New Fic - Neverland

[StarCat]

HEY HEY HEY it's Heather !!!!

I am sooo glad you are still continuing this story. I love it so much. I have been checking everyday since your last update ( even when I went to my sister's on vaction. I had to fix her computer so I could get online). I am glad to hear that everything is starting to come together in your life. My situation is a little better but not quite there. Kinda like your Willow and Tara.

As for the update, It is a great first half. There is so many ways for the second part events could go so wrong. I myself is hoping for a happy second part but who are we kidding . I understood every emotion Tara went through when Willow got the call from Xander. When you are holding in all your emotions, anger is usually the one that breaks free.

Now I see that there are two things you are not letting go . One is Willow moving out. I just hope this was one of those irrational thoughts that popped in Tara's head for only a second. Two is Morgan. I liike Morgan. She is a good character to twist things around, cause a little trouble and keep things interesting. She just might force Willow to say or do something that will catch Tara's attention. She seems nice. She will make a nice girlfriend for someone but not Tara. I hope .

One last thing. I still can't understand why Willow would smile at Xander's pic like that. I understand Tara mis-interepting the look but for Michelle to see something other than friendship is confusing. It might be me and my panicky ways but was something about that part that didn't sit right with me at all.

Ok that's it for now. I have to save some for the second or maybe third part. Thanks for the wonderful update.

[Kajun]

Heather: It’s a delight to welcome you back on the Pens.. CHEERS!

I loved Tara taking the opportunity to openly, yet secretly, sneak love-struck glances at Willow. Out in the open and in secret.. haha.. sorry.. it's funny in my head. Tara will have many more opportunities to ogle Willow throughout the day so there’s a good chance she will still get well and truly *caught*.

Loved this:

"Stupid dummy head. It's like he takes pleasure in torturing me with these stupid questions that I know he knows the stupid answers to. I'm sorry,"

The fact that I stopped reading to glance curiously around the room after this line:

Tara pointed up and around and Michelle's brow creased. "The... ceiling... lights told you she wasn't here?"

is a good indication of how well written this story is. Thank goodness I stopped gawking at the ceiling mumbling, “Lights? Wha?” and read Tara’s explanation. Haha. You *should* be getting paid to write! Amazing..

Smooth transition from Tara noticing Willow’s tenseness at the mention of the party to a brief discussion on labels. Instead of focusing on Xander, there are two interesting points for Tara to reflect on. The rest of the update made my heart just.. ache. This reminds me of Xander's line from Family:

"The answer is somewhere here. It's right in front of us and we're too blind to see it!"

It's incredibly wonderful to have you back and updating. I've missed this story so much. And I don’t mind the pacing at all but.. I’m gonna run off to *knock on wood* for many more free minutes for you! Bless you, take care and thanks for the lovely “heart-flares”..

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Heather,
Well glad to hear that it is still good news on the love front. And also that you look forward to writing and posting more frequently.

Without being insulting I think that you are right that this update doesn't flow quite as well as the prior ones. That said, it's still really great and I know that you have to sometimes get into it.

Now we're at a really sad part. I mean Tara's mad and hates Xander and she can't keep that secret at all and worse, she's decided that Morgan looks like something good based on her jealousy of Xander. Meanwhile, Willow will come out all giddy at her day with Tara to find her flirting with Morgan? She'll be crushed and probably want to get comfort from Xander. Arggghhh. Now I really have to say that I was expecting something from Michelle referencing her comment to Willow that Morgan was wasting her time with Tara which I took to mean that Michelle is the one person who gets it all.

Now all of this just underlines my statement which is that I think lying is bad. No, really bad. Bad on a basic level. I think that this type of lying kills your soul and in this case, could cause you to lose out on someone who you love and who loves you. It's stupid and bad and I vote against it. There, that's done now.

[WillowRulez]

Oh wow, thank you so much for this update!!!
I dont wanna say I had given up on this story because it is my fav story around... I was trying to imagine what would happen next so I wouldnt miss it too much... do I make any sense??? (I have a very bad case of jetlag...)
I hope you will update again. Soon!
Glad everything's alright with you.

[WickedReds]

Welcome back Heather!

-reds

[WillowWise]

Ok I haven't read the update yet, but I know from past posting that it will be amazing, I just wanted to say thank you for updating, this is one of my favorite fics I have ever read.

[Artemis]

Welcome back!

I can see how this half-chapter wasn't quite so in-the-moment as previous ones - the way it brought up 'old' issues (inverted commas because said issues are, what, a few days old?) was a little bit story-ish. But I don't feel that that's necessarily a bad thing - evidently the angst is about to reappear in bulk, and I was glad to have those threads brought back to my mind in preparation. I think it'd work out that way even without the time between updates, so it didn't bother me at all.

Now, I just have to say, when Tara was remembering Buffy explaining the joy of teasing Willow? That was you, wasn't it, giving a thinly-veiled explanation of how it's so much fun to dangle the prospect of Willow/Tara happiness in front of us all, and then snatch it away and hide it behind Morgan and the Xander Issue That's okay - like Willow, I'm not permanently damaged - just so long as there's eventual goodness. I'm holding on to that thought like a conspiracy geek holding onto Area 51 rumours, even when all seems lost, The X Files has turned dumb and finished, and no-one else is bothered by the strange lights in the sky any more... rambling here

I'm really interested in Tara being mad at Willow - and I can totally understand it. Tara's lacking information, but putting that aside, I'm inclined to think that her reaction is that of a good, true friend, no matter how much she feels upset at feeling anger towards her beloved redhead. So far as she knows, Willow has every reason in the world to get over Xander, she's been hurt by him, and Tara's done all the shoulder-to-cry-on offering she could reasonably do, given that Willow doesn't seem to want a shoulder to cry on. At this point - if what Tara believed about Xander were the case - the best thing for Willow may well be a friend prepared to get angry in plain view and go "Hey! What the hell are you doing?! You deserve better than this!" It could make her look at herself, and her choices, the way offering comfort and passive support may not.

Of course, Tara doesn't know the key piece of information that would make it all make sense, and show her that she has no reason to be upset at Willow for pining after Xander - but it's difficult to blame Tara for that, any more than you could blame Willow for being upset on seeing Tara, apparently, return from the rooftop in a state of post-snuggle with Morgan. Conversely, it's not as if you can just lay the blame on Willow (in the Xander case) for not telling Tara - she doesn't realise what Tara thinks is going on, any more than Tara realised what Willow believed had been going on between her and Morgan.

That's the thing I love about this story - and which drives me nuts - neither Willow nor Tara are really, wholly in the wrong, and neither of them are blameless. They're just, y'know, human - they get along, and make mistakes, and do the best they can at the time, and try to figure out how to make things better. And being human, they're not easy to figure out. If they weren't so madly in love with each other, maybe they'd see the one piece of information they're both missing that makes it all make sense: yes, she loves you too. As it is, more stumbling around and blundering based on assumptions and misinterpretations.

Speaking of blundering, Morgan... Well, it's not difficult to understand what, I'm guessing, Tara's about to do. She's not some uber-serene ocean of calm - which I like about her in this story, and others that portray her this way - she's a woman with deep, strong feelings beneath her often-calm exterior, and her feelings can sway her just as much as other people's do them, perhaps more. She's mad at Willow - maybe, on some level, paying attention to Morgan is a childish attempt to spark a reaction from Willow, to say "Hey! Mad at you!", even though she doesn't understand why Willow would have this reaction. Her hopes for being with Willow have just been re-dashed with the reminder that she's still (she believes) in love with the undeserving Xander, and thus still Not Gay - and Tara's probably feeling foolish herself right about now, for putting the Not Gay thing from her mind, while it seemed to be going so well. And Morgan is attractive, interesting, and interested - and when you look at it rationally (rather than the "Hey you! Hands off Tara!" approach) Morgan hasn't really been the bad girl in this, she's attracted to Tara (who isn't? ) and she's doing her best to realise something between them. I liked the reference to 'the kindness in her eyes' - like Willow and Tara, Morgan isn't one-dimensional in this, she's just human, and it's difficult to fault her for trying, even though she has, unwittingly, caused upset between our beloved girls. Morgan's unquestionably tempting for Tara, at this moment when she's been rudely reminded that (again, she believes) the chances of her and Willow ever getting together are none and none. There's all sorts of confused reasons why Tara would suddenly think "Y'know what? What the hell, let's go with Morgan!" - and being confused reasons, even to her, they'll be difficult to sort out once she calms down.

In the midst of this looming catastrophe, I am heartened by Tara's feeling that nothing makes sense about being mad at Willow, or the whole situation - it may just be that she doesn't want to be upset with her, because of the whole madly-in-love thing, but I think perhaps, on some level, Tara is realising that she's not seeing the whole picture, and that's why she can't figure things out, even though she thinks she's figured out enough to base a reaction on. Perhaps there's hope...

In the meantime though, there will be despair and turmoil - just as Willow seems to have gotten things in order, the Tara side of the equation is spiralling towards disaster (The angry smiley's so pleased to have a real reason to show up this time.) Your writing has a definite 'treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen' quality to it Well I can't complain, I'm hooked. I didn't queue up in the cold for the latest Harry Potter, or even Iron Council or the new Flashman book, but if Neverland were reaching stores a chapter at a time, you'd find me camped outside in a sleeping bag without fail every delivery date

[Axel_Avalon]

HOLY FUCK!!!


An update. I love this story, it's absolutely amazing.

[the hero factor]

Yay, an update!

Whoa, Tara's all mad at Willow. I did not see that coming, but it's cool. And, I'm sure, will be a good source of some lovely tension and angst in the future.

I liked the phone call with Xander, and how Willow doesn't seem to know much more about his construction job, than she complained he knew about her computer job in an earlier part.

So what's up with this call from Morgan to Tara? And does Michelle know something, or thinks she knows something?

And that last paragraph...yikes. Part of me was like, "Nonononononono! No looking at Morgan!" But it's understandable that she would consider her. And, again, yay for angst.

Can't wait for more.

