Fic: Vignette Series

[Bookcat]

In order to think of an appropriate response to this, I whipped out my handy dandy thesaurus and looked up fantastic.



• marvelous

• extraordinary

• awesome (slang)

• brilliant (British)

• bully

• excellent

• fabulous

• heavenly

• mind-blowing (slang)

• stupendous

• super

• superb

• superlative

• terrific

• wondrous



There you go! Perfect ways to describe this.

"Living for thirty minutes at a time with a break in the middle for adverts" - Elvis Costello



"No! I'm, oh, I'm friendless."
"Yeah, yeah. No friends -- I mean, I have friends...."
"Many dear friends, yeah" - Willow, Tara, Willow Entropy.

[tommo]

"Bully". I like that one.

----------
"Smut now." - Dark Madfic Tommo

[Bookcat]

yeah... its like the phrase "bully for you". I went through a stage last year when I went around saying bully for you to everyone about everything. Not that anyone here wanted to know that.

"Living for thirty minutes at a time with a break in the middle for adverts" - Elvis Costello



"No! I'm, oh, I'm friendless."
"Yeah, yeah. No friends -- I mean, I have friends...."
"Many dear friends, yeah" - Willow, Tara, Willow Entropy.

[Sassette]

Okay ... been procrastinating, been busy, been working diligently on a shower scene, been barely stopping by here ... so I'm feeling a little behind and a little rushed *G*



**VampNo12: Thank you ... I really liked the idea of Willow heroically fighting colds and snifflies and other bad things *G*



**Willowfan: Happy W/T moments are the very best kind - I love writing them.



**LeatherQueen: Oh, not wrong of you at all - in fact, you weren't the only one *G*



**BytrSuite: Thank you *G* I just wish I could've kept the timing up - I'm reasonably sure a little extra W/T goodness would've done everyone some good Wednesday night, but I found myself too depressed to contemplate writing. I am, however, feeling much better now.



**Autumn: It certainly is *G* So, ummm ... what other gifts do you have?



**Mufin: Damn ... stupid typo. It was a random demon. I'll fix it when I get home tonight. And actually, yes, it reminded >me< of Princess Bride while I was writing it.



**Scout: W/T Forever ... it's not just a catchphrase - it's a way of life.



**frogfear: Thank you *G* I hope I can send out many more such contented sighs in the course of this series.



**witchbitchwillow: Heh ... just throw in some smoochies and kittens are happy ... I'll keep that in mind



**bulldog_tidnab: I am so sorry to hear about your mom - but I'm really touched and honored that my little vignette helped. And you're very welcome. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts, and if there's anything I can do for you, drop me a line.



**The Next Tara Maclay: Thank you *G* I love cookies.



**wiccanmagic: Heh ... should I put a warning on these? Because I'm reasonably sure that hearts aren't supposed to >actually< skip beats - y'know, that's kind of, umm ... bad for you? But thanks you.



**Mufin: I couldn't agree more. But honestly - I have so many vignette ideas, and have had some really great requests ... I'm just not sure what to write next. I'm having kind of a hard time of it. But, I'll be doing something extra-mushy and very sweet as soon as I can get my head going in just one direction.



**Blue77: They do have a future ... many marvelous futures - as many wondrous and joy-filled futures as fic-writers sit down and pound out. The possibilities are endless.



**ExtraFlameyWT: Glad you liked it ... I enjoy spreading happiness and sunshine - makes me feel good *G*



**tommo: LOL ... glad you liked that detail, Ruth dear ... there I was, racking my brain, trying to figure out what song Tara would be singing on a misty morning to a bunch of flowers, when I realized I didn't have to - this was Willow's POV, and it's entirely possible she wouldn't know the song. Heh. And yes, your observations regarding Tara's muffins are spot on.



**W.I.: Well, you could try and find out, but Willow jealously guards those muffins. She's not into sharing.



**Drakkenfyre: *G* Again - no need to apologize for the lateness. I'm very glad you liked them, and that they brought you some smiles.



