Next Generation

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Summary: Sunnydale 2007 - Willow is a teacher at the new Sunnydale High School. Tara is the new school librarian. Tara has a secret.

AUTHOR: Tiggrscorpio
EMAIL: Tiggrscorpio1117@aol.com
RATING: R
PAIRINGS: Willow/Tara
DISTRIBUTION: Sure, just let me know.
SPOILERS: Up to and including most of season six, however this is AU. Tara did not come to Sunnydale in season four, so all events involving her are altered. A summary of changes are included in the first chapter.
DISCLAIMERS: Joss and Co. own all. All original characters are mine.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Character thoughts are in italics.
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Chapter 1

Sunnydale 2007

Dr. Willow Rosenberg sat in the faculty room of Sunnydale High School, conversing casually with one of her fellow co-workers. The twenty-six year old had been the Computer Science teacher at Sunnydale High, since the school re-opened a few years earlier. Willow and her colleagues were waiting for Principal Lewis to arrive, so she could introduce the new school librarian.

The high school had been re-built two years ago. Xander had been the construction site foreman during the project. Although the school was shiny and new, it was still built upon the same old Hellmouth.

Willow's first day in the new school was both exciting and nerve wracking. Even though the design of the campus was vastly different, from the original school, the Library was still built directly over the Hellmouth. Xander had tried to reassure her, letting Willow know they had put extra reinforcements in the foundation of that area, during its construction.Willow was quick to remind him, that if something wanted out of Hell, no amount of concrete was going to stop it from coming.

Willow often found it weird to be working in the place she had helped to blow up, eight years earlier, during her high school graduation. As always, no one discussed any of the unusual events that occurred in Sunnydale. Most people concentrated on protecting themselves and their own families.

Protecting Sunnydale was still up to Buffy Summers and the core Scoobies - Willow, Xander, Anya and Giles. They had done a damn good job, since graduating high school. They had defeated Adam, Professor Walsh's Frankenstein-like creation, during their freshman year of college.

The next year brought the arrival of the crazy Hell God, Glory. This latest big bad, launched a year long search for a mystical key to open a portal to Hell. The key turned out to be none other than Buffy's little sister, Dawn. The youngest Summers' wasn't really Buffy's sister, but a green ball of energy, designed by the monks to hide the key from the Hell Beast. The memories of Dawn, instilled in all of the Scoobies minds by the monks, made her seem more than real, especially to Buffy and Willow. Joyce Summers' sudden death, as the result of a brain tumor and Anya's mind being brain-sucked by the demon chick, added more misery to that year. Their showdown with Glory brought both triumph and tragedy. Willow's strengthening magickal ability, allowed her to reverse the effects on Anya and restore her mind. Dawn's life was spared, but not without a life altering cost. Buffy sacrificed herself, as her friends and family watched, to close the portal to Hell.

After Buffy's death, Willow moved into the Summer's home to assume the responsibilities of raising Dawn. Although now completely human, Dawn was also orphaned. Both women developed a close bond, which remains to this day. Willow held the remaining Scoobies together during that long summer.

The September after Buffy's death, Willow, Xander and Anya performed a resurrection spell to bring the Slayer back. Although the spell was successful, Willow was heartbroken to learn she had pulled her best friend out of Heaven, instead of some awful Hell dimension. Through time, Buffy finally adjusted to being back and was eventually happy about being alive. With Buffy entering adulthood, Giles returned to his own life in England. Xander and Anya got married the following Spring.

The Scoobies next big battle involved a trio of little nerds. Warren, Jonathan and Andrew had banded together to take over Sunnydale. The trio were mostly just a pain in the ass for Buffy, however, one of the geeks actually proved to be extremely dangerous. Warren had not only murdered his ex-girlfriend, he also ended up shooting Buffy in the shoulder. Currently, all members of the nerd herd were in prison. Jonathan and Andrew for robbery and Warren for robbery, murder and attempted murder.

Every year brought more and more apocalyptic demons. And, every year the Scoobies battled and won.

For Willow, there hadn't been much time for a social life. After Oz cheated on her, during their freshman year at college, he left town never to return. Willow was heartbroken and hadn't really opened herself up to anyone since then. She had been set up, by Buffy, with a few of the guys who worked with Riley in the Initiative, but for the most part she wasn't interested. Plus, they all left town when the Initiative was shut down by the government.

She focused on her studies at school and with her witchcraft. Her intense preparation had made her a bad-ass Wicca and a force to be reckoned with, but she was careful not to give in to the dark side of magick. Though some of the spells she used, including Buffy's resurrection, required dark magick, she equally balanced everything, with the light magick that filled her aura.

Between helping with raising Dawn and saving the world, she went to graduate school and earned her Doctorate in Computer Science. One year before she finished graduate school, the teaching position had developed at Sunnydale High and she leapt at the opportunity. Now, tow years later, she was a well-respected member of the faculty and her classes were a favorite among the student body.

Principal Lewis finally entered the faculty room, with a young blonde-haired woman directly behind her. The rooms occupants respectfully quieted down for the Principal's introduction.

"Hello everyone," Principal Lewis spoke. "Thank you for coming. I'll make this brief. As you know our former librarian, Mr. Chambers, died a few weeks ago from an unfortunate case of neck rupture."

Most eyes in the room shifted nervously to the walls, floor, ceiling or windows. All except Willow. Her eyes remained firmly planted on the blonde woman at the front of the room. The woman was dressed in a tailored, navy blue pantsuit. Her long, blonde hair was pulled back, off her face, by a ponytail. Her brilliant blue eyes sparkled, beyond her small, wire-framed glasses.

My God, she's beautiful. Wait a minute. Where the hell did that come from? You're not supposed to find other women beautiful. But, she is simply stunning. Okay Rosenberg, get a grip. Quit staring. She's gonna think you're some kind of a psycho. Wait till she meets the real loonies of this town. I hope she can protect herself. What if she can't? I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her. Again, where is this coming from? You don't even know her name, yet.

As if on cue, Principal Lewis said, "I'd like to introduce you to our new librarian. This is Dr. Tara Maclay."

Tara. Even her name is beautiful. Stop it, Willow. Pay attention.

Willow's staring had not gone unnoticed by the blonde woman. Her eyes had immediately been drawn to the woman with shoulder length red hair, sitting on the left hand side of the room, close to the front. It wasn't just because Willow was the only one looking at her. Tara was completely captivated.

Her hair is lovely. Look at how the sunlight reflects off of it. Cut it out, Maclay. You don't have time for this. You have a job to do here. No socializing. Even if her eyes are as green as emeralds. You need to pay attention to your new boss. A small smile couldn't hurt though, could it?

