Reunion

[EmeraldArcher]

I am hoping to leave a more detailed feedback at a later date, but I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying this fic. I particularly like the POV shifts, and how you show how each of the characters view, process and react to situations and discussions. It's a delicate balance to do this effectively, because it is easy to make a character seem kind of "wrong" with their thoughts/reactions. You've done a great job with this. I am also very intrigued by the age you have chosen for them; to project a story so far into the future and still have the characters seem so familiar, yet different, is a real talent. Please keep writing, I am looking forward to how this plays out! Thanks for sharing. EA

[pipsberg]

Hey Cam, nice update. I like seeing the closeness rekindled. It happens so easily between them. It's like slipping back into a memory of them. And what a happy coincidence that they both are in Boston! I can't wait to read more...

[willowbaby05]

Hi Cam!
I have to honestly say I love this story. I love the fact that the story is in character POV, so that we know every emotion both Willow and Tara are feeling. I also like that the POV's are swicthed. It's a beautful story. So please update. Cant wait!
I'm thinking its Leslie but hoping it's Willow. Cliffhanger's are the worse lol.
Akyire

[Taraiswillow’ssoul]

Hi Cam
I wanna say that I really love this story and Pray for an update soooonn Pllllleeeeaaaasssseee

[tarawhipped]

Replies to Part 7:

db: Thanks so much for the remarks on the details and the writing. This has been an exercise in both for me, since this story is quite a bit different from my usual matinee serial style. Luckily I have lots of good examples here to inspire me, and I owe a big shout-out to Emms, since I was rereading Moon and marveling at her use of descriptive observation to advance the story and relay character. And now that I’ve spent so much time showing how grown-up and mature Willow and Tara are, it’s time for them to get back in touch with their inner teenager. Enjoy![br]
JujuDeRoussie: As I already spoiled, it is definitely Willow, not Leslie. No worries on mistranslation, and you aren’t the only one who’s used the term ‘wasted.’ I think even within the story it could be said, I just meant that they themselves wouldn’t like to think of it that way. Otherwise they really would be just as sad as Debra’s been pointing out! Thank you as always for the lovely feedback.[br]
diamondforever: I’m glad you liked it, and more warm fuzzies are on the way. Thanks.[br]
Dianneswillowtree: Whoopsie on the unintentional cliffhanger. I use them so much in other fics I guess I didn’t even realize. Thank you.[br]
writerfreak: Again, my apologies on the cliffy. Even though you point out that it was one because we don’t yet know whether Tara will go “Yay!” or “WTF are you doing here?”…really, which do you think will happen? The emotional roller coaster ride is over, and it’s all happy fluffy love from here on out. Thanks.[br]
wimpy0729: Glad you liked it Pam, and more sweetness on the way.[br]
sadie: Thank you for your comments, and sorry for the delay in updating. I’ve been going through a block, which I hope is over.[br]
Reallybigpineapple: Thanks, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.[br]
JustSkipIt: You know, I almost threw in a line about Xander trying to find Oz to invite him but not being able to, but then I decided it was too clunky. I also nixed the idea of Angel and Cordy (forgot she was dead) being there as too unwieldy for what was really supposed to just be background for the conversation Willow and Tara needed to have.

Seems like at some point in 15 years they would have run into each other at the bookstore or coffee shop or something.

