New Fic - Neverland

[Willow18]

Heather, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I hope all turns out well.



As for your update, fabulous. I liked the Moose/Squirrel bit. Had me laughing. I could picture Willow and Tara in the romantic lighting from the fairy lights. They are so close to a huge reveleation. Tara's slip with the "adorable" comment... C'mon Willow. Think!



Oooh, willow was thisclose to being busted for her romantic song Tara playlist. Always have to watch what you have on the computer before you show it to someone.



Things are looking up for our girls.

[Arwen276]

Heather, I'm sorry to hear about your father, and I can only imagine how shocking and painful it must be to you and your mum. I hope the surgery goes well, and cross my fingers and send all positive thoughts for a good remission!

You don't have to worry about updating... just take care of what's important and needed for the moment!



now about the update:

It was very intimate and I really liked it, it's good that you're trying to establish them as good friends, before moving on ... I think that those little things Willow does to Tara, will help speed things up a bit. I thought it was so close, what with the near-kiss and the playlist and the lights...and wow I'm relieving a major memory! anyway. LOVED IT!

Can't wait for more, but take your time!!



take care!



~Arwen

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

[Idgie]

I know everyone's already said it, but let me add my sympathy for your dad. I hope the surgery goes well and that he and your family are OK.



As for the update, I think this was my favorite so far. I totally identify with that scene - an intimate moment that makes you want to forget all the insecurities and questions and just give in to your feelings, no matter what reality looks like by the light of day. Also, it's so well-written that I'm right there with them as they get closer and closer to letting go. Clearing up misunderstandings is important, but so is going with the moment and dealing with the repercussions later, sometimes.



I can't wait for the next update, but I understand that if it doesn't come for awhile.

[angel of salvation]

Hey Heather. My prayers and thoughts to you and your family. Hope everything turns out alright.



As for the fic... YAY!!!! WIllow and Tara are making progress. The fairy lights, the laptop, the iTunes, did I mention the fairy lights?

Ah, listening to the Buffy Radio soundtrack while reading this was a great idea, it gave it such an atmosphere and seemed to work very well with it. Spooky...



But then again I scream....ARRGHHH!...Willow!! Dammit Willow, you should of kissed her. Or tara, no one's complaining here, someone make the first move. But then again, baby steps it always fun. Its so cute and as Tara said 'adorable' Yay ness! Keep up the fantastic writting. I'm totally hooked on this fic!



Jess xxx



Edit: And I must come back to give a news flash. Becuase I'm jus so loving this fic right now I have been inspired by the last chapter to go ahead and buy myself some fairy lights and hang them in my room! Wooooo!! Ah they look so romantic and pretty, Tara was onto something when she hung them up, still doesn't give her a reason not to kiss Willow lol. But still i'm love them. All I needed when I was putting them up was my bf holding my sides to make sure I didn't fall down. Then again, I mite have never gotten up hung up in the first place with him around *runs off to watch lights in room*

'You're my angel of salvation, and hope, and strength...your my multi-angel'-Jay (My baby)

.:~*My anime site*~:.

Edited by: angel of salvation at: 12/5/04 7:15 am

[russ]

Hi Heather,



I haven't been feedbacking (?) to this for a while now, as: a) time is very limited and I'm often way late in getting caught up on the reading (indeed, this latest chapter is still unread); and, b) you have a plethora of feedback from others. Instead, I'm writing to join with your many readers in sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your family. You'll all have a lot to deal with in the coming weeks; know that there are a lot of us out here wishing you well.

Russ



When we love and give it everything we've got, no matter what the consequences, we are doing what we were put here to do -- Geneen Roth

[ange04]

along with all the other kittens, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. family comes first so don't sweat the updates, which by the way, totally ROCK!



i suck at leaving feedback, but i want you to know i love your story and i think you are an amazing writer.



take care

ange

Edited by: ange04 at: 11/29/04 6:37 pm

[shuyaku]

I just wanted to add my thoughts and prayers for you and your family.



