New Fic - Neverland

[JustSkipIt]

God, Poor Tara. The girl is just absolutely torn apart. And now it seems that they are in some kind of hell universe in which one of them has to be in agony. At first, Willow was the one in agony but now she has her "let Tara get to know me and come out to Buffy & mom" plan and she seems the exact opposite of agonized. In fact, she seems hopeful. But Tara seems to be declining in inverse proportion to Willow. And I can see that continuing to happen. As Willow exposes herself more and more, attempting to be good friends, Tara will become more and more pained at what she can never have. Quite a horrific trend.



I'm glad that Tara has friends like Michelle & Marissa who will give her the support and space she needs, no question asked. It keeps her from going to a bar or coffee shop. I'm wondering about Tara's art: most artists seem to be driven somewhat by emotion. If Tara is agony, I would think she could channel some of that into creation. Not that we want a layered mass of swirling black, brown, and red, but I would think that she could use it.



Interchanges like this

Quote:

---

Tara brought her head up slowly, confused. My date...? Willow was looking at her with... I don't know that look, what is that look?



Casual. Look casual. Willow said, concentrating her energy on breathing normally and keeping her face relaxed, neutral. *Don't* look jealous, or nervous, or jealous--

---

are just wonderful. I must say (and please take this as a compliment, not as condecension), that your writing skill and timing is improving with each update. Well done.

MoveOn.Org

American Civil Liberities Union

Human Rights Campaign

[snuggle79]

argh! *bites into a piece of wood* lol. I so wanna be able to be "the voice above" and tell them what to do, what to say and so on...just do a little helping. sigh. I'm so glad that Willow waited for Tara for this late night talk. Another little step into the right direction i hope.

Can't wait for the dinner!



Love your 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]

Firstly, I just wanna say I love Debra's suggestion of Tara venting her inner anguish through her art, it makes sense - or the opposite could be true, Tara's too hurt by what she's feeling to want to express it in any way, that could also be true. But I can just picture Willow not realising how much Tara is hurting, then walking over and looking at some canvas she's in the process of working on, and in an instant really seeing it - realising what it means.



This chapter was very reassuring, and I think we have Xander to thank for it - in Willow's confidence, I think we see the Hand of Xander at work, giving her the motivation to not back off and hide in her room. And that led to such a sweet scene - granted, both of them still very much unsure of each other, but at least when they mull things over in their minds, this conversation will do its fair share of weighing in on the 'good' side of things.



I wonder - did Willow mention upset-Tara to Xander, and did he maybe suggest she stay up to see her home? If not, I think that whole thing came about at least because of Xander's general advice to Willow, so go Xander



Tara at the beginning of the chapter, though, was just heartbreaking (I know, I use that description too much, but hey...) It was encouraging, in a tiny way, that she was recognising some truths about her situation - that it's like this because she let it get like this. If only she'd realise Willow's similar behaviour stems from the same feelings... but I guess that'll take time and a lot more interaction with Willow.



Naturally her resolve to bring up Willow moving out during the dinner was a 'Nooooo!' moment - if anything would be guaranteed to crush Willow: having this nice dinner together, and then Tara dropping in "So, about you moving out..." I just hope that their subsequent conversation will have planted enough suggestions of possible-hope in Tara's mind that she'll resist following through with that idea. As I've said before, it'd be enough to keep me pathetically hopeful for years...



I'm encouraged also by the comments you've made in replies, hinting at what might be in store for Willow and Tara - the one about then experiencing some physical 'firsts' together, for one. After all this angst and indecision, I hope I'm not being too demanding in hoping for this story to continue beyond the point where Willow and Tara 'fess up and declare their mutual love. There's a lot of ground that could be explored after that, and while I have the sneaking suspicion you'll manage to angst it up a bit , it'd be nice to see this relationship through its course, from 'first declarations of love' to 'happily ever after', as well as from 'angst city' to 'first declarations', if you get what I mean. Basically what I'm saying is: never stop! Never ever! I'm addicted I tells ya... Okay, being rational now, you're allowed to finish the story whenever you want... but it couldn't hurt to beg, right?



