The Girl from Away
I want to hope that Willow's telling the truth.
I like that Faith is willing to hear Willow out. It's always great to read when Faith goes for a gut feeling, even if it might be an unpopular opinion. It does make me wonder how Buffy will react to the choice she made.
Very interested in what's going to happen next! :)
Author's Response:Buffy will definitely have some thoughts on that, lol. :D Thank you, ma'am! Sadly my next chapter is languishing, but on the upside I'm moving into a banging new apartment, so... we can be happy about that, right? Hayley? Why are you picking up those tomatoes? :p
I think we all want to think that Willow is innocent, but who really knows? Innocent until proven guilty I suppose, though the evidence is pretty damning. Plus with all the relationship development going on, I can't wait to see Buffy find out how Faith got that scar on her abdomen.
Author's Response:She actually knows all about the history of canon Buffy/Faith, so she is aware of how Faith got the scar. Willow filled Buffy in "off camera" back in one of the early chapters, and it's referenced briefly. :p The evidence does seem pretty damning to the Scoobs, I agree. Either way, Tara does remember the person who hurt her as being Willow, which has to feel completely horrible.
Wow.
You had me hating Willow right up to the last 3 paragraphs!
howd you do that you sorceress?!
excellent and completely unexpected!
Author's Response:Well, it just be sorcery then! :D Now if only the dark arts could help me write faster...
Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it. :)
i think Willow is innocent, but I dont like the idea of Faith helping her without telling Buffy it lookslike the evil twins in cahoots and that can only bring drama and "danger will robinson danger"so now my stomach is all unhappy because Tara is hurt, Willow is in deep doodoo and Faith is going to look like an accomplice. fix this immediately please and thank-you. :-/
Author's Response:Hahah, apologies about your stomach! :p I don't think Buffy will assume that Faith is in on hurting Tara, because Buffy doesn't actually have any personal memories of when Faith was working for evil. She believes that Faith is a good person who made bad choices that are now behind her. Someone like Xander or Dawn might jump to the accomplice conclusion, but the gang overall is most likely to assume Willow's done something to Faith. Not to say Buffy won't be pissed still, she most likely will. :) Don't worry, I'll fix them!
I really don't know...I sort of want to burn Willow at the stake at this point (nothing against witches I swear) because I would swear she would neve hurt Tara, but then she tried to kill Buffy to return the other one so I really don't know yet whether to blame Amy or Willow. I mean...honestly, Willow seems so much stronger than Amy. I mean look what she did to her at the vineyard. So...I don't know, but I look forward to finding out. Great writing as always. A few spelling errors in the beginning, but they were minor. Also can't wait for more fuffy in the future. :)
Author's Response:Lol. She has been rather annoying this fic. To be fair, she didn't try to kill Buffy deliberately, she tried to do a dangerous spell that she thought she could handle. Willow is definitely stronger than Amy, and she is for sure stronger than Tara. But the question is whether Amy is strong enough to have done this and covered it up. :) Thank you!!
When reading this at first it seemed pretty obvious that Willow was innocent and Amy had clearly influenced Tara so the gang would turn on her. It made me think back to times in the show when the group had so quickly believed an innocent party of wrong-doing without taking into account all the possibilities.
However, after Tara's reaction in the hospital I could understand their belief that Willow was in the wrong. I was still in firm belief Willow had been set up to the very end of the chapter but then you go and put "guilty or innocent?" and I'm suddenly unsure.
Though I'm pretty certain that's you just being a troll. :PSome nice Fuffy moments too. Just to make sure is Buffy's fetish faith touching herself? Or was there something I missed?
Author's Response:Trolling? Now what have I ever done to make you think I would troll you? :D I guess we will find out if you're right next chapter.
And yes, Buffy was saying she likes watching her partners masturbate. :)
Ok wow!
I don't know what to believe... I think Willow is innocent though, can't believe you'd have her ask for Faith's help then the 2 of them sneaking away only for Willow to kill Faith when they are alone... That better not be your plan anyway! Buffy will be so angry with Faith when she finds out!!!! Poor Faith, hopefully it all works out then!
Damn, Fuffy sexy plans got interrupted!!!!
Looking forward to the next update!
Author's Response:Hahaha. Well, I wouldn't kill Faith in any case because I didn't put a character death warning on... :D But she could certainly try! :p I hope next chapter will be up next week. :)
I *knew* it wasn't Willow! What is intriguing me now though is what happened last year to plant such strong seeds of doubt in Buffy's mind about her motivations and capabilites... The dynamic between the two 'best friends' is a really interesting sub-current that I'm enjoying as it unravels; has Willow ever truly accepted this Buffy?; has she really gotten over the loss of her friend?; has Buffy forgiven her for coming down so hard against Faith when she first arrived? Lots of background questions...
