Kittens So... you might have noticed I haven't been around lately. Oops. Life lately... well, I'd be lying if I didn't say this was the most challenging year of my life. Good challenges, bad challenges - they seem to hit all at once, you know? Feels like I'm constantly juggling: work, family and a wonderful, beautiful new love... always juggling. Doesn't leave a lot of time for this story, much to my massive chagrin. I miss this story, a lot. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have it in my head, but then not have the time needed to write it all down. Forcing it into the few free hours I do have doesn't work; and getting more than those few free hours lately has just been damn near impossible. But, *knock on wood* it does appear that life is slowing to a more manageable pace lately, which has allowed me to write this update, and which I hope will allow me to write more as the weeks go on. I haven't forgotten this story; far from it, and can't wait for a time when I can write on a more frequent basis.
As for this update - I'm super rusty. Y'all were kind enough to say I wasn't with the last one, and perhaps that was true... but this one was a little difficult and I know the rust shows. To remember all I had written before, to get the characters again after so long away... oy vey. To that end, I'm going to take my time getting back into the story, esp, as you'll see, because there's a lot going on. This update was originally planned to be the first part of a longer update, but I'm splitting it in two (maybe three?) so I can get something—anything!!!—up before the weekend. If all goes as planned (and lately, when does it ever) the second half will be up by this time next week. Thanks so much, everyone, for your patience and continued support of this story. It is very, very much appreciated. On to the individual replies!
fun in dysfuntion Thanks very much teddy. I know how you feel about garages; I always try and give the ones I park in a silent word of appreciation (but then, that's almost just good karma in SF; "please don't smoosh me if an earthquake strikes, big cement garage!").
TemperedCynic Thanks very much Mike. Willow definitely doesn't catch Tara's reactions to Xander's name, I think because it's so out of the realm of possibility in her mind that she would have a crush on Xander... why would anyone think that? Sometimes, it's hard to put 2 and 2 together if you've already closed your mind to the answer being 4.
cooper Howdy cooper. Glad to see you out of lucker mode; I hope you're having fun reading and replying to all of the great stories on Pens. Tara and Willow will definitely both reflect on the "partner" mention later, and I think it's a little opening Tara's been hoping for, even if she didn't realize it at the time.
illusivekae Man, am I ever to grateful to read that someone appreciates the anticipation between updates (takes a little bit of guilt off of my shoulders for the length of time since the last update)! Thanks very much Erin (although, I'm sure you'd prefer weekly intervals rather than multi-month breaks). I totally get what you mean though re: breaks, feel the same way about Lost. I recently watched the first two seasons of 24 on DVD and just... think I would have enjoyed it a lot more with some weekly breaks. Something about hearing Kiefer Sutherland screaming "we don't have time!" every 30-40 minutes was a little overwhelming. Re: the pregnancy thing - seemed to work for both characters. Tara feeling reassured that birth is just something that is a necessary part of the human cycle, Willow with fear from spending too much time thinking about horror stories. God bless that active imagination of hers. Thanks very much, and hope you enjoy the next update.
the hero factor Thanks very much, very glad you enjoy the anticipation. That breathless feeling - very gratifying to hear, because isn't that just how you feel when you're around a crush? You never know, when you're falling in love, what's coming next; I really hope to capture that sort of manic, good-lord-will-something-anything!-just-happen! feeling in each update.
meretricious Ah mary, big time bonus points for the "walking on air" usage (and very freaky about the GAH clips on TV). Willow could stand to relax a little, but I had to laugh about your 'apologizing for pot holes' mention, because that's actually something I have been known to do (as the gf can attest). Re: both girls feeling nerdy/unhip - I like to think that was a big part of them falling in love on the show, getting to know each other and realizing that the other thought she was the dorky one in the relationship. I can only imagine Willow realizing that Tara really did think she was a cool monster fighter, and Tara vice versa realizing that Willow saw herself as the ultimate nerd unworthy of such focused attention. Very much something I want to explore in this story. And yes, Old 97s (damn, you're good). Thanks mary!
Arielle Thanks muchly, and sorry, didn't spark a roll. Life is just too crazy right now... but do plan to finish this sucker up... eventually.