Tara actually just moved to the city a few months prior. For a few years before that she worked in the city but lived about an hour away, so it’s not that unlikely that they wouldn’t run into each other. Having said that, there will be a revealing convo in the part after next that will address a ‘near miss.’ Also, Willow didn’t skip dinner with mom, but I’ll let you read on to find out what happened. Thanks, Debra![br]
spells42: No worries on missing feedback, Anne, but thanks for doing so now. I like your comments about them taking chances for happiness now, since that’s what this is all about: recognizing mistakes and correcting them instead of just letting it go. Willow did have time to have a very revealing conversation with her mom over dinner, which is the crux of the next part. Hope you enjoy it.[br]
teenwillow: I’m glad you like it, and thank you.[br]
Emms: Thanks so much, Emms. Your writing has been an inspiration to me as I work on this, so props to you on how well you do sweet and romantic. And I’d just like to say Yippee! for more You Make Me Smile.[br]
dlline: No need to apologize, and I hope the past month has found RL things getting better. Thank you.[br]
WillowRulez: It’s all goodness from here on out, and Leslie is so far out of the picture I never even realized anyone would think it might be her. My bad. Thanks.[br]
EasierSaid: Blah on real life. Blah I say! Thanks for finding the time though, Heather, I really appreciate it, and I’m glad you enjoyed seeing New and Improved!Grownup Willow…now with 85% less self-flagellating action! I knew there had to be some air-clearing about the past, but didn’t want it to be an overwhelming angst-fest. I originally outlined it to be in a Willow chapter, but decided it worked better seeing it from Tara’s side, since it’s clear she’s forgiven Willow and now they can move on.

Finding that they both live in Boston was a great discovery, and I liked that Tara admitted that if she had known sooner it probably wouldn't have been for the good.

Hehe…even in a city of several million people, if I knew one of several people were here, I would totally freak, and it has nothing to do with what would actually happen (probably nothing), it’s the idea of how tremendously awkward and potentially atrocious it could be…you know? Fear of the unknown, man. Glad you liked the sweetness, and thanks for the drool image. I’m going to steal that for the finale. [br]
EmeraldArcher: Thank you so much for your comments on the style. I’m glad you like the POV shifts, and find the characters believable even with the passage of time. In retrospect I wish I hadn’t made it quite so long…or maybe I should have gone longer. Picture them meeting at their 75th reunion:
Tara: “Willow, I still love you.”
Willow: “What?!”
Tara realized Willow’s hearing aid battery had died, but just before she could restate her declaration louder, senility kicked in.
Tara: “Horsies are pink!”
Willow: “What?!”[br]
pipsberg:

It's like slipping back into a memory of them.

I like that description, and there will be a bit more of that next. Thanks, Pips![br]
willowbaby05: Thank you very much, and no worries: it’s Willow. Update next.[br]
Taraiswillow’ssoul: Thank you, and update…now![br][br][br]

[tarawhipped]