(By the way - speaking of never-ending stories - no, they don't have lollipops in Duncraig, but there was that thing with the cherries, which is essentially the same idea )



What else, what else - I should write feedback beforehand so I can refer to the text, and itemise my points, or something (it'll be different coloured fonts next... actually, there is an option for colour, isn't there?). Willow finding out the shocking truth about Morgan - that definitely could have been much, much worse. I'm surprised at your restraint But I guess things have to go more-or-less right sometimes, it's not like everything can go completely wrong all the time. Okay, Willow had to find out - but she had some preparation from having thought about it, and she managed to find out the heart of the matter - was it a date? - without too much moping and fearing of the worst. And best of all, it wasn't a date. Yay! (Sorry Morgan, but it's for the best.)



No real cause for a smiley having a fit, so I'll just send out to Tara's ex Jill, on general principles.



In conclusion, as usual, wonderful, and more please? I don't know how you write these big chapters so fast, but I ain't complaining one bit about having Neverland updates show up so often to brighten up my days

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

[amazonaa]

Awwwww!!!! That was great. And I think we're making some progress.



Bur just to let you know I like the waiting and all the confusion 'cause with out it it wouldn't be a story it would just be.....um.......boring.





Great job. MOre soon, please.





brittney







~Good friends help you move. Real friends help you move the body.~

[alysagoddess85]

and onward they go...i loved that talk they had on the stairs...its nice that they are both able to finally talk to each other and are going to try to be a little more open and become better friends...especially willow admitting that she hasnt been the best friend/roomie....and then her staying up so late just so that they could talk...maybe theyll both get a clue now eh? maybe at dinner but thatll probably just be more talking...which is awesome because i think they need to reach that close good-friend level thing first...whatever you decide to do will be awesome...as has this fic been from beginning to end...cant wait for the dinner!!



~mel

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

[sacinema]

Just read the hole story in one day. Couldn't stop. You have amazing skills in tearing people into the inner circle of the story. I really felt with WT and what they are going through. Thanks.



But I have to disagree with Willow: I like Anja. At least Willow owes her for rescuing her from that dull broker Buffy picked up for her. And in a way Willow is a little bit selfish not sharing her crush and the turn of her sexuality at least with best friend from school Buffy. It's causing obviously major trouble between Xander and Buffy. So everything is connected. Nice.



And you are a heavy teaser - please don't get me wrong, I really love your story... But you are a bit cruel to our two girls. They both have to suffer so much. I think it would be nice to grant them some less tension. So, they could pull theirselfs together. No offense really, I think it's just my curiosity and my eagerness. I'm not good at waiting for the happy endings.



Will Tara mention to Willow about leaving the appartement? I hope that they will not split their roommate-status. A bit to much tease after my fancy. But in the end I will except everything you write. Because you have the right ideas. Please go on soon. I know it's begging for a lot. But I'm totally addicted to your story. Need my next fix.



Love sacinema

[Nicole023]

Wow !



All those little things you make them discover about the other is just amazing. Both very in love with the other and jet they still aren't together..

I love how you make them friends first, although their feelings are so much more then just that. I think it can only make it that much sweeter for them to finally realize how much they truly love each other.



Love doesn't always make people see it in each other the easy way and thats what I like about your story..

[justin]

That was a great update



There were certainly a lot of emotional ups and downs in this piece, which is very nicely conveyed by your evocative writing.



I particularly liked this part

Quote:

---

"Oh," Willow replied, nodding her head as if that simple statement was enough to close the conversation. Tara looked around, noting the awkwardness of their situation. Her one foot elevated above the other, her weight distributed unevenly on different steps, Willow standing above her, looking down at her. The house was absolutely still, and Tara could swear she could feel the air pressing between them.

---

Which expresses Tara's uncertainty, both physical and emotional, so well.



I liked the way they were both trying to figure out what the other was thinking, and mostly failing. Particularly Tara trying to work out why Willow's suddenly changed.



It's good that Willow's taking steps towards them getting to know each other and becoming friends.



