Geek Love

[Candleshoe]

It was an unusual wish for her, she would normally have wished for a better job, or a new laptop, or something like that. Instead she had torn something from deep within her heart.

I want to fall in love.

*sigh*

That's it really, you know I'm no good at feedback!

Just a heartfelt, wistful, hopeful, can't-believe-how-much-your-amazing-writing-has-made-me-emotionally-invest-in-this, sigh.

[Thianne]

Just a heartfelt, wistful, hopeful, can't-believe-how-much-your-amazing-writing-has-made-me-emotionally-invest-in-this, sigh.

i know it's not my place to say this but....that was a beautiful feedback.

(and i really should go back and leave feedback myself )

[umgaynow]

There is a fine line between evil/cliff-hangery and just plain mean!!

[db]

Watty.

Another brilliant update!

The thing I like about your characters is that they are so authentically human -- I love that Faith is annoying and irritating and entirely amusing, and that Anya is dating Donny but Cordy is so out-of-the-loopy or clueless about everything that she jumps to the wrong conclusion. I *do* wonder what is up with Anya hiding that from Tara though. Isn't that a kinda wierd and untrustworthy thing for a friend to do? Ps Anya invited herself on that date -- she *knows* that Tara likes Willow. Why would she do that? I dunno. I liked Anya more before. And Tara called! Yay!

...and Willow decides to actually take up surfing. Is this because she thinks she needs a non-computer hobby? I thought she was going to come clean. This is not looling good.

But the paper?

Awww. Willow wants to fall in love.

You know how to pull on a girl's heart strings!

Yay!

db

[viximon]

" I want to fall in love" So sweet. Maybe is a kind of naive and stuff but I think is romantic. And lucky her, seems to me the wish is granted already (is happening subtle)
Donny apparence was a little "uh?" but in a interesting and refreshing way. And about Anya...can't wait to see what will be of Tara and Willow second date (yep yep, I know. Is not a date yada yada he he he. I just can't help see it that way. Like Anya, Faith or the geeklove chat crew) with her in it.
great fic, keep it up. My congrats on another update
See you around. take care

[mole]

She gently disentangled the fragile paper and read the wish. Perhaps it was a sign. She folded it up carefully and put it in a compartment of her wallet. It was an unusual wish for her, she would normally have wished for a better job, or a new laptop, or something like that. Instead she had torn something from deep within her heart.

I want to fall in love.[br]

Ouch...my heart goes out to Willow. Wanting love and not having it is such a painful and lonely place to be. Doesn't matter how many friends you have or how satisfied you are with work, there is always an emptiness with you. Okay, perhaps I'm projecting a bit...

Great update, Watty. Looking forward to the next dinner and Anya's interrogation of Willow.

Michelle

[willohand]

Yes missy miss I noticed and Im glad. So Im in like with this fic and growing more and more in like with it with each read. Even if Faith is being...well being faith from the show.

[JustSkipIt]

Watty - what a great update. I find it telling the contrast in friend support that the two girls have. Tara has Anya and Cordy only Cordy seems to be an actual negative support. Willow has ?faith? but no Xander and Andrew who seem to be totally in the game world and not her real world at all. Then Willow has the online friends who seem to act as a "truth" space for her. So even though I feel sad for her, it seems as if she has more than Tara in a way. I can't tell whether Anya insisting that she come is sweet or obnoxious. That should definitely be interesting.

[FineyMcFine]

watty, the plot thickens! First, Anya is dating Tara's brother Donnie? Whoa. And Donnie was dating someone named Beth who is his cousin in canon? Double whoa.

Dude, Tara let Anya invite herself along on her date. Hmmm. On the one hand, it was clever of Anya to try to shame Tara into admitting it was a date, but on the other hand, didn't Anya already know that Tara liked-her-liked-her? ("Her" being Willow, that is.) Anyway, I hope it doesn't end up awkwardly.

Willow was cute with the surfboard thing. I thought she was going to be in an arcade on a surfboard game, like at Dave and Buster's or something like that. I like the progress they're making!

[PancakesinBellies]

Oh, these two are so precious. Especially Willow. My heart aches for her. I love how supportive her online friends are, but that doesn't really replace having someone that you can talk to (and get hugs from) in person. However, her chat friends are a riot-makes me wonder what I've been missing out on all these years. I hope you update again soon!

[Artemis]

Oh, why does Willow have to choose now to listen to a word Faith says? As if being on a date with Tara, with Anya of all people tagging along, isn't going to be nerve-wracking enough for the poor girl.

