New Fic - Neverland

[wimpy0729]

Good Lord! So, so much torture, angst, I think I'm going to have to go back and read it again. Yes, I think I'm developing an ulcer, but the masochist in me loves every line.



You truly are amazing. There really is so much going on -- Michelle and Marissa, Willow and Tara, Tara and Morgan, Willow hating Morgan, Tara hating Xander. I thought parties were supposed to be fun!



Anyway, I'm not going to jump to conclusions about Tara's bows and the stargazing on the roof. I refuse to assume the worst.



Oh yeah, I liked Ashleigh's suggestion of her character making an appearance. How about we add one more. After Ashleigh makes it clear to Morgan that Tara is not interested, Wimpy walks up to Morgan, who soon invites her into her studio for a private viewing. (Well, only since we know W/T are going to end up together -- eventually!!) Hey, it could happen.



Anyway, let the torture continue. We love it! Poor girls.



Wimpy





"There was plenty of magic." ~ Tara

[eklipsej]

i'd love to leave more verbose and praise-filled feed-back, but the only thing my brain can get out past the sound of my heart breaking for both girls is: HOLY FREAKIN' SHIT!

[NicTacToe]

Ok, what can I say that hasn't already been echoed by all these kittens that are just as enthralled with your writing as I am? (I'm also in awe of your ability to respond to the copious amounts of feedback you get - I don't know how you have time to write fic after all that responding!! )



Anywho...yeah...the tears definitely flowed during this update! How absolutely infuriating it all is!!! But it's true what everyone else is saying - it feels so frustrating because it feels so REAL. I keep thinking what chicken-sh*ts Willow and Tara are being by not telling each other their feelings, but then I'm like, "Wait. This is not happy go lucky world, this is the way the real world actually (often) is." I have been in both Tara and Willow's situations and acted the exact same way (as I'm sure many of us have been) - either trying to ignore my feelings for a presumed straight girl, or watching silently (and painfully) as the non-straight object of my affection 'gets cozy' with another girl. I definitely sympathize with Willow, overthinking and under-mingling at parties, and wow, ok, don't need to tell my life story here. Your writing just inspires so much emotion in me!!! Hahahaha!!!



Xander really is being a great friend, sympathetic, but also realistic.



I don't really see Willow's logic in feeling like she HAS to come out to Buffy before she comes out to Tara. I mean, yeah, Buffy might be a little hurt if she wasn't one of the first to know, but doesn't the love of Willow's life deserve to know, like...NOW? I feel like the longer she waits the more confused Tara will be, thinking "why didn't she tell me earlier!!?"



Alas, we are all captive to the creative genius of EasierSaid, whom I trust completely to deliver the goods at precisely the correct moment...just before our hearts are ripped in two by all the angst! And what a sweet payoff it will be when we finally do get some W/T !!





Bowing down to Heather ,

Nik

[hells bells]

holy crap shit balls! heather (may i call you that? i've already started calling you that in my earlier post sorry how rude! lol.) but o my god...those two girls are just DAFT! lol. it's like murphy's law...anything that can go wrong will go wrong!



and someone should take that mobile away from willow...it's just caused her nothing but immense stupidity...i mean seriously lol...



Jun.

-Make a darkness outside me, to match the darkness within-

[thebardgirl]

*has just died*



RIP





"Here lieth Elizabeth, the last kitten to read angst without knowing it was angst....she liked fanfic alot."





-elizabeth

You shanked my janga ship!

[Sela]

EasierSaid,

I'm also coming out of relative lurkdom to heap praise on this story. As someone not terribly fond of AU scenarios, this story has completely captured my interest and imagination. I actually find myself saying, "Screw canon, I wish we'd seen THIS on our television screens." I think perhaps what makes it so fascinating is the anticipation you create and the way you include your audience on this journey. It's something that was missing in the actual show where we had to make a lot of assumption about W/T's relationship. But here, we're experiencing every single frustrating and exhilirating moment. It's really quite phenomenal. I'm especially fond of the "no bad guy" aspect of this story. No one's cringe-worthy; no one's the villain. It's simply one misunderstanding after another between wonderful people (and I include ALL parties). The angst factor is particulary effective because it so accurately portrays that feeling of unrequited love. The fact that it's not really unrequited makes it all the more poignant. I can say that I literally felt my heart ache as I read this part. And when I was done, I was simply blown away.