Looking forward to more

A good story should provoke discussion, debate, argument...and the occasional bar fight. -JMS

[restlessune]

I am a serial lurker who came out of hiding to tell you how awesome your story is. It is so well written and detailed that you can't help but get caught up in the story. You have such command of the characters that even though it isn't set in Sunnydale, it is the essence of W/T. I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter....



Great Job!

[ladydameon]

Okay, somebody has got to say something sooner or later? Don't tell me Tara is going to have Willow move out only to find out she's gay. OH, after Willow tells Buffy, will Buffy let the secret slip? I can't remember when Willow has it scheduled to tell them. Maybe nothing will happen at dinner - Tara doesn't ask Willow to move out and they just become better friends....Maybe after Buffy becomes knowing of the gayness, she will hook Willow up with somebody. Wouldn't THAT be a kicker! Tara finds out her desire is gay only to have her best friend hook her up with another girl.



BWHahahahaaaaaaaa. You're not going to do that are you?



See what happens when I don't have enough stories to read? That should be a clue to ALL you writers out there...and just in case you didn't get it....UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE.

ladydameon

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

Goddess of Violence

[happynatty]

Ahhhhhh, I feel so calm now. The girls talked at last!!! There are still some misunderstanding, but at least they are calm and so I am calm too. Thank you. Its scary that you can claim all these different emortions just by your writing, but I think we all agree that you are very, very talented. I am waiting impatiently for the dinner date!! Have mercy. But then not too much mercy. Maybe some tears and misunderstandings but not too, too much. what am I talking about?! I’m asking for tears!! Mon Dieu…..

(And no, English is not my first language, so sorry for any spelling errors)

[WyrdOne8]

Okay, so...I've been reading this board since its conception and the Kitten board since before it came to ezBoard (so, over four years). You can see how many times I've posted since then, and this is the first time I've ever de-lurked to praise a fic, but I just couldn't help myself. I get so excited when I see a new update, and when I've finished the most recent one, I can't believe I have to wait a couple days to find out what happens. This is easily one of the best stories I've read on Pens.



As a side note, if you've written anything other than fanfiction, feel free to submit to my online literary journal, After the Fact. It's brand new but completely genuine, I promise. The invitation extends to all other Pens authors as well. The submission address is afterthefact_mag@yahoo.com . Any fiction, poetry, or art is welcome (.doc files, JPEG, TIFF).



Thank you for sharing this story. You're doing a wonderful job.

[mariacomet]

I have been catching up with this one for the last few days and I have to say it has been a pleasure to read.



One of my favorite things about romances is the dance of 'will they or won't they' and while I think the answer to the question is pretty much assured, I am enjoying the journey. The shyness, the struggle with feelings, the misunderstandings...and the growing attraction. So many sweet wonderful moments and a slow building toward something fantastic.



You have created a wonderful tension here. (The dreams are gulp-worthy, even if they do make me cheer at first and then cringe. The dreams border on evil - in the most wonderful kind of way.) So...wonderful job.



By the way, can I say that I love Tara's profession in this story? And I love that you have taken our girls outside the traditional Buffy-verse and made them still be our girls.

[Wired vixen]

The last update knocked me sideways! That was so cute! And sweet! and all other snuggly words!



FRIENDS!

GOOD FRIENDS!

PROGRESS!



I can see all of Xander's advice coming into play now, its all working out- or starting!



Yes!



Can't wait for more!!



Stace xXx

[BFR from Paris]

Getting closer and closer to THE DINNER!

I'm hoping that it won't be a fiasco... even though I'm now fully aware of the evilness of the writer (that means you, EasierSaid) who likes to torture us poor readers who just want W & T to get in bed already! Hum that's not what I meant



Anyway, go Willow for talking to Tara, and from "good friend" to "girlfriend", there are only 3 letters that change (and a space that disappears)!



Everybody! "THE DINNER! THE DINNER! THE DINNER!"

[Rocktoddy]

Oh. My. Gawd.



I'm sooo in withdrawal from this incredible fic right now, having read the entire thing so far in two days... I need more!! This is probably the most engaging piece of writing I have read in a long, very long time, it's just so, so... (insert anything positive)!



