Fic: Pathways and Patterns (Sequel to This Look of Love)

[Little M]

Wow really good update.....cos first I was like 'yay Buffy, thanks for smacking Donnie'.........but now that I have read this I realize that Buffy wasn't thinking very smart........



I understand why she did it though......

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

'I go online sometimes, but everyone's spelling is really bad..it's depressing' - Tara

[Hotfoot]

This fic is so great. The tension in the town is so palpable, and Donnie is the biggest SOB ever! I really hope he doesn't turn on hos family.

[Grimlock72]

bwah... that three-fold rule can't possible work like that. It would go around-and-around till it would be like 9999-fold. Has to stop somewhere.



Besides, according to that three-fold rule Buffy could have broken both Donnie's legs and one of his arms (he has only two legs to break after all).



I'm faaaaar more concerned about the logical-statement about making Donnie "feel small", thats dangerous to do. Once you engage Donnie he either should end up death or in-jail. You do not just annoy a snake a little bit, even small snakes can hurt back.



Then again, Buffy and thinking ahead....naaaaah.



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[Miss1234Kitty]

Oh dear... Buffy you are being a blonde at the mo... no offence to any blonde's out there. Gotta admit that if I had her power I'd do the same though.



Definitely 8 pack.



Gem

Tara: There's just so much to work through... and can you just be kissing me now?

[pacou]

Actually I wanted to drop in and say 'He Im all caught up now' And what must my little eyes see? Another update!



Not that I complain



But so far all of your chapters were great, the little games between Willow and Tara and Abbey and the fort and Buffy and Abbey and everything was just: Awww Well apart from Donnie but we did know that before



And now Im off to read...again



And just keep it coming... or keep them coming!



-Viv-

Well, we can answer questions.
Tara - Checkpoint

Dont dream it, be it.
Rocky Horror Picture Show

[MissQuirky]

OK now i definitely WANT more!! Urn ya can't leave it all angsty in the end! My God Donnie needs more from Buffy. It wasn't her fault bout the three-fold thingy coz well he sure did deserve a good ass kicking and ya can't pass him in the street w/o givin him one. Please don't let him hurt lil Patrick - that'd be wrong, Urn!



I'm kinda lookin forward to this lil chat Tara and Brenda will have. And Anya saying the lil Tara makin a pass at Buffy line, gave me a lil giggle in such a serious moment - But thats what Anya's for right?



Can't wait 4 more!

~Ashley~

[Lonewolf22]

Urn of Osiris: Great update, I really liked the speech that Tara gave to Buffy about the Three fold rule, and I hope that nothing too bad comes from it after what she did. I loved the Willow and Tara goodness, too bad that it had to stop, I hope that we get some more real soon, nudge, nudge, wink, wink. I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf

[LostSoul]

Hey Urn,







This is a great fic! Hey, you must have some really kick ass betas. LOL.



I'm going to continue to read even if it's to see how Willow breaks that crayon.



I know that you are so going there!

LostSoul


_____________________________


Thinking of giving Amber a B-day present this year? Check out http://www.geocities.com/ambers_bday_charity/Amber.html

[Tara22]

OMG! I have got to read more!! that was so good Urn!!



now I wanna really wanna know who that person is, afterall she was left as a cliffhanger twice!



great update!!!!!!!

Tara: Every time I... even when I'm at my worst, you
always make me feel special. How
do you do that?





Willow: Magic

[LadyCallie]

Ooooooooo rats. That pesky silver lining. Grrrrrrrr! Make everything....well silver. : out::



Makes sense. Oh well, maybe some good will come from Donnie bashing still?



And oh yes! 8 pack for sure!!!!!

-LC

~*~

RealLiveTara is my RealLiveGirlfriend! :)

"It doesn't have to be a really frenchish french, I just wanna feel your tongue."- my grilfriend last night.

Moderator of the
Dark Angel Fanfiction Board and Boo's Corner.


~*~

[Vampivy]

I’m coming in a little late in the game here, but I just had to say WOW. I absolutely loved the first installment of this story “This Look Of Love”. Pathways And Patterns has been just as great to read. The feelings and emotions running in this story, the way you write them it’s so amazing. You make me feel it all, The Good The Bad And The Donnie.. Opps I mean the UGLY. Sorry.....



