FIC CHALLENGE: "Anytime" But Here

[Artemis]

Paul: Awesome. It's funny how easily Tara slips into the role of mad scientist, isn't it? Her social awkwardness, her aura of intelligence in unusual fields, the odd little quirks that set her apart from 'normal' people (I'm thinking of that insect reflection joke), the way she tends to try to do good in a bit of a hastily thought-out manner, with a tendency to backfire (the way she almost snookered herself on the issue of her supposed demonness)... the only problem I can think of is that 'adorable' isn't the term one usually associates with the practitioners of mad science, and the image of Tara, flustered and somewhat dishevelled, in a lab coat with her hair all awry, is just too cute for words.

I really liked Bitz too - a dash of Spike, a dose of Igor, and a kind of bizarre reflection of DW's butler Giles. He made the perfect narrator for this story.

Elvis: Wow, how'd you cram a whole movie into a single post, without making it feel rushed? I know it was a long post, but still - to be able to work in the introduction of characters and setting, develop a relationship, have ups and downs, get the whole plot in, yet still maintain a pace that's thriller-fast but not overly hasty... that's damned impressive. Almost the most impressive thing in the story - pipped at the post just by the Willow/Tara relationship as you wrote it here. I love the way it progressed, the way nothing was quite easy - when they were getting on there was this sense that perhaps things were going a bit too smooth (but ooh, what smoothness - like a pair of bodies all covered in massage oil), and then when there was friction between them, yowza. That was really strangely sexy - a good illustration of why passion gets compared to fire. Now, to add this to the KMDb...

[badkitty]

Paul: That was amazing. I mean, incredibly, insanely, unbelievably creative and funny and just WOW! Loved it! The imagery was so, I don't know... kind of made me think of the movie Brazil a little bit. And I love the way you sort of bucked convention in terms of making Tara the mad scientist. Most people would have automatically gone for Willow. The way you wrote her, it totally worked. Also, and I don't know if this was just me... but the Automaton. I know it was a machine, made of metal and all that. So why did I keep picturing Angel? I guess it's that sort of Frankensteinish forehead of his. But then when you mentioned a slit with a red light, my brain pictured a Cylon. Ooops!

Anyway, completely awesome. I can't wait to read more of your stuff.

Debra: I didn't see the Thomas Crowne Affair, so I think that a lot of the usual brilliance of your writing in this particular case was probably lost on me. But I enjoyed your story nonetheless, because you're one of the best W/T fanfic writers ever and you rock. Thank you for participating! This has got to be one of the best challenge threads on the kitten board ever. All the posts have just been outstanding. Keep 'em coming!!!

bk

[Kaia]

Car! What a great challenge. And great stories, too!!

I need to start leaving feedback:


Chris: What a great idea you've come up with. And I can't but add my voice to the chorus of kittens prompting you (should I say 'begging', it certainly is more accurate) to continue with this (soon?).
Thanks for sharing.


Watty: I would have never pictured them as a janitor and a pizza girl. Never. Very original. I didn't get all tense at the mention of the launch, probably 'cause I was a clueless 8-yo girl when it happened. Just wanted to let you know that I truly, madly and deeply enjoyed it (and I'm with Chris on the 'making out against shuttle booster' mental image... yummy ...let me hold on to it for a little longer...ummm...oh yeah). Thank you.


Cam: Cam, oh Cam. I had a great time reading your story. The in-jokes and hints were hilarious, cleverly done. Terrific job. Thanks.



*scurries off to read more*

[JustSkipIt]

Watty – Hey there and thanks again for the Ashvatar.

I'm very impressed that you squeezed the film into under 9,000 words, and yet you didn't lose any of the story or important scenes.

Thanks for that. It was definitely a challenge to do it. You might notice that there is nearly no omniscience in this story. I figured that in a movie, you don’t really have omniscience beyond the power of the acting to allow you to imagine what is going on with the character. At first, it was a real challenge to write like that and the story would probably be 14,000 words if I hadn’t backspaced over sentence after sentence to take out the omniscience. But after a while it became a fun challenge and speeded up the writing process considerably.

You kept my favorite scene, of the many faceless men/women in bowler hats in the museum. So wonderful.

I’m glad you felt it translated well. I seriously considered changing it somewhat to find a more gender-appropriate piece of art but I’m just not that big an afficiadino to know what to replace that image with. I’m absolutely with you though: that scene is fantastic, not in the least because of the music. I haven’t seen the Steve McQueen/Faye Dunaway version although I have it in my Netflix queue. I have to confess that Dunaway gives me the heebie jeebies but I figure McQueen (did I say yum) can make up for that.

It's like watching two seasoned predators stalk, then move in for the kill, together.

That’s precicely what I was going for so thank you. Of course I think that anyone reading this but not having seen that movie should rent it. Russo’s dress in that scene is worth the price of admission.

