BSV Forum - General - The Bloodshedpub

Coupledom

May 31 2007 07:27 am   #1Scarlet Ibis

Okay, Caro's thread got me thinking- which pairings, canon or otherwise, do you like to read?  And is there a pairing you'd like to see, but haven't so far? (and no pairing has to include Spike, btw)

Besides Spuffy, I enjoy Spangel, Spara, Spawn (don't stone me), Wes/Faith, Wes/Illyria (I prefer that over Fred, for some reason), and Angel/Faith.  For some strange reason, I'd liked to see Xander "corrupted" in a ficlet preferably by Angelus, or by Larry.  Maybe a Dawn/Wesley or a Dander/Xawn.

Meh, I'm weird.

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
May 31 2007 08:43 am   #2Guest

Cordy/Angel, Wes/Faith, Wes/Fred, seen a bit of Dawn/Xander was a side pairing, Willow/Oz....

I don't seek out other pairing spcific stories, but there are those I like to see as part of an ensemble fic.

CM

May 31 2007 12:04 pm   #3SpikesKatMac

Other than Spuffy, I'm a big fan of Spara stories; most authors seem to feel that Tara's gentleness and kindness are a good match for Spike, and I tend to agree.  Especially after the horror of S6, it's good to see Spike with someone who actually gives a damn about him.  I also like Willow/Oz, Tara/Oz, Wes/Fred, and Anya/Giles.  And if it's written well, I like a good Spander story, too. 

A beautiful and ineffectual angel, beating in the void his luminous wings in vain - Matthew Arnold
May 31 2007 03:28 pm   #4Guest

Dawn/Connor all the way. don't know why, but the pairing just works - she needs her own mini tortured superhero boyfriend, and he's old fashioned enough to protect her in the way she clearly needs every tuesday.

On that note, anyone know of any good Dawn/Connor stories? Am just about to finish finals, and could do with some new stuff to read.

Jess2357

May 31 2007 07:31 pm   #5pfeifferpack

Giles/Anya, Spara (when a good explanation is given for the pairing), Angel/Faith, Xander/grown up Dawn.  I also like stories that find a way to "fix" Dru.  I always felt she was the saddest character....a TRULY good person made insane then vamped.  Giving her a soul would remove the evil but destroy her gentle good soul in the process so I like those few that found a way to make it possible for her to find happiness as well.

Kathleen

May 31 2007 08:14 pm   #6Jenna

You know, I read a really good Willow/Spike story... so I will read them, also Giles/Anya

Spike: You're the one, Buffy

Buffy: I don't want to be the one.

Spike: I don't want to be this good looking and athletic. We all have crosses to bear.
May 31 2007 08:34 pm   #7SpikeHot

Pairings with no Spike? Hmmm. I've enjoyed Buffy/Faith, Angel/Faith, Xander/Dawn, Xander/Faith, Willow/Oz, Tara/Oz...

Xander/Angelus sounds very interesting, any links Scarlet?

May 31 2007 09:03 pm   #8Scarlet Ibis

SpikeHot- I haven't seen any.  It was just an idea rolling around in my brain... Should I ever write one, I'll send you the link to that ;)

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
May 31 2007 10:29 pm   #9Always_jbj

Xander/Angelus sounds very interesting, any links Scarlet?

Here's one by Spikeskat http://www.bringonthebloodshed.com/spikeskat/descended.htm

Aim from the heart
Some will love and some will curse you, baby
You can go to war
But only if you have to 


Fanfic ~*~ Artwork ~*~ Live Journal
May 31 2007 10:32 pm   #10Always_jbj

Other than Spuffy I like Giles/Ethan, Wesley/Faith, Spike/Faith (good, well-written non-pwp Spaith),  and an occasional Xander/Faith.

Aim from the heart
Some will love and some will curse you, baby
You can go to war
But only if you have to 


Fanfic ~*~ Artwork ~*~ Live Journal
Jun 01 2007 12:32 am   #11Guest

I forgot Ganya! Yes, I love Giles/Anya, too.

CM

Jun 01 2007 01:20 am   #12Scarlet Ibis

I forgot that I like Jiles :D  Perhaps it has something to do with the teenaged version of themselves... They seem so *gosh* darn familiar.

