Lilac City by nwhepcat (R)

[raveninthewind.livejournal.com]

Fandom: BTVS
Pairing: Xander/Faith, but I'd call this gen
Author on LJ: nwhepcat
Author Website: Fic by nwhepcat

Why this must be read:
Another post-"Chosen" Xander-centric story, "Lilac City" focuses on Xander and how he becomes a Watcher for a Slayer in Spokane, Washington. Faith comes to help, and that leads to a relationship, but this is not a romance, and action drives the plot. That's why I say this is really gen (because I believe that a story can contain a relationship and still be gen), so anyone who feels resistant to the pairing should give this a try. I think you'll be glad you did.

This is a long, plotty story, and a few other BtVS/AtS characters appear. I really liked the Xander/Giles friendship moments, found the characterization of Faith sound, and appreciated the original characters that nwhepcat created.

"Lilac City" has some angst and serious themes (substance abuse, self-knowledge, maturation, responsibility), but this isn't a dark story--it's more about healing. The dialog and humor also lighten the drama. I'll end by saying that this is one of the few WIPs I read faithfully in the fandom last year.

Lilac City 1: The Loner
Lilac City 2: The Artisan
Lilac City 3: The Watcher