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Family by stuffandnonsense
Thanks, I've now re-read Ch43.
Marvellous! Thanks so much for sticking with my story. I'm very aware it's been a while....
Welcome back!
I had to go back and re-read the previous couple of chapters to remember what was happening, but that was no hardship.
So... Spike has been accepted (but really only because it's been proven that the chip is still working), and Buffy & Spike have been outed... and the sky hasn't fallen in, the world hasn't ended.
Unfortunately, Willow is still largely ostracised,and resenting everyone accordingly, while deep in denial that it's all her own fault.
Not sure if I should have remembered a previous reference to June Odukwe and her impending arrival in Sunnydale... because I'm coming up empty...
I had to go back and re-read the previous couple of chapters to remember what was happening, but that was no hardship.
So... Spike has been accepted (but really only because it's been proven that the chip is still working), and Buffy & Spike have been outed... and the sky hasn't fallen in, the world hasn't ended.
Unfortunately, Willow is still largely ostracised,and resenting everyone accordingly, while deep in denial that it's all her own fault.
Not sure if I should have remembered a previous reference to June Odukwe and her impending arrival in Sunnydale... because I'm coming up empty...
Thank you!
I would recommend re-reading on either AO3 or EF (where the chapters have recently been tidied up a bit) - I may eventually get around to doing it here, but likely not soon because it takes three times as long to make the punctuation behave.
You should not remember any reference to June Odukwe, because she is brand new, but you should remember Davis from Chapter 43.
I would recommend re-reading on either AO3 or EF (where the chapters have recently been tidied up a bit) - I may eventually get around to doing it here, but likely not soon because it takes three times as long to make the punctuation behave.
You should not remember any reference to June Odukwe, because she is brand new, but you should remember Davis from Chapter 43.
Cliffhanger! I'm hoping the readout gets Spike off the hook.
It does!
Willow is stubbornly sticking to her arrogant position that she's done nothng wrong, despite evidence to the contrary. Typical.
And Giles... could you be more ineffective?
Sweet that Dawn is really trying to bond with Buffy, even while she's asleep. She missed her so much...
And Giles... could you be more ineffective?
Sweet that Dawn is really trying to bond with Buffy, even while she's asleep. She missed her so much...
Willow admits what she did with the memory spell is wrong. And she doesn't know Buffy wasn't in hell. Giles dropped the ball with Willow, repeatedly, over many years. That was mostly the point of this chapter.... ;)
Thanks for liking the Dawn bits
Thanks for liking the Dawn bits
IvylaSangrienta
05/26/2016 05:59 pm
Chapter 49
Wow. I've read the whole thing over the last two days or so and I can't remember enjoying a fic as much in ages (and I've read a lot of them). Please keep 'em coming!
Thank you so much! Chapter 50 is in the works, albeit slowly....
That was so much fun,Giles was very cool ... mostly!
Hurrah! It was a lot of fun to write :)
Hee! Go Giles! Great scene - the whole thing.
Thank you :)
Outstanding! I so love the Guyles/Spike dynamic here.
Thank you :)
Poor Tara. Never quite sure of her place...
Good for Dawn, talking sense.
Good for Dawn, talking sense.
So many S6 stories have Buffy, Dawn, Spike and Tara living together happily, where Tara and Spike are bestest buds. That never felt like a natural progression to me. Tara has natural allies in Dawn, and, sort of, Giles. Not so much the others. I really wanted to "properly" deal with where Tara and Anya go when they are no longer Scooby-WAGs. So, this.
Dawn trusts Spike, so is willing to take a lot on faith. I (as author) don't disagree with any of Giles' concerns. They are all things that can only *really* be addressed by faith. Just like whether or not Spike's actions in S5 are all about ego and his romantic ideals or genuine change for the better. Giles quite likes Spike, really, he just doesn't trust him. Remember, too, as readers we know what's been going on Spike's head since he discovered the chip didn't work. Giles hasn't: he only found out an hour ago. It would be wildly out of character for him to say, "Oh well, if Spike says it's only Buffy, that's all fine then."
Dawn trusts Spike, so is willing to take a lot on faith. I (as author) don't disagree with any of Giles' concerns. They are all things that can only *really* be addressed by faith. Just like whether or not Spike's actions in S5 are all about ego and his romantic ideals or genuine change for the better. Giles quite likes Spike, really, he just doesn't trust him. Remember, too, as readers we know what's been going on Spike's head since he discovered the chip didn't work. Giles hasn't: he only found out an hour ago. It would be wildly out of character for him to say, "Oh well, if Spike says it's only Buffy, that's all fine then."
Love the suggestion of the montage and the gross ghouls. Looking forward to next installment :)
Thank you! :)
warren mears and a good idea in the same sentence? nope.
Tee hee.
It could always be perfectly straightforward, just like in canon.
It could always be perfectly straightforward, just like in canon.
Oh, that so does not sound like a good idea! Nice chapter. Was happy to start my day with an update to this fic. :)
Thank you so much! :)
Yay! Spike to the rescue! And for once, Buffy is accepting his help.
Giles, before you go, you'd better make it crystal clear to Buffy that you intend to return.....
Giles, before you go, you'd better make it crystal clear to Buffy that you intend to return.....
Well, not *exactly* to the rescue....
Terrifying but made me laugh at Spike. Things are heating up!
Thank god someone other than me thought that was funny! It was meant to be.
Oooh... drama upon drama!
This really wasn't meant to be an angsty chapter.....
now I feel like an absolute idiot! I just noticed that you updated yesterday. Ooops!!!
I still, of course, want more, but now I know the proper thing is to be patient and to thank you for updating instead of complaining!
I'm still sad I can't read more...
Peace,
Blue
I still, of course, want more, but now I know the proper thing is to be patient and to thank you for updating instead of complaining!
I'm still sad I can't read more...
Peace,
Blue
No worries! I love hearing that you want more. :)
so... I'm out of chapters and BOTH of my favorite people are in jeopardy of life and limb? That's serious unnecessary roughness. RITE MOAR!!! HEHE.
Seriously, please update this soon and regularly. I've become addicted and it ain't pretty!
Blue
Seriously, please update this soon and regularly. I've become addicted and it ain't pretty!
Blue
I've just come back from a 2 month hiatus, so I'm hoping writing will be a bit more regular for a while.
I'm so happy you're addicted, even if that makes me selfish.... ;)
I'm so happy you're addicted, even if that makes me selfish.... ;)
Oh god, I'm not sure that Giles should have told her that... but of course, they screwed up the spell, so anything's possible. I do hope they don't kill Faith. And I really am very concerned that I only have one more chapter to read before I'm out of your words... I do hope you're going to update very, very soon...
blue
blue
One of the things I'm playing with in this AU is honesty - what would happen if people were a bit more honest? One of the things I'm letting them be honest about is that something is wrong with Buffy. So....
Hello, I'm all excited as I've got into spuffy fanfic at least ten years after everyone else but I've found a really good current story that's still being updated....which is this one I mean ;)...really enjoying it, sorry should have made notes as I went along but nevermind. Things I particularly like are the interactions between characters that are a little atypical like Spike and Giles. Also nice use of Dawn and the build up of Willow's mis-use of magic is handled better than in Season 6 itself.
