Hacker Confidential [AU] (Complete)

[zampsa19752001]

Yay for excellent epilogue... Big yay for JJ walking and Tara totally knowing about Willow's "secret" Oreo stash... I'm glad that JJ called Michelle grandma... Yay for JJ being ringbearer and Xander and Alex being bestmen for Jesse's & Alice's wedding... Big yay for Alex & Tara sharing a birthday...

[love_2003]

I'm sad to see this story ending, but am thrilled that you have decided to continue with a sequel. I already made my vote. Overall this was a fantastic story. Sorry to hear about your uncle, sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

[wayland]

Dear Laragh,

Congratulations.

Being able to transport people away from the trials and tribulations of real life for a little while is a rare talent. It also takes hard work and dedication. So I hope you’re proud of yourself. You should be.

Personally, I think your writing is continually improving. I keep noticing the little touches – even a bit of bickering – that make the characters feel real.

Please choose the posting schedule that puts the least pressure on you. I’m sure your readers want you to have as much fun writing as we do reading.

Maith thu, agus go raibh mile maith agat mo chara.

Clare

[mmmh-Hot-Sauce]

Such an adorable ending for a very sweet story. Its good to see that everyone's family is complete or completed to the extent of what they are happy at. Plus, JJ and Alex sounded absolutely adorable in their mini Tux's.

I'll be waiting patiently for the sequel but please do take your time. School work and family do come first. I hope all goes well for you and your Uncle.

[Silent_X]

So it's finally over. I guess I'll have to find somethin' else to look forward to M/W/F. Maybe I'll finally start working more on my own writing (I put the 'pro' in procrastination lol).

Loved this part as much as the others. The Oreo thing was cute. Willow thinks she's sneaky, but Mommy's got eyes in the back of her head... First steps are the best. Happy endings for everyone- heartwarming to the max.

I'm really glad you're doing a sequel. Even if you don't have quite as much time to write, I know it'll be great. My best wishes to you and your family.

[Gaga01]

That was such a sweet ending! When I first saw the title of the epilogue I accidentally read "four months later" instead of fourteen, so I was kind of shocked to see Willow give her son a cookie, lol.

I don't think there is anything more amazing than hearing your child say your name for the first time (or, in my case, my goddaughter) or witnessing their first steps-I loved Willow's reaction to use her cellphone to film everything!

I can't wait to have the chance to read the sequel (but take your time writing it, just knowing there will be a sequel is enough good news already )

Thanks again for this incredible story!!!

[LonelyTara]

Laragh,

Lovely ending. I'm sorry to hear about the difficult time you're having right now. I'm going to post this here, because I don't know that I hit the right button on the poll.

**I think you should take time off, and post once a week! You've been writing your tail off, and with the stress you're under, you need to take it easy on yourself. I'll miss having my happy dose of Laragh on M/W/F, but it will make the once-a-week posts all the sweeter for the anticipation.

I hope you'll give yourself permission to rest. Coming off a huge writing project like this, you really do deserve it.

Wishing you and your family the best,

LonelyTara

[arsyadriani]

what a lovely ending..and lovely family..
and about the sequel..I agree with LonelyTara..you should take time to rest..don't be too hard on yourself..
thanks for the long and wonderful fic..

[Finey_McFine]

Laragh,

The perfect ending to a beautiful story. I truly admire all of the hard work and dedication you put into this fic. There are so many fics that get dropped or forgotten, so it's incredibly refreshing to see one all the way through to the end! Thanks so much for putting a smile on my face and warming my heart.

I'm very sorry to hear about your uncle, you and your family are in my thoughts. I already cast my vote, but take the time to be with your family...it's what matters most. The KB will always be here.

Thanks again for this wonderful story!!!

[angieb86]

Wow...

I remember the very first chapter of this story. I fell in love with it after reading that marriage proposal. And now it's all done. Congratulations on a job well-done. This was one of the coolest, sexiest, loveliest stories I've ever read. So thank you for writing it.

I'm so sorry about your Uncle, too. I'll keep you in my thoughts, lady.

Can't wait for the sequel!

Best,
Angela

[Savannah]

This story has been such a joy ... you have an amazing gift and I can't thank you enough for sharing.

