Kittens Real Life: Catch the Fever! Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa for the extended delay; real life, it just sometimes has the gravitational pull of the sun and it's pointless to try and fight it, you know?
On a Willow and Tara fic related note: If you're not already reading Sassette's Vignettes, you really should. They're fantastic, bite-sized bits of Willow and Tara greatness, and I can't recommend them highly enough. You can find them here:
http://www.thekittenboard.com/board/vie ... php?t=2820 Go, read, enjoy!
Darth Pacula Thanks so much for the kind words Paul; hopefully the next one will be worth the wait too. Thanks re: the show mentions. It had been so long since I wrote an update, I wanted to get back to the core, and thought those touchstones would be a good reminder. I'm very glad you found the update funny, I was a little nervous that what I thought was funny would fall flat. As for why Tara and Anya would be friends - it seemed sound, and I'm glad you agree. I'm guessing Willow's pocket holds at least 20 slips of paper, and you're right, Tara would be very confused to see them. Wonder if she ever will...
(Eh, who, am I kidding, those suckers will come back into play.) I hope that the last update was chock full of clues - I kind of saw the last handful as the switch, you know? Where the girls are finally starting to piece things together. The big things, of course, are off-limits, but even the big things look a little different in this new light. Yay about recognizing the Curse of the Were-Rabbit! I'm a big Wallace and Gromit fan, so when I saw the movie all I could think was that it would terrify Anya. Thanks again, very happy that you're reading.
Ressick Thank you very much; I will go ahead and assume some complimentary things per your instructions.
Yay for Anya and closeness between the girls - let's hope that closeness builds!
Guppy I'm so glad you liked the visit to Anya's shop. There was so much build up to it, I was sure it was going to fall flat. Very happy that you enjoyed it, and lord knows I'd react exactly like Willow if I were dragged into a sex shop—even a classy one—by Anya. Just way, way too embarrassing!
dokkyo Thank you very much for the kind words, I'm so glad that the characters and the city are so vivid and tangible for you (that's just such an awesome compliment, thank you). I agree that Tara should definitely keep thinking "why" - let's hope she agrees!
dorksrcool I have to admit that I cringed when I read your feedback when writing these replies, not because of your words—which were incredibly kind and generous—but this: "This is the perfect Christmas present". D'oh! So sorry for the massive delay between then and now! Just mortified it has been so long... Glad you enjoyed the Brookstone "sex chairs" bit - that cracked me up, admittedly, when I imagined Willow having the revelation. Willow and Tara's feet touching was... I think a quintessential gesture for them, at this stage. Reassuring but not presumptuous. And I'm glad you're enjoying the Bay Area references; I love the place, so it's great to have it as this story's setting! Thanks again, and enjoy the next update!
WillowRTaraM1 1 year and 3 months later plus 5 (or is it 6... I'm arithmetically challenged).. I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Life, what can you do, you know? If it makes you feel better, in their world this story, starting with their night at the kitten club to their visit to Anya's store has covered three weeks or so... so see! Not so bad! (Yeah, yeah, I know, I'm reaching...) I'm glad that you fall in love with them when you read the updates; I feel the same way when I write the updates, and that's happiness. Things are starting to come together for them, to be sure. Hope you like where it's going!
I_love_Danish Footsie at the bus stop is good times, I tell ya. Glad Anya lived up to your expectations, and I agree with you that it's good that Tara is starting to question Willow and Xander's relationship. It's about time that she start formulating her own opinion based on new information. You have a feeling those heart-Tara notes are going to come back into the story, huh? Possibly into Tara's hands? *whistles innocently* I agree, that would be interesting! Thanks so much, and enjoy the next update.
onelesstraveled Haha, a happy woo-hoo-update-dance, huh? How does that go? Is there a lot of flailing, or is it more, pop-and-lock? Curious minds want to know! Thank you, so much, for the very kind words. I really appreciate them. I'm very very glad that you like how San Francisco features so prominently in the story. I'm a firm believer that the setting can be a character in its own right, and if you're not taking advantage of its character, you're missing out on how the city you live in's personality can frame or inspire your life. (This story, I'm sure, would be vastly different if set in Miami, or Kansas City, for example.) I'm very much in love with San Francisco, just, completely enamoured with the place, so it's been great fun to highlight it's best parts during the course of moving along Willow and Tara's love story. I hope you get to visit one day too, it really is such a lovely place. I'm so glad you heart Anya, I heart her too. It's interesting that Anya has managed to be right, but no one is listening to her. It's a little like the boy who called wolf. Glad the sex-shop substitution for website bonding was acceptable
and "my Xander"... I think you're pretty close to where Tara's heard that before! Thank you for the wonderful feedback.
will Thanks so much. I know, Willow and Tara could use some more consistent time together. I'm glad you enjoyed the sex shop bit, and hope you like the next update.
captain_katie I am so glad the last update was easier to get into than the previous one, and yay for Anya! I'm so glad you thought she was worth the wait. I'm glad you liked Anya's disdain for browsers; one of my favorite bits from the show was always Anya's shop girl routine. Good stuff. Thanks so much, again, and enjoy the rest!
