The Legend of Green Eyed Red

[behindhereyes]

Cam

The update was awesome !! They kissed it was one of the sweetest moments I've read in awhile... go you.

You really are pretty darned good at this writing thing... ( that was an honest to goodness compliment and not ass kissage).


behindhereyes

[tarawhipped]

Sorry this is not an update, but I hope that doing feedback replies will give me the incentive to work on the next update. And good god, that's a lot of feedback! Y'all are the best, thank you!

watersong84: Thanks, Alyssa, I'm glad you liked most of it! I knew that ending would earn me some "grrrrs," which I have to admit I like, since it's DONNIE we're talking about! (even kinder, gentler Donnie). I don't want to be mean and leave you hanging too long, but I also don't want to give anything away regarding the extent of his injuries. I am working on the update, so hopefully you can find out for yourself very soon.

"when is Willow gonna tell Tara that she's NOT A MAN?" Now, in this case, I'm guessing that Tara won't mind, but she might be a little mad that Willow kept it a secret for so long.

That is going to be an issue...eventually...and you summed it up very well. Willow will have a moral dilemma regarding the situation that will play a part in the next chapter.[br]
VMarie: MARIE!!! Leaving feedback! Holy shit, what an honor! Sorry I made you cry, crybaby. hehehe. Thanks for the comments about seeing the family histories...I was afraid it might be too much angst for one update, but Car (the angst junkie) assured me it was not. I was lmao r.e. "finally a kiss," cause I was originally going to have it at a certain point in the story that's probably another 10 chapters away! Now for your questions:
1. How did Donnie get bruised and bloody? Oh please, like you can't guess???
2. Did Faith have something to do with it? hmmm....sort of
3. When will Tara realize Will is not just a small-framed man? Later
4. Will Tara and Green-Eyed Red ride off into the sunset together? Figuratively...of course; literally...no
Thanks, Marie![br]
cperrins78: Continuing heartfelt thanks for the "favorite story" designation, and my apologies for the delay. Hopefully I'll have something by the end of the weekend. As I told Marie, I wasn't going to have the kiss yet originally, and still thought it was a bit soon, until my beta (the lovely and talented Carleen) pointed out it was already 15 chapters in, for fuck's sake (I'm not sure those were her EXACT words, but it was certainly implied). Thank you, Christina![br]
JustSkipIt: Hiya, Elvis! The Pirates of Penzance comment had me LOL....is that better or worse than visions of Willow breaking out in a rousing rendition of "The sun'll come out....tomorrow!"? (now Car and Mary will bitch at me for putting that song in their heads...wait and see!). The mutual sob stories are mostly to drive the plot, particularly in Willow's case, but Tara's history just seemed apropos for the era. Good assumption r.e. who hurt Donnie (not a big surprise, I know)...that'll be revealed in the next part.

Now I'm wondering if they ever have any peace when Willow will start to panic about Tara loving her as a man. That part is farcical.

That will be the crux of Willow's dilemma, and I hope it does make for some laffs...the seriousness of the last update aside, this fic is meant to be more of a lighthearted romantic yarn than anything...but you gotta have those hurdles, right? Thanks, Debra![br]
WickedReds: No, Reds, Donnie didn't fall off the wagon...in any form (since he wasn't ON the metaphorical one to begin with).

when did Tara kinda realize that dear old Will isn't a man???

Dude! She hasn't! She's just decided to follow her heart, which is telling her Will is THE ONE, regardless of what's in his knickers. Thanks, G![br]
the hero factor: Thank you so much, especially for picking out that particular interaction. I wanted Willow to lay her feelings out there, but not in an overtly obvious way, and hoped that would come across.

I know I should be a bit worried about the fact that Tara doesn't yet know that Willow isn't a man, but......I'll be worried about it later.

LOL....sounds good, though Willow's going to start worrying about it pretty soon. The report on Donnie's condition will be the first order of business in the next update.[br]
thebardgirl: Liz, your feedback is SO damn funny....I love the use of the word "crackers." After playing the SpongeBob video game, Ang keeps using "barnacles" as a curse....it's so cute! But I digress....I made you have sad puppy dog eyes??? Oh, sweetie! Well, I did you warn you. *directs Liz to the no-fault angst alertage peruse at your own risk readership clause parts 582.4 through 7026.3* As for the REAL fb, sorry about the vague almost-fight....that was mentioned at the end of the previous chapter (Willow missed it while talking to Xander). I suppose if I updated more often it'd be clearer. Oops. I'm taking extreme artistic license with Donnie and Faith, but it's nice to see all the postive reactions and concern for them...I won't let ya down. Thanks![br]
hermitfish:

One of these days you’re gonna let me take a tour of that delightful, creative mind of yours, right?

You aren't talking dissection here, right, Cyd?

So Donnie, actually likable Donnie, is just 'resting' in the dust...and it’s nothing to worry about.

I'm not sure how to answer this, since if I say that Donnie is "just" taking a dirt-nap, you still won't really know what's happened to the poor schmuck, will you? hehehehe. Stay tuned, and thanks Cyd![br]
dorksrcool: Thank you so much, it's nice to get feedback on the writing style as well as the story. My degree is in history, so I love period settings. If you aren't already, make sure you check out pipsberg's The Rosenberg Institute for more 19th century goodness. Glad you liked the kiss, and I hope to update soon.[br]
SallyMcFine: I loved your speculations of how Donnie got hurt...especially #4! The truth will be revealed early in the next update, which I'm hoping to get done this weekend. So you think Tara knows on some level? Sheesh...I just convinced Wimpy that she doesn't! Considering Tara's never actually ACTED on her attraction to women, I think it makes sense that she's questioning her previous assumptions. That doesn't mean she won't be absolutely thrilled to learn Will is a woman, but for now she's content to follow her heart.

