The Legend of Green Eyed Red

[tarawhipped]

Howdy Kittens! Lots o’ feedback to reply to (SO kind of y’all), so I’ll get right to it! (sorry if they’re a bit brief, but I really want to get to the posting) *tips hat*



pipsberg: Thank you pips! I’m glad you liked the flirting. This part doesn’t actually have any W/T interaction (but there’s other fun stuff…honest!) so I had to give them a moment there. Romance developing soon, and Willow to the rescue!


Viximon: Aww, thanks Vix. Tara will be pleased that Willow is staying, but also a little confused, and confounded, and probably other emotions as well.


hotydnic: Well, I’m not saying what she has planned, but Willow is a girl with a mission. Thanks for the feedback!


Artemis: Hi Chris. I had Clem at that table before Larry, so it must be the name (though I almost made him ‘grizzled old prospector guy’ before I decide that was TOO cliché, even for me). The showdown in Only Street will undoubtedly happen at some point…that’s one old faithful I gotta stick with…but ‘ol Will’s gonna have her hands full before that. You’re right that Team Warren as you say (Team Wilkins, really, but he’s still keeping to the shadows) will NOT be pleased.


meretricious: Thanks Mary! I just needed there to be some sparkage between the two to warrant Willow’s decision, so I’m glad it got such a good response. You’re probably right about Larry and Clem, but that’s the joy of throwing canon out the window—screw the timeline! I do what I want! HAHAHAHAHA! *ahem* sorry.


hermitfish: Willow will definitely be getting large with the butch! Glad you liked the flutters, cause there will be a lot more fluttering than umm…other stuff…for a while anyway. Thanks Cyd!


shuyaku: Thanks r.e. Clem—SO cool that he’s a hit, but now I feel a need to work him in more. Your speculation regarding Mr. Smith’s unusual anatomy is accurate. And since I cannot confirm or deny that Faith is the Mayor’s daughter—oh fuck it, she is—but her character and relationship to Warren and Donnie will hopefully be more or less convincing (despite the obvious ‘ick’ factor). Thanks shuyaku!


behindhereyes: Haha! Better late than never, Kim, and since you came in guns blazin’ and ready to knock Madam Darla down, it’s mighty nice to have you here!


wimpy0729: So you’re the horse whisperer now, Wimpy? Oookay. Glad you like the flutters, there will be lots more in the future. No go on the whorehouse…I still haven’t written it, so it doesn’t yet exist.


onlyhalfevil: Action is on the horizon, but may be a while yet. I’m taking this at a really slow pace, and her identity will remain a secret for the near future.


trashxmyxheart: Thank you! More coming right up!


silentinformer: When I get on a roll, I get on a roll. Glad you liked it, and more next.


WickedReds: Hiya Reds! Fiercely protective girlfriend is good…as is fiercely protective androgynous possible romantic interest. Willow’s got plans, but what they are and how they’ll work even I don’t know! Just kidding…I know everything.


EasierSaid: Tara’s gonna be pretty pleased, and more than a little confused, by Willow’s presence in town. As for her secret identity, it’s safe for the time being, but once the baddies know she’s sticking around, they will be making more of an effort to discover it. Tara at Darla’s…it’s sooo wrong, and I thought of it! Eeep! Rest assured Willow will set things right.

Quote:

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Tara’s knuckles ventured a little close to her ah…her er…ah you know

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They’re called TITS, Heather. Jeez, since when are you Miss Coy? Have you read your stuff?


Idgie: Aw, thanks Idgie. Buffy will be around, as will many others. The rescuing (and you’re right that Tara can handle herself pretty well) will be a ways off. Lots of romance and comic misadventures until then (and during and after, most likely).


Rhiannon9891: Thanks Rhiannon, and nope, Willow’s never gonna let Darla get her whorin’ mitts on Tara!


VixenyTarasHot: No worries on missing any feedback, Ashleigh. Real life will do that, and since this is going to go on for a while, there’ll be plenty of opportunity whenever you get the chance. Thanks!


aysagoddess85: Glad you liked Preacher Rayne, mel. You’re right, who better to be a corrupt man of god? “Un-mistering,” I like that! It ain’t gonna happen for a while though.


photographer02: As you wish! Update now…

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

Edited by: tarawhipped at: 12/7/04 7:48 pm

[tarawhipped]

Title: The Legend of Green Eyed Red

Author: tarawhipped (Cameron)

Email: tarawhipped@hotmail.com

Rating: R (just to be safe)

Disclaimer: All characters are the property of Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy

Feedback: Throws head back and screams YESSS!!!

Distribution: Take it, just tell me where to visit it!

Summary: A redheaded stranger rides into a town full of trouble and meets a blonde barmaid. Can they save each other and the town?

Setting: AU (the Old West)




Chapter 7



“Whaddya mean my cart’s busted?!”


“I am so sorry, Mr. Smith. I really don’t know how this could have happened.”


“Of all the damn careless—nobody done run off with my horse now too, did they?”


“N-no sir, your horse is fine, and rest assured we will take care of the damages—”


“Well I should hope so!”


“And there will be no charge for the room while you wait—”


“WAIT! How long is this gonna take?! I’m a busy man, you know. I got a schedule!”


“Maybe a couple of days, sir,” Jonathan admitted, shrinking under the redhead’s piercing glare. “Our blacksmith…left town recently and we haven’t got another. There’s a carpenter who should be able to fix it, it just might take a little longer…I could talk to him for—”


“I’ll do it myself,” Willow growled and stomped out of the Inn. Only when she was outside did she allow a brief smirk to appear on her face.