The fact that you love writing comes through in every word you write and I certainly didn't notice any difference in your writing quality - so don't be too hard on yourself.

I'm sorry to hear that life is stormy for you at the moment. All the best in the months to come.

As for the sequel ... whenever it arrives on the board I'll be reading it!



Thanks again!

[wimpy0729]

Hi Laragh. Thank you so much for giving us such a lovely, heartwarming story about our favorite girls. Such an amazing job of showing us the journey of their everyday life and their love.

Please take care of yourself and be with your family. We'll all be here waiting to see what you have for us next when you get the chance. Best of luck to you and yours.

Thanks again for giving us this wonderful story.


Wimpy

[BeMyDeputy]

Laragh,
Well, that was a hell of a thing. You and your "maintaining a regular schedule." Making me look bad.

I mean, congratulations!

I can't really come up with anything more constructive than "D'awwww" right now, so, I think I'll run with it.

D'awwww.

Anyway, I totally understand about school, being in grad school myself. Sorry to hear about your family; I wish you the best in this difficult time.

Looking forward to the sequel, whenever you have the time to work on it.

Kate

[taralicious]

To paraphrase the Ninth Doctor,
"Just this once, everyone has a happy ending."
Happiness will prevail on this board but the point still stands.
Take care of your real family before dividing yourself to entertain us, your virtual family.

[xlaurax1]

What a beautiful end to an amazing journey. You've done such a wonderful job in the dedication you've shown to these characters and this story. Every update was just as good as the one before it and the one after it (even the angsty sad bits). I've not been having the best time on the terminally sick friend front either so please take care of yourself and your family first and foremost, but I am very much eagerly awaiting the continuation of this version of Willow and Tara.

I love love loved the gangs reaction to the baby news.

“This is Jacob James Rosenberg-Maclay,” Willow said proudly.


Tara raised his little hand in a wave before speaking, equally as proud as her wife.

And that was just an adorable image. Ira's reaction made me happy too, and I'm so glad that Michelle is grandma.

The epilogue was too cute for words. Typical Willow thinking she was being sneaky with her cookie stash, but Mommy always knows *shakes finger*.

Tara complied and took him, smiling when he offered her the cookie and took a tiny bite.

“Thank you, sweetie. You can have the rest.”

Need I say more than awwwwwwww. Also very sweet when he walked. It was the perfect ending to the story. I also loved how you wrapped it up with saying what was happening with everyone else in the story, very nicely done.

Finally, I'd just like to remind you that it was this story that de-lurked me, so I attach particular sentimental value to this story as officially bringing me into the world of the Kitten. So, thank you, and congrats!!

Laura

[Laragh]

Hey guys! The poll was pretty much 70/30 in favour of starting the weekly updates so I’ll have the first chapter up on Wednesday Thanks for everyone’s well wishes for my uncle.

---

Promthea128 –

Final DIBS!

Woohoo! Well done!

Everyone's getting their happy ending!

I do like to embrace the happy

JJ and Alex sound adorable. Anya and Xander are great parents.

I hope you continue to find them adorable in the sequel hehe. And I think A/X would’ve been great parents too! I hope I can show that in future.

There was doubt that Michelle was the grandma? But she would fit the role perfectly!

Probably not so much doubt, just one of those situations where W/T didn’t know how to ask if she’d be comfortable with that and Michelle didn’t want to just assume. Lucky JJ settled it for them nice and easy!

Sorry crappy Real Live is getting in the way. I hope your uncle gets better.

Thanks, that’s very sweet

Thanks for all the feedback you’ve left on this!

Alex_Vixen –

SECOND DIBS!

Hey, that was close! Hehe

and AWWWWWWWWWWWWW You were right, we did have similar ideas, LOL.

Lol, I know! Great minds think alike, right?

It was such a wonderful chapter, dude!!!! So cute that Tara knew about the secret Oreos stash! LOL And JJ walking! Oh my goodness, that was SOO SOOO cute!

Hehe, glad you liked! I thought it mighta been a bit of cute overload, but hey, I’m still me, so what do you expect lol

You know you're still my favorite writer, darling..and I cant wait to see what you have for us next.