Does Will wear a packer?

LMFAO!!! You know, I hadn't really thought of it, but since the style of men's clothing at this time was loose fitting garments, I don't think it'd be necessary (but damn, that could be funny!).

Do you write while driving?

Ummm....no, of course not! But I think out the entire chapter on the VERY boring drive (esp. since Ang is often asleep most of the way), and then try to write it all out the second I get home. It's not as dangerous as it sounds...honest! Thanks, Sally.[br]
watson: LOL on the Michigan trips. Visting my in-laws is a lot more fun than visiting my own folks, usually (and I can admit that since they'll never ever read this ). I'm glad you mentioned the impact of them telling each other their family histories....Tara's obviously more comfortable with hers, cause most likely everyone in town knows it, and she has someone who shared it. Willow has probably NEVER told anyone all of what she's gone through, so for her it was huge....and very important that Tara understands, on some level. Glad you liked the setting as much as the kiss....I really wanted that to be a "big moment," once I decided (with Car's enthusiastic support) to let them have one moment of happiness before it all goes to....oh, but I don't want to spoil it. [br]
Artemis: Chris, as usual your predictions of what happened to Donnie and what's going on with Faith are fairly accurate. Not completely, and of course I won't tell you which.

It was sweet that Tara decided to accept her feelings for 'Will' rather than freak - but of course, in accepting originally that she's hot for the women, she's already had to decide being true to herself is more important than doing what's expected of her, even if in this case she's the one who had the expectations that're being up-ended.

Beautifully said, and spot on (as are your remarks about Willow's conundrum). As for admitting her "tendencies" to Will....not likely, since (a) she's hidden it from everyone so far, and (b) it makes for more funny "I'm a lesbian in love with a man who's really another lesbian in disguise" scenarios. hehehe....and no, I do not watch Jerry Springer. Thanks, Chris![br]
camlover: Sweetie, there's only one problem with your kidnapping scenario....you'd go crazy without your X-box! Oh yeah....and you'd be IN MICHIGAN!!! No comment on the stalking, but see how well I'm behaving! No reason to get all butch, unless that's part of the reward you mentioned. Thanks for being here, honey.[br]
onlykaren: Thank you, I'm glad you like it![br]
meretricious: LMAO r.e. me turning trucker, Mary....I'm not sure I could see over the steering wheel AND reach the pedals of a big rig! Good guesses on what happened with Faith....you'll have to wait for the update to find out for sure, but it will be in there. As I told watson, this is likely the first time Willow's told anyone her history, and I'm glad it makes her reputation as GER make a little sense. I'm still not gonna give away what she's doing yet, but it's nice to know the stage-setting is clear.

i love that you can bust out nc17 smut with the best of them when you want to, but then you can also make glove kissing and reaching under a shawl seem like the boldest thing ever.

Thank you, Mary! Writing smut was so hard to break into at first, but writing either type of love scene just seems to take the right frame of mind. I think this style suits this story better.[br]
ringwaldoeuvre: Thank you, Mary! *whoa...deja vu...do you and Mary post next to each other on purpose???* I appreciate your remark about the diverse elements in this update flowing well....I thought about breaking this update into two so that the dramatic kiss was the end, not the dramatic cliffhanger, but I so love cliffhangers! YAY for a fellow history geek---err---connosieur...yeah, that's it! Obviously life was harsh and uncertain in this era (well...any era, I suppose), and I wanted Tara's parents' deaths to reflect that....Willow's were more for the purposes of the story and character, but it's nice to get positive feedback on the believability of it (is believability a word?).[br]
GayNow: Ummm.....errr.....*blinks at tall cowgirl spittin and shakin her tail feathers*[br]
*looks to Tara for help, receives thoroughly unamused glare in return*[br]
*looks at redheaded stranger, leaning on the bar, right hand twitching dangerously near her holstered six-gun*[br]
*sighs, slips tall cowgirl directions to the whorehouse and tells her to git*[br]
Very nice ego-boosting, Car! And pat yourself on the back for the kissage, cause I might have made people wait MUCH longer....almost as long as it's going to take W/T to even MEET in some other story by some really mean writer. As for your ramblings about unresolved cliffhangers....that's what THE END is for!!! Geez. The next update will explain what happened to Donnie and how Faith got there, along with some other goodies and plans and innuendo and accusations and a nice game of pachesi.

**And what is Faith wearing? Please say she forgot to wear her bloomers!**

Dude....you frighten me. And I'm not sure if you've been spending too much time with Watty or vice versa, but you are clearly bad influences on each other....please continue! Share the brain, the punctuation, whatever....but not underwear, cause that'd be gross. Oh yeah.....I was lying about the game of pachesi. Thanks bestst beta![br]
Graceland: Thank you, I'm glad so far everyone's approved of the "Tara's in love with a man" scenario, even if it's not really a man, and all will be revealed in the end. As much as I consider myself 100% lesbian, I really think the gender shouldn't matter as much as the feelings. Plus, "cowboy Will" is so darn cute!

Faith/Donnie? That's a little strange but then that's why they call it AU I guess.