WillowRulez No, no, definitely don't like to torture people! (Though, it bodes well for me that you love the story, regardless
) Hehe to Anya: Ultimate Gaydar(tm) I'm so glad you liked how I wrote Willow's insecurities. Lord knows we all have them, so just glad the ones I picked for her resonate. Thanks so much!
caz So glad I could make your Christmas - let's see what this next update can do for your Memorial Day weekend! (Cringe - so sorry for the delay!) I'm glad you liked over-the-top-yet-very-perceptive-and-honest Anya. Would be great if everyone listened to her, where Willow and Tara are concerned, and if she met her construction worker (now, where can we find one of those...). Glad you liked questioning-Tara as well, about time, right? Let's hope that Willow wasn't too traumatized by the sex shop, and that you like the next update. Thanks!
spells42 People updating fics on Pens is good.
I know there are a slew I used to follow that I'd love to see updated, though, even if they never are I still love em! (And will probably still go back and re-read them, again.) I'm so glad that you find this Willow and Tara to be "bloody human" in their feelings, as that's exactly what I'm going for! Little vague about what she's holding at the sex shop... eh... *whistles innocently* Yeah, me too.
Good call about them being friends, it does seem they are that, at least. I agree that big things can sometimes happen when you're doing inconsequential things like shopping, and I definitely hope that's the case with this shopping trip. I can't wait for Willow to talk to Shelia and Buffy too (no, seriously, I'm all a-twitter when I think about it). Willow will tell Shelia on Saturday night (they're currently at midday on Tuesday), and then tell Buffy Sunday morning. No tandem telling, sorry, though that would be funny. Tara's reaction to Willow's news... that should be interesting, I'll agree. Thanks so much Anne, I hope you had a great holiday and are blazing through 2006 with a smile on your face.
grimlock72 Rut roh, looks like Anya rubbed you the wrong way. Totally understandable, she tends to do that to people. I like to believe Anya believes what she believes about Willow because she is perceptive, and because she saw Willow run into a coffee table ogling Tara at the pre-gallery show party. That, in her mind, I think is clue enough. Then add on that she thinks everyone could hook up and we're talking inappropriate comment city! I agree, somewhat, that Anya's reasoning is slightly dangerous, but in her mind there's nothing to lose. Tara tries to kiss Willow, Willow says she's not into it, no harm, no foul. Course, that approach doesn't work if you're Tara, or Willow, but then Anya is neither. Re: Anya's likeability, I guess I can see where you're coming from, though I do disagree. I think there are a lot of naive people in San Francisco; some people are just socially retarded, no matter where they live, due to a myriad of causes. I've always thought Anya was one of those people, even before becoming a vengence demon on the show she didn't seem to get "it", and acted accordingly. Also, Anya is mean to Willow... though "mean" can be pretty broadly defined in this case, and Willow's no peach herself when Anya is around. I think, Anya wanted to bond with Willow because Willow's important to Tara, and Tara is important to Anya. Doesn't matter so much if Anya likes Willow, she feels she should like her and ergo be friends. I know plenty of people like that.
Sorry that Tara's reasoning for being friends with Anya didn't work for you; the best I can say, is that sometimes we love people and have them in our lives despite their flaws, because of the support they can give when we're at our lowest. I guess Tara is just one of those people who can look past the crass. Rain in SF - oh yes. SF is more famous for fog and drizzle than London, I think, at this point. Mark Twain once said after all that the coldest winter day he ever experienced was a summer day in San Francisco. Also, this story is only covering one month, and SF definitely goes through rain spells where two or three storms hit in a row, leading to a solid three-or-four weeks of rain. Thanks so much for your thoughts, was great to see what worked and what didn't for you. I hope you like the next update, and p.s. I'm glad you liked Anya's displeasure with browsing.
histchic Yay for "best day ever", though I'm sure there were other factors involved to get the moniker.
