Continuing Fic: Coming Back (Updated 01/18/08)

[GayNow]

My feedback is like the moon hitting your eyes like a big pizza pie?

After a fashion.

[GayNow]

Title: Coming Back
Author: GayNow (Carleen)
Email: cmspry2@gmail.com
Feedback: Pretty please? Just remember, I leave feedback for you! Okay, maybe not for every update....but I try! And...and...I leave novellas. Okay okay....I'll be happy with a smilie face.
Distribution: Archiving is fine…please let me know where so I can call all my friends and yell, “Look! I’m famous!”
Rating: This part…PG…future parts…PG-13…will there be kisses and smut?…hmmm....dunno....we’ll see. I’ll make sure I give fair warning.
Disclaimer: BtVS characters, concepts and dialog belong to Mutant Enemy, Fox, The WB, UPN and others. The story, however, came out of my delusional little brain.
Summary: AU....no Hellmouth...no magic....no demons...no slayer....Willow and Tara made a solemn promise to each other 8 years ago.
Author’s Notes:

• This fic was inspired by my own fic challenge (Third Time's a Charm). But...well...it sort of took on a life of its own. So, I decided to give it its own thread. I'm nice that way.
• This is my first attempt at fic writing...or posting what I've written, anyway. And I have all of you wonderful kittens to thank for inspiring me. I'm not going to start listing off all of the individual authors, because that would just take too long. You know who you are...you've read my feedback...it's no secret who I worship.
• I have to give special, super-dee-duper thanks to the lovely WATSON for so many things -- for putting up with me...for painstakingly reading chapters and sections and paragraphs and sentences...for dealing with me obsessing over j-u-u-u-u-u-u-st the right word...for serving as co-writer in many many many instances (if it's a REALLY good sentence or phrase...it's probably hers)...for simply being a friend and encouraging me (Okay...encouraging? She was kicking me in the ass is what she was doing!)
• Thoughts in italics
• Thanks to Chris Cook for the super spectacular title graphic!

******************************

Chapter 10

“I’m so glad you’re here, Tare.” Willow finally broke the comfortable silence as she and Tara smiled at each other under their tree. She was lost in the deep blue of Tara’s eyes. God, she’s so beautiful.

“Well, if I remember correctly, a certain green-eyed redhead made me promise to be here. And I don’t break promises.” Tara looked pointedly at the woman in front of her. Definitely a woman…but still the girl I knew. “I’m glad I’m here, too, Will. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

The two spent a few more minutes just looking at each other, taking in each other’s presence. Tara moved from her spot kneeling in front of Willow to sit against the tree. Once she was comfortable, she looked at her friend and smiled. She patted her lap and raised an eyebrow, then waited for her unspoken question to be answered.

While seemingly impossible, Willow’s smile grew even larger as she recognized the familiar gesture. Without hesitation, the redhead moved to put her head on Tara’s lap and looked up at the blonde. I could stay here forever.

“I’ve missed this.” Willow couldn’t look away from Tara’s eyes. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too, Will. So much.” Tara reached forward to touch the red locks splayed on her lap. I was right…so soft. As she ran her fingers through Willow’s hair, she continued. “You know, on really bad days, when nothing seemed to go right, I would find a quiet place, close my eyes and picture us…here…just like this. The memories of being with you in this place always made me feel better.”

“Me too. It’s like…nothing could touch us here, you know? Like this was our own world and nothing or no one could intrude.”

“Yeah. I know what you mean.” Tara looked around at all of the people who now roamed around their “world”. “Things have changed though. It’s not just our place anymore.”

“No, it’s not just our place anymore.” Willow’s smile faded a bit. “Tara? Um, you don’t like the park?” Please like it. You just have to like it.

Tara looked back down at the green eyes she adored and wondered at the hurt look she saw coming from them.

“Oh, no! I mean…yes! I do like it. Very much. It’s really pretty. There’s so much to do and see. And it seems very popular. After all, it’s a weekday and look at how many people are here.” Tara’s eye caught sight of the fountain as she looked around. “And that fountain is beautiful. It reminds me of us when we used to play here. I’d like to come back and draw it someday.”

“Thanks, Tare. I’m glad you like it.” Willow’s smile returned and she continued to gaze at Tara.

“I do.” Tara looked back down at her friend and saw the sparkle return to Willow’s eyes. There’s something else. What’s going on in that head of hers? “Willow, why are you thanking me for liking the park?”

“Well, because, um, I did it.”

“You did what?” Tara wasn’t quite sure where Willow was going with this.

“The park…I did it…I mean, I made it.”

She made it? She dug it up and put up the swings and fountain and everything herself? With her own hands?

Willow tried to clarify her disjointed explanation, but the look on Tara’s face told her she wasn’t doing a very good job.

“Tara, I designed the park.”

The blonde was finally beginning to understand what Willow was saying. Well, that makes sense. “So, you came up with the design to turn our special place into a public park.” Tara spoke slowly, associating her surroundings with the conversation, piecing together the bits of information.

Willow misread Tara’s reaction and, thinking Tara was angry, became anxious to explain. She sat up suddenly and faced Tara; Willow held the blonde’s hands tightly in her own and looked directly into Tara’s eyes.

“Oh, Tara, please don’t be angry with me. Please! I…I had to do it, to save our tree…honest! They were going to level the whole thing…clear out all the wildflowers and tear down our tree. I couldn’t let that happen, Tara…I just couldn’t!” Willow was nearly panicked. “Buffy helped! Cuz, ya know, she was here and I wasn’t…hard to make lots of trips from Boston…cuz…expensive, ya know? Plus, couldn’t get away from classes and all of—“

Willow was cut off by the sound of Tara’s laughter. She looked at the blonde and, while confused at the outburst, found joy in the sound. She gave Tar a mock pout. “You’re laughing at me.”

