Kittens A little something before diving into the individual replies. I recently bought Lavender Diamond's latest release, Imagine Our Love, and although I kind of feel like in doing so I've joined a hippie cult, the music is really pretty and catchy. Recommended listen, for sure.
JustSkipIt If it helps, I'm caught off guard by my updates, too.
Amen about the dream observation - dreams and fantasies are all well and good but that's not real life and I think it would be unrealistic for Willow to not recognize that. She's a smart girl who has been in a relationship before, and I think she's just exploring her feelings and desires with the dreams - I'm sure Tara will be thanking her for the adventurousness, eventually! Willow is definitely seeing Tara as the more experienced, but I'm thinking there will be some changes to that thought process as the story proceeds, likely before any deed doing, ifyouknowwhatImean. Very cool stories about meetings, that's awesome. I'm not a lover of meetings, and I certainly hear enough about meeting-hatred from my girlfriend to fill a book (or, at least a couple of paragraphs in a fic).
I get what you're saying about their interaction being adorable but freaky, and I feel like that's my fault, as I didn't spend much time describing how tired Tara was as they chatted; I guess I just took for granted that it would carry over from the previous update, and that was just dumb on my part. Basically, in my mind I had her dead on her feet as they chatted, so the gears were working a little slow, and observations were observed, but not necessarily understood or analyzed. And as for Willow, she was just trying to avoid making eye-contact at some points, too self-conscious about what she looked like to notice Tara's blushes. I like the observation of them getting to old married status - I think that when they finally do get together, they're going to find themselves in a relationship, rather than just starting a relationship, if that makes sense. Xander definitely is between a rock and hard place, and Willow's not making things better in this update.
As for Tara listening to the music, the CD she's listening to is actually Willow's 'Real Me' playlist and not the 'Tara' playlist, so hopefully it's not completely out of realm that she'd be associating unrequited love songs with Xander, given all that she's assumed about Willow to this point. The day in the park is definitely the whole day, wake up to fall asleep, and there will be more on that as the story goes along. They had to get to this place from somewhere, you know, and that day is like 70% of how their respective mindsets developed. More on the date aspect in this next update. Hope you enjoy the next bit, and thanks as always!
TinyAnt Thanks so much Ana. I'm really glad that you don't find the normality boring - huge relief! Thanks very much for the recommendation, I'll definitely check it out. And yes, a date! I'm glad that you liked that the asking out was mutual - I was happy with how that turned out. Check the next update for how they each view the date - I think you'll be happy with their respective thoughts. And what do you mean, you don't have anything interesting to add - love to hear from you, especially when you drop in with links to Elbow on youtube!! Those were just great, thank you so much. It was great to hear Guy talk about what the song means - I had thought it was something similar, so I'm glad it didn't turn out to be something completely morbid (as they have done in the past with some songs, though some could argue his version of Switching Off's origin is morbid). The lighthouse vid was really beautiful too. Thank you. Thank you also re: using the songs in the story - it feels very natural, and it's a kick seeing that it's so well-received. I had no idea that I was doing something original, nor that people would like it so much, so yay! I'm thrilled you liked "Switching Off" - the songs on the playlist are definitely changing as it goes along, little slower, little more introspective maybe, so hopefully you'll like a few left to come. Thanks so much, and belated congrats on becoming a Floating Rose!
whatmakesyouhappy Yay for spazzy Snoopy dances! Thanks so much, and please enjoy the next update. And don't worry - will finish!
db Yay for Friday surprises - I was so relieved to get it posted. Thank you so much re: the pace, I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and I'll try and cut down to my 'RL makes updating tough' references in feedback.
Excellent guess on the Fillmore tickets! It is so totally a date; more on that in this update. People seem to be getting behind the 'drink too much, spill the beans' school of thought... Tara's new found bravery is definitely the result of doubt-attrition by way of accumulated clues; she was on this very same track last week, before the Thai dinner and Morgan's party, so I think it's only natural that she'd head back to those thoughts as she gets more Willow time (and the song hitting home didn't hurt that process at all). As for Tara's work, she is definitely cutting it close. She's actually all over alkyd mediums; she used them in update 44 to get the yellow to dry faster than usual (thanks for the link though, always fun to find a new website about painting), but I'm pretty sure she's going to be sticking with acrylics for the last few paintings she has to kick out, mostly because I want to experiment with describing her painting with a less forgiving medium.
