FF : RW Season 7.4 : Alienation.

[MadeinNZ]

You make bill paying seem so exciting. Maybe I'm doing it wrong. Nice to have the next chapter underway.

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


"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

[Loco2]

teen fashion magazine...tsk tsk tsk. she should have invested in fhm or loaded, in my opinion....but then, that wouldn't really have made so much sense, now, would it?



ooh, the art of cheque signing, i'm sure she has that one down, now.



thank you for the update!



steph

"Dr. Becker, have you seen the skeleton?" "What do you think I am, a skeleton thief? You want to search me?!"
"Oh, bugger off, you BROLLY!" - Anya to Giles on his use of the english language
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

[little wicca dude]

hey guys



Great start, that was very funny i wish it were that much fun when i payed bills



cant wait for the next bit



luv jill xx

"did i just say that? did i just say that too?"

My Scooby Page

[Beth Dragon]

Willow appraised the living room from the middle of the stairs and reaching up to tuck her hair behind her ear she carefully went down the rest of them.



“Did I miss my invitation to the happy morning party?” She pulled at the edge of the sparkly dog t-shirt she wore and smiled as she reached the doorway. When she’d awoken Tara had been sleeping peacefully and she’d convinced herself she was going to have a good day.



“Will!” Buffy was the first to tune into the redhead’s voice having noticed the movement on the stairs seconds before everyone else. “No you got an invite it just doesn’t kick in till you were de-cuddled.” She explained and then looked up the stairs beyond her friend. “No Tara?” She added.



“Still sleepy.” Willow’s smile faded down slowly. “I was going to get her some breakfast.” She pointed to the kitchen.



“What’s on the menu Wilster?” Xander smiled his encouragement to the redhead.



“I was thinking cereal and toast.” Willow listed off. “And maybe juice.”



“Sounds great, you need a hand?” Buffy asked softly not wanting to offend her friend but wanting her to know that it was ok to be unsure.



“That would be nice.” Willow nodded brushing her hands over the pockets of her slightly baggy jeans. “Does anyone else want anything?” She questioned softly when no one responded immediately.



“No, I think we’re all good.” Buffy answered before anyone could. “Dawn’s in the kitchen I’m sure she’d lend a hand if you asked her.” She offered softly knowing that it would be good for her best friend and sister to have some time together. Time when the youngster didn’t have to be on edge in fear of what disaster might happen.



“Okay.” Willow nodded and began walking towards the kitchen. As she entered Dawn was already busy pouring out juice having collected up her morning pills. “Hi.” She stopped just inside the doorway reaching to adjust her shirt again.



“Willow.” Dawn turned and gave the redhead a smile.



“Buffy said you could help me.” Willow smiled back softly. “I was going to get breakfast for Tara.”



“Of course, anything.” Dawn nodded eagerly as Willow explained what she was doing. “What are we fixing her?”



“I thought toast and cereal.” Willow explained her theory. “She likes both of them.”



“She does.” Dawn agreed feeling a bit goofy as her moves and expressions seemed a bit too exaggerated.



“And juice.” Willow came in further.



“We have apple and orange and that strange mixed one that Buffy drinks.” Dawn put the glass down and crossed to the fridge pulling it open for Willow to examine.



“Ewww.” Willow made a playful face. “What would you like to bring her?” The redhead came over peering in.



“She likes either, her favourite is…” Dawn paused and then continued in a ‘Tara’ accent. “What ever Willow is having.” She grinned.



“I’ll have apple.” Willow laughed at the imitation.



“Great.” Dawn pulled the carton out and put it on the side next to the orange one.



“I can get the bread.” Willow moved around the counter and opened the breadbox.



“So any ideas what you and Tara might do today? The weather is still nice, we could put sun chairs out on the back lawn and you could sun bathe.” Dawn suggested.



“That would be nice.” Willow nodded as she carefully took out two pieces of bread and eased them into the toaster. “Did you want toast too?” She turned back to the teenager.



“Yes, please.” Dawn nodded. “So…” The teenager hesitated for just a moment. “So how are you feeling?”



“I feel okay.” Willow took more bread out. “How do I look?” She turned playing with the edge of her t-shirt again.



“You look great.” Dawn nodded enthusiastically.



