Fic: No More

[tkheaven]

Oh oh oh, storytellin' time..and the gift...ok, let's hear it..let's have it...

Tk's new and improved "GrrArgg"

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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

[Tulipp]

Well, I've just caught up on this whole story, and I'm so glad I did. Seeing Tara's progress from home to Sunnydale, and seeing these characters who have always been so compelling fleshed out into real people (Amy and Michael) has been great. I like Willow's slow realization of her feelings, and I have a feeling that I have caught up in exactly the right place. Looking forward to reading more.

[TromDeGrey]

AAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

"Live or die, but don't poison everything..." -Anne Sexton

[TareBearRS]

Great update.

I'm glad Willow got passed the awkwardness and just taked to Tara. the gift was sweet too, i bet the blue looks great with her eyes.

I really wonder what Tara's gift is......



R.

[Magrat70]

aagghhh evil Joy anothe clifhanger can't wait for more

These five words in my head scream "are we having fun yet?"

Chad Kroeger

[MissQuirky]

Loved the update!! They're just too cute! I wanna hear Tara's story! Can't wait 4 more!!

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[Ghostwriter]

Thanks for the update! And I'm glad you realize that you are being evil! I can't wait to hear Tara's story. Thanks for sharing.

[Ittybittykitty]

HEY! It's good but I mean....HEY!

[mocha fiend 22]

awwww now that was evil but in a really good way what is this story about i cant wait

The word "gulp" comes to mind.

[iceprincess2076]

ok caught up, but........HEY! need other part soon *pouts*



please update soon.......Pretty Please



ICE

[noho]

Quote:

---

"Thanks for your continuing patience with the hella slowness of posting."

---

I'm willing to wait as long as it takes for you to tell this story. Every chapter has been a pleasure. You're a gifted storyteller who's really giving us what we need... WT

***************

"You should have been there?" Tara’s temper was barely in check. "No, you should have been there when Willow was growing up and needed a mother."


Milestones - Lisa Countryman

[zero]

I finally get caught up and you leave me there? Bah!

My patience is closer to the 'non-existant' end of the scale but I'm really liking this so I guess I'll wait!

There are three kinds of people in this world: those who can count, and those who cant!

[TwiLightJoy]

Due to my computer being a bonehead, um ... or whatever ... it decided I wasn't allowed to post last night. Or do much of anything. So I finally got it fixed up enough to like, use and stuff. Now I'm just scared to turn the thing off. >_<

So here you go, Tara's story and Willow's gift.



~Joy



“When I was a little girl, my mother and I were really close. Things were better then, when she was still … here. She used to show me all the different kinds of trees and plants, and told me all the old stories and myths about the area I grew up in. And she used to show me the constellations, and tell me the legends about them. And I listened to them, and I liked the stories, but I never really saw the pictures she talked about. I always saw different ones, so I made up stories about them and told her about my own star-pictures.



“By the time I turned fourteen, Momma was really sick. The doctors were telling us she didn’t have very long, but she was so strong she didn’t w-want to give in. For my birthday, she wanted to go outside to look at the stars with me like we used to. I didn’t think she should go because she was so f-frail by that time, but she insisted we had to. We bundled her up in warm clothes and blankets, and went out by the oldest tree in the yard. Then, we looked up to the sky, and she told me that today I would hear a new story.



“She pointed out a star to me before she started talking, and told me to watch the star as she spoke. ‘Tara,’ she said, ‘I’ve watched you grow over the years, and I couldn’t be more proud of the young woman you’ve become. For your birthday this year, I don’t have anything good enough to give you, because you are so special that nothing I could ever buy in a store could say how much I love you. I want to give you something that will last forever.’”



Willow watched Tara as she spoke, at times haltingly, emotions plain on her expressive face. Tara looked over at Willow, pausing for a moment in the narrative. She blinked, two tears slowly rolling down her smooth cheeks. “I’m okay,” she said quietly, and Willow shared her bittersweet smile, reaching up to brush away one of the tears. “I n-need to show you the star now.”



The sun had set completely, stars popping up one by one. “Where is it?” Willow whispered, putting her head close to Tara’s so she could see better which one her friend would be pointing out.



Tara pointed out a tiny star, not nearly the brightest in the western sky, but it held a light blue color when compared closely to the sparkling white ones in the sky. “She told me that it’s mine. That little one there that’s almost blue? She said it’s for me, not because it’s really big or really bright, ‘cause it isn’t the biggest or brightest one out there, but that it’s special. It’s blue like she said my eyes are, and it’s a calm star, it reminded her of a cool forest stream. That one little star. Just for me. And it’ll always be there. She said after she’s g-gone, even when it’s really hard, I can look up and I’ll always know that she loves me just the way I am, that I’m stronger than I look and brighter than anyone would think.”



