell, then Buffy wouldve had to kill Angelusnot Angel. On the other hand, if shed done the spell earlier, then Buffy wouldnt have had to kill him at all. Why did she have to be such a bungler?

Tara let Willow have her cry in silence, merely whispering a soothing its okay every now and then. After a while though, she realized that shed need to say something more eventually. She had a good idea of the thoughts that were probably going through Willows head right now, and she needed to address them.

"Its not your fault Willow," she ventured.

"Yes it is," Willow mumbled against her shoulder. "I shouldnt have done the spellor if Id done it sooner"

"Hey," Tara interjected, gently stroking Willows hair. "You cant blame yourself. How were you to know what would happen? You did what you couldyou did your best. Buffy understands that. She doesnt hate you for itand you shouldnt hate yourself either."

"But I"

"Oh Will," Tara sighed and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. "I know you feel bad now, but who knowsif you hadnt done the spellmaybe wed all be dead now. You dont knowand you cant keep blaming yourself."

Willow knew Tara was right, but she just couldnt accept itthe thought of what Buffy mustve gone through was eating her up inside. She hated causing her friend pain, hated the thought of her killing Angel and most of all, she hated herself.

Tara could tell that Willow wasnt going to relax anytime soon; she needed to do something more. With determination, she focused her mind and began to release a calming energy. She channeled it towards Willow, allowing her energy to merge with the girls, to engulf her, and to soothe her distress.

As Tara continued to move her hands in a gentle caress against her back, against her hairWillow suddenly began to feel the effects of her energy. She recognized it all too well and wrapped her arms tighter around Tara. She loved being comforted in this manner and after a while, she began to gradually feel her tears subsiding.

"I love it when you do this," she whisperedher lips inadvertently moving against the skin of Taras neck.

Tara shivered as Willow spoke. "You-you do?"

"Mmm hmm," Willow confirmed. "It makes me feel so relaxedso peaceful. Your energy is just sosommm."

Tara chuckled and pressed her lips against Willows cheek in a brief kiss. She loved how Willow tended to replace adjectives with soundsit was one of her quirky speech habits and she found it utterly adorable. "So you feel better?" she asked, moving her head back to Willows shoulder.

"Mmmm."

"Im glad"

"How do you do it?" Willow asked her softly. "Every time I feel upset about somethingyou always make me feel better"

"Magick," she quipped softly.

Willow pulled away and looked into Taras eyes. "Yeah" she smiled, her body feeling warmed through with emotion. Impulsively, she leaned over and tenderly kissed Taras cheek. "Thank you."

Tara just smiled in response as a blush crept into her cheeks. She didnt know what to say right now. The new level of intimacy she and Willow had reached lately was unnerving her somewhat. She cared about the girl so much and her heart felt near to bursting with emotion.

"Thats what best friends are for" she ventured, forcing the words out to cover her sudden shyness.

"Yeah," Willow chuckled. "Oh," she sighed, once her laughter had died down. Shed just remembered she was gonna be late. "I should get going"

"What for?" Tara frowned. "We havent even practiced any magicks yet"

"I know," Willow sighed. "Its just that Oz is going out of town with the Dingoes tomorrow, and he wanted to take me out to dinner tonight"

"Oh" Tara forced herself to smile. "Th-thats cool. I mean, umyeahyou-you should spend time with your b-b-boyfriend."

Willow could sense Taras disappointment, and she suddenly felt a little guilty. She and Tara always practiced magicks and hung out after school. It had become like a ritual to them. Whats more, the girl had probably even organized a special lesson plan. And now, without warning, she was ditching the girl to go out with her boyfriend. Manshe was the worst best friend ever.

"Hey," Willow sighed and reached for Taras hands. "Im sorryI-Im a bad frienda bad student. I should have told you. I dont have to go if you dont want. Ill call Oz and cancel"

"Oh, no," Tara shook her head vigorously. "You should go. I understandreally. You wont see him for a few days. You have to say goodbye to himhes your boyfriend."

"Hell only be gone a few days though," Willow protested, feeling like a heel for even thinking of ditching Tara. "He wont mind"

Tara smiled and gently squeezed Willows hands. "But I will," she explained. "I dont wanna get in the way of your relationship. As your best friend, Im ordering you to go out with your boyfriend," she chuckled, doing her best to make light of the situation. "Okay?"

"You sure you dont mind?" Willow insistedstill feeling bad about having to go.

"Im sure Will," Tara smiled. "Hes your boyfriendits only right."

"Well okay," Willow relented, even though she still felt a little guilty, "if you insist"

"I do." Tara widened her smile purposefully. "Go"

"Okay," Willow chuckled as she got off the bed.

She quickly located her sneakers and laced them up. When she was finished with her shoes, Willow moved back towards the bed and took a seat next to Tara.

"Thanks again Tara," she said softly, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "I mean ityoure the bestest friend ever," she chuckled.

Tara blushed and gave her a shy smile. "Ill see you tomorrow Will."

"Okay," Willow smiled and got off the bed.

Tara watched in silence as Willow left her roomunable to shake her sudden depression. Much as she knew shed done the right thinginsisting Willow go out with Oza part of her couldnt help but wish she hadnt. Shed gotten so used to spending every afternoon with Willowpracticing magicks, talking, having dinner togetherand just hanging out doing their own thing, like reading a spell book, doing homework and studying.

It felt weird not to be with Willow right now. Although, she realized how selfish she was being. She knew Willow had a boyfriend. It was only right for her to spend some time with him as well. She needed to learn how to curb her feelings better. Just because she had a crush on the girl, didnt give her the right to manipulate her time. She needed to accept that she and Willow would never be anything more than just friends.

She sighed at that thought and moved off the bed. She needed to do something to forget about her problems. Switching on her stereo, she put in her favorite easy-listening CD, before going over to her bookshelf. She pulled out a few of the spell books she accessed on a regular basis and reached all the way back to where she kept her stash of lesbian romance novels. If she couldnt have romance in her own lifeshe might as well satisfy herself vicariously.



***



A week later, the gang was all lounging around on a couch at the Bronze. As they sat in silence, listening to the Dingoes playing, Tara couldnt help but smileshe had to admit, they were pretty good. Willow seemed to think so as well, and as she glanced at her friend, noting how enthralled the girl looked, she sighed in frustration. Why did she have to torture herself this way? She knew Willow cared for Oz, so why did she constantly allow herself to be bothered by it? Why hadnt she learned to control her emotions by now?

Faith watched all this in silencealternating her gaze from Tara, to the oblivious Red. So, she thought to herself, Blondies not one for driving stick. Poor gal, Reds so caught up on Wolf Boy shed never switch teams. Turning her gaze back to Tara, Faith gave her the once over. Shed been with girls beforetruth was, she didnt really care who she did when she felt the urge for some satisfaction. All she cared about was how good something felt and she was not one to limit her pleasure just to fit in with social norms.

As she took in Taras featuresher clear skin, her ample breasts, her curvaceous hips, her luscious lipsFaith began to feel a sudden throbbing between her legs. Blondie sure is a hottie. I wonder what it would be like to watch her come. I bet shed be a wildcat in the sackmost shy ones are. Too bad shes got her eyes set on RedId love the chance to drag her away somewherepin her downtaste herfuck her. Oh yeah, I bet shed taste as sweet as honey


"Hey guys," Faith stood up, suddenly feeling the urge to kill something. She figured shed go on a quick patrolget in some vamp dustings to take her mind off things. Who knows, shed probably come back here afterwards and find herself some stud she could ride hard into oblivionor maybe even a filly. Or, better yetboth. She hadnt had a threesome in a while, maybe that would satisfy her sudden hunger.

"Im gonna head off," she continued. "I feel the need to do some serious vamp dusting."

Tara stood up as well, deciding shed tortured herself enough for one evening. She didnt know how much more she could takewatching Willow dote over Oz on stageit was just too much for her to handle.

"Can you walk me home first?" She asked the Slayer softly.

"Sure," Faith grinned knowingly. Poor Blondie, I guess she got tired of pining over Red. The girl is so blindpassing up on the chance to play with Blondie. She doesnt know what shes missing. I bet shes never tasted the sweet nectar of pussy juicenever had a girl work a little tongue action on her clit. Although, for that matterI dont think shes let Wolf-Boy get that far either. I bet shes waiting for true loveprobably thinks it actually exists. I wonder how long itll take her to realize it doesnt. Love is for suckers.


"Thanks," Tara smiled gratefully.

"Youre going?" Willow frownednot liking the notion. "Why are you going? Whats wrong?"

"I, umI dont feel too wellheadache"

"Oh," Willow sighed. "Wellyou want me to come with? Im sure Oz wont mind. We can go to my placeI can make you some tea or something"

"Oh no," Tara shook her head, not wanting to ruin Willows night just because she had issues. "Ill be finereally. Ill take a couple of aspirin and go to sleep. I dont wanna ruin your night. You should stay"

"But I dont mind," Willow insisted. "I"

"You heard her," Faith interjected, deciding to come to Taras aid. "She said shed be fine. You staybe with your Wolfie when hes done playin on stage. Ill make sure she gets home all right."

Willow frowned, feeling strangely annoyed with Faiths attitude. Who was she to tell her what Tara did and didnt want? And why would Tara ask Faith to walk her home? Well, okay, it was probably the Slayer thing. And being on a Hellmouthwho better to keep you safe at night than a Slayer?

"Ill see you guys later," Tara glanced at Buffy, Xander and Cordelia, before turning to face Willow.

"Bye," Buffy smiled.

"Bye Tara," Xander grinned.

"Yeah bye," Cordelia replied absentlynot really caring one way or another if the girl stayed.

Willow felt like protesting Taras departure, but decided against it. What would she protest about? Tara felt sick, so shed asked a Slayer to walk her home. What was so wrong with that? Nothing! So why didnt she like the idea? Why did she feel as if she should be the one walking Tara homenot Faith?

Oh yeah, and shed noticed that look Faith had given Tara a moment ago. If she wasnt mistakenthere was definitely something predatory in that lookor at the very least something that made her feel a little uneasy. Why had Faith been looking at Tara like that? What did it mean? And why was she so bothered by it? Taking a deep breath, she decided to let it go. What could she do or say anyway?

"Bye," she smiled resignedly.

"Later," Faith waved as she began to walk towards the exit.

Tara gave one last smile to the gang, before turning to follow her escort. She didnt really want to leavefelt a little bad about her white liebut she didnt have much of a choice. She wasnt a masochist, and there was only so much pain she could handle. And even though she was determined not to let it bother herit would still take her some time to get used to seeing the affection between Willow and Oz.



***



"Hey Blondie," Faith greeted Tara once shed made it outside.

"Hi Faith," Tara smiled as they began walking. "Thanks for, um"

"Not a problem," Faith interrupted, "glad to be of service," she gave the girl a sly winkpurposefully flirting with her.

