I shouldn't be here. But...

[elisi]

There are a lot good fics out there. Some that make you cry, some that make you laugh. Some that fulfill every shippy dream you ever had and wrap you up in pure happiness. Some that blow your mind with their beautiful language or their epic plot. Some that make you feel as though you are actually physically watching the show again, that’s how clearly you can see everything.

And then there are those that just suck you in and drag you down. You can no more stop reading than you can stop breathing; and once you’re done you emerge back into the real world pale and shaking, and you want to pour yourself a really large glass of whiskey even though it’s only half past one in the afternoon.

I just found one of those fics.

It’s called Friday and is by girlpire (whom I’ve often heard praised, but somehow never got round to reading before). Only two (very, very long) chapters so far out of 3 (or maybe 4!). It’s Spike/Angel and I want to physically force every single person who doesn’t ‘get’ that pairing to read this story. Just the first chapter at least... (there’s some sex in the second chapter, but not even a hint in the first one).

So I beg you - if you have never ever read a fic centered around these two... give it a try! (Or put differently - if you love Spike, go read! Her Spike is *incredible*!) It’s not really slash, it’s more like a friendship fic. Sorta. Ish. Dunno how it’ll end up. Guess it’s a love story really... I just know that it killed me *ded*, stole my heart and I need more right now! Also it’s an incredible set-up. Truly inspired and pulled off with stunning pacing and beauty. The skilled writing left me kinda speechless and stuff or I'd elaborate more. I know I'm gushing uncontrollably, but - I can't help it.

(If only the comics had a *fraction* - the merest *trace* - of something this great...)

(Sorry. I sound petty. But I am pale and shaking and my heart is broken into tiny itty bitty pieces and I can’t think straight. )

On a completely different note it's kinda ironic that earlier on today I changed my layout to *pink* Spuffy, but hey - they're all pretty.

Comments

[zanthinegirl.livejournal.com]

I'm leaving won for a short vacation in a couple of hours, but I'll have to check that story out. Though I have to say I'm so not a slasher it's the one slash paring I can see, and I love the dynamics of Spike and Angels relationship. I just like them better when they more responsible big brother/ irritating little brother...

Nice layout BTW!

[elisi]

I'll have to check that story out.
Yay! *bounces* And have a wonderful vacation btw.

Though I have to say I'm so not a slasher it's the one slash paring I can see, and I love the dynamics of Spike and Angels relationship
I'm pretty much the same - well, I'm very much of a slasher when it comes to those two, but not at all otherwise. But the sex isn't the *point*, the dynamics are. If that leads to sex in a believable way - great. If not, fine also. (Making them jump into bed for no reason whatsoever sets my teeth on edge.)

Nice layout BTW!
Thanks! :) I might tone it down a little - it's kinda blinding.

[sylva-rerum.livejournal.com]

If there actually was a fic out there that could make me 'get' Spangel (which I seriously doubt there is), it wouldn't be this one. I looked at the first chapter, but the minute I saw that practically every sentence began with "You" I didn't bother looking any further. IMO, second person perspective very rarely ever works well outside of Choose Your Own Adventure Stories. I don't mind reading about Angel, but I don't like it when an author tries to force me into his (or anyone else's for that matter) shoes by using second person.

[elisi]

IMO, second person perspective very rarely ever works well outside of Choose Your Own Adventure Stories.
That is very true. It almost made me not read too, but after a (very short) while I *completely* forgot about it. Seriously. When I saw your comment I went "Oh yeah - so it does..."). So pretty please give it a try? It's used for a reason, and it works very well. ::is not above begging::

[yourlibrarian]

I haven't read it yet, though I'm bookmarking. I just wanted to say I've read a few fics like this lately too and had to smile at seeing what you wrote. There are definitely fics that suck you in and don't let you go.

[elisi]

I haven't read it yet, though I'm bookmarking.
:)

I just wanted to say I've read a few fics like this lately too and had to smile at seeing what you wrote. There are definitely fics that suck you in and don't let you go.
Incredible, isn't it? I *so* didn't have time, but I couldn't stop... (and hee! to your icon! *g*)

[spikes_heart.livejournal.com]

I think it's a frabjulous fic (of course, I'm a Groundhog's Day lover, too). You find yourself looking for the day to begin again and again and again. And poor Spike, trying so hard to make a lasting impression, and knowing all the while it's hopeless.

Where she's left off now is absolutely heartrending, and I can't wait for more.

[elisi]

I think it's a frabjulous fic (of course, I'm a Groundhog's Day lover, too).
::agrees wholeheartedly:: I saw the Groundhog Day quote and went 'Oh!' - it was probably what made me try it.

And poor Spike
Indeed. ::looks at heart that lies broken on floor::

Where she's left off now is absolutely heartrending, and I can't wait for more.
I *know*! I want more right now and yet I want to prolong the pleasure...

[bogwitch.livejournal.com]

I read it, it was beautifully done, the way the story ties togther through the different aspects of the day but my interest seriously began to wane in the second part for various reasons. Sorry, but I still don't buy the pairing, which is never going to be helped by the fact I still seriously hate Angel.

[elisi]

But how can you hate Angel? *pets him* (rhetorical question btw. I know a lot of people who can't stand him.)

Anyway, thank you for trying - esp since it wasn't your cup of tea.

[bogwitch.livejournal.com]

I've loathed him from the very moment I clapped eyes on him. Not sure why. He was definitely a big reason I didn't watch BtVS again until season five.

[elisi]

I've loathed him from the very moment I clapped eyes on him. Not sure why.
Sadly I can't think of a cure for that.