Thank you Look out for the sequel on Wednesday!!

And thanks for all the comments you’ve made on this!

BuffyFan4ever –

Dibs. Darn. Clicked twice because it was slow and it still didn't help.

Hey, you didn’t get final dibs, but I’m pretty sure you got the most dibs throughout the story, so that’s something to be proud of!

I loved Tara laying along to Willow's "secret" cookie stash.

Tara is great for playing along lol

Yay for everyone being together and happy.

I couldn’t have it any other way.

JJ is so cute. Yay for his first steps.

Glad you like him ‘cause obviously he’s gonna be around in the sequel hehe

Sidenote: What did they put as his date of birth? There was no hospital record, so it would be hard pinpoint what day he was actually born? I can imagine it would be weird not knowing if your birthday was the real date.

May 21st but I told you that already lol.

As for updates, I would prefer the weekly updates. As long as you promise that there won't be any major angst, I should be able to wait a week if I have to. Especially since you don't know when your schedule will lighten. I couldn't tell a difference in the writing, but if you feel like you need more time to make everything manageable, I understand. Good luck

Major angst? Not a chance! I doubt there’ll even be minor angst. And I appreciate your understanding, thank you

And thanks for the continuous feedback you left on this!

leonhart17 –

lol at all the dibs

People get into fighting mode with those dibs wars lol

That was so cute that he started walking!

And good on everybody having a happy ending!

They deserve it, right?

I've loved this one and I can't wait to see what you've got in store for us!

Thank you Maggie, glad to know you’re gonna stay tuned!

vampyregurl73 –

Damn, girl, you’re getting better and better at distracting me with your picture...

*tries to pulls eyes away to write coherent feedback*

A very sweet ending to a very sweet story.

I’m glad you liked

I'm truly sorry to hear about your Uncle, and my thoughts are with you and your family. It can't be easy.

Thank you. It’s not easy, but I’m glad we’ve had time to spend time together and say goodbye properly.

I'll cast my vote, and hope to see you around the board, best of luck.

I appreciate the vote and you will definitely see me around the board, even if I wasn’t starting up a new story!

Thanks for all your feedback!

zampsa19752001 –

Big yay for JJ walking and Tara totally knowing about Willow's "secret" Oreo stash...

Willow was silly to think she could hide anything from Tara, even cookies lol

I'm glad that JJ called Michelle grandma...

Just like he knew who his parents were before it was ‘official’, he knew who his grandmother was as well.

Yay for JJ being ringbearer and Xander and Alex being bestmen for Jesse's & Alice's wedding...

The boys definitely got good jobs!

Big yay for Alex & Tara sharing a birthday...

It’ll make birthday parties fun lol

Thanks for all your comments!

love_2003 –

I'm sad to see this story ending, but am thrilled that you have decided to continue with a sequel.

Yay, I’m glad you’ll be sticking around

I already made my vote.

I appreciate it!

Overall this was a fantastic story.

Glad you thought so!

Sorry to hear about your uncle, sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Thank you very much

And thanks for all the feedback you’ve left!

wayland –

Being able to transport people away from the trials and tribulations of real life for a little while is a rare talent. It also takes hard work and dedication. So I hope you’re proud of yourself. You should be.

Thank you

Personally, I think your writing is continually improving. I keep noticing the little touches – even a bit of bickering – that make the characters feel real.

I noticed myself adding the little bit of bickering I was included almost as a second nature. I think when I started writing I had W/T held up to such an ideal that I didn’t even contemplate including even the smallest of fights, but I think over the last little while my view on what an ideal relationship has become a little more realistic so I’m really happy that it seems like I’m portraying that.

Please choose the posting schedule that puts the least pressure on you. I’m sure your readers want you to have as much fun writing as we do reading.

That’s probably a good attitude to have and I’m hoping this new schedule will make it happen.

Maith thu, agus go raibh mile maith agat mo chara.

Go raibh maith agat as do gach sórt focail

mmmh-Hot-Sauce –

Such an adorable ending for a very sweet story. Its good to see that everyone's family is complete or completed to the extent of what they are happy at.