Irene73 Hola Irene! Thank you very much for the kind thoughts, they do mean a lot. Re: the detailed writing... just seems to be the way it comes out. I like to "see" them, you know? Not enough to be in on the conversation, I want to see Willow changing lanes and checking the mirrors, see Tara looking out the window and catching the passing buildings. Guess it comes from lots of people watching on the bus or something... I love The Smiths as well, hence the mention (fun to listen to music and think, "I wonder what Willow/Tara would think about this...").
And thanks very much for the congrats - love really *is* a beautiful thing (esp when that love is with a beautiful girl!).
insanely quirky Thanks very much! I hope you're less with the lurking and posting on the board - so many great stories and writers here who I'm sure would love to hear from you.
IceFairy Many emoticons! Thanks very much and sorry for the delay. Hope you enjoy the next update!
hahler Ah, thanks very much; I hope ME alum and A/A are too busy creating new, exciting things for us to enjoy to read this tale, myself, but that's very sweet, thanks. Big thanks to the chat crew for the recommendation - y'all are very nice.
Marilda Yay for squeals! Thanks very much for the happy feedback, and for the music affirmation. I'm with you about The Fall. I like them well enough, but I don't get the hype. They're definitely a band I see Willow knowing because of Oz's appreciation for them. And real-life Tara... I think the majority of the folks on this board feel that way haha.
Lythande Thanks very much Jerri!
BFR from Paris Thanks very much. I do have a master plan; now I just need a few more hours every day so I can execute it! You are correct on all fronts, hopefully we'll see some movement in the next couple of updates (on all fronts, including naughty dreams).
watson Haha I deserve temporary deafness, what?
Thanks very much watson, it was good to be back then, and good to be back now. Very glad that you didn't think the last one was covered in rust, and instead fit with the previous updates. The rust was a worry, partially because it's been so long since I've written this story, that I had trouble remembering what had been said previously, etc. It's a challenge to get right back into writing something so big, especially at such a crucial time in the story (I just had to take my breaks here, and not four or five updates down the road... sheesh). Willow and Tara are getting more relaxed; just the feeling that comes from spending more time together, as friends. Thanks re: Anywhere but Here - that was always such a fun scene on the show, felt like the classic canon moment to use (and I'm trying to use as many canon scenarios as possible; both W/T canon and general show moments, adapted to fit the girls). Xander... guy is going to be around for the duration, but Tara's opinions on the situation should start changing, starting with this update. They might seem like steps in the wrong direction, but I think overall they'll help both of them as they move forward. Thank you very much for the condolences and well wishes for my family. And yes, having a gf is the absolute best (because of course, in true love fashion, she is the absolute best). Thanks watson.
fabouly Thanks very much. Updates are slow in coming, but they are a-coming. I'm dedicated to finishing this story, just have to get through some real life things first. Glad to see you change your opinion, if only because it'll make your reading experience a little more enjoyable! (These girls have a long way to go...) Enjoy the update.
Willow~Rosenberg First, whoo-hoo for tildas! Second, thanks very much for the well wishes, very much appreciated (as was the little rose). Thanks re: Anywhere but Here - as I told watson, I really love that episode, and I really want to use as much of the show in this setting as possible. Tara missed a few hints in the moment, but she'll catch some of them upon reflection, reflection which can lead to some new ways of approaching the girl's relationship. Willow is definitely positioning herself for some major bean spillage, and starting to talk to Tara like a potential partner (and not just a secret crush) is a big, big step. Course, she's going to make mistakes and not do everything perfectly, but she's thinking of Tara differently now, valuing the friendship they're developing as well as the possibility of romance. Fun place for Willow, even if it seems completely nerve-wrecking from her pov. Xander... fun to have him and the misunderstanding about him in the mix, and I hope you like how Tara is going to start seeing him in this update and beyond, knowing what she knows about his and Willow's relationship. Again, it might seem like a step back, but it can open another line of thinking that just might work out. Thanks again for the warm wishes, means a lot.
sam Thanks so much sam - enjoy the update!
Artemis Chris! Hello there. Thanks very much for the condolences and reassurances.
No rust? Whew! It felt rusty when I was writing, I guess just weird writing after such a long break (like with this update, for instance). Very happy that you think it sparkled (*blush*). Thanks re: the humor; I'm sure someone on some Buffy board sometime has used the Ozmosis line, so apologies if I plagarized via osmosis. Tara's sense of humor... a little left of center, but very observant and funny, in an odd sort of way - so fun to write.
