Cleaning Up, by Spuffyduds, (R)

[likeadeuce.livejournal.com]

Fandom:: ANGEL
Pairing:: Wesley/Lilah, Wesley/Justine
Author on LJ: spuffyduds
Author Website: None
Why this must be read:

There are places in any canon that just cry out for a story to be told, and Wesley's complicated interaction with Lilah and Justine between seasons 3 & 4 is one of those places. "Cleaning Up" is a Wesley-POV story, as rich and dark as the canon. But it goes even deeper, digging beneath his stark facade to show us that, yes, it's still Wesley in there. spuffyduds strikes a difficult balance by showing empathy with Wesley while never trying to explain or excuse or, God forbid, woobify his actions.

spuffyduds is a new author in this fandom, and she has struck gold the first time out. She writes in spare, sharp prose, with minimal but dead-on dialogue.

Here's a sample:



Later, when [Lilah]'s gone, he watches her car lights leave his driveway and disappear up the street. He always does that--he wouldn't put it past her to sneak back in the house, probably expecting him to be up to something on the computer. She wouldn't suspect this, he thinks, opening up Justine's room. Wouldn't suspect it of me, of the Good Guy--it's a Wolfram and Hart sort of thing to do.

Justine's curled up in the corner, glaring at him. He'd had to chain her manacles to a metal stake in the floor last week, after she rushed him when he opened the door. Not that she was a real threat, not without a weapon--but he doesn't fancy explaining scratches and bruises to Lilah. He has a feeling that she keeps careful track of the ones she makes herself.

"Is it time for my swill?" Justine says. He ignores her--he actually feeds her very well, the same meals he eats. "Or, oh, let me guess, it's another round of 'Where's my boss?' Well, guess what!" she yells. "I still don't fucking know!"


Cleaning Up