New Fic - Neverland

[taysla]

I totally love this story.

I love the upgrate..

Please more, more,more....

I can't wait for the next upgrate...

[TinyAnt]

How great to see another update! And now more than ever, you don't need to worry about the wait, you've got the single most important and valid excuse not to write ever The little ones always come first!

Even though lately the updates have been more close together, it's still as exciting as usual to see your name on the updates' thread. Maybe because we're getting closer and closer to the end. I still think there's a lot ahead, but you can definitely feel we're slowly moving forwards from the middle, so to speak.

It was great to read some Neverland!Buffy again, I'd been missing her. I was just thinking before the last update that it had been a long time without any phonecall from (or to) her. I think that's what got me going back and rereading the whole thing . In the end, I think it was not that much more than usual, but the time between update and update made it seem longer. Still, I liked "seeing" her again. And for what was likely one of the first times in the story, we moved away from Willow and Tara and got a little bit from Buffy's POV. Although the change was noticeable, I don't think there was any other way to write her cluing in. You've been hinting at it for a while now, so it didn't feel sudden or unexpected, which I think shows that it was very nicely done, considering that until now we only had other people's reactions to (or perception of) her words to go on. So she's got half the picture figured out. I wonder what her thoughts are on the other half.

Another big thing coming is her reaction to Willow's coming out, specifically the being kept out of the loop while Xander was in and how it ended up causing a strain in their friendship. The (indirect) cause/effect of the W's secret -> X/B distancing is very sad to read, but also very believable. While I hope they can mend everything and go back to being good friends, I wonder if Buffy will be so quick to forgive and forget. I think that is the biggest "coming out to Buffy" issue here, more than her acceptance of Willow as gay (something she obviously should have no problem with).

Look at all that writing about stuff everyone already knows anyway! Good thing bits can be recycled

Another thing I already commented on (I think) is the music. I love how extensively you've used it, and how appropiately too. It's not there just because, it's not random, it actually serves a purpose in the plot and it feels organic to the story. I don't think I've seen that before in any other fic I read, at least not so well done, which is funny if you consider what an integral part of people's lifes music is.

By the way, I loved that my absolute favorite "Neverland's song", Elbow's, was the one which spurred them on their Fillmore "non"-date

On a compleeeetely unrelated note, after more than a year-long hiatus, I got to play the sax again today! I'm so happy about it, I just had to share to almost complete strangers

Hope to read you again soon! Baby permitting

[Renatecs]

Another great update. The tension between them was palable and well written. Hopefully Willow will tell her parents and Buffy soon, especially now that Buffy suspects something. It would be nice if there was some more angst (sorry but i am an angst sucker lol) but then that they will get together soon.
Update soon.

[chance]

i really so want to reply to every update you post, but unfortunately, incoherent noises don't mix well with the internet. Plus, it would mostly just be me saying over and over again how you're totally killing me! Really, you're jamaican me crazy.

It's fabulous. The Jacque/Lar story is toned perfectly, I can hear it coming from Tara's lips, and I can see so vividly in my head Willow's gleeful, dog-hugging reaction to it.

Of course Buffy knows something is up! Minus the whole slayer deal, I genuinely believe Buffy could/would be a fabulous - noticing the things you kinda wish she wouldn't - friend. Which kinda makes me wonder if maybe she's not as totally clueless about Willow, either, but it's your character now, so we'll see what she knows and what she doesn't. And soon? Very, very soon?

for the love of something, please?!?

M.

[ophelia11]

Hey there,

So sorry I missed the last update. I'm a feedback spaz these days. Here are my random comments on the last two.

I really like what you started in part 52. At least for me, it seemed like any efforts to develop a relationship would come from Willow because her orientation isn't out in the open. For the first time, I considered the idea that Tara might initiate more and I really liked that idea. Watching Tara begin to accept her feelings has been really enjoyable because her confidence has grown immensely.

52 was just a great continuation. I was afraid the return of electricity would keep them apart indefinitely so it's nice to see both of them make more effort to be together. The growing friendship is so enjoyable to watch. I really liked the interaction between Dawn and Buffy. Cute, funny, and very sister-y. It's nice to see that Buffy is starting to put the clues together, though I'm hoping she doesn't come on too strong to either woman. Sometimes our desire to help turns out more like meddling.

