FIC - Lingering Darkness

[AutumnT]

Oh Sass. It seems you always post a delicious little treat when I need it the most.



You know things are bad when Willow is suggesting dropping out of school. You did a real nice job of encapsulating their fears here and their need to just be together the rest of it be damned.

Autumn

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Well, the reindeer part was nice...

[LeatherQueen]

Wonderful update, Sass. I love these times when it's just them... talking and snuggling.



But I have to agree with what someone else said... that last line? Gave me the major wiggies. Rather ominous. What have you got in store for us, hmmm?

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


"But when they're playing your song on the jukebox in Hell, you might as well dance." - K. Simpson


"Futile... like a FOX, baby!" - Tara in The Late Shift by wiccachica

[Rally]

Nice update, just nice to read about the two of them together. Poor Willow, her brain just never stops grinding away. Also love Tara letting Willow make the arguments for her.

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Officially, of course, I have to say that I have no idea what you're talking about.

[Tulipp]

Sassette,



I'm so thrilled you're doing a sequel! And I *love* the fact that even Tara sees Xander as the odd guy out in a room full of demon watchers, mystical energy balls, and etc. What a great way of adding gentle humor to a serious scene.



I want to tell you, too, that I read Answering Darkness only recently, but all at once. It's a good thing I started on a Friday because otherwise I would have had to take a day off from work. I was riveted. I'm looking forward to reading this one in installments so I can compliment you as you go!



Yay you!

[Sassette]

**areslei: Heh ... never start an argument with Tara. *G* And thank you ... I'm really glad you like it. Yes, Willow wanting time off from school is both surprising and logical. We'll see how that works out, though. They might decide to just grit their teeth and bear it until the winter break.



**VampNo12: Oh, yeah - nightmares are never fun. And yeah - if you were Willow, wouldn't you grab Tara every time you woke up, too? But yes, Willow has issues. Tara has issues. I probably could've called this fic 'Lingering Issues' and it would have worked just as well *G*



**BytrSuite: Ominous? Heh Heh Heh ...



**Willowfan: *G* Why, thank you ... glad you're happy about it.



**little wicca dude: Heh ... thanks *G* Glad to know it's hooking people in *G*



**Loco2: Thank you ... I'm pretty glad to be doing the sequel as well, though I was hoping I could put it off for another month or so. Darn W/T keep poking me in the nose and saying "Hey ... we have stuff to do ... write it down, write it down!"



**tommo: Yeah, I have to admit, I saw definite parallels to what I was doing here and Touchstone, so they really stood out for me when I was reading it. I'm really planning on this being a sort of "plot-light issues fic" where they sort of deal with the things they've gone through, and grow closer. Then again, I was planning on AD being a plot-light reconciliation fic when I started it, so *shrug* We'll see how that goes. But thank you ... it's really kind of easy to write them together ... you just kind of assume that if they're in the same room, they gravitate towards each other and get in touching distance, and once they're in touching distance, they've got their hands on each other. Gosh, they're cute. *G*



**IsayAmberBensonsgorgeous: Heh, well, I'm not >planning< on making it a series, but you never know. I suppose it's possible *G* But thank you - I'm really glad you enjoyed AD, and that you're liking this one.



**Puff: Heh ... and you've pretty much nailed what this fic is about. By the end of AD, they realized just how much they need to be able to talk about things, and share, and not be afraid of silly little things, like geek-infested roots ... this story is very much about putting that all into practice, which is much easier said than done.



**Grimaldi: *G* I just see Tara as being the much-needed balance for Willow ... when her mind is going to extremes, Tara's really the only one who can calm that down - mostly because she's really the only one who knows what's going on in WillowBrain.



**W.I.: Sorry you're not feeling well ... hope you feel better soon - and thank you, I'm really glad you liked it. And ominous? Me? Gosh, never.



**xita: Why, thank you - though, sadly, we will be seeing more of the Scoobies later. Like, next update. Not that I don't like the other Scoobies, but I like them more when they're just window-dressing to what W/T are doing And yes, it's a very good sign that Willow's willing to take time off from school because you're right - before, Willow wouldn't have been able to do that ... but a bad sign that she feels like she needs to, because it's indicative of being >really< off-kilter.



**Autumn: Wow, I have good timing *G* But thank you - it was important to me to establish that they don't get to just sort of walk away from that whole ordeal and just be business as usual. I sure flub details sometime, but I try to keep some semblance of emotional continuity.



