nightmask Thanks so much. Agreed that Willow needs to fix it... but how becomes the big question. I think she didn't break down the door because she was respecting Tara's privacy and desire to be alone. We'll see how that works out for them!
zampsa19752001 Thanks so much. Yes, Willow definitely knew immediately how big of a boo-boo she's made, and the good thing is she's eager to try and fix it by explaining. Now all she needs is a little face-to-face time with Tara.
BeMyDeputy Oof. Regarding Tara walking away, I very strongly need to clarify: She wasn't walking away
because Willow didn't try to stop her hard enough, she was walking away because she needed space. She was just noting in that bit you quoted that Willow didn't catch her by the arm like all those romantic scenes in movies. The music didn't swell, Willow didn't plant one on her because their life isn't a movie. It's real life, and those perfect scene-stealing moments don't always happen. That that didn't come across is my fault, and I'm bummed beyond all belief that it could be construed that Tara had your thought, because I don't see her that way, AT ALL. Walking away to try and get someone to follow is manipulative, and that's not Tara. (And, hopefully, most women.) She wanted to be alone because she was mortified by both her behavior and Willow's reaction, so she walked away. That Willow didn't follow and catch her was an observation on Tara's part, not a motivation to flee. She didn't want to be stopped, definitely not.
It's really interesting how people have taken sides with this update, backing Willow or backing Tara. I'm on the backing both of them train myself; I think this situation is unbearable for both of them, and they're both as much at fault as they are victims of the circumstance. But, that said, I suppose I can understand choosing sides. Regarding Tara running away; I think if I had been in her shoes, I would have done the same thing, because it almost feels like she's running away from herself as much as Willow. She's embarrassed because she realizes she made a huge mistake by not listening to her own inner monologue of waiting, being patient, not kissing the straight girl. You mention that she should be understanding of Willow possibly being afraid of coming out (more on that in the next update), but Tara's afraid, too, and I think it's hard, sometimes, in moments of pure panic, to be completely empathetic when your own emotions are flooding you. I just keep imagining the noise in Tara's mind in those moments directly after Willow flinched. How many thoughts and feelings are colliding. How do you make room for Willow's thoughts and feelings, as well? I think that can only come with time and reflection.
I'm sure Tara knows her misery is partially her fault - more on that in the next update - however, I am sympathetic to her for wanting to put off what might be a crushing moment until she's more composed. In that moment after the flinch she is at the most vulnerable she's ever been in her life. Hard to be brave when you feel that exposed and lost.
I agree what you say about coming out being the biggest thing in the world if it's you. However, that doesn't preclude Willow's path of destruction. She's not being destructive intentionally, it's a side effect of the choices she's making with how she's handling her coming out, and I think while it's not completely dire, people are getting hurt with the choices she's making. I think you're right that Buffy probably deserves more credit, but really, Willow's sexuality aside, how do you deal with being lied to at that magnitude? Because your three best friends excluding you from something so fundamental for years has got to hurt. It just has to. Even if you can rationalize it, that's some serious exclusion.
Thanks so much. It's fun reading everyone's opinions. It's always educational seeing what is important to different people, what resonates, etc. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, truly.
SMGOVAN Thanks very much. I wanted to update quickly after "The Flinch" so that it wouldn't just hang if my life got busy. And wow, those are some emotions! Willow and Tara have gotten themselves into a right mess, and both of their pain is pretty damn heart breaking. Funny that you're "team Tara." In Willow's defense, she realized Tara loved her after Tara had shut her out. It's easy, I think, for us to say she should have beat down the door, but their relationship - and I'm talking friendship - is so new and fragile, that if I were Willow I'd be afraid of violating Tara's trust and space. I just can't imagine Willow in that situation pushing Tara; it's bad enough she's humiliated, but to force her to talk when she clearly doesn't want to... I don't know; it's a mess of boundaries. Hopefully you'll like where things go from here.
edob Thanks for the kind words. Willow is indeed struggling to fix things... but how is the big question.
sabina Thanks so much, both for the well wishes for the new year and for the kind words about the comment replies. I really enjoy doing them - I love that Pens is a dialogue. It certainly makes writing the story more enjoyable, because people have such divergent opinions on each update; it gives me a lot to think about, and helps me see the story in ways I might not of without them. I appreciate each and every comment, and figure if people are taking the time to give me feedback, the least I can do is take time with my replies.
Now for the juicy bits!
