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

[BFR from Paris]

So, when do you plan on telling us what the password is? I'm going crazy over here!



Loved the Abbey babble fest about the stick

But poor Tara, losing contact again



We need + + together soon!!!!



Edited to add : is the password "extra flamey"?

[Urn of Osiris]

Oh BFR......glad you enjoyed the update. Specifically the Abbey Babble.



As far as the password goes. It'll come out very soon.



No it isn't Extra Flamey. But good guess. Try again.

Urn of Osiris

__________________**
Anyone else waiting for it to go poof? My thoughts on S7

[mollyig]

Clever Abbey knew what Willow was thinking, the poor lamb being so brave when she must've been so scared.



Willow having a power cord for the car made me laugh, she's so prepared - a girl after my own heart.



Am curious about this cabin, surely Donnie doesn't have the magic available to do a dampening spell, but that's what it appears to be. Most curious!

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

[MissQuirky]

Urn great update! It's like Tara can't keep a good connection w/ either of em, and ya write it so they'll drift away from each other at the wrong time, thats mean Urn!! But I know its all part of yer evil lil plan to have kittens squirming right?



Can't wait 4 more! And I sooo wanna know what this password of Wills is too.



~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.

[littlecrazy80]

Abbey´s babble-fest made me laugh. She´s just like Willow!

So when will Tara get her girls back?



*lil´c*



Unter den Blinden ist der Einäugige König.

[samiamiguess]

Great CBW update, lovely interlude to the suspense you're building in pathways.



Abbey feeling the strength and love of Tara as she felt her presence was perfect as it just encompasses the bond between the girls, not to mention a definition of how I see Tara's character.



(ok should probably get her down from that pedestal...and I love Willow just as much, if anthing she has more than a few traits of mine! obviously the bad and unfortunate ones of course..)



Well done on combining the suspence, tension and emotions they are going through.



thanks for the upate

sonya

[Miss1234Kitty]

I loved that update! Abbey is so sweet talking to Tara! Baby Babbling Willow. But why can't Willow and Tara talk properly? Am getting concerned. Still, that update was beautifully written as always.



Um, Urn... 4evaWill is my 'lil sis! Sorry, had v bad images then! She was using my comp cos the family one died, and she posted on here and I forgot to change it the next time that I posted. Nev' mind, I just thought it was quite funny. I'm only 'lil tho.



Gem

[LadyCallie]

Okay, mostly free, time to run very very fast! And we all should have known that Willow would keep a charger in the car! Duh!



Just what I needed, a lighter chapter. But what keeps breaking into our ladies magick connection??

-LC

~*~

RealLiveTara is my RealLiveGirlfriend! *swoons*

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

"I don't wanna come out of the closet. All my clothes are in there!" -Me

[Grimlock72]

I recommend they get as far away from that cabin as possible, for lotsa reasons. Main reason being that it seems to interfere with magic somehow. Maybe thats by accident (surely Donnie ain't that smart) but it's bothersome.



Since Abbey got contact the moment she was outside, they should be safe fairly quick. Now I keep wondering if the protection Willow (tried to) cast (a) worked at all and (b) is perhaps interfering with them contacting Tara ? (doubtfull I know, just wondering)



Would be interesting to know if Tara's mother ever was locked up in that cabin. Since she was told over and over she was evil, it stands to reason she might have cast dampening spells on the cabin herself. Or is that a little to far-fetched ?



I like explanations, so far we only got questions... boooohooo And now I'm not a MacGuiver, I do have plenty of outdoor experience... including search&rescue parties, can you tell ??



Shutting up now...



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

[Scout]

Great stuff! So exciting and suspenseful. I love that Will said to grab the science bag! And I'm glad Willow finally made progress with the chain, but they aren't free yet and I'm kinda worried about the power in or around the cabin. Looking forward to more! Thanks!

[Tara22]

oooooooooooh Urnie!!



