New fic: Dark Core

[Spot]

Hey!

wow, first, i have to say that that was an really intense update, i could totally feel what the characters were thinking.

secondly, i have to agree with thebardgirl.

MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! (although i am not running around the house screaming because my grandparents are over and my parents dont even know about this website so... that would be bad. fun, but bad.)

anyway, please update soon!

-michelle



edited because i cannot spell say *shakes head* i need to go to bed...

"Love is giving someone the ability to destroy you, and trusting them not to."

Edited by: Spot at: 11/8/03 7:36 pm

[thebardgirl]

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! Announcement:



MORE! MORE! MORE! MORE! (she starts running around the house chanting this, while scaring her parents and pets at the same time).....MORE! MORE! MORE!



That is all, thankyou.

-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[allykat]

Totally amazing!!!!

Very emotional and intense. Love it!!

Is it too soon to ask for more?



Oh,love the banner!!

[littlecrazy80]

This update was so intense. I could feel the emotions of every single character.

Please give us more asap!!!



*lil´c*

Let´s get happy and let´s be gay. germany´s grand prix song



Check this out

[TemperedCynic]

hey, Washi



I read your update some time back, but I did not reply until now. Your hitting your stride with this fic, and the story feels about ready to take off. Brilliant details for Willow's condition (kudos to bzengo for details and Cin for verification), this really brought us into their situation intimately - a sure sign that the author has done their job correctly. Keep going, Washi.



Mike



Edited to get my facts straight!

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More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. Woody Allen (1935 - )

Edited by: TemperedCynic at: 11/9/03 8:15 pm

[YMKA]

Hey Washi!

Okay...you so totally rock Man....I know I read it before and stuff...but I read it here and...well....it rocks...

Buffy running to Tara and remembering what Tara had done for her...It was really nice....

I really loved the way Xander described what he saw when Willow got hit by dark magics....man...I could even hear him say it...

Armchair...a couple of months before Willow was sitting in armchair...looking over Tara and Dawn....now it's Tara turn ...I thought it was a really nice touch (and I think I said it before....hehe). I have the feeling that I'm forgetting something...please forgive me...

I just loved it....every update makes me think...and man I love it...Thank you.

Love,



M.

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"..I feel you, I taste you, I cannot forget, everytime it rains I get wet..." (c) Ace of Base

[SJ]

Great banner

[bla bla bla]

hey i'm sorry - here look meaningless feedback;



....great update....keep up the good work.... blech.



but you know i really did enjoy the update. now hurry up and do it again

"Hey Dykorama!"

"The name's Dyke. O. - and that's Ms. Rama to you."

[2DIAMONDS]

Hey there Washi!



Always a pleasure to read one of your stories *cough, ahem, Sex Journals, cough*



You weren't kidding about the angst! Poor Willow! You know, unfortunately, it sometimes takes a crisis or some tragedy to occur for people to come together...or in this case reunite. Am I getting ahead of myself? Well, they may not be together together, but they are together at least.







Helen

xoxo

[Washi]

TITLE: Dark Core 7/?

AUTHOR: Washi (ZWS)

EMAIL: washi@dark-bliss.net

RATING: R, to be safe.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own the characters, Joss does or whoever. If I owned them, do you really think I would let season 6 happen? And why the hell would I be writing this?

So yeah, all belongs to Joss, ME etc...

The lyrics in this piece are owned by their respective owners.

SPOILERS: Season 6, Older and Far Away. It veers off cannon afterwards.

FEEDBACK: I love it, I live for it, either here or by email, although here is better.

ARCHIVE: It's on Blood and Ink. Ask and ye shall receive.

ANGST: Be carefull kittens, the ride is gonna be really angsty, and I'm not kidding here.

Thanks: Many thank yous to YMKA and Taras Shadow for their help, and also to bzengo and FIRESIGN.

NOTES: I don't have a beta in the real sense, but YMKA and Holly helped me along. Thanks again girls. All mistakes are mine.



Thoughts are in < > as always. Flashbacks, song lyrics and such are in italics.



Many thank-yous to FIRESIGN.



*****



Mornings come over Sunnydale as a welcomed relief. The first signs are unmistakable. The night slowly recedes, leaving trails of inky darkness in it’s wake as the sun’s rays start piercing through the horizon. The creatures of the night usually creep back to their lairs for the day, escaping the sun’s blazing beams. The sun continues to rise, tinting the sky in an orange-pinkish glow as it is about to peek out from the horizon, a scorching orange ball of molten fire. It continues to rise up as the night’s remaining signs of darkness are erased from the sky, being replaced by a soft warm glow.

For the citizens, morning means safety, security, life. They bustle around in groups of differently attired people, each heading off in their own direction, but all having a thing in common: they lived through the night.