Oh, you also know how much I appreciate the way the smut was summarized into a few salient sentences, yet again you didn't lose the passion.

Thank you but I have to admit that it was very much forced by what I was saying earlier about the omniscience/ lack thereof. When I started writing that scene (which I expected to be one of my typical detailed long scenes), I was immediately struck by how much omniscience I (and most other writers I noted) put into a sex scene. Think through or look at a scene you truly love and if you take out everything about how one of them is feeling, what you have left is a very mechanical description of Slot A, Tab B or whatever. Once I realized that, I had to change the way I wrote that scene. It was an interesting exercise for me and one I would recommend to anyone who wants a little challenge.

Also liking Buffy as the gruff detective who is the foil for Willow's worldly investigator.

I’m glad that Buffy came off well. I love Denis Leary in that role and worried that I was writing Buffy too harshly. In the movie, I saw Leary as serious, caring, but not harsh and I really worried about that with Buffy.

Where exactly does her loyalties lay? And the sense that she's falling, despite being on opposite sides, for Tara's charm. There's conflict there, but judging from her jealous reaction to Dawn, there isn't any doubt anymore.

Definitely no doubt. The only thing that bothers me about the movie (besides the obvious “how did she steal the second painting!!!”) is that it seems that Crowne/Maclay ALWAYS gets the better of her. I wish that were more even. You know?

Thanks for the great feedback.

Thianne – Thanks so much.

willow, who seemed to be changing sides constantly. i'll tell ya, i couldln't tell who was she with when she was doing.....well, whatever she was doing. i couldn't tell of she was faithful to tara, or her job....and it kept me on edge. well done on that.

I enjoy that aspect of the movie/story very much and am glad it kept you on edge. This is one of my favorite movies both because they are beautiful and sexy people and because the story is intriguing and twisted.

I agree that the domestic side is quite a surprise from this woman. In the movie, he does make her dinner although he certainly doesn’t wear a sarong. Tee hee. But I agree that we always think of her as a caretaker, earth-mother, cook, mother, etc. And this Tara is so different from that that it’s nice to see a hint of it anyway.

i think that in this story, you managed particularly well, and with not many words, either. i'm in awe of you.

Thanks.

Artemis – Hi.

Wow, how'd you cram a whole movie into a single post, without making it feel rushed?

Shoehorn and Vaseline and one of those cartoon acme sledgehammers.

I agree that the story was very full. I seriously doubted whether I could fit into a challenge-length post (or two) but I felt satisfied and I’m glad you agree.

when they were getting on there was this sense that perhaps things were going a bit too smooth (but ooh, what smoothness - like a pair of bodies all covered in massage oil),

mmm…

Now, to add this to the KMDb...

Yes, yes, yes!!!

Thanks, Chris.

badkitty –

I didn't see the Thomas Crowne Affair, so I think that a lot of the usual brilliance of your writing in this particular case was probably lost on me.

Thank you but also and more importantly, I highly highly recommend it. Unfortunately you’re now spoiled but just to watch the two principals is a stunning and beautiful, not to mention sexy endeavor (did I mention Pierce Brosnan & Rene Russo?).

Thanks so much for your compliments and for reading and writing. Thank you.

[SithLordWiccan]

Chris: Yeah, that was the sort of thing I was going for. When I got the idea for this, I wanted them to be lovers, but for the sake of what was going on around them, that had to be pushed aside for the time being. That's why I said that, while they were there, they had decided to spend time apart (which, quite frankly, was little more than an excuse to work in the whole "use a locator" requirement into the story, as I had really no other clue how to do it.)

Vale: Thanks. I was kinda worried that this fic wouldn't hold up considering the shortness of it and how long I spent on it (then again, Chris only spent seven hours on his, and he's a far better writer than I am), but I'm glad that it got some thumbs up.

db: Yes, they were in love before this, but for the sake of the story (not to mention getting angst moments in an otherwise fluff piece), I decided to put them apart and paint them as competitors for the most part. And yeah, nekkid romping is a lot better than any medals.

Watty: Yeah, I'm the first to admit that thing like that weren't something I really considered when I wrote this. I just wanted to write for the challenge, so I picked the one idea that came readily to mind and decided to work with it as best I could without having to concentrate a lot on making things make sense (whenever I seem to do that on my other stories, I either get so frustrated that I just can't write, or I get so uppity over my own work that I spend endless time working and reworking and overworking it that it never gets posted.)

[badkitty]

did I mention Pierce Brosnan & Rene Russo?

Yes! I am actually ashamed at myself for not having seen this movie. I dig Renee Russo well enough, but I am just crazy for Pierce Brosnan. Total man-crush going on there. Like, I'd switch teams for him. Have you ever seen him in Nomads? Soooo pretty.

-bk

[Kaia]

Hello, kittens!