**Jennpurr: Thank you *G* And oh, yeah, I know - W/T as cute little kids is SO much fun to write - and because they're dreams that a young Tara is having, I can literally do >anything< with it ... no matter how bizarrely random. I'm looking forward to doing more of those.



**tkheaven: I'm so extremely happy that these vignettes are helping people ... I just think it's important to remember that the joy of loving fictional characters is that as long as someone keeps writing about them, they never ever die. So Tara's not dead at all - she just has a new group of writers.



**Bookcat: Wow, umm ... thanks *G* I think that's the first time I've sent someone scurrying for a thesaurus.



**tommo: I rather like that one, too. I also love 'famous' for some reason *shrug*



**Bookcat: Oh, I wanted to know that *G*



-Sass

[Katharyn]

Excellent point Sass...



W/T do have a new group of writers... and we can keep them alive...



And this is a very good way of doing that



Katharyn

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

You hear that baby? I am going nowhere.

[Sassette]

**Katharyn: *G* You're so damn nice - Thank you.

Series: Vignettes
Number: 5
Title: Empty Nest
Author: Sassette
Feedback: Can be sent to pink_overalls@yahoo.com
Summary: Willow and Tara get ready for a special event
Spoiler Warning: None
Disclaimer: I didn't create these characters. I do, however, love them, and as they reside in my heart, they belong to me. I'm not making any money off of them, though.
Rating: PG-13

Empty Nest
Part 5 of the Vignettes Series
by Sassette

“Honey, have you seen my earring?” Tara asked, as pulled her sweater on over her head.

“Which one?” Willow called out from the bathroom down the hall, peeking out the door and aiming her voice towards their bedroom.

“The dangly one,” Tara called back absently, opening and then shutting little drawers as she searched all the places she could have left the elusive piece of jewelry.

“Well, that narrows it down,” Willow said with a smirk, walking into the room, running a brush through her hair. “Just how many dangly earrings does one woman need to own?”

“Are you gonna’ help me or not?” Tara asked, shooting an impatient look Willow’s way.

“I’m sorry,” Willow said, immediately contrite at the annoyed tone of Tara’s voice.

“No, I’m sorry,” Tara said, taking a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m just …”

“Nervous?” Willow said, hazarding a guess.

“A little. I mean, I want everything to go perfectly, y’know?” Tara said softly.

“Here,” Willow said, finding the earring Tara was looking for in plain sight and handing it over. Tara closed her eyes and huffed, mentally kicking herself for missing it. “And of course you want it to go perfectly. But sweetie – what could go wrong?”

“This from the girl who had to help blow up the school and kill the commencement speaker at her graduation?” Tara asked, raising an eyebrow at Willow.

“Well, yeah, but that was a special case. High school graduations go off every day without a hitch. Well, not >every< day,” Willow clarified needlessly. “I mean – high school – graduation. Kind of a June thing, really, but still – many many high school graduations happenings all over the country, and no bloodletting.”

“This is Sunnydale,” Tara pointed out, tilting her head and putting on her earring.

“Well, yeah, but there were a billion gazillion graduations right here in Sunnydale before mine, and none of those had the mayor turning into a demon,” Willow said. “Nothing can go wrong. And just in case, Buffy took an axe with her, Xander and Anya are bringing crossbows, and you’ve got your witchy stuff.”

“What are you bringing?” Tara asked curiously.

“Oh! I almost forgot! I gotta go get it!” Willow said, jumping a little, then hurrying out of the room.

Tara watched her go, a bemused look on her face. She would find out soon enough, she supposed, and it was really kind of cute how Willow got all show-and-tell instead of just ‘tell’ when she asked a question. Tara put her hair up, fastening it neatly with pins as she thought of all the other fun situations in which Willow used her very special show-and-tell skills, the memories bringing a dreamy smile to her face.

Willow bounded back into the room, her excitement bubbling over with every gesture as she seemed completely unable to stand still, a small silver object in her hand.

“So what are you bringing?” Tara asked again, smiling at Willow.

