As Time Goes By

[AntigoneUnbound]

There once were some Kittens divine,

Who read this wee story of mine.

They give it a chance,

And I could just wet my pants

'Cuz I think they're all so very fine.



Rose: And it's Rose by a nose, for the yellow jersey! Glad you liked so muchly.



Pixiegishmock: OK, I'm lovin' your name. Welcome back to the board! I hope you're enjoying the return. (And remind me to thank Mariacomet for her rec!) I really love writing the Scoobies; they were just such great characters before Mssr. Wanker got all...well, wanky. And I have to admit: sometimes I write the disclaimers just to see if anybody notices! And now I know. Thanks so much for checking this out, and again--welcome back.



Grimaldi: Oh yeah--I see Kyra's primary life purpose to be the rescuing of the country from the evil oil lord. Definitely. Thanks, Grimaldi.



WiccanSpud: You know how much I love your name; gotta say, I also get a huge kick out of your avatar! It always makes me smile. Thank you for your kind words about my writing; made me blush and smile. A silo! Why didn't I think of that? I love your point about miguided death and angst in storytelling. On a related theme, I once did a body count according to deaths on both BtVS and Angel, and it was ridiculous. We have: Miss Calendar, Kendra, Mrs. Summers, Tara, Anya, Cordelia, Lilah, and Fred (did I miss anybody?) versus Doyle and Wesley and Lindsay...who else? So...We Kittens must make the world safe for democracy and women--not necessarily in that order. Thanks again, Spud!



Grrlmeetsworld: I like how you described your name choice: it just really came down to that, and it was clear. Nice...You know, I know a lot of people who can write clever things but they so often do so at the expense of genuine meaning. Your words did what you asked them to, and they did it very well, and I was most flattered. I'm so glad you're enjoying this.



Jixer: The Scooby rightness--I like that phrase! I have to say, I was partial to Anya's point and--this is interesting, at least to me--I found myself writing it without even thinking about it. I mean, she was literally opening her mouth and speaking and I was just trying to keep up. (That's when writing's fun!) You make a wonderful point about humor, Jixer: it can be used to highlight love or to hide it. As I thought about it, I realized just how much Joss sank to that at the end. It was dismal writing and worse, it was lazy. Nice observation, and thanks for staying with this story and the storyteller.



More replies, after this word from our sponsor.

[wimpy0729]

Oops Mary...I was late for a very awesome update.



That was simply beautiful. Anya even had me tearing up, which doesn't happen often. So you did an amazing job with her "love stuff".



Dawnie is so insightful. I guess going through everyday adventures on the Hellmouth can do that to a girl.



The bedroom scene was so sweet. I would be with Willow on the watching Tara do such simple things and still finding them erotic and arousing no matter how exhausted I was.



Again, great job! More soon please!



Wimpy

"There was plenty of magic." ~ Tara

[mollyig]

Seems baby Kyra has excellent taste in music. And I always suspected Michael Bolton was part Kai'hij!





It's totally understandable that Willow and Tara are adverse to the idea that Kyra could be there to protect them. They're her parents, and it is innate that their role is to look after her. I like how the others calmly talked about it though, they're aware of how our girls feel, and weren't getting all dictatorial about it. So often in the show Buffy would just declare that something is, and everyone else had to abide by her edict. The way you've written it, is how true friends would behave.

---

Sheacht mh'anam déag do bhéal, do mhalaí's do ghrua

[Puff]

Ok first of all I must apologise because some how I managed to miss not one but two updates! Anyway I finally found my way back to this story and as always I am glad that I did. There were just so many great moments in the last two updates that would make it impossible to mention them all...but I'll give you my highlights.



As much as I adore how you write the whole scooby gang my favorite moments will always be the scenes that you write that are just Willow and Tara. The moment in part 6 which saw them waiting until they were alone in their room to share their feelings was wonderful (for want of a better word). I love how Tara is is protective of Kyra and how Willow is also protective of Kyra but at that moment she is just as protective of Tara. Maybe even more so. And how Tara is so strong now with her feelings in front of the scoobies but allows herself to breakdown and cry with Willow. Isn't that what part of being in love is about?



Highlight two would be Anya. "Loving each other is the stupidest thing any of us have ever done," Straight to the point, you have to admire that And then I chuckled at the fact that Anya was more embarrassed by using the word love than by what she said. Anyway, I love how you write Anya she is such a great character.



I have a strong suspicion that Giles is right and that makes me worry for Kyra and I also worry about what Willow and Tara are sure to go through. The three voices at the end of part 6 are disturbing and I can't wait to find out who/what they are.



Finally I love your disclaimers. They always bring a smile to my face before I even start your story.



I hope that RL improves for you Mary. It is wonderful to see you back and updating this story. Take care

---

It's a moo point. It's like a cow's opinion. It's moo.
Words of wisdom from 'Friends'

[russ]

Finally, a few minutes free to read & comment on this. There's so much to like here.



How do you do it? From wildly funny repartee (I always had suspicions about Michael Bolton) to a not-so-much angsty, as deeply serious philosophical discussion with one poke of the chopsticks.



One of the things I like about your stories is that Xander is presented as someone who can actually think. While everyone is willing to put on the blinders to appease Willow & Tara, Xander has the courage to say what is on everyone's mind. Once it's on the table, Buffy spells out the fact that there must be a reason for Kyra's advent. By the way, a massive collection of grains of mystery = a dune of mystery, n'est-ce pas?



Tara's statement early in the discussion explains for me where she's coming from: "parents protect their children, not the other way around." Given her early history, it makes sense that this would be for her an incontestable truth. Thus her inability to consider that Kyra might have to protect her and Willow.



Anya's pronouncement that, "Loving each other is the stupidest thing any of us have ever done." is, given the human condition, absolutely true. The only thing stupider would be refusing to love.



As usual, a beautiful rendition of the characters and their relationships; this is the way it should have been.

