Survivor - Ash Island

[Shinnen]

love how the fic is going... i can just imagine it as the show itself



Just one little question. Where's old man Giles ??

CheerZ

Shinnen



She's the most amazing girl in the whole world. She's the only girl who makes my heart beat faster and slower at the same time. When I'm not with her, I'm not living. I'm not existing until I can hold her in my arms again.- hence i'm not here now

[Irishgrl3]

My, oh my was that intense! Oddly enough I found myself cheering during the "challenge". Although the way the teams are split at this point it's hard to pick a favorite. And yes, thus far it's very entertaining and educational. Hee-hee. It's funny that the Akathla team has been picking mates from the opposite team already. Great start!

-anna

[Irene73]

Hey again



I just have one word for this fic...repeated several times...WOW, WOW, and, WOW.



Thank you so much for voting Wesly out. If I were the rest of the team, I would've taken his portion of the food away just on principle.



And with Willow and the rainbow necklace...nice touch...I'm sure Tara wouldn't miss that as they all gather to do their challenges...I can't wait for them to finally come together and become one tribe.



Now I have to say this before I loose my train of thought...you have managed to capture each character precisley like the characters we've all know them to be. This is what makes this fic sooooooo good. Buffy is Buffy, Willow and her intellect, Tara's stuttering and willingness to help, but my favorite bar none is Faith...when she called Jeff Probst "J"...classic.



I can't wait for the next installment.

Updatey Goodness Soon?



Saluting you while holding up a glass of Margarita...yeah, yeah, I know it's early...but life has brought me some good news today...so I thought it best to celebrate it Mexican style...ORALE!!!!!!!!

Irene

HOT TAMALE



"Suavemente, besa me...yo quiero sentir tus labios besando me otra ves."

Song: "SUAVEMENTE"

Artist: "Elvis Crespo"

AZUCAR...AWHOOWHA!!!!!!!

[JustSkipIt]

FireFlyofDust – Thanks so much. Yeah, we will have more from Joyce and Buffy in the next episode.



the hero factor – Glad you love. It took me a little to come up with Akathla but I always loved the “MFashnek like Mmm Cookies… or like MmmFashnek?” bit. And yes, BWX seem to have a fast friendship (at least as far as that goes on Survivor). Thanks.



hidden Watson – Glad you’re hooked. You know what’s amazing? I guess it’s like “truth is stranger than fiction…” It’s really hard to plan the alliances and double-crosses. I mean I think BWX, ok once they have the numbers, how would they ever lose? Very hard to plan. Believe it or not I randomly placed the players on the teams with the only set thing that Tara and Willow were on other teams. The others just happened to fall that way with all the strength (except Buffy) on MFashnek. Strange…



I left Cordelia out for two reasons: first she’s so one-dimensional and I felt that Amy could fill the “vapid brunette” role. Second: she always says what she thinks (see Earshot). I mean how could someone that honest live on Survivor? For honesty we have Oz but Cordelia actually speaks her truth rather than keeping it to herself.



Did you know Rob/Amber will be on TAR next season? Should be great. Thanks for the feedback on the formatting. It was quite hard to figure out. Believe me, I’m still having trouble with knowing who is on which team. I have it written at the top of my word file as I’m writing.



You would do such a great idea with an Amazing Race fic. Hey, my hometown is where Oil was first discovered. You could go there? Ha ha.



littlecrazy80 – Thanks. Like I said, I rolled the dice and he lost so goodbye Wesley.



ravenousgrape – Thanks so much. I’m glad you’re intrigued. I think lots of readers are with you and don’t like reality TV or Survivor. Usually the feedback is much more at this point so I’d think lots of readers are avoiding it.



Survivor is a challenge to care about as you say. I’m glad you like these characters enough to stick it out. I think you’ll pick up “how it works” very quickly. Basically there are alliances and double crosses and lots of both… MFashnek definitely seems stronger so I can see your preference. Thanks for your thoughts on the characterizations of that characters. Thanks.



DreamLover – Thanks. I’m glad you like it so much. Yes, you are right: it is very hard to write. It’s hard to limit myself to that format. By definition there’s no omniscience and that in itself is quite hard.



Thanks for your quote. It helped me see a typo and go back and edit the story. And in answer, I’ll be as coy as I can and say, that I think what you suspect is a completely reasonable suspicion. As far as I know, in 9 seasons of Survivor, no one has ever succeeded in making a fire in this way. Isn’t it impressive that Tara is able to help Faith and Kendra do so?



Yes, Willow’s “liking liking” Tara is a definite from that quote and will be even more out there in the next update. That said, it’s a pretty unlikely forum for romance so we’ll see how it progresses.



Thanks for all your feedback.



meretricious –

Quote:

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, i'm just impressed with you tracking all of those characters.

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I seriously considered making myself a little chart with their teams and vote-off dates and alliances etc. but settled for a team list on my file and the rest in my head. I like the Kendra, Faith, Tara dynamic. If you think about it they are definitely three very different people who each have characteristics that a team would need. I think your distrust of Darla is well placed.



ET: Really? I don’t get ET anymore but that would be cool. How did he rank them? I really liked Australia and All-Star the best I’d say. Did you know there will be 20 survivors this season? I don’t know how I will learn their names. Lol about Asher. Right now he’s very into books. Mr. Brown can Moo and a Moo, Baa, La La La are favorites.



Artemis – You are always welcome. Literally always welcome to host my fics.



