Lordy I hope I'm doing this right... first post on the new board - I hope I do this correctly!
Kittens Hello all! First, I feel I must apologize for the extremely long delay - I didn't feel comfortable posting in the thread without an update and sadly, I haven't had much time to write these days due to a myriad of reasons. One of those reasons, unfortunately, is that my dad passed away on March 4. It was peaceful, and a blessing considering the amount of pain and discomfort he had been in up to that point. The cancer was just too aggressive; everything that could be done treatment-wise was done and yet it was still not enough. He was 56, and a wonderful, wonderful man. We will all miss him very much, and will hold the love he showed us close forever.
To that end... I wanted to say that I appreciate all of the well wishes posted here (he was grateful for the thoughts as well) but there's really no need to post condolences... I know, already, how you feel. Perhaps its selfish, but I'd like to keep this thread about the writing (I feel awkward enough about bringing my personal life to the board as is), and I think I'd just feel embarrassed if I bumped other deserving stories for posts that didn't have story feedback. Thank you all, again, for your tremendous support over the past few months. It was—and is—greatly appreciated.
Finally, I just wanted to say that future updates could be (ah heck, will be) sporadic, because I've had the *AMAZING* good fortune to fall in love (happily, it's reciprocated). Obviously, that whole shebang can take up a lot of one's free time, but she's nothing if not supportive of the whole writing thing, so hopefully I'll be able to steal away now and again to imagine and type away. I started writing Neverland because I wanted to feel what it was like to be in love--and I think I was able to capture that to some degree with Willow and Tara--but what I've written here doesn't compare to the feelings I get to experience with her (what a completely wonderful woman). Hopefully, if I'm lucky, I'll be able to capture a shade of that heart-bursting, smile-inducing craziness and weave it into this story. Thanks again everyone. On to the individual replies.
She Bopp No problem danielle, thanks for reading.
ShyTemptress brb.... when?!?
Thanks.
TemperedCynic Thanks - yeah, I wanted the first part with them snuggling to be muddled yet realistic in that way that only dreams can be. Glad you liked grumpy Willow (I always imagined she was a little on the hrumph side in the mornings) and that you liked Tara's smoothness with the coffee. Their conversation about Anya was tense; Anya just does that to people I guess. Thanks again.
meretricious Hi Mary.
Yes, very much more of Neverland to come, which seems slightly daunting because I haven't written in so long, but I have the rest of the story mapped out in my head (in meticulous detail) so hopefully it's just a matter of finding the time to write it down. Thank you re: the dream scene - I definitely wanted it to feel real. I think that's the blessing of Willow's unconscious mind in this story--it's sort of a portal to another, parallel life. And yes, poor Tara. She doesn't really have anyone to confide in about this crush for various reasons, and she's really struggling to come to terms with her own feelings, let alone the feelings she thinks Willow might be having. Anya and Khalil are going to be fun obstacles (to use your word) but they're not the only folks popping up in the next few updates. Good times! Thanks again.
wimpy0729 Did you bring the 0729 with you to this new board? I admittedly haven't been keeping up with the new names, going to be confusing for a while I'm sure!
Thanks very much, you know I do love that inner turmoil. Hope you enjoy the trip to get paints. Thanks!
singgirl Yay for happiness in abundance. Yeah, that dream was a little weird, not as obvious initially as the ones in the beginning. Hope you enjoy the day of errands and thanks Bev!
starcat73 Merciful Zeus - I updated and then went on an extended walkabout; hopefully not too long though. Re: "when the real thing happens, I will probably think it's a dream" -- I think it's safe to say Willow will feel the same way. Thanks re: the little set ups - I like getting a good idea of what's to come, where they're at so that when the big events are actually happening, I don't have to go back and explicitly say "Willow was feeling anxious before the party"; we know because we were there. The Anya interaction will indeed be interesting, but not as bad as I think some people are feeling. Stay tuned for that. Their time together is affecting their work, but not too badly. It will have some good side effects, I'm sure. And yeah, Buffy does need to come home... but she's not gonna, at least, not for a while. Soon though. Thanks!
Willow18 I'm pretty sure you're going by a new name here... Willow~Rosenberg, I think? (Just checked, yup; see, I'm not completely lost... : \) The dream was sneaky--I was a little nervous about how it would play out, but I'm glad you liked. Yay for you liking the sapphic safari line. I like alliteration (as I'm sure you all know) and I was pleased with that pairing. Sparks are flying, and they're very aware of each other - time to send them into the world for a reality check!