I'm particularly impressed by the visual imagery you create through your words. What you do so well is focus on the characters in such a way that as a reader, I am able to imagine the environment these people are in, without you having to spell it out for me. For example, you spend a lot of time describing what Willow and Tara are doing, how they're reacting, their facial expressions, etc., and then you mention the music, or how others are dressed, maybe briefly touch on the layout of the place, and suddenly, I'm there in that room with them. I can hear the pulsing rhythms from the stereo, see the crowds of people, even smell and taste the drinks. It's amazing because those sights and sounds stayed me with throughout this part. At any given time, whether Willow was in the kitchen, the bathroom, or in the main area with Tara and Morgan, the party was always present. I'll even go so far as to say that the party became like a character for me, because it's presence was always felt. It enhanced the experience, made it much more real. I hope that makes sense.



Your complete grasp of the characters is probably the most impressive of all. They're all who they were within the context of the show (though much better representations overall), but their journeys are different, their lives are different, their experiences are different. A lesser writer would have ended up sacrificing the characters for the sake of the plot, but you've made them work and you've made them work well. Kudos. I cannot wait to see what else you throw at us.



--Sela

[Willster]

Loved the last 2 updates, but honestly, I was secretly hoping it'd be a fun party.. So sad...! I just wish Willow would come out and confess her love, this would be so easier, but I know you have other plans for our girls..



Xander is getting wiser, I just wish he wasn't around to mix the cards in Tara's head.. but he's right when he tells Willow that she's not even in the race, infortunately..



Oh you rock: "it's Buffy, she's trying to get me to send the other coat"



Can't wait to see what's, coming up next, I hope it's not gonna be sad again, please, we need a little cheer up!!

[iheartamber]

Congrats - you have lured another lurker from her happy cave! I have gotten into a few of these stories over the years, but I'm really loving this one! I tend to like watching a W/T relationship unfold from the beginning, and you are doing a wonderful job! ... as long as it is taking!



I apologize if this part belongs in another thread, but I just have to ask .... does this sort of thing actually happen in real life? It seems to me that every time I fall for someone, she winds up being straight. So the thought that I could turn someone (as Tara seems to be doing with Willow here) is a little too fairy tale (as Disney rolls in his grave). Any thoughts? (Again, feel free to throw this to another thread if need be.)



iheart ....

[janedoe]

I've come to redefine the words 'pain' and 'suffering' since reading this chapter.



But, it's still amazing and I'll still keep reading, for you are a very talented writer and I just have to see W/T goodness (there will be some right?!)

[LizPuRR]

i love love love this story....

Willow needs to come out SOON!!!

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

you were the one, you were the only one and you were amazing

[Kajun]

Wow. The last two updates were incredibly hard to read. I was prepared for that but still.. Ouch. When did Xander become so incredibly wise? I like that he was honest, brutally honest yes, but also supportive of Willow. A lesser friend would have dismissed Willow’s pain as nonsense and left her to deal with it on her own. I actually have something in common with him. Too bad for me it’s not knowledge of proper social etiquette. Sigh. You know what? That party started out great but then.. BAM. Your incredibly gifted writing skills however.. Compel me to continue reading this even though it feels like you’ve ripped my heart into a thousand tiny pieces and tossed them into the ocean, with the sharks. Is this ‘tough love’ therapy?

Quote:

---

"I just want you to understand how much this hurts, see what this is doing to me... I just, I," the sob came from deep within. "I can't stand feeling this way."

---

Me too Willow.. me too..

Quote:

---

"If you ever need, more, from me, just tell me..."

---

I’m *more* than ready for the ‘healing’ part to begin. Feel free to update soon.. like.. right now would work for me. Mucho

[WillowPowered]

Oh wow, as always that was outstanding.



Poor Willow's gone into melt down mode and I fear that she has resigned herself to the fact that when she comes out Tara isn't going to want her because of Morgan.



I do like how you've made Morgan nice, even if we all do wish her into oblivion.



Bravo and can't wait for the next bit.