Yeah, and again I'm happy that no one's given me hell for this. It came about as I developed the idea, and the nice thing about Uber/Alt is that you can play with the characters in a way canon doesn't allow. It helps that Donnie was so one-dimensional on the show....take out the Maclay men's need to keep the women down, and he could be a much different person. Faith is a bit less of a stretch, I think, since she changed quite a bit over the series. If anything I've made her much meeker til now, but that might change pretty soon.[br]
behindhereyes: Thank you so much, Kim....I'm very happy to be the bringer of sweetness, even if it was nestled in amongst the angst and implied violence. Honest to goodness compliments are also welcome....as is blatant ass kissage....I'm not picky. [br][br]

[Naeryn]

Okay, I just realized I haven't left feedback for this. Bad Megan!

I love it. I love the setting, I love the attitude, I love that Donny isn't a bad guy. I love that we're likely to see Warren get his ass royally whupped.

Please upate soon! I'm on the edge of my seat! I'm camping out in front of my computer! Hell, I'm doing both at the same time!

you are a freakin' GODDESS of writing

Can't wait for , loved the little bit before they went off to find Donny... made me go

<--what I imagine Tara will look like when she finds out Will = Willow. You know, that sort of drunken, stunned stuporish look... hehe.

Loving this!

Loving being randomly smilie obsessed!

keep it coming, Cam, my lovely!

[Graceland]

Cam, I have two idols and beta's, both with different personalities. You can guess who they are by looking at my signature line.

I'm not sure why I'm telling you this, but one of them told me in no uncertain terms, that you needed a little nudge. So here I am offering my humble assistance. As you said so yourself,

doing feedback replies will give me the incentive to work on the next update

Perhaps giving you incentive for another reply will motivate you more?

Here's hoping your muse returns soon, anxiously waiting for the next update.[br]

[tarawhipped]

A couple more fb replies, then an update. Peace!