Massively looking forward to updates
Massively looking forward to updates
Thanks so much! Really lovely to hear you're enjoying my story :)
I've slowed down massively with writing recently, but there should be an update in the not-too-distant future.
I've slowed down massively with writing recently, but there should be an update in the not-too-distant future.
Go Dawnie for trying to talk some sense into Spike.
Still worried about what Willow is planning.
Oh, Giles. Way to put your foot in it! I hope that Buffy will finally open up to him and he'll be able to help......
Still worried about what Willow is planning.
Oh, Giles. Way to put your foot in it! I hope that Buffy will finally open up to him and he'll be able to help......
Giles is confronting the problem head-on. Something no one else is doing. And all he did was agree with her!
Willow is the big bad of season 6. You should be worried ;)
Oh Giles! That was so not the right thing to say! Obviously, it's going to get even worse before it gets better.... You did promise a "better", didn't you? Eventually? ;)
It will get better. Promise.
And look! Tara is getting better. :)
You can write relationship complexity... I never thought it would be Willow who'd doubt if Tara was for her... Only that Tara would doubt... but Willow's doubts actually make sense... because if we can't trust those we love to tell it like it is, we are always walking on eggshells not knowing if we're over a minefield...
Of course, Willow kind of steamrollered Tara a lot, so it couldn't have been easy for her to speak up when she believed she wouldn't be heard...
Sigh.
Of course, Willow kind of steamrollered Tara a lot, so it couldn't have been easy for her to speak up when she believed she wouldn't be heard...
Sigh.
That is *exactly* what I was trying to do here. Tara is not Saint Tara, and although Williw is absolutely responsible for her own actions, she also has valid reasons to question the relationship and how well Tara is meeting her needs. Their relationship is complex, and neither one of them acts perfectly.
The dialogue between Willow and Tara was so well written and insightful.
Thank you so much
Kim Jackson
02/23/2015 07:38 am
Chapter 44
fantastic story. well written.
Thank you so much!
tamisnead
02/22/2015 03:32 am
Chapter 44
Hi, I just wanted to let you know someone is still reading this story and very interested in seeing where it goes. Great story so far, I would very much like to see where it goes from here.
Hi tamisnead, thank you so much for taking the time to review. I am an active author - all of my stories are being regularly updated. This one was started less than a year ago. You will definitely see where it goes from here :)
Just checking in case I'd missed an update, and yay! There it was. :) Poor (arrogant) Willow. I'd really like to feel sorry for her, but.... Well done, capturing the mix of good and bad in her. :)
Willow is not in a good place this season.... :)
Loved the contrast between Dawn and Spike's lighthearted conversation and the near confrontation Tara faced with Willow. A lot of truths came out and it will be interesting how things progress.
Thank you!
A much-needed talk between the two witches, Their backgrounds and outlooks were so radically different, which was never really explored very well on the show, and I think you're doing an excellent job of filling in the blanks.
Thank you! I don't want to have Saint!Tara and I hope this chapter has gone some way towards giving both of them a little more depth.
progress... and oh my goodness, the council. Never did remember when they found out buffy was back in canon. What on earth are they planning with military alphabets and all?
November Sierra or, uh, Juliet Bravo,
NS or JB? Is B Buffy? hmmmm.
November Sierra or, uh, Juliet Bravo,
NS or JB? Is B Buffy? hmmmm.
There was zero mention of the Council in canon S6. They were just completely ignored. I always thought that was weird.
NS or JB - yes! You are the first person who has (told me they) picked up on that. B does not stand for Buffy .... though S does stand for Slayer.
NS or JB - yes! You are the first person who has (told me they) picked up on that. B does not stand for Buffy .... though S does stand for Slayer.
My fave part of this chapter was the interaction between Buffy and Spike. Who is Davis and what does he have planned? What will the Trio do next? Anxiously awaiting the next chapter for the next developments.
Hurrah! Thank you
Grimmer and grimmer, the Council is just what Giles needs, might gee him up a bit!
Oh dear, this was meant to be lighter rather than grimmer.... I feel Giles performs best under fire. :)
So glad to see another chapter of this. I think it's pretty much the only fic I"m following right now.
Wow! Thank you so much.
As I write this, scenes that don't fit the mood (or are too far ahead in time) build up in my head that need releasing, which is where all the other season 6 stories come from. I know I've been slow updating the last few months, but that's mostly been because I got married in October and then there was Christmas, rather than perpetual WIP disease. Promise!
As I write this, scenes that don't fit the mood (or are too far ahead in time) build up in my head that need releasing, which is where all the other season 6 stories come from. I know I've been slow updating the last few months, but that's mostly been because I got married in October and then there was Christmas, rather than perpetual WIP disease. Promise!
Glad someone's thinking about whether Buffy's eating. And of course it has to be Spike!
Oh. bless Tara for trying....
Oh. bless Tara for trying....
Aw, thanks :)
weird indeed... feet sicles? Yeah, humans have those too...
The spuffy in this chapter is almost entirely based on the coldness of my feet, and my university boyfriend who kept falling out of the (single) beds we slept in without waking up.
No one is in a good place here, I feel sorry for all of them... though Willow was still twitchy about the magic, not in a good way.
Yeah, it's hard to write cheerful season 6. I hope it's not too depressing....
Hate that Willow so casually assumed that Xander & Anya would be bound to break up and is oblivious to his pain. I'm still worried that she's going to try to fix things for him, when really they are better apart, certainly for the moment.
And Giles has opened his mouth and put his foot in it right up to the elbow with Anya...
Love Dawn asking Tara to stay, but unfortunately her reasons aren't really very convincing for Tara. She needs to know she's needed for her lovely self, and that she can play a meaningful role in the group, such as it is.
Oh, Buffy. it really is time to paddle out of that damned Egyptian river.
And Spike, it's time to stop allowing Buffy to keep stomping all over you. She literally kicked you out of bed, symbolic or what?
They are all so troubled, I just want to wrap them all up in one big hug.
And Giles has opened his mouth and put his foot in it right up to the elbow with Anya...
Love Dawn asking Tara to stay, but unfortunately her reasons aren't really very convincing for Tara. She needs to know she's needed for her lovely self, and that she can play a meaningful role in the group, such as it is.
Oh, Buffy. it really is time to paddle out of that damned Egyptian river.
And Spike, it's time to stop allowing Buffy to keep stomping all over you. She literally kicked you out of bed, symbolic or what?
They are all so troubled, I just want to wrap them all up in one big hug.
Aw, bless you for wanting to hug them!
Willow has never liked Anya; just like Xander has never bothered to get to know Tara. I think they're equally bad at each other's significant others. But you should be scared about Willow trying to fix things....
My take on canon Buffy is that all of her issues about telling people about her relationship with Spike were pretty much in her head - all the flipping out was very much post-Entropy and/or post-Seeing Red. I wanted to make that really clear, with basically *everyone* knowing and saying nothing to her, while she panics and hides it.
The falling out of bed thing is actually based on a boyfriend I had in uni, when we all had incredibly narrow single beds and he kept falling out and *never* woke up when he did it. I used to wake up from the thump, then stare at him until *that* woke him up.
Willow has never liked Anya; just like Xander has never bothered to get to know Tara. I think they're equally bad at each other's significant others. But you should be scared about Willow trying to fix things....