Sorry that Anya was a bit of a downer, though I do think that while she is not a complete naif, as you point out in the quoted comment, she is not malicious in her observations. (The paint comment, after all, would be very recognizable to Tara as vintage you-buy-you-like Anya.) I agree that Anya probably suspected that Willow would get worked up, thought probably not enough to run out of the story, but then, she also doesn't understand why Willow would get worked up, because there's nothing wrong with sex, or a sex shop, and her actions—in her mind—probably helped Willow loosen up a bit. Anya always seemed like a "let's try it" sort of character; if it doesn't work out, oh well, move on. You're right about Tara, she has put a restriction on Willow, that Willow has to say "I'm gay" before anything could happen; you're also right that Tara has started to recognize that things with Willow and her relationships are different that what she has been up-till-now assuming. Tara has a lot to think about, for sure. Willow definitely holds the trump card, and you're right, coming out is very terrifying. You're also right that everyone in this story is hiding behind their fears, and that they're playing the safe options... but not forever, and I think figuring out how they got to the point where "safe" was better than moving forward is almost as fun to figure out as the resolution. If that makes sense. I really hope that the conclusion answers a lot of the points you brought up, and that you enjoy where the story goes. Thanks!
DarkWiccan Thanks so much - you point out something so important in your feedback, and it was the one thing that even I needed to be reminded of recently; though it is taking me forever to write this freaking thing, the actual story is covering a very short period of time. In this world, it has been just three weekends since the kitten club adventure that kick started this little tale: one weekend in Sunnydale for Willow, one weekend in Portland for Willow, one weekend together. Definitely all within a month's time. That's not a lot of time, at all, and for them to be moving along "at a good and believable pace" (your words) is definitely a direct opposite to how we're all feeling with how long the story is taken to tell (I throw myself in with the "we" because I want things to get hopping again too!). Thanks so much for the reminder, I really appreciate it. Definitely lets me feel like things are going well for the girls, all things being equal haha. Thanks also for the great compliments, I'm so glad you find the relationship, etc to be real. I love the idea of Tara finding the notes as Willow is coming out, complete with triumphant 80s pop song (I nominate "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Jefferson Starship) and romantic kiss under the glow of Good Vibrations "Closed" neon sign... Thanks so much DW, great fb.
NeTGiRL Thanks so much Kirstin! Hope you like the next update.
firerancher Aw, thanks, though I'm pretty sure it's the story you love haha.
I hope you like the next update, and that you've been enjoying the other stories on the board in the meantime!
Kajun Aw blush, blush and more blush my friend. Thank you, so much, for the very complimentary words.
Hehe re: how much Willow knows about art; I figured there were some touchstones that she could fall back on. I'm glad you thought the trip was funny; that's such a relief! Tara was very capable of handling Anya's sales pitches, lord knows she's probably heard them enough, and I too hope she gives more thought to Anya's comments. I'm guessing she will.
Thanks re: Willow's eyes turning into the shapes of hearts - I feel that way all the time about my girlfriend. So glad you liked all of the moments you mentioned; I think that's mainly what the update was about. I really wanted to reconnect with the show, and Willow, in this story so far, has been a known-doodler. Smell-O pens... gotta love those. And Tara questioning, oh yeah - big time! She has a lot more information now, and while that's super confusing, she has a lot to figure out. Hehe about the air tools; I'm sure Anya would make up some excuse about why she needed hand tools only. I agree that the mini trauma at the sex shop allowed Tara to comfort Willow, something Willow obviously feels that Tara can do. Sadly, no dinner for them tonight, but a little chat before bed.
Thanks very much, and please enjoy the next update.
onlyhalfevil Gosh, no problem about the Christmas gift... so sorry for the prolonged break! I'm glad you liked the "less confrontational mutual introspection" - that's totally what I was going for!
I too like how different people see the same situations. It's fascinating to me how people process information, and I really enjoy taking a closer look at Willow and Tara's thoughts when they're looking back on a shared experience. I'm glad those looks come off realistically. I'm glad that you liked Anya being the motivation of the chapter, and the ease with how Tara handles her long-time friend. As for the sex shop... you know, that visit was one of the first things I thought of for this story, once I decided I was going to post more than once or twice... I always knew I wanted to do it, because Good Vibrations is such a landmark here and in SF... but I almost chickened out. Glad I didn't - it might not have worked for everyone but it was fun to write.
Glad you liked Anya's lines, seemed pretty her. I'm also glad you liked the end of that update... anti-climactic, maybe but reassuring. Hopefully that tone will carry forward a bit.
SallyMcFine Suspicious of the paper is probably a good idea; I myself am suspicious of small, shaky dogs, but that's just me.