I’m glad you’re enjoying the fic. Honestly, I think you’re definitely the demographic that is most worrisome for me: people who don’t watch Survivor but like W/T. (Kind of like me and Star Trek or verses like that). I’m glad you’re liking the feel of it.



I’ve always believed the show needed both strong lunkheads like Riley and genius types like Willow. Honestly, in the history of the show it’s usually somewhere in between who succeed: sneaky people who are a little fit and a little smart and very willing to do whatever they need to do.



I’m so glad that someone got that Richard=The Mayor. I was worried that people would say that everyone is from the show but Richard! Thank you. Like I said earlier, I’m not the person to write the Amazing Race but believe me, I’d be waiting for it too (hint! Hidden Watson!).

Quote:

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Edited to add: huge giggles for Oz dog-paddling

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Again I say: Thank God! You have no idea how many of these things I put in my stories without anyone noticing.



Justin – I think you are in the majority as far as the hating reality shows and not wanting to read part. Now I just hope that your majority comes with you to try it out. Thank you.



I think the approaches the teams took to the challenge will probably carry through the story quite a bit.

Quote:

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Given how much help Willow was, I was a bit surprised when Wesley mentioned her as being one of the two people they could get rid of. Surely they should be thinking they need her brains to help counteract the other sides brawn.

---

A definite sign that you aren’t a Survivor fan. Basically everyone goes with a “how strong a person can we get rid of and still win some challenges?” approach. Last season the men’s team started out by getting rid of so many strong men they got their butts kicked by the women every time. The women, on the other hand, got rid of those who couldn’t get along. But Wesley’s thinking is typical for Survivor.



You’re exactly right about why they got rid of Wesley. We’ll see if their decision comes back on them. Thanks for giving it a chance.



Shinnen – Thanks so much. I’m glad you like it and like the format.

Quote:

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Just one little question. Where's old man Giles ??

---

Great question. I didn’t include Giles because he’s British and I believe everyone on Survivor is American. And before anyone can ask: I’ve always considered Wesley to be a stuck-up American who was affecting an accent. If we found out different on Angel, please forgive me because I haven’t watched it.



Irishgrl3 – Really? Cheering? How awesome! I agree that it’s hard to pick a favorite. I’m serious: I use a random number generator to determine which team will win and sometimes to determine which contestant will be eliminated. Yeah, the Akathla team is checking out beefsteak which has to make one wonder about their focus.



Irene73 – Thanks. I love the Wows! Yeah, he was an ass and deserved to go. Merge is a bit away yet: usually happens when there are about 10 players left. Thanks for your comments on the characters and their characterizations. Of course, they will all become more backbiting and evil as the show goes along: they always go. Thanks and congratulations on your good news.

"Most editors are failed writers--but so are most writers." - Thomas Stearns Eliot

"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." - Chare Booth Luce

Contact your Senators to support the Constitution

[wimpy0729]

Hi Debra.



Sorry I'm a little late. Anyway, I read it and reread it. I still can't believe your incredible attention to detail. It's just amazing how your mind works.



I love the insight we're getting into their lives, their way of thinking. Very interesting.



Oh yeah, I'm glad Wes got the boot. Know-it-alls tend to be more than a little annoying.



Can't wait for the next undoubtedly in depth update.



ETA: I just realized the reason for the name of the island and feel like such a big doo-doo head. That was sweet to work him in. Wow...to be so young and have a whole island named after him. He's such a lucky guy!



Wimpy

Edited by: wimpy0729 at: 2/16/05 9:44 am

[Tempest Duer]

Sorry it's taken me so long to leave feedback... I've been busy. But this is cool so far, and I have to say that nobody will be sad that Wesley's gone. And secrets? Confessions? Can't wait.

I got bitten by a drunk lesbian! Does that mean I'll turn into one?



~my friend Mary

[JustSkipIt]

wimpy0729 – Don’t worry at all. Better late than never and you’re not really late. I’m glad you like the detail. It’s quite difficult to write and keep track of what’s happening. about Ash Island.

Tempest Duer – Again, I say don’t worry about the lateness. I’m glad you like. More coming up.


Title – Survivor – Ash Island

Part – 3 – Premiere

Author – JustSkipIt

Pairing – Who do you think? (W/T of course)

Feedback – Oh yes.

Spoilers–None

Ratiing – G to PG

Disclaimer – I own none of these characters nor do I own Survivor. And believe it or not, I also don’t own any small islands. On the other hand, this island is fictional so let’s say I own it. I’m making no money from this fiction and intend no copyright infringement.

Note – In proving that my idea was somewhat half-baked, I’m now going to go back on what I earlier said about the format of this story. I was up quite a bit last night (now night before last) and made some changes but I think it will definitely be for the best.

I think I need to explain the show a little better for those who don’t watch it. The Survivors are on their Island or whatever location there is for 39 days (those who leave earlier are of course there shorter) but 39 days is the max. At the end of that 39 days, there are 2 finalists and 7 “jurors”—the last 7 people eliminated from the game—vote on which of them wins the $1,000,000 (the other wins $100,000). Then they all go home and to their lives. Time goes by…

CBS begins to broadcast the show weekly in 16 (sometimes 17) weekly episodes. Notice that the 16 episodes take much longer than 39 days to air. In the mean time, the contestants are in their normal lives. The contestant who is voted off on Thursday night does Morning shows and stuff like that Friday morning. At the end of the 16 weeks, there is a 2 hour special that goes from final 4 players to final 2, shows the voting and reveals the winner. Then there is usually a 1 hour interview show with all the players.

