Author: ophelia11
Rating: PG-13 for pottymouths and innuendo. Strong chance for naughtiness later on.
Disclaimer: The story is mine. The characters are not. :(
Feedback: Pretty please? Please leave feedback on the Impulse thread on the Kitten Board.

It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny. - Jean Nidetch

On the other side of the door, Tara shifted from one foot to the other, suddenly questioning her own sanity at becoming a one woman delivery service. "Um... take out from Dragon Palace?" She held the bag up so it could be seen through the peephole. With her gesture accepted, the door slowly opened in front of her revealing the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen.

"You are definitely not Jake," Willow said dumbly. This change threw her and the added distraction of the pretty blonde did not help matters.

Tara couldn't help chuckling at the confused redhead. "I'll take that as a compliment." Her lips quirked in to a half smile. She felt the earlier anxiety fade as she took in the disheveled woman.

Though her mind was firing multiple thoughts, Willow was not so distracted as to miss the look. Her heart skipped a beat and she continued to stare. Finally realizing how weird she must seem, she took a step back and opened the door wider. "I'm sorry. This must be doing wonders for my 'crazy lady' reputation."

Tara silently cursed Matt and his jokes. "You're not...I mean...they don't...I..." She was struggling to reassure the woman, but the words wouldn't come.

"S'okay. I'd think I was crazy. Well...maybe just a little eccentric. Would you like to come in? I'll just get the money." Willow turned away and walked toward the nearby table. She opened a small pouch and began sorting through it.

Tara couldn't explain why, but she accepted the invitation. Stepping through the doorway, she closed the door behind her, but remained motionless right beside it. "You don't seem crazy," she offered and immediately chastised herself. Always the charmer, aren't you Tara?

Willow's laughter was unexpected. "Well that's nice to hear, though sometimes I have to wonder. So...how'd they talk you in to dropping this off anyway?"

The blonde took a few steps closer and glanced around the room, noticing very few personal touches. It was coordinated, complete with furniture in varying shades of gray and black that gave the apartment a solemn feel. She felt a tinge of sadness at the lack of photos or artwork anywhere. There were simply no clues at all as to who this woman was. "I live near here. On the less ritzy end, of course." wincing, "I just...I thought..." She looked shyly at the redhead who was watching her cautiously. "Um...you obviously went to some trouble to get this delivery and I thought...I don't know to be honest. I just felt compelled to do it."

"Fair enough." Lucky for me. Willow stepped forward and handed over several folded bills. "It was very nice of you. I...thanks," she offered sincerely. A flush was rolling up her neck and in to her cheeks. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been in such a position and the experience made her a little dizzy. "Are you just getting off work?"

It was Tara's turn to blush. "Oh, I don't work there. I was just visiting a friend." She traded the bags for the money. When she counted four twenty dollar bills, her eyes widened. "I can't take this."

Willow cocked her head to the side and looked at her curiously. "Sure you can. I know Dragon Palace doesn't deliver...and you...You don't even work there and yet you were willing to do this. Please?" Her eyes were pleading.

The blonde was tempted to say 'yes', not for the money, but to satisfy the unusual redhead. Still, there was no way Tara could accept the overpayment in good conscience. "You're very generous, but this is too much. I told you it was on my way home."

While she expected the response, Willow still struggled to accept it. "I...hmm. I've never had such a problem giving someone money."

Tara chuckled lightly. "You do this a lot?" It was meant to be lighthearted, but she immediately regretted the comment when she saw the other woman's face falter. "I'm so sorry. It's none of my business."

She shook her head and smiled. "No, it's okay. It's not like I don't know this is weird. Although maybe this falls under the 'I know I'm crazy, so I'm not crazy' logic." She half expected a blank stare and was surprised when the beautiful blonde chuckled. She has a great smile. "Jake didn't want to take it either, but with the new baby he really needs all the extra help..." She trailed off when she saw the blonde woman look back at her with surprise.

"You know about that?" This woman was just full of surprises.

Willow shrugged sheepishly. "Well...I think once he figured out I wasn't an ax murderer he felt sorry for me." The blush was returning and she couldn't look back at the blonde. "He started bringing pictures over and when I heard the little one was sick...I just wanted to do something."