Great Update!!! as usual!!! You rock!!!



ooh...the suspense... poor Abbey...



and Willow being stuck... *whimpers*



but they'll be free soon! right?... *smacks herself* of course right!



Loved it Urns!











awaiting eagerly your next arts and crafts project... I must say it is getting...quite...er...cherry

***

"Oh, sorry. Uhh, I forgot that that doesn't seem normal, to the rest of society. It's just, we, well, we both really like cows. Really like them. To the extent of wanting to buy one, when we're older." - The Crying Game (by Vix84)

[barnabasvamp]

Crayon update- thanks!

Abbey babble-gotta love it!

The mind communication between Tara and Abbey, so sweet.

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

[Vampivy]

She’s free, she’s free, she’s, free, well at least from the bed she is.

Mini Willow Abbey babble, so cute. I love the way you sneak in little happy moments here and there, that you can’t help but smile when you read them. Helps to alleviate some of that tension from the rest of the story.

There’s definitely something in that cabin interfering with there special connection. Hmm what could it be?

Oh and the password, I know its going to be something very unique, the last thing I would have thought of somehow. What in the world was Brenda thinking about running away without Patrick, maybe she just wasn’t thinking at all. I can’t even begin to imagine what I would do if I were in her shoes. The suspense is so palpable and I’m so loving it. Missed a few updates, but you can’t keep me away for too long. You are a master at keeping me at the edge of my seat. Go you…

Thank You



"Crayon Breaky Willow, Mmmmm.... is all I could say"



Patty

[Lonewolf22]

Urn of Osiris: Great update, like everybody here I too LOVED that Abbey and Tara got to communicate, if only for a little bit, and also like everybody here I loved the Willowesque babble that Abbey has, just like her Mom. I'm REALLY, really glad that Willow is now free, and I hope that Tara and Buffy find them real soon. I can't wait to read more.



Lonewolf

[RaiStarr]

Oh thank God they are free! That was really stressing me out there! I feel much better now. See no wailing no pouting, I'm all good! I am SO enjoying this fic!



Rai

[SlayerSydney]

Great Update!!!



I have to admit you have me more than curious about the password as well.



Keep the updates coming cuz' I need my W/T fix.



*Heehee* I think I'm a fanfic junkie.

---

Willow: Say, you all didn't happen to do a bunch of drugs, did ya?--Doppelgangland

[SilverWingedNemesis]

Hope we get an update soon! I want to see our girls together and safe!!



Thanks for this fic!!



~NICKOLE~

[Urn of Osiris]

Good Day all!



Hope you enjoy the updates.





Molly.......Well the women in this fic aren't weak and won't need rescuing. Abbey is blessed with the strength and courage of two great women. As far as the cabin goes, you'll get an explanation soon.



Ash..........Well I don't intend to be mean, just dramatic. Squirming kittens yes. More is coming right up, oh that password.......just a few updates to wait for.



lil'c...........Oh the babble, was fun wasn't it. They'll be together...soon.



sonya.........everything is connected here. I'm glad you enjoy both fics. I have an image of Abbey that is so split between W and T. I just believe they both would be living examples and it would be difficult for her NOT to be like them. OH dear did that make you dizzy? sorry

You know from the first fic how I love the tenderness between them....I need a fix too, so expect some soon.



Gem........Thank you. Happy you enjoyed it. Oh no worries bout the post. Glad to hear your thought no matter what name you use.



LC..........car cords are a must. Willow would absolutely have one, what is more important is that Tara would think to bring it. The answer to the connection problem is coming very soon.



Grimmy.......That is on the list of things to do, get away from cabin! Search and rescue. Well then you might appreciate what's to come. Sorry for so many unanswered questions.



Scout......I'm glad you are so excited. Yes the cabin is odd, but you'll get an explanation soon.



Chel.......You sweet darling dear. *hugs* Freedom is coming along with so many other wonderful things.



Moooo



BV.........Liked CBW, happy to see the thuddy guy return. Abbey babble well just wanted to lighten up a bit and she would be like that under the circumstances.