Car's challenges certainly are inspiring. Here's my two cents. I hope you guys like it.


*********************************************************************


Title: Palme d'or
Author: Kaia
Email: klattes@gmail.com
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimers: BtVS characters belong to Mutant Enemy, Fox, the WB, UPN and a few others that are not me. I'm sure the Cannes International Film Festival, the Palme d'or/Golden Palm and its logo belong to someone else, too. I own nothing but a cute little dog named Toby.
Summary: It's a short story, do you really need one?
Thanks: db for being my beta and the great friend she is, Car for the encouragement, watty for the useful suggestions/comments (and the help with the freakin' punctuation) and Paola for the inspiration.



[center][/center]



Willow Rosenberg closed the hotel room door behind her, kicked off her heels and threw the map of the city - her best friend since she arrived in France - along with her glittering purse onto the near-by sofa. She quickly removed the expensive party dress and put on a white, fluffy robe. Willow then padded over to the window and sat on the chair by the desk, placing her elbows on the armrests and entwining her fingers over her stomach. She stretched out her legs and turned her head left to watch the timid colors of the sunrise appear beneath the clouds on the french riviera. Slowly, she closed her eyes for a moment before opening them to focus on the several newspapers laying on the desk in front of her.

" 'Fierté' obtient le Palme D'or"

"American director Willow Rosenberg wins the Golden Palm in the 73rd version of Cannes International Film Festival for 'Pride'."

" 'Pride' is a labor of love by Willow Rosenberg, who struggled for years to get financing for her huge but 'non-commercial' project. Various actors were considered over the years for the role..."

Willow chuckled. Her memory drifted to over two decades ago when she surprised everyone that knew her by enrolling in the USC School of Cinema-Television after finishing college. Today she had achieved her dream: recognition in what was considered one of the world's most prestigious film festivals. This had been her lifetime dream and yet something prevented her from being completely happy. She was alone.

A soft knock on the door brought Willow out of her reverie. Slowly, she stood and walked to the door, opening it. The sight before her made her eyes grow wide and she had to swallow the lump in her throat before trusting herself to speak. A slightly taller, beautiful woman in her early 40s was leaning against the door frame.

"Est-ce que je peux vous aider, madame?" Willow asked, not really trusting her french.

The blue-eyed, trenchcoat-clad woman smiled at her, lifting her hand to the back of her head and releasing the hair clip that held her blonde locks up. Her silky blonde hair tumbled down almost as if it were in slow motion. Willow was transfixed.

"I was told you could use a little company, someone who could take good care of you. Thought you might be interested?" The woman replied, with a demure half-smile.

Willow audibly gulped, stepping aside to let the woman in and closing the door behind her. She instinctively moved to the small bar and asked the woman if she wanted something to drink.

"Champagne, s'il vous plaît. I understand there is something to celebrate?" Came the reply. Carefully, the woman sat down onto the white sofa, never breaking eye contact with Willow. She demurely dropped her gaze to the floor while she removed her shoes and slowly crossed one leg over the other.

Willow tore her eyes away and turned back to the bar to open a small fridge, taking a green bottle out and nervously removing the cork with a loud pop. She held the fizzing bottle over the sink while she expertly poured the bubbling liquid in two tall glasses. Willow then took a deep breath and confidently handed a glass to the woman. As their eyes locked, the blonde held Willow's gaze, and took a sip.

Willow gulped again, unable to believe this was happening. She had come to Cannes filled with anxiety over the presentation of her latest film. She had dared to hope for an award, but never really thought she would get the Golden Palm. The party had been a success and she had gotten financing for her next two projects. And now she had a blonde goddess in her room, smiling at her seductively.

She was brought back to reality by the sound of the crystal glass being set on the near-by table. The woman was walking towards her, slowly undoing the buttons on her coat until she was standing right in front of her. The woman chose that moment to slide her coat off of her shoulders and let it drop by her feet. She was wearing nothing but a black leather bra and a g-string. A silver pendant with the name 'Tara' hung around her neck.

Willow felt her mouth go dry. She wanted to get closer to this woman, aching to feel the warmth of her alabaster skin beneath her fingertips. She raised her hand to touch the letters on the pendant, continuing to trace her fingers down to the edge of the bra and then between the full breasts until she felt hands undoing the tie of her robe. Willow met the woman's eyes, holding her gaze as she was slowly disrobed. The woman paused and took a step back, giving Willow's body an appreciative overall look before fixing her eyes on the delicate white lace of Willow's bra and matching thong.

Willow watched as the woman took away the glass she was holding and set it on the table. Her eyes followed the blonde goddess' every move until she was back in front of her and then she took a step closer. Their lips were a breath apart.