Thanks re: my repetitive worries - I know the following update is repetitive, but that's by design because I really needed to remind myself of their feelings, where they are emotionally, etc. Hopefully the refresher will kick start a fine roll... or just serve as a rusty transition to future updates. These next few updates, and the last, concentrate on small moments. Partially because that's what I enjoy writing, and partially because I need them to get through this transition as gracefully as possible - because there is a transition going on, if subtle. Both of them are starting to react to situations differently, starting to interact differently and I want to make sure and take my time with that, not mess up the entire story be rushing through such important revelations. Tara is definitely going to start cluing in, she just has to, right? I think for her, the events of this day will seem like the turning point for her, the day when her attitude about what was going on changed. As I mentioned earlier, it might seem like a step back, initially, but I think ultimately, it'll be very important for her, as she starts to open up to the possibility that Willow might be like her. Willow's relationship with Oz, and Tara's with Jill is definitely something I want to delve into more as the fic keeps rolling. Those early relationships shaped each girl, and profoundly affects how they develop their own relationship. Should be fun. And thanks for the angry smily face - I'm sure he'll have plenty of cause to visit in the next few updates!
irishgrl3 Thanks very much for the condolences and well wishes; very appreciated. I'm glad you love Willow's eagerness - that's such an endearing quality of hers, and is one of the reasons she is so much fun to write. Tara will definitely be thinking about Anywhere but Here and Willow skipping work. This whole day is going to seem like a giant puzzle for Tara, one that she'll obsessively try and figure out as the week goes on. Thanks anna!
thebardgirl Thanks elizabeth - both for the WOOOT! and the happy gf thoughts. Thank you also for the quoted walk down memory lane, haha, just bananas that you read it again. (Its funny, still getting used to people reading it once.) Big blushes elizabeth, you're really too kind, and very, very flattering. I don't know about the characters being mine, but WOW what a compliment. Really the biggest one you could offer, you know? My goal is to make my versions as close to ME's as possible, while leading the girls down a very different path. I'm glad you think I'm doing a good job. Wow, just... thanks. *blushes AGAIN* Oh, and glad you liked the pasta dish - pretty yummy!
dragonfly Thanks very much Clau, very appreciated. I'm so amazed that you guys all jumped back into the story so easily. Just wow. The girls are missing a lot of signs, but as you point out, people miss signs as they happen all of the time in real life. Lord knows I've been thick when around the object of my affection, missing "obvious" clues and focusing on things that later, weren't as important as I thought they were. Xander - Willow can't imagine that anyone would think that they were together; he's like a brother, surely everyone else can see that, right? Tara, on the other hand, is bombarded with information. It's going to take a while, and a little distance, for her to figure it all out (and even then, she's bound to only figure out slices at a time). Anya will indeed help, but I think in a really indirect way. Anya can be blunt, but she's also oddly aware sometimes, and that's something I'd like to explore. Enjoy the update.
StarCat Thanks very much for the warm welcome back. Re: Tara waking up - she will, slowly, start to see all of the clues Willow is throwing her way, but as you said, the clues have been subconscious. I kind of think of it like a bike you have to build yourself. Tara is sitting on the living room floor with a bunch of parts, and no idea how they go together. And, it seems like there are extra parts, lugnuts and washers that really don't belong; there's no way all of these random metal parts can lead to a bike (in other words, there's no way all of these clues can mean Willow is gay and crushing on her). Thanks very much re: the pace, definitely enjoying seeing the story unfold, myself, at this rate. I hope you and your crush have gotten past the shyness, and thanks again for the welcome back!
singgirl Thanks! Being in love is a very good thing.
I hope you enjoy the next update.
watersong84 Thanks very much - so glad you liked the gallery-validation line. Sorry for staying away for so long (stupid real life *grumble, grumble*) and hope you enjoy the update.