Thanks!
DarkWiccan Thanks very much - hopefully you've sobered up some and gotten some rest since the last time I posted.
snuggle79 Sorry for the confusing dream beginning, but glad you liked nonetheless. Both girls are thinking very hard about how to make the Anya-interaction work, but hopefully it'll all seem a little overblown once they do meet up with the girl. Thanks very much s79.
serendipitous Thanks very much - I do like the mix the updates up a bit, get some angst, followed by reflection, etc. I also like to show them just being. Sometimes, our most important revelations happen when just making coffee; it seems more realistic to give the girls those moments than just cram them into prefabricated "big epiphanies". Thanks again.
Irishgrl3 "It seems the more Willow gets to know Tara, the more Willow's dreams appear to be shifting a bit" - exactly. She's allowing herself to see the realities of a relationship instead of the idealized romantic aspects of being with Tara. That doesn't mean the sex and romance goes away, it's just sprinkled with a tenderness that only comes from being with someone for a while in a really honest way. For Tara... it's going to take a little longer because she has an inherently more complicated situation. Willow is gay, she has no one to confide in because she knows the reaction she'd get ("you're pining for a straight girl"). Surely, the closer they get, the more confused she'll get. Thanks anna.
WitchFu Thanks very much re: the "analytical aspect of their uncertainties" -- I find that I've spent a lot of time in my life trying to rationally figure out swirling emotions; might as well have them do it as well. Thanks very much for all of the great comments (yay again for someone liking the sapphic safari line) and yes, visit San Francisco, it's a beautiful city. Take care mary.
TromDeGrey Ah, well I don't know about coming out of the eye of the storm, but things are definitely going to start to get interesting. Willow is definitely using those dreams to full effect; I think if she didn't have them she'd be a little more clueless. And yes, for Tara, it all goes back to Xander. Willow is straight, in her mind, and Xander is the key. With that big roadblock, none of the other more obvious hints make sense. Very confusing. Hopefully they'll survive this trip out, relatively intact... thanks!
terra21 Very funny skit, and thanks very much for the compliment. Hope you enjoy the Anya interaction!
Wired vixen Hmm... big tell all scene is still a blip on the horizon, I'm afraid. Very much more to wade through before we get to that point, but hopefully some of it will be enjoyable. Thanks Stace.
littlecrazy80 Thanks - the inner turmoil is pretty overwhelming, but at least they're trying to think through it instead of just blindly ignoring the signals they're flashing at each other (hehe, "flashing").
sam darls Thanks very much sam.
LizPuRR Thanks! Hope you enjoy the next bit.
Grimlock72 Tara has very good reasons for talking to Anya, as will be revealed eventually. The woman is abrasive, but also can be astutely caring, and Tara definitely has appreciated her honesty in the past. Willow's "day off"... tricky that, as will be explained in this update. Tara is denying that things with Willow are a possibility, but for good reason. There's no indication that Willow is gay, every hint beside Willow being friendly (the person she knows Willow can be from Buffy) is that the girl is in love with Xander. Not great for Tara. Thanks Grimmy.
Tempest Duer Glad you're looking forward to Willow and Anya meeting - I hope it lives up to the hype!
thebardgirl Thanks very much Elizabeth, both for the fic praise and the "big back off" post. I appreciate both greatly, and while yes, the pressure can be somewhat overwhelming, I haven't been scared off, just incredibly er, overwhelmed by the life that is real. Thank you though, I truly appreciate your very sweet thoughts.
desertgrl Thank you very much, very glad the insecurity was able to shine through.
Hope you and the dogs are well, take care yourself!
Reallybigpineapple Ah, hopefully your heart can hold out for a bit longer, because it's going to take a bit (okay, a LOT) longer before this thing gets resolved. Very glad you enjoyed Willow talking to imaginary Tara and no worries, definitely won't be too hard on Anya. I love her to death, and don't see her as *just* crass. She's a bother, but also a great woman. Hopefully that'll come through loud and clear. Take care MJ and Les Savy Fav do indeed rock bells.
Willster Thank you very much - I hope you enjoy the Anya interaction (when I finally get around to it, haha).
JustSkipIt Thanks very much - I agree that the last update was a hard one to read after such a long break; I have a feeling this one will be the same. They are getting closer to figuring things out, but the clock is ticking in a way (how long can Tara wonder, after all). Hope you are well, and thanks again.
