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Broken Things by TalesofSpike
Chapter: Chapter 7
09/19/2011 04:47 am
That was devastating. What a way to end the chapter. Poor Spike. Poor, demented Dru. I love her so. Poor confused Buffy.
Blue
http://www.tthfanfic.org/authors.php?no=12717&list=profile
Blue
http://www.tthfanfic.org/authors.php?no=12717&list=profile
Lou
08/23/2006 08:48 pm
She can't leave him like that! GO BACK, YOU SILLY BINT!
Thanks, honey, but I'm afraid that if she hadn't run then she wouldn't be Buffy, or at least not later seasons Buffy.
08/19/2006 03:04 pm
Wow he dusted Dru! Guess there wasn't anything left for him to do since she had Buffy in a thrall. He needed Buffy so much and all she could do was run, how sad. Excellent chapter, great read.
Thanks again, honey!
Yeah, dealing with the emotional stuff head on has never been Buffy's thing. Demons on a killing spree, no problem. Emotional stuff, run like hell, regroup, do what has to be done.
Yeah, dealing with the emotional stuff head on has never been Buffy's thing. Demons on a killing spree, no problem. Emotional stuff, run like hell, regroup, do what has to be done.
Robyn
08/18/2006 03:54 pm
My first thought was no Buffy Spike needs you, go to him, but with everything that has happened to Buffy over the last while, as well as Dru just having her in thrall, I just can’t see her being able to do anything but run and regroup. The only way she has learned to cope with the things that have happened to her is to shut down emotionally and with that comes the reaction that when things get too hard, too emotionally trying she hides from it. I am looking forward to the emotional impact for Spike from what has happened and am grateful that he has Joyce in his corner. Thanks for such a thought provoking update, I really enjoyed it.
I'm not sure if it's my imagination but it seems like your reviews arrive just after I update my own site, but because I always leave it a day or two before I update archive sites (I tend to think that if people sign up for an individual mailing list or friend me on LJ or GJ they should get a head start) you're a chapter behind, which is fine so long as you realise, but otherwise might mean you miss out on the final chapters of the fics when they come around.
Anyway, to the actual review...
As you say, Buffy really wasn't in a position to cope with anyone else's problems. As she tells the potentials in S7, when your gut tells you to run, you run. When it comes to slaying it's probably part of the reason she's been alive longer than most. In emotional situations, it's generally not quite so effective.
The next chapter, which will probably appear here tomorrow sometime, deals with Buffy's actions. I'll get back to Spike in Chapter 9.
Thanks, honey. Glad you liked it.
Anyway, to the actual review...
As you say, Buffy really wasn't in a position to cope with anyone else's problems. As she tells the potentials in S7, when your gut tells you to run, you run. When it comes to slaying it's probably part of the reason she's been alive longer than most. In emotional situations, it's generally not quite so effective.
The next chapter, which will probably appear here tomorrow sometime, deals with Buffy's actions. I'll get back to Spike in Chapter 9.
Thanks, honey. Glad you liked it.
Kristen
08/12/2006 04:03 am
NO! No cliffhangers! Update soon, I really love this story. I like how you are taking time to develop things and cant wait to read more!
Yep, cliffhangers, frequently and often...
Glad you're enjoying the story. How long the next update will be depends on how much co-operation I get from the muse on my other WIP, which I'm currently working on (alternating chapters)... and RL, I guess.
Thanks, honey!
Glad you're enjoying the story. How long the next update will be depends on how much co-operation I get from the muse on my other WIP, which I'm currently working on (alternating chapters)... and RL, I guess.
Thanks, honey!
08/10/2006 07:22 pm
Gah - I know I reviewed on LJ, but just to add to the record here - this is so heartwrenching. Everyone is thinking "poor Spike" - as am I;but I'm thinking "poor Buffy" also. Even if she knows and understands that emotion and sympathy are not her thing, it has to hurt to know that you've just turned your back on the man who saved your life. No one with the Slayer's innate moral compass could possibly be comfortable with that behavior. I hope Joyce and Dawn can take up the slack a bit, but the compassion needs to come from the person who was responsible for his loss...Eagerly awaiting future chapters to see how you play this out.
Hi sweetie!
Yes, I think a lot of people's gut reaction has been to condemn Buffy out of hand, but how many of us always do what we know is right all the time? How many of us can say without fear of contradiction that we are in every way the person we would like to be?