“How are you feeling?” Willow smiled and questioned back.



“I’m good.” Dawn took a swig of the orange juice she had already poured.



“Maybe tomorrow we can convince her to make us pancakes.” Willow kept her smile.



“Do you think?” Dawn beamed and looked at Willow bright eyed.



“We’d have to make sure we have all the stuff she needs, you know how she likes to use that Soya milk.” The redhead appraised thoughtfully.



“We can go shopping, mass shopping.” Dawn enthused and started to make a mental list.



“Remember when we went shopping that time and we did the cart racing in the frozen department?” Willow giggled lightly.



“And Buffy told us we were being childish and then joined in.” Dawn took up the story. “And, and then that old lady told us that they go faster if you take the frozen peas out.” She laughed.



“Didn’t matter, I still beat you.” Willow stuck her tongue out at Dawn. “Tara said so.”



“She lied!” Dawn put her hand on her hip indignantly.



“She let you buy those cookies because you lost though.” Willow mimicked the pose.



“Yeah which is why I didn’t make a fuss.” The teenager pointed out the obvious. Willow was still smiling as the toast popped and she turned to replace it with the new pieces of bread. “So is Tara still asleep?” Dawn asked as she took two bowls out for whichever cereal Willow chose.



“She is.” Willow nodded as she pulled out a butter knife and got the jam out of the cupboard. “Dawn, can I ask you a question?” Her voice went slightly softer.



Dawn looked around for a second checking that indeed the redhead was talking to her.



“Me?” She pointed to her own chest.



“Yes, you are Dawn.” Willow turned around.



“Well yes,” Dawn tried to cover her surprise with a goofy smile. “Of course you can.” She added making it clear that Willow could ask her anything.



“Do you understand how she came back?” Willow’s face held a curious and confused honesty.



“Honestly?” Dawn thought for a moment and then shook her head. “No.” She admitted.



“Okay I was worried it was just me.” Willow calmed more.



“Oh no it’s not just you, in fact I think the only one who has a real clue is her.” Dawn nodded out of the kitchen window towards the back garden where Madalene was just visible. The Spellcaster was cross-legged on a blanket in the middle of the grass.



“Who is she?” Willow looked out at the back of the Spellcaster’s head, knowing she knew nothing more really than the woman’s name.



“She’s Tara’s cousin or something.” Dawn replied casually. “It happened to her too.”



“She’s a witch isn’t she?” Willow appraised quietly.



“She is.” Dawn nodded and looked out of the window at the silent woman.



“She seems so deep in thought all the time.” Willow appraised in a slightly distracted way as the second set of toast popped and she put jam on it.



“Yeah, I think she thinks too much.” Dawn admitted and shrugged as the train of thought turned in her head. “And I think Xander’s soft on her.” She added with a grin confiding in Willow this unspoken secret that she had harboured for a few days.



“Xander?” Willow turned and then laughed. “That’s funny.”



“He still loves Anya though which means they wont ever get together.” Dawn summed up the honest truth.



“I think the fact she’s gay might stop that too.” Willow added without missing a blink as she cut the toasts into triangles.



“Gay?” Dawn whispered literally lowering her head and turning to Willow in secrecy. “Really?” She looked at the redhead all wide eyed.



“Oh, I mean... I think... I could be wrong.” Willow turned to Dawn and blushed a bit.



“Oh poor Xander.” Dawn giggled. “Everyone he likes is either gay, demonic or destined to be single.”



“I could be wrong.” Willow repeated giggling with the teenager’s appraisal.



“I doubt it, I mean you know Tara was.” Dawn pointed out. “Remember…” She began excitedly. “How you used to come in having been in class with her before you got together and you’d be all floaty and happy but wouldn’t let on why and then when you finally got together.” Dawn raised her eyebrows on the word finally.



“I told you.” Willow smiled softly as she remembered the long talk she’d had with the surprisingly open and understanding young woman. “Don’t you think she is?” She looked back through the window in the door.



“She could be.” Dawn appraised the witch again. “What makes you think it?”



“I don’t know just this air she gives.” Willow shrugged.



“Like Tara?” Dawn inquired genuinely interested.