Russ



When we love and give it everything we've got, no matter what the consequences, we are doing what we were put here to do -- Geneen Roth

[good2cats]

My day started out in the crapper
For I was sick and not too dapper
Then an update I did espy
To the fab fic AS TIME GOES BY
And now I'm one happy camper




Mary,
The update brought a much needed smile to my face.I hope you and the furred ones are well.I look forward to the next installment.
Take care,Karen
Also no cat suit but I am covered in fur,Holstein and Isis are shedding.

[Shy One]

Quote:

---

"So--the Mad Pooper hasn't busted out any pint-sized cans o' whoop-ass lately?" Buffy asked one night at the Summers' house over take-out Thai.

---

That was just too cute!



Fabulous update! Can't wait for more!



Shy One

[AntigoneUnbound]

Complete the following: "Kittens" are to "swell" as "Amber Benson" is to:



a. "bean sprouts"

b. "legal voting age"

c. "the 1984 Miami Dolphins"

d. "almost painfully beautiful"



Wimpy: You know, I really enjoy writing Anya. She just gives you great options to take the scene in so many different directions. And I'm like you--I could totally see myself just getting lost in Tara's (gulp) assets. Thanks, Wimpy!



Mollyig: Ah, so you suspected Michael as well...I knew you were a sharp one...I really like your point about Buffy's "Because I said so, that's why" reasoning (or lack thereof) on the show. It was an inverse relationship: the others gave her more reason to consider them equals over time, and yet over time she became more Bush-esque in her unilateral decisions. Thanks for staying with this.



Puff, Puff/How's the horses and stuff? Nice to see you! You know, I need to be mindful of ensuring sufficient Willow/Tara time on their own. It's so easy to get caught up in the group dynamics, b/c those can flesh things out more deeply with less time, but our girls are always at the heart. Go Anya--and yeah, she's mortified about the "L-word," not her sentiments themselves. And what's up w/ those voices? Well, as soon as they tell me, I'll tell you. Deal? Thanks for catching up, and hope married life is treating you well.



Russ: Hello, good sir! Such kind words...You make a good point about Xander. The characters are all so distinct that it would be easy to make them caricatures: Xander as goofball; Anya as brash faux pas,; Tara as unfailingly loving earth mother; etc. But then we lose their complexity and, for me, their appeal. So it's good to know that I'm giving Xander some scope. Another good observation: Tara's extra motivation for desperately wanting Kyra to be free of any legacy of sacrifice: any parent would (hopefully) rather protect his/her child than be protected by him/her, but Tara has a unique history that deepens that wish. A "dune of mystery"? Hmm...Peut-etre...Peut-etre. I like the sound...As always, Russ, thank you for your great feedback and support.



Karen: Ooh...You were sick? Hope you're feeling better. And I'm glad to bring a smile to your face! When I got up that morning, I said, "What shall I do today? You know--I think I'll bring a smile to Karen's face." And I'm a better woman for it, I have to say. Take good care of yourself, and get the cats to help out! Thanks for the good thoughts.



Shy One: Yeah, I originally just had Buffy asking about "Kyra," but then I realized that there are just way too many ways to play with the idea of an infant than rely strictly on her name, of all things! Thanks for checking this out.



More after these messages...

[YMKA]

Yeap....i knew i'd be blushing....and i am... .... sowwy...



Great update...very intense...it left me all speechless and thinky....which i really love...love reading things that leave me like that...

Quote:

---

"You forgot the part about Dawn still owing me for my leather pants."

---

.....that was great.....

Thanks!



M.

[Patches]

Hey Mary,



Welcome back. I surely hope the next time you have a prolonged Kittenboard hiatus, it's because you're out cruising life's highways, or perhaps just out cruising. Well, I find myself mulling over two very interesting chapters. I enjoy the way you blend humour with heavy emotional content (do you use a Cuisinart or Oster? – okay, enough with the bad puns, swear – I want you to keep writing, lol) and a strong story line. Lots of clues, lots of intrigue and lots of, ‘Oh my, isn’t the human condition really fucked,’ set up.



I like the way you continue the theme of family from GsaA, and it feels like we’re going from macro to micro as you tighten the focus to Willow, Tara and Kyra, while blending (frappe setting perchance) in the chosen extended family. Can’t wait to see what other ingredients you add to this captivating story. So, the mix is set, plates are on the table, can’t wait to see what you’re cooking up for us. (Does it come as any surprise that it's almost supper time as I'm writing this - lol)



Cheers!!

Patches

Our wedding vows: Life Love Everlasting, Always Intertwining. - Sunday June 27, 2004 :)

[AntigoneUnbound]

Hello all. I'll be updating this tomorrow (Monday). Thanks to everyone who's still following this!



YMKA: Blushage and laughter? Truly, I am pleased...And so very pleased that you're reading this! Thanks.



Patches, Patches; I Love Ya in Batches: Well, just for the record, I hope my next hiatus is due to a total overload o' love and lust. You're a good soul, Patches, to stay with me through this. I always love seeing your name on the thread, because your ideas are always close to my own way of thinking so it's kind of like having an editor of sorts by my side. Thanks again for the kind words and good wishes.



Later, mes gators.

Mary

[mariacomet]

PANT PANT PANT!



Did I miss it? Am I too late? Whew...I FINALLY am all caught up.



I am very, very interested in where you are going with everything. I loved Buffy in the last part - the reluctant but gentle bearer of the facts of Waillow and Tara's child...and living on the Hellmouth.



She was very strong, and yet respectful and loving. I can feel the love that the Scoobies have for one another and the child as I read. I can feel how difficult this is for Tara, and how much Willow wants to support her...and herself.



In short, it was an awesome update and I look forward to more.

[AntigoneUnbound]

MariaComet: Hey girl--thanks for checking this out! I'm glad you're liking it. And you pick up well on Buffy's dynamics in this story. I'm definitely writing her as I wish she'd been on the series, especially the last two seasons. Thanks again, and hey--nice work on "Garland Days"! Check it out, Kittens!



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



AS TIME GOES BY



PART 8



Setting: This takes place two years after Season 5; or, as I like to call it, that precious time right before Joss went over to the Dark Side.