“Oh no! No!” Tara spoke through tears of happiness. She took a few moments to catch her breath and smiled at Willow.

“Will, sweetie, I’d never laugh at you.” Tara reached up to move a few wayward strands of red hair behind Willow’s ear. “No…I’m laughing because I’m so happy. You don’t know how much I’ve missed Willow-babble. I’m just glad you still do that.”

Willow smiled and blushed profusely, but she didn’t know whether it was from embarrassment or from Tara’s gentle touch. “Yeah, well, I’ve got the registered trademark on it,” she quipped.

“So, tell me more about the park, Will. You say Buffy helped?”

“Oh! Yeah!” Willow was off and running again. “So, I couldn’t do anything from Boston to stop them from tearing the tree down. So Buffy put together a petition to stop the city from leveling everything. She got a bunch of the kids on campus behind the idea and they went all over – on campus and in town – to get people to sign it. She put together a whole “Save our Natural Parks” campaign to go with it…that’s what she does…advertising…but you knew that already. She’s really good. So anyway, the city agreed to not blindly level everything, but they still needed a new park. So they started taking bids – the lowest bidder got to design the park. And, well, I made sure I was the lowest bidder.”

“You made sure you were the lowest bidder? How did you do that?”

“Oh, that was the easy part!” Willow giggled and moved to sit next to Tara, holding one of the blonde’s hands in her lap. Still a perfect fit.

Tara joined in on the giggling; she was enthralled by Willow’s childlike enthusiasm. She’s still a cuddler. She leaned into Willow’s shoulder, urging her to continue.

“So…yeah…it’s pretty common knowledge that the city would have a certain budget, right? And most design firms would try to make sure most of that budget went into the bank rather than the park…which makes sense…cuz that’s how companies make their money…and, hey, capitalist society and everything-”

Tara couldn’t hold in the snicker of amusement any longer. God, she just keeps getting more adorable by the minute.

Willow lowered her head slightly and looked up at Tara. She batted her eyes and smirked at the blonde beside her. “Well, you said you liked my babbling.” Am I flirting? Whoo hoo! I’m flirting!

“Oh, I do! Please continue.” She’s flirting with me! Yay!

“Anyway, low bid…I did some research…cuz…hello…research girl here…and I was able to give the city a pretty detailed cost analysis of the materials that I’d need for my design…and I made sure my fee would be the lowest of all the bids. And mine got picked!”

“Will, how much was your fee?” Tara was beginning to get suspicious—Willow was being avoidy.

“Oh, it was enough.” Willow looked down and found something fascinating on the back of Tara’s hand.

Tara could see right through the redhead. I know how to get her to answer. Tara removed her hand from Willow’s grasp, crossed her arms over her chest, and smirked at the redhead. “Well?”

Willow pouted in earnest, sticking out her lower lip as far as it would go. “No fair!”

Tara nearly gave in—the sight before her made her dizzy. Can I just nibble on that lip? Just for a minute? Whoa! Rein it in, Maclay! Tara snapped herself back to reality and raised one eyebrow at Willow. “Never said I’d play fair.” And, God, neither are you! That lip…

“Piffle!” Pouty face didn’t work. Huh! I thought it would for a few seconds though. Wonder what she was thinking about. Willow pulled her knees to her chest and sat playing with her skirt—constantly readjusting it over her legs. She looked at Tara from the corner of her eye. “Will you give me your hand back if I tell you?”

Tara wanted nothing more than to be touching the green-eyed beauty next to her—she’d felt too far away from Willow since reclaiming her hand. But, oh, that pout was worth it. Tara looked at Willow as if carefully considering the redhead’s request. Let’s see who can hold out longest.

“C’mon, Tare. Please?” Willow needed to be holding Tara’s hand—not having the blonde’s hand in hers had become almost painful. What I wouldn’t give to have her arms around me. But for now, I have to be holding her hand—that wonderfully soft hand.

“Okay, Will…tell me and you can have my hand back.” Oh don’t give in now, but … it’s so hard.

“Yay!” Willow stuck out her hand toward Tara, expecting the woman to return her hand to its rightful place.

“Uh uh, Missy, tell me and then you get my hand.” Tara chuckled to herself. Yep, still the girl I’ve missed so much. So cute.

“Oh…well…okay.” Willow looked down at her skirt. “Um…my…uh…fee…yeah…it was…nun holler.” Willow purposefully mumbled the final words, hoping Tara could somehow translate.

“What was that, Will?”

Willow heaved a dramatic sigh and repeated her answer.

“One dollar.” Willow glanced at Tara out of the corner of her eye.

Tara was shocked. She stared at Willow for a few moments—her eyes wide in amazement.

“Did you just say ‘one dollar’?” The redhead nodded and Tara looked at the park around her. It’s so beautiful…one dollar? Her gaze returned to Willow. Suddenly, Tara burst into laughter. Again, tears poured from her eyes as she marveled at Willow’s ingenuity, creativity and all round adorability; she took joy in simply being in Willow’s presence. When she saw the return of “Willow pout,” Tara laughed even more.

“Oh, Will!” Tara tried to catch her breath as she spoke. “You’re just too precious, sweetie. All of those adorable dramatics to reveal a one dollar fee.”

Willow held in her own laughter, maintaining an air of feigned indignation. “Yes, well I believe someone owes me an even more exorbitant fee for divulging that information.” The redhead smugly held out her hand, awaiting prompt payment.

Tara had calmed down enough so that she was smiling radiantly at Willow.

