Survivor - Ash Island

[Patches]

Hey Debra !!

Phew, I breathe a huge sigh of relief. You're most welcome for the feedback I did notice a nice technical flow to this piece (you're getting it!! ) And, since we're still, um PG 13 here...I expect a "Rogue hand" to show up in one of your stories (Oh, just think of the possibilities - lol) And speaking of possibilities, uh, "Please?" I'll be over in that thread in a day or so -- you're kidding right? You want me to pick, one episode???? What are ya smoking when your son's not around (kidding, kidding, kidding.)

Now on to the story...Can I just say, like, Oh-Mhy-Gauhd!!! (okay, I'm practicing spelling out word articulation -- now that sounds like some kind of demented grammar torture machine. Anyway....)

I think I held my breath through most of this update. You are delightfully devious! What is the expression....and she...and they...and Tara....and the picture....and Faith...and Kent...and OMG!!!...and Willow....and Tara...and OMG!!...Faith again...and Buffy....and...I'm soooo befuddled by this whole mess. Damn you!!! I *HATE* "Survivor" but I'm totally immersed in this story. Oh, the possibilities now: Will the Clan of Faith succumb to civil war? To what dept of betrayal will a person sink for the sake of a million dollars? What price, love? What price, friendship? Is it all a game? Is it all a lie? Robin's ass is grass (uh, how many more individual immunity challenges are there and are any of them physical?).

Okay, I write with enthusiasm...Robin is gone - g'bye, the first chance the girls get, dat man is outta there! I'm guessing the next challenge will be an intellectual one. If I'm right about the challenge T and W will back off and let F, K and B battle out--one of F or K will win, and Robin shall be extinguished on a simple numbers game. I'll amend my previous guess guess: Buffy is next--everyone is going to want her off the Island and on the Jury to nullify Joyce's obvious choice in the event Buffy smarms her way into the final two. I *still* think Faith will back-stab Kendra in a one-timer with W, T, then play the two girls' paranoia and attempt to pit them against one another; it's a gambit to be sure (um, the players vote off to the final two, correct, asks the newbie??). I think T will make it to the final two, however the others play out the game, and she will be the winner of Survivor Ash Island, simply because she's the *only* player who hasn't royally pissed-off everyone who will sit on the jury.

Did I mention something before about: Hook, line and sinker???? Great update...looking forward to more.

Cheers!!
Patches

[justin]

I was just reading your replies and it occured to me that perhaps Faith has been too clever for her own good. What I mean is whilst she doing a very good job of getting into the final two, I think she's made sure that if she does get into the final two then she won't win.

I think it's clear that Buffy and Joyce won't vote for her. I also doubt if Robin will, after she lied to him about getting him into the last two. So that's three people out of the seven who won't vote for her, no matter who she's against.

And of course if it's Tara she's up against, then Willow will voting against her so then she's definitely going to lose.

I'm probably thinking too far ahead. but that's the great thing about this story, it inspires you to keep guessing what's going to happen.

[meretricious]

debra, i can think of no higher compliment to pay this fic than to tell you this:

i watched the survivor palau season final.

ok so i was trapped in another state with no internet access at the time, but still, if i hadn't been reading and loving this fic, there's no way that would've happened. it is nice that by the time they recap the season, you can feel like watching the last night is really enough. although i couldn't quite figure out what all the drama had been between the chick with all the hair and final two girl, or why hair chick had spent some time on her own island. still, really interesting to watch all the gamesmanship that went on.
after you revealed the faith/kent relationship, i started to think that faith had found a way to get herself voted off sooner, and had met kent in sequesterville, so i had been thinking thru those senarios, but now that you've brought family to the islands i'm ditching that theory.
food challenge, so so nasty. esp. the fishhead, blech. (plus it put that "roly poly fishheads" song in my brain for a while, really irritating)
like your explanation of how your two timelines here are going to merge, and island time is moving faster to catch up, sounds a little bit like one of those story problems (two fictrains leave texas, one traveling 70kb a second....)
sad to see the little bit of angst between willow and tara here, but knowing they've already worked thru all of that beautifully at home diffuses it a little. faith/kendra/tara still seems solid to me, but now that i've watched the actual show, i can see more how these seemingly solid alliances can find a way to self destruct, can't wait to see how this plays out~mary