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
Jun 01 2007 02:51 am   #13slaymesoftly

I like a lot of pairings - Spike and Buffy is my first love, but I will read (and usually like) Spara, Spaith and (shhhh Spander). There has to be a good explanation for the non-spuffy pairings, though.

I also like Ganya, Wesley/Faith, Angel/Nina, Spike and Fred, Gethan (hee! had to say that or my beta would scold me) , Wesley and Fred...pretty much anything works for me if the author can make it work - if he/she can't, then...meh, I'm back to my Spuffy. :)

I am not a minion of Evil...
I am upper management.
Jun 01 2007 03:17 am   #14Spikez_tart
Spawn (don't stone me),

Scarlet - Ick!  Ick! Ick!  You're totally hopeless.  I'm a purist.  I want Spuffy!

If we want her to be exactly she'll never be exactly I know the only really real Buffy is really Buffy and she's gone' who?
Jun 01 2007 04:11 am   #15Scarlet Ibis

Spikez_tart, I'm not the only one!! There are a lot of Spawn fans.  And besides, I'd choose Spawn over Spander, cause ewww (no offesne, Spander fans- I just don't see it under any circumstance, no matter how well written it is or who wrote it).  And come on, you don't see Spike with *anybody* else?  Really?  But he meshes so well with so many... particularly Angel :D  (yeah, you probably hate that pairing too, lol)

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
Jun 01 2007 04:51 am   #16lostboy

I thought Spawn might be gross too... till I read "Little Lost Lamb" by ClawofCat.  When done well, it really shines (Claw won a Fang Fetish for this one... which btw I don't think is her "best")

Check it out, tart... (if you dare)

http://clawofcat.livejournal.com/905.html#cutid1

 

Jun 01 2007 06:07 am   #17Scarlet Ibis

Hmm, didn't get the chance to read that one.  Actually, I haven't seen that many Spawns that I like, or if I have they were terribly short.  The only one that sticks out in my mind is theohara's "Two Summers," and it isn't even finished.  It saddens me :(

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
Jun 01 2007 06:27 am   #18LadyYashka

Besides Spike/Buffy, I'll read Spike/Angel, Spike/Faith, Spike/ Tara (if done right), Spike/Cordy, and for a few select authors, I've read their Spike/Joyce. I also like Joyce/Giles, Giles/Anya, Faith/Wesley, Angel/Cordy, Angel/Faith, Spike/Wesley, Connor/Dawn, and I've recently found two really really good Spike/Lindsey fics.

It seems there are very few pairs I won't read. :D

Tomorrow may be hell, but today was a good writing day, and on the good writing days nothing else matters. — Neil Gaiman
Jun 01 2007 07:29 am   #19GoldenBuffy

I'm read Spike/Angelus, Spike?Angel (if done well and good reason), I was and still am almost 100% against Spawn, beacuse, ewww, just look at the name, SPAWN, lol. But reading Zoe's Spawn was good. That's the only one I've read and I liked and believed and wans't wigged. I don't care if Dawn is still a teen, 'cause hey, Buffy did Angel when she was, or if she's an adult. I just can't wrap my mind around Spawn. They had more of a brother/sister thing going, nothing more or less.

Spike/Illyria, Spike/Tara (if done right and there's a good reason), Wes/Cordy ( but after they both go to LA), Spike/Fred, Wes/Fred, Gunn/Fred, Angelus/Darla, S/A/B, S/A/D, Willow/Oz, Tara/Oz, Xander/Willow, Xander/Angel/us, Giles/Anya, Giles/Ethan. That's all I can think of. I've tried Spike and a new character, just can't get into it, even if written well. I guess I just want him with Buffy in a healthy happy relationship. lol

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Jun 01 2007 09:28 am   #20Dead Man Walking

Spawn? Just read that fic, and gotta say, NO THANK YOU. 


It's not right. It's like me dating Jakey, my brother-figure. 


Or my BROTHER.

Jun 01 2007 10:13 am   #21Guest

Angelus and Darla in the old days is pretty neat, too. There's so much spark, double-crossing, yet affection. There was more between them than either wanted to admit unsouled.