But the chapter finished on such a sweet note - and I really liked Willow's wish. Not to 'have a girlfriend' or 'be getting hot Tara-snuggles' but just 'to fall in love' - no expectation of what'd happen after that, or how the other person would react, Willow just wished to find someone. And now she has. And she has to figure out the rest It's a good wish though, because Willow'll never have to wonder if the wishing tree made Tara fall for her, she's managing that all by herself (even if she doesn't realise it).

[watty]

Hi, here are replies for part 10. I'm on vacation, and we haven't been able to get the airport express to work in the hotel room. :( I'll try to update as usual this weekend.

*****

Vale

hi Sweetie, greetings!

it was funny, a bit sad in the end, and very very frustrating in the middle *rereads sentence* did that sound naughy only to me?

you are the only person who can turn a little angst into naughtiness, heehee. Bravo!

I do like the Anya, Faith and Cordy in this story -- they are meant to be ambigious; they are friends to Tara and Willow respectively, but their actions may not have the desired effects. Anya inviting herself to dinner wasn't made with Tara's interest in mind, of course she wants to see Willow for herself. And judge. Because Anya in this story, as in canon, is a judgmental character. Cordy is clueless, period. Faith really only thinks of Willow as entertainment.

the sad bit....well, who hasn't wished the same thing one time or another?

Exactly! Who doesn't want to fall in love? Sometimes it's not a matter of adding conditions, or making specific demands, it's the wanting of the feeling of being in love that is all. Will Willow get her wish? No prizes for guessing.

~~~~~

Alex

Willow has no illusions about Faith, and vice versa to be honest. Faith just wants to give Willow a hard time, even though it's not done with vindictiveness, she really is that self-centred. There are so many people in our lives who are unable to think about / give a hoot about how other people feel, as long as they are the centre of attention.

In fact, I see her ending up face down in a pile of mud with a few broken bones. (Sorry, but I kinda get large with the butch when it concerns Willow being sad/hurt, and I say and do things I don't really mean.)

Eeep, no violence in this thread please.

~~~~~

CandleShoe

I disagree that you're no good at feedback! Love your feedback! Love you--um, like a friend! I don't want to incur the wrath of Gemma.

Just a heartfelt, wistful, hopeful, can't-believe-how-much-your-amazing-writing-has-made-me-emotionally-invest-in-this, sigh.

I agree with Vale, that was beautiful. Thanks Shoey.

~~~~~

Sandi

*cracks up* sorrry! I'm not mean, really. and if you believe that, you'll believe anything.

~~~~~

db

-- I love that Faith is annoying and irritating and entirely amusing, and that Anya is dating Donny but Cordy is so out-of-the-loopy or clueless about everything that she jumps to the wrong conclusion.

*hugs db* you get it. You summarized the three sidekicks in this story (heh, are they the 3 muskateers?) better than I did. They really don't mean any harm, but most of the time they end up being in the say of W/T goodness. Heehee, and that is intentional.

Anya not telling Tara about Donnie. I think I should have been clearer -- Anya didn't know Tara and Donnie knew each other. If I had to write backstories for each of the characters, I'd have Donnie as being too busy traveling and not spending enough time with Anya that she hadn't had the time to introduce him. I think that the readers' reaction to Anya inviting herself to dinner is unanimous -- unwittingly she's ruined the date!

I agree that Willow should come clean instead of trying to learn how to surf. Because, surfing isn't easy. But then, her interactions with Tara so far had been full of her trying to be someone she wasn't. It will take time to realize that Tara likes her as her … give her some more time.

~~~~~

viximon

Willow's wish was naïve, but she isn't that experienced in these matters and I think it's something she would wish for.

Hee, I think we all know it's a date but neither Willow nor Tara will admit to themselves yet. It's sweet, I think. Give them some time. Thanks.

~~~~~

mole

I'm glad Willow's innocence (and naiviety) came through. She hasn't had any experience in romantic matters and I thought it was an appropriate wish -- to want to be part of that feeling but not being so demanding about who or how to fall in love. She isn't so lonely, because she has her chat group and Xander/Andrew, but none of that can substitute for being with someone who understands her and holds her heart. Yes, I do understand, don't worry about projecting, I'm sure you are stating what most of us want to say. Thanks.

~~~~~

willohand

Faith is being canon-like -- self-centered and getting her amusement at the expense of others. Glad you're liking the fic.