Willow almost fell out of her chair as one side of the blonde's mouth upturned into a wonderful half grin.

Oh.My.God. She smiled at me. Look at how her eyes sparkle when she smiles. Is she flirting with me? Why would she do that? Why do I want her to be? What should I do? Smile back, you idiot.

Willow offered a full blown smile in return.

Her smile is so cute. I wonder what her name is? Tara vaguely tuned in to hear what Principal Lewis was saying.

"Dr. Maclay has a Ph.D. in English from Oxford. She comes to us from Cleveland, where she ran the cities public library. We are fortunate and delighted to welcome her to Sunnydale High."

The entire room clapped for the newest member of the faculty. Tara blushed slightly at the attention. She pushed up on the bridge of her glasses, with the ring finger of her left hand.

"Thank you," she said graciously. "It's very nice to be here. I'm looking forward to working with all of you. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

How about coffee at my place. Willow mentally slapped herself. Why am I thinking these things? She's a girl. Yeah, so she's totally hot looking, but, she's still a girl. With girl parts. Beautiful, soft, supple girl parts.

"Dr. Rosenberg!" Principal Lewis' voice brought Willow back to reality.

"Huh?" Willow said, completely lost in her thoughts.

"We're introducing ourselves to Dr. Maclay," Principal Lewis said flatly.

Willow's eyes focused on the blonde, who wore an amused expression at Willow having been caught daydreaming.

Willow cleared her throat. "Right, Principal Lewis. Sorry." She looked directly at the blonde, again. I'm Willow Rosenberg. Computer Science. Welcome."

"Nice to meet you," Tara acknowledged Willow with a nod of her head, as the rest of the faculty continued their introductions.

Way to go, Willow. She probably thinks you're a total doofus. Even worse, she probably thinks you're just plain rude. You should stop by the Library later, to apologize in person. Willow smiled with her course of action in place.

With introductions completed and a few more staff announcements made, Principal Lewis dismissed the faculty. Willow and Tara exchanged another shy smile, as Willow exited the room. Principal Lewis continued her tour of the campus, with Tara, finishing back in the Library.

"Well, that's the grand tour," the Principal said. "I can't tell you how delighted we are to have you here, Dr. Maclay. Please let me know if there's anything you need." They shook hands.

"Thank you, Principal Lewis," Tara said. "I'm really happy to be here."

The Principal left and Tara finally had a few moments to herself. She walked around the Library and admired the design. It was bright, with floor to ceiling windows on the right and left hand walls and a skylight overhead. To the right was the check-out counter and behind that, led to Tara's spacious office. Beyond the counter was the computerized card catalog station. On the left hand side was a row of individual desks, each with a computer on top. In the center of the room was a wooden, round research table, which sat eight people comfortably. Beyond the marbled floor entry, a series of five carpeted stairs, the width of the room, led up to the stacks of books. The stacks went back quite far. It was significantly smaller than Cleveland's public library, but quite impressive for a public high school. There was more than enough space to add to the collection of books.

Tara went into her office and sat in her desk chair. She removed her glasses and rubbed her tired eyes. She blew out a tiny breath and thought to herself.

So, the cute redhead is the Willow Rosenberg. It figures. Well, that settles that. You need to stay far away from that one.

No sooner had the thought entered her mind as someone knocked on her door. Tara swiveled in her chair, to find Willow standing at her office door.

"Dr. Rosenberg!" Tara exclaimed.

"Hi," Willow smiled hugely and tapped her fingers nervously on the wooden door frame. "I didn't mean to disturb you, Dr. Maclay. I just wanted to properly introduce myself, again, and offer my assistance if you need any help settling in."

Tara felt her heart quicken at the redhead's close proximity and genuine offer. Ignoring her previous thought, she stood to shake hands with Willow. She smiled warmly. "Thank you, Dr. Rosenberg. I may take you up on your offer."

Willow leaned forward to accept the hand in front of her. As their hands touched, both women looked startled, registering the electric sensation sent throughout both of their bodies. When their hands released, Willow stared into crystal clear blue eyes. She regained her composure and said.

"Um...Willow. Please, call me Willow."

Tara stared momentarily at her own hand, before looking up and responding. "Tara."

"So, you're from Cleveland," Willow leaned against the door frame. "Isn't there a Hell...um...a...um...helicopter landing pad, there?" Willow fumbled to cover up her error in revealing too much information. She waited anxiously for Tara's reaction.

The blonde furrowed her brow in confusion. "Oh, uh...I think so. Somewhere. I'm not really sure. Are you from Sunnydale?" Tara changed the subject, sitting on the corner of her desk.

"Born and raised. It's not much of a town, but there always seems to be plenty to do." Willow noticed the framed degree on the bookshelf. "What was Oxford like?"

"It was wonderful. Have you been there?"

"I was accepted there, but prior commitments kept me in Sunnydale." Tara nodded her understanding. "I have a friend who lives in Bath. We visited him last summer."

"We?" Tara inquired.

"Myself and the two women I live with." Tara's eyebrows raised high on her forehead. Willow noticed the surprised look and clarified. "Oh, it's not like that. Not that there's anything wrong with that." She waved her hands in front of her. "They're sisters. One of them is my best friend and the other is like my daughter."

Tara was enjoying the redhead's nervous rambling. She sat silently while Willow continued. "Are you married?"

"No," the blonde smiled slightly. She's fishing. Could she be interested?

"Significant other?"

The wording surprised Tara. "Not at the moment." Definite interest level piqued. "How about you? May I assume, since you're living with two women, that you're not married?"

Willow laughed slightly. "Assuming makes me an ass out of you."

"Huh?"

"I'm not married or involved," Willow added quickly, mentally kicking herself for being such a dork.

"So, what do two single women do in this town on Saturday night?" Tara asked boldly.

"Well, it's either the vending machine at Bergen's or the Bronze," Willow said.

"The Bronze?"

"Local hangout. Cool bands, drinks, dancing."

"Sounds like fun." Tara smiled.

"So, when you're settled in, we'll go." Willow offered.

"It's a date," Tara confirmed.

Willow's tummy did a somersault. "Well, I need to get back to the computer lab, so I'll see you around."

"That would be nice." As Willow turned to go, Tara added. "Thanks again, Willow."

"Your welcome."

Willow walked back to her lab in a daze. I have a date. With a woman. What just happened? Oh God, what am I gonna wear? She looked at her hand and could still feel the tingling sensation.