Patty......I'm really happy that you feel the emotional pull. I love the babble and having it come from that sweet child makes me smile. Glad you enjoyed it.

The cabin is mysterious...yes. and you will find out why. As far as the password goes it'll come up soon.



Oh and CBW.....sooooo glad it was mmmmm worthy.



Lonewolf........the communication was brief yes, but there will be more soon. Thank you for reading, the Abbey Babble was very fun to write, and seemed to please many of you.

Very happy to read that you enjoy the fic.



Rai..........Oh stress, sorry. All about making you feel good. So enjoy the next update.



SlayerSydney..... oh the curiousity about the password. Sorry you are going to have to wait a bit.

I happen to be a fan fic junkie myself.



Nickole.......update this afternoon. They will connect again. You are welcome for the fic.





Crayon Breaky Willow Part 14



"Baby...the bath is hot. Come and join me."



Willow slipped into the water, feeling the warmth slide across her flesh. Her fingers trailed around her naval tracing the edge of the red heart . She touched the points of pause, carressing the remnants of Tara lips on her flesh.



Tara watched from the doorway, burning to be in the hands of her lover. Hungry to feel the flavor of her body seeping into the pores of her tongue.



She stepped beside the tub, kneeling alongside the cold porcelain. Her hand trailed across the fine red lines. "It isn't washing off?"



"No baby...you have marked me with your love."



"Mmmm...Permanently I hope."



"Oh you've gone deep into the skin. Deeply penetrating the skin. It's nice"



Tara slipped in beside her lover. "Is it my turn yet? For the permanent marking I mean."





TBC



If all goes as planned a chapter will follow some time tonight.

Urn of Osiris

__________________**
Anyone else waiting for it to go poof? My thoughts on S7

Edited by: Urn of Osiris  at: 11/19/02 11:07:53 am

[barnabasvamp]

Yep, definitely a big ole tease!

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

[Urn of Osiris]

Me tease? Oh now that hurts.



I may have suffered such injuries that my body can not recover to hit the send button and post once more.



Oh BV, it hurts so good though

Urn of Osiris

__________________**
Anyone else waiting for it to go poof? My thoughts on S7

[barnabasvamp]

Urn... So glad you enjoyed

BTW, if it becomes too much for you, I know I have something that will ease the pain!!

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

[MissQuirky]

Urn very niice CBW - Yer such a tease ya can't help but agree w/ BV on that!



Hey, i'm the nurse remember!



But BV is really in the medical field so i'm sure she'll know how to rid the pain more, right?



~Ashley~

[LadyCallie]

Hey now! I'm sure that if you get hurt Osiris, there are plenty of willing Kittens to nurse you back to health.



*mush* CBW......they are so sweet....sigh...



YEY! Maybe an update for after my long working day! Whoohoo!



-LC

~*~

RealLiveTara is my RealLiveGirlfriend! *swoons*

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

"I don't wanna come out of the closet. All my clothes are in there!" -Me

[Urn of Osiris]

Well here you all go.



Apparently I need medical assistance to get this next chapter up as I have injured myself teasing you all.



Hope you enjoy!





Chapter 26





“Damn women.”



The red nova blasted into the parking lot of the hotel. Donnie reached across the dash scraping the latch on the glove box. His fingers shuffled through the papers, pulling out a rumpled envelope. He forced his hand into the front pocket of his jeans, pulling out the stretch of fabric.



His eyes slipped up, looking out the front window, scanning the surrounding lot. He caught a glimpse of his own reflection in the rear view mirror. The envelope fell to his lap as his hand rolled across his swollen face. “Bitch.”



His hand forced the cloth into the cream colored folds. He scribbled a message on the front:



If you want her back, give up your rights to the estate.



He rolled his tongue across the adhesive moistening the edge, a satisfied grin filling his face as he rubbed the edges together. The smile pulled his skin tight, reminding him once more of his earlier beating. “You’re next on my list.”