**LeatherQueen: Oh, I definitely do, too. A talking and snuggling W/T makes for happy kittens *G* As for what I have in store ... well, gosh. Would I have anything in store?



**Rally: Thanks *G* And Tara's pretty much figured out now that you just can't stop WillowBrain ... you have to trick WillowBrain into stopping itself.



**Tulipp: Why, thank you *G* And Xander >is< the odd man out - that's the point of Xander, and why, when he isn't being a little whiny bastard, I really like Xander. Xander, like early Willow, stood up against the bad guys with no special powers and no prophetic destiny saying he HAD to ... he did it because it was the right thing to do, and because he loves his friends. You gotta' respect that (again, when he isn't being a whiny little bastard *shrug*). Heh ... and thank you - I'm really glad you liked AD.



-Sass

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I Think The Hellmouth Tastes Like Chicken -- Autumn

[TrueXena]

Oh Sass, what a wonderful update. WillowBrain is so sexy, even when it thinks up crappy stuff like "i'm a freak/geek". I love how Tara is able to use WillowBrain against WillowBrain.



You had me going there for a second, thinking that Tara hadn't woke up when Willow jerked awake from the nightmare. But of course Tara was awake, she was just letting Willow have some space to herself (acting like she was asleep), yet still comforting her (rolling over and covering her).



I wasn't as shocked as Tara was about the "Lets take the semester off" deal. I can totally see Willow not wanting to let Tara out of her sight after all that they have been through. And since we dont know FULLY what that whole dream was about (other than the fact that she needed to find Tara when she woke, but then that could have been her basic need to find Tara and nothing more) we don't know just how deeply Willow feels about not letting her out of her site. I'm waiting on pins and needles to find out though. (just like all the other Kittens *excludeing Xita of course who already knows the whole plot cuz you got drunk and spilled the beans to her*)



Ok I totally went on and on about this, but hey, its a great fic! Sometimes one can't help themselves. ;o) (love ya)

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Tara: "C-can you just be kissing me now?" - in 'Entropy'

Tara: "Its good to be a chicken casserole." -in 'Answering Darkness' By: Sassette

Tara: "Evil's....good." - in 'Seeing Red' (shooting script)

[WTsnuggles]

Yer New story wonderful start looking forward to part 2.



Help

Could someone E-mail me Answering Darkness? I would be very greatful to you.



daydream10@btinternet.com



Cheers .

[Miss1234Kitty]

*sniff* loved it. I can so totally understand Willow not wanting to let Tara out of her sight. Though if Tara was MY gal I don't know whether it'd need hell walking for that to happen! Jut kidding.



I know this is a Lingering Darkness thread and not Answering Darkness, but I figured you'd check this more active thread more often. What did Wesley need to explain to Gunn, in the second episode to last? Surely all he needed to say was 'don't be a sick bugger'. Did I miss something or am I being abnormally stupid? Or normal for me as the case may be!



Gem

[Canadian Kitty]

So happy to see you've decided to do a sequel Sass. I was, as usual, trying to be strong and wait till there were a number of updates, but alas, I am weak.



And that last line. If it were anyone else *cough* Joss *cough* I'd be worried but I know we are in good hands with you.



CK

"I'm not coming back." Willow. Villians

[Pixie gishmock]

Aaaahhhhh......*Pixie gives a happy, replete-with-Sassy-goodness sigh* I love these kinds of scenes! And, to come back from my "I-Never-Get-To-Take-A-Vacation Vacation Weekend" on Cape Cod to find here waiting for me - even better!



I love the way they are so snuggley, how they need to be touching and can soothe each other with just a touch. They are just so adorable. I also think it would be a great idea for them to take some time off - I think that if they just went back to their regular routines it would be too easy to get lulled by the mundanities of everyday life; they would never deal with these issues. And, just for the record, I found the "hoisted by my own petard" explanation interesting. *sigh. Pixie looks at the floor, shuffles feet, and holds up "geek-infested roots" membership card*



Still SO smitten!!!

Life is full of changes...The better you are at letting go of things, the freer your hands will be to catch something new. ~from Off The Map by Joan Ackerman
"It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured before passing out. ~from "Answering Darkness" by Sassette

[Sassette]

**TX: Yeah, you did go on and on, but I love it *G* As for the pins and needles thing, you >know< I'd tell you the whole plot if you but asked *G* Because you're all special and stuff Oh, and I beaned you in the head with your own bottle of Jose Cuervo. I kind of feel bad about that *G*



**WTsnuggles: Why, thank you *G* I don't know if anyone has emailed you Answering Darkness, because it's a HUGE file, but if they haven't, it's on Pens ... just scroll through the different pages, and you should find it. Let me know if you don't.