Tara blushed slightly and giggled nervously. "Well, umthanks anyway," she mumbled shyly.

Faith grinned, finding the girls shyness strangely adorable. As they continued walking, she debated what to say to the girl. Tara had once again curled up into her shell of quietness and Faith knew she was probably thinking about Willow. She felt like pressing a few of her buttonsseeing how far she could tease the girl before she broke.

"So" she ventured. "Youre not one for driving stick are ya? Go in for a little girl-on-girl action ay?"

"W-w-what?" Tara looked up in shock. How did she know? "How?"

Faith grinned in responsepleased to see shed gotten the desired reaction out of the girl. "So Im right?" she chuckled, choosing not to explain how she knew. "Not like I havent gone down that road myself. When I got an itch to scratchdont care who scratches it. Know what I mean?" she chuckled again.

"Um, I-I, uhI" Tara sputtered, feeling her embarrassment increase even further. Maybe it had been a mistake to ask Faith to walk her home. She wasnt used to someone being so blatantly obvious about their sexuality. Not that she was one to hide from itbut Faith was a little too overbearing for her liking.

"Hey," Faith held up her hands, "Im just being honest. Where I come fromyou learn pretty quick to do what you want and to hell with the consequences."

"What do you mean?" Tara asked softly, sensing a sudden shift in the girls mood. Faith had apparently had a rough childhoodand that was something she could relate to. In fact, if it hadnt been for her mom, she wondered how she wouldve survived it at all.

"Wellyou knowlifes short and youve only got yourself to depend on. Why waste it worrying about consequences when you might not even live to see tomorrow?"

Tara frowned at Faiths words. She wasnt going to argue with the girl though. If thats how she feltwho was she to tell her it was wrongthat there were people out there who could be trusted? She had no idea what the girl had gone through in her lifewhy she felt like she did. It wasnt her place to judge her.

"You dont agree?" Faith promptednoticing Taras frown.

"I dont," Tara sighed, wracking her brain for a response. "But youre, umentitled to your own opinion. You must have a reason for how you feeland I respect that. Even if I dont agree with it," she chuckled.

Faith chuckled too, surprised with the girls response. Shed expected Tara to launch into some self-righteous speech about how she needed to trust peoplehow she was wrong to think like she did. The fact that she hadnt, gave her a newfound respect for the girl. There was definitely more to Blondie then met the eye.

"Youre a strange one," she ventured.

"S-s-strange?" Tara stammered.

"I cant quite peg you," Faith explained. "Idve thought youd be more self-righteous"

Tara simply smiled. "Why would you think that?"

"Youre one of the Scoobsyoure all into whats good and right andand you all look at the world through rose colored glasses."

"Oh" Tara sighed, pondering how to respond to her.

Just then, a couple of vamps jumped them, causing her to forget her thoughts in lieu of fear. Faith instantly sprung into action and before Tara could blink twicethe vamps had been deftly taken care of.

"You right?" Faith asked as she watched the second vamp turn to dust.

"Yeahthanks," Tara smiled.

"Good," Faith grinned, returning the stake to her back pocket. "Man Im frustrated," she sighed as they began walking. "A good slay always does it for me, you know what I mean?" she grinned.

Tara blushed at her words, but didnt say anything. She found Faiths overt sexuality a little unnerving and figured it would be best if she just ignored her.

Faith made that a little difficult thoughespecially with her next comment. "You wanna help me out with it?" she flirted.

Tara could feel herself blushing from the roots of her hair to the tip of her toes. Was Faith flirting with her? "I, uhI-I-I-I, umI-I-I"

Faith chuckled at Taras response. "Relax Blondie," she relented. "I was just teasing."

"Oh" Tara smiled, feeling herself relax a little.

"You need to lighten up a little," Faith continued. "Have some funyou know"

Tara just smilednot knowing what else to say. She was totally out of her element around Faith. She couldnt help liking the girl thougheven if it did make her a little uncomfortable. Faith had a lot of personal demons to deal withmaybe she could help the girlbecome her friend.

They walked in silence the rest of the way to Taras dorm. Faith figured shed teased the girl enough for one night and she might as well leave her to her thoughts. Besides, she needed to focus on sensing the vamps around em. She didnt like getting caught by surprise like they had. She shouldve been more careful.



***



A few weeks later, Willow found herself knocking on Taras door at a very inappropriate hourjust past midnight. It was the second night of a full moon and she knew Tara wasnt expecting her. Shed already told Tara she spent those three nights a month Wolf-sitting. Last night however shed made the mistake of entrusting Xander with the task so she could study. Tonight, Faith was saddled with it. Not because she had to study again, but because a Slayer was needed to guard Oz. And it was all her fault.

This is why she was now standing in front of Taras dorm in the middle of the night. Shed come to depend on Tara for comfort as of late, and whenever she felt sad or alone, she always gravitated towards her. Tara always knew exactly how to make her feel better, and she was in desperate need of comfort right now.

Tara was surprised to find Willow at her door. "Willow," she ventured, stepping aside to let the girl in. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong? Why arent you at the library? What happened?"

"Its all my fault," Willow sighed, kicking off her shoes and moving to lie down on Taras bed.

Closing the door, Tara returned to her bed and sat down next to Willows prone form. "Whats your fault Willow?" she asked sympathetically. "What happened?"

"Someone was killed," Willow sighed, looking up at Tara with tears in her eyes.

"What?" Tara exclaimed in shock.

"Oh, I dont mean I killed someone," Willow reassured, moving into babble mode. "It was Ozwe thinkandand it was all my fault coz I let Xander watch him last night and he fell asleep and the window was open this morning and Oz couldve escaped and so we went to the morgue and looked at the body and I analyzed the fibers and even though it wasnt totally conclusive, all signs point that it was a wild animal type creature who did it and not a vampire, so it couldve been a werewolfcouldve been Oz and thats why Faiths watching him tonight and"

"Hey Will," Tara interrupted with a smile, "slow down. So let me get this straight. Someone was killed, and Oz is a suspect. How is that your fault?"

"Coz I was supposed to be watching him last night"

"But you said you left Xander to watch him," Tara pointed out. "Its not your fault Xander fell asleep."

"Yeah," Willow sighed. Tara did have a point. "But I dont like the idea of Oz being responsibleyou shouldve seen him when he found out. He was so upset"

"And you couldnt sleep from thinking about it," Tara finished off knowingly.

"Yeah," Willow admitted softly.

"You wanna talk about it?" Tara asked softlypleased that the girl had come to her for comfort.

"You dont mind?"

"Of course not," Tara smiled. "You can talk to me about anything."

Oz took in his girlfriends words and felt a warm rush of relief flow over him. "Okay," he smiled as Willow put her arm around him. He could barely express how pleased he was.

"Uh," Giles interrupted their good cheer, "I wish we had time to celebrate properly. However, we have two victims. Jeff Orkin, and uh, now Platt. Uh, maybe theres something they had in common"

"Missing internal organs," Faith offered up.

Oz thought for a second as an idea hit him. "Debbie"

Giles looked at the young man curiously, wondering how hed gotten such an idea.

"Well," Oz explained, "victim number one, Jeff. He was in jazz band with us. They used to horse around"

"They were screwing?" Faith interrupted.

Everyone looked at her with mixture of surprise and bemusement.

"I dont think so," Oz replied stoically, "but he hid her music comp book once," he quipped.

"And we know that Debbie knew Platt," Buffy voiced her thoughts. "I mean, she was seeing him and way vocal about not having love for the guy."

"Add this and stir," Oz continued. "I just saw Debbie a minute ago sporting a nasty black eye."

"Okay," Willow pondered, "so pretend Debbie wanted Platt dead. Maybe he fought back?"

"No," Buffy shook her head in response. "Platt was dead in an instant. He didnt even drop his cigarette" she trailed off as a thought hit her. "Now, what if boyfriend Petes the one doling out the punishment?"

"We should find them both immediately," Giles reached for his coatas did Buffy.

"Well," Oz pointed out. "Debbie was in the quad a minute ago."

"All right," Giles replied. "Well split up. Um, Faith, you and I team. Willow and Tarayou stick with Buffy"

"And Illgo lock myself in the cage," Oz sighed.

Willow gave her boyfriend a sympathetic look, feeling utterly helpless. Tara noticed this and reached for her hand. Willow smiled at the comfort she was being offered and squeezed Taras hand in gratitude as they headed out of the library.



***



Willow and Tara followed Buffy into the girls locker room, hoping to find Debbie there. They were in luck. The girl was standing in front of a mirror doing her best to cover up her black eye with some makeup.

"Its tricky," Buffy ventured, coming up behind the young blonde, "covering a fresh shiner like that. You know what works?"

"What?" Debbie asked, putting away her makeup.

"Dont get hit," Buffy quipped. "Whats going on, Debbie? Ill bet the farm you know."

"Youre wrong," Debbie shook her head. "I dont know anything."

"Normally," Buffy ventured, "Id say, you wanna play I have a secret? Fine. But people are dying here."

Debbie glanced at Willow and the unfamiliar blonde next to her, before looking away again. "Itits not his fault. I mean, hes not himself when he gets like this."

"You mean Pete?" Buffy ventured.

"Its me," Debbie forced back her tears. "I make him crazy. He-he just does what he does because he loves me too much"

Tara listened in silence, feeling her heart pounding like crazy. Shed heard those words beforeheard them coming from her mothers mouth in fact. Shed said them every time her dad had hit her. It was the magicks shed said. The magicks made him crazyit was her fault for using them. She was badeviland he was the only one who could control her.


Shed grown up seeing her dad hurt her mother almost every day and shed hated it. She didnt think her mom was eviland she hated her dad for hurting her. But what could she have done? She was just a kidand whats more, she was just like her mother. What if she was evil as well? Well, thats what Donny and her dad had told her once theyd caught her levitating a pencil in her room one day. Theyd done their best to instill in her that she was evilthat they only wanted what was best for her.

A part of her refused to believe it though. She didnt want to be evildidnt want to hurt people. This is why shed studied so hard in high schoolwhy shed done her best to get away from it allearned that scholarship to UC Sunnydale. She was glad to be away from thembut they were still her family. She still loved them, and a part of her would always wonder if maybe they were righthence her massive research into finding a cure. She didnt want them to be right and if they wereshe didnt like their form of control. There had to be a better way of controlling her demon half than by getting beaten to a pulp and worked to the bone.

Thats what had killed her mother. Her death had been suddenand yet it hadnt been a surprise. Shed known her mothers days were numberedknown that one day her dad might go too far. He worked her day and night, beat her constantly, until shed no longer had the will to live. Which is why, when shed caught pneumonia, shed refused medical attention. Shed just allowed herself to get sicker and sicker, telling her that it was better this way. At least shed be goneshe wouldnt have to be controlled anymore. And she wouldnt be afraid of hurting anyone ever again.