WillowRulez Glad you liked Tara making Willow coffee - just an example, I think, of how in tune they are without even really knowing it. Hope you enjoy the next bit and thanks.
WillowWise Thanks very much Aly. Glad you liked the dream, and I hope that when I do get around to writing the Anya part, that you're not disappointed. Take care.
Artemis Thank you very much. You know, I was grateful to read from you that you didn't think the last chapter was repetitive, because I was oh-so-afraid it was. Thanks re: Willow's dreams developing; I really wanted to show how much they are linking into the reality of the situation, even if neither girl can see it as the reality. You're right re: Anya - Tara is friends with her for a reason, and it's not because she gets a discount on paints. Willow can't see it now, but she will eventually, and that (like seeing that Xander really did love her in the series) will help take some of the edge off. Glad you liked the lovin' and yay for the smiley! Very cute. Khalil... in the grand scheme of things, he's going to be a very minor problem, but hopefully his calling will help give Tara an insight into Willow's character that she hasn't seen before. Thank you re: Tara making coffee; I thought about skimming through that part, but it seemed to call out to be written in detail. Tara is supremely confused by Willow. She has so much to sort through, and it seems that everytime she starts to get a handle on what's happening, Willow switches things up on her. Both Willow and Tara are anxious about the Anya meeting; Tara because she doesn't want to get hurt, and Willow because she doesn't want to hurt Tara. That'll be a driving force for the rest of the story. Thanks re: ogling Willow, just had to do it and as always, thanks for the great insight Chris.
outofhabit First, thanks to Chris for hosting this sucker on Looking Glass, and then thanks for you for reading it! I don't know about falling into the "best ever" category, but I appreciate the sentiment. The story is incredibly enjoyable to write, I really love seeing it play out in my mind before (and as) I write it. I love these characters, so it's a joy to spend time with them. Hope you enjoy the update, even though it is snuggle free. To steal your line, "thanks again".
Vickster Thanks very much.
Re: my style, thanks very much. I certainly didn't intend to write a novel, but this story sure is turning out to be one. It really is the only way I can write this story though; the attention to detail seems so necessary. The little revelations, how we feel about our own lives and about other people I think can be as important than the big Eureka! moments. Thanks.
BFR from Paris Unfortunately, going to have to wait a bit for the scene with Anya, slight detour before then. To answer your questions - I do have the story mapped out in my mind, meaning I have a series of things I want the girls to experience together before the time is over. I do not, however, know how many chapters it will take, because I try and let the story lead me. Sure, I know I want Willow and Tara to have another "date", but who knows how they'll get to that point. Thanks!
DreamLover Thanks very much. Yes, this story is definitely slow, in that I'm obsessing on each little detail instead of showing an entire day in one sitting - for W/T though this story, from start to finish, is going to seem like a whirlwind. I too am a massive hater of the alarm clock; I actually think there should be a state law against using the noise in advertising or in on TV/in films (makes my skin crawl when I hear it on TV). Glad you enjoyed Willow checking out Tara - an essential component of any crush. Thanks again.
hidden watson I think you're going by watson these days, but better safe than sorry. Thanks very much re: my replies -- everyone obviously puts so much thought into their replies, I'd feel criminal if I didn't do likewise. Plus, it's fun. Have you seen Return of the Sith (you mentioned it in this last reply). I enjoyed it more than the previous two, for sure (I'm in love with Obi Wan's lizard friend). Glad you enjoyed the dream, even if it was super subtly placed. Tara is in a tough spot - she's intuitive, so she's picking up on Willow's care, but that care doesn't match with any of the stuff she *knows* (aka Willow is straight and in love with Xander). Makes things hard on a girl. Her good intentions in warning Willow about Anya did come out a bit messy, but hopefully they'll serve a purpose when the girls do meet up later. Khalil might seem like a big road block, but he really is harmless, and inadvertently his attention will give Tara a glimpse of Willow she didn't really have before. I hope you enjoy the next update, and thank you.
alysagoddess85 Aw, I think dancing in a laundry room, for any reason, is pretty cool. Willow is definitely starting to pick up on Tara's feelings, or at least her subconscious is. She's still a little too insecure to admit it in her awake world; it would just be too devastating to give into the hope only to have it snatched away as a delusion. Haha re: the crack comment. I'm going to take that as a good thing. Thanks!
