"Nothing Special written all over"

[LostWithoutTara]

Great update!



Loving the Willow/Tara opera and Willow's 'Tara-happy' and bouncer thoughts!

Every time you walk away, I pretend that I'm okay

[irishlassie101]

UHHHH..wonderful update



...we are close to...Opera..or maybe..more..????? ish

[thebardgirl]

The Rose24-thankyou! i'm glad Willow and Tara are seeming cute in my story. i really want them to be happy.



bluewillowwitch-oh good, the sick has ended.

by the way i'm sorry i haven't responded on your finished fic thread yet, but i just want to say good job an' all, cause it was cool. although i would have loved to have seen what would have happened had Willow stayed in her princess land...heh...what was the other fic called? cause i like your imagination, its cool.

You feeling too responsible? i can help you with that....*hands over non-responsible chewables* see you chew these and you turn into all my fellow highschool students! it's magic i tells ya'! Wow you're moving? where? and why? Ooo nice collection of books there, i've got too many to count. its sad but true. and yay! you did so well on a philosophy test!!! brava!! *claps furiously* glad you liked the update by the way....thankyou, i'm glad you're addicted to my fanfic, rather than non-responsible chewables like some bad bad people are.... ....



justin-thankyou! i'm glad you liked it!! its so wonderful to know i'm still making you guys happy even though i'm racking mah brain for results...heh you like my willow lines...they're fun...very very fun...thankyou and i hope you like my new big, and i mean BIG update.



screeminguitar-thanks, actually i complain too much, i get to get out of school early because of this, but still. its soooo dark in the morning. oh no not the dreaded motherly instincts....how threatening....and motherly at the same time...oh my spanish impressed you, eh? thanks, sad truth is i'm not very good and have to work hard to just understand a lil'. sure i'll go to family reunions, i also do kid's birthday parties too *sings* feliz cumpleanos a ti, feliz cumpleanos a ti....*

yeah i'm a virgo, and it kind of gets me into trouble... *grumbles about being a romantic*....uhh....well, YOU can start the club, i'll be the janitor for it, okay? and i've only really been attracted to one person and i didn't know their sign....

heh....Mendocino was the one small place my parents always took me to as a child and Opera has always been around me yet again because of my parents. I love the Madame Butterfly personally, and adore several Arias from Lakme, L'esir D'amor, and La Traviata.

You want proof i'm as young as i am? *searches for evidence* well, i didn't know who the artist comonly known as Prince is.....and still don't...no one has ever explained it to me and it always annoys me when they say that name on the radio...

thanks, i hope you like this big update i'm giving, its got romance up the wahootzie....i think....*checks the wahootzie* yup, it's there. Jees, i wish more people i know would say i was adorable....course they know what i look and act like....probably why they dont'...hehe....thanks again, dude, always great to hear from you!



snuggle79-YOU LOVE OPERA??! whoo!!! what are some of your fav. arias? I'm listening to Rudolpho and Mimi from La Boheme right now....oh good you think it's romantic too? fab, now you'll get this update much easilier....heh....bribery of the opera people.....good idea....oh cool! the german worked...whoo. i now have the sudden urge to learn german for real now....thanks dude. and hey, chilly girl, i like that name....very shway...



intricate mirage-thanks!! heh....cool you guys like my willow-cave-girl-voice...i gues that means i should use it more often. Hmmm will Willow get the tickets? Oooo i wonder...i wonder....



sam darls-hey sam, okay i will *explodes computer* better? thankyou! and i'm glad you like mah update...hope you like this one too...



gottalovewillow-must say i agree with your screen name......and thanks! i'm happy you like it that much to want it to continue....that's pretty cool of you...yeah....we'll see how Willow gets that Opera fix....



Tempest Duer-*snicker* *runs off to help bake cookies* *slips in two pounds of chocolate chips* .....what? i'm not doing anything!



singgirl-thankyou! i was wondering where some of mah readers went....and poof! there you are! pnemonia? you poor thing! that's it! i'm dedicating this massive update to YOU!!! you get the grand prize of "why its being posted"!!! i hope you're feeling better.



mxgirl314-thankyou! its addictive now? whoo!! *waves small flag* i hope that you aren't gonna turn all drug fiend on me but that's a pretty fine compliment dude!!!



LostWithoutTara-thankyou! i hope you like this update as well and just as much...



irishlassie101-thanks, dude. i'm hoping you like this one as well. but why the Uhhhhs? you okay? need a cold compress? yes, opera and well.....there may be more....i dont know.....





NOTE: this is rather a large update because i haven't updated in several days, and also i felt that this bit had to stick together. it was imperative that you guys got as much of the info as possible. and also, i must say i've been having a hell of a time with these arias i've grown up listening too. been listening to puccini, bellini, and verdi for the past three days continuously to get into the right frame of mind...and man oh man. can i give one bit of advice? never read fanfic while listening to opera, i made the fatal mistake of listening to Madame Butterfly while reading something that...well...it was just a bit too realistic shall we say....and thanks Tempest Duer for calming me down last night....i was off my rocker for a bit....