CM

Jun 01 2007 11:46 am   #22SpikeHot

Thank you for the link Always jbj, I'd love to read it if you wrote it Scarlet :D

I actually love Spike/Xander, I've read many well written stories, I think many dislike the pairing because it is very popular. More popular than Spike/Dawn, a Spike pairing I don't enjoy. Other Spike pairings I enjoy are Spike/Faith and Spike/Giles. In the end, I prefer Spike more with Buffy. :)

Jun 01 2007 01:42 pm   #23Scarlet Ibis

I don't dislike Spander just because it's popular (cause if I did, I'd really hate Spuffy), but because to me it rings untrue, and seems inherently wrong-- like Spike/Wes or Spike/Giles or Giles/Ethan.  I just don't see it in any shape or form.  It's weird, cause I don't see Spike with a guy (excluding Angel).  He's just too hetero.  Giles too. 

And Dead Man Walking, before you finalize your assesement, please check this out:  http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=theohara&keyword=BtVS:+Two+Summers&filter=all

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
Jun 01 2007 11:34 pm   #24Spikez_tart

No no no!  No Spawn.  I read a Spawn once and blech!  It's like incest.  Gurk.

As to Spander, I could see it from Xander's point of view, but not Spike's.  Xander did steal Spike's cigarette lighter - and how did Spike get that back anyway?

If we want her to be exactly she'll never be exactly I know the only really real Buffy is really Buffy and she's gone' who?
Jun 01 2007 11:42 pm   #25SpikeHot

Yeah, I also see Spander from Xander's point of view, didn't he say that Spike was compact and well muscled? The only complement Spike gave Xander was that he thought Xander's blood would be tastier than onion rings, and that says a lot. I think a believable scenario of Spike attempting to sleep with Xander is that he wants to humiliate the boy, or because he really misses sex, or because he wants to use Xander and lose him to avenge himself from Buffy's degrading rejection in Fool For Love. (I've read that story before, very intriguing and the writer really got Spike's characterization)

Jun 02 2007 02:34 am   #26GoldenBuffy

I'm with you on the Spander. I've tried to read many of them, but gag. It's as wrong as if bee's made milk, lol. Okay, that made no, sense but still, you get my drift. But I can see it happening from Xander's mpoint of view. Like, say, if it was a secret fantasy and the fic played out as such. But I would like to read the fic SpikeHot that you mentioned. Do you have a link?

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Jun 02 2007 02:50 am   #27ClawofCat

Since one of my own fics was brought up, I thought i'd chime in. First let me say thanks to Lostboy for mentioning my Spike/Dawn story "Little Lost Lamb." I happen to really like the idea of Spawn and given canon it actually seems to me like one of the more plausible relationships for Spike to have with another female character on the show. In terms of identity isssues and "not fitting in" they have a lot of interesting similarities that I think deem exploring. As for the the incest-factor, yeah, I could see that, but like anything else I think it really depends on the scenerio the writer has created and for my own fic I know I considered that and took a lot of pains to try and determine under what circumstances could I feasibly see Spike and Dawn being together in any capacity. I think I did a reasonably good job. Here endeth the rant on Spawn.

As for pairings I like...pretty much any het pairing with Spike. Spike is such a flexible character and really, in my mind, works well with so many different characters. I especially like Spike/Faith, Spike/Dru, Spike/Darla and have read Spawn, Spillow, Spara and surprisingly enough Spike/Lilah. Now that was a fantastic story, believe it or not. Spike/Illyria usually leaves me in stitches. So much comedic potential with those two.

I get weirder and pickier with slash. My enjoyment of slash really sits with the writer, not so much the pairing. Spike/Angelus historical fics I tend to enjoy cause of the evil-factor and it makes sense to me that there really would have been a sexual relationship of some sort between the two of them. To ring in on Spander - I personally think it's a ridiculous pairing in terms of believability, but I have read Spander by Herself and let me tell you...I was nearly crying. She's a gem with Spuffy, but man, she really made me believe it. Good stuff.

I also like Wes/Fred, Wes/Illyria, Wes/Lilah, Wes/Willow, and will read pretty much any other pairing in an ensemble capacity. And for this post, I shall be stoned. But I don't like to limit myself and I think it's really great to explore those non-Spuffy relationships. Variety is the spice of life, as they say.