**Miss1234Kitty: Heh Heh Heh ... oh, Willow doesn't ever >want< to let Tara out of her sight ... she just has a few issues where the idea of letting Tara out of her sight fills her with panic and dread. But you definitely have a point. As for the Wesley/Gunn conversation, that was Wesley explaining that you don't ever say anything less than glowing about Willow in front of tall, dark, and broody, as Angel owes Willow his very soul. Gunn's comment (and I can't remember exactly what it was ... and I'm too lazy to go look ) was supposed to be realistic, but somewhat disrespectful. Hope that cleared that up.



**Canadian Kitty: LOL ... and I suddenly feel like I'm a crack dealer or something *G* And thank you *G* I'm glad that last line isn't worrying you, despite the ominous overtones. Yes, it was meant to be a little ominous, but we've all been to Hell and back together - y'all can trust me *G*



**Pixie: Ahhh, Pixie, dear. I'm glad you liked it ... and I love them snuggly and touchy, too, which is why it shows up so much in my fic *G* Being the writer, rocks - they do whatever I tell them to. That is, unless they gang up on me and just start doing things I never intended ... but that usually works out fine, too *G* And I'm glad you liked the "hoist by my own petard" conversation. I had this really neat book when I was in junior high called 'Brush up your Shakespeare' that was chock full of quotes and their explanation. For some reason, that one I always remembered - probably because of the little illustration of the guy flying through the air. I'm sick, I know this *G*



-Sass

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I Think The Hellmouth Tastes Like Chicken -- Autumn

[zero]

Just catching up on some fic after a busy few days, and I'm really liking this latest installment. The "petard" explanation was great because I frequently have conversations just like it! And like everyone else, I thought it was nice to see W/T just being together for a while. Good stuff!

"Spatulas are for wimps!" -Dawn

[mollyig]

A much needed conversation. Glad Tara was there to help still Willow's mind. And I like that they discussed what to do. Making decisions together, as it should be.

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

[Canadian Kitty]

Quote:

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we've all been to Hell and back together - y'all can trust me *G*

---

I do trust you, despite your aversion to green, healthy things (at least I think that was you) and your love of angst. And if we're going back to hell can I have a window seat? Not so much for the hell part but rather, for the things that usually follow the getting back from hell part.



CK

"I'm not coming back." Willow. Villians

[SlayerTazz]

Sassette - I love it...

A dream is a wish the heart makes.

Willow: "You had two eggs, sunny-side-up. I remember because they were wiggling at me like little boobs."

Tara: "Sassy Eggs."

[GiveMeChocolate]

Sassette - I went back and read Answering Darkness - bloody brilliant! It's completely messed up my body clock; kind of forgot about the whole sleep thing, but it was totally worth it. I cried, actually I sobbed at some parts, your characterizations are really spot on and they definately hit they're mark! I already know how much I'm going to love this sequel, can't wait for your next update!



Elaine.

'So hard to believe such a hot mama-yama came from geek infested roots'

[tkheaven]

Yay Sass...this was great! Both girls are so loving and protective of each other...*sniff* I need a snuggle.

Quote:

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Now that they were safe, they had all the time in the world.

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hmmm, you know something's going to happen..I wonder what you have in store for us...

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Tara was similarly riveted, her body on slow burn as Willow's lips parted and her mouth opened, the food slipping inside and being consumed. Never in her life had Tara ever wanted to be a chicken casserole so badly...Later that night..."It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured, before passing out. ~ Answering Darkness by Sassette

[tommo]

I found the perfect smilie for this fic. It's what happens whenever Willow and Tara are in close proximity to one another...

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Squish. Squish. Squish.

[tkheaven]

great smilies, Ruth...

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Tara was similarly riveted, her body on slow burn as Willow's lips parted and her mouth opened, the food slipping inside and being consumed. Never in her life had Tara ever wanted to be a chicken casserole so badly...Later that night..."It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured, before passing out. ~ Answering Darkness by Sassette

[Wolflord]

Loving this sequel.



Sass you are a talented writer and I am enjoying reading your stuff. Loved the interaction of Willow and Tara when it is just themselves, it is both intimate and passionate. And I love that you write it so well. Keep it up.