Chapter 23



Flashback





The afternoon had been long and luxurious; even the sun wished to stay for an extra few minutes, causing the sky to take on a soft teal as it faded into the sea-speckled horizon. The waves were mildly tempered neither rushing nor fading; they would soon reach their destination and thus flutter back to the bowls of the ocean. Nothing seemed out of place, nor out of tune with its surroundings. Peace. Calm. And Serenity. And also a redhead buzzing about the room. Nothing was out of place.



Willow had made all the plans, calling for reservations at the best restaurant in town, asking for a specific outdoor view of the Pacific Ocean; it would go so well with her eyes. She even arranged for a small coffee table after dinner nearby the local wild-flower garden. However, one small detail was missing. The opera tickets.



She tried to bribe, she tired to threaten, and then she begged. But the Performance Arts Director wouldn’t budge. Something about if he gave her seats, then he had to give everyone a seat. He did apologize though, and offered tickets for the next show “Selections from La Traviata, Tosca, and Madame Butterfly”.



“What’s La Traviata about?” Willow asked impatiently. Maybe she could bring Tara back for this specifically when it was being put on, thus escaping the impossibility of tonight.



“Oh, it’s a fantastic story of love.” This sounded promising.



“How does it go?”



“Well there’s this woman who falls in love with this man, Alfredo, but she’s a fallen woman and catches tuberculoses. It ends with her disgracefully dying in his arms.” So much for promising.



“Tosca?” Willow tried again.



“Oh, another story of love, and the woman’s lover is shot to death, while she thinks he’s actually alive and tries to get him to wake up, but he doesn’t, so she commits suicide by jumping off a building.”



“Madame Butterfly?” Willow asked exasperated.



“A Japanese woman falls for an American naval officer who ends up leaving her, taking her child and going back to his American wife. She also, uh, commits suicide, but by stabbing herself this time.”



"I think kind of hate opera now," Willow thought to herself.



“So, shall I put you down for two tickets?”



“No, that’s okay, I think I’ll pass on the suicidal butterfly person…” Willow faded off. This wasn’t getting her anywhere. Perhaps Tara would forget about it? No. This is a childhood memory/ first date outing. She wouldn’t forget that. She’s too smart for that. And beautiful. And kind. And…



Willow HAD to get her there, even if it meant robbing an elderly couple of their tickets. She could outrun them, couldn’t she?



But if she couldn’t…if it didn’t work out…how was she going to explain it to Tara? She couldn’t bear seeing that sad look in her eyes. She wouldn’t. It was too painful to disappoint her. It wasn’t a matter of will. She needed a way, and fast.



Willow sat on the room’s bed for a while, waiting for Tara to return from the pool and spa. She had a few minutes left until they were to go out. Willow had speckled the floor with her bitten-off nails, and was furiously stretching every part of her brain for an answer. Nothing came.



A click at the doorknob told her that she was stuck as it was, and could only hope Tara would not take it so badly. She would put off telling her as long as possible. If Tara asked, she would tell her, if she didn’t, she’d still tell her…just not now.



“Hey Willow.”



Hopefully something good would come her way…



Hopefully…







Chapter 24





Tara had been walking quietly back up to her room while holding a small towel to dry her hair off after visiting the inn’s pool and sauna. It had been so long since she was able to actually relax. In fact, since her mother’s death she had never a chance to actually enjoy living.



But right now, right here, she had been having the best day possible in her whole life, granted there wasn’t much competition, but still. There was that time Willow said she loved her. And that was…that was the best thing she had ever received from another human being in her life, that and the kiss she got right after. Funny how the best things revolved around her quirky redhead. Tara paused for a moment outside of the room door, deep in thought.



Her redhead. She liked that. It sounded as if Willow was hers. She was Willow’s and Willow was hers, not to sound too Song of Solomon-y, but it all fit.



So why, when she walked into the room, was Willow bouncing around the room as if she needed ten times more space than the room already provided? Probably some computer-withdrawal thing she didn’t understand. She could soothe Willow. In fact, she’d make it her mission to do so.



“Hey Willow,” She loved the way Willow always looked when she called to her. She had this semi-childish look about her that always made her believe she had some hidden secret that was too good to keep in much longer.



“Oh, Tara, hey!” How was she going to tell Tara? She wasn’t. That was the plan. Remember? Keep it together Rosenberg…



“You wanna…?” Willow made movements with her hands leaping off somewhere by themselves.



“Oh, yea, let me just get dressed in something better than these gym clothes…” Tara started for the bathroom.



“Sure, if you really want, to get dressed I mean, cause you should be dressed, getting dressed is part of any normal human being’s day, and I wouldn’t want you to go around town undressed, I mean, I would love to see you undressed,” Willow suddenly had a horrified expression on her face but couldn’t stop explaining further, “I mean, I, I, uh, no, I didn’t mean it like that,” Tara began to walk slowly to Willow almost stalking the redhead as a predator to prey.



“I meant, I’m…I’m not sure that’s something I should be talking about at this point in the relationship, although it’s true, and its not like I haven’t thought about it, although I wish my thoughts wouldn’t come out so easily, like now for instance,” Willow was backing away up to the bed without realizing it as Tara was slowly coming forward.



“And I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to sa—Oof!” Willow fell back onto the bed headfirst. Tara walked up to the bed covered by the collapsed redhead and asked, “So you want to see me undressed?” Willow, unsure how to answer this in words, without the worlds worst embarrassment, nodded slowly. She smiled weakly, as if to apologize again.



