New Fic - Neverland

[Artemis]

Methinks we have progress! At least on the Morgan front - she seems a decent girl, as I've noted before, so I don't think she'll be trying to seduce Tara out from under Willow's nose. Willow will probably just think she is, of course, with the whole check-out-my-art thing - another reminder of what she and Tara don't have in common, and Morgan and Tara do. I like how she's clinging to 'Morgan isn't Tara's type', it's almost desperate, a somehow childish response, and it feels fragile. I'm sure the Queen of Freakadovia isn't done freaking yet But at least (unless I've misread Morgan) we don't have to worry about her actually putting the moves on Tara.

I kept thinking, if only Willow had been there (unbeknownst to Tara and Morgan) to see their attempted chat earlier - then again, she'd probably have freaked, and missed the subtleties. But it brought home the whole lack of 'spark' between the two of them. They're both friendly and funny, but they don't quite click - I'm sure Willow would have giggled at Tara's joke (I did). I found it telling that - Morgan's trellis-intervention aside (that was cute) - their conversation only really got going when they started talking art, as if falling back on existing common ground.

Still the Xander thing... I hope Willow takes his advice, and lets Tara know that she's nervous about coming out, even if she doesn't tell her that it's coming out that she's nervous about. Of course, Tara could take it the wrong way, and think Willow was nervous about something entirely un-gay related (come to think of it, if Xander does decide to visit, Tara may think Willow's nervous about that, hoping she'll be able to put the moves on him, which will just fuel her mistaken Xander-ire). But at least Tara will have more information, and that's been the thing keeping them apart so far, lack of communication.

It's funny though, when they do communicate, they really communicate - they get each other. They just don't do it nearly often enough.

It was an unexpected and happy surprise to have another update so soon, thanks

[watty]

I'm actually nervous of Willow telling Tara too much about the conversation with Xander, and for Xander to show up at SF. I hope he keeps his word and stay home. Why? Because Tara will be reduced to a puddle of nerve endings if Wilowl tells her that her friend Xander is coming up for an important event but she can't tell Tara what it is until after the weekend. I can just imagine Tara over-thinking and over-feeling the whole situation and getting completely the wrong end of the stick.

Willow too, with the Tara going to Morgan's to help with her paintings. She will do her own stewing and over-analyzing and somehow come to the conclusion that Tara doesn't want her. *Shakes head*

Willow's plan is to come out to Sheila and Buffy at the weekend, what does she do if they react badly? She can't take the coming out thing back, cos it's already out there. Will she change? Change back? Heck no, she'll just have to continue to be gay but have a strained relationship with her mom and/or best friend. So where does it leave her? Once she comes out, the next question will probably be "are you gay with anyone?" Now, where will Tara be during this conversation? Will she get a clue? Will Willow offer her an olive branch?

It will be a long long drag until the weekend for both of them, I can just tell from the tension during the last scene. How can Michelle and Morgan not sense something is up? Perhaps they become instrumental in nudging the girls along, I mean it should be painfully obvious to Morgan by now that Tara is not looking for anything but casual friendship with her.

Huh. I'm not sure I make any sense here, or whether, like the girls, I've over-analyzed and over-thought myself into a corner. Anyway, fantastically long update which I didn't want to end. Great stuff, but you know that already.

[br]

[WillowRulez]

Oh thank Goddess for making Morgan see! Question is now: Will she ignore it cuz of her hots for Tara or will she be gallant enough to 'let her go'?
Come on Tara... just wait a few more days
Thanks for updating this soon again.. hope you will keep that up!

[sam]

Oh so beautiful. Gorgeous update . Love sam xx

[irishgrl3]

Great update! I was a little concerned about Xander possibly coming up for the weekend, but maybe it will be a good thing. I like how he called Willow on her phone usage again while she was hanging out with Tara.

Michelle is such a great character, she just kind of sits back and takes it all in. She was the the first to see the chemistry that is Willow &Tara and I'm pretty darn excited that Morgan is now on the clue train as well.

I'm so looking forward to the visit with Anya, should provide much entertainment and sore sides from laughing.

Take care,
anna

[Fleiss]

wow, i have missed this story!
i'm soooo glad its back, some great updates and i cant wait for more great updates!

