Thank you *so much* for commenting! I've been really sick and feel terrible it's taken me so long to respond to you - please forgive the delay?
Thank you very much for the feedback! There are definitely moments where Xander (who usually bluffs and covers his vulnerabilities) shows that careless words from those around him do hit the mark, and I like to think that my portrayal shows a realistic reaction; he wouldn't say anything, would try to hide that Spike's remarks got through to him... but I think he would be hurt by it, far more than Spike would ever intend. It's often the careless, matter-of-fact jibes that hurt the most, I think... by their very casual nature, they seem beyond challenge, and the truth always hurts the most.
I'm really pleased you agree with my Spike! I often feel uncertain when I'm writing him, so I'm extra flattered when he rings true for others. And yay again - I'm so happy that you enjoyed it, and took the time to tell me so.
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Thank you very much for the feedback! There are definitely moments where Xander (who usually bluffs and covers his vulnerabilities) shows that careless words from those around him do hit the mark, and I like to think that my portrayal shows a realistic reaction; he wouldn't say anything, would try to hide that Spike's remarks got through to him... but I think he would be hurt by it, far more than Spike would ever intend. It's often the careless, matter-of-fact jibes that hurt the most, I think... by their very casual nature, they seem beyond challenge, and the truth always hurts the most.
I'm really pleased you agree with my Spike! I often feel uncertain when I'm writing him, so I'm extra flattered when he rings true for others. And yay again - I'm so happy that you enjoyed it, and took the time to tell me so.