The point you make about compassion is interesting, especially if you combine it with the observations I made in reply to someone's comments (I think Dia's on LJ) where she was asking about how I saw Spike's thought processes as far as the decision was concerned. My response was that although I doubted he made any conscious decision, Dru probably signed her death warrant when she threatened Joyce and Dawn. If there had been only Buffy to consider, if that individual instance of thrall might somehow have been broken, then he might have been able to justify having one last try at persuading her to leave. Most of the time Buffy can take care of herself. It would be risky, but you could imagine at least until Dru forced his hand it might go either way. Not that I think he had time to weigh it out, but to me the threat against Dawn and Joyce (who would both be helpless against an attack) was more than likely what would have tipped the balance... which is my long winded way of saying that I don't think any debt is entirely Buffy's.
There's good news and bad news on the progress front. I managed over 1,000 words on Unfinished Business today, but I'm not sure if I like them... lol.
Yes, I think a lot of people's gut reaction has been to condemn Buffy out of hand, but how many of us always do what we know is right all the time? How many of us can say without fear of contradiction that we are in every way the person we would like to be?
The point you make about compassion is interesting, especially if you combine it with the observations I made in reply to someone's comments (I think Dia's on LJ) where she was asking about how I saw Spike's thought processes as far as the decision was concerned. My response was that although I doubted he made any conscious decision, Dru probably signed her death warrant when she threatened Joyce and Dawn. If there had been only Buffy to consider, if that individual instance of thrall might somehow have been broken, then he might have been able to justify having one last try at persuading her to leave. Most of the time Buffy can take care of herself. It would be risky, but you could imagine at least until Dru forced his hand it might go either way. Not that I think he had time to weigh it out, but to me the threat against Dawn and Joyce (who would both be helpless against an attack) was more than likely what would have tipped the balance... which is my long winded way of saying that I don't think any debt is entirely Buffy's.
There's good news and bad news on the progress front. I managed over 1,000 words on Unfinished Business today, but I'm not sure if I like them... lol.
Dirktavian
08/10/2006 10:03 am
So harsh-- But that is Buffy's MO: to run when the emotions get too confusing. I like how you changed the scene at the Bronze to have Buffy run after Spike, as well as Buffy giving Spike the benefit of the doubt about the chip right away. I hope that Buffy will open herself up to comforting Spike soon. Otherwise, it's going to be up to Joyce again. Very cool how she was listening in on the conversation-- I wonder if she has any clue that he's in love with her?
Thank you!
Yep, confronted with an overwhelming situation, Buffy does tend to run, consider and somewhere down the line eventually regroup.
I wonder if she has any clue that he's in love with her?
Oh I think the word 'slayer' made an appearance often enough, and I'm pretty certain its use would make Buffy sit up and take notice. Somehow, given the context, I don't think she's going to assume Dru meant Faith or Kendra.
Yep, confronted with an overwhelming situation, Buffy does tend to run, consider and somewhere down the line eventually regroup.
I wonder if she has any clue that he's in love with her?
Oh I think the word 'slayer' made an appearance often enough, and I'm pretty certain its use would make Buffy sit up and take notice. Somehow, given the context, I don't think she's going to assume Dru meant Faith or Kendra.
akarinacj
08/09/2006 09:48 pm
Poor Spike!!!! Killing his sire and then Buffy runs away. Stupid girl. I hope she realizes what he did for her... Great story, by the way. Please update soon.
I'd read it as Buffy understanding exactly what he had done and it being way more than she could cope with. She's not good with emotional stuff. There are a whole heap of other factors, but rather than repeat myself I'll point you to my replies to earlier reviews.
My other WIP is due to be updated before I go back to this one, but I'll try not to make it too long before I get back to this one, RL and the muse permitting.
My other WIP is due to be updated before I go back to this one, but I'll try not to make it too long before I get back to this one, RL and the muse permitting.
08/09/2006 08:43 pm
what a way for Dru to find her end. I just can't believe that she just left him there. I just hope that Spike will have someone who will be there for him when the find out what he had to do.
Thanks, honey.
Re Buffy, this is someone who's far from being whole herself. The impact on Spike is obviously far greater, but the scene hardly left her unscathed. She can't offer comfort when she's in the state she was in.
As for there being someone else, I have just one reply... Joyce.
Re Buffy, this is someone who's far from being whole herself. The impact on Spike is obviously far greater, but the scene hardly left her unscathed. She can't offer comfort when she's in the state she was in.
As for there being someone else, I have just one reply... Joyce.
pretty_in_fangs
08/09/2006 05:10 pm
Nooo!! You do not run in that situation! You offer comfort!
Grumble grumble.
Sigh. Guess I'll just have to wati around for the next chapter. ::grin;:
Grumble grumble.