Never before had Tara felt so...connected to someone she just met. This stranger was eliciting a protective instinct within her, and though completely unexplainable, Tara wanted to comfort her. Awkward and unsure, she offered the only thing she could think of. "I'm Tara."

The introduction caught her off guard and she looked up at the other woman, smiling shyly. "Willow." She shifted nervously from foot to foot, hesitant to speak. Finally, mustering all the courage she possessed, she opened her mouth. "Okay I've accepted that you won't take the money and I know this will probably be an even crazier offer, but would you stay?" Her eyes widened realizing the implication of her words. "I mean...dinner...um...I always order more than I need and you probably ate or have plans and that was stupid. I'm sorry..."

"I'd love to." Tara blurted out. She smiled shyly when Willow's whole face lit up.

"Really?" The surprise was evident in her voice. "Um...well cool. If you uh...don't mind I'm going to go put on actual clothes. The coat closet is right behind you so you can hang your jacket." She glanced over her shoulder, " I usually end up eating on the couch but I do have a grown-up table over there if you'd prefer. I'll just be a minute." She walked off with the bags, dropping them on the coffee table before turning toward her bedroom.

It wasn't until Willow mentioned clothes that Tara realized the redhead carried on the entire conversation wearing a robe. A poorly tied robe. How did I miss that? When Willow turned to leave the room, Tara cocked her head to the side and watched her go. She immediately chastised herself for checking out a relative stranger and shook the thoughts from her head. Her eyes bounced from the table in the other room to the couch debating dinner locale while she slipped off her jacket.

Once Willow reached the safety of her bedroom she sat on the edge of the bed, willing away the wave of anxiety that rushed to the surface. Pretty girl in the next room. Pretty, nice girl that doesn't think you're completely nuts. Do not make her think you're nuts.

After taking a deep breath she pushed herself off the bed and pulled open a drawer. A mild panic set in as she considered clothing. Too formal would be obvious, but she wanted to look nice or at least moderately attractive. These feelings continued to confuse her and she struggled not to analyze them at that moment. She settled on a pair of pale blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt. Running a brush through her hair, she tied it in to a ponytail and left to rejoin Tara.

Willow was surprised to find cartons unpacked on the coffee table. "Good choice," she said and turned toward the kitchen to retrieve plates. She set the dishes on the counter and opened the fridge. "I have water and soda and juice and..." glancing up, Tara was standing in the entrance causing her to jump slightly.

"Sorry. Soda is fine." She stepped around Willow to pick up the dishes and waited until she'd retrieved the drinks so they could walk back in together.

Other than her handful of friends, Willow had never gotten along so well with someone from the start. She reminded herself not to read more in to anything. After all, Tara was essentially a Good Samaritan humoring the lonely.

When they approached the coffee table, Tara sat down on the floor and crossed her legs. She leaned against the couch for support. Willow set down two cans and smirked, "You know...the couch offers more comfort options than the floor."

Tara looked up at her and smiled coyly. "Maybe. However, I find the floor sets me closer to the food and therefore reduces the chances of spilling on myself and dying of embarrassment."

Willow's laughter was warm and filled the otherwise sterile room. "I thought I was the only one with that problem." She took a seat on the floor as well, leaving a comfortable distance between them.

Relieved, Tara chuckled as well. "Nope. Matt says I should scotch-guard everything I own." As if on queue, Tara's cell phone began to vibrate in her pocket. "Sorry," she offered before pulling the offending item out and flipping open the screen.

"S'okay." Willow tried to busy herself separating the plates to give Tara a bit of privacy. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Tara press several keys before flipping the phone closed and sliding it back in her pocket.

"I hate these things. They go days without ringing and then when you don't want them to, they never shut up." Against her leg, the vibrations cut through again, but she ignored it.

"Aren't you gonna answer?" Not that Willow wanted her too, but she didn't want to be rude.

"Nope. It's just a text." She shrugged and reached over for her can. The crisp pop split the silence and she took a quick sip. "So what's on the menu this evening?"

