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Title: The Artifact
Author: sabina
Feedback: Yes, please. I crave it.
Distribution: Anywhere. Just please ask me first.
Spoilers: No spoilers whatsoever. This is an AU fic.
Rating: It is going to get to NC-17.
Pairing: W/T
Disclaimer: The Buffy the Vampire Slayer series and its characters are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. The Tomb Raider videogame is the property of Eidos Interactive and Core Design. This fic is not meant to infringe any copyrights.
Summary: Willow and Tara are two strong and independent tomb raiders who are both hired to find the same artifact. Trapped inside a temple they realize that not everything is what it seems and they have to work together and fight side by side for their lives as they try to find the way out.

Note 1: I want to thank my beta reader TKOLove, who has supported this idea and putted up with all my questions and doubts since the beginning without ever complaining.
Your work makes this fic a better one, so thank you TKOLove.
Note 2: I love Tomb Raider and this fic was something that had been in the back of my mind for long. Now I finally decided to write it. I hope you all enjoy reading it.
Note 3: Thoughts are in italics



Its so cold. I dont remember being this cold before we lay down. Maybe I could suggest to Willow that we share the same sleeping bag. That way we could put the other one on top of ussort of like an extra blanket. Of course, wed have to be snuggled tight together to fit in this small space but that would only help to keep us warm. Who am I kidding? I just want to feel her pressed against meme in her arms or her in mineit doesnt matter. Tara decided to voice that last thought, although the reasons she was planning to use werent exactly the true ones.




Willow, are you awake? For a second she thought about the uselessness of that question. Right, because if you werent awake, you certainly would be after I called you.
Yes.
Im really cold, and I was thinking that maybe we could share our sleeping bags. That way we could use the spare one to put on top of the other one, and we could warm each other up. Tara thanked the darkness, because she could feel herself blushingjust thinking of the many ways she could warm Willow up. Suddenly she didnt feel so cold anymore.

Oh my god. She wants us to sleep together. So ok, its actually sleeping, but its still more than Ive ever done with anyone. I promised I wouldnt give in. I wont let myself be conquered without putting up a fight. Ive only met her today, and already she affects me in ways that no one else ever has. If I do let myself fall and she doesnt catch me, I dont think Ill ever be able to stand againitll destroy me. But it really is cold, and this is something I could do even if I hated her. And what a ridiculous thought that is. I know I could never hate her. Focus! Ok, so we need each other. I mean, not dying of hypothermia is a pretty vital component to our getting out of here with the Star.

Willow was silent for a long moment, pondering the pros and cons of Taras suggestion. As time went by and Willow didnt say anything, the blonde began to worry that shed gone too far in voicing her idea.
Maybe she doesnt like me and thinks the idea of sleeping next to me is disgusting. Maybe Ive scared her away. The only woman Ive ever loved, and now she probably cant even look at my face. The blondes thoughts were going down a truly dark path when the redhead spoke quietly.
Ok, Ill go to your sleeping bag and we can put mine on top of yours.
Im a dork an idiotahuh?? What?! She said yes? She said yes! Wow. O-Ok. Tara again cursed her stutter.

I cant see where you are, and I dont want to be disoriented and fall to the spikes, so Ill just crawl a little to my left and I should find you. Willow was starting to move as she spoke. Tara heard the little rubbing noise of the sleeping bag being tossed aside.
Why did she have to say shed be crawling? Now I have all these mental images of Willow on her hands and kneesapproaching mecoming to get me. Stop it! If you dont stop these thoughts, once she gets past traveling to the sleeping bag and gets to the part where she actually joins you, theres no way youll manage to sleep with her without doing more than just sleeping.

Thats when she felt Willows hand on her breasttouchingfeeling her way. The redhead quickly realized where her hand ended up and withdrew it hastily. Taras nipple was already hardened and tender due to the low temperature, and she gasped before she could control herself. Having all those thoughts about Willow and then feeling the redheads hand on her breast was too much for Tara to bear silently. Her four senses had heightened because of the lack of vision, making that simple touch much more powerful.
Im so sorry! I cant see a thing and I didnt mean to do that. Its just that, well, its dark, and I said that already, didnt I? And youre in the way, well of course youre in my waythats the whole point

Tara decided to stop Willows babbling before it got out of hand. She was afraid to hear something that she didnt want to hear like, I wouldnt ever touch a girls breast on purpose. I dont like girls in that way.
Willow, its ok. Dont worry about it. Just put the bag on top of me, then Ill lift both bags so you can slide in here next to me.
Its ok? Does that mean I could touch you again? Maybe longer, and with fewer things in the way? I thought wed agreed that you wouldnt let go without putting up a fight! I have to tell you both, Heart and Body omineyoure cheating! Thats not even close to fighting it! Oh god, now Im separating my mind from my heart and body, and Im talking to them as if theyre people! Im simply going mad. Im going to get locked up if I ever manage to make out of here alive.

