FIC: Paper Airplanes

[Scout]

Wow, I have to say this update was absolutely beautiful. I really loved Tara's story about her mom, and I loved how all the items on the book and in the book reminded Willow of Tara. Fantastic!



Really looking forward to more.

[Karzia]

There is a line in an Indigo Girls' song that makes me think of this story....... "I'm gonna love you good and hard while our love is good and young".... Get out the Map

Give into the sunshine....give into the W/T love..let it take over"

--------Sassette

[pikescoob]

Such a sweet letter....now Tara has a paper airplane and napkin letter to stumble across....excellent update!!



--Michelle

[LeatherQueen]

This was beautiful! And I loved the story of Tara as a young girl. Simply adorable. Can't wait to see how this all plays out.

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


"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

[The Rose24]

*Sigh*



This is beautiful. I can't wait to see when Tara finds the napkin and the paper airplane. This suspense is killing me.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?

[Thanatopsis]

So beautiful. I love how Willow sees Tara in the book and little Tara is so cute.

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

"This world's no fun."
"You noticed that too?"

[mollyig]

Willow's babbling about gift horses was just adorable! You've captured Willow's enthusiasm, and Tara's shyness very well.



Tara taking such care with the spell book, was really telling of how much she cares for Willow.



Lovely!

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

[hellmouthhottie20]

God that was beautiful, i just love the way you portray tara and willow, its so perfect.

Cant wait for the next update.



Caz.

one by on the penguins stole my sanity

[Jennpurr]

I am soo enjoying this. I hope Tara finds those little notes from Willow, that she doesn't intend showing her. Please let her find them. And that story that Tara told Willow, that was sooo precious.



Need more, soon.



Jen

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


"It's good to be a chicken casserole," Tara murmured before passing out. -from "Answering Darkness" by Sassette




Tara: Can you just be kissing me now?

[Shinnen]

JD! Buddy, you are!



I've said it once.. I'll say it again... absolutely positively wonderfully great romantic fic. The third part is really really cool! Tara's story is beautiful. I love the description of a young, 6-year-old Tara and her interaction with her mother.



And Willow! From the babbling down to the wide grins when Tara talks to and smiles at her.... perfect!



The subtlety (did i spell that right?) of the story is fabulous! I like the little things described. Willow drawing little hearts from the P's and O's. The detail description of the little notebook that Tara spent time and effort and full of love making it special for Willow. And Willow's notes! My heart melts when i read it. The feelings when they touch. sigh... downright romantic!



Oh! Do let Tara find the little notes! It's something different from all the rest of the fics!



Talent. I say! I've never been as excited of a fic as when i last read those of Lisa, Ruth, Jessan, Anon etc! TALENT!!!



Really can't wait for my birthday prezzie from you! *rubs hands in glee*



CheerZ!

Shinnen

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

When I Am Standing On My Head, The Sky Is So Deep And The Sea Is So High.

[jdcioffi]

To all kittens, thanks you for your kind words. In honor of fellow kitten Shinnen's 23rd birthday, I have promised a double post today. So ... part 4 follows ... and then you will get your paper planes back in ... part 5...



** Part 4**



BEEP



"Hey Tara, it's me. I guess you're not there. Are you? Are you screening? Tara? Hello? Tara? Okay. I'm convinced you're not there.



I'm at my parent's house and I just wanted to let you know I'm leaving now. I guess I was just calling to say 'see you in a week' ... again. I wanted to thank you, also again, for the book and everything. I felt badly that I didn't get you anything, so if you look on my bed at Buffy's, you'll find something for you. It's something you've been eyeing for a while. But it's not really for you, it's just a loaner. Just for the week. When I get back, we'll swap your mom's necklace for ..."



"Willow! Let's go!" Willow's mother called up the stairs, interrupting Willow's conversation with Tara's answering machine.