Jun 02 2007 03:17 am   #28Scarlet Ibis

Okay, first, it's not incest, nor could it ever be.  They aren't related.  I could see opposition if you thought it made Spike seem like a pervy old man, but even then, I'd still disagree.  However, I have seen summaries for an incest fic that involves Spike being Buffy's brother, and it was a Spuffy story, and I thought "eww" there.  SpikeHot, please check out that fic I put the link to- it actually involves Dawn as an adult (well, like 17 or 18).

The only way I could ever believe a Spander is if in the end, it ends up being a dream of Xander's, and he's freaked out by it.  Spike could never be gay with Xander- it's totally OOC.  Even if they were on a deserted island for ten years, alone, he still wouldn't go gay for Xander.  Nuh uh, no way, no how.  Spike could not be gay with *anyone* (except Angel- that's the only one that will make sense to me ever).  I mos def see Xander lusting after Spike in canon, but would only make it with either Larry or Andrew.

I agree with ClawofCat- Spike makes sense with any female character, gay or straight, young or old, Slayer or not.  And, had Buffy not been resurrected in canon, don't tell me the writers wouldn't have made it a Spawn- it would be the obvious choice.  A love that the Scoobies (maybe Tara or Anya would get it) wouldn't understand, one they'd have to fight for, and one that would mean something, and you know what else?  One that wouldn't involve abuse of any kind from either party.  Fancy that.

On another note- I'm going to pimp myself in my first and only non Spuffy pairing ever (well, out of the ones I've actually written, anyway)- a Spangel, inspired by DreamsofSpike: http://buffy.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600030516

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
Jun 02 2007 05:23 am   #29GoldenBuffy

No matter how you sum it up, Spawn is wrong. It's just, no. If they went that way in canon and had put them together I would have stopped watching the show. I would rather have seen him with Tara than with Dawn. I just don't like it. But then you might find me weird since I like one of those fics where Buffy and Spike are brother and sister. I know, bad. You're thinking if I can read that why not Spawn. It just doesn't sit right with me.

Also, a big turn off for me is the fact that Dawn is Buffy's sister. Even if Spike and Buffy never had relations he still had feelings for her. And transfering them to her sister or her mother just seems wrong and twisted.

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Jun 02 2007 05:44 am   #30Scarlet Ibis

I wouldn't see it as transference- in a crisis or a time of grief, it's natural for people to come together.  Spike already cared about Dawn.  His feelings evolving would be natural.  And Dawn and Spike had compatible personalities, what with being on the outside.  There was just no real friction between them, if it hadn't been for Buffy.  And I wouldn't say weird- I just don't get it.  That would be actual incest (in a fic, making Buffy and Spike siblings) as opposed to canon where they weren't related at all.  And how many romances or fictions start with some young girl secretly lusting after the guy next door who's a brother type?  The Face on the Milk Carton comes to mind.  Or While You Were Sleeping- Jack had no idea his brother wasn't actually with Lucy (I hope you've seen it, so you can know what I'm talking about ;)  but you still want them to be together.  I think the personality compatibility and lack of violence potential is part of the reason why Spawn can sometimes be popular.

I read Nautibitz's "Older," an AH where Buffy steals Spike from Joyce... I didn't like the concept, but I couldn't help myself (it was well done). 

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
Jun 02 2007 12:43 pm   #31SpikeHot

GoldenBuffy, here's the story I'm talking about, it's kind of a rewrite of season five with Spike using Xander to get back at Buffy, it was the first Spander story to read that's probably why I was sold on the pairing:

http://www.biteable.co.uk/jackson/fics/srindex.html

Scarlet, I'll check out that link.  How about you also check out the link of Spander I gave GoldenBuffy?

Jun 02 2007 04:03 pm   #32Guest
I'd love to see Ilyeria and Xander! I've only seen them interact in a few stories, but it always cracks me up. Also I'd like to see some Buffy & Dru in a sire/child or she's my new pet...kind of fashion, and let me not forget Willow/OZ/Tara...can't they all just get along? RandiGiles
Jun 03 2007 08:08 pm   #33GoldenBuffy

No, Scarlet I haven't seen it. But now I'll have to, lol. I get where you're coming from, but for me I'm just not sold. Dawn/Spike isn't something that's for me. But this is why fandom is so great, there is something for all of us. And like adults we can come together and share them. *yay* I mean, who knows. In the future I just might find another Spawn that I'll like. That one were Buffy steals Spike from Joyce, sounds good. But I don't know if I'd could read it. It has the Spike/Joyce factor, lol.