“I will gladly pay your fee, Will.” She ceremoniously placed her own hand in Willow’s, loving the warm feeling of entwined fingers again, and then continued. “But, I think you’re being severely underpaid. If I may, I’d like to increase your fee.”

Tara waited for Willow’s reply. Please.

“Oh, definitely! I’d never turn down additional payment.”

Without hesitation, Tara leaned over and placed a kiss on Willow’s cheek. As she pulled away, she caught the redhead’s eyes with her own, hoping she’d see the response she wished for in those emerald orbs. Please.

Willow was stunned. She stared at Tara with wide eyes—she tried her best to make her brain start working again. GAH! She kissed me! Ohmygod! SHE KISSED ME!! Okay, Rosenberg, get a grip. She’s gonna think you’re a freak if you just sit here with your mouth hanging open.

While Tara didn’t think Willow was a freak, she was becoming concerned at the redhead’s non-response. Oh God. “Um, Will?” Tara’s nervousness was multiplying. “Willow? I’m…um…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have-”

“Wow.” Willow cut off what Tara was about to say.

“Huh?”

“Wow.” Willow repeated, her vocal abilities returned to a semi-functional state. “I mean…wow…I wish I always got paid like that.” Willow’s motor functions caught up with her brain and she gave Tara a smile so bright, it lit up the very air around them. The tip of her tongue jutted playfully between sparkling teeth. She kissed me.

It was Tara’s turn to be at a loss for words. She began to feel warm from the blush that was obviously—and rapidly—moving up her body. Soon, the tips of her ears were a bright crimson. Embarrassed by her decidedly smitten reaction to Willow’s words, Tara bowed her head and allowed her hair to fall forward, effectively covering her face.

Willow recognized Tara’s attempt to hide and decided she simply would not permit it.

“Hey.” Willow spoke softly as she reached over to place a finger under Tara’s chin and raise the blonde’s head. “None of that, Ms. Maclay.” She gently pushed Tara’s hair behind her ears. “I won’t have you hiding those beautiful blues from me.”

Tara blushed even more—she wondered if that was even possible—but did not look away from Willow. She lost herself in Willow’s gaze. “Okay.” Wow.

Willow gave the hand still clasped in her own a slight squeeze and smiled. “Okay.” Then she lifted the hand to her lips. Never breaking eye contact with the blonde, she placed a gentle kiss just above Tara’s wrist.

Tara glanced down at Willow’s lips on her skin. So soft. She lifted her gaze and got caught up in Willow’s green eyes as the redhead allowed her lips to linger. Oh God. “Okay.” God, Maclay! Can’t you say anything else?

"How about we go get something to eat? You must be starving," Willow said into Tara's wrist before pushing herself up to a standing position and taking Tara with her.

"Okay," Tara managed to squeak out as she followed in a daze. Apparently I can’t.

TBC

[Emms]

DIBS!! haha! I'm first this time!!

ETA: *sigh* What an amazing update (oops,....did I get a little pizza pie in your eye just then? Cause if I did, I'm sorry ) Wow Car...when I read the first two paragraphs I started to feel all emotional...I actually almost cried...(I could actually feel the tears forming...) But then you made with the funny and I had to smile.

Willow was so cute when she tried to explain about the park and told Tara that she made the park... and Tara was funny when she tried to understand what Willow meant by "made" I nearly fell on the floor at the visual of Willow building the park by hand This whole update was so cute and warm and sweet and reminiscent (whatever that means)

I was half expecting Buffy to show up at the end, but she didn't and I was both grateful for that and disappointed at the same time. I was glad that Buffy didn't come and ruin their little reunion cause it was really special....but then again I'm sure whatever she would have had to say would have been funny.

I really liked that Tara kissed Willow on the cheek and I liked the fact that Willow was all happy and embarrassed and blushing.....and they were both flirting with each other which was just...*swoon*

I love your writing Car....you do it ohhhh so well......

xoxo
Emms

[FineyMcFine]

Second!

ETA: I was going to let my post marinade for a while, you know, so it could age fully, and then edit it a few days later when it had reached full-bodied maturity.

But hey, it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind. Much like Tara appears to have changed her mind about not talking to Willow. I am v. intrigued, and not just a little bit, about how they saw, they say hi, and they fell right back into talking with each other - and FLIRTING, there was FLIRTING, and even a kiss on the cheek, and a quickie behind the tree (just kidding about that last) - but no mention of their fight, rift, whatever.

So, either they were so overwhelmed by seeing each other again, or it's the kind of thing that doesn't need immediate talking-about. Which is it, Carleen? Car-Car? Car-azon?

And YOU FOOLED ME! (And everyone else too, by the looks of the comments.) I thought the campaign was about the Bronze, and it was really about the park!

I've read some of the other comments, and I will wager a guess that Willow submitted a budget for materials and labor to redo the park, but her personal fee for designing it all was one dollar, whereas the other people who submitted designs would have charged more $$$ for their fee, and padded the materials budget a bit so they could embezzle funds.

Does the pattern of the playground material and landscaping spell out T-A-R-A as seen from the air?

Just want to make some overall comments as well. I really enjoyed this update and am glad that Buffy didn't interrupt them. I love how they seemed to fall so easily back into their cuddly routine. It was very well-written and sweet - and I was v. excited to see an update, although I'm a little bitter at Emms for beating me to the dibs.

Okay, not really. How could anyone possible be bitter at Emms?

[the hero factor]

Sweet, cute, swoony Willow and Tara. So wonderful.

Loved the negotiation for Tara's hand, very cute and funny.

Great update.

[sacinema]

My, that was beyond cute. Both. Willow and Tara. Loved the interaction and the slow bonding again. You wouldn't believe they didn't see each other for - what? - eight years - I guess.