Back in her office, Tara was scolding herself. Nice going, Maclay. Way to avoid her. Why didn't you just ask her to marry you? She sighed heavily. She's definitely the right Rosenberg. Her magickal energy was through the roof. Tara looked at her hand. And, she knows about the Hellmouth in Cleveland. Now, all you have to do is keep her from finding out who you really are and what you're actually doing in Sunnydale.

Chapter 2

Willow sat at one of the individual desks, in the school library, rapidly typing on the keyboard for the computer on top of the desk. Though completely engrossed in the task at hand, it took only a millisecond for her to register that Tara had crossed the room and was now standing over her left shoulder. The blonde's vanilla scent reached Willow's nose and her eyes closed, as her fingers halted in mid-stroke.

"Did you figure out what's wrong?" Tara asked, absently placing her hand on the hacker's shoulder.

Willow gulped silently. "It looks like one of our juvenile delinquents was trying to access some Internet porn."

"Really, anything interesting?' Tara leaned in closer to the screen.

"Dr. Maclay!" Willow turned and arched a surprised eyebrow at the usually proper blonde.

"I'm just kidding." Tara straightened back up and moved off to the side. "I already have cable."

Willow let out a little laugh, but instantly missed the woman's closeness. "It was probably that Bobby Snyder kid. You need to watch out for him. He's a troublemaker. Too much like his father."

"His father?" Tara inquired.

Willow turned in her chair, so she was now facing Tara. "He used to be the Principal, when I went to school here."

"Was he killed in the explosion of the old school?" Tara asked.

"He was eaten...um...eaten up by cancer." Willow wished sometimes, her mouth would wait for her brain to catch up. "It was very...sad."

Tara frowned, remembering her own mother's battle with cancer. A fight lost when Tara was only seventeen. "That's a shame."

"He wasn't a very nice man," Willow added honestly.

"Pretty different from Principal Lewis, huh?" Tara sat on top of the desk, still facing Willow.

"She's like a saint compared to him. Of course, I guess it's different being a member of the faculty, instead of a lowly student."

"You got yourself in trouble a lot, didn't you?" Tara egged the redhead on.

"In my defense, most of those incidents were not my fault," Willow protested.

"If they were you can expect them to return to you three-fold," Tara said absently.

"You know Wicca?" Willow asked surprised.

The blonde mentally chastised herself for letting that slip. She was finding it difficult to maintain her anonymity around the redhead. She just felt so comfortable with Willow.

"Yes." Tara decided it couldn't hurt to reveal a little bit about herself. Willow had probably sensed the magick, the first day, when they shook hands. "My mother taught me, when I was little. She had a lot of power."

Willow was intrigued with this new connection between them. She thought she had felt something, that first day, but didn't know how to broach the subject. Now Tara had done it for her.

"Do you practice?" Willow asked.

"Not really. Not anymore."

"Well if you ever wanted to, we could...try some spells, together." Willow let the invitation just hang there.

"Maybe," Tara shifted nervously. She brought her legs up to sit Indian-style on top of the desk. "Are you a techno-pagan?"

"Not so much. I've fooled around with it a little." Willow could sense Tara was uncomfortable with the conversation, so she decided to change the subject. "Do you always sit on top of the furniture?"

"Yes, it's a terrible habit." Tara smiled and relaxed a bit. "I try not to do it in front of the students, but habits are hard to break."

"So, we're still Bronzing it tomorrow night?" Willow asked hopefully.

"I don't know," Tara said playfully. "I passed by Bergen's the other day. A roll of quarters and a vending machine might be very tempting for me."

"We could always watch cable." Willow felt the blush crawl up her neck and across her cheeks. Oh God, tell me I didn't just say that out loud. What must she be thinking? Probably, that you're a complete perv.

Tara watched the inner battle play out across Willow's face. She's so damn cute. And sassy, too. Before Tara could help herself, she laughed out loud. A deep, throaty, sensual laugh of absolute amusement.

For a moment Willow panicked, thinking Tara might be laughing at her, but it was soon clear that Tara was just amused. So, Willow laughed along with her.

"I think I really like you, Willow Rosenberg," Tara acknowledged when she stopped laughing.

"Whew, that's a relief." Willow mock wiped her brow. "I have to go back to my lab to get a disc to fix this thing," she said, pointing to the computer. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

"I'll be here." Tara smiled.

Willow walked back to her lab in the same state of euphoria she had been in for the last three weeks. She could do nothing else, but think of Tara. They ate lunch together, everyday, and on most days they met up after school to talk for awhile. Willow was thankful that her lesson plans were prepared out months in advance, because at home she couldn't concentrate on anything, except Tara.

Willow knew she was quickly falling for the blonde and the thing that bothered her the most, was that she wasn't at all surprised. She thought she should probably be a little freaked about falling in love with a woman, but to her it seemed so perfectly natural.

There had been certain thoughts about a few women in college, but nothing to the extent of what Willow was feeling now. The fantasies she was having about Tara, for the past couple of weeks, had led her to openly flirt with the beautiful blonde.

Tara had come out to her last week and Willow had been completely unsurprised by the disclosure. In fact, she was excited. There was definite sparkage between the two women. Willow decided she had been alone for far too long. With Dawnie away at college, it was time for Willow to pursue her own happiness. She intended to do just that, starting with the Bronze, tomorrow night.

Tara was filing some books in the first row of stacks. She involuntarily smiled as she thought about Willow. They were getting very close, very quickly. Tara wanted so much to be honest with Willow, but she just didn't know how. There wasn't much she could say at this point, anyway, but the lying was still weighing heavy on her mind.

When she heard the Library door open, she turned around expecting to see Willow. She was shocked at who she found.

The petite, blonde police officer walked over to the center research table and set down her hat. She was no more than 5' 3" tall, but looked quite capable of handling herself. Her dirty-blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun. On the upper left hand corner of her long-sleeve light blue shirt, she wore a shiny silver badge. Across the waist of her dark blue polyester pants, she wore a gun holster, with a .45 caliber Smith and Wesson.

Tara came down the stairs to meet the officer at the research table. The officer smiled as she neared and said, "Hello."

"Hello," Tara leaned in to read her name badge, "Officer Summers. May I help you?"

"Yeah, I'm looking for my friend, Willow. She said I should meet her in the Library."

"Buffy," Willow called out from the Library door.

Buffy spun around. "Hey Wills. How's it going?"

Willow met up with the two women at the table. "So, did you two meet?"

"I just walked in," Buffy clarified.

"Tara, this is my best friend, Buffy. And Buffy, this is my new friend, Tara." Willow introduced the two women.