The blonde closed the distance between them and gently brought their lips together. Willow's eyes fluttered and closed as the woman's hands made their way to the straps of her bra, sliding the soft lace down pale freckled arms. Then she reached behind Willow's back to undo the clasp, fingering the material between her fingers before letting the garment fall to the floor.

"Nice." The woman whispered, glancing toward the floor. Willow felt her nipples hardening with anticipation of what was to come.

The woman's eyes were drawn immediately to Willow's rosy nipple. "Even nicer," she breathed, stroking her fingertips delicately along Willow's ribcage as she approached the right nipple and abruptly clasped it between her fingers. Willow's breath caught in her throat and her knees felt weak.

Willow brought her lips to the woman's ear, capturing the lobe between her lips. She heard the woman's breathing become more labored and moved her right hand to cup the leather-clad breast, reveling in the cool smoothness of the garment and the protruding nub underneath her thumb. Willow bit her lower lip, almost drawing blood. She needed to feel the luscious breast against her palm and quickly moved her hand to the front clasp, removing the offending item.

Willow's hand contacted bare skin. Her soft moan was immediately silenced as the woman captured her lips in a searing kiss. "Uh, uh," the woman shook her head. "My name is Tara."

Tara gently pushed Willow towards the bed. As the back of her knees came into contact with the mattress, Willow's balance faltered. The blonde deftly maneuvered her onto the the bed, before gracefully positioning herself on top of the now flushed red-head. Grasping her by the wrists, Tara brought Willow's delicately freckled arms above her head. She then lowered her head, allowing a curtain of silky blonde hair to fall forward, brushing against Willow's cheek. Tara started nibbling and licking down the soft skin of her arms, shoulders and chest. Willow shuddered and let out a deep moan as the blonde goddess engulfed her left nipple, sucking on it slowly, the wet tongue drawing circles over the hard nub.

Willow arched her back into the delicious sensation and lifted her hips up, brushing against Tara's stomach and sighing as the blonde abandoned the grip on her wrists, leaving her free to explore. With that thought, Willow's groans became more urgent.

"T-Tara."

Tara took the hint and, as she drew her hands up Willow's sensitive stomach and sides, she moved her mouth to the right nipple. Willow's hand clenched, gripping the comforter tightly. A glimmer of mirth twinkled in the blonde's eyes as she continued her merciless teasing. After a few moments she let the nipple go and lifted her head to look into Willow's eyes. She held the green-eyed gaze as she licked her way down Willow's stomach. Teasing. Teasing can be nice.

"Turn over." The woman demanded.

Willow rolled over to lay fully on her stomach, her eyes closed. She could feel the soft warm flesh of the blonde as she lowered herself. The world constricted and became sensation alone.

Hard nipples pushing against the sensitive skin of her back.

Hot breath on her neck.

The slide of skin against skin.

Warm lips and wet tongue as they started their journey down her spine.

Willow shivered and arched, urging her hips against the blonde's touch. Willow let her knees fall apart, offering herself to her goddess. Without pause, Tara honored the invitation and reverently lowered her lips to Willow's glistening flesh.

Soft, desperate, moans filled the room as Tara reveled in the sweetness of Willow's arousal. Willow gasped, and then began to grind, pressing her hips toward the source of her pleasure. With exasperating slowness, the blonde stroked her tongue along Willow's folds, tasting and teasing her way to the hard bud at the apex of her sex. She lapped the sweet moisture until she heard a muffled cry followed by a soft tremor. The blonde slid up Willow's side, dragging her soft breasts along Willow's glowing skin. She came to rest half on top of Willow, who practically purred as she softly ran her fingertips up the inside of the milky-white thigh. The blonde touched the honey-coated opening softly before biting her lip and slowly sliding two fingers inside the silky channel.

The blonde's head fell back and she groaned as Willow rocked into her touch. The blonde's fingers began sliding in a steady rhythm. Willow shuddered and rocked her hips. The tension began building very quickly: a hot band of desire in her lower belly, spreading and intensifying until her muscles spasmed and the heat exploded. Warm liquid flowed from her core, testimony to the intensity of sensation. Willow shivered and leaned into the tender hold of her goddess, who cooed tender words into her ear and softly kissed her neck. Willow closed her eyes and took in this glorious moment.

A few moments later, Willow rolled over to find blue eyes looking lovingly at her. The woman smiled warmly and tenderly moved a strand of hair from Willow's sweaty forehead, leaning in for a sweet kiss on Willow's ruby lips.

"Happy anniversary, baby," she said against Willow's lips.

"Happy 20th anniversary, Tara. I missed you," Willow replied, stifling a yawn. "I missed you so much. Oh my god. You made it! I can't believe you made it! Did I mention I missed you?"

"I missed you too, honey. And I'm sorry I missed the award ceremony," the blonde snuggled up to her wife.

