Fic - Living in Shadows

[Muttley]

Yay - both quantity and quality of update - can't argue with it



Jayne

[MadeinNZ]

Nice.

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


"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

[Ghostwriter]

Puff, nice job, loved the smoochies. Oh yeah I loved the line. "Nothing hurts when you're with me," just beautiful. Thanks for sharing

[Tulipp]

Puff, very sweet. I love how they declare their love for each other first, then say they're dating. *s*

"Something's bound to begin.
It's going to happen, happen sometime,
Maybe this time...."
--Kander and Ebb, "Cabaret"

[mollyig]

That was truly beautiful. I love the image of the tiny tinkerbell light being magnified by their love, chasing the darkness away.

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[Puff]

Hey just replies to your kind feedback.



FaithWL

*waves* horsey hugs coming your way from Jack



KittyKo

Hey stranger,long time no see I am glad you are enjoying the story any chance it is inspiring drawings?



jdcioffi

Reading fanfic is a vacation. I am very happy that you are enjoying the story and I hope you like the last part And as for sweet, it was going to be datk but it turns out I write all happy fluffy bunnies that would only really scare Anya.



emma peel

Thanks. Sweetness and romance, well it is Willow and Tara and they sort of inspire those feelings within me



Tigg

Thanks you. I was so worried that the kiss would suck, so I am very glad that you liked it.



Drakkenfyre

Hee hee yes Yoda



Xita

I'm glad you are enjoying the story and I hope you like the last part And yes I agree it was important for Tara to tell Willow what was going on. Thanks for posting the feedback.



Scout

Ah *blush* well more smoochies in the last part and I am really pleased that you like the story.



Muttley

hee hee thank you although I am not sure about quality. It is a kind thing for you to say though



MadeinNZ

Thanks



Ghostwriter

Thank you that was one of my favourite lines as well Glad you like the story.



Tulipp

*Grin* I think that is just Willow's way of getting everything categorised in her head, she likes ot know where she stands at all times. Thank you for the feedback you have given me, it's nice to know that people are reading the story.



Mollyig

Thanks The whole part about light and dark is always something I have found symbolic. I think that love is actually strong enough to chase away some of that dark. Here ends my sappiness Anyway I am glad that you are enjoying the story.



That's all folks the last part will be up later today, I just have to go and take my pessky maths final first and then I'll come back and post it.

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[TareBearRS]

Sweet !!!

I am soo happy for them, Tara just says such a wonderfull thing here and Willow's responce is so amazing.



They are dating woohoo!!!



I'm gonna be sorry to finish this fic cause i really enjoy it.



R.

[Puff]

TareBearRS

Thank you it makes writing worthwhile to know people have enjoyed it, I hope you like the end



Title: Living in Shadows

Author: Puff

Feedback: This is my first and only attempt at a long story so if it sucks sorry. Please send comments etc to puff614@hotmail.com

Summary: Dark Tara centric story. Willow does appear but I am warning you there will be some badness. This is AU as well. That stands for my reality.

Spoiler Warning: None at all.

Disclaimer: I didn't create these characters. I do, however, love them. I'm not making any money off of them though.

Rating: R – G This part is a PG I think.

Notes: Thanks to my wonderful beta reader Drakkenfyre who has made it possible for me to update daily . And love as always to spuckie.



Part 18



The stars looked brighter tonight; maybe it was just that everything looked brighter to Tara now that she was with Willow. It was as if Willow pushed back the dark. Had it only been a day? She let her mind drift to the events of the previous evening feeling a smile tug the corners of her lips upwards when she remembered the kissing and touching that had gone on the night before.



Willow had only left her side once and that was to call Buffy. A quick phone call had explained everything to the other blonde. Tara heard the squeal of delight that Buffy had made, causing Willow to move the receiver a foot away from her ear, when Willow had told her that they were a couple. The rest of the night was spent wrapped up in each other, they had shared stories and Tara had found herself at times simply staring at the other girl, drinking in the sight before her. She had giggled when Willow requested that Tara pinch her to prove the night was real, but was secretly pleased for the confirmation that all of this was really happening.



Waking up next to Willow was perfect. Tara knew that however many times she got to repeat this moment she would never grow tired of it. Just having the opportunity to reach out and touch the other girl, or watch her sleep, hearing her breathe. ‘Sometimes it feels too much. The feelings I already have for Willow overwhelm me. No overwhelm that was wrong, they…’ Tara searched for the right words and smiled when she got them, ‘…They complete me.’



Having to leave each other and go to classes the next morning had been hard. They had only managed to separate after many kisses and reassurances that they would meet that evening and spend the night together again.



