Nothing But You
by Whedonist
Chapter 4
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A/n: Thanks for the feedback every one. =0)
Disclaimer: See priors.
Chapter 4
Willow sat back and watched her new friends play a game of touch football. What she found most hilarious was that the three smallest girls, Buffy, Faith, and Dawn, were beating the boys and Kate. She looked over and smiled at Fred and Tara. She had noticed earlier that Tara had been giving her looks. Deciding that now was the best time to bring it up she situated herself to meet her friend's gaze.
"Alright Tara, out with it. You've been giving me looks all day. What's wrong?"
"I..." Deciding that being blunt with Willow always worked best she said, "It's just that you're different. I didn't expect such a change in you so soon."
Cocking her head to the side Willow looked at her friend confused. "Uh?"
"Take for instance this morning. We come in and you're cuddled up with Buffy. Will you've never done that. Ever. You didn't even sleep in the same bed with me until a year after we met."
"So, I'm comfortable with Buffy. That's no big. There's more. Out with it missy."
"That's it. I just don't want to see you get hurt. After everything, I mean you've only known these guys what a week at most?"
"No hurting. Promise Tare. Relax. They're good people. I know I've only known them a short time, but I do trust them. I can't explain it, but trust me and know that I'm in good hands."
"Tara, relax. Willow's right. They seem like a good group." Fred chimed in. Knowing how the blonde got with Willow, she decided to throw in her two-sense and ease her girlfriend's fears.
Sighing Tara relaxed into the brunette. "Okay Willow, but please be careful."
"That I can do." Willow went back under the umbrella and continued to people watch.
The day wore on with Angel and Xander trying to light the barbeque and cook their food.
"Hey, I'm gonna go to the bathroom. Anyone care to accompany me?" Buffy said.
Tara stood and brushed the sand from her legs. "Sure, the call of nature is long over due. Be right back."
The two blondes set off. Tara had been thinking of a way to talk to Buffy with out coming off rude or over protective, but she was struggling with her approach. She knew she was a little over protective of Willow, but she couldn't help it. With all of Willow's assets and the blonde girl knew her red headed friend had many, she didn't want anyone taking advantage of her. The way that Buffy had been looking at Willow also caused Tara concern. There was an edge of predation and the look of longing. As much as she teased Willow about taking a different perspective on sexuality she knew that the other girl would probably never try anything. Sighing she started in.
"Hey Buffy, can I talk to you for a moment?"
Buffy turned around and walked backwards. "Sure thing Tara, what's up?"
"It's about Willow."
"I kinda figured. Nothing's wrong right?"
"Well no not yet. I...I don't want to come off rude, but let me put this in the most basic terms. Hurt her and I beat you to death with a shovel."
Buffy looked at the taller blonde in shock. Although it was nice that Willow had friends that cared so much about her, she still didn't think it was any of Tara's concern what Buffy's relationship was with Willow.
Tara shrugged and added, "A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend."
"Uhm, Tara. Look, I know we just meant, but there's nothing to be concerned about."
"Buffy, please. Between this morning and the way you've been looking at her when you think no one is paying attention it's pretty damn obvious. I don't want her getting hurt or taken advantage of. And FYI she's straight."
Knowing she had at least been caught staring at Willow she conceded. If it had been one of her friends she would a have been having this same conversation, but from the other side.
"Ok ok I see your point, but the last thing I want to do is hurt Willow. She's special and yes I know she's straight, but I can still be friends with her. I want to be."
"So you do like her?"
"Yes, a lot actually, but I don't want to ruin what we've got going ya know? It's nice and God am I the most pathetic creature on earth. Please just don't say anything to her? I don't want to wig her out."
Tara looked into the pleading hazel eyes of her oldest friend's newest friend and nodded. "Ok, but Buffy I'm serious. There are things that you don't know. It's not my place to tell, but if Willow wants you to know she will. Just be careful."
"Will do. Thanks Tara."
She smiled at the other girl and walked out of the bathroom into the afternoon sun.