VixenyTarasHot Wow, text message alerts for updates; that's pretty fancy! Tara is blind, but she should start figuring things out, at least partially, pretty soon. Willow is relaxed, relatively, in this last update. She's being brave, treating Tara like the friend she should be, instead of this fragile creature she can only observe and adore from afar. That leads to some interesting comments, ones which Tara will have to struggle to figure out. I hope this story doesn't go unfinished too! I have it all planned out, truly, just a matter of being able to find time to write. Let's hope real life calms down some soon so that can happen! Thanks!
justin Aw shucks. *blush* Thanks very much. I realized that I was name-dropping some pretty obscure folks, but I sort of liked that, so that folks could see things from Tara's pov, kind of, "okay, just... go with the flow". Thanks re: the Ozmosis line and the shop validating the garage. Fun to write someone who overthinks things almost as much as I do! Tara is definitely going to think about that partner line later, and the conclusions she draws should be interesting. Thanks!
littlecrazy80 Thanks lil c!
Insanity Aw, I don't know if Tara is stupid, just overwhelmed and conditioned to think thoughts other than "Willow is... gay, maybe?" She'll definitely think back on the partner line; hopefully in an interesting way (we'll see!). Thanks!
cperrins78 Thanks Christina. I miss this story a lot too - it's *very* frustrating for me to not have time to write it. Hope you enjoy this next update.
I love Danish Formerly snuggle79 and currently I love Danish - thanks! Hope you like the next update.
Kajun Thank you very much for the well wishes about finding love. I too hope for a long and happy relationship. (*Knock on wood*)
What do you mean you're rusty - looks all good to me! You're right, both girls see what they want, or rather, are conditioned to see, from each other, and hopefully over the next few updates, how they view each other will change. I agree that the "out with you" line was bittersweet. Willow's trying, bless her, but there's so much more to go through, such obstacles (in her mind, if not reality). It's a horrible position to be in, but one that can also be full of hope. Hard line to walk, those days and weeks leading up to coming out. Regarding Tara balling her fists, I think that was more just an empty feeling for Tara, a feeling that something is off, if that makes sense? I feel that way sometimes, like I'm stuck and I'm not sure how I got there and how to get out. I think Tara feels that way whenever she hears about Xander... up until this upcoming update, where she'll have a different, evolving reaction. Belly-flares will abound, I'm afraid, in upcoming updates, however hopefully they'll be tempered by some heart-flares (good feelings, in other words). Seems that anywhere but here was a hit - as I mentioned before, I really enjoyed the scene on the show and it was really fun to take a canon moment and twist it to fit into this story, and into W/T's relationship (as it has been for other writers who have done the same, I'm sure). The partner bit - that's always a fun conversation to have, isn't it haha, and I think Tara is going to have a time and a half figuring it out. Glad you enjoy everyone else's feedback too - people on this board are just great. Thanks again for your words, and hope you enjoy the next update.
kisstheviolets I know how you feel, being disappointed seeing the thread pop to the top without an update - I feel that way, then tremendously guilty for not having an update to offer. Happy to hear you liked anywhere but here - great canon moment and very fun to twist to fit this story. I'm really glad you liked Willow's hooky explanation; I could clearly see the look on her face there, the wide eyes, so it's fun knowing you liked it too. Tara will figure things out - it's hard to absorb everything in the moment; sometimes you just need time to reflect, and I think her reflections on this day will be varied and intense. Just what she needs, to move forward and open up to the possibility that Willow might be different than what she had been thinking. Thanks!
kristyn So cute with the texting, thanks for sharing that story, made my day to hear that you guys were happy about the update!
Blind girls, but they'll start catching on soon, I swear. Thanks!
JustSkipIt Thanks very much for the condolences. What I meant when I didn't want people to post condolences... I just didn't want this story to keep getting bumped to the top for condolences only - people have been so generous, I know how they feel, it's just... I really truly want to keep the thread about the story, and story feedback. So, many thanks to everyone who PM'd and emailed, I really do appreciate everyone's kindness and support on this board (and hope people didn't think I thought otherwise by my request). Thanks for the nice thoughts about the love life - I've passed along the hello.