“No, she’s much different than Tara.” Willow shook her head literally staring out the window now. “She’s more resolved, more rage against the storm but still gentle like something taught her a great lesson once.” She blinked slowly.



“I think she’s sad and lonely.” Dawn admitted her honest impression of the spellcaster. “She…” The teenager paused as if ashamed of what she was about to say. Willow shivered and turned back to the teenager waiting.



As Willow looked at her Dawn shook herself a little changing her mind about her sentence instead falling silent.



“You were going to say something.” Willow prompted softly.



“I…” Dawn began again looking at Willow for a sign that she really could say what she felt, looking for the ‘old Willow’ the one she could say things to.



“You can tell me.” The redhead stepped a bit closer. “I know I’m not me most of the time but its getting better.”



“She reminds me of Buffy.” The teenager admitted sadly. “Alone, different, misunderstood.” She looked down despondently at the floor and shivered. “It’s not right for anyone to feel like that.” She added concerned.



“It must be hard for her.” Willow nodded and reached out to hug the teenager closing her eyes as she did so. “Should we bring her breakfast?” Her simple feeling mind tried to find a simple answer.



Dawn hugged Willow so tightly back that in the back of her mind reason screamed out at her to loosen the grip, but she couldn’t. She held Willow, one of her ‘mommies’, one of the two people that had taken care of her when everything in her world had fallen apart.



“I love you Dawn.” Willow whispered tightening her grip as she felt the teenager cling onto her.



“I love you.” Dawn replied tears filling her brown eyes. “I can’t believe I have you, both of you back.” She whispered nuzzling her head into Willow’s neck.



“You could come out with us and sunbathe later.” Willow leaned her head into Dawn’s.



“You two need time.” Dawn pulled herself together a little realising that maybe she shouldn’t have said anything. After all she didn’t want to appear needy and push Willow further away with guilt.



“We have all the time in the world.” Willow remembered Tara’s words and shared them trying to make Dawn feel better.



******

[Loco2]

whut whut? this isn't the work of the rainbowwriters, surely not! it's far too happy! where's the angst?



heh heh, lovely update, and two days in a row, aren't we just the lucky kittens? it was really nice, with willow assuring dawn she could tell her things, even if they weren't happy things. heh heh, well at least her gaydar is in working order - THE LESBIAN HAS SPOKEN!.....i do believe i am making no sense whatsoever.



ahem..thank you for the lovely update,



steph

"Dr. Becker, have you seen the skeleton?" "What do you think I am, a skeleton thief? You want to search me?!"
"Oh, bugger off, you BROLLY!" - Anya to Giles on his use of the english language
"We'll all be a lot happier without the constant whining....Mom, Buffy, Tara, Waah" - DMW to Dawn

Edited by: Loco2 at: 8/3/02 9:12:13 am

[Puff]

Ah two great updates I was very happy to read the scene when all the bills were being paid the excitement was cute And the Willow and Dawn talk was very sweet and it is so nice to have them talking to each other.

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[Grimaldi]

loved the first two scenes.



Buffy, Xander, Dawn, and Anya sitting around taking care of the bills was funny. the conversation between Willow and Dawn in the kitchen was cute.

Dude, we're surrounded by perverts!

Cross my heart, smack me dead, stick a lobster on my head.

We'll roll on with our heads held high - The Living End

[Tiggrscorpio]

It's so nice to see a bit of the 'old Willow' returning. What a beautiful scene between Dawn and Willow. You can really feel the love. Thanks ladies!

*****

She's my everything!

[LeatherQueen]

Oh... That was so nice. Dawn's got her mommies back.



But I'm getting worried... there's way too much happy, good times going on for you two. I can just feel the angst around the corner...

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


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


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

[Jennpurr]

Awwww....



Those are happy tears, BTW.



Awww, you two, that was so beautiful. We're getting our Willow back, thank you. I loved the bonding between Dawn and Willow. I'm glad they had that time. I wish they had shown more interaction between them on the show. So sweet.



Hee... I loved Willow's suspicions about Mads. I had never thought about it, but you know, it DOES make sense. I think it'd be cool if Mads hooked up with Buffy.



Now I want to go back and read that again. Dawnie has her "mommies" back. So wonderful.