[watty]

On the good news front, they're continuting to spend time with each other and seem to be enjoying it. On the bad news front, the series of mis-communication and mis-read signals continue. I honestly can'e believe how two people who obviously feel so much toward each other can muck up the signals they're sending to the love of their lives. *Shakes head.*

You have Tara discretely ogling Willow on the street; you have Willow's eyes shining brightly at the mention of Tara. And then Willow has to smile stupidly at Xander's image on her phone; and Tara has to misread the "Xander is my friend" comment. And it's almost like the Comedy of Errors is about to begin again.

Will I blame Tara if she accepted Morgan's offer ... obviously of a relationship? I dunno. Not entirely. She has herself to blame for not opening up to Willow, but then again, Willow's seemingly intense obsession with Xander is the huge elephant in the room. Being mad at Willow? Perhaps not fair but not totally without reason. Now I can see Willow ending her call, coming out to see Tara all chummy with Morgan. Sigh, it's never going to end, this frustrating angst is it. I love it!

Was your writing rusty? Not as smooth? To be honest I hardly noticed, I was all getting angsty about the angst. Even upon second and third reading, I was intrigued. It got better and better as the update went, it flowed ... so I for one, didn't feel it was disjointed. I just want you to carry on posting at more regular intervals, okay?
[br]

[the hero factor]

So, in my excitement over the recent update-age, I was inspired to make a Neverland wallpaper. Heather said it would be alright if I post it here to share with everyone. So, here it is:

Neverland Wallpaper


ImageShack

[Kajun]

the hero factor: Beautiful wallpaper!!

Watson wrote:

Was your writing rusty? Not as smooth? To be honest I hardly noticed, I was all getting angsty about the angst. Even upon second and third reading, I was intrigued. It got better and better as the update went, it flowed ... so I for one, didn't feel it was disjointed. I just want you to carry on posting at more regular intervals, okay?

In total agreement with you, Watson!

Heather: I didn’t need to re-read the previous chapter to effortlessly step, once again, into the wondrous world you have created. I still *see* the vibrant red stripe of paint across the white canvas, *feel* the glass beads as they gently slip along Tara’s wrist, *smell* Tara’s fragrance on Willow’s body when she inadvertently used the blonde’s soap, *hear* the concern for Tara in Willow’s voice as she stands, bathed in moonlight, atop the stairs, and *taste* the blueberry bagel with cream cheese Willow had thoughtfully bought for Tara. All this, and so much more. Multi-sensory stimulation is, for me, great storytelling. On a bit of a side note: I highly recommend picking up the Ghosts of Albion novel “Accursed” written by Amber Benson and Christopher Golden. You can pre-order from several book stores or even get an early copy from ebay. Sorry.. I can’t discuss great storytelling without thinking of two of my favorite published authors. Now back to the point.. this update felt every bit as “stimulating” (That sounds kinda dirty but that isn’t my intention… really.) and flowed as well as all previous chapters. Sorry for the second feedback but I wanted to make a few more comments including for the above mentioned kittens. Anyway.. Thanks again!!

[Ressick]

Wow. I just discovered this fic this weekend, and read the whole damn thing up to the present. I so ignored all my homework too. This story is just amazing. You've captured the girls perfectly, and I love how complex it is between them. The requited-but-unknown love angle is splendid. Your emotional complexity is rarely seen in fic, and you are an evil evil person to taunt us with all those dream scenes. I'm running out of good adjectives here. I think you've just captured things perfectly, and I am now completely hooked. I can't wait for the next update.

[EasierSaid]

YMKA Hey Marina - thanks so much for the warm welcome back. Glad you thought the update was cute, haha. Tara being angry, or I guess, more accurately, frustrated, is a good thing, I think. It will hopefully allow her to look at things a little differently. No smoochies, but hopefully some insight. Thanks!

FiestySunnBust Thanks

LesbianJedi87 Your watch has "ages" on it - haha that's one funky watch! I agree that Willow does need to tell Tara the truth about Xander... now, if only she would figure out that there is a truth in need of telling! This bit is a rough patch, but hopefully things will come out better on the other side. Thanks Rose.

Sally McFine Thanks very much and welcome to the Angst Appreciation Club haha. Glad you thought Tara's thoughts were easy to follow - I felt like it was pretty forced, myself, but glad that despite the somewhat choppy writing, the emotions came through. That's really all I could ask for that update.

Miss Kittys Ball O Yarn Aw shucks - absolutely no reason to be intimidated by little ol' me, promise. Thanks very much though for posting feedback, I really appreciate your kind words. I'm just trying to be as faithful as possible to the characters I fell in love with on the show; so many layers, lots of potential for both characters (hell all the characters: Xander, Buffy, etc) to go in a lot of different directions, as I'm sure you know as a fellow writer. Thanks again though - very cool to hear from you.

WillowRTaraM1 Boo to your stomach being in knots but yay for you liking the update! Lots of revelations to come over the next couple of days for them (who knows how many updates that will constitute...). I think this kind of rough spot is good for them - they always seem to come out of these things with a new perspective. Not sure if Tara is going to find out about Xander right away... but her thoughts on him are definitely changing. Thanks!

Marilda Thanks!

pipsberg You know how I know you're gay? Cause... your... face, is... (*hits head, yanks hair* Stupid!) Anyway... um, remember, that time, when I updated... and you posted a reply...? That was awesome. Thanks very much for the congratulations, as you know it feels good to get the ball rolling again. (Hehe, "mantastic".)

badkitty Again with the stomach twisting - that can't be good! Thanks though, I'm very happy to know I have the most rocks (Wait... what?) As for Morgan, don't worry too much about her, she's a good girl. No smoochies yet, but hopefully you'll enjoy the alternative.

AlysonGoddess That's a major mix of emotion! No smoochies yet, but hopefully their growing closeness will be enough of a salve. Thanks!

spells42 Thanks so much, I still think it was rusty, but so glad you enjoyed it anyway. Enjoy the next one!

Leafsdude You know, I think that maroon bouncing guy was the Official Emoticon for Neverland Update 39a(TM) - which means you guys are very silly and very cool. Thanks for the kind words David, very much appreciated. I think two steps forward and one step back is right, but I kind of see this day for them like the party at Morgan's... if that makes sense. Sure, it seemed bad then... but look at how much good stuff came out of it! Lots of fodder for reflection and discussion. Good times will come out of this, even if it seems icky right now. Enjoy the next update!

eirnlove Haha, thanks very much.

BFR from Paris I know what you mean, I don't get to the board much these days either, but I'm glad that when you're back, you're checking in with this story. Thanks!

s82 v Hehe, I think the all caps sentence pretty much conveyed the excitement. Hope you enjoy this next update.

grimlock72 Yeah, that last paragraph was something of a stinger. : \ But necessary! Tara's in a pickle of a position, and these kind of scenarios playing out in her head, I think, helps. (That's right - helps, you'll see.) You're right, though, she is a bit passive, and Morgan's aggressiveness is an attractive quality right about now. Wouldn't it be nice to have fun, date, not have to constantly question the other person's motivation, feelings, etc... Tara's anger... it's multi-directional. She thinks she's mad at Willow, but then there's still anger at Xander, and most importantly, anger at herself for being in the situation. Not fun at all. Willow moving out - it's going to come up again, definitely, and if Willow thinks things are moving forward with Tara and Morgan... she'd most definitely feel like a third wheel. As for the update being complicated - oh yeah, I've had a baffled look on my face for the last week trying to sort it all out! Thanks Grimmy.

Urn of Osiris Very suble and I do hope to get to the happiness and confessions of the soul sooner rather than later. Thank you very much, your comments are hugely appreciated! And thanks re: the cliffhanger.

Guppy Holy macaroni - welcome! I hope you have fun on the board, and get to post to a lot of the other great stories on Pens. Thanks very much, and really hope you like the next update.

I love Danish Thanks very much - Tara is definitely going to be shouting, in her own special way, at the chaos in her life. And... when the shouting is done, lots of new ideas are going to form and percolate and hopefully lead to good times for them both. Thanks!

cebrau Thank you, thank you, thank you! Definitely not trying to torture, honest. No smoochies, not yet, but I do hope you like where this is going in the meantime.

captain katie Thanks - it's really good to be back. Glad someone's happy to see Morgan back - I really like her, and think despite the friction that her appearances tend to create, they're ultimately of the good for everyone involved (except maybe Morgan, poor thing). Thanks, and warm happy thoughts to you in return.

TinyAnt Hi there - thanks very much for dropping in. Really, no need to feel intimidated - everyone here is really nice and I'm sure other people enjoyed your words as much as I did. Thanks for the kind sentiments - I think Willow seeing Morgan, and Tara contemplating dating Morgan, are going to be good for them in the long run (obviously). I'm glad you weren't too put-off with the cliffhanger and hope you like the next update.

Foomatic Thanks very much - I'm very happy to hear you don't mind the pace, and yay for Pacifica indeed! I really appreciate the kind words about the setting - that has been a lot of fun for me, as I go about my daily life, just figuring out where to put them next. As for the Castro... maybe in a future update. Glad you liked the tension with Morgan back in the picture, and really hope you like where things go in this upcoming update. (And hehe re: WD-40.)

caz Thanks very much for the first time fb, although no slapping Morgan! Haha she's a nice girl, I promise, and having her around it a good thing, I promise. I think Willow will come out of this okay, even though it might be a little tough in the moment. Michelle... she's a smart cookie, and her insight will be helpful for some. Thanks!

Missocki Did you buy the ticket (and more importantly, did you win anything?!) Thanks very much, and the billboard was pretty funny. The girls... they're taking their sweet time with the clue-figurin', but it will come in time, for sure. Hope you enjoy the next installment and thanks again!

irishgrl3 Hi there - I'm glad you liked Tara's "quiet observation" time - I always liked that aspect of the show, the little looks the two would give each other when they were just walking along, etc. And of course, those stolen looks are the best parts of being around a crush; building a little mental library of expressions, etc. Good times. Hehe re: Willow hucking the phone in a lake - huck is a great word and it is not used anywhere near enough. Tara being angry at Willow instead of Xander, is a good first step I think to unraveling the mystery of that relationship. As for Morgan... nice girl going after the wrong girl - but nice nonetheless. Hope you enjoy the update.

