Spuffy Fic Recs #2
- Thread starter Tranquillity
- Start date
Moscow Watcher
Scooby
Thank you, Tranquillity!
Here's the link to the previous thread. I think it shouldn't get lost, there are so many wonderful recs there.
https://www.buffy-boards.com/showthread.php?t=48849
New stuff:
Firsdt of all, I want to second, Xaphania's recommendation of "Yours, William" by puddinhead and it's sequel "My Elizabeth". You can find them on Spuffy Realm and Elysian Fields, as well as on Puddinhead's LJ
In the new installment Buffy and "de-prudified" William come aboard the ship that makes its way to the New World. According to the writer, "it will be darker than "Yours," and feature vampires, demons and slayers. There will be blood."
The story is amazing. Usually, by the time the writer finishes the first story, she usually runs out of obstacles to overcome and leaves the characters in a safe place. There is no need for a sequel, technically. But Thepuddinhead decided to follow in Joss' footsteps and after wrapping up all the storylines in "Yours, William" she started the new story the way Joss starts a new season - creating a new problem, new Big Bad, new settings. Meanwhile the characters got fleshed and developed, while the universe she created became truly fascinating.
Another interesting WIP is Out of Reach by spuffy_noelle
3 chapters so far. NC-17 (so I can't post the link, but you can Google it). Post-Wrecked. After an explosion, Buffy is left with no long-term memory. Until her memory comes back, she needs to learn what it is to be a slayer, and why she feels so drawn to the blond vampire.
And one more interesating project is Reunion by Elleyezee
http://elleyezee.livejournal.com/11214.html
WIP, post-series. Ever wonder why Buffy, Angel, Willow, Spike, Faith, Illyria, etc. split up across the country/world and seem to have taken on completely new identities? What does this mean for the fate of the world when there's a rumored apocalypse in 2012 and no one to stop it? Since Spike is the only one with any of his personality or memory left, it's up to him to track everyone down and figure out what is going on and how to stop it.
Very ambitious project, and I'm going to follow it closely.
A couple of interesting one-shots:
To Cancel Half a Line by Brutti ma buoni
http://seasonal-spuffy.dreamwidth.org/317276.html
PG-13, Post-season 2, Spike and Buffy, with hints of Spike/Buffy, with appearances from Giles, Willow, Faith and Xander. Brutti Ma Buoni masterfully connected season 2 and season 4, incorporated an apocalypse, time-travel, body-switch into the plot -- and added a dragon into the mix.
Firmer Ground by Gryfndor_Godess
http://gryfndor-godess.livejournal.com/112002.html
PG-13, early season 9, post-issue 1. Buffy tries to remember who she slept with last night. Spike tries to help. Stellar dialogues as our fools for love compete in the art of making embarrassing remarks.
A Day at the Shore by ReaderJane
http://sb-fag-ends.livejournal.com/76447.html
R, season 7. Spike tells Buffy a story about Orpheus... does he?
Paying the Toll by Brutti ma buoni
http://sb-fag-ends.livejournal.com/76825.html
PG. Post-The Gift. Spike says goodbye to Buffy. Prompt: Charon the Ferryman.
Here's the link to the previous thread. I think it shouldn't get lost, there are so many wonderful recs there.
https://www.buffy-boards.com/showthread.php?t=48849
New stuff:
Firsdt of all, I want to second, Xaphania's recommendation of "Yours, William" by puddinhead and it's sequel "My Elizabeth". You can find them on Spuffy Realm and Elysian Fields, as well as on Puddinhead's LJ
In the new installment Buffy and "de-prudified" William come aboard the ship that makes its way to the New World. According to the writer, "it will be darker than "Yours," and feature vampires, demons and slayers. There will be blood."
The story is amazing. Usually, by the time the writer finishes the first story, she usually runs out of obstacles to overcome and leaves the characters in a safe place. There is no need for a sequel, technically. But Thepuddinhead decided to follow in Joss' footsteps and after wrapping up all the storylines in "Yours, William" she started the new story the way Joss starts a new season - creating a new problem, new Big Bad, new settings. Meanwhile the characters got fleshed and developed, while the universe she created became truly fascinating.
Another interesting WIP is Out of Reach by spuffy_noelle
3 chapters so far. NC-17 (so I can't post the link, but you can Google it). Post-Wrecked. After an explosion, Buffy is left with no long-term memory. Until her memory comes back, she needs to learn what it is to be a slayer, and why she feels so drawn to the blond vampire.
