Wishing Changes Everything
ah crap! hopfully buffy yelled in time to stop the blow! why didn't buffy just tell faith that she wanted willow to do research with wes and xan? excellent chapter. keep them coming.
Author's Response:Well, Faith had already invited Willow along, and Willow is kind of sensitive about the best friend thing...
If I'm honest, I partly included the scene because it was actually in 'Bad Girls'- Willow wanting to go patrolling with them always seemed a bit forced to me, at least in the context of the episode.
But Faith sticking up for Willow in this instance...hopefully it was believable that she would do that.
Thanks for the critiquing, I want to know what works and what doesn't. keep it coming!
I almost said those last two words out loud... and I'm at work. Good job at getting that response!
It's fun to read how in love the two of them are at the start of the chapter. Faith trying to cover for their previous night's activities was just cute. They really are a cute couple and now I feel there's some angst to come.
Bring on the angst if it's coming! You write this so well. :)
Author's Response:Oops! I have to say I've done that myself on occassion.
Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad people like they're 'couple-ness' (?) of them, at least the way I write it.
The cover-up scene actually comes from personal experience. *blush*, you know what they say, write what you know!
And, yes their is a lot of angst up ahead, and soon...
Aaaarrrrrgggghhhhhhhhhh!!!!!
Damn you Cliffy!!!!!!!
PS - the shy sexed up Buffy is hella cute! ;)
Author's Response:Sorry...I do try and avoid dramatic cliff-hangers as much as possible. Couldn't be helped!
Promise that you won't have to wait to long.
Buffy is always cute...but sexed up Buffy, oh, yes!
Thanks for the feedback.
Oh my... Please keep writing *-*
Author's Response:Thanks for the encouragment!
The next chapter should be up by the weekend...probably.
Wow, that was definitely hot! :)
I really enjoyed how Faith acted in this chapter. So caring and loving, definitely the perfect match for Buffy right then. What a night for their first time!
I am curious to read how you write what's coming next, especially since Buffy took note of Faith's changing tactics. Can't wait for more!
Author's Response:Thanks. I agree, it was kind of steamy!
Yep, slow and steady with Faith means Buffy has a totally devoted girlfriend. I always thought if Faith was ever actually in love she'd be very sweet and caring. Aww..
We'll just have to see wait and see if Faith has changed enough...
AWESOME! I love it
Author's Response:Thanks very much, I'm so pleased that you liked it.
Wow... Me too.
best sex scene I've ever read.
your girlfriend / wife must be a VERY lucky woman.
Author's Response:Well, *ahem* thank you. My beta never lacks for female company, I know that much. (I mean that in the way that she has a series of loving, steady girlfriends, nothing sordid. At least, not really sordid.)
My contribution is a simple tweak of a sentence to make it flow better or a little wordplay. (Apart from the stuff at the Bronze, and the...sweaty after-stuff, that was all me.)
But again, thank you for the compliment. We'll both be grinning like idiots tonight!
WOW! fans oneself! thank your beta!!!! now please don't let them wake up and the spell be broken!
Author's Response:I know, right? She thinks that when the slayers get together...well, thant was just a taste, believe me.
Ah, don't worry, we'll have a little more Fuffy goodness to go through just yet.
Thanks, as always.
Perfect happiness should be the bane of her existence by now!
Author's Response:The perfect happiness thing does tend to bite Buffy in her butt...unfortunatly this time isn't an exception...
Thanks for the comments.
If you ruin their love . . . I will decapitate you. I'm just putting that out there. Your ass is grass, amigo.
PS - I love you eternally and loved everything about this. You have a way with the smutty goodness. It makes my heartall squishy . . . among other things.
Author's Response:Well, thanks for the threats and eternal love...I guess!
But seriously, I'll pass along the warm praise to my fuffy-smut-loving beta, who will be pleased that her idle fantasies make people squishy. 'Cause I think they make her squishy too.
As for ruining their love...you'll just have to trust in that unbreakable slayer bond.
Thanks for the feedback, as always. ;)
Awesome♥
Author's Response:Thank you very much. I'm glad you liked it. ;)
A really great story but please be mindful of:
There, Their and They're... It's a bit jarring when something so well written is hindered by the wrong use of these words.