StarCat A couple more of those bouncy maroon guys! Ah, sorry you've been checking every day and I've been awol - I'm telling you, when busy rains, busy pours. Thanks for the kind words re: the first half - I think the second half will fall somewhere in the middle; not good, but not totally bad too. Forward movement, in any event. Willow's moving out will definitely be a continued theme - it's something that both girls have been thinking about, and is a natural thought considering Willow's stay was supposed to be temporary anyway. Morgan... you're right, she would make a nice girlfriend for someone. I think she's good for them, but you'll have to let me know as the story goes on. Willow smiling at Xander... I think she was just relieved to hear from him after he went AWOL all weekend. As for Michelle... you'll have to check out this update, but I'm pretty sure she was just commenting that Willow looked happy (and not necessarily in love). Probably just some bad writing on my part that left it a little too vague. Thanks very much though for everything and enjoy this next part.

Kajun Ah, thanks for the cheer-y welcome! Tara ogling Willow is a good thing - but I think for the rest of the day... well, you'll need to read this next update. Glad you liked the stupid dummy head line, and the ceiling lights line - funny that you looked around. Tara is definitely tuned into Willow's frequency, she just can't hear what's in the girls head... so she notices tenseness, happiness etc, but she has no context for their appearances (if that makes sense). Hopefully that will start to clear up, sooner rather than later. I love the line you brought up from Family - that's totally it! And both girls will feel mighty dumb when everything is revealed, I'm sure. Additional thanks for the additional post. Wow - you know, it's readers like you that make me feel so lucky to post on this board. You guys are *observant* - holy cow! I just feel really appreciative and grateful that you took the time to put that together, thanks. Enjoy the next update!

JustSkipIt Thanks for the continued good thoughts about love and writing, and no insult taken, that last one was hard for me to post because I had to force it a bit, and didn't really feel like it was done (as in, I know it could have been polished more) but... I just wanted to get something up without worrying and fretting too much about it being perfect because I hadn't posted in so long and who knew when I'd have the time to again in the near future. I really picked an awkward time in the story to jump out of my flow, because there are so many things happening at this stage: Tara switching gears with Willow and Xander, Morgan in the picture, Michelle acting like she might know something, Willow starting to clue in on Buffy/Xander tension, Willow feeling confident but still shaky... the list goes on and on. So, of course, trying to come up with some seamless update that could cover everything and still be what I wanted it to be - not in the cards. But hopefully, it will have gotten the ball rolling so the next updates are a little more smooth and less recap-ish. You're right, this is a bit of a sad part, but I have a feeling it's not as hard as the party, for all involved. Willow is a little more confident about her position with Tara (and Morgan's non-position), and Tara's anger, or frustration, might allow herself to be less polite where Willow and Xander are concerned. Should be interesting to see how so much misunderstanding can still exist, yet not be a paralyzing factor, for all involved. Re: your comment about lying - I'm guessing you're referring to their multiple sins of omission, not being completely honest about everything from jump. It's a hard situation sometimes. How do you know if you're burdening someone with your truth; how do you know that you're taking care of yourself when you're so concerned about taking care of the people around you? Etc, etc. Fundamental questions that have gotten both of these girls into this mess. I think when they get things figured out, those kinds of questions will be the ones they ask. Thanks for the thoughtful feedback and enjoy the next update!

WillowRulez Thanks very much and I totally know what you mean; I've done that with other stalled stories on this board myself. I hope you've recovered from the jetlag and that you like the next update.

WickedReds Thanks muchly reds!

WillowWise Thanks - hope you enjoyed the update!

Artemis Hola! Thanks very much for your thoughts on the story-ish nature of the last update; I knew it was rough when I posted, but sometimes, you just have to go with what's less than ideal if it means getting the ball rolling again (much rather be back in the flow an update down the line than stuck nitpicking that last post, if you know what I mean). I can live with it; just glad it didn't bother you! I can honestly say that I wasn't slyly referring to myself with Buffy's teasing flashback; but funny that you'd say so! You're pretty much right on with your thoughts about Tara being mad at Willow. The added component is that Tara feels like its none of her business what Willow's doing; unlike Buffy, who has years of friendship on her side, Tara can't just tell Willow off for being (in her mind) a sucker. So, she just stews. Hopefully in the next update, that fog will start to clear and she'll look at the situation a little differently. Really look at Willow and Xander's relationship and start piecing things together. And of course, you're right - Willow has no idea Tara is confused about the situation. Of course, if she did know, she'd clear it up in a second. I'm glad to hear you like Morgan - I really want to make sure that the supporting characters (esp the ones I've inserted into the W/T world) aren't cardboard saints or sinners; but have layers like the rest of the players. Morgan - nice girl, just barking up the wrong tree, as it were, and you're right, Tara is looking in her direction as a reaction to what's going on with Willow. Confusing time for Tara, but I think the temptation of "normal" will make her try harder for something with Willow, if that makes sense. (In other words, I hope I can make things work in upcoming updates.) Tara... she's mixed up, but at least her gut/heart is starting to ring in with some home truths. Once she gets her mind out of the way, and starts to follow the feelings she's having (that Willow and her are real), whooooa baby. And thanks so much - I would hope that you wouldn't have to camp out (pre-order on Amazon haha). Thanks so much Chris - hope you like the next one.

Axel Avalon It's like a little parade of emoticons! Thanks very much.

the hero factor Thanks very much, member of the red sox nation! Tara being mad at Willow will help the situation, I hope, and you're right, Willow is as clueless about what Xander does for work as he is about her stuff. I thought that was sort of standard for the show; passing interest in what he was capable of, but not a lot of, "so explain again how you're now wearing a suit and carrying around blueprints?" The Morgan call and Michelle knowledge are both covered in this update, hopefully to your satisfaction. The last paragraph from the last update... I know, yikes, but hopefully good will come out of it. And, seriously, a big major thanks for the very, very cool wallpaper. As I mentioned in PM, I just love how you captured all of the different relationships in the film strip at the bottom. Just awesome. That's what I love about Pens - its a big circle of inspiration. I was inspired to write this story by other writers on the board, thebardgirl whipped up some beautiful drawings because she was inspired by tarawhipped's stories - it's just so awesome, and a true sign of how creatively stimulating this place is. So, again, many mucho thanks!

watson Yup, you nailed it - good news, bad news... which will prevail? The poor girls have so much built up in their minds that it's difficult to see what's right in front of them - a bad, bad deal that should start to slowly unravel soon. I think the comedy of errors is indeed in play - that's this whole story haha, just one 'oops' after another. Man they are going to feel silly when all is said and done. Tara's thoughts on Morgan... well that's the fake brass ring, right? The beautiful girl who is interested in her - close, but no cigar, and Tara will have an interesting time seeing just how far she wants to explore the potential of that road less travelled. Willow... she's in a different place than the party, so it's not going to be big tragedy right off the bat... but that's not to say she's going to be doing backflips about seeing Morgan again. Tricky sitch, should be fun to navigate. Thanks very much re: the writing, you're really too kind. And for the more regular intervals - oh god, if only. Knock on wood for me if you get a chance!

Ressick Wow, another straight through reader. You know, the longer this story goes along, the more impressed I am by you folks. I don't think I could sit still long enough to wade through something so wordy (so kudos for that alone!). Thanks very much for your kind words. The complexity is really just a by-product of how well-designed the characters were for the show; I think all W/T writers are just fantastically lucky that they have such open and interesting characters to work with (a lot of other writers on this board have done far better than I with the girls, for sure). Thanks very much, again, and enjoy the next update.

[EasierSaid]

Title: Neverland
Author: EasierSaid
Feedback: Yes, please.
Spoilers: None.
Setting: AU. There is no Hellmouth, there is no slayer and no magic of the wicca variety. Just our girls and the rest of the Buffy characters living and loving in that great city by the bay, San Francisco.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Please don't sue me Mutant Enemy.
Notes: Picking up where we left off... There are some paraphrased lines from 'I Was Made To Love You' and 'Gingerbread'

Thoughts in italics

PART 39b


"So..." Morgan said, looking between Michelle and Tara before settling her gaze on the wide-eyed blonde standing slightly to her left. "Was... Marissa right? Did you come in for the labels?" Tara blushed and Morgan quickly reached out and touched the girl's arm, flashing a warm and reassuring smile in the process. "It's not a big deal. I don't think half the girls have gotten theirs in. I know I haven't gotten mine in..." The brunette dropped her hand and Tara internally sighed.

Still no tingles...

"The difference though Tara," Michelle said, interrupting Tara's thoughts with a slight eye roll, "is that you're working your ass off to paint new stuff and Morgan is just lazy." The girl mock toasted the blonde with her paper coffee cup, and Tara's brow rose as Morgan chuckled good-naturedly and shook her head.

"I'm not lazy, I just..." She sighed, embarrassed, before continuing in a slight, confessional tone. "I just haven't decided what I'm going to send down. I have five paintings left, but there are only four spots... one of the paintings is going to be an orphan, left out and I--"

"...don't w-want to leave any behind," Tara finished with a slight smile. "I g-get that. I um, I feel the same way sometimes. It's like, choosing between--"

"Your babies," Morgan finished, her statement causing Tara to nod her head slightly in affirmation.

"You artists," Michelle scoffed with a teasing grin. "They're paintings, not people; let it go."

Tara looked quickly to Michelle, and Morgan just shook her head again, tsking slightly. "Don't mind her," the brunette said to Tara with a mischievous grin. "She's just out of sorts cause she saw Alice from 'The L Word' in a Yoplait commercial last night..."

"Uh, with brown hair giggling over a male masseur," Michelle haughtily clarified before frowning in dismay. "Man, I hope that doesn't mean she got canned from the show and she's doing commercials because she needs money."

"Maybe she did it for cultural reasons," Tara joked with a half smile, immediately regretting her c-colossal lameness... when the word play was met with two curious, quiet stares. Morgan's brown knit and after an evaluative pause, she laughed lightly.