[Leafsdude]

Yay! There's actually some hope!



Xander going to SF, Michelle and Morgan realizing Willow's got it bad for Tara, Willow noticing that things might not be perfect between the Buffster and Xan-man.

I just know that you'll come up with something new for them to misunderstand, though.

I notice the same pattern in the last 2 chapter. Willow and Tara are rarely extremely hopeful about a potential relationship at the same time. Tara's very negative about it right now, what with the continued misslead of Willow and Xander's "lovey-dovey" feelings.

Hopefully Xander's right and the reaction of Mrs. Rosenberg and Buffy are better than Willow (and, granted, myself) think. Not holding my breath, though.

Can't wait to see where it's gonna go now. Maybe Buffy's return can signal the chance of direction for the fic.

Shout at you next update!

[StarCat]

Very Nice.

First I have to warn you that I work nights and I am very tired right now. I wanted to write this before I pass out for the day. So I hope you understand a word I am trying to say today.
I see now why you said this update was somewhere in the middle of what I was hoping for. Xander thinking about coming for the weekend, bad. Xander showing up could mess things up more. I see nothing good coming out of that. Willow and Tara's closeness finally being seen from the outside, good. Maybe now someone can clue them in on a thing or two.
I also see protential for Willow jealousy to show. I am really liking Morgan now ( I am probably the only one ). She see's the emotions play on Willow's face when Tara is involved and now it seems like she is testing Willow. Now I wonder if Morgan is really gonna go after Tara now that she see there's alittle something between her and Willow? Well, I can't wait to find out. But I will.

This story just keeps getting better and better and better and ok I think you got the idea.

Thanks !

[captain_katie]

[blockquote]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..."[/blockquote]

I'm still giggling to myself about this. I know many people do not like Morgan but I love her. I think she's adorable (and I must say I imagine Jordanna Brewster from "D.E.B.S.") and genuinely funny and kind. And who can really blame her for having the hots for Tara really. I feel bad for Morgan at times for the rudeness displayed by Willow and sometimes Tara (though it may be only her nervousness). And I heart Michelle and the both of them for actually noticing the W/T factor.

Hooray for updates!!!!!!!!!!!! As Scully would say... I'm all a tingle.

[Kajun]

Heather: WOW.. and WOW. And.. Wait, wait... TARA???

Stop! In the naaame of looovvve.. be..fore you breaaak her heaaart.. Think it o-o-ver.. Think it o-o-ver…

She already knows it isn’t going to work with the “no tingles” girl so why not find someone else to date? Dating Morgan is just 9 million kinds of a bad idea. Maybe that’s the point though? Tara is willing to date Morgan, knowing a relationship with the fellow artist will fail, instead of looking elsewhere, because she will always have hope that Willow will get over Xander and fall madly in love with her. Hope that made sense?

Tara knows she “fits” with Willow! Can she just skip the doomed dating and go right to the ..please? I know.. I know.. miles to go..

Willow’s conversation with Xander was delightful to read. I loved her going into full babble mode provided details of her time spent with Tara. I like your Xander so I hope he isn’t a “dead, dead man” after the week-end! Also hope Willow takes his very wise advice and allows Tara to be a “Willow-comforter”. Something both girls could really use.

Loved Willow reading the Latin on the painting. Very nice little touch there. The whole -avoiding looking at Willow to focus on Morgan-.. ouch. I really enjoyed the now famous line most everyone else has already quoted. I hope Morgan turns into another M-word very soon.. Matchmaker for W/T! Loved this and looking forward to the girls with Anya and getting more Paint! Thank you for brightening my day!

[Trom DeGrey]

MmmHmmm..... So the plot thickens. I wonder how Morgan will act on Thursday now. I can't wait for them to finally get to Anya's too. Probably angsty, but definitely fun. Nice to see a couple of updates for this. Welcome back.

[tarawhipped]

Holy crap, Heather! TWO updates! I was sure I'd have time to leave fb before you posted again, not knowing you were going back to your old schedule of updating every 3 hours. As usual, there's almost too much to comment on, but a few things that have really stuck out: I LOVE how you write Buffy! As infuriating as she can be, lines like this make her so endearing:

"It's total knee-jerk, jerk behavior that I can't stop. Kinda freaky."