With Willow’s answer Tara leant down to Willow’s ear and whispered, “That’s a mutual feeling if I ever felt one.” With that she shot back up as if nothing happened and walked back into the bathroom.



“I’ll be right out and for confusion’s sake, I’ll wear clothing. Although it would be a shame, you should too,” Tara said nonchalantly.



Willow stayed incredibly still, petrified to her spot. If she stayed very still the T-rex wouldn’t see her. That was the first rule you learned from Jurassic Park. However, this Tarannosaurus Rex didn’t seem to be phased by the ‘play dead’ idea. She slowly rose, and decided to shake it off. How could Tara do that to her so well? It was just amazing at how sexy she seemed every moment she was around her. And then, whoa, all of a sudden we have temptress on our hands and it’s very, very hard to think about anything when she’s saying…such…things…



-----------



The two women had finally dressed. Willow in autumn colors of orange, brown, and green, from head to toe, surrounded by a long cashmere scarf, and Tara in a long brown sweater and slacks.



Willow said she needed to quickly brush her hair up a bit, since the “incident” she felt like she was wearing a beehive. Tara giggled a bit and wandered off to the bedside table, where she saw a little note and the Opera Festival brochure. Willow’s handwriting had been scribbled all over; she had obviously been making several calls. But Tara noticed the date that had been continuously circled.



“Pre-ordered only…” Tara whispered. Tara’s heart fell a notch, for the opera and for Willow’s strenuous attempts to fix the problem. She would keep quiet about it; perhaps Willow wouldn’t bring it up and cause the evening to take a sadder turn. Besides, being with Willow was better than a plethora of Paminas.



“Okay, I’m ready!” Willow said perkily.



“Me too.” Tara said walking back over to Willow.



“My lady, your carriage awaits,” Willow said holding up her arm for Tara.



“Carriage?” Tara asked grasping Willow’s hand.



“Well, yellow cab. Same difference,” Willow said off-handedly.



They departed from the room just as the moon was starting to rise, walking off together, arms linked, down to the their pre-ordered taxi to take them into the town for the night Willow had planned.





Chapter 25







The moon had become a glorious beacon for all of Mendocino. Glowing silently, it hummed across the deep blue sky making even the stars jealous of its one pure light. The taxi took them across a huge bridge that overlooked a large gorge, into the town and past several beautiful buildings, including one large tent that neither Willow nor Tara could tell what its contents were.



They were dropped off at the small restaurant Willow had reserved for them. Entering the waiters immediately sat them down at the table she specifically asked for, causing Tara to say in an awed voice, “Oh, its so beautiful.”



The waves were crashing slowly and could be hear at the top of the sea cliffs where Willow and Tara were sitting. “Well part one is completed,” Willow thought happily. “At least this part is a success…”



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



Surprisingly the rest of the evening had gone exactly to plan. The meal was sumptuous and warmed their slightly chilled bodies. But the view was worth it. And to end it all, Willow took Tara to the local gardens for a walk with coffee included. She ordered mochas for them and walked Tara about the flowers.



“You see these are called chrysanthemums. Their some of the few flowers that actually bloom in this time of the year,” Willow explained pointing at the large blossoming golden flowers off to the side.



“They’re really pretty,” Tara said smiling while walking at a luxurious pace with Willow.



“Really?” Willow said plucking one for Tara. She held it up to Tara’s face, and then said softly, “I don’t know, I mean, comparing one beauty to another…” She said grinning, “I think they don’t really compare at all.” Tara looked down to her feet, blushing.



“How are you able to do that?” She asked looking up again.



“Do what?”



“Make me feel so special. As if the world stops for me, because of you.”



“My world wasn’t moving until I found you, that’s why,” Willow said handing the flower over to its owner once and for all.



They walked in silence, clutching to each other for warmth. The crickets barely sang their song before they decided to take a rest; it was better to leave the audience wanting more for the next night anyway.



Willow’s ears were getting cold. She leant her head onto Tara’s shoulder. “Much better,” she thought. In the distance she could hear something, though. Something faint, and strange. Almost like a sweet whistle.



Looking up towards the sound she saw some mysterious flags of blue, red, orange, green, and purple, flying about above the tent she saw coming in with Tara.



“What is it?” Tara asked a little concerned. Willow was as confused as she.



“Nothing, just, was thinking that’s all.” Willow said quietly.



“Anything important?” Tara asked.



“Well, I was thinking about how comfy your shoulder was…” Willow said placing her head back down again.



“I happen to have medals for my comfy-ness,” Tara said mockingly. Willow giggled, until she heard that sugary note again. The second time there was no mistaking it. Her mind was working a million miles a minute.



“Tara, come with me,” Willow said pulling Tara towards the seashore.



“Where to?” Tara asked perplexed.



“Just to see something,” Willow said cryptically. Tara decided not to ask any further. Then she heard the far off whistle as well.



Willow could see the wild flags flapping in the wind coming closer and closer. Soon she heard a different sound, human-like, a small howl growing stronger and stronger…



Casta Diva…



Willow pulled Tara along, the two could hear the waves crashing harder now.