~~~~~

Debra

As usual you've managed to read more depth in the story. On the surface Tara has more closer friends but you're right, how supportive is Cordy? Anya *thinks* she's doing the best for Tara but it may backfire on her. Willow has her chat group, she is forced to tolerate Faith as a friend, it's more a matter of Faith forcing her way into Willow's friendship circle. Thanks for reading, Elvis. *hugs*

~~~~~

Sally

Yes Tara got steamrollered by Anya but she isn't at the "Willow and I are dating" stage yet and Anya makes a strange kind of sense. Anya has a better idea of the unspoken feelings between our girls than either one. I don't think she's trying to push Tara into action, rather that she's just being her nosey self.

Willow was cute with the surfboard thing. I thought she was going to be in an arcade on a surfboard game

I think she'd be pretty good at those arcade games too. I used to play the snowboard one and really enjoyed it. Thing is, they're nothing like the real thing. Which I think Willow realizes. She is sweet for trying to learn, though she is being too optimistic if she thinks she can learn so quickly.

~~~~~

highlandass25

You're right, no matter how supportive and great her chat group is, there's no substitute for friends you have around you in person, especially for matters of the heart. I'm not saying online friendships aren't real (otherwise some people will hurt me) but she needs a balance.

~~~~~

Chris

There is a big part of Willow who is insecure and a bit naïve. She knows she should not be listening to Faith, yet she can't shake off the girl's attention. Meeting Tara for a second time, let alone with Anya, will freak her out majorly. Yet it is her inate inability to say no that was what I was playing with -- she can't say no to Faith and she has to agree to Tara's request.

I really liked Willow's wish. Not to 'have a girlfriend' or 'be getting hot Tara-snuggles' but just 'to fall in love' - no expectation of what'd happen after that, or how the other person would react, Willow just wished to find someone.

I think a big part is that Willow doesn't expect to be lucky in love. In her mind she is a dork and doesn't deserve to … even though we'd all disagree. Dinner with Tara and Anya will be interesting. Thanks, Chris.

~~~~~
[br]

[Thianne]

:lol you are the only person who can turn a little angst into naughtiness, heehee. Bravo!

thanks honey

[watty]

I'm waiting for my next flight to SFO. yay for free airport wifi!

[hr]

Title: Geek Love
Author: watty
email: hiddenwatson@gmail.com
Distribution: please email me first
Rating: PG-13 to R
Disclaimers: BtVS characters and concepts belong to Mutant Enemy, Fox, The WB, UPN and others. Densha Otoko characters and concepts belong to Fuji Television, Toho Ltd and others.
Summary: Contemporary AU. Shy geek rescues and falls in love with perfect woman. No, does not compute.
Notes: this is based on the Japanese phenomenon, densha otoko ("train man"), which was supposed to be a true story and which begat a book, several manga series, a film, and a tv series. This is also my first attempt at fluff. Hee.
Notes 2: the IRC channel #geeklove actually exists on irc.blitzed.org, thanks to MistressWashi for setting it up for me.


Part 11

Sunday, at last.

Tara met Anya at the train station.

"I know what you're trying to do, Anya. It isn't necessary," Tara bit back a chuckle when Anya showed up in a severe school marm outfit that would scare off anyone, regardless of whether they were naughty school girls or Hermione Granger wannabes.

"I don't think so. Listening to you two talk on the phone, I think I'll need to start saving up for the bridal registry," Anya said.

"I told you. It's not like that!" Tara protested.

Anya gave her an even look. "We'll see."

"Don't you dare give her the third degree. You'll give her a fright," Tara wagged her finger at her friend, a brief flash of warning passed over her eyes.

"My my, aren't you the protective one," Anya smirked.

Tara gave Anya an exasperated look and made her way down the stairs to street level.

They had arranged to meet by the Central Library entrance. Willow was already there when she and Anya walked up. Her face lit up when she saw Tara, and Tara couldn't help smiling broadly back.

"I'm sorry we're late," she said, then chuckled that once again they were apologizing to each other.

"No, no. I only got here a few minutes ago," Willow replied. "And you're apologizing again. Thought we agreed to stop."

Tara laughed. "I was just having that exact thought. Alright, I won't apologize. Shall we go?"

"Lead the way please." Willow mock-bowed and allowed Tara to step out first. Tara acknowledged with a small curtsey.

Anya tapped purposefully on Tara's shoulder.

"Oh! I really am sorry! Willow, this is my friend Anya," Tara realized that she had forgotten that Anya was there and smiled sheepishly at her friend.

Anya looked Willow up and down. "So you're Tara's savior. I heard so much about you. I'm here to see if you are as perfect as Tara thinks you are," Anya fell into step with Willow, boldly stuck her hand out and shook Willow's with a very firm grip.