When she’d come downstairs just after dawn, carrying her bags and dressed in her travel suit of heavy canvas, the clerk had paled and fidgeted noticeably before reluctantly addressing her. Before he even opened his mouth she had accurately read his demeanor, and breathed a sigh of relief. Her late night vandalism had already been discovered, but she was not suspected of having caused it. After the conversation she’d overheard the night before, it did not take much in the way of acting skills to feign anger with the clerk. By the time she was through with him, and to her immense satisfaction, he looked to be on the verge of wetting himself.





“Could you spare me the lecture, Tare? I don’t feel so good.”


“I’m not letting you off the hook just because you have a hangover, Donnie…this is serious.”


Tara stood with her back to her brother and concentrated on stirring the eggs in the skillet. She was determined to stay mad—for a while at least—and knew if she looked at him she would see the misery and contrition on his face. She scooped half of the eggs onto a plate and poured a cup of coffee, ignoring the pained whimpers behind her when the pan and kettle clanged back down on the stovetop. Moving to the small table, she began to eat in silence.


“Don’t I get any?” Donnie whined after a moment. Tara kept her face impassive and didn’t look at him.


“On the stove, get it yourself.”


Tara scowled at Donnie’s back and waited until he was again seated and had a mouthful of food. She brought her coffee mug down with a bang.


“God, what is wrong with you?!”


Donnie looked up, his cheeks full, his face the scruffy picture of confusion. He swallowed in one big gulp.


“Whuh?”


“Whuh,” Tara mocked. “Donnie, you’re going to lose the saloon! And I know neither of us want to spend the rest of our lives here, but right now it’s all we have!”


“I ain’t gonna lose it, Tara. I’ve just had a run of bad luck is all…but—”


“But nothing, Donnie. I’ve seen the books, I know how much in debt we are. God…Donnie…what if the bank calls in the loan?”


Donnie opened his mouth to protest, but realized there was nothing he could say. Tara was right. The worst part was knowing that he’d walked right into it, even after seeing what had happened to the others. Things had been different when he’d first started playing with Warren and his group. It was win some, lose some, and more or less break even. That’s how they sucked in their victims. Gradually the winning stopped, but then they were oh so gracious about extending credit. By the time Donnie realized he’d been marked, it was too late.


Tara didn’t know everything, of course. She wasn’t aware that before it was his turn, Donnie had reluctantly helped the others bankrupt the bank manager and the blacksmith. The banker had been allowed to leave town quietly, and the more cooperative Andrew was set up in his place. The blacksmith, however…Donnie shuddered, knowing what had probably become of his childhood pal Jesse. Warren had magnanimously let Donnie remain in the dark on that one, but his display of weakness had merely set him up as the next target. If it was up to Donnie, Tara would never have to know about the ugliness he’d invited into their lives.


“You’re right,” he remarked at last, startling his sister, who quickly recovered and arched an eyebrow, waiting for the ‘but.’ “I’ve made a mess of things. Dad trusted me to take care of you and the business, and I screwed it all up. Would’ve been better if he’d stayed here and I’d gone off to the War and got killed ‘stead of him.”


“Donnie—don’t,” Tara pleaded softly.


“But I can make one thing right. I gotta little money stashed away that they don’t know about, and it ain’t much, but it’s enough to get you a one-way ticket back East.”


“NO,” Tara stated forcefully, shaking her head and moving to the washbasin with her dishes. “I’m not going to leave you here alone.”


Donnie walked up behind her and spoke quietly.


“You got to, Tare. It’s for the best and you know it.”


“Then we’ll both go.”


“There’s not enough. Dammit, Tara, can’t you just do what I tell you to for once in your life?!”


Tara spun around and looked incredulously at her brother.


“Sure, if you ever tell me to do something that isn’t stupid, but that seems pretty unlikely!”


The two stood several feet apart, glaring at each other. Donnie broke down first, his lip twitching a fraction, a strangled giggle escaping his pursed lips. Soon they were both doubled over with laughter, tears streaming down their cheeks. Once she’d composed herself, Tara gave Donnie a quick hug.


“I’m not going anywhere and that’s final. The rest of it…we’ll figure out together, okay?”


“Okay,” Donnie sighed, accepting defeat for the moment. “Do you want a hand downstairs?”


“I thought you were going out to the Summers place to help finish up the barn?”


“Oh shoot! I forgot! Hank’s gonna tar and feather me!” Donnie jumped up and ran to his room to finish getting dressed.


“Relax, it’s still early” Tara called after him while she went about filling a bucket with water. She was already mopping the saloon floor when Donnie came racing down the stairs. He skidded across the slick wood in his stocking feet and slid to a stop by one of the large glass plate windows on either side of the door, grinning at his sister’s look of mock disapproval. While sitting and pulling on his boots, he looked outside and laughed.


“Hey Tara, c’mere.”


“I’m a little busy right now.”


“But you gotta see this…there’s some redheaded guy pacing around out front and talking to himself.”


“What?!” Tara exclaimed, dropping her mop and rushing to window. One glimpse confirmed that it was indeed the mysterious Mr. Smith. The redhead glanced up at that moment, and Tara jumped away from the window, yanking Donnie along with her by his jacket collar.


“HEY! What’s gotten into you? Do you know him or somethin’?”


Tara averted her eyes, but the bright red that exploded over her face and down her neck told Donnie all he needed to know.