Traveler4069 I like your ambiance for the update; very nice. Thanks very much.
WillowSpiritus Hopefully you won't be disappointed to learn the Anya update is still a bit off - have to get through some other stuff first. Seeing Anya is a stress for both girls, but hopefully they'll sail through it relatively unscathed.
Khalil is going to be a tiny thorn in Willow's side, but nothing major. I'm very glad you liked the dream. Thanks so much!
pipsberg Hi.
You pretty much hit the nail on the head about Willow's dream being half-awake/fantasy. She might not be totally in control of it, but she's with it enough to know that she wants to be there, and the Tara in her dreams is looking more and more like the real Tara. Meanwhile, back at the ranch... Tara doesn't yet realize she's worthy of the love Willow is hiding from her, but hopefully that will change as she slowly opens up to Willow and the possibility. I think calling their interactions "more complex and convoluted" is perfect, and Willow and Anya... well let's just hope the hype doesn't kill that interaction. Thank you very very much.
angel of salvation Glad you liked the dream, and your suggestion of Tara keeping Willow company sounds fantastic. Thanks!
bullko Thank you very much, you're really too, too kind! *big blush*
behindhereyes Thanks very much Kim for the complements. I'm glad you're still enjoying the story, and yes, we all need our dreams.
Kajun See! Still have every intention of finishing this bad boy, even though it will probably take me longer than I anticipate. Dream-Tara is definitely a habit for Willow, one which she's going to have a hard time giving up. You're right, Tara is noticing how well they fit and it's a definite truth; they fit in a lot of ways. The reasoning behind the title of this fic will definitely be revealed during the course of the story, that much I can promise. Thank you very much, hope you are well.
wiccanbotanist Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy the next update.
stillrunning Aw, I'm very honored you had your first post in this thread.
Hopefully one of many (both here and on the board as a whole). Thanks very much, hope you like the next set of twists and turns.
Mokeywench80 Thank you very much re: the storyline and character development - it's funny, I didn't really think I had much of the former, because I was concentrating on the latter. The park... that will definitely be an adventure within the adventure, one I promise I will cover.
VixenyTarasHot Tara will realize Willow's feelings... eventually, haha, but for now she's still really hung up on what she *knows*, which is that Willow is straight and in love with Xander. Sorry re: the confusing dream, but glad you liked the realness of it.
willowmagick Thanks very much, hope you enjoy the next update.
fabaguty No worries re: the english not being your native language.
That is the big question I guess, when Willow is going to tell Tara - have quite a bit more to get through before we get to that point (not a completed fic... yet). Hope you enjoy, even if the postings are slow.
Rhiannon9891 Thank you very much Rhiannon, really appreciate it.
iheartamber To answer your question, this is Tuesday during the week - Willow will tell her mom on Saturday, Buffy on Sunday. Tara... well that's just cheating to give that away. Hope that clears things up and thanks!
veiled isis moon Thanks very much (especially for the little dancing guy).
Truck driving magic mama You're absolutely right; both girls fear Anya, or maybe more realistically, their reactions to Anya. Glad you liked Tara mulling over the day, and yeah, Xander... I love him too, and when Tara realizes what's going on... she's going to have a very very different impression of him. Thanks Melissa!
luv4willtara Thanks Katie for the many kind words! No Anya in this one, sadly, but surely she'll have an impact on Willow.
ker shmuckit Thanks very much!
tarawhipped Hmm... if your feedback was late, this reply is *really* late.
You're spot on, they are asking the right questions but are so off with the conclusions, perhaps it'll get better soon. Tara especially is going to need a lot of assumption-readjusting, but once she sees what's really going on - whoo-hoo! Anya is definitely going to be interesting, although... little worried about it not living up to the hype. : \ Feel free to continue with train metaphors, cause I do like choo-choos. Thanks Cam!
numbered words Thanks so much Kristyn
pikescoob Wow, that's some serious dedication to read this sucker in two sittings. I'm glad you like it though, even though Tara's misconception about Xander is frustrating, and that they're hopelessly in love without knowing it. Oops. Thanks for trusting me though, hope I don't let you down. Enjoy!
WillowNTara4ever Thanks very much - I hope you enjoy the latest update.
CreepyPlayhouse32 Thanks very much!
fabouly Thanks very much. This fic's pacing is different than the others on the board. I'm not really interested in racing to the bedroom; them being together, in my mind, is no more important than how they get there (obviously, from the updates posted so far). I can see how some might find it boring, but thems the breaks! Hope you enjoy the updates to come, even if they are numerous in number and crawl at a snails pace.
wilgen Thanks very much Ingrid.