I tried to make Anya as close to canon as possible, because that's the Anya I personally like. I think S5 Anya is brilliant, and that's definitely what I was shooting for. I know the people you're talking about, the "look at me" type people, but I'm thinking Anya is more sincere in her upfront/affrontery, more, "I don't see what the big deal is", you know? I actually know people like this, who think that because it doesn't bother them, or is acceptable to them it is acceptable to others, and can't grasp at all why other people have a problem with it; possibly a little socially retarded and occasionally exasperating, but not a deal breaker once you get to know their better qualities. I think re: the sex shop Anya was legitimately trying to bond with Willow in a way she knows good friends to bond; why build up to a friendship, why not jump right in, and if Willow has a problem with it, it's Willow's problem and who knows, perhaps it will loosen her up a little (she also probably thought if Willow gets mad at her, no big deal, Tara can pick up the pieces which is adventageous for Tara, and if Willow enjoys herself well then everyone is happy). The trip to Khalil's was necessary, if for no other reason than Tara needs her house to herself for a little bit (though, there's another reason too...) Nice analogy with the ketchup bottle, though I'm sure some could argue that Neverland *is* like the namby pamby plastic bottles, in that when the product arrives, intermittently and sometimes suddenly, it can be quite messy and invoke a string of muttered curses ("WTF did Anya say that!?!")
Thanks so much; I hope you enjoy this next bit.
tarebear Yay for the three drunken stick dancers, and of course, your feedback! I'm so glad you liked Anya, even if she was shocking; you're right though, her heart is definitely in the right place, and even though she flustered Willow, the damage shouldn't be permanent. As I said a little earlier in comments, I think Anya believes Willow's gay because she saw her run into the coffee table at the pre-gallery party, and because Willow got all flustered at the suggestion (and, Anya thinks everyone is out to hook up). I'm sure part of Anya was hoping Tara would do something, but I'm not sure her actions were meant to goad Tara into doing something about it; Anya has no problem just saying what she thinks Tara should do, so no need to resort to full-on game playing. Thanks so much for the very kind words, and so sorry for the long break between updates. Life has just been crazy.
beanie Huzzah back to you, and thanks! Welcome to the thread, and thanks very much for the feedback, I really appreciate it. No worries about reading the story on Chris's site hence no comments (thanks again for hosting the story Chris!!), cause you're here now. I'm glad you liked Anya and found her a) close to canon and b) funny. So glad I managed to do both! Glad also that you liked pushy Anya - such a great feature of her's on the show. Tara and Willow's relationship is going freakishly slow, I'll admit, but only because I'm writing freakishly slow (only been 3 weeks since their first night out at the kitten club); hopefully the pace will feel faster in the upcoming updates. I'm so glad that you liked the sex shop - very worried that it would come off as stupid, so whew! Also yay that you liked the slips of paper. I like Willow when she's doodling. Thanks very much for the very kind compliments and I hope your college applications went well!
irishgrl3 Whew about you liking Anya! So happy about that. I'm really glad you liked her capitalist self. Also yay about the sex shop/Buffy's birthday gift. Whenever I see Older and Far Away I snicker when Willow explains that gift, it just cracks me up that single-lesbian-Willow-who-misses-her-girlfriend-terribly is giving "single"-Buffy a "personal massager". Die every time, so thought I'd share the inside-my-head joke. Glad you liked the show references, and the overthinkers; I think when all is said and done they are going to look back on this time and wonder how they could ever have gotten so twisted. Little bummer Willow bailed on the rest of the day, but for a good reason, I promise. I think it's a good bet we'll see those slips of doodle paper again... so stay tuned! Thanks so much anna, hope your 2006 is going well.
pipsberg Hello gorgeous. Absolutely no worries in waiting to give me feedback, I absolutely don't mind.
I'm glad you liked how this update felt a little more complete than the last; I think some important questions were raised, for Tara especially, so she has lots to go over. Happy that you liked Anya, and I think you're right that she does feel genuine concern for Tara, and sees Willow as a part of her friendship with Tara moving forward. Thanks re: Willow and the art supplies. I always liked that part of her character on the show, the insecurities and intimidation associated with Oz's music etc, so wanted to address that more fully here. Tara definitely has a lot to think about; the question will be, though, does she try to get to the bottom of it, or will the doubt about the relationships (Xander in particular) be enough to let her put all of the overthinking on hold and just go for things. Fine line, I'm sure. You're right though that Tara is terrified of doing the wrong thing with Willow though, so there's another roadblock. Even if she does start to doubt that Willow is in love with Xander, what is she going to do about it? Thanks so much.
AlysonGoddess Thanks so much, and happy Memorial Day! (Sorry for the delay in updates!)
sam Thank you very much - please enjoy the next update!
Artemis Anya as a force of nature - you nailed it on the head! Thanks so much Chris, I appreciate the kind words, and am pleased that you thought she came off as weird but real.