Willow had the look of someone who wanted to disappear down a rabbit-hole so Tara tried to step in to rescue her. "Anya is joking of course, aren't you Ahn?" she stared very hard at Anya, to make sure that her message got across.

"I'm just curious to get to know Willow better. I don't bite. Much," Anya said off-handedly.

Willow stayed silent but her visible recoil at Anya's words betrayed her disquietude. Tara reached over and squeezed Willow's elbow gently for reassurance, she was glad to see a small smile from the redhead.

Tara had chosen a quiet family-style pub/restaurant, well known for their ribs and pies, for this outing. She also read that the pub served a "mountain-sized" sundae and she was hoping that they could share one after the meal. They settled into their booth and ordered their drinks from the friendly waitress.

"Haven't we met somewhere before?" Anya asked suddenly.

Willow flushed and tried to hide behind her menu. She had recognized Anya as the snobbish girl who ran into her at the train station two weeks ago. The night that she rescued Tara from the old drunk.

"Really?" Tara asked curiously.

Anya peered more carefully at Willow. "No, I don't think so. The world isn't that small. I'll have the pot roast," she shrugged.

"I guess I have that sort of face," Willow ventured.

"I think you're very distinctive, Willow," Tara said.

"Look how cute you two are," Anya commented.

"Not really ..." they both said at the same time. Anya nodded and smiled mysteriously at the embarrassed laughter.

The waitress came by again and took their order. Anya sat up straighter and despite Tara's pleading looks, cleared her throat and reached for a piece of bread. "So Willow, Tara tells me you surf."

Willow almost choked on the water that she was drinking. "Um ..." she managed to choke out.

"You don't look the type," Anya added.

"Anya," Tara warned.

Willow looked everywhere but at Anya and Tara. "Actually ..." she tried to say.

"So where do you surf?" Anya leaned in and asked further.

Willow was completely at a loss. "I-i-i," she stammered.

"Have you ever surfed the North Beach? I heard the waves there are awesome," Anya said.

"Um, oh yes. North Beach. Yes," Willow mumbled.

"When is the best time of the year to go? Don't people say October or November?" Anya was relentless.

"Anya! Willow hurt her knee and hasn't been surfing much. Give her a break," Tara interjected.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I bet you get injured a lot, with the surfing," Anya continued.

Despite Tara's best attempts, Anya managed to ask Willow a thousand and one questions during the meal. Tara tried to change the topic a few times, but to no avail. Willow refused dessert when they finished the meal.

They said their good-byes outside the restaurant. Anya announced that she and Tara had something important to discuss. Tara knew it was an attempt to get her to join in a post-meal analysis of Willow. She wasn't sure if she wanted to participate.

She started to follow Anya's lead, then turned back toward a clearly perplexed Willow.

"I'm sorry it couldn't have been a quieter evening," she said softly.

"No, it's fine. I enjoyed it, kind of," Willow said ruefully.

Tara echoed Willow's sad smile. "I'll make it up to you next time," she said. It was more a question than a statement. "Unless you --"

"Of course I want to," Willow said quietly.

"Till next time then," Tara allowed herself a little happiness and hope. With a small wave she turned around and rapidly caught up with Anya. A few steps later she turned back around and watched as Willow made her way down the other side of the road. She wasn't watching where she was walking and stumbled on the uneven surface of the pavement.

Tara smiled indulgently.

*****

[blockquote]
I went home alone but I had a good time (sort of)

I think you did pretty good

I wonder what her friend really thought of you?
[/blockquote]

"She's boring." In a brightly lit coffee shop, Anya delivered her judgment.

Tara frowned. "You seemed to be having a good time. You were laughing a lot," she said.

"I was being polite," Anya said, reaching for the sugar for her coffee.

"What?" Tara scowled.

"All in all. I'd say she's not your type. You can do better."

"That's not fair. Earlier you were teasing me about bridal registries, now you're so dead set against her, like she did something to offend you personally."

"Let's see. Nice but lacks presence; not bad looking but forgettable. Klutzy and geeky. I wasn't impressed at all. She's a loser, Tara."

[blockquote]
she laughed a lot, I think I made a good impression

that's good

so what did the friend think about the two of you together?
[/blockquote]

"If you asked me, you have nothing in common," Anya took a large sip of her cappuccino and continued her analysis of the evening.

"I keep telling you, it's not like that," Tara protested. Yet again.

"And I keep telling you, she's interested in you. Now I see it for myself, she's definitely interested in you," Anya nodded to herself.

"How so?"

"She's in love with you. If she hadn't figured that out yet, she's at least infatuated."

[blockquote]
I think I made a friend

She said "you two are so cute."