But I'm dying for the knowledge of what made Tara to break the contact till now. They are both in love and I think they were even before the break. Did Willow realize it long before Tara? No, don't think so. Did Tara speek of her feelings and Willow rejected her because she wasn't aware of her feelings at this time? Questions, questions and no answers. Waiting for an update, maybe I'm wiser after reading it. Thanks for the wonderful story.

[Willow~Rosenberg]

*Happy sigh*

There's the update that I wanted. That was just so sweet. I loved every bit of it. Willow really went all out to make sure that they could keep their spot. This whole update made me feel all warm and happy. Loved the flirting from Willow and that Tara recognized it for what it was. Also loved that Tara kissed her on the cheek and then Willow's response. And then Tara being reduced to "okay." Now I'm all happy. Thank you.

[Krokador]

One dollar? How the hell could a park cost only one dollar? Did Willow like put some of her own money in it or what?

Okay (oh, Tara's "okay"ot to me, next thing I know I'll be babling, if that ian't what I'm doing now... 'wright, getting to the point ) technical things put aside, that was just beyond cute. I'm really starting to wonder what broke the contact between them? Hopefully it wasn't a fight about "my father's stronger than yours", but I just really can't see what could've happened. I mean they both are there and just look so in love, so, really... what was it?

*makes a pouting face* I want more updates... Please, pretty please .

[Graceland]

Okay, let me figure out this emoticon thing.

It's like you're teasing us slowly, update by update. I picture movie posters, in the mode of Garbo Talks!. So we have They kept their promise! Last update it was They said "Hi." !!!! And this update it was They talked! The talk is sweet, Willow's babble on how she won the bid for the park redesign, even though I'm not sure the Sunnydale government would have accepted such a low bid ... then again the Sunnydale government isn't all that bright. I held my breath when Tara kissed Willow, so nicely done. Do they know they are already? Seems like they are in a comfortable zone, but they need to move out of it, you know?
[br]

[AntigoneUnbound]

OK, Car, so that was just--

Wait a minute; I think I heard a nun holler...No, I guess not.

Anyway, that was just a delightful update. You paint such a clear image of the two of them--their mannerisms, their appearances, and most of all their abiding connection to each other. I love how easily they slip back into the physical expression of that connection. See, it's so easy to say, "We'll always be close; it'll be just like we were never apart." Yeah, good luck with that...Except that you showed us letters and e-mails and a freakin' postcard, for Gates' sake. So we know how faithfully they corresponded; we know how completely intertwined their lives were. The reunion, and the ease of their physical reconnection, rings true b/c you didn't just ask us to take it on faith: "These two love each other. Eight years wouldn't change anything." (On a different note, I'd be glad to take it on Faith at any time.)

The touch about Willow planning the park--just delicious. Of course she thought of it. You know, I was wondering myself why she seemed so invested in Tara's opinion. Once again, you hint at things that emerge within the story. You don't do this protracted set-up as if we all rode the short bus to our literature classes. When she said she had made sure hers was the lowest bid, my first thought was that she had hacked into the system somehow. (Probably more of a reflection on my own character than Willow's.) But the way she actually did ensure it? Beautiful.

Psychologically, I'm intrigued. (Physically, I'm sitting. Existentially, I'm adrift.) Clearly there is great love and open affection b/w these two. There's been a rift of no small magnitude b/w them; Tara didn't correspond w/ Willow for a long, long time. Yet there's been no mention of that fact yet, even thugh both of them worried the other might not show. As soon as they meet (again), however, they're back in tune. All of this makes me fascinated all the more to learn the source of the estrangement that left them not so estranged that they couldn't just sit there and adore each other.

I am just delighted by this story. And I love our posting synchronicity!

Rock on, Car!
Mary

[The Rose24]

Awww. This is the sweetest update ever, but I know they are going to eventually have to talk about what it is that cuts off their communication for eight years.

I have a guess on what may have happened, but I'll keep it to myself in case I am wrong.

[LesbianJedi87]

Ok so I had a shitty shitty dramatic filled night with a stupid girl who doesnt know what she wants...and then I come here to see this great piece of work was updated and HELLO GOOD MOOD MUCH??? I love you for that Car!!! hehe It was sooooo cute...and well, it made me a bit sad...all the cuteness...it made me feel lonely.."sniffle" But that just mean's this story is doing what I think what it was meant to, to invoke these types of feelings. Good to know something like this make's me feel like a human...with all the rush of sappy feelings...

I loved this...did I mention that? Loved loved loved it woman!

[GayNow]

Miss Kittys Ball O Yarn
[blockquote]Yay Emmy! You got first dibs and put in feedback before I left replies. Good on ya!

Wow Car...when I read the first two paragraphs I started to feel all emotional...I actually almost cried...(I could actually feel the tears forming...) But then you made with the funny and I had to smile.

Awww...I'm glad it touched you, Emms.

This whole update was so cute and warm and sweet and reminiscent (whatever that means)

I know what you mean...and I thank you so much.

I was glad that Buffy didn't come and ruin their little reunion cause it was really special

Yes, it was a special reunion. But it's not over yet...so Buffy still has a chance to show up.

I had to have them flirt, Emms...I just had to.

I love your writing Car

Thank you so very much, Emms. I'm so happy you like it. The feeling is mutual, btw. [/blockquote]
[hr]
SallyMcFine
[blockquote]

I am v. intrigued, and not just a little bit, about how they saw, they say hi, and they fell right back into talking with each other - and FLIRTING, there was FLIRTING, and even a kiss on the cheek, and a quickie behind the tree (just kidding about that last) - but no mention of their fight, rift, whatever.

That will begin in the next chapter. I just needed them to have this initial connection. For some reason, it seemed important to me.