Thanks also re: the day in the park description; I know I've mentioned things before, like Willow buying Tara a keychain from the Museum of Natural Science, but you're right, that was definitely the most insight into what they were doing that day, for sure. Hope when the rest of the day comes into view it won't be too much of a let down. Thanks again, and please enjoy the next bit.
spells42 Thanks Anne - things are going right for the girls, and I'm glad you're enjoying this stage in their relationship. I think everyone wants Willow to just come clean, but you know Willow... stubborn and once she's resolved to do something... well, you know.
Thanks so much - please enjoy the next update!
writerfreak Thanks so much (though, no need to drive all mad womanish - update's not going anywhere once it's posted... unless the Internets fairies get all ornery and delete it). Glad you thought the update was cute and touching. Funny that you have a ritual, too. I don't think I have any fanfic reading rituals - I just dive in whenever I have the time! I'll admit that I'm not sure what you're asking in the second post regarding music. I tend to write when listening to music, and I guess the music has just sort of seeped into this story along the way; Willow and Tara both listen to music when doing their respective tasks, Willow's burned the CD for Tara that she's listening to in her studio, Tara's moved to act after listening to a song off said CD, etc., etc. I don't have a set list of lyrics that I'm working with; that whole concept seems a little weird to me, kind of contrived (if that makes sense) because it's not really about they lyrics, per se, more about how Tara feels about the music. I do have a playlist of songs that Tara is listening to (Willow's 'Real Me' CD), and so sometimes the lyrics of those songs make their way into the story if they're especially vivid or strike a cord with her, but I don't set out to try and work lyrics into the story (because as mentioned above, lyrics are only relevant to Tara, so they only make it in if it fits for how Tara is listening to the song, how she is interpreting the music, how it makes her feel, etc.).
I think there are a couple of running lists in the feedback listing the songs and artists that have been used so far. I tend to try and put the song titles and artists names in the Notes section as well if the song is specifically referenced in the update; mainly because people started asking for that info in feedback way back in the day. I think when all is said and done I'll probably post a list of all of the songs used, or at least, the songs on the 'Real Me' CD to make it easier on people who were curious. That said though, I guess the music's only as important a part of the story as it's noticed, you know? (Kind of like the use of the setting, etc.) Hope that answers your question, and thanks again.
gorn Wow, more props than Thursday? That's huge! Thanks so much, honestly. 4am is some lateness! (Or earliness, depending on your side of sleep.) Very funny about the ritual. I'm glad that you're happy, and that even though it wasn't what you expected, you enjoyed it anyway. That's always good. Please enjoy the next bit, and thanks again so much!
Thianne No, no, thank YOU!
theblew That would be awesome if they were going to see Elbow (though, sadly, they're not). Elbow is one of my favorite bands to see live - I've had the honor twice, and I'd definitely see them again if they chose to visit my tiny hamlet. I heartily implore all those who want to see a powerful, intimate show to see Elbow live! I'm glad you liked the description of Willow - she did seem huggable.
Thanks!
StaceAngel Thanks so much bell - I'm glad you enjoyed, and definitely check out the next couple of updates for more on the 'date'!
WillWolf Thanks so much. I think most people have a love-hate relationship with Willow's coming out, but you know how it is, everyone has their own timetable on how to handle these types of things. I'm glad to read that the fic got you back into painting - it's such a great (though expensive) hobby, and it's great to see so many people on this board are enjoying it. Thanks very much re: Tara listening to music - I have a huge amount of fun figuring out how to describe songs, and I'm glad it resonated with you. Re: your p.s., I think most of the songs can be found on iTunes, with very few exceptions.
mole The band the girls are about to go see... well, you'll just have to check the next couple of updates for that.
I'm guessing that the music will affect them, but to what end I'm not entirely sure (those things tend to work themselves out when I'm writing). I'm really, really glad you're enjoying the journey - that's just awesome, and I think your description is great. I'm also glad that you liked Tara listening to the song from Willow's CD, though you're right, it was a step for her to connect the song to that night and then back to Willow maybe having feelings for her. More on that in the next bit, and beyond. Thanks so much Michelle, and yay for heading on over to iTunes! (I love it when artists I love get money for the stuff they record; it tends to inspire them to write more music.
) If you like "Switching Off," I also suggest you check out Elbow's "Newborn." I love that tune as well, and they have a similar feel.
