The Girl from Away
That was a very tender moment that Buffy and Faith had. I loved it. This Buffy really knows how to read Faith and react to her properly.
Willow really gets on my nerves. Like really. I think you're doing that intentionally. Hahaha!
Glad that Dawn is ever supportive of her sister. The other Dawn was a brat!
Amy I craaaazy. Wonder how she managed to kidnap Willow.
Author's Response:It's my evil plot so no one will be mad at me when I inevitably kill Willow. :D
The other Dawn was sometimes a brat, but she was supportive of Faith! Doesn't that count? :p
Yay for fuffy!
That conversation Buffy had with Spike was interesting. I like that Buffy cares more for Faith than she does for herself but she takes it further by telling someone to choose Faith. Really liked it.
Loved the fight! I don't think I've read many stories where Tara is as strong as you write her so it's very refreshing to read. She is stronger than she knows and I love that Faith sees that in her. I wonder if the events of the fight will steer Willow to have at least a tiny bit better view of Faith. She was part of the rescue team and all.
Can't wait for the next chapter! :)
Author's Response:Thanks! :) unfortunately I don't have the next one ready yet, so it's going to be a bit longer until posting. :(
Tara is awesome! She didn't choose to use magic as freely as Willow, but she had been practicing a long time and had a lot of knowledge. I think when push comes to shove, she can hold her own. Especially for Willow. :)
Perhaps Willow may lighten up in future now. :)
So Amy's actually quite the foe. Makes me wonder why she's biding her time. I wonder if there's a massacre on the horizon? :p This chapter was cool, little details like Rack being sucked dry of magic by amy lend depth to the story and familiarity to the show. Can't say i expected faith to burst into flames that was a shock but really things went better than expected. Don't imagine Amy's too happy wherever she slunk off to. The weekly wait continues...
Author's Response:Why do they ever bide their time? The story demands it. :p She wants Willow, and preferably to be crazy with her and not sucked dry, so she's not quite ready to throw in the towel on that plan.
Gonna be a bit more than a week this time. Life's in the way of completing the next chapter. I hope to have it up next week. :(
Yay great update!Amy is really annoying me, she's crazy. Don't know whether to be happy or worried that Willow had to tap into her magic to save them, but at least she snapped out of it when she saw Tara needed her... That gives me hope!This chap really wasn't very big on the Fuffy love until the end, but small Fuffy is better than none!!!Once again, looking forward to next update!
Author's Response:Thanks! More fuffy to come. :) Unfortunately not on Friday this week though. :( Next chapter is still a work in progress. Hope to have it up next week.
Whoo hoo!!!! Update! Holy crap, Batman! This story just keeps getting better. I absolutely love it! Please update again soon.
Author's Response:Thank you! Next chapter will be up in like... 13 hours. :D
Pfft. Strikethroughs on comments don't work. False advertising much? :p Now my "full frontal throttle" comment just makes me look like a spaz. :'(
Author's Response:What?! They totally work.
"Buffy looks up at her with big eyes, obviously waiting for a real answer. ”
It's a small moment, but I think this scene says a lot about how their relationship is different to the canon version. Buffy cares enough about Faith to press for an answer, and Faith in turn feels like she can be more open. Nice opening scene (So much so that I won't even tease you about the time jump :O).
The inclusion of Marcie is cool, as was her reintroduction. Nice to see she's, err, putting her invisibility to good use, and it was very fitting that nobody remembered her. You're so going to kill her, aren't you? :p
Lol, poor Faith. You shouldn't mock the entrail-covered, Buffy, especially after they (inadvertently) saved you from the same fate. That's just downright mean.
Another sweet scene at the end as well. I like that they're still getting used to each other rather than just going full frontal throttle at the first opportunity (Although I can't imagine either one will get an awful lot of sleep lying that intimately :p), and that they're communicating (And that it feels like they've built up to being able to communicate). It feels genuine, and, as fun as a snarky Faith and Buffy throw-down can be, the temperaments of both characters in this story is something I could easily get used to.
Really good chapter. :)
Author's Response:I don't kill everybody. Hmmph. I always really liked Marcie. I thought it was such a cool idea.