So did you find out if Tara is with anyone?
[/blockquote]

"Be honest with yourself, aren't you treating her like a pet?" Anya and Tara had finished coffee and were walking toward the train station. They were on the pedestrian bridge that spanned over the expressway.

"That's not fair to compare a person with an animal," Tara pointed out. She was getting a little annoyed that Anya seemed to have nothing good to say about Willow.

"You're using Willow to get over, you know, HER. Pets can't heal broken hearts," Anya said pointedly.

"Willow isn't --"

"Hanging out with her won't erase what happened with Sam," Anya stated. She leaned against the railings of the bridge and watched the traffic below them. "I blame myself."

"Hold on a minute. It's not your fault."

"I introduced you."

Tara looked down at the cars and trucks, a faraway look in her eyes. "I'm probably not suited for falling in love," she sighed.

Anya closed the distance between them so that they were shoulder to shoulder and put her arms around Tara in comfort. "You're being ridiculous. Hiding won't help, you need to move on and embrace the future."

"So you're saying ..."

"Just as long as it's not Willow. She's not the right one, Tara. Let's get on home, I'm tired."

And with that Anya dragged Tara off the bridge of sighs.

*****

An hour later, after she had showered and changed into pajamas, Tara was still in a melancholy mood as she lay on her bed, idly tracing the patterns on her duvet with her fingers. She jumped when her cellphone rang, but the surprise turned into a smile when she saw the name on the caller display.

"Hi. I'm so glad you called." She hoped she didn't sound too needy, that was exactly how she felt at that moment.

"It's not too late? I want to make sure you got home safely," the pleasant voice at the other end said. Willow of course.

"Yes I did, thanks."

"I'll decide on the next restaurant then," Willow said, a little hesitantly. "That is, if it's okay and you still want to hang out."

Tara sensed Willow's nervousness coming off in waves. She thought back to Anya's take on Willow and her advice about moving on. You're wrong, Anya. There and then she decided to take the plunge. "Take me to the beach?" she asked.

She thought she heard a muffled thump and was about to ask if everything was okay. "Beach. Um, okay," Willow hesitated.

"You don't have to, if you don't want to," Tara backtracked.

"No. The beach is fine. Finey McFine," Willow still sounded far away. "Um Tara, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Talking like this is great but, if it's not a problem ... the thing is, cellphones can't always be used in elevators or when your boss is watching over you from his desk or inside tunnels, not that I go in tunnels a lot. What I mean is if you don't mind giving it to me, and you so do not have to, can I, can I have your email address? I'm on the computer all day at work and .... darn, I don't even know if you are allowed to give out your work email, or if you have a personal email. It's just, it'll be nice to correspond with someone who isn't asking stupid questions or making unreasonable demands," Willow blurted out.

Tara laughed at Willow's outpouring of words. "Yes I have email. My home PC doesn't work, so it'll have to be from work."

They exchanged addresses and Willow promised to send her an email in the morning to establish contact.

"Your home computer doesn't work? Have you asked someone to look at it?" Willow asked later, a little incredulously.

"Not really, it's a few years old. I've been meaning to buy a new one, I never got round to it," Tara said.

"I can help! Uh, that is, if you want me to?" Willow said hopefully.

"Well, we can go to the computer shop after we've been to the beach," Tara suggested.

"Good plan," Willow's smile was evident from even the other side of the conversation.

"This weekend? Oh no, I can't. It's my brother's restaurant's grand opening, I promised to help," Tara hoped Willow didn't think she was being so forward, but she somehow needed to have the reassurance.

"Next weekend?" Willow's hopeful tone was just as obvious.

"It's a dat-- um, I'll mark my diary." Tara wished the two weeks would pass quickly already.

*****
[br]

[Boschi]

Ahhhhhh.... weekend update. Oh, I like this schedule business.
Just like a dog, I am, love my routines.

Much cuteness in this one, much bitchyness of Anya, and a decided dose of dread. Egads, the beach, the beach. Fun stuff.

However, I do note that there was no mention made of the food consumed. And as I am, in the words of not just one, but three of my close friends, a complete "food whore", I have to say I missed this.

They are restaurant friends after all.

C'mon, tell me about the potatoes. There had to be potatoes. Fried? Mashed? Maybe caramalized onions on top? And the sundae! You teased. You almost promised. Yet no description of dripping butterscotch, luscious cherries, or creamy goodness.

I ache for that sundae, Watty. I ache.

Your appreciative, yet sundae-wanton fan,

Boschi

P.S. I wanna be someone's restaurant friend. Hell, I'll be anyone's restaurant friend. (This attitude really does explain the "food whore" title...)