Tara had rebelled thenafter her mothers death. Shed blamed her fatherknew it was all his faultand yet she hadnt been able to do anything about it. Despite her anger though, she still loved himhe was her father after all. This is why shed been so torn. She hadnt known what to do, so shed done her best to avoid her familyher responsibilities. Shed stayed back in the library every day after schoolstudying. After it had closed, shed catch the bus and go out of town to a youth club. Shed just sit on a secluded couch and read in the cornerdrinking the occasional mocha and doing her best to remain inconspicuous.

Shed gotten attention a few times thoughgone on a few dates, but nothing had ever lead to anything. Shed been glad of it thoughglad to get away from her problems. Her father had beaten her senseless the first time shed stayed out all night, after that though, shed learned from her mistake. She didnt like to use magick to cloud peoples minds, but shed felt she had to in this case. Her anger at her father had fuelled her to cast a small cursecausing her father and Donnie to forget to check if she was around. Whenever they felt like looking for her, theyd instantly become distracted with something else.

She wasnt too proud of herself for doing that, but she hadnt known what else to do. Besides, if they were all so insistent that she was half evilthen a small curse like that was childs playright? That still didnt make her feel better about it and after her rebellious phase had worn itself out, shed removed the curse post hasty. Although, when shed left for UC Sunnydale, she hadnt been able to resist putting a similar curse back on her family. It was just a small oneso that she wouldnt keep getting bothered with phone calls and letters and visits. She needed time to figure out how to rid herself of evil once and for all, and she was terrified her family would come for her and take her away before she had the chance to do so.

Willow turned to look at her friend, sensing a shift in her energy. There was a look of both sadness and compassion in Taras eyealmost as if she could relate to Debbies predicament. She wondered why that was, and figured shed ask her about it later. Right now they had more pressing matters on hand.

"But werent Mr. Platt and Jeff murdered by an animal?" She asked.

"Petes not like other guys, is he Debbie?" Buffy asked knowingly.

"I-Ive gotta go," Debbie grabbed her purse, realizing that these girls knew more than they were letting on.

Buffy grabbed her arm though, preventing her from moving. "You have to talk to us," she ventured.

Debbie shook her head in response.

"We cant help you until you do," Buffy insisted.

"I didnt ask for you help!" Debbie exclaimed.

"Well, when are you going to?" Willow interjected exasperatingly.

Tara took a step towards the girl and laid a gentle hand against her armthe one Buffy wasnt holding on to. "If Pete kills you," she said gently, releasing a little of her energy to help relax the girl, "itll pretty much be too late" She didnt want to see the same thing happen to Debbie that shed seen happen to her mom. And she wished to the gods that this girl would let them help her.

"Debbie," Buffy insisted, "were running out of time."

"Please," Tara said softly, releasing a little more of her energy.

Debbie didnt know why she started to feel a little calmer, but there was just something about this blonde stranger that she found relaxing. It was almost as if the girl could understand herknew what she was going through.

"Who are you?" she asked.

Tara looked at Buffy and then glanced at Debbies armasking her silently to let the girl go.

Buffy did as she was bid, knowing she could easily grab onto her again if she made a move to leave.

"My names Tara," she said softly. "I know you love himbut you need to help us find him. We dont want to hurt himwe just want to stop him from hurting someone else."

"Where can we find him?" Buffy insisted on asking.

"I-I dont know," Debbie trembled.

"Youre lying," Buffy accused.

"What if I am?" Debbie asserted. "What are you gonna do about it?"

Buffy had heard enough. She had no time for gentlenesslike Tara. She needed results now.

"Wrong question," Willow ventured, noticing the look on Buffys face.

Tara turned to face the Slayer and sighed. "No" she ventured softly, pleading with Buffy to let her handle this. She didnt want the girl to get hurt. And she could tell that she was close to reaching her.

"Theres no time," Buffy explained as she grabbed Debbies arm again and ripped her out of Taras grasp. She then pushed her up against the sink and forced her to look into the mirror.

"Look at yourself," she said harshly. "Why are you protecting him? Anybody who really loved you couldnt do this to you."

Tara sighed, as she listened to Buffys words. They cut so close to home. Shed thought like Debbie at one stagethought that her beatingsher mothers beatingscame only because her dad loved them. Her opinion quickly changed though when her mother had died. Shed seen his actions for what they were, but she still had a hard time accepting the truth. It was difficult to believe that her own father didnt love her. In his own way he didhe just showed it differently than others.

Willow noticed Taras sigh and took a step towards her friend. She reached for her hand and asked her silently if she were okaylifting her eyebrow in question.

Tara squeezed Willows hand in responsegiving her a soft smile. She could tell that Willow sensed something was up with her, and she knew shed have to explain everything later. Although, she had no idea if she was ready to do that. She could see that Willow didnt have much respect for Debbies attitudedidnt understand why the girl felt like she didwhy she found it so hard to get out of an abusive relationship. Would Willow understand about herabout her motherher father, if she told her? She didnt think so.

"Would they take him someplace?" Debbie turned around to face thembreaking Tara out of her thoughts.

"Probably," Buffy replied honestly.

Debbie shook her head in response as she began to sob. "I could never do that to him."

Willow sighed in frustration. A part of her felt sorry for the girl, but another part couldnt understand her. Why would anyone stay in an abusive relationship? She turned towards Tara then, expecting to see the same look of confusion and frustration in her eye. She was surprised to see only compassion. What was going on here? Why did Tara seem so understanding? Had she gone through this herself? That thought confused her even more. Tara didnt seem the type to be involved in an abusive relationship. Shed have to ask her about it later. There was definitely something going on here.

"Im his everything," Debbie continued.

"Great," Buffy spat out in disgust. "So what, you two live out your Grimm fairy tale? Two people are dead. Whos gonna be next?"

Debbie couldnt take it any longer. She was torn. She loved Pete. Pete loved her. She couldnt do it to him. She couldnt. He loved her. Thats why he hurt her. Why he killed them. He did it all for herright? With a sob, she collapsed onto the nearby changing bench and curled herself up into a small ballhugging her hips tightly.

"He does love me," she began to chant. "He does love me. He does love me. He does love me. He does love me"

"This is useless," Buffy exhaled in frustration. "We have to go. I have to find Pete."

Looking at the poor girl sobbing, Willow began to feel sorry for her once again. She looked up at Tara and expressed her compassion silently.

Tara looked at Willow in surprisenot expecting to see compassion in her gaze.

As of one mind, they both moved towards Debbie and each placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Come on," Willow said softly, doing her best to get her to stand up.

"Its okay Debbie," Tara insisted, following Willows lead and trying to lift the girl up.

"He does love me," Debbie insisted, resisting their efforts.

Willow sighed in frustration and looked at Tara. "I think we broke her."

"He does love me. He does love me," Debbie continued to chant.

Buffy stopped walking momentarily and looked back at Willow. "I think she was broken before this," she ventured, before exiting the locker room.

Willow and Tara shared another look of compassion before returning their attention back to Debbie. "Come on Debbie," Tara said softly, placing her hand back on the girls arm. "Itll be okay."

Willow smiled and followed Taras lead, placing her own hand against the girl. She suddenly sensed a flow of energy emanating from Tara, and realized what her teacher was up to. She quickly followed her example and began releasing a little of her own energy.

Within moments, Debbie had stopped chanting and stopped resisting their attempts to lift her up. She remained silent though, and just stared off into space as they guided her outside towards Buffy.



***



As they walked down the halls of Sunnydale High in search of Pete, the four girls heard a loud scream coming from the library. They quickly rushed towards the sound as Giles and Faith joined them from another hallalso having heard the scream.

It didnt take them long to reach the library, and once they had, they noticed that Pete and Wolfie Oz were going at each other on the stairs.

"Get the dart gun!" Giles instructed Buffy.

"Got it," the Slayer replied, having reached behind the counter.

She cocked the weapon and aimed over Giles shoulder at the two boys.

Debbie couldnt let Buffy do this. Despite knowing he was in the wrong, she still loved Pete. She had to protect him. With that thought she shoved the Slayers hand as the girl pulled the trigger and yelled out to her boyfriend.

"Pete, watch out!"

Pete jumped at the sound of the gun firing and bolted from the library.

"Ow!" Giles yelped as the dart hit him instead.

"Oh! Sorry!" Buffy apologized sheepishly.

"Oh, right. Bloody priceless," Giles replied as the drug began to take affect. He staggered in place and fell to the floor, inadvertently pushing a table against Wolfie Oz as he attempted to run after Pete.

Buffy lifted the rifle again, this time aiming for Willows boyfriend instead of Debbies. She couldnt get a good shot of him though and he managed to escape from out of the library.

She didnt have time to try again though, so she tossed the rifle to Faith. "You get the Wolf!" she instructed, before running after Pete.

"Got it!" Faith replied as she caught the gun.

Without a word, Willow and Tara followed after Faith as she ran out of the library to chase Wolfie Oz. Willow screamed once theyd finally reached her. Faith was on the floor doing her best to avoid getting bitten by Oz and yet keep him at bay. Apparently Oz had caused her to drop the dart gun at one stage.

***

CHAPTER 5

***

"So Blondie," Faith greeted Tara as she took a seat on the grass next to the young witch, "you waiting for Red?"

"Hi Faith," Tara smiled at the Slayer. "Yeah, IIm waiting for the gang so we can head over to the Espresso Pump."

"Why dont you just meet em there?"

"Willow said it would be more fun if we could all walk there together"

"Of course," Faith grinned slyly, "and youd do anything Red asked you toright?"

Tara looked up at the dark-haired Slayer in confusion. "W-what do you m-m-mean by that? W-w-why wouldnt I do s-s-something for W-W-W-Willow?"

Faith chuckled at Taras sudden nervousness, she couldnt help liking the blonde witch. There was just something so innately honest about her, that Faith felt closer to her than any of the other Scoobiesexcept for maybe Buffy. She didnt know why, but a part of her felt kind of protective towards the young witch, maybe it was a Slayer thing.

It might have something to do with how Tara reacted to her, as if she didnt judge her. Faith wasnt blind, she knew what the rest of the Scoobies thought of her, knew they looked down on her because of her past, thought she was white trash, as if she wasnt good enough for them, and if she hadnt been the Slayer, they probably never wouldve even given her the time of day. Okay, well, maybe Xander would have, but he was a guy, and guys always gave her the time of dayand they gave her exactly what she needed

Back to Blondie though, Blondie seemed to almost understand where she came from, and she didnt judge her. It was like who she was in the past, where she came from, didnt matter. Your past was your past, and all that mattered was the here and nowand for some reason she just knew that Blondie would always tell her where she stood with her. Blondie would never make a play of liking her just to be politeshe hated that. She hated the way the Scoobies all played nice around her because it was the right thing to do.