My take on canon Buffy is that all of her issues about telling people about her relationship with Spike were pretty much in her head - all the flipping out was very much post-Entropy and/or post-Seeing Red. I wanted to make that really clear, with basically *everyone* knowing and saying nothing to her, while she panics and hides it.
The falling out of bed thing is actually based on a boyfriend I had in uni, when we all had incredibly narrow single beds and he kept falling out and *never* woke up when he did it. I used to wake up from the thump, then stare at him until *that* woke him up.
that's a chilling little conversation Giles had with Spike. shades of season seven. I really hope you don't go there. It seemed out of character for Giles to betray Buffy... out of character after what happened in season 3 with the Cruciamentum, anyway.
It was meant to be shades of season 7. I want any developing friendship between Giles and Spike to feel real, and part of that journey is for them to actually trust each other - which means steps forward and steps back.
Most of Spike's "proving himself" happened from the very end of S5 onwards - it's very natural for that to feel new and not-quite-real.
Most of Spike's "proving himself" happened from the very end of S5 onwards - it's very natural for that to feel new and not-quite-real.
I'm feeling very sorry for Dawn, she's being incredibly insightful and mature -- and is completely ignored by everyone, even Spike. Nice interaction between Spike and Giles, very believable.
Thank you for liking that Spike-Giles interaction. I so want their relationship to be believable, and I spent a lot of time trying to get the tone just right.
Spike's not ignoring Dawn, (at least in my head), it's just two different and valid interpretations given different sets of information. I don't think healthy relationships are possible if one person is always trying to please the other. But Dawn knows that Buffy has always done that in previous relationships - Spike doesn't. What he sees is her letting him in. They're both sort of right.
Spike's not ignoring Dawn, (at least in my head), it's just two different and valid interpretations given different sets of information. I don't think healthy relationships are possible if one person is always trying to please the other. But Dawn knows that Buffy has always done that in previous relationships - Spike doesn't. What he sees is her letting him in. They're both sort of right.
Love seeing the relationships from Giles' POV. Poor chap, Spike does confound him so much!
Yes! Giles is worried and confused - not being mean. :)
So, Angel is lusting after Cordy (who is surprisingly oblivious) and admitting what a perv he is. :) Loved the scene of Wes and Gunn at WR&H.
Hoping Buffy is learned how to re-appreciate the way Spike is able to care for her. Looking forward to more. ;)
Hoping Buffy is learned how to re-appreciate the way Spike is able to care for her. Looking forward to more. ;)
Cordy thinks they're best friends. I have found that obliviousness towards best friend who want something more knows no bounds.... Thank you!
Oh, Ouchie, Xan. Nice catching up chapter. Loved the Spike and Dawn interaction. Their relationship is one of my favorite things. So, do we go back to LA from here?
Thank you! Writing Spike and Dawn's relationship is one of my favourite things....
Next is LA - and the end of LA - before chapter 41 of Family.
Next is LA - and the end of LA - before chapter 41 of Family.
Great chapter! However I think that last rumination by Xander was just plain unrealistic. A band-aid could not have stopped the portal that was already openinng. It was just a little blood but enough to start a chain of events.
Thanks! You realise that was Xander's opinion and not mine, yes? ;)
Chef Spike and his rubber gloves made for a fun picture, and with Inspector Giles on the case it's bound to be a triumph!
Tee hee :) Thanks!
It's great to see the LA reactions alongside those in Sunnydale. Willow is very cunning but if she so enjoyed being boss of the Scoobies she shouldn't have brought Buffy back, who seems to be a little more with it -- though not necessarily in a happy way. Good luck Spike, he's going to need it!
Thank you!
Yay! for having two fics of yours to read - boo! for having to bounce back and forth between them. :)
Love your Cordy and Angel and excellent melding of the two plot lines so far. Willow is still thinking she can fix things, and Buffy seems to be softening... seems like there's a lot of story left to tell. ;)
Love your Cordy and Angel and excellent melding of the two plot lines so far. Willow is still thinking she can fix things, and Buffy seems to be softening... seems like there's a lot of story left to tell. ;)
Thank you so much! There really is....
Amazing dialogue! And I fail to see why you have separated Double or Nothing from bloodshedverse. Lots of fic here cross over with Angel.
I feel weird putting a story in which there is no Buffy and no Spike on a Spuffy site. If it was just chapters in Family, it would have been fine, but I wanted to have a crossover episode....
Spike was always handy for telling the uncomfortable and unwelcome truths.
This is true.
I hope Bohdan is someone who can put special protections around Dawn.
He is only a simple soldier, so a bit limited in the special protections field. But he will definitely be back....
just got around to catching up with the last 2 chapters, still loving this. I really like your Anya, wonderful writing there. Who are they gonna call!! manic laugh!! Love it.
Thanks so much!
Kathy
09/28/2014 07:36 am
Chapter 38
Impatiently waiting for more, please update soon. I can't wait for the next step to see what happens!!
Thank you! Sorry I'm updating a bit slowly right now. I've got rather a lot on in RL. I *am* still writing though....
Wow there's plenty going on here but most important is Bohan's revelation about Dawn. I hope he's the one to reveal all to Buffy, who is on such a short fuse she's due to explode any minute now, as Spike has enough to put up with! Nice Anya moments.
Thank you!
Ooooooh - What does Anya have in mind? Does she mean Warren? That could go bad in so very many ways.... :)
All in due time.
[cue maniacal laugh number fifty-two]
[cue maniacal laugh number fifty-two]
Glad to see Dawn worried for Spike. Glad that someone is!
Warren is in for a rude shock when he next comes across Buffy...
So... what's special about redken shampoo? Never heard of it.
And of course Dawn's going to be in danger permanently. Quelle surprise.
I gather Anya wants to call Angel.
Naturally Spike doesn't want that.....
Warren is in for a rude shock when he next comes across Buffy...
So... what's special about redken shampoo? Never heard of it.
And of course Dawn's going to be in danger permanently. Quelle surprise.
I gather Anya wants to call Angel.
Naturally Spike doesn't want that.....
Redken was one of the first salons to start selling their products to regular people, and one of the things they're known for is their products for blond hair. That's why Redken
I lived in many flatshares in my 20s, and a semi-regular occurrance was someone using someone else's shampoo, then getting called out for it - usually as dinner theatre for everyone else, especially when it was girl-steals-boy's product.
I *still* don't get how the writers thought it made any kind of sense for Dawn's Key-ness to just disappear after Glory died....
As for the other, you'll just have to wait and see ;)
I lived in many flatshares in my 20s, and a semi-regular occurrance was someone using someone else's shampoo, then getting called out for it - usually as dinner theatre for everyone else, especially when it was girl-steals-boy's product.
I *still* don't get how the writers thought it made any kind of sense for Dawn's Key-ness to just disappear after Glory died....
As for the other, you'll just have to wait and see ;)
Anya voices things that the rest of us just deal with as best we can. It gives another perspective in the moment.
I like Anya :)
The Anya/Xander situation is even more bewildering than the Spike/Buffy one, just so long as S and A don't help each other too much!
Neither Anya nor Spike were ever really allowed to have friendships on Buffy. I wanted to explore the development of a friendship between them and how having a friend might change their reactions to all sorts of things. I promise this isn't a build-up to a repeat of Entropy!