The change: Given that format, I am going to intersperse scenes from Willow & Tara’s lives which are timed as the shows are airing. I hope that makes sense. I think it will be fun but definitely ask if you are confused at any point.



Tara set down the last bag of groceries just as she heard the answering machine shutting off. “Ok, honey,” she said, “how about veggie burgers, fries, and broccoli for dinner?”

“That sounds good, Mama,” Ariel answered her mother as she began pulling items from the grocery bags.

“Do you have homework, baby?”

“I did it all at Grandma’s house,” she told her mother as Tara quickly started their dinner.

“Do you want to watch a video while I make dinner?” Tara asked.

“Beauty and the Beast,” the little girl answered with a smile. After starting the video for her daughter, Tara finished putting away the groceries and continued making dinner while glancing at the clock.

The phone ringing again interrupted the sound of Beauty’s singing and Tara quickly answered it.

“Hey,” the man on the other end of the phone greeted her.

“Hi, Kent,” Tara answered.

“Is Ariel busy?”

“She’s watching a video,” Tara told him, “are you still going to pick her up at school tomorrow?”

“If that’s ok, babe,” Kent answered.

“Sure,” Tara answered, “why don’t you stop by the office during the day for her bag?”

“K,” he agreed.

“Ariel,” Tara called, “your daddy is on the phone.” The little girl jumped up talk to her father for a few minutes before handing the phone back.

“What do you need to do before dinner?” Tara asked the girl as she took the phone.

“Wash my hands,” Ariel answered before turning off the TV and running down the hall.

“So the big debut is tonight?” Kent asked.

“Y-yeah,” Tara answered, her stutter giving away her nervousness.

“You already did the hard part, Tara,” he attempted to assure her, “I’m sure you will look great.”

“Thanks, Kent,” Tara answered.

“Are you sure you don’t want to tell me how you did, how long you lasted?” Kent asked.

“Dinner’s ready so I need to go but I’ll see you tomorrow,” Tara laughingly told the man.

“Break a leg, Tara,” he said as he hung up.

Tara set the plates on the table as Ariel was coming into the room. After the girl had said a blessing, they both began eating. “Can we watch your TV show tonight, Mama?” Ariel asked.

Tara had been somewhat concerned about this and had been really thinking about it. She had talked to her mother as well with Kent extensively in the past few weeks. “Do you want to?”

“Yes, Mama,” Ariel answered excitedly.

“Then we will watch it together,” Tara told her. “It’s kind of a grown-up show so we should talk about it ok?”

“Yea,” Ariel clapped her hands in typical 6 year-old fashion. They finished eating and Tara helped Ariel take her bath. As the girl was getting into her pajamas, Tara went to play the messages.

“Hi Tara, um, it’s Willow – from the island you know? I mean of course from the island. It’s not like there are that many people named Willow around. Not that my parents invented the name but last year it was ranked 530th for American female names according to the Social Security Administration so you probably know that it’s Willow from the show-- I guess, my point. Um. Anyway, I got your phone from the show producers which I hope you don’t mind. And I was just calling to check in with you before the first show airs and” The sound of the machine’s beep cut her off.

Tara waited a second before the next message started: “Well that was just a little rude, of your machine, not you. I should talk faster. I’m um going to be in your area for business next weekend and wondered if you wanted to get together for coffee or something? Dinner? Movie? No not a movie cause no talking but you know. I guess movie if you want. Ok, before your machine beeps me again, my cell number is 212-444-1234. You can call me before midnight tonight or any night or whenever you want.” The final line was whispered almost too quietly for the blonde to hear: “I’ve missed you.”

Tara finished copying the phone number onto her note pad and then replayed both messages listening with an amused smile and ensuring that she had copied the number correctly before erasing them. “Mama, the show is about to start,” Ariel called from the doorway before running back into the living room.

“Ariel,” Tara admonished playfully, “do we run in the house?”

“No, Mama,” the girl answered as she handed her mother the remote. The show started with the shots of the players hanging on a boat before the credits rolled. Ariel cheered when she saw her mother’s picture on the screen. They watched the rest of the episode with enough conversation that Tara felt very grateful that she was also taping it. Ariel had the type of questions to be expected from a six year old child: “Why does that man talk like he’s a school teacher?” of Wesley.

Later it was, “Are those women your friends?”

“Yes, sweetie,” Tara explained, “Faith and Kendra are both my friends.”

“Did you help them make their fire?” the girl naturally wanted to know.

“Yes,” Tara explained with a grin, “I helped them.”

“I think the one with the funny voice is your friend because she called here. I remember her voice,” Ariel said.

Tara smiled as she said that yes, Faith had called and she was from Boston. Later Ariel wanted to know why the other people were talking about her mommy. Tara explained that the red-haired girl had mentioned thinking she was nice and one of them said her name.

“Do you think she’s nice?” Ariel asked.

“Yes, baby,” Tara answered, “I think she’s very nice.” When the show ended, they went to Ariel’s room where Tara read the girl a bedtime story before answering a few more questions about the show and assuring the girl that she would be on next week.

“I missed you when you were gone, Mama,” the girl told her.

“I missed you too, baby girl,” Tara assured her before tucking her in and pulling the door closed.

Breathing a sigh of relief that the episode had gone as well as it had, the blonde returned to the living room to turn off the TV and VCR. She poured herself a small glass of wine before going into her bedroom, closing the door, and changing into sweatpants and a tank top. After seven rings and just as she was thinking of hanging up, Willow answered the phone very breathlessly. “Don’t hang up,” the redhead gasped.