So, either they were so overwhelmed by seeing each other again, or it's the kind of thing that doesn't need immediate talking-about. Which is it, Carleen? Car-Car? Car-azon?

Um, you'll find out later. And, funny, my cousin calls me Car-Car.

I thought the campaign was about the Bronze, and it was really about the park!

Heehee

You're dead on RE: Willow's fee for designing the park.

Does the pattern of the playground material and landscaping spell out T-A-R-A as seen from the air?

Well, seeing as you ruined my surprise, I will give you an excerpt from a future chapter....

Willow looked at Tara across the latte and pastry-laden table. "Hey, Tare? Are you free tomorrow? There's something I want to show you." [br]
"Sure, Will. What is it?"[br]
"It's a secret."[br]
The next day, Willow and Tara boarded a chartered helicopter, Willow bouncing with excitement. Tara, on the other hand, was perplexed. What is she up to now? [br]
As the helicopter made its way over Sunnydale, Willow and Tara snuggled close together and occassionally looked into each other's eyes. Right then, at that moment, there were just the two of them.[br]
"Here you go, Ms. Rosenberg," the pilot called over his shoulder.[br]
"Yay!" Willow jumped in her seat excitedly, causing Tara's eyes to widen as she watched the redhead's breast jiggle against the thin tshirt. "Look down there, Tare."[br]
Tears began to form in Tara's eyes as she looked upon the wonder below her. There, on the ground, was the park. From this vantage point Tara could clearly see Willow's ultimate design.[br]
"Will? You designed it so that the walkways would spell out my name?"[br]
"Yep," said the effervescent redhead. Willow's eyes sparkled as she looked into Tara's deep blue orbs.[br]
"Oh my God, Willow. That's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me!"[br]
"Well, Tara, you're worth it."[br]
Willow was surprised to suddenly find Tara lunging at her. Their lips and bodies met with such force, Willow lost her breath.[br]
Clothes were shed.[br]
Hands searched out previously undiscovered places.[br]
They broke away from the kiss, finally needing to breathe.[br]
"I love you."[br]
"I love you too."[br]
They didn't know who said it first...it didn't matter. As they gazed into the other's eyes, all that was important was that it was true.[br]
Then they had sex, lots of orgasms, and they lived happily ever after.[br]
The End. [br]
Okay...that's not really a preview of a future chapter...but it was fun to write. And, yes, watson did beta it before I posted.

Thank you so much for your feedback, Sally. It's always such a delight to read.[/blockquote]
[hr]
the hero factor
[blockquote]Thanks so much! I'm glad you're still enjoying the story.[/blockquote]
[hr]
sacinema
[blockquote]Welcome to my thread! I'm so glad you're here!

All of your questions are very good. I promise they will be answered...eventually.

Thank you for your kind words.[/blockquote]
[hr]
Willow~Rosenberg
[blockquote]

That ws just so sweet. I loved every bit of it....This whole update made me feel all warm and happy.

Aaawww thanks so much. I'm glad you liked it. I hope you continue to enjoy as future updates appear.[/blockquote]
[hr]
Krokador
[blockquote]Willow's fee was $1...the whole park cost a lot more. But that money went to the contractors.

I'm really starting to wonder what broke the contact between them. Hopefully it wasn't a fight about "my father's stronger than yours", but I just really can't see what could've happened.

No, it was a bit less trivial than that. I promise more about the disagreement is coming up in future updates.

I want more updates

Me too! Now I just have to write them. Thank you so much for continuing to keep up with the story.[/blockquote]
[hr]
Graceland
[blockquote]

even though I'm not sure the Sunnydale government would have accepted such a low bid ... then again the Sunnydale government isn't all that bright.

Well, Grace, here is my logic on why they would choose Willow's $1 bid (which could make them question the quality of the work)...

A) Willow is a child of Sunnydale and she and her family are well known (trust)

B) She probably put together an incredibly detailed and extensive proposal...impressive and professional.

C) Knowing Willow, she put her heart into it and made it very well known that this was a labor of love...something sentimental...thus, she's going to have more riding on it than just another job.

D) In general, Willow is just a persuasive person.

There will be uncomfortable moments coming up in future updates...no worries there. Thanks so much, Grace!![/blockquote]
[hr]
AntigoneUnbound
[blockquote]

The reunion, and the ease of their physical reconnection, rings true b/c you didn't just ask us to take it on faith

Thanks, Mary. I'm glad that worked. I knew there would be some dissonance among readers when they saw that this chapter doesn't deal with "the rift" -- the big question seems to be "what happened?!" But I wanted their initial meeting to happen without that baggage. I just wanted to show the connection.

I'd be glad to take it on Faith at any time.

That makes two of us, Mary.

Once again, you hint at things that emerge within the story. You don't do this protracted set-up as if we all rode the short bus to our literature classes. When she said she had made sure hers was the lowest bid, my first thought was that she had hacked into the system somehow. (Probably more of a reflection on my own character than Willow's.) But the way she actually did ensure it? Beautiful.

That really means a lot to me. I'm trying as best I can to avoid "spoon feeding" my readers. I know I often feel offended when a writer does that, I don't want to fall into the same trap. Though I admit I struggle with the whole "telling vs. showing" concept. So glad I have watson to keep me on track. Canon Willow probably would have hacked the system...that idea is not all that far-fetched.

As soon as they meet (again), however, they're back in tune. All of this makes me fascinated all the more to learn the source of the estrangement that left them not so estranged that they couldn't just sit there and adore each other.

Again, I just needed that initial connection. There are certainly going to be moments of discomfort in chapters to come. They do still have a lot to talk about. I'm sure there will be some interesting discussions to come...at least I hope they will be interesting.