“Well lookee who’s blushing! Why Tara, have you gone an’ fallen in love?!”


“I’m not blushing! It’s just warm in here from all the hot air coming out of YOU!”


“Hoo-whee! Tara’s got a beau, Tara’s got a beau!”


Tara grabbed the discarded mop and flailed at Donnie with it, but he easily danced away, squealing and teasing her in a falsetto voice.


“Oh, my dearest darling, I can’t wait to marry you and bear your redheaded babies!”


“SHUT UP DONNIE!”


The mop connected soundly with Donnie’s backside before he wrestled it away from her and hopped back to the window.


“Christ almighty, Tara, what is he, fourteen?”


“Shhh…he’ll hear you!” she hissed, looking curiously out to where the redhead continued to pace nervously.


“So who is he?”


“Nobody,” Tara lied. “He was just passing through town and he stopped in last night.”


“Uh-huh. Just passing through and thought he’d pop in this morning for a goodbye kiss?”


“Donnie,” Tara warned, her face flushing anew at the thought.


“Maybe he’s out there trying to work up the courage to ask for your hand,” Donnie playfully mused, rubbing his scruffy chin thoughtfully. “About time too…Old Maid like you.”


Tara rolled her eyes and ignored the barb.


“Course, we ain’t got no dowry for you, but I suppose I could throw in a coupla chickens.”


Tara took advantage of her brother’s distracted giggling to wrest the mop away and began whacking away at him. Donnie was well on his way to being completely soaked when a sharp knock on the door brought both siblings to a standstill. Before Tara could stop him, Donnie had rushed over and opened it.


“Oh…uh…good morning…Mr. Maclay? Hi, my name’s Will…Will Smith. We haven’t met, but if it’s not too much trouble, could I have a moment of your time?”




TBC

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

Edited by: tarawhipped at: 12/7/04 7:51 pm

[pipsberg]

Cameron,



ooooh, updatey goodness! I love Willow as the stern cowboy, scaring some guy until he pisses in his pants. It cracks me up. I also really love the brother/sister moments between Donnie and Tara. You've really humanized Donnie in this part... I mean so far I hated him. Now I kind of see he's just a drunk that makes stupid mistakes. He seems to really care about Tara and the teasing is funny. He reminds me of times I spend with my brother. So, Willow pacing outside the saloon has me wondering... hmmmm indeed. I can't wait for more of this! Great part!!

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

[EasierSaid]

*kicks self for not registering as Miss Coy*



Loved fired up Willow, could imagine her strutting back and forth in front of tiny ol' Jonathan hootin and hollerin about her broke cart. Also really like Tara and Donnie's morning breakfast; reminded me of me and my brother squabling, only no one called the other 'jackass' with a french accent before the giggling started. So Donnie helped run the blacksmith and the banker out of town, eh? Tsk, tsk... Tara's sure gonna need a shoulder to cry on when she finds out about that, preferably someone who has *consults notes taken from replies* "TITS". I hope Xander's not great with axles and that Willow doesn't make a total fool of herself talking to 'Mr. Maclay' about his business. I finish with:

Quote:

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“Christ almighty, Tara, what is he, fourteen?”

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Great job Cameron!

Edited by: EasierSaid at: 12/7/04 9:31 pm

[WickedReds]

Mmmm Tara can be a bitch... I LIKE IT!!!... and hey i love fic where Donnie isnt an asshole to her..haha..what in the sam hell is Willow up to?!



-reds



Mein Banane tanzt für Schmutz

Smutbunny Anthem: *sung to tune from Goldfinger* Smutbunnies...they'e the bunnies, the bunnies that love the smut...and Willow's butt. They surf for smut fiction...always lookin' for the next naked sweaty fix...of Tara's tits.- Written By Cameron(tarawhipped) For Us Smut Bunnies

[shuyaku]

I have to agree with Pips - this update really made me feel sorry for Donnie. He's not that bright, got in way over his head and unfortunately knows the 'bad side' of the Mayor and the Sheriff's underhanded dealings, but he loves his sister. And you just can't hate him when that's true. The interactions between him and Tara in this update were adorable.



I'm very interested to see why, um..., Mr. Smith needs a moment of Donnie's time



This is why I read responses to feedback:

Quote:

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They’re called TITS, Heather. Jeez, since when are you Miss Coy? Have you read your stuff?

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I think I hurt something, I was laughing so hard at that.



-shuyaku

Oh God, Willow—you’re giving me the gift of Karen Carpenter. Just when I think I grasp the full extent of your love." - Tara

"Why do birds suddenly appear? It’s because, you are queer…" - Willow (Gods Served and Abandoned by AntigoneUnbound)

[lil wiccan]

HI! just found this fic and i couldn't stop reading donnie is not too bad of a guy... yes he's still an idiot but all brothers are or maybe just mine...heheh... can't wait to read more update soonish?



- thea

"How can i/ Beleive that my heart will find/ Someone like you/ You see the really me/ No in betweens/ I had nowhere to hide/ You took away the walls around me/ Make me feel safe to share my truth/ I see the heavens open/ A heart that once was broken/ It's holding nothing back/ Now that i found you

[Artemis]

Goddess help me, you've actually got me grinning at Donnie's goofy brother antics For once - his bad judgement aside - it actually seems like he comes from the same gene pool as Tara, rather than something several rungs lower down the evolutionary ladder like usual. I was seriously giggling at his teasing Tara over her 'crush' - and her walloping him with the mop, of course. Go Tara!