-shuyaku

Oh God, Willow—you’re giving me the gift of Karen Carpenter. Just when I think I grasp the full extent of your love." - Tara

"Why do birds suddenly appear? It’s because, you are queer…" - Willow (Gods Served and Abandoned by AntigoneUnbound)

[Kajun]

Heather, I’m very sorry to hear about your dad. Cancer is a horrible thing for any family to have to endure. It’s a good thing they were planning to visit you. Your father made, what turned out to be, an early, essential trip to the doctor. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you and your family during this difficult time. Take care of yourself and remember that you have the love and support of everyone here... always.



Now for FB: It took two trips for both girls to carry in the groceries and I’m thinking.. good gosh that’s a lot of food! It’s a mini hibernation period.. yah! Willow bragging of her Boston Blood only to be caught with chattering teeth upon Tara’s return.. priceless. Tara should have left her bra. It would have been a funny moment to have a very nervous redhead’s gaze suddenly fall upon the keeper of Tara’s sassy eggs. (Head over to Magic of Two and check out the new wallpaper by Petal of Roses!)



Awww.. Willow’s fluffy yellow doggie has a very special place in my heart. Tara is sure quick with the funny come back’s. Squirrel? Hee. They have so much in common and are even occasionally finishing each other sentences! I love the way Tara let Willow actually help hang the lights. She could just as easily have put them up herself. They work really well together and value each others opinion. Hey.. Willow got to watch Tara work after all.. Tara didn’t answer Willow’s kitty question but it was sweet that she teased Tiny Jewish Santa instead of fretting over another of Willow’s recollections of that day in the park. Also.. the twist with defining the perfect kitty instead of girlfriend.. nice.



So.. Tara says Willow is adorable out loud and gets, albeit accidentally, hurt for the slip. That’s the problem. They both think, by revealing their true feelings, that the result will be pain. It’s a physical vs. emotional parallel. Does that made sense? Anyhoo.. not true! The love and consideration they have for each other is so obvious… to us anyway!



Now I get to repeat myself, sorta: good gosh that’s a lot of tunes! Willow knew the song Tara chose so well that she could count off the seconds until it was over? That’s amazing. After listening to the CD, will Tara think the title is aptly named for her self as well? Real Me, Real Tara, Real Willow.. see where I’m going? Such a wonderful day: sharing the lights, teasing, the CD, ‘almost’ kissing.. HUG!!!! Hmm.. this day has provided Tara (and Willow) with much needed inspiration. She should have the required paintings finished with time to spare! Amazing update.. Truly.



Double Thanks!!

[terra21]

Family first. My prayers are with you and yours.



Now about the story, I have butterflies in my belly from this update. I feel like I'm pining for these women. I guess someday this nerds Tara will arrive.



Take care!

"We have art to save ourselves from the truth."

- Friedrich Nietzsche

[desertgrl]

Heather,do you mind that I call you Heather? First off let me tell you that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now. Also the dogs send a woof woof woof woofwoof woof (translates to either take care of you and your family or hey give us a cookie. I'm still learning Australian Shepherd.) I cannot imagine the stress that you are going through right now. Today when I woke up today my biggest problems were I didn't grade papers this weekend, work on my own paper for class and it was about 48 degrees outside . Unless you are a desertrat like me that is freaking cold. What I am trying to get at is that perspective makes you appreciate what you have in your life and what is important. And what is important is you and your family.



Wonderful update as always. I have to admit that when I find a new story I look at the rating first to see if it will have some potentially good stuff. What I really enjoy about your story is the pace. Even though it is slug-slow with the smoochies, it is abundantly rich with sweetness and tenderness, not to mention the cornicopia of angst. There were just so many sweet and very intimate moments while they were hanging up the lights. The playful banter is just so wonderful and real. They are still nervous about trying to hide their feelings, yet still drop subtle clues to the other person. I figure the big anvil of clue that they like, like each other will come in the form of one kissing the other, and the other kissing her back.



