Author: Graceland
Thanks: To my two betas, JustSkipIt and Watson, who have offered encouragement and advice. Thank you.

I absolutely can't believe I agreed to this! Willow stood in the foyer of a Chinese restaurant waiting for her date. Her blind date. Or should she say blind dates? Really. Do people even do this anymore?

It's not like it was her fault that she'd missed Organic Chemistry last Tuesday. The Codex did foretell an apocalypse. Actually two apocalypse which made Willow wonder the plural of the word: would it be apocalypses? So she'd missed class saving the world. Not that that would matter to the Gods of incomplete class notes. And Brenda just had to take advantage of her need.

"Brenda, can I possibly borrow your notes from last Tuesday? I wouldn't mark them or set coffee on them or anything. I'll just go use the copier and then return them to you and then I can copy them over into my notebook and mark them with different colored pens." She stopped speaking and looked expectantly at her lab partner.

Brenda smiled at the question. "Actually that sounds like a really great idea."

"Cool. Do you want to wait while I go copy them or should I bring them by later? I can do either. You know because school work the very most important, you know, thing." Willow practically bounced on her toes.

"You're not seeing anyone are you?"

Willow scrunched up her eyebrow at the strange question. "No... I mean my boyfriend, you know Oz, could be back any time."

"Hasn't he been gone for like, I don't know, 9 months or something?" Brenda just had to point that out.

"Well I guess yeah."

"So have you been dating since he left?"

"Um well a little. Maybe a few times. You know, nothing serious." Willow felt pretty uncomfortable with the direction this conversation was going. Actually she felt really uncomfortable. It wasn't just that Oz was gone. Lately she'd been noticing how, well, not missing him she was. She was enjoying things at college way too much to miss him. And well, recently she'd been noticing some other things too... Brenda interrupted the redhead's thoughts. "I've got the perfect guy for you."

"Um, Brenda, I don't think there really is such a thing. I mean you know. Like soulmates? Doesn't seem likely and well seems like a lot of pressure to put on a date."

Brenda was writing as Willow talked. She handed her the piece of paper. "Look it doesn't have to set the world on fire. My roommate is desperate for this date but the other girl will only go out with her if she brings someone for her brother." She handed Willow the piece of paper and the notebook. "Keep the notebook for the weekend if you want."

With that the girl turned and left the hallway leaving Willow standing there holding a notebook and a piece of paper reading, "PF Changs. 7:00. Meet in the foyer and ask for Maria."

Willow took a deep breath and approached the host-stand. Early of course. "I'm meeting Maria?" The host gave a bored look and pointed to a girl standing by a bank of pay phones. Willow began to approach the blonde who was looking quite intently at her own shoes. After waiting a few seconds for the girl to look up, Willow reached out and tapped her lightly on the shoulder.

"Hi. Maria?" Willow said.

"N-n-no," the girl stuttered quite seriously, "I'm Tara."

"Oh." Willow frowned in confusion. "I asked the host guy and he sent me over here."

"Donnie, my b-brother and Maria aren't here yet," Tara explained. "We are kind of early."

"Oh." Willow brightened up. She reached out her hand and offered it to the blonde. "I'm Willow by the way. Do you always stand in the corner looking down like that because well you're really beautiful and especially your eyes so you should stand in the center of rooms or look around or oh my God is all this actually spilling out of my brain?"

"Through your mouth," Tara teased with a quirk of a half-smile.

"Watch out or I'm going to continue about your smile," Willow teased back. Am I flirting? Am I flirting with a girl? Am I flirting with a girl who has a date with someone else? While supposedly on a date with her brother? She smiled excitedly and blushed.

Just then the door opened and a short Hispanic girl entered followed by a taller blonde guy who had held the door for them. Both walked over quickly to Tara. "Hi, sis."

"Hi, Donnie," Tara answered, "this is Willow. Willow, this is my brother Donnie."

Willow greeted the young man politely but nothing like the word stew that had emitted from her mouth upon seeing his sister. Once Willow and Maria had been introduced the foursome were led to a table.

The waiter came by and took their drink orders. They discussed appetizers, having trouble agreeing on any since Tara wanted vegetarian and Maria and Donnie both insisted they had to have meat. "I'll share yours and they can have the beef," Willow offered, happy to see a sweet smile and a sparkle in Tara's eye as she said thank you.

By the time they were halfway done with their appetizers, Willow really wondered why Maria wanted to go out with Tara so badly. Sure the blonde was cute. Ok, pretty. Ok, beautiful. Ok, stunning. But it didn't seem like she and Maria had anything at all in common. Maria didn't seem that smart and her sense of humor? She kept laughing at all the wrong times but not when Tara said something funny.

"So who is older?" Willow reached for some point of conversation.