Damn, those two dream sequences, I don't know what it is, but they just brought tears to my eyes (must be female teenage hormones or something, I'm such a blubberbaby sometimes), as well as this latest chapter with Willow standing at the top of the staircase, being all vulnerable, and oh golly gosh here I go again...!



Oh wow Heather, nobody does this voodoo that you do so well; ripping my heart out and making it soar, all at the same time.



Okay, so I think I'm ready now for The Dinner. S'cuse me while I go fetch some more tissues... *sniffle*



Oh you're good. Sigh.

"Marshmellow bunnies make you fat with arrogance!" ... "Your magic dress has gone to your head!

Skirts go UP, Piki!"- Piki & Poko, 'Ten Miles High'

[littlecrazy80]

That update was so cute. I hope they will be soon good friends, not only friends.



*lil´c*

"I am S-E-X-Y" Amber at the FedCon



Sweet Amber ~~~ Amber Board ~~~ Danielle Benson ~~~ Danielle Benson France ~~~ Danielle Board

[Confusedgal03]

WOHOO!! Willow & Tara are finally getting somewhere... one step at a time...



MMmmMMm... spinach... Dinner should be full of yummy goodness



Great updates!!!

Without passion, we'd be truly dead.

[pipsberg]

Heather,



Sorry this feedback is late! Amazingly, you just keep getting better and better with every update. Neverland is by far my favorite story on the board right now and probably one of the top 5 I've ever read here. The see-saw pattern of your writing is both addictive and frustrating! It keeps me hanging on your every word. One update I am hopeful for them because they are connecting and it makes me go awwww, and then in the next update you throw a curve ball (a la Morgan or Willow's date or Willow's big mouth about Jill) and I have to go grrrrrrr. The sign of an incredible author is one who really engages the reader and their emotions and you do that with every update. It's simply amazing. I can't wait for the dinner date and hopefully more revelations from both of them. I would love to see Tara press the work issue, because Willow is clearly reluctant to talk about it for whatever reason... perhaps because in the past her best friend Buffy has shown no interest?



Please send us more amazing Neverland our way as soon as you are able. I'm craving more!! I can't wait to see these to girls make a true connection... and then have hot monkey sex!! Don't get my wrong though, I love the build up!! More more more!

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

Edited by: pipsberg at: 10/9/04 11:07 am

[seamstressofdarkness]

Heather--Another wonderful update! I love the depth of emotion expressed by the characters in this story, and how you convey their feelings in both dialogue and actions. The "on the stairs" scene, with Tara partway up and Willow above, was just beautiful, and you captured Tara's confusion and Willow's vulnerability so well. I could feel how the lateness of the hour, the darkness, and Willow's sleepy state added a new bit of intimacy to their interaction--and this was reflected in Willow's sudden question, "Are we friends?" Wow. You are setting Willow and Tara (and we readers) up for quite an intense scene, when the girls finally get a clue about each other's feelings. You continue to do an excellent job with characterization; overall, your writing just gets even better. I'm looking forward to the next installment--hopefully, The Dinner. Hope it will be soon (I've already checked twice today!)



Camille

[desertgrl]

Wow! yet again you have given us another wonderful update. I really enjoy the depth of emotions that you have created for both characters. I am quite amazed with each and every update that you post. I am not normally one to post a comment, because I know that I sound dorky (I have totally embraced my inner-dork). But, I am compelled to, because this story is so well written. Thank you!!!!!



Gina

[hondosfirst]

( Bouncing, whistling and smiling as I enter the thread)



Hey easy . what time is dinner? What we be having for dessert after we eat or spinich stuff?



Rose

[photographer02]

Please?Update soon PRETTY PLEASE!! I want to know what happened next!

[thebardgirl]

This is fabulous.



Can one say anymore?



I think not.



Updates are wanted for my sanity...besides...I've been forced away from the board for a while now...I couldn't get to read this story until it was insanely inapropriate to join the rest of the kittens bouncing up and down for one. But look! I'm bouncing as we speak, up on my tippy toes...





Oh please, oh please, oh please,oh please...PLEASE UPDATE!