Jill

~~~~~~~~

Willow - Say, you all didn't happen to do a bunch of drugs did ya?



My Home Page | Amber Powered | Alyson Powered



My lack of talent is more than made up for by my enthusiasm.

[CeliBabe]

I find myself constantly checking to see if you've updated ... even just after you do!!



This fic is killing me, and Im loving every second of it

[Tempest Duer]

It just seems like everything is going wrong. Are you sure Willow's last name is actually Rosenberg and not Murphy?

It's insulting to the whole gender[sic] of rap.



~Eminem

[photographer02]

Good update...but...

it's hurts so bad....

but...please continue?

hope everything turns out alright...VERY SOON!



photographer02

[Marilda]

Hey, I haven't read the latest update, and I don't plan to for a while yet. I'll wait it out until happier times come. I just need to see the happy ending before I can muddle in the angst, you know?



But gosh woman, I just wanted to tell you that you're awesome. That I've loved this story since the beginning and that this journey you're taking us through is so worth the wait for payoff.



I'll be back soon, and look foward to eagerly reading what I've missed. I tend to read your updates twice, first for the plot, and then secondly to delve more deeply into the way you construct your sentences and make the story flow, in essence, into the mastery you have over the craft.





Hmm, maybe its time you get chained to that desk for real, and start workinng on the story non-stop, that way we can get to the yummy goodness sooner rather than later.





Oh, btw, I'm finding it extremely cool that you're name-dropping some of my favorite singers and bands. Now if you could find it in your heart to squeeze a Death Cab, Decemberists, or Pedro the Lion reference in there, I might just have to bow down and kiss your feet.

[screeminguitar]

Holy misunderstandings Batman...this is incredible!!!



I am only reading your fic these days because you are soooo wonderful with the updates



I gotta tell ya, I am loving the insightful Xander...certainly not in butt monkey character.



Great job with the inner turmoil...and Willow, really needs to clear things up first--so yeh, I'm blaming Willow right now. At least they are being kind to each other-which has been really refreshing to read.



I love the pace of this fic..very realistic. Your characterization is right on towards the Buffyverse people. Great overall job!! Looking forward to more :



Thanks, tootles, Marie

[WiccanSpud]

and the happy train of angsty pain comes round and round again, bringing new and wonderful ways to torture me...



i feel like a masochist, i want the pain and agony to stop, and yet, i can't seem to stop myself from reading each and every single angst-ridden word. good job with this story!



you're evil! fantastic job



-spud

“If you kiss my girl I’ll rip your lips off,” Willow said sweetly. “In a precise, methodical manner. Then I’ll tell Anya why you’re lipless.”

“Welcome back,” Xander grinned.-Instruments Available Season 6 by Jixer

[TromDeGrey]

Jesus, Heather. Jesus Christ. Jesus Holy Fucking Christ. And I'm Wiccan.



That just absolutely took my breath away. How many of us have had an experience like that at a party or seen someone else have a rough time of things like that. It was like I was standing right in the middle of it all. Tara pissed me off initially. I still don't really know why she brought Willow along, but for her to want Willow to spend time with her friends and spend time with her while she was hob-nobbing with Morgan was awfully selfish and short-sighted. Willow needed that tongue lashing though. Xander's right, until she's willing to step forward, Willow has no rights with Tara. You would've busted a gut if you could've seen me when I was reading Tara finding Willow out on the sidewalk talking to Xander. I literally put my hands in my hair and pulled! LMAO!!!!! You have brought misunderstandings to a higher art form. Once again, I find myself finishing a chapter where I crave more. The recovery should be interesting. I didn't come here to be forgotten.



No forgetting that chapter.

Trom's Brain: Rubbing the World the Wrong Way

[snuggle79]

God, poor Willow. I so wanna grab her and give her a big hug. Everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong. And i really thought for a moment, that Willow was going to tell Tara everything, when they were outside and Willow was about to leave. Suspense much?!

God, youre killing me here!! And you really broke my heart as well in this update!



awesome work, as always.

s79

I look at horses and I see really big ponies.

The greatest thing you'll learn, is just to love and be loved in return.

[Artemis]

(Did I get all of them?)



The Fates have just got it in for these two, haven't they? I swear the very second Willow said "this is love" to Xander, I thought 'but what if Tara overhears- she hasn't said Tara's name... oh crap.'



It took me a second to realise what Willow was thinking when she saw Tara's expertly-tied bows, but then, eek, no wonder she went into meltdown mode. She's an emotional girl at the best of times, after all (in said best times, it's one of her best features), and this is hardly the best of times. Nevertheless, I'd stake a lot that all that happened was that Morgan re-tied Tara's bows - a friendly, if intimate, gesture, doubtless with romantic intent from the Morganator, but it certainly doesn't mean what Willow thinks it means.