I like how you worded that! I didn’t want everyone to fall into the ‘marriage and babies’ route, since I didn’t think it suited certain characters, but it doesn’t make their family and relationships any less than the others. Everyone definitely has their happy endings

Plus, JJ and Alex sounded absolutely adorable in their mini Tux's.

In my head, they really were lol

I'll be waiting patiently for the sequel but please do take your time. School work and family do come first. I hope all goes well for you and your Uncle.

Thank you, that’s really sweet.

And thanks for all the feedback you’ve left on this.

Slient_X –

So it's finally over. I guess I'll have to find somethin' else to look forward to M/W/F.

Well hopefully I’ll have Wednesday covered!

Maybe I'll finally start working more on my own writing (I put the 'pro' in procrastination lol).

You totally should!! I’ll be there to read whatever you write!

Loved this part as much as the others. The Oreo thing was cute. Willow thinks she's sneaky, but Mommy's got eyes in the back of her head... First steps are the best. Happy endings for everyone- heartwarming to the max.

You can’t sneak anything past Mommy! And I’ve never witnessed anyone taking their first steps, but I can only imagine it’s wonderful!

I'm really glad you're doing a sequel. Even if you don't have quite as much time to write, I know it'll be great. My best wishes to you and your family.

Thank you. And I’m really happy you’ll be sticking around

Thanks for all your feedback on this!

Gaga01 –

That was such a sweet ending! When I first saw the title of the epilogue I accidentally read "four months later" instead of fourteen, so I was kind of shocked to see Willow give her son a cookie, lol.

Lol, that wouldn’t have been good! It would’ve been Tara coming in to stop JJ from choking instead of watching him take his first steps lol

I don't think there is anything more amazing than hearing your child say your name for the first time (or, in my case, my goddaughter) or witnessing their first steps-I loved Willow's reaction to use her cellphone to film everything!

You’d want that moment captured forever, right?

I can't wait to have the chance to read the sequel (but take your time writing it, just knowing there will be a sequel is enough good news already)

Well I’ll start it up very soon so keep an eye out!

Thanks again for this incredible story!!!

Thank you for all your feedback

LonelyTara –

**I think you should take time off, and post once a week! You've been writing your tail off, and with the stress you're under, you need to take it easy on yourself. I'll miss having my happy dose of Laragh on M/W/F, but it will make the once-a-week posts all the sweeter for the anticipation.

I hope you'll give yourself permission to rest. Coming off a huge writing project like this, you really do deserve it.

That means a lot I hope you do enjoy the sequel even at its slowed pace.

Wishing you and your family the best

Thank you!

And for all your feedback, I couldn’t ask for a better reader!

arsyadriani –

what a lovely ending..and lovely family..

They definitely have a wonderful family!

and about the sequel..I agree with LonelyTara..you should take time to rest..don't be too hard on yourself..
thanks for the long and wonderful fic..

Thank you! You guys are all so sweet!

And thanks for all the feedback you’ve left!

PS Cute new pic

Finey_McFine –

The perfect ending to a beautiful story. I truly admire all of the hard work and dedication you put into this fic. There are so many fics that get dropped or forgotten, so it's incredibly refreshing to see one all the way through to the end! Thanks so much for putting a smile on my face and warming my heart.

Thank you, that’s really sweet! I hate when I story I’m enjoying just stops as well, so I’m always conscious of finishing something once I’ve started.

I'm very sorry to hear about your uncle, you and your family are in my thoughts. I already cast my vote, but take the time to be with your family...it's what matters most. The KB will always be here.

I’m hoping the new posting schedule will give me time for both

Thanks again for this wonderful story!!!

Thank you for all your feedback!

angieb86 –

Wow...

I remember the very first chapter of this story. I fell in love with it after reading that marriage proposal ... And now it's all done. Congratulations on a job well-done. This was one of the coolest, sexiest, loveliest stories I've ever read. So thank you for writing it.

Thank you for reading it! And for all those kind words, they mean a lot!

I'm so sorry about your Uncle, too. I'll keep you in my thoughts, lady.

Thank you muchly

Can't wait for the sequel!

I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for all the feedback you’ve left!

