Re: FIC: First Choice

[danspector@xxxxxxxxx]

Cas,

First, pardon the slow fb, I really thought I would get to this before
now.

> blame Dan for this

Oh, could you, could you? I would love to have the credit!

When this came out on Wednesday, I was all blue (in the middle of my
initial reaction to "As You Were"). This was a ray of sunlight that
cheered me right up and put a smile on my face, and remains a delight to
reread.

Loved Willow's insecurities leading her from Buffy's reluctance to come
out to the thought that she was just a substitute for Angel. Also liked
how she acknowledged that she had done the same thing with Tara.

Enjoyed your not forgetting that Xander and Anya are in the same room,
and particularly liked Willow's reactions to the visuals Xander keeps
providing.

I have to say, I miss witchy Willow. Yes, Willow the god-fighter had to
be taken down a few pegs, yes the magic was defining her character too
much, and yes taking it away is a nice way to emphasize that Willow's
real friends love her, magic or no. I enjoyed the flashback to
"Restless" in "Wrecked" and the implication that Tara didn't even know
the real Willow.

But as intellectually satisfying as all that may be, I miss the Willow
who could be coming up with a "Xander-shutting-up spell" if the Xan-man
got too out of hand. (Don't forget to give some of it to Mrs. Harris,
too.)

Anyway, the B/W talk was very sweet, with Buffy perceiving Willow's
problem (oh, how I miss perceptive characters!) and lovingly reassuring
her. And the bit where the distracted look in her eyes around Riley
wasn't memories of Angel but longing for Will was truly awwwww-some.

In summary: Loved it. Lots. Thanks.

Dan