I will share with you a good laugh. I teach fifth grade and my principal pulls me aside in the school lunchroom to show me the pen she confiscated from one of my knuckleheads. It was the pen that when you turn it upsidedown the woman on it becomes naked (top and bottom). His excuse was it was in his backpack and he needed a pen. Un-flipping-believable. My question to anyone who could help would be how do I tactfully ask my principal if I can have the pen if his parents don't come to claim it? I could always use a little cheer when I'm grading paper.

[astrangerhere]

Heather,



I am the child of three generations of cancer survivors. I know right now is probably one of the scariest things in the world to you, but your dad sounds like a fighter. Just a word from some one who has been there (and even shaved her head when her mother had chemo) it gets better. Spend time with your family and you'll see strength you didnt know any of you ever had. God be with you.



As to the update--FABULOUS. You made my Monday morning. I am always a little wary of the AUs, but you have just got me hooked. I'm willing to wait patiently (and reread) for updates.



ash

Can you help me with this heart in my chest? It ain't perfect, but you should see me use it.

[willowfan13]

i read the update last night, was too tired to leave feed back, came back tonight to find something like 55 other kittens beat me to it, ah well, suffice it to say this is one of the best stories.



i love how gentle they are with each other, part of that is fear, but you always show how thoughtful each of the characters is and i just find that yummy

thank you for sharing your gift with us.



as for updates, we'll all be here, do what you need to for yourself and your family. i'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.



jackie

[tarawhipped]

*happy sigh* Rereading this, curled up on the sofa wearing my own flannel pj pants and snuggly blue hoodie I swiped from my wife when we were first dating, and I feel all warm and fuzzy inside and out. This was so sweet and funny and romatic. Loved the Bullwinkle reference, the flirting, Tara's 'adorable' slip, Willow's panic about the 'Tara' playlist, and YAY! the big floppy dog--I loved that Willow had the big floppy dog throughout the series!



In particular, the way you had them both cross the boundaries into each other's space was so nicely done. I liked how the mood shifted from the quiet awkwardness in Willow's room to the casual flirting and buildup of sexual tension in Tara's. The image of them lying next to each other on Tara's bed, listening to music and looking up at the lights was so emotionally charged. Truly amazing.



On a personal note, I'm sure you know you have the emotional support of everyone on this board. My Dad had surgery three weeks ago to remove several tumors from his kidney, and I understand how difficult it is just waiting to find out anything, especially when you live far away. He came through it great, though, and I'm grateful that we live at a time when so much can be done. I hope your Dad fares just as well, Heather.



-Cameron

---

What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

[singgirl]

Sorry to hear that your dad is ill, my best wishes to him, you, and your family.

As far as the fic goes, thank you ever so much for the update. One thing I like about this fic is that the setting is in San Francisco, I've only been there a few times, but I recognize all kinds of things that you write about. I was going to re-read all of what is posted again to tide me over, however; I can't handle that much angst again, oh, don't get me wrong, I loved every moment of it, but I'm just not strong enough. Maybe another time I will though. Can't wait for more! I will do anything it takes for another update soon. *sigh* But, I do understand that family comes first, I suppose I can wait as long as you need.

Pax! -Bev

[cnd1us]

sorry to hear about ur dad....my prayers and thoughts are with u and ur family at a time like this...i loved the update...take all the time u need to take





cassie(cnd1us)

[WillowSpiritus]

As promised yesterday:



I LOVED THE UPDATE! I knew it would be great and it was Like kittens have said before me the slip-ups were very funny and sweet. I think Willow faked her way out of the playlist incident better then Tara out of the adorable incident. When you call someone adorable it is ofcourse difficult to think of a platonic reason why! Turning away was probably a smart move. They are so cute together The putting up of the lights was another highlight of this story. While i am waiting for the update (no hurry take your time) i will reread the story! I love it so much that it is fun to go back and see how it all began Bye and take care

[alysagoddess85]

first off heather...im so sorry to hear about your dad...i hope that all of you will be ok and ill keep you guys in my thoughts.



nextly..and on a much happier note...wonderful update!! it had everything...comedy, romance, even a wee bitty bit of angst...but then it was all back to happy again...so glad to see willow finally opening up to tara...and its nice to see tara slip a little to willow..maybe get her thinking a bit. and i think willows right...its going to be a VERY long week.



again...my best to you and your family and well all be here for you when you feel ready to come back and write again.



