- Text Size +

Author's Chapter Notes:
Angel and Tara start adjusting to their new world with the Scoobies
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Brave New World
Tara slept in Willow's arms the entire two hours it took them to get back to the hotel, except for the brief stop they made at a children's petting zoo about twenty minutes away from the crater that was Sunnydale. After much wheedling, cajoling and not a few tears, the three girls had convinced Giles to arrange for Ethel to board with the petting zoo until arrangements could be made to have her transported to England. Willow had argued that Ethel had been a source of comfort for Tara and it would be just plain mean to take Ethel away from Tara. Giles harrumphed and made that odd clucking sound that he often made when being parental, then polished his glasses repeatedly before finally giving in to the three pairs of sad eyes looking at him.

Willow smiled as Tara said goodbye to Ethel and was happy they'd found the petting zoo on the way back to the hotel. 'Because, hey, cow? hotel? Not so much a good idea,' she thought, faintly smiling at the mental image. When they got back into the car, Tara curled back up on the seat and put her head back in Willow's lap, Willow reassuming her same protective position. Willow couldn't remember how long it had been since she'd felt so at peace. Tara was home.

When they got to the hotel, Willow lightly tapped Tara's shoulder and was stunned when Tara sat straight up, screaming and looking around frantically, her eyes wide with fear. Her gaze unfocused, she didn't seem to see Willow.

Once the shock of seeing Tara in such desperate panic wore off, Willow began talking to her in a calm and gentle voice, sending calming energy to the blonde and hoping she'd accept it. “Tara, it's okay. You're safe. We're at the hotel.” Her heart ached at the sheer terror in Tara's eyes. Willow couldn't even being to imagine the hell Tara had gone through but she could see and feel the other woman's terror and continued to send calming energy to her.

After several moments, Tara's breathing slowed and her eyes began to focus on the redhead. She smiled shyly and ducked her head as the flush of embarrassment crept into her cheeks. “Th-thank y-you,” she said quietly.

Willow smiled to herself. Tara had accepted her energy. 'It's a start,' she thought.

Xander opened the door and helped Tara out as Willow got out on the other side. Xander was looking at Tara with a goofy grin. Willow had to stifle a giggle as Xander impulsively pulled Tara into a hug. Tara, caught off-guard, 'oofed', froze for a moment, then laughed, shyly hugging him back. Willow thought Tara seemed a little skittish, almost afraid of Xander, but couldn't fathom why.

Willow knew exactly how Xander felt. The smile refused to leave her face. Every time she looked at Tara she felt like she should pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. She was startled from her bliss by a soft touch on her shoulder.

“You coming in or you just gonna stand here all day with that grin on your face?”

She turned and found Buffy grinning at her. “And yeah, I know just how you feel,” Buffy said, “remind me to never doubt Dawn's scary brain again.”

Willow pulled Buffy into a fierce hug and whispered, “Thank you so much, Buffy. You came back safe and brought Tara with you. I can't . . .” her voice choked off as more tears started to flow.

She heard Buffy's breath catch and felt as Buffy started to sob. She held tight to her best friend, realizing Buffy probably hadn't had a chance to break down since she found Angel and Tara. She didn't know how much time had passed before a third set of arms joined them.

“You know “ you two keep this up and Tara and Angel might just wonder why you brought them back.”

The two girls broke apart with a unified giggled “Xander!”

“I'm just saying. We're all waiting for you.”

Willow looked behind him and saw two weary but amused faces. She grinned and started into the hotel. Tara had waited long enough.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Once upstairs, they convened in Giles' room.

“First things first,” Giles said as he picked up the phone and dialed. “Hullo, Dawn, everything all right?” He nodded at her response, making understanding affirmative noises. “Good, good. Oh, hold on one moment, please, Dawn.” Giles smiled as he covered the mouthpiece and handed the phone to Tara. “She doesn't know we've got you back. I thought you might like to be the one to tell her.”

Willow's heart melted at the beatific smile that spread across Tara's face as she took the phone from Giles.

“D-dawnie . . . is that r-really you?” she asked, pulling the phone away from her ear at Dawn's squealed “Tara!” The conversation lasted a few moments before Tara was overcome with tears and Giles gently took the phone back from her.