The night wound down and currently everyone was situated around a bonfire Angel had built. Most everyone was coupled up that could be. Buffy was currently talking to Willow and internally drooling at the visible flesh of her friend. Sitting side by side, they were carrying on a conversation about the redhead's last trip to the beach.
"I swear they made everyone get out of the water."
"Did it hurt anyone?"
"I don't think so, it was more of a precautionary thing. Come on, great white. I didn't go back in the water the rest of the day. This is the first time I've been back to the beach."
"I did notice the dryness of your outfit. I doubt there are any sharks hanging out tonight. You want to go for a swim?"
"Uh, no. I like the sand and the ground. It's dry and everything is visible. Much more conducive to not getting eaten."
"Suit yourself, but I think that you should rethink the whole not getting in the water thing. You don't have to ya know swim out a mile, just to your waist. I'll go with. I promise no injuries or man eating beasties."
"I...hey stop with the look. Pouting will get you most anywhere, but you can't know that."
"Please?"
"Fine, but I better not get ate."
The girls stood up and walked out to the water. Wading in slowly, Willow noticed the way Buffy moved. Graceful and confident. It amazed her that someone so small could present an aura of such power. Willow also found herself drawn to it. She enjoyed the blonde's company and always felt safe with her around. This little excursion in to the early dusk lighted ocean was a prime example. When Buffy promised no injuries and or beasties, Willow believed her.
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"So did you two have fun today?" Willow asked from her spot on the floor.
"Loads. Thanks for the invite Willow." Fred laid back on the bed and sat her book down. "I was expecting something different, but it was all really nice."
"Good. So when you guys gonna come up again?"
"I don't know. It really depends on Tare. She's got more of the insane schedule. I'm stuck in the labs most days and if I take off the weekend it's no big deal."
"Speaking of Tare, is she ok? I mean she just seemed kinda closed out today?"
"She's ok. I think that it was more walking in today and seeing you and Buffy asleep together. Let's face it Wills, that's not something you usually do. She just doesn't want you to get hurt."
"It was Buffy and I sharing a bed, there was nothing major. I don't get the freak."
"You don't see it like we do. Whether you know or not, Buffy likes you."
"No she doesn't. You guys are being paranoid and besides which even if she did, it doesn't matter. Remember my rule of the no dating. Eddie was enough. I can't do that right now."
"Will, I don't mean to sound harsh, but 6 months is plenty long enough. You need to be young get out there and test the water's again."
Willow looked out the window and tried to not get angry at her friend. She was right 6 months was time enough, but every time she thought about starting to look at other people the only thing she could feel was her slimy ex-boyfriend's hands shoving their way up her dress. Shuddering she closed her eyes and forced the memories from her mind. Fred had seen the glazed look come over Willow and moved off the bed to hug the redhead.
"Hey, I get it's still there, but Willow you can't remain the victim forever. You want to pay the bastard back then live. Find someone you can trust and be happy."
A tear slipped down the redhead's cheek. Nodding she said, "I know, alright. It's just that...even thinking about being with someone makes my skin crawl. I can't do it not yet."
"Well not to beat a dead horse, but sweetie you looked pretty comfortable with Buffy today. I mean really comfortable. You trust her and would it be that bad?"
"Fred, I..." Willow stopped before finishing the statement. She didn't want to upset the slim girl and she did appreciate what she was trying to do. "How about this: if for the remote chance that Buffy likes me and one day I may, may develop the need to try some girl on girl lovin', I'll open myself up to the experience. Ok?"
"Deal." Fred said squeezing Willow.
The door opened up and Tara came through. She took in the sight and stared at Fred.
"Why are you making my best friend cry sweetie?"
Smiling up at the blonde, Fred said, "Oh you know the usual. You ok?"
Willow nodded.
"Ok so if you aren't being all evil then why the tears?"
"We were ah...talking about he who shall rot in hell forever and ever."
"Ah I see. Well I don't know about you guys but the sun and fun wiped me out. Who's ready for bed?"
"Me." Fred said. Getting up she crawled into the bed and the 3 girls fell asleep.