FF : RW Season 7.4 : Alienation.

[Miss1234Kitty]

*squeak*



Aaah! Cliffhanger! Will now have to log on every two minutes in order to look for the next update.



Gem

Tara: There's just so much to work through... and can you just be kissing me now?

[Beth Dragon]

Well here it is mittens, the end of episode 4 - thank you so much for coming along on our ride, we hope you enjoy



xBethx







The Summers’ house was quiet like a museum as everyone gathered around the sleeping redhead who was curled up peacefully on the living room couch. It had seemed the best idea when they all arrived home, as in their own way each of the Scoobies wanted to keep an eye on her to decide for themselves if she was ‘better’ or not.



Willow had regained a slightly dopey consciousness state at the Magic Shop but not enough to even hint if Tara’s actions had caused any drastic changes within her. So at this moment they were still left waiting.



Tara was curled up at the edge of the couch on the floor with a blanket over her legs watching. Dawn wasn’t far away, sitting nearby as if standing guard over her two favourite witch’s.



“Does anyone want tea?” Giles asked from his place back towards the kitchen.



“I’m sure everyone could use something.” Madalene backed him up softly and moved off towards him to help. She knew no one had probably taken the time all day to eat or drink anything. No one really answered her back, as everyone stared at the couch enthralled by the possibilities that could result when Willow awoke again.



Xander had pulled a chair in from the dining room giving Buffy the full-length of the floor to pace. Anya, who had been uncharacteristically quiet since Tara’s return, stood playing with the small fringe on the lamp shade.



“Is there anything we can do?” Xander questioned softly.



“Pace.” Buffy suggested but there deeply etched concern on her smiling face.



“I think you have that covered.” He smiled back at her.



“She’s better.” Dawn whispered with some confidence as she watched Willow sleeping.



All eyes in the room looked at the teenager in question.



“We don’t know that.” Anya objected feeling a heavy responsibility, as it had been her granting of Tara’s wish that had put them in this place now.



“I’m not saying everything is perfect but its better.” She didn’t bother arguing directly with Anya, she just restated her belief in a calm voice.



“What makes you say that Dawnie?” Tara inquired softly.



“Because I’m not the only key.” Dawn reached to lift Tara’s right hand out of her lap and hold her palm up so that everyone could see the light almost faint yellow outline that was on her palm. “If nothing was better why would you have that?”



“I...” Tara’s words faltered as she looked down. “Oh Goddess.” She watched as Dawn’s finger traced the outline of the small key and she realized she’d still been clutching it when the wish had ended.



“What? What is it?” Buffy moved over to get a closer look.



“Its the key.” Tara explained amazed. “Its a long story but…” She paused. “I think Dawn might be right.”



“Dawnie’s always right.” Willow’s voice suddenly announced her return to consciousness with a long yawn. “She’s the ketchup.”



“Willow?” Tara closed her fingers into her palm and shifted to look at her girlfriend.



“Hi Tare-bear.” Willow held her girlfriend’s hand but stretched her other arm out as she involuntarily yawned again.



“Hi sweetie.” Tara grinned at the sleepy redhead.



“Hey Will.” Buffy called to her best friend.



“Hi.” Willow smiled as her tired eyes looking around. “Did I miss something big?” She watched as Giles and Madalene came back through to look at her.



“We have an alien in Sunnydale.” Buffy offered just to see if she could stop everyone staring at Willow.



“Nope Wills, its just another average day with the Scooby gang.” Xander laughed and looked at the Slayer in disbelief.



“How are you feeling Willow?” Giles was the one to ask the so far unasked question as he sat down on a chair and looked over to the red head with loving concern.



“I feel...” Willow started to answer and then stopped pondering it for a moment as everyone held a collective breath. “I feel okay.” She blinked and smiled at him.



The smile that spread across each and every person in the room was stunningly bright.



“Actually I’m hungry.” She admitted pushing up to sit a little straighter.