For what it's worth, I think Faith is right to trust Willow on this. But I can imagine Buffy won't take her 'betrayal' lightly, given they're still in such a tentative state...
Here in the UK, new episodes of Buffy used to air on a Thursday on BBC2. Sort of made me think of that, reading this on a Thursday morning... Thank you!
Author's Response:Thank you! :) I don't think Buffy would view this as a betrayal really. I think she'll be scared for Faith and upset, but she isn't the General Buffy type that canon Buffy was. She had to share slaying responsibilites and decision making for a big chunk of time, and she's expressed in some of the past chapters that she didn't like being back on her own with everything on her shoulders. Clearly it is in her character to steamroll a bit (smush, there goes Xander!), but she does pull back and listen to Faith, like she did outside Willow's apartment.
As for your questions, chapter 8 covered Willow's past misdeeds and why their relationship was strained even before the re-introduction of Faith. Buffy concluded after their argument that Willow would never accept her or get over losing the 'real' Buffy, which is probably correct. In Flowers, Dawn and Faith had to struggle to adapt to new Buffy, but eventually they did. Willow's struggles with magic really didn't help the situation between them here, and I don't think that either of them is that interested in repairing it. They're friends and care for one another, but each of them misses their real best friend. Plus Buffy's first impression of Willow was Season 6 Willow... I wouldn't want to be her friend! :p
Late comment (I read this the day it was posted... Bad reviewer!)
Very happy you posted this chapter, was having withdrawals! Fluff, but with a slice of angst (I get why Faith would be second guessing but c'mon girl!) last few chapters it was easy to forget why they might have lingering issues, so good to see those aired and exhumed! They are def better for it! Looking forward to the next chapter -- bring it on Amy!
Author's Response:Haha, so really your washer flooding was... karma? :p Bad reviewer! I think they were having kind of a honeymoon phase, but sooner or later they have to deal with reality, which is that one or both of them are going to have misgivings and feelings about their weird situaton. There will be some more exploration of that. :D
Sorry, I haven't really reviewed this story much lately and all I can say to justify it is nothing. I have been faithfully reading along though whenever the time is available and so far have loved every gracious minute of it. I did wonder how Buffy would adjust to this new Faith and vice versa, but it seems they are working through it swimmingly. Like the Amy twist, having her be the villain instead of just writing a repeat of season 7. Also like that Willow went against everyone's wishes and still lost herself to magic even without losing Tara completely. Keeping Tara around is always a good choice and it is clear that Willow deserves some or maybe all of the criticism she has been firing at Faith. Looking forward to more soon. :)
Author's Response:That's okay, no worries. :) Glad you are enjoying it. I debated on using the Season 7 storylines, but I basically hated the season, so I couldn't bear the thought of having to refresh my memory on the episodes and work within them. :p I think this storyline actually paints Willow less sympathetically. In canon, Tara's death was devastating to us too, so you could emphathize at least somewhat with her going off the deep end. Here, they did lose their Buffy, but really she's just drunk with her own power and willing to do whatever she wants. I agree on keeping Tara around (damn you, show!). :D
Awesome chapter. I definitely loved the go kart idea. It sounds like my kind of date lol. I like that, asides from the fluffy moments, they also had some serious discussions about their relationship. Also, i like how the discussions were handled. It shows how Faith is more mature and isnt going to run away like she used to. Im glad you're taking her development as a character in a positive direction instead of going back and forth. Cant wait for more chapters :)
Author's Response:Thank you! I hadn't thought about that, but I guess this story has little of the back and forth that we often write them doing. My thought going into this story was that this pair would have an easier time accepting they wanted to be together than the pair in Flowers, but they'd have to work out some issues getting there. Fortunately they Buffy is very level headed, and that keeps Faith grounded too, so no one is spinning out of control. :p Next chapter is up now!
Freaking awesome!! This story is so great. I love the end and how Buffy explains to present universe Faith how she isn't just recycling the same stuff she and past universe Faith did. Please continue to update.
