Author: Shai
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Unfortunately neither Tara nor Willow are mine. Neither's anyone else in this fic for that matter!

The whistle blew, and the UC girls immediately came rushing towards the sideline.

"Just what the hell do you think you're doing?" Anya asked Tara.

"I'm coming back on" Tara stated calmly.

"Oh no you're not!" Cordelia said, and Anya nodded her head in agreement. "I saw you fall, and there's no way you're coming back on".

Tara couldn't help but smile at how protective her friends were being. "Look guys, I appreciate the concern, but I'm coming back on". Cameron was about to open her mouth and say something, but Tara silenced her with a raised hand." I know you guys are giving it your best, and I'm not saying that me coming on is gonna make much of a difference, especially with an injured nkle. All that I am saying is that I'll be damned if I'm gonna just sit here and watch Columbus score over and over, especially when that bitch just brought me down".

Willow looked at Tara with wide eyes. It was the first time she'd seen Tara so aggressive, and she realized that she liked it. "Ok not the time to be thinking about how much I like aggressive Tara" she thought, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. She watched as the rest of the girls also saw the determined look on the blonde face, and gave in.

"Alright" Anya said, although she didn't sound too happy about it. "But you're not running, you've got to keep that leg alive for under 21". Tara opened her mouth to protest, but Anya beat her to it. " I said, YOU"RE NOT RUNNING" Anya repeated in a voice that left no room for a protest.

"Fine" Tara said, as the whistle blew.

"Take care Tara..." Coach Giles said, his voice heavy with concern. Tara nodded her head his way, as Jessica came off and Tara took her place in court.

When the spectators saw Tara come on they began to clap, and Willow looked as Tara ducked her head, shy again as she walked towards the defense line. Willow noticed that the heel of her right foot was still slightly elevated, and Tara wasn't putting all her weight on the foot.

The whistle blew, and shy Tara was gone. Willow watched as she looked up, and looked straight at the on coming defense.

Willow was scared for Tara...she didn't want the blonde hurt.

Still, she couldn't help but be intrigued at the sight befolding before her eyes.

Faith took the ball early, and tried to score ober Cordelia. Anya made an easy stop, and UC Sunnydale has possession.

"Oh boy" Willow thought, as Anya passed the ball out to Cordelia, who began passing ball along. "What's gonna happen now???"