Spuffy Fic: Here and Now

[feliciacraft]

This little Spuffy one-shot, which I'm rather fond of, came about as a form of self therapy, in an attempt to get anaross' story "Stay" out of my head. The success of that is debatable, but I've finally been able to make peace with the story if not get to the bottom of why I felt particularly hard-hit by it (other than the power of anaross' writing,

Comments

[quinara]

Aww; this was really enjoyable to read. I haven't ever actually read Anaross's fic, because it came after I'd read enough death!fic to realise I didn't get much out of them. Pleasant quotidiennerie is much more my speed!!!

[feliciacraft]

Thank you!

Choosing a Buffy story appropriate for bedtime can be surprisingly tricky, as I've learned the hard way. So I wrote a unicorn chaser. :)

Anaross' particular story is probably as good they come in that genre, but I tend to agree--I didn't get into fanfiction to find more misery in pure, unadulterated form to cry my eyes out and stab myself in the heart. It's probably not healthy that I allow fiction (especially fanfic) to get to me that much...but I do. :) I still highly recommend her story, though, albeit with a stiff forewarning.

Glad you enjoyed this! I appreciate the note.

[rbfvid]

Aww! It's very convincong "happily ever after" =)

[feliciacraft]

Thanks! Just what I was going for. Their togetherness doesn't have to be flashy to be solid, doesn't need vows to be reassuring. A comfortable coupledom. :)

[slaymesoftly]

Very nice. Sweet without being cloying. Love the matter-of-factness of their relationship. And yes, a lovely alternative to "Stay" (which may require a reread....).

[feliciacraft]

Thank you! The two of them have had so much drama between them, I thought they'd appreciate a change of pace, and just once, no angst. :)

[double_dutchess]

It's been a long time since I read "Stay" so I wasn't in any immediate need of having my spirits lifted, but still reading this story did cheer me up. Such a lovely feelgood story! I particularly loved the bit about Spike still stealing Buffy's underwear, and her beingly secretly touched by his excuse.

[feliciacraft]

Thank you! I like that part too. :)

Spike, as we see on the show, is extremely sentimental and very textual, so it makes sense to me that he'd cherish keeping on him a memento of Buffy. This story is told from Buffy's POV, and shows how comfortable and secure she is in this relationship. I think Spike's side could be slightly different, in that he may still harbor a bit of his/William's insecurity, even if he knows it's irrational. If anything, he can read Buffy, and knows that she's happy. But, once bitten, twice shy, you know? So sometimes he still needs a little bit of reassurance--silly, insecure vampire that he is! :)

[velvetwhip]

I have not read anaross's story, though I more than likely now will, but I love this! For all that it's ostensibly a relationship fic, it reads more as a character study of Buffy's evolution into maturity, into a place where she's found an edgy peace with all the sides of herself. I truly admire how well you've illuminated her character here. Brilliant stuff!

Gabrielle

[feliciacraft]

Thank you, Gabrielle!

I wrote this before Spuffy became canon in season 10 of the comics--thought I'd never see the day! I thought the story called for a more mature Buffy. :)

I adore anaross, but a fair warning: "Stay" is a gut-wrenching story where Buffy dies (not much of a spoiler: you'd get it from the AO3 warning and the summary alone). Best of its category, but it's not for the faint of heart. If you've never read anaross, I'd recommend you start with other stories with happier endings (probably either Long Day's Journey or Ransomed). (If you're already familiar with her, then you've probably already read the two stories above. In which case: carry on.) :)

I'm so glad you read and enjoyed this story. Appreciate your thoughtful feedback, as always!