And one more interesating project is Reunion by Elleyezee
http://elleyezee.livejournal.com/11214.html
WIP, post-series. Ever wonder why Buffy, Angel, Willow, Spike, Faith, Illyria, etc. split up across the country/world and seem to have taken on completely new identities? What does this mean for the fate of the world when there's a rumored apocalypse in 2012 and no one to stop it? Since Spike is the only one with any of his personality or memory left, it's up to him to track everyone down and figure out what is going on and how to stop it.
Very ambitious project, and I'm going to follow it closely.
A couple of interesting one-shots:
To Cancel Half a Line by Brutti ma buoni
http://seasonal-spuffy.dreamwidth.org/317276.html
PG-13, Post-season 2, Spike and Buffy, with hints of Spike/Buffy, with appearances from Giles, Willow, Faith and Xander. Brutti Ma Buoni masterfully connected season 2 and season 4, incorporated an apocalypse, time-travel, body-switch into the plot -- and added a dragon into the mix.
Firmer Ground by Gryfndor_Godess
http://gryfndor-godess.livejournal.com/112002.html
PG-13, early season 9, post-issue 1. Buffy tries to remember who she slept with last night. Spike tries to help. Stellar dialogues as our fools for love compete in the art of making embarrassing remarks.
A Day at the Shore by ReaderJane
http://sb-fag-ends.livejournal.com/76447.html
R, season 7. Spike tells Buffy a story about Orpheus... does he?
Paying the Toll by Brutti ma buoni
http://sb-fag-ends.livejournal.com/76825.html
PG. Post-The Gift. Spike says goodbye to Buffy. Prompt: Charon the Ferryman.
xaphania
Spike/Buffy
Good point about not losing the old thread [MENTION=10218]Moscow Watcher[/MENTION].
I'm loving My Elizabeth at the moment. A new chapter was posted earlier and it's great! If you're not already reading it, go do so now!
Your other recs look interesting, I've bookmarked them for future reading.
I'm loving My Elizabeth at the moment. A new chapter was posted earlier and it's great! If you're not already reading it, go do so now!
Your other recs look interesting, I've bookmarked them for future reading.
prophecygrrl
The girl in question
I just finished Prophecy and Warmth by TheBear and loved it. It's post-NFA and it's really beautifully written. I even bookmarked it in my Favorite Fics folder and everything. 🙂 You can find it on SR, rated PG, but I'd say PG-13-ish is more accurate. It's pretty lengthy but not too long that it's daunting. Highly recommended!
i've read so many good spuffy fics...but these two REALLY stand out for me--i've never forgotten either one and i go back to read them at least once a year.
the first is "angels of the silences" by annie sewell-jennings found here:
http://www.allaboutspike.com/fic.html?id=367
and the second is actually an EPIC series of fics called "the bittersweet series" by "herself" found here:
http://www.allaboutspike.com/seriespage.html?sid=1
it's just so excellent i can't even put it to words. one of the fics in the series is a novel-length story in ten parts--it's called "where they have to take you in" and it's just beautiful, absolutely beautiful. i highly, highly recommend all these.
the first is "angels of the silences" by annie sewell-jennings found here:
http://www.allaboutspike.com/fic.html?id=367
and the second is actually an EPIC series of fics called "the bittersweet series" by "herself" found here:
http://www.allaboutspike.com/seriespage.html?sid=1
it's just so excellent i can't even put it to words. one of the fics in the series is a novel-length story in ten parts--it's called "where they have to take you in" and it's just beautiful, absolutely beautiful. i highly, highly recommend all these.
Found this gem on Fanfiction.net (improbably enough). I've been meaning to reread it, so I decided to post it here too. (There's also an incomplete version on EF.)
Conversations About Dead People by smellslikecorruption
One-shots spanning the entire series and beyond. Conversations about Spike and Buffy. "He's lost to me now. Lost to us. Lost in her."
Conversations About Dead People by smellslikecorruption
One-shots spanning the entire series and beyond. Conversations about Spike and Buffy. "He's lost to me now. Lost to us. Lost in her."
Hi ya, I don't know if I should be asking here or elsewhere but I really wanna read some fanfic...
I'm itching for stories centered on Buffy/Spike/Dru (obviously Spuffy is the main ship but Dru's there for some drama and competition for Buffy hehe), and Buffy/Spike/Angel/Cordy (the ships would be Spuffy and Cangel, I'd dying to read some stuff in which they all interact)..