Plus, Donnie was actually willing to give his last dollars to Tara to get her out of harm's way while he stayed to face the music. Sure he's made some pretty bad mistakes, but his heart seems in the right place.



Willow blowing up at Jonathan was too funny So if her cart gets taken to Xander for repairs... I wonder if Xander can be prevailed upon to stall on getting it fixed? Can't get the wood, you know, mmm (geez, am I showing my age with that line or what?) It probably won't help much in allaying the suspicions of the Pestulant Posse, but the longer Warren and his goons (and the Mayor, of course) are unsure what's going on the better.

Chris Cook

Through the Looking-glass

A Willow and Tara for every world.

[meretricious]

so easy to picture jonathan on the verge of pissing himself, reminds me of the couple of times in canon when willow interrogated him. also easy to see donnie would prefer to tease tara than to talk anymore about what a screw-up he is, at least he's not in denial about that, should make him more receptive to will's help. really wanted tara to point out to donnie that will may look 14, but" he" was able to help drag donnie's drunk butt to bed last night.

what kind of short sighted western badies runs their blacksmith out of town (or worse)? i mean, banks and saloons you can take over, but blacksmith-kind of a skill position, there. maybe they can eliminate xander too, and then just start knitting everything together~mary

let's do it let's do it let's jump
in with both feet~julia fordham

Edited by: meretricious at: 12/8/04 3:54 am

[trashxmyxheart]

GREAT UPDATE!! MOREMOREMOREMORE PLEASE!!











manda

[JustSkipIt]

Hey there,

Well I haven't commented in a few updates. Leave it to say that the scheeming is giving me the heebie jeebies! Not nice people at all here. But this update with Donnie and Tara is lovely and quite touching.



I'm quite curious to see how the gender-bending will play out. Particularly given that Tara already knows she's gay (perhaps not in so many words). So we have Tara in love with Willow but confused because she believes she's a man and probably not willing to really let herself love "him" but she can't say why. And we have Willow who apparently plans to woo Tara as a man, having no idea what Tara's preference would be. But that plan... she could only go so far I'd imagine. It should be quite funny and frustrating. Well done.

Sign the ACLU Refuse to Surrender Pledge

"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” - Martin Luther King

[alysagoddess85]

oh cam...yet again you have me totally loving this fic...and whats scary is ummm...you kinda umm...well...*mumbles*i kinda like donnie.



OOOOKAY then...ahem...anyways...awesome update....whats willow got up her little androgynously clothed sleeve that she needs to talk to donnie about...hmmm...verrrrrrry curious indeed.



~mel

'The Cat in the Hat' is fine, just not during sex.--Alyson Hannigan

[behindhereyes]

Cameron



Loved the update ! The playful banter between Tara and Donnie was great. Donnie being involved with some of the others losing their livelihood... at least in this he's a likable idiot.



The feedback was great... so they're called TITS huh... glad that got cleared up



(holsters pistol) at not seeing Madame Darla, goes to join other kittens at the bar.



behindhereyes

Kim

"To the world, you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the world"

[Viximon]

Wonderful!!!

Will is so wicked

And Tara and that bubbleheadbro are so fun. Loved when the blonde didn't make hism breakfast

Ohh and all the teasing NOw now, the story go great, it's in a point very interesting.

Upload soon

You are doing fantastic

[silentinformer]

Better and Better I tell you what this had to one of the funniest ones because I could actually see siblings play fighting like that my favorite line would have to be

Quote:

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“Oh, my dearest darling, I can’t wait to marry you and bear your redheaded babies!”

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I laughed so hard I think I may have broke something. more soon please

Edited by: silentinformer at: 12/8/04 12:07 pm

[Rhiannon9891]

Did Hell freeze over? 'Cause I, um, um...kinda like Donnie now!

Great and funny update.



and you gotta love this:

Quote:

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They're called TITS, Heather. Jeez, since when are you Miss Coy? Have you read your stuff?

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Rhiannon

[robotguru]

Hey Cam, great updates as usual.



One thing that worries me slightly, "God…Donnie…what if the bank calls in the loan?"



I seem to remember (can't find it now but i do remember) reading that the bank manager had been run out and replaced with the 'more co-operative Andrew', this is far from good.

Edited by: robotguru at: 12/10/04 2:55 am

[babyblue]

Two terrific updates!



I really enjoyed the interaction between Donnie and Tara. This is one of the only fics I've read that humanizes Donnie and makes him into a complex character: he's a weak man (willing to go along with the Mayor's schemes when he knows they're wrong), but also a self-aware one (he understands his faults), and he loves his sister so much that he tries his best to make sure Tara is safe (offering her the money to get out of town), but is also respectful enough of her autonomy to accept the choice Tara makes (to stay with him). And I love how he teases Tara about Will--it's brotherly and not malicious at all; it's as if he's happy that Tara's smitten. Go you!



I'm also really enjoying the gender dynamics in this fic (here I'm echoing JustSkipIt). Tara's all flummoxed because she finds a man attractive--she clearly sees herself as someone-who-is-not-attracted-to-men-period. But Willow can't know this, and is busy riding to the rescue of a woman while she's impersonating a man. Just how far is she willing to carry out this charade? I see shades of Yentl here...