“Are you ok?” Tara asked.

“I’m better now that you’re on the phone rather than my mother, sister, or three dozen other friends who felt the need to call me during the show,” Willow explained.

“I taped it if you w-want to borrow it,” Tara offered.

“Thanks,” Willow quickly said, “but I downloaded it.”

“You can do that?” Tara asked.

“Oh yeah,” Willow assured her, “it’s easy. Hey you called me back!”

“D-d-did you think I wouldn’t?” Tara asked.

“I’ve missed you,” Willow again repeated.

“I missed you too, Willow,” Tara agreed before changing the subject. “What did you think of the s-show?”

“It seemed amazing to me,” the redhead quickly said. “I mean it’s been months and seems like a lifetime ago. I had forgotten what we all looked like and what Wesley was like.”

“Yeah,” Tara agreed, “it’s hard to remember a time when I didn’t know everyone. And you didn’t even have fire.”

Willow laughed, “You looked beautiful out there. The hot blonde with the sarong wrapped around your waist and your gorgeous hair in the sunlight.”

Tara giggled a little bit. “You flirt,” she accused, “you set your sights on me after that first challenge.”

“Did it work?” Willow teased back.

“Are you coming to take me to coffee?” Tara asked without answering Willow’s question.

“I can’t wait,” Willow answered. “I could come early and we could watch the next episode?”

“Um… how about Saturday instead?” Tara suggested.

“Is Kent taking Ariel next weekend?” Willow asked before following her question with another barrage: “Did Ariel watch the episode? What did she think? Can I meet her?”

“This is his w-weekend with her so I’ll have her next weekend,” Tara answered. “She was fascinated and had a lot of questions but I think she liked it.” She took a breath before explaining, “It was hard on her when I was g-gone and she’s still getting used to my being h-home. I don’t want to throw anything else n-new at her right now.” She waited a second during which Willow didn’t respond before continuing: “Do you get it?”

“Tara,” Willow answered, “I totally understand. She’s your daughter and you have to make good decisions for her.”

Tara smiled that Willow understood her reluctance to introduce the redhead to her daughter so quickly. “What k…,” she started to say but was interrupted as she yawned widely. “I’m sorry, Willow,” she apologized for her yawn.

“No,” Willow said, “you should get some sleep. I know you get up early.”

“What about you?” Tara asked.

“Oh, you know, some friends want to go out so we can capitalize on my celebrity status with all the single women in Atlanta,” Willow joked.

“Only the single ones?” Tara teased back.

Willow laughed: “So I’ll see you next week?”

“Not to m-mention on countless commercials,” Tara answered.

“Sleep well, sweetie,” Willow wished the blonde.

“Enjoy your night, Will,” Tara wished her before hanging up the phone.

"Most editors are failed writers--but so are most writers." - Thomas Stearns Eliot
"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." - Chare Booth Luce
Contact your Senators to support the Constitution

Edited by: JustSkipIt at: 2/20/05 4:09 am

[Artemis]

Aww... Tara's such a sweet mother. She comes across as very responsible too, making sure to talk with her daughter about adult-ish shows, but not cloistering her away from the real world. Plus there's just something about any offspring of Tara's that's too adorable for words Must've been difficult for Tara to go on the show, being away from Ariel. But 39 days, a bit over a month - it seems longer, but because I keep thinking of the duration of a season of the show, being used to Big Brother's real time episodes - and Kent sounds like a decent guy, they get along well, plus I can't imagine Tara trusting her daughter to anyone who didn't deserve that trust. So I can see how she'd be able to arrange things so that she could go on the show in order to challenge herself, grow as a person, and meet a hot redhead Willow's answering machine messages were extremely Willowish. I'm looking forward to Willow meeting Ariel, once she's settled in with Tara being back from the island, I bet they love each other on sight.

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

[MissKittys Ball O Yarn]

I absolutely love this. Okay, so at first I thought it was going to be like we (the audience) were watching an episode of Survivor on television (which I love the idea of...cause survivor is awesome and I just can't get enough of reality television)...But now it's like we(the audience) are watching Willow and Tara watch episodes of Survivor (which they were on) after the fact, and at the same time we now get an inside look at the development of their budding relationship through the magic of third person perspective? Whew! did any of that actually make sense?



hehe... assuming I know what's going on... Just let me say that I love this premise. And I can't wait for the next installment of Survivor: Ash Island!



side note- Yay! Wesley's gone Somehow I knew it would be him.



xoxo

Emms

[hidden watson]

That's so sweet. I wonder if CBS forbids the contestants to get in contact between the time they come off the island and when the show starts airing. I guess when they get voted off they are held up someplace so their friends and familiy can't guess they've been voted off. Kind of like in TAR the eliminated contestants are sequestered until the race finishes.



So Willow's had her eye on Tara since the first challenge , wonderful! I bet there was a fair bit of flirting, considering their phone conversations so far. I'm glad you didn't do a 'Rob/Amber' and got them together during the time on Ash Island, it's a bit too made-for-TV if you get my meaning. It's better for their relationship to develop away from the prying eyes of the camera. Though I wonder if you will let the camera capturea any unresolved sexual tension / mutual admiration moments?



I loved Ariel and her interaction with Tara. Tara always makes a good mother, she has that maternal vibe, even on Buffy.



Format-wise, this is a great update, very illuminating. We don't often get to see contestants back at home in their natural environment, being more themselves and not blown up into a "character" by TV shows. Looking forward to more of actual episodes and post-show happenings.