Willow, is something wrong? Tara asked, concerned after the redhead had been still for a minute. She still didnt answer.
Please dont tell me youve changed your mind, please dont tell me youve changed your mind. Being here with the covers lifted, Ive gotten really cold again. I need to feel you wrapped in my arms so that I can heat up again. I beg you, please come here. Willow? Through her pleading tone, Tara tried to convey her need for Willow to join her under the covers.

The redhead resumed her movements and extended her open sleeping bag over Taras body. Then she sat next to where Tara was laying, leaned back, and slid easily to the blondes arms. Sorry, I was just thinking about something and I froze for a second. Well, thats true in more ways than one, Willow joked. Tara only made a sound of acknowledgment, Mmm-hmm, and pulled Willow deeply into her arms, pressing tightly against the redheads back. Willow was caught off-guard and took in a sharp gasp of air as she felt Taras breasts press against her back. The blondes nipples hardened and rubbed against Willows shoulder blades as Tara once again moved even closer, burying her head in Willows neck and hair. By then, almost every single part of the blondes body was touching Willows.

If someone had asked Willow before today how shed feel about being snuggled like this by a near stranger a woman no less shed have undoubtedly laughed and answered, Shed be dead before she even touched me. But here and now, with Tara nestled against her back, with her right arm holding her tight around the waist, and feeling her hot breath against her neck, Willow felt as if this was where shed always been meant to be. She felt warm and cozy, and she wondered briefly how shed ever managed to go to sleep before, without this amazing woman holding her. Willow then pressed softly back and covered Taras arm, which was draped around the redheads waist, with her own.
Willow let out a satisfied sigh, and let herself fall into a peaceful and sweet slumber.

Tara was feeling happier and more contented than shed ever felt before in her life. She didnt know what had possessed her to be so bold as to pull Willow closer and then cradle her completely, even going so far as to bury her face in Willows neckbut she was glad that shed been brave enough to do it. The redhead hadnt pulled away, and had actually tried to push closer. Not that closer was really possible. There wasnt even a molecule of air between us when she pressed herself to me, the blonde mused.

This feels so right. Ive never felt like this. Yes, Im extremely attracted to her. Goddess, Id love to make love to herto hear her scream my name at the top of her lungs as she comes so hard that its the only thing she can remember. And I want her to take me too, over and over again until we pass out in each others arms from the absolute, overwhelming pleasure of it. And then I want to wake up and do it all again.

But I feel so much more than that. I want her to be happy, even if it means hurting myself. I want her to be free, even if it means that Ill never have her. I want her to be protected, even if it means Ill have to give my life for it.
And right now I feel more content and fulfilled just laying here with her than Ive ever felt before. So I thinknow its official; Im in love!

Tara smiled and sighed contentedly. She marveled briefly at the fact that she was feeling so warm and cozy when shed been freezing cold just moments before, and then conscious thought abandoned her as she peacefully fell fast asleep.

They slept soundly all night. Its possible that not even a second giant rolling stone aimed directly at them could have awakened them. Well, at least not before it hit them.
In the morning, the blonde was the first one to get back from her visit to dreamland. When she opened her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of Willows face so close to her that they were breathing the same air. With the majority of her brain still caught in the sleeps haze and only her instincts ruling her, Tara smiled widely and was just about to lean in a little to wake Willow up with a kiss. But then the rest of her brain started functioning properly.
What am I doing?! I cant kiss her, not like this. And how did we end up like this?

Only then did she fully realize their exact positions. And she started to panic.

Somehow in the middle of the night Willow had turned around, so now they were facing each other. But instead of creating space between them, her shift had brought them closer. They were completely tangled. Each of them was embracing the other tightly around the waist, their breasts pressing together, and their legs entwined from the knees down.
Oh man, oh man. This is downright intimate! Our bodies seem to recognize one another like old lovers, molding themselves against the other, adjusting to all the shifts in position. What if she doesnt want me and thinks I was taking advantage of her in her sleep?