Author's Response:Aw, monkey poop... *grumble*
Okay, I've made a couple of corrections. Thanks
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Ok I gotta say... I love Angel. He's such a good guy. He's giving the girl he loves but can't be with really good relationship advice unsolicited to help her get back together with her girl so she'll be happy. Random sidenote, Angel to me is an OK character on BTVS but he really shines on AtS, like a lot. Anyway, moving on...
Joyce is smart, I'm glad she went to bat to help Faith feel secure and to keep her from leaving even if she did have to do a little bit of playacting. The scene with Faith laying back on Joyce's lap while Joyce played with her hair was so goddamn maternal I was making internal fan-squeal noises from how sweet it was. It was a nice touch in this chapter for sure.
As to the rest of it.. its good to know the girls really care about each other. Of course Faith reacted to the impending apocalipse in an unhealthy way by wanting to go get drunk before the big fight (?) but in her own roundabout way she totally let us know how much she cared about Buffy. Oh and then Buffy had to go with the whole 'i'm in love with you' speech... I have to admit that little speech was cheesy as hell. Still i can't be too upset about that. When she said it it worked even if I cringed a little at what felt like a few cliche'd lines. Still this chapter ended on an awesome high. Very nicely done :)
Man but next is Bad Girls... I'm kinda scared. 'Cuz I can't help but wonder/think that really bad game changing things are gonna happen. That's what that episode was all about after all. Gah!
Author's Response:Yeah, we don't really see how noble Angel can be until he has his own show, so this is just a rare glipse. Aw, no wonder he was Buffy's first love. (And yes, I used to 'ship Bangel, a while ago now. Fuffy's way more interesting.)
Yeah, I always wished that Faith/Joye got more scenes together. Or maybe something with Faith commenting sadly to Buffy about Joyce's death. I think she would've been sorry that Joyce would've passed without getting a chance to apologise/make amends to her. Ah, well...
YES! The speech was absolutly meant to be cheesy- so Xander could overhear/witness it. It was my homage to the overly dramatic Bangel scene in the origninal 'Zeppo', I'm so pleased that somebody picked up on that!
I wanted to make the speech heartfelt and important, maybe even moving- but it also had to be very Buffy-in-an-angsty-relationship moment.
And yeah, if Faith knew that the world could actually end, she might not act in an emotionally healthy way, imo.
Thanks for your commentary!
P.S- Yes, Bad Girls will be a game changer...
Oh man. That was messed up as hell. It was pretty cool that Faith did in fact complete the 'test' more or less on her own but goddamn. That was most certainly in the not-cool bracket. And I get that she thinks Buffy is hiding something, Faith is unscooled not stupid and she can be pretty perceptive on occasion. Man this was the worst thing ever.
Just random note, it's not a big deal but I'm pretty sure in canon Faith is like a year to a year and a half younger than Buffy. Well, I'm mostly sure but I can't be 100% sure its not something I picked up from just reading fanfiction. Anyway its not a big deal just commenting.
And what the hell was wrong with Buffy that she kept feeling so weak? I really wanted to know. Apperantly it has nothing to do with the Council. Could it be the time travel demon? IDK. Hope she gets better.
It looks like Buffy will eventually have to spill the beans to Faith as to what actually happened. Hope she takes it well. Poor girl. :(
Author's Response:It was indeed all messed up. But then so was the original 'Helpless', poor Faith, I really messed her up. But at least she got to beat Kralik in her own, unique way!
Faith is book-smart, but she does read people pretty well. Especially their insecurities or desires. (Buffy, Willow, Spike)
Canon-wise, its never revealed how old Faith is, ever. Buffy refers to her as 'little sis' but Faith also makes reference to being older ('Big sister's clothes.').
I guess I'm using 'Go Ask Malice' (a fine book, but not canon- almost canon) as a reference which mentions when Faith's birthday is (Dec 18th), and also references that Diana Dormer was preparing a 'slayer-test' thing for Faith so soon after they'd met. (I kind of erased that part in my own mind, either Faith never read Diana's Watcher diary, or totally forgot about most of the stuff she read after all the stress/trauma she suffers in Boston.)
I also know that Eliza was 17/18 when she first portrayed Faith (amazing I know), while SMG was playing 17/18.