Willow couldn't help but smile at the ease in which Tara carried herself. She wondered if she herself was ever that self-assured. "I'm sure your boyfriend is just concerned about your new career choice in food delivery." Her smile faltered briefly, but she tried to cover by reaching for the first carton. "Does he know that you've taken on food delivery service?"

For a minute Tara had no idea what Willow meant. When realization set in she burst out laughing. "Oh god...you thought...ewe. Matt is my other friend at the restaurant." With her head turned to one side she watched Willow carefully. Was that relief?

"Oh. Friends are nice. Although I'm sure he had some things to say about this." She held up the container of General Tso's as offering and with a nod of confirmation began scooping food on to Tara's plate.

"Um...I think he was confused why I offered. I'm not sure myself." Smiling at Willow, "But I'm glad I did."

Willow's cheeks burned under Tara's gaze and she looked away. "Thanks for staying," she said sincerely.

"Thanks for asking." She reached for her can and took a long drink, hoping it would cool her heating body.

"So...new dining companion..." Willow held out an egg roll, "tell me something about yourself. If you want that is. No pressure or anything 'cause I was just trying to start the whole talking while eating thing, but I'm basically a stranger and I don't mean to pry..."

Tara's lips curved as she watched Willow in amazement. "How do you do that without passing out?"

"Oh...um....sorry." Willow blushed profusely. "I uh...do that sometimes. A lot actually. Oz says my brain works too fast so my mouth is always playing catch-up. You can stop me when I do that." She turned her attention to her plate and began eating as a preemptive strike against more rambling.

"I like it when you do that," Tara responded. Willow responded with a look of surprise and delight. Curiosity got the better of her so she asked, "Oz?"

"Oh...he's my ex-boyfriend from years ago. We realized we made much better friends." Willow continued eating and almost missed Tara's expression. Disappointed? Hmm...probably wishful thinking.

'It's good that you can stay friends. I haven't had much luck with that." She frowned slightly.

"Well we did have a lot in common, but some very important differences." She shrugged. "It's nice to have someone who knows you...although it can be a pain in the butt." Pausing, she looked directly at Tara, "And as for your exes, I have no doubt it's their loss."

Tara decided that if she blushed any further her head would explode. "You don't know that."

"Yeah I do." She couldn't get over her own boldness. Still, she liked the blonde woman and wanted to know her better. "You mentioned you live near here?"

"Mmm..." She nodded while she finished chewing. "Down on State? It's about the size of a shoebox, but I don't need much space."

"Yeah. I'm not crazy about this place." Willow looked around her apartment.

Tara's eyes followed the path Willow's had taken. "You are definitely channeling your inner minimalist." She smiled at the redhead, concerned that her teasing could be taken the wrong way.

Willow returned the smile. "Yeah...I don't really like it here so I don't want to get too settled."

Finished eating, Tara set her plate on the table and turned to face Willow more fully. "Why do you stay if you don't like it?"

Willow followed suit, setting aside her plate and subtly moving closer to Tara. "It's not really a bad apartment. Just not me. Anyway it's a long story."

Tara's smile faded slightly, but she nodded. "I understand."

Realizing how the brush off came across, she reached out and touched Tara's knee, already apologizing. "Oh, no! I didn't mean it like that. It's just....we're having a good time...I mean I know I am and I think you are. And explaining everything behind my apartment isn't exactly a happy story and I don't wanna spoil the mood."

The blonde's smile returned. "It's okay, Willow."

"Good. Assuming that you ever want to see me again, I'll explain the whole thing." She risked a hopeful look.

Tara, in turn, grinned back. "I'd like that." How can I like her this much when we've just met? "So if this place isn't what you had in mind, where would you like to be?"

"Hmmm...You know, it's funny. I guess I haven't thought about it." Willow turned again to lean back against the couch. She allowed her head to lean sideways, resting on the couch and her eyes closed as she considered Tara's question. "It would be a house, not an apartment. Something away from the city, but not completely isolated. Maybe a little porch on the front with one of those swings?"

Tara couldn't help closing her own eyes, imagining Willow's dream home. "That sounds nice."