Summary: Well, lessee...Xander and Anya are married; Buffy and Riley broke it off because he realized he's bi; Willow and Tara are happily together and...Wait, there's something else...Oh, right: they have a daughter whose origin is cause for both concern and wonder.

Pairings: Willow and Tara; Xander and Giles; Buffy and Sandy, that girl that Willow's doppelganger turned into a vampire back in S-3; Anya and a goat out at the Sunnydale Petting Zoo. (Well, it did invite petting.)

Haiku for Disclaimer: Though I own them not/Yet do I honor them more/ME blows, truly.



*******



Willow looked soberly about the room. Had she forgotten anything? For all of her planning, could she have missed something?



It had to be perfect. This gathering, this occasion...Mistakes and miscalculations were simply impermissible. The stakes were too high; the import too great. This moment would never present itself again, and she knew to her core that she would never forgive herself if anything went wrong.



Today was Kyra's first birthday party.



The Summers house looked as if the goddess of party favors had annointed it her sacred temple. Streamers, balloons, twinkling lights had been strewn about with hands as generous as they were eager. Party hats and noise-makers were everywhere. Willow had tried to fasten one onto Miss Kitty Fantastico's head, but the suddenly-haughty cat had made it clear that the undertaking would not end well. "Continue with this," she seemed to say, "and there will be...consequences. You would not like those...consequences."



The birthday cake was a masterpiece of excess. "Culinary Baroque," Tara had called it: Chocolate, topped with mocha icing; tiny hearts traced out on top of that in a purple, almond-flavored icing. Tara had made it using her mother's chocolate cake recipe. After pouring the batter into the pan, she handed Willow the bowl and a spatula. "This is a time-honored tradition," she intoned. "Lick the bowl as surrogate for our daughter, who will one day claim it as her rightful inheritance."



Dawn, who had watched this work of art unfold, shook her head wonderingly. "If Kyra has more than one bite of that, she'll fly up to her crib under her own power."



For her part, Buffy had seemed both amused and befuddled by the epic preparations. "OK, you guys know she's not gonna remember this, right? I mean, there are pictures from my first birthday, but I never look at them and go, 'Ah..Now that was a party.'"



Willow pulled herself up to her full height and fixed Buffy with what she hoped was a marginally withering gaze. "If you're going to pooh-pooh this most glorious of celebrations, I suggest you do it elsewhere."



"Excuse me," the Slayer huffed in faux indignation, "but this is my house. If I want to pooh-pooh in my own kitchen, I will most certainly do so." She stopped then, as Willow and Tara looked at her in faint disgust. "Or, perhaps I will go elsewhere...to...you know...pooh-pooh," she finished lamely.



Now it was almost five, and the guests would be arriving soon. Willow gave the living room one last inspection, and nodded in satisfaction. The one touch of magic that she and Tara had agreed to indulge in were tiny flecks of blue and purple and gold light, floating gently around the room. "Understated, yet atmospheric," Willow had pronounced the effect.



"Can't you make them go faster?" Dawn asked. "We could have a total light show in here."



"We could also have people collapsing into seizures," Tara said wryly. "And that's just bad party karma."



The birthday girl herself was wearing a new outfit: purple overalls and a bright, fuchsia shirt with matching fuchsia booties. "My God, she looks like a walking gay pride symbol," Dawn marvelled. "Or at least a crawling one." For her part, Willow wondered just how Dawn knew about such things.



Promptly at five, the doorbell rang. Giles smiled at them as he stepped inside, but his biggest grin was reserved for Kyra, nestled snugly in Tara's arms. Willow knew that he had been incredibly uncomfortable to broach the subject of Kyra's ultimate purpose; besides loving them both, the Watcher was clearly besotted with their daughter. Willow grinned as she watched Giles make inane baby noises for Kyra's consideration. She would have predicted that the refined Englishman would be stiff or, at best, slightly uncomfortable with a baby. After all, babies couldn't read; had a tendency to incontinence; and couldn't make a decent pot of tea to save their lives. But Giles had surprised them both with his obvious adoration.



A few minutes later, Xander and Anya arrived, each carrying brightly--indeed, garishly--wrapped presents. Each of them tried to wrest Kyra's attention away from Giles.



"Who's the cutest little baby until we have one?" the ex-demon cooed. "Who loves her Aunt Anya?" Xander, meanwhile, was making funny faces; or rather, what he obviously considered funny faces. Willow frankly found them disturbing, and wondered if her daughter did as well.



Dawn came and stood next to Tara. "Look at the silly grown-ups," she murmured. "Look at the big bad demon fighters acting developmentally delayed."



Soon the party was in full swing. Everyone had duly, if not enthusiastically, agreed to wear a party hat. Xander and Dawn were the designated picture takers, and if Willow were any kind of judge, they would have enough snapshots to wallpaper the Hollywood Bowl--twice. Kyra was in her usual good spirits: laughing and gurgling at the sights and sounds of her one-year commencement.



The cake was a huge hit, although Giles did grumble that it would go straight to his hips. In the silence which greeted this, Buffy finally asked, "You're sure you're not gay, right?" Kyra had not one but five bites of her cake and Willow had no doubt that they would be up much of the night dealing with an infant on an incredible sugar high. "Why not just give her some cocaine, too?" Dawn asked. "Send her right through the roof and zooming over to LA."



And then it was time for her gifts, each of which was presented with a flourish that told much of its giver's pride.



"Open my gifts first," Anya announced. "They're the best."



"How do you know?" Buffy demanded. "Maybe mine's the best."



"Maybe it is," Anya conceded, patting Buffy on the knee. "And maybe Mommy Tara and Mommy Willow would like to have sex with men."



"Let's see," Tara said with a shrug, and then leaned over to give Willow a long, slow kiss. "Hmm...Mommy Tara thinks not."



"What she said," Willow managed, making a mental note to slap Xander later for his glassy-eyed gaze.



Willow and Tara "helped" Kyra open her first present: a toy cash register. "See?" Anya said excitedly. "It makes that wonderful ringing sound and everything."