Thanks re: the fog - it was fun to write. Willow was indeed at her bravest. I think she was just so caught up in the evening she kinda sorta forgot that they weren't actually dating, but rather super duper secret dating. And amen she was begging for a kiss. But, you know, Willow has a plan and taking that first step out of the closet is tough, even if you really, really want to do it. I actually give her credit for letting Tara be. That's tough, though ultimately respectful, especially given their history is tentative, at best. I think Willow is both confident that she can fix this by coming clean and totally terrified that she's ruined things forever. I have faith though.
And backing up Tara - I hear you. I can see all sides; backing Tara, backing Willow, backing them both. It's an ungood situation, that's for sure. I will say this for Willow though - I think she was so shocked by what happened that she couldn't get the right words out when they were face-to-face, even though she knows what she needs to say and wants to say them, and then once Tara was behind her door, Willow was at a complete loss of what to say. I think, for her, the fear of coming out wrong, and doing it to a closed door, was too much to bear. Hope you like where things go, and thanks so much.
LonelyTara If this was an episode of Pee Wee's Playhouse, the secret word would definitely be "angry." (And very funny about not smacking Willow too hard cause she's tiny.) I hear you on the queasy. That was not the funnest paragraph to write. And Tara is definitely ping-ponging between the knowledge in her core, that Willow probably loves her, and the knowledge that she's had for years, which is Willow straight and most likely in love with Xander. It's awful what your mind can do if you let it run wild with doubt and fear. And as for Willow storming to declare her love - I think she's fighting that urge with every fiber of her being, because when she begged Tara to come talk to her, the blonde refused. So, Willow is trying to be respectful and mindful of Tara's feelings in a way she realizes she hasn't been over the last bit of undefined time. Willow wants to do the right thing. That's why she wants to come out to her mom, come out to Buffy, be out when she confesses her feelings to Tara. For Willow, in that moment I think, the right thing is following Tara's lead. I think the thought about Tara sleeping is wishful thinking of a guilty conscience. Thanks so much, I really appreciate the feedback.
WillowRTaraM1 Yeah, sick feelings in the pits of stomachs seems to be the consensus. Oof. In my mind, Willow is shocked by what happened, shocked by the realization that Tara loves her, and is trying, so, so hard to do the right thing by following Tara's lead. She doesn't want to further embarrass or humiliate the girl by violating her privacy. So, she's hanging back even though it is likely killing her. I appreciate the faith - I hope you like where things go from here, and very funny about the stomping. Totally been there my friend!
Savannah Thank you so much. And so sorry about the physically ill! Oof, that's just no fun. Thank you for sharing your own story. Coming out and falling in love when you're gay are so hard, and doing it at the same time can be terrifying. I think you completely nailed it with Willow's mountain - that, pretty much. (And no lurkdom - stay, play!
) Hope you like where this goes from here, and of course, the eventual smoochies.
bouncer73 Evil nightmare, you say? (More on that in the next update.) Heartbreaking for both of them pretty much sums it up for me, too. And another vote for a movie version - so silly.
Thanks so much.
SylverMaki Thanks so much. I tried to make it fast because I didn't want the flinch to be where every one was stuck if life got busy and I wasn't able to update for a while. Interesting that you say it was all Willow's fault. I think some disagree with that assumption!
I think it's both their fault, personally, but I certainly understand how you might see differently. Thanks again - hope you like the next update.
Gaga01 Yup, Willow's fear is definitely messing her up. I think realizing Tara loves her is a double edged sword. On the one hand, it's all she's ever really wanted, and that has to give her hope about the future. On the other hand, it means she's really hurt Tara by not realizing the depths of her feelings earlier. That'll be hard to deal with, regardless of the outcome (which we know will be happy - yay Pens!) Thanks very much!
Kajun Yeah, the skeeter route just wouldn't have worked because of the fact that I don't think mosquitos do fog at night in SF. Just too chilly!
Far more realistic would have been a black widow bite, but even I'm not that harsh. Seriously, have you seen the black widow antidote administered? They have like 10 specialist doctors in the room because of potential multiple organ failure. You Kittens think this is angsty, try black widow bite interruptus!
At the start of this next update, Sheila and Willow's dinner date is T-minus 12 hours. So, later-that-day soon. I'm guessing Willow is not going to be the most well-rested she's ever been when seeing her mom. And I agree, regardless of clearing things up with Tara, you have to think Willow is all resolve now. She has to be. She's put it off forever and the one person she loves most in the world has gotten hurt because of her fear... can't keep on with that.