[truck_driving_magic_mama]

Heya Debra!
just wanted to say woohoo for the the update! I love the actual episodes. I adore them. lol.
About the whole last four assumptions and all, I have to say.. I'm thinking, it's gonna be something really uncomfortable, like tara willow buffy and robin or something of that sort. lol. About who I'd wanna see winning Is Willow, but the one I least want to win is actually Tara. [[and while writing this, I'm afraid of the fact that kittens can see the city I live in and can come track me down and burn me or something]] I guess in a way I think she's often made too perfect, and I'd like to see Willow with the upper hand. Besides, everyone loves her, and think she's the perfect survivor, want her to win.. come on, I'm sorry, but I think it's just gonna be a little lame.
Anyway, now that I can expect angry kittens knocking on my door [and don't worry, I like'em angry ] I'm just gonna praise you once more for your wonderful writing. Oh and btw! congratulations for being Elvis!

[JustSkipIt]

tarawhipped – I’m fine with brief. Of course one good thing about coming late to the fb party is that you can also comment on what the people ahead of you said. Kind of a dynamic fb party (as most parties are).

Yeah. I guess Willow really got it here. She got slammed from all sides. Nice that we know how she comes out. Of course she didn’t have to try to eat any bugs so that’s good right?

The situation with Tara is tougher. I'm surprised Tara didn't let Willow in on the Buffy/Joyce thing,

I certainly think talking to Willow about the B/J situation was Tara’s intention (see her conversation with Kendra) but when she got to Willow and Willow was so upset, she changed her intention. about the uncut version.

Good guesses on the next to go. Thanks so much.

PatchesTotally understanding the sigh of relief. I really do appreciate the feedback. I think it will help me become a better writer. Glad you could see a difference.

And, since we're still, um PG 13 here...I expect a "Rogue hand" to show up in one of your stories

Sounds like the start of another challenge.

"Please?" I'll be over in that thread in a day or so -- you're kidding right? You want me to pick, one episode????

:rofl I’ll take it you’re finding it… interesting? Quite a bit to read all at once if that’s the way you are doing it.

Glad you’re befuddled because you should be. Reality shows are such a dynamic thing. Everyone has their agenda and they change constantly. “Clan of Faith!” Lol.

(uh, how many more individual immunity challenges are there and are any of them physical?).

There is an IC for every tribal council so… I think 4 more? Physical? Some of them are some physical and fewer are all physical and fewer are all mental? What did Yogi Berra say: “Half the game is 90% mental.” Also… “Baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical.”

Wow, quite a few theories and you just let them flow didn’t you? I’m laughing and laughing about the whole thing: So many kittens who hate reality TV are hooked into this and figuring out game theory! How awesome. Thanks a ton.

Justin – Hey again. I agree that Faith is working pretty hard to get into the final two. And in the history of the show I’d say it’s been 50/50 in terms of when presented with a “snake” whether the jury rewards the “snake” for a game well played (read meanly) or the “nice person” for not stooping to that level. It all depends on what the jurors respect (if Faith were to make to the final 2 of course). The other thing to consider is that theoretically, if one player is a jerk and lots of the jurors hate her, you can expect the others to actually want the jerk to be their opponent in the final two. Crazy huh?

Good guessing.

meretricious – Wow, you watched the Palau Season Finale. You’re right, that is a compliment but I’m so sorry for you. Geez, what a bunch of baloney.

although i couldn't quite figure out what all the drama had been between the chick with all the hair and final two girl, or why hair chick had spent some time on her own island.

”Hair chick” aka Stephanie (Stef) was probably the most kick ass thing to ever visit a game of Survivor. She was on the suckiest team ever ever ever. They lost every immunity challenge. No, every one! They never won a single immunity challenge. She was by far the best player on the worst team ever. She spent a night on her own island because she was the last left and it wasn’t time to merge. The girl in the final two (Katie) was really summed up best by (I think) Gregg who pointed out that her strategy was to be pathetic. Very much so.