He stepped quickly to the front desk of the hotel. “Hey,” he nodded at the young clerk.



“Hey, how’s it going?” They shared a friendly handshake.



“It’ll be better soon.” Donnie rubbed his face.



“Looks like you had a little run in.”



“Just a bit.” He pulled the envelope from his pocket. “Will you give this to Tara? I know she’s staying here.”



“Oh, sure.” He handed Donnie a hotel envelope. “Any note you want to attach?”



He shoved the smaller envelope inside the new one, sealing it shut. “No she’ll get the message.”



The clerk slid it from the counter putting it into the slotted bin. Donnie interrupted. “Can you take it to the room right away. It’s really important.”



“Oh sure.” He tucked it into his coat pocket. “I’ll do it now.”



Donnie watched him move around the counter. Following him down the hall with his eyes. He pushed the front door open smiling as he walked to his car. As he slipped into the seat satisfaction filled his greedy heart.





***********~





“Why are we looking for her?” Anya turned toward Xander. Her eyes leaning opposite the tilt of her head, serious confusion surrounding her thoughts. “It’s not like we are remotely familiar with this area.”



“Well no.” His words cut short by her observations.



“We hardly know her.” Her hands flailed wildly, frustration pushing her to the edge of sanity. “We hardly know anyone in this craphole. I mean cemeteries, we know, but the geometric pattern of this town is very upsetting. And why are we looking for her again”



“Well Ahn, what should we be doing?” He pulled the car over to the side of the street, watching a small crowd move from the local restaurant.



“What if she’s tricking us?” Complete paranoia washed over her face, mixing with the general dislike for the brunette. “What if she is luring us away from the hotel? What if all this is a devious manipulation so she can hurt our Tara.”



“Hurt her?” Xander shifted the car into gear turning around, heading back toward the hotel. “Why? What could she want?”



“I’m not certain.” She swished her hands toward the front window, steering him back toward the hotel. “I just…drive faster.”







**********~







Dawn watched the small boy sleeping on the bed. She’d snaked a horseshoe of pillows around him, protecting him from falling over the edge. Her heart, thumped heavy in her chest, each pounding beat reminding her of her own suffering.



Her mind wandered back to the halls of school. To the day Buffy shattered her world. To the very moment her mother’s death crushed every ounce of humanity she desperately grasped.



In that same hunger for connection she found her second mother, the only woman that understood her loss and comforted her without question. Tara was there. Every time she ever needed love, every time she ever needed compassion, every time she’d ever felt lost in the spiraling tunnel of life, Tara was there.



“I’ll do whatever it takes Tara. I’ll keep him safe.” She cuddled in alongside the sleeping child, rubbing his shoulders, praying that Brenda would return. Hoping with every ounce of heart that she wouldn’t leave him with the only scar that never heals…abandonment.





************~





“OK, so the password worked.” Buffy stared at the blonde, curious about their situation, watching her frustration grow with every touch of the keyboard. “Um… what was it anyway?”



Tara perked her brow struggling against her inner celebration, fighting the half smile shining on her face. “Well Buffy.” She teased. “If you really want to know.”



The slayer leaned in, rubbing the color back into her numb fingertips. Feeling the ache from Tara’s adrenaline rushed squeezing. “I would like to know…yes…muchly. Knowing the password would ease the pain of Wicca-crushed digits.” She wiggled her fingers in front of her lap, exaggerating her wounds.



“Sorry…did I break you?” Tara reached for her hand. The slayer pulled away mocking her attempt at sympathy.



“Not so much break …as bent a little.” She laced her fingers together forcing them forward, cracking the knuckles with a sharp snap. “See good as new. And the password would be?”



“Personal and blush worthy.” A wicked grin slipped across her face, softening her skin with a bright shade of pink.



“Why Mrs. Maclay-Rosenburg, I do believe blush worthy is quite accurate.” The slayer closed her eyes blocking the wild images flying through her mind. “Go Will!”