Funny that you hate when Willow gets hurt, but extra hate when Tara gets hurt. I bet that's a widely held feeling amongst Kittens, largely because canon-Tara was constantly getting hurt (literally and figuratively) while canon-Willow was often hurt because of her own stupid actions. I'd actually be very curious about knowing if that's the case!
writerfreak I only wish I could continue with the fast updates. The only reason I was able to this last time is because I wrote ahead, mindful of how the flinching would probably not go down well. Not sure this one went down any easier though.. Anywhoo, hope you like where things go from here, and thanks very much.
BuffyFan4ever Yeah, thank goodness for the update thread. I remember when I was new to the board I used to stalk, waiting for updates because I didn't realize that there was an update thread. Um. D'oh. Then, once I figured that out I just stalked the update thread.
Poor Tara and poor Willow indeed. Thanks for the idea, but hopefully you'll like where I go instead. Thanks so much!
ssc1980 Hey, if feedback needs caps-lock, feedback needs caps-lock. Lord knows I've wanted to sometimes in my own replies to stories. And thanks for the very kind words. I'm really glad the story has resonated with you, and I can totally relate to your story! Who hasn't been in that situation? I hear you on the last update being hard to read; it was hard to write, but I just keep reminding myself that this is where they are in their lives and even though it's hard, thanks to Pens, we know they'll be together in the end. Thanks again, and please enjoy the next update.
Mrs. Pineapple Thank you so much. I'm so glad you thought it was great. I was really nervous, again, that people would totally hate it. I'm glad you thought Willow's 'fix it' reaction was a good reaction. Also glad you thought Tara hiding was human. I think fleeing embarrassing moments is completely human, especially if you think your heart is going to be broken. Life is so hard to navigate; in the moment, people rarely make the right decision. They make the decision that protects their hearts, etc. Willow is fully in the know now about Tara's feelings - more on that in the next update. And Sheila shows up later than night, so it's something like 12 hours or so from the start of this next update until they meet up for dinner. Whether Willow and Tara have time to talk... more on that in the next few updates.
And confession; I wrote ahead a bit so I could update so quickly, because I knew people would be upset with the flinch and I didn't want to leave it hanging for months if my life got busy. The flinch-a-roo was just not the place I wanted Pens to be stuck with if I needed an unexpected break! Thanks again, very much appreciated.
inspiron That's awesome that you like to read everyone else's opinions and points of view; I do that too with stories that I love. I'm glad the last update was sufficiently speedy. As I told others, I didn't want the flinch to linger before there was some movement, even if the movement was not toward an immediate smooch. I understand wanting Willow to just open the door, but I think it's best that she didn't. I can't imagine how she could explain that violation of Tara's space. As for the camping out - more on that in the next update. Willow is indeed resolute on fixing things; she just needs to get Tara face-to-face. And as for Tara... have faith. (If not in her, then me!) Thanks so much!
TinyAnt Ha! Not sure what good writers get; perhaps the ire of readers who want to just get on with it already!
Since you agreed with BeMyDeputy's be sure to read my reply to her - it goes to you too, then!
Thanks for posting - as I've mentioned, it's very interesting to see what people think. I really do appreciate it.
wimpy0729 Dude, the prescription didn't mention anything about the content of the update, just that it had to be done quickly!
Sorry about the broken heart; just keep repeating, "it's Pens, it's Pens, it's Pens!" Goodness will prevail, I promise. And wow, thanks very much for the super kind words. I am totally flattered and humbled. I have been such a nervous wreck about these updates - the last two and the upcoming however many - so it's hard to "smell the roses" as they say. I can't help but think of athletes who are asked about records or accomplishments, and how they always reply, "that's something I'll think about when I retire. For now I'm just concentrating on the next game." So true! Maybe once the story is done I'll be able to let go of that deep-seeded fear that the next thing I'll write will be absolutely horrible and I'll see the story differently. For now, I just keep writing and hoping that I stay true to the story and the characters.
I'm in your camp - the heartbroken for both of them camp. Mind if I make myself comfortable? S'mores? I think your thought on both girls is right on, but I think Willow is all in on chucking the plan if she can get face-to-face with Tara. More on it in the next update, but there's just no way she could see Tara that torn up and not spill her guts. Thanks again, so much Wimpy. I really appreciate it. Hope you enjoy the next update.