~mel

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

[wilgen]

Hey Easiersaid,



Firstly: Sorry to hear about your dad. I hope everything goes well and all my best wishes to you and your family.



Secondly: I still remain in such awe for your marvellous heartbreaking, nail biting and goose bumpy (or ant tits as we say in Holland) writing. One of the many, many things that I absolutely love is that you give us such long updates (and you know the funny thing is: I have this need to read every line twice so the updates for me are extra long).



Thirdly: I noticed that the story still has the title “New Fic- Neverland”. Well I don’t know if there is a time limit for newness but after an amazing 170881 viewings and 1166 replies I wonder if you can still call it new.



Take care,



wilgen.



Edited because I was so impressed by the number off viewings that I typed to many 8's.

Edited by: wilgen at: 11/30/04 4:14 pm

[babyblue]

Hello. I've spent many happy hours--and several emotionally wrenching ones as well--lurking my way through this story. It is, I think, one of the best fics I've ever read. And I'm a little embarassed that I haven't delurked to praise it before now. But I wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear about your dad. It can be so overwhelming to cope wth a parent's illness. Do try to take care of yourself, okay?



--babyblue

[Willster]

Such a beautiful update.



I so thought they were gonna kiss.. but of course, not yet I am always amazed at how well you can describe things and make us feel as if we're there. I swear, I could see the fairy lights glowing.. Oh and Tara finally gave the hug, yay!



I am really sorry to hear about your dad, I'm sending you all my best thoughts, hang in there and whenever you need some support, we're here.

[Rane018]

halo! i haven't read your fic yet. crazy, i know!!!!!!!! i've been scanning the feedback though- waiting until the kittens assure me that the girls have at least kissed. Believe me i CANNOT WAIT to read it completely! I'm one of those *not going to start reading a fic until it's over* kinda kitten cause i just cannot take the angst anymore.



but, reading about your father brought me out of lurkdom and i just had to write to you. I too had a similar experience just a few years ago when my mum got breast cancer. It was a difficult time for me and my family but all the kittens were there for me 150 billion %. If it wasn't for my writing and for my kitten pals that period would have been much harder. Everything is fine now, mum is a survior and we just had a wonderful Thanksgiving together. know that my thoughts are with you and that i send your father healing karmic waves. I send them to you and your family too, you'll need your strength. Here's to hoping everything will turn out right. *HUG*

[Artemis]

Well first of all, I'm so sorry to hear about your father, and I'll be doing the whole sending-of-best-wishes thing really hard for the operation and his recovery to go super-smoothly. And believe me, I know first-hand how difficult this must be for you, so you take care of yourself. And if by any chance you find yourself feeling down (which, all considered, isn't exactly stupendously unlikely), just look at all the Kittens you've made ecstatically happy on a weekly basis by writing - that's really something to be proud of



So speaking of ecstatically happy and writing - Yay! That was so sweet... not unrealistic sappy sweet, just two-people-in-love sweet (looks like you didn't use up all the hyphens in your reply after all). Granted they're not at the stage of admitting they're in love, but they're both still quite happy to show they care for each other, to go out of their way to make each other happy - as Tara said, it was just adorable.



And of course, that little slip of the tongue... sigh Okay, their pin-prick adventure kind of sidelined Willow's thoughts on the matter, but I don't think there's any chance she'll have forgotten it. Definite progress on the road to kisses and gay love there



And speaking of their drama with the pin, not wanting to make fun of Willow's distress, but that was pretty adorably amusing how she freaked out over a tiny little dot of a wound - I mean, aside from the surprise, Tara barely noticed it, she was right back to berating herself for saying "Adorable" out loud, and Willow was all ready to dial 911 and if need be carry Tara to the emergency ward herself - it was very cute



Oh, while I think of it: I have a Paddington Bear, and I can confirm that the floppy rain hat on my one is orange - probably the red hat Tara was thinking of, it may have faded slightly over the years. The coat's brown, but it's a duffel coat, not a raincoat, so no help there. But both Willow and Tara may be right - Paddington may well have had a whole wardrobe of different coats and floppy rain hats, so he could always wear what's in fashion for the stylish bear-about-town.