She moved closer to the redhead hearing the other girl make a sigh of contentment when Tara’s arms wrapped around her waist.



“How are you doing baby?” Willow asked “Not too cold?”



Tara shook her head but Willow pulled the blanket higher up around them anyway. They had brought a large patchwork blanket onto the dormitory roof so they could lie there and gaze at the stars. Really it was just an excuse to cuddle…not that they needed an excuse.



“I talked to Giles today.” Tara felt Willows hand stroke her hair, loving the touch and feelings it invoked in her. “He’s going to do some research.”



“D-did you tell him everything?”



“Yes, I thought it might be useful and I didn’t want to leave anything out if it was useful.” Willow explained. “Was that ok?” She sounded worried but Tara was quick to reassure her.



“I trust you Willow.”



“I didn’t tell him too much?”



She pulled herself up until she was level with Willow’s face where a slight frown was marking the redheads forehead. “I trust you.”



She gazed into the redheads’ eyes marveling at the emotions that they displayed: love, pride, acceptance and arousal all were visible. Her head moved forward on instinct claiming Willow’s mouth with a searing kiss that left both of them breathless.



Tara felt Willow’s arms go around her pulling her close until her head was resting on the redheads chest, she listened to the steady thump thump of the heart beating under her ear, wondering how she had ever gotten this lucky.



She’d come a long way in such a short space of time. The bruises that covered her body were slowly disappearing taking with them the lingering pain they had caused. And she no longer felt afraid. She had come to Sunnydale trying to claim back her life. ‘Sunnydale the Hellmouth.’ Tara mussed. And now her life was beyond what she had ever hoped to imagine for it. She was happy, safe and loved.



‘Momma you’d be proud of me I think. I’m not afraid anymore. I don’t live in shadows…I live in light.’



The End



Thanks to everyone who read the story and enjoyed it enough to post feedback. It really made the writing of it worthwhile. I have a sequel in mind and people want me to write it I will. The idea would be that The Maclay’s come to Sunnydale. So if you want me to write, just say so and I’ll give it some serious thought. As a side not if you have or still are a victim of this (or any kind) of abuse I ask you to please seek help. Things can get better for you.

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[shootingstar]

I just wanted to say I loved this stor yand I'm all for a sequel..in fact I beg of it! So I offer my round of applause and thank you for a truly great story!



Luv Star x

***
No it was the frogs! Take them! They stole the pie...
-Sleeping Willow in Loco2's >insert imaginative title here<

[Shadow ALH]

What a great ending to a great fic! I would also request a sequel! This story is just too good to be over quite yet.

[Muttley]

I not only would like you to write a sequel - dammit, I demand it! (But in a nice way 'cos you know, not large with the butch )



This story has been a joy to read and I look forward to seeing where you'll take us with the next one.



Thanks for writing this



Jayne

[Catwalks]

the whole fic was simply stunning



i'll add my vote for a sequel - soon please!!!



B

"Dude! like you're getting in the Boob light alright!" - AB Stuff photoshoot

[Drakkenfyre]

Hey Little Dragon, I just wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for taking the risk of having me as your beta reader. I was honored that you asked and even felt even more priviledged to have actually been there for you. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. And with me. You already have my vote for the sequel. Should you ever need me...Just whisper my name...

"In my world there are people in chains and we ride them like ponies."

[Tiggrscorpio]

Puff, this was simply a lovely story. I'm so happy they are together and have each other. They both deserve to be happy. Let's see, do I want you to write a sequel. Let me think for a second. Well, of course, I do. I'll be looking forward to it. Thank you for sharing this. It was beautiful!

*****

She's my everything!

[Scout]

Oh, that was great! I love that she thought of her mother at the end. You need to do the sequel, Puff. It feels like this story won't be complete without it. Please!



Thanks for this one. It was very enjoyable!

[Slick Whiskas]

Oooh, so sweet! Yes, do a sequel, please!



-Civet ( *

"...and the cat likes overhearing children's stories"- Amelie




Ne-yow! >^..^<

[mollyig]

I trust you I love that you used that line.



That was a wonderful journey you took us on, thanks so much.

Adding up the total of a love that's true, multiply life by the power of two
Indigo Girls

[MadeinNZ]

Sequel please. Loved this story and will be keen to read the next.

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


"When someone falls for Willow, they stay fallen" - Normal Again

[FaithWL]

You know how i feel about the story and the sequel, but I'll say it again

I want it, i want it, i want it :p

This was a great end, and you know i love you for writing this :)

Looking forward to the sequel.