[diamondforever]

Oooo, and Willow's beginning to move in for the kill! That was so cute. Pure Anya with the questions, of course, and there was no other way it could have gone down!

Excellent update.

[db]

Watty.

Anya is a big fat dummy.

OK.So Willow is a little geeky. She *so* isn't forgetable... and Tara in this story is a bit more refined, but I suspect she has her geek moments too. I'm mad at Anya for squelching Tara's interest... I am just hoping that Anya is kinda doing a reverse psychology thing to get Tara to admit her interest... but I suspect not. What I do suspect is that maybe Anya is s bit chagrinned regarding her earlier behavior toward Willow... and I am *sure* Willow remembers. Anyway, I am somewhat surprised that Anya let the whole recognition thing slide or forgot or whatever. I suspect that will revisit us... especially if Willow comes clean to Tara about it.

...and beach? This whole surfiing thing is getting really blown out of proportion. I am thinking that it will be a large snafu!

But the email address asking was cute -- and Willow fixing Tara's computer or shopping with her? That sounds like an invitation to a person's home is forthcoming.

Well, I can hope, right?

Oooh, and I musn't forget to tell you: Yay. You updated!! I love it!!

db

[Thianne]

sweetie, i'll leave feedback as soon as i read it

ETA: anya is a bitch! of course, it's also very funny the way you portray her, but jesus! she's really not helping those two! of course they will end up together.....i'd be curious to know her reaction, when she'll be forced to hang out with them. will their relationship (willow and anya's) stay....strained?

ohhhh, i'm intriguing myself

of course, i'll hop on the "I'm-outraged-willow's-NOT-forgettable" train. forgettable?!? for you, amybe, you....you skank!

they are so cute together, anyway.....making plans for future DATES and all.

i can't wait for the next update....and sorry if this feedback was a bit short

[mole]

She started to follow Anya's lead, then turned back toward a clearly perplexed Willow.
"I'm sorry it couldn't have been a quieter evening," she said softly.
"No, it's fine. I enjoyed it, kind of," Willow said ruefully.
Tara echoed Willow's sad smile. "I'll make it up to you next time," she said. It was more a question than a statement. "Unless you --"
"Of course I want to," Willow said quietly.

What a heart-warming exchange...sigh...the early stages of falling in love are so sweet, for lack of a better work. These two are starting to open up to each other, getting to know each other, becoming important in one another's lives. But I'm concerned about Tara's reaction to Willow's little white lie. Not only did Willow lie to Tara about surfing, but now Tara has defended Willow from Anya's interrogation about waves and North Beach. When the truth is revealed (I have no doubt it will be, the truth always comes to light), I suspect Tara will be hurt and embarassed. Not good feelings upon which to build a relationship. Willow should step up and come clean, and soon.

Computer shopping should be fun. Here's hoping Tara invites Willow over to set it up.

Thanks for the update, Watty. It's a great way to start the work week.
Michelle

[JustSkipIt]

Hmmm. I'm starting to get very frustrated here. I mean I feel like W/T have some gooey feelings toward each other. You know that they might just "like-like" each other. But that this point, I feel like they need a full set of instructions and flash light to ever get anywhere. I mean, there's Willow's backup singers but I'm not sure that she's got the chops to sing lead in their band. She's just so... passive? You know? I mean e-mail was a good idea and I'm thinking that e-mail maybe she can get out the surfing confession (which I hope she does).

Anya is just atrocious! She didn't let Willow get in a word and then ripped her apart to Tara. I give her demerits. I did enjoy the way that you contrasted Willow's "happy date" feelings with Anya's boorish behavior. It seems like if Anya hadn't been there, Willow might have come clean on the surfing misundersatnding. That would have been a relief.

But alas...

[Guppy]

2 more updates! Quite exciting! Poor Willow. Anya tagging along would be torturous. I'm glad Tara doesn't listen to An.

[simplyblue]

I can't believe I managed to miss 3 updates! Which I promptly sat down and read right in a row, leaving me with a kinda pleasant, kinda wistful, kinda kerfuffled feeling. Here are some of my immediate reactions

On Part 9:

OMG, I can totally see Willow getting to the restaurant hours ahead of time. The whole restaurant scene made me smile. I completely empathize with Willow's lie; I can see how it seems easier to acquisce to a misunderstanding than to clear it up, especially if you think your life and your interests aren't particularly worthy. Obviously, we know that Willow is uber-interesting, but Willow doesn't know that. Yet.