Savannah –

This story has been such a joy ... you have an amazing gift and I can't thank you enough for sharing. The fact that you love writing comes through in every word you write and I certainly didn't notice any difference in your writing quality - so don't be too hard on yourself.

Aww, wow, that’s so sweet!

I'm sorry to hear that life is stormy for you at the moment. All the best in the months to come.

Thank you, that’s very kind

As for the sequel ... whenever it arrives on the board I'll be reading it!

Keep an eye out Wednesday!

Thanks for the comments you’ve left!

wimpy0729 –

Thank you so much for giving us such a lovely, heartwarming story about our favorite girls. Such an amazing job of showing us the journey of their everyday life and their love.

I’m really glad you enjoyed it

Please take care of yourself and be with your family. We'll all be here waiting to see what you have for us next when you get the chance. Best of luck to you and yours.

Thank you! I’ll still be around, don’t worry!

Thanks again for giving us this wonderful story.

Thanks for all the feedback you’ve left!

BeMyDeputy –

Well, that was a hell of a thing. You and your "maintaining a regular schedule." Making me look bad.

I mean, congratulations!

Lol, I take your congratulations

I can't really come up with anything more constructive than "D'awwww" right now, so, I think I'll run with it.

D'awwww.

Hey, it’s a good word, and one I happen to love so yay

Anyway, I totally understand about school, being in grad school myself. Sorry to hear about your family; I wish you the best in this difficult time.

Thank you, well wishes are heartily received!

Looking forward to the sequel, whenever you have the time to work on it.

I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for your feedback on this

taralicious –

To paraphrase the Ninth Doctor,
"Just this once, everyone has a happy ending."

Or in my case, they will always have a happy ending

Happiness will prevail on this board but the point still stands.

Hey, anything with W/T happiness is a good point to make

Take care of your real family before dividing yourself to entertain us, your virtual family.

I think I can fit both my families in

Thanks for all the feedback!

xlaura1 –

What a beautiful end to an amazing journey. You've done such a wonderful job in the dedication you've shown to these characters and this story. Every update was just as good as the one before it and the one after it (even the angsty sad bits).

Well I’m glad you enjoyed! (even the angsty sad bits)

I've not been having the best time on the terminally sick friend front either so please take care of yourself and your family first and foremost, but I am very much eagerly awaiting the continuation of this version of Willow and Tara.

I’m hoping for the best for your friend!

I love love loved the gangs reaction to the baby news.

Suitably shocked?

And that was just an adorable image. Ira's reaction made me happy too, and I'm so glad that Michelle is grandma.

JJ’s a sharer, that’s for sure! And Ira was definitely Could she be anything else?

The epilogue was too cute for words. Typical Willow thinking she was being sneaky with her cookie stash, but Mommy always knows *shakes finger*.

Especially when Mommy is Tara!

Need I say more than awwwwwwww. Also very sweet when he walked. It was the perfect ending to the story. I also loved how you wrapped it up with saying what was happening with everyone else in the story, very nicely done.

I’m glad you liked that bit, I was a little worried it’s seemed too formulaic or something

Finally, I'd just like to remind you that it was this story that de-lurked me, so I attach particular sentimental value to this story as officially bringing me into the world of the Kitten. So, thank you, and congrats!!

Wow, happy I could de-lurk!!

Thanks for all the feedback you’ve given me!

---

[arsyadriani]

PS Cute new pic

well..that's Amber Benson herself..cute would be an understatement I guess

[Laragh]

PS Cute new pic

well..that's Amber Benson herself..cute would be an understatement I guess

You're right, I meant absolutely stunningly gorgeous

[Kajun]

New to the Archives. You can leave feedback!

This story continues here: Family Confidential

[HopeHavoc]

Goddammit, Laragh. You made me cry. That's how emotionally vested you got me in the characters of this story. I laughed, I cried, I seethed with rage. I can think of very few authors who make me feel this way. You need to get yourself to a publishing house because you're destined for great things in the literary world. Of this, I am sure.

Oh, and I absolutely adored the story, if you couldn't already tell.


-the Willosoraptor who dies and comes back as a Willowtree

[Laragh]

HopeHavoc -

How have I not responded to you already? Sorry about that! We talk so much outside of the board, I didn't even think lol.

