Author: Amberslover
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my own hare-brained ideas and a labrador that always runs away...

Tara smiled at the simple kindness of the note and put it on the bedside table. Dawn lit the lamp and it cast a dim light over the rapidly darkening room.

"Well I'll leave you to get settled in. I'll come and get you when Willow gets back and we'll all eat together downstairs." Dawn smiled and left the room, shutting the door behind her. Tara quickly unpacked her few possessions and sat on the bed looking out the window at the threatening storm clouds. Rain began to lightly pelt the windows and Tara thought of Willow walking home in the storm. She hoped she would be okay. Her sapphire colored eyes drifted back to the note on the night table. She picked it up again and reread it, quirking her lips into a little half smile at the neatly written message. She lay back on her pillow and shut her eyes, not intending to fall asleep, but the day's travels had taken their toll and she drifted off into a deep sleep.

Willow trudged into the house, soaking wet. Normally, this would have put her in a very bad mood but the prospect of seeing their new houseguest brightened her spirits. The rain had washed her skin clean, but her clothes were still filthy adn she needed a bath. Dawn came into the foyer with a dry towel.

"I already heated some water and dumped it in the bath. Dinner's almost ready." She handed her sister the towel.

"Dawnie, you're amazing. Thank you. I'll be ready in a few minutes. Did Tara arrive safely?"

"Yes, she's upstairs putting her things away. When you finish your bath, go up and get her for dinner."

"Yes ma'am." Willow said with a mock salute.

Dawn giggled and pushed her towards the hall. Willow went to the bath and stripped her dirty, wet clothes off. She slipped into the water, which was now lukewarm but it felt good against her chilled skin. She cleaned herself thoroughly and got out, wrapping the towel around her, and headed towards her bedroom. Deciding on a pair of brown breeches and a white button down shirt, she quickly dressed and brushed through her wet hair, giving it a good shake to free it from the water droplets that were forming again on the ends. She made her way up to Tara's room and knocked softly on the door. Getting no answer she knocked again and called out Tara's name. Still no answer. Willow slowly opened the door and peeked in. She spotted Tara lying in the bed, her long honey-blonde hair spread out over the pillow. One of her hands rested next to her face and the other was laid across her stomach. Willow's breath was taken away by the sight of this beautiful woman resting so peacefully. She almost didn't have the heart to wake her. She stood and stared at her for a few more moments before approaching the bed and laying a hand over Tara's that rested on her stomach. she gently caressed the back of the blonde's hand and softly called out her name.

"Tara, wake up. It's time for supper." Willow shook her a bit. Tara began to stir as she felt a warm something resting on her hand. She shifted slightly,coming out of sleep slowly. Willow noticed something in the hand that rested by the blonde's face. Looking more carefully, she realized that it was the note she had Dawn write for Tara. Willow herself had never had the opportunity to learn to read or write, but she had insisted upon Dawn learning. Tara opened her eyes and saw unfamiliar surroundings and an unfamiliar woman standing over her. She blinked and looked around, trying to remember where she was. It came back to her that she was in a new house and the striking redhead standing over her was her new guardian of sorts.

"Hello. Supper's ready when you want to come downstairs." Willow told her before turning and walking out of Tara's room. She shut the door behind her and leaned back against the doorframe for a moment, closing her eyes. Tara was absolutely beautiful, there was no denying that, but Willow knew she couldn't be with her. Tara wasn't like her. Tara didn't like her. Willow took a deep breath and pushed her back away from the doorframe, making her way down the stairs to the table. Dawn handed her the eating utensils and told her to set the table. Willow moved around the table with ease and set a place for everyone to eat. The sound of footsteps echoed down the stairwell and Willow and Dawn turned to see a slightly tousled but still amazingly beautiful Tara enter the room.