Naeryn I hear you on the heartbreaking. It's not fun. Glad that you pointed out that Willow felt she couldn't be with someone until she was out, because she didn't want her mom to accuse the person of turning her. She also wanted to be out for Tara, so Tara didn't have to deal with dating someone in the closet. (Oops, too late, Willow.) However, I suspect that all of that is out the window now; I just don't know how she could ever hold back now that she a) knows that Tara loves her and b) knows that Tara's been suffering because of it. Willow is not a sadist, that's for sure; she genuinely wants to fix this mess, plan be damned.
Thank you for thinking that what happened in the last update was human. I just couldn't picture anything else, especially with these characters. It is how they are hardwired, you know? The question - how will they sort it all out - really is the crux of the issue, right? I suspect they'll get through whatever is to come in the same way that they've gotten to this point; by being the good people they are at their cores, trying to do the right thing. Hopefully, of course, that will lead to more success than it has to this point.
And a miniseries version of Neverland? It'd lose all the viewers around episode 5 or 6 when all of the massive, heavy introspection started.
And as for the "New Fic" in the title - at first, it was because I didn't know how to change it (and thought I couldn't once it was ported from the EZBoard), but then I thought, this is a work-in-progress. Every time I update it's new, even though the fic itself started seven (GASP!) years ago. My favoritist fics of all time, the Tempus Fugit fics, still says New Fic too (or at least S7 does) and it's been complete forever and a day. And who knows, maybe the fic's power is in the "New" a la Samson and his hair!
DaddyCatALSO I can see what you mean about the word "fix." It's not like she can rewind time and get a do-over; whatever come next is an evolution, so even if she manages to "fix" it, they'll still have the memory of what happened. Willow was stunned; I bet dollars to donuts she wishes she could have spit out "I'm sorry" when she had the chance. Thanks very much.
WillowRulez Boo to the spoiled. I can't remember which story I was reading where I had something similar happen... I want to say tarawhipped's Island of Death. Totally not fun when you're all excited and eager for the update. Willow and her crazy plan - I know. The girl has been stubborn, that's for sure. And yes, nuggets of good things are in there - Tara is considering that the flinching was a mistake, and Willow knows Tara loves her. I hear you on the impulsive wish, but I think Willow felt that would have been crossing the line, and that she should respect Tara's privacy more than anything. And Willow camping outside of Tara's door - more on that in the next update. Thanks!
wayland Thank you very much for the kind words. Thanks also on the use of language. The bit you quoted was the only thing that came to my head when I tried to picture what Willow saw. It seemed important to not embellish too much. I'm glad you thought Willow's reasoning over the flinch made sense. One of the things that I really wanted to cover in this story was the physical aspect of being closeted. I mean, I've done it a little with Willow consciously trying to open up, but I also wanted to look at the other side, too, the side that represses and pulls back. I think it's important when thinking about coming out that there is a lot of different aspects to deal with. Mental, emotional and yes, physical. I agree with the insult to injury thought; she just couldn't barge in after her. I think maybe, maybe, she could get away with it if they had been together for a long time, but their relationship is just so fragile and boundary-filled... it would have been the worst thing she could have done, I think.
You're right that both are to blame, just like both are suffering. They're so afraid that it has gotten them into a situation where all of their fears are thrust to the front. At least they're not falling all the way into despair, though. Tara is keeping an open mind, and Willow knows Tara loves her. And amen, neither deserves the amount of guilt they'll try to carry around. Once all is said and done, and the "I love yous" have been spoken, I foresee a lot of soothing, just trying to take the burden of the past off of each other. Thank so much for the considered thoughts. I really appreciate it.
Samcat Heartbreaking indeed. I think you're right that neither deserves the blame; it's just the situation they've fallen into, you know? You're right that some of this is on Willow's cleverness. She does think she can plan her way out of emotional turmoil, without realizing that she's done the exact opposite. And a vote for a Xander call. Somehow I think that big lug is going to get involved, no matter how embarrassed Willow is. Thanks so much Anne!
smileintheether Congratulations on coming out of lurkdom! Hope you stay a spell. There are a lot of really awesome writers and stories on the board; I hope you check them out. (And yay Maine! Love Maine.) And wow. Thank you so much for the very kind and flattering words. I'm so happy that the story resonates, even if it's because of similar life experiences. I think anyone who has come out can relate to something here. It's so hard, there are so many thing to juggle, feelings and expectations. Add in falling in love... oof, it can be rough. And I hear you about wanting them to get together soon - it's been a long haul! Hopefully you'll like where the next few updates take things. I really appreciate the thoughts, and please know that barring some real life disaster I definitely plan on finishing this fic. (I need to for my own sanity!)
angieb86 Aw, I don't think Willow is being a "cooch," she's just scared. I don't know if I'd handle the situation any better if I had been in her shoes. Rest assured though that Willow is not evil; she truly wants to fix what happened and cares for Tara more than life itself. Thanks Angela.
what_we_do_is_secret Oh, I've been where you are with the, "hey, I think I remember this story!" It's always so much fun when there is a new update to those because I get to go back and reread and remember. (I will likely do that again when/if Doppleganger Redux is updated again.) And honest, not trying to tease! Just trying to record for posterity how these two got together. I'm more like, a stenographer than a writer.