"On behalf of capitalist America, we thank you," Willow said agreeably. "And what's in this other package?" Kyra ripped into the paper and within moments had pulled out a bright yellow shirt emblazoned with the words, "My mommies rock my world!"



"I love it!" Tara said with a delighted laugh. "Where did you find it?"



"I had it made special at that t-shirt place in the mall," Anya replied. "Custom jobs are extra, but I figured--what the heck." And with the words, Willow realized that Anya truly loved their daughter.



"Thank you," she said, taking Anya's hand. "Really--they're wonderful."



Anya gave Willow's hand an answering squeeze, then turned to Buffy with a "Let's see what sorry-ass gift you're giving her" look.



"My turn," said Dawn. "Um...I don't exactly have wads o' cash, so my gift is kind of..." She trailed off as if suddenly embarrassed. Willow wondered if she had wanted to go next to get it out of the way.



"Your gift will be kind of...perfect," Tara said, smiling at Dawn in that way that Willow knew made the teenager feel important, and special. They opened the package to find a stuffed dinosaur and a framed gift certificate entitling the bearer to "Infinity + 1 Chocolate Milkshakes and Heart-to-Heart Talks."



"I figure she's gonna need some inside scoop on how to survive as a member of the younger generation," Dawn said, looking hopefully from one witch to the other.



"She's gonna need you for a lot of things," Willow emphasized, reaching out to hug the girl.



"Thanks, Dawnie," Tara murmured, pulling her close for a kiss on the cheek. Kyra conveyed her gratitude by grabbing Dawn's necklace and trying to stick it in her mouth.



"OK--let's see what the Xan-Man brought the world's cutest baby." So saying, he handed over yet another package. The requisite shredding revealed a toy tool set, complete with miniature hammer and several wooden pegs set into a pegboard. Kyra grabbed the hammer with obvious delight and began waving it excitedly.



"Does that come with a toy first-aid kit, to assist in the various concussions about to ensue?" Buffy asked politely.



"But wait, there's more!" Xander announced eagerly, and rose from the couch. "Gimme just a minute..." He headed out onto the porch, poking his head back in a moment later to say, "Everybody close your eyes!" They did--or at least, Willow assumed they did--and a moment later he announced, "OK--you can open them."



Willow stared at the hand-crafted child's rocking chair in front of her. She looked up at Xander, beaming proudly, and then back to the chair. "Xander...It's beautiful! You made this?"



"No, I stole it from the Peterson house down the street," he said witheringly.



"Xander, this is incredible," Tara breathed. "I mean it...This must have taken you forever."



"It's for Kyra," he said with a shrug, as if that explained everything. "See? It even says so." Sure enough, her name had been etched across the back in elaborate script and painted in with a deep crimson. Willow shook her head, and then jumped up to hug her oldest friend. "Thank you," she whispered, squeezing him tightly. Tara joined her, kissing Xander on the cheek.



"Tell Uncle Xander how much you love it," she instructed Kyra, to no avail.



Xander kissed Kyra's hair. "Well--Uncle Xander's just glad to provide you with that all-important male influence," he said through his blush.



"Excuse me?" Giles interjected archly. "I was unaware that I had been rendered a eunuch."



"Hey, Giles--you're all man," Xander hastened to assure him. "I'm just...more man. You know, in that red-blooded, all-American way."



"Ah yes, of course," the librarian nodded. "You'll be in charge of teaching her to binge drink and scratch herself in public. So very, very integral to her development." The Watcher snorted dismissively and then leaned forward to hand Willow his gift. She held it up for Tara and Kyra to unwrap.



"Baby Einstein!" Willow practically shrieked.



"Geez...Proud parent much?" Buffy muttered.



"No--the gift! It's a whole set of Baby Einstein books and videos! You know--they're based on the idea that you stimulate a baby's creativity in music and art and science." Willow had snatched the box of goodies from Tara and was rifling through it eagerly.



"Yes, and after you're done, perhaps Kyra would enjoy them," Giles said drily.



"Giles, they're perfect," Tara enthused, beaming at him over Kyra's head. "Thank you so much."



"Well, I realize that she'll probably have more than enough examples of brute force," he replied, glancing significantly in Xander's direction. "I just want her to enjoy the more sublime aspects of life as well."



"Giles, you are the god of all things sublime," Willow acknowledged happily. "I've always said so." She turned to Tara. "Haven't I always said so?"



"When we first met, as soon as we got our voices back--the first thing she said was, 'Giles is the god of all things sublime,'" Tara concurred solemnly.



"You're too kind," the Watcher murmured. "And ever so witty."



"OK. My turn." Buffy shot a look in Anya's direction that could only be described as challenging, and then handed Willow a rectangular package. Mothers and daughter pulled away the paper to reveal a common doll--rendered most uncommon.



Her accessories included a miniature flask with the words "Holy Water" written in tiny print; a miniature stake with the business end prudently blunted; and a miniature broadax. A miniature cross-bow was slung across her shoulder. Her attire was both stylish and practical. The cardboard box in which she had so recently dwelt had been altered to identify her as: "Little Baby Stake 'n' Slay." "She's the coolest girl on the block...And she totally kicks ass!" read her bio.



Tara was shaking with laughter as Willow held the doll up for inspection. "Our little diva needs to know her history," Buffy said, crossing her arms. "And look--I made sure to get a doll that didn't have boobs three times the size of her feet."



"I helped her get the accessories," Dawn said proudly. "I especially loved the little cross-bow."



"I love it," Tara gasped, wiping her eyes. Kyra was reaching out for the doll; Willow removed the tiny accessories and handed her over. "Small parts, not good for babies," she explained.



"Of course," Buffy nodded, then added. "Besides, she's only a model. I figure when K-Bonita's about 3, maybe 4, I'll start her with the real stuff. I'm sure we can find some good youth weapons on the 'net." Willow looked up sharply to see the Slayer grinning at her. "You are so easy, Mama," her best friend said, shaking her head.