For the Scooby gang, day meant another thing altogether. Most of the tragedies that had befallen them had happened in day light, such as the death of Joyce Summers, Glory’s torture on Spike, her mental torture on Tara, Buffy’s death just as the sun arose. The gang had grown accustomed to darkness, seeking it in times of despair. Yet, Hope surged with the light, the knowledge that for another day Sunnydale and the rest of the World was safe being no doubt the symbol of that faith in the day-time.



In Willow Rosenberg’s hospital room, Tara was still awake. She was deathly afraid of closing her eyes for a minute and losing Willow. Her eyes were blood-shot and itchy because of the tiredness and her crying. Her mind felt numb, and she knew it was her brain requesting sleep.



“Oh, Willow. I love you so much. Sweetie, everything’s gonna be fine.” she whispered before resting her head lightly near her lover’s hand.



She sat there for a few minutes until she heard a ragged, sleep-filled voice whisper in the stillness of the morning.



“Tara?”



She jerked her head upward to see Willow’s eyelids flutter softly before opening, revealing bleak green eyes.



“Willow! Oh my goddess, you’re awake!” she said before placing a soft butterfly-light kiss on the back of her lover’s hand.



Willow tried to reply, running her tongue on her parched lips. Tara understood the movement, having seen her mother do the same when she had awaken from a drug-enhanced sleep. She reached beside her, taking the bottle of water from the nightstand before pouring a glass of it and moving to help the redhead drink. After a few gulps of the cool beverage, Willow slowly removed her wet lips from the glass’s edge.



“Tara. Are, are you okay?” she asked, concern for her ex-lover showing on her face.



“I’m okay, we all are. I was just scared to death for you sweetie.”



“I’m… I’m okay I guess. Wait, am I dead?” she asked, her face becoming a frown.



“No! No sweetie, you’re not. But… your heart st-st-stopped b-b-b-beating l-l-last…” Tara stuttered, images of her lover’s unresponsive body popping up in her mind. She shook her head, her eyes tearing up again as she tried to tell Willow what happened.



“It’s ok. I’m okay now. I remember. Or I saw it. You made my heart beat again. It’s kind of ironic though.” Willow said before licking her lips again. Tara offered Willow the glass again, and Willow took in a few mouthfuls.



“What is?” Tara asked.



“I broke your heart, I made you leave, and now my physical heart is breaking down. Poetic Justice much?” Willow said, her voice heavy with regret and guilt.



“Willow, I don’t care what happened before. Not anymore.” Tara said, offering her a small smile.



“Tara, I have to… I have to tell you…” Willow started, her weakness lashing out at her, beckoning her back to sleep. She yawned.



“Willow, sweetie, you should rest, we’ll talk later. I’ll be waiting for you to wake up again. I won’t leave you. I love you.” she added softly, gazing into Willow’s tired eyes. Willow blinked.



“Rest too. You look like you could need it. I just need to tell you…” her voice trailed off again as she fought against sleep.



“Tell me what?”



“Even my last heart beat was for you.” Willow whispered before sinking back into a dreamless sleep.



Tara smiled before leaning over and placing a lingering kiss on Willow’s forehead. She put her head near Willow’s hand again and closed her eyes, knowing that she’d need all the strength she could muster in the next few weeks.



*****



Buffy took a deep breath before opening the door and entering Willow’s room. It was early morning and visiting hours just started. Doctor Williams hadn't visited Willow yet on his rounds. So Buffy looked on, shivering from the sight of her best friend in a hospital bed. Willow had more color to her than the night before, but she was still pale. She was breathing normally and Buffy was relieved. Beside the hospital bed, Tara was fitfully sleeping in an armchair, her head resting on the bed near Willow’s hand. Their hands were clasped together, Willow’s hand in Tara’s.



Buffy thought as she remembered the night before.



Buffy had always known that her life, her destiny would put people she loved in danger, but she always thought that demons or vampires would be their enemies as the Scooby Gang fought for humans. But now, her best friend was lying in a hospital bed in the CICU, having suffered a heart attack while fighting people. How could a human being with a soul act so irresponsibly?

Buffy knew Jonathan knew of Willow’s problem with dark magics, since she found their lair the night before, after making sure the rest of the Gang was asleep. She found the Nerd’s files on them, and their file on Willow, with every detail of her addiction. Yet, Jonathan had shot her a blast of the stuff she was fighting so badly. She couldn’t understand how someone could act so irresponsibly. He had a soul after all.

Yet, she knew the answer. People, human beings, are worse than vampires or demons, because they have souls, and they act horribly anyway. The real monsters were those who could kill people with the simple push of a button. Not because they had to feed or because they had to kill, but because they could. How could Buffy fight for the same kind that put her best friend in a hospital bed? And yet, she knew the answer as she looked at Willow and Tara. To save people like her friends.



