charmed60

Wow that was perfect! That Tachel scene was just beautiful, the way she desperately wanted and needed him and knew she shouldn't but couldn't control herself. I love that she's never admitted to him the abuse that she's suffering and has never had to but it's like an unspoken communication between them. Tony is so amazing and perfect, like RR said he controlled himself so well even though he must have wanted to smack him one But he knew it would make things worse for Rachel although unfortunately it looks like it might have done, unintentionally I love the little snippets of Leah's life; it looks like her involvement in Rachel's crisis is really affecting her marriage with Dan and they arent communcating anymore it's really sad. Interesting to see the contrast between their relationship and the development of Rachel and Tony's. That last scene was so harrowing but sensitively written and the ending was such a cliffhanger It seems like Rachel's never been abused this bad before and I really really hope she's going to be okay, maybe it will be a wake up call for her?? Please update soon I'm dying to know what's going to happen!

That was an amazing chapter! I was ready to hate Tony for running out but he made up for it Rachel's phonemessage she left was funny haha look forward to the update

I don't agree with this at all. And Kevin I don't think that it's fair to say they're a couple who are always in the backgrounf. Last year, next to Belle and Aden, Tachel were the couple with the most storylines, they had loads of dramatic scenes and bits going on; Jack's death, the wedding, Belinda, Harry, postnatal depression etc. I think if the writers couldn 't be bothered to do anything with them then they wouldn't still be on the show. I agree that we don't know how they're going to end so how can you say true love couples never have happy endings? For all we know they might have a tragic end (not that I want that because I think it's what makes them different.) You could argue that Robbie&Tasha were a major couple yet they had a happy ending! The thing with me is I like that Tachel are different. I like that they're not the screenhogs or have ridiculously dramatic storylines all the time. Just because some people may not consider them a major couple it doesn't mean they aren't a worthy couple in their own right or characters that viewers want to watch. That's part of their charm - they're a more realistic couple who deal with issues that affect people every day. They didn't have a whirlwind romance like the 'major couples,' they had a more realistic being friends for years before falling in love storyline. It's more natural and real. sportzgal - I agree there are plenty of family issues that can be dealt with using Tachel. Just because Tachel aren't one of the so called 'great' couples with ups and downs and loads of tragedy it doesn't make them any less loved or enjoyable in my opinion.

Thank you so much for updating the episode sections and spoilers. I always read them but haven't commented until now so I wanted to say tank you - I really appreciate it!

Oh my goodness, such an amazing chapter, there was so much going on! Mark just makes me skin crawl, he is completely pathetic and weak no matter how many times he hits Rachel. I should probably have sympathy for him after what happened to him when he was younger but I just can't. The way he is demoralising Rachel and leading her to believe that she's disgusting and no-one else would love her is unforgiveable. Good on her for threatening him, it's probably a good thing she didn't go through with it or no doubt he would have done something worse to her but I really hope she finds the strength to leave him. It's so lovely how she thought back to Tony and realise she could be loved or at leasted cared about by another man. Charlie is lovely in your fic and it was sweet how Angelo promised to look out for Rachel although I can't help but think he's saying that just to get Charlie home and into his bed hmm. I feel sorry for Michael and Emily. It's so sad that he's going to finally realise the extent of Emilys cancer and know he's been lied to but I can understand it from her point of view to. I wonder how he (and the others) will react when her story comes out in the paper. Lastly Tony. I love that man He's so caring and lovely and I'm sooooo excited for the phonecall and what he'll say to her now that she's picked up his call. Please update really soon x

Here here! It's their 2 year anniversary of being together in early Feb! hehe

Brilliant chapter!!!! Liked the meeting between Angelo and Charlie!

I loved that last update - Tony is so sweet and Rachel drunk made me laugh although I do feel sorry for her. It's so cute that she fell asleep on him.

Sorry it took so long to comment, I thought I already had!!! An amazing end to the fic, I'm so pleased Tachel got their little girl I like happy chapters Beautiful end.

