At Long Last
by willowfan
Chapter 3
[reviews]
Sorry for the long wait. I can't believe I lost the chapter. I have it rewritten, though its not exactly the same as the one I lost, it's close. I hope you like it.
At Long Last
Chapter 3
Tara tightens her hold on Faith's hand, though a part of her is screaming to let go. She doesn't want to hurt Willow and she knows this simple act will do just that. Her eyes stay locked on the two redheads until she hears a slight growl from her lover. She looks to her Slayer. "It's okay," she whispers softly. "I'm okay."
The brunette relaxes a little as she looks into Tara's eyes for the truth. She touches her cheek, "Ya sure?"
Tara nods and leans into the touch. "I'm sure," she whispers.
The gentle exchange doesn't go unnoticed by Willow. She looks at Buffy near panic on her face. Buffy intercedes again. "Well, we have ice cream issues," drawing all eyes to the messy child. "So we should go."
"Go-right-go-going." Willow stammers.
"We're going too." Faith adds.
But to the surprise of all are the words of the blonde witch, "No. Not... don't yet. I-I want... I need... Can we talk Will?" Sad blue eyes meet even sadder green.
Willow fights to stay calm and in control. "Now's not-" she looks to the child in her arms. "I should take her-" she stops as tears slip down her cheeks but she wipes them away quickly.
"What's wrong Mama?" Eve asks.
"Nothing baby, nothing." She kisses her forehead. "Why don't you-" she hands her toward Buffy. The blonde takes her but she reaches back for her mama.
Buffy resorts to bribery, "One more ride on the Merry-go-Round?"
She shakes her head, "Mama said no more today."
Willow and Buffy both smile, "One more time Eve," Willow says softly.
Buffy looks at Faith, "Why don't you come with us?"
The dark Slayer hesitates, her eyes go to Tara who nods. She then looks at the redhead. "I won't be far."
Willow understands them for what they are, a threat. Hurt her and face the wrath of the woman. Tara shoots Faith a look and she knows she's in trouble later, however at the moment she doesn't much care. She follows Buffy and the child.
Willow stands nervously in front of her old love. Tara is no calmer but she steps closer. Both are at a lost for words, but finally the redhead speaks. "You-you're with Faith?"
The blonde nods, "And you? You have a daughter?" The redhead nods as well. They turn and walk quietly towards the bench. Without words they sit side by side.
* * *
Buffy and Faith watch the witches from the ride as they stand in line. "B this ain't a good idea."
"Isn't," mumbles the child. Buffy can't help but smile while Faith frowns at the girl. Eve turns to hid her face against Buffy's shoulder.
"Don't do that, you're scaring her."
"Am not." Faith protests. "Besides, she started it."
Buffy shakes her head and rolls her eyes, "Faith, she's two."
"Fine," pouts the other Slayer. "I won't say nothin."
They get on the ride and Eve whispers again. "Anything." A little giggle escapes the girl's lips.
"She's makin' fun of me." Faith glares at her, but the child can't see her expression.
* * *
Willow glances at the ride and sees Buffy holding Eve as they go around and around. She looks down at her hands as they pick at the cuffs of her jacket. "Tara, I-I don't know what to say. I didn't think that I'd... it's too soon and the words won't-" her tears try to fall but she forces them back.
"Then let me okay?" Her tone is soft and gentle, the truth of her words so plain. "I'm not mad at you Will... and I-I'm glad you're back."
Willow looks up, her cheeks wet, "You are?" Tara nods, fighting her own teary battle. "Really?" The blonde nods again. "Cause after what I did t-to y-you I'd understand if you-you didn't want to see me, not ever."
"Ah-Willow please don't cry. It took a while but I know it wasn't you, it was the Magicks."
"You really don't hate me?"
"I really don't," she wipes away the tears from the redhead's face. "I could never hate you."
Willow looks up into her eyes, "But you don't love me. You love h-her?"
"I love her." Tara confirms.