Willow wiggled her eyebrows. "It's ok, sweetie. I knew you had a deadline for the Nike campaign. You'll just have to make it up to me,"

"You mean I haven't already?!" Tara put her hand to her chest, feigning mock indignation.

"Well, the leather bra was a nice touch... but, nope," Willow grinned. "What I want is the chance to show you my Golden Palm."

"Ah," Tara raised an eyebrow.

"Get it?" Willow stammered hopefully. "Golden Palm. I won a prize called a Golden Palm and I want to show you my..."

"Come here, you," Tara rolled bringing Willow on top of her. "Let's put that palm of yours to good use."


The End.

[badkitty]

DIBS! Hey, I never got a dibs before Whoooo Hooo!

Kaia, that was lovely! You TOTALLY had me going the whole time! My mind was racing, trying to figure out who sent her (Tara), if maybe she'd seen her at the awards and decided to take a chance, or something like that. I just love surprises! Especially blonde ones with blue eyes and a smokin hot body! *sigh* I also liked the touch that they were older versions of the WT we love. Very nice.

And Willow's double entendre at the end. Classic Willow. Well done!

-bk

[JustSkipIt]

A few comments:

Useful_oxy – Well. I will say that you’ve nailed Monty Python on the nose. I’m not a huge fan but got some laughs. Well done.

Alex – Now that’s a seriously cute fic. I’m fascinated that Willow’s so good she could actually contemplate intentionally losing the Olympics. Of course she didn’t and then she has to worry about losing Tara. Ahhh. Young love. Quite cute.

RBP – I’m beginning to feel I would read your grocery list with fascination. Your writing is just so incredibly descriptive and sensual. Yes, even this gladiators and such is sensual. And great ending working in Pompeii. Woo hoo!

Paul – Ok, that’s a little crazy. Very amusing but also very crazy.

Kaia – Excellent story. I found it hot but not too … you know. Detailed? I always love the “strangers who aren’t strangers” thing. One of my bigger turn ons, you know (that and slow walks in the rain… oh wait, that’s something else). The sex was very sexy and fun to read. Well done.

BadKitty – Congratulations.

[spells42]

It's obviously been too long since I was able to read the entries in this challenge, 'cos I've got so many to give feedback to.
SLW,
Well, you certainly gave us a Willow and Tara that are different from canon. The atmosphere and excitement of the race really came across well. But those two are certainly very confused athletes!
RBP
Ancient Rome - well, ok, Pompeii - and gladiators, slaves, and a world shattering event in the offing. Great story and I loved this:

“W-willow… There’s a fire. And did you feel the earth move?”

“Tell me about it…” Willow whispered

So cute.
Paul
Loved it. The 'Lurch' POV was hilarious and let us view the antics of the mad scientist and her guests clearly. And the puns....

.“Your name is Bitz?” repeated Miss Rosenberg disbelievingly.

“My mistress named me thus,” I answered. “It would seem that she has a ... 'cutting' sense of humor, Miss.”

I lol all the way through.
JustSkipIt
I really enjoyed your reprise of 'The Thomas Crowne Affair'. You really captured the way Tara challenged boundaries in everything she did and her amoral attitudes to conventional ideas of property, all for the thrill without any malice. You also captured the attraction, almost recognition, between Willow and Tara, and Willow's confused reaction and the inevitable surrender.

Willow chuckled. “Damn. I hate to be a foregone conclusion.”

Kaia
Last, but not least. I found your story incredibly sensual, and I was wondering the whole time - stranger or not?
Car
If you're reading this while you're on holidays (btw, what a sneaky way to get out of posting to your own challenge?) - this was a great idea, and has elicited some really great short fics.

thanks to all for giving us Kittens some great reading.
Anne

edited 5 Oct to make it clearer that this is feedback to several authors at once.

[Thianne]

i knew i would be late with my feedback.....*sigh* lemme read

ETA: Karinna! jesus, leave a warning, will ya? yes, yes, i know, i saw the NC-17 sign.....but it wasn't enough that was majorly HAWT! oh wow.

ok, now to the actual feedback: first thing first, i loved it. i love how you write, i loved the idea, i loved the smut.

i have to admit, i'm also one of those who appreciate the older versions of W/T love, it gives it a feeling of a maturity, of stability that the classic 20yo-circa just don't have.

the Palm D'or.....of course, i didn't make the connection at first, so used am i to hear it in italian, La Palma D'oro....not that it changes much, but still. that was a great idea. Willow as a director - that was certainly unusual....maybe cause it is a creative work, and in the series the more imaginative seems to be tara. it is still believable though - thw willow we know surely has the stubborness and the willpower to do anything she wants.
and Tara - was she a publicist? that was what i understood she was, correct me if i'm wrong - also seemed to be in character. so, i'm happy to see you captured their nature, still respecting the requirements of our Challenge Mistress (tee hee.....i said Mistress )