“Dawn? Are you alright?” he asked. He nodded at her response and said, “Right then, see you in a week or so. You know how to reach us.” He rang off, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

“She sends her love to all,” he said, then looked at Tara. “She asked me to pass along a hug and a kiss but I assume you're a little overwhelmed right now, so,” he cleared his throat before continuing, “consider yourself kissed and hugged by Dawn.” The color rising in his cheeks and the polish he was putting on his already spotless glasses gave away his embarrassment.

Willow giggled and felt warmth spread throughout her body. She knew it was temporary but, for now, she'd take what she could get.

“Right then,” Giles said, regaining his composure.

“Stupid question but, now what?” Xander asked.

The group looked at him blankly and Willow realized they hadn't really discussed the “after”. Buffy had said shopping but -

“Shopping,” Buffy said with a grin.

The girls, even Tara, started to giggle and the men looked horrified, causing the girls' giggles to double. When their giggles finally subsided, Buffy said “Seriously, Tara and Angel, we've got four rooms. We didn't know if you'd each want your own or . . .” she trailed off and looked at Willow.

Willow wanted to stay with Tara but didn't think it would be a good idea. They weren't necessarily the same people they were two years ago when last they saw each other… well, literally, sort of. “We weren't sure if you'd be okay alone or if you'd want to share with Angel or, uh, someone.” She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

“Oh, uh, Will . . . I-I . . .” Tara stammered, her face flushing.

“Oh, no, Tara . . . I didn't mean . . . I mean . . .” she looked at Buffy pleadingly for help.

Buffy looked sympathetically at her best friend. “I don't think Willow meant to imply the two of you would, uh . . .”

Willow watched Buffy struggle and decided, embarrassed or not, she'd have to do this. “Tara, look at me.” Taking a deep breath to clear her mind, she looked at Tara. “Okay, there's no expectations here, we just weren't sure if you'd want to be alone or if you'd be afraid being alone. So if you want to stay with me, that's okay but if you'd rather stay with Angel or Buffy or Xander or Giles, that's okay too. And if you want to be alone, that's okay too. Okay?”

Tara nodded. “I-I think I'd like to s-stay w-with A-angel. If-if that's okay with you Angel?”

Willow looked at Angel who seemed to be testing his humanity by checking for his pulse and letting his hand play in the sunlight streaming through the window.

“Of course,” Angel said, glancing at Buffy but without hesitation.

“B-buffy, are-are you okay with it?” Tara stammered.

Willow stole a look at her best friend.

Buffy was grinning at Tara. “It's okay with me,” she said before stealing a look at Angel, her face blushing as he smiled at her.

Willow smiled in relief. First hurdle jumped, a million more to go.

“Okay, then. I bet showers, rest and food are at the top of the must do list? Maybe not in that order?” Buffy said. Relief, and something else, was evident in her eyes and voice. Willow made a mental note to check in with her best friend later.

“Food first,” Angel said with a slightly bemused grin. “Preferably,” he continued, still letting his hand play in the sunlight, “somewhere we can sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.” He looked at Tara who nodded in agreement.

“Right then, lunch it is,” Giles said checking his watch. “I believe there's a rather nice outdoor restaurant attached to the hotel.” He picked up the phone and pushed a single digit and waited a moment. “Yes, does the hotel restaurant have outdoor seating? Excellent. Do we need a reservation? Giles, room 314, table for six outside. Half an hour? Thank you, that will be fine.” He rang off and turned to the group. “Alright, they can seat us in half an hour.”

Tara lit up. “Oh good, that gives me time to take a shower.”

Willow melted at the smile on Tara's face and the light in her eyes. 'Goddess,' she thought, having trouble catching her breath.

“Me too,” Angel said.

“Oh.” Tara's face fell.

“Tara, honey, what's wrong?” The term of endearment automatic in her concern. “We've got four bathrooms.”

Tara flushed. “Oh, no, it's n-not that. Clothes and toothbrushes and . . . stuff. We-we didn't have much but everything is packed somewhere. I-I guess we weren't really thinking.”