Her affection for Blondie didnt stop Faith from giving her a hard time though. Teasing was goodit was fun, and she loved getting a reaction out of her, loved seeing how much she could push her. Besides, the girl always took her teasing with good humoreven if she did turn beet red at some of the things she saidbut Blondie knew she was teasing, knew it was just her way. Tara would have to be the most understanding person shed ever met, and for someone who made it her job not to trust anyone, Faith couldnt help feeling as if she could trust Tara.

Yeah, there was definitely something special about Blondie and Faith knew she would do everything she could to make sure no one hurt her, especially Red. Why couldnt the girl see how crazy Blondie was for her? Red was blind and stupid not to notice the way Blondie looked at herno one had ever looked at her that way. No, wait, Red wasnt blind or stupid, she was a goddamned sheep. Red would never acknowledge the notion she could be interested in girlsshe had Dog-Boy after alland she wouldnt want to do anything to upset her moralistic, self-centered, hypocritically purist social groupwould she?

Man, that pissed her off. Here was Blondie, pining away for someone who was too stupid, and too much of a sheep to even give her the time of day. She deserved better, deserved someone who didnt care what society thought, didnt care about what was right or wrongbut about what felt right. That was her motto, want, take, have. If you wanted something, you just went ahead and took it. Why should you deny yourself anything? Life was short, and if you didnt take care of Numero Uno, then you were just wasting your time, because no one else would.

"Hey kid," she grinned at Tara, "Im not blind, I see the way you look at heranyone with half a brain would realize you"

"What?" Tara interrupted, her cheeks burning. "Y-y-you c-c-can t-t-tell? Everyone can t-t-tell II?"

Faith chuckled at Taras fear. "Relax Blondie," she grinned. "I said anyone with half a brainthe Scoobies dont exactly fit the bill. Theyre too caught up in their own self importance to notice whats going on around them."

Tara frowned at Faiths description of her friends. "I dont think theyre"

"Relax," Faith interjected. "I was just teasing, but I really dont think theyre aware of your little crush."

Tara blushed again. "But you are?"

"Hey, I notice these thingsI notice you," she flirted, strategically placing a hand on Taras knee, and looking into her eyes.

Tara didnt know how to react to Faiths sudden come-on. Not that she wasnt flatteredFaith was definitely one of the hottest girls shed ever metbut she wasnt Willow. Whats more, shed never been good with people, wasnt used to having someone flirt with her, and Faiths attention threw her a little.

"I-I-I" she stammered, searching her mind for something to sayfor a way of letting Faith know she wasnt interested. Nothing came to her however, and all she could do was take a few deep breaths as she looked down at the ground.

"Shes blind you know," Faith continued, keeping her hand on Taras knee. "Shed have to be not to notice your hotness."

Tara didnt think it was possible to turn redder than she was already, but at Faiths words, she could feel her blush deepening even further. What was Faith implying? Why was she flirting with her?

"Look at me Tara," Faith continued, an idea forming in her head.

Slowly, Tara lifted her gaze, meeting the Slayers eyes.

"Youre sweet and hot at the same time," Faith whispered huskily, moving her hand from Taras knee, up to her thigh, "and I bet youve never felt what its like to taste a womanto have a woman taste youand to scream her name at the top of your lungs when you come so hard you feel like your brains about to explode?"

Tara merely shook her head, words escaping her for the moment. She couldnt believe how daring Faiths words were, how explicit she was being, and she couldnt help getting turned on by them, just a little. Although, it was Willows taste she was fantasizing about, Willows lips she wanted to feel between her own legs, and Willows name she could imagine screaming as she descended into ecstasy.

Faith smiled as she noticed Taras eyes glaze over, knowing her wordsd had their desired effect. She wasnt stupid though, she knew Red was most likely the star of Blondies fantasy. Leaning in slowly, she moved her lips to Taras ear. "You can see her, cant you?" she whispered seductively. "See her riding youtasting youfeel her wetnessher desire"

Tara closed her eyes as Faiths words evoked more erotic images in her mind. Suddenly, she realized what she was doing and pulled back in alarm. "Faith," she said in reproach, her eyes meeting the Slayers. "W-what are you doing?"

"Giving you a little taste," Faith replied, gently squeezing her thigh.

"A taste of what?" Tara asked in confusion.

"You know you can never have herthat she belongs to someone else"

"I know that Faith," Tara sighed. "Im hap-happy just being her friend."

Faith chuckled at the young girls naivet. "No youre not," she told her with a grin. "Youll never be happy pining away for something you can never have. Thats why Im offering you the chance to live out your fantasy."

Tara frowned at the Slayers words, becoming more confused than ever. "What do you mean Faith?"

"We all have urges," Faith said huskily, moving her face closer towards Taras, allowing her breath to brush over the young witchs lips. "We all want things we can never havefantasize about what it would be like to taste that special someoneto feel taste their essence on your tongue, to feel their warm wetness surround your fingers as their muscles clench with desire"

"What are you g-g-getting at Faith?" Tara asked breathlessly, her face burning with both embarrassment and desire. The Slayers words had evoked the most erotic images in her mind, and she couldnt help being turned on by them, by the way the girls hand rested seductively against her thigh, the way her breath tingled against her lips. Tara might be a one-woman kind of gal, but she was also human, and when an overly sex-charged, omni-sexual Slayer flirted with herwell, she found it hard to ignore her basic animalistic urges.

"You want her," Faith leaned in even closer, taking full advantage of Taras reaction. "I can see it in your eyescan smell your needSlayer senses and all, and I," she bridged the gap between them and rested her forehead against Taras, her lips almost brushing against the blondes, "I can see you want me too, want me to please you, to bring you to the edge of insanity"

Tara closed her eyes when Faiths lips finally brushed against hers, getting caught up in the moment. The kiss was surprisingly soft, gentlethe Slayer merely teasing her with what she could offer her, using her lips to capture hers tenderly, first the top one and then the bottom one. Faith suckled on it gently for a moment and when she finally felt Tara respond, she pulled away.

"I can give you what you want Tara," she whispered seductively, making sure to let her lips brush against the blondes as she spoke. "I can be whoever you want me to be" she paused a moment to once again suckle on Taras bottom lip, knowing instinctively that the girl liked that. "I can even be your precious Red," she said as she pulled away, moving her hand from Taras outer thigh, to her inner thigh.

Taras eyes flew open in shock when she felt the Slayers hand so close to her sexheard her reference to Willow. It was then that she realized what Faith was getting atrealized her own weakness in succumbing to the Slayers seduction. How could she have forgotten about Willow? Well, not forgotten about her, but let herself forget that it wasnt Willow who was touching her. Shed allowed herself to fantasize about the woman she adored as the Slayer had kissed herspoken spoke her sexy words, and touched her oh so intimately.

This was wrong though, it was cheap. Sure, she knew she didnt stand a chance with Willow, knew shed never feel the girls lips against her own. But allowing herself to pretend she could, allowing Faith to seduce her into this immoral fantasywell, it was wrong. It would be so easy to take what Faith was offering, but it wouldnt be real, it wouldnt be about lovejust sex, and she wanted more than that. She could never simply have sex with someone and she knew thats all Faith was offering.

She suddenly couldnt help feeling a little sorry for the Slayer. Faith must be really lonely to feel like she doesnt deserve to be lovedas if sex is all she could hope for. What happened in this girls life to make her feel so dejected, to make her yearn for affection in any way, even at the expense of true love?


"Im sorry Faith," Tara whispered, placing her hand against the Slayersstilling her movement, preventing her from moving closer towards her sex.

"Dont be sorry," Faith smiled, "just say yes," she continued, leaning forward to once again rest her forehead against Taras. "You know you want it"

Tara lifted her other hand and placed it tenderly against Faiths cheek. "I do want it," she whispered, moving her head back to look into the brunettes eyes, "I want youbut you deserve more than just mymy w-w-want"

Taras words confused the Slayerit wasnt the reaction shed been expecting. A moralistic its wrong she would have understoodeven a flat out denial by Blondie of her own desire wouldve been a predictable response. But for Tara to tell her that she did want her, but that she deserved more, wellthat just threw her.

"What do you mean I deserve more?" she asked huskily, moving her free hand to Taras cheek. "You under-estimate your hotness Blondie," she continued seductively. "I know youre inexperienced, but half the fun would be in the teachingIm sure I could show you a thing or two about how"

"Thats n-not what I m-m-mean Faith," Tara interrupted, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I mean you deserve to be l-l-lovedin the truest sense of the word, and II d-dont l-l-love youIm sorry"

"I know that, Cutie," Faith chuckled. "I dont love you eitherwhat Im talking about is a good old roll in the hay, one whichll leave us both totally satisfied, and have us walking funny for days"

Tara smiled despite her embarrassment, knowing where the girl was coming from. To Faith, sex wasnt about love, it was about momentarily feeling satisfied, fooling herself into believing it was all the affection she needed. She was wrong thoughshe could have affection without sex, just as she could have both love and sex together. The girl had obviously been so hurt in her life that she now believed she didnt deserve to be loved. A part of Tara could understand thather dad had always told her she was a thing of evilthat her family were the only ones who could ever love a creature such as herself, and that she shouldnt bother seeking out love from others.

Shed been lucky howevershed had her mom. Her mom had made sure to remind her that no matter what her dad said, everyone deserved love. There was no such thing as a totally good person, just like there was no such thing as a totally evil person. Good and evil existed inside everyone, and it was up to the individual to decide where they stood on the continuum. This was partly the reason she still had hope. Even though she had so much evil inside her, it would be up to her to decide whether or not she gave into it.

Looking into the misguided eyes of the troubled Slayer, Tara couldnt help feeling a kind of kinship with the young woman. Here was someone who hadnt had a mother to tell her she deserved lovehad been brought up to believe that sex was just sex, and that love had no part of it. Faith didnt need another nameless lover, Faith needed a friendsomeone to love her unconditionallyplatonically, someone who would stick by her no matter what.

"You dont get it Faith," Tara continued, practically willing herself not to stutter. The point she wanted to get across was deftly serious, and she didnt want to mar it by stammering like an idiot. "II want to love you," she explained, gently running her thumb against the Slayers cheekbone. "You deserve to be loved"

This threw Faith even more off balance, and she could barely move as she looked into the young witchs eyes. "I thought Red was the one y?"

"Im not talking romantic love," Tara interrupted gently, her smile widening. "Im talking friendshipplatonic love. II w-wanna be your friend Faith. I wanna get to know who you really are, and II want the chance to love you like a friend."

Faith couldnt believe the words coming out of Blondies mouth, they were almost unrecognizable to her. No one had ever said they wanted to love her before, especially not without sex. She couldnt understand her, why would she want this? Why would this girl want to be her friend, want to love her? Faiths first instinct was to think the girl was having her on, lying to her, but she knew that wasnt the case. There was just something in the way Tara was looking at her, that made her feel like she was telling the truth. Why did she feel like she could trust her? Shed never trusted anyone in her whole life, why start now?