The party continued for awhile with the requisite tales of Kyra's latest achievements, although none of them were ever away from her long enough to miss out on any of the big stuff. Soon, though, Kyra began yawning and tugging her ear, the latter a sure sign of her exhaustion. Before they left to put her down, everyone lined up for a little baby snuggle fest. Anya cooed; Giles kissed; Xander made his funny faces--and that's when it happened. As the carpenter leaned forward with yet another facial contortion, Kyra's left eyebrow shot straight up into her hairline and she gave a tiny, crooked half-smile; that is, she looked exactly like Tara.



Everyone froze, and then an incredulous babble broke out.



"Oh my God--you guys, did you see that?" Dawn demanded excitedly. "She has Tara's smile!"



"And that thing she does with her eyebrow when she's thinking something she's too polite to say," Anya added.



"Truly remarkable," Giles said, grinning through his wonderment.



Willow and Tara just stared at each other. Even Tara recognized her own expression on her daughter's face.



I don't know how this is happening. Right now, I don't even care. All I know is that my daughter looks like her mother--my mate.



After some more snuggles and awe, they laid Kyra in her bed and turned on her monitor. Standing over her crib, Willow turned to Tara. "Can you believe that?" she asked quietly.



"No...and yes," Tara replied slowly. "It's like everything else in this whole situation: it should blow my mind, but it just makes too much sense. I don't know why it makes so much sense, but it does. So it's like, of course she has my grin. And if we're lucky, she'll have your nose." She leaned forward and kissed Willow lightly, then they turned back to their daughter and watched her sleep for several minutes, their arms entwined about each other's waist.



When they returned, the group turned to look at them. "Did you put her down?" Buffy asked.



"Yeah--we told her she was little and pooped a lot and didn't contribute financially," Willow replied.



"Good. Instill the self-loathing early, I say," Xander nodded.



"We were just talking about events on the supernatural front," Giles informed them, taking another slice of the hip-enhancing cake.



"Cool. Anything especially horrific? Any creature who, come spring, will threaten to annhilate the human race?" Willow inquired.



"Have you noticed that too? It's always around May that things get really tense," Buffy mused.



"Actually, demon activity seems to be at a fairly typical level," Giles noted. "Buffy's certainly being kept busy--as are we all--but nothing has emerged as particularly ominous. Everything has been routine."



"Yep," Buffy nodded. "Just your average night: lurking in cemeteries, waiting for corpses to rise from their graves as the undead, and then shoving a piece of wood into their unbeating hearts and watching them turn to dust before your eyes."



"See? Completely routine," Xander verified.



"So there's nothing unusual to report? You haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary?" Tara's voice held the surprise that Willow felt. It seemed as if there was always some demon or demonic activity of particular concern.



"The only thing of note has been the rash of suicides we've had over the past few weeks," Giles said slowly.



"What do you mean?" Willow asked curiously. With the exception of Glory's mind-suck mojo two years earlier, the Scoobies had rarely dealt with anything so subtle as mental health.



"I didn't notice it at first," Giles admitted. "But finally it hit me that almost every week I was reading of at least one and sometimes two suicides. That's well above average, and thus noteworthy in and of itself."



"And out and not of itself?" Dawn asked, then added, "You know, that wasn't as funny as I'd imagined it would be."



"The other thing that captured my attention is a commonality among the deceased," Giles replied.



"Why? Are they all members of some secret society? Were they all blondes? Did they all drive Saabs?" Xander seemed to be throwing darts at a mental dartboard.



"My goodness, Xander," Giles replied with a polite smile. "What creative and utterly baseless conjectures. No, the element that they had in common was that they were all actively involved in doing good."



This silenced them all for a moment. Then Tara asked, "What exactly do you mean? What kind of good?"



"Various sorts," Giles answered, turning to face her. "One woman was the director of the local women's shelter; another person was a social worker specializing in youthful offenders. One young man was a lobbyist for AIDS research funding. Another woman was a police officer, and still another was a noted philanthropist who had donated or raised literally millions of dollars for environmental conservation efforts. Each person had a well-established and well-founded reputation of working for some greater good."



After a moment, Willow suggested, "Maybe they just got burned out. I mean--seeing so much pain and devastation...Maybe the odds were just stacked too high against them and they lost hope."



"You know, police officers and therapists have a higher incidence of suicide than any other profession besides dentists," Tara added. At the others' glances, she shrugged. "I learned it in freshman psychology. I had a different section. My professor lived through the semester."



"You could be right," Giles conceded. "Still, it troubles me that none of these people--at least from what I could gather, from the limited queries I've made--had a history of depression. To my knowledge, none of them had attempted suicide before."



"But let's face it," Buffy argued, "that's not exactly something the family's gonna advertise in the obituary."



"Again, a very good point. I'm just...troubled. By the sudden increase, so well above average; and by the commonality among the victims."



"You said 'victims,'" Xander interjected. "Was there any sign that they were...assisted in their efforts?"



"No, none at all," Giles shook his head. "By 'victims,' I was referring to their being the victims of their own violence."



"Did the methods differ?" Tara asked.



"Yes," Giles replied slowly. "Gunshot; jumping; an overdose. That, at least, seems random."



"So you think maybe someone's controlling their minds? Driving them crazy?" Anya asked.



"Well, I hardly think that madness is a prerequisite for suicide," Giles frowned. "But it's certainly possible that someone--or something--was exerting a particular influence on their minds and mental states. It's undeniable that with these individuals gone, much good work has been cut far short."



They mulled this all over for another few minutes, with Willow agreeing to help Giles do more research into the topic. They were about to break for the night when the doorbell rang.



Willow looked at her watch: 9:15. Who would be at their door at this hour?



Anya summed it up nicely when she asked irritably, "Who could that be? None of really have any other friends."



"One way to find out," Buffy shrugged, and headed to the door. She opened it, then stepped back as if slapped. Willow heard the other woman's voice before she saw her face.



"Damn, B--don't you know to ask who it is first?"