Anyhoo...I'm enjoying the updates. Like where it's going. Looking forward to more.

[LittleBit]

awesome couple of updates Heather!!! And this new updating on such a frequent basis is absolutely wonderful!!!

[wimpy0729]

Oh Heather, I really loved this. Their interaction is getting so much more relaxed and I love the little flirty comments. Now that the air is pretty much cleared, it's so much easier for them. I have a feeling Tara will have some nice dreams after their wonderful day together and the hand rubs and neck rubs. I can't wait til Tara can actually lean forward and kiss Willow's freckled neck - yessiree, yep, uh huh - I live for that day.

I also thought Buffy and Tara's conversation was pretty interesting. So it looks like Buffy may be figuring some stuff out. Willow's talk with her should be coming up soonish, right? Looking forward to that too. You did a great job with the Buffy/Dawn banter too - just spot on.

Hope things are going well for you. Thanks for taking the time to gift us with this wonderful update.

Take care,

Wimpy

[SylverMaki]

Wow, Love how the updates are going, they are so sweet and funny and complete awesomeness. I LOVE YOU for updating so much and I can feel we are getting closer to them being together. I just hope there aren't any speed bumps with Willow's coming out or Buffy ruining it by scaring Tara off or something. Oh happy joy joy for the impending goodness to follow.

Keep it coming I live to read and I'm totally going to start over from the beginning shortly.

[Guest]

Hello Heather,

Thank you for all of your recent updates. I haven't been leaving regular feedback but my heart has been visiting this thread over and over again and enjoying the delicate disentangling of the previous webs of fear that had kept the two girls at bay. In a way, it is absolutely charming your portrayal of their ever-growing love as it reminds me constantly of how life's most beautiful aspects are never reduced to a simplistic chemical firing from the brain.

The unknown is already the territory of lovers and this is especially enhanced in your story. I keep on longing for further contact from Will and Tare each time though as it's been so long. The best game is as yet to come and I feel sure none of us will be disappointed

Thank you once again for a grand piece of story telling.

Vi'

[SickSadGirl]

Hey there! Sorry I missed the last chapter. I thought I had left feedback, but it's been such a crazy month that I must have imagined it.

So, I freaked out when I started 52. Willow leaving right when Morgan was set to come over seemed an awful idea (though definitely something I would do), but I had to keep reading. And I'm so glad I did! Woo and hoo for Wil realizing she needs to be there. Plus, we must give credit to the storm. I'm happy about the way you ended the Morgan situation. It would have been too fake for her to keep trying to jump in where it was obvious she wasn't wanted. Your writing is always spot on with real life, which makes this story amazing! I'm captivated by the progress in Willow and Tara's relationship in such a short time. They're strong to keep trying, even though they are so afraid. Plus, the physical interaction is becoming more comfortable, which can be difficult in a situation like that.

53--I was nervous when Buffy called, thinking it might throw off the night (I was hoping for Willow to come to the studio to see the painting, but I guess that'll be later). I grew steadily more nervous until you reminded us why Buffy is so cool-she's a great friend. She might mess up sometimes, but she tries her best. She was sweet to encourage Tara even though she's feeling left out and upset. The conversation between her and Dawn was hilarious and very sister-y. I love that you don't just give us some angst and then fluff about Willow and Tara-you're writing their lives. The story about Jaq and Lar was cute. Yet another example of them wanting to do anything to be near each other. With that, I'm even more curious about the day in the park. Hmm.

Thank you for giving me something to look forward to reading everyday (I go back through it when there isn't an update). I hope to see more soon!

[sadie]

Of course I enjoyed this... but nevertheless... GAH!!

Maybe Buffy can help certain people reveal certain feelings... I wonder if she was a bit snarky cause Tara didn't tell her she likes Willow, or cause it makes her feel left out or something... I guess we'll see!!

Thanks for the update !!!

[synthwrr]

soo glad you're writing this again... this story is wonderful. I love how natural your writing feels.

