5 Fics That Explore the Different Facets of Dawn

[clawofcat.livejournal.com]

I wasn't much of a Dawn fan when I watched the show and I don't think I'm alone in that, either. However, that changed when I started reading fanfiction. Dawn's one of those characters that has highly benefited from some serious character exploration by fic writers because we can take her out of the context of simply being Buffy's sister or the catalyst of conflict for Season 5, and really delve into who she is as a person. Each of these fics take one aspect of her and run with it to full affect.

1. The Down Below by Devil Piglet
Spike & Dawn, R, S7 post "Lessons"
Summary: Spike and Dawn have some unfinished business.

Review: Devil Piglet was one of the finest early Buffyverse writers we had and I miss her work dearly. While perhaps best known for her Spuffy, DP also created a number of fics that featured Dawn and I think this is one of her best. The show only gave us a glimpse of the animosity that Dawn felt for Spike after the events of "Seeing Red," but this fics takes those feelings of betrayal, hurt and vengeance to the next logical level. When did Dawn become so scary? I'd say just about the time this fic was first posted. A lovely, dark read with a beautiful conclusion. 
 

 

2. A Girl Made From Sky by doyle_sb4
Dawn & The Cheeseman, PG, assorted seasons, X-over with Sandman
Summary: He first saw her in the dream of a monk in Budapest. 

Review: This fic is brilliant, pure and simple, and it's one that I've incorporated into my own personal canon of Dawn's origins and creation. Told from the POV of the Cheeseman, who is characterized as this lovely dream-guardian of sorts, we learn about how the Key was formed and Dawn's connection to her otherworldy birth place. It's a whimsical look at creation, identity, and dreaming that's touching and beautiful. This is one of the most original fics I've ever read. No prior knowledge of the Sandman comics is necessary to read this though. 

3. Never Lies by theantijoss
Dawn/Dana, NC-17, 2 years after NFA
Summary: Dana never lies. 

Review: Despite the unusual pairing choice, it's incredible how much these two make sense together. This touching story, told from Dana's poetic if broken POV, highlights an aspect of Dawn that we only got hints of in the show simply because she was too young - Dawn as advocate. Dawn's empathy with Dana's ostracism and otherness makes her one of her biggest supporters, defenders, and ultimately love interest as she tries to help her damaged partner navigate their odd, supernatural world. The tenderness and understanding between them is beautiful and a part of Dawn that I always hoped to see shine.   

4. An Encyclopedia of Why Not by romanyg
Spike/Dawn, R, post-NFA
Summary: Dawn and Spike go on holiday together and have some very interesting conversations.

Review: Told entirely through snippets of dialogue, this fic shows the playful side of Dawn. Her wonderful sense of humor coupled with Spike's has you smiling the whole way through as they navigate and redefine their relationship. I also never thought I'd say how hot dialogue could make me without any description. Whew! *fans self* Nothing like a holiday at a hotel in the Olympic Village to get the hormones going.

5. Ursula by Jennifer Oksana
Dawn/Wes, Lilah/Wes, Angelus Wes, R, Season 7
Summary: There are so many girls in one very small house.

Review: While this is perhaps more of Wesley's tragic story of being turned by Angelus late in AtS S4, vamp!Wes is quite a treat as are his sizzling interactions with Dawn. This tightly constructed story uses the tale of St. Ursula and the eleven thousand versions to explore the unique situation at the Summers house in S7 with all the Potentials. Dawn's odd sexual curiosity about Wesley and her inexperienced attempt at seduction is such a treat. Dawn's a girl who knows what she wants. It's just things can get very dangerous when she wants the wrong thing.