*******



To Be Continued

Edited by: AntigoneUnbound at: 9/7/04 7:34 am

[hereinmyhead]

I’ve said it to you before, but I’ll reiterate - I'm amazed by your writing. It makes me smile.

Then I notice it's been 2 hrs since you've posted the update, and no one's replied, and I’m like, "Aren't people reading this? Why aren't people reading this?!" So I think about climbing onto my roof and screaming loudly the amazingness that is your writing. Until I remember the last time I was on my roof screaming there was this mess with green jello and the police showing up, so maybe I won't do that. I’ll pass out flyers or something instead.

In all seriousness I really love your stories, thanks for sharing them.

- Keri

[Washi]

Mary Mary Mary,



Oh, how wonderful it is to see an update by you. Seriously, I waited until my 4 am checking on updates constantly, but to no avail. And, I wake up, and boom! Update!

Ok, where am I gonna start?

Quote:

---

"Can't you make them go faster?" Dawn asked. "We could have a total light show in here."



"We could also have people collapsing into seizures," Tara said wryly. "And that's just bad party karma."

---

hehehehe, greatness!

Quote:

---

The cake was a huge hit, although Giles did grumble that it would go straight to his hips. In the silence which greeted this, Buffy finally asked, "You're sure you're not gay, right?"

---

Quote:

---

"Maybe it is," Anya conceded, patting Buffy on the knee. "And maybe Mommy Tara and Mommy Willow would like to have sex with men."



"Let's see," Tara said with a shrug, and then leaned over to give Willow a long, slow kiss. "Hmm...Mommy Tara thinks not."

---

This made me chuckle. Great one by Anya!



Well, I'm not gonna quote everything, cause once more I'll end up quoting everything. I loved this chapter, it was lighter and funnier than the last ones which dealt more with Kyra's powers. That is, until the suicide people talk. Now, that's bad, yep, very bad, and some of us are probably thinking 'Hmm, evil thingy makes good people commit suicide' (usually expressed with more grace) 'oh shit! The Scoobies!' and then bam! Faith is here!



Now, I really like Faith, I mean before she went on a murderous rampage, and I'm really wondering what's gonna be up with her, and how she'll flow out of your pen (or should I say keyboard?)...



As always, great stuff Mary

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



"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa



The course of love doesn’t always run smooth, especially for the neurotic and accident-prone. ~ LadyB



.:Dark-bliss.net :. .:Blink.Flash.Sparkle.:. .:My blog:. .:Blood and Ink:. .:Washi's 70s Site:.

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Mary,

I woke up this morning with one thing on my mind. Then I forgot that and worked out and made breakfast and here I am. Anyway, I intended to finally manage some tongue-in-cheek teasing about your prior update which apparently spanned hours in which an 11 1/2 month old infant required virtually no supervision or attention, particularly holding or feeding. Hmmm sounded like an interesting AU.



But then I found this update. Very lovely birthday party. I find that the best thing is to present two cakes. One is for the baby and you let them go at it with their hands, faces, etc. and the rest is for the party goers because few people (no matter how much they love your 1 year old) want to eat cake which has been hand-mangled. Also, that makes for the best pictures (not the party-goers eating the hand-mangled cakes, the baby attacking one). Xander is right on! Hammers are the best as Asher would attest. His favorite toy is a mallet to pound balls into a toy by color. He doesn't do the ball pounding, just carries it around. He also has one that makes noises and lights up. But all the toys are great.



And I for one say: Yay for the apparent appearance of FAITH! Well done.

MoveOn.Org

American Civil Liberities Union

Human Rights Campaign

[Grimaldi]

great update



your description of the Kyra's birthday cake was



the humor was great as usual. Faith showing up, should be interesting

I'm not stealing, I'm just taking things without paying for them. In what twisted dictionary is that stealing?
I can't watch this because its creepy and wrong and sickening...however I will watch out of curiosity

[tinnakaren]

You know, I was reading Keri's reply and was nodding the whole time going: damn right sista! why aren't there 100 replies already to this incredible story...then I experienced this feeling of what could only be described as "baaa...I feel sheepish" - because I hadn't replied already *ducks* I'm sorry.



But, to my very thin and shallow defense, I often find it hard to give feedback to stories that blow my mind... <- because that's exactly what happens .. my mind is blown away and thus incapable of saying anything more than "oh wow!"



So yeah, what I'm trying to say is: your writing is so fantastical, it's out of this world and words can't describe how thankful I am to be able to read it



And ooh.. Faith's on the scene huh? And first time writing her, right? Well, I can tell you this.. although she's only had 11 words so far--which is not exactly enough to establish character, usually--I think you managed to do just that.

x Tinna Karen



"You're not gonna jokey-rhyme your way outta this one." - Willow in Pangs

[jixer]

Hello Kittens-





Five bites of First Birthday sugar bomb disguised as cake and Faith both. I'm not sure Momma Willow is going to be getting a lot of sleep tonight.



The suicides are a very quietly ominous sign that May has indeed arrived in Sunnydale.



The image I think I came away with more than any other is that this child is becoming a touchstone of hope. It will be interesting to see how the group reacts to Faith being near the baby. I'm guessing there might be a bit of a protective flare or two.





Jixer

[barnabasvamp]

Your description of all the birtday gifts cracked me up!



I also loved the way you described Kyra's facial expressions and how she looked so much like Tara.



Great update!



BV

It's the passion in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness; it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it.

[daiailun]

This update was brilliant, just brilliant. Personally I was ready for some light-heartedness and what a wonderful setting in which to find it. And how the dialogue crackled, too! One of the many other things I love about your writing is how the syntax just flows so smoothly and evenly. All literary devises aside, it’s just a pure pleasure to read this, Mary. I love how the basics of writing are important to you.