"I am," Donnie puffed out his chest playfully. "A year older."

"He's eleven minutes older," Tara contradicted with a half-smile.

"So you're like twins? No wait how could you be twins and be born in different years?"

Wow, this Maria is really smart. I mean she figured out that they're twins just because they are 11 minutes apart in age? I better watch out that she doesn't take away my fellowship.

"Willow. Willow. Are you there?" Donnie waved his hand in front of the redhead's face to get her attention.

She looked up to see the waiter with an impatient look on his face. "Sorry? Are we ordering?" She colored as she was caught so off guard. She glanced at her menu again before just telling the young man. "I'll have what she's having." She indicated Tara with a polite wave of her hand.

"The eggplant and tofu, 4 peppers hot?"

Gulp. "Right." Willow tried to adopt a casual smile. Four peppers hot? She looked over at Tara with a smile and almost drew back when the blonde actually winked at her. Willow's face broke into a wide grin.

She breathed a sigh of relief as Donnie asked, "So what is everyone taking this summer?"

"American History and Sophomore level English Lit," Maria answered. Tara was also taking English Literature and the two girls talked for a few minutes about the assigned readings for the classes. Having read voraciously her whole life, Willow was happy to be able to join in the conversation. In fact she found herself and Tara immersed in a discussion of The Scarlet Letter as Donnie and Maria talked about his classes. Once the dinners arrived, Tara seemed determined to bring the conversation back to something the entire table could enjoy. "What about your classes, Willow?"

"Oh, I'm taking Organic Chemistry and Speech Communication."

"Speech comm.? So you have to make speeches to the class? I'd hate that but I bet you're really good at it." Donnie was obviously trying to find something to talk about and to be nice.

"Y-yeah," Tara agreed shyly.

"Let's hear one," Maria suggested.

Torn between embarrassment at having to make a speech and relief at taking a break from eating her unbelievably hot eggplant dish, Willow decided to plunge in. "Ok. The professor assigned all of us to memorize and read a poem. I mean he picked the poem. Mine went like this:"

Stripped
you're beginning to float free
up through the smoke of brushfires
and incinerators
the unleafed branches won't hold you
nor the radar aerials
You're what the autumn knew would happen
after the last collapse
of primary color
once the last absolutes were torn to pieces
you could begin
How you broke open, what sheathed you
until this moment
I know nothing about it
my ignorance of you amazes me
now that I watch you
starting to give yourself away
to the wind

As she finished she was shocked to note the glistening tears in Tara's eyes. "Adrienne Rich," the blonde said. Willow noted that Donnie sweetly held his sister's hand.

"I've never really gotten poetry," Maria said, seemingly oblivious to the touching moment the siblings shared. "Being in summer school is pretty cool though. I mean everyone seems more friendly in the summer don't you think?"

"I think it's because not as many students are around," Donnie agreed, "my phone hardly ever rings."

"Mine is ringing too m-much lately," Tara commented.

"How so?"

"Last night three guys c-called to chat. I g-guess that they're trying to spell stuff on the keypad and my phone number spells Nuts. I said that it really wasn't appropriate." The blonde laughed but stopped quickly as she realized that no one else was joining in. "You know b-because..."

She blushed looking at the table cloth for a few seconds before Willow joined in the laughter. "Oh right because you're really not into ..." Realizing what she had said, the redhead also blushed. "I can't believe I said that out loud." Now the other two began laughing until everyone at the table was laughing.

Since they'd already paid the bill, a transaction Willow felt a lot of trepidation about but had handled respectably, everyone was ready to go. "I was thinking I'd go dancing now. Hit the Bronze. Anyone up for it?" Maria suggested. It seemed obvious to the redhead that the girl had realized what a bad match she would be for Tara and was distancing herself from the dateyness of the date.

Tara yawned. "I'm kind of tired and I have an early class."

"Me too," Willow said a little too eagerly, "early class I mean." She looked at Donnie wondering if his feelings were hurt.

"I'll walk you over to the Bronze so you get there safely," the young man offered, "but I have to study too."

Donnie and Marie went with the other two girls to the parking lot and ensured that both of them got to their cars safely. Although both Willow and Tara offered the other two a ride to the Bronze, they said they'd gladly walk. Both "couples" took a moment to say good night, had a nice time, see you around, etc. and then went their separate ways.

Tara arrived at her dorm room safely and breathed a sigh of relief. It was always such an adventure making it across the UC Sunnydale campus close to dark. Of course driving really elevated the chances of success. As she unlocked the door she could hear the phone ringing and quickly picked it up.

"Hey sis, you're home safely?"

"I answered the phone didn't I, big brother?"

Donnie chuckled. "Well that's over. Not too painful either."