JujuDeRoussie Welcome to the thread Julia, and thanks very much. Sorry that it's annoying that Willow's not out, though I'm glad that you're enjoying the realness of it nonetheless. Coming out is haaaard, even if time is on your side, and she's handling it the way that her brain allows her to handle it, you know? Willow definitely has her mind made up about how she's going to come out, thinking she's figured out all of the angles - should be interesting to see how that all plays out. And yes, the dreams are teasing - hopefully in a good way though. Thanks again, and please enjoy the next update.
Taraiswillow'ssoul Pink elephant parade! Thank you, I'm glad you loved it!
shiraz Thanks so much S, a real date indeed, and yes, at the very romantic Fillmore! I'm really glad that you liked the 'fuzzy' dream bit - averted gazes are always fun. 'Hey you' - I always loved when Tara said that on the show, and was glad to squeeze that in here. The dream shivers were fun to add - I imagine poor Willow had a rough morning as a result. Thanks re: the song, so fun to write, I'm glad it went over well. And yay for Tara, determined to ask Willow out; I kind of saw her like runaway train at that point. Emotions were riding high, and no amount of logic would get in her way. She probably should be putting the energy she's feeling into a painting, if only for her show's sake, but spending time with Willow will be much more fun. Thanks so much, once again!
willowspiritus No you rock! Thank you so much, and yay for roping you into liking some of my favorite music (love me some Dico). And *blush blush* about the sexyback - I'm glad you thought it was funny. It came on my iPod when working out one day and I could just so clearly see Tara's mischievous face teasing Willow for listening to it... so glad it worked out! And yay for downloading Elbow! I really hope you like the song. As I've mentioned before, I absolutely love Elbow, they're one of my favorite bands, and I really hope others like them as well. Thanks again!
IamLoui Yay for squealing aloud and attentive mothers!
Thank you so much, I really, really appreciate it. Enjoy the next bit!
singgirl Somnific is a great word - I'm a total word nerd, so when I can slip words I love into an update it's an extra dorky writing treat. Hope you get lots of opportunities to use it! The song Tara listened to is indeed a real song - TinyAnt even posted links to their work on youtube, and you can download Elbow's stuff from iTunes (I highly recommend it - the first two albums are probably the most accessible, but all are grand). Thanks re: the details - I like to think that many of the things that Tara loves about Willow she discovered that day/night three years ago. Makes seeing them in the present have an extra layer, you know, a connection to the time when she was first falling in love. I know I feel that way sometimes about my girlfriend - she'll give me a look that just takes me back to the first few days we knew each other, and it's pretty special. The envelope was just the tickets - sorry attempt at subterfuge and misdirection on my part, sad to say! Thanks once again!
sadie Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked Action Tara, and you're right, very exciting for both of them to sort of bust out of their molds and try enjoying each other for a while. Hopefully amongst the questioning they'll have plenty of time to just be together and relish it. Thanks yourself, and please enjoy the next update.
sacinema Thank you and no sorries necessary - if you missed, it's likely my fault because I've posted so sparingly over the last year or so (year!? holy lord...). Thanks for the welcome back, it's very much appreciated.
Willow's dream was pretty vivid, and you're right, she's going to have a hell of a time holding out to follow her plan. Tara is definitely figuring the "my Xander" quote out, and I hear you about work - the story can wait, it'll still be there! Thanks re: the thud, was so fun to add in. And Buffy... so hard to try and figure things out from 3,000 miles away, especially over the phone. She's not gotten a whole lot of help from Willow (who has essentially hidden herself from Buffy the last three years), and I think Buffy knows more about Tara's feeling than she's letting on. And yay for 'Bring Willow' - at least one person is boldly hinting where others fear to tread!