Sigh. Guess I'll just have to wati around for the next chapter. ::grin;:
Nooo!! You do not run in that situation! You offer comfort!
You do if you're not in shock, if you have more experience and compassion than the average twenty year old rather than being so closed off emotionally that your last boyfriend left you for that reason, if you know the person in question well enough to know how they might react rather than them being little more than an acquaintance who might potentially become a friend, if you don't think such comfort could be misconstrued and effectively be leading him on, and if you, yourself, are calm rather than being completely freaked out by recent revelations and events. Yep, given those conditions you would probably offer comfort...
And, yes, the next chapter should make things a bit better.
Thanks, honey!
You do if you're not in shock, if you have more experience and compassion than the average twenty year old rather than being so closed off emotionally that your last boyfriend left you for that reason, if you know the person in question well enough to know how they might react rather than them being little more than an acquaintance who might potentially become a friend, if you don't think such comfort could be misconstrued and effectively be leading him on, and if you, yourself, are calm rather than being completely freaked out by recent revelations and events. Yep, given those conditions you would probably offer comfort...
And, yes, the next chapter should make things a bit better.
Thanks, honey!
Harry 4Eyes
08/09/2006 03:30 pm
Whoa he dusted her, his Sire, the Vamp who was his everything for over a century and what does Buffy do to show gratitude? She runs off like her arse is on fire. Spike sure does know how to pick them. But I guess it was probably a shock to the system.
Well definitely was not expecting that, that's fot sure.
Loving it
Update soon
Harry
Well definitely was not expecting that, that's fot sure.
Loving it
Update soon
Harry
Lol! I think maybe a shock to the system is an understatement.
I'm glad you're enjoying it. Unfinished Business is next on the WIP list, but I'm hoping that I can manage a chapter of that & a chapter of this before I have another birthday ficlet due... muse willing.
Thanks!
I'm glad you're enjoying it. Unfinished Business is next on the WIP list, but I'm hoping that I can manage a chapter of that & a chapter of this before I have another birthday ficlet due... muse willing.
Thanks!
Tonia
08/09/2006 10:33 am
O.k, calm now. Great chapter and I can't wait for more. Poor Spike. =(
Thank you, honey!
Poor Spike, as you say, but in truth no one is really coming out of this situation very well.
Unfinished Business is next on the WIP list, and I guess RL has to have a bit of time too, but hopefully it won't be too long before I'm back to this one.
Poor Spike, as you say, but in truth no one is really coming out of this situation very well.
Unfinished Business is next on the WIP list, and I guess RL has to have a bit of time too, but hopefully it won't be too long before I'm back to this one.
Tonia
08/09/2006 10:31 am
That bitch! Please say she's going to pay for that!
Shrugs... I wouldn't say her reaction makes her a bitch. I'd say it makes her a young girl/woman who is miles out of her depth. Put in a situation like that at that age, I doubt that many of us would have the experience or maturity needed to deal well with it, especially not someone who is so alienated from the people around her.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Dee Bradfield
08/09/2006 09:05 am
[quotes]:"I'm a bad rude man, and maybe there's part of me that wants to pick you up, dust you down and apologise for the next hour but I'm not going to... And you want to know why? Not because I'm hers. That's never gonna happen, I know that, but because, for the first damn time in a century and a half, I'm bloody well mine."
YES! Thank you! I've been waiting for Spike to make a declaration like that since... ever! This story is brilliant enough in its own right, but this line makes me love it all the more.
YES! Thank you! I've been waiting for Spike to make a declaration like that since... ever! This story is brilliant enough in its own right, but this line makes me love it all the more.
Lol! Thanks, honey!
I wanted something in there that would parallel with the canon part where he tells Harmony to go and she asks, "Why? Because she's back?" and Spike replies, "No, because I am." ...only in this instance, it's not about his reversion to the Big Bad persona, it's about him working out who he wants to be from here onwards.
I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
I wanted something in there that would parallel with the canon part where he tells Harmony to go and she asks, "Why? Because she's back?" and Spike replies, "No, because I am." ...only in this instance, it's not about his reversion to the Big Bad persona, it's about him working out who he wants to be from here onwards.
I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Pulchra
08/09/2006 08:53 am
*whimpers* poor Dru... (sorry, I have a soft spot for that girl)
Poor Spike...
Love this story! please update soon?
Poor Spike...
Love this story! please update soon?
Poor Dru, but the way I look at it, she should be at rest now, and, if there's any justice, that part of her that was once human is whole, and happy and reunited with her family.
Spike will get by, like he always does, especially with Joyce around.