Still caught in her fantasy, Willow continued. "I don't really care about the size. Maybe it'll be like a little gingerbread house." Her voice was light and animated as she became more engrossed. "It would definitely have a big stone fireplace for logs. After a long day you could curl up by the fire and just fall asleep."

The reserve Willow maintained all evening was fading and Tara liked the emerging woman even more. She slowly opened her eyes to watch the redhead. She stifled a gasp as she saw the pale woman, eye closed and lips curved in to a sexy grin. Wow.

Enthusiasm bubbled up and Willow threw her hand out, gripping Tara's knee in the process. Her fingers tingled at the contact, briefly distracting her from her thoughts. Still, she didn't pull away, relishing the warmth she found. "There'd be gardens in the back. I don't know how to garden, but I think if I'm going to live in a little cottage it's like a prerequisite or something." She scrunched her nose. "Can you really learn to garden from a book?"

Pins and needles prickled Tara's knee where Willow's fingers casually rested. That was unexpected. I wonder how her touch would be... She shook her head to break her thought process. Her attention returned to the redhead who was still babbling about gardening. Adorable.

Their reverie was interrupted by a crack of thunder that rattled the walls. They both jumped at the noise and then chuckled at their silliness. The lights flickered around them and Willow pulled her legs close to her chest and wrapped her arms around her knees. Immediately, she missed the contact with Tara.

"Are you all right?" Tara looked at Willow with concern. The protective shell was just starting to break away when the storm swooped in and rebuilt it.

"Oh...um...I'm fine." She attempted levity, "I'm not too fond of thunderstorms."

"So I see," Tara swallowed hard, preparing to take a big risk. She scooted closer to Willow so their legs just barely brushed against each other. A tentative hand reached for Willow's left arm and tugged it away from the death grip it held around her legs. She brought the hand to her lap and sandwiched it between her own hands. Willow slowly began to relax.

She's holding my hand. How'd that happen? Mmm...who cares as long as she doesn't let go. It's so warm. So distracted by the touch, she forgot about the storm continuing to build outside. Tara's soft voice broke her away from her thoughts.

"When I was little I used to be afraid. My mom would sit with me until I fell asleep." Lost in her memories, she absently stroked Willow's hand, much to the delight of the redhead. "Once she brought me on to the porch and explained about storms and I remember thinking they weren't so scary anymore. From that point on, whenever there was a storm, we'd sneak out there together and watch it roll in. It was a special time for just us." A smile graced her lips.

Willow found herself smiling at Tara's recollection, touched that she would share something so personal. "Do you still do that?"

Her smile faded. "No. She passed away several years ago."

"Oh, Tara. I'm so sorry." Willow wasn't sure how her heart could swell and break all in the same moment.

Tara squeezed Willow's hand in her own. "It's okay. I mean...I miss her every day. But whenever it storms, I like to think she's still with me."

They sat quietly together for awhile. The lights flickered again and Willow got an idea. She used her other hand to push herself up and then tugged on Tara. "C'mere."

Tara allowed Willow to pull her up and they stood close together. "What are you doing?" she asked nervously.

"You'll see. Close your eyes." She waited until Tara obliged and then carefully led her around the table. "Still closed?"

The blonde feigned exasperation. "Yes, they're closed."

Willow wrapped her hand around Tara's elbow and began walking her forward. "There's a step coming up." She stood still, allowing Tara to brace herself against her as she stepped back. Once they were both level again, Willow loosened her hold, but continued guiding her.

"You're not planning something weird, are you?" Tara normally had a few trust issues and was surprised at herself for allowing Willow to lead her blindly.

"No. Bear with me for a minute. I need to let go, but I'll be right back." Tara's fingers trailed down hers as she moved away. Willow moved to the curtains and pulled them back with a silent 'whoosh'. She walked back toward the couch so she could flip off the floor lamp.

Tara felt dizzy standing in the middle of Willow's apartment with her eyes shut tightly. For the life of her, she couldn't imagine what the redhead was up to, but just the thought gave her chills. "Willow?" she called, unsure. She was startled when the answering voice was right behind her.