Thanks ladies, but I fear like the rest of us, that angst is on the way. I hope it won't be too bad.



Jen

------------------------Willow: strong like an amazon?
Tara: Strong like an amazon, right.

[funkyasian]

wow, i'm all mushy now after reading such an update. feel all lovey-dovey and stuff...



great two scenes...can't wait for more...



steph

[VampNo12]

Guys I just read the two scenes, and they were wonderful! Loved the cuteness of Buffy, Xander, and Dawn vanquishing the "demon bills". I never knew paying bills could be so much fun, and I am glad that some of the burden on the gang has been lifted, they deserve some happiness after all the pain they have endured.



Really loved the second scene. I liked how Dawn was in the kitchen preparing Willow's pills (being a caregiver), but instead this scene showed Dawn slowly (but surely) getting back "both her mommies". Their conversation between them just held such a calm/ease, really connecting like they used to before DMW entered the picture. So Willow thinks Mads might be gay, that's intriguing, and I cracked-up over Dawns saying "Everyone he likes is either gay, demonic, or destined to be single.", in reference to Xander having a little crush on her. Willow might still have a long way to being completely healed, but this scene demonstrated the positive steps she is taking (by herself) in the healing process. Can't wait for the next part!

[MadeinNZ]

Great scene between Willow and Dawn. Very - grown up. And Mads is gay!!! Didn't guess that one. Willow's gaydar is up and operational.

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"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

[MissQuirky]

Awww I loved this update!! It was sooo sweet! I'm glad Willow is doin so much better, than b4! And Dawn so sweet, i really love her! I love this fic, can't wait 4 more!!

"W-well, I-I was wondering, maybe, you would wanna go out sometime? For coffee ... food ... kisses and gay love?" - Willow (Normal Again)

[Scout]

Bless little Dawnie's heart - she really is a W/T shipper! And it was nice to see some of the old Willow back - seeing her strong enough to listen to Dawn talk about Buffy's difficulties after Willow brought her back.



Great stuff - thanks!

[spazz07]

Wow, that last scene definitely brought a tear to my eye, it was so beautiful. I bow at the greatness that is your ability to write such moving scenes, it really is a treat to be able to read such pieces of work.



Willow's gadar on full alert, totally got me with that one and i couldn't help but laugh and yet feel bad for Mad's at the same time. She really does need someone special just for her.



Willow waking up in Tara's arm and deciding then and there that it was going to be a good day and then putting the plan into action just speaks volumes of the major improvements she had made.



Once again a bow at the greatness of your alternate season and i think its only fair that after a dark, evil season six we should get a happy light season seven. Though i'll doubt you'll be that kind



Cheers

Nath

If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.

[WebWarlock]

Wow, what a hell of a start.

Course I am expecting IRS audits now. "So Miss Summers could you tell us again where you got all this money?".



ack.



Great Dawn btw, I wish she was used more in the show to show W/T love. She would have been such the Kitten!



Warlock

-----

Web Warlock

The Other Side, home of Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks

What the hell is your problem? - Ozzy Osbourne to me, October, 1997.

[The Rose24]

I shall echo everyone else and say this is a brilliant scene between Dawn and Willow. I am so glad Willow is slowly but surely returning to normal. To the Willow we all know and love.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

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

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

[tiredsoul]

Wow. I just read scenes one and two and . . . wow.



I love how you have Willow gradually getting better and better rather than having an instaneous fix. I really wish this was the season seven we were going to see and not what will see.



You guys truly rock. Thanks for these stories.



Celia

"I'm not coming back"

[mollyig]

Excellent start. Willow really seems to have gotten stronger, and I'm sure will blossom further with Tara at her side.



I love how responsible Dawn has become, worrying about Willow, and now also about Madalene. Her thought that Mads and Buffy were alike was very astute.

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

[WiccansIllusion]

Can I have a Sunday update please?

Tara nodded in agreement "She has magic fingers." Then, as though the words had just echoed back to her and sounded not at all right, she perked up and glanced around at the others. "On the keyboard."

TheWisdom of War, Chris Golden

'My heart is cleverer then I and it knows what to do.'-MC Legends of the Kiss

[Beth Dragon]

Tiny scene today - longer one to come - maybe later - maybe tomorrow. Thank you for reading Bx









Tara pushed her sunglasses up on her head as she watched Dawn move from her sun chair into the house.