Tears started streaming down her face as she looked at the two women. It seemed as thought they were always the ones to get hurt, whether physically or emotionally. These women, along with Xander and Anya were the strongest people she knew. They didn’t fight because of their destiny, but because they wanted to fight the good fight. And that made them idols in Buffy’s eyes. When she had died, they took over patrol, even without her Slayer skills and they kept it up for three months. They were truly heroes.



Buffy felt moisture on her cheeks and touched them lightly with her fingers. She looked almost surprise to see that she was crying, something she hadn’t been able to do since coming back. The night before had awakened her emotions, and the pain and fear she felt at seeing her best friend in the hospital, along with the memories of the night before, made her almost wish to return to her unfeeling state. Almost.



Wiping her tears, Buffy came closer to Willow’s bed and looked at her. She took her hand and Willow’s eyelids fluttered. Their green eyes locked together and they smiled.



“Hey you.” Willow whispered.



“Hey. Do you want some water?” Buffy asked, seeing her friend repeatedly lick her lips.



Willow nodded and looked at Tara. Buffy poured a cup of water and helped Willow drink.



“Should we wake her up?” Buffy asked, motioning towards Tara.



“No, let her sleep. She didn’t sleep last night.” Willow said, slowly and tenderly running her hand in Tara’s hair. She knew she didn't have the right to do it, but the feel of her love's hair between her fingers comforted her. A smile bloomed on the sleeping girl’s lips, but she didn’t wake up.



“Is the question ‘how are you?’ considered stupid right now?” Buffy asked.



“Well, I’m… I guess I’m okay, besides the whole heart attack thingy. I always thought I’d end up here because of a vampire or a demon, but not a regular heart attack. It’s weird, kinda like I'm not a real Scooby or something.” Willow licked her lips and Buffy offered her the glass of water again.



“Where are the others? Are they okay?” Willow continued after drinking some of the offered water.



“They’re downstairs. Xander and Anya are eating breakfast with Dawn, who’s completely freaked out. She says it’s all her fault and that she should’ve told me about the cramps. Which makes me wonder why you didn’t tell us about it. So? Spill.” Buffy said.



Willow sighed. “They were just cramps, and I thought they were withdrawal symptoms. I already bothered you guys enough without needing to add the cramps.”



“Willow, stop. You could never bother us. We are a family, and we stick together in good times or bad. Especially bad. You’re here because we needed you, if it’s anyone’s fault, it should be ours. Got that?”



Willow lowered her eyes and nodded.



“Good. Now, Giles is already on his way. I tried to call your parents, but I couldn’t reach them. I’m sorry.”



“It’s okay. I mean, hey, I bet that if I die, they won’t notice.”



“No talk of dying! You’re not dying! Got that?” Buffy started, feeling the redhead’s words cut into her heart.



Willow nodded and looked at Tara who was waking up. She was moaning quietly and her eyelids were fluttering, as if she was fighting against fatigue to wake up. Finally, her blue eyes opened and she looked around the room once, her eyes lost. Suddenly, she remembered the night before and looked up to Willow, who was looking at her with a small smile.



“Hey baby.” Willow immediately back-pedaled. “I mean Hey Tara.”



“Morning and Willow, you can call me baby.” Tara replied smiling.



“I can?” Willow asked, bewildered.



Tara nodded and leant down, tenderly kissing the redhead. She pulled back and Willow’s lips curved into a full-blown smile.



“Wow. Well. Yippee!” Willow replied, her eyes shinning.



Tara smiled. “Of course, we need to talk things through, but I know that you kicked magic for good, and it makes me proud. I’m gonna take care of you now.”



Willow’s eyebrows furrowed.



A knock on the door was heard and Eric Williams entered the room.



“Good morning. I’m doctor Williams, but you can call me Eric. How do you feel Willow?” he asked, checking her stats and the clipboard at the foot of the bed.



“Okay I guess. Kinda sleepy.” she replied before yawning.



“That’s normal. You’re gonna be drowsy today and maybe tomorrow. Are you feeling any chest pains? Cramps? Difficulty in breathing?”



“Nope.” Willow replied.



“Okay then. Well, I’ll be back later to check on you. Get lots of rest. And you two,” he said turning to Tara and Buffy. “don’t wear her out.”



The girls nodded and the doctor left.



“Willow sweetie, rest.”



“Yeah Willow, get some sleep.” Buffy said.



Another knock was heard and Buffy left to let Dawn come in after she literally begged to see Willow.



“Don’t let her talk too much.” Buffy warned her.



Dawn nodded and entered the room, rushing to Willow’s side.



“Willow! Are you okay? It’s all my fault, I should have told Buffy.” she said before starting to cry again.



Willow reached out and ran her fingers in the weeping girl’s hair.



“Dawnie, it’s okay. I’m okay. It’s not your fault.”



Dawn sniffled and looked up, needing to be reassured.