Anyway, I'm satisfied that the two slayers are pretty much the same age, Faith is older and more experienced in some things, but much more immature/child-like in other ways.
The 'weakness' thing will come back with an explanation very soon- along with a lot of other things...
I always appreciate your analysis/comments. Thank you!
You know, I don't know if I've said this before but I really like how you're weaving the timeline of the season into your own. It fits so well!
Really enjoyed the back and forth between the two about what should happen the first time they'll be together. It's fun how Buffy goes from nervous to excited and back again.
Can't wait for the second part! :)
Author's Response:Thanks! To be fair the 'weaving' is part writing-crutch on my part, helps me formulate the scene/dialogue in my mind. It also helps to construct the overall story. Glad you like it.
Well, wouldn't Faith make you nervous and/or excited? I'm glad you find it keeping with Buffy's character, although I think she might get over her nerves very soon...
Thanks for the (always much appreciated) feedback.
Loved The Zeppo, and this chapter! Really intrigued to see if Buffy will be able to stop the Allen Finch killing, and, if so, how it'll alter the course of things to come in the Buffyverse...
EXCITED for the next chapter!!
Author's Response:Thank you!
Buffy might get a bit...distracted next chapter, so we'll have to wait and see!
As for the Allen Finch thing...things are going to get very angsty very soon...
Oh, Buffy... I'm so tense! (Also, love that Buffy continues to confide in and include Willow in all of this. I seriously love your Scooby interactions. LOL @Wesley's introduction. But Buffy's right. He did need that speech sooner than later. And who's he going to inaproppriately moon over with Cordy still on the Xander train?)
MOAR!
Author's Response:Yeah, I wanted to get a similar feeling to 'Surprise' when Buffy and Willow are talking about Angel. This is a pretty similar sitch so I'm glad you liked it.
I actually have more fun writing Wesley that Giles, surprisingly. I think I can just see his mannerisms in my head more clearly. And, no, he won't moon over Cordelia so much, probably becuase she won't be constantly hitting on him...
And Buffy puts Wes in his place, gently enough though- she does maybe see his potential as an ally. After Graduation Day, offering to help in any way he could (although he was less that effective physically...)
Thanks for the feedback
Good chapter, its good that buffy is trying to get on with wesley, he may now be able to become more trustworthy instead of ratting Faith out to the council, though hopefully the finch incident won't come to pass. Plus, its good that Faith and Buff are on good terms again.
Author's Response:If Buffy shows Wes trust? Who knows what will happen...
Buffy and Faith are on very good terms, as we will soon see.
Thank you for your thoughts.
this chapter had such great flow! loved how buffy teased wes, glad she wants to bring him into the group this time around, also he doesn't seem as uptight as in the show.
Author's Response:I actually have a bit of a soft spot for Wes, yes he was stuck up but, in hindsight, he had a lot of insecurities. I love how he overcomes them on Angel. One of my favourite characters ever.
Yeah, Buffy poked a bit of fun at him, and laid down the law, Buffy-style. I think if she'd done this early enough Wesley would've responded and worked with the group more.
Thank you fro the feedback!
You were right. I did love it and you should be proud. Some seriously quality stuff in this one, and I loved the way you framed it from Buffy's perspective but still kept the set up for Xander. AND ensured that he actually got credit this time around.
Also, Joyce is amazing, as always. Definitely love the make up discussion between the two slayers, but mom's overheard talk with Faith was just magic.
Still really intrigued by the central storyline and what this Djinn ultimately wants... and what the fallout will be now that the mayor is onto them earlier. And forewarned is forearmed, but with still leaping before she looks, can Buffy save Faith from a slaying disaster?
Still totally tuned in!
Author's Response:Aw, shucks. And thank you.
I really do like this episode, one of Xander's finest moments (I just wish he'd remember how awesome he is from time to time..) and yes, he gets credit, which will definitly colour how Buffy views Xander from now on.
Joyce...I've been wanting to include some Joyce/Faith stuff every since Amends, so I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was a pleasure to write.
Things will be coming to a head by the end of 'Bad Girls', and it ain't gonna be pretty...
Thanks again!
Joyce is so wise! It feels like she might know there's something else going on but I do love that she decided to take Faith's side in order to make sure Faith knew someone cared.