Willow smiled softly. “I think we can handle that. Xander, Giles “ can you help Angel? Come on, Tara, I'm sure Buffy and I can help you out.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Thirty minutes later, they were being seated at a table in the bright California sunshine, both Tara and Angel thoroughly enjoying it. They all took several moments to look at the menu and order before they started talking. Conversation was desultory, with no specific topic or purpose. Willow got the feeling they were all just trying to avoid any topics that might prick their bubble of triumph and force them to deal with the reality of having Angel and Tara suddenly back in their lives.

Willow glanced at Buffy occasionally and wondered if the Slayer was feeling the same way Willow was. Mostly, though, she watched Tara. She caught Tara watching her once or twice and felt the tingles as Tara smiled Willow's special smile. Willow knew, without question, that she still loved Tara. Two years, a lifetime ago, a different Tara, a different Willow and none of that meant anything when Tara smiled. It buoyed her hopes that Tara still felt the same about her. Frowning, she realized she'd have to tell Tara some unpleasant things soon. She hoped this wasn't the last time she'd see that special smile.

“Willow?” Tara's concerned voice cut through her thoughts.

“Hm? I'm sorry. What?” she responded distractedly, unaware of what they'd been talking about.

“Are you okay?” Tara looked so worried, Willow felt her heart constrict.

“Oh, yeah. I, uh, got lost in thought.” Willow couldn't stop the smile she gave Tara.

“Same old Will,” Tara said softly, a shy smile gracing her lips. The sun made her pale skin seem cool and luminous.

Willow felt the flush start at her toes and quickly spread through her until it reached her face.

Buffy and Xander giggled, causing Willow to start and before long they were all laughing. Willow knew it was a 'break the tension' laugh and, when it stopped, the tension was indeed broken.

Willow smiled. “Just thinking that you two have decisions to make. We really should maybe think about shopping and, well, I don't know how much you know about this reality, but things are a lot different.”

Angel nodded. “Yeah, Buffy gave us a run-down.”

“Cliff notes version,” Buffy added.

“Enough that I know I haven't any real reason to stay in L.A,” he smiled at Buffy, “and at least one good reason to go to England. I do have to check on a few things here before I leave, though.”

Giles cleared his throat. “Yes, well, of course that's what we'd all prefer obviously. You and Tara joining us in England. There's plenty of room and more than enough work to be done. If that's what you want, that is.”

They spent the next several hours over lunch and into dinner discussing the changes in the world, what they were doing to locate and train both slayers and watchers. Their waitress continued to check on them, asking if they needed anything and bringing her replacement over when the shift changed for the dinner crowd. Willow had heard a few passing comments about how long they'd been there, just snippets of conversations that all seemed to agree that the gang was there brainstorming an idea for a movie script. They didn't bother to correct the story because it afforded them a little extra privacy.

They discussed the changes they were going to have to make in the way things were done and the idea they'd had of each slayer having her own “Scooby Gang.” They filled Angel and Tara in on lost friends and the changes in both Dawn and Faith.

“Faith?” Angel asked, puzzled, “she's in jail, right?”

Willow shook her head. “Long story, but no, she's not. She's in Cleveland, her record wiped clean.” Angel arched an eyebrow but Willow, having seen Tara try to suppress a yawn, shook her head. “I know I'm tired so you two have to be. Buffy can fill you in on Faith later.”

Buffy nodded her agreement. “I'm kind of beat too. We've been sitting here for,” she looked at Xander's watch, still on her wrist. “Oh, wow, five hours. And we still have tons to do and figure out before we head for home.”

Tara stifled another yawn and it was quickly decided that more conversation could wait until tomorrow as the tired group headed back to their rooms.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tara and Angel were in their room getting ready for bed. Having just drawn a fragrant bubble bath, Tara was just about to step in when there was a soft knock at the door.

“Tara? I'm going to go talk to Giles for a minute. You gonna be okay?” Angel asked through the closed door.

“I'll be fine, Angel,” Tara answered, smiling to herself. Her great protector.

“Okay. I'll be back in a bit.”

