Copyright: August 13, 2000

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: Joss Whedon, Fox Studios, Mutant Enemy, et al, have something to do with “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”. No copyright infringement is intended or inferred. The story along with any/all original characters are the sole property of the author and cannot be used without expressed permission first.

SPOILERS: Hush.

Author's Note: Nah, that would just spoil the story.

Angst Warning: Could be.

THANKS: To Xita, for the beta.

As Roy Croft once wrote:

I love you,

Not only for what you are,

But for what I am,

When I am with you.

It didn’t take long for me to notice her. I mean, she reminded me of me before I realized that Hollywood didn’t know everything about monsters. She wanted to speak up say something, I think it was because of what I had started to bring up during the meeting.

You know, how we might actually practice some spells... do some casting, you know, witchy-type things, after all, this was a Wicca group I had joined. I wanted a chance to improve my abilities, as my spells had the knack of going awry.

I heard someone; I can’t remember who it was now, say her name:

Willow.

I liked it right away it was different. I mean how many times can you say that you’ve met a Willow before.

Not very many.

So... Willow looked as if she was going to agree with what I had said. But, when the entire groups’ attention focused on her... oh, it was sad. She got nervous; I know I would have been a few years ago, and she started to stutter.

I felt bad for her.

All I wanted to do was go over to her and tell her it was all right and how I completely understood how she was feeling at the moment, and perhaps would could get together and practice sometime.

I wanted to do all that, but I didn’t.

No, I left the meeting and caught up with my best friend, Buffy.

And yes, that’s her name.

I told her all about the ‘blessed wanna-bes’. I didn’t mention Willow at all, makes me wonder why.

Perhaps... no, I’m jumping ahead of myself.

Now, where was I...

Okay, I had told Buffy about the meeting... then things got really interesting for us the following morning...

But, that’s another story, for a different time.

As I’ve said before, it didn’t take me long to notice Willow, and I can truly say with all my heart; after all these years, that I am so very grateful that she sought me out that night.

It was the beginning of something very powerful between us. Something very real and difficult at the same time.

We’re not perfect, not by a long shot, and most of that was my fault. You see, I didn’t know how to react to my feelings for Willow, not at first. I knew I felt something for her, but what?, that was the sixty-four thousand dollar question.

Plus, I had hidden my friendship with her from my other friends.

It put a slight strain on our... relationship.

Very shortly dear reader, you will read a testimony you might say, of our relationship, and everything we went through to get to where we are now.

And, I know without a single doubt that Willow Rosenberg is a gift...

A gift I almost didn’t accept...

A gift that was freely given to me...

One, I am so happy to say, that I finally opened my eyes long enough to see in front of me.

I would love to go on and on, but my eyes are growing weary, it happens from time to time, and my new glasses can only help so much. So, with these last few words before I close for the night, I want to give my thanks...

To...

“The Gentlemen.”

I’m not sure if my life would have turned out the way it did without them.

And especially...

To Willow...

“Who can say why love has brought us here, who can say where love will lead? It’s enough to know that love will show the way. And the Vow we take to love, in both our fullness and our need, Will be ever living as it is today.”

Brit Lay

“Wedding Song”

Illusions and Dreams

Tara.

“Are you coming to bed?”

“Yes,” Tara replied as she pushed herself away from the desk after closing her laptop and putting her glasses away.

“When do I get to read this history’ of ours? Willow asked as Tara slipped into bed next to her.

“Tomorrow if you’d like. I made a slight change to the introduction.”

“Good. Now, I know I’ve asked this before, but are you sure you want to go through with this?”

“I’m sure.”

“Alright. Do you think people will believe it?”

“I don’t know. I think some will, others will just think it’s some off-the-wall book I’ve written and take no notice of it,” Tara replied, snuggling closer to her Wicca Girl. ‘Oops, better make that ‘Wicca Woman,’ she thought to herself.

“You’d better make that woman,” Willow said, playfully jabbing Tara. They had long ago discovered that they could sometimes pick-up each others thoughts.

“Yes dear.”

Willow turned around so that they were facing one another and reached out and stroked Tara’s face, marveling as she did each time, just how wonderful it was to be able to do this. She leaned forward and kissed Tara, feeling the connection re-assert itself.

There had been only a handful of times, that their bond had manifested itself. Never as intense as the first time, but always powerful.

“Is the door locked?” she whispered, as she nibbled down Tara’s neck.

“Locked?”

“Ummhmm... is... it... locked?” Punctuating each word with a kiss that found its way to Tara’s soul.

CLICK

“It is now,” Tara replied, refocusing her thoughts on Willow’s mouth and what it was doing to her.

“Good,” Willow said.

“Ve... ve... very goo... good,” Tara stammered.

With a quick flick of her hand, Willow caused the lights to turn off. Having powers did have its advantages from time to time.

And she planned on using them...

Right now.

“Oh... Will.”

The End.