“Oh yes… absolutely… go Will.”



They laughed, watching the city grid pattern construct line by line across the display screen.



“So how does this work?”



“Well…I have absolutely no idea.” Tara followed the text commands scrolling across the screen. “I thought it would make noise or something. Oh I really wish Willow could help us.”



Buffy pressed her hand against Tara’s mouth. “Wishes? Are you crazy?”



“Sorry Buffy.” The slayer chuckled, listening to the muffled sounds of her friend.



“Um you know…if Willow was here we really wouldn’t need the software computer thingy.”



Tara pulled the hand from her face, fascinated by the slayer’s comments. She smiled, answering Buffy’s comment with a simple motion.



Her hand slapped against the side of the computer. “I’m sorry I ever harassed her over her obsessively quirky nature.”



“Yea…me too.”



“So now what?”



Tara started the car, driving out of town. “My father’s house I guess. It’s a place to start anyway. At least until that thing starts working.”





**********~





Brenda felt the sting of the night air burning her exhausted lungs. Each heavy breath filtering out the bitter chill, nipping against the see saw of hyperventilation. Her body fell exhausted on the grass, the molecules of slippery dew penetrating the thin threads of fabric surrounding her legs.



“What am I doing?” Her voice rasped, crackling between ragged breaths.



A deep frustrated voice answered from the shadows. “Yes Brenda, what exactly are you doing?”







**********~







“Mom?” The tiny blonde lifted a scrap of paper from the pile on the floor. In her effort to scoop up the contents of her Science bag, she found the small note. “It’s from Mommy.”



Willow turned over the card, longing to feel the closeness of her wife’s tender touch. Needing in that solitary moment to feel her lover's arms surround her.



“I love you.”



Written simply across the paper.



“I mark my book with it. It reminds me that she’s in my heart.”



Willow folded down to the floor, pulling her daughter into her lap. “Thank you Ab, you reminded me too.” She separated the pages of the notebook tucking the paper into the first vacant page. The red head flipped a few pages back, trailing her fingers across her lover’s delicately written words.



“Goddess I love your mommy.”



The pages fell together slowly, pressing her words of love tightly between the paper edges. Abbey opened the bag, watching the book slip tenderly inside. The last few items tapped the cardboard cover as they plopped on top. Willow tied the shoulder strap together repairing the knife’s damage. Abbey slipped it over her shoulder forcing her body into a tall confident stance.



The red head scooped the chain from the floor looping it into her hand leaving just enough slack so she could run.



Together they pulled the cabin door open, pushing the loose boards away just enough to squeeze through the gap.



Freedom washed over their bodies, filling every molecule with new resolve. Willow reached for the PDA from the bag. “Well Abbey let’s see if all my hard work pays off.”



She flipped the cover of the device, activating the power. Willow felt a presence around them, a mist of energy escaping the pores of the cabin walls. A canopy of infinite existence fell over them, pulling them in every direction, a mass flood of life, an overwhelming awakening of their senses. Their heads turned sharply; face-to-face they felt a comforting presence.



“Mommy.”



“Tara.”



*********~



“Willow... Abbey…”





TBC

Urn of Osiris

__________________**
Anyone else waiting for it to go poof? My thoughts on S7

Edited by: Urn of Osiris  at: 11/19/02 5:07:34 pm

[Grimlock72]

Ok.... they reconnect once the got out of the cabin, now what has the switching-on of the PDA to do with that ? Probably nothing, but it's written so clear together it made me wonder. PDA magic ?? Naaah....



Who gets to strangle/interrogate the hotel boy/man who dares to bring up Donnie's message ? Heh... seems they do need someone to tell them Donnie is behind all this, ah well... better late than never.



We seem to have traded Willow and Abbey for Brenda, sort of ? Who did reply to her calling out, Donnie ? Thats easily solved since Buffy is bound to come around and visit Donnie's home sometime soon.