Ah, that last scene was lovely. Poor Anya. I may have to go back and read this whole thing from the beginning once it's completed. Just to see what I've missed or forgotten. My brain doesn't deal as well with serials as it once did, but I'm too impatient to wait for things to be completed before i start them. :)
Thank you! :)
Now you've got me wondering about the identity of the shuriken chucker. Why aim at Spike rather than Buffy?
Love Spike & Anya's mutual confusion.
Love Spike & Anya's mutual confusion.
The shuriken-thrower wasn't meant to be mysterious - it's another Taraka assassin. Ol' Barney wasn't meant to be attacking the Slayer....
Love is hard.... ;)
Love is hard.... ;)
so afraid, our buffy.
That she is. It's what makes her such an interesting character - physically fearless, but emotionally terrified
I love this story, the dialogue is wonderful, the interactions superb. Keep it coming!
Thank you so much!
"A/N: Beware! I posted Chapter 35 only 3 days ago, and you need to read that first! These two chapters were always in my head as one, and my intention was to post them together, but it didn't quite happen that way.... Oh well."
Don't let it worry you! If you can't pull and combine them, no one will think the worse of you for that. Just keep doing the voodoo you do so well. :)
Don't let it worry you! If you can't pull and combine them, no one will think the worse of you for that. Just keep doing the voodoo you do so well. :)
:) Thanks
Wow, powerful stuff. Maybe in time Buffy will see how hard Spike is fighting for her, she certainly lets everyone else off lightly -- except herself of course. Anya is in particularly good form at the moment, long may it last.
Thanks so much. It is spuffy, so *something* will work out eventually ;)
I love Anya.
I love Anya.
Pretty damn powerful. Some nice confrontations managed, there, and excellent, characterful dialog.
Thank you! :)
You have me crying for poor Buffy and Dawn. Thank goodness for Anya's common sense, for Buffy actually makng a ecision and stickin gup for herself and Dawn and chucking Willow out (at last) and for Xander finally accepting that WIllow has gone too far. Looking forward to the next developments...
Thank you so much!
Uh... steps in the right direction? I guess? I hope? LOL Can't believe after all these years of reading fic I have clicked on this every day to see if the next chapter is up. :)
Aw, I'm sorry for the wait. 36 should be up today or tomorrow....
Thank you so much for caring.
Thank you so much for caring.
I hadn't realised Xander had laid hands on Anya and I'm not sure about her attitude to that -- I'm with Giles completely there. This is a suitably disturning chapter with poor Buffy sinking and completely unable to cope, the last thing she needs is is a visit from Willow! Good to see Spike hanging in there with Dawn, he's really trying to do the right thing.
You thought they'd be that shaken up by him throwing a beer bottle? I didn't want to rob Xander of confronting his (very much canon) fear of killing Anya. It was part of him growing up.
I was going to explore the details of their fight in this chapter, but it felt unnatural for Anya to talk about it with Giles. So there will be more on this later. Very briefly, though, this was a single screaming match that turned violent while both parties were under a spell, not an ongoing abusive relationship or a way to explore the issue of domestic abuse. And I can't see a woman who genuinely thinks torturing men is a good night out is going to react with fear or loathing to that situation.
I was a bit worried this chapter felt like filler. Glad it didn't.
I was going to explore the details of their fight in this chapter, but it felt unnatural for Anya to talk about it with Giles. So there will be more on this later. Very briefly, though, this was a single screaming match that turned violent while both parties were under a spell, not an ongoing abusive relationship or a way to explore the issue of domestic abuse. And I can't see a woman who genuinely thinks torturing men is a good night out is going to react with fear or loathing to that situation.
I was a bit worried this chapter felt like filler. Glad it didn't.
Time of Change
08/18/2014 12:50 pm
Chapter 35
Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying this story.
Thanks so much!
I'm glad that somebody was there for Dawn. It makes sense that it was Spike. At this stage, Buffy is too broken to think of anyone's problems but her own. Perhaps it's time that she admits that.
Love the Giles and Anya interraction.
Love the Giles and Anya interraction.
Buffy takes responsible for eveything but can't actually do it all; it's a pretty major character trait and (I think) was the biggest driver for her problems in canon season 6.
I love writing Anya. This chapter was initially going to be all Buffy and Willow, with a paragraph of Anya and Giles, but then she kind of took over....
I love writing Anya. This chapter was initially going to be all Buffy and Willow, with a paragraph of Anya and Giles, but then she kind of took over....
great chapter and excellent last paragraph, did not see that coming.
Hurrah! Thanks very much
Buffy needs to hurry up and warm up!
Re the last surprise. Uh. really? Seems like a really bad idea.
Re the last surprise. Uh. really? Seems like a really bad idea.
*grins wickedly*
Oooh - Warren has the bot back. Creepy!
It had to be him, really....
You've managed to dash any hopes I had of the nightmares easing up a little by adding Warren to the mix, things can only get worse. Of course Xander's reaction didn't improve. Well done!
Thank you!
Aw, it's not Xander's fault - he doesn't know what's happened the last few days!
I debated long and hard about leaving the Geeks out entirely, but decided there were too many good plot bunnies that would work less well without them.
Aw, it's not Xander's fault - he doesn't know what's happened the last few days!
I debated long and hard about leaving the Geeks out entirely, but decided there were too many good plot bunnies that would work less well without them.
I knew that Xander would be in denial about Willow. Yaya for Giles for sticking up for Tara.
Wonder what Willow is up to?
Ew... Warren is getting creepier and creepier.
Wonder what Willow is up to?
Ew... Warren is getting creepier and creepier.
Remember, Xander only knows about the two things he mentions: trancing Dawn and making everyone forget who they were - which, although painful for him, was very personal pain - nowhere near as bad as when he was a demon magnet or when everyone was in love with him. He trusts Willow and hasn't actually *seen* anything bad enough to give him pause yet.
I felt there was never enough creepy with the bot(s) in canon. It *is* creepy and deserves to be treated that way.
I felt there was never enough creepy with the bot(s) in canon. It *is* creepy and deserves to be treated that way.
Giles is perceptive. Now, he needs to TALK to her. Grrr.
One of the cornerstones of their relationship is that they don't talk....
Oh dear. Misery all around, for sure. You are going to find a way to make it better - yes? :)
Yes, Eventually. :)
Thank goodness for Giles seeing the facts of the nightmare situation they're in. He needs to toughen up and he'll stick to his guns with Buffy or she'll end up an even bigger mess. Poor Tara too, the whole household needs serious help. Great chapter.
Thank you.
Giles being aware of the situation isn't necessarily going to make things better!
Giles being aware of the situation isn't necessarily going to make things better!
Very nice. I like the hard choices you're having your versions of the characters face--in particular, Tara, Buffy, and Giles. Will be interesting to see where you go with that.
Thank you. I think they faced those choices in canon, too, we just never got to see them. (This is my season 6 catharsis.)
Buffy's using her duty as a shield of sorts but trying to live to others expectations is taking a toll on her. I hope she does not shut down completely.
Willow is playing the victim card too heavily IMHO!!
Willow is playing the victim card too heavily IMHO!!
Buffy's problem has always been that she believes she has to both be and appear to be perfect. I always thought canon Buffy's conviction that her friends would never accept she was sleeping with Spike was all about her and nothing at all about them.