Thanks for the welcome back, glad that you think the last update flowed. I did want to show them getting closer, and you're right, they're finally having some honest discussions. I think that's partially because they're opening up more fully to the idea of a true friendship, and partially just because they're relaxing a bit as they get to know each other. Thanks re: the driving and music - seemed natural enough. Willow is operating in a more open way, trying to just be instead of being so in her head, while Tara... she's getting *a lot* of information, so it's only natural that she's ping ponging around a bit (esp with the mentions of Willow's two "great loves"). Did not know that EW thought Say Anything was the best romantic comedy ever... not sure if I agree with that one, but you're right, the "In Your Eyes" scene is a classic. Funny about School Days having a similar anywhere but here take; honestly didn't know you had used it, but figured that many writers had before me - it's such a great canon scene and a natural one to take and use in a W/T story (what with the opportunity to be bold hidden in game play). Thanks very much Debra!
FiestySunnBust Piffle you say!
Thanks very much, and you're right, some big clues, or at least, changes in how they see things evolving, are just on the horizon.
blue eyed girl Thanks very much for the feedback, and welcome to the thread! Really appreciate your thoughts. Glad you liked the flustered-buttoning bit, that was a fun line to write because I could see it clearly. That's a testament to the great acting on the show; they're so easy to write because I can see them, can see Aly's face, can see how Amber would sit, etc. Big blessing. Say Anything deserves to be mentioned in fics haha, such a great movie. Tara definitely will start picking up on the clues, I swear. Just has a lot of info to process, and a lot of assumptions to sneak around. I appreciate your kind words, truly, and hope you enjoy the next update.
seamstressofdarkness "Life is a full, rich, bittersweet feast." Amen and hallelujah, that's pretty much been my year to date. Thanks very much for the writing compliment, I'm glad you found the story easy to access again after such a long time away. The girls are definitely loosening up around each other, and "naturally flirt" is a good way to put it. Tara will pick up on the partner clue, for sure, just might seem to take a bit. Thanks also re: the setting - it's been fun to put this in a somewhat fictionalized SF. Fun to picture them on the streets, in the cafes, etc. Thanks Camille!
dorksrcool Thanks very much - glad you enjoy the story so much! And I like the dramatic haha! Thanks again.
shyamberlover Yay for you getting proactive on the board - that's very cool. I appreciate all of the kind words, they are eliciting a big honkin blush as I type. Many thanks Sammi Joy
Tiana Wow to the registration for fb and hope you're sticking around and checking out the other stories on the board! I'll definitely keep the girls flirting - thanks!
Reallybigpineapple Guru of Angst and Great Music huh, haha. That's a big title, hope I don't let you down for the duration of the story! Thanks very much for the kind thoughts and congrats on the love. Funny that you've taken up writing to tide you over, that's pretty much why I started writing Neverland (as my favorite stories were pokey to update and I was getting bored waiting haha). I'm so glad to hear you think the characters fit in this non-Sunnydale environment. I've been trying to keep them as true to canon as possible, while obviously taking them down another path. Your point about Anya is perfect - the exact side of her I'm trying to show, albeit slowly and a little inexpertly. I too feel that Tara has a reserve of confidence that emerges around Willow. I sort of see her having a calm center, she comes to situations and conclusions differently than Willow. Willow thinks them out, Tara feels them out, discarding conclusions that rock her internal boat too much. That should be an interesting task for her, considering what's coming. Glad you like the music, just name dropping what's on my hard drive really. I might take you up on your German opera offer haha, as a varied taste in music is really one of the best pleasures one can have in this life. Take care MJ and thanks for the kind words.
willowtree114 Oh boy, it's going to be a while before big revelations abound - hang in there!
tarawhipped Camalamadingdong! Cussing like a trucker, eh. Nope, don't see it, sorry.
Big blush my friend, and thanks. It felt rusty... but apparently I'm alone in this thought. Wouldn't be the first time... The clueless dynamic is indeed intact, but that is soon to change, I promise. So happy you really, REALLY,
REALLY loved the spilled grape juice bit, Tara's feeling of music ineptitude (and you're welcome), the getting to know you ("getting to know allllll abooooout yoooou") and of course, the out-with-you bit. You nailed it on the head - Willow realizes that those simple words appear simple but mean so much. Just part of the fun of writing this story, getting to see things from so many different perspectives.
And I have NO idea how I do it haha - just comes out that way. Hope you're well and enjoy the next update.
wimpy0729 Look at us, all with the someone specials! Congratulations, what a blessing, eh? Thanks re: the writing flowing, that's a big relief. I'm glad you thought it was natural, and you're right, the Xander bit... it's shifting a bit (as we'll see in the next update). Don't worry, Tara will be hopping on the clue train—even if she has no idea where it's going—soon. Thanks again, and best of luck to you and yours!