Now, let's get to the smut (ooooohhh, smut!): i liked, of course the descriptions....in love or sex scenes, descriptions are the most important part. more often then not there's not much talking going on, sure, but what i meant is that you don't just list their actions, you give us enough details to feel it, but it's not overly descriptive. and most of all, you manage to make it slightly poetic, with admirable word-choices. so, that i really liked.
of course, you also manage to make it sound utterly sensual - i'm an expert, i can tell

now, on to the third part of feedback, the quotes: i'll show you the parts i loved most:

She raised her hand to touch the letters on the pendant, continuing to trace her fingers down to the edge of the bra and then between the full breasts

i honestly don't know why i like this sentence so much. i only know that when i imagine it, it has a really powerful effect on me

removing the offending item

i'm happy to see this right db? LOL

"My name is Tara."

a little commanding, is she? *drools*

Warm lips and wet tongue as they started their journey down her spine.

ooohh, the spine....i really appreciated the spine bit

"Get it?" Willow stammered hopefully. "Golden Palm. I won a prize called a Golden Palm and I want to show you my..."

oh gosh....i can't decide if it was incredibly funny or incredibly LAME! probably both *chuckles and groans at the same time* but, of course, so willow!

ok, i think my feedback can end here....i said everything i wanted to say. again, good job sweetie, i really liked it

[Artemis]

Ohhh, yummy Tara is so hot! And I love the whole pretend-to-be-strangers 'seduction' thing, it's so much fun, and Tara gets the chance to be thoroughly forward, without lacking her sweet, shy nature, as (it turns out) it's because she already knows Willow so well that she can seduce her from scratch so well, so to speak.

And Willow, with her 'golden palm' joke, is so sweet and goofy

[wiccanbotanist]

I haven't been on here pretty much since Car decided to take a break from challenges. Funny that I come check out the site to see she has finally posted a new one. Well folks I'm back, not as good as before, but I'm here. Hope you enjoy it.

Title: Tea Time
Author: Janna
Rating: G (for goodness this is boring)
Disclaimers: Let’s see I forgot how this goes, oh yeah… BTVS does not belong to me, they are merely playthings and this is all in good fun. Besides good luck suing me as I have 26 cents in my bank account right now.
Summary: Willow and Tara, in the past, some sort of exciting front-page newspaper thingy going on.
Apologies: It has been a while since I’ve written and I know this is not one of my finest. In fact I think it sucks big time… just consider it as I’m easing my way back into it.

Boston, Massachusetts 1773

It was yet another dreary December day but the dullness of winter was beginning to stir up trouble in Willow’s mind. The monotony of her job, working in the print shop… picking up a template, filling the ink, loading the paper, pressing down, taking out the paper, adding more, pressing down until the group would be done and she’d start a new template and do it all over again! Well the monotony of that, had just gotten to be too much. It was time for a little mischief.

And she knew just where to find it as she overheard her landlord earlier as he came into to grab a hatchet, some leather, and Tara’s good feather pen. He was a decent man, renting them the modest flat on the second story. To the outside world Willow and Tara were two ‘old maids’, whose families had given up on getting them married had found each other and became roommates for an easier life. But their landlord Mr. Alexander Harris, of the Harris’ of Scotland known for their tweed, had known it was much more than that. So had some of the other tenants, such as the Summer’s sisters, who had lost their parents at too early an age, that lived just across the hall. In fact, it was a nice set up, a family like atmosphere which Willow and Tara could not ask for more.

Except for a bit of fun and excitement now and then. And Willow was not going to wait for it.

“Tara, my sweet, darling, wonderful….” Willow started.

“What is it I can do for you?” Tara interrupted, eyebrow raised but smiling as she knew she could not deny Willow anything.

“I thought we might take a stroll down to the Wharf….” The redhead pouted.

“Is that all, really? The way you started up it sounded like quite a large affair. Or is there something you are not telling me?”

“Just a stroll is all. I merely heard Xander mention he’d be down there, and I just need to get out of the house.”

“As long as we’re not out to late darling, tomorrow is Friday and a big day at the grocery when a lot of items come from the ships.” She paused as if thinking. “If Xander will be down there, do you think we should invite Buffy and Dawn?”

“Sounds splendid.” Willow said, although she was unsure. She preferred for it to just be her and Tara, but there was always safety in numbers as they were women and there was more going on at the wharf this evening than just boorish fishermen.

They had knocked on the door to no avail. They thought to leave a note, indicating where they had gone for either them to join or for them to have knowledge of their whereabouts in the event something happened and they had not returned.

“Have you seen my pen?” Asked Tara.

“Here just use mine.”

And they set out for Griffins Wharf.

*~*~*~*~*

They had been talking. They had only been walking a short while, but because they were paying attention to each other and not their path when they realized they had not reached the wharf.