I think if there's one thing Buffy understands, it's Faith and what makes her tick. She is able to avoid a lot of relationship pitfalls because she's already got the inside track into Faith's mind. In most respects anyway. I think Faith will still surprise her in some ways. But thus far it's working out pretty well for them. I think also they usually get together based on attraction (like most people haha), whereas here they already have some deeper connections going on. I don't think that means the road won't have bumps though. Just different ones. Which we shall find out together, whenever I complete the next chapter! :p
Lovin this! Look forward to it every Friday!
Author's Response:Thank you!! :) It's almost Friday. ;)
Oops. I thought Ayan was just a typo when I saw the name in the previous chapter. But it looks like Dawn has made a (Witchy?) friend. And lol at Buffy's handling of her grumpy morning attitude.
Faith totally missed the perfect opportunity to throw hot liquid in Willow's face. Sure, Willow hadn't done too much wrong in that scene, but it would have been a good pre-emptive strike.
Yes! Murderous Chipmunks (That was more or less that you said :p)! And yes, if Connor were to be eaten by these murderous chipmunks then that wouldn't be a bad thing. Especially if he were to retroactively cease to exist in Angel so he could stop ruining it all. Then you'd basically be a hero.
Faith had a plan – it even involved stealth. See, she really has grown, and Buffy should be proud. :p
Meanwhile, I think Amy may have turned into a slightly insane veterinarian. Her forest of evil-creepy-animal-things is pretty cool. It would be a bit of a pain in the ass to stake your way through that, even with two Slayers on the job.
Author's Response:Pre-emptive strikes for the win. Willow deserves it. Okay, are you ready?
BOOM
PRESTO
CONNOR IS GONE
WHO?
WHAT?
ALL IS WELL IN ANGEL LAND.
There. How was that? Did that work for you? C:
Ayan is Selima's younger sister, and yes, friend of Dawn now. :) The insane vet, I like it! She does have that special affinity for rats, after all. I'll admit, the addition of stealth is an improvement over her early plans (if you don't come after me, I might die!). Not sure it was totally well-formed, but whatever, they sort of made it out in one piece. That's all that counts!
Love how it's so natural for Buffy to be around Faith. And there is no pressure coming from her at all, even though she's obviously raring to be all touchy with this Faith.
I wouldn't have had the same self-control as her, but I guess Buffy knows well enough that rushing Faith into anything is not really the best approach.
Love how Faith is hesitant around Buffy, but doesn't runaway from the opportunities presented to her.
Author's Response:Well, she learned that lesson the hard way with her pushing Faith about prison. :( But she is a very patient and understanding person anyway. And if she's waited this long, why rush it?
man i'm enjoying this fic. i've alrready converted 'flowers for a ghost' into a file for my e-reader,, and i'm chompinga the bit to convert this one when it's finished too.
and while i (obviously) enjoyed the 'FFAG' fic, i'm enjoying this one even more.
awesome job, keep it up.
Author's Response:Thank you. :)
Definitely a lot of action in this one!
It's perfectly reasonable for Willow to not have gotten over the loss of her Buffy but using the spell? Bad Willow! It makes sense that her and Tara don't live together after that. How she reacts to Faith makes even more sense now.
I really like Dawn here. She's honest but comforting at the same time. And Buffy and Faith together are very cute! I like that they haven't jumped into anything too serious yet either. It increases the cuteness factor. :)
Great chapter! :)
Author's Response:Thank you! :) She doesn't live with Tara also because Tara lives in Buffy's house. :P And Buffy probably doesn't want her living there after oh, sending her soul out of her body. Kind of an annoying thing for a roommate to do. :p
Dawn's an annoying ahem, a good egg. :) She just wants Buffy to be happy.
No Fuffy sexy time this chap? :(
I knew Willow would do that spell, seems she learnt her lesson after it backfired horribly at least.
So Amy has Willow, and is gonna help her with her 'problem' eep I'd be worried too if i was Willow.
So pleased with Buffy standing up to Willow, and love Dawn and Buffy's convo!
So much looking forward to next weeks update!!!!
Author's Response:From first kiss to sex in 12 hours??? Dang, girl! Slow down!:p
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
Damn, Amy that's cold. Loving these throwbacks to stories in the earlier seasons that were left somewhat open ended. Using them in this story is really cool and not something I think I've seen done before. Will you aim for a hattrick? :p The scene explaining Willow's anger was great and I'm glad you're restraining your Willow bashing and trying to make her a well rounded character. Dawn's scene was sweet and very in character.
