(no subject)

[timepiececlock]

ahh.... here it comes: REC TIME!!!

Today's story to be shoved in your face:

Journeys: Promise to a Lady, by Mary

Summary: Part One of 'Journeys'. Alternate Season 6 and beyond. Picking up shortly after the events of ‘The Gift’, this is my version of Spike’s journey. Just won a Fancy Me Yours Award for 'Best Romance Fic' even though Buffy's, you know, DEAD!! LOL

It was just updated to chapter twelve. Also up at allaboutspike.com. One of my favorite chapter WIPs right now. It's dark and angsty, but also cute and humorous too, in a few places. Lots of Dawn/Spike friendship, very touchingly written. And I loved Mary's version of how Spike coped (or, didn't) in the direct aftermath of her death, and how Dawn helped him. Some very original ideas giving the "he goes crazy and starves" story new twists. That's only the beginning of this fic though-- it seems to be stretching out over the summer, with a promise to go into season 6.

I wanted to cry in this one scene, with Spike and the bot. So angsty and painful.

One of my [many] favorite quotes/moments from this fic, from a scene where Spike is visited in a dream/vision by Buffy:

< You’re strong here. > Her hand stroked over the beautifully muscled length of his arms. < All that power. >

< You’re strong here. > She laid her hand over his unbeating heart. < All that love. >

< And you’re strong here. > Her hand moved to his head, brushed through his hair. < Your mind is strong, vital. You’re strong, Spike. My blood flows in you, will always flow in you now. Always. It makes you stronger. And you need to stay strong. I need you. >

Comments

[sweet-ali.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, i am also so very in love with this story. It constantly leaves me aching after i read a chapter from her. The 2 that stood out the most for me was when Spike discovered the Buffybot and the night in Buffy's bed. Absolutely beautifully done and this author knows exactly how to guage emotion, how to punch and how to gently squeeze until you can't breathe. And this is only the beginning. Doesn't she have like 3 other parts to this?

Re:

[rashaka.livejournal.com]

Well, her summary promises that it will go all the way into an alternate version of season 6. I hope she sticks to it-- I'd love to read a series fic that long, when its done by an author this good. Makes my shipper heart go pitter patter! :grin:

And yeah, that scene with the bot was like being sucker-punched, I thought. But I loved how Dawn's reaction to it was written too. And I also liked how the author had Willow claim that it was an accident, but it still seems rather ambiguous in my mind. I can see Willow doing that. Not Giles. But Willow, yeah.

Did you also love the part where Spike rants on to Giles about his dream/visitation, and he says the same words from Dracula and Intervention? I thought that was great.

Re:

[sweet-ali.livejournal.com]

I really hope she sticks to it too =) From what she's said, she has a lot of it already written, so that gives me promise.

Oh, and yes, i loved Spike's rant to Giles and the repetition of that infamous line. This story is so wonderfully developed and flawless. I love how it flows.

I also enjoyed Tara's observations, especially at the hospital, where SPike is caring for Dawn, completely unaware of the puddle of blood below him. Pretty much all Dawn interaction is brilliant.

And willow? I'm most interested in where Mary will take her. Unsure about all her motivations and if that Buffybot mistake was really a mistake.

Okay, gushing now. Can't help it. Sometimes you jsut run across a story that makes you use up all the adjectives you can find.Good to know i'm not the only one praising this fic.

Sounds wonderful...

[right-as-rain.livejournal.com]

I'm swamped at work right now but I bookmarked that one for later.
Thanks for the rec!