Reunion
by Tarawhipped
Rated R
Feedback: Please!
Distribution: Different Colored Pens & Mystic Muse. All others please ask first.
Disclaimer: All things Buffy are the sole property of Joss Whedon/Mutant Enemy
Summary: See part one.[br]
Author's note: Big thanks to Car and Watty, who by accident or design nudged me out of my slump. Y'all are the best![br][br][br]
Willow[br][br]
It had been a long time since I had done anything spontaneously. My life was ruled by science: minute details, precise calculations, measured observations. I did not make intuitive leaps without clear evidence to support it, and I did not rush results. I never let my personal biases cloud my judgment, and while I was perfectly willing to listen to reasonable council, there were few people who held any sway over my decision-making.[br]
And yet there I was, sprinting through Sunnydale airport at five minutes to 10:00, clutching my boarding pass like I was Charlie Bucket with the golden ticket. I even had a security escort…one of the half dozen employees who’d borne witness to my hysterical near-meltdown at the ticket counter. I’m sure the cheerfully caffeinated young man there had thought me a terrorist, the way I’d rushed up and demanded a one way ticket to Boston, and no I didn’t have any luggage, thank you. Security had shown up surprisingly fast, but once I started spilling my guts about the love of my life being on that plane, and how fifteen years was long enough, but an extra week was unimaginable now that we had finally found each other…well, thank god for hopeless romantics.[br]
Speaking of…who’d have thought my mom of all people was one of them? You know that moment when you suddenly realize your parents are real people with the same shortcomings as everyone else, and not the Superparents you always judged them negatively against? Well, I’d had that. Years ago. I’d long forgiven their style of parenting in my own patronizingly gracious way…but I still never saw them as individuals distinct from their relationship to me, and each other.[br]
When I’d arrived for dinner, we’d started down the usual road of pleasantries, which of course included the “and how is Benjamin?” question. I threw mom for a lil’ loop when I replaced the anticipated “fine” for the truth. Well…it was actually “fine” and the truth. The look on Tara’s face when I’d called her made me feel brave enough to withstand the lecture I expected.[br]
Turns out I was the one who got shocked. Not only was she not disappointed, mom didn’t even seem all that surprised. And after literally years of hearing “so when am I getting a grandchild?” she followed up her non-shock by saying “oh, I’m so glad you never had kids.” Of course, after years of insisting I didn’t want any, I was suddenly very defensive about the untapped potential of my child-rearing abilities.[br][br]
[blockquote]“I have no doubt, honey, I just meant that it would make a divorce more difficult.”[br]
“Oh, well…I guess. Though I still wouldn’t change my mind..”[br]
“I’m just glad you don’t have to make that decision.”[/blockquote][br][br]
There was something in the way she’d said it—some hesitation that I never associated with Sheila Rosenberg—that made me stop and really look at her. Even when she was physically absent, she’d always been a presence in my childhood. She’d always seemed so big and solid and confident, and now she looked smaller…and not old, really, but tired. Exhausted, even…like she’d driven non-stop across the country, alone. And then it hit me.[br][br]
[blockquote]“Did…did you do that? Stay with dad because of me?”[br]
“Oh honey.”[br]
“Really, it’s okay either way. I just want to know.”[br]
“We thought it was for the best.”[/blockquote][br][br]
It was hard to swallow my anger, but I did. I could have gone all petulant and sarcastic about the fact that while they were ‘staying together for the kid,’ I was growing up on my own since they were never there. I’d always thought that on the rare occasions they were both at home the house seemed decidedly chilly, but considering that Xander’s parents were my only other example, I never though much of it.[br]
I excused myself to go to the bathroom, and when I came back the anger was gone, replaced by a sadness for what they’d done…the life they’d lived and the potentially happier ones they’d sacrificed.[br][br]
[blockquote]“If you had it to do over again, would you have gotten divorced?”[br]
“I don’t know.”[br]
“Was there ever anyone else?”[/blockquote][br][br]
That had earned me the stern look I was used to…and the question thrown back at me.[br][br]
[blockquote]“Do you have someone else?”[br]
“You remember Tara?”[br]
“I didn’t think you’d stayed in touch with her.”[br]
“I didn’t. We ran into each other at the reunion and…oh mom, I made such a mistake. I was so stupid, and then getting married…”[br]
“Why did you marry? I must admit your father and I were both surprised.”[br]
“I don’t know. I thought it would be easier, and that you’d be happy.”[br]
“Willow Danielle Rosenberg, are you telling me that you married Benjamin to please me?”[br]
“Not exactly. It seemed like a good idea at the time.”[br]
“Oh, my darling girl. Don’t you know that you make your father and I happy? That we couldn’t be more proud?”[br]
“Really?”[br]
“Really. All I ever wanted was for you to do what made you happy. Yes, I was pleased when you got over that silly crush on the Harris boy, but—”[br]
“Wait, what did you say?”[br]
“Honestly, Willow, I know you liked him—”[br]
“No, before that.”[br]
“Do what makes you happy?”[/blockquote][br][br]
The next thing I knew I was pouring out my heart, and then we were in the car, mom driving faster than I’d ever seen her, and laughing! Me and mom, laughing like lunatics as we raced to the airport. We didn’t even stop by the hotel. I called to let them know there was an emergency and my mom would be by tomorrow to pick up my things and check out. She promised to overnight express me my laptop and briefcase, and ship my suitcase when she got back from Seattle. The hug we shared in the airport departures lane was the closest I’d felt to her in years, and we promised to visit soon and talk sooner.[br]