Author's Response:Thank you! The next chapter will be up this week. :)
So pleased it's not abandoned and I think the Fuffy was needed. Especially the concerns faith - and some of us - had that you addressed at the end. Personally I'd love to go a little deeper. How is Buffy handling two almost identical but slightly different faiths? Earlier she knew how to handle faith based purely on intimate knowledge from the other faith, but at the end claimed she never did that as they were different. She can't have it both ways, so how is she compartmentalising? Based on what?
all VERY interesting questions that hopefully will be explored.
at least to me they are.
Author's Response:We will delve at least somewhat into how Buffy perceives the two of them in future chapters. The chapter didn't say that Buffy doesn't rely on her knowledge of other Faith in terms of how to relate and talk to her. I think clearly she does do that. They have had basically the same life up until the Gwen Post incident so in many ways they're the same core person. What Buffy said is that she wasn't replicating dates or experiences she had with Alt Faith. Faith is not so much afraid that Buffy understands her better because of the other Buffy, but that she is perceived as a replacement. I think she is aware that Buffy must know a lot about her that she hasn't personally shared, which is weird but Buffy can hardly be blamed for that. I think she needs reassurance though that she is being seen for herself. I think Buffy is able to differentiate them in her mind, and that is something that'll be shown a bit more. But still she needed to hear this from Faith, so she can be sensitive to the insecurities that still exist. :)
I think you will be pleased by one of the later scenes I've finished that touches on this a bit. :)
Really appreciate the thoughtful review and attention to their emotional relationship, as well as how well or not well it's being portrayed in terms of those issues. So thank you!!
hurray hurrah for a new chapter! I guess I should say something the chapter that I was so excited to read. Great chapter I like the way thlis Buffy is so open and loving with Faith so much so that Faith is slowly losing her defenses.
Author's Response:Thank you! :) I like Buffy and Faith actually being able to communicate and not just have drama after drama. :p Faith definitely is responding well to the trust and openness Buffy shows her. :)
Author's Response:Thank you! :) I like Buffy and Faith actually being able to communicate and not just have drama after drama. :p Faith definitely is responding well to the trust and openness Buffy shows her. :)
Yay finally an update!!! Thank you!!!
Love the date and groping/almost sex!!! Was a very cute chapter with Faith's nervousness and Buffy's confidence! Such a roll reversal of how I imagined them... Love take charge Buffy, almost as much as i love take charge Faith!!!
Very cute date! Love fluffy Fuffy chapters!!! Sexy time soon though??!!!
Update again soon please!!!
Author's Response:Thanks! I'm working on the next one. Hope it'll be up next week. I think we needed a little fluff. Don't wanna get too plot heavy. :)
Take charge Buffy is always good. It's interesting how Buffy ends up being the initiator in both fics, to different ends.
Wow, that was an amazingly cute first date! The flowers, the nervousness, the go cart racing and especially the end... just cute!
This Buffy is really wise beyond her years. She's much better at reading people and reacting to what's happening without freaking out. Really loved how she talked to Faith when Faith put a stop to what they were doing. It shows a great deal of maturity.
So many little funny moments in this chapter. I was wondering how'd you use Marcie but I love her character here. Love all her comments with Faith!
Can't wait to read what's next! :)
Author's Response:Thanks! Hooray for schmoop. And hooray for reasonable, has actual communication skills Buffy. :D
I love Marcie too! I actually have an untold story of Marcie's background rattling around my brain, which I will hopefully write and publish later. Funny how minor characters suck you in.
A very sweet and welcome update to this story. Loved all the character development and moments between the slayers. Think you put in enough fuffy to keep the rabid readers happy without over doing it.
Still curious to how this story, in its 2 fic capacity, will end though.
Author's Response:I don't think the rabid fuffy fans will be quite satisfied. :p But alas I move at my own pace. :)
Do you assume I have a master plan that somehow connects this with Flowers? I did call it a companion and not a sequel. :p
Oh thank goodness you posted. I have run out of nails and have started nibbling on my fingers :P gross
Love how Buffy is the confident one who asks Faith out on a date. Faith's nervousness is endearing. Kinda funny when you think about it. The real Buffy would have been the one acting anxious if Faith asked her out. It's like the world has
Made me laugh when Marcy 'appeared' out of the blue after Buffy left. Then she goes to give Faith some dating advise. I think these two will become future bffs :P LoL
I really enjoyed this chapter because I am all about light and easy fuffy. Absolutely happy that no Amy appeared, and no drama occurred. Best of all, there was a lot of kissing and groping involved. Yes! I loved that part the best. I know you hate it when I complain about the almost sex, but this one had a good ending because [a] they didn't have a fight or hurt each other, and [b] there was ice cream to be had.
