Release by Alison (R)

[niennah.livejournal.com]

Fandom: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
Pairing: Warren/Xander (mentions Xander/Anya)
Author on LJ: longersleeves
Author Website: ?
Why this must be read:

Usually if Xander is in a fic I run a mile, and that's why it took me so long to get around to reading this one. I'm very glad I finally did. This story is set just as Season 6 begins and gives a very new take on why Warren wants to take on the Slayer just after she comes back from the dead. Warren is twisted up tight in his little world with Xander as his one release (one reason for the title), but, of course, nothing runs smoothly.

Watch out for the subtle and extremely effective comparison between Xander and Buffy in this fic. Knowing Season 6 and knowing what is to come with Buffy and Spike makes it so much more sad to read.

Both Warren and Xander are perfectly in character in this fic, and it is written with just the right amount of desperation and need. There's also some smut. ;) All in all, an exceptionally well-written fic with a pairing that Alison really makes work.

It wasn't fair. Love was supposed to be a happy thing. Something that made you all mushy and soft inside... not something that seized you by the throat and twisted until you had to bite your tongue to keep from screaming or crying.

Xander didn't need Warren anymore, not the way Warren needed him. Probably never had. All he'd been was a distraction, something to keep Xander from cracking under the stress after Buffy died. And that had been just fine with Warren. Not like he'd wanted a serious relationship, anyway, after the whole Katrina fiasco. He knew better.

He just hadn't expected to grow so fucking attached to the guy.



He needed Xander, much as he hated that fact. Xander kept him sane. Drove him crazy, sure, but also kept him sane. Made him eat, sleep, and get away from his computers once in a while. Maybe just to fight and fuck, but it was something.

It was everything.

Release

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_inbetween_/]

if Xander is in a fic I run a mile
it's good you started your rec like this, otherwise i would never have read the rec. now i want to know what warren does.

[niennah.livejournal.com]

Not a Xander fan? Me either. Hope you liked the fic. :)

[karendreamer.livejournal.com]

I loved this and left feedback on her LJ. The first Buffy slash I've read and I'm now hooked. At least on fics that are recc'd by crack van.

[niennah.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for letting me know you liked it! I'm not sure if Alison is still around on LJ, but I hope she sees your FB (and indeed mine too - v belated). Most stories I rec will be slash, so I hope you enjoy them. I've picked out the best ones I've ever read, and I've read a lot, lol.

Thanks for letting me know you liked it.

I like your icon, btw. ;)