Finding the correct airline was easy. There was only one redeye flight to Boston left for the night, and I actually whooped when I found out I could still get a seat. Not knowing where Tara was sitting, I bought a first class ticket. I was the last one on the plane, and though I craned my neck all through the pre-flight instructions, I couldn’t see her. The second the seatbelt sign went off with a ding, I was out of my chair like a shot.[br]
I found her in aisle 17, and while her eyes were closed, I could tell from her breathing that she wasn’t yet asleep. I had a moment of fear, wondering if I would look like a crazy stalker, but remembering that she’d entered her number in my phone under ‘yours,’ I figured ‘the hell with it.’[br]
“Is this seat taken?”[br]
Her eyes flew open, and she sat there staring at me so long I started to rethink the whole stalker possibility.[br]
“Um…am I asleep?”[br]
I shook my head and held out my hand for her inspection. She looked at it blankly for a minute, then reached out to poke at it gingerly, a grin spoiling her otherwise convincing display of doubt. I was smiling dopily, stuck on the idea that she thought she was sleeping…since that could only mean that I was dream-worthy.[br]
“So, uh…the seat?” I asked again, pointing with the hand she wasn’t currently holding to the space next to her, which was occupied by a gardening magazine. She frowned down at it, swept it onto the floor with her free hand, and pulled me out of the aisle. I flopped down gracelessly into the middle seat with an “oof!”[br]
“How did you…what about your mom…dinner?”[br]
“Dinner was great, and Sheila says hi.”[br]
I launched into the story of my surprising evening. When I told her how I’d had half the Sunnydale airport rushing to get me on the plane, she giggled along with me. By the time I got to looking for her on the plane, she had shifted sideways, her left leg curled under her right knee, her head resting against the back of the seat. She was looking at me so intently I nearly felt the need to ask if I had something on my face.[br]
“Tara…is it okay? That I did this, I mean.”[br]
“It’s more than okay. God, the thought of waiting another week to see you…” she shook her head.[br]
“Sucked! I know!” I agreed heartily, grinning ear-to-ear. I realized that at some point in my story, she had lifted the armrest that separated us and pushed it back between the seats. Her left knee was pressed lightly against my right thigh, and our joined hands were resting at the junction. Suddenly all my senses seemed narrowed down to the points where we touched. “I just don’t want to seem all stalkery…or crowd you. I know you weren’t expecting this.”[br]
She ducked her head then, and bit her bottom lip as she looked up at me through her lashes.[br]
“I have a confession to make. Ever since the cookout I um, I was thinking about rescheduling my Friday appointments and flying back out to spend the weekend with you in Sunnydale.”[br]
Oh my heart did a quadruple somersault at that.[br]
“Well now you don’t have to. Technically I’m still on vacation, so you’ve got me all week. If you want,” I added, not wanting to be so presumptuous of her time.[br]
“I want,” she stated firmly. “My last patient tomorrow is at 1:00. We could go for a walk in the Fens and have dinner?”[br]
“I’d love that,” I said. I had in mind a dozen restaurant ideas to discuss when she yawned, covering her mouth with the back of her hand and shooting me an apologetic glance. “You should get some sleep; we can make plans later. I’m actually kinda tired myself.”[br]
She yawned again and nodded, uncurling her legs. I glanced to my left, where I could see people taking advantage of the half-empty plane to lie across entire rows of seats. I looked back to see her following my gaze, but she made no move to extricate her hand from mine, and I was not-so-secretly pleased to know that she didn’t want me to move. Still, I figured I could make her more comfortable, and I raised the armrest to my left and scooted over to the aisle seat.[br]
“So you can stretch out,” I explained to her unspoken question. I expected her to let go of my hand and use my lap as a footrest. Instead, she followed me, and as I sat there watching her, she brought her right hand up to cheek. My eyes closed of their own volition at the first touch of her fingers caressing my skin, but she waited until I opened them again to move closer. She did so slowly, her eyes locked with mine, and I knew she was looking for a sign that I didn’t want it.[br]
As if that was even a possibility! I’d never wanted anything so badly in my life. My throat felt constricted with need, and while it was neither oxygen nor water I craved, I still sucked in a hiss of air as I parted my lips, wetting them with the tip of my tongue as I exhaled. The next breath I took was Tara’s as her lips met mine.[br]
Okay, I know that it’s silly to say I felt like I was flying when we were in fact flying, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if we’d floated out of our seats and bonked our heads on the overhead compartment. As much as I felt an almost overwhelming physical need to push her down and ravish her right there, I instead focused all that pent-up desire into pouring out my heart through our merged lips and mingling tongues. I was woozy when we finally separated minutes later, both giggling covertly as the flight attendant passed by with the drink cart.[br]
“I feel like a teenager making out in a movie theater,” I whispered.[br]
“Mmm…remember when we saw The Perfect Storm?” she asked.[br]
“No,” I said after a moment of wracking my brain.[br]
“Exactly,” she purred, a decidedly naughty smirk on her face. She kissed me again, and the memory of countless hours spent not seeing films with her came flooding back to me.[br]
“Ocean’s Seventeen is opening on Friday, and there’s a theater near my house,” I suggested.[br]
“It’s a date,” she replied, groaning as she tried unsuccessfully to stifle another yawn.[br]
“Okay, you should really sleep,” I insisted, kissing away the resulting pout. She acquiesced and lay down with her head on my lap, her legs curled up on the seats next to us. I knew I could spend the entire flight stroking her hair and watching her sleep, but in the quiet of the airplane my eyes grew heavy. The flight attendant reached our row and softly asked if I wanted a beverage. I shook my head and smiled. “I have everything I need.”[br][br]
TBC[br][br][br]

