My Five Favourite Spike/Xander Fics
Spike/Xander is my OTP, and I have high standards about how Spike and Xander are written. These five authors are people I’d point you to as excellent examples of good Spander writers (and good writers in general). They write both Spike and Xander really really well!
1. reremouse - Small Imperfections, Adult. Spike and Xander in Savannah a few years after Sunnydale caved in. The delightfully slow pace of this WIP fits the pace of life in hot Savannah - and the slow developing of a relationship between Spike and Xander. reremouse ’s fic is always wonderful to read because it’s so witty, smart, funny and moving, and this is a WIP I encourage you to jump on (even if you’re resistance to WIPs) because it’s the type of story perfectly suited to the WIP format.
2. savoytruffle - So Crazy it Just Might Work, Angel, Xander, Wesley, Spike; Spike/Xander, Mature. A slashier version of the first season of AtS in which Angel teams up with Xander instead of Cordelia (but not in a sexual way). The reason this works so well is because the banter between Angel and Xander in this fic is hysterical, and it feels like this is exactly how things would play out with Xander instead of Cordelia during AtS season one. The fic is currently up to episode 16 “The Ring” and there will definitely be more. This has savoytruffle ’s trademark wit and awesome Xander voice mixed with sexy Spike/Xander interactions and a really funny dynamic with both Angel and Wes.
3. entrenous88 - Cuddly Predators, Spike/Xander (some Xander/omc); Anya/Giles, PG-13. Xander gets a kitten, and suddenly Spike seems to have a lot more interest in him. This is the kind of glee-inducing story that can make me happy regardless of the type of day I’m having. entrenous88 deftly balances the humour and adorableness of Xander’s new kitten with his romance with the veterinarian and Spike. It’s definitely a feel-good story, but one with depth, excellent characterization, wit and great storytelling.
4. mireille719 - When Everything Seems Like the Movies, Spike/Xander, Adults. When a bank robber decides to use him as a getaway driver, Xander Harris finds the excitement his life had been lacking. (Contemporary, all-human, AU). This is the way a good AU should be written: with excellent characterization, a compelling story and wit and humour. This story makes me wish that mireille719 wrote Spike/Xander more often because she totally gets them, and how the right mix of snark, banter and sexiness makes for a Spander fic that still has me giddy!
5. shadowscast - Sunshine, Spike/Xander, NC-17. Thirteen years after Spike mysteriously disappears, Xander meets him by accident in the London Underground. Where has Spike been all this time, and what is he hiding? I believe this fic has already been recced, and it deserves to be: there needs to be more quality Spander like this! There's an interesting plot as well as great characterization. Definitely a must-read!
1. reremouse - Small Imperfections, Adult. Spike and Xander in Savannah a few years after Sunnydale caved in. The delightfully slow pace of this WIP fits the pace of life in hot Savannah - and the slow developing of a relationship between Spike and Xander. reremouse ’s fic is always wonderful to read because it’s so witty, smart, funny and moving, and this is a WIP I encourage you to jump on (even if you’re resistance to WIPs) because it’s the type of story perfectly suited to the WIP format.
2. savoytruffle - So Crazy it Just Might Work, Angel, Xander, Wesley, Spike; Spike/Xander, Mature. A slashier version of the first season of AtS in which Angel teams up with Xander instead of Cordelia (but not in a sexual way). The reason this works so well is because the banter between Angel and Xander in this fic is hysterical, and it feels like this is exactly how things would play out with Xander instead of Cordelia during AtS season one. The fic is currently up to episode 16 “The Ring” and there will definitely be more. This has savoytruffle ’s trademark wit and awesome Xander voice mixed with sexy Spike/Xander interactions and a really funny dynamic with both Angel and Wes.
3. entrenous88 - Cuddly Predators, Spike/Xander (some Xander/omc); Anya/Giles, PG-13. Xander gets a kitten, and suddenly Spike seems to have a lot more interest in him. This is the kind of glee-inducing story that can make me happy regardless of the type of day I’m having. entrenous88 deftly balances the humour and adorableness of Xander’s new kitten with his romance with the veterinarian and Spike. It’s definitely a feel-good story, but one with depth, excellent characterization, wit and great storytelling.
4. mireille719 - When Everything Seems Like the Movies, Spike/Xander, Adults. When a bank robber decides to use him as a getaway driver, Xander Harris finds the excitement his life had been lacking. (Contemporary, all-human, AU). This is the way a good AU should be written: with excellent characterization, a compelling story and wit and humour. This story makes me wish that mireille719 wrote Spike/Xander more often because she totally gets them, and how the right mix of snark, banter and sexiness makes for a Spander fic that still has me giddy!
5. shadowscast - Sunshine, Spike/Xander, NC-17. Thirteen years after Spike mysteriously disappears, Xander meets him by accident in the London Underground. Where has Spike been all this time, and what is he hiding? I believe this fic has already been recced, and it deserves to be: there needs to be more quality Spander like this! There's an interesting plot as well as great characterization. Definitely a must-read!