I’m not sure there’d be any reason for Kent to go to sequesterville. It’s possible that the families come to visit them but I just don’t know. Yeah: fishheads very gross.

sounds a little bit like one of those story problems (two fictrains leave texas, one traveling 70kb a second....)

Will everyone hate me if I say I loved those problems? Really, it was just math with words too.

I agree that knowing how w/t worked out their angst by this point makes it easier to take but still painful to watch. Thanks and hope you’ve managed to leave Iowa and get home (Chicago?).

truck_driving_magic_mama –

just wanted to say woohoo

Rachel is reading over my shoulder saying “woohoo! That’s your favorite kind of praise.” She’s laughing and laughing. Also working but laughing nonetheless.

About who I'd wanna see winning Is Willow, but the one I least want to win is actually Tara. [[and while writing this, I'm afraid of the fact that kittens can see the city I live in and can come track me down and burn me or something]] I guess in a way I think she's often made too perfect, and I'd like to see Willow with the upper hand.

Gee. Not many kittens want Willow to win so it’s nice to see a vote for her. I totally get what you are saying about Tara. I made the same point to Watson about W/T winning her AR. I mean at some point, does one character really deserve so much. That said, I rolled out the dice on day one and it came out how it came out. Don’t worry about the angry kittens. Tee hee. Anyway thanks about being Elvis. I’m stoked about it.

[meretricious]

not steph debra, the chick with the enormous head of hair that had issues with katie and was never going to vote for her, and then the dude named his new daughter after her. i couldn't figure out what her deal was.
and i like story problems, too ~mary

[pipsberg]

Deb,

It's been a while since I posted, but I am reading

This was a great update. It's kind of hard to read Willow as doubting Tara, but it's totally understandable in the situation. I really look forward to more and I am enjoying this very much!

[JustSkipIt]

meretricious - Ohhhhh, Janu. Let's put it this way. If Steph was the most kick ass thing in the history of kicking ass, Janu would be just the opposite. This VEGAS SHOWGIRL sucked in a big way and not just because her body fat was too low to start. She mostly sat around in a hammock crying. There was an IC where they had to stay under this grate as the water rose and the first person to bail out had to go to an island themselves. She made it 7 minutes. No really, 7 minutes. I think all the other women made it at least 30 and the men made it like in the 40s. So she had to go to another island (but they gave her fire making materials, a machete, etc. so no major hardship). Anyway, she didn't get along with Katie but no one did. Coby was actually pretty cool for a completely catty queen. Baffled that he named the baby after Janu. He must have seen something in her that we didn't.

pipsberg - Hey! Didn't know you were around. Great to see you. I'm glad you're enjoying it even if you never post. How about a RI update? Welcome. Yeah, poor willow and the angst.

[Bozwell]

score! another update.

ah, clearage in the willow knowing kent business as well as some family fun.

pompous blowhard

imma have to find someway to work that into conversation.

I was giggling all through out the food challenge. I could picture dawn being all gung ho and shoving stuff into buffy's mouth. then of course the victory dance, very amusing.

I gotta say as soon as buffy won I was like ' dude joyce is so outta there'

im actually not to sure anymore about the final 4. my only gut feeling is really tara and faith now at this point. im very excited to find out how its all gonna come down.

great work, and side note, because of this story I actually sat down with my mommy and watched the season finale of survivor when it was on. I kinda sat there thinking, ' yup, really wishing it had willow and tara' but in the end it was not entirely un-enjoyable. maybe ill watch next seasons...maybe.

Boz

[ringwaldoeuvre]

Imagine my embarassment to realize I had missed three whole updates. In keeping with the realization that you are Elvis, perhaps I can offer a peanut-butter-and-banana sandwich emoticon? Do they have peanut-butter-and-banana sandwich emoticons? Perhaps an emoticon with extreme sideburns and blue suede shoes? I try to minimize my use of emoticons, but that would be one of the exceptions.

Regardless, I really like where you've taken the story. In the last update I realized Kent and Tara were going to win immediately since you revealed that Kent and Faith were dating in the previous chapter, and it would make sense for them to meet on the island. I got a chuckle out of Faith's family member being named Joy. Ah, nouns for names. Good stuff. Also, in general I like the contrast of the tension of the island chapters with the sweet progression of the "real life" chapters. Well done.