"Ha ha," Michelle said, still frowning. "Seriously though, she's the best part of that show and if those-- Damn it, delivery." The gallery owner's wife looked past the artists and put her drink down on the desk behind them. "Excuse me ladies, I need to see what Brown can do for me today." The spiky haired woman nodded to both women to excuse herself before threading between them and crossing to the front door; she greeted a burly man in shorts holding a clipboard, and both looked out the still open door, ostensibly at the to-be-delivered packages.

Tara quickly glanced over her shoulder toward the office door, her ignorance of what was being said on its opposite side causing her skin to rise into small bumps. The blonde looked back to Morgan, who awkwardly stood before her, taking small sips from her cup. Tara bit the inside of her lower lip and thought, okay, so... here goes n-nothing... She leaned into Morgan slightly, so that she would be heard without doubt over the music, and said, "you um, you l-look r-really nice today."

Morgan looked up at the blonde in surprise and then down to her feet, tucking a lock of curly, unruly hair behind her ear as she chuckled, embarrassed. "Thanks, I uh, I certainly don't feel like I look nice." The brunette looked Tara in the eyes, smiling warmly and slightly apologetically. "I was out kind of late last night, sort of had to throw myself together to get out the door in time to meet Michelle. In fact," she joked, "I'm actually really hoping this triple latte kicks in soon, or else I'd say chances are good that I'll be dropping off into a narcoleptic stupor sometime this afternoon..."

"Nothing an Advil and Alka Seltzer cocktail can't fix," Michelle said in passing as she showed the deliveryman pushing a flat filled with boxes across the gallery floor to a back storage closet. Morgan just shook her head again as the two disappeared into the back room.

"Thanks, though," the brunette said sincerely as soon as Michelle was out of earshot. "It's a great compliment, coming from someone as pretty as you." Tara looked to her feet and blushed.

Um...

"God," Morgan sputtered, looking to her own hands. "I'm sorry, that sounded really cheesy, I just meant..." Both women looked up and made eye contact, smiling awkwardly. "That's a really pretty sweater."

"Thanks..." Tara replied, blush intact, as she remembered thinking the same thing when she saw the red turtleneck in a Sunnydale store window years before. She had bought it on a weekend trip with Buffy because Mrs. Summers had said she thought it would look good on the blonde; that Willow had had the same in blue, and wouldn't Tara look nice in the red version.

"My friend, Atom, DJs at 111 Minna," Morgan explained, bringing Tara back from her memory. "Every time I go to see him spin, I say, 'I'm only staying until I get tired,' but then, of course, I end up staying two hours past that and heading out to the Lucky Penny for 3am waffles."

The blonde nodded, before saying conversationally, "s-sounds like fun, though." Tara had no idea whether it indeed would be fun, but felt reassured that she had said the right thing when the blank compliment elicited an approving bob of Morgan's head, her lips presently occupied by the cup of coffee. The blonde wondered how she would handle such a night. If she had been there, with Morgan, as Morgan's girlfriend, would they have stayed out all night? Or would they have left early, left for other, girlfriendy things... Would Willow stay out all night? Tara internally frowned as thoughts of the indelible, incredible dream girlfriend Willow snuck into her head. It doesn't matter what Willow would do, the blonde thought testily. Willow's too busy talking to Xander to attend this dream scenario, thank you v-very much... Tara looked over her shoulder to identify Michelle's whereabouts, and again her eyes were drawn momentarily to the closed office door. What is it about watched pots...? the blonde asked herself, turning back to the brunette before her. Her fellow artist was rearranging the sleeve on her cup, as if she was trying to work up the nerve to say something to Tara, and Tara's brow knit momentarily, wondering if the girl's struggles were on account of the blonde's perceived indifference this weekend. Figuring that was probably the cause of Morgan's distress, Tara again leaned forward to be heard above the music. "Michelle, she m-mentioned that you called this weekend--"

"Ah..." Morgan sighed, her face flushing red. She winced slightly, obviously embarrassed that Tara's indifferent rejection of her advances was going to be conversation fodder.

Tara identified the look, and quickly moved to reassure the brunette. "I um, I just w-wanted to let you know that I never got your message." Morgan looked up and Tara made meaningful eye contact. "I d-didn't even know you called until Michelle said something a few minutes ago."

"Oh..." The surprised brunette evaluated the blonde's clear, blue eyes. "Really?"

Tara nodded. "I w-would have called back. I, I'm... s-super busy, with the sh-show preps, and... things..." Willow. "But I still would have called."

"Oh." Morgan repeated, grinning slightly, the smile growing in wattage as the misunderstanding cleared in her mind. "Well, wow, okay, that's cool. Big relief then. I thought maybe I freaked you out this Friday. On the roof."

"No," Tara said with a slight shake of her head, smiling kindly. "The trellis, on the other hand..." She faux shuddered for effect, pleased that her joking caused Morgan to smile.

"Oh, don't worry, the trellis and I have had words," Morgan said with mock authority. Tara arched her eyebrows and the brunette continued. "Oh yeah, I've signed it up for sexual harassment classes and everything." A half smile emerged on Tara's lips. "I was like, 'trellis, you can't go grab-vining attractive artist ladies named Tara'." The blonde blushed. "It was an emotional intervention but the trellis seems open to change, and really? That's all I can ask of it..."

Tara chuckled. See, she's nice, and funny... The brunette in front of her smiled, and the blonde again noticed how loose and relaxed Morgan was, her hip jutting out to the side, her feet pointing away from each other in perpendicular fashion like a ballet dancer. The brunette had an inherent grace that was completely foreign to Tara, and was one reason why the thought of being with Morgan had intimidated the blonde early on. Willow, on the other hand... Tara had seen Willow trip on the stairs leading to their respective rooms as they ascended for bed, seen the redhead slip on the bath mat when brushing her teeth and caught the girl catch a crack of a sidewalk with the tip of her bright tennis shoe just the other day. It was Willow's goofy bounciness that made Tara feel a little bit better about her own, perceived, clumsiness. When Tara pictured herself with Willow, stumbling and bumbling along holding hands... they fit. Could I really fit with Morgan? Tara honestly asked herself as she looked at the girl before her, remembering with a slight flash of anger that the only reason she was even standing here thinking about this possible mis-match, was even speaking to Morgan at all, was because Willow was in the other room talking to Xander. The reminder caused Tara to sigh, and her brow to knit.

"What?" Morgan asked, taking in the perplexed look on Tara's face.

The message... "When you called, did you um, d-did you leave the message with W-Willow?" Tara asked, wondering why she didn't get Morgan's message if she had indeed left one. The blonde had checked her machine this morning, checked it last night, in fact, just after the two roommates had returned from coffee, and both times there had been nothing. Could Willow have taken the message, forgotten to pass it along?

"What?" Morgan asked. "Oh, no, I got your voice mail." Tara's face screwed up.

"A-Are you sure? B-Because I checked my messages this morning..."

Morgan nodded and frowned; she dug her phone out of her pocket and began scrolling through the menu with her thumb, stopping and reading back: "Tara—415.242--"

The blonde sighed; Willow hadn't known about the call. Would that have made you feel better if you thought Willow had kept the message from you...? Tara asked herself ruefully, before explaining to the brunette: "That's my cell phone, I- M-My friend, Buffy? She gave me the phone last year, as a gift, and I sometimes forget people other than her have the number." The blonde winced slightly. "I'm sorry, I don't always r-remember to check the voice mail when I'm home, I guess, because I just f-figure people will call me on my land line, and I was home, so..."

"Ah," Morgan said, understanding, before adding sheepishly, "it's the only number I have for you."

"Oh," Tara replied, and after a moment's pause, said, "then I'll have to start checking my cell phone more." Or... "Or," the blonde said, looking to her watch and then back up. "I could g-give you my home number."

Morgan smiled widely. "I'd like that."

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

"So things are great, huh," Xander asked, his voice ringing with curiosity.

"Really great," Willow emphasized with a smile, her toes tapping along with the diffused beat from the music playing in the gallery thumping through the office door. "Borderline Tony the Tiger great."

"Well, I gotta say Will, I was expecting a much different answer. One perhaps wrapped in the soft bubble wrap of anxiousness, and secured with a clear, yet sticky swath of hysteria."

"I don't know how to explain it," the redhead said with a slight shake of her head, choosing to ignore the dark-haired man's dig. "Things are just really different, and good. Really good, it's like we're actually--"

"Friends?" Xander interrupted.

"I was going to say 'talking'," Willow softly corrected. "But, yeah. Friends." I'm friends with Tara... the redhead thought with a tinge of wonder and glee.

"I'm guessing this means the drama from Friday night receded..."

"Yup."

"And... Morgan and the case of the mysteriously retied bows?" Xander fished.

"Nothing happened," Willow smiled widely. Nothing at all - whoo-hoo! "Tara said it was a trellis."

"A... trellis."

"You know, those wood thingys that hold viney type plants?" Willow explained, still thinking to herself, Tara and I are friends and nothing happened with Morgan! Yippee!.

"Yeah, I know what a trellis is Will, built a few for Joyce back in the day," Xander said. "I just don't understand how the wood thingy with the viney type plants is involved with the half-nakedness of Tara."

"Oh, sorry," Willow said sheepishly, stupid wandering brain. "She said she was trying to snuggle up to a heat lamp and in the process, you know, backed into this trellis and it snagged one of the bows on her shirt." Willow smiled brightly, remembering Tara's silly pantomime at Citizen Cake. "Morgan got her free and retied the bow that got stuck, then retied the other one so that they matched. There was no nakedness, though." Half or otherwise.

"Very chivalrous of her, in a really girly way." Xander paused. "So, getting stuck on a trellis means no smooching."

"No smooching," Willow replied, supremely satisfied with her ability to say that.

"Well that must be a big relief."

"You have no idea," the redhead exhaled, her body relaxing into the chair at the thought.

"Morgan must be pretty bummed--"

"Hey!" Willow protested, sitting up straight and pouting.

"I'm just saying," Xander replied. "Girl spent all night with Tara, didn't get a kiss, and I'm guessing no future dates."