It was interesting that Angel is one of the ones that gives Buffy the advice she needs to make up with Faith. He essentially told her to make sure Faith knew Buffy's true feelings and I loved that.
Faith came through in the end and they said they love each other. Now I wonder how Bad Girls is going to end up. Can't wait for the next chapter! :)
Author's Response:Yeah, this is certainly Joyce's moment. Her bonding with Faith certainly came to the fore. Their was probably some tears and cuddling off screen...
A lot of people know that Angel can be jealous of Buffy's love interests. But he can also be noble (has been to both Buffy and Cordy) and Mr. Do-the-right-thing. So I thought that he might give some advice. I think generally that he likes Faith by this point, which may've helped. Hence the sound advice.
Yeah, the love stuff...I thought it was appropriate for Buffy to say it. If she feels it she says it. Faith is a little more shy, but she's got big soppy feelings for Buffy. We'll see more of that in the next chapter.
Thanks for the feedback, welcome as always.
Lord a'mighty, do you ever know how to make an old wound fresh. So did Giles drug Buffy too? Because he seemed genuinely confused as to what was wrong with her. Or was that just surprise she'd been attacked on her fake recon mission?
Ugh. Way to bring the mayor into play earlier and destroy all the progress between Giles and Faith. You'd think Faith would have seen the extent of Buffy's injuries and figured she got played, too, but hurt leads to suspicion... and so soon after that bitch Post, too!
If the First has a plan for Faith, the Watchers sure left it with a fine set up. Poor Buffy...
(OMG! Best nerdcore thrashpunk band name: Buffy's Shitty Birthdays)
...and clearly coffee in the afternoon is a bad idea for me.
Author's Response:Giles simply wanted Buffy out of the way so the test with Faith could go off smoothly- hence the convieient 'mission'. Her dizzy spells are...something else, which will be revealed soon.
Yeah, Giles and Faith...that's not gonna be an easy one to fix. With Buffy and Faith its less about anger, more about mistrust and maybe some resentment. Joyce to the rescue!
Thanks for the caffine-fueled feedback, I can't handle my coffee either. (I'm a lightweight!)
Excellent work on helpless I liked how faith took down Kralik. You got Travers right such asshole, I was kinda hoping Buffy would do something more crippling to him than a shove though :p.
Can't wait till next chapter will Buffy come clean and whats up with her powers?
Author's Response:100 reviews!!!
Woo Hoo! *does a little dance*
*ahem* thank you, I thought the way that Faith took down Kralik was pretty ballsy (like the way she tricked Angelus) and fit with her character. Glad you liked it.
I don't think Buffy would really ever do deliberate serious harm to a old guy like Travers (even though he is a grade A jerk- yeah I cheered when he got blown up...) but Faith, I think she would've crippled him if she found out what they did to Buffy the first time. And this time around she was uh, kinda preoccupied.
The Zeppo's up in a week or so (hopefully)
another action filled chapter,very well done! so what is going on with buffys powers? anything to do with the wish? you did kralik very well. so will buffy finally come clean with faith, will faith actually forgive her? can't wait to find out! GREAT CHAPTER!
Author's Response:Thanks, I enjoyed writing Kralik- very creepy and memorable villain. (like so many in Season 3)
As for the other stuff...I'm not saying a thing!
Thanks for the response.
What a gut punch to end on. Faith's reaction is more justifiable than any other she's had before in the show. Building up her trust and opening up has just caused her to fall harder into that bad place she goes when someone proves her cynical view of the world is well-founded.
The typos were less frequent this chapter, the whole first half i didnt notice one though near the action packed end they did crop up again. That really is the only criticism i can offer of this fic as i love it to bits. Really enjoyed seeing this turn of events that i totally didnt predict coming. Badly want to know why Buffy went all dizzy, i'm hoping there's a clever reason behind it rather than just 'demony magick spell thing' but we shall see. Bring on the Zeppo, baby!!
Author's Response:Yes, I'm a bad, bad man to do that to Faith, but I'm glad people think her reaction was spot-on.
The Buffy-dizziness will be explained in the next chapter or two- our slayer will start getting some actual answers to her wish-problem, just as it escalates!
Thanks for the feedback, and enthusiasm- The Zeppo is coming!