I'm taking these as good tears, in which case, yay for emotional investment. You're very sweet I love having you as my biggest fan!

---

[Ariel]

Hi Laragh,

I'm just finishing the big snowball battle and I'm so loving it!

That's the magic of your writing: here it is a sunny May day and I'm feeling like Christmas and hot cocoa!

This story is incredible in that it throughly creates this amazing, wonderful W/T world that I can just live in for hours and hours and hours!

Why has it taken me so long to read this? J-O-B and K-I-D, make that 'jobs' since I pick up a few extra bucks doing weekend shows and teaching theater.

You are such an amazingly talented person AND you have a heart of gold! "Close Quarters" was one of the first fics I read on the board and I still love it. But now I'm seeing a whole, amazing world of Laragh! I'm going to finish this and get up to speed on the sequel so I can actually comment in real time! Meanwhile, get used to a few consecutive posts on THIS story!

You're wonderful and so's this story!!!


Ariel
P.S. I know I'm a lot older, but can I grow up and be 'Laragh'? ( Okay, I'm kidding . . . . kind of! Thanks for all the love and talent you bring to the board!)

[Ariel]

Laragh,

Just sitting here with some tears in my eyes, loving your story.

So funny and tender and touching. You make me care about everyone, Ira and Michelle and baby JJ and of course you write Willow and Tara with their own insecurities and quirks and wonderful moments. And the HOT did I mention that?

Seriously, this has been a wonderful amazing journey and I wish that I hadn't let RL stop me from jumping in while it was still going to join this terriffic fan community!

And yes, I will NOT make the same mistake twice!!! I will start Family Confidential today!!!! Get caught up, and start posting in the next few days.

Wow, what an incredibly wonderful talented person you are!

Take care,

Love,

Ariel
How I Met Your Mother

[fhiwda]

I have thoroughly enjoyed your story. The way you portray the emotions and actions is amazing. I felt like I was there feeling what they were feeling. I love that you made their relationship a mature one between two adults. They didn't let any argument get out of hand and it was just amazing. This story kind of reminded me of my parents...well the love part...not the sex part...ewie. haha.

Now I will go on to begin reading Family Confidential.

[Laragh]

Ariel -

Well now I'm glad we had that talk about feedback earlier because I decided to check that I was up-to-date and turns out I was behind on this one! My humble apologies for taking a whole year!

I'm just finishing the big snowball battle and I'm so loving it!

That's the magic of your writing: here it is a sunny May day and I'm feeling like Christmas and hot cocoa!

I dunno about Christmas feelings but there's never a bad time for hot cocoa!

This story is incredible in that it throughly creates this amazing, wonderful W/T world that I can just live in for hours and hours and hours!

And hey, look how we've made our own too!

Why has it taken me so long to read this? J-O-B and K-I-D, make that 'jobs' since I pick up a few extra bucks doing weekend shows and teaching theater.

Jobs are good, kids are better!

You are such an amazingly talented person AND you have a heart of gold! "Close Quarters" was one of the first fics I read on the board and I still love it. But now I'm seeing a whole, amazing world of Laragh! I'm going to finish this and get up to speed on the sequel so I can actually comment in real time! Meanwhile, get used to a few consecutive posts on THIS story!

You're wonderful and so's this story!!

Stop, you're making me blush...blushing isn't allowed on bedrest, you know!!

P.S. I know I'm a lot older, but can I grow up and be 'Laragh'? ( Okay, I'm kidding . . . . kind of! Thanks for all the love and talent you bring to the board!)

Right back at-cha!

Just sitting here with some tears in my eyes, loving your story.

I'm a big fan of happy tears. It's a personality trait known as the 'anti-Joss'

So funny and tender and touching. You make me care about everyone, Ira and Michelle and baby JJ and of course you write Willow and Tara with their own insecurities and quirks and wonderful moments. And the HOT did I mention that?

You've mentioned it on occasion

Seriously, this has been a wonderful amazing journey and I wish that I hadn't let RL stop me from jumping in while it was still going to join this terriffic fan community!

Hey, you got well involved in the Family-family!