On another note, I'm a little bummed to learn that the Mayor's daughter is indeed Faith, even though the relationship clearly makes sense given canon. But I had fun imaginging Buffy or Cordelia in the role.... Glad to see that the Summers' are in the story, though. And it makes sense that Hank is still around. Divorce wasnot much of an option in the old west, though abandonment sure was. Glad to see Hank hasn't run off...



This story makes me happy. Thank you for writing it.



--blue

[Tempest Duer]

I do apologize for my lack of feedback lately... I've been busy as all hell and it's been making me crazy. *tips hat* I do hope you'll forgive me my lack of attention...

I got bitten by a drunk lesbian! Does that mean I'll turn into one?



~my friend Mary

[hotydnic]

Oohh.. nice update..

Is Will going to talk to Donnie about his problem?



can't wait to see what will happen next!

[trashxmyxheart]

Great update! Whats Willow going to talk to Donnie about? Hope its exciting.

[hermitfish]

Hey Cameron Jeez, I almost missed another update...sorry for the reply delay. Uber-hectic is all I will say. If it gets me into your good graces again, I will mention that I should get that update of mine that you were bouncing about posted in the next couple of days.



Storywise: The sibling love was well...lovely. Beating a hardhead with a mop rarely works though. The blushing play and banter was adorable. And Will to converse with Donnie? Hmmm...can't wait to see where that goes.



~Cyd

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All you need to start an asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people.

~Eugene Pallette in My Man Godfrey (1936)

[tarawhipped]

Hi Kittens! Many thanks to all who are reading and for all the yummy feedback. I want to do a general response regarding the Tara/Donnie interaction, since several people mentioned that it reminded them of their own experience with a brother. That was so nice to hear, cause I’ve only got the one sister. But I figured an irritating, screw-up older brother can’t be that different from an irritating, screw-up older sister. Glad to see that it was well received, and now on to individual replies…



pipsberg: You know, pips, I have a highly developed and sophisticated sense of humor, and to me nothing says comedy like a pant-wetting. I’m glad you were swayed by the new improved Donnie…it was kind of funny to read all the negative reactions to him, knowing I was going to make him much more likable in the near future. It’s all part of my evil plot to control you all! BUWAHAHA! That’s not a problem, is it?


WickedReds: Hey! Take it back! Tara’s no bitch, she’s just sick of Donnie’s shit (cause even though he’s not being a jerk to her, he’s still a walking train wreck). Thanx Reds!


shuyaku: You summed up Donnie’s situation perfectly, but the fact that he has been ‘on the inside’ may turn out to be helpful in the future. Will and Donnie’s conversation won’t be coming up until Chapter 9, so you’ll have to make due with Tara-time in this next one.


EasierSaid: I’m glad you liked that opening scene, Heather. I think someone else mentioned Willow’s intimidating interrogation skills from “Earshot,” which I think is an apt image for her here. Xander’s axle repair proficiency will be discussed in Chapter 9. This next one’s pretty much all about Tara. You know, I got as many quotes for my feedback to you as for the story, so people must either love a smartass, or the word ‘tits’ is inherently funny. I’m betting it’s the latter, so…TITS, TITS, TITS!


lil wiccan: Thanks thea, I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Update on the way…


Artemis: Thanks Chris, I’m glad goofy Donnie won you over. I decided when I first got the idea for the story that he wouldn’t be a bad guy, even if his actions help set a lot of bad stuff in motion. In this setting it seemed particularly important for he and Tara to really care about each other, even if they do drive each other nuts at times. And as I type this I realize just how much that sounds like me and my sis.

As for Willow’s cart, it may just turn out to be a tricky fix for Xander (at least as far as the authorities can tell).


trashxmyxheart: Well, Willow and Donnie’s talk won’t be for another update, but I hope you enjoy this next one in the meantime. Thanks!


meretricious: Ah, I KNEW someone had mentioned Willow’s interrogation skills! I’m sure that influenced that scene, though I was also thinking about when she tells off Giles and Angel (SO adorable) and then feels bad (though I let her enjoy this one). You know, I actually HAD Tara telling Donnie that Will helped her drag him to bed, and then I took it out cause I didn’t think the conversation flowed very well. Damn, guess I should have worked on it more (or maybe I’ll just reinsert that factoid further on). Your knitting remark had me LMAO, and you’re right, what a bunch of maroons! You never know, though, maybe they’ve got someone new comin’ into town on the noon train…(maybe not, but it could happen). Thanks Mary!


JustSkipIt: Don’t like the scheming, huh? Well, this next one is scheme-free! I’m glad you like the gender aspects of the story, as the next chapter will deal a lot with Tara’s conundrum over her feelings for ‘Will.’ At this point I would say that while Willow is aware of her own feelings for Tara, and very much wants to protect her, she doesn’t believe her feelings could be reciprocated if Tara knew she was a woman, so she’s flirting without any expectation of something more. That little conundrum will take a while to straighten out, so to speak.


alysagoddess85: I’m sorry mel, what was that? You’ll have to speak up a bit…

Quote:

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I kinda like Donnie

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heehee…I consider that quite a compliment that I was able to make him likable even to you. Thanks mel!


behindhereyes: Well, I couldn’t make Donnie a total boy scout, cause a) no one would believe it, b) he had to have some connection to the bad guys for the story, and c) it’s more fun to have morally ambiguous/flawed characters (I think). Thanks Kim, and I will be clarifying other body parts as the need arises (oh dear, I didn’t mean…)


Viximon: Thanks, Vix. I love writing mischievous Willow, and I’m glad you liked the teasing. More very soon…


silentinformer: Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked that line, cause I was giggling my fool head off writing it!


