Happy Endings Fic: "Release," Buffy/Angel, PG-13 for semby

[carlyinrome]

TITLE: Release
RATING: PG-13
PAIRING: Buffy/Angel
SUMMARY: If we work together, maybe we can get along.
SPOILERS: Through “Not Fade Away”
NOTES: Thank you to angel_negra and also shellybelle whose notes I got this morning for betaing. Beta readers = Eternal love
NOTES2: This was for semby, who wanted B/A or Wes/Faith -- and you all know I can't write Wesley -- with two

Comments

[marenfic]

I think this is wonderful-- a happy ending befitting the complexities of the couple. The first part is gorgeous and moody and really sets the stage well for the second part. The Protections are a great frame and you used them so judiciously-- they weren't as explicity referenced all throughout the second part but they were there with his grief and the imperfections of his human body. . .

I like that Angel doesn't forgive her for his friends, not yet anyway, but he loves her. And of course the dialogue is great. But you want to know my favorite part?

“You don’t sound fine. And you’re all bunched over on the far end of the bed . . . is it . . . is it because I threw up? I-”

At first this didn't sound like Angel to me and then I read it again and it was exactly Angel, as a newly minted human who does nasty human things like vomit. It was so subtle, the way you introduced his insecurity and drew it back to the Protections. I adore it.

Finally, I'm glad for the happy ending. Sure, the first part was gorgeous and could have stood alone beautifully. But the second part gives it layers (each part gives the other layers, actually) and I thouroughly enjoyed it. It warmed my heart in an honest way and made me realize why I love B/A so much. And honestly, this is the first B/A fic I can say that about in quite a while.

[carlyinrome]

Oh my God, Maren, you always give the best feedback. I can't find anything to say except for thank you so much and I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Really; you've left me speechless.

*touched*