Just then Willow moved a little and mumbled something in her sleep. Tara couldnt say what it was, since shed completely lost the ability to focus on anything other than the small but delicious friction of breast-on-breast, provoked by Willows little movement. Her nipples hardening immediately.
Nice! What if she notices this? Well, considering the way were snuggled she cant help but notice. At least yesterday I had the cold as an excuse. I cant take this. I have to make a little room between us, otherwise I think Ill go insane.
As the blonde started to extricate herself from Willow, the redhead groaned unhappily and pulled Tara back to her, burying her head in Taras neck. The blonde had been caught by surprise when the redhead moved, and she ended up with both her arms around Willows necknow even closer to the redhead. To make Taras sweet torture almost unbearable, the redhead seemed to be talking in her sleepher lips soft and moist while brushing against the blondes neck.

Oh god. I dont know how much I can take before I kiss her senseless. Tara begin to feel Willow stir, and she noticed that the whispered words against her neck had stopped. The blonde had mixed feelings about this. On one hand, she was starting to get too turned on for her own good, but on the other hand, Willow waking meant that she would pull away soon.
The first things Willow felt when she woke up were the strong arms draped around her neck, keeping her safe. Then she felt Taras pulse under her lips. And just after that, the awareness of where the rest of her body was pressed came rushing to her head in chaotic waves, making her dizzy. A thigh between her thighs, breasts against breasts, her own hand on the blondes back pressing her closer. She felt lusty; a primal need to have Tara was arising from deep within her.

She willed herself to be quiet and still, to try to calm down. After a few moments she decided that the best course of action was to pull away, since there was no way she was going to cool down being so close to Tara. So she lifted her left hand from the blondes back, and extricated herself slowly from their tight embrace. She tried to keep the awkwardness at a minimum by not moving too far, just enough to put her weight on her right elbow and look at Tara properly.
Wow. Shes so beautiful. Taras ponytail had survived perfectly the night not even a hair was out of place. In the redheads still blurred vision, it seemed as if a halo was surrounding Taras head. Shes an angel. Maybe I died and went to heaven. Well, that cant be rightId never make my version of heaven include protein balls for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If, however, I was sitting here eating a delicious salmon, I really would have cause to worry. Finally, Willows gaze found two deep pools of blue, and she was lost.

Her eyes are the most exquisite blue Ive ever seen. I could write a thousand poems about all the shades they have. Summer blue, stormy sea, sapphireI could go on and on until the end of time and still I wouldnt say it all.
Willow realized that she couldnt stare much longer into Taras eyes before leaning in to kiss her, and if she kissed her now, there was no way they could just kiss. She saw it deep in Taras darkened eyes, a raw hunger that matched her own. Oh yeah, if our lips even slightly touch each others, theres no stopping usand Im not quite ready to go there. Im just starting to accept this whole thing.

The redhead decided to break the silence. So how did you sleep? Were you cold? Because I kind of fell asleep about two minutes after slipping into your arms, Willow thought. your sleeping bag. And I was feeling warm, so I thought that you probably were comfortable too, but I forgot to ask, becausewell I fell asleep, and I already said that, didnt I?
The redheads voice brought Tara slowly out of the lusty fog shed been lost in. When she heard the rambling redhead, a smile made its way onto her lips. This was the best wake up call shed ever had Willowbabble. Only a few seconds later did the meaning of what Willow was saying register in her brain. It was, after all, still recovering from its Willow-induced trance, and it took a moment before she was able to reply.

Oh yeah, I was really warm and cozy. Warm?! Talk about understatements! Goddess! It felt like a volcano erupted in my heart and sent its lava flow through my veins with each beat. I was burning all over.
Good, good. Tara there is one thing I noticed, a-and I wanted to discuss it with you. Dont you think its weird that two people are needed to open this rooms door? Because, I wasnt originally thinking about coming here with you. I mean, Im happy that I did, dont get me wrong, but I always worked solo before, and if Id come alone, Id have died here. I think theres something more to this temple than what I was told, and thats really buggin me. I like to know what Im going to face so I can be prepared.

The blonde was listening to Willow intently. She hadnt really thought about the why of it all. Shed just been happy to find evidence that they had to stick together to overcome this. It hadnt really crossed her mind that it was, in fact, rather strange that in the middle of the temple a room suddenly would only open if there were two people working together in it. That was a death sentence to any adventurer who entered alone.
Somethings wrong here. These challenges tend to be arduous, but fair. The rules dont just go and change. Then the answer hit her.
Since the beginningthats it! We had to be together in order to be accepted.
Willow was deep in her own thoughts and almost missed what the blonde had whispered.
Huh?!
Willow, think about it. When you arrived at the antechamber of the room, Id already been there for about ten minutes, and Id been fussing over the door to try to get it open, but nothing happened. Then you came in and the door just opened without either of us doing anything. We had to be two peopletogetherfrom the beginning, otherwise we wouldnt have been able to get in!