"Nope, no dates," Willow affirmed, grinning like a fool. "Tara doesn't even like her that way. Or at least, she's not sure if she likes her that way yet," the redhead said, the 'yet' making her shiver a little bit. "But she said she's not even sure she wants to date anyone right now, so--"

"Maybe you'll make it to this weekend, come out and get the girl before Morgan snags her."

"That's wildly optimistic, but, yeah," Willow said, reaching out and knocking on the big oak desk before her.

"So, you guys talked about Morgan," Xander lead. "That's pretty cool."

"Over cake," Willow added, smiling.

"Very grown up," Xander complimented. "And when was that?"

"On Saturday night," Willow said. "She asked if I wanted to go to the movies--"

"Nice."

"But I said no," Willow added, a tinge of regret in her voice, "cause I was too busy being a big dummy all wrapped up in my own personal pity party to realize how nice the offer was."

"Ouch."

"Exactly, but, she came back like five minutes later totally unfazed with my jacket in hand and asked me if I wanted to go get cake instead." Willow's lips curled up in a smile. "It was very sweet."

"Sounds like it," Xander said, appreciatively. "And then she brought up Morgan."

"No, I did; I asked."

"You, asked..." Xander repeated, to clarify. "Alright," he said, his voice stern and dramatic. "What have you done with my friend Willow."

"It was weird," Willow said, again choosing to ignore Xander's over-the-top taunts. "I mean, Morgan is *it* you know, she's Tara's ideal girl, but when we were at cake and I asked her about it, asked about the whole, Morgan-is-the-ideal... she said that ideals change. Xander..." the redhead sighed as she looked for the words to continue. "I remember that night so clearly you know? The one when she told me who she wanted, what kind of girl she liked. I mean, we spent that day in the park and then the next night she tells me that her ideal girl is everything I'm not. Olive skin, artistic, beautiful--"

"You're beautiful Will," Xander said quickly. "And I'm sure that had Tara known then that she was talking you into full-on basket case mode where insecurity and craziness ruled supreme she never would have said what she said."

"Maybe," Willow said with a shake of her head. "But it's just weird. I mean, she could have said that night that her ideal woman would be named Morgan; that's how close the description was, and now... that's not who she wants."

"It's not that weird if you think about it," Xander replied, unfazed. "Three years ago you were with Oz; think about how much you've changed." Willow pursed her lips in thought, and Xander continued. "It's still crazy that you can remember things from three years ago though; I can't even remember what I had for lunch yesterday.

Willow rolled her eyes. "Like you don't remember the first time Buffy talked about Angel."

"Well of course I remember that, it was the night all of my hopes and dreams were dashed; I think it was a Tuesday..." Willow frowned, slightly, wondering how much of Xander's self-deprecating jokes held a kernel of truth. "Seriously though Will," the man continued. "Three years... that's a long time to obsess about something."

"Indeed," Willow nodded, the enormity of that time sinking around her.

"So I take it you've spent more time with Tara beyond cake," Xander asked.

"Lots," Willow replied. "I went shopping on Sunday, alone, but I bought her these little Christmas lights, like she used to have when she was in college and Sunday night after we went grocery shopping together, we put them up in her bedroom."

"Very romantic, low-lights--"

"Xander," Willow interrupted, unsure of where her friend was about to take things.

"Sorry," the man replied, sheepishly. "Continue."

"That night she said she didn't have any music, to paint to during the week, so I gave her a CD full of songs that really mean something to me, and yesterday she listened to it, and liked it, although I'm not sure if she listened to the whole thing, but that's not important, I mean, just the fact that she was listening at all is so cool."

"Cool, well--"

"And yesterday she let me hang out in her studio, and oh! She painted my eyes; I mean, she didn't put paint on my eyes, of course, more, she looked at my eyes and then painted the *exact* color onto this little canvas, which she gave me, a-and right before that she told me the names of her untitled paintings, which she never does, for anyone, and we had lunch, and then later we went and got coffee together and she called me adorable--adorable, Xander--when I wrote 'I love SF' in some steam at this random laundromat. And now today we're running errands together--"

"Wait," Xander said, his mind slightly spinning from the crush of information. "You're running errands with her, right now."

"Yup," Willow casually confirmed. "We're at Marissa's gallery; I'm in the office, and Tara's out talking to Michelle."

"Willow," the dark haired man chastised, his tone incredulous. "Did we not learn anything from Friday about talking on the pho--"

"I asked if it would be okay," Willow dismissively replied with a roll of her eyes.

"And she said yes?"

"No, she said no and I said too bad." Willow rolled her eyes. "Of course she said yes, you big dork. And, she said that if I have to take a call, that it's okay with her, she understands."

"That's very understanding," Xander admitted.

"Very."

"Well, it sounds like you guys are having a really good time."

"We are. Although..."

"Although what?"

Willow frowned slightly. "All of this, it feels good, the hanging out and the talking and the laughing but... I still feel nervous, like really, nervous. I mean, it's good, really good, great, but it's not, it's not 'comfortable', like how it is with you, or Buffy."

"Well, you don't want to sleep with us." Xander replied. "Anymore..." Willow rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't read anything into it Will, it's not like you were ever completely comfortable with Oz either, if I remember correctly."

"Ya huh I was," Willow protested with a slight pout. "We dated for five whole years!"

"Will, you couldn't even talk about your sex life with Oz without inventing pseudonyms and wacky settings. That or you really did have a friend named Holly from Hollywood who was worried that her boyfriend wasn't that into her."

"That's different," the redhead frowned. "That's sex..."

"And you're gay, and he's a guy, but still, I just think that the sex aspect is why you and Tara aren't going to be comfortable around each other right away," Xander pointed out. "I mean, you've got to give it time. Sure, you and Tara are friends now, but there's something else going on there, sexual tension--"

"On my side of things," Willow grumbled.

"Sounds like her side, too."

"What do you mean?" Willow asked, her brow creased and attention locked.

"Nothing," Xander said. "Just... if things are going great, maybe...."

"Maybe what?" Willow pushed.

"Nothing," the man said, abandoning the line of conversation when Willow didn't immediately catch on. "Forget I said anything."

Willow frowned, and after a long moment of silence, said quietly, "I'm scared."

"What?" Xander asked gregariously. "Of what?"

"Of, everything," Willow said with a shrug as she resumed picking at the seam of her pants. "This time next week--"

"She'll know," the man said, understandng kicking in.

"*Everyone* will know," Willow said quietly. "My mom, Buffy..." She paused for a moment. "Xander, my whole life is about to change." Everything is going to change.

"Pretty exciting, huh?"

Willow's eyebrows rose in surprise. "It's terrifying."

"With a side of excitement," Xander added, optimistically.

"And a whopping topping of terror," Willow corrected.

"It's going to be okay Will," the dark haired man said, reassuringly.

Willow frowned slightly. "You keep saying that, but the closer it all gets... I start to think about this weekend, about the look in my mom's face, and what Buffy's going to say, and my hands get all clammy, a-and I start to sweat and, I just." She sighed. "I just, wish, that it was next week already."

"It's kind of like sex."

Willow's brows shot to her hairline. "Um, what?"

"It's like the first time you have sex," Xander explained. "You want to do it, but you're kind of scared, yet you do it anyway because the wanting to do it is more important than the being scared."

"O....kay," Willow said, her face still twisted in doubt.

"And, like sex, if it doesn't work out the first time, it's not the end of the world, even if you feel like it is at the time. You just give it time and it'll get better."

Willow frowned. "You do realize you just compared me coming out to my mom with losing your virginity."

"Yeah...." Xander trailed off, thoughtfully. "In retrospect that's not probably not the best analogy, given the players, but you know what I mean, right?"

"Sadly, I do," Willow said. "But if I think about the first time I had sex when I'm trying to come out to my mom--"

"I'm a dead, dead man."

"You betcha," the redhead confirmed with a smile. She thought for a moment, a new plot brewing and said, "Xander...What are you doing this weekend? I mean, you're done with your job, right? You have time off?"

"I do," the man said, the joy at a fast-approaching weekend evident in his voice. "I plan to cram this free time with much frothy goodness and deep, deep sleep. Why?"

"Come up here."

"What?" The dark-haired man replied.

"Come up here," Willow repeated, her eyes wide and bright. "This weekend. Please?"

"And that would be a big no," Xander said with certainty.

"Xander," Willow wined plaintively, slouching back into her chair.

"Willow," Xander replied, firm yet supportive. "Don't you think, that maybe, just maybe, you already have enough on your very full plate as it is? I mean, I know you're a little freaked--"

"A little freaked?" Willow said, sitting up straight, her tone slightly affronted. "I'm like, the queen of Freakadovia."

"Ah, good place, Freakadovia," the man said. "Best known for its cheese and reliance on steam travel, I believe."

"Xander, I'm serious," Willow said, a crease settling between her eyes. "I could really use a friend this weekend--"

"And you'll have one. I'm only a phone call away--" Willow started to interject, and the dark haired man quickly added on, "and I promise that unlike this past weekend, where I lost my phone charger behind a poorly placed hamper of dirty clothes, I will have my phone charged, on, and within reach at all times."

"It's not the same--"

"Will..."

"You could stay on the couch," the redhead cajoled sweetly.

"Or," the man countered, "I could stay in my bed."

"Oh! Or you could sleep in Buffy's bed," Willow blurted excitedly.

"What?" Xander asked, confused.

"It's perfect," Willow said with a flap of her free hand. "I have the key and everything on account of her wanting someone to have it while she was out of town. You could come up Friday night, hang out with me Saturday and keep me all calm and levelheaded before I see my mom and she rips my heart out and stomps all over it."

"I'm sure that won't happen, Will," Xander said softly.

"And then, after the emotional evisceration and inevitable maternal rejection you could help me with Buffy when she freaks out about the fact that we lied to her for three years." When silence greeted her on the other end of the line, Willow pushed on, the look on her face the epitome of desperate hopefulness. "Please Xander. I need you."

Xander groaned. "Look, I get that you're scared--"

"Fine," she said, setting her jaw and resting her head against the top of the chair.