It's not the canon characterizations that impressed me so much this time, however (though they always do), but your original characters...the Ems, if you will. Marissa, Michelle and Morgan are all so well drawn, and really fit seemlessly into the world you've created.

That said, YAY for Michelle! Even if she hasn't single-handedly gotten rid of Morgan (who I actually felt a little bad for here), she's SHARING INFORMATION! it's about time someone did...sheesh. I've accepted the fact that Xander feels he can't defend himself to Buffy until Willow comes out to her, but it finally hit home that Willow isn't aware that Xander and Buffy's relationship is stressed because he's keeping her secret. Yikes. It makes me a little angry at Willow that she's so self-absorbed she doesn't see the train wreck she's caused, but I like that you're letting them be so flawed.

I'm already steeling myself for the angst ahead (seriously...I'm wearing a 3 quart saucepan as a hat to cushion the blow when I beat my head into the desk), what with Tara moving into anger at Willow and Morgan's impending visit precipitating more calls to Xander, leading to a downward spiral of heartache and despair. *sigh* I can't wait! You're the best, dude.

-Cam

[strangerhere]

I want to echo everyone's sentiments about the updates--HOORAY! As to the update, I've just got one burning little question--is Morgan gonna be the hero here? I mean, she sees it, Michelle sees it, will she really intrude on that? I really did not like her at all to begin with, but of course that was protectiveness. But could it be that I'll like her after all...I have faith that we are at least on the downhill slide....

Thanks for the updates!

ash

[pipsberg]

Well, aren't you the busy bee! Two updates for me when I got back from my trip. I really loved them both, and especially the second one. Your conversations are so amazingly real -- I can imagine unfilmed W/T dialouge on the show (pre-relationship) that would have gone very much like yours. Wonderful, deep, raw and real. You just nail them everytime as if you created them yourself.

What I was struck most by was the contrast between Morgan and Willow in this update, both in their personalities and the conversations. Willow's inherant vunerability seems to be very attractive to Tara, as she ponders comforting her, touching her back, her hair. Though she should be attracted to Morgan's self assured style, she is not. She is only impressed by it. I also especially like Morgan's perceptive reading of what is going on, which is hilarious given how utterly clueless both Willow and Tara are to the signals around them, whether due to insecurities or deceptive circumstances.

As always, I am hanging on every word and cannot wait for more. Wonderful job H.

FanFuckingtabulous.

[histchic]

First of all, I would like to say taking the gang out of the context of demons, curses, and general otherworld nastiness, it is such a relief that they still flow and vibe. This is in no small part due to your creativity as an author.

So Morgan knows who Tara really has the hots for huh? This should be interesting, hopefully she will bow out gracefully, but in the name of all that is angsty, I doubt it. Also, maybe her levelling with Tara or Willow will finally get our gals to see the light!

Xander coming to town with everyone else....This will be quite angsty at first, but I'm crossing my fingers and hoping it will straighten out some things.

This is an awesome, well written fic and I love it! Keep writing, we will keep reading!

[Lythande]

I'm sorry, it's just... (sigh) I know it takes time to write a good fic. You can't just... have coffee and expect -- to log on and see an update every day...

There's just so much for the characters to work through. Angst has to build again, on both sides of the screen (you adding it to the story, us experiencing it waiting for the update)...you have to beta it if... if it's even going to be the same high quality as the previous updates were, if you can fit it in with the ongoing story line. It's a long and important process and ... can we just skip it? Can you... can you just be updating it now?

Jerri

[dragonfly]

Hello there!

How are you? Fine I hope. Sorry I'm late, I've been crazy busy. Thanks for these two updates. This is getting better and more than better.

I was glad when Morgan showed up at the end of the update, I thought that maybe she is what Willow and Tara need to see what's so obvious.

Xander coming over the weekend kinda makes me nervous because Willow will tell Tara he's coming, and that something very important is going to happen and she's worried about it. Tara, of course, will over analyze this and think that what Willow is talking about is related to him, all of that translates into a lot of angst and sadness for our favorite artist. (Note to Tara: Willow is truly and crazy in love with you, and she's worried because she doesn't know how to tell you how much she loves you.)
On the other end, we will have Willow stressed out because of Morgan's visit. (Note to Willow: Tara's ideal is not a woman like Morgan, it might have been, but not anymore, YOU are her ideal, and she feels the same way about you, and thinks you two fit perfectly.)