Glad you liked doodling-Willow, and I think it's a safe bet that those will turn up again... though the question really is how? I'm so glad you saw progress, and while I didn't really plan for Willow to explain why she was going to see Khalil, it definitely felt right, like it needed to be said. Like something a good friend would say to explain absence... I wanted to move them more into that space. I'm glad you mentioned the aftermath of the sex shop visit; it's those moments that I really love writing, the quiet ones where Tara and Willow really connect... I hope to have more in the future. I thought it was very important for Willow to explain her reaction, and that she wasn't a prude. She already sees herself as inexperienced sexually, and I think it would haunt her if she was under the impression that Tara thought she was disinterested in sex, or uptight. I'm sure she would see that as another roadblock to them getting together, or at least, an intimidating obstacle to overcome.
I'm glad that Tara's explanation about why she's friends with Anya rang true. I once had a friend who was somewhat insufferable; I was wondering if I could even remain friends with her because of her sometimes crass behavior, but then, when I really needed a friend she was there in the most amazing way and here we are, six years on, great friends. It's amazing how bonds of friendship can be forged between "unlikely" people, and I always saw Tara and Anya as capable of that. For Willow to see Tara's sincerity, knowing how hard her dad's death was for her and the whole aftermath with the wills... I think Willow felt like she knew Tara better after Tara explained why she was friends with Anya, even if Willow still doesn't see Anya's appeal. I think Willow still doesn't like Anya, but she might also realize that her like or dislike isn't the most important thing here; the fact is, Anya is Tara's close friend, and Tara has reasons to stick by Anya, so she may just have to deal with it and not try and convince Tara to ditch Anya. I'm glad you're looking forward to Tara having some alone time, cause she definitely needs it! Maybe a little different than what you hoped for, but I'm hoping you like it the same. And yay for the huffer bit! I'm not sure why but that whole scenario made me giggle. Thanks so much Chris, always great to hear from you.
k-prime Aw, thank you very much! I know, first time readers must be like WTF, why is this stupid story 40+ chapters, only to get to the "end" and think WTF?!? why isn't this stupid story finished! Where are the kisses and gay love! To everyone who has hung on, I thank you, and hope to make it up to you very soon. I thank you very much for the compliments, and hope you like this next bit.
dragonfly Yay! I'm glad you liked the update and that you thought it was funny. That's what I was hoping for; much needed after the stomach churning previous updates. Glad you liked Willow doodling, and yes, those notes will come back, though when and how I can't say *whistles innocently* Unfortunately, Willow won't be back for dinner, but hopefully that won't be a problem. She definitely needed to see Khalil, and Tara needed some time to herself. Glad you liked that they got a chance to connect in this update, and yes, it is "a slow, long and very important process and they won't skip it" haha. I think you're right that a good side effect of this update was that they're recognizing they care about each other in a real way. Have you gone to SF yet? If not, definitely check out Golden Gate Park, and the De Young museum especially. It's very neat, and although they're doing quite a bit of construction nearby, it is still very beautiful. Thanks very much, and hope your year is going well.
potential_angel Whoo-hoo happy dances! Very funny about the cheering and dancing in IT class - but what do you mean people don't get excited about IT? Servers and firewalls don't get people fired up anymore?
Much frustration for the clever girls, but glad you liked that they're sharing. Glad you liked the Smell-O pen bit, and Willow in the sex shop. Hope you like this next update!
The_Lord_J Haha, I like your two lessons: many apologies on both accounts, however, because I'm sure the long breaks between posts don't help with either the patience or the suspense! Wow about the mighty fine compliments (*blush, blush!*), and thank you. I just hope you like where the story goes from here. Thanks!
Kaia Thank you very much; I'm so glad you liked Anya! (And wow, oasis of relaxation, I'm sure Willow didn't think so but I think that it's a great descriptor for the role that Anya plays in the landscape of recently tense updates.) Thank you very much Karinna!
StarCat I am so pleased that you like this Anya, and yay for living up to expectations (I was so, so worried that the last update was going to crash and burn). I think the three way tie you described was pretty good, and I'm so glad you liked those parts. I think them being apart for a few hours at least will be good for them; this was a VERY busy morning for them, they went through a lot of hoops and over a lot of hurdles and it's barely even lunch! Going to be an interesting next few days, that's for sure, for them. Thanks so much - I hope you're having a great year and please enjoy the update.
watson No worries watson, I have had the craziest life the last six months (if not year) so I can certainly understand any distraction, etc. that would keep anyone away from the board, much less leaving feedback! Definitely no need to apologize for not leaving feedback, or "meaningful" feedback, in your words. I'm just happy that you left me some at all! I'm glad the last update was a bit of a Calgon moment for you; I have been really frustrated the last odd number of months because writing NL has been that way for me, a break from work stress, RL in general... as you can imagine from the lack of updates, I haven't had a break in a while and that's been really hard to go without. I hope this next update is a good break for both of us.