"Nice to meet you," they said simultaneously, shaking hands.

"Willow tells me you'll be joining us tomorrow night," Buffy stated cheerfully.

"Only if I can hide her roll of quarters," Willow said as she and Tara shared a knowing smile.

"Was that supposed to make sense or is that Doctor talk for something else?" The Slayer asked confused.

"Definitely Doctor talk," Tara smiled warmly at the redhead.

"I'll explain on the way to the meeting," Willow said absently to Buffy.

"Meeting?" Tara questioned.

"Um...yeah," Willow stammered. "A.A. Buffy's a recovering alcoholic."

The Slayer shot her friend another confused look.

"Oh," Tara said.

"Yeah, seven years sober," Willow patted Buffy on the back. "We're very proud of her."

"Congratulations," Tara offered.

"Thanks," the still confused Slayer muttered.

"We need to go." Willow practically pushed Buffy toward the exit. "Don't want to miss those introductions. They're my favorite part." She turned back toward Tara. "So, I'll see you tomorrow for lunch. Bye."

"Bye," Tara said as Willow pulled the Slayer through the Library doors. Tara could hear Buffy's mumbling protests through the door.

"What the hell was that all about?" Buffy asked irritated.

"I couldn't tell her about the Scooby meeting," Willow reasoned.

"Well, next time you be the alcoholic," Buffy snapped.

"Whatever Cave Slayer. I'll buy you a doughnut on the way to the Magic Box," Willow teased.

"That doughnut joke is getting old, Will." Buffy thought for a few seconds. "Can I have a jelly one?"

Tara heard their footsteps fading down the hall. She crossed her arms over her chest. So, that's the infamous Slayer. She's a lot smaller than I expected. If the rest of her friends are anything like Willow, I think I know why she's survived this long. I just hope she's ready for what's coming.

*****

The Bronze was packed as usual for a Friday night. Buffy and Willow sat on one of the couches in the rear. Xander and Anya sat opposite them in two chairs. A third chair, next to Anya, was vacant. Willow anxiously watched the door for Tara's arrival, while remaining Scoobies chatted.

"How are the boys, Anya?" Buffy asked.

Xander and Anya had two boys. Alexander Jr. was three and Jesse was fourteen months old.

"Alex has decided that his new favorite word is shit. He runs all over the house, saying it as loud as he can." the ex-demon answered.

"You really do have to be careful what you say around kids," Xander added.

"If you had been more careful hanging that picture, he never would have heard that word," Anya added.

"Did we tell you Jesse took his first step the other day," Xander ignored his wife.

"That's great," Buffy smiled hugely. "It's nice that you could join us tonight, Anya. Is Clem watching the kids?"

"Yes. I tell you, he is so great with them. He should run his own daycare service."

Xander rolled his eyes.

"I take it you disagree, Xander," Buffy said.

"He's a great guy, but you know, he's still a demon."

"We are not going to have this conversation again, Xander," Anya stated firmly. "Our children live in the demon capital of the world. They might as well get used to things now, so they're prepared when they're older."

"She's got a point," Buffy said.

"Don't help me, Robocop," Xander teased.

Buffy balled up her napkin and threw it at him.

"Where's you honey tonight, Buffy?" Xander asked.

"He's working the second shift." she answered.

Buffy had been dating a fellow officer, Tony Foster, since she graduated from the police academy, three years ago. He was aware of her role as the Slayer and helped out the Scoobies, often.

"Hey Will, you still with us?" Xander asked.

The redheads eyes were still firmly planted on the entryway. "Yeah, absolutely," she mumbled vacantly. A moment later, Tara walked through the door and Willow finally came to life. "She's here," she said, as she stood and waved to the blonde.

Tara made eye contact. She waved back and worked her way through the crown. When she reached their table, Willow did the introductions and indicated for the blonde to sit down.

"Would you like something to drink?" Willow offered.

"Water would be nice," Tara answered.

"I'll get it." Xander stood up. "Anyone else?" The remaining ladies shook their heads.

"So, Tara, Willow tells us you're from Cleveland," Anya said. "I knew a Retaw demon there once. Drippy, disgusting fella."

Willow kicked Anya under the table.

"Owww," the ex-demon grabbed her ankle.

"We're not sharing our war stories tonight, Anya," she said through gritted teeth. "Did you have any trouble finding the place?" Willow asked Tara sweetly.

"No. I left my quarters at home, to be on the safe side." Tara smiled adoringly at Willow.

"That's Doctor talk," Buffy informed Anya.

"Looks more like flirting," Anya said honestly.

Willow kicked her other ankle as Xander returned with Tara's water. Anya stood up and sat in Xander's chair, which was further away from Willow.

"Play nice, girls," he said, handing the water to a blushing Tara.

"Thank you." Tara took a big drink.

Xander sat down, saying, "So, Tara, you're a librarian. I've always known librarians to have secret identities. What's yours?"

Tara choked on her water. Willow patted her back, tenderly. "You okay, sweetie?" Willow asked.

Tara cleared her throat. "Yes. Sorry about that." She looked at Xander seriously and said, "I knew someone would discover my secret. I'm really Wonder Woman. My invisible jet is out back."

Willow and Xander sat quietly, both picturing Tara in a Wonder Woman costume. After a few dazed seconds, Willow laughed at the blonde's quirky humor.

Anya leaned over to her husband and whispered. "There is no Wonder Woman. She's a myth."

"Would you like to dance?" Willow couldn't believe her boldness.

"Sure," the blonde grabbed Willow's hand and led her to the dance floor.

Willow was relieved to find Tara just as rhythmically challenged as herself, on the dance floor. They bopped around to the funky beats, until the band slowed the music down. Willow was bout to head back to their seats, when Tara reached out and grabbed her hand.

"We don't have to stop," Tara said in a low voice.

Willow was drawn into the blonde's embrace. Her arm went around Tara's shoulder, while the blonde's arm made its home around Willow's waist. The fingers on their other hands interlaced and they stared silently into each other's eyes. For Willow, nothing had ever felt more right. As they swayed to the gentle music, Tara drew her in closer and Willow rested her head on Tara's shoulder.

"This is really nice," Willow breathed softly.

"It's perfect," Tara agreed.

At the Scooby table, no one was really surprised by Willow's actions. She had been raving about the new librarian for weeks now. It didn't take them long to figure out that Willow was falling in love. They were all thankful to see her feelings being reciprocated.