Willow *is* wallowing - but seriously, isn't that the sort of thing that goes through everyone's head when they know they've done something wrong?
Willow *is* wallowing - but seriously, isn't that the sort of thing that goes through everyone's head when they know they've done something wrong?
Oh, poor Buffy, and poor Spike, and poor, poor Tara.
Perhaps it's time for Giles to talk some sense into them all.... and for something to be Done About Willow.
Perhaps it's time for Giles to talk some sense into them all.... and for something to be Done About Willow.
I'm glad you think poor Buffy. I was trying for that.
When has Giles *ever* been able to talk sense into anyone? ;)
There will be consequences for Willow.
When has Giles *ever* been able to talk sense into anyone? ;)
There will be consequences for Willow.
say it ain't so. I love Anya and Xander. I want them to work.
I think they have the most natural get-together and drift-apart relationship for their age group: totally normal at that life stage to start a relationship mostly based on sex, really love each other, but split after a couple of years because there isn't much there except good will and sex.
Jackson
07/28/2014 04:57 pm
Chapter 32
Fantastic story. One of the best written I have read in a long time. Can't wait to read more!
Thanks so much! Just posted chapter 33....
Loved it, this is a wonderful piece of writing. Anya and Xander's conversation was tough to read because it was so emotional. This is a great story, thanks again.
Thank you so much. That conversation has been building up inside my head for a long time, and it's really wonderful to hear that it's appreciated.
Oh boy! Well, except for not burning to a crisp, that didn't really make anything much better, did it? :) Such a fun story - if you're not Xander and Anya, or Willow and Tara, or Buffy and Spike, or.... Ok , maybe fun is only what I'm having?
I am also having fun. :)
And I'm not as cruel to relationships as Joss Whedon was. So there.
And I'm not as cruel to relationships as Joss Whedon was. So there.
Heartrending. In a good way. Some issues resolved, others raised. Can't wait to see Buffy's reaction to remembering Spike....
I'm glad. I like Xander. I always thought he deserved better than leaving Anya at the alter.
Spolier alert: Buffy's reaction may possibly involve a river in Egypt....
Spolier alert: Buffy's reaction may possibly involve a river in Egypt....
An amazing conversation between Xander and Anya, so honest, I don't think I've read another like it. Well done.
Thank you for appreciating that. I'm amazed I'm the first person to think about it, even thought I know I'm a rare breed among Spuffy shippers for liking and appreciating Xander.
Xander and Anya had such an unsustainable (canon) relationship -- great sex but no depth or real understanding or appreciation of each other. And yet it's the longest-lasting most stable relationship in canon. *shudders*
Xander and Anya had such an unsustainable (canon) relationship -- great sex but no depth or real understanding or appreciation of each other. And yet it's the longest-lasting most stable relationship in canon. *shudders*
I'm impressed with the progress they've making without memories, Anya being particularly perceptive! Unfortunately Mr Teeth is not easily discouraged!
The Order of Taraka has mighty weapons that go beyond just the element of surprise and the deadliy comfy chair....
Gah! And oh dear! And yikes! I hope somebody does something before the house goes up in flames!
Yes ... ish. Stay tuned! [grins evilly]
Oh, poor John/Spike to find out like that! Thank goodness he got there in time! Oh heck... hope John/Spike smells the smoke quickly...
Too early to be killing people off....
And the housefire will be resolved in the next chapter.
And the housefire will be resolved in the next chapter.
just finished the previous chapter and you had posted this! Fantastic chapter, really thought that there was going to be some action between Giles and Anya there, love their bits together. Like the way that all the interaction is going and that Xander has turned to drink! Really loved the Glasgow kiss mention (being Glasgow born). Keep it coming.
Yay!
Just catching up with the last few chapters, great reading and loving your take on the memory loss.
Aw, thanks!
Hopefully Dawn won't try to go up against some baddie with her misinformation. Yay for the natural attraction between Giles and Anya! I love the reference to boil washing. That is what we did where I grew up in a rural no electricity no running water area. 19th century living conditions.
This tale is wonderfully addicting! So eagerly looking to see how the sitch is resolved. I hope all survive considering the mish mash.
This tale is wonderfully addicting! So eagerly looking to see how the sitch is resolved. I hope all survive considering the mish mash.
Thank you for being addicted! (And appreciating my boil wash reference.)
As fine a mix up as I could wish for, excellent fun, and oh boy Willow is going to be in even deeper trouble when this spell breaks... soon hopefully!
Hurrah! :)
There's one more chapter's worth of amnesia, I think.
There's one more chapter's worth of amnesia, I think.
Well, this can only get more exciting for everyone! LOL Just so you know, I check it almost every day for the next chapter. :) No pressure....
Yay!
Sorry it was such a long time between updates! I moved at the end of June.
Sorry it was such a long time between updates! I moved at the end of June.
I love it when they lose their memories! The possibilities for hilarity are endless—before all the drama intrudes.
Aw. But amnesiac Scoobies get drama too!
magic induced sex. The good... it's good. The bad... they kinda didn't get a choice in having it. Willow, willow, willow. So out of control!
I wanted to have something nice for a bit. It will hurt all the more for it later, of course....
`Buffy Convert
07/04/2014 10:45 pm
Chapter 29
Girl strong; Vampire pretty. I really, really, REALLY love this story. It's hard to take Willow as a villian, but it does fit in well. I mean, she's practically reared herself & all. Great sex. Didn't even MISS it coming so late because the story is so well-written.
Hurrah!
Shay
06/30/2014 04:22 am
Chapter 29
Love, love, love the story!!! Can't wait to see what happens next. Hope Willow gets what is coming to her. BAD WILLOW!!!
So happy you love my story! Thank you for letting me know.
WIllow is the BIg Bad of season 6....
WIllow is the BIg Bad of season 6....
Nice lull before the nasty storm that must be brewing!
Thank you!
That is exactly what it is ;)
That is exactly what it is ;)
Aw, there's lovely.
Oh dear, if the Order of Taraka is after Spike, they're all a tad vulnerable now...
Oh dear, if the Order of Taraka is after Spike, they're all a tad vulnerable now...
Only so it hurts more when it ends.... ;)
And they are all indeed very vulnerable now.
And they are all indeed very vulnerable now.
Eight people? Wow, Xander and Anya were in the house or were they? Anyroad, bad Willow. So selfish.
Instead of Willow only directing the spell to affect Tara and Buffy (and it whammying everyone near them when it got amped up), Willow cast the spell against "her family". So although Xander and Anya are not in the house, they were affected. The house is only important insofar as those within it will have to wake up and figure out (a) why half their walls are in bits and (b) who they all are to one another.
And oh yes, very bad Willow.
:)
And oh yes, very bad Willow.
:)
Loved this line: "Spike might be a terrible liar, but he had scary powers of distraction when he didn’t want to talk about something." LOL
Nice twist. Can't wait to see where you're going with it.
Nice twist. Can't wait to see where you're going with it.
Thanks. That line's been waiting a while to come out.
Next chapter is mostly written, so soon.....
Next chapter is mostly written, so soon.....
I'm really hoping someone gets a handle on rampant Willow, she's out of control.