“Really?”



“Yes, really. Don’t cry. I’ll be out of here in a few days.” Willow said before yawning.



“You should rest!” Dawn cried out.



“Is Xander outside?” Willow asked, fighting her fatigue to reassure her friends.



“Yes, he’s out there with Anya. Oh, Spike had to leave, ‘cause you know, daylight, but he says he hopes you’re okay.” Dawn said.



Willow smiled. “That’s nice of him. Can you send Xander in? He must be worrying. I know him.”



Dawn nodded and gave Willow a peck on the cheek. “I love you.” she said before going out and calling Xander.



Willow was smiling when Xander came in. He rushed to her side.



“Willow! How are you? Sorry, stupid question. You gave us one hell of a scare. I really thought that…” he stopped, his eyes starting to glisten with tears. He stood up tall and tried to swallow them back, but a few tears escaped.



“Aww, Xander, I’m okay. Really. I’m tired but I’m fine. Now, go home and get some rest.”



Xander wiped his eyes and looked at Willow, taking in her drooping eyes and her general weariness.



“Oh God! Willow you should rest. What kind of a friend am I? You’re tired and you wanna sleep, and all I do is come here and bug you. I’m sorry Will.” Xander said.



Willow smiled. “Stop it Xander! Now, come give me a hug.” she said, wanting to reassure her best friend.



He leant over her and hugged her loosely, afraid to cause her any pain.



“Now, you rest. I’ll come back later. I love you.” Off Tara’s glance he added “In a brotherly way of course.” before kissing her on the forehead.



“I love you too, in a sisterly way. I’ll see you later.”



Xander left, waving to the two women in the hospital room. The two women sat in silence for a few minutes, thinking about their relationship. Finally Willow broke the uncomfortable silence.



“Tara, you should go and rest too. You look exhausted.” she said, her voice tender and loving.



Tara looked heartbroken for a second, and Willow regretted what she said. “Do you want me to leave?” Tara asked, her voice a mere whisper.



“No! I didn’t mean it that way. God, I barely get to see you anymore, so, seeing you is good. All with the goodness here. But I don’t want you to tire yourself out. Because a Tired-Tara isn’t a happy Tara, unless of course, the tiredness is from getting a happy. Did I just say that out loud?” Willow stopped her babble, blushing at the innuendoes flying all over.



Tara smiled and reached out for Willow’s hand, entwining their fingers. “I missed Willow-babble. A lot.”



“You… you have?”



“Yeah, I really missed it.” Tara replied smiling. “Now, you sleep missy.”



Willow frowned. “Not unless you do too.”



“Willow, don’t worry about me. I’ll take a nap right here.”



Willow pouted. “But you’ll wake up all sore back-y.”



“Stop worrying and sleep. This armchair is really comfy. I won’t have a sore back.”



Willow yawned and closed her eyes. “Okay. I’ll see you later.” she mumbled as she let sleep fall over her.



Tara smiled. “Later. I love you.” she whispered.



Willow’s sleeping face blossomed into a full-blown smile.



*****



TBC...



The Evil is grin is suspended... but just for now.

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



"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa



The course of love doesn’t always run smooth, especially for the neurotic and accident-prone. ~ LadyB



.:Dark-bliss.net :..:My blog:..:Blood and Ink:.

Edited by: Washi  at: 11/10/03 3:14 pm

[Washi]

Hey Kittens!



I'm flattered with all the feedback I'm getting. It's truly marvelous! I'm very happy you're all liking it. Thanks to everyone for their support, for the replies and just for reading. And on to replies!



sabina: Hey you! I'm glad you like the banner! And, this update is gonna be pretty long, about twice as long as the others... Hope that'll satisfy your craving. Thanks.



Grimlock72: Hey! First of all, thanks for reading and replying. Now, let's see...

Quote:

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Xander's description DID make it clear Willow fought the magic, she wasn't in any condition to cast anyway. Still, I was cringing when he described Willow's ordeal in so much detail... those are NOT details people want to hear in such circumstances... how Willow suffered and such... it's not very helpfull (or uplifting for that matter).

---

I agree that it isn't uplifting,but shock akes people say things they shouldn't. Each person reacts differently to shock, I for instance laugh.

So, Xander's reaction was to show that he was in shock, that he wasn't thinking straight (or at all).

Quote:

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Oh all people Dawn has the least reason to feel guilty. At least she talked with Willow when she needed someone.

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That's what I call 'the Teen years syndrome'. Dawn blames herself for almost anything that happens. It's a natural reaction, IMHO, that people who have been left a lot have.

Quote:

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I gather such normal/nice behaviour is not the norm over in the US for same-sex couples??

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I actually have no idea. The thing is, for me anyways, that I don't like doctors. I hope I don't hurt anyone here, but the doctors I've had have never been nice, except for one, who's my dermatologist. My dentist, for instance, tends to sing while using sharp tools, and it just reminds me of "Brian Yuzna's The Dentist".