[bogwitch.livejournal.com]

Aversion therapy didn't help.

[elisi]

Hee!

[azdak.livejournal.com]

I would agree with that. I thought the first part was very clever and interesting - and the second person narrator works really well, because it allows Angel to have almost no insight into his own thoughts and feelings without coming across as flat and dull, as he would in third person. It also creates a sense that he's not quite in control of his own destiny, which is very fitting. And the repetition is excellently done, with tiny changes and variation within the framework. So, top marks for technique AND for an exciting story, but I'm afraid I'm usually disappointed when the main focus of interest turns out to be Love, so I started painting my fingernails near the beginning of part two, when the balance between external action and emotions shifted (for my taste) too far in the direction of emotions.

[elisi]

I'm afraid I'm usually disappointed when the main focus of interest turns out to be Love
I remember someone levelling the same complaint at 'The Butterfly Effect' (by Cousin Jean) (you've read it right? I mean *everyone* has read that story), and I can see the point. Actually I can see it far better in the case of CJ's fic, in that the whole thing was engineered to make Spike 'believe' Buffy's "I love you" in Chosen (which I think he did, so it was kinda pointless from my POV), but I still loved the story. In this story though, we see the love grow (whilst breaking our hearts), and since character development is the thing I enjoy above everything else, I'm v. happy. (Heck there's a reason Spike/Buffy is my favourite story ever - Love, when well done, is my favouritest journey.)

But hey - we're all different, as fandom amply proves. F.ex. I doubt there's anything in the world that could get me to read Spike/Xander.

[2maggie2.livejournal.com]

Thanks for recommending this fic! I'm not a Spangel and never will be -- I really don't like Angel. But this fic just works so well. The POV is what does it. If we had to see Spike's side, falling in love with Angel, I doubt I could go along with it so well. But it's really about Angel seeing Spike. And I just love looking at Spike. So thanks!!!

[elisi]

But it's really about Angel seeing Spike. And I just love looking at Spike. So thanks!!!
My unadulterated pleasure! :) And of course my heart breaks for poor Spike, who's so terribly, awfully lonely - and having an even harder time of it than back when he fell for Buffy, because everything just re-sets. Damn, now I'm getting all choked again! *hugs Spike*

[garfpooky.livejournal.com]

Off topic, but your LJ header image is so so HOT! :D

[elisi]

Off topic is fine! :) The banner is made by red_sunflower in case you want to snag.

[garfpooky.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :) I think I'll save it just so I can admire the pretty from time to time, lol

[elisi]

I think I'll save it just so I can admire the pretty from time to time, lol
I do that often! *g*

[japanimecrazed.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the rec! I'm not a Spangel fan, but I did like that story. The plot is what really pulled me in.

Also, I like your new layout.

[elisi]

Thanks for the rec!
My pleasure. Very pleased you liked it! :)

Also, I like your new layout.
Thanks! I like your icon!

[jamalov29.livejournal.com]

You wrote a lovely review. I won't be tempted because you know that Spangel isn't really my thing - though you also know how much I enjoyed what you did with them and Buffy .:)
But I just find wonderful that we still find such marvelous fics that suck you in and drag you down.

Your layout is gorgeous. I did save the banner made by Anita when she posted it a while back, thinking that they were looking damn hot and damn good together!

[elisi]

I won't be tempted because you know that Spangel isn't really my thing
But... but... Spike! Beautiful, tragic, lost, almost-despairing Spike - in a situation more heartbreaking than S6... Is there any way I can bribe you to have a peek? I *am* writing you post-NFA (domestic) schmoopy Spuffy after all... And you *know* you want to have your heart broken!

Your layout is gorgeous.
Thanks. :) And I'm beginning to like the pink - I don't think my journal has been this colour since back when I first got it.

[elisi]

I won't be tempted because you know that Spangel isn't really my thing
I've been pondering this. Can I talk you into reading chapter 1? Pretty please? That part is mostly plot and friendship and should (hopefully) make your heart break for poor Spike. (Dunno why I'm so keen to break people's hearts - it's just so very beautifully done. Also Buffy is... inaccessible. Might as well be on Mars. Far more thoroughly out of the picture than in my story.)

If you don't like it, then that's fine of course. But I'd love it if you'd just try a snippet. *is hopeful*

[jamalov29.livejournal.com]

I might be tempted , for chapter one at least. Maybe not right now , because i'm not sure I'm in the mood to feel my heart break for Spike you know, but I will read it .. if it's beautifully done.:)

Buffy is... inaccessible. Might as well be on Mars. Okay, that' s a good reason to accept Spike's loneliness then.

You will hear about my impression as soon as I 've read it.

[elisi]

but I will read it .. if it's beautifully done.:)
Squee! *bounces* I promise you won't regret it! Just wait intil you're feeling in a S6 sorta mood... (and the chapters are very long! Make sure you've got some time on your hands.)

Okay, that' s a good reason to accept Spike's loneliness then.
Now I'm trying to tape my mouth shut to stop telling you the plot... But yeah, she's out of the picture (and not because of anyone she's dating or stuff like that. You'll see what I mean.)

You will hear about my impression as soon as I 've read it.
:) And if you like I can tell you how it ends - once girlpire finishes it...

[justadancer.livejournal.com]

Your layout is quite cute. And I'll definitely check the story out - perhaps tomorrow when I have ample time.

[elisi]

Your layout is quite cute.
Hee. Thanks. It's very PINK, but it's very warm so I might keep it for a while. :)

And I'll definitely check the story out - perhaps tomorrow when I have ample time.
Yay! I hope you enjoy.