Old Fire -- Updated 10/14

[Thianne]

At the risk of being unpopular with the kittens I will categorically say that I absolutely do not want kisses and gay love anytime soon.

oh yes, watty *ironic* i don't think i can talk to you anymore, now

[db]

ah. time for feedback.

*stretches and rubs chin*

Where to begin?

So, I *totally* didn't get the chance to bend your ear about this chapter like I usually do!! I feel so cheated!!

First of all. I am so impressed with the approach you took to writing this chapter. Watty is right, They are a very long way away from making peace -- but the overwhelming love is still there. It is palpable through the numbness. There are our girls -- both of whom have been incredibly shaped by the event of thier break up. Neither has forgotten or 'gotten over' the loss. In many ways, they both blame themselves. This is huge, right? A huge big red thumbtack in their life lines... and yet, they haven't spoken their truths. It happened so fast that neither of them can gather emotions clearly enough to really communicate, yet.

Tara feels responsible for her careless actions; for causing Willow's hurt. Also, Willow was able to pick herself up; to make something of herself and to really, really move beyond her magic addiction. Tara must feel like Willow is better off without her... she needs to hear Willow's side of things for herself because if she doesn't she will always believe that.

Willow is forever running from the weaknesses that caused her to resort to magic. She believes that what she did was unforgivable, She needs to know that Tara forgave her. She needs it more that Tara I think -- and she *so* needs to know the truth behind Tara's dissapearance.

Anyway, I could go on and on (you know I can!)... but allow me to just say this one last thing which is that I am pleased with the starkness of your writing here. No vivid descriptions, no smells or tastes or touches. It is like every sense is numbed. There are the facts of the matter, and the unbelievable aftershock of finally getting to be in the same room with the other -- I suspect it is an event that they played over in there minds for many many years -- maybe they had alternately hoped or dreamed or dreaded the event -- but both of them are left feeling empty. It wasn't the resolution they'd hoped for. They were there in the room together, but they weren't, really *there*.

I am looking forward to what you have cooked up for them next!

db

[JustSkipIt]

Wow. I just read this and I'm sorry to be so late to the thread. The truth is that a few times, I started reading it but seeing where it started, gave it up. In general, I don't like stories set in the S6/breakup phase. Most of them are like, oh Tara's so sad. She misses Willow. She realizes she made a mistake. They get back together. How wonderful. They have no real confrontation of the import of what either has done.

But you have done something really interesting and intriguing here. I love that both women are so terribly flawed and so damaged by what they've done to each other and themselves. Willow is just as terrible as we know and I love that you show the sex following the spell. A good friend of mine contends that their sex is rape because Tara would not have been willing to have sex if Willow hadn't blanked her memory. I'm not saying that I agree with that condemnation necessarily but I definitely think it's an egregious violation. That Willow falls into a self-loathing period following her stopping magic doesn’t make what she’s done any better. It’s just somewhat pathetic (although I can have sympathy for her).

At the same time, Tara is no angel either. She 1. leaves Willow rather than staying to help her (which I really disliked about S6) and 2. Comes back, has sex, and leaves without a word. Stupid, terrible, awful idea! I mean she could have at least left a note. You know, “Willow. I’m so sorry. This was a mistake. I’m sorry that I’ve hurt you but I can’t do this again…” That type of thing. But no note. Yes, her wrongdoing is slightly tempered by the interaction with Giles and Dawn but not that tempered.

So now they get to try it all again. I love that concept. They will need to date and court and try to get comfortable and forgive each other and fall in love and that’s so much fun. You know, I love meeting and falling in love fics so this is one that I can add to my list. Yes, they’ve already been lovers but now they can get to know each other.

Again, sorry for the delay and I’m really looking forward to reading more.

[Crimson Vampire Goddess]

Wow, Tara really hurt Willow...I know an argument could be made that Will hurt her first, but that would just sound childish. That and Willow didn't realize she was hurting Tara; Tara knew her running away without talking to Willow would hurt her. They have a lot of anger, resentment, and hurt between them that they have to work through. I just hope it doesn't turn into a full blown argument! Anyway, I'll stop babbling and just say it's an amazing story so far, you are an excellent writer and I can't wait for an update!

+ + = Good Fics!!!

[willohand]

okay still here waiting for an update. I hope soon.. maybe?

[tazraven]

I'm really enjoying this fic you've created. There's something so depressing about Willow's apathy. She seems so empty, even though she's built this life. And you've done a great job with Tara as well. I can't wait to see what you're going to write next =).

~Sara

[lilkitty1389]

I just started reading this fic, i totally love it!
Update soon PLEASE!

[Willow Watcher]

Poor Willow, she just doesn't really know how to feel. I totally understand that the circumstances are different after nine years but she still loves Tara and all the feelings are rushing back. I feel like she is trying to convince herself that she doesn't care but her heart does.
Tara is so much in love with Willow that it is ripping her apart. She is torn between the anger she had, the love she's always had and setting eyes again on the love of her life to regretting the past and seeing the changes in Willow to where she knows she could fall head over heels. But, she's afraid!

Anyway, sorry for analyizing this to death, but you have a fantastic way with writing this story. I do hope that you update soon.

[writerfreak]

This fic has been silent for way too long, and I want to see more. Update soonish please??????

writerfreak

[Pinocchio1940]

Very interesting story. Hope to read more of it ASAP.

[DreamLover]

Heyyy Hola Karinna,

I started to read your story last night. I still have a few pages to go, I hope I will have time tonight or at least tomorrow to finish it. Nice story, great idea!!!!! Love it.

Henster

[willowbaby05]

Umm, how can I start this... *clears throat* PLEASE UPDATE!!
Tis all lol

[Dax]

Having just read the latest chapter, I’m now looking forward more then ever for the next chapter of this really fantastic story of yours.

It seams to me that both Willow and Tara have still a long way to go until they will ever kiss again.
Not to mention start their relationship completely new again.

There’s also this unresolved anger from Buffy towards Tara, that will be worth seeing further explored.

Love the character of Lindsay by the way. It’s good to know that Tara has a good and loving friend by her side.
I think that Lindsay stayed friends with Tara, after their relationship didn’t work out as L might have wanted to, says a lot about her character.
Hope to see more of her too.

And so joining the choir of all the once that came before me, I’m saying: “Please update soon! Don’t let us hanging to long – please!"

You’re great!
Keep up the good work.
Dax

[DreamLover]

Hiyeah Karinna,

This story is great, it started out painful but until the last few chaps it's turning into hopeful. It's like Romeo and Juliet lets just hope the ending will be different. Still romantic but without the whole drama scene instead of that passion. Eternal love that's your story!!!

Henny

[anne5247]

more updates please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dax]

more updates please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amen to that!

Dax

[LittleBit]

Hey great fic .. would love some more updates soonish!