"Wait a second!" Willow called, with her hand over the phone. With a sigh, she

uncovered the receiver and said, "Alright, I have to go. Car's here. If I can't call from the cabin, have a good week. I'll be wondering what you're doing. Uhm, okay. Bye." Willow hung up the phone. "Love you," she whispered as she touched the amber pendant that rested on her collarbone.



The airport was bustling. Willow leaned against the baggage check-in counter and watched her mother meticulously fill out each claim ticket. She watched as her mother's letters flowed together in perfect cursive. She smirked and thought that her mother's handwriting fit her so well - very proper, with short, concise strokes.



Just like Tara's writing fits her. Playful, curvy and pleasant to look at, she thought.



"Can you get this?" Willow's mother asked, pulling her buzzing cell phone from her jacket pocket.



Willow shrugged and flipped the phone open. "Sheila Rosenberg's phone, Willow speaking," she said, hating how formal she sounded. "Let me check, hold on." Willow covered the cell phone and held it away from her body. "It's Dr., uhm, something-Hennesy from New Wales College. Are you available?"



"Gaultier-Hennesy? Of course," her mother said, already reaching for the phone. "Lynn, how are you? To what do I owe the honor?" She watched her mother's face as the person on the other end of the line spoke. Willow was sure she hadn't seen her mother smile so widely ... ever.



Covering the phone with one hand, Willow's mother whispered, "Get your father, Willow." She immediately uncovered the phone and said, "It is quite sudden, but you know we'd be honored, Lynn. Let me give you to Ira."



Willow's father walked over just in time to have a cell phone thrust toward his face. "This is Ira," he said, using his professional voice.



Willow remembered the first time she heard him use that tone. He was reading her a bedtime story and her mother interrupted by handing him the cordless phone. All the softness, all the tenderness in his voice disappeared and he sounded so cold and uninterested. She really tried not to listen to him talk business because it scared her how quickly her "daddy" became her "father."



While her father talked on the phone, Willow's mother pulled her away to talk. Willow already knew what was happening, but she decided to let her mother tell her anyway. Maybe this time she would act sorry for having to cancel their plans.



"Willow, the tickets are right here," she explained, handing Willow three tickets. "Please go. Call Bunny and Alex. Maybe they aren't busy and you three can still catch the plane. Your father and I have been invited to chair a panel that is touring Western Europe. We'll be gone for three weeks."



"You want me to go without you?" Willow asked in utter disbelief. "It's a family vacation, mom. What kind of family vacation would it be without a family?"



"We'll do it next year," her mother said, matter-of-factly. "Now, the checkbook is in the usual spot and here's my credit card. You'll need it to check into the cabin. Have a good vacation."



Before Willow could say anything, her mother was having their bags removed from the baggage check and inquiring about the price of two tickets to Amsterdam.



Willow picked up her small suitcase, waved to her mother, and walked over to her father. "Have a good trip, Daddy." She dropped her bag and gave him a quick hug.



"We'll make it up to you Punkin, I promise," he said, pulling her back into a tighter embrace. "This is business. And you know how it is with panel tours. Take 'em where you can get 'em." He tried to use his best daddy smile on her, but it wasn't working.



"Why don't you invite your friends up to the cabin? Forget about the plane and drive. The car's got a full tank and here's some cash in case you need it," he said as he handed her a small stack of bills. "I hear it's a beautiful drive with all the flowers and," he was suddenly at a loss for words, "and the other things people see when driving to the mountains." He was relieved to see Willow smile.



Willow was smiling at her father, but her mind had once again returned to Tara. She said it was a beautiful drive, she thought. Oh, maybe this is good. It would be just the two of us in a cabin in the mountains.



Her mind was racing. I should get a travel carrier for Miss Kitty and some toys for the drive. I'll have to go home to get the special picnic blanket and road trip CDs. We'll need snacks for on the road and some sodas and water. I'll have to call Tara, but I'll do it after I have everything ready. Good thing I have the credit card.