"I'm right here." She said softly. Willow placed her hands on either side of Tara's hips to help guide her. "Okay. You need to take a couple steps forward. I'm going to help you." Tara couldn't help leaning in to Willow's grip as she cautiously moved forward. "Okay..." This time when she spoke, her lips were right behind Tara's left ear and the whisper tickled the lobe. The shiver it caused in the blonde made Willow's own stomach flutter. "Open your eyes."

She enjoyed Willow's touch a few seconds longer before doing so. When she did, a gasp escaped her lips. With the curtains pulled, Tara didn't consider what was hidden behind them. Now her vision was filled with the city skyline surrounded by rolling storm clouds. From the fifteenth floor the noise, dirt, and bustle were far away. Instead, living art was moving before her in the form of water and light.

Willow could not quite understand why she felt so inclined to please the blonde. Tara stirred something deep within her that she'd long ago written off. At the same time, she calmed the babble, the fears, and the pressure that so often plagued her. Now, standing here with Tara in the dark, she was quiet and it was enough.

All of Tara's senses were heightened. She felt Willow's warm, even breath on her neck. The hands that gently supported her in the darkness now rested along her hips causing her skin to burn and tingle. The lights were mesmerizing through the veil of rain and she wondered if she was really swaying or if it was some sort of illusion. What is this woman doing to me?

After several minutes, Willow was reminded that her hands were still resting along Tara's hips. Common sense told her to remove them immediately, but something else encouraged them to remain. She liked the second voice better and followed its tempting suggestions. The light from the window highlighted Tara's form in a silvery glow. Luminous.

Emotions were flowing through Tara and she could no longer stand quietly. She turned toward the redhead in awe, eyes glistening. "Willow, I..."

"Oh, Tara! I'm sorry. I just...I wanted to do something nice and I thought you would like it and I didn't think about it bringing up bad feelings and I'm just a dummy." She realized her hands still rested on Tara and dropped them to her sides.

Tara was completely baffled by the latest explosion of words and looked back at the redhead with confusion. "No, Willow. It's wonderful." She missed Willow's touch and glanced down at her delicate hands.

"But, you're crying?!" She cocked her head to the side, puzzled by Tara's reaction.

Until Willow spoke, Tara didn't noticed the tears but now felt them cool along her cheeks. "Happy tears," she whispered. "It's so beautiful and I felt my mom then here you are with me...giving me this. I don't know what to say."

Willow grinned, pleased with herself. Pleased that Tara was happy. Her hand moved of its own desire until the finger tips were brushing away Tara's tears. She was surprised to see deep blue eyes flicker closed and shocked when Tara leaned so slightly in to her touch. She became very self conscious, but also didn't want to ruin the moment or startle the blonde. Very gently she turned her hand and caressed Tara's cheek lightly before pulling away.

Damn. Tara opened her eyes slowly and they locked with sparkling green. "Thank you," she whispered. The words seemed inadequate for all she was feeling. In spite of the pleasant chills dancing through out her body, she also felt vulnerable. I barely know her. Why am I letting my guard down?

The redhead, too, was having conflicting thoughts. It was not like her to be so relaxed with someone she barely knew. Especially after all she'd been through. Still, she felt safe with Tara and decided to take a chance on a new friend. "You're welcome."

Though she knew she could easily stay with Willow the rest of the night talking and sharing, she thought for now it was best to head home. I have some thinking to do. "I should um...go...home I mean."

Willow hoped she hid her displeasure. "Oh, right. Of course you do. I mean..."

Tara silenced her with a brush of her fingers across Willow's lips. "I have to go because it's late and I have work tomorrow." She pulled her hand away and smiled. Is she disappointed?

"Oh." Stupid jobs. "But tomorrow's Saturday." There was a hint of whine to her voice, as if that excuse alone should've kept the blonde with her.

She's too adorable. "Some of us don't have jobs that pay for giant picture windows in our apartments," she teased.

Green eyes widened. "Oh god, Tara. I didn't mean. I just thought you would like the view and I wasn't 'trying to be all 'look at me' or anything."

Tara's laughter was rich and warm. "I'm just teasing you, Willow." She smirked at the redhead, "If we're gonna start hanging out you have to get over this serious streak you've got." She knew she was baiting the redhead and was rewarded with a brilliant smile.