_____________ WOLFLORD ____________________

Sometimes I think of them doing spells and I have a spell by myself.

[Penrose Orleans]

Wonderful work (and on Answering Darkness too, by the way ) -- keep up the cool character action! (OOOPS!!! Ahem... supposed to say *inter*action... guess you've corrupted me... )

"There are of course many problems connected with life, of which some of the most popular are `Why are people born?' `Why do they die?' `Why do they spend so much of the intervening time wearing digital watches?'" --Douglas Adams

Edited by: Penrose Orleans at: 6/18/02 7:27:30 pm

[ExtraFlameyWT]

Sass,



Beautiful update...I finally got to read it now. I swear, finals really put a bind on reading updates. But, only ONE LEFT Woo Hoo. Anyway, the dialogue really blew me away...I loved how Tara kept turning everything back on Willow. She really knows how Willow's mind works..it's so cute.

Quote:

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Do you think normal people ever talk about this stuff?

---

I thought that line was hilarious...I was cracking up. I see where Willow was getting the nervousness from, though..



Great update, I can't wait for more...now I'm off to catch up on the vignette you posted.



Aimee

*****
"Pope John Paul today confirmed his opposition to gay marriages, said they're unnatural. Gay marriage is unnatural. Then he put on a pointy hat, his dress, and returned to never having sex at all." -Bill Maher

[oneinten]

Sassette!



I am totally hooked on your writing now! Actually I'm in the process of making up my "I love Sassette's Stories" t-shirt (after my "I love L. Countryman" t-shirt) now. Anyhoo, as always your fic is awesome and I am anxiously awaiting updates (as well as with the vignettes) but in the meantime, where can I find Answering Darkness? I am kinda going backwards here since I started so late in the game.



How do you like that I've plugged three threads for you here in one message!



Okay, lovin' this can't wait for more!



kath

[Sassette]

Just a quick note ('cuz I gotta run off to work) to say that if anyone is looking for 'Answering Darkness', it's in the shiny new Completed Fics Archive.



Gotta' run ... I'm hoping to update this fic soon-ish.



-Sass

[oneinten]

Hurrah!!! Now I can read this...well..at the same time as I read Answering Darkness. Unless I fake sick at work to read it all in one day....



Anyways, thanks for the lead to the new archive and again I can't wait to read more of this Sass. Now I can figure out that whole in and out of Hell thing.



kath

[Penrose Orleans]

No, that's not scary!!! *menacing* It's fluffy and happy and nice and DON'T ROCK THE BOAT!!!

"Naked people do not get machine-gunned." (Translation) --Hector Velarde, In Corium

[Bookcat]

Wow... its so amazing how you get their... not chemistry, per se, but their... dynamic so perfectly. I just read Answering Darkness in about 3 days, and it was wonderful... I can't reall express how much I liked it. My only problem with it was the length, cuz it makes it hard to read over and over ;)



I'd give you a thesaurus, but I think I'll confine that to the Vignettes in case this is as long as it predecessor.

"Living for thirty minutes at a time with a break in the middle for adverts" - Elvis Costello



"No! I'm, oh, I'm friendless."
"Yeah, yeah. No friends -- I mean, I have friends...."
"Many dear friends, yeah" - Willow, Tara, Willow Entropy.

[Penrose Orleans]

It's definitely a treat to read... I've been good... eating all my veggies... treatforme??? *begs* Yay, reading!!!

"Naked people do not get machine-gunned." (Translation) --Hector Velarde, In Corium

[supermus]

Could someone help me? I can't find AD. What page is it on? Could someone please post a link?

it's awesome that you're writing a sequel Sass. As to the sequel not being as good as the original, even if that is true, you can just write a third one, making a trilogy, cuz the concluding chapter in a trilogy is always awesome(Scream, Super Mario Bros., Crash Bandicoot)

[Loco2]

ad is in the completed fics archive, i don't know how to post a link because i'm too lazy to find out, but it is the first one listed at the minute. i hope this helps.



steph



edited to add: i decided to not be so buggering lazy, here's your link, sorry if it doesn't work.

pub106.ezboard.com/fthekittenthewitchesandthebadwardrobe36671frm15.showMessage?topicID=185.topic

"Dr. Becker, have you seen the skeleton?"
”What do you think I am, a skeleton thief? You want to search me?!"

Edited by: Loco2 at: 6/20/02 9:32:47 am