------

quiet thoughts

[wiccanbotanist]

You know...I was a bit worried at first because I never cared to watch Survivor. So I'll admit I was hesitant to jump into this fic. But I'm really glad I did. I especially liked this 'after the show' chapter. I've always wondered what happens to the people after and what they do when they see it coming on. And since we don't get to see it associated with reality TV I'm really glad I get to see it here. I know I'll be excitedly looking through all the 'after' scenes in hopes of finding some hints too the outcome. Such as we now know that something did happen between Willow and Tara on the show (which of course it would because well it is Willow and Tara)....now if we only knew the details.....



Nice job. And keep it coming...can't wait for the next update.



-wiccanbotanist

A sign seen in a botanist's front yard: "Please keep off the Bouteloua gracilis"

Sugas mea papilium (Suck my butterfly) - A Woman in Uniform by umgaynow

[Irene73]

Howdy...Howdy



Good Goddess woman...you can surely write well!!! Great update. Gives us an insight of what they're doing while the show airs.



They also do that with Big Brother. I really like the reality shows on CBS. Those are by far my favs. Oh and hey...once Survivor Ash Island is complete...what about a Big Brother reality show BTVS style...only this time wouldn't it be awesome to add Giles,Anya, Angel, Cordelia, and the surprise twist Dawn as Buffy's sister that no one knows about.



Off course the main focus being Willow and Tara. I would also love to see Faith and Buffy together...naughty naughty.



After reading this fic I was interested in reading more of your work. I don't really like reading anything which still has Tara dying, and I found it difficult to read one that you wrote...I believe it was called "Two days" or something like that, but I really loved it. Very heartwarming and sentimental.

I also want to give you kudos for "School Days" and I will make sure to get myself familiarized with your other fics...Bravo



Awaiting updatey goodness patiently,

Irene...HOT TAMALE...AWOOOWHA!!!!!





"Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip...That started from this tropic port, aboard two tiny Ships.

The cast were a mix of people and, the most brave and sure,

Sixteen passengers set sail that day for a 39 day tour.



A 39 day tour.



The weather started getting rough, the cast were scared and lost.

If not for the courage of the fearless few, Wesley would have won.



Wesley would have won.



The ships set ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle

With Willow, and Tara too, A Buffy too...now that is nice,

A Xander star, And the rest, here on Survivor Ash Island.



So this is the tale of our castways,

they're here for a long, long time(39 days or sooner)

they'll have to make the best of things,

it's an uphill climb.



Willow and Tara too,

will do their very best,

to make the others comfortable,(or themselves)

in their tropic island nest.



No phone, no light no motor car,

not a single luxury,

like Robinson C-rusoe, it's primitive as can be.

So join us here each week my freinds,

you're sure to get a smile,

from sixteen stranded castways,

here on "Survivor Ash Island."

Edited by: Irene73 at: 2/18/05 12:52 pm

[meretricious]

well, if any author could handle the constraints of sticking with your original format, it would be you, but i really love this new dynamic. now you can get into all their personal info and backstories without compromising the episodic format for the islands. brilliant! you've actually found a way to write your sequel at the same time as the original story. this is very very cool~mary

you're dangerous, 'cause you're honest
you're dangerous, you don't know what you are U2

[littlecrazy80]

Great update! Tara seems to be a great mother. What else could she be? It seems that this Kent is really nice.



Willow´s messages were so typical for her.



*lil´c*

"I am S-E-X-Y" Amber at the FedCon



SweetAmber ~~~ SweetAmber group ~~~ Sam´s melody

[JustSkipIt]

Chris – I hope that I portray Tara as a good mother. I’ve always felt she would be. And yes, I’m sure it was very very hard for her to be away (there will be more discussion of that later) but she had motivation ($1,000,000?). Kent is an extremely decent guy and there will be more on him later too. I’m glad you liked the Willowish messages. That’s what I was going for.



MissKittys Ball O Yarn – Thanks. Yes, at first I planned it like we were the audience but then I changed my mind. So now you’re right, it’s a little like we’re watching them watch the episodes. But it won’t be entirely like that because I’m not planning to frame each episode. Hope that makes sense. I think you understand what’s going on perfectly.



hidden Watson – First and foremost: if anyone is not reading Common Areas, go do so now. It is one of the more amazing and well written fics on this board.



I certainly don’t think that CBS has a policy at all about contact between the contestants. In fact, it appeared during the Rob & Amber thing that they dated all through the intervening months. I’ve always assumed that only the Jurors are sequestered (and what a nice vacation that must be for them) but that the others return home. But I could be wrong. Really: the TAR contestants are sequestered? Wow, I didn’t know that.



You will definitely see the flirting that has happened to this point. You’ll see just what happened on the island and then at home… I’m glad you’re liking the format. I’m looking forward to writing it.



wiccanbotanist – You’re like the 3rd or 4th person to say that so I’m glad you gave it a chance. Honestly, I’m not seeing the level of feedback I’m used to (quantity, not quality) and I think it’s because people are saying to themselves, “I hate Survivor; I’m not going to read that!). So I really appreciate everyone who gives this a chance.

Quote:

---

I know I'll be excitedly looking through all the 'after' scenes in hopes of finding some hints too the outcome.

---

Yes! It is a real challenge to write the “after” scenes in such a way that they don’t give away the show outcome but so that they also don’t contradict it. You will definitely know the details by the end. Thanks for reading and for giving it a chance.



meretricious – I’m glad the new dynamic is a hit. I’m very excited about it and about the challenges of writing what will basically amount to two parallel stories that happen in time-lapse. It’s an interesting take that I’m writing the sequel. I guess so. Cool. Thanks.