Thank you so much for reading my little story, Mary. I can't tell you how pleased I am that you're enjoying it. As for our posting synchronicity...well...that may go out the window soon...I've now posted all of my "prewritten" chapters. I have about 2 pages of chapter 11 written at the moment. Let's see if I can pry the bon-bons away from my muse and get her ass back in gear. [/blockquote]
[hr]
The Rose24
[blockquote]Yes, they are going to have to talk about it. And they will. I promise. Pinky swear! Thank you so much for continuing to read and for your kind words. [/blockquote]
[hr]
LesbianJedi87
[blockquote]I'm so glad this update was able to brighten your mood. But I'm sorry it made you feel lonely. I don't want you to feel that way.

Thank you for continuing to read, sweetie. I'm glad you're here. And, look, no projectile cell phones! [/blockquote]

[Naeryn]

*sniffle* Awwwwww!

I'll be back later when I can think past the incredibly adorable moment at the end there... awwww! Dammit, I don't know if I'm all happy-fuzzy right now, or if I'm just plain lonely

[sam]

Awww that was too cute Great update. Love sam xx

[Keops.]

hey! first time replying to this fic! i'm kind of new here but i've been reading this from the very beginning, and i love it! great update (couldnt stop smiling and even blushing sometimes!)
keep rocking it

Keops.

[GayNow]

Some more replies, Kittens. Thank you all so much for keeping up with my story and for showing me so much love. I truly appreciate it. I'm working on Chapter 11. Everything that I had written when this was still a response to a challenge has been posted (with quite a bit added in between). I promise I'll work on it as much as I can. I've given watson permission to kick my ass as often as needed...or as well as she can from a different continent, anyway.
[hr]
Naeryn
[blockquote]Aaawww I hope you're happy-fuzzy, Megan. Thank you so much, sweetie.[/blockquote]
[hr]
sam
[blockquote]Thanks for keeping up, sam! I'm glad you're here.[/blockquote]
[hr]
Keops
[blockquote]Welcome to the thread! I'm so happy you're enjoying the story. Thanks so much for your kind words.[/blockquote]

[tarawhipped]

Okay...that's not really a preview of a future chapter...but it was fun to write. And, yes, watson did beta it before I posted.

Wow....Carleen the Amazing Wonder-Beta AND watson were involved in this little aside, and still...

Clothes were shead

Ah, yes...the ritual sheading of the clothes.

Lovely update, Car. As I said last night, if I'd really thought about it, I would have realized my assumption r.e. the "successful campaign" was suspicious, since they were both still in college. I love that Willow designed the park, and that Buffy was so pivotal in pulling it off...what a great friend!

Seeing Willow and Tara communicating so easily after so much time gave me warm happy fuzzies...for about two seconds. Then it filled me with a dread normally reserved for updates of Yesterday's Tomorrow. I mean, it's good that they still click, and maybe they're just waiting to have the big heart-to-heart over lunch. The problem is, I DON'T KNOW! And you're not gonna tell me cause you're very mean that way. *sigh* Seriously, though...love the pacing, love their giddy thoughts, love the romance of Willow designing a freakin' park for Tara (how cool is THAT?!). Thanks for sharing, dude, and have a great Monday.

-Cam[/url]

[kindagay]

Awwwwwww

Hey Car

That was the loveliest, sweetest, aww-est update ever! & they kissed!!!! I felt sure that you'd make us wait at least another ten updates before there was actually any kissage.

I just have to say Yay! for flirtage & kissage & general sweet goodness between our girls. & also, yay! for Buffy not interrupting - I don't mind so much if she interrupts now, 'cos they've already had the sweet reunion that they deserved.

I loved how easily they slipped back into their old ways

Tara moved from her spot kneeling in front of Willow to sit against the tree. Once she was comfortable, she looked at her friend and smiled. She patted her lap and raised an eyebrow, then waited for her unspoken question to be answered.

While seemingly impossible, Willow’s smile grew even larger as she recognized the familiar gesture.

They're so relaxed & comfortable with each other, even after all that time.
It seems their, still unresolved (?), argument has been all but forgotten, but I'm sure that will come up in future & cause a little tension between our girls - but then of course, they'll get to do the making up part.

Aww, Willow designed the park, that's so sweet. Actually, my gf had kinda already figured that out, well, she knew that the fountain was definitely something to do with Willow, so, I knew that that was coming, but it was still extremely sweet.

& of course, there was the kiss. Tara kissed Willow!!!! YAY!!!!!!!

“Wow.” Willow cut off what Tara was about to say.

“Huh?”

“Wow.” Willow repeated, her vocal abilities returned to a semi-functional state. “I mean…wow…I wish I always got paid like that.”

Awwww!!!

Thank you so much for that update sweetie, it made me feel all tingly & warm inside.

Hugs
Jeanne

[Missocki]

*squeals of geekier joy* OMG!! I heart this story!!!!! I even put off my reading for class in TWO hours, just to read your story. I love it soooooooo much! I just can't wait for and to learn what the fight was all about... But hopefully more than (as in fighting, not other hitting....)

Can't wait for the next update!!!!

[Bug23]

I love this story ... can't wait for the next update ...

[grimlock72]

That was indeed very sweet, loved how we finally got to know what the 'campaign' was about Does make sense that the swing would get saved that way. Can't have a meeting near a tree which isn't there anymore, poor Willow must have paniced so bad when she first heard about the city's plans

It's comforting to see how easily they still can talk with each other. However my pessimistic self cautions that they can't just ignore whatever fight happened between them. They can play pretend for a while though

to Tara for kissing Willow, most likely it was impulsive but it sure was fun

Grimmy

[GayNow]

Just some more feedback replies, Kittens. I want to stay on top of this.[br][br]
[hr]
tarawhipped
[blockquote]Here's the deal: I wrote that little scene in about 3-4 minutes...and I sent it to watty 3 minutes before she had to leave for work (actually, I just typed it to her in YIM). I mean nothing, no one is perfect, right?