Ah! Bello a me ritorna del fido amor primiero; E contro il mondo intiero…Difesa te sarò.



The tent was becoming bigger and bigger with each step. Tara could hear the voice as clear as if she was singing the words herself. She knew this song all too well; it was the aria from Norma, Casta Diva.



Willow and Tara walked up to the outside of the tent, and listened quietly as the wind flapped the cloth back and forth. They peered in and could see a woman, soprano, dressed in a fantastic costume singing to a select group of people. It was magical, hearing the vibrating voice echo such wonderful words so close.



Tara took Willow’s hand, smiling madly. She walked about the tent. She slowly circumnavigated it, translating every word to Willow’s ear only.



Casta Diva…



“O pure Goddess…” Tara whispered into Willow’s chilled face.



Ah! Bello a me ritorna del fido amor primiero.



“Return to me beautiful in your first true love,” she whispered again with the words



E contro il mondo intiero…Difesa te sarò!



“I’ll protect you against the entire world,” Tara whispered again finishing the words with a small kiss on Willow’s temple. Willow closed her eyes. She really liked Opera now. It never occurred to her that so much emotion and love could be packed into one song.



Willow stood still, staring into Tara’s deep blue eyes. She wanted to say the same. Only it came out as a small mumble.



“I love you.”



The two women leant into one another and softly touched each other’s lips. They could hear a chorus of voices rising in the background, growing louder and louder coinciding with their own rising passion. Willow finally pulled apart, breathing heavily.



“And I think I kinda love Opera now,” she said sheepishly. Neither said another word.



The moon continued to glow. And the waves kept up their pace winding their way back and forth around the beach, trying to find a way through the sand…save the celestial shine, the sky was pitch black, and the sea blended in with the horizon as if there never was a difference between the two.



But, in all the black, you could still make out two figures silently walking back in the direction of the road leading to The Crows Inn, clutching at one another. They didn’t know what they were going to do once back in the room, all they knew was they needed to stay with one another. It was impossible to be out of each one’s touch. And so they stayed in that same hugging position until the cabby let them out again.





















quick cool note: i'm listening to Casta Diva right now....lord its so beautiful, i highly recomend you guys just getting a version of it to just imagine this scene. its on the Mid Summer Nights Dream track (the one with Kevin Kline & Michelle Piefer an' all)...it's also on Aria, A Passion for Opera. I'm dead serious when i say that it makes you just want to sigh. thanks for reading!!!

-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[The Rose24]

Awwww. That was beautiful. I do not know too much about about opera, but are there any that have a happy ending? Judging by the ones mentioned in this story, a lot of them end badly.



Loved Tara's teasing when she returned from the sauna. Very hot.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[thebardgirl]

thankyou! i was going for beautiful actually, unlike my normal hazardous romance. so good on you mate for picking up on it!!! Operas by Mozart generally end happily like Marriage of Figaro, The Magic Flute, (not Don Giovani actually....unless you like some one dragged down to hell...) and uh....well, unfortunately most grand opera ends with death and destruction. Tisk tisk, those darn italian composers....they couldnt' get enough of tragic love....

oh good, i'm glad you like Tara's teasing, that was my first sort of 'attempt' to tempt into going into *points* that area.....thanks for reading!!

-elizabeth

[Tempest Duer]

Awww... how cute.



But as a musician, I find Marriage of Figaro annoying. Especially when I'm stuck playing the theme song. But nice update. Very nice update. And shall I just not bother with the cookies, and just feed you chocolate?

Choosing not to decide is still a choice.

[mxgirl314]

Awsome update. Poor Willow freaking out about what she was gonna do about the whole opera thing. But it was sweet how the night went so far. Can't wait for more.

[bluewillowwitch]

Eiizabeth ,

YEs, my sick is over. No problem, get to it when you can. Yeah t might have bee nice if she couldhave styedin Princess time. The other fic is entitled "Thinking Of You". I dont think those pills wll work for me. Responsibility is embeded into me. Yeah we moved a couple of blocks from where we used to live. It was just a better house. Yeah, my book collection is at a good start. I barrow alot from the library or it would be bigger. I buya book or two every coupleof weeks. That is just one of my collections. You should see my movies and cds.



I love this fic! Poor . She couldn't get the ickets for her and . But itall works out in the end. They still get to hear the Opera. (which by the way, I have seen and it is wonderful. ) I can't wait to more and see what happens next. Update soon, please?



Grace

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

"Fate keeps on happening."--Anita Loos

[irishlassie101]

Ohhh..that was soo sweet.........



MORE PLEASE MORE

[sam darls]

Oh my god..I thought that was so incredibley sweet and really really lovely, I had tears in my eyes. Wonderful. Love sammi xx

[intricate mirage]

Hey Elizabeth



**soft sigh** now that update was simply... beautiful and everything worked out just perfect for willow and tara's romantic evening together. so sweet just makes my heart go 'awww...' ahh Tara teasing when she came back from the sauna, now that was just so very hot. now look at what your update has done to me, i've got these images playing in my head right now great update! This was truly indeed a lovely read

~ Cassie

---

My fountain of strength that never runs dry

You are the shooting star across the midnight sky

Edited by: intricate mirage at: 10/21/03 12:07 am

[snuggle79]

hey chilly girl!