[diamondforever]

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Warm and fuzzies, indeed! Lovely writing, as usual. It's sad that Willow's parents gave up happier lives for the sake of their daughter...but it happens. And it's real.

Awesomeness. Waiting for more!

[Emms]

Yay! That was so wonderful, Cam!! Willow's talk with Sheila was just exactly what she needed--it gave her that little push to get out of her comfort zone and do something unexpected...something that wasn't logical or well thought out...something that was from her heart and not her head. Bravo Willow. And bravo for Sheila as well.

And oh how romantical it was when Willow and Tara kissed on the plane...like they were college students again. I guess they're making up for lost time now that they've found each other again.

I loved that bit about it being silly to use the phrase "I felt like I was flying" whilst actually flying in a plane. You made me giggle out loud (as opposed to giggling inside my head...which is a lot more creepy sounding ) with that one, Cam.

I really love that all these really, really, really wonderful stories are coming back to the first page and getting updates, watty, you, sally, Jea... it's just so warming to see that PENS is still alive and the great authors are still around, and still care. Thank you so much for updating this story, sweetie. You ROCK.

and thank you for the shout-out and your kind words!

xoxo
Emms

[writerfreak]

Wonderfulness, yes absolute wonderfulness I say!!! I love it. So sweet.

writerfreak

[writerfreak]

Wonderfulness, yes absolute wonderfulness I say!!! I love it. So sweet.

writerfreak

[sadie]

Oh wow, that was great! *feels all mushy* hehe.

Very cute, very sweet (like they would be, hey! )

Writer's block sucks, but I'd say you kicked its ass! Thanks for updating! :

[spells42]

Cam
What a lovely dose of W/T sweetness that was to start my day off right.

I like this style of writing where we read what they're thinking as well as observe the action. Willow's thoughts about her parents were revealing. I wonder if growing up in such an emotional vacuum somehow led to her retreat into a similar relationship - marrying Benjamin.

Willow's reaction to her sudden understanding about her parent's relationship just goes to show what a vain sacrifice it had been, but Sheila's (overdue) declaration that all they wanted was for Willow to be happy was just the cue she needed.

I'm glad she now realises that love is worth the risks you take.

Just for a moment there, I felt silly talking about these characters as if they were real. But I realise it's a compliment to you and the other writers on this board who similarly inspire us to analyse their (the characters) actions, dissect their motivations, hope for their happiness, and feel sad for their sorrow. So I'll keep doing it. I'm a happy kitten so long as I have W&T goodness.

Thanks
Anne

[dlline]

Hey Cam!

Good to see you back.

It's so nice to have a story that is simply fun and romantic, even sappy, but in a good way. There is so much angst and pain everywhere else that it's cool to have a story to fall into where everything seems to just work. Makes me happy, so I say well done. Makes me wanna punch you on the arm, you old softie, you!