"Love is for suckers," Faith said eventually, refusing to give in to the weird feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Its just something guys say to get you into bed, and something girls wanna hear to justify their actionscoz, you know, its okay to fuck someones brains out if youre in love" she pointed out sarcastically.

"Youre wrong Faith," Tara insisted. "Love isnt just about sex and justificationthere are m-many different forms of love"

"Now whos been reading a Bible too much?" Faith quipped. "All this love thy neighbor garbage"

"Im not preaching to you Faith," Tara smiled patiently, "Im talking about nature, about our basic rights," she tenderly stroked the Slayers cheek again, wondering how deep this girls pain really went. "I havent read a Bible since grade school," she pointed out good naturedly, "and Im more of a Wiccan than a ChristianFaith, II understand you more than you think I do," Tara continued.

"You understand nothing," Faith interjected.

"Youre wrong," Tara interrupted. "You never met my father," she began, realizing that revealing this to Faith would be the only way to get her to understand. "He made it his job to tell me I was worthlessto make me think I was, umevil"

Faith frowned at the young girls words, surprised by what shed revealed. How could anyone think this girl was evil? "You?" she asked in surprise. "You evil? Thats a laugh riot if I ever heard one," Faith chuckled. "If youre evil, then Im the Dark lord himselfruler of Hell."

Tara chuckled along with the Slayer. "Youre wrong though," she said after her laughter had died down. "Theres a lot you dont know about me Faithwe both have good and evil inside us"

Faith looked like she was about to protest, but Tara moved her hand from the Slayers cheek, to her lips, gently silencing her.

"We do," she insisted. "But thats not my pointnot exactly. What I wanna point out, is that despite all my dad told me, I was lucky enough to have my mom. She, umshe taught me that we all deserve to be lovedthat no one is perfect, and its up to us to choose how we want our lives to play out"

"What are you driving at Blondie?" Faith inquired, moving her hand up to Taras, and lifting it away from her lips.

"I mean you shouldnt believe all the hype about you being so, umso bad."

Faith chuckled in response. "I am a badass Blondie, where have you been?"

Tara chuckled too, but remained firm in her words. "But theres more to you than just that," she insisted. "Youre a Slayer," Tara reminded her. "You fight on the side of goodand yet your power is rooted in darkness. Youre more complex than even you realize, and um, II wanna be your friendI think youre worth getting to know"

Faith couldnt help warming to the girls words, she wasnt much for the mushy stuff, but like shed been thinking earlier, there was definitely something special about Blondie. Okay, she thought to herself. If Blondie wants to be friends, then well be friends, shed have to be the only Scoobie I respectwell, except for B. Theres definitely something about the whole Slayer thing that only she getsand I know she craves more than just non-fat yogurt after a good slayokay, focus on cutie hereI can think about Buffy later


"Okay Blondie," Faith ventured, her mind made up. "If you wanna be friendsIm willing to have a go at it. But if you even bring up the love crap againIm outta heregot it?"

Tara giggled at the Slayers bravadoknowing the girl was still in denial. It was a good start thoughhopefully by showing Faith what true friendship was all about, shed be able to get through to her, be able to show her that she wasnt as bad a person as she thought she was. Coz that was Faiths main downfallshed been told so many times how bad she was, that shed allowed herself to believe she really was. Tara could see through that though, could sense the good inside her, and being the person she wasshe wanted to do everything in her power to help this girl, she deserved it.

"Okay Faith," Tara began, after shed stopped giggling. "No lovethe words gonestricken from my vocabulary."

"Just so were clear," Faith grinned, finally removing her hand from Taras thigh.

"Crystal," Tara responded with a smile.

"So," Faith began, suddenly getting an idea. She wanted to see how far she could push their newfound friendship, see how much sexiness she could get away with before Tara put a stop to it. "How bout we go to the Homecoming dance together?"

"The Homecoming dance?" Tara asked in surprise. "I, umI dont even go to school here"

"Thats the whole point," Faith interjected. "I bet youd love to spend the night with RedDog-Boyll be playing on stage all night Im sure she could use the company, but youd never go aloneso as youre friend Im offering to take you."

"But you dont go to school here either," Tara pointed out. "How will you get tickets?" Although, a part of her was suddenly intrigued by the idea of going to the Homecoming dance. Faith was right, Willow would be alone all nightshed want someone to talk tosomeone to keep her company

Tara frowned as she suddenly realized the selfishness of her thoughts. Willow had a boyfriend, she cared about Ozshe would never be interested her, and it was selfish of her to want anything more than friendship from her.

Although, on second thoughts, Willow would be lonely

"Well crash together," Faith grinned. "I bet Bs already bought tickets," she continued, her grin widening when she saw the look on Taras facethe girl was only seconds away from giving in"and since Scott Hope ditched herI dont think shell mind giving em to us. If she changes her mind about goingshe can easily get another ticket. So what do you say? You in?"

"I" Tara hesitated, still not quite sure if it was a good idea. Whats more, she couldnt help wondering about Faiths motives for asking her. "Why do you wanna go to the dance with me so much?"

"You want the truth?" Faith asked, grinning seductively.

Tara nodded in response.

"Okay," Faith chuckled. "I wanna have a bit of funI plan on checking out the student population for hottiesbut if I land a dreg, then I can just tell em youre with meand besides, how can I resist the chance to rub up against you on the dance floor?"

"Faith," Tara interjected, surprised by her continued flirting. "II thought we c-c-cleared this up?"

"You didnt think Id give up that easily?" Faith grinned. "Havent you ever heard of having friends with benefits?"

"Faith, I-I-I" Tara sputtered, not knowing exactly how to respond.

"Im not taking no for an answer," Faith stated. "Im going to the dance, and youre coming with me, even if I have to drag you there kicking and screaming," she smiled softly, letting the witch know she was teasing.

Tara shook her head at Faiths words, but did so with a smile. She could tell the Slayer wasnt gonna relent, and to be honest, she couldnt really see the harm in going to the dance with her. Its not like the rest of the Scoobies wouldnt be thereand Faith was probably trying to push her buttons by asking her, wanting to test their newfound friendship.

"Okay Faith," Tara sighed eventually, "Im in. But I meant what I said about the whole friendship thingthats all I want."

"And I respect that totally," Faith said oh-so innocently, "but you cant blame a gal for trying," she continued, leaning close and surprising Tara with a quick kiss on the cheek. "Youre a total hottie," she flirted as she pulled away.

Tara blushed at the compliment and good naturedly pushed the Slayer away from her. "Youre relentless," she giggled.

"I always take what I want," Faith replied, lifting her hand back up to Taras cheek.

Willow, Oz, Xander and Cordelia chose that moment to round the grassy hill in front of the school. Willow unwittingly let go of Ozs hand in shock as she witnessed the sickening display of affection happening between Tara and Faith. Why was Faith stroking Taras cheek? Why was Tara giggling, allowing Faith to touch her? And why did the sight of it make her wanna do some hardcore violence to Faith?

"Whats going on here?" she asked the two girls, bringing their attention away from one another and up to her.

"Willow," Tara smiled, pleased to see her student, "How was your day? Were you happy with how you turned out in the yearbook photo?" she asked, knowing the girl had been nervous about it.

Willow relaxed slightly at Taras words, giving her a warm smile. "I think I turned out a little worried-looking," she confessed sheepishly. "I was smiling for what seemed like ages, and when no photo was being taken I started to wonder whyand thats when the guy took it"

"Aww," Tara chuckled. "I bet you turn out adorable," she grinned.

"I hope so," Willow smiled, until her gaze once again landed on Faith. "What were you two talking about?" she frowned.

"That didnt just happen!" Tara pointed at Willow, voicing both their thoughts.

"No!" Willow agreed, gesturing nervously with her hands. "I mean, it didbut it didnt!"

"Because I respect you," Tara continued, "and Ozand I would never"

"I would never, either," Willow frowned. "I-it must be the clothesi-its a fluke."

"Its a clothes fluke," Tara supplied, jumping at the chance to justify her actions, "thats what it isand therell be no more fluking"

"Not ever," Willow replied, her eyes drifting back down to Taras lips. Unwittingly she took a step towards her, once again feeling the draw of her sensuality.

Tara leaned in as well, feeling just as powerless as Willow. "We gotta get out of these clothes!" she stated, jumping back as she realized what she was doing.

"Right now," Willow agreed, pulling back as well.

Their eyes met then as they realized the implications of what theyd just said.

"Oh," Tara ventured, feeling all flustered, "I didnt mean"

Willow shook her head in agreement, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I didntme, either," she stated, turning around as she ran towards the change screen.

Feeling utterly mortified by her behavior, Tara turned the other way and headed straight for the door, choosing to leave her boots and casual clothes behind. Shed probably just ruined her friendship with Willow forever, and she was in a rush to get home, before the tears consumed her.

Willow heard the door slam, and realized Tara had left. Stepping out from behind the screen, she hastily dragged the evil-dress off her body and tossed it to the floor. She then threw herself onto her bed as she began to sob uncontrollably.

What had she donewhat did it all mean? Had she ruined her friendship with Tara? Why had she kissed her? Why had it felt so goodso right? Was she gay? If she wasthen why did she care about Ozwhat was Oz to her? What was going onwhy had she behaved so irresponsiblyand why couldnt she forget how hot it had felt to kiss Tara? Shed never gotten so turned on by kissing Oznever gotten so wetso shakyso blind.

Did this mean she was gay? She didnt want to be gayshe wasnt gaywas she? If she wasnt, then why did she constantly feel like touching Taralike holding her handholding her closelicking her naked backkissing her? Had she been in denial? Is that why shed freaked when shed seen Tara and Faith kissingwas she jealous? Is that it?

Oh, Godshed just ruined her friendship with Tara for good. Even if she was interested in Tara, the girl had Faith. Why would she want a nobody like her when she could have a sexy Slayer who could kill things with her bare hands? The girl probably felt all embarrassed nowdidnt know how to tell her she just wanted to be friends. Tara was gay, so of course shed kissed her, two girlsdancingheat of the moment and allbut that didnt mean she wanted more than friendship.

All Tara had ever offered her was friendshipshed never come on to hernever given her reason to believe she wanted more. What would she do if Tara left herif Tara decided shed overstepped her bounds? The girl had come to mean so much to her in the short time that shed known her. Tara was her teacherher confidantone of her best friendsshed told things to Tara shed never told anyone elseno one understood her like Tara did.

So why did she have to be such an idiot and ruin it with a kiss? Okay, so it wasnt just a kissit was a mind-blowing make-out sessionwith tongue and everything. A quick peck on the lipsthat could be explained awaybut what had just happened between them was more than just thatit was soulful and spiritualand magickalat least to her.

What was she going to do? Shed just lost her best friendand worseshed cheated on her boyfriend. How could she be such a terrible person? Shed not only hurt Oz, but herself as welland shed probably made Tara feel utterly uncomfortable. The poor girl was probably sitting in her room right now, thinking of ways to let her down gentlypondering over how to end their friendship.