"You mean?" Hope and curiosity hung heavily on the question.

In spite of Willow's desire, Tara somehow still felt insecure. "Yes. I mean...if you want?"

Feeling brazen after the blonde's earlier ribbing, "Is it my lack of enthusiasm that's confusing you?" She batted her eyes for good measure.

"Ah ha!" She leaned in conspiratorially. "You do have a sense of humor."

Willow grinned and pushed Tara playfully. "Okay I know you wouldn't accept money before..."

Tara threw up her hand to stop her. "And I'm still not. In fact," she said stubbornly. "Dinner's on me. So there." She stuck her tongue out and walked past her.

"Grrr.....you!" Willow could do little more than follow behind. She watched Tara retrieve her jacket and slip it on, slowly buttoning it to ward off the chill outside. "You can't do that."

Tara found herself drifting closer to Willow. The two stood awkwardly as the inevitable goodbye hung between them. It was the first time in several minutes that the two women weren't touching. Tara had to fight the urge to reach for Willow's hand, or brush her arm, or any number of excuses she was inventing. She's straight. Get it together. "I think I just did, silly."

Willow turned abruptly toward the table and picked up paper and a pen. Once she finished writing something down, she walked to the closet and retrieved an umbrella from the top shelf. Finally, she was back standing in front of the blonde, a ball of nervous energy.

Tara smiled at her. "You good now?"

"Uh huh. Here." She held out the umbrella.

"Thanks but I already have one." Her eyes twinkled.

"On you?" Willow raised a challenging eyebrow.

Tara hesitated, "No."

"Like I said. Here." She offered the item again and Tara took it.

"You know this isn't necessary. I'm parked right out front."

"Probably right. But," she made an exaggerated effort to look around as if someone were eavesdropping, before leaning in. "I have an ulterior motive."

Once again, Tara's belly began to rumble. "And what might that be?"

"Well. The way I figure it, you don't seem like the type of girl to just hold on to someone else's umbrella." Willow gave a self-satisfied nod.

"Oh, I don't?" Do you have any idea what you're doing to me?

"Nope. Which means you will need to return it. This also means I get to see you again." She reddened slightly at the last part.

Trying to ignore her rapidly beating heart, Tara attempted to keep things light. "True, but what will you do without this umbrella in the meantime?"

Willow rolled her eyes. "Do I really seem like a girl that only has one umbrella?"

Tara chuckled. "I suppose not."

"Here." The redhead held out the umbrella.

"Thank you." She watched Willow anxiously rock from foot to foot. "Are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh, um...yeah." Her eyes dropped to the floor and when they rose again, Tara saw how vulnerable the enchanting redhead was. "Here...it's my number. I'd um...well I'd like it if you called? When you get home? Just so I know you got there okay..." I'm lame.

Tara accepted the number, brushing her fingers against Willow's in the process. She tore the page in half and reached in her pocket for a pen. "Here's mine, too. You know, in case you're worried about the umbrella?"

The comment inched Willow back out of her shell and she smiled as she accepted the page. "I um...I could walk you out?"

A part of Tara wondered if she'd make it out of the building if Willow walked her down to the elevator. Straight. Straight. Straight. The mantra repeated in her head. "No," she said carefully. "There's no need for you to get all cold. I'll be fine." She could tell Willow was not convinced, "And I know we'd get half way down and you would successfully argue why I should have some hot cocoa before I go and then we'd be right back here only my chances of making it to work on time would diminish significantly."

The redhead smirked, "And you said I can babble?"

"Hush you." Tara turned and slowly opened the door with Willow next to her. They stood hesitantly, unsure of what a proper goodbye should be between two people that met only a few hours earlier. The blonde drew in her bottom lip as she considered her options. Throwing caution to the wind she reached for the redhead who happily met her embrace. Tara breathed deeply, taking in the sweet scent of Willow. Honey and vanilla. "I'll call you," she whispered.

Willow trembled slightly with Tara's breath tickling her ear. She nodded and slowly pulled back. "Goodnight, Tara."

"Goodnight, Willow." They shared one last look and Tara stepped away. She walked backwards until she heard the light click of the door latching. With a wistful sigh she turned toward the elevator.