Naeryn: Thanks for the enthusiasm, Megan, I'm glad you found your way here. Writing nice Donnie seemed like such a weird thing to do, initially, but I've grown very attached to him. Warren will get what's coming to him, for sure, but this is going to go on for a while yet. I'm glad I had an update almost ready, cause sitting in a tent on the edge of your seat sounds dangerous. Thanks![br]
Graceland: WOW....you have Debra and watson for Betas??? That's like having Meryl Streep and Jodie Foster for acting consultants. I'm guessing watson suggested the nudge, so please give her a hearty shove back in return....she KNEW I was working on it...sheesh. Thanks for the encouragement, though....it always helps.[br][br][br]
Title: The Legend of Green Eyed Red
Author: tarawhipped (Cameron)
Email: tarawhipped@hotmail.com
Rating: R (just to be safe)
Disclaimer: All characters are the property of Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy
Feedback: Throws head back and screams YESSS!!!
Distribution: Take it, just tell me where to visit it!
Summary: A redheaded stranger rides into a town full of trouble and meets a blonde barmaid. Can they save each other and the town?
Setting: AU (the Old West)[br]
Notes: Thanks to Carleen for her superlative beta skilz. You rule![br]
Thoughts in italics[br][br][br]
Chapter 16[br][br]
Tara barely breathed as the redhead rushed over to Donnie and lay an ear on his chest. Her hand flew to her mouth when she saw green eyes close, but a moment later they opened to find hers, and she could see the relief in them. Her limbs trembled as she climbed down from the wagon and jerkily walked over to the small group huddled in the street. Willow held her gaze and gave a comforting nod.[br]
“He’s gonna be fine,” Will insisted before Tara could ask. “His nose may be broke, that’s why there’s so much blood.”[br]
Tara knelt in the dirt next to Will and carefully lifted Donnie’s hand to her lap, letting out an enormous sigh when she felt his fingers squeeze hers. Close up she could see the rise and fall of chest, but her stomach tightened at the sight of her brother’s damaged face. Blood still ran in bright red rivulets from his mangled nose and split lip; one eye was rapidly swelling shut, while the mottled purple patches appeared to be spreading, turning his face into one giant bruise.[br]
“Donnie?” Tara breathed.[br]
“M’okay,” he slurred, fighting to sit up over Will’s protestations. “Bed,” he whimpered, wobbling to his feet supported by the redhead on one side and Tara on the other. Faith remained on the ground, her wide eyes staring blankly at the dirt, her hands clutching Donnie’s discarded hat in a vice-like grip.[br]
“Oh dear, can I be of some assistance?”[br]
Turning toward the approaching footsteps, Will and Tara directed twin expressions of wary distrust at the preacher. The redhead deferred to the blonde, who nodded curtly after a brief pause and allowed Ethan to take her place holding up Donnie. Tara leaned down and gently cupped Faith’s elbow, coaxing the stunned woman to her feet and leading the entire group into the saloon.[br]
“Tara, do you have any ice?” Will inquired. The blonde nodded. “Chop up a bowlful…and grab several cloths, too,” she directed from the staircase. Faith’s eyes nervously followed Donnie as he was aided up the stairs, but she remained glued to the floor just inside the door.[br]
“Faith?” Tara called gently, snapping the brunette out of her stupor. “Would you run out back and get some water? There’s a bucket by the pump.”[br]
Faith nodded and scurried off to follow the directive. Tara hefted a large block of ice from the wooden chest behind the bar and dropped it into the washbasin. By the time Faith returned with the water, she had chopped off several large chunks and used the wooden club kept under the bar for protection to smash the ice into small chips, which she gathered into a crock. Throwing several clean rags over her shoulder, she grabbed the bowl and hurried up the stairs to Donnie’s room with Faith close on her heels.[br]
Will was still struggling to pull off Donnie’s second boot when they arrived moments later, while Ethan stood off to the side watching the flurry of activity with interest. Setting the crock of ice on the dresser and taking the water from Faith, Tara dipped one of the rags into the bucket and sat on the edge of the bed to begin gently cleaning the caked on blood and dirt from her brother’s face. Willow freed Donnie’s foot with a final yank, sending her staggering back several feet into the preacher, who reached out to brace the redhead. Will jerked away from the man’s hands on her back and moved to stand near Tara. The preacher raised an eyebrow and tilted his head a fraction before discretely clearing his throat.[br]
“Can I help?”[br]
Tara glanced over at him quickly and continued dabbing at Donnie’s split lip. “I appreciate your assistance, Mr. Rayne, but we needn’t detain you any longer.”[br]
“Very well, then. I have a sermon to prepare. Can I expect you in church tomorrow…Mister Smith?”[br]
Willow furrowed her brow and shook her head tightly. The preacher tutted softly.[br]
“I must say I don’t altogether trust a man who doesn’t attend services.”[br]
Will fixed him with a stare. “I don’t trust a good many who do.”[br]
Ethan nodded, a smug grin on his face, then bid his goodnights and exited the room. Will crept over to the door to ensure the man had left the saloon before spinning to face Faith.[br]
“What happened?”[br]
“I….I was on my way to see him….and then he was…,” the brunette choked out, her voice cracking.[br]
“It was Warren,” Donnie mumbled, brushing Tara’s hand away. “Had his goons hold me for him….guess it was personal.”[br]
“Because of me,” Faith blanched at the confirmation of what her husband’s ‘business’ had been.[br]
“I’m gonna kill that son of a bitch,” Willow growled, taking two steps toward the door.[br]
“Will!” Tara’s angry shout froze the redhead in place. “He’s already hurt someone I care about tonight—,” her voice broke and she turned away, choking back a sob.[br]
Willow bowed her head in contrition at the effect of her aggressive display on the blonde and slumped down into a chair by the window. Tara took a calming breath and rinsed out the blood-soaked rag gripped in her hand.[br]
“I swear I didn’t know, Donnie,” Faith pleaded, and the soft expression directed back at her through eyes swollen half closed told her he understood exactly what she was referring to, and he forgave her.[br]
“S’okay Fay. Hell, I half believed the things they was sayin’ about me too.”[br]
“It’s not okay,” Faith replied, the sadness in her voice turning icy. “My father….he tried to deny it, but I could tell….he knew, he let me believe those things….about you and Harmony. I think Warren knows something, or has something on him….whatever it is, they’ve been playing me like a pawn.”[br]
“What does it have to do with Donnie and Tara?” Willow questioned. “I mean, other than Warren being angry that he got called out in a lie?”[br]
Tara looked up in surprise at the mention of her name, but the redhead avoided her gaze. She frowned, but remained silent as she scooped handfuls of ice chips into the remaining rags and twisted them into bundles.[br]
“I….I’m not sure,” Faith answered.[br]
“Can you find out without them knowing?”[br]
“No!” Donnie exclaimed, struggling to sit up. Tara and Willow leapt at him at once, their hands covering each other’s on his chest as they pushed him back down as gently as possible. “I won’t have her in danger for me!”[br]
“Okay….easy there….it was just a suggestion,” Will soothed sheepishly.[br]
“Well forget it.”[br]