-Cam[/url]

it's good that they still click, and maybe they're just waiting to have the big heart-to-heart over lunch. The problem is, I DON'T KNOW! And you're not gonna tell me cause you're very mean that way.

I am mean that way.

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, Cam. Thank you so much.[/blockquote]
[hr]
kindagay
[blockquote]Well, there was sort of kissage -- lips didn't meet lips. But I'm glad what was there made you happy.

I don't mind so much if she interrupts now, 'cos they've already had the sweet reunion that they deserved.

It seems their, still unresolved (?), argument has been all but forgotten, but I'm sure that will come up in future

Oh yes, it certainly will.

Actually, my gf had kinda already figured that out, well, she knew that the fountain was definitely something to do with Willow

Smart girlfriend!

Thank you so much, Jeanne. I'm glad the chapter made you feel tingly and warm. I appreciate your comments. [/blockquote]
[hr]
Missocki
[blockquote]Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words. I really appreciate it![/blockquote]
[hr]
Bug23
[blockquote]Thanks, Heather. I'm working on the next chapter and will get it up as soon as I can...or as soon as watson gives her stamp of approval. [/blockquote]
[hr]
grimlock72
[blockquote]

my pessimistic self cautions that they can't just ignore whatever fight happened between them. They can play pretend for a while though

Very true. They can't -- and won't -- ignore what happened. But, yeah, a little pretend time never hurts.

Thanks so much, grimmy![/blockquote]

[spells42]

Gay Now
Oooookay, that was a nice update. The flirting was cute, and the part about Willow designing the park 'cos she didn't want to lose 'their' place. I too expected to read that she'd used her hacking skills to ensure her bid was chosen, but putting in an 'at cost' bid's a pretty good way to do it too.

But, you know, I'm confused. There was nothing in the correspondence we've seen - so far - that would indicate W & T have progressed beyond being friends, and yet they're flirting and neither of them is thinking - WTH? Maybe it was in the letters, etc, but was too subtle for me (read, not stated in plain words, preferably of one syllable.)? And.... they've just had some huge rift leading to them not talking for ages. Don't get me wrong - I'm happy they're flirting, and that there's even a little kiss, but (whining) I don't understand (end whining). How did they get from a to b and they're not even a little bit surprised?

I'm enjoying the story, can't wait for the next update!
Anne

[watty]

Written communication vs personal communication. How different are they? To me, very different. The inevitable time lapse of letters and emails, (and even IMs) cannot possibly compare with seeing, touching and hearing the nuance of a personal conversation. [Yes, I know I have no nuance, but some other people around here might.] Yes, it's possible to establish and maintain intimacy through the written media, but real personal intimacy can never be truly established until there is face-to-face contact.

What's the point of this train of thought? I read this chapter again, cos it's been a few weeks, I remember the discussion on who is sitting where and all that. What I didn't do when I read this the first n times was to try to put myself in the shoes of either Willow or Tara. How do they feel about the years of letters and emails? How close do they feel towards the other? *looks up at Anne's fb* Is it possible for them to be so intimate so soon after seeing each other again?

The answer is, I don't know. I suspect you don't know either, although you probably have a better idea. Theirs is not exactly a long distance relationship, they weren't a couple when they parted all those years ago. But their intimacy has been established, through all the correspondences. It's like they took the memories of each other as 14 year olds and built on it through those exactly correspondences. Does Willow have a true picture of what Tara is like now, and vice versa? Perhaps, and only time will tell.

What I think they do, is have a picture of what they think the other is like. An idealized version, if you will. But hey, what about the fight? In the larger scheme of things, the fight might have done them good, in that they haven't kept the other on a pedestal. They've been made to seriously think about what they want from this relationship, what they feel about the other (though possibly not acknowledging those feelings just yet) what role they played in the fight and lastly, what kind of future they are looking for.

I really don't have a good handle on what I'm talking about, heehee. What I think I'm trying to say is, they do know each other, there is a connection there. May be they're not fully aware of the extent, but it's there. More importantly, there is a sense of ease between them that is rare for 2 people in those circumstances. Which is why they're able to slip into this big comfort zone around each other so quickly. I think that subconsciously, and as quickly as chemicals can transfer across brain synapses, they each thought about it, and processed it.

The two spent a few more minutes just looking at each other, taking in each other's presence.

and

The memories of being with you in this place always made me feel better.

and

It reminds me of us when we used to play here.

What I think happened, was their brains brought out all the memories, and said, "yes, I love those memories, ergo I love the person who shares these memories with me."

And when the brains moved on from the memories, they quickly caught up with the other parts of establishing intimacy - the flirting, staring at lips, holding hands, the KISSES on cheeks - seem to flow so naturally. It's believable.

Okay, enough of trying to deep thought this, cos I'm no good at it.

The other thing that strikes me most in this chapter is the $1 bid. LOL every time. You know, as a writer, it's a constant challenge to come up with inventive and amusing ideas and anecdotes for our readers' amusement. It would already have been great to have Willow describe how she won the bid by her brilliant design, usage of environmental friendly materials or something equally special, and I would have given you a big pat on the back for that already. Instead you upped the ante and added the $1 fee aspect, which is at once ingenius and so in character for Willow. In other words, you took a good idea and good plot point and made it even more excellenter.