It’s been a pleasure to read your work. I hope it continues. I look forward to every last bit. Thank You Very Much Urn.



Patty

[pacou]

Caught up now and again, I love it!



But two big mean cliffhanger you gave us there, thats not nice Urn We want to know who that person is.



And Urn, I rather like the Crayon Breaky Willow series, will there be an update soon



Thanks for writing!



-Viv-

Well, we can answer questions.
Tara - Checkpoint

Dont dream it, be it.
Rocky Horror Picture Show

[Cindipitude]

Was it just me, or did anyone else feel like they were getting scolded along with Buffy?

Truly the mark of a great fic. We all had pitchforks and torches ready to go after Donnie with the Scoobies, and one quiet reminder of Patrick from Tara and here we are. Looking at our shoes and scuffing our feet.

You've wrapped us into this story, I don't think anyone could say different. Awesome

[Urn of Osiris]

Well hello all, sorry no update til tomorrow. I'm afraid you'll have to hang in there for the big reveal.



My sincere apologies if you find the recent updates cliffhanger-y I should warn you. My bad.





Molly.....Oh I wonder what the PDAs could possibly be for Everything is getting crispy now. Hang in there. Actually maybe you should go for a bus ride so I can drool over some of your scribbles.



BV......Glad you liked the update. I promise Donnie will be dealt with and that's all I will say. Abbey could only be smart look at her parents. OK stop looking now.

Wish I could say I was sorry about the tease, but then I'm not. I'll try to squeeze some smoochies in there for you. Oh and thuddy guy is back. Thanks.



Little M......Thanks happy you liked the update. Well Buffy moved without thinking and that will cause some problems but nothing we can't get through. It is a W/T fic so they are pretty safe in here.



Hotfoot.......I'm very happy you are enjoying the read. I think you're in for a bit of a ride though so hang on.



Grimmy........Yes the ever revolving three fold rule. I think you only have to really worry if you put out alot of negativity and hate. Yes Buffy could have done some crushing but remember it is Buffy and most things are skewed by her slayer logic. Yes Donnie is pissed and ...... stay tuned.



Gem..........oh and there you are with the being a blonde thingy. I could be offended but then I'm a brunette so there you go.

And the 8 pack got two votes so I guess it's the winner.



Viv.........See updatey goodness. It will be on the light side the next week while I'm on vacation. Glad the updates were Awwww worthy though. Thanks! I'll do what I can about the coming-ness of things here

Sorry about the cliffhangers. The mystery person will be revealed in the morning. Yes crayon breaky willow will return. Thanks for reading.





Ash..........So my bad with the angsty ending. But it worked didn't it? Ohh I'll make sure that little Patrick is all safe and protected.

Tara is having a chat but with who? Have to read that tomorrow. Oh you liked Anya she is the comic relief. Glad it worked for you.



Lonewolf......Buffy acted on pure anger hopefully the next time.......oh I almost spilled. I think there will be more smoochies so hang in there.



Lostsoul......Hey you can't come in here and be all revealy. h Quiet down or I'll have to cut you off.

And the crayon breaky Willow h Wow mums the word much.



Tara22.......OMG I'm happy it was good for you. The mystery person will be revealed in the next update. Hang in there.



LC......Hang in there it'll come. The silver lining I mean. **cough cough** Some good from the Donnie bashing. Have to wait and see on that one.

8 pack coming up.



Patty...... Welcome to the party I'm very flattered by the compliments and extremely happy that you like the fics. I have so much more to come here so stick around. You are very welcome



Cindi........Thanks so much what a compliment. I'm just telling a tale here and so glad you are enjoying it.



OK so there you all go and now the continuing story of:



Crayon Breaky Willow part 6



Tara raised her brow flexing her sexy half grin, "eight." Willow grabbed the box rolling from heel to toe as she walked forward. "Ohh look it's buy one get one free."

"Willow how can we ever use..." She turned the box over quickly reading the package, "16 all over melt in your mouth body crayons?" TBC





OK and there you have it. Update in the morning A.S.A.P.





edited for very bad spelling.

