Rage/Confusion by thete1

A BTVS fic

"He's easy when he's drunk."

I'm not sure I like this, to be honest. It's stark, raw, pretty dark, but I felt more needed to be established before it would feel in character. I don't know. This one left me feeling nothing.

Rage/Confusion

Destination Unknown by Yahtzee

A BTVS fic

"Six conversations. Five unanswered questions. Four people. Three relationships. Two continents. One big honkin' crystal from who knows where."

It's original and inventive and the Giles descriptions in particular are fantastic - he's not a young man, and he has valid reasons for trying to avoid this kind of relationship with Buffy. The Angel-reflection was absolutely spot on, and I loved all the little details - Connor wanting a new name, Buffy reading on Giles' couch, Giles' knee cracking when he sits on the floor. Truly, this is a wonderful read - yes, it's been Jossed, but AUs are fine - and I love to see something crafted with so much appreciation and care for what we know from the show. Beautiful and intelligent and so very honest - a fic that does this awkward ship justice.

Destination Unknown

One Too Many by Djinn1

A BTVS story

" When the death of a slayer affects Giles too much, Buffy is called to Cleveland by Faith."

I can see that the change between Giles and Buffy from an almost-professional to romantic relationship is a difficult transition and it isn't always handled very well in fics. This story, although short, makes the change appear seamless, and it's definitely the most natural portrayal of it that I've ever seen. The characters feel like they've been lifted straight from the show, and the dialogue, especially Faith's, is snappy, clever and absolutely perfect. A very enjoyable story, and for the pairing, surprisingly light on the angst. A must-read.

One Too Many