Also, I didn't exactly mean it in the same-sex couples way. I meant it more in the "We're always getting banged up and they're starting to hate us" way. But, after all, some doctors are very judgemental and unfriendly gay-wise. I don't know it for sure though.



Again, thanks for the reply, and I hope you'll enjoy the rest.



Karmah: Hey Arron! Like I already said, I'm very happy you liked the medical parts even though I can't take credits for them, bzengo having helped me when this fic was just a fledgling and later on Firesign who has given me her seal of approval.

I'm glad the emotional part of this segment worked. I'm glad it did.

Thanks muchly for replying and I hope you'll enjoy the rest.



LostWithoutTara: Hey! I'm glad you liked the emotional ride in this part. Yeah, in my opinion, Dawn can be very mature if you think about it. Teens who had hard years usually are.

As for the Scoobie interaction, I wanted to make them more real, more the Heroes we know. And after all, Buffy has said it very well in season 5. "We're family." So, in this fic, they start acting like one, and not like the paper-thin characters they became in Season 6.

Quote:

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(um, she is going to recover, right... )

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No comment.



Thanks a lot.



FIRESIGN: Hey Cin! I gotta thank you for your extra help in this fic. Without you and bzengo, this would have been a piece of crap on a stick.

I'm glad you're liking it.

As for the potassium deficiency talk, if you read the earlier parts, you'll notice some sentences of this kind:

Quote:

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And her heart fluttered again right then.

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and

Quote:

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felt her heart flutter.

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No, question is, did her heart flutter only because of her emotion?



That's the most I'm gonna say.



Thanks again.



thebardgirl: Hey Liz! More is coming along, don't fear. Or, maybe fear small furry animals, mostly rodents.

Thanks.



Spot: Hey! I'm very happy the emotions worked in this part. I was hoping it would work.

More is coming along, hope you enjoy! Thanks.



allykat: Hey! Glad you joined the ride! I'm happy you're liking this, and I hope I won't disappoint. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the rest.



littlecrazy80: Hey Romy! I'm glad you liked the update! Thanks for replying, and I'm gonna give ya more.



TemperedCynic: Hey Mike! Thanks for all your compliments. I'm very happy that you're enjoying it. I do hope that I'll continue to keep up the good work and not rush it to the end. Again, Thanks.



YMKA: Yo!

First of all, you're starting to talk like me. Thanks for all your thoughts and your compliments. I'm glad you liked the special touches (such as the armchair and Buffy's small flashback). Hope you enjoy the next part man!



SJ: Hey you! I'm glad you like the banner! Thanks.



bla bla bla: Hey you and . All feedback is welcomed here, I don't judge. I'm glad you like it, and Thanks.



2DIAMONDS: Hey!

Quote:

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Always a pleasure to read one of your stories *cough, ahem, Sex Journals, cough*

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Always a pleasure to write these fics.

You know, when I first started writing The Sex Journals, I didn't think it was going to be such a hit. I will finish that one, I swear, and also The Pain In The Path Of Love. Don't worry.

Tragedies make the world come together, and people start seeing what it is they can lose.

I'm glad the angst is working for ya. I hope you enjoy the rest and thanks.



Update coming up!

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"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa



The course of love doesn’t always run smooth, especially for the neurotic and accident-prone. ~ LadyB



.:Dark-bliss.net :..:My blog:..:Blood and Ink:.

[allykat]

Where should I start? This is so frikkin' amazing!! I loved this, made me go all Awww....

Quote:

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“Even my last heart beat was for you.”

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And the Willowbabble... Too cute for words!!



So, I'll just say:

[TemperedCynic]

hey, Washi



This is a "feel-good" chapter, and even then you manage to break our hearts with the words Willow and Tara use with each other. I don't doubt that the angst just took a quick holiday, and will be back full-force later. Bring it on, girlie! I'm ready for you. Seriously, Washi, this fic is starting to read very smoothly, and I expect the storyline to take off soon. Just letting you know that I'm here for the ride.

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More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. Woody Allen (1935 - )

[AmbeRocks]

it's just all sooo cute!!!



can't wait for an update now, especially with Tara telling Willow she loves her!!!



you'll never stop amazing me washi, thank you!

There is such a variety of well-invented things that the earth is like the breasts of a woman: useful as well as pleasing - Nietzsche

[YMKA]

Hey man

Sooo....I'm starting to talk like you? )) next thing you know....I'll be "yo"ing....lmao )))) . I'm honored man

K...update man....

"The sun continues to rise, tinting the sky in an orange-pinkish" <-----yeap....remember that all too well.... usually after I saw that orange-pinkish glow I knew that it was time for me to go to sleep but it's a really beautiful thing to see....isn't ? I like first two paragraphs...and man you are right....bad things did happen to Scoobies while it was daylight....hmm...I never noticed that before....lol.