Diane

[wimpy0729]

Oh Cam, you have no idea how happy I am to see an update from you. And it was Willow on the plane, yipppee, but of course, who else? I loved the way you showed the interaction between Willow and Sheila. That was so long overdue and much needed. I could just picture them racing through traffic together, then Willow babbling to security would be so funny. Also, the girls finally connecting on the plane was such a romantic moment, that it deserves to be in a real film sometime. It was just such a heart pounding moment, and you did it so well.

Loved it! More soon please.

Wimpy

[shiraz]

Loved it! Thank you for this fab update.

I laughed out loud at Willow's thought that she felt as though they could float up and bonk their heads on the overhead compartment.

Sigh. That was just what I needed after discussing our finances with my partner tonight. A nice romantic escape, and a reminder to book a flight home to visit the in-laws

Oh, and of course a reminder that being on a flight does not constitute a 'no snuggle zone'.

Thanks again,
S

[JustSkipIt]

Oh yay, yay, yay. I thought you were off writing for a while. So I'm even more happy to see an update. It seems a bit shorter than the usual but it's so well paced and emotional that it works perfectly. I love Willow's description of her conversation with her mother. How intense and fantastic. And then meeting Tara on the plane? Lovely.

Thanks.

[tazraven]

Cam

This chapter was so damn sweet, I could feel my face cracking with my smile. There's not a lot of things more romantic that chasing your girlfriend on a plane since you can't be away from her for another week. So fun, and so sappy, but the kind of sappy I love. I love a feel good story.

~Sara

[writerfreak]

My apologies for double posting. I'd have deleted one but it won't let me it seems. Hmm, odd.

writerfreak

[mole]

Cam,

You've restored my faith in romaticism. Fantastic update.

Michelle

[Zampsa1975]

Excellent story! Update-y goodness soon please...

Ocean's Seventeen... LOL

[ceridwen]

That was cute, kinda funny and very romantic

More soon?

[db]

Hey!

An update!!

Firstly allow me to just say "yay", and secondly "bravo".

The cuddling and the surprise were very sweet and good, but I have to say that I was most taken (read impressed) by your description of what occured between Willow and Sheila.

The thing that really gets me about this story (and what keeps me coming back) is the character *progression*. It's neat to see how Willow and Tara have changed and matured... and to still recognize their characters as being them. I don't know if that even makes sense --- but what I am trying to say is that your story lets me see Willow in new lights, to witness her maturity and to take pause at the ways she has changed. I think that this is what Tara sees as well, or at least I hope it is...

Willow's conversation with her mom is a prime example of this. Willow opens up to her mom and, despite W's reservations, allows her mom to both surprise her *and* to be supportive. I think the old Willow would have been all bluster and defiance... but this older more mature Willow makes room for it, and it is not only sweet, it brings her and her mom closer together!

Plus, it ultimately ends up with Tara cuddling, so wheeeeeeee!

Yay for Sheila! finally coming through for Wil!!

So,

Boston is looming on the horizon. I am hoping that this will give us a chance to see Tara in her own environment, and to see the ways she has changed and matured... I get the impression that Tara's self confidence and feelings about relationships in general were really shaped by her break up with Willow.

I am a little worried about Tara's track record with women, but I think that a) it may help Willow take Tara off the pedestal she's held her on and b) totally overcommable for the right woman (Willow).

What I am trying to say is, for god's sakes they need to go on a date that ends with serious smoochies! What? That wasn't totally transparent from my commentary?

Seriously though, they both have come a very long way and I think they've earned it. ... and they aren't getting any younger!

Great uodate!

db

[na71684]

I really dont like to read unfinished fic because I'm to impatient to wait for the next updates, but something drew me into reading this and I love it. I love the fact that even though 15 years has past and they've both changed so much, their love is still the same.

[amazonaa]

Oh my god. Ilove this story and i love the way tou write. You make people think about the relationship and you add a ton of detail. I love it. Can't wait for the next part.

b

[JujuDeRoussie]

Hello

Hehehehe I love this update. Really. lol

I so would like to see half the airport of sunnydale watching the plane go in the sky with in it two hearts beating for each other and all... what a hopeless romantic... I know... Lol!!
No without kidding it was funny and cute.

