Hey kids--gonna reply to "H&H" fb first, then reply to Debra's Shower Scene. I'm gone for a week and won't have access to a computer, but while my subsequent replies will be delayed, they'll show up!
Ceridwen: Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate the kind words.
dline: Ah, the elusive nature of good smut...I'm so glad this met your criteria! Thanks.
Shiraz: Amy and Anya were fun to write. I think they both make great side characters, and while I typically "see" Anya has heterosexual, I liked her as gay in this one. Thanks for the kind words.
SJ: Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.
Spells42Hey, nice to see you! Thanks for the good thoughts.
Boschi: Perilous driving? Well, a total skank would make some tawdry reference to wet conditions but not me...I'm glad you enjoyed it; thanks for letting me know.
Sara: I'm glad you enjoy the dialogue; I admit, it's one of my favorite elements of writing. I'm pleased that it sounds realistic. And like you, I don't always go for the "they saw each other and knew in that instant" kinda stuff. Connection, yes; utter knowledge, not so much. Thanks for the good thoughts and for giving this a look.
Debra: Hey girl--how's it going?
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I'll admit that I was turned on
Thank you. My work here is done.
You know, I really thought about the end of the game. Yeah, there's a definite risk of later tool usage in just the way you described. And that's what makes it a risk. I think it's an even greater risk for Tara b/c it's clear (or hopefully clear) that Faith had the rougher end of the tournament deal. Buffy won last year; this is Faith's last chance and clearly Tara is her best friend and ally. I think there's a definite chance that Faith would be disappointed that she wasn't there. So I really struggled w/ that b/c, as a total sports (esp. hoops) freak who has some idea of just how much sacrifice elite athletes make (not that I'm one, or ever was one), I didn't see this as an easy decision at all. I was actually kicking Willow for refusing the cell phone number exchange, even though I sorta made her do it and it was necessary for the climax. (!?!) But hell yeah--I would've been dialing her up.
Thanks for the great feedback, Debra. You always leave thoughtful stuff.
Diamondforever: Who won?
They're still playing. They're in the 78th overtime and Buffy and Faith are the only two left standing. They have 231 and 232 points, respectively.
Once I started delving into the backstory, I knew it wasn't gonna stop at 10--but I had no idea I'd end up with 30+!
Glad you enjoyed, and thanks.
Thianne: It appears the sex worked for you; I'm so happy! Thanks for the kind words.
Jixer: Hey Jix--how's it going? Good to see you! So you could hear the crowd, eh? And how long have these auditory hallucinations been troubling you? Ah, I jest...I appreciate your good thoughts, and that you took the time to leave them.
Db: So school started, eh? I remember those days fondly.
Actually, let's drop the adverb in that last sentence.
Yeah, the "irresistable pull b/w two people who should hate each other" always gets me, too--glad you feel likewise! Anya and Amy were just great fun to write; they sorta wrote themselves, actually. (I need to thank them for that, although Anya will probably try to charge me for the effort.)
I really thought about the ending a great deal. I knew I didn't want the ending to be known, but I played around with different ends to that means. I'm glad it worked for you.
Thanks for the good thoughts, Db!
Watty Most Naughty: Hello, great techno-calculus goddess on high!
So, you have no frame of reference for casual sex...Here, let me see if I can help.
Imagine that Angelina Jolie rings your doorbell and says, "Hello. I'm interested in casual sex." You invite her in.
Does that help? It always does me, though probably not in a socially-appropriate way.
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How on earth did Willow calculate the delay to be 3.56seconds?
Sweetie, Willow calculates
everything, using multiple analyses. Surely you understand that and yes, I just called you Shirley.
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...and their encounter would have been dangerously close to slutty animalistic lust.
Your adverb suggests that this would have been problematic. Hmm...
I love various Kittens' responses to the fact of their mutual departure from the game; you use the phrase "no brainer." Ah, my dear--I would have been in an absolute agony and--I'm almost afraid to confess this--I can't really say I would have gone. I mean, I would have gone, but quite possibly after the game. Would have been in agony, true--but leaving? I don't know if I could have done it. (What can I say? I'm a total hoops junkie.)
Yeah, Amy and Anya make great sidekicks. It was fun to use them. (Car? Any comment?)
Thanks for the great feedback, Watty. As always, your rockage both humbles and inspires me.
Car: You're very naughty. Good for you.
Taralicious:Quote:
...wonderfully countered by their feral and concupiscent attraction towards each other.
That's what I was thinking. If I go a day without getting my concupiscent on, I suffer for it.
It was fun to build on the initial encounter, and I just sort of saw Willow's ears perk up at the mention of Tara's musical aptitude--a sort of "Huh, that's interesting, and it's interesting that I find it interesting." The scene at the bar was just good fun and I had a kick writing it. I saw them as being so ready to go at it--one way or another. And we went the other.
As I said to Watty, I'm cracking up as I read all of the replies from people who wouldn't find it a struggle to leave that game. Me--I'd be a mess.
Thanks for the very kind and very literate feedback, TL. Brought a smile to my face.
Again--subsequent replies when I return next week and thanks for reading, folks!
Mary