Willow nodded in awe, looking at the star, surprised when it began to swim and blur a little. Blinking back tears, she looked over to Tara. “That must have been the best present ever. Your mom … I would have loved to meet her.”



“She would have loved you, too, Willow, I know it.” Tara wiped at her eyes to clear them. “But I still have a present for you. Look back at the star.” Both girls turned their attention to the sky once more, leaning together on Willow’s bed. “Now look a little bit to the left of it. See the bright one that’s kinda red?” Feeling Willow nod, Tara smiled. “That one’s yours.” She felt Willow start to turn towards her, but Tara said gently, “No, Willow, look at the star, okay? I have to tell you why it’s yours.



“It’s yours because it’s small, like you are, but bright and fiery. It would guide you around the whole world if you followed it, and make you even more wise than you already are. It makes me think of how strong you are too, because you live here, on a Hellmouth, but you fight bravely for your friends, a-and the world. You protect us all just as much as Buffy and Faith do, you know that?” Tara smiled and whispered into Willow’s ear, “And it’s right next to my star, so like I promised you, you’ll always have me, no matter what.”



“Can I look at you now?” Willow breathed back.



Tara nodded. “Yes, i-if you want to. It’s a really good star, so if you want to-”



Willow interrupted by impulsively catching Tara’s hand in her own. “I don’t know what to say, so I’m probably gonna say a lot of stuff all at once. First – um, that’s probably the nicest gift I’ve ever gotten, by a long shot. I mean, no one gives people stars.” A bright grin lit up her face as she said that, showing Tara how absolutely happy she was to have her very own star. “And you put so much into it, way more than any fancy trinket in a store. How long did you have it planned?”



“Um, just over a w-week, I think,” the golden-haired girl answered. “I wanted something perfect for you, because…” she searched for the right words, finally deciding to go with, “because you’re Willow. Something to show you just how unique and wonderful you are.” She was a bit startled to hear herself saying these things, but she knew she meant each word.



“It is perfect,” Willow agreed. “Know what’s the best part?” She leaned close to whisper, “It’s right next to yours. I think that’s the best place to be.” She gently squeezed the taller girl’s hand, then laced her fingers with Tara’s, finding the softness of Tara’s fingers wonderful, especially when she could only compare them to Oz’s rough and callused guitar player’s hands. This was much nicer. Completely new, but not as scary as when she’d thought about it. Being with Tara was totally comfortable and this … this just seemed right and natural.



This was turning out to be Tara’s best Christmas Eve ever. She and Willow sat side by side and hand in hand. How could this possibly be better? She looked up to see their stars sparkling together in the sky, and her expression turned curious. “Willow, it that … is that what I think it is?” Tiny white flakes drifted leisurely down from the sky.



“Oh my gosh. Is it snowing?” Willow squeaked, giving Tara’s hand a quick squeeze before letting go to open the doors. She stepped out into the back yard, holding her hands up as the flakes got larger and more numerous. “It’s SNOW! Tara, it’s really snowing!”



Tara quickly joined her outside, the two laughing and dancing together in the falling snow. Their breath came in visible clouds of white, and snow slowly began to accumulate in the yard. Snowflakes landed in their hair, at first melting but then beginning to stick as the flurry gained strength.



Tara carefully brushed snow out of Willow’s hair, and Willow wrapped her arms around Tara’s waist. Tara in turn held Willow, and they pulled together, Tara leaning slightly down as their lips met in a sweet and gentle kiss. High above them, a pair of small stars twinkled in the falling snow.

IttyBittyKitty: "creme filled though...a little subtle there?"
TwiLightJoy: "There are reasons for everything, I tell ya! Chocolate-frosted reasons!"
IttyBittyKitty: "that is quite enough of YOUR sass!"

[oneinten]

Awwwwww.....that was so wonderful!!! Made me all mushy inside!



That was the cutest Tara giving Willow a star, the snow, the kiss.... Sigh.



That was excellent!



Please keep it coming!



kath



edited to add: I hope your computer isn't a bonehead anymore and lets you post more soon!

Edited by: oneinten at: 9/12/02 11:28:18 am

[Urn of Osiris]

Awww That was just the most adorable chapter. How tender and gentle. I could see Tara as gentle as she is, tenderly telling the story of her mom. That was just fantastic.