"Will--"

"No, it's okay, I get it," the redhead said quickly, the bitterness barely concealed. "You'd rather drink beer and sleep in than help me."

"Alright, that's not fair," Xander replied sternly. "I've been nothing but supportive of you from day one; I just think that there are some things you have to do on your own." When Willow didn't reply, Xander continued. "I know you can do this Willow, and that's why I'm not in my car right now speeding up 101. You can do this." he repeated, before pausing. "You know I love you, right?"

"I do," Willow replied, regretting her earlier flip remarks.

"I think your mom and Buffy are going to surprise you..." the man continued. "And if they don't, well you have me, and it sounds like, you'll have Tara."

"I can't talk about this with her..." Willow said with a slight shake of her head.

"Of course you can," Xander said. "Whether you want to or not, that's the question. You guys are friends, and if anyone's going to understand where you're coming from... You don't need to come running to me for everything."

"I know I don't," Willow said softly, "but, what if the problem is her, I mean, not her, she's not a problem, but what if what I need to talk about, is not just the conversations with my mom and Buffy, but how I feel about Tara. I mean, I can't really talk to her about that..."

"Of course you can," Xander challenged. "I mean, sure, maybe you don't tell her 'well Tara, I've been miserable today, and the last three years, because I'm in love with you' but maybe you need to start letting her in on how you feel... maybe she can help clear things up. She is involved, after all."

"Involved--"

"Eventually you're going to have to tell her everything; might as well start small, let her know that you're freaked out about this weekend."

"And when she asks why I'm freaked out about seeing my loving mother and my best friend?" Willow challenged.

"I don't know," Xander admitted. "Tell her you'll let her know after the weekend's over, or just be vague--point is, you should try leaning on her some; sounds to me like she's up to the task of Willow-comforter."

"Right," Willow said, knowing that Xander was right even as she protested. "Maybe I can talk to her about what a freak I am and woo her with my remarkable spaziness."

"What?" Xander asked. "I don't think you're like that."

"Or," Willow continued. "Maybe I can act like someone else, like Buffy or something, for the rest of the week, give her the illusion of sanity."

"Or," Xander countered. "Maybe you could just be Willow and she'll see your amazing heart and fall in love with you."

Willow sighed. "Please come up this weekend"

"No."

"Please, Xander--"

"Will--

"Please; I won't stop saying please until you at least say you'll think about it."

"Fine, I'll think about it," Xander replied, slightly exasperated.

"Don't say you're going to think about it if the only thing you're going to think about is no," Willow instructed.

"Will--"

"Xander, I'm serious."

"Fine, I'll really think about it." There was a pause on the line. "I'm thinking about it right now."

"Thank you," Willow sighed and then exaggeratedly rolled her eyes when her phone beeped, indicating call waiting. She pulled the device from her ear slightly to see Khalil's face on the screen. "What a jerk!"

"I *am* thinking about it," came Xander's indignant reply.

"Not you," Willow huffed. "Khalil."

"Oh. He calling or something?"

"Again," Willow groaned. "He's been calling me all morning."

"Ah," Xander said, knowingly. "He knows you're playing hooky."

"Pretty much," Willow nodded.

"Well I'll let you go," Xander said, sighing as he stretched and stood on the opposite side of the line. "I need to shower, find my clipboard; you know, superintendenty things." The man paused. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Willow said with a slight nod of her head. "I think so."

"Call me if you need me," the man instructed.

"Think about coming up here, please?"

"I will, Will. Talk to you soon."

"Bye." Willow looked at her phone for a moment and then clicked over to Khalil. "What," she asked, in no mood to put up with more teasing questions. She listened for a moment and her face softened slightly, morphing into a full-blown smile as she sat up. "Really? How much?"

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"How are your paintings coming along?" Morgan asked, tucking her phone back into her jacket pocket. Tara watched, knowing she had just taken a major step by offering up her home number, a number that was now safely programmed into the brunette's cell. "I'll admit," the brunette continued. "I'm really surprised to see you out and about, especially after how hard it was to get you out of the studio on Friday; I thought for sure you'd be locked up in your place until you finished all four for L.A."

"I r-ran out of paint," Tara admitted sheepishly. "Our next stop is Anya's, actually."

"Our?" Morgan looked around.

"W-Willow and me," the blonde said, realizing she hadn't mentioned earlier that the redhead was with her. Oops...

"She's here?" The brunette asked, surprised.

"In the office." Tara nodded, thinking back to the smile on Willow's face earlier. "On the phone." She gritted her teeth and tried to appear neutral about the statement. On the phone with *him* instead of out here with me...

"How's her stomach," Morgan asked, her tone kind. "I mean, that's why you guys left early on Friday, right? She feeling better?"

Tara remembered what Michelle said earlier, about Morgan thinking Tara and Willow had left, together, and nodded. "She's fine."

"That's good to hear," Morgan said with a nod of her head. She paused for a moment, about to say one thing and instead continuing with another. "Well, I hope that more paint means more paintings. I really can't wait to see what you come up with." She smiled sweetly.

"Thanks, me too," Tara replied with a rueful smile, wondering yet again how in the world she was going to get all four done before Sunday. Especially if I'm in this mood for the rest of the day, the rest of the week...

"How far along are you?" The brunette asked.

"Not very," the blonde answered with a deep sigh and slight half smile. "I have one halfway, another... I'm not sure where I'm going with that one. I started with oils, but with the time factor... I'm going to have to do the other two in acrylics."

"Have you considered watercolors?" Morgan asked, her demeanor turning focused now that they were talking shop.

"No," Tara shook her head. "I f-figure I should stick to mediums I know, at least, know a little bit."

"I bet you'd be great at watercolors," the brunette said honestly. "You have such a delicate touch... would be very interesting to see that applied to paper." Tara blushed at the compliment, and Morgan paused, cocking her head to the side as she thought. "Tara... I was wondering if you could help me."

"Help you?" The blonde asked, surprised.

Morgan nodded. "As you know, I have five paintings left over from this show, and..." she sighed, frustrated, "I really have no idea which four to send to L.A. I thought, maybe, you could tell me which four you like, which you think would do best. I mean, I know they're not great or they would have sold up here--"

"Hey," Tara interrupted, her voice reassuring. "Just because they didn't sell here doesn't mean they're not great. I really liked your collection."

"Yeah?" Morgan asked, a little surprised. "Thanks. I just... I thought maybe, you know, we could get together this week, and you could help me out. You have such a great eye, and I'd really appreciate your advice."

"Oh," Tara replied. Is she asking me out? Would this qualify as a date? The blonde looked the woman over, wondering if she'd even have time, considering her own work load.

"I know," Morgan said, holding out a hand. "I know you're super busy so I won't take a lot of your time," the brunette assured. "Maybe I could pop by your studio with my portfolio, or we could meet at a coffee shop--"

"You could come by," Tara blurted. What are you doing, what are you doing... "I mean," the blonde said, looking down to her feet, blushing. "T-That's if you don't mind going out in the storm."

"For you?" Morgan smiled. "Not at all."

"Great," Tara replied with a slight smile. Great... she repeated internally, not quite sure what she'd just signed herself up for.

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

Willow hung up the phone, a satisfied grin on her lips. For the first time all day she didn't want to kill Khalil; in fact, if he came through like he said he was going to, she would actually think about giving him a firm and happy high five. She stood, content with her two conversations, and after a quick smoothing of her pants and a brief look in the mirror by the coat rack, exited the gallery office and immediately froze. Across the room, leaning into Tara, was Morgan.

"What the hell?" The redhead asked aloud before quickly slapping her hand over her mouth, eyes wide as saucers. She quickly looked around, and seeing that she was very alone and that nobody noticed her outburst, dropped her hand to her side. What the hell?! The redhead repeated. What is Morgan doing here, and where is Michelle? Willow looked around the space, smiling slightly when a UPS deliveryman passed by her. "Hi," she said sheepishly before sighing and turning back to the two artists chatting across the room.

Okay, no big deal, the redhead thought shakily. Just having a friendly conversation... She watched as Morgan laughed and Tara dipped her head, a smile on her lips. Just a friendly conversation with a woman who is *not* her ideal romantic partner. The redhead watched for a minute more as the two women chatted out of earshot. Willow knew she should move—toward them, preferably—but her feet felt like they were stuck in cement, and in all truth, she felt the opposite of eager to speak with her perceived rival. Tara's lilting laughter carried over the music and Willow sighed. Just a friendly conversation...

"Hey."

"Ah!" Willow jumped, startled, and turned her head to see Michelle at her right elbow. "H-Hi."

"Sorry," Michelle said, wincing. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"No, that's. Okay." Willow said, turning away from the woman as her heart rate began to return to normal. Did she see me staring?

"What are you doing?" Michelle asked, curious, a bemused grin tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Uh," Willow stammered. You mean besides spying on Tara? "Nothing. I mean, something, I was, I was trying to remember this phone number my friend just told me." She looked up to the ceiling and, as if recording the number to memory, said, "6,8...3,2...5, 3,8." She smiled and looked to Michelle, her face the picture of implied innocence.

"Do you want a piece of paper so you can write it down?" Michelle asked, amused.

"Nope, I think I've got it, thanks." Willow said quickly, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet nervously. "What, what do you have there?" Her clasped hands pointed to the large black book sitting on Michelle's hip.

"Ah, just another portfolio," the gallery owner's wife replied, hefting the thick book from her hip to her belly, and opening it wide so Willow could see the photographs. "It's the portfolio for the artist whose work is going up tomorrow; the paintings are in the supply room, this is for Marissa's invoices."

"Cool," Willow said, leaning forward to better study the work.

"Yeah, it's pretty neat," Michelle agreed. "Really different than the last series."

Willow nodded. The image before them was a modern take on iconic religious art; the photograph featured a painting of a blind man with elongated fingers. He stared up blankly from the page, a gold disc for a halo behind his thin head while a form of calligraphy looking more like street graffiti than the writing of monks occupied the top third of the frame. The redhead frowned slightly, and reading the script aloud, said, "love is blind."

"Say what?" Michelle asked, looking for the writing Willow was obviously reading back.