The gallery show is one week from the last few updates - so, Friday upcoming, I suppose. (Six days from this next update.) And yes, I think everyone has at least unrequited love story, even if it's from the third grade. Such a hard part of being open to love. I think you summed up how it feels quite nicely. Thanks very much for the very kind words, and please enjoy the next bit.
morningstar Yay for weekend breaks from the army! I'm glad the fog facts came in handy! See, Willow thought she was being nerdy and instead she was providing wisdom for the masses. And yeah, Willow is opting for the respectful path of maximum fear instead of the headstrong, hope-she-doesn't-hate-me-but-I'm-going-in impulsiveness. I think ultimately she probably made the right decision, even though we all know thar lies smoochies on the other side of that door. Thanks very much; hope you have all the internet access you desire soon!
dragonfly Hi Clau! Intense, sad and heartbreaking - yup, that's pretty much it in a nutshell, right? I'm glad you thought Willow and Tara's reactions were natural; it felt like that's what would happen in that situation for them, given their previous histories. Your morning scenario for them sounds delightful. I think Willow is definitely off plan at this point. She cares too much about Tara, more than she does about her mom's feelings, I'm sure, to stick to plan when fixing this mess means admitting her true feelings. Thanks very much for the kind words - I'm really glad the story is resonating with you, and hope that you like where the story goes from here, even if there are no pancakes in the next update! Also, good luck with work - hope it straightens out some soon.
JustSkipIt Yeah, I actually wrote the last two updates close together because I didn't want to get stuck for a long break with Willow flinching... and instead, we get bogged down with them in different rooms fretting, stewing and crying. Oy! You know, I thought about writing it with only Willow saying "Tara," but then I thought, she'd definitely say more at the door. This is Willow, after all, and she has never been described as a woman of too few words. It would have been a fun exercise, but didn't fit the story or the characters so went with the more words. And yeah, this was probably pretty telegraphed, but it felt like how it would be for them. More on Tara's path in this next update. You are right that she did avoid home by hanging out with Morgan lo those many moons ago. I keep thinking about S4 when she left Giles' house after Oz showed up, or when she left Willow's room after seeing Oz. It's not that she's about hiding out, per se, but at least this version of Tara is not keen on sticking around for confrontation when she could be someplace else reflecting on why she is where she is while she composes herself for whatever will eventually be said. (That reads weird; hopefully you get what I mean.) I think she'd like nothing better than to slip into her studio and think, but Willow's there in her home, her safe space, and Willow being around is not conducive to her thinking (as we've seen). Tough sitch for Tara. And yes, she needs to paint. Fingers crossed that she gets the chance. Thanks so much Debra - as always, very much appreciated!
histchic Holy massive feedback! Wow. I am so in awe and not deserving. I am also very thankful - thank you for sharing all of your very kind thoughts. And sequel! Oh man, let me just get through the end of this one without completely botching the story first before there is any sequel talk. Still plenty of time for me to take this sucker off the rails! Mentioning anachronisms, I was careful this last update, haha. I even had to do some research because my old brain couldn't remember when the DeYoung opened. Was a fun march down memory lane, that's for sure. Very flattered you think the story is like the show sans mystical element; that's pretty much the highest compliment ever. When people say that writing W/T without magick etc. is hard, I just think that so much of the show was not about magick but their insecurities, loves, etc. It almost seems like it should be easier, you know? I'm glad you like the canon lines included. It's fun for me to touch back to the show.
I agree that Willow can't live up to Tara's pedestal, and I think that's okay, because I think that Tara is going to ultimately find that she prefers the flawed version better, partially because it's accessible. Pedestal Willow is unattainable, you know? And Tara has been very at odds with who she has told everyone she is. Willow is the exception to her every rule, and it's only because she knows in her heart of hearts that Willow loves her that she can take that risk. And yes, they overthink everything. I think it's a byproduct of sharing living space, or at least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. They're so immeshed and intertwined, it's difficult for them to see beyond each other and that obviously has gotten them into a load of trouble. I'm glad you found the date authentic, and that you liked the Giles mention. I love Giles; of course he needed to be included!