“I think it’s my decision,” Faith interjected, her suddenly commanding tone surprising the others, who gaped back at the brunette.[br]
“Fay—”[br]
“I need to do this Donnie….not just for you.”[br]
“But it’s dangerous! I forb—”[br]
“Donald Maclay, Junior, don’t you dare tell me what I can and can’t do!”[br]
“Tara?” the young man whimpered.[br]
“Uh uh,” she shook her head, grinning widely. “I’m with Faith on this one,” she remarked, winking at the brunette.[br]
“Will?”[br]
“Sorry, buddy. I’m not about to argue with two women who’ve made up their minds. Considerin’ the state you’re in, I think they could do a lot more damage to me than you can.”[br]
“Then it’s settled,” Faith determined, laughing softly to herself as she moved toward the door. “Never would have thought of myself as a spy.”[br]
“Find out whatever you can,” Willow charged, “but if they seem suspicious, back off.”[br]
“Please be careful, Faith,” Tara entreated, crossing the floor to hug the woman.[br]
“Take care of him,” she directed with a nod, pausing in the doorway to meet Donnie’s eyes. “I’ll see you soon.”[br]
Tara resumed her nursing following Faith’s departure, carefully laying the makeshift icepacks on either side of Donnie’s nose and retrieving a small box of bandaging from the dresser. Willow stood off to the side, out of the blonde’s way but close enough to lend a hand at a second’s notice. Green eyes focused on the movements of Tara’s hands as they cleaned, bandaged, and soothed, moving surely but gently over her patient. The redhead’s gaze drifted up the blonde’s bare arms to linger on her graceful neck. Willow’s lips parted a fraction and a flush crept up her own neck as thought of kissing Tara came back to her in a torrent.[br]
“If you’re done playing nursemaid, Tara, I need to speak to Will in private.”[br]
The redhead’s eyes flew wide open, realizing she’d been caught ogling. Tara heaved a sigh and stood up primly.[br]
“Fine, I’ll leave you two to your men’s talk….but keep that ice on your nose!” Once her back was to her brother she rolled her eyes and grinned at Will, who smiled nervously and nodded as she left the room, closing the door behind her.[br]
“We got a problem, Will.”[br]
“I’m sorry, Donnie! I didn’t mean to kiss her! There was just the moon and the stars and we were talkin’ and then—”[br]
“You kissed her?!” Donnie hissed.[br]
“Uh huh,” the redhead squeaked.[br]
“Well I’ll be damned.”[br]
“Isn’t that what you wanted to talk to me about?”[br]
“Hell no….I was gonna tell you that Warren wants a game tomorrow night, and if my gut’s not lyin’, it’s gonna be the final one, if you catch my meaning.”[br]
“He’s gonna try to take the bar?”[br]
“The bar, the property….everything,” Donnie emphasized.[br]
Willow stared out the window, her mind racing. After several minutes a grin spread over her face.[br]
“Can you get me invited to the table?”[br]
“These are serious people, Will. Are you sure you wanna do that? It don’t matter how good or lucky you are….Warren cheats.”[br]
“Well then we’ll just have to cheat better.”[br][br][br][br]
An hour later Willow snuffed out the candle and tiptoed out of Donnie’s room, pulling the door closed until the latch clicked. The pair had devised a strategy to beat Warren at his own game, as well as deciding on a contingency plan if it didn’t work. Afterwards Donnie had playfully ribbed Will about taking liberties with his sister, turning the heretofore confident redhead into a stammering, conscience-stricken mess. The young man had seemed genuinely pleased at the news, although surprised, and had ceased his teasing the moment he ascertained the redhead’s discomfit.[br]
Willow stood outside the door, looking down the short hallway to where a light shone through an open archway. Tara, she thought, her stomach flipping. What am I gonna do? The moment Donnie had mockingly glared at her and said ‘so I take it you two are engaged now?’ a weight had descended on the redhead’s small frame. Tara thought she was a man….never would have kissed her otherwise….Willow had knowingly deceived her and taken advantage of the situation.[br]
I just gotta control myself, she decided. She may be disappointed, but it’s for the best. All goes well, Donnie wins big tomorrow and can pack up and leave in style….go back East where Tara can settle down with some nice real man and I….can get back on the road….alone.[br]
“Will?”[br]
The redhead jumped and turned to see Tara walking up the stairs holding a glass lantern, the candle within casting a muted glow on the blonde’s features. Willow inhaled sharply and held her breath as the beautiful apparition approached her, long blonde hair cascading freely over porcelein shoulders. How the hell am I gonna control myself? her inner voice whined pitifully.[br]
“I wasn’t sure you were still here,” the barmaid blushed.[br]
“Uhh….yeah….I was just leaving. Were you outside?” she added in a worried tone.[br]
“Had to stable the horse,” Tara explained.[br]
Willow frowned at the thought of the blonde outside alone at night. “I’da done it for you.”[br]
The blonde bit her lip and ducked her head. “No need….but thank you. How’s Donnie?”[br]
“Sleeping….which is what you should be doing too,” Willow lectured.[br]
Tara arched an eyebrow in challenge.[br]
“As should I,” the redhead hastily added. “Tara, I….I had a really nice time tonight. You know, before all....this," she gestured toward Donnie's door.[br]
“Me too,” the blonde whispered, inching closer. “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been here.”[br]
“You’d have done just fine,” Willow stressed, locking blue eyes with her own.[br]
“Maybe so, but still….having you here is….you make it better.”[br]
Willow swallowed hard as she took in the blonde’s words, knowing she wasn’t just referring to helping Donnie. Say goodnight and leave! her brain screamed, but her feet refused to comply.[br]
“I’m sorry about earlier, Tara….wanting to rush off after Warren. I didn’t mean to upset you.”[br]
“I’m scared, Will," she admitted softly. "For Donnie, for Faith….for you.”[br]
A single tear seeped out of a blue eye, and Willow was there, brushing it away with one gentle thumb and lacing her fingers through the blonde’s silky tresses. Tara let the lantern hang loosely by her side, her free hand curling around and clutching the redhead’s back. Willow held her as she shook, soothing her with soft hands and softer words. The lantern slipped from Tara’s fingers and landed upright with a thud on the floor. The redhead jerked her head at the sound, and saw the flame flickering low in its glass encasement, the weak light leaving much of the hallway in darkness. Tara cupped Willow’s cheek and deliberately turned her face back, leaning in to bring their lips together. The redhead whimpered into the kiss, her resolve faltering under the soft assault of Tara’s mouth on hers. With every ounce of self-restraint she could muster she withdrew, breathing heavily and pressing a finger to questioning lips.[br]
“It’s too late,” she began, shaking her head as Tara’s bewildered look turned to self-reproach. “For me to be here! I….I wouldn’t want to sully your reputation.” The redhead grinned as Tara bashfully dropped her gaze. “But….may I call on you in the morning?”[br]
The blonde nodded and smiled back, the simple gesture sending Willow’s heart fluttering wildly.[br]
“I don’t think there will be any more trouble tonight, but be sure to lock up after me?”[br]
Tara retrieved the lantern and walked the redhead to the front door, where both paused awkwardly before drawing together in a brief hug. Once outside, Willow closed her eyes and sucked in a great gulp of air.[br]
I think I need a bath….a very cold bath.[br][br][br]
TBC[br][br]