Tara fit in nicely with the group. She made a fuss over the baby pictures of the boys and she laughed at Buffy's more humorous tales of civil service. Xander and Anya needed to leave early, to get home to the kids. After awhile of watching the couple make doe eyes and each other, Buffy began to feel like a third wheel. She got up to leave.

"I'm gonna go patr...uh...go to one of my...A.A. meetings." Buffy gave a little snarl towards Willow. "Do you need a ride home, Willow, or are you okay?"

"I have my jet out back," Tara said dryly.

"Okay, you kids, be good," Buffy smirked.

"Goodnight, Buffy," they said in unison.

"I'm really glad you came tonight," Willow said honestly, again lost in beautiful blue eyes.

"Me too."

After a few more slow dances, Tara drove Willow back to the Summers' house.

"Here we are," Willow stated needlessly.

"Thank you for flying Wonder Woman airlines," Tara joked.

"I'd like to be a frequent flyer," Willow said more seriously than not.

Tara leaned over towards Willow.

"Where are your glasses?" Willow asked out of the blue.

Tara eased back a bit, to give Willow some space. She could see the redhead was nervous. "I really only need them for reading."

"I think they're sexy." Willow paused. "You know, I've never kissed another woman before," she said timidly.

"Well, there's an instruction manual in the seat pocket in front of you," Tara continued her teasing to help Willow relax. "But, I'd rather show you myself."

Willow leaned closer and closed her eyes. Their lips met in a soft and tender kiss. Tara's hand moved to rest on Willow's cheek. When they parted, Willow released a deep breath. She opened her eyes, surprised to see Tara's still closed, lost in the sensation. After a moment, Tara's eyes opened.

"Now, that's what I call flying," Tara breathed.

"How about another spin around the universe," Willow sighed.

Their lips met again, this time more passionately. Tara opened her mouth and ran the tip of her tongue along Willow's upper lip. She was relieved when Willow opened her mouth and invited her to deepen the kiss. Hands moved through golden blonde and silky red locks, for several minutes, drawing the women tighter together and igniting an everlasting desire.

The new couple was still kissing when Buffy returned from her patrol. Buffy laughed as she passed the steamed up windows of the Chevy Cavalier. She was truly happy for Willow.

*****

Tara and Willow were inseparable from that moment on. They met before classes, during lunch and after classes. They had dinner at either Willow and Buffy's or alone, at Tara's. The next month passed by relatively quick.

Willow wondered if she should tell Tara about Buffy being the Slayer. Activity on the Hellmouth had been particularly slow, so she didn't need to do too much lying about her whereabouts. The lack of action was scaring the hacker, almost as much as lying to her new girlfriend. Slow times were an indication of something bigger brewing. Willow was doing her best with research to determine what might be coming, but she wasn't having much luck. She even called Giles to see if he could find anything on his end. So far, there was no news.

Willow was cuddling with the blonde librarian, on Tara's couch, as the couple watched the Discovery Channel.

"Did you know that geese and swans mate for life?" Willow asked, snuggling closer to the blonde.

"So do wolves," Tara added, holding the redhead tighter.

"Only with other wolves," Willow muttered against the blonde's chest.

"Huh?"

Willow looked up and said, "I read that somewhere."

The two women kissed, each contemplating a lifetime of mating.

"We could move this into the bedroom" Tara suggested. She felt Willow stiffen and immediately added, "Unless you're not ready."

"Oh Tara," Willow reassuringly kissed the blonde. "It's not that. I'm more than ready. Good to go here. It's just been a really, really long time, since I've been with anyone. I don't want you to be disappointed."

Tara smiled and ran her fingers through Willow's hair. "You could never disappoint me. I love you, Willow. I want to show you how much."

Tara got off the couch and reached down for Willow's hand. The hacker grabbed her hand and allowed Tara to pull her up. As they walked into the bedroom, Willow leaned in and whispered in Tara's ear, "I'd mate for life."

Tara drew her into a tight embrace and closed the bedroom door.

*****

Faith sat sprawled across the couch in the common area of the prison. Other prisoners mulled around, but her gaze was fixated on the skinny raven-haired woman on the far left wall.

The staring match had been going on for about twenty minutes. Finally irritated, Faith got up and headed in the woman's direction. The lanky woman sauntered down the hallway and into the bathroom. Faith followed close behind.

"Take a hike," Faith growled to the two prisoners already in the bathroom.

"Fuck you," the taller of the two said.

Faith got up in her face and repeated her command, "Leave, now."

Both women left without further incident. Faith addressed the remaining woman by the sinks. "Who are you?"

"I've got a lovely present for you, Slayer," the woman answered with her English accent.

"Vampire," Faith sighed. "I knew it. Let's get this over with."

Faith moved forward to attack, but the woman was too quick. In seconds, she grabbed Faith by the throat and stared into her eyes.

"Who are you?" Faith repeated.

"Look at me, dearie. Be in my eyes. Be in me."

The vampire hypnotized Faith. Then, she raised a razor-sharp talon and slashed across Faith's throat.

"Night night, luv."

She dropped Faith's body to the floor and watched momentarily, as her life blood poured from her neck. Then, she stepped over Faith's body and left the bathroom.

*****

The phone rang in the Summers' house. Buffy picked up on the kitchen extension on the second ring.

"Hello," she said.

"Hi Buffy, it's Angel."

"Hey Angel, what's up?"

"You should probably sit down," he said as comforting as his brooding nature would allow.

"What happened?" Buffy asked alarmed.

"It's Faith." He paused. "She's dead."

"Oh God," Buffy sat on one of the kitchen stools. "How?"

"Vampire."

"In the prison?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah. There's more. Some of the prisoners described the woman. Buffy, I think it's Drusilla."

"Oh, that's just great," she said sarcastically. "Was she alone?"

Angel understood what she was asking. "No sign of Spike."

Spike had left town several years earlier. He and the Slayer had shared a rather tumultuous rendezvous, after she was yanked out of Heaven. Finally disenchanted with the sexcapades, Buffy ended their liaisons. Bitterly rejected, the platinum vampire left town and hadn't been back.

"Listen," Angel continued. "I'll call you with the funeral arrangements. Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Thanks Angel." She hung up the phone and wept for Faith.

A few days later, the gang traveled to L.A. to pay their respects at Faith's funeral. It was a small ceremony. Faith wouldn't have like a lot of fuss. Angel and his team hadn't heard any more reports on Drusilla. He warned Buffy to be careful.

The next day, back in Sunnydale, Buffy received a call from Giles. He offered his condolences, about Faith, then moved on to the purpose of his call.

"Buffy, the Council told me they've already called a new Slayer."

"Really, why?" she asked.