Urn of Osiris
_________________**

"Anyone else waiting for it to go
'poof'? Maybe we can cover it with flowers." Willow...Hells Bells

Edited by: Urn of Osiris  at: 10/28/02 12:34:07 pm

[LadyCallie]

Quote:

---

"Willow how can we ever use..." She turned the box over quickly reading the package, "16 all over melt in your mouth body crayons?"

---

Holy.......... *gulp*.....where can I find this store?!?!?!?!?!?!



*pant* LC

[RaiStarr]

Well, I kept seeing Pathways and Patterns and I would say to myself I'm gonna go and read This Look of Love so I can know what's going on with this interesting looking story. It took me ages to finally get around to looking for it but today I finally found it and read it and caught up with this one. What a great story! I must admit I prefer the happy happy joy joy flow of the first story the tales of abuse are hard to read. At the moment I am terrified for poor little Patrick though I think that if I had been in Buffy's shoes I'd have beat the snot out of that bas... *ahem* Anywho, I'm also looking forward to meeting this person who wants to see Tara. Great job! Can't wait for more!



Rai

[pacou]

I so love sexy Tara half grin



Yes, finding that store would be great, not that I would use the crayons anyway, ahem :yebrow but you know, buy one get two is always good



-Viv-

[Urn of Osiris]

Hi all A few replies to feed back and then we're off.



LC.........You know if you do thuddy guy and Mr. OMG I'm going to have to bump up my rating just for the side fic. But you gave me a very happy grin.



Rai.......... Welcome to the fic. I'm soooo happy you enjoyed This look of Love. I have to admit I like the flavor of the Angst free goodness. It was so great to write. You're joining us just in time for some serious angst so hold on tight.



Viv..........I myself have never been in a body crayon shop I'm just using my imagination. Every W/T fic needs that sexy half grin. Don'tcha think?







Well all Good Morning. As promised we have an update.



Lets see how many of you were expecting this! I suppose some might consider this cliffhanger-y-ish but as you know already I'm not a great judge. It is angsty though so hang in there. Things are heating up.







Chapter 16







“Tara…….there’s more.” Buffy focused her attention back toward the silent blonde. “I bumped into someone else. She’s waiting in the lobby to see you.”



Willow looked at her wife waiting for a reaction. She could see the thoughts racing through her head. “Baby?”



Tara dropped her face focusing her attention back to the room full of people. “What?” She turned to Buffy. “Who, is it Brenda? Tell me Buffy.”



“First, I think you’ll want to meet with her in private. I’m worried she might do or say something that shouldn’t be overheard by the general public, especially in this town.” Buffy turned her attention to the rest of the Scoobies. “I think if we do this right we can arrange this room so that Tara will be safe and we can all hear what is going on.”



The group agreed to the idea. They cleared the room of all personal items, protecting their privacy. Buffy knew they couldn’t trust her and they needed to shelter Tara, Willow and Abbey, especially Abbey.



The scoobies arranged themselves so Willow was with her daughter and Dawn. Anya and Xander took up position in their room, listening at the door. Buffy went down to the lobby explaining to the visitor that Tara would only talk with her if Buffy stayed in the room. She agreed to the arrangement.



They knocked on the door. Tara cautiously answered. “Cousin Beth?” Shock blended with hesitation as she stepped from the opening allowing her cousin entry. She looked so different, so old. Her sun bleached hair now so dark but her face, her face told a tale of pain. “Why? I mean what are you doing here?”



“I need to talk to you about your family.” Beth moved slowly into the room, aggressively surveying the layout. She noticed the absence of the rest of her friends wondering what they had planned. “You wouldn’t hurt me Tara? Would you?” Beth remembered the power the witch had in Sunnydale and could only imagine the strength she’d acquired over the past eight years.



“Beth, just tell me why you are here.” Tara motioned for her cousin to sit on the couch. Buffy watched every move ready to jump on the girl if she tried anything sudden. Their bodies were braced with tension, waiting for someone to begin.



The brunette broke the silence. “Donnie…I saw your friend here beat the hell out of him.”