Willow nods. "I should... the ride's gonna stop and Eve-" her tears start again as she stands.
Tara stands too and starts to hug the redhead but stops herself realizing it isn't her job anymore. She wraps her arms around herself as she watches Willow do the same.
They look up to see the others coming back toward them. The little girl runs in front of the Slayers. She holds her arms out for her mama to pick her up as she reaches her. Her words fly out with great speed for a young child. "She said bad word Mama." Her little finger pointed accusingly at Faith.
Willow eyes her daughter. "Don't tattle." She manages around a little smile. "We've talked about it before, remember?"
The little girl nods, "Sorry Mama."
Willow kisses her forehead. "I know baby girl."
Tara's blue eyes pin Faith's brown, "What?" Faith asks a little ticked. The blonde witch looks from her Slayer to the child and back. "Oh fine. Sorry kid." She grumbles. The Rogue gets a hug from her witch.
Willow tenses a bit at the affection shown, then she stammers, "I... we should... Eve's... it's been a hard couple of weeks. I should get her home."
"Home, check." Buffy says with a smile. Her arm slips around Willow without a thought.
Faith notices and so does Tara, both are a little surprised. Tara doesn't know why she is, she's seen the blonde do the same thing hundreds of times. She isn't sure why this time felt different to her, but it did.
"Patrolling later B?" Faith asks as they start their separate ways.
"Nah, taking a night off. I've got plans." She says with a smile.
"I'll do a quick sweep then, take the kid with me. She's got my shift this weekend." Buffy raises an eyebrow. "Tara and I are goin' out of town for a few days."
"Sounds fun." She looks nervously at Willow as the Rogue talks. The older Slayer sees Tara take the brunette's hand and try to stop the conversation.
"Maybe we can talk again, Will. When I get back?"
Willow nods though Buffy can tell her heart isn't in it.
"Later then," Faith states as they walk away.
Willow takes a deep breath and looks up into the sky as she lets it out. Buffy takes Eve from her and wraps her a little tighter. "Let's get you two home. It's been a long day." The redhead nods and they start toward the Rosenberg house.
* * *
Just as the sun starts to fade Buffy, Willow and Eve walk into the house. The child yawns the adults smile. Willow kisses the little girl's brow. Buffy speaks softly, "Someone's s-l-e-e-p-y." Buffy spells out.
"Not sleepy," states Eve though another yawn escapes.
Buffy's eyes widen, "And smart.But I shoulda figured that. She is yours." She smiles at her friend.
Willow blushes. "Ah, why don't we take a warm bubble bath and get in our jammies?" She looks at the little girl. "Then we'll be all ready for bed when we get sleepy."
The little girl nods, "Buffy too?"
The blonde smiles but Willow shakes her head. "Buffy has plans for tonight." She remembers what the Slayer told Faith.
"No. I mean yeah, but with you if it's okay?" Buffy looks into surprised green eyes. "I thought maybe we could have a movie night, like old times." She frowns, "Except without Xander," then grins."That'll be more food for me."
Willow smiles, "Movie night sounds fun."
"So, I'll just run home and get my sushi pajamas. Then I'll pick up some movies and snacks. Pizza okay?"
Willow nods and sets Eve down. The little girl wraps her arms around Buffy's legs. The blonde smiles down at her and ruffles her hair. "Be back in a flash."
The child doesn't let go. "Evey you've got to let Buffy go." The child shakes her head. "Eve Rosenberg." Her tone a little sharper. The little redhead doesn't let go, a carbon copy of Willow's reserve face crosses the two year old's features.
Buffy picks her up and looks into her little green eyes. "What's up Miss Eve?"
"Go with you."
Buffy smiles and looks at Willow's worried face. She understands the fear there. It's been a stress-filled day. Introducing Eve to Buffy's mom is so not on her list of things to do this very moment. "Make you a deal. You stay with Mama and get your bath, and when I come back, I'll read you a story."