Oh and fanfic in which Buffy lets Spike bite her and drink her blood and it's a love thing ..like the kind of stuff you see on True Blood which is HOT.. 😀
I'm itching for stories centered on Buffy/Spike/Dru (obviously Spuffy is the main ship but Dru's there for some drama and competition for Buffy hehe), and Buffy/Spike/Angel/Cordy (the ships would be Spuffy and Cangel, I'd dying to read some stuff in which they all interact)..
Oh and fanfic in which Buffy lets Spike bite her and drink her blood and it's a love thing ..like the kind of stuff you see on True Blood which is HOT.. 😀
Moscow Watcher
Scooby
[MENTION=11604]badwolf[/MENTION] -
Double Date by Eilowyn is a Spuffy&Cangel story that comes to mind. It's "R"-rated, so I can't link it here. Google it!
Double Date by Eilowyn is a Spuffy&Cangel story that comes to mind. It's "R"-rated, so I can't link it here. Google it!
wickedtiger86
Scooby
Ack! I know! It's been driving me crazy!
I check it constantly just hoping that there is something new. I should probably go to her forum she has for her writing and see if she's said anything about it. Usually she's so great about updating regularly.
I hope she's feeling ok. 🙁
xaphania
Spike/Buffy
I remember seeing on the EF chatbox a while back that KnifeEdge is busy in RL at the moment.
In the meanwhile... Read 'My Elizabeth' by Puddinhead, or 'Chasing a Dream' by Enemy of Reality. 😀
In the meanwhile... Read 'My Elizabeth' by Puddinhead, or 'Chasing a Dream' by Enemy of Reality. 😀
wickedtiger86
Oh yeah, I forgot about "My Elizabeth"!! Gonna have to read that next. :D
xaphania
Spike/Buffy
This comics fic by gryfndor_godess is excellent.
Long Time Coming PG-13
This fic is a continuation of "Freefall, Part 2," issue #2 of S9. Literally. Buffy's first line of dialogue is from the issue, which was written by Andrew Chambliss. For those not keeping up with the comics but interested in reading anyway, the issue ends with Buffy encountering a mysterious boy who can somehow turn vampires into dead humans with his touch. Buffy is on the run from the police, who suspect her of being responsible for all the corpses that keep popping up.
Read it!
Long Time Coming PG-13
This fic is a continuation of "Freefall, Part 2," issue #2 of S9. Literally. Buffy's first line of dialogue is from the issue, which was written by Andrew Chambliss. For those not keeping up with the comics but interested in reading anyway, the issue ends with Buffy encountering a mysterious boy who can somehow turn vampires into dead humans with his touch. Buffy is on the run from the police, who suspect her of being responsible for all the corpses that keep popping up.
Read it!
Moscow Watcher
Thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed the story!
Five Stages of Grief by Cass
A series of five paired scenes based very loosely on one model of the five stages we go through when we grieve: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. So you may gather from that there is some angst involved. Post 'Chosen', Buffy and Spike
A series of five paired scenes based very loosely on one model of the five stages we go through when we grieve: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. So you may gather from that there is some angst involved. Post 'Chosen', Buffy and Spike
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white avenger
Excellent writer. Her "Moving On/Keep On Moving" are two of my favorite fan fictions of all time.
Your Queen You Bear Me by Quinara
What if Spike did turn Buffy into a vampire? This is a short little fic taking an AU from Out of My Mind where the Initiative doctor did take Spike's chip out. There's nothing to incite a warning on the AO3, though that's because the violence isn't graphic. 600-odd words; PG. The Queen of Swords is definitely an influence.
What if Spike did turn Buffy into a vampire? This is a short little fic taking an AU from Out of My Mind where the Initiative doctor did take Spike's chip out. There's nothing to incite a warning on the AO3, though that's because the violence isn't graphic. 600-odd words; PG. The Queen of Swords is definitely an influence.
xaphania
Spike/Buffy
I come bearing a couple of fic recs and an idea for a discussion...
Recs first, all WIPs but definitely worth your time.
Easy Way Out by Capella42 (At Elysian Fields)
Buffy Summers is the longest living Slayer; this sounds great, but there are repercussions. Can her friends, and specifically one bleach-blond ex-enemy, turn the tide?
Do you want a teaser? I see you all nodding, so I can reveal that this story is about treasure hunting, Shakespeare, striptease, Arabian Nights, accidents, a vampire shrink, martial arts lessons, kisses, demons and a Spuffy ending. Not exactly in this order...
I've not yet finished what's already posted of this, but I'm enjoying it very much so far. It's a rewrite of season six, but doesn't just repeat all the episodes exactly. Good read.