[wayland]

Hi Easiersaid,

I plucked up the courage to register on this board because I realised, after so many hours reading and enjoying your story, the least I could do was thank you.

I came to Neverland recently after reading many excellent completed fics.

I was hooked immediately, then frustrated by the lack of resolution.

So, I went back to the beginning....

I can be a hasty and careless reader and I had forgotten that rereading can be a distinct and different pleasure in its own right. It was great to properly appreciate how nuanced and detailed your story is - and how beautifully paced.

There are so many scenes I love -

Willow explaining her job.
....'Are we friends?'
Every Xander/Willow conversation.

I love the way you use painting and music and the way both Tara and Willow are passionate about their work. This makes them real - despite emotional turmoil they have other concerns ( e.g. Willow's excitement going to Portland; Tara's worry that she may have let down Morgan as a peer.)

I could go on and on.
I hope you continue the story. It's such a pleasure to read.

Clare

P.S. I was worried about Xander visiting, but now, after all his good work,
it seems only fair he should be there for the happy ending, you know?

[Codyteddyh]

All I want to say is thank you and thank you again. I'm hooked....and I can't wait for more.

[IamLoui]

SO AMAZING.
I log on and there's THREE new updates.
More?
Please?
I love this.
And a million congrats about the baby.

[DaddyCatALSO]

In lieu of (or, best of yet, in additon ot) a BtVS miniseries or feaure reuniting Willow and Tara, I'd love to see this filmed. Cast ideas later.

Lessee, the gang is about 25 years old in this; Aly and Amber could do it with the right lighting and make-up, and Anya could be older in this universe. Nicky...yeah, there'd be a problem.
A related hitch is that Buffy's part is too small and Dawn's way too small for the salaries Smidge and Michelle are pulling these days; they'd have to be "special guest stars."
Not sure about Marissa - I'm not that knowledgeable about actors in the right age range outside the Buffyverse; Michelle, Clare Kramer, with darkened hair, could fit the physical part with her curls, but I "hear" Michelle's voice in my head as deeper and more city-smart/twangy.
Morgan; Charisma would be almost perfect except that this *is* an alternate Buffyverse and there'd be too much Cordy-baggage. Well, there *is* Cobie Smulders; she could do and, well her on-screen persona is a lot less irresistible than Charisma's so that would fit the tone.

[Sanpfa]

Although you have heard it a million times or more, and because it has not been from me, I must tell you, I love this story. LOVE it.

[DaddyCatALSO]

Weekly bump :-). I noticed the latest few chapters aren't at Through the Looking Glass yet.

[PalomaMartinBR]

Hi ^^
Newbie here, first post, I'm kinda shy
But, I have to say: THIS IS THE BEST FIC I'VE EVER READ!!
Your name is Heather right? nice to meet you *imaginary shakes of hand*
I wasn't going to post anything, 'cause I saw when you began writing this, and just thought man,she isn't going to read this, its probably finished a veery long time ago :(

So, I kept reading,when I was close to the final pages, my stomach felt weird, and I was all ,but I did keep going...page 82...wow, its almost done! / How is she going to finish this!?!?!? page 83...there's no way she can do a perfect happy ending in one update...wait a minute, she didn't finished the fic! OMG, what am I going to do?! I have to know the ending! did she just..abandoned us? T.T
*look at the date: Mar 06,2010*

YAY,double YAY, Super YAY!!!!

You're still writing the fic!!! right?

Oh, there's a thing I wanted to ask you,but I have to say something first.You have at least three fans from Brazil! And, in case you don't know, we looove W/T fics,but most of us don't speak English, so, there is my question: can I translate your fic? It's sooo beautiful, simple(the fic), and I can do it (translate). Please?

Kisses,Paloma

hey,I wrote the first post of page 84 ^^

[ssc1980]

I went to The Fillmore a couple weeks ago, and being there made me think of this story, which made me happy. Looking forward to the next update! Hope the baby isn't keeping you *too* busy!

[dragonfly]

My dear Heather,

I hope you and your family are well. How is your baby?

