Title: Hold On

Disclaimer: please see part one for all disclaimers.

Pairing:  B/W

Spoilers:  All are fair game.

Rating: PG13 to be safe.

Note:  I am taking some liberties with episodes please forgive.

HOLD ON

Tara quietly glides around the bedroom she shares with Willow placing personal belongings in a box on the bed.  Every once in a while she glances through tear-filled eyes over at Willow sitting in the corner emotionless.  She was sitting there when Tara walked in after returning from the Bronze sing-along and hadn’t moved as Tara began packing.  Finally placing the last item in the box, Tara looks at Willow.  Willow doesn’t look back.

“Willow,” Tara crouches in front of her, “I-I can’t stay knowing the t-truth.”

Willow finally looks her in the face, “I shouldn’t have changed your memory.”  She knows she doesn’t sound as sorry as she truly is, “I’m sorry.”

“N-no, You shouldn’t have, but th-that’s not what I meant,” Tara glances away, “I m-meant the truth about B-buffy…and why you tore her out of her peace.” Tara stands up as Willow glares at her.

“You let your own f-feelings push you into dark magic.  It’s over taking you and it will win if you d-don’t tell the truth.”

“You helped me!” Willow stands defending herself.

“I shouldn’t have, but I loved you…it was my weakness, but I can’t be your cover anymore.  Good bye, Willow.  I won’t be back.” Tara lightly touches Willow’s cheek then turns and walks away.

A single tear slips down Willow’s cheek as she watches Tara go, “I’m sorry.”  ‘You’ll never know how much.’ She finishes in her mind.

Buffy comes into view at the top of the stairs.  She looks at Willow staring apologetically.  Not able to look into Buffy’s eyes, Willow closes the door with a push of her mind.

Buffy turns from Willow’s door slowly with a feeling of regret she can’t place.  She walks into her room and turns on her radio.  She looks at the bed, but can’t bring herself to lie in it.

‘Tara’s left and from the sounds of it for good.’ Buffy paces, ‘I shouldn’t have told them the  truth.’ She stops and looks at herself in the mirror, ‘wasn’t like you could hold it in anymore…yes, but I hurt them all.’ She resumes pacing, ‘Except Spike, but I’ll  hurt him too in the end.’  She sits in the front of her mirror.