Irene73 – Thank you so much. Yes, definitely a what-is-happening type thing. I don’t personally like Big Brother as much because it’s just too soap-opera and too big a time commitment. I love Amazing Race and Survivor though. LOL about Dawn. Even more LOL about naughty F/B. I generally have mixed feelings about B/F. On one hand, it’s hot but on the other, I never got a gay-vibe off Buffy so paring her with Faith, always seems a bit off to me.



Hmmm, just starting on my work? I appreciate that. You got me started thinking about what I write and Tara “dying.” Let’s see: Two days – Tara dies sort of? Turned – Tara dies but is a vampire, Y’all – happy ending, Paths – (sequel to Y’all) – Tara dies sort of? Happy ending, School Days – happy ending, Holiday Cheer – happy ending, Please (incomplete but smut) – definitely happy.



And now for the song. That was my first song/poem/picture ever for one of my fics. Thanks a ton.



littlecrazy80 – Thanks. Yes, Kent is a Mench for sure. Glad you liked.

"Most editors are failed writers--but so are most writers." - Thomas Stearns Eliot

"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." - Chare Booth Luce

Contact your Senators to support the Constitution

[WillowRTaraM1]

*takes a breath* wow...



I had just typed a huge long response like 4 paragraphs long... and then my computer decided it was a good time to lose its connection and I lost it all. Needless to say I was...



Soo.. if you don't mind im going to briefly summarize and say that I love this fic Debra!! It's such a unique idea and im such a survivor fan. Im very curious as to how willow and tara get together.. how taras daughter came about..etc. Looks like many more sleepless nights for me!!



Keep it up!!



Your ever devoted fan , Jackie

[Vogelscheuche]

Hey Debra!



Sorry for not replying sooner, but my PC got all wonky and I had to bring him to the doctor. I wasn't online for some days and missed TWO updates.



Thx for explaining the show. There are some similar shows so I get the concept.



Its a great story (as usual) and I like it very much that we get a glimpse at the "real life" after the show.



Soo many questions... *sigh* But I'm sure you will answer them all.



Vogelscheuche

(AKA Insanity)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It's always sudden", Tara

German Fanfiction

[tarawhipped]

Hi Debra!



I too have to apologize for my late arrival to the island, but I love the concept, being a closet Survivor fan. I really like the way you've chosen to intersperse the show segments with what's happening now as the "contestants" watch it months later...it lends it a sense of reality as well as serving to build suspense (what's going on now, how did W/T get from there to here, what's the extent of their relationship, etc). Can't wait for the inevitable scheming and alliance-building and backstabbing...and I believe flirting was alluded to as well? Sweet!



Very happy to have another of your stories to read,

-Cameron

---

What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

[DreamLover]

Hi there,



First I want to say sorry for the late feedback. I read the update during working hours but I just started a new job so I couldn't stay that long online to give you feedback. So here I am now.



where shall I start. It is all beautiful so that is a difficult choice then again all your stories are great.

Coming back to this update:



The little Tara, Ariel is cute I love it!!!! I always love stories about W en T having kids. So you got me there in that department as well. Great story..... anyway moving along with my feedback because it has to be finished before you update your new update.



I can see there is a special bond between the two of them even when they where a part for so long. There had to be some no make that a lot of special magic between the two of them on that island but why lose that contact is a mystery to me. I think you will probably let us hang in there just for a little fun and then slowly, real slowly revealing the mystery. I like that!!



Did I mention that Ariel is really smart. I think she felt something when Willow said that her mom was nice. That's why she asked Tara the same question. Smart girl but then again her mom is too. But I think she wants Tara for her own so that's why she add the extra I miss you in the talk. Maybe I'm going a little to far on the whole thing. Anyway moving to the next topic.



Willow tells her she is OK with the whole Tara's decisions on be halve for Ariel but I just know it hurts her somewhere inside. That Tara didn't mention her or about their feelings or what had happened between them just a little not in detail of course. Maybe it's because it's her first time with a woman. OK here I go again with the whole theory thing. Sorry I hope you don't kick me off of your thread for it. It just seems to fit in the whole picture I have in my head about the story. So just let me day dream about it until the next update... that is.



Anyway Take care and I hope to read more great update's soon.



BTW we are getting a new survivor version only this one will be on a farm. Weird huh!!!



Henny

Edited by: DreamLover at: 2/20/05 2:37 am

[Tempest Duer]

Hey, I actually like Kent. I hope we'll find out more about him.



And Ariel is too cute for words.

I got bitten by a drunk lesbian! Does that mean I'll turn into one?



~my friend Mary

[Irishgrl3]

I really like the "interspersing" update.



Tara and Kent appear to have a decent "had a baby and no longer together" relationship. I mean he did call her "babe" on the phone. He seems to be a good dad to Ariel.



Willow babbled her way right through the answering machine beep and had to call back, too funny. Yay, she's coming up for a coffee date!

Edited by: Irishgrl3 at: 2/21/05 7:51 am

[stillrunning]

You know, I was never really able to get into 'Survivor' much at all, but now that I've read this, I have the sudden urge to go watch it....or be on it...or something. This fic is great! I love the people you've picked, the roles you have them in, and the way you're interpersing the show with the people's lives AFTER the show. Very cool...can't wait for more!

