WIP 1

[indri]

Right, in an effort to get myself to write something (anything) fictional I'm publishing this as a WIP. I've never done this before, so I'm sure it will be a learning experience and hopefully not too painful for those who read it. I'll announce instalments here.

The title is extremely provisional and subject to change just as soon as I think of a better one.


Halfway There
A Season 7 Giles fic. PG13. Work-in-progress.

Comments

[sangpassionne.livejournal.com]

Interesting start. For me, you've managed two things that ME didn't in season seven. First off, you've made Molly and Annabelle tolerable, even interesting. I couldn't get past their accents on screen. Secondly, Giles' reaction to the destruction of the Council and the huge burden he's facing. You've made it real. I know BtVS is all about Buffy but, for me, season 7 really suffered by us not seeing this. Thank you and looking forward to more.

[indri]

Thank you. I think I reacted less severely to their accents because my ears have been blunted by many years outside the UK.

season 7 really suffered by us not seeing this

I don't think it would have taken much work to convey this on the show, so I'm disappointed they didn't. There was a lot of flab in those mid-season episodes, for example.

[shapinglight]

Well, I liked it very much and look forward to reading more. I've never read a story told from this point of view before (by which I don't mean Giles, of course, but of what happened after the end of Sleeper and before BotN).

[indri]

Thanks :)

I've never read a story told from this point of view before

It always surprises me when obvious gaps aren't filled in by fanfic writers. I felt the same way about Spike's experiences post-Grave, once we knew a bit more about what had happened.

[shapinglight]

Well, I'm glad you've decided to fill the gaps. As far as I'm concerned, your post-Grave story is canon.

I know that Spike said he'd never been on a plane before in AHitW, but I put that down to the fact that he was crazy the first time and doesn't remember it (one of those gaps where he woke up and found himself in a strange place).

[indri]

Now that sounds like a plausible excuse. Thanks :)

but I still think Spike would have wanted to try out a biplane early on

[shapinglight]

Yeah, me too. He's the sort who would. However, perhaps he just thought it was a bad idea with Dru in tow. You never know when she might decide she could fly, or something.

[speakr2customrs.livejournal.com]

sangpassionne has said exactly what I was going to say.

[indri]

Then I will say thank you to you too :)

[makd.livejournal.com]

I know I'm repeating what's been said - but I like the way you're filling in the blanks in the story. Giles' momentum, his controlled fear, his gravity - and the individualized personalities of the heretofore nameless SITs - are wonderfully done. Great job!

Waiting for the next bit...

[indri]

Thanks! I will endeavour to write more.

[thedeadlyhook.livejournal.com]

I swear, I have such issues with S7 as we saw it onscreen, but at least one thing good about all those missing scenes is that they provide fill-in-the-blank inspiration for fics like this. Giles was so puzzlingly reworked in S7 that his story was just begging to be told, likewise with all those nearly interchangeable girls - after all, they were just like Buffy was once, right? I love that you're giving them a backstory and personality that shows them some respect as fifteen year-olds in the miserable situation they were in. And Giles himself is so grim and adult and trying hard to keep it together, to do his duty. Great start!

[indri]

so grim and adult and trying hard to keep it together

Poor Giles. I'm glad I'm conveying this successfully.

I have such issues with S7 as we saw it onscreen

I find it odd rewatching S7. Much of it feels so flat but I have a difficult time working out why, given how much I care about the characters.

[makd.livejournal.com]

I think somewhere along the way, between computer PTSD and flu, I lost one of your postings to me.....or I imagined it....Did you send me an e-mail address?? If so, please re-send it... My bad; I have been very "off" the last few weeks.

[indri]

I got your email; I am belatedly sorting through my correspondance.

[rainkatt.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you're doing this. I so wanted to see more of Giles in season 7, and I love the way you've portrayed him here, just barely holding it together, and dealing the herd of girls the best he can. I thought he must be so ready to shatter, and I wish we'd seen a bit of what he was going through. You've even sort of made the girls bearable...