Amen about them being caring and clueless - it's a kind of game, or dance, how much do they see, etc. Tara is cutting things close with the painting, but I think you're right about getting it done; she's not the type to not finish, you know? I think you're right about how they'll feel when it's all said and done - there's going to be a lot of revisionist history for them. The Fillmore should be interesting, and I'm sure the drinking aspect will be too (I'm actually a little surprised by how many people are commenting on that aspect - I guess I thought it would be more of a little thing). Your welcome re: the day in the park - snippets at a time, but eventually the whole thing will be out in the open. Amen about the scientist finding love being close to mania in the brain - I remember reading that study's results and having a good chuckle. Thanks so much re: the songs. I do use the lyrics, just not in the way songfics tend to, mainly because I don't think that music, and especially lyrics, effect everyone the same way, so just reading a set of lyrics has an uneven effect. Whether the song effects you, or me, doesn't really matter - it only matters that it effects Tara, and so I try and show her reaction to the song. Thanks so much for the insight, really enjoyed reading your thoughts!
binky Thanks so much binky, and please know that I want this story finished just as badly! Having the ending in my mind is not the same thing as having it down on paper (or computer screen); I discover so many new things about the characters each time I write and that's such a joy. The little things come about when I'm writing, and I don't want to miss that by leaving this open ended. Thanks re: the credible - I'm trying to make the story as realistic as possible while also being entertaining (of course), and it's great to read that you think it's leaning that way. Hopefully you'll enjoy the pseudo-date and eventual coming out, complete with details (I'm really looking forward to writing everything that's left to come).
Thanks so much, I really appreciate your kind words, and hope that you enjoy the next update.
viximon Thanks so much - I hope you like what happens on their 'date'! It's frustrating, but hopefully fun at the same time (or at least, hopefully some of their interactions are fun). Thanks again!
dragonfly They are inching closer, that's for sure; even the steps back have ended up bringing them closer, in a weird way. I'm really glad you liked Tara's bravery, as well as how they sort of asked each other out. I was happy that it worked out that way. Hopefully you'll like their 'date', and it should be interesting to see if Tara pulls anything creative out of their time together. Thanks so much Clau - please enjoy the next bit!
guitar_girl Thanks so much! For more on whether they know it's a date... check the update.
Thanks again - enjoy!
wimpy0729 It is really me!
Pretty funny with the descriptive phrase, my friend.
Thanks so much for the wonderfully, and overly, kind words. I really appreciate it. I have so much fun figuring out the details, picking out the right words to use to make them a little more real on the page and it's always such a thrill to read that someone thinks that I did a good job. And a date indeed! They've sort of been dating for a week or so anyway, but this is definitely registering on their respective radars as a little something different. As for the next update... just have to check it out (I'm hoping you like where it goes - was hard to figure out where to cut this evening into parts, you know?). Thanks again Wimpy, always great to hear from you.
WillowRulez An early birthday present sounds great - happy early birthday then (or is it late by the time I get around to posting again - argh!)! Amen about the flapping hands - I do that sometimes, and then always feel a little stupid after. Like when you trip and then run a few steps to play it off. Sorry the weather has been so crappy in your neck of the woods, but yay for summer - and yes, more on that day in the park and evening after eventually. You're right that thinking about Willow is a double-edged sword for Tara. On the one hand, it keeps her preoccupied and from working, while on the other, it inspires her, and can kick her into painting with the right thought. Glad you could see Willow as the maniacal bobble head doll, and you're probably right about complications arising from Tara knowing before Shelia and Buffy. Thanks again!
Missocki About damn time indeed!
Feels good to get another update done and up. Thanks so much for the very kind words. I hope you like the date - I know the waiting is tough, but with every update it's creeping toward an eventual happy ending, sooo.....
Thanks again - please enjoy the next update!
SylverMaki Humdrum Malarki! Awesome phrase.
Thank you so much for the very kind words. *blush* I'm glad that the story makes your heart feel warm! I hope you enjoy their date, and the eventual coming out. Xander... he's going to have an interesting time, that's for sure, and I'm sure he and Buffy will have plenty to talk about. Thanks again, and please enjoy the next update!
watty Updatey-twin, what with the great minds thinking alike and such!
What a stroke of silliness that was; I'm just so happy to see you were posting as well. Thanks very much, they are truly just that much more of a fraction of a fraction of a millimeter closer to declaring their undying love.
Glad you got a kick out of Willow's huffing about meetings and PMs. I wondered how many PMs I'd tick off with that observation, and loved the little stoney-face response!
(Let's just say Willow's PM harrumphs aren't shared by everyone...) Willow did indeed have an all-over-the-place morning, and who can blame her with the unnatural mixing of work and pleasure. You're right, the feelings are starting to bubble way up, and the mess with Xander and Buffy is not getting better.