"Heaven's not a place that you go when you die...it's that moment in life when you actually feel alive"

[JustSkipIt]

WillowRTaraM1 – Ahhh man, I’ve had that happen and it’s really a pain. Thanks for the thought of the 4 paragraphs. I’m so glad that you love it. It’s a ton of fun to write and to plan. Yes, you will find out all that info in future updates.



Vogelscheuche – Hey there! Hope all is well with you. Sorry about the PC problems. I hate that. Reality shows are the big thing here! They are on all the time which, I guess, makes sense since they cost less to make but still can get dull. Most of them, I don’t like. Glad you’re liking and yes, you will get answers to your questions but it will take a while.



tarawhipped – Hey Cam,

No worries about your timing. Yea for another Survivor fan. I’m glad that the alternating show/real life format is to everyone’s liking. Like I said earlier, it occurred to me while I was laying in bed and I think it will really help. And you’re right about the surpense although it makes writing more complicated too. Thanks for everything.



DreamLover – Hey back, don’t worry about the feedback timing. I understand about the work stuff. I can’t even go to the Kitten site at work, let alone send feedback.



Glad you liked Ariel. I think she’s a pretty cool kid and I tried to be true to what a 6 year old is like from those I know.



The “why lose touch” question is a good one and it will be answered in future updates. Yes, there is definite magic between them on the island.

Quote:

---

Willow tells her she is OK with the whole Tara's decisions on be halve for Ariel but I just know it hurts her somewhere inside. That Tara didn't mention her or about their feelings or what had happened between them just a little not in detail of course. Maybe it's because it's her first time with a woman.

---

I think it’s understandable to feel like that but I believe that Willow is completely understanding and patient. But also… I haven’t said that it’s Tara’s first time with a woman. Nice theories and believe, me I would never kick you off my thread but not really right with that one.



Survivor on a farm? How weird.



Tempest Duer – You will find out some more about Kent and he’s a pretty darn decent guy. Glad you like him and Ariel.



Irishgrl3 – Thanks. Yes, Tara and Kent have a very good friendship. The entire story will take a while but will make more sense later. Yep to Willow coming for a date. A few more updates first though.



stillrunning – Well, hopefully you’ll love this even without liking Survivor. And if you are considering watching Survivor, then I take that as a very good sign. This season started out pretty weird for Survivor but it is amazingly beautiful. Glad you like it so much. Thanks for reading and for the feedback.

"Most editors are failed writers--but so are most writers." - Thomas Stearns Eliot

"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." - Chare Booth Luce

My latest story: Survivor - Ash Island

[justin]

That was a great update



I definitely like the idea of seeing more of the characters away from the island, and finding out what happened to them afterwards.



hopefully by the time we've reached the end of the story Tara will have decided that Ariel's ready to meet Willow.



Looking forward to more

--

Homer Simpson: When will people learn, democracy just doesn't work.

[ravenousgrape]

Awesome update, as usual. Your characterization of Willow is adorable; good Willow!satire is hard to find, but I think you're pretty successful with it.



Kent seems pretty nice- though I am confused about his history with Tara, and I'll admit I've been playing the guessing game with myself. It would take a lot, I imagine, to break up a couple with a child- especially when one of the parents is someone responsible like Tara. Yet they seem to be on good terms. It may be possible that they had an ill-planned fling, but Tara doesn't strike me as the type to do it with just anyone, or to get pregnant by accident. So I'm thinking they had a serious commitment and actually decided to conceive. But something happened that drove them apart that was serious enough for them to break up... but mild enough for them to remain good friends? Well, my wait for updates will certainly be anxious; I just know that their history will be an intriguing one.



For some reason, I really like the development of relationships between seemingly incongruent characters- with the exception of those that are just plain annoying. At the beginning of the Buffy series, I was immediately drawn to Willow and Buffy's friendship. Faith/Dawn has always been a guilty pleasure in terms of fics, and I didn't want to like Willow/Tara at first but they turned out to be too cute for words. So, it certainly doesn't surprise me that I'm looking forward to interaction between Tara and Faith.



Also, I don't know if it was intentional or not- but whenever I hear "Ariel", I think "the little mermaid", and the first image that that conjures up is a redhead. Now I've got it stuck in my head that Ariel looks like a mini-Willow. Hm..



Well, I anticipate your next update!

Do not misunderestimate the intellectial brilliantliness of religious fundamentalistics.

[JustSkipIt]

Justin – Thanks. Yes, it’s quite interesting and exciting to write it this way so I’m glad people are liking it. Many things will have happened by the end.

ravenousgrape – Thanks a lot. I have to agree with you about Willow-satire. Some of it is so overdone (and I’m sure I’m frequently guilty of that) and it starts to not ring true. I’m glad you like this.

Tara will eventually tell Willow the Kent/Tara/Ariel story but it won’t happen until it makes sense for her to tell it. I hope that makes sense. I have the story in my head all ready to write but it isn’t time yet. Glad you like the Tara/Faith interactions. I love both! I think that people can see in various fics of mine—School Days in particular—that I think they are perfect foils for each other.

I’m lol about your thought of Ariel. I think I can virtually promise you that Ariel looks very little like Willow.


Title – Survivor – Ash Island

Part – Packing (get your darned mind out of the gutter!)

Author – JustSkipIt

Pairing – Who do you think? (W/T of course)

Feedback – Oh yes.

Spoilers–None

Ratiing – G to PG

Disclaimer – I own none of these characters nor do I own Survivor. And believe it or not, I also don’t own any small islands. On the other hand, this island is fictional so let’s say I own it. I’m making no money from this fiction and intend no copyright infringement.


