5 Spuffy fics that broke my heart

[angearia.livejournal.com]

True to the tradition of la doleur exquise, these fives stories broke my heart and left me in love with the pain.


A Shadow Flits Before Me by ladyofthelog 

In this love affair that spans centuries and knows no limit, Buffy and Spike are forever missing their moment.  Verity captures the essence of the Victorian period in this beautiful award-winning one-shot that explores the concept of love and Spiritualism.  The effect of this story is, quite simply, profound.

The sun is so bright, and he wants to pull her into the shade, back with him, where it's safe, where he can keep her whole, or at least no more broken than he is. "I know enough of heaven," he says, at last. "No other place could hold you."

All The Difference by jen_nsync_landl   

Near the end of Season 5, Spike figures out a way to save the day.  A heartbreaking what-if with just the slightest tinge of hope to make the pain bittersweet.  With pitch-perfect characterization and flawless execution, this short one-shot is a true gem.

He hadn’t counted on her listening to him. He’d been going through the motions, doing the little dance they did, expecting the standard outcome: he’d suggest applying logic to the situation, she’d look at him as if he were a daft git and do just the opposite. She wasn’t supposed to hear him out, to entertain the notion that his point of view might happen to be valid.

[Un]buried by thisficklemob 

Buffy has never had a comfortable relationship with Death and the destruction of Sunnydale has only complicated her attempts to grieve her loved ones.  An insightful look inside Buffy's mind and heart, with truly excellent characterization (the perfect blend of heartbreaking and humorous). 

If you sat before a headstone, brought hand-picked daisies... or bourbon... nobody asked what you were thinking about. Or gave you any grief for your grief, because what else, really, were you supposed to do at a graveside? Hula hoop?

Hallelujah (Just Breathe) by diamondtook862 

An unflinchingly honest portrayal of Buffy's depression frames this story and sets the stage for a tragic end.  Spike wants nothing more than to save her, from the world, from herself, but Buffy is bound and determined to do what's 'right'.  Beautiful prose and lovely characterization teem in the rich darkness of Season 6 to powerful and moving effect.

The swath of Spike's back, revealed where the sheet had slipped away, seemed as vast and pale as the desert in the morning sun. She wanted to trace it with her fingertips: to map its rocky contours and crevasses until she would know him even if she were blind. Until she could recreate him in her mind and never know doubt.

Something by gryfndor_godess  

The events of Chosen play out differently when Buffy saves Spike from burning up and the two not-quite-lovers get the chance to build something new.  Hope and happiness brim in this four-chapter story that incorporates the entire Scooby cast while allowing the delicate yet vital connection between Buffy and Spike to blossom.  But how long can such happiness last?  Is it drug or dream?
    

“Wouldn’t you rather read a happy ending? Cheesy and boring and romantic and beautiful…”