Amen about Tara being too out of it to notice Willow's lusty gazes; I think I mentioned to Debra that I wish in retrospect that I had done more to convey that Tara was basically dead on her feet during that exchange. She was participating, and making observations, but not necessarily with it enough to have the light bulb type moments that might have otherwise arisen. That, and again it's a lot of missed glances. It's hard to see things sometimes when you're trying not to stare. I think it was also Debra who mentioned the familiarity - as I mentioned to her, by the time they declare everything they're going to find themselves in a relationship, and not just starting one, you know? Thanks re: the details. I honestly don't think much about them when writing, I just sort of try and make observations that I'd make in real life without totally killing the flow of the dialogue. (As you mentioned it's hard sometimes to follow a conversation with big descriptive breaks in between - if I get lost when I re-read, stuff gets cut.)
Their conversations are still incomplete, and I think part of that is just the dramatic aspect of knowing that there's a second, unspoken conversation taking place. 'Are you gay, do you like me, I love you' - they're all things that are being said without being said, so they're kind of jammed in and amongst the spoken words. Going to be interesting for them both to go back and see that those gaps were actually filled with a lot of information. Willow is definitely front and center in Tara's consciousness, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. She's just saturated at this point, and more time isn't going to help that at all! I really hope you like the pizza and concert - and hopefully there will be at least some brushing of fingers.
Thanks so much watty, and yay on finishing
Lamplight - what an awesome accomplishment!
DaddyCatALSO Wowsome, that's great - love that word! Concern about Tara's show, and lack of paintings, seems to abound. I doubt Tara will make copies of her own work, doesn't seem her style, but hopefully she'll get finished in time even having to make original works. Thanks re: the music - I think most of the bands I reference have websites with sound clips, if you want to check them out (and I know most of the songs are available for download on iTunes in the U.S.). Tara meeting Xander before the coming out... tempting, though I think you're right, going to jail for aggravated assault would not be a good twist for this tale! Thanks so much, and please enjoy the next update!
Kajun I know, I know - updates with less than 6 months between them? That's unpossible! I swear, the last two have been the most frustrating; I've been almost done with new updates within a week of the last update being posted the last two times (including this next update), only to be horribly, horribly distracted from my plans to promptly update (this last one was a horrible pestilence that befell my home; it was a seriously bad three weeks for all involved, then a series of calendar chaos). Nothing more frustrating than having an almost finished update sitting unpolished on the old hard drive as weeks speed by. Thanks very much for the always kind comments. I'm so glad you liked the song - love, love that song, and I was so pleased that the YouTube clip confirmed pretty much what I thought the song was about - I always pictured it as being the moments you turn your day off to repeatedly, you know? That moment you picture to calm yourself enough to slip off into sleep... only now I know it's the Big Sleep!
That works too, in a morbid, romantic way.
It is amazing that neither of them have broken apart from the stress. Love is weird that way; it can be stressful and regenerative at the same time. I'm really glad you liked Tara allowing herself to feel what she wanted to feel. So much of this story is about self-restraint, so it was nice to have a pure moment, you know? Just breathe, feel, etc. As for Willow and Tara's feelings on the 'date'... more on that in this update and beyond. Probably no sitting-on-shoulders (now that's an image!), but I'm sure the darkness will inspire some fluttering moments. Thanks so much!
(And natch I noticed your absence on the last go around - how could I not?
Your comments have always been so insightful and interesting; I'd be some kind of boar to not notice when long-time readers went 'missing'. This story, and me, really, has grown with you guys, you know? I guess at this stage I've just come to the conclusion that 'old-timers' won't be commenting on every update, and that's fine; it's totally my fault because I've strung this thing out. Interests change, real life keeps people busy, etc. etc. and I completely understand, even if I miss the interaction. I'm just grateful when I do see familiar names and the wonderful comments that come from people who have been in this thing for the long-haul.
I hope that one day everyone who liked this story gets to see it through to it's conclusion; especially the folks who have put in years! I guess in the end, while I'm sincerely, sincerely grateful for every word, and definitely understanding of any absence, my truest wish is that people are just still enjoying the story, whether they comment or not.) To finish up, I'm so glad you liked 'Pavane' and 'Untitled 53' - so what I'm going for with Tara's work, and the Just Paint site is AWESOME.