Rewind. Shuffle. Replay. by cloud_forest (At Elysian Fields)
Buffy Summers was hoping that when she moved to Sunnydale, she could forget about all of the 'Slayer' stuff that was thrust upon her in L.A. These hopes are quickly smothered though when she finds out that the librarian at Sunnydale High is also her new Watcher. Even worse, the small, quiet town she's just moved to is floating on a Hellmouth. Apparently, destiny has a slightly tighter grip on her than she thought.
This story is a series rewrite, starting from Welcome to the Hellmouth. It is built on the simple question of, how would things have gone if Buffy had met a different ensouled vampire on her way to the Bronze that night?
This is an interesting premise - what if Spike was the souled vampire that Buffy met in S1, and not Angel? I don't really read fics set in S1, but this one was recommended elsewhere and the idea hooked me, and it's definitely well worth a read. I like how the author isn't rewriting the episodes, but filling in the blanks around them - minus Tall, Dark and Boring and with a Spike-shaped addition. Really good.
Welcome to the Neighborhood by Science (At Elysian Fields)
Buffy and Dawn Summers have just moved into a new house and Buffy's already made enemies with their next door neighbor, Spike. He's kind of a jerk, she's kind of a bitch, and they hate each other on sight. But can the teenage Dawn's unlikely friendship with Spike soothe the tension between the two feuding adults...and possibly turn it into something (much) more pleasant?
Really good all-human fic with sexy, snarky Spuffy and lots of cute Spike-Dawn friendship moments.
And now onto the discussion idea:
With all the talk of internet censorship in the media at the moment, I couldn't help but have the horrifying thought about fanfic being censored, and taken down. I don't really know if it's a possibility - let's hope not! - but it did provoke a thought about what could be an interesting/fun discussion for us.
Desert Island Fics
You've probably heard of Desert Island Disks, where people are asked to choose the songs/records that they'd take with them if they were being exiled to a desert island... so let's do it for fanfics.
Imagine you have to choose five Spike/Buffy fanfics to save - five fics that will be the only Spuffy fics you'll ever read again.
What would they be, and why? Have a think and then write your list: would they be long epics or short ficlets? Stories by prolific authors and BNFs or by an underrated author you love?
They don't have to be the best written or most intellectually stimulating, they can be all-human or Buffyverse: your favourites, your guilty pleasures; those fics that you never get tired of re-reading, that make you laugh and cry and fall in love with Spike/Buffy all over again.
List the five fics you'd take to the desert island with you and why you'd take them. Try and make your list without looking at anyone else's so you won't be influenced into choosing fics that you think you should choose (i.e. the accepted 'fan favourites').
Who knows? We might all find something new to read, or rediscover an old favourite.
I'm going to have to do some thinking about which fics will make my list - now I've set the challenge I'm finding it harder than I thought it would be to narrow down my top five! I also wasn't sure whether to make this a new thread or not, but if you all think it would be better served as a new thread we can open one.
Recs first, all WIPs but definitely worth your time.
Easy Way Out by Capella42 (At Elysian Fields)
Buffy Summers is the longest living Slayer; this sounds great, but there are repercussions. Can her friends, and specifically one bleach-blond ex-enemy, turn the tide?
Do you want a teaser? I see you all nodding, so I can reveal that this story is about treasure hunting, Shakespeare, striptease, Arabian Nights, accidents, a vampire shrink, martial arts lessons, kisses, demons and a Spuffy ending. Not exactly in this order...
I've not yet finished what's already posted of this, but I'm enjoying it very much so far. It's a rewrite of season six, but doesn't just repeat all the episodes exactly. Good read.
Rewind. Shuffle. Replay. by cloud_forest (At Elysian Fields)
Buffy Summers was hoping that when she moved to Sunnydale, she could forget about all of the 'Slayer' stuff that was thrust upon her in L.A. These hopes are quickly smothered though when she finds out that the librarian at Sunnydale High is also her new Watcher. Even worse, the small, quiet town she's just moved to is floating on a Hellmouth. Apparently, destiny has a slightly tighter grip on her than she thought.
This story is a series rewrite, starting from Welcome to the Hellmouth. It is built on the simple question of, how would things have gone if Buffy had met a different ensouled vampire on her way to the Bronze that night?
This is an interesting premise - what if Spike was the souled vampire that Buffy met in S1, and not Angel? I don't really read fics set in S1, but this one was recommended elsewhere and the idea hooked me, and it's definitely well worth a read. I like how the author isn't rewriting the episodes, but filling in the blanks around them - minus Tall, Dark and Boring and with a Spike-shaped addition. Really good.