Willow beamed back, thrusting her hand out and displaying her prize. “Digital Camera,” she said. “And see, it does stills >and< video, and it’s the size of a credit card,” she said, standing next to Tara and proudly pointing out all the little buttons and features on her new toy. “It’s so exciting,” she went on. “Our little Valedictorian, up there making with the speeches and being all academic.”

“So if demons crash Dawn’s graduation, Buffy, Xander, Anya and I will fight it off, and you’ll take pictures?” Tara asked, an amused look in her eye.

“Well, I figure someone has to take pictures of our little graduate anyway, and if there’s demon activity, I can sell the shots to the National Enquirer. We’ll be rich!” Willow said.

“’Ex-Cheerleader and Friends Vanquish Demon at High School Ceremony’,” Tara said, envisioning the headline.

“Right next to the most recent Elvis sighting, or pictures of an ice cream cone that miraculously melted into the shape of the Virgin Mary,” Willow said with a little grin.

Tara let out a little sigh, causing alarm bells to ring sharply in Willow’s brain. This was not a happy Tara. Between the sigh, the snapping, and the fact that Elvis and the Virgin Mary >always< made Tara laugh, Willow could only guess there was something wrong.

“Something wrong?” Willow asked, deciding to get right to the heart of the matter.

“Wrong? Oh, no,” Tara said unconvincingly, sitting on the bed to put on her shoes. “What could be wrong?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Willow said, sitting next to Tara and affecting a thoughtful expression. “Little Dawnie, graduating from high school. She’s all grown up now.”

“I just … I, umm,” Tara started to say, then stopped as she choked up, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Hey, hey!” Willow said, panic striking her heart at the miserable look on Tara’s face as she immediately pulled her into an embrace. “No crying,” Willow almost begged, tears stinging her own eyes as she rubbed Tara’s back in slow soothing circles. “No crying allowed during the happy festive graduation-type activities.”

“She’s grown up so fast,” Tara sniffled into Willow’s shoulder. “She’s taller than me now, and she doesn’t ask for funny-shaped pancakes, and she’s going to be off at college doing her own thing.”

“Well, she had to grow up sometime,” Willow said softly, turning on the bed so she was completely facing Tara and getting one leg behind her. She scooted backward until her back hit the headboard, pulling Tara with her. “And it’s not like she’s moving clear across the country – she’s just going to be on the campus at UC Sunnydale.”

Tara curled up, resting against Willow’s chest, her head tucked under Willow’s chin. “I know – I’m just being silly.”

“No you’re not,” Willow assured her, tilting her head and kissing the top of Tara’s head softly. “It makes me sad, too. I’ll miss her,” she confessed. “But she’ll just be over at the dorms. Just a phone call away.”

Tara nodded her agreement with the sentiment, snuggling into Willow and letting herself relax in her arms. “And we can visit?” Tara asked softly.

“Of course we can visit – Dawnie’d love it if we visited,” Willow said confidently.

“We wouldn’t be cramping her wild college style?” Tara asked.

“Well, we probably would,” Willow said with a little grin and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “But we’re family. We’re supposed to embarrass her.”

Tara let out a laugh at that, turning a little to get her arms around Willow’s waist and hugging her tight. “We’re a family. I like being in a family.”

“And families are forever,” Willow said firmly. “We’re not losing her, y’know. She’s just – she’s starting her adulthood.”

“I know,” Tara said. “I … we’ve just all been so happy here. Together. I’m … I guess I’m kind of scared, that things are going to change so much.”

“They will change,” Willow confirmed, rubbing Tara’s shoulder slowly. “But change isn’t always bad. Not that Dawn not living here is good, but it’s not bad. Things have to change to grow. Besides, Buffy will still be here – she loves funny-shaped pancakes.”

“When’d you get so smart?” Tara asked lightly.

“I was born this smart,” Willow said solemnly, earning another laugh from Tara.

“Yes you were,” Tara agreed, reaching up and kissing Willow lightly. “And I certainly love you for it.”

“Oooh … if it gets me more Tara-Smoochies, I’ll have to be born smart more often,” Willow said with a little smile.