Thanks again!
histchic Thanks so much - as I told Kajun above, I was all ready to update quickly after the last one, and then the hammer dropped and weeks sped by. So, so frustrating. At least it's been capped at months instead of almost a year this time though! Progress! No admitting of the big gay love, sorry, but definitely eventually. Baby steps (which is frustrating, I know, but hopefully some fun to be had in the meantime). I'm glad you liked that Tara decided to go with her feelings. I like the idea of second-guessing being on mute; appropriate considering the musical aspect of the story. You're probably right to expect a catch; natural, considering how Morgan's party went, etc. though hopefully you'll be pleased with the outcome of 'the date'. These girls are maddening, but hopefully the next two or three updates won't completely tip the canoe. You're right about the Tara-declaring-her-love variable. It's the wild card, isn't it? JSI was right, they are dating, and I'm sure things wouldn't be going the way they are with Buffy around. She needed to be gone for things to expand and unfurl. Thanks so much, and thanks for the pink elephant parade! Hope you like the next bit!
dorksrcool Sometimes I think I should change the name of this story to "my lord, it's an update to 'Neverland'".
I'm pretty sure that's what everyone calls it anyway! (When they're not calling it @$^$&! un-updated Neverland...) Thank you for the kind words - I'm so glad you were able to jump right back in. (It's definitely a gigantic fear of mine, that I'm going to stumble and that there will be a huge gap in the story between updates because of the time it has taken me to write everything. Glad to hear it didn't happen with the last bit.) I'm really glad you like where W/T are going, and that you liked Tara listening to the song. I had a great time imaging that scene, listening to the song over and over again to identify it's parts, to figure out how it made me feel, and how it would make her feel in that situation, with her memories. One of the most wonderful things about writing, I've found, are that hours disappear and you're in a different place. Can be really freeing and enlightening. Glad you liked the result. Thanks re: Tara's humor; I thought the show really underplayed her humor. It was definitely there, but not utilized as much as we probably all wanted it to be, so I'm glad you like that it has a place here.
It's fun figuring out how to interject it into the story. And finally, yay for concerts. Maybe no making out... but hopefully you'll like what does happen. Thanks again so much!
Zampsa1975 That would be awesome if Willow did have a big sign in her room that said 'Willow Loves Tara' - knowing this Tara though, it would take her a week to see it as it would hang on the wall behind the open door.
Thanks!
StaceAngel Ha, okay - so StaceAngel post #1 was an IMPOSTER!
Glad the girlfriend is reading too. And wired vixen! I recognize that name (I wondered where it went... I figured the RL monster got you). Thanks so much, I'm glad you're still reading and enjoying, despite the sadistic pace (your words!). Yay for the 'date' - definitely up from unofficial flirting, though won't it be fun if they merged; unofficial flirting on the unofficial date! Another 'alcohol spells fun' reference - such a little line, and such a big response! Y'all don't miss anything.
Hope you enjoy the next couple of updates (I've never been able to write 'events' in one update - too much to cover and I'm selfish in that I want to experience as much of it as I can; so fun to imagine each moment). Sorry to hear you were having a poopy day, but glad the update helped. Thanks again!
Willow~Rosenberg I am back! Yay! And again! Yay! I'm glad you're reading and enjoying - that's so awesome, makes me happy to see the 'old-timers'!
Glad you liked their kitchen interaction, with sleepy Tara inadvertently adding fuel to Willow's raging embarrassment fire. And Tara figuring things out... could be! It's a see-saw, you know? It's so hard not to over-analyze every little thing that the object of your desire does in these situations, and Tara is starting to have a really hard time explaining everything away. Sneaky-date - I like that alot. I think the next few days are going to be interesting for poor Willow. Can she hold out? Dun, dun, DUNNNN!
Thanks so much - please enjoy the next update!
terra21 Dude, way to jinx me by putting a date out there.
Of course, I kid, I kid. There will be some seriously cranky people if this story isn't done by then - chief among them, me. Thanks so much terra - it's so good to see your nick!
LittleBit Wuh-oh! Watch out for the bug, you guys; it can lead to time loss and serious inability to get things done in any kind of meaningful time frame. Thanks for forgiving me for the lengthy delay - much appreciated, and I hope it's finished in your lifetime! (I remember the times when I was strictly a reader; those were good days!) I'm really glad you loved the update; Tara is starting to get an inkling, and Willow is allowing herself to relax a little. Not sure if that'll last (she is Willow after all), but it is nice for now. I hope to tell all about the day in the park (and subsequent fall out); just have to get to the point in the story where it makes sense to go back, you know? I'm glad you've been enjoying the journey - that's my favorite part of the story. I know they're going to end up together (board rules! holla!), so the fun for me is how they get there. I'm glad you liked Morgan - I like Morgan, even knowing her roll as possible spoiler. Thanks so much - hope you like the next bit.