Buffy smiled with satisfaction watching Beth grimace at the memory of his beaten flesh. The slayer was trying to read her body language; after all her years of training, of watching people hide their true selves, she could sense something wasn’t right.



“And what’s the big with that?” Buffy stared coldly at her stunned reaction.



Tara turned her attention toward the slayer. “Buffy let’s just focus on why Beth is here for now.”



Beth flipped her dark hair over her shoulder nervously fidgeting in her seat, watching the two women banter back and forth. The moment had come for her to set the plan in motion. She’d played the group easily along, sending them places, carefully mapping their every move. She’d watched closely now was the time to move forward. “It’s about the will Tara.”



“What about the will?” Tara knew, in this town, there was no privacy; every bit of personal business quickly became public knowledge. “It’s meaningless.”



“That’s the thing. Everyone knows it’s supposed to go to us, but without your mother’s copy it’ll all go to Donnie.”



“Us?” Buffy turned to Tara with confusion. How could Beth be an “US”? The slayer frowned trying to figure out how the relationship fit into the Family’s history.



“Well yes I suppose. Beth’s mother was a Bennett.”



“Oh my god you can’t be serious.” The three women turned toward the tightly closed door separating them from Xander and Anya. Buffy smiled listening to the muffled frustration of the blonde screaming behind it.



“Buffy why don’t you let them in.” Tara focused on her cousin, wondering was she a friend or a foe. She played their last confrontation over and over, remembering how cold she’d been. Beth had clearly drawn a line in the sand, believing she would find proper fortune in the protective care of Steven Maclay. Now he was gone, leaving Donnie as her sole protector.



The slayer moved toward the door, opening it slowly, summoning the Harris’ into the room. Xander glared at Beth studying her every expression, worried about her presence. He could tell something wasn’t right. “I’m gonna just go over here and send in Will. I’ll stay with the munchkin. He pointed his thumb at the door, slowly pushing it open, cautiously walking through. Within seconds Willow and Dawn walked into the room.



“Tara, what’s wrong.” Unlike the others listening at the door, Willow had been reading to her daughter, completely distracted by her innocent curiosity. The sudden intrusion by Xander forced the red head into panic mode.



“Cousin Beth here wants in on the family fortune.” Anya shamelessly flipped her thumb at the brunette, shooting her an evil glare.



“Well I don’t want it for me I just don’t want Donnie to get it.” Beth could feel the people in the room closing tightly around her. She was suffocating amid their intensely protective postures.



“Honestly" Tara explained, "as the oldest living Bennett woman, I have complete control of the estate.”



“Says who?” Raising her voice to Tara, forced the slayer into ready fighting position. The brunette crawled up against the back of the couch clearly fearing the brutal strength she’d witnessed earlier. Returning to her original plan Beth continued, “I meant to say, there’s no written documentation for the Bennett estate. I know. I spent a lot of time helping your dad.” Her face grimaced at the thought of Steven Maclay, remembering how terribly he’d treated her. Returning from Sunnydale without Tara left him bitter and miserable. He needed to be cared for, losing his daughter left him alone, fending for himself, and Beth was swiftly forced into the vacancy.



She had witnessed the destruction of every Bennett document. Family journals, birth records even original hand written spell books and artworks. His goal was to erase the Bennett name from the town, leaving no history of their faith or tradition. But she knew Elizabeth practiced secretly with Tara. She’d witnessed them sneaking away for long trips to the mountain property. She knew somewhere there was a hidden document. All she needed to do was get her hands on it. In her hands she could finally control all the filthy Maclay children.



“There is written documentation Beth.” The gentle Wicca slowly explained her recent discovery. Spelling out every point of the document carefully pointing out she would be excluded. Her first thought was providing for Patrick. “I know things have been tough…”



The bitter brunette interrupted the gentle voice. “You know?” Her body stiffened, as the thought of getting nothing, hit hard against her spirit. “What do you know Tara? You ran away. Your mother died and you got to get away.”