“Mmm … how about Tara-Smoochies just for being Willow?” Tara offered.

“Oh, that sounds good,” Willow said happily. “In fact, I think I’m going to be Willow right about … now.”

Tara sat up completely, leaning in and pressing her lips to Willow’s in a slow sweet kiss. She lingered there for a few long moments, opening her mouth for her lover and letting their tongues brush gently together several times before pulling back, a crooked smile crossing her face as she bit her lower lip softly.

“Ready to go?” Willow asked, a peaceful loving look on her face.

“Yeah, we don’t want to be late,” Tara said, kissing Willow lightly once more before standing, offering her hand to Willow.

Willow slipped her hand into Tara’s, squeezing it gently before they made their way out of the house and into a new phase of their lives.

[Willowfan]

Sass....I just wanted to say...again....Your work is pure genius!! I love this series....just love it!

More...moremoremoremoremore!

Thank you so much for all this happy W/T moments. It is really needed right now...more than ever.

Thank you and keep up the great work!

Willowfan

“Love’s bitch?” Spike asked softly...
“Woman enough to admit it,” Willow agreed with a nod and a sad half-smile.

“Cheers, luv,” Spike whispered... -Answering Darkness by Sassette

[Little M]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww that was too cute!!!!!!!! It's so sweet that Tara got so upset cos Dawn is all grown up and ready to leave the nest etc...but hey it has to happen yknow

My mom is also freaking out cos I'm moving out in a few months......she thinks I'm way too young hehe



Very good update



Mir

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

'I go online sometimes, but everyone's spelling is really bad..it's depressing' - Tara

[blameburner]

Awww, that was just too cute for words! But here I am writing words anyway.



Sass, loving the vignettes. Little snippets of heaven.

"And remember... if you hurt her I will beat you to death with a shovel. A vague disclaimer's nobody's friend. Have fun!"

[Thanatopsis]

BB, that was what I was going to say. It's far too late for me to think up something else clever. Anyway, I'm really enjoying this small bits of W/T goodness.

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

"This world's no fun."
"You noticed that too?"

[TrueXena]

Oh my....I dont know what to say.



I love it. It was so sweet. So Tara, to be upset of Dawn growing up. So Willow, to be excited about a new digital camera. (a woman after my own heart) Just so damn sweet.



Thanks for this little future glimps. May I have another?



*wonders off with love in her heart*

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

Tara: "C-can you just be kissing me now?" - in 'Entropy'

Tara: "Its good to be a chicken casserole." -in 'Answering Darkness' By: Sassette

Tara: "Evil's....good." - in 'Seeing Red' (shooting script)

[VampNo12]

Sassette another wonderful glimpse into the lives of W&T. The way you portrayed Tara fretting about little Dawnie no longer being a kid anymore, and growing-up was so like Tara. Tara has gotten used to her family being together (ie Dawn, Buffy, Willow, and herself living together), and she is sad that things are changing with Dawn growing-up. But I loved how Willow explained to Tara this wasn't the case with the lines ("But change isn't always bad. Things have to change to grow."), which just shows you have to look at change as a new perspective it doesn't need to bad, just different.



Also loved how excited Willow got over her digital camera, and the line by Tara ("So if demons crash Dawn's graduation, Buffy, Xander,Anya, and I will fight it off, and you'll take pictures?") cracked me up. Really love seeing the sweet moments between W&T, and can't wait to see where the next moment takes them in the next update.

Edited by: VampNo12  at: 5/19/02 2:00:42 am

[BytrSuite]

Reading this makes me sooooo happy. All good, all the time. Little snippets of how things should be. Sigh. Wonderful.



Willow's so adorable running to get her camera. And poor Tara missing Dawn already. I love how you write them.

————––
"Don't look into
the darkness,
if you want to see true black,
look into a morning's brightness

when love ain't coming back.
And you will find there is a
darkness that blinds.
"

[witchbitchwillow]

okay that was soooo incrediable sweet. i aboloutly loved this line!!