Spikehot, thanks for the link. Gonna fav. it so I can read later.

A fic with Buffy as Dru's childe or pet, I think I would like to read that one.

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Jun 03 2007 08:55 pm   #34Scarlet Ibis

SpikeHot, once I get through reading many updates of regular fics I'm following, I'll read it and then get back to you ;)

GB, "While You Were Sleeping" is one of the best PG-ish romantic comedies ever ("When Harry Met Sally" is my fave, I think), and I totally recommend it.  And yes, we can most certainly agree to disagree :D  Though I still recommend "Two Summers," cause it's kick ass and all of the voices of all of the characters are on point.  And yeah, the stealing of mom's husband was a "huge" ick factor, but damn does that fic just suck you in...  Once you start, you really feel compelled by the power of Muse to see it through.

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
Jun 04 2007 02:15 am   #35Guest

I don't actively seek out any pairing other than Spuffy... but when I find them (usually because it's written by an author I like), I tend to gravitate towards Spangel, Spara, and Spillow. And although I used to think Spawn was squicky, ClawofCat and a couple other well done Spawns have started to win me over.

I read non-Spike pairings much less frequently. Mostly I stick to the canon pairings, but I can't say I've read any particular ones enough to have favorites.

Jun 04 2007 04:29 am   #36Guest

Whoops, that was me (Eowyn) up there... dunno why I wasn't logged in.

Jun 04 2007 02:32 pm   #37SpikeHot

Scarlet, I read that Spawn and enjoyed it. I think the best thing about it was that Dawn was away for three years, coming back beautiful and mature. The reasons the author put to explain the attraction between the two are convincing and well put.

And I never thought I'd say this, but I also enjoyed the bit with Xander/Buffy.

The story isn't finished, right? Also the last chapter won't open, is it friends locked?

Jun 04 2007 11:30 pm   #38Scarlet Ibis

I knew you'd like it...  Well, unfortunately, it is not finished.  I don't think it ever will be at this point- she doesn't even discuss fanfiction on her LJ.  And the last chapter shouldn't be locked- were you signed in to LJ?  If you were and you still can't see it, email me...  But try this just in case: http://theohara.livejournal.com/192014.html

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
Jun 05 2007 12:20 am   #39GoldenBuffy

*slaps forehead* Duh, While You Where Sleeping, I've seen that. When I read your post I was half out of it, needed to sleep. Sometimes I don't know wbout myself, lol. And, yes, I enjoyed that movie. It was cute and light hearted. Much like When Harry Meet Sally, but it's been yeaaaars since I've seen that movie.

And in the air the fireflies
Our only light in paradise
We'll show the world they were wrong
And teach them all to sing along
Jun 05 2007 04:59 am   #40Eowyn315

Scarlet - I started reading the Spawn fic too... and I had the same problem with the last chapter being locked, and I was definitely signed in. Even when I clicked the link in your post, nothing...

Of course, now I'm sad that I know it won't get finished. I just read one of her unfinished fics on VK, and that left me sadly unfulfilled, too.

Writing should feel easy, like a monkey driving a speed boat.
Jun 05 2007 07:48 am   #41Scarlet Ibis

GB- lol, it's cool.  Watch "When Harry Met Sally" again.  I wish someone would do a revamped AH Spuffy spin on it, but reverse the gender roles (cause the story line would make more sense that way).  Anyway, it's a classic.

Eowyn, I don't get it.  I think she intended to update her fics, or at the very least "Two Summers" cause she had a teaser for them and everything... I'm not sure what happened.

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."
https://www.facebook.com/FangirlNovel
Jun 05 2007 11:33 am   #42SpikeHot

It still won't open. I'd love if you sent it to my e-mail:

spikehotcool@yahoo.com

Jun 16 2007 12:52 am   #43Guest

Other than Spuffy, I'll read Spangel, Spara, Sprusilla, Spillow, Baith, Spawn, Dawn/Connor (don't know the word for it), and Willow/Tara (also don't know the word for it, if there is one).

Jun 16 2007 09:01 am   #44Guest

I read Spuffy and sometimes Spara.

I don't seek out any other pairings but I like reading Giles/Anya, Dawn/Connor, and/or Angel/Cordy mixed in with Spuffy fics. Especially Giles/Anya.