On Part 10:

Tara breaks down and calls Willow (after hoping Willow wil call her first) THE VERY NEXT DAY?! And neither of them is ready to admit they were on a date? We're talking some seriously clueless people here. Willow I understand--this whole dating thing is completely new to her. But Tara appears to be more socially ept. (It is too a word...) Maybe it's b/c this fic is written from Willow's POV, but it sounds like Tara's got some denial issues going on. That said, they're utterly sweet and adorable.

I hate Faith.


On Part 11:

I'm interested in Anya. It strikes me that she's trying to do the right thing by Tara, but that she's so blinded by her biases that her actions are betraying her intent. I also suspect Willow was feeling particularly uncomfortabe grilled and that her insecurity about herself came through.

"Take me to the beach?" she asked.

*Swoon*

Cheers,
Blue

[bluebird]

Excellent update as usual!!

awww poor Willow thinking Anya is a new friend when she couldn't be further from the truth.

I thought with Anya tagging along there would have been more blush worthy conversation than what happened

Tara obviously values Anya's friendship and advice but damn it Tara do not listen to a word she says 'cause she's just

so deal!!

Looking forward to the next part

[willohand]

Plaese do not let that anya get in the way of willow and tara. They are sooooooo right for the other. Oh please make Faith and Anya go away some how. But you cant coz they are part of the plot damn it.

[SithLordWiccan]

First off, Watty, I wanted to apologize for my behavior in previous replies. It's not really meant to be mean towards you or your writing style. It's just that, after having written a rather emotional and dramatic story of my own in which it took forever for Willow and Tara to get together, I just wanted to read a fluff story with no real angsty moments. And that is what this story really is, I guess. But I was kinda hoping for more comedy moments and less angsty moments.

At least I can justify Anya making Willow uncomfortable. After all, you've already shown that she has Tara's best interests at heart, even if they're a bit skewed. Though I have to admit that it didn't really come off in this chapter. Naturally, Faith deserves (and will not deserve) that same level of respect. I honest can't wait to see what happens to her.

Can't wait to see the trip to the beach.

[Auriam]

I'm not the first, i think the last who will tell you that your story is good, no very good more than that !
It's my first feedback so please forgive me if i didn't do it right !
I read your story since the first day and i pass my time to see if you have updates ! ! ! (i know i have no life !)
and i really want to thank you, you and all the autors who keep making the dream living, with stories, comics and Watchers ! ! !
thank very much

Waiting for your updates
Aurélie

[RageMore7]

very lovely

sionan

[PancakesinBellies]

Poor Willow. Part of me thinks that Tara just needs to hit Anya with a shovel...and then Faith. Yes, Faith needs to be hit with a shovel as well. *nods firmly* As always, lovely interactions between the girls, but they need to stop pussy-footing around so much and start...ummm...I'm just going to stop right there. But you get the idea. More soon please!

[Candleshoe]

I'm a big fan of the slow-burn kinda romance, and this is definitely on the lowest setting possible...maybe some frolicking in the sand will help to heat things up a bit?

Mind you, with Anya I've-made-up-my-mind-and-that's-the-way-it's-staying harping on in Tara's ear, I worry...

Hopefully she will want to smack Anya upside the head with a damp haddock as much as I did, and will therefore ignore every word she said. Apart from that thing about moving on and embracing the future - that was good advice.

I'm still on the edge of my seat, Watson....

[watty]

Boschi

LOL I like this schedule business too, it's useful to have. And yes, Ms Pie, I remember the pies. Food whoring is great, IMHO. After all, there isn't much else in this world worth whoring for (did I just make no sense?). If it amuses you, you might want to read about the review of the restaurant that they visited. There are other Sunnydale restaurants on that review page too.

Oh, and Anya's being annoying, yes.

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diamondforever

Thanks! Anya is being her usual irritable self, but I didn't want it to drag on, so I didn't go with so many probing questions.

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db

I think Anya isn't the most popular person in this thread right now. And rightly so. She forgets Willow not because Willow is geeky but because Anya hasn't noticed her. Anya genuinely hasn't remembered Willow, because in her eyes that girl in the train station is of no importance to her. Tara is more refined in this story than in canon, I'm trying to show her as not so familiar with geeky stuff, though she is interested in geeks in a "I have no idea what geeks do but I think they could be fun" kind of way. Willow, email and computer shopping -- it all fits into Tara's idea of geeks. It will be interesting.

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Vale

Glad you found Anya bitchy but not totall hateworthy, she really is thinking only of Tara's interest. Like I said to db, Willow isn't forgetable, it's Anya who doesn't pay any attention to her surroundings. Which is pretty much par for the course.

