In Dreams ~ Drabble (2/4)

[clawofcat]

We continue on with part two of the series. This time William dreams...

Title: In Dreams (William)
Author: ClawofCat
Timing: Pre-Series
Rating: PG

William dreams of possession, a lover to put him first.

Like chess pieces he’s moved, circulated to each waiting hand, a high stakes poker chip to be won. Never a man, always a boy or a lad, he lives beneath

Comments

[sevendeadlyfun]

After our discussion on the perils of concrit and how we don't do it, I've resolved to do it when I think its appropriate. Sometimes someone writes porn just to write porn and so they don't particularly care if I think the characterization is off. It's a fap fic and that's all. And I do love those, don't get me wrong.

But other times (as here) the author clearly states they're looking for feedback. The whole "U rok!1! Rite moar!!eleventy!" is nice but not necessarily helpful. So far (in my concrit experiment) I haven't gotten negative responses, which is interesting. I think it helps that I point out what I like as well and it's not a "OMG U SUK" thing... Which for the record I don't think you suck. I almost always enjoy your writing and I agree that Spike has a deep longing for acceptance.

But I think your point about his behavior with Xander after Buffy's resurrection is more true to his character than the longing for a perfect lover. Spike wants to be seen and desired, but I think more, he wants to be accepted and admired which is different altogether. When he tries to one-up Angel or impress Buffy, I'm not sure that it's sexual or romantic interest he's seeking so much as peer approval. Spike's development arrested at about 15, I think... :)

[clawofcat]

After our discussion on the perils of concrit and how we don't do it, I've resolved to do it when I think its appropriate.
Good plan. Snowy asked me a few weeks ago to concrit her Faith/Connor fic, and i felt a little weird doing it since it was on her LJ that we had the discussion. But she assured me it was all good and actually went back to revise because of my comments. In those instances you feel good about being able to help out.

eleventy!
LMAO. Eleventy? My dad sometimes uses that in jest when he tries to come up with a large number. Like, eleventy billion. Has someone actually ever said eleventy in comments before? Cause that would be hilarious and sad.

Hrmm. Ok. I agree with your assessment in your last paragraph. I guess the challenge of these drabbles is that it's not simply exploring the characters, but their notions of "possession." In my mind, peer approval and acceptance don't exactly jive with that concept. I dunno. Der... What do you think? Possession, Spike - what might he desire if not someone to be his romantic equal?

If I wasn't working within the context of Fanged Four, I probably would have jumped on Spike's thoughts about Dru during "Lover's Walk." Talk about possessive demon love. He wanted to torture her so she would change her mind.

[sevendeadlyfun]

what might he desire if not someone to be his romantic equal?

See, that's what I'm not sure of...that he desires an equal. In his romantic relationships (with Buffy and Drusilla), he is in some form or another playing the knight-errant. His deeds are done in their name, thus the power in that relationship belongs to them. He always seemed to me to be willing to subordinate himself to a greater (EDIT: a greater whole), indeed not just willing but eager. His behavior in the flashback scenes in "Destiny" show him as willing to fall in line in order to be accepted. Perhaps Spike's desire for possession is romantic, but also platonic? He wants to possess the admiration of those around him, Angelus and Darla as well as Drusilla?

I mean, I love Spike but he is a puffed-up little prick sometimes. Very strutting and preening and cock of the walk, while at the same time he's also incredibly fragile...I'm not sure a relationship of equals is something he could handle. Maybe post-NFA? After the soul has given him time to grow...

[eowyn_315]

Just chiming in to say that I think this is a spot-on analysis of Spike. Just because he's never had a relationship of equals doesn't mean it something he necessarily longs for. I think he's in so many "knight-errant" type relationships because he likes to feel needed. So maybe what he desires is not someone to put him first, but someone who lets him put her first without abusing it? Or appreciates the role Spike plays for them?

Or maybe Spike doesn't have a desire to possess anything... his desire is to be possessed?

ETA: Der... hit post before I was finished.