I'm glad you point out the parallel thoughts and actions, I really wanted to use that in this update. I think the parallel thoughts work for them, and it's been fun playing with that. I think you're right that it solidifies their connection in a way that's sometimes hard to do unless you're pouring on the flowery prose. This way I can show that they're both reaching out, remembering, etc. in a way that binds them, a bit. I hope that it's showing that even though they're not assuming the correct things because of the disinformation that they have, they are on the same wavelength, they want the same things, they're very together without being together, if that makes sense. Yes, long way until hugs and kisses (cause I'm slow as hell writing these days; stupid RL!), but Willow has definitely started to notice cause and effect of Tara's moods. To your point about why it's taking so long for two in-tune people to realize what's what... I think it all boils down to fear. I'm hoping that this will become more clear as they spend more time together, ironically. Willow is very afraid of what people are going to think about her as she comes out, and that is a huge roadblock (more on that later). Tara, she doesn't want to do anything to jeopardize her relationships; also, she has some past hurt that I hope to get into that plays into why she needs clear definitions to open up. It's all about fear and self-preservation for the girls, though neither realizes how much they're losing out on while they try to do the "right thing" or the noble thing. This is just what they think they need to do to feel good about themselves as they navigate their personal minefields. Little do they know that they don't have to go it alone.
Glad you liked Anya, and love your "good intentions and Good Vibrations" line. Classic, and spot-on. I think when Tara freaked out on Anya, Anya realized that she should tone things down, even though she doesn't necessarily see herself as having done anything wrong. She respects Tara and doesn't want to push Tara's buttons.. much... so hence the relatively mild interaction at the bus stop. The notes will definitely come back, and I think, in a good way... stay tuned. And yes, yes, yes, smelly pens were the absolute best. I'm tempted to go buy a set for my future-children, just in case they're not around whenever they're born, though, that's a little crazy. Thanks so much for the feedback, and please do enjoy the update (and take care of yourself with all of the stress, lord knows like 90% of it is just not worth i!!).
AntigoneUnbound Thank you so much; I hope the immersion went well! (I had to snicker a little because the word "immersion" always makes me think of someone trying to go from conversational to fluent in a foreign language; so, I had this great thought of you now being fluent in Neverland, like you took some fancy Berlitz course. Silly, I know.) Good to have you back, for sure, and don't worry, I definitely don't take your brevity for lack of enjoyment; I know how hard it is to get caught up when you've been away, and the fact that you're posting at all is just about enough for me haha. To your comments, I just hope that I'm able to continue to mix things up in a believable way as the story moves forward. As for your bedroom... perhaps I'm like a lesbian Santa, and I know if you've been sleeping, and in what rococo den you've been sleeping in. That, or we have matching bedrooms... Thanks Mary!
luv4willtara Fourth love goddess! Haha that's great. I'm like a fourth outfielder; I only come off the love bench if there's a groin pull or someone is tired. Thanks so much for the very complimentary, er, compliments, I'm blushing big time as I type. I hope you continue to enjoy the story, starting with the next update, and that I do a good job coming off of the love bench. Thanks Katie!
rainbowstarletz Thanks so much - realism and believability are definitely what I'm going for, even if there is some silly stuff thrown in for fun, so, glad that you like! Sadly, going to take a little more time until Willow is out, but I'm hoping you enjoy the ride. Thanks so much!
Leafsdude Haha, that was some civilized begging David.
Hope you like the next update!
dreamin of my rainbow Wow! I don't know about capturing the pure essence of all human emotion (how much do you think I could sell that for, btw), but thanks for the very generous comments! I'm not sure if another poster posted the list of songs in reply to you, but here it is: the CD to date (though there are more songs to come). 1) "Tule Fog" Charmless, 2) "How We Know" The Thermals, 3) "Yawn, Yawn, Yawn" Les Savy Fav, 4) "Midas" Rubicks, 5) "A List I Could Write" The Eskimos, 6) "Lost" The Open, 7) "Smoke Baby" Hawksley Workman, 8) "Let's Get Lost" Tina Dico, 9) "Saint Simon" The Shins, 10) "The Idea of Growing Old" The Features, 11) "4.35 AM" Gemma Hayes
Hope that helps, and enjoy the rest of the story please.
Miss Kitty Fantastico Oh no! Skipping lunch is bad, it's like... important, and stuff. I'm glad you like the story though, just mix reading with eating something good for you though.
nerdbert Yay for finding time to leave feedback! I just need to find time now to write...
Sorry about the frustration! I think I can stand to write it because... I know they're going to get together in the end so I'm just enjoying the journey. Plus, I've had those dream-updates to keep me occupied, and if I'm really in a pinch I just daydream about what it would be like for them to get together. That usually tides me over until I can get a moment to actually write.