Oh wow Kirsty that was an amazing update!!! So much was going on. I loved the way you started it although it was really difficult to read. It's so awful that Mark has been able to make Rachel truly believe that no-one else could love her; I'm hoping Tony can convince her otherwise ;) I'm really pleased that Charlie and Angelo are involved although I can't say I think much of Angelo at all. He just couldn't be bothered to take it seriously and Charlie was being so nice - good on her for not stepping down and doing the search on Mark, I wonder if she'll find anything?? Maybe previous victims who've reported something that has never been proven? It's really sad also how Rachel got really excited at the thought of the girls meeting up The Tony/Leah bit was one of my favourite parts of that chapter. Obviously I feel so sorry for Rachel but I do for Tony to. He's really trying to care for her and love her but she's just used him and then rejected him. Interesting that he said he can't stand back I wonder what he's going to do? Hopefully not anything right that second while he's drunk! I loved how there was a subtle hint of Leah being really excited when she heard that Tony and Rachel had slept together, I guess she just really wants Rachel away from Mark and knows that Tony will look after her. I really hope someone will help Rachel find the strength to leave Mark. I don't think it's so much that she's terrified of what he'll do if she leaves but it's more that he's been emotional abusing her for so long that he's managed to make her believe that no-one else could love her. She thinks that what he's doing is a sign of love.....I really hope everyone involved can help her to see it's not. Maybe what Emily was planning to do from the previous chapter. Amazingly written Kirsty, it was so beautifully honest and heartbreaking for all involved. It's like everyone knows but can't do anything about it until Rachel's willing to admit to it. Please update soon - preferably quicker than a month

Aww Charlene that was so beautiful written. I was sooo angry with Tony at first when he just left her crying and thought about his own anger but I'm glad he realised and made up for it in the end. Was a bit of a shock when he accidentally hit Rachel in the face but it was sweet how he looked after her. Really loved it, I hope they can move on now.

Such a beautiful way to wrap things up Kirsty. I liked that not everything is perfect and okay but it's improving and there's still mystery about the future. Loved the scene between Rachel and Tony and how you tackled something that so many women worry about post baby. Tony was an absolute sweetheart as usual and I liked that she told him off for being corny haha!! I also loved that she is thinking of contacting her Dad and that little scene with Grace was bitterweet. It's nice that she's thinking of giving her Dad a second chance and I would love to see what happens next but I did like that you left that open. The Leah Brad thing is really good to, I'm glad they're together but I did like that Leah was disappointed about Hugo - it's a very natural reaction. It's nice that they're not proclaiming love and it's not a cliche relationship you've written but that they're going to try things out and make things official. Be interesting to see how Rachel would actually feel about it if it happened; I don't think she'd be comfortable having an intimate chat with Leah like she did in previous chapters about her brother! The Martha scene is really really sad and it's awful to think she's locked up somewhere but I guess it's good that she's being looked after and is starting to feel more optimistic about her future. Beautiful fic which I have loved so so much, I can't wait for you to continue with I'm OK.

Wow, a really dramatic chapter I loved it. I like Changelo in your fic, they seem more of a couple than they do on the show. Glad Ruby is going to be okay! Looking forward to the next update!

Awww This is a really sad fic, I feel so sorry for Tony and I just hope he doesn't do anything he'll regret when he finds out. I was desperate for her to tell him all through this fic and was so frustrated when she didn't but I'm glad to see she's not afraid to tell him anymore. I love all the little mush you write it's so sweet but so sad at the same time. I'm glad Leah's finally supporting her. Please update soon.