“Duh duh duh,” the voice echoed from the other end of Willow’s apartment. “This week on Survivor!”

“Thank you Jeff Probst,” Willow called from the bedroom.

“Duh duh duh,” Joan repeated as she entered the room. “Did you want one of these?”

Willow took the offered beer. “Thanks and especially thanks for not handing me a Zima.”

“They’re refreshing,” Joan argued.

“They’re gross,” Willow disagreed.

“So tonight on Survivor,” Joan continued her commentary, “Alliances are formed and others are broken.”

“Do people tell you that you watch too much TV often?” Willow asked.

“Sweetheart, not everyone wants to graduate high school at age 16 and college at age 19 and have our first IPO by age 20,” Joan teased. “Some of us want to waste precious minutes, hours, days, and weeks rotting in front of the TV.”

“How’s that going?” the redhead asked.

“I can’t believe you didn’t score with those girls at the bar last week,” Joan commented completely out of left field.

Willow cocked her eyebrow at her best friend as she held up two pairs of jeans, one black, the other white. “What do you think?”

“I think you aren’t going on a business trip at all,” Joan replied.

“Of course it’s a business trip,” Willow responded as she muttered “fuck it” and packed both pairs of jeans.

“Do you want to know what I think?” Joan asked.

“Don’t I always?”

“I think that you got voted off during week 2 and you’re flying to New York tonight to do your early morning I ‘suck so bad’ promos.”

“That’s definitely a theory,” Willow commented.

“You could tell me if it’s true,” Joan pouted as she picked up Willow’s cat and began petting her.

“Actually I couldn’t tell you if it’s true or completely not true,” Willow disagreed as she held up two blouses. “I signed about 37 non-disclosure agreements.”

“I’m sure they didn’t include your best friend,” Joan argued, “the best friend you have. The woman you share everything with. Every detail of every sexual conquest. Every story, every tale, even the story about that girl you met when we crashed that rush party at the Chi-Omega house.”

“Actually that was the exact description on the 13th non-disclosure statement I signed,” Willow joked as she again put both blouses in her bag. She raised her eyebrows as she said, “And I didn’t tell you anything about that girl.”

“You didn’t have to tell me anything,” Joan continued teasing, “she called our house for three weeks.” Suddenly the brunette changed subjects. “You are not going on a business trip,” she declared pointing at the two camisoles the redhead was folding and putting into her bag. “I’ve changed my mind. You aren’t going on an ‘I suck kiss-off morning show.’ You’re going on a Nookie-trip.”

“Nookie?” Willow asked exasperated.

“Yeah, Nookie!”

Willow let out an exasperated sigh and shoved a few pairs of socks in her bag before zipping it shut. “Let’s go watch me be voted off,” she teased.

“You little lying shit,” Joan accused her best friend. She grabbed two more beers and handed one to Willow without asking. “If you aren’t voted off, let’s go out again.”

The redhead took a drink and shrugged: “Sure if I don’t get voted off.”




"Most editors are failed writers--but so are most writers." - Thomas Stearns Eliot
"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." - Chare Booth Luce
My latest story: Survivor - Ash Island

[hidden watson]

Hahaha! I'd never thought of using JOAN as Willow's best friend, excellent work! Their interaction is great, just enough ribbing and good humor to show their relationship, I like this Joan.



Loved this:

Quote:

---

I signed about 37 non-disclosure agreements.

Actually that was the exact description on the 13th non-disclosure statement.

---

Legal jokes always always get a big laugh from me, no, I'm not a lawyer, but I sleep with one, so I'm big with the law .



So very curious to know if Willow's trip is early morning talk show, watching the show, a "secret" meeting with a certain blonde, or something else. I love these after the show snippets as much as I love your Survivor .



I read fast, so I get to comment first, yay!

------

quiet thoughts

Edited by: hidden watson at: 2/22/05 6:23 am

[Irishgrl3]

OMG that was funny, Joan huh? I like how you've written her so far, she's hysterical.

Quote:

---

“I’ve changed my mind. You aren’t going on an ‘I suck kiss-off morning show.’ You’re going on a Nookie-trip.”

---

Great update!

-anna

[Artemis]

Okay, I've got to possibly out myself as a doofus - who's Joan? Not that the update was confusing or anything, far from it, but Watson's reply gave me the idea that Joan is a known character, and I can't for the life of me think who she is...



That aside, lovely The interplay between the two friends was very cute, real best-friend material. Interesting situation Willow's in, not being able to talk about her Survivor experience - I had a friend of a friend who made it a few rounds into Australian Idol, so I heard of similar stuff, them not being allowed to relate what happened until after the relevant episodes had aired.



Nookie-trip, huh? Well, I guess we all know Willow's actually going on a reconnect-with-stunning-amazing-beautiful-woman-trip, but if there's nookie as well, all the better

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

Smut Bunnies!: Saving the world, sexily!

[MissKittys Ball O Yarn]

hehe...nookie's fun. I like nookie a lot. I'm a passionate supporter of the nookie... Even if in some strange universe it's not Willow/Tara nookie...it still good in its own right. (was that blasphemous what I just said there?) I take it back!



So....you kinda just left it there with me still wondering if Willow actually was the one to get voted off... And was that Joan asking for a date?



great update Debra. Thanks.



xoxo

Emms

I can wax philisophically on a variety of different subjects...that doesn't,however, mean that I have anything constructive to add to the conversation.

--- Me