:D
Author's Response:Haha, gross indeed. Please don't mangle your fingers for fic. It's not worth it!
Amy will be back unfortunately. :p I'm enjoying writing Marcie in this fic. She's an unrepentant pest, but she's also brave and helpful. She's like Anya with more social skills and less annoying heterosexuality. :D
I like the role reversal between B/F here too. Funny how Buffy played the pursuer in both of these fics to different results.
awesome! sorry i havent commented earlier chapters. Its been a really busy couple of weeks. its still pretty crazy but reading ur story helps me unwind for a bit. I love your story :) cant wait for more.
Author's Response:Thank you, and thanks for joining up too! :D Glad to help with the unwinding. Next chapter will be up tonight or tomorrow.
What happened to the updates? Can't wait!
Author's Response:Next chapter will be up today or tomorrow. :)
Does this mean we get TWO chapters this Friday? ;)
Author's Response:You are mad indeed, Hatter. Update is coming very soon. :p
Yay! Yay! Yay! More story! Thanks for the update.:)
Author's Response:You're very welcome! The next one will hopefully be up this week. Fingers crossed. Thanks for hanging in there. :)
Insane, bad ass Amy is a pretty cool villain. She should really have set Willow on fire though. Poor Faith. :(
Tara was being pretty bad ass as well, even if her loyalties are horribly misplaced (Assuming the memory wiping still happened).
“What’d I miss? Let me guess… evil? Running on one of those little wheels?”
Buffy gets full marks for her entrance.
Stop toying with Marcie you big meanie. Invisible people have rights too! :p
Author's Response:Lol. I can't remember if you, like me, generally hate Willow, or is this my Willow hate wearing off on you? I think the memory wipe probably still happened, but Tara's forgiven it, as she did on the show. She does show some sense though. They aren't living together and haven't rush back into things. Willow's proving herself to Tara, and well, everybody else, little by little.
Quipping Buffy is the best Buffy, IMHO.
I am not toying with Marcie! :p But if people can't see you, how can they stop themselves from hitting you with a giant blast of energy? It's only common sense, lol.
I don't like Spike even if he hasn't done anything bad to Buffy or Faith. I cannot separate how icky he has been in other stories I've read. I know... Bad. Haha! I do like that he was around to help Buffy though. And that Buffy has some empathy for him. I wonder if it were to happen, would Spike really save Faith first? It would be like Alt+F allowing Alt+B to jump into that portal just to save Dawn.
Like I told you in our discussions, I really enjoyed the scenes after Tara, Faith, and Marcy entered Amy's lair. It was full of suspense, and I was kinda tensed reading through the whole thing.
I felt awful for the dead witches. Amy is a cruel bitch. Killing them wasn't enough huh? She had to trap then in this plain so she can exploit them further. Crazy B!tch... Errr witch! I have to admit, she is a formidable foe, that Witch. Man... She can kill F or B in an instant. Can't imagine how Buffy is gonna get back at Amy for barbecuing her soon to be gf. I can just imagine the anger boiling inside.
I'm glad they ended up in bed, relaxed if a little banged up. I wish for fuffy. But I can wait. *starts biting my nails.
Author's Response:Well, he's not meant to be liked too much. :p Would Spike really follow through? Hmm, perhaps we shall see.
How's that wait going for you? Let me see your fingernails. You'll never be a hand model at this rate. God, I better write something great to make it worth it. :p
"She misses her Willow, the shy, smart, sweet girl who knew Buffy’s heart. ”
Don't we all. R.I.P. High School Willow.
Willow is being a gigantic douche-face again here, especially after we're told that she went ahead and tried that spell without Buffy's consent. At least Buffy called her out on it. And Willow gets no sympathy from me for turning on the waterworks - she should be thankful she didn't get thrown down the stairs. :p
Dawn totally is the best sister, even if she still needs time to warm to Faith. And she should definitely get an allowance raise.
Faith mocking Tara's stutter always felt horribly OOC to me, but sadly it happened so it's good that she apologised for it.
Amy and Willow seem to be getting along well. Everyone should really just leave them to it. *cough*
Author's Response:RIP indeed. Oh, later seasons of Buffy, why did you hurt us so?
Now I wish I had thrown her down the stairs, but I guess Tara would be mad. Then we'd have a rift in the Buffy/Tara friendship and that'd just be sad.
Wouldn't that be a great conclusion to the fic? Willow and Amy went abroad to terrorize Eurasia, and then Buffy and Faith went camping and ate s'mores and had sex. The End! :D It's not too late...