More soon please.

Urn of Osiris
_________________**
WILLOW: That's a work ethic! Buffy, you're developing a work ethic.

BUFFY: Oh, no. Do they make an ointment for that
"you can not have more fan fic, you have a fan fic problem"

[tkheaven]

Awwww! omg omg omg..that was just...*whimper* aww...a permanant grin has now invaded my face...

Tk's new and improved "GrrArgg"

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

[saule77]

Awww, this was so sweet... I love Xmas, I've always thought there was something romantic about it, espacially if there's snow involved. Glad that and think the same!



Love the story!



********************

Everyone's getting spanked but me...

[TheWhiz]

Beautiful *sigh*

The star was a wonderful idea for a gift, very Tara.

"I am a whiz...If ever a whiz there was"


"Make your own kind of music"-Mama Cass

[daydreamer]

Wow!!! Tara's gift... Two stars, blue and red, side by side always... The snow... The soft and gentle kiss.. This part is simply beautiful. I can't wait for the next update. More smoochies hopefully.

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I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul... - Pablo Neruda

[shootingstar]

You know I've been such a bad kitten. I've been reading this story since the beginning and I've only posted a handful of times so I'll start off with a heart-y 'Sorry!!!' and a great big hug



This story is absolutely (lol, I had to think how to spell that) amazing! This chapter was soooooo sweet it had me going 'aw....' and geting all mushy So much plus a Big Yay!, they kissed! So soft and gentle, it was like I'd imagine the perfect romantic moment to be. You rock Joy!!!



Luv Star xxx



(man I use to many exclaimation points, lol)

***
No it was the frogs! Take them! They stole the pie...
-Sleeping Willow in Loco2's >insert imaginative title here<

[MissQuirky]

This is the moment i've been waiting 4!! Tara's story was very touching!! Her gift 4 Willow was so sweet and loving!! Then the snow coming down and finally the big smooch that has been waited 4!! I absolutly Loved the update, Joy!

Willow: We can come by between classes. Usually I use that time to copy over my class notes with a system of different colored pens. But it's been pointed out to me that that's, you know... insane.
Tara: I said quirky.

[Willow Rocks]

Wow that was great and they kissed yay!

[mollyig]

Its a testament to how much Tara trusts Willow that she could tell her of her Mother. The story about the star was so lovely. Willow's right, it is such special gift.



Wonderful update. Thanks.

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

[spazz07]

Wow Joy, have i mentioned how much i love this fic lately. Taras stiry and gift for Willow was really movign and it was wonderful to see Willow comfortable with her feelings for Tara instead of shy, scared or nervous. At last smoochies, its only taken 38 parts but its not like were impatient or anything



Cheers

Nath

Isn't it funny how you feel your most tired five minutes before you have to get up.

[TromDeGrey]

Oh, how incredibly sweet. And the star... how very Tara. Warms my old cynical heart.

"Live or die, but don't poison everything..." -Anne Sexton

[tommo]

Thank god they finally kissed. It was worth the wait. That's so like Tara, to be so thoughtful and loving and caring all at the same time. I loved it when she said she wanted to give Willow the star because she's Willow. That was just perfect.



Romantic and a really nice ending to this part of the story. Thanks so much.

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"Squish. Squish. Squish."

[Tawilove]

This is my first feedback on this board, but i really have to tell you that a star is the most beautiful (and in this case romantic) present to give to the one you love. What a wonderful idea you had!!! You had almost me crying here!

Your fic is great, you're so true to the characters, i'll be waiting for the next update

« I'm under your spell,
Nothing I can do, you just took my soul with you »

- Tara Maclay -

[sunspud]

I don't post very often, but after reading this part I just had to reply. Tara giving Willow a star was a wonderful idea. When I was little, my grandfather gave me a star. I don't see him much anymore, so when I read this part it brought tears to my eyes, and brought back so many memories. Thank you so much for this wonderful update.



Brandi

[xita]

oh joy you worked the snow into the story and what a perfect moment and perfect kiss. So romantic sigh.. thank you!

- - - - - - - - - - - -
Tara and Willow

Accept NO subsitutes

[4WiccanLuv]

Joy, I too have been following this story and greatly anticipate every chapter. I LOVE IT! This last chapter though, was incredibly beautiful and sweet, just as a first kiss always is. Tara's gift to Willow was just the most sincere and heartfelt gifts ever and the best part is, Willow realizes just how special it really is. Thanks so much for this story!

- Dime con quien andas y te dire quien eres -