******



Tara shivered slightly against the slight night chill as she sat on the top step of the front porch taking a moment to enjoy the quiet. She’d slipped out while the gang were playing a game of cards around the dining room table and though she’d only been gone about five minutes but she was already feeling the need to go back and check on Willow.



There was something about the stars and the scent of honeysuckle in the night air that kept her there as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.



“It’s pretty out here.” Willow whispered as she sat down next to Tara almost silently so the blonde had no way to know she was coming.



“It is.” Tara felt a shiver of pleasure race down her spine.



“Are you cold?” Willow reached up and put her arm around Tara’s back. Tara shook her head and then tilted to rest it onto Willow’s shoulder amazed at simply how good it felt to be sitting together. “Everyone seems happier.” Willow admitted softly leaning more into Tara’s body.



“They do.” Tara agreed her voice soft. “But then they would.”



“For the first time in my life I don’t understand much of what is going on but tonight I don’t care.” Willow hugged Tara closer. “I just want to sit with my girl.”



“And she wants to sit with you.” Tara assured her girlfriend. “And to hold you and never let go.” She added slipping her arms around Willow and did just as she said.



“I’m never letting you go again.” Willow smiled feeling contentment in her head and heart that she hadn’t felt in so very long.



“I love you Willow, all of you.” Tara shifted a little in Willows arms tilting her head to look into green eyes.



“I love you too.” Willow whispered leaning down as Tara pressed up a little and briefly let their lips brush together.



“Who’s winning?” She asked when the kiss eased apart and she nestled in close.



“Dawn I think, Buffy’s too distracted.” Willow hugged her tightly. “And Xander never was good at cookie poker. He always eats his winnings.”



“Do you want to go back in and join them?” The blonde asked not wanting to really move but willing to if Willow did.



“Not unless you want too.” She shook her head a little.



“Would it be selfish of me to say I like it just where I am right now?”



“No, it’s just what I’m thinking.” Willow smiled and kissed into blonde hair.



“Do you think we could take another look at the photo album some time?” Tara asked closing her eyes.



“I would really like that and get a bigger album so we can fill it up too.” Willow encouraged.



“And maybe have some older pictures in it, you know of when you were younger.” Tara smiled to herself.



“I was such a geek.” Willow giggled lightly.



“I’m sure I would have loved you then as much as I do now.” Tara assured her with a special smile.



“And how are you so sure?” Willow appraised looking at her curious.



“Because.” Tara paused looking for the right answer. “Because younger or older, you’re still my Willow.” Tara decided upon the simple words as she leaned up again for a kiss. Willow met her girlfriend’s lips happily and above them the stars shone brightly.



Fade to black… The End… Grrr Arrg

[LeatherQueen]

Oh that was wonderful, you two. I know that Willow has a long road ahead of her, and so does Tara, but they're together. And together they can face anything. That was so lovely.



And... more smoochies, too.

--------------------------------


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[Nutty Girl]

WOW - I so love your writing. I have been away for over a week and have just caught up with the udates I had missed. I know this is going to sound really cheesy but when I finished reading this a feeling of contentment washed over me



Thank you for sharing your talent with us



JB xxx

"Say! You all didn't happen to do a bunch of drugs today didja ?"

[Urn of Osiris]

Woo Hoo!! YAY! Yippie! and Hurrah! I think that pretty much covers it.



It worked, that's great. Willow is back! I have to wonder what happens now that Tara has the Key??????



My napkin is tucked ready for part 5.



_____________________**

WILLOW: That's a work ethic! Buffy, you're developing a work ethic.

BUFFY: Oh, no. Do they make an ointment for that?

[Jennpurr]

Awwwww.... That was beautiful, ladies. Thank you. What a lovely ending to this episode.



So.... Willow is totally back now? I know they probably still have a long road ahead of them, but she's back? She's... Willow... again?? It seemed like she was, anyway.



I just loved this. Our girls kissing under the stars... that's how it should be.