Good thing Morgan noticed the exchange between the two roommates, I hope she talks to Michelle and get some insight from her. Since the party I thought Michelle knew something. Morgan doesn't seem to be the kind of woman who would insist on someone she knows is in love with somebody else, so she might be a great help.

Their next stop is at Anya's. I'm sure they'll have an interesting time with her. They both left the gallery with conflicted feelings, and their minds are going to be about to explode. Tara upset because Willow was talking to Xander, and blindly believing she's in love with him, and not with her, and Willow worrying that Tara will help Morgan and they'll meet soon.
I can't wait for the next update. I hope and pray that nothing bad happen and makes Willow change her mind about telling Buffy and Shelia she's gay. I don't think they'd take it bad, in fact Buffy might be happy for Tara, (I believe she knows Tara has feelings for Willow).

Ok, I gotta get back to my homework.
Have I told you how much I love this? No, well I DO.
Thanks again and update soon please.

Clau.

[TinyAnt]

Even though I suspected we would have an update soon, it was still a joy to see it. NOW begins the wait.

As the others have said, that last exchange between Morgan and Michelle was priceless! However, I'm not so sure that it would make Morgan give up on her attempts to 'woo' Tara. After all, what exactly did she catch on to? While Willow's feelings were obvious, Tara was angry at her roomate and mostly trying to ignore her. Maybe Morgan didn't realize that those feelings go both ways, and when they meet on thursday she'll just continue courting Tara.

I wonder now what will happen after they leave the gallery. Some updates ago, I would've thought that each would just infer the worst out of the other one's mood, but say nothing. Now I think maybe Willow feels confident enough in their friendship to ask Tara what or if anything's wrong. Of course, they could fall back on earlier behavior and just keep quiet, trying to ignore the tension.

The Xander visit doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing, especially after Willow's coming out. On the other hand, I do think that it would be impossible to avoid, at first, Tara's anger resurfacing.

About the coming out itself... I don't think there's anything that would make Willow unwilling to go through with it. She already did that once, and I think she learned her lesson (wouldn't her life be easier now if she had got it over with three years ago?). You know, out of all the people she has to come out to, the one's whose reaction seems more uncertain to me is Tara. I mean, would she feel angry that Willow had been keeping something like this from her? or maybe just a little disappointed that she didn't confide in her.

Sheila's reaction, I think, won't be that different from what she said during the fisrt attempt at coming out. I have to say I love how you portrayed Sheila and her reactions to Willow's defense of homosexuals. Their conversation over the phone and the flashbacks were well writen and the characterizations amazing.

Then there's Buffy. I think she suspects something. I'm not sure what that is exactly, but it just keeps nagging at me, especially after her phonecall to Tara.

"Oh," Buffy answered, her voice obviously showing that she wasn't expecting Tara's words. "Well, that's cool then Tare. I mean, that's kinda what I was hoping would happen when she moved in with you..."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," Buffy replied, pausing for a long moment. "Just..." she paused again. "Nevermind."
"What," Tara asked, her brow knitting.
"Nothing, I think I'm just tired," Buffy said with false cheer. "So how's the painting coming?"
"It's not," the blonde replied, wondering what Buffy had stopped herself from saying, yet allowing the change in subject to occur all the same.

And Tara summed it up:

The girls hung up and Tara frowned. What had Buffy wanted to say? She wanted for her and Willow to be friends, just... nevermind?

Maybe she suspects there might be more than a platonic interest between them?

And I think I just made up for 39 updates of zero feedback.

[the hero factor]

First things first...

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

Woo and hoo! Michelle is now, officially, my total hero. Someone sees it! Ever since Morgan's party, I've been wondering if Michelle knew or suspected something. What really surprised me here is that Morgan sees it, too. I wasn't expecting that. I wonder what she, and Michelle, will do? And I wonder how much they do 'see'. They both seemed to be looking at Willow's behavior, do they realise it goes both ways? This should be interesting.