Meow...? Yay for noobness! Welcome to the board; I hope you're enjoying your time here and that you're checking out other stories (might I recommend tarawhipped? Sassette? AntigoneUnbound? lipkandy? pipsberg?). So many great writers here, and wonderful, wonderful stories. Thanks so much for the kind words, they're very much appreciated. I'm so glad you like the story! Sorry to read that you were in the hospital, I hope you're fully recovered, and I'm glad that the Kitten could help pass the time.
Thanks again, and please enjoy the next update!
Halo Thanks so much! I'm so glad you're enjoying.
whatmakesyouhappy Yay for almost dates! I hope you like the next few updates!
TinyWillow Thanks so much for the very kind words - I'm happy to be continuing the story, for sure! Thanks for continuing to stick with it - means a lot. Please enjoy the next update!
the hero factor Nice to see you again! I wanted to thank you once more for the Neverland avatars - I see them on occasion around the board (most notably, as gorn's avatar) and they make me smile every time. So, so wow. I think you did such a great job with them (and with all of your avatars - they're really brilliant) - mad kudos!
Glad you liked the sexy back bit, and I'd like to think Buffy would either shrug and say "I like mass produced music; sue me," or something to the effect that Justin Timberlake is hot and Kelly Clarkson is an American Idol, much the way George Washington was in his era, and that's good enough for her.
I'm glad you liked Tara allowing herself to just feel; it just felt right to have it be at that moment, you know? That song always makes me feel so present, so I guess I thought it would be nice for Tara to have that after a trip down memory lane. Them going out has to be good... right? I was happy that it worked out that they sort of asked each other - was happily mutual. Kind of like a happy accident. As for the next update - you know me so well! No date in this next update, and then probably two date updates after that... I want to give them time to enjoy the evening; don't want to rush things. Hope you like where things are going, and thanks again!
behindhereyes Kim, so great to see your nick here. It's been a long time! Thank you so much for the always kind words - you might think you don't say enough, but trust me, it's wonderful praise. I'm glad to read that RL has happily overwhelmed you (I guess that's the upside of this story taking so long; seeing people fall into happiness over the years), and I have fond memories of those nights as well (how could I not?!). Thanks so much - hope to see you again in the future, and take care!
Fin Thank you so much - I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! Please enjoy the next bit!
I_love_Danish Hehe, loved the drawn out 'niiiiice'. That tickled the funny bone for some reason. I'm glad you liked Tara prodding Willow about her 'fuzzy' dream. It'll be fun once they reveal that they've been sort of sharing naughty dreams for years; the look on their faces will be priceless, I'm sure. I hope you like where this 'date' takes them. *fingers crossed* Thanks so much as always - please enjoy the next update!
chance Welcome back - four years is a long time, but it's great to have someone from the 'olden days' back and posting! Thank you very, very much for the super kind words. Wow, really. Hopefully you'll like where it goes! You're right, it's a huge task, but one that I've enjoyed undertaking for the most part.
Thank you again, and please enjoy the next bit. (Am also glad to read that you're into other stories on the board - that's so great!)
masterjendu Thank you so much (and again thanks to TinyAnt!). As for the song - the way I had interpreted it prior to learning about the songwriter's intention, was that the moment was the moment you switched off your day too... so, the calm place you put yourself in right before you slipped off to sleep. (Sort of like the happy thought in Peter Pan that lets you fly.) The death angle makes it so much bigger, but I think Tara definitely feels like that day/night were the best in her life up to this point, and revisiting it brings on some big feelings. Hopefully that still works! Using the song seemed like a good way to spur her on; she needed something visceral, you know? Rationally thinking things through is too messy - running with your feelings is the way to go here, I think. Glad you liked the idea of Willow's jammy-clad back - I like Willow in jammies; so snuggly and cute.
Thanks again!
WillowRTaraM1 Oh WOW! Congratulations! That is so fantastic - I'm so happy to read that you're so happy!