“How’d we end up here?” Willow asked, looking around animatedly as if she’d fall over if she didn’t get her bearings.

“I’m not entirely sure. I thought I was following you.”

“Well apparently I was following you, as we are near your grocery.”

“How do we get to the wharf from here?”

“Hmm….Here is southeast from the apartment, correct?”

“I believe so.” Answered Tara, she really hadn’t kept track. Lines and measurements and directions where things Willow noticed and catalogued in her head. Tara mostly just ‘felt’ for stuff.

“And the wharf is northerly on the water’s edge…. So we want to go that way” Willow pointed.

“Are you sure?” Tara asked, not ‘feeling’ right about the direction of travel.

Willow paused and then started looking around again.

“It would help if we could see the water from here. Do you have a compass? I seem to be turned around.”

”Now why would I carry a compass?”

There was silence as the two continued looking around.

“Why don’t we ask someone?” Tara said.

“I’m not going to ask anyone.” Willow was frustrated because she didn’t want to miss any of the excitement, but she was also stubborn.

“I’ll just go into the store and talk to Mr. Giles.”

Willow allowed Tara to go, but did not follow. She waited, trying not to look like she was lost and confused, until Tara came out with a map that Mr. Giles had drawn. And they were on their way to the wharf.

*~*~*~*~*

“Willow!. Tara!” they heard from an unusually large crowd as they neared the water.

They had spotted the Summers’ sisters walking towards them, arms waving in the air.

“What is going on here?” Tara said out loud but mostly to herself.

“We got your note, and it mustn’t have been a few minutes after you had left. Why have we arrived before you?” asked Buffy.

“We thought to take the scenic route.” Willow said, giving a quick glance to Tara to see if she’d tattle.

“Look there is Xander.” Dawn pointed out.

It was then Tara noticed a large group of Indians. Mohawk Indians to be exact. And they were preparing to board the large English ships filled with tea.

The group was as hushed as the crowd was raucous as they stared in awe at the tea being thrown overboard. Over the noise they could hear the distinct whooping of Xander and saw him twirl his tomahawk in the air.

Tara commented chuckling to herself, “Tea time anyone?”

[JustSkipIt]

Woo hoo. What a fantastic take on a news item. Yes, the Boston Tea Party and W/T old maids indeed. I especially like the way you worked in the directional device. Welcome back.

[db]

Karinna - It is sweet, and sensual and a surprise and basically sexy as hell. What else is there left to say? Oh yeah, you are fabulous.

wiccanbotanist - Boston Tea Party and Willow and Tara as "old maids". Very cute.

The things I really like about these last two are that they show the w/t relationship at different times in their lives. I loved that the 40 yo w/t coupling was still mega-sexy!

db

[Thianne]

uh....third dibs? i'll leave feedback when i come back from school.....*sigh*

[wiccanbotanist]

Wait Wait Wait. Let me make a correction. In my fic Willow and Tara are just considered 'old maids' because they aren't married yet, and back then if you weren't married by your 20's it was too late for you. I don't really give them an age actually so.... nevermind I'll leave it up to the reader.

-janna

[Thianne]

LOL Janna! ok, leave it up to us (old maids...i was thinking 50yo, and up )

anyway, i loved the idea! the Boston Tea Party - girl, that's brilliant!

it was very sweet, even if W/T losing themselves...well, that seemed kinda random, to tell the truth. of course, you needed to insert an orientation device, so you're forgiven, this time.

.....

oh, who am i kidding, i love random

i also noticed how willow, in this fic, seems to behave like a stereotypical man would - refusing to ask anyone about the way to go. it made me giggle

and of course, this was hilarious:

Tara commented chuckling to herself, “Tea time anyone?”

tee hee

so, to conclude: good job!

[skeeter451]

These are all so wonderful. May I have them for Muse?

--->Susan

[SithLordWiccan]

These are all so wonderful. May I have them for Muse?

Sure, Susan.

[Artemis]

Aww... Willow and Tara's little domestic arrangement is so sweet That was a fun jaunt of a story, with Willow's wheedling Tara, and then them getting lost (and Willow being all slightly-butch refusing to ask for directions)... it all left a smile on my face. Thanks

[umgaynow]

Well it is called "Boston Marriage" after all...two spinsters living together...no we know where the term came from

[Kaia]

Hello, kittens. I have some feedback and replies:

Feedback:

Useful_Oxymoron: I love Monty Phyton. I couldn't stop laughing while reading your story. It was a great ab workout.

"Uh... Oh," Willow blanched. "Does that happen a lot?"

"Every scene or so."

Precious.


Alex: Oh, the tension. I'm a sucker for angst and you kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. I felt my throat getting dry and tight when Willow tells Tara that she lost...*sigh* almost cried. Great job, dude. Thanks.