I've very glad that you like the story though, and thanks for the compliments about the characters, I've had a blast writing them. I think, when Willow and Tara look back they're going to see the love between them as bright as a lighthouse lamp. I'm hoping that when they figure things out it's not too anticlimactic too! And no smelly pen bashing, I absolutely love them, wish I had tons. Hope you like this next update, Alex.
Useful Oxymoron I get you, that the story is almost painful to read, but take heart, they will get together in the end, promise (cause if I didn't get them together I think the board mods would bad me fo' life!). Good stuff to come, I promise. Thanks!
TinyAnt Thank you so much for the kind words Ana, I really appreciate them.
I'm glad the Anya meeting both lived up to your expectations and rang true; that is the brass ring as far as I'm concerned and I'm just so happy you think what you think! I liked (how could I not) what you said about the characters being consistent; I'm really hoping that's the case, throughout the story. This entire "plot" (cause I still don't think there is much of one) comes out of what I see as the canon characters' core reactions to this situation. I try to be as faithful to my opinion of who those people are. I want Tara and Willow to be recognizable, you know, not just two chicks with similar physical features sharing the same names. You know, I didn't notice the employee-time connection until you pointed it out, but that's pretty cool! Yay for coincidences! It's a good coincidence though, because I definitely didn't want readers to think they were at the shop for a very long time. I'm not sure Tara will figure everything out before Willow has a chance to spill, but then again it might not even be that important, as far as how much Tara enjoys their time together in the meantime, you know? Thank you very much for your words ("untrained" or not); I really appreciated them and loved reading them.
ShallowLikeUs Oh no! Another skipper, and this time class! (Eh, who am I to talk, I used to skip class to go get donuts...) I'm glad you liked Anya; sounds like she tapped into a whole host of emotions for you! Glad also that you thought Anya and Willow's reactions were true to their characters. I loved their rivalry on the show, and wanted to keep that intact in this world. (BTW, I don't think you have bad language, I'm following along just great.) I get you about having to go back to check up on details; this is a huge story (much bigger than I ever thought it would be) and long breaks between updates certainly don't help with reader comprehension. Totally my bad, I'm sorry! Re: Willow and Tara interaction - get ready, because that's a lot of their week together. Lots and lots of time for them to be together and bond. Should be fun! Glad to hear you about your grades (esp. impressive considering that you were reading fanfic instead of studying haha). Hope you like the next update Dani!
theherofactor Tara is very, very confused and she's going to have a hell of a time trying to figure it out (that, or she's just going to throw the towel in and not worry so much...) Willow-doodles are always fun, and you can bet we'll see those again in some capacity. I'm really glad you liked their feet touching at the bus stop; it was a simple thing, but I think was very them. It made me happy when I wrote it. And re: the back massager, just my saucy take on Older and Far Away.
Thanks so much!
willowspiritus Yay for new Tina Dico! What did you think about it? I have it as part of a larger playlist, and probably should go back and give it another few solid listens. I just get lulled in by her voice... So glad you liked the update, and please enjoy the next bit!
mag Thank you very much; I'm glad the story is resonating with you! I'm really glad that you like Morgan; she's a good girl, for sure, though not "the one" for Tara (as we all know hehe). I think Willow is very aware that she needs to step up her game, so to speak, so that Tara doesn't decide to date Morgan - it'll be interesting to see how that plays out! (And no worries about your spelling; looked good to me and I followed along fine!) Thanks so much mag! (And re: the note... I had to give up on the L Word exactly because I didn't like where the writer was going... hopefully that will get resolved in the next season.)
singgirl I know, I know - if it makes you feel any better, the breaks between updates are killing me too. They definitely do suck and I can't blame anyone who bails or takes a break from reading until things get moving again. Hopefully, that will be sooner rather than later! Hope you like this next bit, and thanks!
mole Can I say I'm still impressed with the people who have read this story more than once! Wow. Just amazing to me. (Econ homework huh, boy I remember those days!) I'm glad you like Tara's painting process, because I really enjoy writing that. I look forward to writing more about that in the future. Also glad you like Willow's struggle to come out. I'm trying to do it in a specific way (as you all have noticed) and while it's not pretty, or fun, I'm hoping it's consistent with her character and will work out in the end. Naturally tickled that you like the indie music, and tension between Willow and Tara. Khalil-visit should be good for Willow. Hopefully you'll like what's coming up, and thanks Michelle.
tarawhipped I am so sorry I couldn't fulfill your egocentric wishes and post an update when you left feedback buddy!
I will endeavor to be better about that in the future.