Willow in a bright yellow rain hat would be pretty adorable though.



Can I just go off on a tangent for a moment about Willow and Tara's choices of clothing? Now, anyone with a decent body and pretty face can look to-die-for hot in leather pants and a singlet top, especially if the top's cut high and the pants are slung low so there's lots of sexy Willow and/or Tara midriff showing... sorry, my mind wandered off there. But, the image of Tara in flannel pyjama pants, a faded old t-shirt and a half-zipped-up fuzzy sweater... Willow likewise in her own dag-about-home ensemble - they're so cute! So that confirms it, I'm officially irrevocably smitten with 'em. Oh well.



I loved Tara teasing Willow about getting her a kitten - it's good that they're not both still so skittish around each other that they can't tease each other and have fun. And Tara seemed to know just how far to go with the teasing before letting Willow off the hook, without making her actually get paranoid, and then Willow playing the furious-yet-so cute line... no wonder Tara couldn't help herself. Plus, the return of Tiny Jewish Santa! Naturally even Willow's not going to just up and get a kitten without at least asking first, but that doesn't mean they can't both decide to get a cat later on, right? Come on, Willow, Tara and Miss Kitty Fantastico - it's the perfect family unit.



The whole thing with the music was lovely, and it'd be great if Willow's music helps Tara paint (it'll be interesting to see what she paints). And of course Willow has a 'Tara' playlist I loved the exchange they had about it, with Willow asking for one more week, and then "Promise?" "I swear." I think that was timed absolutely perfectly, I realised it wasn't just about the music at pretty much the same time it became obvious from the text - so yay



And even the slight misstep of Tara moving back from Willow when she leaned over can't (I hope) dampen what was a marvellously warm and loving chapter between them. I hope it's not long before we get the adorable sight of the two of them cosying up beside each other on a couch, watching cartoons on Willow's laptop. I'll have to look up Spongebob Squarepants to see what it's like, I'm more the Kim Possible type myself. Anyway.



And that hug, and Tara's thoughts on her newly starlighted room - aww It's so great that Tara's in touch with herself to know how much something like that means to her, and then to be able to show Willow her gratitude, without worrying about seeming dorky for loving fairy lights



Thank you! Best wishes, and don't worry too much about updating quickly, just whenever it feels good, then write - it's worked out so far



Edited to add: is it too late to add a comment? No? Good. I just wanted to say - "Moose." "Squirrel?" Adorable. I love Tara-humour.

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

Edited by: Artemis at: 12/1/04 6:52 am

[Tempest Duer]

Hey... like everyone else, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Really am.



Feedback: Are things looking up, or are you just toying with us? I can't tell... but this is so cute! And it's getting harder and harder for Willow to hide how she feels... hehehe...

I got bitten by a drunk lesbian! Does that mean I'll turn into one?



~my friend Mary

[singgirl]

Okay, so I forgot to brag. I have almost as much music as Willow, 38gigs! woo!

Pax! -Bev

Edited by: singgirl at: 12/1/04 12:59 am

[hidden watson]

<--- look! I'm not obsessed with word counts anymore.



Now I can return to my other obsession, which is following Neverland, and marveling at how this story is progressing.



It's those little things that gel everything -- the character, the setting, the story -- together. Like talking about Paddington Bear, listening to rain (what a great story title), putting up lights, buring CDs. Everyday, almost mundane scenes, under you guidance are brought to life, no, not just alive, you give them color and movement and romance. So many great lines, but this made me swoon,

Quote:

---

"I love," Tara said softly, knowing full well that she was talking about more than just the lights. "Beautiful."

---

What else can I say but, wow. The frustrating angst of earlier days have all but disappeared, leaving a delightful and almost sensual sense of anticipation. And the pacing is at perfection now.



