One Moment

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. If I did, I'd treat them better than...some people.

Distribution: /mysticmuse.net

You want it? Take it. Just let me know where it is.

Spoilers: Events from the 5th season, particularly TOUGH LOVE.

Feedback: Yes, please. The more the better.

Pairing: Willow/Tara

Willow Rosenberg woke from a sound sleep, her heart beating a mile a minute and threatening to burst its way out of her chest. She sat up, running her hand through her sweaty red hair and tried to catch her breath as she tried to determine what had roused her in the first place.

It didn't take long.

"Tara?"

Willow felt her breath catch in her throat as she realized she was alone in the bed. The blankets were scrunched up around her, and the other pillow was laying on the floor. Trembling, she slid out from under the covers and put her feet on the floor, but did not stand up.

"Tara..." she whispered.

Out of the corner of her eye, Willow saw a flash of moonlight streaming through a half-open curtain. She could not help but breath a sigh of relief as she realized Tara was there, standing in front of the window. She appeared to be staring up at something, out of Willow's line of sight.

"Thank the goddess."

Willow was slow to approach her lover. She didn't want to startle Tara if she could help it. It had only been a day since Glory violated Tara, stealing her sanity, and Willow was just thankful the hospital finally let her bring her home. The redhead reached out to touch her lover's shoulder.

"Tara?"

Misty-eyed, the other witch turned her head and smiled. "Willow?" She pointed out the window. "Look. It's the Big Pineapple. Do you remember?"

Willow nodded. "I do. You recognize it?"

"Of course." Tara sighed. "It's so cold, Willow. Why is it so cold?"

Willow felt her own eyes filling with tears as she nodded. "I know honey." She drew a blanket off the bed, and gently lay it across her lover's trembling shoulders. "Is that better?"

"N-No...still cold." Tara turned and lifted her arm, wrapping it and the blanket around Willow. She brought the redhead to her. "Better now."

Willow smiled. "I do my best."

"The sky is trembling, you know." Tara turned back to the window. "The stars." Something changed. There was a marked shift in her body language, her shoulders slumped, and the light in her eyes seemed to lose its tenuous focus. "The stars are afraid of the dark. They need the light."

Willow stroked Tara's cheek, her own tears flowing freely now. "I know. I know." She rested her cheek against Tara's, grateful for that one moment at least.

The End

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