Rhiannon9891: I think there’s going to be an “I kinda like Donnie now” support group forming soon, so you’ll be able to share your confusion and pain with others. Thanks for being brave enough to admit it!


robotguru: Ah, so you sense a little evil foreshadowing, do you Chris? Very clever of you. Do you sense where I left my keys, by any chance? No? Damn.


babyblue: Thanks for your comments on Donnie, blue. I like taking really simple things and complicating the hell out of them, and it’s nice to finally get some approval for it. Seriously, though, I haven’t gone into either Tara or Willow’s family history much (though it’ll come out later), but suffice to say I wanted Tara to at least have some familial support. As I told JustSkipIt, this next chapter will be the beginning of Tara dealing with her feelings for ‘Will,’ and you sum up the misunderstanding perfectly. At this point Willow assumes that as a woman she has no chance with Tara, so she’s enjoying the flirting while she plays knight in shining armor. As for how far she’ll take it, well…if Tara decides she’s ok with being attracted to a certain rather effeminate man, it may turn into “how far is Willow willing to let it go before she comes clean?” Sorry you’re disappointed in the Faith reveal, but I hope when I get around to introducing her, it’ll be ok. As for the Summers family, I had to have at least one intact nuclear family, so Hank gets to be a responsible dad again. I’m glad you like the story, blue, and thank you for reading it!


Tempest Duer: Of COURSE I forgive you, TD! *crosses Tempest Duer’s name off of the varmints and scallywags list* Glad to see you back, and hopefully not crazy.


hotydnic: Will and Donnie will be having a very serious, important, dramatic, and totally enthralling conversation…only it won’t be in the next chapter. Hope you like it anyway, and thanks for your comments!


hermitfish: Oh, hey Cyd, no worries on the feedback delay…just because I cried for three days thinking you didn’t like me anymore…no apology necessary…no, really. *sniffle* heehee But I’m holding you to that promise of an RS update. Glad you liked Tara and Donnie’s interaction., though you’re probably right about the mop. I always found projectiles to get the point across much better, and from a safer distance. The Will/Donnie talk won’t be arriving until chapter 9, but lots o’ Tara coming up…

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

Edited by: tarawhipped at: 12/11/04 8:22 pm

[tarawhipped]

Title: The Legend of Green Eyed Red

Author: tarawhipped (Cameron)

Email: tarawhipped@hotmail.com

Rating: R (just to be safe)

Disclaimer: All characters are the property of Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy

Feedback: Throws head back and screams YESSS!!!

Distribution: Take it, just tell me where to visit it!

Summary: A redheaded stranger rides into a town full of trouble and meets a blonde barmaid. Can they save each other and the town?

Setting: AU (the Old West)




Chapter 8



“Well, I was just on my way out, but if you’re not in a hurry to go anywhere,” Donnie said pointedly, flashing a quick grin at Tara, “you’re more’n welcome to come along and talk.”


“Sure, yeah…that would be fine.”


“Great! I just need to run upstairs and change clothes right quick,” Donnie said, picking at his mop-soaked shirt. “Seems my sister here thought I could use a bath.”


Donnie took the stairs two at a time, leaving Willow and Tara to nervously contemplate the other. Both stood silent for several long moments. Tara looked at the redhead, dressed in the same traveling outfit she’d first seen, and her stomach flipped and tightened.


“Are you leaving?” Tara began, then immediately cringed at the harsh ring of the question.


“There was a bit of an accident, so I’ll be around a little longer than expected,” Willow explained, her own brow knitting. ‘Does she want me to leave?’ the redhead thought.


“OH! You weren’t h-hurt, were you?”


Willow looked up to see the blonde take a hesitant step forward, her hands wringing and her eyes creased in concern. The small doubt that had flashed through Willow’s brain disappeared, and she smiled warmly.


“No, I’m fine. It’s my buckboard…someone busted the axle on it. Can’t imagine who would do a thing like that.”


“In this town it could be almost anyone,” Tara replied, momentarily dropping her gaze to the floor before raising them to meet Willow’s. “But I’m glad you’re alright.”


“Thank you Tara. It’s nice to know that a no-account drifter like myself would warrant your good wishes.”


Tara smiled sadly. Despite the playful tone of the remark, she saw old wounds in the expressive green eyes that met hers, and her heart seized painfully in her chest.


“Who told you that?”


“Told me what?”


“That you were a ‘no-account’?”


“Oh. I…it doesn’t matter,” Willow spoke quietly, her flippant façade crumbling under the gentle concern radiating from the blonde. ‘Boy, nothing gets by her,’ she thought uncomfortably, lapsing into silence. Tara took the hint and didn’t pursue the point.


“So…what do you want to talk to Donnie—”


“Hey, did I hear my name?”


Tara jumped at the sound of her brother’s voice and idly wondered how he had made it back downstairs without her hearing him. Tara glared at her brother, but Donnie simply widened his eyes innocently and lightly punched Willow in the shoulder.


“C’mon, Will. Tara’s starting to look ornery and believe me, ornery Tara is something you do not want to see,” he chuckled as he walked out onto the front porch.


Willow stood a moment longer, her eyes locked on Tara’s. She placed her hat on her head and slowly brushed her right forefinger along the brim, tipping it as it reached the front.


“Actually, I think I would very much like to see that,” she said seriously. With a wink and a nod, she turned and followed Donnie outside.