Wow! So much happening in that chapter I don't know where to begin! Lovely to see the friendship between Leah and Rachel. I think it's good that Leah and Tony aren't jumping in to any conclusions and are just letting Rachel know they're there for her. I loved Rachel's reaction when she was told how much Tony likes her, that was a turning point for her I think, to finally give in to her desires because she knew for sure he actually liked her to. I guess before she might have been too afraid of being hurt and she's so confused in her head -I agree with what Red Ranger said, it's really sad how she blames herself for what Mark is doing to her. Really sad also about Emily and how she's trying to hide it from her boyfriend. I think it's good that she wants to get revenge on Mark before she dies, I guess it's giving her something to focus on. I'm interested to see how she's going to play a part in the reveal of who Mark really is. I also liked how you described the callousness of journalism it's so true! I did love how Rachel and Tony finally gave in and slept together. As much as the rational part of me thinks she needs to sort herself out before confusing things with Tony to, I can't help but think it's lovely that she's finally been able to experience true love and safety. Maybe she needs it to show her what she's missing in her relationship with Mark and it might even give her the strength she needs to leave Mark and rebuild up the confidence that Mark's abuse has taken from her. I think it's so lovely that Tony's there for her Although I feel very sad for him, he's trying so hard to be there for her and be a gentleman whilst knowing what she's going through and to be pushed away like that must be horrible. Pleased to see the introduction of Charlie and Angelo. I really hope Rachel's ok and they can play a part in helping her. Please update soon

