Name: magemadi (Signed) · Date: 14 Mar 2022 05:46 AM · For: The Milkshake Subterfuge

Hi Noelle!! :)

 

I have to admit I have not ever watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but even to a newbie like me you do a fantastic job of conveying character personalities with just a few touches of dialogue and active description! The raw emotions displayed in this piece were evoked so well in different ways based on who was feeling, particularly the grief and depressive moods, and what their personality dicated that would be exuded as. Spike as the supposed-to-be-evil-vampire who instead just takes Buffy's sister under his wing and engages in some petty crime with her to help her get the leg up on depression because he knows it's not good for her is so sweet and fits right in with what I presume would happen in canon-ish. :) Willow is precious and I am definitely going to add Buffy to my watch list even though it is many seasons because all of these characters are so full of depth in this piece alone so I can only imagine you drew so much from the show. Well done!! :)

 

Madi

RTTR

Author's Response:

I'm so glad that this story was enjoyable, even without knowledge of the Buffy canon. In Buffy canon, Dawn does start shoplifting (until she eventually gets caught). So this story was me slipping into the cracks of canon and providing a more detailed account of how she started shoplifting. In show, it's never said that Spike teaches her to do this, but it is canon that Spike cares for Dawn and is very protective of her. 

 

Willow is such a precious bean. I love her.

 

Thank you for this lovely review!

Name: RogueSlytherin (Signed) · Date: 15 Jan 2022 03:48 PM · For: The Milkshake Subterfuge

Okay. I am so so so beyond late for reviewing these for the challenge, but life got crazy and also I’m a terrible person. But NOELLE!?!?!?! THIS STORY IS SO FUCKING EPIC!

 

You captured all of these characters voices so well! Willow?! Like – seriously – the willowness of this story is incredibly spot on and awkward but sweet and bold yet rambly :chef’s kiss: AND SPIKE??!?!?! He has such an incredible arc in this show and this particular part of the story was a big turning point for him. You really articulated that annoyance at how much he cares for Dawn and it’s such an effective dynamic. And bringing in the Dru of it all?!?!?! Just amazing choice after amazing choice.

 

And I love the nod to canon too that maybe this was the impetus to Dawn starting to steal things from the magic shop that happens later and Spike being the one that started that bad influence because of fucking course he would be!

 

Amazing story. Amazing writing. Amazing anti-hero angst. :heart eyes:

 

-       - Jacquelin

Author's Response:

Thank you so much!!! I am so glad you liked it :D

 

I was a little worried about capturing Willow, so it's a relief to know that she worked. 

 

Spike's arc in Buffy is so amazing, and I really love his relationship with Dawn.

 

Thank you so much for running this challenge, and for this lovely review :D

Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 02 Oct 2021 12:27 AM · For: The Milkshake Subterfuge

Hi there, here for the reviews from the forums!!

I love these opening few lines. I can feel the longing and anger behind the words, and I know it will be a great piece of writing. Your Spike is so real—additionally, I love how you personify the sun and the moon with she/her pronouns. It makes me feel that, as Spike thinks about Buffy, he thinks of the world. A nice, subtle connection. And then also her shining hair, ahhhh I die. IDK it’s all very melancholy and angst. 

The way you’re handling his grief also feels so tangible, especially the whiplash with Buffybot lol. That’s got to be the worst thing he could see. I wish I could help him let go :( 

Oof I can hear Willow’s voice in this. It’s so sad to hear from Spike’s perspective sort of. And him helping Dawn is so sad also. I think helping her will help him :/ I love the way you display grief differently on all these characters. Their banter is also so sweet, even though it’s snappy and bitter. I love the line about Spike being dead, and Dawn’s reluctant words. Yes, theft, appropriate bonding. And it really is, because it gives Dawn a souvenir for the day she overcame the first hurdle of grief. You really crafted a great little set-up here, and I love your writing! I think this is the first story I’ve read of yours, and it really does pull you in :)

Thanks for a great read!

Catherine

Author's Response:

I was kind of nervous to tackle this story, since I haven't written much outside of the HP fandom. I'm so glad that the Buffy characters rang true. Spike is one of my favorites, and it was really fun to try to capture him here.

 

Thank you so much for this lovely review :D