Tara had barely managed to finish mopping before her anxiousness became too much to bear. Knowing that it would be hours before Donnie got home, and another hour or two before she would be able to coax any information out of him, she decided to go for a walk. She headed north out of town, past the Mayor’s mansion—so called not only because it was the only three-story building in Dusty Hollow, but it was also the only one constructed out of brick. Tara kept going until she arrived at a grove of trees, which she passed through on her way to a small, secluded pond. She stepped carefully over the mossy rocks until she reached one particular outcrop and sat down to unlace her boots. Hitching her skirt up to her knees, she let her feet dangle in the cool water and watched the path of several stray leaves bob along in the wake. She closed her eyes and leaned back on her elbows, enjoying the warmth of the sun on her face and the perfect stillness of the morning.


“Yoo-hoo! Tara, is that you?!”


‘Oh, please God, not now,’ the blonde groaned, refusing to open her eyes and confront the inevitable.


“Really, Tara, I don’t know why you like this place so much, it’s so muddy and the sun just bakes down on you—which is horrible for the complexion—and there’s doubtless scores of snakes and bugs of all kinds, and it’s unnaturally quiet…”


‘Or it was until you showed up,’ Tara thought with no small degree of irritation.


“Anya, what brings you here?” she asked as pleasantly as she could. ‘And when are you going away,’ she added silently.


“Well, I was at the store this morning as usual, and who should I see ride by but your brother and some total stranger. But then I remembered Xander talking about meeting some nice young man at the saloon last night, and well, I put two and two together and arrived at four! And then I saw you going for a walk all by yourself and knew that you would want some company, so here I am! Really Tara, it’s not like to keep secrets…so who is he?”


Tara sighed deeply. ‘Of course…she wants gossip.’ Tara knew full well that Anya could not have seen her departure from inside the general store, and most likely had been outside lying in wait since the moment she’d seen Donnie and Will pass by.


“He’s just some boy passing through town, and he came by this morning to speak with Donnie. I really don’t know anything about him.”


Both women frowned at the remark; Anya because it didn’t satisfy her busybody nature, Tara because she realized how true it was. She hadn’t thought to ask Will where he came from, where he was going to, what his profession was, if he had family…though she hadn’t expected him to be around long enough for it to matter.


“Well that isn’t very informative. I thought he must be a friend of the family or something. I even briefly considered that you’d finally gone and found yourself a man but clearly not,” Anya shook her head and sighed wistfully.


Tara bristled that her marital status might be a topic of general conversation. In a town so small it was bound to be, but only her brother had ever had the temerity to bring it up to her face, and then only in jest. She couldn’t fault Anya too much—the woman was famously imprudent, and so caught up with her own impending wedded bliss that she wanted everyone else to be blissful as well. ‘As long as they don’t overshadow her,’ the blonde mused, realizing that the idea of Tara having a clandestine lover had probably sent Anya into a panic. Tara’s eyes widened at thinking of the redhead in such a manner.


‘Clandestine lover!’ She blushed bright red and hoped that her friend would mistake it as too much sun.


“Ooooh,” Anya cooed, wagging her finger at Tara.


‘Oh, I’m never going to hear the end of this.’


“So there is something going on! Well, good for you! I knew those rumors weren’t—”


Tara had been avoiding Anya’s gaze, but her head instantly snapped up and her heart began racing.


“Rumors? There are rumors? What rumors?”


“Oh, that you don’t want to get married because you’re thinking about converting to Catholicism and becoming a nun…that sort of thing,” Anya explained, smiling helpfully.


“But…why…that’s…who would say such a thing?”


Anya pursed her lips and began smoothing out her skirt, which was already immaculate.


“Anya, you didn’t?! Why on earth would you say that?!”


“I didn’t mean to, honestly, it just sort of slipped out,” Anya earnestly replied. “And I was defending you! Glory—”


“Glory?! You were discussing my marital status with Glory?!”


“She was in the store! She and Cordelia were buying face powder, so I of course told them they should just save some time and permanently paint their tired whore faces with whitewash, and well, one thing led to another, and Glory said something like: “we may be whores, but at least we’re normal,” and I demanded that she explain herself, and she said…well, she said some very uncharitable things about you.”


Tara’s face lost all semblance of it’s earlier flush and paled noticeably. ‘Surely they don’t suspect…’


“And that’s when I told her the nun story, which doesn’t seem so bad now, does it? Plus it explains your absence at church these past months—you converting and all—so I think it was quite clever of me,” Anya nodded smartly.


Tara felt her heart thumping in her chest, and she avoided looking at Anya when she asked, “w-why do you think she s-said those things?”


“Oh, who knows?” Anya gestured dismissively. “She’s just a vindictive whore. Don’t you let anything she says worry you. You just haven’t met the right man yet.”


The day before before, Tara would have listened politely, nodded her head, and secretly told herself that was never going to happen. A mere twenty-four hours prior, Tara knew that she’d never had, nor would she ever have, any interest in being romantically involved with a man. She knew it with certainty because it had always been that way. It had been confusing when she was younger, seeing the few other girls in Dusty Hollow swoon over this boy or that. She’d played along, feigning interest, but then one day the inevitable happened. One of her friends had told a boy that Tara liked him, and he had asked to walk her home after school. Walks home from school turned into a buggy ride after church, a picnic invitation. Finally Tara’s lack of interest became so obvious that he had stopped trying and started walking Tara’s friend home instead. And that’s when Tara finally realized something. It hit her like a fencepost to the head, because she wasn’t jealous of her friend, she was jealous of the boy.