And Sheila? Yep she surprised me too!

Thanks,

Julia

P.S: Ocean's Seventeen huh? Is Vincent Cassel one of the seventeen now? (François Toulour the other one in Ocean's Twelve ^^) lol

[LittleBit]

late to the party but I just wanted to say that this is a great fic .. love the older versions of Willow & Tara!

[Halo]

Hello!

Like LittleBit, I just want to say how much I like this fic!
I really, really like your writing (well, like in your other stories I have to say ), and this one has a very original start. Maybe "had", since we're not in the beginning anymore, but still, this idea of reunion is new to me. At first I thought it would be difficult for them to reconnect after all those years, but you did it very well. It just happened...naturally.

About that update, I would say that the conversation between Willow and her mom was pretty umbelievable! I would never have thought that they could talk in such a way about themselves. It's a good step for them!
Waiting for the next update!!

[whatmakesyouhappy]

I just wanted to let you know I'm a big fan of all your stories and always excited when you start a new one.






_________________________________________
Never insult seven man while only packing a six shooter...some western

[EasierSaid]

Hey, I just figured drooling was the logical progression for one on a red-eye flight, so "steal" away! Great job, as always. I found Willow's thoughts on her mom, and the bit about realizing that your parents are people, almost peer-like, in a way, to be interesting. (A bit of a tangent: How very sad that Sheila and Ira stayed together for Willow's sake. :( Poor She-Ra. [More tangenty: Always loved their ship name.]) Good for Willow in being honest with herself and her mom, and letting Sheila's "be happy" comment prod her into action. And yay for action! Laughing like banshees while endangering the lives of others in a mad dash to the airport - who knew Sheila had it in her! Very glad that TSA let Willow onto the plane sans luggage (with an escort no less!) - I doubt they'd be so forgiving if she had had a bottle of water, or a 5 oz. bottle of shampoo in a non-clear bag.

Loved that Tara put 'yours' in Willow's phone - good stuff my friend! Also loved their conversation on the plane; they've definitely found that familiar rapport. It was sweet how they opened up about how much they wanted to spend time together, and then, the kissing... hubba... hubba. Looking forward to the next bit!

p.s. Ocean's Seventeen? I hope that's the one with Michelle Pfeiffer...

[watty]

Heh, if hanging out for a couple of Diet Cokes and riding on the Red Line nudge you out of whatever slumpy place you're in, then I should brave the US domestic flight system more often. Which, by the way, I'm glad neither Tara nor Willow is infected with the same "luck" I have with domestic flights because if they did, Willow wouldn't have needed to sprint to the gate to catch the plane before it took off. Yay for the bevy of hopeless romantics who helped her along the way, who would have thought Sheila had it in her? I'm sad to hear that Sheila and Ira stayed together for the wrong (well not so wrong wrong, but not!right) reasons, but at the same time relieved that a) they seemed to be over it and b) Willow seemed to accept it.

I remember when you first pitched this story, and it seemed to me that it was a tale about regrets and amends ... much like in real life. I've come to realize why I love this story so much. Not only that I can relate to certain aspects; and that some of the reasons for people (like Willow) making certain decisions in their lives was nothing more than

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

no, I'm invested in this story because it is an idealized version of real life. Second chances, understanding of friends, support of parents ... aren't these the basic elements that we yearn for in our own emotional life?

um, back to the non-philosophical part of the feedback. I really like the sappy sweetness of their reunion. The little detail about Tara scooting over to sit next to Willow rather that stretching out on Willow's lap, I do love how you wrote that scene.

“I have everything I need.”

Sigh. You know you could have ended there, right? Nah, I changed my mind. I want Boston and dates and smoochies and more sappy sweetness. And how cool if Tara gets to meet Benjamin and has his blessing?

Oh oh oh, a little frivolity. When I read this

we’d floated out of our seats and bonked our heads on the overhead compartment

I misread [here's where Car jumps in and says "Skimmer!"] bonked for boinked. So a little change in spelling gives us

we’d floated out of our seats and boinked

*snerk*
[br]