The ending of that chapter was at once heartbreaking and very touching. And even funny, when Tara thought of beating Xander to death with Mrs Gordo - you know how you can be in tearful meltdown, and suddenly just laugh at somethine preposterous, that line captured that feeling exactly, even though it was Tara not Willow. It just sort of tapped into the knowledge of how that feels, and that immediately got applied to Willow. I don't know why it struck me like that, it was a tiny little thing but it made a huge difference. Anyway, where was I?



Oh yeah, the end. I was right there with Tara wanting to just rush in and hug Willow senseless. But she didn't... sigh... and so it goes on, with Willow quite sure Tara and Morgan did more than tie bows up on the rooftop garden. Of course there were plenty of signs that that wasn't the case, Tara's whole behaviour afterwards, especially once she saw Willow was upset - but Willow was in no condition to notice anything, and frankly, who can blame her? She's had a miserable night (granted, partly her own fault at times, but that doesn't mean you can't feel for her), and then it was topped off with - she believes - probably the worst, most heartbreaking thing that could possibly have happened. Not just Tara and Morgan, but the idea of them having a starlight fling like that, all spontaneous-like, to Willow - knowing Tara's not one for one-night stands - that would have completely invalidated every notion she ever had that Tara might have had any kind of romantic interest in her.



Still, here's hoping that Willow - once she's sobbed herself raw - ends up thinking back on Tara's behaviour as they left, and taking a good, rational look at her the next day, and realising that something ain't adding up.



And you gotta feel for Tara as well, seeing the woman she loves so hurt and - for all she knows - powerless to help. Except by Mrs Gordo-esque means, of course



The sad thing is, it's really no-one's fault. Sure Willow and Tara have made some questionable decisions here and there, leading to situations like 'straight' Willow invited by Tara to Morgan's party. But heck, who's perfect? Everyone screws up sometimes. They've just got to pick themselves up and try to deal, however that is - and hopefully the truth will come out in the process.



I can see what you mean about the Xander Misunderstanding ultimately being a positive - once that's out in the open it changes everything, pretty much. Once she learns the truth - eventually - I imagine Tara will be moved from a state of Gordo-wielding rage to admiration of Xander's friendship and love for Willow, once she understands what it really is. He really has been a wonderful friend to Willow, unfailingly helpful, even to the point of bluntly telling her what she needs to hear, even if she doesn't want to hear it. Given that he had no way of knowing Tara is head over heels about Willow, his advice to her at the party was exactly right. He really is devoted to Willow as a friend, and I'm sure Tara will appreciate that once she realises it.



The question is, will that be before or after Xander gets a Gordo-shaped dent in his head?



Sadly - realistically - I've got a sneaking suspicion that The Xander Issue is going to be a non-talking point for some time. After all, assuming Willow ventures out of her room at all in the next week, she and Tara are tentative friends in any case - plus, Willow's now paranoid about Tara and Morgan, so that won't exactly help her relax. I don't imagine the subject coming up in detail - Tara will want to help, of course, but Willow really won't want to be pushed on the issue of what's upsetting her, so I doubt explanations will be made.



I'm real glad you write so quickly, I have serious doubts about my ability to survive a wait of more than a week or so, even if it's to read another angsty chapter

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

[mollyig]

Part 28



What excruciating torture for Willow to watch the subtle ways Morgan expressed her interest in Tara. And such a predicament for Tara. Despite her best intentions to get to know Morgan better, she is constantly drawn to watching Willow. I liked how proud Tara was of Willow's accomplishments, and how she enjoyed the fact that others were complimenting Willow. Our poor Willow though, bless her, just thinks that others believe her to be a nerd.



Such a pity that Buffy isn't as close a friend to Willow as Xander is. When Willow felt threatened, Xander was the only one she had to reach out to. The communication which, of course, Tara noticed.



Part 29



Both girls doing their utmost to keep track of each other while they were apart. It's such a "couple" thing to do. I do it all the time, even when I'm enjoying myself at a party. It's a security thing; just needing to know where your partner is.



I also liked Tara comparing her physical reactions to Morgan touching her to when Willow did. It's very scientific, and I'm sure Willow would approve



Oh dear. Such awful luck that Tara overheard the conversation outside Morgan's house. Willow was so highly strung that she thought Tara might have heard something, and couldn't help but be abrasive. Tara's uncharacteristic anger shows how much she cares for Willow's well being.



Thanks so much for the updates to this fine story.

---

You stay the course, you hold the line, you keep it all together.

You're the one true thing I know I can believe in - Sarah McLachlan