First, let me apologize for my lack of feedback lately. I’ve been running around with work and personal issues, and didn’t come back to write you

As always, I’m loving the way you continue this amazing story. What can I say? At the end of the chapter 52, I was speechless, completely loved the conversation by the fire, so intimate and they’re so connected, I think they’re closer than ever, their relationship is growing stronger and on solid grounds, a big hurray for them . I’m very glad they shared so much, can’t wait for when they revisit all these moments after their feelings are out in the open, well just for them because everybody else seems to have a pretty good idea of what’s going on between them.
Buffy is getting closer to it, she’s been hinting it for a few chapters now, I like this version of her, not so clueless like in S4

The story and Will asking for it was so adorable, if I may quote Tara , I agree with them if they hugged, a kiss would’ve been stolen or almost impossible to resist. It was wonderful how they took care of each other’s soreness. Now, I’m very curious to know more details of that day at the park, I imagine it didn’t take them long to fall in love with each other, and if they were behaving like in the last update, bold and flirty, everything was falling into place as the time passed on that day, like magic, but then whatever happened after…? that lead to all this confusion…can’t wait to find out.

Big day for Willow is approaching, hope things don’t go too bad with her mom, and Buffy might be a little upset for being out of the secret for so long, but now that she suspects something is going on between her two best friends, that’s going to be funny, especially if Buffy talks to each of them and gets them to talk about it. Ok I don’t want to jump ahead, and let you tell me how they’ll finally come to be together.

Looking forward to the next update, and hoping you’re well.

Take care,

Love

Clau

[taysla]

Hi EasierSaid.

I'm here again and desperate for another update.

It had been near two months and nothing.

Do I sound desperate... Hmm. I think I sound, GOOD, because is exactly the way I feel..

So now you can feel my pain, PLEASEE update another chapter...

You are killing me...
I need more dreams.
I prefer smoochies, but I'm happy with the dreams..
Anything for a update..

PLEASEEE!!!!!!!!!!

[TinyWillow]

When you began posting again, I started re-reading this wonderful fic from the beginning. Well now I only have 3 chapters left to go and am already starting to panic! When will she post again...will she post again...how will I live without my daily fix?! I know it's tough when you have kids. I have 5 year old twins myself. But, please, please, please update soon! And may I foolishly hope often! They're so close and the suspense is killing me!

[EmsInNz]

Hi there,

I too have recently read this fic from the start, and it is without a doubt my favorite story across all fandoms and pairings.

I hope there'll be an update one day soon - I will be sitting over here waiting

Ems

[WrongObsession]

Everyday this past week, I've stayed up past 12 trying to finish this...probably the most distracting story ever. Good job. =D

p.s. I am not even sure that makes sense, but I am running on empty.

[Sanpfa]

TPAM (I know, wrong feed) is right. When I started reading this, I could not stop reading Great story and of course we hope life is giving you some free time to be able to continue Hope you and your family are well!

[shiraz]

Hey Heather,

I've read all the updates and I've been composing FB for you...just haven't finished or gotten it posted yet. My bad! I hope you and you're family are healthy and well and that you're all managing to get some sleep

Can't wait for the next update. Hopefully my FB will be up before then.

S

[angieb86]

I started reading this fic back in 2005, and I swear every time I go back and read it...It never gets OLD!! Beautiful story, as you already know. Can't wait for the next update!

[Mrs. Pineapple]

Okay, so I tried to be patient. Really. And I really understand you’re busy with family and such and I respect that very much but it’s getting hard and it’s been two months already so I once again fall to my knees and pray pray pray...

But because it seemed a bit sad to only post a whiny note about a lack of updates I thought I’d leave some feedback on the rest of the story, since I only joined in 2009 and have only started leaving feedback when you ‘came back’.

I don’t think I have to tell you again that I think this story is beautiful, cause I’ve already told you sooo many times. Incredibly recognisable too. (I mean, how many lesbian girls haven’t had a straight girl crush that won’t go away?) The delicate intrigue that you’ve built makes it so so hard for our girls to see that what they want is not far away at all, but because of all these misunderstandings and misinterpretations it becomes much more difficult. Again, it is so recognisable. Saying ‘I love you’ to the person you love might just be one of the hardest things you can imagine, so I can’t blame Willow, or Tara, or anyone else for that matter, which makes it so complicated but so very real (I’m repeating myself, ain’t I?).

I really like how you write the characters. Every single one has their quirks, without it getting too obvious. Lots of fics, for example, use the Willowbabble way too much. That way it loses half of its worth. When you write the babble however, it’s ten times funnier.

(...)”I'm a sheep, I'm a furry, woolly farm animal. Oh! Or a lemming, I'm a lemming--"

Tara barely listened as Willow continued sputtering, her babble running through a litany of animals known for their instinctual mob-mentality.

I love how you write Tara. The hesitation in her speech, the stutter... And I’m not just talking dialogue. Her thoughts, the way she acts... That goes for Buffy and Xander too. I absolutely loved Xander in this fic, and although Buffy does come across slightly annoying at times, you’ve also painted her as a very good friend who, besides her ignorance sometimes, is very important to both Willow and Tara.

The plot, the plot... It’s easy to follow, but it doesn’t get boring. At all. The flashbacks are in the mind of the characters, and always have some kind of importance to the plot line. Why does Willow hide about her job? Though you write from both women’s perspective, it’s only at the very last moment we find out about it. Then there’s also the day in the park of course. Now and then you drop hints and fragments of what happened that day, and it keeps me curious. Also, the smutty dreams are never just smutty dreams. They always come with the story. And your smut is very good by the way. With the amount of that going on on DCP I imagined that at some point you simply couldn’t write anything new anymore, but somehow, you manage to do it. This line for example:

"I don't need to see you to know you're beautiful Tara."

*sigh*

There’s so much more... The huge importance of a simple bracelet, the fairy lights, the mixed CD... All things that may seem insignificant in the greater scheme of things, but oh so important for our girls who are desperately looking for a sign that the other might like them.

Needless to say, I thought a lot about this fic. I imagined different coming-outs, different endings, but I know that you’ll still surprise me. Let me tell you: I imagined Willow coming out to Tara and that she would take her to the park, and then they’d come across those places they visited years ago (with flashbacks and such). And then they’d go for cake and Willow would doodle “I heart Tara Maclay” on the Laundromat window and then there’d be lots of smoochies. Okay I’ll shut up now

Wow, this much longer then I imagined it would be. Hope you like it...

[The Best Name On The Site]

Dear EasierSaid,

As my first post, and my reason for joining this, I would like to say two things: 1) Yay, Tara/Willow awesomeness and 2) I love your writing. Not just style but writing.

It took me three days to finish your story because of the evilness that is mandatory education. I actually came to this site on the off chance, if you'd have continued here instead of uberwillowtara where I originally found this. Because I'm so literal, I thought it was Peter Pan and Willow leading Tara off to wonderful gay adventures and Tinkerbell being, oh I don't know, Xander. I was greatly surprised and delighted to find this instead.

From start to (un)finish, I love this story. You've gotten plenty of comments about how awesome you write and I have to say, yes they are true, and every word summed is still not close enough to the perfection. Every instant and millisecond and second guess and euphoric moment are laid out for us to see and feel and touch and it's almost like a convulsed documentary. There's no higher complement from me; I'm a freak when it comes to those. No one likes to leave me with the remote because they just know something about the life cycle of the duran duran plant, that stinky Asian fruit with the hard skins, is coming.

You make everyone believable, make me feel like a peeping tom, watching each and every intimate and mundane moment and applause is necessary. You even make the smut nice, and I don't ever read smut except to get a general idea of the post-coital revelations. Some of Dream-Tara's words ease in though, so I read it anyways. It never cheapens the story or makes me regret it.

Reading about Tara's art is almost therapeutic. It's every bit watching her channel herself and her soul and leaving pieces of herself for everyone to stare at. If either of us understood technobabble, I'm fairly positive Willow's work would be equally mesmerizing. Your descriptions and voice, though, are the absolute best.

Before I forget. Themesongs are a go-go. You've expanded my iTunes, and I have two songs you should listen to if you haven't already. One is 'Protect Me From What I Want' by Placebo in regards to beginning, "No, I can't love Tara/Willow she doesn't feel that way! Angst!" The other is about that day in that park that you haven't told us about and its 'You Had Me @ Hello' by A Day To Remember.