She heard the room door close as she slipped into the hot, lavender scented water. This was how life was supposed to be “ no demons, no First to worry about, just long, hot bubble baths. It felt like heaven after a year of cold and lukewarm sponge baths. A proper bath with lots of bubbles, body wash and actual-honest-to-goodness shampoo. Not being afraid? Also a plus in the helping to relax department. She reflected over the last twenty-four hours and realized there was so much to get used to. She tried to consider her options but realized she didn't really know what they were. She was pretty sure she'd be able to join the others in England but did she have any other options? Did she really want any other options? Willow was in England. She needed to figure out what had changed Willow. She sighed and sank further into the water. Everything in her was in chaos and it all swirled around Willow. It had taken all of, what?, one minute to realize she was still crazy about Will and, unless she'd read Willow's reactions wrong, Willow was still crazy about her. Two different people, two lifetimes ago “ and they were still them. “How unbelievable is that?” she mused out loud.

She soaked in the tub until the water cooled and considered getting out, then changed her mind. She opened the drain and turned on the hot water tap, adding more bubble bath until the water was once again foamy, fragrant and hot. Sinking back into the tub, she let her mind wander and came to the conclusion that Angel had the right idea; she would go talk to Giles.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Giles was surprised to see Angel when he opened the door.

“Uh, hi,” Angel said, obviously uncomfortable.

“Oh, hello,” Giles responded. He had hoped to talk to the young man but was surprised that Angel had sought him out.

“I was, uh, hoping we could talk?” Angel said hesitantly, looking at the floor and shifting his weight from foot to foot. “If this is a bad time . . .”

“Hm? Oh, no, not at all,” Giles said, shaking his head as he stepped aside to allow Angel entrance. Waving him to a chair, Giles offered him a drink.

“Water, please?” Angel said, still not looking at the watcher.

Giles retrieved a bottle of water from the refrigerator, puzzled as to why the young man was . . . embarrassed? Or uncomfortable, maybe that was more accurate. Giles knew Angel still felt some measure of guilt over the death of Jenny Calendar, but Giles bore no ill will toward the former vampire; they'd laid that to rest years ago. Handing Angel the bottle of water along with a glass of ice, Giles reclaimed the chair he'd been sitting in before Angel had knocked.

He studied the former vampire for a moment before clearing his throat and asking, “What can I do for you, Angel?”

Angel looked up and Giles could see the uncertainty in his face.

“Giles, I, uh,” Angel took a long drink of his water then took a deep breath and started again, this time looking Giles in the eye as he spoke. “I'm human. I'm not sure how or why but I am. I have to check some things in L.A. but once I've done that, I want to go to England with you.”

Giles nodded thoughtfully. He understood what Angel was saying, understood why he wanted to go to England. What he didn't understand was what Angel was asking of him.

Angel continued, “I need to know if this is permanent. If it is, I want to make my life in England with Buffy, if she'll have me.” He paused, as if struck by a sudden thought. “If there isn't someone else,” he said, looking hopefully at Giles.

Giles nodded again before responding. “Have you spoken to Buffy about this?” he asked, ignoring the implied question.

Angel shook his head. “Not yet. I wanted to talk to you first, make sure there's room for me on your team, that I'll be useful. I want to be wherever Buffy is.” He sighed and looked back at Giles. “I've lost her three times and I'm not doing it again. My place is wherever she is. If she's not ready, I'll wait. I waited over two hundred years, a few more won't kill me.” He grinned wryly at that statement before continuing, “I don't want to waste any more time, Giles. I'm tired of looking back at what might have been.”

Giles stood and poured himself another drink as he considered both what Angel was saying and what the young man was asking of him. Sitting back down he looked at Angel, choosing his words carefully.

“I know you love Buffy and I know we could use your help. Have you considered what you'll do if Buffy, erm, isn't interested?”

Angel nodded. “I still want to go to England. There's nothing for me here, Giles. From what Buffy told us and then the gaps you filled in, my friends and associates are all gone, At least in England, I can maybe do some good and I'd be among friends.”

Giles nodded again. “You're more than welcome to join us, Angel. I do, however, suggest you talk to Buffy.”

Angel stood up, smiling, and extended his hand to Giles who also stood. “Thank you, Giles. I think I'll go talk to Buffy now.”