Oh God, she didnt even know who she was anymore. The person who had kissed Tara wasnt herwas it? She would never feel that way about a girlthink those thoughts about a girlkiss her passionatelyexplore her mouth with her tonguefantasize about her nakednessfeel like running her tongue over her salty skin? Would she? What was she going to do? What would everyone say if she were gaywhat would Oz say?

She cared about Ozdidnt want to hurt himbut if she were gayhow could she live a lie? Would being with Oz really be a lieor was kissing Tara just a fluke? Did she want to do it again? The answer was yes! Now that shed had a taste of those sweet lipssampled what the girl had to offerhow could she not want it? Shed never be able to forget that kissit had simply left her wanting more

What was she to do? She wanted Tara desperatelybut shed never be able to have her. A goddess such as Tara would never want a nobody like her, she deserved more. Besides, she had moreshe had Faithand even if Faith wasnt good enough for her, the Slayer was still better than her. Faith was obviously way more experienced than she wasshe could probably do things to Tara that she could only dream about.

That thought suddenly made her feel a little queasy. The idea of Faith pleasing Tarawellthat just seemed wrong to her somehow. Tara was her girlshe was the only one who had the right to touch herto kiss herto please her

Okay, since when did she become Ms Possessive? Tara wasnt hersshe belonged to no oneshe had no right to think otherwise. And yetshe couldnt help it. She hated the idea of Tara with someone elsesomeone other than her. It was only now that she finally realized why shed felt so angry, so furious with Tara for allowing Faith to kiss her. She was jealous

Willow began to sob even harder at that thought, as the hopelessness of her situation dawned on her. For the second time in her life, she wanted someone who didnt want her backwhats more, she was almost possibly gayand even worseshed cheated on her boyfriend. Her life was ruinednot just because of her sexuality, but because she now knew she could never be just friends with Tara, but that friendship was all that Tara wanted. How could she just stand around and do nothing as she watched her sweet Tara make time with Faith?

Throwing the remaining clothes off her bed, Willow crawled under the bedcovers, not bothering to get dressed. She then continued to wallow in her depression, in her hopelessnesssoftly crying herself to sleep.



***



Meanwhile, Tara rushed towards her dorm in utter anguish. She too felt like shed ruined their friendship. Willow would probably never want to speak to her again, not after shed practically mauled her. How could she have been so wantonly aggressive?

As she closed the door behind her, Tara quickly took off her dress and slipped into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, before crawling under the covers of her bed. She cried softly for a whilethinking shed lost Willow forever.

However, as her thoughts started to wandershe began to slowly realize that Willow had kissed her back. She hadnt been the only one doing the kissingif she remembered correctly, Willows tongue had definitely made its way into her mouthhad dueled with her ownexplored her

Did that mean there was the possibility that Willow might actually be interested in her? Could this have changed the dynamic of their relationship? AlthoughWillow wasnt gayshe had Ozbut maybe

Tara refused to hope one way or another. She realized that before she started to dream of having a chance with Willow romantically, shed need to speak with the girl. They had to discuss what had happenedfigure out what they both wanted. She didnt want to push Willow into something she didnt wantand she especially didnt want to do anything to ruin their friendship.

With that thought, she allowed herself to gradually drift off to sleep. Shed left her stuff at Willowshopefully the girl would come over to return it tomorrowand they could discuss what had happened then.



***



Just as Tara had expected, Willow came over the following night to return her clothes and boots. She smiled shyly at the redhead as she let her into the room, neither of them saying a word as Willow placed the bag with her stuff down on the floor.

"Thanks," Tara said eventually, her heart racing with nervousness.

"Youre welcome," Willow replied, not knowing what else to say. This was really awkward for her, and she was unable to even meet Taras eyes properly. She was desperate to ask Tara what she wantedwhat their kiss had meantbut she was scared to bring it up, scared because she didnt want to hear Tara say she just wanted to be friends. Although, she did have a boyfriend

That just made this all the more difficult. Willow was still feeling utterly confused about everythingabout how she feltabout her sexuality. The one thing she was sure of howeverwas that kissing Tara had been one of the most erotic experiences of her lifeand it was definitely something she wanted to do again.

"You wanna sit down?" Tara asked eventually, breaking Willows thoughts.

"Okay," Willow replied, still unable to actually look at Tara.

Tara could see this awkwardness, and began to realize that maybe Willow really did want to be just friends. If that were all she wanted, then shed have to let her know it was okay. She didnt want to do anything to jeopardize their friendship.

Taking a seat next to Willow, Tara placed a gentle hand on her knee. "Will," she ventured softly.

Willow almost jumped when she felt Taras hand on her. She hadnt expected the contact, and as she turned around to face her, she was suddenly surprised at how close Taras face was to hers. Ever since their kissall shed been able to think about was Taras lipswhat theyd tasted likefelt likeand now that she was once again so close to themshe found that she couldnt really resist their allure. Before she could even think of the ramifications of her actions, Willow lowered her head and gently pressed her lips to Taras.

Tara was surprised to suddenly feel Willows lips against hers, but she instantly responded to the kiss. She expertly began to open and close her mouth against Willows, as their lips brushed together sensuously. Her hands meanwhile moved to Willows cheeks, wanting to feel the soft texture of the girls skin against her fingertips.

Willow moaned as Tara reached for her, and moved her own hands around to Taras back. She gripped her tightly, and thrust her tongue purposefully into the blondes mouth. She wasnt really thinking about what she was doingshe was just going with the momentenjoying the sensation of being so close to Tara.

Tara had no idea what it meant that Willow was kissing herall she knew was that she didnt want her to stop. For whatever reasonWillow had decided to kiss her again, and this time she wouldnt stop herwouldnt pull away. So what if Willow had a boyfriendthat didnt matter. Only it did. Tara cared about Willow a great deal, and she wanted more than just the odd kiss. She wanted a relationship with her, and if Willow was still with Ozwellthen this just wasnt right.

Pulling away from Willows kiss was the hardest thing Tara had ever had to do in her life, but she did so anyway. She needed to know where she stood with Willowwhat it meant that Willow was kissing herand she couldnt allow the kiss to continue before she knew what it meant.

Willow was surprised when she felt Tara pull away from her, but instantly realized what it meant. How could she have been so stupid as to kiss her again? Of course Tara was pulling awayshe didnt want hershe wanted Faithand now shed done even more damage to their relationship.

Before Tara could say a word, Willow leapt up off the bed and looked down at her with mortification. "Oh God, Tara," she said through the sudden tears in her eyes. "Im so sorry, II" she trailed off, her embarrassment getting the better of her as she rushed for the door.

"Willow wait," Tara stood up, following the girl to the door. Its" she was about to say okay, but Willow had already slammed the door behind her. Tara couldnt believe itwhat had she done? Why had Willow stormed out like that? Had she offended her? Of courseWillow mustve thought shed pulled away because she didnt want to kiss her

With a sigh, Tara returned to her bed as she began to cry softly. Had she made things worse by pulling away? Althoughwhy had Willow kissed her in the first place? What was going on herewhere did she stand with Willowand why did Willow have to storm out like that? Had she ruined their friendship with her actions?

Not knowing what the best course of action would be, Tara decided to sleep on it. Hopefully by morning shed think of the best way to approach this situation.



***



As Willow ran all the way home, she cursed her inappropriate behavior. What had possessed her to suddenly kiss Tara again? Shed gone over to the girls dorm with every intention of talking about what had happened, and had ended up making a fool of herself. Tara didnt want hershe wanted Faith. At that thought, Willow suddenly remembered that she too had someoneshe had Oz. Whats more, maybe it was all for the bestshe didnt want to be gayshe had a great boyfriend

Maybe she should prove it? Shed told Tara the other day that she felt something was missing in her relationship with Ozthat she was scared to take the next step. Maybe it was time to get over her fear, and prove once and for all that she wasnt gay?

With renewed purpose, Willow rushed straight for her phone when she reached her room. She hastily dialed Ozs number and asked him to come straight to her house. If she was gonna prove she wasnt gayshe might as well do so now.

With that, she made her way to the back of the house, and up the grassy hill that led to Willows bedroom. The French doors were closed so she couldnt tell if Willow was asleep or not. Taking a deep breath, Tara tapped on the door a couple of times with her knuckles, warning Willow of her presence, before unlocking the latch with a muttered spell. As she entered Willows room, she couldnt help but wish shed waited for an answeror better yet not come here at all.

She couldnt moveshe was rooted to the floor, shocked by the sight of Willow and Oz curled up together, with Oz naked from the waist upor so she assumed. She couldnt really tell if he had any boxers on underneath the coversand she didnt really want to know. It was obvious to her what had happenedobvious Willow had slept with him. What other explanation could there be? Sure, Willow had her nightshirt on, but that didnt mean sex hadnt taken place. She couldve just gotten cold during the night. If they hadnt had sexthen why was Oz practically nakedand why were they asleep together?

Willow stirred as the light tapping on her French Doors broke her slumber. It took her a moment to fully wake up though, and when she did, the first thing she noticed was Ozs arm wrapped around her waist. She immediately remembered what had happened last night, and smiled at his thoughtfulness.

"Mmm," she sighed, placing her own arm against Ozs, tightening his hold on her. She was very grateful for the comfort hed given herfor the love and friendship hed shown her. True friends were very hard to come byand she was lucky to have someone like Ozlucky to have someone so understanding.

"Oh God," Tara choked on her own tears, witnessing Willows reaction. The girl seemed so happypleased with herself

The last miniscule remaining doubt as to what had happened, now left Taras mind completely. The smile on Willows face as shed woken up, realized she was with Ozwellthat told her exactly how the girl felt. Willow loved himshed made love with himand she didnt regret ithe made her happy. Any hope of something other than friendship with Willow was now gonethe girl had made her choiceand it wasnt her.

Willow sat up in surprise when she heard Taras voice, her sudden movement causing Oz to stir. "Tara?" she said her name in shock. "W-w-what are" she trailed off as she suddenly noticed the pain in the girls eyessaw her tears. Why was she upset? Oh

Willow looked over to where Oz was now sitting up next to her, and then back at Tara.

"Its not"

"D-d-d-dont," Tara cut her off, not wanting to hear any explanationshed seen enough. "I g-g-get it," she said through her tears, "and IIm hap-hap-happy for you Willreally"

Willow felt tears come to her own eyes as she witnessed the utter anguish in Taras. "You dont understand," she insisted, desperate to let her know the truth. She pulled the covers from her body and took a step towards Tara, torn up by the pain she saw in her eyes, instinctively wanting to comfort her.

Tara just shook her head as she took a step back, not wanting Willow to touch her. She didnt think shed be able to hold herself together if Willow tried to comfort her. "P-p-p-please," she pleaded with her, holding her hands up to keep her at bay. "II n-n-n-n-need to-to g-g-g-go," she stammered, taking another step backwards.