[starcat73]

Willow ! Please enough . Even Xander is starting to get a little on edge. I really like that he is starting to be firm with her. She is acting like Tara owes her something. Like he said, they are not girlfriends. Willow is not looking at things from Tara's side. She is losing it because she is holding so much emotions in and needs to come clean. What he should have said was " Willow, you have to tell her tonight. Now or never."



What's up with Tara's bows? What were they doing? I don't think Tara is that kind of girl. Willow may be jumping the gun there. I can't fault Morgan. She has alot going for her and Tara is hot. It's her duty to hit on Tara. I would expect no less. I believe in Tara and she will eventually make the right ( ) decision.



Yay!! for Xander for straighting out Willow on the whole phone texting rudeness. She was too busy worrying about Morgan to notice what she was doing herself. Apoligizing for Xander, cute. You are just loving this, aren't you?



This story is like an interactive soap opera. I love it. You really make everyone think. I like that. Can't wait for the next part.

Thank you again for this great story.



StarCat

[SpiritOfTara]

WOW



Hands down, , best fic i've read!

"To be able to create a whole world on celluloid is amazing. It's like taking your dreams straight from your head and projecting them onto a screen. You are like a tiny God creating your own universe." ~Amber Benson



Help a Life Today

[alysagoddess85]

so im just about giving up on my ulcers...ive come to the conclusion that as long as i continue to read this fic(which i will dont worry)...im in for serious pain.



but you just amaze me with every chapter(no matter how aggravating it is!!)...you write the dialogue and the characters like real people...its quite realistic...the conversations...the feelings...the characters...THE ULCERS!!! grr.



i think youre quite lucky i dont mind pain and torture and all that..because otherwise i probably wouldve strangled you through the computer by now...but then i think that the two girls are going to have a hell of a lot of fun...wild...'discovering our love' sex...so if thats within the next couple of updates than i can handle it...but it better be good!! hehe



~mel

'The Cat in the Hat' is fine, just not during sex.--Alyson Hannigan

[Arwen276]

ULCERS! INDEED I will be having ulcers, and then I'll be on medication for the rest of my life, because once you got them they stay ...



SEE the bills I'll be paying???

and that's not even half of it, I'm boiling with frustration , that I feel I might crash the keyboard under my fingers...this is why I'm going to keep it short, and remove myself from the board, because let's face it I need my laptop for classes...



UPDATE SOON AND FIXXXXX IT!!!!









~Arwen

Hear That Baby? You're My Always... Willow

[alysagoddess85]

ya know what..you get used to the ulcers after a while...ive had mine since like..part 2!! just stick with it...lol



~mel

'The Cat in the Hat' is fine, just not during sex.--Alyson Hannigan

[happynatty]

Wow, I feel….I feel as if i was beaten in a very bad fight and my body it is hurting with brusies. I was at this party, I went through every horrible torment. Wow you are good. maybe too good. You describe everything so perfect.



But I’m happy too now and I don’t know why. I'm so confused! Maybe this is what happens when your mind has too much pain. No, I really enjoyed everything. It was painful yes, but just very exciting.

Oh and I ’m so gland that Willow saw that she was being rude with the phone.



Continue please.



natalie

[She Bopp]

when i saw your warning i thought there might be some tara and morgan lovin', but i am too in love with this story not to read a chapter. oh boy. you made my stomach hurt. this is no fun. there are no real words for the frustration and sadness i am feeling right now. AH! the two of them need to get a clue. ooo i want them to be happy so bad! ive told you you were evil before but this.... THIS is just....

onto the praise... i think you did a great job of portraying the way people feel at a party. ive definately felt like willow before in those awkward social situations... it made me feel like i wasn't the only one who can't deal with the loud music and chit chat, which is nice. i also like the way that this story unfolds. i feel like its really happening, im not just reading it off of my computer screen. theres nothing about it that isnt plausable, and you ar giving us all exactly the opposite of what we want, but we're still reading anyway. keep it up. if you don't keep it up... ill just cry all over. oo i cant wait for the next update you really have me on the edge of my seat. really, its about to tip over. just, dont make my stomach hurt. ok maybe a little.



danielle. ( i love this guy.)



"If love is shelter, I'm gonna walk in the rain... If love is a red dress, well then hang me in rags."

[feyndem]

Can you make this a little harder? I don’t think you can… I wish you can’t because this update was the painful one, it was just… I wanted to go there to open the eyes of these two clueless girls. Ok, I’ll read the update one more time, I’m sure there must be some kind of hope hiding there and I need to find it.

Two or three updates before the good news? You’re cruel!!!!!

As we say in this part of the world… ¡Eso ha dolido!

Great update anyway! (Did I really need to say that? it's so obvious)