Willow's waking up was nice...awww....I was when I read "“I’m… I’m okay I guess. Wait, am I dead?”".....It was funny .

The whole Buffy's thinking about humans being worse than demons....you touched some intresting points.... made me think...hehe....

pst....Willow should've said "yo" to Buffy

Awwwwwwww....It was so cute with the "baby" and "sweetie" and "I love you" .....awwwwwwwwww





I know that's not what you aimed for

I'm waiting for the next update!!!! please please please.... update soon

Oh...I remembered....I loved the banner for the fic....man it's cool

P.S Ops...I did it again...lol....I loved Willow babble about Tired-Tara... it was so cute

Love,



M.

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"..I feel you, I taste you, I cannot forget, everytime it rains I get wet..." (c) Ace of Base

Edited by: YMKA at: 11/10/03 6:37 pm

[FunGirl]

Hey Washi,

Nice calm post heart attack update. Tara is now there to take care of Willow again. Willow can rest and get better - at least until the other shoe drops which I'm sure will be soon.



Well I"ll just have to be patient and see what happens next.

-fungirl

[intricate mirage]

Washi



Here. This is for the feel good update. No evil cliffhangers. No big bads lurking about in the bushes. No big worries. No sad tears. Just happy and relieved tears. So fine even though the evil grin is suspended only temporarily, but still... better something than nothing



Love the banner, it's done up just right

Quote:

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“Even my last heart beat was for you.”

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Made my heart melt. Made my heart go 'Yeah, it's truly Willow and Tara, forever.'



Buffy's thoughts. Hit home a point about human beings. It's true, it's always the ones, who know full well about the harm they are causing and yet still do it without blinking an eye, who are the real demons. Mann, they got some serious inner demons to deal with.



I'm glad though to see Buffy recovering from the whole getting-pulled-out-of-heaven thing. Feels good to know that the slayer's finally coming around and beginning to well... feel again, and to be able to feel real again. Good on her mate.

Quote:

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“Morning and Willow, you can call me baby.” Tara replied smiling.

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Aww. Willow's response was really adorable too. So Willow. Oh and this bit...

Quote:

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“No! I didn’t mean it that way. God, I barely get to see you anymore, so, seeing you is good. All with the goodness here. But I don’t want you to tire yourself out. Because a Tired-Tara isn’t a happy Tara, unless of course, the tiredness is from getting a happy. Did I just say that out loud?” Willow stopped her babble, blushing at the innuendoes flying all over.

---

Definitely glad to see Willow babble back in kick ass action again. Always doing wonders with her babble. And aww, Tara really missed Willow babble.



I'm glad Tara feels that the two of them need to talk. Some things they got to clear up and just to talk things through. About Willow's former addiction, possibly Tara telling Willow about how she understands it better now after having been caught somewhat in the same situation, and Willow definitely has to know and be assured that Tara isn't staying just to return the favour of her taking care of Tara after the whole Glory thing.



So once again, great update! And ah well, I know good things don't always last forever, so come on you, you evil little meanie, hand over the big bad angsty ugly stuff and I'll handle it like a woman. **puts on a strong front** Hehe (But of course with the occasional prayings and beggings for good times once again )

Cassie





Ask me if I loved you yesterday. I'll say 'Yes'

Ask me if I love you today. I'll say 'Yes'

Ask me if I'll love you tomorrow. I'll say 'Always'

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 11/11/03 2:16 am

[bluewillowwitch]

Washi ,

It took me 2 hours but I finished your fic! I swear talking to all those people is distractiing, but you gotta love it.



I love your fic! The scenes between and are so cute. All the Scoobies are so worried. I how that will be okay. will be really if she isn't. Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[SJ]

Loved the feel good factor and the Willow babble was cute

Great update

[willow fan7]

Washi

That was a great update...as Spike would say, all with the touchy feely stuff. It was sooo Willow to say,

Quote:

---

Even my last heart beat was for you.

---

Made my heart go all fluttery. And the babble was so incredibly cute. Tired Tara and Happy Tara.

Keep up with the great updates!

[snuggle79]

How many updates did i miss?? 2 ?! Shame on me!

I'm so glad that Willow is feeling better. Tara was really sweet.

Glad update(s)

snuggle79

This is how everyday should end and start ..and all the stuff in the middle

The greatest thing you'll learn, is just to love and be loved in return.

[LostWithoutTara]

Hey Washi!



Brilliant update, as always. Nice to have a bit of a breather from the emotional thumbscrews (which are brilliant, but hey, it's nice to have a ray of light in the angst ). Tara and Willow's interactions were wonderful here, I loved Willow's babbling . Willow saying her last heartbeat was for Tara was beautiful.