***“Right next to the most recent Elvis sighting, or pictures of an ice cream cone that miraculously melted into the shape of the Virgin Mary,” Willow said with a little grin.***



sorry it just cracked me up!



cant wait for the next bit!



love ellie x x x x

*thats me as a vampire im so evil and skanky and i think im kinda gay*

*no candles? well i brought one its extra flamey!*

Edited by: witchbitchwillow at: 5/19/02 2:44:47 am

[Blue77]

That was great Sass, I love the way W/T communicate with each other, it's so sweet and you portrayed it really well here.



Blue

"She should have died hereafter: There would have been a time for such a word ...

...it is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Shakespeare/Macbeth

[Katharyn]

Oh my oh my...



Just when I was sure that this could not get any better... just float along at some wonderful height of accomplishment then you go and do this...



You are ruining the place for the rest of us that try to write... and with no plot too!!!



*S* I loved this Sass... the Dawn graduation thing and Tara's reaction to that. I am not sure I would have ever have considered it... but when you show it is so logical. It is so... Tara... that I cannot doubt it for a second*S*



They will always have, find, love and reassure each other. In no particular order.



Katharyn

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

You hear that baby? I am going nowhere.

[snuggle79]

silly me, I got a little late in this great story....I've read all the parts now and i like it very much! Can't wait for more!!

Oh baby, want me to rub your tummy? She likes it when I ... stop explaining things.

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


Looking down and hungry for your love, but no way to feed it...

[The Rose24]

*Sigh*



Beautiful.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

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

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

[Bookcat]

My thesaurus says, under spectacular:

3. (interj.) Well done (used to express approval):

• bravo

• fabulous

• fantastic

• great

• marvelous



And that is what I say to you!

"Living for thirty minutes at a time with a break in the middle for adverts" - Elvis Costello



"No! I'm, oh, I'm friendless."
"Yeah, yeah. No friends -- I mean, I have friends...."
"Many dear friends, yeah" - Willow, Tara, Willow Entropy.

[xita]

I like this one a lot because it has this sense of family. And Tara being pissy... is it bad of me to think that's hot?

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

Willow and Tara Love

Truly and Forever

[Karzia]

Nope Xita, a "pissy" Tara is still cute, especaily considering the reason, "her little girl" is all grown up



This was so sweet........ who cares about houshold appliances

Give into the sunshine....give into the W/T love..let it take over"

--------Sassette

[Grimaldi]

very good Willow bringing a digital camera while everyone else brings weapons was funny.

Willow and her special show and tell skills....

If there are any questions, you may direct them to that brick wall over there.

I got news for you pal, you ain't leadin' but 2 things right now Jack and shit.. and Jack left town

[Sassette]

**Willowfan: Thank you - though, I don't know if I'd say 'genius'. Cute, yeah, but not really 'genius'. I think you have to have a plot for that phrase to be applicable *G* And you're very welcome ... I've said it before, and I know I'll say it again - I love spreading the W/T Love.



**Little M: Parents are like that, yeah. Which is the point. This board has gone over the whole "Dawnie has two mommies" idea from the summer between Seasons 5 and 6 (Season 6? There was a season 6? *G*), and I just thought this was a logical extension of that.



**blameburner: Heh - I like your words ... you can write them anytime you want. And I'm really glad you like the vignettes.



**Thanatopsis: Glad you like them *G* I like 'em, too - they're WAY fun to write *G*



**TX: Heh ... I want you to know, TX - this was posted because of you, to buy me some time in which you won't bug me about the shower scene And yes, you may have another. But, ummm ... not right now *G*



**VampNo12: Tara is just such a caregiver ... I think she really gets a sense of pride and satisfaction from making sure everyone gets breakfast, and getting things done for her family - it's like, now that she has a family that she really loves and really loves her, she >wants< to do all the things her 'blood kin' >made< her do. And thank you *G* Your detailed feedback is a heck of a lot of fun.



**BytrSuite: I'm glad I could spread a little joy - makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And yes, W/T are totally adorable - I just love writing about them.