Oh man. Willows face lost a little of its color. They sat in silence for a few moments, thinking about the implications of what theyd discovered.
The redhead was the first to speak. Do you think we were hired by the same person? That we were set up to meet here? I bet we were! He seemed to know everything there was to know about this. So, why? I guess thats the next question.
Tara let out a little chuckle over Willows run-on thoughts. I think there could be many reasons. Both of us are known for always working alone. Maybe he wanted the best in the world and knew that if he told us we had to work together, wed refuse.
Actually, I dont think I would have refused. I was too curious to meet you. Just hearing your name sent shivers down my spine. It makes sense nowI think we were destined to meet, Tara thought.

I dont know if Id have been brave enough to accept working with you. You affected me too much without me even knowing you. The mere sound of your name would send me to daydreamland. And Ive always run away from anyone whos managed to pass through my defenses. Maybe Id have been a coward and hid behind my I work alone profile in order to avoid you, the redhead considered.

Thats a possible explanation, Tara. But I think we should keep our guard up. I still feel like theres something more going on, and it cant hurt us to be prepared.

Yeah, I think youre right. Ill keep my eyes open.

They dropped the subject, both of them feeling too happy about being with each other to be thinking about deception and betrayal. Those concepts were so far from their hearts at the moment, that it was almost inconceivable to them that such things existed in the world at all.
They both shifted position and were now lying on their backs, staring at the ceiling. Their hands had somehow found the way to each other and were now entwined and resting between their bodies. A peaceful silence filled the room. Each girl was letting herself draw strength from the other for what was to come.

Tara? Willow asked, still looking up.
Yes? the blonde moved her head so she was looking at Willow. As the redhead next spoke, Tara was greeted once again with the sight of the most amazing emerald eyes, as Willow had moved to lock onto her gaze.
Why dont you carry any guns?
The blondes body stiffened.
Willow immediately regretted her question. She could feel Taras hand tense in her own, but more than that, it was the startled look in the usually calm blue eyes that told her shed just asked the wrong question.

Im sorry. I shouldnt have asked that. I was just curious. Ive met lots of tomb raiders and all of them carry guns big guns, actually. So when I first saw you, I was surprised to see that apparently you dont carry any guns at all. But hey, thats ok! So you dont like guns. Maybe you had a bad shooting experience. I dont like horses because I had a really bad pony incident during a birthday party. Uhm, so maybe youre the same with guns In her attempt to ease Taras discomfort, the redhead probably would have continued her verbal back-pedaling until she passed out due to lack of oxygen, but the blondes soft chuckles stopped her.

That sound relaxed Willow completely. The blonde was happy again, so everything was well in the world. Youre just too cute when you do that. Tara said, before she could stop herself.
Cute? She thinks Im cute? Why would this blonde goddess think Im cute? Nobodys ever thought of me like that. The redheads eyes widened.
The blonde could see the astonished look swimming deep inside pools of green. Oh my godshe looks surprised. She looks so surprised. Shes never thought of me like that, and she cant accept that I think of her as cute. God, shes probably straight, and now shes freaked. Tara had completely misunderstood the look in Willows eyes, and was starting once again to panic. She decided to say something to chase away the silence that was weighing down on her heart, and the first thing that came to her mind was the answer to Willows earlier question.

I dont like violence, the blonde said quickly.
Huh? Willow was still kind of distracted.
Tara breathed deeply to steady herself for what she was about to reveal. What kind of powerful magic have you used on me Willow? Ive never said any of this to anyone before. I was always so strong, carried my past deep inside myself so no one could see my unhappiness, and now Now I want to bare my heart and soul, and trust you to take my pain away and keep me safe. Here next to you I dont feel like I have to pretend that everythings fine and good.

My family used to be wealthy. Then, long story short, we lost everything. My father couldnt get a good job and he felt guilty for our misfortune, so he started drinking. Tara shivered slightly as the memories filled her mind.
Willow, completely focused on Taras story, could see where this was going. I dont like violence, Willow replayed Taras comment in her mind, and a realization came to her. Oh my godthat goddamn bastard hit her! The redheads knuckles were turning white, the result her tightly-clenched fists.
The blonde swallowed hard before resuming her story.
He used to be a gentle man, but after he began drinking, he lost it completely. One day he came home later than usual and my mother waited up for him. She was worried. He was drunk and took offense to her waiting up for him; he thought she was trying to control him, check up on him or something. So he beat her up. When we heard the noise, my brother and I went down to see what was happening.