The next update will probably be in a couple of weeks. Unfinished Business is due an update, and while I was originally trying to update both as close to weekly as I could, the fact of the matter is it's not a schedule that I could maintain in the longer term. Hopefully, that won't seem too long.
Spike will get by, like he always does, especially with Joyce around.
The next update will probably be in a couple of weeks. Unfinished Business is due an update, and while I was originally trying to update both as close to weekly as I could, the fact of the matter is it's not a schedule that I could maintain in the longer term. Hopefully, that won't seem too long.
Dreylin
08/09/2006 08:27 am
Oh wow. This is really, really good. I wonder how much of that exchange Buffy will realize was about her. I imagine it would have been very easy to give up too much in this chapter, but you kept just enough back to keep things interesting. At the same time, you've put enough out there that they can't pretend it never happened (although they probably will anyway). I can hardly wait for the fallout.
I think I gave away quite a bit there... if Buffy can remember enough of it when she comes out of shock.
And, yeah, though I reserve the right to change my mind when I start writing the next chapter, I suspect that for a time at least there will be some pretending things didn't happen, not least because the "letting him down easy" speech would probably be adding insult to injury at the moment.
And, yeah, though I reserve the right to change my mind when I start writing the next chapter, I suspect that for a time at least there will be some pretending things didn't happen, not least because the "letting him down easy" speech would probably be adding insult to injury at the moment.
vladt
08/09/2006 07:29 am
excellent read, thank you. even for buffy, the running out on spike might be an all time low.
Thanks, honey! As for Buffy, she's probably not going to look back on this moment with a sense of pride, but how many people at that age could deal with that sort of situation, bearing in mind that she's only just beginning to find any common ground with Spike and see behind the Big Bad facade, so to a great extent he's almost a stranger... even before you take into account the whole shock of him being in love with her and having to draw the line between comforting him and leading him on... So much for me not waffling and repeating myself, huh?
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
sam
08/09/2006 06:19 am
god, what a bitch. he stakes drusilla for her and she just runs away? she's such a damn coward.
Okay, not going to make with the long explanations, if you want those you can chaeck out my replies to earlier comments on this chapter, but I will say, take a deep breath, go back and try to consider things from Buffy's point of view. Try to think how you would feel if you'd just been within a hair's breadth of dying amongst a whole host of other things. Yeah, I guess a saint could take in everything that Buffy just heard, deal with it and offer comfort. Newsflash, Buffy isn't a saint...
I'd like to think I'm a more supportive person than Buffy is, but I doubt I could have dealt with that situation. The very intensity of Spike's feelings would scare me silly and I'm a bunch older and wiser than Buffy is here.
I'd like to think I'm a more supportive person than Buffy is, but I doubt I could have dealt with that situation. The very intensity of Spike's feelings would scare me silly and I'm a bunch older and wiser than Buffy is here.
kim
08/09/2006 05:59 am
Spike did what he had to once Buffy was thralled...and the stupid little girl ran away again. Poor Spike...no matter what, that was still going to hurt like hell. No matter what Dru did to him, she was still family.
Yep, Spike was always going to love Dru, even if he was no longer in love with her any more.
Unfortunately, at twenty(?) Buffy is still a little girl in a lot of ways, and hardened beyond her years in others. There was no way that she was ever going to be able to cope with the emotional demands of the situation.
Thanks, honey.
Unfortunately, at twenty(?) Buffy is still a little girl in a lot of ways, and hardened beyond her years in others. There was no way that she was ever going to be able to cope with the emotional demands of the situation.
Thanks, honey.
08/09/2006 05:43 am
oh no buffy....how can she leave him there like that?? after he just saved her life at such cost to himself?? great chapter...need more soon though :)
...Because, she's Buffy... the one whose boyfriend just left her for being too detatched, the one who's only just beginning to see Spike as more than a general pain in the ass or maybe an occasional convenience, and the one who can't even cope with what she's just found out, never mind offer comfort to anyone else...
It would have made for a shorter fic if she'd stuck around, but it wouldn't really have been in character for Buffy as she was at that point in time.
Thanks, honey... Hopefully you won't have to wait too long this time. I had to squeeze in a couple of ficlets (not posted here) as well as a chapter of Unfinished Business between this and the previous chapter, but since there aren't any more birthdays until the end of this month...
It would have made for a shorter fic if she'd stuck around, but it wouldn't really have been in character for Buffy as she was at that point in time.
Thanks, honey... Hopefully you won't have to wait too long this time. I had to squeeze in a couple of ficlets (not posted here) as well as a chapter of Unfinished Business between this and the previous chapter, but since there aren't any more birthdays until the end of this month...
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