"But" Willow cried, ignoring Taras plea as she continued to move towards her and reached her arms out.

Tara just shook her head as she took another step backwards, before turning around and breaking into a sprint. She ran as fast as she couldrunning away from her painfrom Willowfrom Ozfrom the sight of themhoping that the faster she ran, the quicker shed get the image of them out of her head. It didnt work though, the image stayed with her, despite the tears that blinded her regular sight. The image of Willow and Oz curled up in bed would forever haunt her

She was so blinded by her tears, and her pain, and her desperate need to get home, that she didnt notice anything or anyone around her. Which is why she was suddenly shocked to feel two strong hands against her shoulders, stopping her movements.

Lifting her head up, she was surprised to find herself looking into the eyes of her newest friend. "F-F-F-Faith?" she stammered her name, tears streaming down her cheeks. "W-w-what are you doing?"

"I could ask you the same thing Blondie," Faith replied, keeping her hold on the girls shoulders. "I was just coming home from a night of slayageand then the next thing I know you come heading straight for me. You wouldve knocked me clear to the ground if I werent a Slayer."

"Oh," Tara replied, only half taking in her words. The pain in her chest was just too great to ignoreand the tears simply would not stop falling.

Faith noticed this, noticed the pain in her eyes, and suddenly felt very protective. "Are you okay?" she growled. "Did someone hurt youtry toOh God Tara, just point me to the bastard who did this to you, and Ill make sure theyre kissing daisies in no time"

Tara shook her head, realizing what Faith was thinking. "Its n-n-not like that," she sighed. "I j-j-justII dont w-w-wanna talk about it. I just wanna get home."

Faith relaxed a little at Taras words, her fears relieved somewhat. However, she could see that something had definitely upset herand she wasnt gonna leave her alone until she found out. "Fine," she told her, letting go of her shoulders, only to take her hand instead. "We wont talk herebut youre gonna tell me when we get home," she demanded, dragging Tara along as she began to walk.

Tara knew it would do no good to protest, so she allowed Faith to walk her the rest of the way to her dorm. She didnt say a word to her during the trip though, her pain still too great to talk about. Whats more, she felt like she was in a dazeas if what shed seen wasnt reallike shed just imagined it, as if it were only a bad dream.



***



Willow watched helplessly as Tara ran from her room, wanting desperately to go after her, but knowing her company would be unwelcomed. It hurt her to see Tara in so much painhurt her almost as much as if the pain were her own.

"Oh God, Oz," she sighed, taking a seat back on the bed. "She thinks we" she trailed off, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Oz smiled at his ex-girlfriend and placed a hand gently on her knee. "Bright side" he ventured.

Willow looked at him in confusion. "What bright side? she demanded with frustration. "How can you see a bright side in all this?"

Oz merely chuckled in response. "You really think shed be this upset if she just wanted to be you your friend?" he explained.

It took Willow a moment to realize what he was implying, but when she did, a huge smile lit her face and she flung her arms around her ex-boyfriend.

"Youre right," she exclaimed, pulling away from the hug. "II have to go after her"

With that, she leapt off the bed and headed straight for the door.

"UhWill" Oz ventured, smiling adoringly at her.

"What is it?" she turned around, eager to leave.

"You sure you wanna go out like that?" he asked, pointing to her nightshirt, which only reached halfway down her thighs.

Willow looked down at what she was wearing, and then back up at Oz. "Oh," she smiled sheepishly, moving towards her dresser. "I guess I forgot"

"Understandable," Oz smiled, watching in silence as Willow quickly located a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, before disappearing behind her change screen.

He took the time to put his own pants on, and slip his shirt over his head. "Im gonna let myself out," he told her as he put on his shoes.

"Okay," Willow replied, stepping out from behind the screen. "I, uh" she moved to where he was crouching.

Oz stood up and smiled at his ex-girlfriend. "I know," he whispered, acknowledging her wordless thanks. "Like I told you last year, I dont need thanks," he grinned, referring to the time hed stepped in front of a bullet for her. "So no thanksokay?"

"Okay," Willow grinned back, her eyes shining with fresh tears.

"Ill see ya, Will," Oz whispered, lifting a hand up to wipe her tears. "Good luck."

With that, he turned around and walked out of her bedroom, choosing to exit by the front door. As he headed outside, he couldnt stop the sudden tears that reached his own eyes. He knew that letting Willow go was the right thing to dobut he was sure gonna miss herand even though hed still be around, still be her friendthings were never going to be the same.

It would be difficult being just her friend, and under normal circumstances he would probably break all contact with her for a while. However, she was gonna need him. If she really were gayshed need all the support she could get.

Although, even if Tara didnt want her, he knew shed still be there for Willow when she came outshed have someonebut shed still need his friendship. He knew his Will, she was very sensitive, always seeking approvaland coming out was going to be one of the hardest things shed ever had to do.

As he reached his van, Oz made a pact with himself that no matter how hard this was for him, hed make sure to remain by Willows side, to be her friend for as long as she needed him. How could he not when he loved her so much? With that thought, he started the engine and headed off homeeager to get to his guitar. Music was the only thing that could offer him any kind of peaceand boy did he need some right now.

***

"So tell me what happened," Faith demanded as she closed the door of Taras room. "What made you get so upset this morning? Its barely 6am"

Tara took a seat on her bed and sighed.

"Let me guess," Faith quipped, taking a seat next to the blonde. "This have something to do with Red?"

Tara opened her mouth to respond, but the image of Willow and Oz returned to her, and she burst into tears. She dropped her head in anguish, and lifted her hands to cover her face.

Suddenly, Faith found herself in the position of having to offer Tara comfort. Without hesitation, she reached for the girl and put her arms around her, holding her close as she continued to cry. She wasnt used to playing the nursemaid, but there was just something about Tara that brought out her protective side.

"Its okay Blondie," she whispered, "whatever it is"

"Sh-sh-sh-she s-s-s-s-slept w-w-w-with h-h-h-him," Tara stammered through her tears. "Sh-sh-sh-she slept w-w-w-with him"

This surprised Faith a little, shed never figured Red would do something so drasticshed been certain that Red was simply in denial. Shed seen the way shed looked at her, noticed the obvious jealousy in her gaze.

"Are you sure?" she asked gently. "I meanRed doesnt seem like the type whod"

"I s-s-s-saw them," Tara sobbed, burying her head even further into Faiths shoulder. "I w-w-w-went to t-t-t-talk to W-W-W-Willow this m-m-m-morning, and I-I-I-Iohhhh" she trailed off, unable to speak anymoreher pain was just too great.

As Faith held her close, allowed her to let loose with the tears, she found herself wanting to physically hurt Red. This wasnt a new feeling for her, wanting to do violence came like second nature to herbut compassionconcernprotectivenessthose were new. Hearing the pain in Taras voicewitnessing her distressFaith couldnt help feeling as if it were her job to look after Taraas if she were like the little sister shed never had.

This threw her a littledesireattractionthat she could understandbut what she felt right now had nothing to do with that. Shed never really had much of a family growing upwasnt used to caring about anyone other than herselfso these familial-type feelings she had for Tara were very unsettling.

Suddenly, she had the urge to pull away, to deny the compassion she feltthe tenderness. However, Taras pain was just so greatand the part of her that felt this compassion just wouldnt let her pull away. This is why she simply continued to hold Tara in her armsallowed her to cry softlynot offering her any empty platitudes, just being there for her.

***

Willow stood outside Taras door, contemplating her next move. She knew the girl was upsetthat she thought she and Oz had slept togetherand as a result, she also knew that Tara probably didnt feel like seeing her right now. However, she simply couldnt let Tara go on believing a lie, especially since it was hurting her. Seeing the pain in her eyesthe anguishwell, that had cut straight through to Willows core. She hated the idea that she was the cause of Taras painbut like Oz had pointed out, there was a bright side.

Tara would not have been so upset if all shed wanted was friendshipwould she? What other reason could there be? Willow knew she had to find out the truth, knew they had to sort this mess out once and for all. They shouldve had this talk the other daywhen theyd first kissed. She should have just gone to Taras and told her the truth. If she had, then she never would have caused Tara so much pain. Whats more, she knew that regardless of how Tara felt, she deserved to know how she really feltdeserved to know that her feelings ran deeper than just friendship.

She still wasnt a hundred percent sure that her feelings meant she was in love, but there were definite feelingsand they were most assuredly of the non-friendship type variety. Kissing Tara had opened her eyeshad helped her to understand all the confusion shed felt since shed first met the girl. From the moment their hands had claspedthe electricity that had passed between them the way they seemed to connectright up until their fluke-y kiss. Willow now knew shed been a fool to blame it all on magicksure, magick was involvedbut not necessarily of the mystical kind. Magick had just been her way of explaining what was happeningexplaining away the sexual tensionthe connectionthe heat

If her feelings for Tara meant that she was gaywell that was another thing she couldnt ignoreanother thing Oz had been right about. If she was gaythen she had to come to terms with that factaccept who she wasand figure out how her life was gonna change as a result. She also knew that she couldnt do this without Tara. Regardless of how the girl felt about hershe was gayshed been through this all beforeand Willow could really use her advice right about now. Tara was already her mystical teacherwould she agree to teach her about being gay as well?

Maybe she should put aside her romantic feelings for Tara, at least for the moment. She was already so confusedscaredand if Tara did have feelings for herwas she ready to have her as a girlfriend? She hadnt even come out yetwasnt even used to the idea that she was gayhaving a girlfriend might make the whole process more difficultor adverselymuch easier.

What was she to do? What was she to say? Did she want to ask Tara to be her girlfriendor just ask her to be there for her when she came outteach her about being gay? Whats moreshe didnt think she could handle it if Tara didnt feel the same way. Realizing youre gay was difficult enoughbut asking the girl youd been fantasizing about to be your girlfriendand then hearing her refusalwell, that was just a little bit more than she thought she could handle. Tara had already rejected her kisseswhat made her think she wouldnt reject her again?

The look of pain on her faceher reaction to seeing her with Ozthats what made her think Tara might not reject her. Although, even if Tara was interested in herif she did think of her as more than a friendshe still had Faithdidnt she? What role did Faith play in all this? What if Tara had come by to tell her that she had feelings for herbut that she cared about Faith more, that would explain her reaction?

Willow didnt know how long she stood outside of Taras doorall she knew was that she simply couldnt decide what to do, what she wanted. However, she also knew that she couldnt just stand out here all day, shed have to face the music eventually. She decided to just tell Tara the truthto tell her that she had feelings for herto tell her that she didnt know what to doand then shed ask for her advice. Tara was already her teacherexperienced with the magicksbut Tara also had more experience when it came to being gayand right now Willow trusted her judgment better than her own. Tara would know what to dohow to handle thisshe always knew things.