[Naeryn]

DIBS, DIBS, and DOUBLE DIBS!

-s back

That was an awesome update! I'm glad Donnie's not hurt too badly. Wow, there's something, I never thought I'd even think, let alone say or type!

Aah, Faith, being her usual stubborn self. And we got another !

That moment, picturing Tara in that style of clothing, with the lantern... so pretty. Soooo pretty. I'm curious to know exactly how the whole Will = Willow thing is going to be revealed.

I have this hot image sort of stolen from the movie Shakespeare in Love, where Tara 'accidentally' walks in on Will, and Will is shirtless with fabric wrapped around her chest, and Tara sort of stares at it, and then rushes forwards and kisses her, and pulls out the end and tugs on it, and Willow spins in a slow circle until the binding falls away...

Sorry. Got a little sidetracked there... but can you blame me?

Anyway, wonderful update. Now go write more!

[GayNow]

Second Dibs!

Okay...so I've done an interpretive dance. I've mimed. And I've done the Virginia Reel. Being creative is getting more difficult. But, I'm not out of ideas...yet.

So, Cam...here is a song dedicated to The Ledgend of the Green Eyed Red...sung to the tune of "The Yellow Rose of Texas."

*ahem*

"mi-mi-mi-mi-mi"

There's a green eyed red of Nebraska
Sent here from the east
No other barmaid knows him
I sure hope not, at least
I thought that I liked women
I thought so all my life
There's somethin' 'bout this redhead
Makes me want to be his wife

He's the sweetest green eyed redhead
This barmaid ever met
Whatever crimes he ponders
I'll aid and abet
You may talk about your soldier boys
And sing of strapping studs
But the green eyed red of Nebraska
Is flowin' through my blood

Oh, there's somethin' 'bout this redhead
That makes my heart beat fast
He's not all rough and tumble
He's soft -- what a contrast
He seems to have a dainty face
And a nice, round, firm behind
Well, so much for liking fillies
Green eyed Red has changed my mind

*bows*

Thank you! Thank you! I'll be here all week. Try the jerky and hardtack.

Cam,

Another great update. So much happening in such a short period of time. STILL loving this Faith! Go on with your spying self, Faithy! The interactions between Will and Tara are just very sweet. Love them LOVE THEM! And can we just say "aaaawwww" to the looks between Donnie and Faith. So sweet!

You've set up some intrigue as well with Ethan being around. Oh, you're sneaky. Is he a bad guy -- in cahoots with Warren and company? Or does he have his own evil agenda? Either way, I can't see him being good.

Great stuff, Cam. Can't wait for more!

Car

[hermitfish]

Thank you, thank you, and thank you for an update. I really enjoyed this one. So much flurry of activity in such a compact space. Poor Donnie, both his nose and his predicament, but now that Will’s conspiring with him in the card game things’ll be better. I hope. The sexual tension between Will and Tara threatens to light up every room there in more than a dropped lantern ever could. Naturally, Willow is having the ‘she thinks I’m a guy and this is a bad idea’ doubts, but they seemed to be overpowered by the attraction they have. So well done. *Sigh*

Seems like I don’t say this enough so...

I love your writing.

~Cyd

ETA: A quick aside (Pardon Cam)...holy crap Car...that was great.

[The Rose24]

Nice update. I am ready to hear "Will's" story though. Will it be soon?

[onlykaren]

Hey,
I'm so glad that they kissed again! You got me really worried when Willow started to think she was deceiving Tara and shouldn't kiss her anymore...so I'm happy that she didn’t back away or something when Tara moved to kiss her…yay!
Anyway, love your story and looking forward to more!

[watersong84]

Yay! More ! That makes me a happy, happy person, that does.

Tara thought she was a man….never would have kissed her otherwise….Willow had knowingly deceived her and taken advantage of the situation.

For some reason, I hadn't even thought about the fact that Willow thinks that Tara will only like her if she's a man. This is too complicated. I think Tara should just get a little frisky with the hands and realize that *those are not man-boobs!* Yes, Willow would have some explaining to do, but I feel like that is how it will get done in the timliest manner. I mean, how long before Willow gets the courage to actually TELL her?

“We got a problem, Will.”

“I’m sorry, Donnie! I didn’t mean to kiss her! There was just the moon and the stars and we were talkin’ and then—”

Hehe! Willow's all flustered! I like it when she gets all flustered, it makes me

Update soon!!!

-Alyssa

[FineyMcFine]

Cam Cam Cam! Hoorah for an update!

This is certainly a rollicking tale full of intrigue, mystery, and plot-thickening. You must be adding plenty of prairie flower (flour?) because the plot is getting VERY thick. Faith enlisting as a spy, the continuation of Will's and Tara's smooching, Warren's goons, and Ethan the preacher.

I'm so glad Donnie is okay and it's only a broken nose. Although in the old West any broken bone is probably much more of a threat to one's health than it is today.

I love stories where Faith isn't a jerk. Canon Faith was a complex character on the show with real moments of redemption, even before later seasons. Watching Who Are You? recently helped remind me of some of her conflict here.

I really love the way you write. The description is the right amount in the right places, and helps to paint the scene. The action is never forced or illogical, and moves the story along. The dialogue sounds realistic - I can hear the characters speaking in my head as I'm reading. And there's just the right balance of humor, poignant sweetness, angst, and action.

And three cheers for more smoochies! I was nervous Will was going to try to call it off - thank goodness she just decided to rely on self-control, because we see how well THAT worked.