*-XxX-* Stefanie



Ohh, and P.S: *Waves-*

Tara: "There are 4 things i love... Willow, obviously, Sleeping, eating and showering."
Xander: "And preferbly all 4 combined?"
Buffy: "Xander!"
Xander: "What? Sleeping with Willow, showering with Willow and eating......uhm..never mind."

[Tulipp]

Well, I would really like a sequel. This was such a nice story, and the whole thing took place over a pretty short span of time (not that I would know anything about that). I hope you continue; there's so much to go on with, and you've raised all kinds of issues: magic, abuse, love at practically first sight, etc., that you could do more with. Write away!

[TareBearRS]

I loved the ending, i am so happy for them.

Her mom is smiling down on her for sure.



I want the sequel!!!!!! i loved this story and i want more of the same!!!



R.

[oneinten]

Oh! Sequal please! I enjoyed this fic so much that I would love more!

[Puff]

First off I'd like to thank everyone that posted feedback for this story it really meant a lot to me and you'll be pleased to hear that it has given me the courage to attempt the sequel On to individual replies then.



shootingstar

Thanks I am pleased that you enjoyed the story.



Shadow ALH

It doesn't look like it is over yet, I have something in mind already. Now I just have to write it. Oh and I am very happy that you liked the story



Muttley

Hee hee whatever you say Ma'am keep your eyes out for a sequel. I'll try my best. Thanks for all the responses you gave throughout the story as well



Catwalks

Stunning? *blush* thanks



Drakkenfyre

There was no risk involved remember I value your insight And I feel I may call on you again sometime



Tigg

Thank you, I really valued your feedback throught the course of the story and I am glad you enjoyed reading



Scout

Thank you. Your words are very encouraging and I promise to sit down and try and get the sequel out of my head and onto word



Slick Whiskas

Thanks for reading I am glad you liked the story



Mollyig

Thanks for reading and posting feedback all the time, it is really great to know that I had people that followed this story. Oh and I just love that line as well



MadeinNZ

Oh well I will try my best to write it then I am very pleased that you enjoyed it, thanks for reading



Stefanie

*waves* ah thank you. I am pleased you liked the ending I almost stoped it at the part before



Tulipp

Thank you. I love reading what you write so it meant a lot to me to see that you took the time to post feedback. I have 6 weeks of holiday now that my finals are finished and not much to do in them so I intend to sit down and try and do the story in my head justice...maybe then it will let me sleep at night Thanks for reading and I am very glad that you liked the story.



TareBearRS

Hee hee I am pleased that you liked the story And yes I think Tara's mum is very happy at the moment.



oneinten

Thank you it is so nice to see that people enjoyed it and I will try my best to write more

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[jdcioffi]

I this story and would a sequel.



You deserve a hearty round of for this one! JD

"I smell the smelly smell of something that smells smelly!" (SpongeBob Squarepants)

[Thanatopsis]

Great ending. I really enjoyed reading this story and would love a sequel. Thanks for sharing.

--------------------
Too many of us live desert lives. ~Charles de Lint

[Puff]

Oh more replies



jdcioffi

Thank you I am pleased you enjoyed the story I'm giving myself a few days holiday before I try and write again.



Thanatopsis

I'm glad you liked the story especially the ending that I was considering not posting It was great to have you post frequently throughout the story. Thank you for reading.

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[Ghostwriter]

Quote:

---

‘Momma you’d be proud of me I think. I’m not afraid anymore. I don’t live in shadows…I live in light.’

---

Puff, I loved this line! Thank you so much for sharing your story. So now take a few days, gather your thoughts and start working on the sequel! Anyway, thanks again.

WR

Edited by: Ghostwriter at: 8/9/02 10:02:20 pm

[Puff]

Ghostwriter

Thanks Glad you enjoyed it. I plan to try and start writing again soon. If you want to post an update so I have something to do to pass the time I'd be grateful

-----------------------
You know, it's a real deal relationship and that's why people can relate to it
Amber Benson

[Ghostwriter]

Puff, glad to hear that you are going to continue to write. And that's awfully cheeky of you asking for an update in your own thread! But since you asked, I am hard at work on the next update as we speak and will post soon! Just for you! Anyway, I look forward to your next story. Thanks again.

[emma peel]

Puff, sorry I didn't get to add this sooner, but "better late than never" as they say.

I really, really loved the story. It was so wonderfully sweet (in a good kinda way!) and romantic.(also so much more believable than practically everything in season sux).

I'm looking forward to many sequels,ok? (the sooner the better. ).

As someone who has been abused,let me tell you "ya done good,Puff."

It's a great thing that the "fictional" character of Tara has given so much hope to so many, in spite of .

Thanks again for the story.

Janice