"Yeah," Tara agreed. "I told you we were a terrible match."

"She figured that out too," Donnie agreed. "I just left her at the bronze looking for some other hot chick."

Tara made an exaggerated motion of swiping her hand across her forehead. "Good."

"Mine was a pretty bad match too," Donnie waited a second before adding, "But she seemed like a good match for you."

"Donnie," Tara mock growled at her brother. "The fact that she was on a date with you, a boy, would probably rule out the interested in me possibility."

"A man!" Donnie laughed. "Seriously, sis. I'd say she was definitely interested. She couldn't take her eyes off you. Maybe she's bi or maybe she's just coming out. Whatever it was, you should call her some time."

"Go home, Donnie," Tara said with a laugh. "Now leave me alone so I can go pee."

"TMI. Night, sis."

"Night, Donnie."

For the second time in less than 10 minutes, when Tara got back to her room, the phone was ringing. "Hello," she breathlessly said.

"Hi. Is this Tara?"

"Y-yes."

"Hi. It's Willow. From dinner? Tonight? Wow this sounded a lot less crazy in my head. I mean less stalkerish. Not that I'm a stalker at all so I couldn't be less or more stalkerish. Unless it's not ok that I called you."

The amount that Willow could say without saying much of anything caused Tara to laugh a full rich laugh. "Have you been making crank calls?"

"No. What? No. I mean not crank. I mean this is the third one but I was very apologetic. I mean..." Willow trailed off. "You're laughing at me."

"I'm sorry, Willow. I don't mean to laugh at you but you're just... adorable." Even knowing that Willow couldn't see her, the blonde blushed bright red. "Wh-what was that sound?"

"Oh, um... various signs of hesitation. Do you know the Snoopy Dance?" Willow asked.

"No."

"Well, never mind then. Do you really need to get to bed early for a class?" the engaging redhead asked.

"You're not calling for Maria, right?"

"I don't know. Would you rather go get coffee with her?" Tara found that she really liked the teasing and casual tone in this girl's voice.

Tara considered a number of flirtatious responses including suggesting coffee tonight and breakfast in the morning but didn't want to scare Willow off. "I'd rather go get coffee with you, Willow."

Willow's enthusiasm was apparent. "Now? I mean now or like another time? Say now or tomorrow at least."

"Do you know the Expresso Pump?"

"Do I know it? Are you kidding? It's like my second home. Ok, it's probably like my fourth home behind here and the computer lab and Giles' apartment or maybe Buffy's house but yes I definitely know it. Do you want me to pick you up or meet you there or what?"

Tara smiled even as she wondered who Giles and Buffy might be. "I could meet you there in about 20 minutes?"

"Yes. 20 minutes. Yes. I can't wait, Tara," Willow paused. "I'm going to say good bye because the faster I get off the phone the faster I can get to Expresso Pump. Good bye, Tara."

"Good bye, Willow." Tara waited a second before hanging up the phone. She quickly checked her hair in the mirror and decided that it was fine. She grabbed a stake and a few herbs for her bag and locked the door on her way out.

The walk to the coffee shop was brisk and thankfully vampire free. Tara took a few minutes outside the door to catch her breath and smooth her hair again before walking inside. It might have taken her a few seconds to spot Willow at a table by the side of the shop if it weren't for the fact that the redhead was obviously watching the door. She immediately waved vigorously and Tara smiled as she walked over to meet her.

"Hi. You made it ok. I was a little worried about you walking but you're ok so that's a definite good." Before Tara could say anything the other girl continued. "I didn't know if you wanted coffee or tea or maybe hot chocolate so I didn't get you anything. Do you want to go order?"

Tara simply nodded. When Willow stood up they both walked over to the counter and ordered their drinks. They returned to the table with them a few minutes later.

"I'm really glad you could meet me," Willow told the blonde, reaching over to place her hand on top of Tara's. Tara wondered if Willow felt the same electrical connection she did and the look on Willow's face certainly seemed that way.

"M-me too."

"So do you think Donnie and Maria are still dancing?" Willow asked with a smile.

Tara grinned back. "No. Donnie called me right after I got home. He had to study tonight and he has a girlfriend."

"I had a date with a man with a girlfriend tonight? What a cheap hussy I am?" Willow playfully put her hand over her heart.

"I'm sorry about that, Willow. I didn't want to go out with her but Brenda was so insistent that we were perfect for each other. I said only if D-donnie could come because I knew he would take the pressure off."

"I'm not sorry. Without Brenda's matchmaking attempts I wouldn't have met you." Again the redhead flashed one of her warm smiles. Speechless at Willow's direct and obviously sincere words, Tara mirrored the other girl's earlier action and placed her hand on Willow's.