With that thought in mind, Willow opened the door to Taras room. She didnt bother with knocking, figuring the girl would most likely not let her in anyway. Shed been terribly upset when shed rushed offhadnt even wanted her touchand she most likely still felt that way. It would be easier for her if she didnt announce her presenceor so shed thought. She couldnt have been more wrong

The instant Willow stepped into Taras room, she closed the door behind her and almost fainted from the shock of finding Tara in Faiths armswith her head buried deep against the Slayers shoulder. Whats more, the look in Faiths eye was one of utter compassiona look shed never thought shed see originate from the angry Slayer. Faith cared about Tarathere was affection between themtheir relationship wasnt just about sex?


That wasnt the worst part though, because the next instant, Faith looked up and met Willows eyes and before Willow could even take another breath, the Slayer unlinked her arms from around Tara, leapt off the bedand then the world suddenly turned black for Willow.

***

Faith looked up as she heard the sound of a door closing, her Slayer senses allowing her to pick up on sounds that others might not have heard. When her eyes met Reds however, she felt a sudden rage burning inside her. How dare she just show up like that? Didnt she know how much shed hurt Blondiehow much pain the poor girl was in? How could she have hurt Tara? The girl was in so much pain hereand Red had the nerve to just barge in through the doornot even announce her presenceShe needs to be taught a lesson


Those were the last thoughts in Faiths head as she let go of Tara. Her anger was now so intense that she instinctively lunged for the person behind her friends pain. Using all of her Slayer strength, she landed a hard right hook to Willows jaw, thrusting the girls head roughly against the door. Pleased with herself, Faith smiled in satisfaction as she watched Red slide limply down to the floor, glad to have knocked the girl out cold. Thatd teach her to hurt Blondie.


Tara watched Faiths attack in horrorsaw her sweet Willow slip into unconsciousness. She instantly went to Willows side, pushing the misguided Slayer out of the way as she knelt down next to the woman she loved.

"Oh God," she sobbed, placing a tender hand on Willows cheek. "What have you done?" she demanded of Faith, turning her head up towards the Slayer.

Faith looked down at Tara in surprise, wondering why she was so upset. "I just knocked her out for you," she said nonchalantly, grinning at her accomplishment. "No need to thank meshe should only be out for a few hours."

Tara blinked away the tears in her eyes, her mouth opening in shock at the Slayers words. Willow would be unconscious for a few hourswhat if she had a concussionwhat if she never woke upwhat if she had brain damage? Tara had never been the violent typedidnt believe in hurting other people in any waybut as she looked up at Faith, saw her utter disregard for Willows conditionsaw the way she seemed to be almost happy to have hurt her well, she suddenly felt like doing a bit of violence herself.

"How could you hurt her?" she practically yelled at Faith, lifting herself up off the floor. Her anger at seeing Willow so hurt was affecting her in a way shed never thought possible. Tara had never felt this much anger in her whole lifenot even at her dadand it was now taking all of her willpower not to magickally lift the Slayer into the air and fling her hard against the wallhurt her in the same way as shed hurt Willow.

"She hurt you," Faith explained, reaching her hands for Taras shoulders.

"Dont touch me," Tara backed away, her voice seething.

"I was doing you a favor," Faith continued, becoming confused by the blondes reaction.

"By hurting the woman I love?" Tara spat out.

Faith merely shook her head in bewilderment. "I thought we were friendsanyone hurts my friends, I hurt em back. Thats just the way it goes"

"Thats not the way it goes," Tara continued, her anger allowing her to speak without stuttering. "By hurting someone I loveyou hurt me. Dont you get it, her pain is my pain. It hurts me more to see her in pain thanthanwell, than seeing her with Oz."

Faith didnt understand this thoughcouldnt get why Tara was so angry with her. Hadnt Red hurt herwouldnt it be natural to wanna hurt her back? Thats what shed want. If anyone had hurt her as much as Willow had hurt Tarawelltheyd be more than just knocked unconscious now, theyd probably be in traction. An eye for an eye, that was her motto, well, one of them anyway. She just couldnt believe how easily Blondie had turned on her. She knew she shouldnt have trusted her

"Fine then," she growled at the ungrateful witch, "Im outta hereknew the friend thing was a waste of time."

Tara sighed as she watched Faith step over Willows unconscious form and head for the door. Much as she hated what Faith had doneshe didnt actually hate Faith herself. She knew the Slayer had only acted out of a form of misguided justiceacted out of instinctout of friendship.

"Faith wait," she ventured.

Faith opened the door and turned around to face Tara. "I know," she snapped, "dont bother coming back"

Tara shook her head in response. "Thats not what I was gonna say," she insisted firmly.

"Then what?" Faith sighed, an angry scowl on her face.

"Can you help me get Willow to the bed?" she asked her softly. "II dont think I can lift her myself andand II dont wanna leave her on the floorand also, umcould you get the campus nurse to have a look at her? I dont wanna leave her alone, but I wanna make sure shes okay"

"You want me to help you?" Faith asked in surprise. "Id have thought youd want me as far away as possibleseeing as Ive just hurt your precious Willow," she spat the girls name out, frowning at the blonde.

"I cant do this alone Faith," Tara explained, moving to kneel back down next to Willow, "and II dont hate youI just hate what youve done."

Faith couldnt have been more confused if shed tried. Blondie always surprised hershe never said what she expected her to say. How could the girl be so angry with herand yet not hate her? Was she saying she still wanted her as a friend?

"What do you mean?" Faith asked, undecided over what she should do.

Tara looked up at Faith and sighed, knowing she needed to explain things further to her. The girl was more messed up than shed thought


"I love Willow," Tara began, "andand I know you have no idea what that meansI know you only did what you thought was rightout of friendship. Thats the only reason why Im able to forgive youwhy I dont hate youbut if you ever hurt Willow again" she trailed off, not wanting to finish her threat. She knew the Slayer understood what she meant.

Faith looked at Tara for a momentreally looked at hernoticed the pain in her eyesthe concernand she also noticed her sudden lack of anger. Tara didnt hate hershe still wanted her friendshipshe understood her. It was then that Faith began to realize, at least partly, the ramifications of what shed done. Maybe it hadnt been such a good idea to hurt Rednot if it hurt Blondie in the process?

Without a word, Faith moved towards Willow and deftly scooped the girl up into her arms. She placed her gently on the bed and then headed for the door. "Ill get a nurse to drop by," she said over her shoulder, "and Illsee ya round. Probably not at the dance thoughfigure youd wanna give it a miss nowtake care of Red or something"

At Taras nod of confirmation, Faith went straight to the campus medical centreafter asking a kid how to get there. She gave Taras dorm number to the receptionist and told her a girl had been knocked out and needed to be checked over by a nurse. When she was happy that one would be sent over, Faith left the building and headed off towards her motel room.

On her way there, she cursed the fact that it was daylighther encounter with Tara had left her utterly confusedand slayage was her favorite way to get her mind off things. Half way to her room though, Faith got an idea, she decided to head towards the high school instead. It was early, still not even 7am and she figured what better way to relieve some tension than by hitting it up with Buffy in the library, get a bit of training done before the gang showed up? Shed call the girl from the libraryask her to come round so they could get good and sweaty.

However, when she reached the library that morning, another opportunity presented itself. Xander had come into school early so as to get away from another one of his parents arguments. As usual, he headed off to the library, wondering if any of the Scoobies were around.

Seeing as the library was deserted and feeling totally adventurous, Faith decided that a bit of layage would be a better way to spend her morningto forget her confusion. It didnt take her long to convince Xander of that either. Oh sure, hed he protested at firstsaid they were in the libraryanyone could walk inand what about Cordeliahe did have a girlfriendBut when shed ripped off his shirt, pressed herself against himtouched his hardnesswellneedless to say those excuses soon went out the window.

She had to admit though, doing it on the top floor of the library behind one of the bookshelves was definitely a fun way to spend her morning. It had even helped her to momentarily forget about Tara and the whole friendship thing. Give her a roll in the hay any daynothing confusing about sexlike she always said, love was for suckers.

***

Tara smiled gratefully at the nurse as she left her room, pleased that Willow didnt have a concussion. The nurse had said that Willow would be finethere didnt seem to be any lasting damage, and the girl would probably wake up in an hour or two. Shed advised Tara to make sure Willow got plenty of rest though, and had left a bottle of aspirin to help with the inevitable headache the girl would have.

Closing the door behind the nurse, Tara placed the bottle of aspirin on her bedside table and unlaced her boots. She then crawled onto the bed next to Willow and lay down on her side facing the girl, determined to be there for her when she woke up. Looking at the peacefulness of her expressionTara couldnt help but lean over and place a soft kiss against her cheek.

"My poor Willow," she whispered as she pulled away, "what has Faith done to you?" She sighed as she rested her head back down on the pillow and returned to simply gazing at Willow. She hoped the girl would be okay, hoped the nurse had been right about her not sustaining any lasting damage. Although, she was just a nurse, what did she know? Should she take Willow to a hospitalget a doctor to check her out? She wanted to be totally sure that Willow would be okay.

What if the nurse had been wrong, what if Willow didnt wake up in a few hours, what if she never woke up? Tara had no idea what shed do if Willow was seriously hurt, if she left her. Seeing her in painunconsciouswell, it was tearing her up inside. She cared about her so muchand up until the moment shed seen Faith punch her, she hadnt known exactly how deep her emotions ran. However, the instant Willow had collapsedTara had known without a doubt that she was in love with the girl.

The realization had dawned on her immediately, and as shed reached her side, shed felt as if her heart had been ripped out of her chest. She hadnt cared anymore about what shed seen that morninghadnt cared that Willow just wanted to be her friend. At that moment, her love for the girl had washed over her so intensely, that all shed cared about was her safety. She just wanted Willow to be alive and well and happy, nothing else mattered. So what if Willow was in love with Oz, he obviously made her happyand that made Tara happy.

As she continued to look at Willows unconscious state, Tara began to feel more and more love for the girl. She also began to feel more and more anguish as well. Even though Willow seemed so peaceful, Tara knew she would wake up in pain, if she ever woke up at all. As the minutes continued to tick by, her fear for Willows safety continued to grow, and she began to let loose with a few stray tears. Her stray tears soon turned into a torrent of tears, until eventually, she was sobbing so deeply that she had unwittingly buried her head against Willows shoulder and wrapped her arm around the girls waist. The thought of losing herof her being in painwell, it just broke her.

Dexis: Willow and Tara getting together...hmmmm....

loves

So I guess they'll end up together...eventually


Arwen: Lessen the angst? Hmmm....twould be hard to do...angst is half the fun...

Seriously though, I'm gonna work on finishing the 6th chapter this weekend and ready it for beta reading.

Oh, and cheers for the kudos re my behind the scenes series.

As for the Extra Flamey website...I have no idea what's up with that. I think the server that hosts it is down or something.

Cheers,
Irena :-)