"When you died the first time, even though you were revived, the Slayer line moved on to Kendra. With her death, it moved to Faith. Now, it move on again."

"Is she being sent here?" Buffy asked.

"Yes."

"What's her name?"

"I don't know yet. The best way to contact her, will be through her Watcher," he informed her.

"When does her Watcher arrive?"

"She's already there. She's been there for quite some time now. Let me see if I can find her name." He rustled with some papers. "Yes, here it is. Her name is Maclay. Tara Maclay."

TBC
"How's the apartment coming along?"

"I unpacked my final box last night," Tara said proudly. "Three weeks is record time for me."

Chapter 3

The medium-built, sixteen year old sophomore made her way through the maze of corridors in the unfamiliar school. Her wavy, long brown hair swished across her strong shoulders as she walked, Her long, thin arms did not portray the strength that lived within. She was dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a yellow t-shirt. Her sneakered feet squeaked against the tile floor and her light-brown eyes looked first left than right, to see if she was anywhere in the vicinity of the Library

With one more turn to the left, she finally found herself outside of her desired location. She opened the door and entered the deserted Library. The last class, for the day, had ended about a half hour ago.

“Hello,” she called out to the empty room.

Tara emerged from her office and smiled at the teenager. “Hi, may I help you?”

“Yeah, thanks,” she flashed a bright smile at the librarian. “I’m new here and I need a Geometry textbook.”

“Sure, let me show you where they are.” Tara came around the counter and led the teen to the appropriate stack. “So, where did you move here from?” Tara asked, squatting to reach for the book on the bottom row.

“Florida,” the girl announced.

“Ah, from one sunshine state to the next,” Tara said in a friendly tone as they both returned to the counter. She typed a few strokes on the computer. “Let’s get you registered. Your name?”

“Jordan Bennett,” the girl answered.

Tara froze. “Jordan Bennett,” she repeated slowly.

“Yeah, with two t’s on the end.”

Tara knew her Slayer had been called, but she hadn’t been expecting her quite so soon. The Council had informed her of Faith’s death, a few days ago. She knew that’s where Willow had gone, when she went to L.A. She thought it would take longer for the new one to arrive.

Tara had been preparing for this moment for years. She had trained with a former Watcher in Cleveland and with the Council, during her time in England. Her own Grandmother, on her father’s side, had been a Watcher, in Ireland. She had also read most of the Watcher diaries, including those of Rupert Giles.

Nothing, however, prepared her for meeting her new charge, face to face. She was so young and Tara was about to change her life, forever. From today forward, Jordan’s life would be in mortal danger. Tara was responsible for keeping her alive. For doing what so many others had failed to do.

“Are you okay?” Jordan asked the pensive librarian.

“Oh yes, sure,” Tara focused on the teen. “My name is Tara Maclay. I’m obviously the librarian.” Tara handed the girl her Geometry book.

“Thanks,” the teen stuck the textbook in her backpack.

“Jordan, I wonder if you might come around into my office. I have some rather important things to discuss with you.”

Thinking there were just more forms to be completed, the youth happily moved behind the counter, into Tara’s office.

“Sit down,” the blonde indicated the chair next to hers. Tara moved to a cabinet on the far right wall. She pulled her keys out of her pocket and unlocked the cabinet. She took out a large, leather-bound tome and cradled it in her arms. Tara turned back around to face the teen.

“I’m going to tell you something and you’re going to think I’m crazy,” Tara spoke evenly. “Everything I tell you is the truth. I’d like you to keep in mind that I’m her to help you and you are going to need my help.”

The teen shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I don’t understand.”

Tara placed the heavy book on the desk in front of Jordan. Across the cover in gold lettering was only one word, VAMPYR.

“Creepy book,” Jordan noted.

“Jordan,” Tara sat on the edge of her desk. “There is a prophecy about a Chosen One. One girl in all the world, who is destined to keep the world safe from the under beings. She possesses remarkable strength and natural fighting abilities. Her job is to slay vampires.” Tara paused a moment. “You are the Chosen One.”

Jordan took all of the information in quietly, for about thirty seconds, before she busted out laughing. “You’re kidding, right? This is some kinda school initiation thing? Cause this is really whack.” Jordan got up to leave.

“I’m not kidding,” Tara said seriously, grabbing Jordan’s arm to keep her from leaving.

“Obviously you did way too many drugs in the sixties, lady!” Jordan pulled easily out of Tara’s grip.

“I was born in 1980,” Tara said, more than a little perturbed. Jordan again attempted to leave. “You can do things, cant you?” Tara asked. “”You’re stronger than the average girl.” Tara gave a small laugh.” You’re actually stronger than a really, really strong man. You have incredible hearing and eyesight and you heal very quickly. Faster than normal.”

Jordan stared in disbelief at the woman. “How do you know those things?”

“It’s my job to help you. To train you and to prepare you for what you will face.”

“I don’t want this,” Jordan shook her head.

“That won’t keep it from happening. I’m sorry,” Tara offered sympathetically. “I know you didn’t ask for this, but the work you do will be vital.”

“I don’t have a choice, do I?” Jordan said contemptuously.

“Not really,” Tara answered honestly.

“What about my parents?” Jordan asked worriedly.

“It’s up to you, whether we tell them. It could make things more difficult or it could help. Them knowing would be one less thing for you to worry about. To protect yourself, though, no one else can know.”

“I’m gonna be real popular here, aren’t I?” Jordan said sullenly.

“It won’t be easy.”

“What happens now?” the youth asked in a small voice.

“Well, we start your training…and introduce you to your first vampire.”

“Are you sure I’m not on Candid Camera?” the teen asked hopefully.

Tara laughed a little. “It’s all real.”

The teen picked up her backpack to go. “What if we hadn’t move here?” she asked.

“The prophecies are rarely wrong.” As the young woman turned to leave, Tara said, “Jordan, it’ll be okay. I promise.”

When the new Slayer left, Tara slumped down in her chair. The nagging feeling of dread consumed her body. Tara’s whole life was about to change, too. The first thing she had to do was to tell Willow.

*****

Willow burst through the front door of Tara’s apartment and slammed the door behind her.

Tara walked out of the kitchen, drying her hands on a towel.” Willow, what’s wrong?” Tara asked alarmed.

“Who are you?” Willow demanded.

“What?”

“Who. Are. You?” Willow asked again more sternly.

Tara had never seen her lover quite so enraged. “So, you know,” she conceded.

“It was quite what I was expecting when Buffy asked me to stop by the house after school.” Willow was literally seething with anger. “How could you lie to me?”