"It's, the writing in the painting," the redhead explained as she pointed to the top of the image. Michelle clucked her tongue and looked at the redhead skeptically.

"You read Latin?"

Willow nodded, innocently. "Just a little; I learned in high school."

"You went to Catholic school?" Michelle asked, her brows creasing. "I thought you were one of the chosen people like me."

"I am, Jewish, I mean, and I went to public school."

"Fancy public school that teaches Latin," the spiky haired woman said, again looking at the picture of the painting before them.

"It wasn't a class," Willow explained modestly. "More like an exchange, of sorts. The school librarian, Mr. Giles, he taught me Latin, and in exchange I taught him how to use the library's computer." She frowned slightly. "I think it was harder for him."

"Smart cookie," Michelle said, closing the book and nodding to Morgan and Tara. "Come on." Willow nodded, and after swallowing what she hoped was the majority of her apprehension, followed Michelle.

"How'd your phone call go?" The gallery owner's wife asked over her shoulder as they got closer to the artists.

"Good," Willow replied, her eyes meeting Tara's as she approached. Better to be back at Tara's side though... the redhead thought as she smiled slightly at her roommate.

Tara met Willow's gaze, and quickly looked back to Morgan. She had noticed the redhead a moment before, looking over a portfolio with Michelle, and her curiosity about what Willow and Xander talked about sat just below the anger and frustration that the conversation had happened at all. How can she not see? Tara thought again. Willow had smiled at her, had smiled, so whatever Xander had said had soothed the redhead's earlier annoyance with him. The complete opposite of this past Friday, Tara thought ruefully. The thought that things were fine with them again, that Willow would be back on the phone with him everyday, forgetting the pain she had been in on Friday... it hurt to see. Tara hadn't indicated to Morgan that she had seen Willow and Michelle talking earlier, and now, as Willow stopped inches from her left side, she tried hard to continue to focus on Morgan.

"Hey, Willow," Morgan greeted brightly as she took in the redhead.

"Hi," Willow replied, a slight, nervous greeting that was matched with a slight wave. God she's beautiful, Willow thought. Why in the world would Tara ever want me over that?! Quickly, before she would let the doubt stifle her, the redhead sternly corrected herself. No, remember - she is *not* Tara's ideal; Tara does not want her. Willow evaluated Morgan again. Damn.

Tara looked between the two women—the woman she loved and the woman she should love—and again was struck by how totally different they were. While Morgan maintained her loose posture, her form relaxed and friendly, Willow stood completely erect, her fingers twisting and eyes wide. She l-looks nervous... Tara thought, wondering if that was a result of the call or meeting up with yet another person who might bring up Friday night.

"So what's good?" Morgan asked Willow, the smile on her face curious and happy.

"What?" Willow asked in reply. She was distracted by the blonde to her right. Not that that's new, but this was a little different. Tara, was a little different. Instead of meeting her gaze and smiling, as she usually did, when Willow stopped at her side, the blonde almost ignored her, and seemed singularly focused on Morgan. Willow lightly touched Tara's arm, and catching her eye, smiled, as if to ask 'are you okay'?

Tara smiled slightly, enough to politely respond to Willow's kind look, and then looked back to Morgan.

"You said, 'good', when you walked up," Morgan clarified, her own mind spinning at the look that just passed between the two roommates. Michelle just grinned, placing the new portfolio on the information desk and watching the scene unfold out of the corner of her eye.

"Oh," Willow replied, unsure what business it was of Morgan's, and wondering if there was indeed something wrong with Tara. "Just, a conversation I had with my friend Xander." She looked to Tara and smiled slightly before looking back to Morgan. "It was good."

Good?! Tara stewed, forcing her face to remain neutral, unaffected. How can the conversation be 'good' she thought, frustrated. The last time they spoke she was shouting at him and crying on the street. She sighed, though not loud enough for anyone to notice, and thought about how petty she was being. She cast a quick look at Willow and again felt fatigued. She couldn't turn off the love she felt for the redhead, that much was clear by her heart's quickening pace, however the anger... the resentment at being in love with someone who was so, so, so... what? Tara asked herself. 'Stupid' was the first word to come to mind; one that Tara quickly erased with a guilty, mental sweep. 'Oblivious' was the second, and while it felt better, it still wasn't perfect. 'Wrong'. Tara again sighed, shooting another quick look at the redhead. Yup, wrong.

"That's cool," Morgan said to Willow as Michelle settled in next to her, the two Ms sharing a quick look. "It's so weird that you came over just now, cause we were actually just talking about you." She pointed between Tara and herself before taking a last sip of her coffee. Willow watched as the brunette shook the now empty cup and placed it behind her on the desk.

"You were?" The redhead asked, looking to Tara for confirmation. You were talking about me? She thought, as her brow wrinkled. With her?

"W-We were talking about your work," Tara explained quietly, as if reading Willow's mind.

"Oh," Willow said, looking back to Morgan. "Lemme guess; the big tent?"

Morgan nodded. "It's just crazy. Must be fun working from home though."

"It is," the redhead replied, smiling brightly at her roommate. "I'm really enjoying it." Tara smiled slightly in return, and quickly looked back to Morgan so as not to get lost in the redhead's happy gaze. Willow looked back to the women before her, and leaned a little right, her right arm briefly touching Tara's left.

"Cool," the brunette nodded, noticing Willow's slight shift toward the blonde. "Well, maybe you can join Tara and me when I come over on Thursday."

What?! Willow coughed, surprised, and patted her chest. Tara's brow crinkled, and she looked at her roommate with concern.

"Are you okay?" The blonde asked, resisting the urge to reach up and rub the redhead's back, to wrap her arm around the slim girl's waist and brush her hair from her face. Stop it! Tara thought, embarrassed by her impulse. She balled her fists up, and then crossed her arms to further cancel out the temptation, before dutifully leaning forward to keep a close eye on the redhead's face. Michelle flashed a knowing look at Morgan, who looked back at the gallery owner's wife, confused.

"Do you need some water Willow?" Michelle asked, reaching behind her for a bottle of water on the desk.

"No, I'm--" Willow cleared her throat and smiled, embarrassed. Slightly mortified here. "Sorry, flem, too much... dairy, this morning..." She again cleared her throat and turned to Morgan, composing herself. "You're coming over?"

"I'm going to help Morgan with her portfolio," Tara said, before Morgan could reply. She again resisted the urge to reach out to Willow, and pressed her hands into her sides. You're being silly Tara... the girl thought, her frustration with the situation simmering under her skin.

"Oh," Willow said. She looked to the brunette artist. "What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing," Morgan laughed. "I mean, other than it's full of mediocre water colors."

"They're not mediocre," Tara kindly corrected.

Oh please, Willow thought, knowing she would have rolled her eyes if she hadn't thought she'd get caught.

"I just need some advice about which paintings to send to LA.," Morgan explained.

"Oh," the redhead replied. Feeling all eyes on her, she added with a forced smile. "Cool."

"Yeah, it should be fun for you guys," Michelle added, looking between the two roommates. She nudged Morgan, and slyly nodded at Willow. Morgan turned her gaze to the redhead.

"Fun, yeah," the redhead said, not noticing Michelle and Morgan's focused gaze as she forced a supportive statement past her lips. "What, with the... art, and stuff..." She trailed off and looked to Tara, trying to figure out what this meeting meant, is it a date? but was met only with the blonde's profile.

"We, um, we should probably get going," Tara said, a brief look at her watch and Willow staring at her with a questioning look on her face moving her to action.

"Right," Willow said with a slight smile, turning her attention back to Michelle and Morgan. "Want to beat the rain." And get the hell out of here...

"Well, cool," Michelle said, picking her coffee cup up off the desk and taking a sip. "Good luck with the rest of your paintings, Tara; you know they're dropping that last painting, 'Untitled' by your place tomorrow, right?"

"Yes," Tara nodded. "M-Marissa mentioned this weekend."

"Excellent - I'll tell Marissa you stopped by. Do you need her to call?"

"N-No," Tara said, taking a step backwards. "I should be fine. Thanks." The blonde caught Willow's eyes on her, again, and the redhead smiled. Tara smiled politely in reply and looked away, catching Willow's eyes dropping to the floor in her peripheral vision. At least act civil... the blonde self-instructed.

"Tara, I'll call you at home?" Morgan asked, noticing Willow frown slightly at her words.

"S-Sure," the blonde said with a nod. Morgan held up her hand, and waved slightly, and Tara did the same. Willow—not to be outdone—raised her hand as well.

"Bye," the redhead said with a slight wave, before turning and following her roommate out the large, gallery door.

The two roommates exited and Morgan leaned back into the desk, her lower lip sticking out as she reviewed the previous fifteen minutes. "Okay," she said suddenly, looking to Michelle. The brunette's brows shot up knowingly and the spiky haired woman just laughed.

"Oh thank *God* I'm not the only one who sees it..."

[Guppy]

singing *Oh happy day!* we got an update again! very nice update. I love the tension. And Morgan is catching on too! It's slowly being revealed to everyone but each other. yippee
I just want willow to notice tara's reaction everytime xander gets brought up. honestly, that would solve a lot of problems between them. and i cant wait for "this weekend" and the big step that will be. love it love it love it!

[dorksrcool]

Heather,
Thank you so much for the update to one of my favorite fics! I have to say that you are not "rusty" at all and that it was very easy to get right back into the story. It's pure torture, but at least Michelle is picking up on the obvious tension between W and T. The angst is seriously killing me but I know we'll be rewarded in the end.
So I can't say anything more that anyone else hasn't said so I'll just say....bravo!!!

Oh and I really liked this description of Willow while on the phone in 39a:

her green eyes flashing as her intellect and indignation were equally engaged.

and I also really liked this from Michelle in the second part, it's too funny:

Excuse me ladies, I need to see what Brown can do for me today.

P.S. I know there's a lot of angsty stuff going on right now, but couldn't Willow or Tara have one of those dreams? Maybe it could just sneak up on one of them.

[SylverMaki]

This is a damn good story, can't wait for the update! SOON PLEASE!