I thought I should really answer my own questionnaire!!! Favourite Tachel storyline: Ohhh there's so so many! I absolutely loved the whole dealing with Jack's death. It was done with such sensitivity, the acting was incredible and whilst someone of the aftermaths were dealt with pretty terribly in my eyes they got the attention they deserved. I loved how they dealt with Tony's reaction firstly and then integrated that into how it affected his relationship with Rachel; how she was negelected and trying to help him out of it but made mistakes to. It was a really honest storyline. Most romantic Tachel scene: Well the wedding vows without a doubt but then so was the second proposal. I think I'd choose the proposal just because it was so unexpected and was bittersweet as it was Tony's way of moving through Jack's death and focusing on his future life with Rachel and their baby. But Tachel have a lot of subtle romantic scenes to so it is difficult to pick one major one out; in some ways I prefer the subtle ones. For example the little scene where Rachel told Tony how she wasn't taking his support for her going back to work for granted and telling him she loved him was really sweet. And just the little kisses and cuddles they have. Oh and when he tells her they're getting married tomorrow even if he has to take her to Vegas in their little wedding tent surrounded by pretty lights. Top 3 favourite Tachel scenes: I loved the scene where they had a fight after Belinda! Probably shouldn't choose that but I like a good Tachel fight and I think it resolved a lot of the tension which was going on. Another favourite was when the baby kicked and Tony got to feel it; it was the first time we'd seen him smile in a long time since Jack's death and it gave some hope that he was working through his loss. The final one I'd choose is probably from when Harry was taken to hospital and Tony spoke to Rachel about needing to get help for her post natal depression. It was a really beautiful little scene especially when he said that he'd lost so many people he loved and didn't want to lose her to. He's such a sweetheart And the acting was so emotional with Rachel crying and Tony all sad. I did love them both meeting Harry for the first time to, when they were both in awe. It had been a long struggle for them to have a baby and finally he was there and they were all happy aww. Worst Tachel storyline: In terms of the aftermath of storylines; Tony nearly killing Angelo and then his chat with Rachel in the hospital was awful. I even thought the reveal of him telling Rachel was a bit rubbish to be honest and the way that next week everything was fine I just thought was completely unrealistic. We never even saw them talk about things and I think the storyline really needed that to mean anything. Tony had been lying to Rachel for weeks and plotting a man's murder yet she wasn't really THAT upset and he wasn't THAT affected either. Worst Tachel scene: I guess I answered this question above. Having Rachel in a hospital bed and not having much of a chance to react made the whole scene a bit stale. I think the actors did their best with the material they were given but the dialogue and the whole set up was really badly written. Most emotional Tachel scene: It's a toss up between her crying into his arms when Jack died, when Harry was kidnapped and they were shouting at each other; Rachel crying and Tony punching the table or when Rachel was blaming herself for Harry being in hospital and she was screaming and crying and Tony was trying to hold her. I can't choose Best acted Tachel scene: It's really difficult to choose this one because I think both Amy and Jon are brilliant actors and always put 100% into their storylines. In terms of a scene they've had together I think I'll choose the one I mentioned above; when Harry was kidnapped and Rachel was trying to understand how Tony could appear so calm. They both acted it so emotionally with Rachel bawling her eyes out wondering if she'd ever see her baby again and Tony welling up angry because he might lose another son. Most memorable moment: Tachel wedding, Harry's birth. Huuge milestones for Tachel as a couple and something us fans have been waiting ages to see! Do you think making Tachel parents has been a good move: Yes absolutely! Tachel are the only married couple on the show right now and I think they need a stable, family unit. The storylines they've given Tachel are nearly always realistic storylines which a lot of people deal with in their own lives (maybe apart from Tony trying to push Angelo off a cliff!) So I think it's a natural progression for them to have a baby and it's definetely brought them closer together as it's tested their relationship. I just love any scenes with them and Harry in; they've chosen gorgeous babies to play him and it's nice that now he's a bit older they're nearly always using the same baby. I'm looking forward to seeing what other things they have to deal with as parents. Favourite pieces of dialogue: Tony's second proposal speech was so sweet; "I love you more than I can put into words. You stood by me when anyone else would have walked away, you're a beautiful, beautiful woman and I just hope you still love me enough to marry me." And I loved their wedding vows as well because they weren't cheesy like I was expecting but just really honest; I loved that Tony promised to "laugh with you and to cry with you." Actually most of my favourite dialogue comes from Tony because he's just so romantic and lovely. I did love when Rachel told him she loved him and appreciated his support and also when Tony told her he could see in her eyes that she was struggling to hold on and that he didn't want to lose her. Finally the one in my sig; Tony telling Rachel "I just want to do right by you, I don't want to let you down again" and Rachel replying "you never let me down. Everything I keep throwing at you you just keep coming back for more." Most surprising Tachel scene/storyline: The second proposal I guess because it was totally unexpected! Also with Rachel suffocating Harry and having post natal depression; whilst it was clear from the beginning that something wasn't right with her, she also had to deal with a lot of other difficulties such as being blamed for Jane's baby's death and Harry being kidnapped so it could have easily been put down to that. I like that they didn't give her the sterotypical signs of post natal depression as it made it more real and unexpected. Are you pleased with Tachel this year?: Definetely. I have to say I enjoyed the first half of the year more than the second as I felt the storylines were more honest and better written. I loved the whole Belinda storyline as it truly tested their relationship and showed a real weakness in Rachel as she was willing to forgive him for an affair if that was what he needed to move through Jack's death. I didn't like that Rachel was so involved in the Bridget storyline just after Jack had died but I guess it was in character for her to be the one not to trust her. They do use her as a bit of a Nancy Drew character as well as a doctor! But they've been used as characters so much this year so I've definetely enjoyed that and think 9/10 the storylines have been brilliant. Best Jon/Tony scene: The one that really stands out in my mind is when he attacks Angelo at the wake after finding out he killed Jack. The way he flew over the couch and just started punching him was so out of character for Tony and his eyes were wild; the acting was incredible. He looked so lost as he sank to the floor mumbling to himself, I felt so bad for him. It was a little bit sexy to I also liked when he destroyed Jack's boat and was crying; although I think that scene was far too short. Best Amy/Rachel scene: When she came to Tony in floods of tears after Jane lost her baby. That was some of the best acting I've seen her do and she came across as really vunerable and scared; a nice change to Rachel whose usually such a strong character. The way they tied her grief with fear for her own baby was a really nice parallel. I also loved when she flew into Jane's house acting all crazy looking for Harry; that was different for Rachel and also when she got him back and was crying waiting for Jane to hand him over. Favourite interactions with other characters both individually and as a couple I always love Leah and Rachel's scenes as I think they have the most realistic friendship on the show and it's nearly always so consistent. The scene where Rachel was trying to cheer Leah up and told her she was amazing and lovely and that she deserved to be spoilt was sweet. She was struggling to deal with Tony's withdrawal from her and the world yet she was still there for her friend. Also, Martha's support for Rachel during the Belinda storyline I liked and Rachel supporting Belle near the end of her life. That scene where they're both crying and Rachel's telling her to surround herself by the people who love her had me in tears. I like seeing Tony when he's helping out the teens; his scenes with Geoff are nice as he was so close to him when he first arrived and I'd like to see more of that. I also like seeing Tony and Gina together, they've got a nice sibling relationship and I liked seeing him tease her and look out for her with her relationship with John. In terms of Tachel as a couple I like seeing them when they're with the whole family, Martha and the Austins and also when they have their dinner parties and act all couply. And with Harry of course! They make such a cute little family unit. Is there anything you would have changed or done differently?: The aftermath of Tony trying to kill Angelo definetely. There was absolutely no scene where Tony explained to Rachel why he did what he did, how he was feeling etc and it was wrapped up far too long for a storyline which had spanned a couple of months. I think I'd have liked to have seen Rachel a bit more angry than she was and Tony a bit more remorseful for his actions; not just to Rachel but in general. He was all a bit "it wont happen again, I wanna move on" and I'd have liked to have seen more of a reaction. I also think the post natal depression storyline might have gone on a bit too long and too much was thrown at them along with it such as Rachel struggling to cope with a newborn, having Jane stalking them and accusing Rachel of being a bad Mum, then Rachel facing a lawsuit and Harry being kidnapped all with post natal depression. I think in some ways that's why I was glad that Rachel recovered so quickly when she got back from the clinic because I was sick of seeing things be so bad for so long and I was just happy to see things back to normal. But it's not really an honest portrayal. What would you like to see Tachel do in 2010?: I quite like the storyline of Tony and Rachel having financial difficulties because it's something they can deal with together rather than be something that causes problems in their relationship. I think I'd like to see more of that in 2010, maybe one of them gets ill and seeing how they deal with it as a family. I'd really like to see Tony get his job back at the school or do something different; the gym doesn't really open up many storylines for him as a character and it would be good to see something different for him. Also it will be nice to just watch little family scenes of Harry growing up and the things that come with that, his first words etc. It might be nice to see more of Tony's paternal side with other children as well; the way he was with Geoff and Annie and maybe have Tachel take in a child in need. I think they're the right characters for it. Overall comments: It's funny how this time last year we were all annoyed with how little screentime Tachel get and how they're the forgotten couple. Because I think we were definetely listened to and have had so much Tachel this year and so many storylines which have been beautifully done. I would like to see their storylines resolved better; they're always started so well and reach a huge climax yet the aftermath is always a bit stale so that's definetely something I would like to have seen done better. Overall though I'm really happy with them as a couple; they've gone through so much together and come through it stronger so I'm a happy Tachel fan