Tears started to fall from Taras eyes, and they forged a wet trail down her cheek. That was too much for Willow to bear without doing something to comfort the blonde. Letting her instincts be her guide, she scooted closer and embraced the blonde tightly. Tara felt the circle of Willows arms close firmly around her and she clung to the redhead as if her life depended on it, burying her face in the redheads neck. I feel so warm and safe as if nothing bad can touch me while shes holding me.
Willow felt Taras face on her neck and she pulled the blonde even closer. Her left hand began rubbing tiny circles on the blondes neck, trying to soothe away all the pain she sensed pouring out of Tara.

Tara started talking again. Now that shed started she had to finish. When I came downstairs I tried to hold his arm back so he couldnt hurt my mother again, but he picked me up and threw me against the wall, and I was knocked unconscious. When I woke up I was in the hospital, and they told me I had a pretty serious concussion. That was the first of the many accidents recorded in my medical history.
If he ever touches Tara again Ill hunt him down and kill him. Actually, scratch that. Even if he doesnt hurt her ever again, if I ever lay eyes on this guy, hell wish he was dead. Her green eyes were full of rage, but tinted with compassion for the blonde.
How can anyone hurt Tara? Shes gentle, kind, smart, and funny. To know that the person who should have loved her and protected her from the evil in the worldthat he, instead, hurt her so muchit makes my blood boil!

Tara continued her story, nearly whispering it against Willows neck, never letting go.
While my mother was alive she tried to protect me and my brother from my father, so the beatings stopped for a while. But then she was diagnosed with cancer. We didnt have the money to pay for the treatments, and her health quickly deteriorated. It was a lost cause from the beginning because my mother had already given up. Six months later she was dead.
The blonde had managed to hold herself together until then, but when she remembered her mother, her self-control broke and sobs started to shake her body. She couldnt speak, and struggled to catch her breath. Ten years of pain and sorrow long ago buried deep inside were now surfacing.

Willow held her, keeping up the soothing motions with her left hand, and she started whispering little words of comfort. It wasnt your fault. Its all right now. Ive got you and Ill never let anyone hurt you again.
They stayed like that for a long while, Willow continuing to whisper soft, sincere words of consolation.
Tara couldnt understand half the words the redhead was saying, but the calming tone was getting through. She relaxed and the sobs began to slow down. A huge weight seemed to have been lifted from her heart. Since the night after her mother died, Tara had never let herself indulge in crying. It felt good to be able to finally mourn her mother, and also mourn the happy times they shared. She could feel Willows hand caressing her neck with such a gentle touch, her strong hand surprisingly tender and soft.

How much time has passed since someone touched me like this? How long since I let myself be held and comforted? I thought my heart had turned to cold stone. One look from this green-eyed adventurer and my armor melted like ice under the spring sun. It feels so good to be held by her. I feel safe like I havent felt in the last ten years. But I have to wipe my tears and get up soon. Its time for us to go.
Willow was happy to be there for Tara. She understood all too well about repressed feelings. Oh no, brainlets not even get started on my life. As always, she pushed her own painful memories to the back of her mind. She wanted to be what the blonde needed, and she was sure that breaking down was not going to help.

She felt Tara pull away from her arms in order to sit up. The blondes eyes were red, and her cheeks were still wet from the tears shed shed, but looking into those blue orbs, Willow could no longer see the overwhelming pain that was there before. She saw something else she couldnt quite understand or maybe she just wasnt prepared to understand. In a flash, Tara put her defenses back in place, and the redhead was left looking into a calm sea of blue.
        So, first I cry my eyes out on her shoulder, and now Im sitting here looking like a love-struck idiot. She was just being friendly, Tara. You saw how she reacted when you said she was cutelets not make more of it than it was.

        Thank you, the blonde said.
        Theres no need to thank me. You needed me and Im happy I could do something to help. Then Willow dropped her head and said in a whisper, Im so sorry about your father, Tara. A-and Im sorry about bringing this up with that stupid question about guns.
        The blonde spoke softly, trying to ease Willows discomfort. Well, first, it wasnt a stupid question. Secondly, its not your fault that my father was always drunk and beat us up. And lastly, it felt good to let go. Ive never cried before about my family. I never had the chance. I always needed to be strong. This was a good thingcathartic for me. Im feeling so much better now.
       
Willow smiled, and Tara decided to finally answer the question that had started the conversation.
        I dont use guns because I hate violence. I feel closer to being like my father when I do, Tara said sadly, without meeting Willows eyes. It was only when she heard the redheads voice that Tara looked at her.


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This is all for today.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this chapter
Please let me know what you thought about it