I'm still gambling on that dampening field being put there by a MaClay woman once upon a time ago, under the illusion she need to protect the world from herself. Bit more on whatever the origin/use of the cabin would be welcome though



After Donnie has fallen of a cliff of course. Or been put in jail for 20+ years, keep that envoloppe the message is safe please! Lotsa nice fingerprints and dna on it. I so wish Donnie a long and happy stay for the rest of his pitfull live in prison. Plenty of people to order *him* around for a change, hehe...



At least they're out of the damned cabin, YEAH! The town can't be all THAT big... so finding the other should be too much of a problem. Hail a cab otherwise .



P.S. What type of medical assistance do you need ? Asbestos suite or a new helmet perhaps ?? : -->



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: 11/19/02 4:39:02 pm

[Tara22]

URNIE!!!!!



they're free *grabs you and bounces around the room*



I love it!! great great update!!



*smacks Donnie over the head with a carrot* what is his problem!? *growls* He's gonna get it... if they don't give it to him then I will! *grumbles* and by saying 'it' I was referring to something not quite so pleasant...



as usual your update was just great!! ooh... and once again with the cliffies *bows down to the cliffie queen*



*sniffles* The 'I love you' notes, that's so beautiful....



I can't wait for more Urns!!



*clears her throat*

and about that Crayon Breaky Willow

Quote:

---

"Oh you've gone deep into the skin. Deeply penetrating the skin. It's nice"

---

only you can make a moment be both amazingly sexy and awww worthy....



GO YOU!!!



Boris likes it too



<--- see he's wigglin for you

***

"Oh, sorry. Uhh, I forgot that that doesn't seem normal, to the rest of society. It's just, we, well, we both really like cows. Really like them. To the extent of wanting to buy one, when we're older." - The Crying Game (by Vix84)

Edited by: Tara22  at: 11/19/02 6:42:38 pm

[SlayerSydney]

Cliffhangers, cliffhangers, cliffhangers......Why?



There's no need to leave a kitten hangin'!!!!

Quote:

---

Their heads turned sharply; face-to-face they felt a comforting presence.

“Mommy.”

“Tara.”

*********~

“Willow... Abbey…”

---

And the whole password thing...grr....



Ok...I am better now. Just needed to vent that all out. Stupid Cliffhangers.



Great Update though! (Seriously!) I'm just a little impatient.

---

MichelleBranch:"And when I catch my breath, it's you I breathe." ---Everywhere.

[LadyCallie]

*quiet gasp* I cannot wait until I have that feeling again...

Quote:

---

A canopy of infinite existence fell over them, pulling them in every direction, a mass flood of life, an overwhelming awakening of their senses.

---

There's nothing in the world like being able to feel your soulmate. The only way to describe it is it's like being everywhere, seeing everything, and then being pulled to another person so strongly that you almost seem to leave yourself. Sharon, you've made my night with this part alone. Thanks.



-LadyCallie

(who's prolly boring you all to tears with her missing girlfriend woes.)

~*~

RealLiveTara is my RealLiveGirlfriend! *swoons*

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

"I don't wanna come out of the closet. All my clothes are in there!" -Me

[mollyig]

Typical of Donnie that he presumed Tara would stay cowering in the hotel instead of going off to look for her girls. He has certainly underestimated her.



I really liked Dawn being so protective of Patrick, the poor little lamb.

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

[samiamiguess]

Lovely update, but the part I enjoyed most (apart from the girls becoming free of course) was the little snippet with Dawn, being appreciative of what Tara has done and given her. Love. Unconditional. and knowing that Tara would want her to take care of Patrick. I'm not a great fan of whiney Dawnie from the series but I find it a common theme amongst the fics that the writers here treat her with a lot more respect as a character and as a teenager.



Right, so they reunite to kick Donnie's arse soon? heh? please?



oh, but what about Brenda. hmmmm. I'll ponder until next time.



thanks

sonya