Welcome to the Neighborhood by Science (At Elysian Fields)
Buffy and Dawn Summers have just moved into a new house and Buffy's already made enemies with their next door neighbor, Spike. He's kind of a jerk, she's kind of a bitch, and they hate each other on sight. But can the teenage Dawn's unlikely friendship with Spike soothe the tension between the two feuding adults...and possibly turn it into something (much) more pleasant?
Really good all-human fic with sexy, snarky Spuffy and lots of cute Spike-Dawn friendship moments.
And now onto the discussion idea:
With all the talk of internet censorship in the media at the moment, I couldn't help but have the horrifying thought about fanfic being censored, and taken down. I don't really know if it's a possibility - let's hope not! - but it did provoke a thought about what could be an interesting/fun discussion for us.
Desert Island Fics
You've probably heard of Desert Island Disks, where people are asked to choose the songs/records that they'd take with them if they were being exiled to a desert island... so let's do it for fanfics.
Imagine you have to choose five Spike/Buffy fanfics to save - five fics that will be the only Spuffy fics you'll ever read again.
What would they be, and why? Have a think and then write your list: would they be long epics or short ficlets? Stories by prolific authors and BNFs or by an underrated author you love?
They don't have to be the best written or most intellectually stimulating, they can be all-human or Buffyverse: your favourites, your guilty pleasures; those fics that you never get tired of re-reading, that make you laugh and cry and fall in love with Spike/Buffy all over again.
List the five fics you'd take to the desert island with you and why you'd take them. Try and make your list without looking at anyone else's so you won't be influenced into choosing fics that you think you should choose (i.e. the accepted 'fan favourites').
Who knows? We might all find something new to read, or rediscover an old favourite.
I'm going to have to do some thinking about which fics will make my list - now I've set the challenge I'm finding it harder than I thought it would be to narrow down my top five! I also wasn't sure whether to make this a new thread or not, but if you all think it would be better served as a new thread we can open one.
I suppose series would count as separate stories? ...This is hard. Only... five... fics...
My list is mostly long fics, since they'll be the only ones I'd be reading on the desert island. Oh, and if the stories are available on FF or Nocturnal Light, I'll link them there, because the format's easy to navigate.
West of the Moon, East of the Sun by KnifeEdge
Every night it's the same dream: a dark room, a big bed, and a silent vampire I can't see... Set in an AU Season 5 with no Glory or Dawn B/S. Rating has gone up.
This is my all-time favourite fic. It has everything I would ever want in a Spuffy story, all my concerns addressed and no loose ends. Plotty, fluffy, angsty, witty, well-written, and with spot-on characterization. It was a no-brainer for me that I would pick this as one of the five.
Bloody Soul by Kallysten
Story goes AU at the end of Becoming 2. Rewrite of season 3. Buffy/Angel for part of the story, spuffy undertones throughout.
Brilliant story where Spike gets the soul instead of Angel. What I love about this is the canon problems of season 3 arising when I least expected them (maybe because I only rewatch the latter half of S3), with unexpected results. It's part of a larger series, but the rest aren't available online (and I assume that it would count as more than one fic).
The Rose by coalitiongirl
The Watchers Academy- where young potential slayers and watchers go to train in demonology, magic, and combat so that they can someday fight vampires, demons, and the forces of evil. There are evil magic professors, a principal with a secret, and an unbreachable wall between the slayers and the watchers. And in the basement, imprisoned vampires scheme and dream of destroying them all...
Long, plotty fic. I admit that I didn't actually choose this one for the Spuffy, but the interesting AU premise in general. Lovely writing and dialogue. This is actually the first Spuffy story I read. I don't remember how I found it--in my previous fandoms, I would usually read oneshots, and this was a looong fic--but I'm glad I did.
And my last two. Damn. Should I choose AHs? AUs? Post-series? -grits teeth in indecision-
Indigo Overture by Rikki_Oko
Spike's just a drummer, content to live in lead singer Angel's shadow. But when a certain blonde strolls in on Angel's arm, will Spike be content to take the backseat forever? Loosely based on the eighties song, Jesse's Girl.
Much shorter than the other stories I had chosen, but still of a reasonable length. AH, of course. I love the dynamic between Spike and Buffy in this, and the all the relationships in the Scooby Gang. It has an... interesting take on Angel. Personalities are down pat. A light, fun read.