~ringwaldoeuvre (Mary)

[JustSkipIt]

I just typed out and lost the responses to comments I had just written. This time my fault rather than the board’s. Nonetheless. Can I catch up to you after the update? I really appreciate your comments and I’ll owe you.

Title – Survivor – Ash Island

Part 24 – Interview

Author – JustSkipIt

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

Feedback – Oh yes.

Spoilers–None

Rating – 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.

Notes – Thanks to Xita for adding the block quote feature.



Tara sat in her car attempting to calm herself. A little self-talk couldn’t possibly hurt. Right? You’ll be fine, Tara. They’re just little kids and Ariel is one of them.. She took a deep breath, checked the clock, and went inside the school building.

She arrived at the administration office and went inside. She smiled at the administrative secretary who stood up to greet her. “Hello, Ms. Sloan.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Webster. You’re here to speak to Ariel’s class?”

“Ms Maclay,” Tara corrected the secretary with a smile and a nod.

“Oh yes. Sorry about that, Ms. Maclay. Mr. Edmonds will be out in a few minutes.”

Once the other parent had arrived, Ms. Sloan called the principal who came out immediately.

“Hello Ms. Maclay and Mr. Edmonds,” he greeted both parents. Both greeted the principal in turn and he showed them where to sign in as visitors and gave them visitor’s badges. “I’ll walk both our visitors down to Ms. Apple’s class,” Mr. Watts told Ms. Sloan. After making small talk for a moment with the other parent, he told her, “I’ve been following your show. I had never watched the show before but since we had a local and a parent at that on the show, I decided to watch. It’s been quite an education.”

Tara smiled at the principal’s characterization of the show. “I think people either l-love reality TV or really hate it,” she commented.

“I’m finding it quite interesting. I don’t suppose you can tell me who won?”

Tara smiled even wider. “Even the contestants don’t k-know that yet.”

“Can you tell me when you were voted off?” Mr Edmonds, the other parent, now entered the conversation.

“I really can’t,” Tara said as she shook her head side to side. They reached the door to the class, ending the conversation.

The teacher spied the two parents through the window in the door and quickly waved them inside. Tara was surprised as the principal took a seat at the back of the room. “Class,” Ms. Apple announced, “we have two parents here with us today for career talk.” She invited Josh to the front to introduce his father who he reported worked as a salesman. Mr. Edmonds got up and gave a short explanation of his work selling furniture to offices. It sounded to Tara like dull work but the kids were interested in the fact that he ate lunch on the road every day. They seemed to think that the option of a happy meal every day was heaven.

Next it was Ariel’s turn. She came to the front of the classroom and took Tara’s hand to lead her to the center before introducing her mother: “This is my mother. She works in a doctor’s office where she helps people get ready to see the doctor. She’s also an artist and uses a blown-torch and is on television.” Her pride showed through her single-breath introduction.

Tara looked from side to side before beginning her explanation. “Ariel told you three different things that I d-do. I’ll tell you a little about them and then you can ask questions, ok?” The kids nodded their heads and a few said yes. “I work at a doctor’s office and I check people in when they get there so they can see the doctor and nurse faster. If people call with questions, I help them get appointments to see him.”

“That’s the job I have that pays money,” she said with a laugh. “I also like to do art. I have a workshop in the garage where I make my art. Someday I’d like to have art be my job.”

She called on a girl near the window who was waving her hand. “Do you really use a blow-torch?”

“Yes,” Tara smiled. “I frequently use a blow torch but I’m very very careful and no one is allowed to be in my workshop with me when I’m using it.”

“Are you really a TV star?” a boy near the front of the room asked.

Tara looked down at the ground before forcing herself to look at the child. “I’m not a star but I am on a TV show that will be on for twelve weeks. It’s showing right now on Thursday nights.” She hated sounding like a commercial but she didn’t know if the kids would believe her if she wasn’t specific.

“What kind of show is it?” another child wanted to know.

