Testing Stress
Oct. 21st, 2019 10:14 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
madimpossibledreamerFairly shortly after, Willow's going to forgive Xander, because they'll have more in common. They actually get along probably better than the other AUs. It's mostly that Willow doesn't handle change well, I don't think, especially from people--she relies on them to stay the same.
~dreamer~
EDIT: finally figured out the osaka-ben for father, so Xander's gonna alternate between that and Otousan (he's never gonna use English there; it allows for some distance 'cause Xander and Giles like to pretend that they're not as close as they are 'cause they're weird)
Main Points:
Buffy/Yakuza AU
Chapter Summary: Willow's upset at Xander again.
Word Count: 375
Rating: Teen (mention of Xander still questioning his gender identity)
Xander’s stretched himself out on the table, hands tucked behind his head. Without even opening his eye he responds, “I’m awake. And paying attention. It’s just been a long day.”
“Children,” Giles interrupts disapprovingly. Willow really needs to stop sniping at Xander, and his son really should know better than to keep antagonizing her. Sometimes he can’t help it, and right now he’s certainly exhausted what with all the carrying and cataloguing of items in the shop today, combined with his anxieties about the dress conversation. Giles has asked pretty much all of the questions he could to help, though. It was up to Xander to work through it now, with the knowledge that no matter what conclusion he came to, Giles would be proud. It’s obvious that now this is half provocation, however. That’s something else Xander will do, pre-Angelus, even—poke at wounds whenever he’s feeling insecure to try to get a response. He’s not sure if it’s bad habits gained from learning from his parents or just an urge to hurt.
Willow often doesn’t seem to approve of the changes in Xander. But she doesn’t see the positives.
It’s true that this Xander is not necessarily her childhood friend—in fact, that childhood friend is gone. This Xander can be rather violent, but isn’t indiscriminate in said violence. He’s more supportive and, on average, better at listening and contributing than before. For all of the trauma and panic attacks, too, he’s happier. He’s every bit the geek he was before, and Giles’ home has not seen quite as much geeky paraphenalia in years.
Troubled, but free. Violent, but kind. Ridiculous, but honest. When he’s not being reckless, he’s actually thinking about things far more deeply than his old counterpart.
“So, cursed kid. Oton, you weren’t too clear about what we’re protectin’ him from. The danger himself or demons?” Xander’s voice cuts through clearly, and Giles hides a smile, not that his son can see it. Even now he’s doing his best.
“Unfortunately the relevant text is somewhat vague on the relevant points…” he replies, anticipating the groan in response. “There may be another way to arrive at the truth, however…” They’ll find a way. They always do.
~dreamer~
EDIT: finally figured out the osaka-ben for father, so Xander's gonna alternate between that and Otousan (he's never gonna use English there; it allows for some distance 'cause Xander and Giles like to pretend that they're not as close as they are 'cause they're weird)
Main Points:
Buffy/Yakuza AU
Chapter Summary: Willow's upset at Xander again.
Word Count: 375
Rating: Teen (mention of Xander still questioning his gender identity)
“Take this seriously,” Willow insists.
Xander’s stretched himself out on the table, hands tucked behind his head. Without even opening his eye he responds, “I’m awake. And paying attention. It’s just been a long day.”
“Children,” Giles interrupts disapprovingly. Willow really needs to stop sniping at Xander, and his son really should know better than to keep antagonizing her. Sometimes he can’t help it, and right now he’s certainly exhausted what with all the carrying and cataloguing of items in the shop today, combined with his anxieties about the dress conversation. Giles has asked pretty much all of the questions he could to help, though. It was up to Xander to work through it now, with the knowledge that no matter what conclusion he came to, Giles would be proud. It’s obvious that now this is half provocation, however. That’s something else Xander will do, pre-Angelus, even—poke at wounds whenever he’s feeling insecure to try to get a response. He’s not sure if it’s bad habits gained from learning from his parents or just an urge to hurt.
Willow often doesn’t seem to approve of the changes in Xander. But she doesn’t see the positives.
It’s true that this Xander is not necessarily her childhood friend—in fact, that childhood friend is gone. This Xander can be rather violent, but isn’t indiscriminate in said violence. He’s more supportive and, on average, better at listening and contributing than before. For all of the trauma and panic attacks, too, he’s happier. He’s every bit the geek he was before, and Giles’ home has not seen quite as much geeky paraphenalia in years.
Troubled, but free. Violent, but kind. Ridiculous, but honest. When he’s not being reckless, he’s actually thinking about things far more deeply than his old counterpart.
“So, cursed kid. Oton, you weren’t too clear about what we’re protectin’ him from. The danger himself or demons?” Xander’s voice cuts through clearly, and Giles hides a smile, not that his son can see it. Even now he’s doing his best.
“Unfortunately the relevant text is somewhat vague on the relevant points…” he replies, anticipating the groan in response. “There may be another way to arrive at the truth, however…” They’ll find a way. They always do.