The entire room watched as she raged into fierce anger finally showing her true colors and unintentionally revealing where her loyalties fell. “You owe us Tara. Donnie and me.” She flipped her hand toward Tara’s face. “That property has secrets Tara. Your brother and I are going to find them.” Buffy and Willow had heard enough moving in quickly to protect her. An instant barricade of flesh formed around the witch, forcing Beth to retreat. She moved quickly toward the door, “Tara I came here to ask you to help me, to rescue me from this place. But I guess you’re like the rest of them.”



The final words struck hard against the gentle soul of the blonde. Willow reached tenderly for her hand. With a soft squeeze finding her true center protecting her from the familiar words of bitterness and hate. They wouldn’t hurt her, not this time, not ever again.



“Like the rest of them?” Anya had heard all she could take, holding in every comment until she was full to bursting with venom. “Are you a total backwoods Betty?” The crowd stared sharply at the ex-demon attempting to decipher her strange observation. “In a million years she’ll never be like you idiots. I mean you and Donnie, what country do you think this is. This is America; land of the free, home of the Braves.”



“Brave.” Willow quickly corrected the blonde, pushing a sharp grin on her face.



“Right, Brave…Anyway. It’s a free country missy. You can go where ever you want.”



Buffy and Willow couldn’t help but smile at the twisted way Anya defended the blonde. They watched in awe at the way she danced around Beth clearly flaunting her own personal freedoms.



Tara watched her cousin march toward the door. She’d come to frighten Tara and the plan had backfired. She never expected the soft-spoken witch to have such love. They were strong together. She knew now that if they wanted to control Tara that they’d have to attack her at her weakest point.



Beth watched the fiery red head move in tightly against the blonde, making note that she would be the target. Knowing in her mind that if she had Willow she owned Tara. She turned one final time addressing her cousin. “You should help me Tara. I should get something for allowing you to be free.”



“What makes you think you allowed anything?” Willow moved in front of her wife forcing the brunette back against the door. “Tara stayed where she was loved and respected. You had NO say in that.”



“Loved?” Beth now felt the need to attack the red head, “You and her? Some sick kind of love there.”



“OH….you are so not even going there.” Willow moved sharply toward the door forcing her hand hard against the surface. “Get out. You aren’t welcome anywhere near us. Any of us.”



Beth turned to her cousin one last time. “Does she speak for you too?”



Tara’s face burst proudly at the question. A small grin pressed from the side of her mouth. Her eye squinted briefly winking at the red head. “At the moment, yes.”



The brunette turned away instantly seeing the open door before her. She moved out into the hall watching the door quickly close in her face. Her open hands slowly clenched into tight fists. “I guess I’m going to have to do this the hard way. Sorry Tara but you’re not getting away that easy.” Fighting her rage she closed her eyes, the racing pace of her heart pounding against her chest. Her hope surrendered finally deciding what must be done. “Okay Donnie I guess it’s up to you now.”





TBC

Urn of Osiris
_________________**

"Anyone else waiting for it to go
'poof'? Maybe we can cover it with flowers." Willow...Hells Bells

[barnabasvamp]

Well Missy,

Quote:

---

I suppose some might consider this cliffhanger-y-ish

---

Duh, a little? I wasn't sure it was gonna be Beth, but It just figures , and showing all her "true" colors(and they ain't rainbow!)

Nice to see everyone work as a big family, sort of unit, in protecting Tara, including Anya

Great update.

BV

"In front of total strangers won't you kiss me, Flowers for no reason but you miss me - OOH, I wanna be in love"

Melissa Etheridge-Skin

[mollyig]

Yes! Molly triumphant that she guessed who the visitor was! Ahem, now that I've composed myself.



Beth hasn't changed much I see, still bitter. She tried to manipulate Tara by taking advantage of Tara's caring nature. She didn't count on the unconditional support of Tara's real family. Wonder what she and Donnie have planned now though.

[Cindipitude]

Hehehe Willow speaking for Tara

Do I hear a "Pants!" coming?

Not expecting Beth, but it was great that everyone made a sound point to back Tara up.

More?

[RaiStarr]

Ugh! Cousin Beth! I didn't like the wench before and I certainly don't like her now! I must add here that you've done nothing to ease my terror for little Patrick...

Thanks for the welcome. I am eagerly awaiting the next bit.