But that opening bedroom scene was just perfection. You told me awkwardness is key to first time Fuffy interactions and I don't think you're mistaken with that approach, but the playful and almost possessive nature of Buffy's actions and words as they just lay there is so satisfying to read. You get the sense of how used to this Buffy was a different life ago and there's a level of comfort and trust, banter over their fighting styles, those nails that dig into Faith's stomach. You really understand these are two powerful women that are simply choosing to be gentle because of what the other means to them.
Well that's what I got from it anyway. Really liked this chapter. Not many left now...
Author's Response:Thanks! Hmm now I feel pressured to put it another callback. D: We'll see if anything comes to mind in the coming chapters. This story is more than 10 chapters long, if that's what you meant? I'm not sure how many it will be. Likely around 15.
Buffy having such familiarity with Faith kind of kills some of the awkwardness I would normally want to infuse in the scene. :p Although there are still Faith's feelings, and she is not settled into quite the same comfort level, as will be clearer in later chapters. Having Buffy be that easy with her definitely soothes the jagged edges though.
the long awaited indeed-but damn, you've made up for it... mmmm :)
Author's Response:Thank you!! :) Glad you enjoyed it.
"21 months later"
Lame. :p Where's the twelve-chapter epic breakout plan that you promised*?
Ouch. No more visits for almost two years? Harsh. At least she kept sending Faith the art supplies, but still, that's a long time to be stuck in a cell with nothing to do but think about things. :( I bet back at the prison there's a cartoon lying around of a half-eaten Slayer sticking out of a dragon's mouth.
I'm not sure Spike eating Xander would be that big of a deal. Probably best to start with Willow and go from there though.
For a bit I thought Willow was still going to be in big bad mode. But evil Amy sounds just as promising.... At least until you 21-months-later her away. (OK, I'm over it now. Probably. :p)
Oh, and I liked the Madame Magdalena bit. :D
*Or were supposed to promise but clearly forgot to. Whichever.
Author's Response:I cut those epic scenes along with the wedding plans. :D
The real purpose of the time jump is to differentiate this fic from Flowers, and because I didn't want to cheapen Faith's storyline by springing her early.
Willow did basically go into bad mode in season six, and it's described in more detail later, we just skipped it to go into my season seven. :p I promise I won't jump 21 months into the future again (although now I kind of want to do an epilogue where it goes to 21 months later, just to be a brat). :)
How about if I write Conner in and then I kill him? Will that get me back into your good graces?? :p
"It’s incredible, how a person can be so lonely, and life just keeps going."
So incredibly poignant. I can't imagine what Buffy goes through every day there, surrounded by people she knows but not the people she wants, unable to live the life she wants even though it so closely resembles the life she had. Her lonliness has to be so difficult. The quick hug Faith gave her when she was leaving the cot made my heart flutter. Love that Faith gets the physical contact too; I think she needs it probably more than anyone.
The addition of Marcie is a stroke of genius, which I'm sure you're aware of. :p Can't wait to read that one-shot you promised. :D
Loved loved loved the bedroom scene with Faith and Buffy. It felt so natural, and it was even better because they didn't just start banging. It was emotional, and I think that's something they need more than physical right now. I mean, yeah, we all want to see the physical. :p But you're doing it the right way, and I commend you on that. Too many people write sex scenes because that's what the readers want. What you did is right for the story. It just fits. Loved it, the whole chapter. Keep 'em coming :)
Author's Response:It puts me in mind of this movie quote, "So the life that I was trying for is over. The life that I had is gone, and I'm feeling so damn sorry for myself that it's difficult to breathe." Except Buffy doesn't spare the time to feel sorry for herself, she just keeps chugging along because she's the slayer, damn it. She is very lonely though. I tried to make it so that she has at least Tara as a solid friend here who understands her and notices the pain she's in, but of course Tara has Willow, and even the closest friend can't really replace having a partnership like she did before. :( Why am I writing this fic again?
The one-shot... hmm... okay, look for that, March 2014 or so.:D
E, you perv. There will be no sex in this story! I write pure, innocent Fuffy. Didn't you see that with my previous stor--oh, wait. ;)
*Time Jump* Are you gonna give us flashbacks anytime soon? :D
I liked that Buffy and Faith spent some quiet time in the porch. Tara joining them makes me like her a lot, because she doesn't add to Faith's feeling of being unwanted.