Tara took a breath before attempting to explain the cultural phenomenon that was Survivor. ”Well, sixteen people volunteered to camp on an island for a long time. The person who can camp there for the longest wins the game.”

“What do you get if you win?” the next child wanted to know.

“A lot of money,” Tara said with a wave of her hand.

“And you’re camping?” A little boy asked. “Do you hunt and fish and take baths in a creek?”

“Is that what you do when you camp?” Tara asked. The boy proudly reported that he and his father had been camping a few weeks earlier and that they had a very good time. “Well,” Tara explained, “when you camp you probably take a lot of camping supplies right?” He nodded. “We went camping without any supplies to see how we would do in the wild. We didn’t even take matches!”

“You didn’t take matches? How did you make a fire?”

“We rubbed two sticks together,” she explained.

“No way,” a few kids remarked. Having discussed it with Miss Apple ahead of time Tara turned to the teacher and handed her the video tape of her, Faith, and Kendra starting the fire for MFashnek. The kids were suitably impressed.

Seeing her chance, Miss Apple stood up and thanked Tara and the other parent for coming. The kids all clapped and said goodbye to both visitors and the principal walked them back to the office.

On her way back to the office Tara called Willow. “Hi, baby. How did the talk with the kids go? Were you a huge hit? I can’t see how you could not be. I mean you’re so awesome and beautiful and cool and you make beautiful art with a blowtorch and are a big TV star.”

Tara laughed at Willow’s greeting. “If you pass out from lack of oxygen and crash your car, I will be very very upset with you, Missy,” she teased.

Willow laughed back. “No way that’s happening. I’m on my way to you and nothing is going to get in the way of that.”

Tara smiled at her lover’s reassurance. “I thought you were going to be such a challenge. But instead you’re the easiest woman I’ve ever caught.”

Willow laughed back. “I’m the only woman you’ve ever caught.”

“You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted to catch.”

“Ahhh, you’re such a charmer.”

“Says the professional charmer,” Tara teased back. “Seriously sweetie, are you driving carefully? Maybe you should spend the night somewhere on the w-way.”

“I think I can drive 500 miles successfully. Besides, I want to watch the show with you for once. I mean I’ve never seen a single episode with you and Ariel yet. And I’d like to before it’s all over and we can’t watch it together anymore or anything because it’s important to me.”

Tara laughed at her lover’s trademark babble. “Gee. I w-wonder who will be voted off tonight.”

“Duh duh duh. Well you know new alliances may be formed and others are renewed.”

“I’ve heard that,” Tara giggled. She looked at her watch before saying, “Hey baby. My lunch hour is over and I need to go back to work.”

“Ok,” Willow pouted playfully, “I’m near the Kentucky border so I should make it before the show starts.”

“Drive carefully”.

“I love you, Tara.”

“Love you too.”

Willow took out her earpiece and turned the radio back up as soon as she got off the phone. As she drove she remembered the conversation that led to her trip:

[blockquote]”Can I ask you something?”

“You can ask me anything, baby,” Tara sighed and turned her head toward Willow, “But I’m not sure if I’ll have enough energy for a few more minutes.” She lay on her stomach enjoying a back rub from her girlfriend and at that point probably would have agreed to anything the redhead proposed.

“Not that, cutie,” Willow giggled as she leaned forward and kissed the back of the blonde’s neck. She loved the way little wisps of hair there would stick up even when the Tara’s exertions made them wet with sweat. “How long do you think it would take you to get tired of me?”

Tara raised her eyebrows at her lover’s strange question. She hadn’t really expected the topic of long-term commitment to come up just yet from the self-proclaimed playgirl. “Years, decades, centuries, maybe,” Tara answered. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get tired of you, Willow.” She rolled over to look up into the girl’s green eyes.

Willow smiled and leaned in to give her lover a deep kiss. “Everything you just said makes me really happy,” she whispered with emotion before lying down on Tara’s chest, “but I actually meant like if I were here for more than 36 hours, how would you feel?”

“You’re asking to move in with me?”

“Not exactly move in. I guess I was thinking what if I started planning to be here for longer visits. You know a week or two at a time?”

“How would you do that? Don’t you need to be at home to work?”