The child beams and so does Buffy, proud that her idea worked. She knew the little girl would love books, just like her Mama. She sets her down after a tight hug, which Eve returns. "Be back?"
"Definitely." She smiles at Willow as they watch the little one go toward the steps.
"She likes you," Willow smiles.
"Works out good then, cause I like her too." Buffy smiles as she goes to the door and out. Willow locks it behind her and follows Eve to the stairs. She picks up the girl and playfully tickles her as she climbs the stairs to the bathroom. Laughter fills the house for the first time in a long time.
* * *
Across town the blonde witch and her Slayer sit quietly on the couch together. The television plays as Tara's head rests on Faith's shoulder. After a few more silent moments, the brunette asks. "Ya okay?"
Tara nods against her Slayer's chest as her head moves there. She snakes her arms around her waist. "Been really quiet since we got back."
The blonde lets one hand move to Faith's stomach, "It's... it was harder than I thought."
Faith runs her hand soothingly through her girl's blonde locks. "Talkin' help?"
"Not sure. I mean, I'm not sure I can." There is a slight tremble to her words.
Faith presses her lips to the witch's head and wraps her tightly in her arms. "Ya don't have to, it's cool."
The older woman continues, "I mean it's a lot, seeing her, but then-"She stops, trying hard to keep the tears in check. Her mind is filled with Eve, the little girl that she and Willow had talked about, planned for, before all hell had broken loose. Before they lost each other. Everything.
Faith understands the words not spoken. "The kid," she says as she bites her bottom lip and feels Tara nod against her again. "Kinda outta nowhere." Another nod from her girl. "Want me to call K and tell her she's solo tonight?"
Tara raises up slowly, her eyes meeting Faith's and she shakes her head. She wants her to stay, wants her to hold her, but she knows her girl needs to patrol, to slay; it's the only way she can express the emotions she's feeling as well. "No. You go. I'll be okay."
Faith presses a kiss to Tara's lips, The blonde leans into it, her lips moving against her love's. The younger woman tries to pull back, she only meant to comfort her girl. Tara however seems to have other plans. "Tara," she breaths out.
"I need-" she stops and the kissing starts again. Things are rushed, almost frantic, no matter how much Faith tries to slow them down. Finally, she gives in to the blonde, lets her take the lead. The heat rises quickly and soon clothes are scattered on the floor all around the couch.
Tara rolls her Slayer under her. The blonde's hands and lips touching, tasting as she moves with abandon down the body of her lover.
Faith tangles her hands in her girl's hair again trying to slow her down. Tara stops for an instant, their eyes meet. Seeing the need in the dark blue pools the Slayer surrenders completely.
Later, the waves take the Slayer again as she calls Tara's name over and over. As she tries to catch her breath her blonde's tongue starts again. She tangles her hands in her lover's hair and with a little more persistence pulls her up so that they are face to face. Tara looks confused by Faith's actions. "You don't want-" she stops, her words breathy.
The Slayer smirks, "Your kiddin' right? I always want." She kisses Tara softly. "But there's nothing' to prove here." She states then decides maybe she isn't right. "Unless there is... I mean-"
"No," Tara tries to lean in to kiss her.
Faith stops her by turning them. Tara ends up on her side between her girl and the back of the couch. Their eyes meet and the Slayer starts again. "Ya sure? Do you love her?" Tara doesn't say anything, she feels the tears roll down her cheeks. "Answers that."
"Please just-" the witch can't find the words fast enough to explain the thousands of feelings she is experiencing. Some are scary and some are confusing. She doesn't know how to explain any of them, not to the woman in front of her. Not even to herself.
Faith pulls away, "Figured as much. I need some air." She stands up and begins to pull on her clothes.
"Wait!" Tara says as she gets up too. She pulls her shirt and her panties on. "Please. Understand that it's all-"
"All a big mistake." She turns and goes to the door. Tara follows and puts a hand on her Slayer's shoulder. "Don't." Fire fills the Rogue's eyes as she turns to meet soft, sad, blue. "I can't do this."
