I really enjoyed this! The way you wrote both Angel and Willow's characters was so incredibly well done. They 'felt' completely real to me and I also absolutely loved how you developed their friendship throughout the story. Them slowly learning about each other and becoming closer with each encounter. Nicely done - it was pretty much perfect!
The only thing I'm a little confused about is how/why Angel lost his soul? I'm guessing it wasn't the whole 'happiness clause' cause he didn't sound too happy :P, but if not that, what? I always liked the fanon idea of that it wasn't the "happiness" per say, but him forgetting that he was/is a demon in that one moment. That being with Buffy, he let himself forget his horrific past, and let himself think of himself as a normal human man. *shrugs* It's not a big deal either way, and maybe it's addressed in the sequel anyway?
Anyhoo, thank you for this delightful story!!
Comments from author:
While the idea that the soul-binding curse could be broken made sense to me (not in the 'that's a good idea and a wise course' of action sort of way), the idea that it MUST be from 'a moment of perfect happiness' didn't. I feel that the happiness explanation is either a) a mis-translation (the idea of a moment of forgetting that he's not human makes much more sense), b) intended as a comforting lie towards Buffy, c) the characters making a wild guess.
It would also make sense that it could have been broken by him as a vampire doing something so completely alien to a vampire's general nature - a consensual sexual encounter with a Slayer fitting that description perfectly.
You can bet that if/when Angel's change of position is discovered, there will be some definite questions about how that could have happened!
I am glad that you enjoyed.
Review By [LeaFairy] • Date [18 Oct 11] • Rating [8 out of 10]
A BIT hazy on what actually triggered the clause in a manner that allowed Angelus to get out- given that 'perfect happiness' doesn't seem to have been involved in his night with Buffy-, but that aside you've got an interesting bit of work here; effective character bonding moments and a unique and unusual insight into the relationship that you created here between Willow and Angel.
Review By [MarcusSLazarus] • Date [28 Jan 10] • Rating [9 out of 10]
Another month, another recommendation to find a home for.
I came back to this story, read it again, and was just as delighted with it - even though I still can't stand coffee. The insights and dialog were wonderfully done, and the pacing was fantastic within the chapters and around the episodes.
Review By [purrfus] • Date [14 Jun 07] • Rating [10 out of 10]
Backtracked from Dark Coffee to find this. I can't stand coffee but somehow all of the story time spent in coffee shops and drinking coffee didn't bother me at all. Wonderfully done, and very much in character of the episodes. Now I have to go find Coffee & Kisses.
Review By [purrfus] • Date [16 Nov 06] • Rating [10 out of 10]
Ooh... very interesting. I like your take on the Willow/Angel friendship. Adds a bit to what went on in the eps, but still kept completely canonical and in character. Good job.
Somehow it totally makes sense that Angelus would be even more drawn to Willow and annoyed by Buffy. Heck, I was annoyed by Buffy just watching. Interesting point to chose to end this. On one hand, I want to see more, but it is a nice place to end since Angelus is now the enemy. Sort of. And then there's that whole Hell thing. Thought-provoking read. Thanks for posting this! ~Ves
Review By [Vesica] • Date [22 Apr 05] • Rating [9 out of 10]
Wow. Having these two in relationship at this point in the series is really powerful. Angel needed to be able to talk some of that out and of all the characters, Willow is most able to express what is going on inside her. At least right now...
Review By [Vesica] • Date [22 Apr 05] • Rating [10 out of 10]
Oh, ouch. This scene always had a bit of disappointment on Willow's part but now, after what you've built between them - *looks mournful*. Poor darling. ~Ves
Luna
Deanie