Criminal Games by Ashlee
William ‘Spike’ Reed is the most successful art thief on record- and he’s never been caught. As one of the most powerful men in the country, he has managed to elude arrest for years while still maintaining a prominent status. When FBI Agent Buffy Summers is assigned to go undercover to capture him, she’s entered a game that she’s not sure she can win.
Another AH, since three of my recs have vamps in them. Strong, resourceful Buffy pitted against suspected criminal Spike. Forbidden love, and all that. Love both their characterizations, Spike's backstory, angst, and full circle ending. It's a compelling fic with an ever-advancing plot and the fluctuations of their relationship dynamics. Darker than the other AH I chose.
Sidenote, I was highly tempted by Anaross' fics, and other coalitiongirl's fics like Embers and A Switch In Time. Speaking of time travel, The Butterfly Effect by cousinjean.
My list is mostly long fics, since they'll be the only ones I'd be reading on the desert island. Oh, and if the stories are available on FF or Nocturnal Light, I'll link them there, because the format's easy to navigate.
West of the Moon, East of the Sun by KnifeEdge
Every night it's the same dream: a dark room, a big bed, and a silent vampire I can't see... Set in an AU Season 5 with no Glory or Dawn B/S. Rating has gone up.
This is my all-time favourite fic. It has everything I would ever want in a Spuffy story, all my concerns addressed and no loose ends. Plotty, fluffy, angsty, witty, well-written, and with spot-on characterization. It was a no-brainer for me that I would pick this as one of the five.
Bloody Soul by Kallysten
Story goes AU at the end of Becoming 2. Rewrite of season 3. Buffy/Angel for part of the story, spuffy undertones throughout.
Brilliant story where Spike gets the soul instead of Angel. What I love about this is the canon problems of season 3 arising when I least expected them (maybe because I only rewatch the latter half of S3), with unexpected results. It's part of a larger series, but the rest aren't available online (and I assume that it would count as more than one fic).
The Rose by coalitiongirl
The Watchers Academy- where young potential slayers and watchers go to train in demonology, magic, and combat so that they can someday fight vampires, demons, and the forces of evil. There are evil magic professors, a principal with a secret, and an unbreachable wall between the slayers and the watchers. And in the basement, imprisoned vampires scheme and dream of destroying them all...
Long, plotty fic. I admit that I didn't actually choose this one for the Spuffy, but the interesting AU premise in general. Lovely writing and dialogue. This is actually the first Spuffy story I read. I don't remember how I found it--in my previous fandoms, I would usually read oneshots, and this was a looong fic--but I'm glad I did.
And my last two. Damn. Should I choose AHs? AUs? Post-series? -grits teeth in indecision-
Indigo Overture by Rikki_Oko
Spike's just a drummer, content to live in lead singer Angel's shadow. But when a certain blonde strolls in on Angel's arm, will Spike be content to take the backseat forever? Loosely based on the eighties song, Jesse's Girl.
Much shorter than the other stories I had chosen, but still of a reasonable length. AH, of course. I love the dynamic between Spike and Buffy in this, and the all the relationships in the Scooby Gang. It has an... interesting take on Angel. Personalities are down pat. A light, fun read.
Criminal Games by Ashlee
William ‘Spike’ Reed is the most successful art thief on record- and he’s never been caught. As one of the most powerful men in the country, he has managed to elude arrest for years while still maintaining a prominent status. When FBI Agent Buffy Summers is assigned to go undercover to capture him, she’s entered a game that she’s not sure she can win.
Another AH, since three of my recs have vamps in them. Strong, resourceful Buffy pitted against suspected criminal Spike. Forbidden love, and all that. Love both their characterizations, Spike's backstory, angst, and full circle ending. It's a compelling fic with an ever-advancing plot and the fluctuations of their relationship dynamics. Darker than the other AH I chose.
Sidenote, I was highly tempted by Anaross' fics, and other coalitiongirl's fics like Embers and A Switch In Time. Speaking of time travel, The Butterfly Effect by cousinjean.
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xaphania
Spike/Buffy
It's only when I sat down to make my list that I realised just how difficult it is to narrow it down to just five choices. My first attempt had eight fics on it and getting that down to five was tough!
Forward to Time Past by Unbridled Brunette
The victim of a spell gone awry, Buffy finds herself trapped in Victorian London, where she meets a man surprisingly familiar to her.