Tara crossed the room and stood directly in front of Willow. “I didn’t want to,” she said softly.

“How am I supposed to trust you?” Willow crossed her arms over her chest.

“You haven’t exactly been forthright either, Willow,” Tara defended. “Buffy’s A.A. meetings…my God.”

Willow cringed at the known lie. “It’s not exactly the easiest thing to share with your new girlfriend. Honey, I’ll be late for dinner. I have to go kill some demons with my best friend, the vampire slayer,” Willow said sarcastically.

Tara remained silent.

“So, you already know all about me?” Willow’s eyes looked down at the floor. “You’ve just been pretending. This is an assignment for you,” she said in a small voice.

Tara reached out and put her hand on the forearm still across Willow’s chest. “I’ve read all about how you’re a very powerful witch. I know that you brought Buffy back from the dead and that you’ve helped save the world, hundreds of times over the last ten years.” Tara placed a finger on Willow’s chin and raised her head to look into her eyes. “But, you can’t get to know someone through a series of journals. The last thing I expected was to fall in love with you. The minute I met you, I wanted to feel the real thing. And, sweetie, what we have is very real.”

“Is there anything you don’t know about me?”

“I didn’t know you could do that thing with your tongue,” Tara smirked.

Willow let out a little laugh. “I actually read that in a magazine.”

“Well, it feels wonderful.” Tara embraced the redhead who was trembling a bit.

Willow held on to the blonde, trying to let the days events wash over her. Her anger
Dissipated and was replaced by fear. She pulled out of the embrace.

“Oh God, Tara. You work for the Council. They’re evil!” Willow exclaimed.

“Willow,” Tara said stunned.

“No,” Willow shook her head vehemently. “You don’t know what they’ve done to Buffy. They wouldn’t help Angel when he was poisoned. They withheld information about Glory. And…and do you know what you have to do to your Slayer on her eighteenth birthday?” Willow asked frantically.

“I met my Slayer today,” Tara said sadly.

“What? She’s here?”

Tara nodded and went to sit on the couch. Willow sat next to her and held her hand.

“Willow, she’s so young.” Worry resonated through Tara’s voice.

For the first time Willow thought about the enormity of Tara’s situation. The pressure she must be feeling about being responsible for this young girls future. Willow knew all about that kind of pressure. She had been there, countless times over. She pulled the blonde into her arms.

“It’s gonna be okay.” Willow reassured her. “Buffy can help with her training. Me, Anya and Xander will help you with the research. And we can call Giles, if needed. Do…do you know Giles?”

Tara smiled at Willow’s comforting words. “I know of him. He’s Watcher to the longest surviving Slayer, ever. He’s a legend in the Council.”

“How did you become a Watcher?”

“My Grandmother was a Watcher, in Ireland,” Tara explained. “That’s where my Dad was born. She would tell me these incredible stories, when I was a kid. She made it sound wonderful.”

“Did she ever have a Slayer?”

“Yes, for two years.” Tara frowned. “She wouldn’t tell me what happened.”

Willow stroked the blonde’s hair. “What about your witchy powers?”

“That comes from my Mom. She was born in England. She belonged to the coven in Devonshire. When she met my Dad, they decided to move to America.”

“So, you’re Mom is from England and your Dad is from Ireland and you were born in…Cleveland,” Willow said sarcastically.

“Hey, there’s a Hellmouth in Cleveland,” Tara said proudly, swatting Willow’s arm.

“So I’ve heard.” Willow kissed the blonde’s temple. “What now?”

“I’d really like to smooth things over with Buffy,” Tara said solemnly. “I need to introduce Jordan to her first vampire.”

“Let’s go see Buffy, then.” Willow pulled Tara off the couch and the headed for the Summers’ house.

*****

Willow, Tara, Buffy and Jordan walked through the cemetery. It was time for Jordan to accept her destiny and practice her skills.

After some initial trepidation, Buffy had gotten over Tara’s indiscretion and eagerly agreed to help Jordan. Older and wiser, Buffy welcomed the opportunity to work alongside another Slayer. She wanted so much for things to work out differently, for Jordan, than they did with Faith.

Buffy was immediately impressed with the youth’s natural ability. Jordan’s long arms were advantageous to landing some blistering blows in an attack. The teen was both respectful and intelligent and was accepting her new role with a tremendous amount of maturity and grace.

Both the training room and the research materials in the Magic Box impressed Tara. She added her own personal collection of books, to those already present. She was grateful for Buffy’s help with Jordan. Tara knew it would give Jordan a healthy advantage.

So, after three days of vigorous hand to hand combat and stake whittling 101, the rookie was ready for action. Buffy and Jordan walked ahead, with Willow and Tara close behind, holding hands.

“Have you ever slain a vampire?” Willow asked Tara.

“Twice,” the blonde Watcher replied. “The first time, I completely missed the heart. Almost got my lungs ripped out,” she said wide-eyed, remembering the event. “After that, you learn to be precise.”

“Aw, baby,” Willow drew the blonde closer, hating the thought of her almost being hurt.

Buffy stopped in front of a fresh grave and looked at the headstone.

“Ha! Michael Jackson. I bet he got teased a lot. You think he’ll come out of there with one glove on his hand?” Buffy quipped to the younger Slayer.

The girl was too frozen with fear to answer.

“Just relax,” Buffy comforted her. “It’ll be okay,”

“What…what happens now?” Jordan asked nervously.

“Now we wait for the King of Pop to rise,” Buffy answered. “Just hold your stake ready, like I showed you.” Jordan moved the weapon into position. “That’s great. Now, bend your knees a little. Good. Just like that.”

Willow and Tara moved off to the side, out of the way. After about ten minutes, the ground in front of Jacko’s grave began to shift.

“Something’s happening,” Jordan said panicky.

“It’s okay,” Buffy said calmly. “This is it. Remember, quick thrust and you need to hit the heart.”

Jordan’s hand trembled. She almost dropped her stake as a hand clawed its way up through the earth in front of her. She took a few quick deep breaths to calm her nerves. When Mr. Jackson appeared, fully in front of her, the young Slayer lunged forward and firmly planted her stake in his chest.

“We have a natural,” Buffy said proudly.

Before the dust had cleared, three vampires jumped out of a nearby crypt and surprised the group. One of the vamp clocked Buffy on the back of the head, sending the senior Slayer to her knees. The second headed straight for Jordan and the third was making his way toward Willow and Tara.

The first vamp kicked Buffy in the stomach, which sent her sprawling on to her back, on the ground. He quickly pounced on the blonde Slayer and began to throttle her neck.