WickedReds Thanks for your kind words about both the unhappy stuff and the happy stuff. Willow was definitely slipping in clues, and that should start paying off soon as Tara starts to say "hey, wait a minute..." Thanks muchly!
pipsberg Hi.
What else to say, other than offer up the sincerest of thanks. Glad you thought it was easy to get back into - as you know, it was something I was quite worried about. The girls are definitely opening up while tip toeing about any romantic possibilities, which I'm sure we can all relate to.
Been there! Bold assumption that they'll end up together.
Thanks again, very very very much appreciated (but then, you knew that). Blown away by my writing - no, no, that's my line for your writing! Fah drizzle indeed.
SallyMcFine Thank you for the sympathies and congratulations (and bummer about the browser timing out). Thanks re: the no rust, big relief to hear. Re: Willow's lying... I guess, I can see how it could bother, but how many times in everyday life do we tell white lies? How many times has Willow, on the show, lied about something relatively small (as well as big things, but I think getting half-and-half/art supplies is more of a small thing), only to eventually fess up? Seemed in character. Also, she's not a telecommuter, just telecommuting for the duration of the tenting, and in a previous update (I believe) she intimated that she was expected to work during working hours. I don't know about other people, but on the occasions when I have telecommuted, I've been on an extremely tight leash, expected to be at my computer and available during "work hours" regardless of how much work I actually had to do. To that end, boss man is considerably more understanding about "running out for food" than "running out to goof off with my friend". Could just be me though, and was certainly intended in a humorous, "the things we have to do to stay sane in the modern workplace". Thanks, good to be back in the saddle (if only intermittently).
behindhereyes Hey there Kim, thanks very much, for both the kind words and the hugs of extreme kind. Hope to be back on a more constant basis!
angel of salvation Thanks very much for the thoughts and prayers, they are appreciated. Willow and Tara are getting closer to saying what's on their minds, but there's still a lot to go. Glad you liked the convo in the car, and I think everyone knows how Tara felt re: not knowing something and feeling foolish about that ignorance. I feel that way all the time. Thanks again Jess!
GayNow Aw shucks *big, persistent blushes*. I'm glad you came to the board, although I have a feeling you would have ended up here regardless of whether I ever wrote this story (and in short order too). Just can't fight fate!
Thanks very much for the long, and *very* flattering, reply. It's obviously very gratifying to hear that you appreciate my writing, although it's still somewhat mystifying to me (even after all these months, could it even be a year?) because... it's just the way the story comes out when I write. And re: the mapping out a plan - so something that has just evolved. I had zero plan at the beginning, and really no clue where this was going for many, many updates. This story just seemingly existed in the ether, and I was fortunate enough to be the one to tap into it, be the conduit. The clear purpose... that's just the story, you know? The way it pretty much demands to be told. Rushing things, throwing in the willy nilly tangents you mentioned... just would feel wrong. Again, I'm just fortunate that the story that has come to me has been one that resonates. It has been an absolute joy to write, and I miss it terribly. I admit to spending a lot of time thinking about the story, how it has evolved, and is set to evolve, but most especially about Willow and Tara's "proper" reactions (aka characterizations). The most important thing to me is that they stay recognizable. They might be in SF, in a totally different circumstance than the one on the show, but I want them to be as close to their show incarnations as possible. That's who I fell in love with, you know? Who I want to spend more time with. Thank you very much also re: the detail. Just things I notice in daily life... if would feel weird to not touch on how they react, the expressions on their faces, the feelings in their hearts. And the pace... just the way it comes out. That's life, you know? You don't see all the clues, things take time, you have to work through your own feelings while dealing with the other person's feelings and that can take time. I know most folks see it as angst, but I just see it as... life. Blessed are the few who mutually *know* and get to move right into the happy smoochies. In this story... everyone is a good person, everyone is trying to live life as best they can and the resulting drama - just a side effect of being human. Big blushes again for the admission of tears - all I can say is thank you. Thank you very much.
terra21 Bananas that the story topped 300,000. That's just... so incredibly amazing. Thanks very much, gonna go blush now.