This was highly romantic!! I was actually kinda dreaming and fading away with all my sighs while reading this...you found a perfect way for Tara and Willow to finally be able to see the opera. And btw..oh so romantic...



Loved this btw:

Quote:

---

“Make me feel so special. As if the world stops for me, because of you.

“My world wasn’t moving until I found you, that’s why,” Willow said handing the flower over to its owner once and for all.”

---

Yes, i indeed love the opera!! The first time i saw it in tv actually, and uh...lol, it was in the movie "pretty woman"..(yeah that famous julia roberts movie from like 100 years ago..), when Vivian and Edward go out for the opera. It's a shame that i don't remember the name of the opera right now anymore, but i just loved it when i heard and saw it. And one day i really wanna go and see something like that in a nice big shiny opera house.



My fav operas are rigoletto, tosca and my absolute favourite one is turandot (nessun dorma).

I just love to listen to it.

Hey, you made me check out my italian opera cd again thanx for that! Ok, curious as i am i've reserached for that casta diva and i was just listening to it. It made me dreamy ...these romantic/dramatic operas always make me kinda "far away with my thoughts"...you know what i mean?

Hey, so u have the sudden urge to learn german again?

I think you're knowing it pretty good already...

Btw, kinda having a little understanding problem with the word "shway"... what does that mean?



Ok, my reply kinda got a little long...whoops.

You can wake up now, i'm done! lol

Very awesome and lovely update!

snuggle79

This is how everyday should end and start ..and all the stuff in the middle

The greatest thing you'll learn, is just to love and be loved in return.

Edited by: snuggle79 at: 10/21/03 3:08 pm

[LostWithoutTara]

That was absolutely beautiful.

Every time you walk away, I pretend that I'm okay

[Grimlock72]

Hmm.. this sneaky fic has continued when I thought it was finished Cute story though, heh. Willow fretting about not getting the opera-tickets she wanted, poor girl. Lucky they were near that inpromptu performance, although I have no doubt Willow *will* one day take Tara to the opera she wants to see so much



I'm a bit vague on why Willow seems to have hurt her head three updates back or so, when she fell out of bed. The flashback seems happy enough. Eventually Willow will get used to really having Tara, as much as Tara will get used to the fact that Willow finds her beautifull. Can be hard when you've heard otherwise all your life...



Grimmy

--
"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

[singgirl]

oh wow! Thank you so muh for the update Very beautiful.

Pax! -Bev

[screeminguitar]

...just wow! **jaw agape*** OK-You've got me searching the Dictionary cause that was just beyond words!!



If I ever had such a date, I would have been so theirs and totally speechless other than saying "Take me NOW!"***splashing water in my face*** Sorry, back to reality now!



Wow--I totally dig all kinds of music! So, I love how you are adding the music to their romance. Damn girl! You are just so damn cultered!!! Just when I think you cannot get any more interesting and make us feel so warmy--you just keep doing more! ***stealing a Tara line**How do you do that?!!



Unfortunately growing up in the ghetto, I never got to see operas.

However, I did see Phantom of the Opera--Does that count?! I'll never forget that night. My best friend (first secret girlfriend) was moving out of State & I was a mess!! I cried practically through the whole show!! I downed a lot of whisky to get over her!!! She was a goddess. Tall, long blonde hair and hazel eyes...**ahem!!!** See??!! You got me all feeling romantic--it's your fault Elizabeth!!



Here are some roses for that beautiful performance in your writing



Luv, Marie

[thebardgirl]

Dears, sweet kittens, i'm sorry for not replying to your replies sooner, but i was torn between waiting until i had something written in full or to just reply now. Then i realized it's been too long for the latter choice and decided to reply now.

Another thing: i watched Pretty Woman today for the very first time, and guess what? He takes her to the opera and La Traviata is playing; which fits perfectly because it is about a fallen woman who's taken up by a rich man....like the actual story, and...and...there was a point to this somewhere....ah! it just was soo sweet...although not w/t still sweet...





Tempest Duer-musicians rock dude, and i can sort of understand the figaro getting annoying with him repeating his name so much, (you'd think he'd remember it the first time) which is why i chose to do an opera like Norma in this update....what instrument do you play? i used to play clarinet and was damn good at it too, until i realized i didn't want to march for four years in school...

and chocolate! don't talk to me about that evil stuff....*glares at chocolate*...well...maybe just a tad bit....*grabs bag of chips and sneaks off to her room*...



mxgirl314-thankyou! i'm glad my writing is worth awesomeness.....yeah, I liked Willow feeling so worried for Tara's peace of mind, and then making up for the lack there of tickets....i hope you continue to like it!



bluewillowwitch-yo grace! good, you feeling better now? and yes, the princess time sounds so cool, but eh, i'm getting onto the other story as we speak, and, and....ah! i've got to respond still....jaysus, i've been getting so distracted lately....stupid applications to college....you a book worm, eh? if you collected cds....would you be a cd worm? or uh, maybe a cd catipillar? Ah! you like the Opera too? fantastic! i have more people who understand it! whoo. thankyou, i will try to get right on it....