Aww Tachel fluff I loved it, love the banter between them lol!!!! Especially about meeting her friend fourth gear hahahaha!

Brilliant update Kirsty, I'm so pleased you updated. I am soo happy that finally Leah and Tony have realised what's going on. It was such a sad scene and I liked how Tony didn't automatically believe Leah, he had to realise for himself. It's nice that Leah's realised there's something between him and Rachel and she did the right thing by calling Tony. I just hope Rachel lets them help her. That little monologue by Rachel was so sad. It's really interesting how you wrote her thoughts, like there's this huge internal battle going on. She despises the person she is and hates people in her position and I think it's very in character that she wouldn't want people thinking of her as a victim. She's a doctor and so used to looking after other people, that's why doctors make rubbish patients! I just really really hope she lets Leah and Tony help her. Interesting how you wrote that fear plagued her everytime someone got suspicious of Mark. It makes me wonder how many other people thought she might be being abused and didn't interfere... Also it's a good sign that she keeps getting thoughts about not covering for him anymore. I think she's finally getting sick of it all - especially now she's met Tony and realised how different her life can be and how she can be with a man who loves her and looks after her. Looking forward to the next update

Poor Rachel! I hope she tells Tony soon and has words with Leah!!! You wrote this really well and sensitively I look forward to the next update.