And six cheers for you on this special Monday!!!

ETA: I meant to include this but forgot. There's a song by Tracy Grammer called "Laughlin Boy" (she didn't write it, I forget who did) that reminds me of this story - not necessarily in plot, but in the manner of the story the song tells. It starts off with a "have you heard this story" told by older people, as in the old Willow and Tara of this story, and part of the chorus is "Listen to me children 'cause I wouldn't tell a lie"...and the fiddles and guitar in the song sound to me like something you'd hear out at an old West dance.

You can listen to a sample clip on Amazon, if that piques your interest. I nominate Car to record her version of the Green Eyed Red of Nebraska, by the way, and we can make a tribute CD to this story. All proceeds would go to the Green Eyed Red Old West Education Fund.

[watty]

I can't beat interpretative dances and mimes and songs set to music I don't know and teenagers with visions of Gwyneth Paltrow spinning out of bandages and praise for Faith's spunk and relief at Donnie still alive and all the analysis about whether Tara would've kissed Will if she knew the truth and if Will would've kissed Tara if she knew Tara's truth ... I have nothing to add, cos I got to the kissing and I'm like ... kissing ... they're kissing ... kissing, again ... two chapters running ... omg with the kissing ... *dreamy look* kissing.

See what kissing does to me? I can't get my mind off it, argh!!! KISSING!

I think I'll go update your website now cos all I can think of is k-i-s-s-i-n-g, and you know how obsessed I can be if I have something on my mind.

[cooper]

This story does have everything. I wonder how its going to go down in th epoker game. Did Ethan notice anything about Will. Will the evil ones try and get Will as well as Donnie. When will Tara find out that Will is a Willow. I see Xander fitting into these scenarios as well.

THe kiss at the end was beautiful. Glad Donnie approves as well

cooper

[simplyblue]

Hey,

I've been away from the Board for awhile (that darn RL) and was just certain that one of my favorite stories -- yours -- was going to be all finished in the interim. I'm selfishly glad that I've only missed a few updates, even though I wouldn't wish writer's block on anyone, vile, disgusting thing that it is.

This is really a terrific story. You've got a really nice ear for dialect and I'm deeply impressed with your ability to describe locations with a spare use of words. You give us fully drawn characters and a really fun plot. So go you!

I absolutely love the gender-bending here. It's clear that Tara's not going to have a second's worth of difficulty coping with a female Will, though she might be irked that Will implicitly lied to her. But Will's certainly going to put herself through a lot of anguish. I mean, after all, what's she going to say? Here are a few options off the top of my head:

1. "Oh these? Why Tara, all men have small breasts. You just hadn't noticed before what with your shy and demure manner."

2. "Um, Tara? Before we get hitched I should tell ya. I can't have children. Um, I mean I can have children. At least I think I can have children. I, um, don't really know and I really don't want to find out. But, you see, I can't have children with you, even though I'm sure you could have children. Um, if you wanted them. But we, us, we can't have children. Together. Am I making any sense?"

3. "Surprise?"

Oh, and I said this months ago, but I'll say it again: I really like seeing a sympathetic Donnie. And now I can't wait to see a righteously pissed off Faith unleashed on this story as well!

--blue

[Reallybigpineapple]

Saunters in from the left. Scrapes feet. Blushes.
-Why darn it ma'am, I... Well, chucks... What I was fixin' to say...
Takes bandana out of pocket. Dabs sweaty forhead.
- Well, that was so darn sweet I almost done hung up my pistols for good!
The gals and them critters are thrilled out of their petticoats about these here smootchies! It gone and done warmed up an old outlaws heart... Miss Faith's done cleaned her Colt if you need help with that darn scumback sheriff, Ma'am. Though miss Anya reckoned poison would be better. Anyways, much obliged as always. Sniffs quietly and dabs eyes with bandana. Exit right.

[sam7777]

simplyblue: LOL Great take on how Willow would explain the situation to Tara.

I loved this installament and the last with "Will" and Tara getting closer together. Given that Tara was suprised at being attracted to a man early in the story, I personally think she will be relieved to find out that Will is Willow confirming her previous non interest members of the hairier sex. Anyhoo, surely the horsies are more attractive than warren mears.

Great stuff.

[the hero factor]

Phew, Donnie's gonna be okay. That stupid Warren. I can't wait to see what Will and Donnie have planned.

And Willow and Tara in this update. *Sigh* One sigh really isn't enough to convey how sweet and lovely the two of them are in this story. *Sighs again* So wonderful.

ETA: I was just rereading, and I really like Donnie calling Faith 'Fay.' I've never seen that variation of Faith used before in fic. It's sweet.

[WickedReds]

Howdy Cam!
That was a nice update... but i must say i guess i jumped the gun..

Dude! She hasn't! She's just decided to follow her heart, which is telling her Will is THE ONE, regardless of what's in his knickers.

heh i couldnt help it.
Ooo i cant wait to see what faith finds out... this is gonna be fun,,,

-reds

[ringwaldoeuvre]

Cam, another great chapter. I've got to say, the tension is palpable, and there is so very much of it. Between Willow's secret identity, the conflict between Donnie and Warren, Riley's impending arrival, it's quite the taut story you've got going. All in all, I become more impressed by your writing style with each installment. And not just because I'm a history "connoisseur." Very much looking forward to the next chapter.

Believability is totally a word.