Jen

* * * * * *
Quotes from Melissa Etheridge on 8/10/02, in The Woodlands, TX

"I've been to every, one of Melissa Etheridge's concerts! ... No, really, I have!"
"THAT, is a bat! ... Hey, does it have a ticket? ... It doesn't have a ticket!"

[MadeinNZ]

Hooray for a happy ending. So very beautiful.

------------------------------


Buffy: I'd like to find Willow and Xander
Joyce: Will you be slaying?
Buffy: Only if they give me lip

[spazz07]

Awwwwww, so nice of an ending. I loved it. I don't wanna even guess how it has effected Willow but she seems happier and finally everyone else is feeling less of a strain. Great episode and one that will be hugely important in the context of the season. Can't wait for the next episode



Cheers

Nath

Isn't it funny how you feel your most tired five minutes before you have to get up.

[MissQuirky]

BIG YAAAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!



What a wonderful ending!! And I soo knew everything was goin to be OK, cos ya'll wouldn't let anything bad happen! Willow seems alot better than b4, soo happy bout that!!



This was a GREAT ep. I am sooo lookin 4ward to ya'lls next one!!

"Don't warn the tadpoles!...
I-I have frog fear."

[VampNo12]

Oh guys the end of Alienation was beautiful/so moving ! I really liked the image of Willow lying on the couch with all the scoobies surrounding her looking for any clue that she was "better or not". And when Willow finally awoke I really get the sense that she is in a better place/a calmness within her, that has been missing for quite awhile. I am curious about what Tara is going to do with the "key", and I just loved the last image of W&T alone together kissing under the stars. Lastly, I thought it was very poignant when Tara said ("I love you Willow, all of you."). Now with W&T on the right path to healing (mentally and physically), I can't wait to see what's in store in the next part of their journey!

Edited by: VampNo12  at: 8/17/02 3:19:45 pm

[WiccansIllusion]

Grr Arrg? It's over already? Do I get another episode? *grins*

Tara nodded in agreement "She has magic fingers." Then, as though the words had just echoed back to her and sounded not at all right, she perked up and glanced around at the others. "On the keyboard."

TheWisdom of War, Chris Golden

'My heart is cleverer then I and it knows what to do.'-MC Legends of the Kiss

[tiredsoul]

Great ending to a fantastic episode. The last scene was touching between the girls. I liked the comment about the photo album. A gentle reminder that Tara still didn't remember their lives together. As always though, Tara was the unselfish one--helping Willow before helping herself.



--celia

---------------------------------

"That was just rude. Now I forget what I was saying."

[Centauri2002]

That was absolutely beautiful. The ending was just perfect and I was grinning like the idiot I am.



I'm all giddy with the sappiness now... see what you do to me?



I'm sooooo happy everything worked out well and that Tara and Willow can become a happy couple again... though I think Willow's gonna have to come to terms with what's happened to her.



Thankyou so much for sharing this.



Caz

Tara: I got so lost
Willow: I found you... I will always find you

[Amymlc]

YaaaY!! "Willow" is back...or kind of, but still...YAAY!! OOOH...and I can't wait for the rest of the circle series!!! Yippee...you've made me a happy girl

They were right, I'm a homo--But I'm a Cheerleader

[xita]

Thanks so much for this episode and the beginning of the healing for Willow. I am intrigued by the role of magic in their lives now since Willow has a fresh start on it.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Childie -"Not all girls are raving bloody lesbians, you know!"

George - "That's a misfortune of which I am perfectly well aware."

The Killing of Sister George

[The Rose24]

Bravo, ladies. An adorable update.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[WebWarlock]

Simply excellent.



Wonderfull, now that Willow is mending things will be good again. Course I said that which means it will get bad I am sure!



I am worried about Tara though (but I have to admit it is so much better than not having a Tara at all to worry aobut!). She still seems removed from everyone.



Mads has not memory so she can make new ones with the gang. Everywhere around Tara is another clue of something she has lost.