The Hotel California lyrics made me laugh. I learned to listen to those songs from my uncle.
I liked the moment they shared at the porch. It seemed tender, the silence between them. I don't know. There's something to be said about sitting down with a friend, and not talking. Just enjoying the company of each other... catching up. Yeah, I know they talked. But it felt like they were also allowing each other to adjust to the feeling of being together. Is that crazy?
I wonder if Willow will be all self-righteous when she sees Faith.
Also, peeping Amy is icky. Killing a bird just like that. So evil. Please put Faith in the same bedroom as Buffy? *wishful thinking*
Author's Response:Lol. I don't think there will be any flashbacks! I'm sorry to disappoint you. :p
I think your thoughts about the porch scene are on point. These two feel at ease around each other, and that's probably a direct result of Buffy's attitude. Buffy can't see Faith as threatening or untrustworthy. She's just positive and caring, and Faith picks up on that and adjusts accordingly. Faith's kind of a high strung person, but Buffy's really grounding for her.
I don't think she's going to be in the same bedroom yet. :p
So I commented about Alter-Buffy and you wanted me to specify what I liked so much. Well for starters, I really dig her no-nonsence attitude when it comes to Faith in regards to the Scoob's crummy prejudice. She stands her ground. Once it's out that in Alter-Sunnydale her/Faith are involved, her attitude is simply "You don't know her, I do, I love her and if you don't like it THERES the door." No buts, no excuses, no hiding. Buffy is a powerhouse in general, but our canon Buffy is a giant coward when it comes to sticking up for those she feels for (e.g. Spike). She has a history of letter her reputation with the Scoobs interfere with her love life (e.g. Angel/Spike). She hides out, and takes on the Scoobies emotional baggage, because if Buffy is anything she is self-sacrificing. She stands up for everyone but herself (in some ways). It's nice to see her written this way. I often wonder what things would have been like if Buffy focused more on her own happiness (and if the networks/writers weren't such prudes til' season 4)....
I could talk about this forever, so I will stop here. Feel free to email me though :) If I meta about Buffy aloud one more time I'm sure my friends will have my head.
Nixabit86@gmail.com
Author's Response:Hahah! Well you can meta all you want here, Nix! :D I don't know if I think Buffy's hiding romantic relationships or not wanting to bring it up to the Scoobs is self-sacrifice, so much as it is cowardness as you said before. She doesn't tell them that Angel comes back from hell, because she doesn't want to hurt them, but more importantly doesn't want them to be mad at her. She doesn't tell about Spike, although in that case she was deeply ashamed and all messed up from coming back from the dead, so I sort of understood that more. It's weird because I don't think her friends would have been judgemental or unsupportive in most cases. I mean, yes, they'd judge about Spike, but rightfully so. That was horrible and unhealthy. I think Willow would have been understanding about Angel, and probably so would Giles, if she had been up front. Xander would have been an ass, but what else would be new? :p
I like what you said about Alt Buffy though. That's a perfect synopsis of her atittude about their thoughts on Faith. :D I love that about her too. Faith needs that. You know even if Canon Buffy and Faith got together, Buffy would always tolerate the Scoobs attitudes and try to smooth things over with them, which would be hurtful to the B/F relationship. Canon Faith fell so far, I really think she needs that strong presence in her life that's just like, "I love you. I'm proud to be with you. And I don't care what anybody says about it." Yay for Alt Buffy!!
I don't think Willow ever had much of a genuine reason to dislike Faith other than jealousy; she even seemed more upset about Faith sleeping with Xander than strangling him. And now she's just being a total ass. So the plan should be: Buffy abducts Willow. Willow stops being lame (On the account of being tied up under Buffy's bed). Buffy gets sent to jail for not returning her when asked politely. Has Faith as a cell mate. Canoodling commences. And they live a happy, rent-free (See, it solves all the problems!) life together. Yes?
Err, meanwhile the world kinda ends (Unfortunate, but I didn't say it was a perfect plan). :p
Anyway, at least everyone else is being (relatively) supportive.