The second vamp had reached Jordan. She landed a sold blow to his face, but he quickly recovered. The vampire returned the punch, which sent Jordan reeling backward. Her butt hit Michael Jackson’s headstone and she flipped backward over the marble marker.

Willow was protectively cradling Tara behind her as the third vampire advanced. Willow couldn’t see Jordan, so she didn’t know if she was in trouble or not. She didn’t want to waste valuable seconds, so she quickly uttered, “Incendire.” A flash of fire shot from the redheaded witches palm, igniting the vampires clothing. Within moments, the vampire was engulfed in flames then disintegrated into ashes.

In the meantime, Buffy had managed to knock the first vamp off of her and had reversed their positions. She punched him, once in the face, then, quickly pulled Mr. Pointy out of her sleeve. With a quick thrust, the vamp was dusted.

Jordan was back on her feet, still battling the second vampire. They traded a few blows. Then, she landed a solid right hook to the vampires chin, quickly followed by a kick to his chest. The vampire fell backward, just as Buffy caught up to the teen.

“Jordan,” Buffy called out to the younger Slayer. When she had her attention, she said, “Catch.” Buffy lobbed the stake to her protégé, who caught it effortlessly.

The vampire was back on his feet and as he lunged for Jordan, she plunged the stake, squarely in its mark. She watched as the vampire faded into nothing.

Jordan looked pale when Willow and Tara reached her. She blindly wiped the ashes from her clothing.

“Wow, dusting two on your first night. Now that’s good,” Buffy said proudly.

Jordan immediately bent over and threw up.

“Or, not so good,” Buffy added.

“Are you okay?” Tara asked, bending down to rub the girls back.

“Yeah.” Jordan wiped the back of her hand across her mouth and stood up. “That was…cool.”

“You did good,” Buffy said. “Nice technique. You’re dropping your shoulder before your left hook, so they can see it coming, but we can work on that.”

Jordan patted her clothes again. “Is it always this dirty?”

“It’s Hell on your clothes, kid. Get used to it,” Buffy informed.

“What now?” Jordan asked.

“I think that’s enough for one night,” Tara said.

“I agree,” Buffy said. “Come on kid, I know you’re starving. There’s chocolately goodness at Casa de Summers.” She looped her arm through Jordan’s and moved toward home.

Behind them, Willow watched Tara intently. “Are you okay?” she asked the blonde.

Tara let out a deep breath. “That was intense.”

“The first one’s the hardest,” Willow affirmed. “She did great.”

“Thank you,” the blonde looked lovingly at Willow.

“For what?”

“Saving my life, for one thing,” Tara said.

Willow wrapped her arm around the blonde’s waist. “All part of the job, ma’am.”

“That fire thing was really neat. You’re like a cool monster fighter,” Tara said happily.

“I can teach you that. It’s pretty easy,” the redhead noted.

“I’d rather you teach me that tongue thing,” Tara whispered in her ear.

“Oooh, deal,” Willow said excitedly.

*****

Jordan decided she wasn’t going to be very good at lying to her parents. She thought it best to tell them about who she was. Tara had told her to prepare for the worst. Nothing anyone said was going to prepare her parents for what they were going to hear. Tara fully expected them to balk.

So, a week late, Buffy, Willow and Tara sat in the Bennett family living room, along with Jordan and her parents. And, Mr. Bennett was launching a full rebellion.

“Are you people insane?” he asked.

“Dad,” Jordan protested.

“No, Jordan.” He looked at Buffy. “Vampires. Chosen One. What the hell is this?’ He pointed at Willow and Tara. “And you two are teachers?” I’m calling the Principal, tomorrow,” he ranted.

“George, calm down,” Ellen Bennett said.

“Calm down! Are you listening to this, Ellen?”

“Mr. Bennett,” Tara spoke up. “I realize all of this sounds ridiculous. Sunnydale isn’t like other towns. It is really important, for Jordan’s safety, that you cooperate with us.”

“Jordan’s safety is my responsibility,” he snapped.

“I respect that, sir,” Tara continued. “But, you are not prepared to handle this. We are.”

“No, I won’t allow it. We’ll move if necessary,” he put his foot down.

Jordan sat on the arm of the chair her mother was sitting in. Ellen Bennett had a tight grip in her baby’s hand as they watched George Bennett pace back and forth.

“They’ll find her, Mr. Bennett,” Tara said seriously. “They’ll hunt her down. It’s what they do.”

The two stared intently at each other. “I don’t understand how you all can help,” he stated flatly.

“Buffy and Willow have been doing this for ten years,” Tara explained. “They’re successful because they work together. If you take Jordan away, she will be alone. The odds will be against her.”

Willow watched as her lover made the unreasonable sound sane. Her heart swelled with pride and love for the blonde.

“You realize what your asking here,” he said solemnly.

“Yes, but we’ll put our own lives on the line to help her.” Tara motioned to both Buffy and Willow.

“What do we do?” George indicated himself and his wife.

“We’ll keep you informed of what is happening, but you need to stay out of the way.” Mr. Bennett tried to object, but Tara interrupted him. “If Jordan has to worry about you, then she won’t be able to fully concentrate. That will put her in danger,” Tara warned.

George Bennett looked at his only daughter. “This is what you want?” he asked.

“I have to, Dad,” she answered.

*****

Tara was quiet the whole way home in the car. At Tara’s apartment, she and Willow fell exhausted into their bed. They laid, side by side, facing each other.

Willow played with a golden strand of hair, twisting it in her fingers. “You were great tonight.”

Tara sighed heavily. “Yeah, I just convinced two parents that I’m capable of protecting their only child, when I’m not even sure myself.”

Willow leaned up on one elbow and placed her other hand over Tara’s heart. “Hey, you will. We’re all going to help you. Baby, you need to believe in yourself. Otherwise, she will die,” Willow said firmly.

“You’re right.” Tara ran her fingers underneath Willow’s blouse, against the warm flesh of her back. She looked into loving green eyes. “Willow, something big is coming.”

“I know.” The redhead ran her hand from Tara’s hip, down to her knee and back again. “Do you know what it is?”

“Not yet.” Tara moved her leg over, on top of Willow’s.

“Well, experience says it won’t be puppies and sunshine.” Willow felt her lover tremble. She shifted closer to hold her girl in her arms. She kissed her full lips, then, she rested her forehead against Tara’s. “We can do this. We can be strong.”

“Strong like an Amazon,” Tara said in a small voice.

“Yeah,” Willow smiled and stroked her cheek. “Strong like an Amazon.”