irishlassie101-*giggles* thankyou, i'm glad my romance is sweet but not too cutesy or teasing...er...well. i'm glad you like is what i meant! and i will try to get something down soon....i'm kind of stuck you could say...need inspiration....or a time limit....deadlines seem to get me working faster....



sam darls- deary, sam, i never want you to cry, i'm sorry. i seriously was hoping to make you happy. but wait....are those tears of happiness? i hope they are! that'd be so cool, but besides those kind of drops, i don't want you crying *wages finger in menacing mother-way* thankyou.



intricate mirage-hey cassie! oh, thankyou so much. i'm glad you think my ideas are beautiful...*snicker* yeah the Tara-teasing truthfully i added out of nowhere....i needed to get things moving and i just started typing it before i knew what i was doing....cool, it's hot now...you've got images in your head now? deary, im sorry....thanks!



snuggle79-Yo snuggle! oh cool, you think it's romantic too....its not my antics...its in fact romantic! and that rhymed! whoo. you were dreaming and fading while reading my fic? *sniff* i feel so honored, no really, i do! i'm glad you said that it was perfect because in my mind it was a better thing than them sitting and watching a long performance. this way they could be alone and dance around with each other....on the seashore an' all...

oh cool! you like the "my world was moving til..." line! *dances around happily* that's great! i'm glad my special lines are showing through the thickness of it all...

AH! YOU WERE THE ONE WHO MENTIONED PRETTY WOMAN! ah!! because of you i WATCHED it today and i did a very stereotypical and bad bad thing...i was eating lots of chocolate and sitting crying while watching it with my mother....while she made brownies....bad bad thing!! And it WAS La Traviata playing in it!!!! And yes, Italian Opera makes me cry, same with all things-dreamy....thanks again about the German, but truthfully i'm waaaaayy lacking in that department....Eep....we're not supposed to have long replies now? *looks back at latest replies...* *looks back at ALL her replies* damn.....why didn't anyone warn me of this before??? *goes off to pout* i must admit i love long replies, ESPECIALLY from my readers....



LostWithoutTara-thankyou. (sometimes short replies are the best too...)



Grimlock72-yes yes, i'm very sneaky like that, in fact i'm so sneaky my name is Mistress Sneaks-A-lot....okay....that was a lie....but still. Well actually the impromptu performance was THE performance they were supposed to see, so it all worked out....and yes, Willow will probably take Tara out to wherever she pleases, but now they're restricte to Mendocino...oh Willow hurt her head? *goes in search of this hurt she was unaware of*...oh, she fell out of bed....and i was hoping that it seemed realistic that she was healing fine from the Valium incident....(starts laughing at how much she makes Willow get hurt) dear....and i a Willochist? kind of like a masochist? and yes, Willow will make it DAMN clear to Tara how gorgeous she is....cause she really really is....



singgirl-thankyou! i'm glad you like it! and i got a "wow" whoo!!!



screeminguitar-your jaw is gaped now? damn. i never thought in a million years i'd get that from a reader, but ah that's pretty cool! beyond words? Thanks dude, its very sweet of you to say, and yeah, i doubt most people have dates like this out of nowhere the first time....i mean....this is MY dream date....hahahaha you would have been that weakened by it? well, *makes note on secret pad* good to know.....ah yes, the music surprisingly fit so very well, i was a little shocked at how well it worked....i'm cultered now? hmm....will that help me in not being alone? sorry, just had to ask that...its a painful problem i have. thankyou, i'm glad i, uh, make you feel warmy, we ARE talking 'bout the warm emotionally right? Ah, well i've not seen any live Operas except Phantom of the Opera, La Boheme, Guildbert & Sullivan Operetas... and well....*scratches head* i was in Les Miserables....does that count as seeing it?

Phantom should count. i say it does. therefore it is. oh dear, i'm sorry you cried....but wait...you're first girlfriend...i thought you had never had one? i'm confused again!

hey now! it's mah fault for being romantic and thus bring out your romantic happiness in life????

ok.

i can deal with that. thanks for the roses! *sniffs them* sweet!









Kittens! it's been so wonderful writing for you! my most innner romantic-antics are being written down because of you guys! and also, i have to tell you a small sweet bit of info:

the Opera-tent-out-on-the-cliffs-of-Mendocino-at-night-incident happened to me.





(unfortunately not with anyone i loved romantically but it was still so neat with my family....and i think i was too young to have those kind of feelings anyway ) ah well, thanks for reading and bearing with my slowness!!!

-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[effrena]

YAY!!! i was on holidays and after coming back, what do i see? all these new updates!

you really continued, thank you!

*sigh* it`s good to be home *runs off reading*

We'll fling the bunnies at her- evil bunny projectiles. After I run her over and you strangle her and Bre chops her up. It's brilliant!" Lisa of Nine - Milestones

[Tempest Duer]

You were a clarinet player? How cute! I'm a french horn player myself... and I marched in high school. I considered it a necessary evil.

I believe in the madness called "now."