She was still making a mental checklist when she turned to her father and said, "Okay, daddy. Have a good trip." With a far-off look in her eye, she added, "Love you."



*End Part 4*

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

[jdcioffi]

Happy birthday to you, happy brithday to you, happy birthday dear Shinnen ... here's a little Tara for you.



As you may have noticed, the last update was all Willow ... and since I believe in fairness, this is all about Tara ...



And just a little note, the part 6 has a tiny bit of angst (and I mean teeny tiny . Anything that goes wrong, will end up right. Why? Because I'm a sucker for a happy ending.



**Here it is ... part 5**





Tara lightly knocked on the Summer's door and waited patiently for someone to greet her. When no one answered, she tried again, knocking a bit harder. The door flew open and Tara was met by shouting.



"I have to watch the news!" Dawn yelled.



"The news is on at 5, 6, 10 and 11," Xander explained. "Chyna's Smackdown is live, as in on now and not later."



Buffy moved away from the door and said, "Welcome to my home. In this corner, wearing a sweater she borrowed from me without asking is the former Key, Dawn. In that corner, wearing steel toed boots and an ex-demon is WWF-maniac, Xander. Pick your corner."



"Uhm, I really don't mean to intrude but Willow left something for me in her room. Do you mind if I just go up and get it?" Tara asked. When Buffy gave her an affirmative nod, she smiled and started making her way up the stairs. As she got halfway up she stopped in her tracks.



"Real Sex, Xander. I want Real Sex!" Anya whined. "If I have to watch This Old House and Baywatch reruns all day, the least you could do is give me Real Sex."



Noting the strange expressions and stares directed at her, Anya explained, "HBO, Real Sex. Don't you watch it? It's amazing. Tonight they talk to people who exchange sexual favors for money!" She punctuated her statement with a smile. "Should be exciting, and educational."



Tara shook her head and smiled to herself. She continued up the stairs and, as she reached Willow's door, took a deep breath.



When she opened the door, she was welcomed by the familiar scent of rose sandalwood. She inhaled and moved to the bed where Willow's favorite jacket was spread out. She sat next to the jacket and picked up the note that rested on the collar. The shouts from downstairs were muted as she turned her attention to Willow's note.





Tara,



I know this isn't as nice as the book you gave me, and it certainly isn't as special as your mother's necklace, but it's all I have. I know how much you like it, so I'm leaving it in your care for the time I'm away. (Don't worry, I took my old winter coat with me so I won't be cold).



It might be a little tight in some places. We're not all as lucky as you. (Imagine me laughing now, okay?)



Have a good vacation. Do something fun so you can tell me all about it when I get back.



Yours, Willow



PS. I'll be wanting a story when I get back too. So cook up a good one!



Tara tenderly folded the noted and placed it on the bed. She lifted the jacket and slid it over her arms. It was buttoned halfway before she realized that Willow was right; it wasn't going to fit. Looking in the mirror, she grinned widely.



Buffy's voice invaded Willow's room. "That's enough! Dawn is watching the news because she needs to for homework. The end. No more arguing. You want the neighbors to call the cops?"



Tara turned back to the note on the bed. She grabbed it and tried to slide it into the side pocket of the jacket. The note caught on something and Tara dug into the pocket to retrieve the offending item. She half expected to pull out a note about a spell, but instead she pulled out a napkin and a folded flyer.



She remembered the paper airplane from the Bronze, but the napkin was new. She turned it over to see where it was from and immediately sat down. The large, red words Espresso Pump didn't even register in the blonde's mind. All she saw was Willow's unusually large and decorative handwriting spelling out Willow loves Tara.



The air around her stilled as she stared at the words. Her brows furrowed as she tried to make sense of it. She gripped the napkin firmly in one hand and with the other she idly toyed with the paper airplane. Slowly, she brought the two items together to rest on her lap. In doing so, she noticed small handwriting on the flyer. After settling herself on Willow's bed, laying on her side, she carefully unfolded the note and lovingly placed it in front of her.



