A quick note: It was reported today that Anne Bancroft passed away. For those of you who have never seen any of her work, let me just say that it was often infused with a classy, funny, warm intelligence that made it a pleasure to watch. While not her most acclaimed work, one of my favorite movies of all time is Mel Brooks’ “To Be or Not to Be,” in which Ms. Bancroft starred with her husband, Mr. Brooks. I don’t know why I’m writing any of this, other than that I wanted to share. I know I will miss her wit, her charm, her beauty, and her strength.
As for TOD… It’s been fun getting reacquainted with this story and with all of you. I’m working hard on the next chapter, though I have to admit I keep confusing myself (not a difficult thing for me to do) so it’s a little slower going that the last two chapters. I hope to have the chapter finished sometime between tomorrow and Sunday, but we’ll see. I’ve got weddings the next three weekends in a row – starting this weekend – so things are a bit hectic. I’m very excited about next weekend’s wedding, though – my best friend, Brian, is getting married in St. Louis on June 17th, to his partner of 6 years. I’m going, I’m taking my lovely g/f, and Brian and my other best friend will be coming as well (we’re like the three amigos… or stooges… or maybe even Buffy, Xander, and Willow – kinda), so it should be wonderful.
On a different, and more relevant, note… It always amazes me how things that seem so obvious, um… aren’t. For example… where in the heck has Giles been? Here I am 30+ chapters into this story and Giles seems to have run away, and I’ve just noticed it for the first time. Poor Giles. Little oversight on my part which I probably shouldn’t be telling you about, but… we’re all friends, right? You won’t hunt me down with pitchforks. Uh… will you?
And now for a few replies…
TemperedCynic – We’re definitely playing a waiting game, aren’t we? There are a lot of potential fuses waiting to be lit, and I guarantee that most – if not all – of them will be aflame soon. And you’re very right about Willow and Tara… they know where each other stands, but is that enough with all the forces pulling at them? As for your assumptions… I shall take your generous offer and neither confirm nor deny! There are many differences (and similarities) with S4, but for my money the biggest is that Maggie Walsh is still alive. Maggie’s involvement is crucial to everything that is different here from S4. And she’s just so fun! I take my leave now.
WillowPowered – Thanks for reading! There is definitely more to come.
justin – Close on the WDDD1… very close. It’s actually World Domination, Death and Dismemberment. That Maggie is one sick lady!
As for her suspicions of Tara… right now she’s suspicious, but not. She’s convinced herself – at least on the surface - Tara wouldn’t betray her. But deep down? Maggie’s always been kinda paranoid, so we’ll have to see what wins out – her paranoia or her faith in Tara.Urn of Osiris – Thanks so much! When I started thinking of this story many moons ago, the single idea that kept circling my brain was this idea of passion and danger. I’ve always liked love stories where our hero couple had to hide their love from the world and pretend they weren’t together, and where their love was just too strong and they couldn’t resist being together despite the danger. So I hope that everyone reading this story sees it the way you do and enjoys that part of it.
na71684 – Pretty powerful zoom on those government cameras, though I think Maggie’s paranoia and obsession with Tara is even more powerful.
Irene73 – Goodness, all that dancing is making me tired! As for mystery boy… those are very interesting guesses. You could be right. Or it could be someone else from Tara or Willow’s past. Or… it might just be Don Rickles. He is the love child of Donny and Oz, you know.
The Rose24 – I live to spoil you, my dear! Good times ahead? From moi? Um… well, yeah. Maybe.
hin768 – Yep, I’ve reached my limit. Two updates and now I’m done for the year. Kidding!!! Thanks for staying interested despite the very, very, very long delay. Glad you like the more comedic elements. Sometimes they sound good in my head, but I’m not so sure how they translate to paper.
Willow~Rosenberg – Shower away! It’s never too late for a good shower.
I’ll try to keep the dangling to a minimum.-BB
I must say that after all this time, this fic still HAS to be the best fic I have ever read. Definitely one of my top two unfinished fics (the other is Stone Circle by mariacomet). It's amazing how this fic can still have that same effect on me now as when I read it (two years ago?). 
. I am definitely unworthy! But it's been so long since an update that I have this depressed feeling in my gut. Please don't leave me hanging for too long. It's very rare I read an uncompleted fic, cause I'm always worried it won't be finished. 