Giles warmly shook the young man's hand and led him to the door, musing at the fact that the handshake had been warm. Angel's hand was warm. 'Apparently, he is human,' Giles frowned thoughtfully as he closed the door behind Angel. “But why, how and for how long?” he mused out loud.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Angel stepped into their room, wanting to check on Tara before he sought out Buffy. He grinned to himself as he saw the bathroom door was still closed. Gently knocking, he called to her, “Tara?”

“Angel?” came the reply, “hang on a minute, I'm almost done.”

Angel smiled again as he realized he'd never heard Tara sound so happy. She came out in one of the hotel's big fluffy white robes, her hair up in a towel. The scent of lavender drifted out, riding a visible cloud of steam.

“Hi!” she grinned at him. “So, I feel human again.”

“Yeah? Me too,” he grinned back at her and she giggled.

“You saw Giles?” she asked, curling into a chair by the window, smiling as Miss Kitty leaped into her lap and settled down for a nap.

He nodded as he sat in the chair across from her. “He told me I was welcome in England if that's where I want to go. He said there's plenty for me to do. And you know I want to be wherever Buffy is “ even if there isn't a chance for us, I want to at least be her friend.” He thought for a moment before he said, “And, really, after I check on Connor, there's nothing left to keep me here.” He frowned as a thought suddenly occurred to him.

“What?” she asked, her blue eyes full of concern. He smiled at how well they'd actually gotten to know each other over the past year.

“Do you know what you're going to do?” he asked her, as he realized how much he'd enjoyed her company and how much he would miss her.

She shook her head. “No. I-I want to be with Willow but I don't know. It's been two years and so much has changed.” She frowned slightly, her brow furrowing. “I think maybe I should go talk to Giles, too. Maybe he'll have some answers. But, Angel,” she said, looking at him intently, “your decision shouldn't be influenced by mine. Honestly? I don't really have a life here. Anywhere in this reality, really. Here, I've been dead for two years.”

“Yeah, I know,” he smiled sympathetically at her, “and up until about a month ago, someone else was living mine. So I really have no life anywhere either.” He reflected on the truth of that. What would he do if he didn't go with Buffy? The agency was still a viable option but, without Cordy, Wes, Gunn and Fred, his now beating heart just wasn't in it.

“What about Connor?” she asked softly.

He shook his head. He had told her about Connor one night when they'd both been feeling sorry for themselves. It had felt good to share the story with someone, especially someone who hadn't been directly impacted by his decision. She'd been understanding and sympathetic and he'd been grateful that she hadn't passed any judgments.

“I made my choice. I want to check on him, make sure he's safe but I have no place in his life and that's how it should be.” He sighed deeply. “He's with a family that loves him and he has no memories of demons and hell dimensions. I don't want, and I don't have the right, to intrude on that.”

“It's funny,” she said, “we're finally safe but no less alone.”

He nodded his agreement. “I think I need to think before I talk to Buffy. A hot shower sounds good.” He grinned at her. “That is, if you left any hot water.”

She shook her head. “I'm not making any promises,” she grinned back at him. “And, since you're following my lead, I think I'll follow yours and go talk to Giles,” she said, releasing her blonde hair from its terrycloth prison and standing up, taking care to gently place Miss Kitty on the chair she'd just vacated. Walking over to the desk, she found a hairbrush among the necessities that had been hastily purchased from the gift shop. She carefully worked the tangles out of her hair, brushing until it was soft and shiny. She ran her hands through it several times, luxuriating in the feel of it before turning back to Angel. “Okay, I'll see you later,” she said, heading for the door.

He quirked an eyebrow. “You're going in your bathrobe?”

She grinned and nodded. “Yep. For the first time in over a year I am comfy and cozy and I am going to burn the few clothes I do have. Besides, I'm wearing pajamas, I'm decent.” She grinned again as she left the room.

He stood there for a moment chuckling and shaking his head before following Tara's lead and, grabbing another of the fluffy white robes, headed into the bathroom for a long, hot shower.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A second knock at the door once again roused Giles from his reading. Setting the book down, he once again crossed to the door and opened it, not surprised to see Tara standing there. He was, however, a little taken aback at her attire. He grinned at the pretty blonde witch as he felt a rush of warmth in his chest. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed the bright, quirky, sensitive young woman. He stepped aside and ushered her in, indicating she should take the chair Angel had recently vacated.

“Tara, you look refreshed,” he said, noting that she still looked tired but not nearly as bedraggled.

She blushed and smiled. “Thank you Mr. Giles.”

“Please, Tara,” he said, “call me Rupert or, at the very least, Giles.” He smiled warmly as the blonde blushed. “Now, what can I do for you? Can I offer you a drink?”

Tara ducked her head and stammered, “No-no thank you. W-willow . . . there “ there's so m-much power and grief and regret and sad-sadness in her aura. A-and I'm not sure “ what do I do now? I have no life here, in this reality,” she looked at him with tears in her eyes and he felt his heart constrict painfully.

“Tara,” he started.

“I mean, I'm grateful. I was living in hell. I just don't know where I fit in “ in the here and now.”

Giles looked at the young woman for a long moment, once again finding it necessary to measure his words carefully. He knew that much of what Tara wanted to know needed to come from Willow but he also felt a certain responsibility to at least put her mind at ease.

“Tara,” he finally said, “most of your questions will need to be answered by Willow. However, whatever you decide, whatever you need, we'll be able to help you start a new life wherever you'd like, doing whatever you'd like.” He stopped for a moment, once again considering how to proceed. “As for Willow “ the majicks are a part of her. They're no longer a hobby or something she does. They're as much a part of her now as though they'd been passed down from her mother and grandmother, much as I suspect yours were.” He paused again making sure Tara had understood what he'd said. Taking her nod as understanding, he continued. “The manner in which she came to own those powers I'll leave to her to tell you. The regret is because, in her journey to those powers,” he paused to look at her and sighed, knowing there was no was to ease into this. “The regret is because, in her journey to those powers, she killed the man who killed you “ rather viciously, I'm afraid.” He leaned forward and took her hands as she paled. “The grief that you're seeing has been there since you “ the other you “ died.”

Giles watched as several emotions played across the young woman's face. Disbelief, revulsion and fear were fleeting and when she finally re-focused on him, her eyes were narrowed in mistrust. Pulling her hands out of his, her tone was accusatory.

“Why isn't she in jail? Why weren't her powers bound? Why is she allowed to use majick at all? I don't understand “ what kind of world is this that a murderer is allowed to roam free? And you condone this?”

Giles sighed and removed his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose. How could he explain this? Could he explain this?

“Tara,” he said slowly, his tone even and his eyes meeting hers, “I wish there were a simple answer to your questions, there simply isn't. Most of them will need to be answered by Willow. As to the majicks “ Willow is quite powerful and her powers were needed to save our world from the same fate as yours.

“I can also tell you that she does understand the source and purpose of majick, has studied quite a lot with a powerful coven of witches and has made great strides in both understanding the nature of majick and in controlling it. Believe me when I tell you that the majicks do not control her, she controls them now. I think that's really all I can tell you “ any other questions you may have are best answered by Willow.”

Tara nodded and Giles felt guilty for placing such a burden on the young woman so soon after so many had just been relieved. She did seem to accept what he had said as the truth and was looking more worried than distrustful.

He looked into her troubled blue eyes for a moment before speaking again. “I am sorry you have to deal with so much so soon. Your place in this world is wherever you would like it to be, I promise you.”

A smile flickered at her lips before she said, “Thank you so much, Giles. I-I'm glad you told me. I-I j-just hope W-willow tells me herself about this.” She frowned and looked at him. “P-please don't tell her we've spoken about this?” she said in earnest. “If we're ever going to “ if I'm ever going to be able to completely trust her again,” she trailed off as the tears started to flow.

Rupert Giles, for all his knowledge and experience, was still just a typical male and thus had no idea what to do about a female's tears. He gently patted her knee and made vague soothing noises. Taking a handkerchief out of his pocket, he handed it to the young woman. He couldn't begin to imagine the hell she'd been through.

She accepted the handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes and nose. She gave him a watery smile. “I'm s-sorry. I shouldn't b-burden you . . .” she started.

“Not a bit of it,” he interrupted. “This has to be terribly traumatic or, at the very least, overwhelming for you. I understand your trepidation and I won't share our conversation with Willow.”

She smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Mr. Giles.”

He reminded her, “Rupert, please Tara, or Giles, as your compatriots do.” He smiled as she ducked her head shyly. “Just promise me you won't call me 'G' or 'G-man'.” He rolled his eyes at the memory of Xander's brand of humor.

Tara laughed. “It's a deal, Giles.”

He stood as she did and walked her to the door.

“Thank you, Giles,” she said with an extra emphasis on his name while extending her hand, “for everything.”

Grasping her hand warmly in his, he responded, “You're very welcome.” Smiling warmly at her, he couldn't stop the next words that came to his mind. “It is good to have you back.”

She smiled and leaned up to kiss his cheek, causing him to blush. “It's really good to be here,” she said softly as she exited his room.

He stood there for a moment after she'd gone, then poured himself a glass of scotch before reclaiming his chair and re-opening his book. He doubted he would have any other visitors this evening but the two he'd had left him with quite a bit to think about.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tara walked back to her room thinking about what Giles had said and wondering if she and Willow could or would ever be able to find their ways back to each other. Her head spun and she felt sick to her stomach. Willow had killed a man and wasn’t punished. It was difficult to reconcile the sweet girl she'd met with the powerful witch she'd become and with the murderer. She'd always had power, though and she’d lost control twice now. She could again “ she would again. Willow killed someone “ no matter what the reason, Willow “ lovely, sweet, funny Willow . . . had killed someone and, apparently, it had been brutal. That kind of power was awesome “ and terrifying. That was one of the first things that had drawn her to Willow. The fact that she was smart, funny and sweet just added to the attraction. She smiled to herself, bit her lip in worry and hoped that, whatever the circumstances, Willow would be honest with her and maybe they could get to know each other again. Maybe Willow could help her understand why she’d done what she’d done and how it all tied in with saving the world. Starting over would be good. She was still powerful, smart, funny and sweet; after all was said and done, she was still her Willow.

Entering her room she heard the last few words of a song she didn't recognize as the water shut off in the bathroom. Either she hadn't been gone as long as she'd thought or Angel was trying to set the world record for the longest shower. The cloud of steam that escaped the bathroom as he exited made her think it was the latter. She grinned as he came further into the room, toweling his hair dry and uttering a startled 'yelp' as he realized he wasn't alone.

“Tara! Oh, uh, hi. When did, uh, you get back?” he asked, sliding his eyes away from her and restlessly moving his feet.

Before she could answer, the connecting door opened and Buffy came in, knocking as she did so. “Just came to ask you to stop strangling Miss Kitty,” she said, grinning at Angel.

Tara chuckled and scooped Miss Kitty up into her arms. Angel looked at the floor and Tara realized his nervousness upon her return had been embarrassment at thinking she'd heard him singing in the shower. She wondered what he'd been singing.

Buffy glanced at Tara then looked at Angel. “Uh, I just thought maybe we could talk?”

He nodded. “Give me a minute to get dressed and I'll be right over.”

She nodded and began to leave the room before turning back to look at Tara. “It's really good seeing you again,” she said, the warmth in her eyes and smile saying so much more than her words.

Tara smiled back, equally warmly, and nodded. “Yeah. It is good.”

Buffy slipped through the connecting door, leaving it slightly ajar.

“You'll be okay here for awhile while I go talk to her?” he asked, worry showing in his face.

She laughed as she stroked Miss Kitty's ears. “I'll be fine, Angel. You'll be right next door and we're not in Sunnyhell anymore.”

“I know,” he said. “I guess I'm just used to worrying about you.” He smiled at her.

“Yeah, I know and I appreciate it, but I'll be fine. I'm going to take Miss Kitty out to the balcony and we're going to watch the sunset then look at the stars. Go. Talk to Buffy,” she grinned at him.

As Angel nodded and left the room, Tara headed out to watch her first sunset in over a year.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter End Notes:
Next Week: Conversations With (formerly) Dead People
You must login (register) to review.
The Foyer - faq - Contact Us