After every sentence, the blonde had to stop and catch her breath. She was in awe of how easily Willow's words flowed through her. It was as though everything she wanted to give to Willow was being given to her instead. She read the note twice and, upon starting it again, she pushed it away from her body slightly. She didn't want her tears to cause the ink to run or the page to stain. The words had to remain as when she first read them. Perfect. Clear.



Tara let out a sigh and pushed herself backward. Her eyes focused on the ceiling as her hands held the notes against her chest. Once Tara was able to accept that Willow's feelings for her mirrored her own for the redhead, a lazy smile to crept across her face.



The hardest part now, she decided, is having to wait so long to see her, to tell her how I feel.



Just as she let out another contented sigh, she heard shouting from downstairs again. She was shaking her head at her friends' antics when she heard Dawn's voice frantically cry out, "Oh my god! TARA!"



**End Part 5**

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

[Shinnen]

It's so good! I'm loving every part of this fic.



The details are so well described. I particularly love the comparison of handwriting. It makes the characters feel more real than they already are. Describing Tara's handwriting to be so like her person is so... right.



It's just so like Willow's parents to put off something like a family trip for the sake of work. But there's a cloud to every silver lining! Willow's gonna spend the week with Tara! Making mental checklist... that's so Willow! Organised! Lovely to think that the moment the news of her parents unable to go for the trip.. Willow's thoughts straight away veered towards Tara.



Cool! Update! My favourite B'day prezzie for now!



CheerZ

Shinnen

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

When I Am Standing On My Head, The Sky Is So Deep And The Sea Is So High.

[Sassette]

This fic is adorable *G* Seriously - it's charming, well-written, well-paced, and lots of fun. Thank you so much for writing it *G*



And, uhh ... I think I know why Dawn's yelling. D'oh!



-Sass

[lisa h]

Really enjoying this. On the edge of my seat, but in a very good way for once. yea!

Thanks

Lisa

[hellmouthhottie20]

buffys house sounds just like mine, well without the key, ex demon and, oh yes there is a xander here lol.



Whats dawn shouting at, I get the feeling i know,

nothings simple in w/t land.

I love this fic. i need more



Caz

one by on the penguins stole my sanity

Edited by: hellmouthhottie20 at: 5/21/02 1:09:25 pm

[jdcioffi]

I don't want to use up my two remaing written parts today . So, I will just let you know -- yes, it's what you think. But if it's what you think, then you know it's not gonna be bad for long. Right? Right? Right!



So, tiny angst ... teeny tiny miniscule.



In one chapter you will have the boo boo-- and it getting all better. I promise. (I need happy fun time!)



Thanks so much for all your feedback. It keeps me posting ... I'm gonna finish writing my epilogue ... making a total of 8 parts to this story.



Thanks again, I'm overwhelmed.

JD

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

[Scout]

"Welcome to my home. In this corner, wearing a sweater she borrowed from me without asking is the former Key, Dawn. In that corner, wearing steel toed boots and an ex-demon is WWF-maniac, Xander. Pick your corner."



Okay, that was hilarious - loved the update! And I'm glad we didn't have to wait too long before Tara found the napkin and plane. Poor Willow with her parents - at least she has the gang and Tara for a family. Looking forward to more!

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

"Tara's not dead at all - she just has a new group of writers." - Sassette

[snuggle79]

great great update!! But I guess I know what's happened and Dawn's yelling and so on... *ohgod*

Oh baby, want me to rub your tummy? She likes it when I ... stop explaining things.

Hi, um Tara..how are you? well...I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time...for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?


Looking down and hungry for your love, but no way to feed it...

[tommo]

Very sweet and it flows really well. There's a lovely transition between the narrative and the letters that breaks up the story really well, and yet allows it to continue in the romantic vein you've created. Just adorable.

----------
"Smut now." - Dark Madfic Tommo

[thehighpriestess]

Wow! I love this fiction. Could we have another update soon please?