This is the first story that came to mind when I started to compile my list. I've read it countless times and it just about hits every one of my fic kinks: season five, lovesick!Spike, William, time-travel, some Fanged Four action... It's well-written, long and plotty, and there are three distinct parts to it which almost makes it feel like you're reading three separate stories. You get Buffy and William's breathtaking romance in the first part; fists, fangs and that other -F in the second part and back to the regularly-scheduled S5 Spuffy in the third. All with a satisfying conclusion. I really would say this is one of my very, very favourite fanfics.
Long Day's Journey by Anaross
Spike's return, seen through the eyes of Angel and his friends. Oh. And he's not allowed to see Buffy. Post Chosen. Spike/Buffy pairing.
I thought long and hard about which of Anaross' fics to include on my list, but in the end it could be none other than this - Long Day's Journey. I adore this fic - I love that it's a Spuffy story but that the relationship isn't the main focus. I love that it's a Spike fic but from everyone's PoV but Spike's. I love the carefree attitude this Spike has, the silly little things like starting a W&H band that would never happen in canon but make so much sense in fanon. It's a slow-burn Spuffy fic, but it definitely does not leave you wanting.
Blue Horizons by Kantayra
All her life Elizabeth has done exactly what everyone expects of her. Now in her first year of college, she discovers the vast possibilities in life. But can she escape the ghosts of her past and find the courage to explore the new paths before her...including the affections of an infuriating young sophomore named William 'Spike' Giles?
This all-human fic draws me back over and over again - I'd even take a guess that it's my most re-read Spike/Buffy fanfic. I can't say for sure what it is about this one that appeals so much; it's a college-fic with perhaps an overly-optimistic view of what university is all about (not that Buffy's experience at college is completely perfect) - when I read it I find myself wishing that I was there, living at Westing House, friends with all these people. It's a fun, light read (but a good long one!), however it does also have angsty moments (and for some reason it always makes me cry 😱). This is definitely my guilty-pleasure fanfic.
This is where it started to get difficult for me, I had real trouble narrowing my shortlist down to choose just two more...
Long Time Gone by Bitterness
When Buffy and Spike were in high school, everything was nearly perfect for them-- until she mysteriously disappeared. Now, five years later, Buffy's returned for her mother's funeral, and to take over caring for her sister, Dawn. Can Dawn and Spike ever forgive her for running away? Especially when she won't tell them why?
This fic hits another of my kinks... kid!fic. I just can't resist Spuffy-with-cute-kid, especially when it's helped along with a side-order of angst, high-school flashbacks and an unusual Dawn/Oz side-plot. Throw in rockstar!Spike (sort of) and a bumpy-road back to Spuffyness and I just had to include this on my list.
Cast Me Not Away by EnigmaticBlue
A long series exploring the ramifications of love, loss, and belonging. Spike leaves after "Dead Things," wanting nothing more than to get Buffy out of his head. Wesley's still an independent contractor after the events of "Loyalty." And Buffy's still living in the land of denial.
Is it cheating to include a series? Technically this is two very long fics and several short ficlets combined to make one epic 'verse, but I just couldn't miss it off my list. I'm always fascinated by fics that take the end of Dead Things as a starting point, and have Spike leave because of it. What would Buffy do if that were the case? This answers the question - sort of, because it picks up a few years down the line. I really like the non-linear format of this one: each chapter is dated and we dip in and out of the present and past and all the time in between, meaning that everything is not immediately explained and the story is woven quite intricately as you read along. This satisfies my kid!fic kink and has an awesome friendship between Wes and Spike.
Narrowly missing out on a place in my list:
-Legions of True Hearts by Eurydice. In the end I chose not to include this because I already had a William-fic, and once we get back to the present, I kind of lose interest...
-Older by Nautibitz. It almost pains me not to include a Nauti fic on my list, because she is the Queen of Spuffy Naughtiness, but if I take into account the re-readability factor, Older just missed out.
-Aloof Rocker Kryptonite by JustTiff. This didn't make my list only because it's unfinished. But what is there is pure, unadulterated guilty-pleasure reading. Rockstar!Spike, smart and sassy Buffy, fantastic smut... 😉😱 Wish it had been finished!
Forward to Time Past by Unbridled Brunette
The victim of a spell gone awry, Buffy finds herself trapped in Victorian London, where she meets a man surprisingly familiar to her.
This is the first story that came to mind when I started to compile my list. I've read it countless times and it just about hits every one of my fic kinks: season five, lovesick!Spike, William, time-travel, some Fanged Four action... It's well-written, long and plotty, and there are three distinct parts to it which almost makes it feel like you're reading three separate stories. You get Buffy and William's breathtaking romance in the first part; fists, fangs and that other -F in the second part and back to the regularly-scheduled S5 Spuffy in the third. All with a satisfying conclusion. I really would say this is one of my very, very favourite fanfics.
