Joss's Buffy always got a lot of stick, particularly towards the end seasons of the series (5,6&7 anyone?!)  for being whiny / preachy / arrogant... She rarely topped any 'favourite character' polls. But she was always my favourite though - you could see how and why Buffy became the way she was, through the experience of becoming an adult, failed relationships and generally growing up. I thought that (one of the many) underlying messages, that leaders aren't always popular, but they should always do what's right. For the show, it was an important message but got lost a little (or should I say it was overdone) by some of the show's writers...That made her unlikeable. But the progression was essential. 
I feel like you've demonstrated in AU Buffy how it could have been done with sensitivity and kindness to the character. This Buffy is kind, considerate, stoic in the face of incredible personal sacrifice and loss and incredibly mature. She's also got her head screwed on in the face of an unspeakably difficult situation...

I spent a lot of time thinking about how GfaW Buffy would fair whilst reading FFaG, and felt in my heart of hearts she was much better equipped to deal with the switch than Buffy from FFaG. I think this is being proven -- it makes perfect sense that this Buffy would see that there are ways to adjust and rectify the present. I am looking forward to her realisation that she is 'stuck', and the inevitable melt-down that surely must product (it is after all healthy, and the natural progress of grief). But I think Buffy being in the driving seat here will propel her forward in repairing the relationship with Faith of this universe. I am excited to see this unfold!!

Author's Response:

Thank you! I agree with you. Buffy was always my favorite, even when they wrote her as doing unlikeable stuff, I loved her. The show really did throw a lot of crap at her, didn't it? Alt Buffy's kind of nicer, gentler approach is what I think Buffy would be like with a steady person to back her up and really get her. The Scoobies tried, although obviously had their own issues, but so many times Buffy did the 'it all comes down to me/I am the slayer alone' type schtick. With Faith, she'd never have to, and she fared better for it. 

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!

Oh my goodness, Jenny!! Really enjoyed this fic; just enough smushyness and just the right amount of angst! 

"It's happening again".... hehe...

Side note: when can we expect the next instalment of The Girl From Away? I think I'm suffering from withdrawal...

Very sweet! Loved it