“Not really,” Willow lifted her head and shrugged her shoulders, “I just need a few of my machines. I saw some office space for rent signs yesterday when we were downtown. I could rent some space and set up a little shop-away-from home here.”

Tara wrapped her arms more tightly around the redhead. “Mmm,” she murmured, “if you were here we could…” she whispered something in the girl’s ear, “… every day.”

“Tara Maclay, what a dirty mind and mouth you have.”

“You love it,” Tara teased.

“You know it.”[/blockquote]

Once they had agreed, Willow wasted no time. She had returned to Atlanta and made arrangements to move a few days later. The tentative plan was for her to stay in Ohio for at least a few weeks before returning to Atlanta and then splitting time between the two locations with more time spent with Tara and Ariel. She planned to look at office space over the weekend and hopefully be set up with utilities by the middle of the next week.

Not surprisingly her car held: four laptop computers, two server boxes, her cat (heavily drugged in a carrier), two suitcases of clothes, some sports equipment, and a box of books. The drive was going more quickly than she had anticipated and she was pretty sure she would arrive well before the start of the show. Just in case, she was downloading the broadcast and Tara was taping it as well. Looking at the clock and doing a quick calculation she stopped for some food and coffee, knowing that she would soon be with Tara and Ariel to watch the show together for the first time.

[Willow~Rosenberg]

Good thinking, Willow. Spending more time is always a positive option. (Can you believe I just used "positive option" instead of "a good thing"? Martha Stewart has forever tainted that phrase... *rolls eyes*)

Loved how you showed some of Tara's responsibilities with Ariel's school. It was amusing how the kids were all fascinated by her time spent on the island, although all of us Kittens seem to be enthralled too...

I look forward to reading the next installment.

[blue eyed girl]

I really liked Willow's idea to spend more time with Tara and Ariel. A good step in their relationship. It also shows how much she has changed from the playgirl she was prior to meeting Tara.

I like Tara's interview with Ariel's class. I could picture the disbilieving looks on the kids face when Tara told them that they had to rub sticks together to make fire.

Another good update and I am looking forward to the next one.

[cooper]

Slowly moving towards living together. Yay Yay Yay. It would be cool if part of the update was their responses to watching the show together, but that could get a little bit long.

I couldn't figure out why Tara and another parent were both there and I was worried that the kids had gotten into a fight, but obviously not, its only career day.

As far as the new alliances comment, I wonder if that was to make us lowly readers think that W or T gets voted off next or if that was part of the much advertised trailer.

Very sweet update and the slow set up to living together feels really good also.

cooper

[pipsberg]

Deb,

Another update, how lovely. I really like the momentum you have going with W&T's relationship. I also think their respective adoration of Ariel is very cute. I look forward, as always, to more.

[Insanity]

Hey Debra!

What a lovley and cute update.

It's a good thing that Willow "moves" to Ohio. Her job is as flexible, so why not. She could probably even have her phonecalls redericted....

I like them goofing around about the show.

I have one question to "Survivor" in general, I only want to see if I understood it right.

The last two competitors go to she studio and there the seven people who are voted of last (F9-F3) vote who wins. And the show is at the end of the series. Is it a live show? Do the F2 go home without a winner vvoted? Or is the show and the voting already done, only they don't know who wins?

Thx for recommending "TAKR"!!! I love it! (Although I don't know that show either *g*)

How's Asher and Rachel? Everyone healthy and happy?

Insanity

[robotguru]

Aw, that was a really sweet update, Tara in the class was cool and then we hear about Willow moving in (sort of) I'm wondering from what Willow and Tara were talking about if one of them (i still think Willow goes before Tara) being voted off that night, again, this could have something to do with Faith jumping sides though i still don't see it.

Insanity, if i remember right (we only had two series in the UK, yet we STILL have to suffer through Big Brother), the final two spend one more day together, then there is a tribal council. The jurors each ask two questions directed to both Survivors (i think, someone feel free to correct me on that) and the vote is made there, but no one is told the result. Then at the live show, the votes are shown like all the other tribal councils, except, the votes are shown oner at a time (constant recap on scores) and everyone speaks to the camera when they make their vote.