I thought I'd do a questionnaire similar to what QA did last year to get everyone's thoughts on Tachel this year! Try and give explanations rather than just answers, it'll be interesting to see why people chose what they did Favourite Tachel storyline: Most romantic Tachel scene: Top 3 favourite Tachel scenes: Worst Tachel storyline: Worst Tachel scene: Most emotional Tachel scene: Best acted Tachel scene: Most memorable moment: Do you think making Tachel parents has been a good move: Favourite pieces of dialogue: Most surprising Tachel scene/storyline: Are you pleased with Tachel this year?: Best Jon/Tony scene: Best Amy/Rachel scene: Favourite interactions with other characters both individually and as a couple Is there anything you would have changed or done differently?: What would you like to see Tachel do in 2010?: Overall comments:

Brilliant fic! Poor Rachel I hope she's not going to be hurt too badly. Leah is a terrible friend just leaving her like that and encouraging her to have a drink with another man when she's married. Look forward to the next update.

Brilliant chapter Kirsty!!! I loved how supportive Tony was, he's such a lovely husband!! Poor Rachel blaming herself, that's really sad but I liked how nice Dr Young was with her to, it's good that you wrote it like that because they work together so are going to be friends. I like that Leah and Brad are together I much prefer them than her and Hugo so I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with them in the last chapter although I've got to say that Hugo leaving a dirty footprint on Leah's face made me laugh a bit That last line from Martha was so poignant, really beautiful and reflective. I'm so looking forward to seeing what you're going to do with the last chapter

Are we still able to access the 2008 Magazine scans? I've tried looking everywhere but can't find the link. Thank you in advance!

Thank you all for your lovely, lovely comments. They're so appreciated. My second fic is in the works now but it's a bit more tragic than this one, just warning you. Don't expect as much Tachel mush The first chapter should be up fairly soon.

Wow Kirsty, that was an amazing long chapter! That opening paragraph was just so hard hitting, I to don't know whether it was Rachel or Emily but the parallels of Rachel feeling like she was drowning from the last chapter and then wondering what it felt like to drown in this chapter made me think it was her. Plus he was kicking her in the chest and it matches her having broken ribs. But I love how you've left that open, that it could be anyone. And if it is Emily and she's a victim to as I presume, it shows how both her and Rachel have the same suicidal thoughts due to Mark's treatment of them. I loved this piece of writing, so beautifully written just the randomness of the victims thoughts and slight hints at suicide. I liked the way you created this impression that she was in shock and not really reacting to anything, in the way she watched her fingers turn red rather than react to it. The Tony and Rachel stuff was amazing, you write chemistry so so well. The way they're joking and laughing and teasing each other is such a contrast to how Rachel is with Mark. She seems so relaxed and I love how they're fighting to keep their hands off of each other. I liked how you had Tony dealing with his own moral beliefs, the way he was the one to tell her to stop, that's different because you'd expect it to be more Rachel. Shows how much of a gentleman Tony is! I'm even more intrigued about Emily, she's got such bravery, dealing with this and her cancer. Is she going to go to the police?? She's very determined, she's got a lot in common with Rachel I think. I love the girls sex talk So funny!!! The Miles and Kirsty bit made me cringe a bit! Interesting to see all the places they've done it although there was a serious dark tone which you created when Rachel answered the question. I don't know whether this was right but I got the impression she was talking about the night of the party and that she was raped, the whole part of that dialogue was so uncomfortable. I love that Leah has picked up on something and I'm so pleased she's asked Tony for help, I really hope they can save Rachel from Mark.