Long Day's Journey by Anaross
Spike's return, seen through the eyes of Angel and his friends. Oh. And he's not allowed to see Buffy. Post Chosen. Spike/Buffy pairing.
I thought long and hard about which of Anaross' fics to include on my list, but in the end it could be none other than this - Long Day's Journey. I adore this fic - I love that it's a Spuffy story but that the relationship isn't the main focus. I love that it's a Spike fic but from everyone's PoV but Spike's. I love the carefree attitude this Spike has, the silly little things like starting a W&H band that would never happen in canon but make so much sense in fanon. It's a slow-burn Spuffy fic, but it definitely does not leave you wanting.
Blue Horizons by Kantayra
All her life Elizabeth has done exactly what everyone expects of her. Now in her first year of college, she discovers the vast possibilities in life. But can she escape the ghosts of her past and find the courage to explore the new paths before her...including the affections of an infuriating young sophomore named William 'Spike' Giles?
This all-human fic draws me back over and over again - I'd even take a guess that it's my most re-read Spike/Buffy fanfic. I can't say for sure what it is about this one that appeals so much; it's a college-fic with perhaps an overly-optimistic view of what university is all about (not that Buffy's experience at college is completely perfect) - when I read it I find myself wishing that I was there, living at Westing House, friends with all these people. It's a fun, light read (but a good long one!), however it does also have angsty moments (and for some reason it always makes me cry 😱). This is definitely my guilty-pleasure fanfic.
This is where it started to get difficult for me, I had real trouble narrowing my shortlist down to choose just two more...
Long Time Gone by Bitterness
When Buffy and Spike were in high school, everything was nearly perfect for them-- until she mysteriously disappeared. Now, five years later, Buffy's returned for her mother's funeral, and to take over caring for her sister, Dawn. Can Dawn and Spike ever forgive her for running away? Especially when she won't tell them why?
This fic hits another of my kinks... kid!fic. I just can't resist Spuffy-with-cute-kid, especially when it's helped along with a side-order of angst, high-school flashbacks and an unusual Dawn/Oz side-plot. Throw in rockstar!Spike (sort of) and a bumpy-road back to Spuffyness and I just had to include this on my list.
Cast Me Not Away by EnigmaticBlue
A long series exploring the ramifications of love, loss, and belonging. Spike leaves after "Dead Things," wanting nothing more than to get Buffy out of his head. Wesley's still an independent contractor after the events of "Loyalty." And Buffy's still living in the land of denial.
Is it cheating to include a series? Technically this is two very long fics and several short ficlets combined to make one epic 'verse, but I just couldn't miss it off my list. I'm always fascinated by fics that take the end of Dead Things as a starting point, and have Spike leave because of it. What would Buffy do if that were the case? This answers the question - sort of, because it picks up a few years down the line. I really like the non-linear format of this one: each chapter is dated and we dip in and out of the present and past and all the time in between, meaning that everything is not immediately explained and the story is woven quite intricately as you read along. This satisfies my kid!fic kink and has an awesome friendship between Wes and Spike.
Narrowly missing out on a place in my list:
-Legions of True Hearts by Eurydice. In the end I chose not to include this because I already had a William-fic, and once we get back to the present, I kind of lose interest...
-Older by Nautibitz. It almost pains me not to include a Nauti fic on my list, because she is the Queen of Spuffy Naughtiness, but if I take into account the re-readability factor, Older just missed out.
-Aloof Rocker Kryptonite by JustTiff. This didn't make my list only because it's unfinished. But what is there is pure, unadulterated guilty-pleasure reading. Rockstar!Spike, smart and sassy Buffy, fantastic smut... 😉😱 Wish it had been finished!
Spikefan31
Effulgent
Gosh, I haven't read Spuffy in what feels like forever. I really ought to start doing so again. I might start with Blue Horizons. It sounds interesting.
I was inspired by this thread in TSR, and since it doesn't seem to be active anymore, can you guys here on BB give me more recs along the same lines? Basically AH fics that start out with Spike and Buffy hating each other (click the thread for more details).
Besides the recs in the thread itself, Welcome to the Neighborhood by Science fits into the criteria. WIP, still updating, but not that regularly. I think.
Besides the recs in the thread itself, Welcome to the Neighborhood by Science fits into the criteria. WIP, still updating, but not that regularly. I think.