Oh yes, Tara's little slip o' tongue about the "date" -- more soon.

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mole

Yep, the glimmer of feelings is there, though I don't want them to opening up too quickly. Willow is supergeeking and inexperienced; but Tara has her reservations too. It'll take a little while, but I won't make you wait too long. There is a significance about Willow's white lie, which will be revealed soon. You're right, the truth will always come to light, no matter how much we want to hide it. Thanks!

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Debra

Ack. Frustration is not good, though understandable. There are feelings bubbling between W and T, you're right. And they seem clueless about how to proceed, you're right about that too. I suppose there's a certain amount of self-projection there, that oftentimes it's easier to be an observer than to be the ones in the thick of things. Plus passive and waiting for things to happen ... yeah, that can be real too, at least in my life. Like your analogy about the online group being backup singers, and perhaps Willow needs some more push to be the lead singer.

Definitely demerits to Anya! She does seem to fluctuate between concern for Tara and her own self-centered view of the universe. Good observation about Willow coming clean, she has gotten herself stuck in a situation that is of her own doing, and probably not getting better. Who knows what would have happened if it was only them at the dinner. Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions, makes me wish I hadn't finished the story because I can go back and edit. It's a little difficult now.

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Guppy

The Tara-Anya dynamic is interesting. Tara listens to Anya, but I also wanted to show that she has her own thoughts on the situation and not blindly following Anya's advice. Thanks for reading!

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simplyblue

Hi! Thanks for reading through the 3 updates in one go, a few things have happened!

I really wanted the subtle comic effect of Willow going to the restaurant hours early. She is that anxious. Re: the lie, it basically spiralled out of control out of a small misunderstanding. I hope it comes across as true to life.

I think that they're both quite clueless with this dating business, and neither are ready to fully acknowledge the attraction they are inevitably feeling. You're absolutely right in that this fic is mostly from Willow's pov, that we see more of her insecurities than Tara's. We see Tara as how Willow sees her, the flawless goddess, when in fact Tara has her own insecurities too. Thanks for spotting this.

I hate Faith.

short, succinct and to the point. I think this is the general feeling towards Faith, she is meant to be annoying.

I'm interested in Anya. It strikes me that she's trying to do the right thing by Tara, but that she's so blinded by her biases that her actions are betraying her intent.

fantastic analysis. That is exactly how Anya is -- we can't deny that Anya is trying to be good to Tara but she's going about it all in the wrong way. Stay with me on this one, I promise it'll be fine. Eventually.

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bluebird

I hope the juxtaposition between Willow's conversation with her friends and Anya's with Tara had the effect of contrasting how two people went to the same dinner but came away with vastly different outcomes. I didn't want to drag out the Anya grilling Willow part, thought it's easier to leave some to the readers' imagination. Tara traditionally has listened to Anya but slowly she's coming to the conclusion that may be she needs to trust her feelings more. Next update this weekend.

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willohand

Yep, Willow and Tara are so right for the other. They'll get there, stay with me.

Oh please make Faith and Anya go away some how. But you cant coz they are part of the plot damn it.

yes the dilemma of a writer -- keep the annoying people or develop the story. Faith and Anya still have more part to play though.

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Alex

Well, this is as much fluff as I can do. Any more fluffier and it'll become candyfloss. The comedy is more subtle, I'm not used to doing out-and-out comedy. Oh heck, why don't I admit it, I'm not Cam, I'm an angst writer trying comedy. Hope I'm still doing okay. Anya does want to look out for Tara, even though her actions sure don't feel like it. At least she cares more for Tara than Faith for Willow. Still, these two will hang around, they make the story interesting.

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Aurélie

Hi and welcome to the thread. I'm really flattered that you decided to add your lovely feedback, thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying the story, I promise all will be well at the end. There will be interesting moments! Thanks again.

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RageMore7

Thank you.

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highlandlass25

Actually you're right, the frustrations with Anya and Faith do deserve some sort of shovel hitting. The girls do need to stop pussy-footing, but they each have internal insecurities to overcome. It's all the fun part of discovery! Thanks!

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Ms Shoe

Slow-burn romance, eh? Infinite patience as long as the ultimate outcome is satisfactory? I can understand that. Anya's antics seems to have overshadowed the Willow/Tara dynamic, but then again that's Anya isn't it.

smack Anya upside the head with a damp haddock

haddock!!! much better than the shovel, if I may say so. Tara has listened to Anya in the past, but she's slowly coming to the conclusion that she has to let her own feelings take the priority for once. Slow-burn, eh? Great fb, by the way, Ms Shoe.

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