Tara watches helplessly as the woman storms out the door. She runs a hand through her hair and lets the tears fall unashamedly.
* * *
At the Rosenberg house the Witch, the Slayer and the little redhead are all in the pjs watching an animated movie. Willow sits on the couch as does Buffy. Eve's head is on her mama's lap while her feet rest on Buffy's. The blonde looks up with a grin then a raised eyebrow as she tilts her head in a silent request toward the little girl's feet.
The Willow smiles her permission and with an evil giggle Buffy begins to tickle the child's feet.
Surprised Eve tries to pull away as she giggles as well. "Mama!" She calls out and the older redhead grins. With a wink to her child, they both begin to revenge the act of the Slayer. Both mother and daughter grab for and begin tickling the blonde. Buffy tries to stop them, in doing so they all land on the floor with a big thud.
Buffy's eyes grow wide as she tries to make sure Eve isn't hurt. "Oh god Will, are you two okay?"
Willow nods and giggles as she looks over the tangled mess to see her child still laughing. "We're fine Buff. Attack!" She yells and that is exactly what Eve does, only this time, she tickles her mama.
Buffy smiles as she sees the surprised look on her friend's face, then watches the interaction between the two redheads. Her thoughts turn to Willow and the time they spent apart. She knows it was necessary but she is so glad it is over.
Willow finally succeeds in wrapping her child in her arms and stopping her questing fingers. "Buffy, is something wrong?"
"No, nothing wrong. In fact, it's pretty right." Her eyes meet soft green. "I'm glad you're home.
Willow nods, "Yeah, me too." She watches unsure as she sees her friend lean toward her.
Eve wrestles free and pops up between them. "Get her Mama."
Buffy's forward motion stops and she manages a grin at the redhead's words. "I think it's you who needs gotten." She begins to tickle the child and Buffy joins in. Willow's laughter warms the Slayer's heart as she thinks to herself, 'God, how I've missed that sound.'
* * *
Faith and Kennedy are patrolling. The younger Slayer watches the older as she dusts vampire after vampire with an anger she hasn't seen before. She shakes her head and starts after the one closet to her, but before she can stake it, Faith launches herself into the air and, with a spinning kick, knocks it to the ground. Kennedy frowns as she looks on. Finally after the other Slayer beats it to a bloody pulp then dusts it she speaks. "Okay Faith, going out on a limb here and saying something is obviously not right, so spill." Her eyes meet raging brown.
Faith scoffs, "No, things are great. Five by five even." She walks away.
Kennedy rolls her own chocolate eyes, "Right, sure as hell not buying that."
Faith stops and turns on a dime, facing the younger Slayer, "I said I'm fine." Her words are sharp and hard. Kennedy steps closer. "I mean there's nothin' wrong with your girl still bein' in love with her ex. She just tried to kill her."
Kennedy starts to speak but stops as she realizes she doesn't know what is going on. The confusion covers her face and Faith begins again. "I mean hell I killed people and she loved me! Or, she said she did, so-" she stops then growls.
Kennedy finds words, "Okay, you wanna back up and start with something that makes sense, cause I know Tara loves you."
Faith says simply, "Willow's back."
Kennedy raises an eyebrow, "Willow?"
"Redhead, about this tall." She raises a hand to just about her height, then drops it as she continues. "Dark Witchy woman. Come on, I know you've heard the stories about her trying to end the world." Kennedy looks surprised, then amazed. Faith walks away.
Kennedy mumbles under her breath. "Shit." She finally realizes Faith is gone. "Shit! Faith, wait!" She starts after her friend.
I hope it was worth the wait. Let me know what you think. I have a couple of weeks off soon so hopefully I can get more chapters posted a lot sooner. Thanks to those reading and reviewing. And a special thanks to Wolfkin for the beta work and loaning me Faith(You're welcome and I *wish* I *did* own her(: -Wolfkin )