Eventually ... once they remember.... :)
Love this scene! I hope Dawn is right. Poor Spike, he just keeps taking a licking and keeping on ticking, doesn't he? And yay Dawn for saving him.
Yay!
BTW - thank you so much for saying such lovely things on livejournal.
BTW - thank you so much for saying such lovely things on livejournal.
Still wondering how Willow will do her memory spell with everyone being so suspicious and watchful. So glad Spike was saved (and Buffy) too just in the nick of time.
As Spike says, they still have to sleep....
Buffy is ot improving at all, Giles needs to get his act together... soon please!
Giles is trying....
Buffy's not even been back a week! Can't have her recovering *too* quickly....
Buffy's not even been back a week! Can't have her recovering *too* quickly....
beloved4always
06/13/2014 11:37 pm
Chapter 27
Just finished the fic to this point. I'm truly enjoying the story and am looking forward to more. thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for telling me you're enjoying it!
[sharp intake of breath] Oh Willow..... [shakes head]
Yay Dawnie!
Yay Dawnie!
[giggles gleefully]
cornered willow. never a good thing.
Willow has reasons to feel the way she does. She's not dealing with them appropriately, but she isn't acting in a vacuum....
Nice setup in that final scene for the next chapter. There's nothing like piling apparent problems in front of a personality that can't stand to leave problems alone, is there?
Tee hee
You do ominous so well! I terrified for everyone!
Gonna build a bit more before popping....
So Giles recognises the problem with Willow and has resolved to do something about her. That's good. I wonder if he'll still remember in the morning....
There may possibly be some memory loss in his future....
Kathy
06/06/2014 04:05 pm
Chapter 25
Please update soon....I can't wait to see what happens next.
Just updated!
Thanks so much for reviewing.
Thanks so much for reviewing.
Can't help feeling sorry for Buffy, she's such a mess -- good to see her talking at least, and thank goodnes Giles is on the ball!
Still only a week out of the grave!
Giles is indeed on the ball. Might not do him much good, though....
Giles is indeed on the ball. Might not do him much good, though....
Guh! So much progress and then.... Think Giles and Willow are headed for a confrontation....
Glad you're still enjoying!
Definitely headed there... few more twists first.
Definitely headed there... few more twists first.
Perfect chapter, beautifully written conversation and just loved that last line.
Thanks so much
Great chapter! The best part if the dialogue between Spike and Buffy.
Thank you!
Excellent chapter. The interaction? Right on target. Like watching a fight with rapiers.
Really with rapiers? Thank you so much!
So unusual for Buffy to open up like that, and of course it is to Spike when she finally does. Beautiful poignant scene. I hope Giles was listening so that he'll now understand...
Thank you so much.
Hadn't considered Giles listening in on that.... hmmmm
Hadn't considered Giles listening in on that.... hmmmm
OoT. that's so not good!
The Order was too good not to revisit :)
great stuff! I love the way you are writing Giles, he is just so right. Looking forward to how the Order of Taraka will play out.
Thank you for saying that. :)
Tee hee on the beginning you sneak! Another great chapter covering all the angles. Kind of worried about that last sentence there. Hmm.
You know, you're the first person to mention the beginning. Thank you so much for noticing!
Go Buffy! Little Miss Willow needs some bigger boots, Giles seems to have lost the plot too! Can't see the Order of Taraka being too keen on a rematch after the last knockdown but I'm sure they'll try.
Thanks!
Giles thinks Tara is going to get Willow out of the house, and he needs at least a little bit of processing time...
Taraka may surprise you....
Giles thinks Tara is going to get Willow out of the house, and he needs at least a little bit of processing time...
Taraka may surprise you....
I'm trying to decide whether it's a good thing that Willow is so determined to be less selfish and help Buffy. Mainly because I can't help wondering what her definition of 'selfish' is....
Oh, good for Giles!
Oh dear, more badness on the horizon.........
Oh, good for Giles!
Oh dear, more badness on the horizon.........
It can't all be blood and peaches....
:)
:)
now buffy comforts spike. I like it.
Tara and Willow scare me. Willow scares me. She reminds me of someone I know and fear.
Tara and Willow scare me. Willow scares me. She reminds me of someone I know and fear.
Willow is the Big Bad of season 6....
You're doing a really good job revealing Willow's mindset, seriously unpleasant, and Spike's nightmare was a shocker! Loving this tale.
Thank you!
Whoa - well that's an interesting bit of hinting/forewshadowing/backstorying? *looks around for next chapter* No pressure.... :)
Little bit of all three....
Soon, promise!
Soon, promise!
Oh, Willow, Willow, Willow. Deeper and deeper you go.
Creepy dream sequence...
Creepy dream sequence...
Thanks!
I have plans for Willow....
I have plans for Willow....
man, it's total crazy family dynamics... perfect... and insane.
I always thought Dawn being made from Buffy alone didn't quite make sense.... And JM and MT look far more alike than MT and SMG.
Excellent chapter, I'm never really sure when Spike turns out to be Dawn's dad, but this was so well written. Really, can't say more than that!!
Thanks
Oh, major wiggage, indeed! And Willow.... still doesn't get it, does she?
My Willow is a Bangel shipper. This colours her perspective on many things....
Whoa! That spell with people reacting around when Dawn was put in sounds like the obelisk being a spark in 2001: Space Odyssey. Not something easy to wrap your head around but wonderful explanation.
Thank you!
I thought a long time about what would have to happen to insert a person into the world's past - I mean, she'd need everyone in schools, doctor's offices, blah blah to remember her being there, and to share any already-created memories with each other. A bit of spell hanging over her for her whole life weaving all those ends together seemed the only option....
I thought a long time about what would have to happen to insert a person into the world's past - I mean, she'd need everyone in schools, doctor's offices, blah blah to remember her being there, and to share any already-created memories with each other. A bit of spell hanging over her for her whole life weaving all those ends together seemed the only option....
Nicely handled, that could have gone a lot worse. Great job with twitchy Willow being so suitably snide.
(Obviously as the author I'd say this, but....) I think that was as bad as it could have been given everyone's positions going in.
Dawn and Bohdan clearly were not going to create a fuss, and Buffy is way too caught up in her own issues at this point to start on other ones.
When Buffy suggests to Xander in canon S5 that Spike might love her, he thinks it's hilarious. Later, he tells everyone he feels sorry for him because he's been tortured and lost the bot all at the same time. His hatred and freaking in canon S6 (I think) is entirely down to the events of Entropy and Seeing Red. In my world, he's just had his epiphany that Spike cared about Dawn when he (and everyone else) couldn't/didn't, and he genuinely feels badly about himself for that, and grateful to Spike. He was never going to be *that* upset about a Spike/Dawn link.
Giles and Tara see Spike as the practical solution to too many things, and are both willing to just go with that, regardless of their feelings. Plus, neither of them are given to throwing public fits.
Anya genuinely likes Spike, and has a relationship with him entirely separate from everyone else, so she's hardly going to kick off.
Willow is the only voice there who can express the doubts that *everyone* genuinely has. I was trying to write her questions and concerns as being the ones any sane, sensible person would have when told that a young person they cared about had a vampire for a father. I mean, seriously, it's weird....
Dawn and Bohdan clearly were not going to create a fuss, and Buffy is way too caught up in her own issues at this point to start on other ones.