-elizabeth

You shanked my janga ship!

[TromDeGrey]

So, with my one afternoon off I reread the last three updates. I suppose I really shouldn't say WOW again, huh? I'm getting redundant here. So, I guess I'll go through this one update at a time, cause, you know, I took notes as I read this time.



Chapter 19: Willow's spazzed conversation with herself was too hilarious! Her thoughts on Anya, especially, She could be bi. Or you know, slutty. Just had me rolling! You just have Willow's brain down to a T. I love the thought of Willow going to the gallery cause she missed Tara and found it telling that she was looking at Filmore and not the other more subdued "public" pieces. Feeling busted, grasping for a hotel and then hoping there was a Four Seasons in SF - again, so wonderfully Willow! I giggled over their conversation with the weather. 60 and freezing?? *snort* Try the midwest, sweetheart! I'm really intrigued by what Willow does now too. Why is she being so evasive? I also can't help wondering what Marissa thought when she walked in to find the two of them holding hands in the floor. And poor Tara. Hope springs eternal. Oddly enough, the biggest thing I took from this chapter was something technical. (Again with the .) The structure of their conversation together in the office was, I thought, very telling. The sentences were short, choppy, even awkward. It screamed of two people that know each other but not really. Of tentative steps, but wanting more. Brilliant stuff!!



Chapter 20: Again, you just own these characters! Buffy's comments of being a "confidence lock box" and that Tara deserves "puppies and lollipops" was so very, very her. Jill, Jill, Jill. I'm heartened by Tara saying she's over her, but her embarassment was palpable. So many layers to be explored. This was the first chapter where I was really struck by the contrast between Willow's euphoria and Tara's agony. It's a rollercoaster ride for the reader. I sat here grinning along with Willow despite her brain screaming that it was a disaster and I felt sick to my stomach as Tara tried to figure out where she could go, not wanting to stay home. We put ourselves into the most awkward situations sometimes, don't we? I could just see Tara trying to wrench her shoes back on and being caught by Willow.



Chapter 21: Marissa and Michelle intrigue me more and more with each passing chapter. I'm glad Tara has such understanding friends and I find myself wondering if she'll eventually confess the whole mess to them. And again, the scene on the stairs was just breathtaking. As I read it again, I thought how even the humm of my computer was too loud. Now that's putting your reader into your story!! I was again struck by the contrast of Willow's joy and Tara's self-abuse. Let the self-doubt begin indeed. Thankfully, Tara is listening to her heart more than her head at the moment. I loved her wanting to reassure Willow despite her own confusion about the girl standing in the moonlight at the top of the stairs above her. I'm so gald Willow finally opened the friendship door too, tried to at least apologize for her behavior if not actually explaining it. She's finally giving voice to not only her misgivings, but her hopes too. Yay for progress!!! Terrific stuff!! Can't wait for more!

Trom's Brain: Rubbing the World the Wrong Way

Edited by: TromDeGrey at: 10/10/04 6:59 pm

[BurningWhiteRose]

I have been following this for a while, and have decided to make my appearance.



Wonderful Story.



The chemistry between Willow and Tara is absolutely amazing.



Always have been a sucker for W/T confusion and tension.



So now, I shall patiently wait.



For the coming out.



And of course, the actual sex.



Sincerely,

BWR

***

If homosexuals dont reproduce, why are there so many of them?-Jim David

[badkitty]

[lea jane]

You have me checking for updates twice a day needless to say I think I have a problem like stalking the board which is so not my fault. I really am enjoying this fic no I love love this fic please update soon I'am feeling hungry maybe its dinner time.HINT HINT.bye for now LEA

[bearthirteen]

trying it again - the last one did not appear.

i need you to know that you are uncommonly talented. i have never cared so much about a story and how its going to turn out. i am in actual pain about the situation these two girls are in. it may be more painful than my own real relationship when we were starting out - now thats truly amazing.



thank you for writing. and for the sake of my sanity please do not stop.

[janedoe]

WOW...................



WOW WOW WOW........



I am simply at a loss for words. This fic is simply wonderful, and you are an amazing writer......



WOW.