And yay for babies and marrying the woman of your dreams! How truly wonderful. You know, I can't help but be amazed by how many transformations I've seen since I've started writing this story - both my own and those undergone by the people reading. It really is miraculous and marvelous, and I'm just so thrilled for you Jackie, truly. I know what you mean about Willow and Tara - sometimes I feel far away from them too, and then I start daydreaming about them in this world and it feels like home. A little corner of rightness in an otherwise messy mind.
I'm so glad that the story makes you feel that way too. I know what you mean about when the story ends, that it'll be a sad day, though hopefully, happy in a way too. Will be nice to leave them on a happy note. I'm looking forward to having that moment of them together, happy, in love, in my memory. Hope you and your family are doing well, and so great to hear from you. Yay for you!!!
GinnerWTluv Howdy Jen! Great to see you. I know what you mean about not being around and then coming back and thinking "hmm... I don't recognize that story, or that story... or.... most... of the stories." I check in and am just amazed by everything that it going on here! It's just great that the board is humming along. Thanks so much for the very kind words - I'm so glad that in amongst the cringing there is enjoyment!
I agree that the accidental hand holding is the best; check back for whether anything accidental happens (hopefully you'll like what happens). Big appreciation for your words - please enjoy the next bit!
Bunnies Welcome, both to the thread and the board. Hopefully you're enjoying all of the great stories here! Thank you very much for the very kind words, and wow to plowing right through it! Hopefully you'll like this next update! Thanks again!
Rachel I can't believe I started writing this fic years ago! (Seriously - *years* - that's no small chunk o' time.) I'm glad it held up on reread - that's great. I hope you like their date - it should be fun seeing how they actually interact with all the positivity bubbling up in them. Would love to hear your Buffy thoughts - I think "left field" is a pretty great field, so please feel free to share. Thanks again, and please enjoy what's to come!
TheRose24 Thanks so much! I hope you like their date, and all that that encompasses.
dani_2235 Thanks so much for the really kind words - I really hope you like this next bit, and that it was worth the wait.
pipsberg Hi.
You definitely don't need to apologize for tardy feedback, just happy that you're here now. Thanks re: Willow's thoughts - it seemed to fit her as she's easing into this upcoming transition. Glad you liked the senior project manager line, all things considered. I think you're right, their interactions are becoming more flirty, and hopefully as they start to open up even more they'll realize that it is flirty and not just an increased comfort-level between friends. Yay about Kelly Clarkson.
I think she's a lot of people's guilty pleasure. I really hope you like the next bit. Thanks again, so much. Means the world. Also, great job on the recent
The Rosenberg Institute updates—I love that it's been revived.
ObsidianEsper Thank you for the very kind words, and yes, still writing (though it seems that I'm slower with updates than a snail and tortoise put together). I hope you like the update, and the where the story goes from there.
KrisBo5 You know, I'm not sure if you've left feedback either, but I'm just glad you're here now! Thank you very much, I really appreciate the compliments. *big blush* I'm really flattered to read that the story has touched you, that's just awesome. No worries about lifey-life (I like that!) keeping me from eventually finishing - it'll happen, even if slooooowly. Thank you for sharing with me, and please enjoy the next bit.
bluewillowwitch You know, it's funny - sometimes when you're so wrapped up in your own mind, expectations, heart, etc., it's hard to see reality right in front of you - that's pretty much where Willow and Tara are right now. As they start to stop worrying about their own feelings, and letting down their guards, they'll start to see what everyone here sees. Hope you're enjoying them becoming friends in the meantime, and thanks!
LestatDraconus Oh no, not the goose bumps and crazy shakes and Peach & Mango tea in teabags! Sorry for the delay, and no worries, not abandoned, just... paused when life rears up. I hope you like the next bit, and thank you very much for reading.
Renatecs Thank you so much for the kind words. I really hope you like where the next update takes these two.
kimmy_s Ah thank you! I'm so glad you enjoy their burgeoning friendship - that part of their relationship is so important to me, and I'm glad you like where it's going. The angst is bad, but there are good sides to even the worst moments (sometimes we need to go through something bad to learn wonderful things about ourselves). Please enjoy the next update, and thanks again for dropping in - really appreciate it.
by Bunnies » Mon Sep 17, 2007 2:28 am 
tell me, is the next chapter round the corner somewhere? i hope so its pure talent! 
I have just finished your fic to date and it is great but how can everyone excepted for our girls see that they are hot for each other!?!?!?!? 
YAY update at last 
Thanks for the update Heather. Stellar as always.