"You have beautiful eyes, Willow," Tara whispered, leaning her head toward the redhead's-a motion Willow was doing nothing to resist. In fact Willow was slowly leaning toward her too.

"Will! I'm so glad you're here. Now I don't have to run by the room to leave you a message." Tara jumped back startled and saw a small blonde girl, kind of the cheerleader type, standing by their table holding a to go cup. The blonde looked at Tara and got a smile on her face. Suddenly she shrieked, "Way to go, Will," Before literally picking Willow up out of her chair and giving her a very enthusiastic hug.

"Um, Buffy," Willow started. "This is Tara. Tara this is Buffy."

"N-nice to meet you," Tara said as she shook the other girl's hand. It was a little disconcerting the way the newcomer was looking back and forth between her and Willow and smiling like she'd just won some kind of bet.

"You too. Definitely you too. You can't really imagine how much you too." Buffy then turned to Willow. "You didn't tell me. I mean I knew you were considering women but you said a blind date tonight and I just assumed with a guy. I'm so thrilled for you." She looked around the coffee shop as if thinking about something. "I guess you had to come out for coffee after dinner though. I mean not like you can exactly just go from blind date dinner to sharing orgasms right off."

Unfortunately for Tara she was taking a drink of coffee at the moment Buffy spoke and she choked a little bit on it. "Are you ok, Tara?" Willow immediately asked, jumping down from her chair to rub her hand on the blonde's back.

"Um f-fine, fine, really..." Tara said, knowing her face was bright red from what Buffy had said.

"I'm sorry," Buffy said quickly, "that was really rude of me. Look, Willow I was coming by the room to tell you that I'm going to stay at mom's tonight and do laundry in the morning."

"Ok."

"Oh, and Giles said you have one of his books. Grimsley or something and to bring it to the meeting tomorrow."

Tara could swear she heard Willow mutter "Grimsmore," but the redhead seemed intent on getting rid of her friend. "Ok, bye Buffy."

"Oh, right. Date. Nice to meet you, Tara." Buffy gave a wave and left the coffee shop.

An uncomfortable silence seemed to descend over the table following Buffy's departure. "Who's G-giles?"

"Giles?"

"Yeah, you said his apartment is your third home and now you have to take one of his books back."

"Oh, he's the librarian from our high school," Willow explained unhelpfully.

Tara quirked up her eyebrows slightly. Realizing that Willow wasn't going to disclose any more information right now she changed the subject. "Is your mouth cooled off y-yet?"

"Four peppers hot! Is your mouth made of steel?"

Again the blonde considered a few rejoinders. "I guess you should have been paying more attention to ordering."

"I was paying attention to you."

"You're very sweet, Willow." Tara reached out and took Willow's hand again, enjoying the feel of the connection they shared.

"What made you cry about the poem? I mean if you want to tell me, not that you have to because, none of my business."

Tara looked down at her free hand. "My m-mother died fourteen months ago."

"I'm so sorry." Willow whispered her comfort and then lifted their joined hands to her lips, placing a soft kiss on Tara's knuckles.

"We're closing up, Sweetie."

Both girls looked around the shop realizing that they were the only ones inside besides the owners. "Sorry, Mrs. George," they said simultaneously before laughing. After carrying their cups to the counter they said goodbye to Mrs. George and walked out still holding hands.

The couple walked slowly back to Tara's room. At the door, Willow waited patiently as Tara unlocked the door. Although tempted to ask to come in, she felt that she had all the time in the world. "Can I call you tomorrow?"

"Call me tonight when you reach your room," Tara whispered, still not releasing the redhead's hand.

"Oh!" Willow suddenly reached into her pocket with her free hand. "Here's my number." She held out an Expresso Pump napkin with "Willow Rosenberg" and her phone number written on one side. She flipped it over and smiled when she saw the heart shaped doodles with WR + T? written on it. Obviously the redhead had waited a few minutes before she'd arrived.

Tara reached one hand back into her room and pulled a pen from the cup on her desk. Smiling at Willow, she wrote an "M" over the question mark inside the heart. "Maclay," she whispered.

Willow smiled again at the blonde. "Tara Maclay, I had a really really great time tonight." Tara watched as the redhead bounced on her feet nervously before leaning in slowly for a gentle kiss. After a few seconds, she drew back. "I should ... um..."

"Right, class," Tara agreed.

"So going now."

"Right, going."

"Now."

"Call me when you get home." Tara leaned in for another kiss, a slower one this time, then took a step back.

Willow smiled again. "I'll call you as soon as I get back to the room."

"Good night, Willow."

"Good night, Tara."

Tara watched as the redhead walked quickly down the hallway before she went into her room and closed the door. She did her own version of the Snoopy Dance and thought about how different the evening had turned out from what she expected.