Might be different in the USA so if i got anything wrong...anyways, i think that's how it goes.

Once again, that was well written, Debra, thank you.

[truck_driving_magic_mama]

Yay! Updatey goodness. I love this. their conversation was so cute!! also the career day was nice. But, call me paranoid, am I the only one thinking something bad is about to happen, like someone would break into Will's car and rob her ass off? :( maybe it's just knowing what I would feel, leaving 4 laptops in my car.. lol.. but I dunno, I'd be worried.
Also, I know how it is - every thing a preson puts in a movie or a chapter , whatever, has some purpose for being there. or maybe it's just me. Either way, it's lovely that they're getting set up to spend more times together. So, I'm gonna say one big WOOHOO for this one.

can't wait for the thursday episode. this is lovely.

[watty]

Mrs. Webster

Ariel took Kent's name? That's so traditional of them, and again shows the maturity that Kent and Tara displayed as young parents.

sixteen people volunteered to camp on an island for a long time. The person who can camp there for the longest wins the game ... We went camping without any supplies to see how we would do in the wild.

What a cute and child-friendly way of explaining Survivor, I bet that explanation was Ariel-approved .

She hadn’t really expected the topic of long-term commitment to come up just yet from the self-proclaimed playgirl.

When she has it bad, she has it bad. And the longer visits, spending more time together as a family unit, seeing if the business is affected, it's like a trial, to see if they fit (which of course they do). Willow driving 500+ miles by herself? She has to be careful and take frequent breaks . When we were in Australia for vacation, we saw signs all over the highways: "Drive. Revive. Survive." which got the message through loud and clear.

Gee. I w-wonder who will be voted off tonight.

I'm hoping it's not Willow, and if it's Tara I'll be very surprised. My prediction is still Robin gets voted off next, then Willow.

I can't wait for W and T to watch the ep with Ariel, it'll be so warm, and Ariel will have questions that both can answer. I'm thinking by the end of the evening Ariel will want Willow to stay all the time. She might even see her Mommy and her Wish!Mommy kiss onscreen and she'll want a repeat demonstration in the living room !

As usual, fabulous job, Elvis .

[Urn of Osiris]

I liked the way you softened up the game for the children.

This update was great. I like the idea of them watching together. It'll be interesting to see reactions to the previous epidose. I'll bet Ariel will be loaded with questions. This is a great story. I look forward to your updates.

Thanks!

[littlecrazy80]

Great update!
Love Willow´s idea to spend more time with Tara and Ariel.

Taras interaction with the children was great. She did a good job in explaining her different jobs.

*lil´c*

[willlovestara]

That update was so sweet! I like the idea of Willow moving to be nearer to Tara and Ariel. Would you believe I was gonna ask what Ariel's last name is?! You read my mind! Fanatastic update, I'm looking forward to reading about them watching 'survivor' together (My guess is Robin is going.) Thanks, Hannah.

[stillrunning]

I really do love how Willow is calming down her playgirl ways now that she's with Tara. As a former-but-now-reformed 'playgirl'...it's really a nice nice thing when you don't feel the need to be that way anymore. I love her idea about splitting her time between the two cities as well. Can't wait for the next installment!

[Cindipitude]

It cannot be said enough. I really love how you are developing both the story and the relationship with the show episodes and the time between airings. It's really rare to see w/t in a situation where their relationship is still developing and growing, yet they also have plenty of "remember when" moments
Oddly enough... when it comes to the winner I can see Robin (unexpected) or Buffy (well she just wins most stuff anyways doesn't she:P) Faith has pretty much shot herself in the foot with personality conflicts and the winning yet not winning. Memories are long on Survivor (although its true they always seem to forget the important obvious stuff towards the end). Kendra could nab a spot but she is a fair and honest player....and we all know how well they end up doing As far as Willow and Tara go.... ok. It's a W/T story.. and one of them will probably make it in. The thought of them sequestered with the jury tho... lots of smoochies and snuggles.. hrm. But bed was new for them......ok scratch that! I officially have no clue LOL.
Great job Debra, thanks for keeping us all guessing

[AnirtakEnigma]

Hello...It's been a while since I've responded but let me tell you...I'm all caught up in who is going to be there the longest and who is going to win....It's crazy!