Oh, this is my 800th post, and no, I didn't deliberately left fb so late so I could get my 800 post in, it didn't occur to me until this morning. Anyway who cares, watty?
[br]

[JustSkipIt]

Car,

Well, you know I was out of town all weekend which kind of adds up to late and lame feedback. This update is of course adorable and sweet. I have to admit that I kind of figured the entire park thing. I noticed that you referenced other people being there whereas before it seemed to be a private space. I also said to myself, “how did it get to be a park?” and came up with Willow designing it. Add that to the e-mails and it all makes sense. This type of reasoning is pretty darned unusual for me so I’m kind of impressed. Anyway, what a very cute plan from Willow and doing it while in school? So impressive but I’m sure she got some extra credit or a credit hours or something for it.



Now the bad news: ok they’re going to get food. That’s not bad news. What’s bad news? We’re all waiting here for the bad stuff. They seem so smitten and happy to be together and staring at each other and kissing and all that. But…



But we know it’s coming. The fight. The why. The year without speaking. Guilt or anger. Etc. = badness. Arggghhh!



Well done.

[Darth Pacula]

G'day, Carleen.

I just read the whole thing ( up to now that is, because I haven't quite got a handle on the whole telepathy thing yet ) and the first comment that popped into my head is ... oh crap. Here I am reading along happily, I notice I've got one more page left, so I think 'Cool, should be at least one more update to read'. Then I hit next page and splat! One piece of feedback from Debra, and that's it! Arrgh! I'm left here all abuzz with anticipation and needing closure, but I have to wait? I reiterate ... oh crap.

My piss-weak attempts at humor aside, you've got a little rip snorter of story going here. The whole concept of reconnecting after an absence of 8 whole years is rife with possibilities, and I can't wait to see where you take it.

The way in which important information such as ... well okay, pretty much everything for the past eight years is being doled out gradually, in a fashion that seems totally natural and organic has got me on tenterhooks. Which is marginally better than fish hooks, and way better than meat hooks.

You've managed to keep all of the people we love in character, despite the fact that this is an AU, which I'm loving by the way. After all, it was these people who got me so into the show in the first place all those years ago.

The use of letters and e-mails to cover the not-inconsiderable time elapsed works a treat. We learn just enough to give us an idea of the major events in their lives, but are left with enough questions to keep us chomping at the bit to learn more.

Then there's the little asides giving us more information at the same time as we're properly introduced to Buffy and Xander. In regards to Xander, can I just say I love the word schpadoinkle. I found myself repeatedly saying it as I walked to work today. I was just so much fun to say. ( Then my day went in the crapper, what with coughing so much I hurled. Then, when I get home after leaving early, planning to visit the board to cheer myself up, the sodding power was out. Arggh! )

The biggest question at the moment seems to why what caused the rift? My money is on Tara having to cancel her trip ( possibly because her Mum had a bad patch ) and Willow totally overreacted, which led to both of them saying things they didn't mean and snowballing from there. That being said, now that I've actually stated my opinion, Murphy's Law suggests that I now am inevitably way off the mark.

It's always nice to see Tara with the type of family she deserved to have. Looks like you haven't even killed off her mother. Good on you. I'm liking how you showed Donnie's evolution from the arch enemy to good friend states of being a sibling. I know I like my brother more now, even if the big boofhead still bugs me at times, so it definitely rings true.

All in all, bloody fantastic, Carleen.

I could say more, but I might go lie down now, I don't think the monitor is supposed to be swaying.

Bye for now,
Paul.

[Leafsdude]

*Looks up at Darth's post in awe and worry...*

I can't beat that...Damn it!

Oh well, I'll try.

Okay, the best way to discribe this chapter, to me, is...

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

I was worried for a bit there, but it all turned out great. Now, I wonder how long Buffy will be chasing them around town for.

“Oh…well…okay.” Willow looked down at her skirt. “Um…my…uh…fee…yeah…it was…nun holler.” Willow purposefully mumbled the final words, hoping Tara could somehow translate.

“What was that, Will?”

Willow heaved a dramatic sigh and repeated her answer.

“One dollar.” Willow glanced at Tara out of the corner of her eye.

Go figure that Willow would feel bad about something like that! So cute!

And what's with Tara's obsession with the word "okay"?

Great job so far, Carleen! Keep it up!

Now, update soon?

[Artemis]

Okay, so you got me with the park, and me thinking Willow and Buffy's big project was the Espresso Pump At least it's not as bad as when I went through 95% of Cam's 'Secrets and Spies' convinced that it would end up involving magic giant robots somehow.

I loved this chapter - the warmth between Willow and Tara was so strong. Tara letting Willow put her head in her lap, and it being as if they'd never left - it really showed the bond between them. It's like part of them has always been there, no matter where the rest of them has been in the intervening eight years.

I am curious though about the situation that arose prior to Tara's would-be visit earlier - the way they edged into kissing, and reacted to each other, it doesn't seem like their argument was over Willow declaring her love for Tara, and getting upset that it didn't go to plan. It all seemed so... fresh, you know? Not like it had come up before, and been argued over. So, I wonder what it was. Ah well, next chapter - or, perhaps, sometime in the next couple of dozen chapters, the way things seem to go

So, will Buffy catch up to them before they head off? Stay tuned... (well, I guess you'd be the one who's supposed to say that, but it seemed like it fit there.)

[Graceland]

Well I for one am very relieved to see the easy way they fall into a pattern of physical affection and teasing. I mean it's so obvious that they love each other and whatever they fought about is something they will have to deal with but they've agreed (unspoken) to set that aside. For the time being they are just enjoying each other and learning a little about their time apart: the park. Of course, I know the fight will come back and they have to deal with it but first on to dinner and Buffy asking about their orgasms or something equally appalling.

Well done.