And yes, I will NOT make the same mistake twice!!! I will start Family Confidential today!!!! Get caught up, and start posting in the next few days.

And you did! Don't let anyone say you're not a woman of your word!

Wow, what an incredibly wonderful talented person you are!

That is so kind! I'd be nothing with wonderful encouraging people like you!

Thanks for the feedback

fhiwda -

I have thoroughly enjoyed your story. The way you portray the emotions and actions is amazing. I felt like I was there feeling what they were feeling. I love that you made their relationship a mature one between two adults. They didn't let any argument get out of hand and it was just amazing. This story kind of reminded me of my parents...well the love part...not the sex part...ewie. haha.

Haha! Yeah no one wants to think about their parents doing that, do they? *gag* I'm very glad you could take so much from this fic and that it came across as realistic and fun...just what I'm aiming for but never sure that I'm accomplishing! So it means a lot that you'd say that.

Now I will go on to begin reading Family Confidential.

I hope you enjoyed it and keep an eye out for the prequel!

Thanks for commenting

[willowtaralover]

Hey Laragh Just wanted to say how much I'm loving this story. Chapter 60 has to be my favourite to date. Willow getting into a snowball fight with the neighbourhood kids shows how easily Willow is able to connect with anyone from fellow F.B.I agents to young children and getting a reluctant Tara involved added to the fun (deep down I think she secretly enjoyed it) as well plus some great dialogue.

“You’re having a snowball fight with the neighbourhood kids?”

“Duh,” Willow replied as if it was obvious, “There’s snow. What else would I be doing?”

“Say it.”

“No,” Willow almost yelled, refusing to admit defeat under any circumstances.

The boy’s smirk got wider and he moved the snowball over to Tara, making Willow’s eyes widen.

“Willow, unless you want to sleep on the couch tonight, you better say whatever it is he wants you to say,” Tara said tersely, really not wanting to get a mouthful of snow for the third time in 10 minutes.

“Kids rule, adults drool,” Willow said quickly, though with reluctance and the kids all jumped up and started high-fiving each other while the redhead stood up and dusted the snow off of her sweater, “Alright, alright, you guys won this round. But that’s only ‘cause you threatened my wife. Not something I take kindly to.”

And last but not least, Tara going all mom-like and saying;

'Willow has to go inside now'

and all the kids going 'awww' and 'no fair'

For me it's just another reminder of why I love Willow so much, definitely out of all the Buffy characters she's my favourite; with Tara not too far behind

Once again Laragh you prove yourself to be one of the finest, if not the finest, exponent of Willow/Tara fan-fiction, going bravo that Kitten, bravo.

[Dub]

Confession, I tried to read Hacker before as it was recommended on sites/boards etc when looking for Tara Fanfiction. I couldn't get into it. I Thought the characters were caricatures, there were characters I didn't know and didn't care about and there was no resemblance to the show. Complete piffle.
Boy was I wrong, Past me was judgemental and close minded, not giving it a proper chance (maybe three chapters read half heartedly) but Willow says everything happens for a reason. Yes Buffy it is a bad thing I'm talking about. I nearly didn't experience the ConfidentialVerse.

Reading Hacker made me appreciate the prequals so much. Honestly if you are like me and have come here as its recommended but AU isn't your thing, go to the Prequals because the depth they add to this piece is insane. I fail to understand how it wasn't written linear because its fits so well.
The pride, care, thought, skill and enjoyment of Laragh towards this story just oozes from every word typed.
That's worth experiencing the Confidential-Verse even if the AU isn't your cup of tea. The writing standard cannot be faulted.

Caricatures absolutely not. Granted they aren't the carbon copy of Tara and Willow we see on the show however there experiences are different but their cores, what make the characters themselves is clearly evident. Laragh has shaped Tara and Willow in her own image but she has kept every part in the original clay.
For dip-a-toers Chapter 72 on page 27 is a perfect example of this.
Its hard to think a cold perfectly summarises Tara's key characteristics but Laragh does it. Tara has near nothing to give being ill herself but yet what small energy she has she gives it all to Willow. The care she exudes, the warmth radiating from her, the devoted love she provides its all there in hushed tones, a cheesy song and tummy rubs.
It never matters what she is going through, if she can help and make someone feel better she will. Can you say you'll sing to comfort another while your throat feels like its full of razorblades? Tara can.