“Dawnie’s very bright this morning.” The Wicca noted as the teenager hurried through to the bathroom still humming the last tune she and Tara had been singing in the garden.



“I told her I’d ask you to make us pancakes tomorrow.” Willow looked up from her shaded place under the large white and blue umbrella. “I think she missed them a lot.”



“Funny shapes or rounds?” Tara heard herself ask before even registering the sentence and then as she did she chuckled as her fuzzy brain highlighted the rediscovered fact. “I have to have Soya milk.” She added thoughtfully.



“You do.” Willow smiled brightly. “Is there anything else you want to get?”



“Mmmmm anything you particularly want?” Tara turned the question around.



“Mmmmm.” Willow put her hand on her tiny stomach as if thinking. “Caesar salad.” She put forward trying very hard to think of something that sounded appetizing.



“Nice choice, we should make a list.” Tara rewarded her lover with a smile.



“We could make one.” Willow reached down to pick up her bottle of water and took a small sip. “I could go get some paper.”



“I’ll go, you stay there and concentrate on getting that hair even flamier.” Tara pushed up from her place and casually threw her sunglasses onto the cushion. “Do you want anything?” She asked as she secured her light green sarong around her and slipped her arms into the sleeves of her cream cardigan.



“I’m okay.” Willow looked up and admired her girlfriend. “You look beautiful.”



“You think?” Tara glanced down at herself blushing slightly as her hair fell forward.



“You are beautiful.” Willow repeated lovingly.



“So are you.” Tara leaned down and forward kissing Willow briefly.



“Mmmmm and lucky.” Willow smiled into the kiss.



“Me too.” Tara pulled back and for a long moment gazed at her red haired lover.



“Hurry back.” She encouraged.



Tara nodded and walked back towards the house, finally feeling the darkness that her nighttime visions had left within her lift a little.



******

[MissQuirky]

Such a sweet update!! These lil W/T moments r all soo sweet n cute! I'm so glad Tara is starting to remember more n more, even the lil things r good like funny shapes or rounds! I Love this fic soo much! Can't wait 4 more!!

"W-well, I-I was wondering, maybe, you would wanna go out sometime? For coffee ... food ... kisses and gay love?" - Willow (Normal Again)

[VampNo12]

Oh this was such a sweet little scene guys, truly lovely! I always love the simple/tender moments between W&T, and this scene emphasized this so well. Loved Tara instinctively saying "Funny shapes or rounds" to the pancake question. And just W&T lovingly gazing at each other was a beautiful moment (yes indeed this scene gives Tara some respite from the badness of her nightmare). Can't wait for the next part!

[LeatherQueen]

Oh that was a very sweet little scene. And Tara in a sarong? Very nice image.

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


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


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

[Jennpurr]

Awww... Tara remembered funny shapes or rounds. So sweet. Thank you ladies. I'm glad she is starting to remember things now. I can't wait to see what happens next.



I just love the little scenes with our girls. So beautiful.



Thank you,

Jen

------------------------Willow: strong like an amazon?
Tara: Strong like an amazon, right.

[Wolflord]

Loving this story. I like the way you get the interactions between the various Scoobies. They come across perfectly. Can't wait to see more of the interaction between Tara and Willow, (not the smut......well ok that too, but them just being together.....and if that means smut then I shall live with it). Anyway keep up the good work.





_____________ WOLFLORD ____________________

Sometimes I think of them doing spells and I do a spell myself. Xander in Restless

[Scout]

I love the little moments between them when they rediscover who they were as a couple. So sweet! Thanks for the update!

[Imperfectly Me]

Aww...this little scene was adorable...I love the way you write their interaction...The last scene was awsome too. I knew my gaydar was going off about Madalene for a reason, now I just gotta sit back and wait for to make her move on Buffy, eh?



Aim

[spazz07]

Wow, again with the cuteness, we're being spoilt, not that i'm complaining of course Bring on more cuteness i say Love the little interaction between our girls and eagerly await more.



Cheers

Nath

If life was meant to be a bed of daisy's we'd have chicken crap thown on us all the time.