I appreciate, too, how you keep the core of each character sacred while giving each so much more breadth and depth than we got in canon. In this update, I felt like I gained insights into each Scooby through both the gifts they gave Kyra and their banter back and forth with each other. Buffy’s Little Baby Stake ‘n’ Slay may have been on the jokey side, but the reality in which it was conceived, isn’t. Stake and slay is exactly what Buffy does and just how to do that without getting hurt is one of the things she feels she has to offer Kyra; like how Dawn’s investment in wanting to listen to Kyra when older may reflect her own need for significant people in her life to understand/accept her; or how Giles’ gift reflects just how highly he values the acquisition of knowledge. And btw Willow’s wrestling away Baby Einstein, tearing into the videos and book with excited gusto – Mary, that was priceless, absolutely positively without a doubt priceless.



And as for the appearance of (what I presume is) Faith, I am so, so *very* interested to see how Faith develops in your capable hands. I’m with Jixer about how the gang will react to Faith’s presence. Methinks there will be not only Momma Willow and Momma Tara, but Mommas Buffy, Dawn, Xander, Giles and Anya, too.



Other things I liked: an amused and “befuddled” Buffy over the epic party preparations; how you continue to reinforce what Buffy and Willow mean to each other; and Tara giving an unexpected, nonchalant long, slow, and public kiss to Willow. I love how Tara renders Willow besotted.



Continued thanks for this wonderful creation!

[AntigoneUnbound]

Once upon a Tuesday dreary,

I hit the Pens board, feeling queery,

And happened upon some feedback from the Kittens I adore.

As I read it, cheeks a-blushing

Suddenly the thought came rushing:

I simply thrive on all the gushing, 'cuz I'm a feedback whore.



Thank you...Thank you very much...



A number of you mentioned Faith's appearance, and I confess that I've wanted to write her for a fairly long time. I hope you like what I do with her (so to speak) and that she rings true for you.



Keri: Come down off the roof! Put the jello down, and come down off the roof! Aren't you the kindest soul? You know, if there's a relative shortage of replies, it's definitely my own fault for having been away for so long. I think that there are enough folks still interested, though, to make it worthwhile and your feedback certainly validates that belief. Thank you so much for following this and letting me know you enjoy it.



Washi: Ah, sweetie--you were up way past your bedtime! Yeah, I worked last night and couldn't finish this up until after midnight my time. Glad you like the humor; it's definitely one of my favorite parts to write. And the suicides...Yes, they are of the bad, most assuredly. And how, if at all, do they relate to Faith? She's a great character; like you, I have a fondness for her. Merci, Washi!



Debra: Oh--didn't I make it clear in the previous update? Spike was watching Kyra. Yeah, Willow and Tara hired him as a nanny. I thought I mentioned that...I'm guessing, from your description, that Asher will never want for lack of AFA (Abundantly Fun Accessories). Hope you like where I take Faith...I know where I'd like to take Faith, or at least Eliza Dushku. Oh, yeah...Thanks for the feedback, Debra, and give Asher a hug for me. (Unless that feels too familiar, in which case, give him a Jello-Pop or something...)



Grimaldi: Yeah, I was gettin' kinda hungry writing the cake. Glad it was...evocative for you! Yeah, Faith makes things interesting in a whole different way, which is part of why I brought her in. Thanks!



Tinnakaren: Please don't feel sheepish, TK--no one should be rendered ovine over a fan fic. I'm just glad you're here now. I'd say, from your feedback, you have plenty o' mind left! (Of course, maybe that's because you like this story: of course I think you're astute and intelligent!) I'm really curious to see what folks about this Faith. I'd like to think she's in good hands; I'd certainly want my hands to be good for her. Ahem. Thanks for reading, TK, and letting me know you enjoy.



Jixer: Oh yeah--Momma Willow ain't gonna be catching no Z's tonight...I like your point about Kyra as a touchstone of hope; their world often needs it, doesn't it? I also nodded as I read your question: how will the others react to Faith being near the baby? That's definitely an element I'll be exploring. Why am I not surprised you caught the implications of that? Thanks, Jixer--and how are those tomatoes?



Barnabasvamp: You know, I had a lot of fun thinking of the various gifts; it got trickier trying to make them even remotely age-appropriate. (I'm not a mother so I'm calling a good friend a lot and asking, "When did your kids do X?") Thanks, BV.



Daiailun: Ah, good soul--I'm always so glad to see your name on the thread, because I know I'll read thoughts both kind and perceptive. And I practically wept with gratitude when you mentioned syntax and attention to the basics. I have a t-shirt that reads, "Does anal retentive have a hyphen?" And I know the answer! And that fact makes me happy! So yes--I confess to a deep bias when it comes to such things, and I appreciate your noticing that. God, I loved your observation about the various gifts, because it totally "got" what I was hoping to convey: something meaningful about each person and why she/he chose the gift she/he did. For all of them, the gift reflected what they felt they most had to offer this tiny child whom they adore. Gotta say, I enjoyed writing Willow's Baby Einstein reaction: she would so completely lose it over such a gift. And you're right about Faith, and how her appearance will lead to a Massive Momma Mitosis (or is it Miosis?) Did you see Jixer's comments, above? You're both picking up on something I want to explore. Finally, I love writing Buffy and Willow's friendship. I loved it on the show before Buffy went all lone-wolf narcissist, and when I was writing my first fic I realized that I wanted to emphasize that relationship. So...As ever, Daiailun, I appreciate your generous and astute feedback. Like Kyra in her gift from Uncle Xander--you rock.



More as events warrant.

Mary

[The Rose24]

Excellent party!!!! I am not surprised Anya gives Kyra a toy cash register. All the gifts are creative and well-thought out, but the cutest part is when Kyra flashes Tara's crooked smile. There should be no doubt in anyone's mind Kyra is definitely W/T's child.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[russ]

Woa, Mary! I must remember not to be eating or drinking anything when reading your updates, 'cause keyboards don't appreciate being spewed upon. This time, I was chortling in a most undignified manner before the chapter actually started. Lovely haiku!



I'm not going to try to pick out particularly funny parts of the party story -- it's all hilarious, with the mock seriousness. Except that on Willow's part, it's real seriousness, which is even funnier. Well, OK, the kid in me has to admit to much laughing at Buffy demanding the right to pooh-pooh in her kitchen.



