Jackboots and Bubblegum

Okay, you and I both know I'm not a Spander fan, but I liked this :> I liked the POV of the story, how Spike has needs that he transposes onto an unlikely character because he just can't help himself. It's a fantasy, after all, and besides, he was trained by Angelus to crave that very thing, even if he has transferred the need to Xander. Of course you know I'm gonna picture Angel as the final point of Spike's zig-zagging search for his destiny, but that's my own fantasy :> And I even enjoyed the ending making his fantasy at least possible, because there was both synergy and symmetry there that worked well. I really like your characterization of Spike - he's rough and rude, even if there is still a bit of the more genteel William at his core which sometimes (frequently?) influences his behavior. I like emotion in my slash fic, but when it becomes so fluffy that Spike (or Angel, or any of the tough guys) sounds like a girl, well that's where it all goes waaaay OOC for me! Spike can be poufy due to the soft-hearted William inside, but he draws the line at saying poufy things, whereas Angel can say poufy things but is never really soft in the final analysis - no pun intended (I don't think Angelus allows it, though both Angelus and Liam will say *anything* to get what they want ;> As usual your writing style is impeccable. Great job! :>