[Reallybigpineapple]

Hi Heather!
Great to have you back!
Being tortured by you is such sweet pain...
Poor Willow... Can't she just go "Gee I wish that Xander would find a nice woman for himself" or something? Shut up, you geek, that will make the story shorter!!
Is it just me, or are we getting closer to some sort of disruption of the status quo? I'm supposing the visit to Anya's will go badly? Will Willow actually come out as soon as this weekend, and will she let Tara know? Is Willow going to able to keep her calm when Morgon comes over? If not, will this hit Tara with a clue-by-four? Will Xander come and if so, will Tara "have it out" with him in some way? Or will he realize that Tara thinks Willow's in love with him? Will he stay at Buffy's and will that make Tara see the light? Will he meet Anya? And is this the crappiest, least constructive feedback in the history of the board?
I have only one wish for the up-coming chapter (apart from a happy ending, of course ) : I'd love it if you kept name-dropping music from your hard drive, since it's way spooky how I seem to go for everything you do... To maintain some semblance of independeance and dignity I can say that I didn't quite get TV on the Radio. On the other side, I'm a total Neko Case ho' now, having discovered country music in the last year or so. She's brilliant! I actually have a folder on my Mp3-player called "Neverland". Deeply sad, but true...
I used to feel closest to Tara in this story, but since I've in the last two weeks managed to steal the most gorgeous curvy blond woman (she looks like the love child of Amber and Sharon Stone and I'm a lucky bee-yatch) away from my olive-skinned competitor, I feel I related strongly to Willow here. We have in no way established the parameters of our relationship, so I can also relate to Willow's horror of getting the "I just want to be friends" speech... Oh, did I metion that I'm trying to come out to my best friend as well...?
It must be horrid for you to get 50 posts of novel-sized feedback that you have to respond to every time you show your face, so feel free to ignore my ramblings.
You're still the best! Keep hurting us!

[Urn of Osiris]

Another great update. I can just read all the little clues and see that the big moments are about to play out. I only wish that they would happen faster. This is such an amazing fic. Thanks for continuing to write and post it here for all of us.

[tarebear]

yey! an update!!!!!!

i am not entirely new to the board... just being a silent kitten... but when i saw that there was an update to one of my absolute favorite fics... i just had to make my way out of my comfy spot and let you know how i just love your story and how much you made me happy seeing the update!

i just had my birthday a few days ago and clicking on the neverland thread was like opening a birthday present for me... thank you! you just made my birthday extra special!!!!!

and this was my sentiment exactly as well:

"Oh thank *God* I'm not the only one who sees it..."

YESSS! i'm so happy cause finally morgan is getting it (now if only tara and willow will too)!!! she's such a nice person, i'm sure she's going to meet someone just right for her... and i just had a thought... wouldn't it be just wonderful if she helps out nudging our girls in the right direction... towards each other!

i can't wait for the next update! there's so much to look forward to... kind of scared as well cause with your fantastic writing, i just don't know what to expect!

thank you thank you

ces

[fabouly]

"Oh thank *God* I'm not the only one who sees it..."

that one really made me laugh!

OMG... 2 UPDATES!!!!

i really like where you're going with the story! your writting is just perfect. am alyways able to picture the situations they're going through!
they way you describe willow and tara and develop their AU characters makes me cheer with every update! and not only w&t - all the other characters are developed so well!

Keep it going - I am definetley a fan of your story!!

[UnderTheirSpell]

"Oh thank *God* I'm not the only one who sees it..."

OOOOooooo - do i smell some potential "nudging" for our girls, courtesy of the lovely Morgan and Michelle?? PLeeeeeeeeease say it's so! If something doesn't give soon, imma hafta up my dosage or something.

[caz]

I've just had a really crappy day at work and to come home and find an update of your story has cheered me up!
First, I must apologise for wanting to slap Morgan - she isn't that bad after all!
Tara really isn't happy about Willow's phone call is she. I think that she is going to have to start asking Willow some questions for the sake of her own sanity.
Can't wait for Willow's 'coming out'. I'm expecting Sheila to be a tough cookie - but maybe she'll surprise us.
I love the effect your writing has on me. I wanted to open the office door and tell Willow to get off the phone!

More soon please.

Caz

[FineyMcFine]

I had to laugh at Morgan and Michelle's exchange at the end of this update. Now they can compare notes and agree with each other that there's more to Willow and Tara than meets the eye. I'm feeling kind of bad for Morgan, honestly - Willow's very rude to her. At least if she's cluing in to the W/T tension she'll know that it's not about her. And she seems confident enough that this won't devastate her.

Good for Xander for not giving in to Willow's wheedling to try to get him to come to visit. Although I can't tell from how they left it whether he actually will come up this weekend or not. But he's so right - some things you have to do alone, and it won't kill Willow to confide in Tara a bit if she needs to talk to someone. Although I doubt that will happen.

Now, after Tara's very interesting behavior these last four minutes, not looking at Willow and all, I wonder if Willow will ask her what's wrong?

[Willow~Rosenberg]

Hi. Sorry for not leaving feedback for the last part, but college has been insanely busy. Ok, wow. Two updates in a week! Woohoo!

*composes self*

*ahem*

Loved what you did with these two updates. Willow really needs to get her self together. That girl would be so lost without Xander trying to help her through the tangled web that's she's woven.

Loved the last few lines with Morgan and Michelle. Our girls are so obvious yet they fail to notice what everyone else has clued into.. maybe even Buffy. That girl... lol. Does she suspect something? I wonder.

I am really looking forward to see how all of this plays out. It should be quite a week for Willow to say the least. Great updates.

[grimlock72]

Hmm.. even if Xander comes over for THE weekend that wouldn't be to horrible since Willow intends to come out anyway. I just hope she doesn't mention it to Tara before that.

The 'conversation' with Morgan,Willow,Tara and Michelle together felt incredible tense. Lots of short conversations/lines, sort of stop/start effect you get when people don't know what to say to each other or don't want to talk. Knowing both Willow and Tara in this story they'll no doubt manage to get the worst possible conclusion from that .

I agree with Xander (did I write that ?? Odd.) in that Willow is leaning a bit too much solely on him for support. One way or another that will change during or after THE weekend. I can image Willow wanting somebody supportive around, trouble is that Xander really can't DO all that much anyway. The only thing he cant do through the phone is hugging Willow. I happen to know someone who will happily do that job .

Mention of the party having been fairly recent in Willow/Xander phonecall did serve to remind me that time is rather slowly going in this story Seems like DAYS have passed already since that wrong-conclusion drama .

Poor Tara is going to feel so awfully guilty once she understands the entire situation. I hope Willow's coming out will go well, she has had enough angst already , poor queen of Freakadovia...

Typical that outsiders like Michelle and Morgan easily spot T/W mutual attraction. Tends to happen a lot, everybody except the people concerned know they would be good for each other .

P.S. I like this updatey-speedyness...

Grimmy

[AlysonGoddess]

I am so loving these updates!!! Im real glad your starting up again Please continue i cant wait to see what happens between tara willow and morgan haha please update soon!

ERIN

[napaea]

Really should have given you feedback before, but I thought you were pressured enough already. But honestly, I'm so glad to see this story up and running again.

This is loads more exciting to me than actual Buffy episodes- which says a lot, because I've always been into the demon-y type stuff, and Joss Whedon is, in some ways, my hero.

It's interesting how you made Xander the most perceptive of all the main characters- which, in a way, makes sense because he has the least amount of emotional baggage in this story. The way you had him react to Willow's invitation, it almost seems as if he already anticipates jealousy and misunderstanding on Tara's part. I know, at least, that if I were in his shoes- ergo that of a concerned friend / brother figure- I'd jump at the chance to meet Tara. You know, as a way of giving my approval, making sure that she's "really okay", and possibly getting ready to scare Tara with some overprotective spiel. Then again, I'm probably reading too much into that and he could just be wanting Willow to handle things more independently.

I'd have to say that I relate most to Morgan, and a tiny part of me is even hoping that she'd get the girl. Then again, I'm biased because I sympathize with her, but the fact of the matter is, she's handling the communication bit much better than Willow is.

*runs flailing for cover as stones, rotten vegetables and small rodents fly past*

I mean, granted, I'm not gorgeous or artsy or anything like that, but I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in having had the experience of really really liking someone who is perfectly available, but really devastatingly unavailable. I mean, you could be cute, and funny, considerate, and good at what you do, etc etc... but there's only so much you can do to get someone to like you, you know? After that, it's all out of your control, and ya know that if you did everything right and she still doesn't like you, you'll just have to deal. And it's not something pleasant to have to deal with, but it's what Morgan will have to go through. So I kind of don't want to see her not end up with Tara. But, she can't not not end up with Tara because one, this is the kitten board and the only one that could end up with Tara is Willow, and two, that would be Mary-Suing, which would be bad, because face it- most of us want to end up with Tara too.

But here's hoping that Morgan does get some sort of a happy ending. Not with Xander though, please, because that's just really predictable. And he's never been one of my favorite charactasjdfkjadgjad yeah just ignore this part. I'm glad I'm not writing the story because I would start MSing big time.

And I'd speculate on Willow and Tara too, but everything I'd say have already been said. So there you go. One Pro-Morgan campaigner, and very likely the last.

Anyway! Keep up the awesome awesome writing. Hope to see an update soon.

[JustSkipIt]

Heather,
Now that flows! Man, that's a good update. I'm glad that they got around the whole Xander/Morgan thing without too much pain and heartbreak. I mean both girls had their moments but they recovered remarkably well. I think that's because they're starting to be comfortable with each other and with themselves. And with themselves together? I guess maybe...

The two roommates exited and Morgan leaned back into the desk, her lower lip sticking out as she reviewed the previous fifteen minutes. "Okay," she said suddenly, looking to Michelle. The brunette's brows shot up knowingly and the spiky haired woman just laughed.

"Oh thank *God* I'm not the only one who sees it..."

That interchange saves the entire update. No, not saves because it's good without it but with it... So well done. I'm glad that both of them can see what W/T have going on. Can't wait for more.