Rai

[Miss1234Kitty]

Ugh! Evil Beth.



Would you be very angry if I said I felt kinda sorry for her? If things had been reversed, that might have been Tara. Not the one we know and love, but still a different version.



I can think of a few uses for those body crayons...



Gem

Tara: There's just so much to work through... and can you just be kissing me now?

[MissQuirky]

Soo Great but whoa - I hate Beth! Buffy needs to go after her too! I can't believe Beth is gonna side with Donnie - that is the lowest thing she can possibly do! All i hafta say is GO ANYA!! Her defending Tara like that was great and kinda funny to with her America speech and everything!



Can't wait for more!

~Ashley~

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.

Tara: I said quirky.

[saule77]

BV,

Quote:

---

I wasn't sure it was gonna be Beth, but It just figures , and showing all her "true" colors(and they ain't rainbow!)

---

She will be once I'm finished with her!

This is me getting large with the butch!



It has always amazed my how such a gentle soul as Tara could come from such a family... Grrrr...



Thanks for another great update, Urn. I know those two will get what they deserve. They will, right? Right?

"You are Willow Rosenberg, vixen-y lighter of the flame and keeper of my heart."

(Camp Flutie by Rane)

[Grimlock72]

Beth really hasn't changed from _Familly_ much has she ? First she tries sweet talking and then she gets all angry. Based on her behaviour she would fit right in with the MaClay males. At least she was smart enough to leave before Willow got angry or Buffy became protective again .



Now if she had told the sob-story of her having to fill Tara's place when she didn't want to come back home, preying on Tara's compassion... that might have worked a little better. But she's so far removed from her cousin she doesn't even know her that much.



Donnie vs. Willow, heh... someone needs to get every square inch of his butt kicked for sure. Volunteers ? Stupid target to pick by the way, Abbey would be easier. (ow, that sounds rather horrible doesn't it? sorry)



Still... idiots can do permanent damage, so get the will to that attourney or whatever. Handle the land ownership and get the hell out of there... they're not moving fast enough of that stonage-town to my liking.



Why would Beth do this ? Money ? Revenge ? Donnie is obvious, blaming Tara for their mothers dead is waaay easier then dealing with it. Combined with the fact that Tara choose not to be the familly slave any longer, hurt his pride likely.



Whats Beth's relation to Tara's mother by the way ? Cousin means that Beth's mother was the sister of Tara's mother, right ? Now assuming Tara's mother was owner of the estate, why would Beth get any of it ? Besides, I don't like Beth at the moment. Have her marry Donnie, should make a fun couple and they can be blissfully ignorant for the rest of time.



Grimmy

"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

Edited by: Grimlock72 at: 10/23/02 10:58:51 am

[Lonewolf22]

Urn of Osiris: Great update, I LOVED the way everybody came to Tara's defense, thats real family. I knew that Beth couldn't be trusted, what the hell is her problem, she blames Tara for everything, and I really don't like that Beth and Donnie have joined forces, I REALLY, really hope that nothing too bad happens to Tara or Willow or Abbey. I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf22

[pacou]

Quote:

---

Every W/T fic needs that sexy half grin. Don'tcha think?

---

Definitely!



And I for myself have never been to a Body Crayon Shop too, we dont have that kind of shops here. Probably in the big cities. But not here where I live...



Anyway, I havent read the update yet, but Im working on it



-Viv-

[Puff]

Oh I enjoyed the two updates I had to read. Sorry for my lateness in relpying and following this story. Beth needs her butt kicked and then she and Donnie need to end up with nothing. Looks like Beth is going to try and get Donnie to go after Willow...thank goodness she didn't see Abbey. Looking forward to the next part Urn



Edited because woo hoo look at me. I'm fish in the bowl

---

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

Edited by: Puff  at: 10/23/02 2:32:25 pm

[Scout]

Well, I didn't see that coming - but then again, I never see stuff coming.



I'm very glad Abbey stayed in the other room, but now I'm worried about Willow. And geez - talk about a dysfunctional family. It's a freaking miracle that Tara turned out as well as she did.



Looking forward to the next update. Thanks!