Black Magic White Lies, chapter 2

[moscow_watcher]

Title: Black Magic White Lies
Chapter 2 - "No! It's not what you think!"
Timeline: BtVS, alternate season 5
Genre: drama, mystery, action
Characters, pairing: general, Xander/Faith
Rating: R (for intense situations).
Summary: Xander thinks he has a little secret. He doesn't know that his little secret is a part of a big fat conspiracy.
Disclaimer:

Comments

[stormwreath]

It's interesting that you've got Faith's stomach completely unmarked. I always assume that she still has the scar from Buffy's knife wound. Logically there's no reason why she would - Slayer healing would get rid of it, surely - but I assume that something with such emotional significance to her wouldn't heal so quickly. It's the same reason why Spike's vampire healing never got rid of the scar on his eyebrow the Chineses Slayer gave him.

I'm not going to comment on the overall plot of the story yet, except to raise my eyebrow and say "Hmm." :-)

[moscow_watcher]

Faith's stomach completely unmarked.

It's not conceptual - just a set-up for a bit of Buffy-squirming in the penultimate chapter.

I'm not going to comment on the overall plot of the story yet, except to raise my eyebrow and say "Hmm." :-)

*sighs in relief*
Frankly, I expect your comments with a bit of trepidation. First, because you've already found an factual error - and I thought I did a thorough research. Second, because you've figured out my first plot twist instantly, and I expect you'll figure out the rest as easily - so I can't manipulate you the way I planned.

Thank you for feedback! :-)

[sentine]

I'm hooked, honey. And this is coming from someone who rarely reads any fiction not involving Spike ;)

Also really like the way you write, your 'rhythm'.

[moscow_watcher]

Thank you! This is the best compliment to me!

Also really like the way you write, your 'rhythm'.

The side-effect of writing in foreign language: it's so hard that you only write phrases that are 100% necessary. :-)

[sentine]

The side-effect of writing in foreign language

Not being a native speaker myself, but loving the English language, I guess I'm very sensitive to its 'music', both spoken and written.

it's so hard that you only write phrases that are 100% necessary

And what a pleasure for us readers!

[brunettepet]

Was that just a dream or a memory? Either way, it was vivid and emotional. Xander trying to throw Faith a life line, and her hurling it right back was wonderfully in character for the both of them.

[moscow_watcher]

Was that just a dream or a memory?

Neither...

Either way, it was vivid and emotional. Xander trying to throw Faith a life line, and her hurling it right back was wonderfully in character for the both of them.

Thank you! I was constantly wondering if I make Faith too harsh, if I make Xander a Marty-Stu. I tried to convey that the situation is more complex than is seems and there is no an easy solution here.

[angearia]

I'll admit to being intrigued and confused. I thought it was a dream of a memory, but reading the comments has thrown me a bit. Great start so far. I loved the roleplaying with Faith and Buffy, especially this line:

He'd rehearsed these words so many times. In third person, for Buffy. In second person, for her. He never thought he would have to say them in first person.

You've created the unknown motivation for connection between Faith and Xander, making it canon compliant that he's always felt this way for her but just never found the courage to voice it. So it's something we never saw blossom on screen, but it was there underneath the surface.

I really enjoyed this. The intriguing situation of Faith with the knife, the switch up with metaphors of penetration. Fascinating.

[moscow_watcher]

I'll admit to being intrigued and confused.

Then my task is fulfilled. I wanted to write a story about lies and manipulations and to use manipulations as my primary technique.

You've created the unknown motivation for connection between Faith and Xander, making it canon compliant that he's always felt this way for her but just never found the courage to voice it. So it's something we never saw blossom on screen, but it was there underneath the surface.

About a year ago I rewatched their two scenes in season 3 and thought: "OMG, they're so Spuffy!" I think it was one of the reasons I decided to try writing them - and it turned out to be interesting and rewarding. Although sometimes I wonder if I channel my own take on Buffy/William into Faith/Xander here.

The intriguing situation of Faith with the knife, the switch up with metaphors of penetration.

Frankly, I was scared to go there. I never wrote really dark stuff before. I'm glad it works.

[all_choseny]

The dream sequence was very chilling. And very good. I love your Faith voice. You really captured her insanity spot on.

[moscow_watcher]

Sorry for late reply, I guess I somehow missed your comment. I got a notification about another comment on this chapter, went here to reply and discovered a couple of other comments, including yours. It was a nice surprise - thank you! :)