But I'm loving every word of it so yay for updates and I'm overly-excited and looking forward to the three watching the next episode together.

I don't know if I should be nervous though....I mean, it IS a game and what if one of them sees something that they didn't know was going on and then there's the whole "Wait, you actually DID that while we were on the island together???" and it could just be bad...but then again, if they're mature about it then it won't be an issue and love will continue to be in the air and it will just be great!

anyway, keep it coming!

~Ani

[Tonto]

Hey there! Wow....Look at me. It's my first post ever! Yay! I just wanted to tell you that I absolutely love this fic. I'm a huge survivor fan! You really went above and beyond when you thought up this one. I love the "post-show" scenes. I can't wait for Willow to move in with Tara. It seems that this Survivor Challenge is likened to Rob & Amber's experience. Will there be wedding bells in their future? I hope so.....I can't wait for more Willow and Tara goodness!

~Tonto

[Artemis]

Well let's call it 'misdirection', with regards to Faith and Kent - I was totally thinking they first met, when it was mentioned, after the show had finished filming, say when family members showed up to collect their loved ones and welcome them back to civilisation. So much, in fact, that when the loved ones showed up on the island, I still managed to be surprised that that was when Faith started checking Kent out. But 'misdirection' sounds better than 'I'm clueless', so let's go with that

Yay for Willow spending longer with Tara, and Ariel. I imagine it'll be quite different to have her there more permanently, rather than just staying a day or two as a guest - all three of them will be getting used to being together as a matter of routine, rather than Willow's visits being a notable event. I don't foresee much in the way of problems, being that Willow and Tara are both obviously very happy with each other, and the prospect of Willow not enjoying more time with Ariel or vice versa is inconceivable given how adorable they both are, but it'll be a change for them all nonetheless.

I'm wondering... something about the way Willow suggested watching Survivor together 'while they still could' made me wonder if perhaps she's not just talking about the end of the series in a few weeks' time. Could Willow or Tara be leaving the island next episode? Seems unlikely with Buffy and Robin being more obvious targets, and posing more of a wildcard danger if either of them are left in too long, but you never know...

Eagerly staying tuned for the next broadcast

[irishgrl3]

I love how you slid this is;

"Tara smiled at the principal’s characterization of the show. “I think people either l-love reality TV or really hate it,” she commented."

How true it is. But then again if reality tv was like this fic, I don't think I could tear myself away.

I could totally see Tara being nervous visiting Ariel's school for career day, but it went pretty well after the kids found out she was on television. I attempted career day one time (something for you to look forward to when Asher is older). Hee-hee. For me it was horrible, well until I brought out all of my camera eqt. and just let the kids play, then I too was the cool one.
This line was great, I'm so jealous I can't work one;

“Do you really use a blow-torch?”

So Willow's making the move to Ohio... (at least part time). Well really how could she not with the two girls she loves the most living there. Go whispering "dirty minded" Tara! I'm looking forward to the three of them watching the Survivor together, and seeing who gets voted off next.
-anna

[FineyMcFine]

Really quick - I love this story! I like the show Survivor pretty well - was hooked on the first one, didn't watch for a few years, and got hooked on this season's (Stephenie was GREAT, I was crushed when she got voted off - but she shouldn't have gone for the cookies, I tellya. That was the beginning of her downfall - she showed weakness.).

Anyway, this story is so GREAT. I'm enjoying it so much - the characters are so real, and the characterization is right on the money. Also, I enjoy the humorous bits sprinkled in. Really excellent stuff - can't wait for the next installment.

[tarawhipped]

*happy sigh* I know whatever you do will be wonderful, Debra, but I hope you actually write out the scene of Willow and Tara watching the show together, or at least their reactions after. I wonder if the timing was just right for Willow to make the suggestion, or if there's something about this next particular episode that made her want to be there.

I really liked the way Tara explained the show to the kids...using the "camping" idea that they could easily grasp. I also LOVED how much Willow resembled Ariel in describing what Tara does...that enthusiam that makes Willow seem like such a big kid herself...so endearing. Another satisfying update, thank you!

-Cam