[thebardgirl]

yo effrena! i'm happy you're back and also reading mah ficy...is that a word? ah well...thanks for the cool words, dude!



tempest duer-yeah i was a clarinet player...*shudder*...and i like i said i was pretty good...was a first clarinet for a bit...and then got scared by my satanic-looks-like-santa-claus-on-speed instructer and went to guitar...which i am much happier with...*looks ashamed at huge pile of guitars in room*...ah well....people can have their obsessions, right? right?? deary, i'm sorry you had to march, but i bet you had fun, right? i mean, you didn't have mr. rosy-cheeks teaching you, like i did. so that's sounds pretty cool. AH! FRENCH HORN! its so pretty....*goes glassy eyed at wonderful classical music* sounds pretty fab. So, are you in a symphony of some sort?



thanks again people for reading...

-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[Tempest Duer]

Yah, I'm in the local orchestra under this psychotic Israeli dictator... erm... director... but it's fun, yo. I knew I wanted to play horn when I was about three, so you might say that it's a dream come true.

I believe in the madness called "now."

[screeminguitar]

Hey Liz!! What up girl?! Things are real ashy around here with the inland empire on fire and all. Never in my life have I seen such a thing! I had to use my windshield wipers to clear my window!! At least we seem to be safe here in Orange County. Did you survive the time change? Personally, I was confused all day!!

I knew the experience with the opera tent was too realistic to be made up in that adorable, intelligent mind of yours! That's cool ! Although it was not a romantic experience, being with your family and all, it sounds like it was a memorable experience none the less. Just curious, have you come out to your family?



So..... I should have known my subtle, secret girlfriend comment was not going to escape your notice. (Damn us Virgos with our meticulous minds!)

First, I always call my closest female friends my girlfriends. Right now, I am fortunate to have 2 in my life. The one I went with to see Phantom at the Ahmanson Theater with, was my best friend who moved to Colorado (9 years ago). I was romantically in love with her and never acted on those feeling due to being married and all. But, I know there were times I was borderline in my affection toward her. Particularly, when I had a lot to drink which seemed to be often when I was around her. Now, she is dating a young man, and I can honestly say, that I am truly happy for her as long as she is happy. We continue to correspond via email and visits every other year.

Right now, I am closest to my girlfriend who lives in the inland empire (2 hours away) I think I mentioned her --(Straight + married + kids) the one whom I have confessed romantic feelings for and yet she continues to want to be my friend, despite this revelation.

Enough about me. I know you always comment about not being romantically experienced and all. But is there someone who has caught your eye. Hmmmm???? Come on, I need my vicarious smoochies!!!

Anyhow, thanks for letting me vent--how much do you charge for these therapy sessions?

Keep up the great writing--hot and steamy scenes soon?!!!!!

Take care sweetie, rock on, dude!!

Marie ** Big smack on the cheek**

[thebardgirl]

Tempest Duer: hee...dictator....well that's great...i think. but hey, you found your dream!!! that's so cool to hear some one say that. Do you think i can fullfill my dream as the first folk-guitar, sketcher, actress, singer, songwriter, horse-back rider, person-thingy?



screeminguitar: oh hello! Oooo fires down your way? the oakland hills have been looking threatening lately...but nothing huge our way...i survived the time switcheroo too...

yeah the opera thing wasn't really all my imagination, however, the Casta Diva song fit perfectly and that was my doing....not to say that i wrote it, just sayin' i found it...and it fit....with some minute editing....have i come out to my family? i didn't know i was in. am i? or am i not?.....that's yet to be decided dude....

whoa big history there of girlfriends, friends who are girls....girls that could possibly be girlfriendy....wow....

that's cool your friend is still a friend although possibly a love interest in your eyes....huh....oh yes i comment too much for my own good...its a bad habbit....

oh um, some one to catch my eye? yes. there was ONE. just one. last year. still haven't forgotten her either...it sucks....

and there are NO smoochies from me dude...i am smoochieless...no prob for the therapy i give it free of charge....and uh, hot and steemy? did i not mention i don't KNOW HOW?! ah whatever....i give up in explaining....bye dude!!!





-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

Edited by: thebardgirl at: 10/28/03 7:31 pm

[TemperedCynic]

Wow, I'm Tempest Duer now!



Hey, Liz, I'm enjoying your story a lot.

Please continue, it's a great read.

---

More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly. Woody Allen (1935 - )

[thebardgirl]

Tempered Cynic- ah shite!!!! SHIZER! i am SO sorry, my brain was boggled!!! *starts panicking* I am so so so so so so sorry, i really am. dude, i can't believe i did that. i give you full permission to hit me over the head, see, i was reading the posts last night and was doing replies at the same time and well, that's still no excuse, and i'm really sorry. *bows down before tempered cynic in prayer* thankyou for your sweet words, although i might be brain dead.



so in recompense to my ignoramus act of stupidty, how 'bout an update? please forgive me? (see, i have a history of people not getting my first name, which is why i go by my middle name instead: elizabeth, and so i really hate it when i mess up on others.)







Um....hey i never have kept up with those words! the thingies before each chapter? well then, same disclaimer, love feedback, my name's elizabeth and my email: daytripper20022@yahoo.com. any questions? shout 'em out.



and now the newest chapter:









Chapter 26



A rush of passion, a flight of words, and a crash on the hallway door. Don’t you just love vacations?



“OOF!” Willow cried as she was crushed against the doorframe. She really needed to wear safety gear when she and Tara were so…passionate.