About your Dad. It was my father-in-law (well technically he's not my FIL, cos it's not possible or will ever be legal for us to be married) who said that as we grow older, we have to face more illness in those around us, and it's all we can do to be strong and stick together as a family. But despite this, we can get through unsettling times though love and support for each other. For me this is more poignant because it's from someone who buried his daughter last year.

------

quiet thoughts

[crazy florist]

heather, judging by the multitude of replies above this im guessin there's nothin left for me to say that hasn't already been said, so im just going to echo all the words of support.



i really hope everythin works out well with the surgery. u and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers. stay strong an im sure with the love an support of a family u will all be able to get through it.



dont pay the slightest thought to ur postin schedule, just update if an when u feel like it. we'll all be here whenever it is YOU feel like revivin this fic.



all the best, love sam x

[willlovestara]

Hi Heather! I know it has been said by all the other kittens but don't worry about posting an update, family comes first and I hope your dad is o.k. Whenever you are ready, we will be here. *Big hugs* Hannah,

[Nicole023]

Just like all the others, I wanted to tell you I'm sorry to hear about your dad.. My prayers are with you and your family..



take care of yourself please



And about the updates, Take your time with them..



Nicole xx

[pipsberg]

Heather,



Please know that all the kittens are thinking of you and your dad and hoping everything goes well with the surgery. I do know how hard this is for you - my family and I have just gone through it. I think the most inspirational thing I experienced was the love and support from friends and family and the knowledge that there are so many other people out there affected by cancer and so hungry to fight it. It is certainly one thing I will spend the rest of my life fighting.



Now, to apologies. I have been AWOL for quite a while and missed leaving you feedback. I am so sorry to have lapsed in letting you know how wonderful you and your fiction is. I just want to say that I am continually spellbound, that's right - I said it, SPELL-BOUND by your work. Literally addicted. Hopelessly consumed. Well alright, I'm kind of... well, really am in love with 'Neverland'. From Morgan to Xander to W/T flirting and diner to fairy lights, playlists and miss steps, I am so thoroughly enjoying this rollarcoaster you have us all on. Seriously, I mostly only come on the boards anymore to see if you have updated or to read feedback and giggle, sigh and fume right along with the other kittens.



This last part was especially well done. At the end, I was literally sighing, ooohing and ahhhing as if I was Willow or Tara. You have an uncanny ability to draw in the reader and make them part of your world. It makes me root for W/T love for everyone. It makes my withered bitter heart smile. That is quite an accomplishment. I really loved two moments, which I don't think either Willow or Tara capitalized on - 1) the "adorable" comment from Tara and 2) the playlist called 'Tara' that Willow has. Hopefully there will be some self-confidence building analysis for both of them, mostly Willow, as a result of these moments. I can especially see Willow going into full analytical mode about how Tara thinks she is "adorable" but that she doesn't think Morgan is... and yadda yadda yadda. BOOM, Willow puts the moves on Tara. Ok, maybe it's not that simple... but one can dream.



Anyway, I cannot say enough about how much I am enjoying the 'Neverland' adventure. When you are ready and able, I really look forward to seeing more. In the meantime, take care of yourself and know we all have love for your dad even though we don't know him.

-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

[everbreeze]

This might be a little off the subject but there's a reason for it...



A long time ago, King David after coming back from one of his great conquests threw a great celebration and during all the happiness and amusment King David ordered the royal ring maker to make a beautiful ring that has an inscription that would give him hope when he is down and humble him when he is at his high. So the ring maker made the ring, but could not think of a phrase that would fit those requirements.... a whole WEEK passed but he still could not think of one. One day he was walking the royal grounds he met Prince Solomon. Prince Solomon seeing this ring maker's distressed face asked him what was wrong. The ring maker told him his problem, and when the ring maker was done solomon looked at him and said that it was a easy problem to solve and gave him the phrase. The ring maker enscribed it on the ring and presented it to King David. When the king saw what was inscribed he was so impressed that King David made the ring maker a VERY rich man.... DO you know what was written on the ring.... Four words were written.... "THIS TOO SHALL PASS"



Hope this helps... it's been a great help when I was down.... don't forget you have a lot of people praying for you........