I loved the way Tara found Willow's notes. Can't wait for the trip

WILLOW: Where would you go? If you felt lost
and alone? Where would you go?

TARA: To you.

[molsongrrrl]

I love this fic! so sweet -- cannot wait for more!

A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants

[jdcioffi]

Okay kittens ... you have choice ... I have parts 6 and 7 completed. A good friend (and my beta) and I have been talking and she thinks the story needs a bit more. So, this will actually be at least 11 chapters now.



The choice: Starting tomorrow I could post both 6 and 7 ... then when each subesquent chapter is done and beta-d, post it or post 6 tomorrow, post 7 Thursday and by Friday I should have 8 done and beta'd, thereby keeping with one update per day. Sans weekends, because I rarely write at the computer on weekends.



And an fyi ... more chapters means more fun stuff. Thank Ker if you like it ... my beta's wish is my command.



JD

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

[ExtraFlameyWT]

WOW!!! I loved the updates! I am SO glad that Tara found the notes.. I knew she would!! She had to! Oh.. I can't wait for the update!!!



-Aimee



edited to add: I think you should post part 6 tomorrow, DEFINITELY! But, do what you want for the rest..if you want to post part 7 tomorrow, I know that many would be happy to read it.. either way..i can't wait for whatever you post!

*****
"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

Edited by: ExtraFlameyWT at: 5/21/02 4:33:30 pm

[LeatherQueen]

Oh that was great JD! I love how Tara found out. And yeah... I think I can pretty much guess why Dawn's yelling.



But all will be better, right? Right.



As for the updates... god... I'm greedy so of course I want them all now. But perhaps it's best to give them to us one a day. To sustain us while you write.

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


"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

[BoredNow99]

Thank-you, Shinnen, for being born today!

We all get to join in the joy of presents. Yay.

And thanks JD for this, it's exactly the right amount of sweet, and funny too.

I'm greedy as well, so I say two updates tomorrow would be splendid.

[xita]

God, I love this fic. Another great idea. The letters fit in so well to the narrative and the plot. They are so cute in their love for each other, so intense yet so .. secret. And Tara found them, that is so awesome. What a great scene.

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

Willow and Tara Love

Truly and Forever

[Kerrison]

I knew everyone else would love it! I knew it I knew it.



*deep sigh* Ok. Happy tantrum done now....I think.



Isn't it great? If anything, I think the kitties love it more than I do! So they'll definately be bugging you for more than 11 chapters. (Bring it on, Kittens, I need all the reinforcements I can get!)



Oh, so proud of you for posting this here. This is the best forum to post this in and, despite those trouble-making pictures at the bottom of the page *ahem* I think you're just so brave for posting your stuff here! Honest. Fully proudness and respect for you for this.



And, J, you're way way way way too kind with all the love you give me here. You're too sweet. hehe. If all you say is true and the gf isn't butch, maybe I'll just have to ask for a duel for your hand.



Ok, ok. j/k. I know my place. *G*



So...come back online after Buffy. It wasn't bad. Coulda used some Tara. But...hey, can't every show? That's all I'll say. I need your help with Hannah! Desperately.



Uh oh. Katie's here. Shoot. Um...Hurry back?



Luv,

Kerry

[Rane018]

and here i thought you were actually going to have willow go on vacation with her parents. hehe. i love this! so... um... willow and tara in the moutains of big bear. will they be renting out one of those victorian like cottages they've got up there? that would be so romantic.



fic question though... joyce is alive *and* willow's living at the summers house too? i was a bit confused there...

[The Rose24]

This is beautiful. I am so glad it did not take long for Tara to read the note and the airplane. I can't wait to see what happens next. I am looking forward to the trip if this is where you are going.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.

Tara: Willow, I got so lost.
Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

Willow: Hi, um Tara. I was wondering maybe you want to go out some time for coffee? food? Kisses and gay love?