You know, I liked the idea of little Willow frustrated by art supplies too, even though it was a little sad. On the bright side, it probably pushed her into an early love of computers and science (see how positive I am!). I am glad you liked the pens bit, and Willow's horror at buying Buffy something for her little acheys (hehe). Tara comforting Willow, definitely something that we'll see more of, as the story progresses. Just seems to fit, you know? I am pleased as punch that you liked Anya, and thank you for your "layered" comment. I really wanted to try and make her human, instead of just money grabbing, etc. I think for Anya, she really just doesn't understand social pleasantries. The Body speech is so great, and I am flattered beyond belief that you think I even came close to capturing that awkwardness here. I was trying to, because I think that is the key to Anya; you're right, she just doesn't get it, and it's not malicious, her non-understanding, just the way she is. Re: Anya and a certain construction worker, now wouldn't that just be great (unless you're Willow). Hehe, get into Willow's pants... we'll see!
Thanks so much Cam, truly and sincerely appreciated.
db Welcome, first ever feedback! I really hope you're enjoying all the board has to offer. Great stories, good people (and jeez I sound like a cruise ship entertainment director...); what I'm trying to say, is welcome, and thank you for your wonderful feedback. I am so glad that the story makes you root for them; that's my favorite part about Pens, is that all of the authors here really want Willow and Tara to be together and be happy (you know, ultimately). I'm glad this story could do that for you. Thanks so much!
shane Thanks so much, and welcome to the thread. I really hope you like this next bit!
taraforever Thanks very much - hope you like the next update!
PuddleOfL0ve Hope the reread got you all caught up (courtesy of Chris's site - thanks again Chris!). Thanks!
everbreeze Sorry for the long break in between updates - real life can be a real pain sometimes. Hope you like the next update!
Emms Sorry, sorry - real life has been really overwhelming the last six months/year and I unfortunately had to put writing (even though I love, love, love writing) on the back burner. Hopefully things will chill out some so I can make some progress with this story. Please enjoy the next update!
writerfreak Sorry, certainly no intention to kill, just have a really crazy life right now that needs tending too. Hope you like the next bit!
wtcherry5by513 Mojo is back, at least for one update; hope you enjoy it and that the breaks between updates won't be so long in the future (though no promises cause that way danger lies!). Thanks!
shroomgirl Yay for delayed finding of updates! Tara is definitely bright - now she just needs to wade through the crap to figure out what's real. And, holy crap, 336 pages! Wow, that's crazy. Again, kudos to anyone who reads this story, much less re-reads it. You guys are amazing!
notl33t Thanks very much for the kind words - I'm trying to take my time (obviously) and not rush things too much; especially Willow. I really hope that her journey is something people can recognize. Coming out is super hard, and I think, Willow's reasoning is legit. She wants coming out to be about her, and she doesn't want to lie to her family and friends about who she is and what she's done. (More on that later.) It's hard, and it might not make sense for everyone, but she has a plan that makes her feel better about things and that's what counts, you know. And no problem about making Tara "smoking hot" haha - certainly doesn't hurt to have a character like that to write for. Thanks again, and enjoy the update!
Sn0wflak3 Sorry, no update (then), but yay update now! Enjoy!
Reallybigpineapple Money, eh?
Enjoy the update (and thanks!).
sacinema Sorry about the long delay; as I mentioned earlier in the replies, I've had a really stressful last six months/one year and I've needed to take a break from writing to keep sane. (Which is ironic, because writing makes me very happy.) Hopefully things will chill a little bit and I'll be able to get back to writing. Thanks very much for the good wishes, and please enjoy the update.
VixenyTarasHot I know what you mean, Ashleigh, a lot of new people and a lot of new stories; I kind of feel like I was picked up in a tornado for a few months and then dropped back into home... though not a home I completely recognize. I'm having fun getting reacquainted though.
Thank you very much for sticking with the story though - your feedback is greatly appreciated, so you know. I really hope you like this next update, and that the ridiculously long breaks between updates are a thing of the past.
RaspberryHats I'm sorry, sorry! Sometimes life gets in the way, and that's definitely happened to me lately. I hope you enjoy the next update though!
WillowRulez I plan on finishing the story - I just need to get my real life to cooperate with that plan! Shelia, Buffy, Morgan et al - I hope that all questions will be answered. Please enjoy the next update and thanks so much!
How would you guys feel about a little update?
by everbreeze » Thu Mar 16, 2006 11:45 pm 
hello?)
I can't wait to see what happens next, this has kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I love that it takes place in a city nearby me. Keep working that mojo and give us another chapter. 
I saw this at the top so i was hoping for an update!
Don't worry it's made of non-Tara hurting foam. But still, tell Michelle. Make it concrete and real, and make a decision damnit. I swear, I'll probably have to enter a nursing home before Tara does that. Worse part was the absence of Anya. I vote 24/7 Anya to help speed things up by like one million times.