Tara thinking wistfully about Willow tripping over stuff was so cute.

Xander visiting. Obviously, on the one hand, I'm thinking, "Nooooooo." Talk about yer angst. On the other hand, though, his presence may force things into light. Plus, I gotta say, the thought of a Tara-Xander verbal smackdown sounds pretty awesome.

Giles! I've been hoping to see his name. The s5 Scoobies are the heart of the show for me, so having them all in this fic, even if Giles and Dawn have only been mentioned, is very cool indeed.

Great update.

[IamLoui]

Forty three million varieties of amazing!!!!
Loved it!
LOVED IT!
But please, for the love of God, can Tara not be too cripplingly hurt by any future misunderstandings? I can't take it!!! They're meant to be kissin', not cryin'!
I'm glad Morgan realises: she probably won't date Tara knowing what she knows, even if Tara does make a move.
Anyway, a million deep breaths of anticipation!!!

[wimpy0729]

Oh Heather...here, this is for you . Just a small thanks for taking the time and effort to give us these amazing updates.

So I finally caught a few minutes to do some reading, and again find myself totally addicted. I guess my stint in the Fics Anonymous didn't work (Thank God!) Reading your work is such a fabulous addiction to have.

Once again you take us to a place of angsty confusion that torments our souls to the core, but in a good way. I see things moving along, what with the weekend of the coming out-edness, that hopefully will be a good thing. And who knows, now that the M's see the W/T interaction/underlying tension, perhaps...no, I'm not even going to speculate. I will just anxiously await the next update and see what you do with their newfound revelation. I'm tingling with anticipation. And you know, any kind of tingling is a good thing.

I to your greatness and can't wait til your next update.

Wimpy

[Krokador]

Wow, I was scared to start reading this, cuz hello! 56 pages! but when you realize its mostly feedback, with great writing in between, which means you really deserve the FB.

I was hoping trhough the reading that at least, with so many pages, you would have finally shown the come out and stuff and will and tara would be together... well they are not, oh angstiness...

But I loved it, I was soo addicted this week i even got to one of my classes late, really.

I don't like morgan, and the fact that Tara doesnt like Xander... maybe she shoudl ask Will, like "hey, you know, Xander, what is he really to you, cuz you look all happy when he calls, and other times he seems to make you soo mad... or sad." instead of being all mad at Will for sumthing that aint true...

cant.wait.for.that.weekend... and the next update too in front of your greatness

[the Prey]

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..."

THERE IS A GOD, THERE IS A GOD, THERE IS A GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kaia]

Wow...
It took me 3 and a half hours, but I read it all and I didn't even get up to go to the bathroom. Yay me! lol
I am completely and totally hooked up.
I can't wait to read what happens next. I'll be waiting for your update.

Greetings from Chile.

Karinna

[kristyn]

This is so frustrating! Let's get on with the gay love already!!!

Granted...I love the tension.

-Kristyn

[willowspiritus]

I found this update after my vacation! Very nice to read away the back to work blues

Michelle and Morgan rule big time! Morgan was always the bad element in my eyes, the perfect girl that can mess things up for Willow. Now she is the nice friendly girl who cant help but notice the love in the air and will be a friend and nothing more. The story keeps on being great! Everybody talking about the big tent that is Willow's work was funny.

[barnabasvamp]

Sorry for not leaving feedback sooner Been away from the board a bit.

Leave it to say I was most happy to see both updates! Hopefully we'll see more soon!

BV

[ShallowLikeUs]

Great story. I just started reading it. And now I'm addicted. More please!

-dani

[behindhereyes]

Heather

This was wonderfully written . Taking us so deeply into W / T's mindset, and the who, that they are... you are so gifted in that respect ! I still feel that one day I'll be able to proudly say, I knew you when.


You blow me away my friend
Kim

[Ressick]

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

Oh this is so exquisitely painful! Welcome to the clue by four, Morgan... Willow really needs a 12 step program for her phone addiction. Love it, love it, love it. It's absolute torture.

And I'll tell you something about reading this all the way through... When I did, about chapter 30-something the board went down for a bit and I had to scour the internet to find an archive with it. Trust me, that was painful. I needed my fix of W/T not doing this: