Copyright: June 22, 2000

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: The characters from “Buffy, The Vampire Slayer”, well, they don’t belong to me, they belong to Joss Whedon, et al. No copyright infringement is intended or inferred. This a non-profit piece of fan fiction, the story is the sole property of the author.

Song: “Wonderful Tonight” is written and sung by Eric Patrick Clapton. Copyright 1977. Some of the lyrics which are spoken by Willow and Tara are in italics.

Author’s Note: This is a response to a song fic challenge set forth by Richard. Although I’m not a newbie, I thought I’d give it a crack. Surprisingly enough, I had contemplated doing a story around this song for a little over a month now. The song is on disc with nothing BUT love songs. And about the third time I heard the song, I knew I’d have to write a story around this... it’s practically calling out for someone to do it. I hope someone else tries the challenge, it will be interesting to see what other stories come out of this.

Willow glanced at the clock on the mantle above the fireplace they were going to be late. Not that she really wanted to go, but she had promised Tara that they would at least make an appearance.

It’s late in the evening;
she wondering what clothes to wear

Willow had just walked back into their bedroom and saw Tara nibbling on her lip, a habit she said she’d gotten from her. ‘Wherever she got it from, I hope she never gives it up,’ she thought to herself as her eyes were locked on Tara’s lips.

Finally putting on a dress she knew that Willow loved her in, Tara sat down in front of the dresser.

She puts on her make-up
and brushes her long blonde hair.

And then she asks me...

“Do I look alright?” Tara said, staring at Willow, who at the moment seemed transfixed, by what, she had no idea.

And I say

“Yes, you look wonderful tonight.”

We go to a party
and everyone turns to see...

This beautiful lady...

Walking around with me

Willow noticed the looks they were getting as soon as they walked into the house. She saw that Tara hadn’t realized that people were looking her way.

When they walked in, Tara saw that right away everyone was looking at Willow.

‘And why not? She’s beautiful,’ she thought as she gazed at Willow and saw her looking back at her with a soft smile on her face.

And then she asks me...

“Do you feel alright?” Tara asked.

And I say...

“Yes... I feel wonderful tonight.”

I feel wonderful because
I see the love light in your eyes

Willow hoped she’d always see the look that Tara would give her, it was of such utter love and devotion, one she was sure she had no way of returning properly.

And the wonder of it all... is...

That you just don’t realize...

How much I love you

They spent about two hours at the party, talking to friends and co-workers, and although they spent time apart from each other, whenever looked around, their eyes would lock and everyone would drift away for a few seconds.

Leaving them alone with just one another.

It’s time to go home now

They both thanked the hosts for inviting them to the party and that they would have to do this again.

And I’ve got an aching head...

So I give her the car keys

As soon as they walked out the door, Willow dropped the keys into Tara’s hands. They walked to the car holding hands.

‘We should have left earlier,’ Tara thought as she started the car and drove them home. She kissed her fingertips and placed them on Willow’s lips. “We’ll be home soon Willow. We shouldn’t have stayed so long if you’re not feeling well.”

“I’m okay. It just started, really,” she replied, smiling to herself, thinking about Tara’s kiss.

They arrive ten minutes later, Tara going to Willow’s side, helping her inside.

And she helps me to bed

Willow shook her head. It wasn’t as if she didn’t like it when Tara undressed her, but this wasn’t exactly the way she had thought the night would end, with her being tucked into bed.

She watched as Tara slowly undressed, and her heart skipped a beat. ‘Damn headache,’ she thought to herself. Tara was... is beautiful. ‘She just doesn’t see it.’ Willow pulled down the blankets as Tara made her way to their bed.

As they snuggled together, before noticing that the light was still on.

And then I tell her,
as I turn off the light,
I say...

“My darling, you were wonderful tonight. Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight,” Willow said as she got back into bed.

Tara smiled, and held her arms open, and Willow let herself slip into place.

And with a kiss that promised other rewards to be found later, they drifted off to sleep.