It had taken a long time for Tara to accept her feelings, and she carefully hid them away, somehow knowing they were not to be spoken of. She decided that even if she could never act on them, however, she would never live a lie. She would never marry a man just for the sake of propriety, and what other reason could there be for her?


And then she met Will Smith.


“Anya…how did you know? When you fell for Xander, how did you know that he was the one?”


“Oh, it was horrible,” Anya gushed, making an exaggeratedly sour face, but clearly overjoyed to discuss her favorite subject. “He came into the store shortly after he arrived, and there was just something about him. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him, and I could tell he found me visually pleasing as well. He kept stopping by for odd and ends…he’d say he just forgot to get them the day before, but I knew he was just making excuses. I pretended not to be interested, of course…I mean, he’s a fine carpenter, but he’ll never be rich. But I found myself looking forward to seeing him walk through the door, and if a day went by without him visiting, I was miserable. And then he asked me to the social last year—you remember—and he told me he was miserable too. He asked if he could court me properly, and I said yes.”


“And that’s when you knew?” Tara asked, her earlier upset forgotten as she gave Anya her rapt attention.


“Heavens no! It was a month later when he had to travel to Knotty Stump for supplies and was gone for three weeks! I couldn’t eat or sleep, my stomach was all tied up in knots worrying about whether he was eating or sleeping, and I felt positively ill I missed him so much.”


“And that’s wh—”


“Then he came back and I saw him walk into the store and I thought I was going to be sick right then and there, I was so happy.”


Tara paused and blinked, waiting for her friend to continue, but she just sighed and stared dreamily across the pond.


“So…you knew you were in love because you were miserable and then you felt sick?”


“Mm-hm.”


‘Oh my god,’ thought Tara.


Anya drifted out of her reverie when Tara hadn’t spoken for several minutes. She looked at the blonde, who stared slack-jawed at the water. She hesitated before knowingly and very quietly posing her question.


“How does he make you feel Tara?”


Tara took a deep breath.


“He makes me feel completely…totally…utterly…sick.”


Anya clasped her hands to her chest and sighed.


“Oh, Tara…I’m so happy for you!




TBC

---

What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

[WickedReds]

K i take it back, she is not a bitch..

They are so sweet together... hehe flirting..

Wooo Hooo Anya!!!

Quote:

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converting to Catholicism and becoming a nun

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Don't think she qualifies for that..

Quote:

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vindictive whore

---

HAHAHA!!! that would be Glory...

Hehe... now is that more like it... think everything is spelled right...

Oooo new icon... ... hehe thats me everyday...



-reds



Mein Banane tanzt für Schmutz

Smutbunny Anthem: *sung to tune from Goldfinger* Smutbunnies...they'e the bunnies, the bunnies that love the smut...and Willow's butt. They surf for smut fiction...always lookin' for the next naked sweaty fix...of Tara's tits.- Written By Cameron(tarawhipped) For Us Smut Bunnies

[EasierSaid]

*fires six-shooter in the air in celebration of update*



Loved the short interaction between Tara and Willow, especially Tara's concern, first with the axle breaking and second with the 'no-account'. Physical and emotional concern, sure sign of love. Well that and the being utterly sick (lord I know that feeling). Good to see Anya, even if Tara wasn't real happy about it, and the gossip, well Tara probably feels pretty burned up about all the speculation. Going to be interesting to see what comes about in the next update with Donnie and Willow's chat, can't wait. Great job Cameron!

[wimpy0729]

Okay, I changed my mind. If Cordelia and Glory are at the whorehouse, maybe I'll find another establishment to frequent. I think I saw a big pink bunny sign near the edge of town. I think I'll meander on over there, see what's hoppin.



I loved the W/T interaction, so sweet, Tara all concerned. Very nice. Then Anya at the pond totally cracked me up. God, I love her. So, now Tara knows what that feeling is. Okay, what's she gonna do about it? Guess I'll just sit right here til I see the dust kicking up from the update wagon headin into town for it's weekly drop off. Oh yeah, where'd Willow go? I know, I'm still sittin here a waitin. I just hope I don't get saddle sore. Damn saddle. Now...where's my horse?





Wimpy

[pipsberg]

Cameron,



Woooo! Awesome update. I was so happy to get another fix. It's funny, because it's so cliche, but love really does make you feel like you're going to vomit... that and 10 glasses of sangria on an empty stomach, but that's a whole 'nother story I am not willing to relive for a while.



I, like Tara, am dying to know what Will and Donnie are chatting about. Anya as Tara's annoying 'friend' is great. Glory and Cordy as whores is greater. Tara in love is the greatest (or greaterer if I were to keep going). Great job! More please

-pipsberg



"We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep - it's as simple and ordinary as that."

Michael Cunningham, The Hours

[robotguru]

*Doesn't want to get on the 'scallywags and varmints' list*



You know, Tara wouldn't be so confused if the author who is supposed to look after her characters wasn't so intent on torturing and confusing her, heh.



Anyways, good update, i wonder what Willow and Donnie are talking about, and yes, i still have that sense of bad foreshadowing, but no, i can't find the keys though i would suggest where you last put them

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



There can be no rainbow without rain, you cannot know true happiness until you know sadness first.

[silentinformer]

OOH I loved it and we finally have Tara hammering out her feelings can't wait and I really wanna know what Willow had to talk to donnie about



Can't wait for next update