Unlike Willow, I'm not the least surprised at Giles being besotted with the baby. It's the childless old(er) bachelor who's most likely to become a doting surrogate grandpa.



Debra's right on with her party & gift comments; there's nothing a 1 year old likes more than diving right into the cake. The more of it they wear, the happier they are.



As has been pointed out, all of the gifts were most evocative of the giver. The one that did it for me was the rocking chair. We have one in the family that was a gift to my mother as a toddler. There are pictures of four generations of little folk using it, from the 1920's to the present day.



Somehow the thought of a baby mimicking Tara's half-smile seems very strange (ok, "truly remarkable"). With all this family-type normality, you're not letting us forget the mystery behind Kyra's existence. I'm sure this is a clue to something, if only I was smart enough to figure it out. Tara doesn't know why things make so much sense, and I don't know why she thinks they do.



The news of the suicides lends an ominous note to the otherwise festive chapter. Something is weeding out the best from among the citizenry; I don't like where that thought leads. Impending May, indeed.



Bringing Faith into the mix seems likely to turn things up a notch. Hopefully this is late-season, repentent Faith, as opposed to earlier self-centred, evil Faith. Can't wait to see how she'll fit in.



On a seasonal note -- it's that time of year again. If you step outside and take a deep breath, you may detect the tangy scent of tomatoes, onions, peppers and garlic simmering away. Yes, despite the hesitant summer, tomato sauce is finally happening. If only the computer was in the kitchen, so I could read while stirring the pot.



Thanks, Mary, can't wait to read more.

Russ



When we love and give it everything we've got, no matter what the consequences, we are doing what we were put here to do -- Geneen Roth

Edited by: russ at: 9/8/04 3:37 am

[GrrlMeetsWorld]

I think from the beginning, I never thought of Kyra as anything but a beacon of something light and wonderful; a reminder for the Scoobies, something of them, but apart from them at the same time, that there's something beyond all the killing and worrying about things that will have to be killed. I think I was prepared to sideswipe the notion that she's going to emerge as a demon baby, then again, I had just seen the first Alien movie, and have to admit to being a bit, um, influenced by certain scenes. Even though I've seen the damned film about twelve hundred thousand times, the trauma remains the same, just takes a little less time to return to my normative state of whatever, and then it hit me. We need faith, both literally and figuratively. Faith that, despite all the horror we may see, we need not necessarily question our gifts, be they metaphysical or otherwise perfectly natural. And we need Faith, because she always seemed to be a tie that bound this group one way or the other. Then again, maybe I'm nutso and just enjoy thinking of her, period. Then again, there's all this unknown that I am so enjoying...my guessing and your giving...this is just...so good, like when my mom would let me lick the spoon...small moments that mean everything. I think that's what I most like about the way you write. You never rush to get to the big stuff. Someone told me to think of writing as a trip across country, taking in every cloud, every sign on the highway, every flower and tumbleweed and blade of grass, every color of every car...taking in everything...not even flying or taking a train or even driving a car, but walking down the highway, aware of each step...getting the most absolute detail gatherable, like a scientific maniac hellbent on aesthetic overload. And that's the genius of your stories IMOP...they're a portait of the small miracles of our lives that surround the ocassional big ol' honking stuff...okay, I'm not sure I made sense with any of this, but that's what I get for trying to articulate how great writing makes me feel.

[Puff]

Hi Mary how are you? Married life goes well and the horse is recovering from getting attacked by another horse when I was out of action with a trapped nerve. Poor little Muppet.



Now on to the actual feedback! I love reading the disclaimers I actually had to put down my drink when I read the pairings because spat out diet 7 up will ruin a keyboard in no time. Anya and a goat? ROFLMAO too damn funny



Kyra's birthday sounds wonderful, I'd like to try the cake. Diet be damned. I'd also love to know why Kyra choose Xander to smile at? I adore (because I've used the word love too much) the fact that Kyra shares some of her mother's attributes.



There were too many funny lines to mention, I think Dawn had some wonderful lines though. Oh and I thought Buffy's present was hysterical.



I really wish I was more eloquent in my feedback. I hope that saying "This update rocked!" will express how much I enjoyed reading it.

---

It's a moo point. It's like a cow's opinion. It's moo.
Words of wisdom from 'Friends'

[JustSkipIt]

So now I have to ponder in what exact circumstance I would EVER entrust Spike to babysit my child?

MoveOn.Org

American Civil Liberities Union

Human Rights Campaign

[Washi]

Quote:

---

I know where I'd like to take Faith, or at least Eliza Dushku.

---

Don't we all Mary, don't we all!

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



"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa



The course of love doesn’t always run smooth, especially for the neurotic and accident-prone. ~ LadyB



.:Dark-bliss.net :. .:Blink.Flash.Sparkle.:. .:My blog:. .:Blood and Ink:. .:Washi's 70s Site:.

[good2cats]

Mary ,Mary bringer of such joy to this old fairy.The update was incredible.One delightful quip after another.You even elevated lowly scatological humor and imbued it with charm.Buffy insisting that it is her kitchen and she can pooh- pooh in if she wants was just priceless.I also liked the put down the baby exchange.There was however one problem.In the interest of public health and safety you failed to mention the possibility of salmonella poisoning from ingesting raw cake batter from the bowl.In this litigious era in which we live the possibility of personal injury suits looms over us at all times.Some weak minded individual could see your work as endorsing the practice and seek financial redress for their belly ache.You might want want to obtain insurance or an additional rider on an existing plan to address this contingency.But seriously ,I loved the update and anxiously await the next.I hope that you and the fur kids are well.
Take care,Karen

[Insanity]

Oh wow.. this is an incredible story... I don't even know were to begin.

Isn't Kyra the custest thing ever? (Well besides Asher maybe *ggg*) I'd really like to see her grow up...



But you portraied all of the charakters so well.

There is so much to say and I'm at a loss for words.



The suicides give me the creeps... and I'm hooked.



Keep the good stuff coming



Insanity

German Fanfiction

It's always sudden! Tara; the body