I thought Buffy would want to get Faith out sooner or later. She probably should have waited until Faith had gotten used to the idea of her before suggesting it though. Might have gone down slightly better. It's a little sad that Faith is so down on herself and that maybe she doesn't really trust herself, but it also shows that she has changed – that turning herself in wasn't just a hasty decision that she regrets. And all she wants to do is fight dragons with Buffy! Is that really too much to ask? :(
Author's Response:Tying her up under the bed, huh? That's a different kind of fic, Silent. Where are you going with this?? :p
I don't think cohabitating in prison while the world ends is quite the ending I had envisioned, but I'll take it under advisement. :)
Unfortunately Buffy's not thinking all that clearly right now, so just plows ahead with what she sees as talking some sense into Faith. They're both right, in their own way, but neither of them wants to see the other's side. :(
First, yay for fuffy! :) Also, really loved that they kept it at going slow. Buffy showed some good sense in not going further even though it seemed like Faith was willing to go further.
The burnbugs are very interesting and I'm curious at what else Amy throws at them. Loved that Faith saved Buffy even while getting stung. All I thought was "aw, she really cares!"
Can't wait to read what's next! :)
Author's Response:Thank you! I second the yay for fuffy! They've had two years apart, so why rush it now?
To Buffy and to Tara, Faith saving her is meaningful and illustrates how good she is deep down, but of course Faith would give herself no credit. :( Credit to Spike, although he was skulking about, haha.
That last scene so sweet and restrained. Really kind of beautiful. And bringing in Marcie is just really so different from anything I expected and pretty cool. I do enjoy these Friday updates and this was just lovely.
Author's Response:Thank you very much. :) Glad you enjoyed it. I always loved that ep with Marcie. :)
What a cool twist of events. The inclusion of Marcie is just cool. I'll say it again: cool. Now after saying it 3 times I should see a genie or summon the Kool-aid monster guy thing or whatever.
Anyyyyyyhoo, yeah, nice chapter. The fuffy moments were nicely handled and just the right amount of playful and exploring something new without going balls to the wall sexy with it. Balls to the wall may be the wrong expression in this context.
Boobs to the wall? Boobs to the wall. Go, boob, go.
I'll stop rambling now, looking forward to see how the Marcie plan and fuffy shennanigans play out.
Author's Response:I hope the Kool-Aid monster did not come crashing through your wall after you left this review.
Thank you. :) Actually I'm pretty excited about Marcie too. I loved that episode, although it was one of their more heavy handed high school is hell examples.
So, main reason why I was going to read this after the weekend is cos my weekend is going to be an in-law overload and I wanted this to look forward to!
Turned out I couldn't wait!
I thought to cheer myself up I'll read this before the in-law infested weekend begins! Hey, new big bad could be my mother-in-law! Oh I dont really mean that... or do i...?!!!
..Moving on...
Yey for the fuffy-ness.
As i suspected you timed it perfectly, in fact even if I had to wait a few more chapters I'd still be utterly invested in this fic of yours... i quite simply love it!
Insisble Marcie.... Niiiiiice one! I absolutely cannot wait for the next chapter... i feel like i say that all the time, but it's true, i'm like wishing 7 days away so that it can be next Friday!
And about the awe thing... i think its best you not seek it from your family via C2 cos yes they will think you have directed them to porn! (not based on this story mind!), so i tell you what, i'll send some great british awe across the pond and over to you! howzzzat? :)
til the next time...
Author's Response:Good luck with the in-laws. :p I hope you survive the weekend!
Thank you so much. :) I appreciate that British awe. ;p I wish it was next Friday too, because I'm excited to keep posting this one. But alas, if I go any faster we'll run out of chapters. D:
GREAT UPATE!!!
Yay, finally Fuffy kisses! Next chapter Fuffy sexy times??
Go Faith for rescuing Buffy from the beasties while intoxicated by burnbug venom! Damn Spike, he needs to be staked!
Hmm Marcie... Interesting! Why did she yelp when she touched Selima's hand though?
Very much looking forward to next weeks update! In fact, I don't think you should wait til next week... Update tomorrow, then the day after that, then the day after that, and everyday til the story is finished!
How many chapters left?
Author's Response:Hmm, I suspect I could have written almost anything and as long as there was Fuffy kissage, you'd love it! :p
Selima did the same thing to Marcie she did to Faith. :) Sort of a magical background check.
I'm actually still writing this one. Didn't complete the whole thing before posting, as a pleasant (actually terrible and stressful :p) change of pace. So I'm not sure how many chapters there are. Probably around 15 I think.