~Mary

[LesbianJedi87]

Ok, this is what Rose does when she has alot of time on her hands! She reads Cam's fic! Thats what she does!

I liked this! And usually I wouldn't like the whole western thing as Ive seen "Tombstone" too many times! But that fact that its WILLOW AND TARA western themed, it had my interest. And it is indeed holding my interest! This last chapter...their kiss.....soooo cute! And Warren, can I flay him alive? Pretty please?

Ok CAMERON! (And how stupid do I feel for not knowing that was your name! hehe) You should update soon! You're doing a GREAT job with this!
So keep going!

[Artemis]

For once, I'm hoping for Donnie to push back his sleeves and start swinging - I'd like to see a rematch between him and Warren, just one on one without anyone holding Donnie. Though some intervention may be required to hold Warren - not to make it easier for Donnie, but just to keep Warren from disappearing as fast as his little legs can carry him.

Willow and Tara taking care of Donnie was sweet, a lovely mix of upset and capable from Tara. And I loved Willow blurting out that she kissed Tara.

A plan and a back-up plan, huh? That's Will all right I'm looking forward to some high-stakes poker action, here's hoping Willow hustles Warren and his goons for all they're worth (and then blows them sky-high if they decide they don't feel like just playing poker anymore, and try to even the score).

[meretricious]

cam, very nice update, and kinda longish too -was that airplane writing? you know, next time i'm in town i'll be glad to chauffeur you around the loop for a while, if it'll help.
really liked they way donnie refers to faith as "fay", conveys a familiarity and tenderness that shorthands their relationship for us. glad to see that donnie's injuries were mostly cosmetic and to his pride, warren has goons hold donnie and still just broke his nose? not very competent at the roughing up, is he?
i'm wondering if ethan may actually turn out to be helpful, since he seems to have his own agenda separate from the mayor and warren. ya' know, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, or something like that.
cracked me up that donnie has a swollen, broken nose (no, not just that i'm not sadistic) and a face covered in ice, yet willow is sure she's been caught ogling tara. he prob. couldn't have seen her if she had been groping tara.
glad that you had willow's resolve faulter so quickly there, i was afraid (afeared?) that she might resist tara for more than 15 seconds, glad she caved so quickly.
and we have a plan! and a back up plan! and a wagon full of dynomite. (which my brain insists on saying as dy-no-mite! curse you jj walker). and can't forget riley and the law are on the way, gunnin' for red. and faith is spying, and ethan is scheming, you've got a whole mess of trouble brewing here cam, can't wait to see what happens next! ~ mary

eta: excellent song car, methinks someone is gearing up for the dopeygayland musical!

[robotguru]

So ah mosey back intah town an' wha' do ah find? Why, an update from Cam o'course! And now we have schemin', plannin' double backup plannin' and the cows are a'spinnin' in tha cornfields...always shure sign of a storm.

Ack, excuse my terrible mutilation of western speak/southern twang, never could get it quite right Great update

[terra21]

Ok, first, Faith is almost docile, I kinda like the change from canon. Now lets see how she fairs as a spy in this characterization.

Second, I applaude Will for not taking advantage of Tara in that delicate situation. Damned if I'd have the constitution to do it!

Cam, you know one day Tara's gonna find out about Will right? Just wanna make sure you know, cause I know and all the other kittens know too.

[thebardgirl]

I'm responding to you while listening to jumpy punk-rock and greenday and weezer and all of that....but I feel like letting you know that I wasn't bouncing up and down in front of my computer because of those distorted guitars and drumbeats--No. It was with mere GLEE that there was an update of yours waiting for me to read after so long an absense from the board....Oh yes, that was Mmmwonderful. And I just....it was all....with the...latern go bye bye...tara's hand...it....I mean...I just...Mmmm.

This update just made me melt and now I'm all gooey. I love your writing, Cam. Ah! The best way to put it right now?

You wrock. (Write-rock). What? It makes sense when listening to up-beat music. Really, it does.

Ah! I LOVE this story!!!

-elizabeth

[JustSkipIt]

Hey Cam,
Just got back from vacation and all my favorite fics have updates. Now I just need to read, read, read and fb, fb, fb. This one is so torn between cute and touching and downright terror inducing. It seems that Donnie and Willow are playing a dangerous game given that if they screw up, Tara is part of the price. One of my bigger concerns is Ethan. It would seem that he's holding a large part of sneaky danger himself. Even if Will and Donnie pull off the betting, he could still call out Will as a robber or whatever and have him hanging from a tall tree. Not good at all.

The depiction of Will watching Tara's neck is lovely as is the good night kiss. I'm glad to see some of Will's panic as she realizes that she has misled Tara so badly. Oh, that's quite lovely. Well done.

[Graceland]

WOW....you have Debra and watson for Betas??? That's like having Meryl Streep and Jodie Foster for acting consultants.

Which do you figure is which?

Seriously, this update is very good and very packed. I'll leave all the junk about Donnie & Faith (cause how likely is that) and certainly about weasley Warren and Ethan. Interesting that you managed to find a villian worse than Donnie.

Anyway, my point... the kissing and also the kissing.

[camlover]

Ummmmm, Yummy update my dear.

So when's the next installment? I'm wondering if I'm going to have to disable the Sims 2, because you're spending too much time homewrecking with tara to write.

Since, this is the kitten board, I'm sending a shout out to our new family members, Pixel and Fidget.

[pipsberg]

Yo Cam! That rocked.... was so happy to see more of GER. I will come back later to leave some proper feedback.