AnirtakEnigma Yay to the happy dancing figures! Love those clumsy bastards. I know, I know, things have been going slow, but that's partially so I don't bite off more than I can chew. It's hard to jump back into such a behemoth of a story, and writing intimate interactions are sometimes easier to ease into than big huge plot points. Patience will pay off though, I promise, things will eventually get going. Thanks Ani.
tararosenburg Thanks muchly. In fic time, this last update (and the next one, maybe two) are on Tuesday of Willow's first week at home. Saturday Willow tells Shelia, Sunday Willow tells Buffy. So, things are marching along, slowly but surely. Thanks!
Yasbel *big blush* Thanks so much. Very, very kind words. I don't know what else to say, haha, other than just, thank you very much.
AMIAMI Thank you very much. I hope you have a long life on the board and get a chance to leave feedback for some of the other really great stories on Pens. It's a great place to be!
willowspiritus Ah Portugal, someplace I'd really like to go some day. I hope you had a really great time! I'm glad you enjoy the little in between chapters. A lot of the time I write them just to get myself back on track, and it's always surprising when they work out and you guys like them! I agree that they'll make a wonderful family if they ever hook up (I mean, when they hook up, when they hook up!). Thanks for the great feedback.
SavageWaters19 Wow to you, and all the folks who have persisted through the night to read this sucker. I am so impressed, truly. Thanks very much for the kind words. The awkwardness is pretty awkward, but I'm glad you love it! It sure is fun to write. I think when Tara finds out Xander has no effect on Willow, other than the friendly kind, there will be a collective sigh of relief on this board! Thanks Liz.
the Prey Oh yay! I get to have a rock star moment and smile and say "I love you too!"
That was cool. Thank you very much, and wow to reading it again. I don't know about true artist, but I do really enjoy writing this story, and am tickled that you like it. What a trip, to think about this story acted out. Would be crazy (and I have a feeling it'd be like... a 15 DVD box set haha). Glad you liked this last update and really hope you like the next one. (And paid to write this story? Oh wouldn't that be great! haha)
Graceland I'm so glad you delurked - delurking is of the good! Thanks very much!
shroomgirl Thanks Em, great to be back (again). Thanks for the condolences and the congrats on the new girl - she is pretty freaking fantastic (I really could go on and on and on - wonderful, wonderful woman). Again I say, trippy to think of this sucker acted out. Silly!
Dimmy Thanks very much - hope you like this next update!
Devashu Thank you very much Rea, I really appreciate the kind words. (And I think your grammar is fine!) Take care.
munchkinflavoredjellybean Holy long name batman - I'm sorry if I misspell that sucker now or in the future. Thank you very much for the kind thoughts regarding my family and loss, as well as the new-girlfriend congrats. She definitely is a big, bright shining light (gush, gush, gush). Writing fiction for mulah, man that would be nice. Maybe one day. Sadly, still going to be a while until kisses and "I love you" admissions, but hopefully you'll enjoy the journey. Thanks!
captain katie Sorry for the delay, real life has been a bit... turbulent, lately. I'm really glad you're enjoying the pace though, as well as the girls' dilemmas. Thanks!
AlysonGoddess No smoochies yet, sadly, but hopefully (as mentioned above somewhere) you'll enjoy the journey. Thanks Erin!
Sn0wflak3 Sorry, no update then... but update now!
Nixel Thank you very much! I'm glad you're enjoying the dialogue, and thanks re: the stuttering. I try, although it is hard and I'm sure sometimes I overdo it. I hope you enjoy the next update, and thanks again.
Keops. Welcome to the active member ranks. I hope you enjoy your stay, there are so many great stories on this board, and a lot of really talented writers. You keep rockin it as well, and thanks!
by Sn0wflak3 » Tue Jul 26, 2005 12:49 pm 
.... Maybe now she'll say what she thinks!!!!! Be bold Tara....Take your chance!!!!! 
soon? Please?
but i guess its gotta be angsty right yay angstyness!!!! Thanks for the update plz plz plz update soon!!! the long wait killed me!!! Well not really but i was growuing impatient like i always do neways thanks for the update!! Updarte soon plz??? 
is posted.
(probably for no reason, I know, since everybody seems so kind) which is why I never said anything before.
Willow's reaction to seeing her when she reappears from the back room isn't going to be good.