FireFlyofDust Sorry I didn't post on your bday Trish, but hope you like this update.
ksstheviolets Wow, very honored you registered so you could post feedback here! Thank you, I hope you've stuck around and are posting in the other stories on the board (there are a ton of great ones). Thanks very much Brandy.
AmbeRocks Thanks so much Jen, hope you enjoy the next update.
Irene73 Thank you very much. I'm glad you like seeing how their relationship is building slowly, starting with a friendship and yes, the fact that Willow hasn't come out is frustrating. You did indeed get the timeline right, but only a few more days (even though that could take months in Pens time) until she's out, out, out. Thank you for the writing compliment, and yes, they will eventually proclaim their undying love. Eventually.
Thanks very much Irene.
Jes021 Wow, another lurker coming out of the shadows! Thank you very much, I'm super honored and hope you stick around (both here and on the board; there are a ton of great stories to read). Another wow for your very kind compliments. I'm very humbled, and appreciate it very much. Thanks Jes, truly.
ExtraFlameyWT Sorry Aimee that you read it all in one go only to find yourself without an ending, but thank you very much for the kinds words.
Poised20 Sorry about the frustration, but hopefully as the week goes on and they get to spend more time together we'll get some lovey dovey. Thanks!
Dexter23 Thanks Hannah for the kind words.
GayNow Thanks very much - I know this is going really slowly (and the long break didn't help) but hopefully it'll be worth it.
SlayerCommaThe Welcome, lurker (hopefully no longer a lurker but a frequent poster here on the board). And geez, that's some high praise *big blush*. Thank you very much, I'm really honored. Wow, just... thanks, so much. Hope you like the next update.
hondosfirst Thanks very much Rose, hope you enjoy the next update.
YunaMaClay Thanks Patricia - hopefully you don't stay a lurker cause it's good to see you around!
munchkin flavoured jellyb Aw, very sweet, thank you heather - hope you enjoy this next bit.
Lythande Another lurker, whew... very honored, thanks. Thanks very much Jerri, hope you like this next chapter.
ultimatecouple Ah, well any excuse to use a moving emoticon. Thanks.
willow fan7 Thanks very much.
MJs biggest fanatic Wow, all in one sitting! Lots of questions, I'll let you discover the answers in future updates (cause, why ruin the fun). Thanks!
darkmagicwillow You know, ironically I'm not usually a fan of the all normal AU genre myself, but this story kind of has a life of it's own and has come out in its own way.
I'm glad you've enjoyed it though, that means a lot. I hope you like the conclusion of the story, even if it takes a while.
closetromanticcynic Thank you very much for all of the kind words (wow, truly). I really appreciate everything you wrote, thank you.
ringwaldoeuvre Thank you very much (and congratulations on the delurking). I'm glad you're enjoying the musical name drops; you'll just have to read on to see what else good ol' Willow and Tara are listening to these days.
InnocentLilAngel Another first post - wow, thank you, I'm honored. I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far (even though they are kissless) and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story.
the Prey Thanks very much, although, I'm still partial to the Peter Pan version of Neverland.
Naeryn Goodness - you read this all in 10 hours? Wow. Thank you very much. I think the Willow and Tara in this story are insecure, but they have reason to be (more on that as the story goes along) and I don't think it's too debilitating. Really appreciate everything, thank you.
shroomgirl Thanks very much Em, I really appreciate the post. Hopefully you like this latest update, and the rest of the story (whenever that gets posted...)
Bozwell Thanks Boz, I'm glad you're enjoying so far. Hopefully you'll like this latest post as well.
dorksrcool Nice name.
As my girlfriend tells me, dorksrhot, as well. Glad you recognize the SF in this story - that's one difficult thing, making the setting flexible but realistic as well. Thank *you* for your feedback; really hope you like the new update.
And speaking of new updates... let's get to it!
by munchkin flavoured jellyb » Tue Mar 08, 2005 6:37 pm 
(who, at this point, doesn't care if she's offended others for saying this, because SOMEONE had to do it, dammit....)
This Neverland is waaaaay better that the one with Peter Pan, lol. I can't wait for the secrets to be out. Can't I just jump in to the story and tell Tara that Willow loves her, and tell Willow that Tara loves her. Please, please, please?