Can't wait for the next update!

Every time you walk away, I pretend that I'm okay

[2DIAMONDS]

Excellent update



It's so touching that Willow's first thought after waking up, in a hospital bed, after suffering from a heart attack (or heart arrest, whatever) is to check if Tara is okay.



Willow remembered that Tara made her heart beat again. Okay, sorry, another But it can't do her any good, healthwise anyway, to immediately bring up the past and the guilt over their breakup. I understand why she would though. Although Jonathan's actions caused this, her guilt and heartache couldn't have helped the situation either. I'm glad Tara diffused those thoughts by telling her she doesn't care about the past anymore. What she cares about the most is Willow and her well being right now.

Quote:

---

“Even my last heart beat was for you.” Willow whispered before sinking back into a dreamless sleep.

---

Ugh, another Tara letting Willow call her baby? . And the tender kiss? Buffy's thoughts about her friends being the real heroes? (I liked that part a lot) The emotional Scooby gang coming in to see Willow?



All this angst can't be good for any . But I want more and soon!!!



Helen

xoxo

[Washi]

Hey Kittens!



Got off my lazy bum to post replies to your wonderful feedback. I also gotta make an awards page for Blood and Ink, since Playtime has been awarded 3 times already. Yep, I'm all happy.

Update in a couple of days or so.

Thanks everyone, for reading, replying, and enjoying this.



allykat: Hey! Thanks. I'm glad the sentence: “Even my last heart beat was for you.” worked for ya. I had hoped it would work. And the Willow-babble just came to me. Thanks for your compliments.



TemperedCynic: Hey you! Ooh! I broke yourheart? Cool! I'm happy you liked it and thanks for your kind words.



AmbeRocks: Hey! I'm glad you liked the cuteness of this update. I thought people could take a small break from all the angst. And no, Thank you.



YMKA: Yo B! The description of the sunrise is something I wrote while it was rising. As you know my sleeping habits, you know I'm usually awake when that happens. I'm glad you liked the description.

Quote:

---

bad things did happen to Scoobies while it was daylight....hmm...I never noticed that before....

---

You know I did a ton of research on this fic, and I noticed that most of the "bad" stuff happened in the morning or in daylight. I thought about it when I rewatched the gift when I was writing. Buffy jumps just as the sun rises.

Quote:

---

The whole Buffy's thinking about humans being worse than demons....you touched some intresting points.... made me think...hehe....

---

We all know that it's true. Some humans don't think twice before pressing a button to kill hundreds or even thousands of people. Glad you noticed that one.

I'm happy you like the banner, and once again, thanks.



FunGirl:Hey! I thought Kittens would need a breather in between what's gonna happen . I'm glad you liked the update, and hope you'll love the rest. Thanks.



bluewillowwitch: Hey Grace! I do love chatting with ya'll (Arron'll kill me if I type y'all. ). It is distracting, but it's very cool. I'm glad you liked the update, and I guess you'll just have to read what's coming up... Thanks.



intricate mirage: Hey! First of all, I'm glad you like the banner.

Now, I'm very happy that sentence worled for you. I'm starting to think that all the people who read this update love it.

Quote:

---

Buffy's thoughts. Hit home a point about human beings. It's true, it's always the ones, who know full well about the harm they are causing and yet still do it without blinking an eye, who are the real demons. Mann, they got some serious inner demons to deal with.

---

EXACTLY! Man, I'm so glad you noticed that and commented on it. And, I will not start a political rant.



As for Buffy, I've always felt that she begins to get back to normal after OAFA. And with this push, I'm pretty sure she would feel again.



Glad you liked the babble. I had one similar sometime ago... Didn't get me a kiss though.

Quote:

---

I'm glad Tara feels that the two of them need to talk. Some things they got to clear up and just to talk things through. About Willow's former addiction, possibly Tara telling Willow about how she understands it better now after having been caught somewhat in the same situation, and Willow definitely has to know and be assured that Tara isn't staying just to return the favour of her taking care of Tara after the whole Glory thing.

---

Indeed! I know plenty of kittens are just happy to have Willow and Tara back together, but I want it to be based on something more, set in stone. They need to talk, if they just get back together, it'd be like nothing changed, like the break up didn't have reasons.



Thanks for all your thoughts and for the long, but excellent feedback.



SJ: Hey! I'm glad the feel good update didn't rot any teeth with the sweetness. I'm happy you liked the babble. Thanks.



willow fan7: Hey! I'm glad you liked it! The "touchy feely stuff" can be pretty good, heh?

I'm glad you liked THE sentence (gonna call it that from now on, for this update anyway ), and the babble.

Thanks, and I hope you'll enjoy the rest.



snuggle79: Hey you! Yeah, bad bad Snuggle! (kidding). I'm glad you liked the update and I usually update every 3-5 days or so. Thanks.