Reallybigpineapple: Pompeii!!! What an original setting. And Will as a tough gladiatrix...total turn on!. I loved how Tara was so willing, even content, to die at Willow's hand. Lovely.

I haven't had much time to read, but I promise I'll catch up soon.


Replies:


badkitty: I'm really glad you liked it, I kept wondering if Tara playing the stranger would be believable. Thanks for your kind words.

Debra: *honored*. This was my first serious attempt at writing smut and I never thought it would be so hard. You're right, it can't be too detailed but the reader must be able to relate to it...it's a fragile balance. Thanks for your comments.

Valentina: What can I say, dear. Thanks again. And again. For everything. I'm glad you liked the older W/T point of view, db pointed out that I always write them being a little older...what can I say. I have a thing for older women. Especially in their mid-late 30s, early 40s....*sigh*. And I knew you'd like the smut, you naughty, naughty lady...LMAO! Ok, don't get mad...you know I love you *kiss*

Chris: Thank you, kind sir. I really wanted Tara to be forward and hot and sexy as hell...it was really *interesting* (not to mention a total turn on) to write her that way. I'm glad you liked it.

db: well, if I'm fabulous...what does that make you? You know as well as I do that Palme d'or wouldn't have seen the light of day if it hadn't been for you. Thanks again, my friend.

Susan: Thanks! And if you want Palme d'or, you can have it.


Karinna.

[Thianne]

Karinna: the older women thingie....i'm right there with you honey, right there with you!

[watty]

Wow. Go on vacation and there's a challenge from a great friend ... and an equally great old (well, not that Janna's old ... more like the other type of old) friend! Makes the prospect of a long flight home and returning to the drudge much better.

Susan -- sure, please grab whatever story of mine you like.

~~~~~

Karinna

watty for the useful suggestions/comments (and the help with the freakin' punctuation)

*cracks up* I can just hear my lovely beta, the mistress of this challenge: "You trusted watty with punctuation? She has semi-colon phobia!"

This was a really great story, K. I have a soft spot when I read about how their relationship is going strong after so many years. It's so precious, to be able to retain that sense of "newness" and adventure with someone you've been together for so long. And you did capture the awe they have for the other. Great misdirect in the beginning too, you really had me. I thought the mysterious blonde woman was a "gift" from the organizers / producers ... in a sleezy Hollywood way (not that I'm dissing the Hollywood industry), and boy, was Tara smokin' hot!

"Ah," Tara raised an eyebrow.

"Get it?" Willow stammered hopefully. "Golden Palm. I won a prize called a Golden Palm and I want to show you my..."

Great characterization. With just a few words, we can see Tara's eternal calm

oh hey, droolworthy smut btw. Did good research on it? Like Debra says, it's detailed. But it wasn't boring or dragged out. And you hit just the right balance between the "feelings" and the "action" parts of smut. Great work, and please update OF.

~~~~~

Janna

A big welcome back! You can't stay away from these challenges can you. We've missed ya, you old disappearing so-and-so. Ease away, and looking forward to you sticking around a little more. That was just a lovely tiny story, full of moods and settings. Glad to know that even then, there were accepting folks like their landlord and the Summers sisters. I didn't get an "old" vibe about them, just that they're older than the typical 15-16 year old that would have been married off by then.

They had been talking. They had only been walking a short while, but because they were paying attention to each other and not their path when they realized they had not reached the wharf.

So telling, their relationship. How close they are, and how easy it is to distract from someone one cares for.

~~~~~

And now for something completely different.

I have a thing for older women. Especially in their mid-late 30s, early 40s....*sigh*.

and

i'm right there with you honey, right there with you!

Gee whiz, you two. You CRACK me up.

[br]

[Thianne]

Gee whiz, you two. You CRACK me up.

Happy to be of service i'd like to offer other, ahem, kinds of services , but i think i'll leave them for when i'll be completely and utterly LEGAL. only a few months now

(i'm so bad! )

[DaddyCatALSO]

Well, my MAry Sue character often refers to Willow as Tara's husband, which they find amusing actually. Buffy, however, isn't so cool with his calling Angel her wife.

I really liked the dialogue. I havre no idea if it was "period-accurate" but it [/i]sounded right on.

[skeeter451]

Thanks for the permission guys. These are the ones from here that I have NOT added to Muse because I don't have explicit permission.

Hail to the Chief
Willow/Tara and the Holy Grail
Moraturi te Salutant
The Joys of Mad Science
Tea Time

tarawhipped...you're on Muse as part of the group, but I'd sure like to add your other wonderful stories too.

--->Susan

[Darth Pacula]

Susan, consider permission given for 'The Joys of Mad Science'.

Cheers,
Paul.

[Reallybigpineapple]

No clue what "The Muse" is and unfortunately I don't have time to re-read the thread right now, but it's always ok to publish my stories just about anywhere really, so take anything you want
RBP