When Buffy suggests to Xander in canon S5 that Spike might love her, he thinks it's hilarious. Later, he tells everyone he feels sorry for him because he's been tortured and lost the bot all at the same time. His hatred and freaking in canon S6 (I think) is entirely down to the events of Entropy and Seeing Red. In my world, he's just had his epiphany that Spike cared about Dawn when he (and everyone else) couldn't/didn't, and he genuinely feels badly about himself for that, and grateful to Spike. He was never going to be *that* upset about a Spike/Dawn link.
Giles and Tara see Spike as the practical solution to too many things, and are both willing to just go with that, regardless of their feelings. Plus, neither of them are given to throwing public fits.
Anya genuinely likes Spike, and has a relationship with him entirely separate from everyone else, so she's hardly going to kick off.
Willow is the only voice there who can express the doubts that *everyone* genuinely has. I was trying to write her questions and concerns as being the ones any sane, sensible person would have when told that a young person they cared about had a vampire for a father. I mean, seriously, it's weird....
Hee! Thought that might be where you were going with this once Bohdan mentioned the resemblance between Spike and Dawn. Can't wait to see how badly that rattles everyone's cage!
Major wiggage to come, certainly....
Good chapter, glad Giles got his glasses polished! Now let's see how this news goes down.
Thanks!
poor spike. poor Buffy. Poor Dawn. poor Bohdan. He's walked into a buzz saw.
Blue
Blue
He has indeed.
Great chapter. Love that Spike is so very much, and yet still vulnerable both physically and emotionally.
Thanks!
Poor Spike, will Buffy and Bohdan meet up, and will we find out what he wants? More, soon, please.
Not *so* poor Spike - he took out at least a hundred demons in an epic fight.
Bohdan was meant to have his epic reveal about 3 chapters ago, but I keep packing too much into my outlines. Very, very soon.
Bohdan was meant to have his epic reveal about 3 chapters ago, but I keep packing too much into my outlines. Very, very soon.
I like Bohdan, but want to know his backstory and find out who he has has entrusted his soul to.
Poor Spike. Glad Dawn is going to look after him. Buffy should know so that she can take her mind off her own troubles by looking after him as well.
Poor Spike. Glad Dawn is going to look after him. Buffy should know so that she can take her mind off her own troubles by looking after him as well.
Yeah - the mystery is getting a bit old now. My original outline had Bohdan doing the big reveal 3 chapters ago, but my chapter outlines keep being too ambitious....
Very exciting, the originality of your story grows with each chapter. It's a real treat.
Thank you so much for saying that!
So who set up Spike? i can't believe Anya did it. Great chapter!
Definitely not Anya. Stay tuned!
Excellent! Loved Spike's confidence and the fight scene. Yes, Bohdan is very interesting, so curious about his story and plan. Love the way this is going, great stuff.
Thanks so much!
Whew! feeling much better for Spike. Although verrrryyy curious about Bohdan....
Answers forthcoming. Promise
Scary interludes for both Buffy and Spike -- thank goodness for the soldier ally, it wasn't looking good for Spike.
Spike needs rescuing whenever he tries his hand at planning, I reckon....
Time that Willow was tossed out of that house on her ear.
Oooh, how intriguing. Who is this Bohdan then?
Oooh, how intriguing. Who is this Bohdan then?
All happening soon!
oh dear, oh dear. You are good at creating that reaction, aren't you?
I kinda like confronting things head on. ;)
Good take on season 6, have been reading all the chapters over the last two nights and thoroughly enjoyed them. Looking forward to the next one.
Hurrah! Thanks for reading and reviewing
Poor Buffy. As long as Willow is running rampant, she doesn't stand a chance. No one seems to have a clue. Even Spike's lost the plot ... and don't start me off on the military presence! All very well done and extrememly entertaining!
Thank you!
That went well. Willow,. you're bloody brilliant!. (sarcasm)
It's ingenius!
Allie w
04/11/2014 10:45 pm
Chapter 17
Uuugh I hate Buffy sometimes!! But I LOVE this story
Thank you!
Spike did not realize that Buffy was all engrossed in a memory of a particular time with not factoring of future events. I'm thinking Buffy will be pretty devastated when all her memories are meshed together again.
Everything is very hard for her right now. But it will get better, promise :)
Wow trauma on trauma -- it's agonising. Well done.
Thanks. This is about as angsty as this is gonna get, I think. I'm not actually a huge fan of angst, but this scene is driving something like five different plot points.
Just now catching up on this and didn't take the time to review every chapter. Loved the drinking scenes between Giles and Spike. Love that Buffy was letting him take care of her. Want Willow boiled in oil. And hope Buffy gets over cutting off her nose to spite her face soon enough to do Spike some good. Wonderful angst in this chapter.
<small> psst - "taut" not "taught" :) not sure which chapter that was in. One of the later ones.</small>
<small> psst - "taut" not "taught" :) not sure which chapter that was in. One of the later ones.</small>
Glad to hear you're enjoying it.
Thanks for catching the taut/taught - think I may have been the victim of a stray autocorrect.
Thanks for catching the taut/taught - think I may have been the victim of a stray autocorrect.
Oh, Willow... that idea turned out so well for you, didn't it? Unfortunately, it screwed things up for absolutely everyone else!
Angel plus Spike is a recipe for disaster....
I'm impressed at least Xander is showing some common sense but Willow is going from bad to worse.
Willow is having a very rough time right now.
Tsk, tsk, Willow... I hope more of the strange gentleman is revealed in the next installment. He is a mystery yet.
Not quite yet - but his chapter is coming....
Oh good. Giles is beginning to suspect.
That stalker guy should really come clean now.
Willow and her manipulations—they never end well. Good for Xander for standing up to her.
Oh dear, now Willow's getting Angel involved. THis is not going to be pretty. Um... I wonder whether Buffy remembers him?
That stalker guy should really come clean now.
Willow and her manipulations—they never end well. Good for Xander for standing up to her.
Oh dear, now Willow's getting Angel involved. THis is not going to be pretty. Um... I wonder whether Buffy remembers him?
Stay tuned!
Can't someone give Willow a few home truths? Giles did his best but she's getiing worse, Miss MeMeMe!
It's coming! There will be consequences
Tara has her heads up and noticing even though she's in Willow's corner. But Willow is still in only child mode seeking attention that she did not get growing up and felt she deserved. So sad.
:) thanks for the review
Willow's power and control issues are getting really out of hand, as expected. She feels so smug and so proud of herself that she assumes that everyone else should be falling all over themselves to be admiring and congratulatory and grateful and is having a childish tantrum because they aren't. Very dangerous. You've illustrated that really well.
Thanks so much :)
I wish I could have Anya as my money manager/property manager. Her hard headed smarts and my frugality? She'd make me rich.
Love it!
Yeah, 'Jet lagged... ' majorly 'jet lagged'. hehe... too funny!
Love it!
Yeah, 'Jet lagged... ' majorly 'jet lagged'. hehe... too funny!
I adore Anya. She's smart and blunt and sexually liberated without being damaged, which is rarer than dodos in TVland.
Buffy Convet
07/01/2014 06:35 am
Chapter 14
Where's the rest?
After chapter 14?
It's not often that I can be made to feel sorry for Dawn...
