Nothing the Same, Book 4, Ch. 9

[orchidluv]

This could probably benefit from another proof-reading (or two), but if I don't post it now, it won't get done for at least another day, so...

Nothing the Same, Book 4
Chapter:  9/?
Feedback & concrit: yes, please
Disclaimer: don't own them, never will, just having fun.
Previous parts here

Comments

[mulder200]

Oh splendid! Another chapter to brighten my day.

I love the idea of Giles & Tara working at the magic shop together. I always thought Tara had so much unexplored potential.

And LOL at Buffy being mad at Dawn's self defense training. The reality of living on a Hellmouth.

And i have a feeling that a breakup between Riley and Buffy is coming soon.

[orchidluv]

Tara was the one who used to hang out in the shop before Giles owned it - in canon, she was the one who knew the old owner's name and made that comment about going to the shop a lot. So, we'll be seeing a bit more of her from now on.

[fearless5555]

Yippe! Another chapter.

Great interaction between Riley and Xander. I never liked Riley much so I'm loving your treatment of the character. Also, you brilliantly painted Dawn as the bratty little sister without making her unlikable. I've always liked the Spike and Dawn friendship and your training senario sets the stage perfectly for them in this universe. My favorite bit of this chapter was Buffy's reaction and the 'counting' to calm down.

One tiny error I noticed; “Of course, Xander, Tara and I are shouldn’t have any difficulty finding something."

I can't believe how quickly you get these chapters out and how well written they are. I get that an author can go on a hot streak and I've done that myself but you've got staying power like I've never seen. Amazing! I guess it helps that you've created a fantastic universe to write in but still, incredible.

[orchidluv]

"you've painted Dawn as the bratty little sister without making her unlikable" - thanks so much, that's exactly what I was going for. Toning her down a little so she isn't quite so annoying but still true to her character. You make me feel like I succeeded.

It helps a lot that I can use Joss' framework to build my story on, but thanks for the lovely compliments. *sends hugs*

[spiceblueeyes]

Of course Spike would train Dawn. I like that Ethan's stalking has become commonplace, have he and Giles done the deed yet?

[orchidluv]

If they have, they haven't confessed it to me. *g* Giles' will power is certainly weakening though.

Buffy and Riley

[anonymous]

Part of me wants to slap some sense into Riley. Another part of me feels sorry for him. He's being so stupid. As a woman, I can't understand that silly male macho nonsense. I do think he truly loves Buffy. But, unless he stops being stupid about it, I don't think he's the right person for her. She needs someone who can understand and accept all sides of her.

Buffy, on the other hand, needs to understand Riley better. She has to realize that keeping him from patrolling, after he gets better, will make him feel weak and useless. She wants to protect him, but he doesn't see himself as someone who needs protection.

Re: Buffy and Riley

[orchidluv]

Exactly! Unfortunately, Riley and Buffy are a train wreck waiting to happen. They're both good people who just can't seem to get it right. A lot of the problem is that they have different ideas of what they need from each other.

[brunettepet]

Spike certainly is a hard task master, but Xander will be safer for it. Dawn, too, needs that training. She and Xander don't have cool super powers to fight evil, and they're exposed to it all the time.

I love that Ethan brings snark along with his stalking. He's hilarious.

Riley's stubborn pride is really irksome, so kudos for Xander calling him on it. It's not Xander's job to look out for the macho idiot, but his love for Dawn and Buffy believably fuels watching over Riley, too. At this point, I think Buffy and Riley's relationship is in tatters, and really not worth saving.

[orchidluv]

Spike doesn't trust to luck to keep the people he loves alive. (I always did think that was one of the biggest holes in canon - why Giles wouldn't train the other Scoobies.)