“Sorry, honey,” Tara said completely unconvincing; she really didn’t care about Willow’s back right now. Right now, she was more concerned with other parts of Willow, and also the key. The damn key for the room. “Where is it?”



“Will, sweetie, where’s the key?” Tara asked kissing Willow’s lips with every word.



“Inmapocket…” Willow answered confirming what Tara thought was a glazed look in her eye.



“Okay, she doesn’t seem to mind anything at this point,” Tara thought evilly, “Let’s see if I can wake her up now.” With that Tara’s hand dove into Willow’s front pocket. Willow squeaked.



“Um, h-honey, not that I mind, but um, I could’ve gotten the key myself, be-s-s-sides, that’s the wrong pocket…“ Tara really didn’t care. At first it was the battle to get access into the room, now it was just more fun to make Willow squirm. If she didn’t react so well, she wouldn’t be so inclined to do so. But, the redhead needed to learn. And Tara would teach her.



“Wrong pocket, eh?” Tara said grinning.



“Not that I’m complaining,” Willow said a bit more sternly.



“Oh, of course not, but Willow, if you want me to peruse all your 'pockets', you’re going to hafta let me into the room.” Tara said trying to get the redhead clued in. Willow stared intently at Tara’s face trying to understand. When it dawned on her what she was saying, she made wild movements with her own hands digging through every pocket she had.



She really, really, shouldn’t have worn so many different pockety pieces of clothing. Tara stood back watching the redhead almost rip her clothing apart to find the pesky thing. Key or no key, she might be able to see Willow a little less dressed than usual.



“Where is it!?” Willow thought furiously pulling off her coat a little, then her cardigan, then scarf, searching violently into every crevice she had on her person. Tara by now had noticed a small shiny object that the hallway lamp had lit up. It had a sort of round top and a thin line poking out of it.



“The key.” She thought. While Willow made furious movements with her coat that seemed to want to stay on one arm, Tara knelt down in front of the redhead and picked up the obscene piece that created all this havoc. “Let’s have a little fun…” she said grabbing the key.



“Um. Tara, honey, I’m so sorry about this, but I think I lost…” Willow didn’t really care to finish the sentence.



I mean, when a gorgeous woman is sliding her hands up from your ankles to your knees, then your thighs, to your waist with a key to the bedroom door in her mouth, you just tend to shut up.



“Found it.” Tara said taking the object out of her mouth. Willow just stared licking her lips in anticipation.



Click.



The door, unlocked now, swung open with the weight of Tara’s right hand from over Willow’s left shoulder.



“You know, maybe we should get room service firs—“ Willow yet again was stopped, but this time by Tara’s insistent lips that didn’t want to explain again the rules of the “Who Finds the Key” game.



She won.



She wanted to take her winnings now.



Obviously, her winnings didn’t get it.



Tara pushed Willow onto the bed, and the door was kicked closed by her rushing backhand in one swift and angile movement. She would have been really good at tennis if she wanted to.



With the door closing, the rest of the hallway took on a strong silence; grateful that the two destructive women had finally left it’s presence. It had such wonderful carpeting, and they had to continuously mess it up. It wasn’t like what they were doing was anything important or anything, seriously.





A moan.





What was the deal with humans? It seems like there’s nothing wrong with disregarding your possessions and furniture as if it doesn’t feel pain.





A scream.





Maybe a table was just a table or a door was just a door. But that doesn’t mean that you should kick it or crash into it, placing your hands wherever you please…



Another scream.



… Because you’re too rapped up in your own world going “la la la” all the way home.



A Loud Thud.





You wonder sometimes if people actually care for their stuff.





“TARAAA!”





Or just love to not care at all.





A whimper.





Well, it seems we’ll never know, really.















okay, i don't write love scenes. i really, really don't. and it isn't my fault, i blame society! for uh, not, uh, teaching me? what?! i am a coward....*grabs cheerleader outfit and chants* give me a "C"! Give me an "O"!.....and um..ah forget it...maybe i can grab Washi for a bit...

-elizabeth

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

Edited by: thebardgirl at: 10/29/03 10:26 am

[hereinmyhead]

okay, so i had to delurk to comment on that. it was really really interesting to me...dunno why. particularly the last couple of lines, where you go into what the furniture is thinking/feeling. i don't think i've ever seen a scene done like that before, and i think it was very well done... so this is me just saying, umm, "go you" cuz that was cool....

[The Rose24]

The whole key incident is really funny.



When did they first make love? Was is right after they admitted their love for each other? It is kind of unclear.

Tara: My heart doesn't stutter.


Tara: Willow, I got so lost.

Willow: I found you. I will always find you.

[bluewillowwitch]

Elizabeth ,

I love this fic! and starting to heat things up. They are starting to get into the good stuff now. Can't wait to more. Update soon, please?





Grace

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

"Fate keep on happening."--Anita Loos

[LostWithoutTara]

The key stuff was



Things are heating up nicely!

Every time you walk away, I pretend that I'm okay

[the vamp nurd]

Holy cow!





I've missed a hell of a lot. Bad vamp nurd.



Grabbing Washi?



You're pretty good yourself.







Key : funny.

Sorry I missed church, I was busy becoming a lesbian and worshiping Satan



Open up Pandora's kiss.



Bardlet no #27