Love Xander teasing Giles! I can just see the reaction when Spike tells Willow that she has to pay rent. That won't be pretty.
Now I have run out of chapters and will have to wait for the next update.
Love Xander teasing Giles! I can just see the reaction when Spike tells Willow that she has to pay rent. That won't be pretty.
Now I have run out of chapters and will have to wait for the next update.
Should be coming soon....
Thanks so much for all the reviews.
Thanks so much for all the reviews.
They might learn to be civilized yet. Friends even. Loved your exchange with Spike and Giles... very honest. and funny too!
Thank you! I thought a lot about this chapter. It's a combination of my own head canon, and also a (more realistic) attempt to develop a friendship between these two - in my mind, the most natural Scooby friendship as based on shared experience/interests.
This conversation between Spike and Giles lays kall the cards on the table. I love it!
Thanks!
Anya's correct, the others should be paying rent. Never could figure out why Buffy was expected to pay the mortgage and utilities all by herself when she had a house full of adult freeloaders there who could have contributed. Unusual to see the gallery inventory coming into it. That was something they forgot on the show.
Love the Spike& Giles bonding. Glad to see Giles softening a little towards Spike.
Love the Spike& Giles bonding. Glad to see Giles softening a little towards Spike.
They just never dealt with the details in the show: I liked Joyce's gallery as a device for introducing new demons and was sad to see it go.
Giles and Spike is going to be complicated.
Giles and Spike is going to be complicated.
"Just a little spell" Oh dear, Willow... the slippery slope got even slipperier...
So glad that Giles is back and has realised that there's something seriously wrong with Buffy - something that the Scoobies are carefully ignoring.
So glad that Giles is back and has realised that there's something seriously wrong with Buffy - something that the Scoobies are carefully ignoring.
They're all taking their cues from her. Something I have long thought about S6: they're all following her lead, not the other way around.
Poor, hard Spike... Poor, yummy, moist and deliciously clean and hard Spike... Uhm... might have derailed my train of thought... uhh.... sigh.
Hurrah!
Who thought it was a good idea to break the window on top of me?”
“It was either that or braining you with a chair,” Buffy said. “I’ll make sure to remember your preference for next time.”
Best Lines ever award!!!
“It was either that or braining you with a chair,” Buffy said. “I’ll make sure to remember your preference for next time.”
Best Lines ever award!!!
Thank you! I was quite pleased with that line :)
Distinctly concerned regarding what Willow's choice was...
So you should be!
yes, because evil loves a challenge, doesn't it? sigh. stupid scoobies. stupid, arrogant Willow.
Willow is *trying*. She's just failing. I love Willow. I love her struggle to grow up and deal with the shift from geeky and powerless to immensely powerful.
And Willow is becoming increasingly scary... but thatnk Goodness that Xander has had a little epiphany.
I like Xander. I think without the distraction of being terrified about getting married, he would have noticed more things.
I forgot hor scary the first eps of season six were... yours may actually be more disturbing. definitely more insightful.
You can write.
You can write.
Thank you so very, very much. And thank you for reviewing each chapter as you go. Ma-hussively appreciated.
Um... and this is chapter 7, but there's clearly a gap between events so I think that chapter 6 has gone completely astray. I hope you can sort it out as I can't wait to continue with this absorbing tale!
Tis sorted. Cheers!
I feel it for Anya. No one listens to her and she has dozens of lifetimes more experience than any of them. Really stupid they are sometimes.
It won't end well for them if they don't look at themselves.
sigh.
It won't end well for them if they don't look at themselves.
sigh.
End of S5, Anya proves that the reason she was never more involved was because she didn't care (not stupidity or obliviousness): she suggested using the troll hammer and the dagon sphere. I took that and ran with it. But they dynamic has already been set - no one is used to listening to Anya.
Buffy Convet
06/30/2014 05:55 pm
Chapter 6
I know what's coming. At the end of this story I'm going to have a post-holiday let down. Which is about as good as it is bad! I am so THERE! I won't be critiqing the chapters, too busy reading!!! Must have MORE!
Thank you so much!
Thank you
So Buffy's a little more disturbed and confused than on the show. Can't say I'm surprised. In fact, then I was surprised that she returned with most of her faculties intact.
Also always hated the way that Anya's and Spike's knowledge and experience were largely ignored. Looks as though you're rectifying that.
So Buffy's a little more disturbed and confused than on the show. Can't say I'm surprised. In fact, then I was surprised that she returned with most of her faculties intact.
Also always hated the way that Anya's and Spike's knowledge and experience were largely ignored. Looks as though you're rectifying that.
I think the show skipped over a lot of the immediate aftermath: Buffy thought the hitchhiker was all in her head, after all. I'm just expanding it a little.
Gotta make use of the knowledge of the elderly ;)
Um... can't help noticing that this isn't chapter 6 but rather chapter 5 repeated....
Fixed now. Sorry!
this was so much more powerful and heartbreaking than the original... the scene on the tower excepted... that was brutal and perfect, but this was awesome. Absolutely awesome.
Thank you so much! I wanted to make it my own.
Nina
06/12/2014 12:01 am
Chapter 5
And another missing chapter, a very important one at that!
This is very odd
Yup... I don't think I ever realized it before, but Willow is a textbook narcisist... controlling, living in a world she thinks she can engineer, resenting the hell out of reality for not being as she wants it... she really IS scary. The magic she has is even more scary as a result and the things she does... well, we're lucky she has a 'Xander'.
Blue
Blue
She has power issues. Canon S6 vexed me considerably by calling it "drug magic addiction" and then having that be the canon from there on in. After 5 seasons of developing all that wonderful inner demons? Grrr.
Nina
06/12/2014 12:01 am
Chapter 4
Another chapter missing...
Again, chapter comes through just fine for me....
Monks? You've added monks? You better finish this one. This is getting VERY interesting!!!
It will be finished. Probably not for a while though....
who are the scary spies? Are there two of them, or just the one who is going back and forth? Who do they work for? Can I go on record of being officially freaked out!!?
Blue
DeepBlueJoy's tales: http://www.tthfanfic.org/authors.php?no=12717&list=profile
Blue
DeepBlueJoy's tales: http://www.tthfanfic.org/authors.php?no=12717&list=profile
Mwa-ha-ha. All will be revealed in time. Only one spy, though.
Nina
06/12/2014 12:00 am
Chapter 2
Awesome start, despite the missing first chapter. I love the part where Spike decides to install a loo :)
Thanks!
Have you asked the admins about the missing chapters? Because all the links work for me.....
Have you asked the admins about the missing chapters? Because all the links work for me.....
I don't remember seeing many 'while Buffy is dead' fics and I always wondered how they coped at first before they settled into their new routine. This seems very believable—even the Giles sneaking off earlier part—but you've Intrigued me with the mystery person spying on them. Looking forward to more...
Thank you! There's a lot more chapters posted now....
love the interaction between Dawn and Spike. Love Spike's realizations about himself!
Blue
Blue
Thank you! This premise - that Dawn and Spike developed something intimate and real - drives the entire AU-ness of this story.
Nina
06/11/2014 11:56 pm
Chapter 1
Well, the summary is interesting, but there doesn't seem to be a story...
Link to chapter one works for me....
What's happening when you try?
What's happening when you try?
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