I don't think you're wrong to read sexual tension into the "I can be patient" line. It's definitely there. She's patient for Willow's heart, but along with that is her body. Tara wants Willow, she loves her and lusts for her, so it's only natural that that subtext would be there. And Anya and Xander - Willow's poor head would explode! I'm really glad you think Buffy is more than a one-note character, and that her friendship with Willow comes through. I try to remember when I write Buffy that she has her own life and her own concerns; she's not Willow's plot device, you know? And I love the difficulties their friendship had on the show. I really wanted to try and get some of that here. And Willow is definitely protective of Tara and their budding relationship - she doesn't want it anywhere near Sheila, hence the not wanting to be dating before coming out. And a mock up of Tara's pantings... I always think of her style as being like the artist Jean-Paul Riopelle - in my mind, her painting over her fireplace looks a bit like his work "Pavane."
Agreed that the fog date sped things up way too fast. They forgot themselves the second they got on the roof. They just slipped into the comfort of what it could be, as a couple and forgot all of the barriers they had placed between them. And very flattered with your words on the flinch. As I mentioned to another, I really wanted to get down to the heart of Willow as a closeted gay woman, which includes the physical repression. What would Dream Tara say to Willow... definitely need to read the next update! And turn them straight! Not in this lifetime (or any other!), but thank you, and wow.
And so funny about it being a movie. What an overwhelming thought! Howie Day, huh. It's funny, because for the longest time I've thought, when I finish with this story I'm going to write THE END in like 72 point and have it hyperlink to a song I love that would be perfect as a kind of, closing credits tune. Maybe I still will. Thank you for coming out of lurkdom for that fantastic feedback. Lots to think about - very much appreciated.
sadie Another fan of feedback - that's very cool. I like reading feedback for stories that are long finished; it's kind of fun to see the familiarity and the insights. And I totally get you on the eloquence front! Before I delurked I thought, "what could I possibly say" that hasn't been said. Was a huge hurdle for me to get over before I felt like I could leave my own take. I figure, even if it's not the most eloquent, or the most original, it's something, you know, and I'm sure the author would appreciate it. Thanks so much!
jackie2007 Have no fear - she will! Such is the glory of Pens.
beautiful_love Wow. Thanks for both the very kind words and for sticking with the story since the beginning! I'm really glad you feel like they're real; that means a lot. Hope you enjoy the next bit.
ilove_julius The p.s. cracked me up - thanks, so much, and welcome, delurker! Hope you like where the story goes from here.
_Zure_ Yay, another de-lurker! Welcome. That's fantastic that you've rediscovered the Kitten board. Hopefully you're enjoying some of the other stories and authors. Thanks very much for the very kind words - they are very much appreciated. Hope you like what comes next, and thanks again.
love_2003 I know, awful place to leave things, but a sad necessity. I like your idea of another power outage. Nothing brings out the honesty in these girls like a lack of electricity. Thanks very much!
TinyWillow "Sir?!!?" I see what you did there.
And no torture, just you know, um, slow-baked goodness? Promise, one day, these two will be together. Thanks very much!
nimloth Yeah, these last couple of updates have seemed to resonate with people in a way I didn't fully expect. I guess it's really true that we've all been there, in one way or another! Thanks very much for the high praise, it's very appreciated. And yes, this story really is about boundaries when you come down to it. Setting them, abiding by them, knocking them down. It'll be interesting, once the story is over, to see how far they've all come. Thanks so much.
KnightlyLove Okay!
LittleBit Thanks so much for the very kind words. I agree that character development is key; I try to remember that as I write. Completely agree about Willow needing to snap out of her plan, and I think she's on board with that. I think she's starting to understand that you can't plan love, and she's all about fixing things with Tara. Thanks again, so much. I hope you enjoy the next update.
Jenga Wow about one of the first FFs. Hope you're finding some other fics to get lost in here - there are so many great stories and authors on Pens. I really appreciate the kind words, and totally get you on the writing/mind bit!
Please enjoy the next bit.
babyglau Welcome to Pens! And thank you for the congrats - hopefully you'll enjoy where the story goes from here. And what in the name of Zeus exactly. Good thing is Willow realized she's goofed and wants to make it up to the blonde. That can only mean good things, right? Thanks again.
by bouncer73 » Thu Jan 13, 2011 3:43 pm 
) So, I'm now eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Here's hope that smoochies are involved. 