I have nothing but praise for the story arc starting chapter 83 and ending chapter 94 (pages 31-35). It encompasses everything while revolving around the axis of Tara and Willow. It has absolutely everything to rip you apart in complete despair and then build you up in complete admiration for these two women.
there is smut in this arc and I'm recommending the smut because its smut with purpose. Its such a glossed over thing in TV as a whole. Things happen and they feel bad for a bit and then its like nothing happened this explores everything and for the story the smut is the only answer. I will always say Tara and Willow on the show never had an action or conversation without purpose and everything in this arc has purpose.
Earlier criticism of characters I don't care about, well in this arc its Avengers assemble and every single one of them hits on point and there is no doubt these people have every right to be in this story. they aren't filler. They all play a role in Tara and Willows lives.

While on the subject of characters for the non AU fans you get the scooby gang again all sculped in Laraghs image but every part in the original clay. Boisterous Buffy, A matured but yet still goofy Xander, ever the blunt but full of charm Anya. Praise to the way Anya is written, I didn't know how she would fit into a AU world but its seamless and every scene she was in transpired a chuckle.

I've said before about how Laragh has echoes in her writing. I always think the best comedians are the ones who tell a punchline and use it again later on in a different context but it makes the audience laugh twice as hard as they are laughing for both the previous joke and for the new. Laragh does this with emotions. Just simple lines seemingly off the cuff playfulness in one chapter but then down the road the line is said again and it is in a whole new context full of significance.
One word "Baby" that is a whisper to begin with and Chapter 86 it is agony and by the end of hacker it is mirth.

I know Hacker is going to stay with me because there are lines in this that resonate so powerfully that when I hear them I will instantly associate them with this story.
Again Chapter 86, "I'm tired, Tara..." I will not un-see the images you created with that chapter whenever I hear that line. Its so on point and there is no misinterpretation of how its delivered. Laragh can and does display such a swell of emotion in just a few words.
But the main one I will take with me will forever be attached to Willow.
Chapter 73 page 27 - "I'm leaving you"
Oof! that line despite knowing the context and its meaning hit nearly as hard as a certain line about a clothing item in an episode named to taunt the colour blind.
If you've continued to read this review go on read chapter 73 and if you don't feel your heart skip a beat you're drinking too much red bull.

Story aside I like to thank everyone who commented during the posting of this story. You helped spur on a universe that is still being enjoyed by new fans a decade later. I'm a sucker for behind the scenes and special features. Not so much with Buffy as tend to argue with the producers and writers. Oh that's your intent is it then why didn't you bloody well show it ?!
That's one of the great things about the Kitten Board. The interactivity and readers can see the process. so I'm not only getting a story with the ConfidentialVerse but I get all the special features too. Its a snap shot of history to see the immediate reactions and its a joy to be able to experience it second hand.

Final note about this story if you still aren't convinced. I will have to say it without saying it. Its very nice to see a trajectory that doesn't create its own laws of physics and doesn't leave everyone trying to do maths to find some understanding.

Personal note, The more I read of Laragh's work the more a am intrigued. Not to sound too much like post Tabula Rasa Spike but I do wonder what Laragh could produce if she came over to the darkness. I find my self completely transfixed with her angst scenes. The way she can still incite so much love between the characters and keep them strong but yet she allows the world to seep in and harm them, their pasts, their unknown futures, their stresses , their pains. It would be something to truly marvel at and a lesson that couples can be strong and remain as one while having drama. no need for affairs or blackmail and betrayal to keep reader/viewers entertained. That's the easy route out but in those chapters of angst Laragh never takes the easy route.
Yet again such skill in Laragh's writing but yet so much potential. if not for the story read it for the skill, her work is a lesson to us all in representing loving relationships.

[Laragh]

Dub, I have to say something because I don't want you to think I'm ignoring this amazing commentary you're adding to my fics but I'm too busy sobbing by how lovely and honest and thorough they are! You are a joy to have on this board and I'm so grateful you found your way on!