LostWithoutTara: Hey! I'm glad you liked it. Yeah, the angst was getting too much, and even as I was writing, I just had to write something happier. I'm glad I stayed in character, and glad you liked the babble. Man, it's like everyone is loving THE sentence... Makes me feel all fuzzy inside. Hope you enjoy the rest and Thanks.



2DIAMONDS: Hey! Okay, so this update made you bawl your eyes out. I just hope it was in a good way.

I was going to take their getting back together slower, hell, I even discussed it with YMKA, but then I thought about it, and I think that after that hard of a blow, both Willow and Tara need to know they can lean on each other.

I'm happy you liked THE sentence. I seriously have no idea from where that came from, but as I was writing the notes for this, it just came to me. Boy, am I glad I wrote it. Actually, I'm amazed that I wrote it. Makes me think that my brain does work sometimes.

I'm glad you liked Buffy's thoughts. I did notice that usually, the Scoobies do get a lot of damage, physically and emotionally. And, Willow and Tara are right on top there, if I'm not wrong.

Thanks for your feedback, and I hope you enjoy the next part.



Ok Kittens! Update in a couple of days!

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



"See? I've mastered this tact crap." Anya in Tears Of The Goddess by Lisa



The course of love doesn’t always run smooth, especially for the neurotic and accident-prone. ~ LadyB



.:Dark-bliss.net :..:My blog:..:Blood and Ink:.

Edited by: Washi  at: 11/12/03 4:06 pm

[sabina]

Hey Washi



Better late than never, right?



This was such a great update

I loved W/T interaction. Your Willowbabble was simply hilarious

And I also love the way you're making Buffy slowly start to feel again and truly come back to life



More soon?

---

"I know I was born and I know that I'll die.

The in between is mine.

I am mine!" - Pearl Jam

[BloodSuckinFiend]

As usual, me taking up the rear!!

Awesome job as usual...and I will bounce around 'til I get an update!!

Oh!!...and congratulations on Playtime!!

______________

~ "I don't know how to behave around women of the opposite sex." - Space Ghost

[thebardgirl]

hey washi! you're making me feel better, cause i'm stuck here at home, waitin' for my leg to suddenly become normal again and well it's so nice to have something to read! especially something i WANT to read. unlike icky icky calculus theories and such....i love it...and i love Willow being allowed to call Tara affectionate names again...it's like...it's like a realistic fairy tale....does that make sense? ah well...i love it...and i'm sorry for not replying sooner...my brain's a lil' WHEEEE right now...as in the plug has been pulled and all the air is escaping...thanks again!



-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[littlecrazy80]

This update was great as always. This story is absolutely fantastic.

The interaction between Willow and Tara is really cute.



*lil´c*

Let´s get happy and let´s be gay. germany´s grand prix song



Check this out

[Grimlock72]

Oh oh... I'm late replying.. well, here goes anyway



Lots of nice and cute stuff in there, although "my last heartbeat was for you" sounded all wrong to me. Especially that "last" part of it.



I found Buffy's observations interesting. Someone/thing who actually has a choice to hurt or not hurt someone else is much more evil for doing so. So she did find the trio's lair and read Willow file, which appearantly held much detailed information on Willow and her "addiction".... did Buffy ever wonder HOW they got such info ?? Oh yeah, the fact that Jonathan knew Willow had troubles handling (pretty much any form of) magic pushes him right to the top of my To-Be-Pushed-Of-High-Cliff list.



I'm glad to see Tara wants to talk with Willow now, even though I (as Willow) have to wonder if that's just caused by Willow being hurt. As such it should be interesting to see what happens when Willow is healthy again, which will take a while though... (good, Willow definitly needs rest)



Still, after Willow's recovered from this cardiac arrest she's not nessecarely done with her magic troubles now is she ? I seriously wonder if she can just stop doing any magic at all, a gradual decline might have been wiser. Maybe the docters will find another cause of her cramps, now that would be interesting..heh.



Now if Tara would just change her focus from 'Willow not doing magic' to 'how Willow handles power overall' I would be very happy . Currently she's focussing on a symptom, a very dangerous one for sure but still a symptom. (or more to the point, given a memory-altering drug.. would Willow have used that to make Tara forget their argument??? -- think about it)



That has to be scary btw. to remember being given CPR too, eeeeeeww....



Grimmy

--
"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[slayer obsession]

Washi, my dear...



Wow... what an intense story. Drama... high emotions... action... I’m glad to see Tara’s realization and understanding of Willow’s “addiction.” She is where she belongs... by Willow’s side, reassuring her. It wouldn’t make much sense for them to wonder about their feelings for one another at this point, they KNOW... and now they realize how precious their time together is. It’s time to heal and move on... Willow needs the support of all her friends now and it’s nice to see that happening.



I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for more.



Thanks for this story,

CB