**witchbitchwillow: Heh ... glad you liked that line *G* I have to admit, Elvis and the Virgin Mary always hit me in my funny bone. I have no idea why - I guess it's kind of like the Spice Girls ... I just find them amusing on a conceptual level.



**Blue77: Thank you ... and that's part of the fun of setting things in the 'future' ... I get to write about them at a point where their relationship has progressed. Of course, it's fun to write about the past, too, when their relationship is just getting started. Oh, wait - they're fun to write about ALL the time



**Katharyn: Oh, stop it - you're making me blush And don't say 'with no plot, too!' like it's somehow harder to do these things without a plot ... I'm telling you, this whole 'plotless' thing makes it a million times easier to do stuff like this. Little scenes with no context means I don't have to worry about, well ... context - much easier. Much, MUCH easier. And I'm glad you loved it *G* Though, I sure hope all y'all aren't expecting each of these to be better than the last ... 'cuz they won't. *G*



**snuggle79: Why thank you - I'm really glad you like them *G* And don't worry about starting late - personally, I love starting a fic late ... it means I get to read a whole lot all at once.



**The Rose24: Thank you.



**Bookcat: I love you, and your thesaurus, too. *G*



**xita: Oh, no - not bad at all. In fact, I'm very muchly inclined to agree with you *G* And thank you - I'll always be emphasizing the W/T Love in these vignettes, but the love they have for their Scooby Family is very much a part of them, so it's a nice place to take these little vignettes.



**Karzia: Oh, yeah ... and I just love the idea of Tara being all upset about Dawn growing up and moving away. It almost makes me want to write a follow-up to this vignette, but I haven't really decided if I'm going to do that with any of them yet - because once you start tying vignettes together, it's not so much a 'vignette' anymore. *shrug*



**Grimaldi: Heh ... that girl has Mad Show-And-Tell Skills. And the idea of all the Scoobies being armed to the teeth and Willow running around with a camera just tickled me - glad you liked it *G*



-Sass

______________________________________

I Think The Hellmouth Tastes Like Chicken -- Autumn

[LeatherQueen]

Ah, bless you Sass, for this wonderful part. Just what I needed for a lazy Sunday morning.



God, I'm really loving these little glimpses. They give me all kinds of happies.

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


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


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

[Sassette]

Heh ... excellent. I like giving happies



-Sass

______________________________________

I Think The Hellmouth Tastes Like Chicken -- Autumn

[tommo]

More lovely stuff. And by "stuff" I mean um, well, "stuff". You know? It's all the love you encompass in every look they give one another and the little quirks. And the detail in these short fics is amazing. The dangly earrings; Willow being so excited about a new gadget; the smartness of Willow being such a turn on for Tara. It's all kinds of good. But more than that, it's the Sassette kind of good that I adore.



Thanks so much, love.

----------
"Smut now." - Dark Madfic Tommo

[Sassette]

Ahhh, the stuff and the details *G* That's the pure beauty of the vignette series concept - it's nothing BUT stuff and details. No plot to worry about, no needing to get from point 'A' to point 'B'. Just ... W/T love 24/7, in the domestically blissful moments that would never appear on the show because they have nothing to do with whatever Scoobyage is afoot at any given moment in time. Honestly? I just feel really >really< lucky to have stumbled across the concept.



And I'm damn lucky all y'all like it. I was half-expecting responses like, "Huh? What's the point of all this? Random scenes that have nothing to do with each other? Ummm ... why would you write that?"



And then I'd have to admit that it's pure laziness on my part After AD, I need a BIG break from the pressures of plot and continuity *G*



-Sass

______________________________________

I Think The Hellmouth Tastes Like Chicken -- Autumn

[mollyig]

That was brilliant.



Tara upset over Dawn growing up and the prospect of her leaving the nest - Lovely!

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

[frogfear]

Theses are just great !! I hope you don't take these away from us to soon. They keep me smiling all day.



And plus, easy to sneak a read at work ... hehehehehe









Tracy

"It's all about emotional control"

[MOUSE]

Sass as always, you put a smile on my face.



It's nice to come here and feel sooo warm.

(Especially when I'm freezing my but off where I am.)