She has Willow, maybe that is enough.



Looking forward to more of course!



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side, home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

"Na dean fochmoid fainn!"

[KrisBo5]

You both have outdone yourselves. Absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much.

Kris

"Frell that!"

[mollyig]

May I say again how wonderfully you've portrayed Dawn. I loved that she was standing guard over our girls.



Because younger or older, you’re still my Willow

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[Loco2]

hoorah! it worked....



waiting patiently (well, a lot more patiently than last time) for the next episode



i agree, though - your dawn's nice. still dawn, but better



steph

"I'm not gay - I'm just Trevor's bitch." - some drunken guy about his sexuality
"Oh, bugger off, you BROLLY!" - Anya to Giles on his use of the english language
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[funkyasian]

great ending ladies... ...really really sweet...and i'm so glad the whole thing with willow worked...makes me smile on a dreary sunday morning...thank you...



steph

Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul. ~ Oscar Wilde

[Miss1234Kitty]

That was the sweetest thing EVER. But, um - episode 4? Did I miss some episodes? I went away for two weeks so I might have done. Bad me.



Confuzzled now. Someone please tell me the names of all the Rainbow Writer's eps so I can go and read them!



Gem

Tara: There's just so much to work through... and can you just be kissing me now?

[Wolflord]

Quote:

---

That was the sweetest thing EVER. But, um - episode 4? Did I miss some episodes? I went away for two weeks so I might have done. Bad me.

Confuzzled now. Someone please tell me the names of all the Rainbow Writer's eps so I can go and read them. Miss1234Kitty

---

The episodes are Gift of Sorrows (episode 1 and 2) and Shadows of Twilight (episode 3). You can find them both in the completed fics archives here on the boards.



Great Update ladies.....loved the ending. Although I am wondering one thing. If Willow is fragmented in her mind is she going to need to find and join with her fragmented self including the Dark Wiccan herself. Anyway, great stories cant wait til episode 5.

Sometimes I think of them doing spells and I do a spell myself. Xander in Restless

[Grimaldi]

great ending to a great story

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

Fucking Windows 98, get Bill Gates in here!

Little pussy gnome, don't call me a pussy. Pussy gnome.

[TesniStryngefyre]

OMG.... what can I say? This was an incredible episode guys... sweet, moving, angsty, but always incredibly written. Thank you much for this and all the fic you contribute.



Can't wait for the next installment... hopefully more Willow healing and Willow/Tara goodness. Cuz lord knows I'm not looking forward to the real S7.





AJ

----------

TARA: Every time I... even when I'm at my worst ... you always make me feel special. How do you do that?

WILLOW: Magic.

[oneinten]

AWWWW...fantastic as always ladies! You guys rock! As always I am looking forward to your next season. I'm working on a rainbow glass to go with your plate o'cookies!



kath

[Puff]

Excellent endingto the episode it is so great too see that Willow is beginning to heal and I'm looking ofrwardto the next part. I'm also glad I didn't have heaps to catch up on

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[The Midnight Girl]

okay, this is a long overdue comment since I've been reading since the beginning...what can I say? I love this fic. Words cannot express. I even have dreams about this fic. But anyway, thank you two so much for giving us all the season 7 that should have been. Joss could take a few (thousand) lessons from you. Can't wait for ep 5!

[Loco2]

hiya... i have tried to be patient - oh how i've tried... but the time has come that i cannot restrain myself from asking this any longer - when's the next episode?

"I'm not gay - I'm just Trevor's bitch." - some drunken guy about his sexuality
"Oh, bugger off, you BROLLY!" - Anya to Giles on his use of the english language
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[xita]

new to the archive And you can still leave feedback!

Next part can be found here

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Childie -"Not all girls are raving bloody lesbians, you know!"

George - "That's a misfortune of which I am perfectly well aware."

The Killing of Sister George

Edited by: xita  at: 8/30/02 2:05:08 am