My constant struggle of getting really into an age gap pairing and having everyone else say “um it’s father daughter” or "it's father son"
like SORRY NOT EVERY MAN IS A FATHER FIGURE, SOMETIMES HES A FUCKING FIGURE
Welcome to my first rec list exclusively for Buffy/Giles! Every fic on this list is under 1.000 words, but don't be fooled by the short word count! I've found some of these pieces incredibly thought-provoking.
Please heed the ratings, tags, and warnings, and don't forget to let the author know if you liked their work (if applicable). Enjoy!
🌻 gravity that insists by Elizabeth_Scripturient (Not Rated, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, 377 words)
Through all the years, there has always been the two of them.
Starting off this list with a cute post-canon piece. Loved the banter!
🌻 Night by zulu (M, Major Character Death, 401 words)
He no longer hates the night.
Don't let the Major Character Death warning scare you off. This one will be living in my head rent-free for a while, especially because of the amazing twist.
🌻 The Archivist by Kivrin (T, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, 98 words)
A little on the darker side with emphasis on the "comfort" part of hurt/comfort, a very interesting look at Giles's various scars.
🌻 A Story of Shoes and Cookies. by noelia_g (G, No Archive Warnings Apply, 563 words)
"Yep, just like the old times," Buffy announced mock-cheerfully as the heap of bones burned brightly. "It wouldn't be a proper visit if it didn't end at a cemetery, now would it?"
A hilarious and cute post-canon piece to lighten the mood once more!
🌻 Saint Giles by secondalto (T, No Archive Warnings Apply, 390 words)
Some light reading reveals an interesting fact.
A very cool connection between our favorite Watcher and the saint he shares his name with.
🌻 An Unusual Delight by Val_Creative (M, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, 300 words)
Giles has thoughts about Faith's new tongue piercing. And about Buffy.
Giles has some interesting (and by "interesting" I mean "hot") fantasies.
🌻 Cookie by Gibberish (moved to AO3 by BuffyGiles_Archivist) (E, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, 748 words)
Buffy gets her cookie. ;-) PWP
A delicious take on what Buffy really meant when she said, "Then I get a cookie".
🌻 Bullet for My Valentine by GhostDetective (M, No Archive Warnings Apply, 100 words)
Buffy’s head fell back against the pillow as she whimpered softly.
I love the style of this drabble so much. So fun! Also, lucky Buffy 👀
🌻 Going Public by GhostDetective (G, No Archive Warnings Apply, 100 words)
If there was one benefit of Buffy’s graduation, it was that they could go public with their relationship.
Buffy and Giles reveal their relationship. Short, sweet, and funny.
🌻 Quiet Night In by GhostDetective (G, No Archive Warnings Apply, 100 words)
Contrary to common belief, Halloween was dead for the undead...
The Slayer's Halloween might be boring... but our favorite Watcher makes sure Buffy's Halloween gets interesting!
First, an ask: If the ship squicks you, I understand and don't need to hear it for the thousandth time. Please just scroll along.
With that out of the way.... There was an incredible fanfiction I've been trying to find again for literal years at this point, and I am now desperate enough to post here.
It featured the song When Somebody Loved Me and I think that was the title, although I could be mistaken. Buffy was moving away and Giles was angsting hard over how much he loved her but never had the courage to tell her and, spoiler alert, he decides to let her go without telling her. It was so evocative and made me cry and I even had it printed out at one point, but it didn't survive the years, unfortunately. I would dearly love to read it again if anyone at all has a copy or can point to where it might be archived!
Is there a Buffy-verse fic idea you've been dying to read? Are you looking for inspiration for your next fic? Join us on AO3 or Dreamwidth! All pairings, ratings, and genres welcome.
When Did I Start Shipping Them?
Episode Number Two! It was love at first sight with Giles, and I think that Buffy deserves the whole world, so clearly she deserves the man that I think is the most attractive. At least, that was my logic at fourteen when I watched the first couple of seasons.
Why Do I Ship Them?
In part because they're my two favourite characters, and I always want more content of them, but most of the other characters rub me the wrong way. I like that Buffy is so much the stronger one, and Giles as the damsel in distress is such a delight to me. I just enjoy shipping strong women and their clever but slightly hapless men, I think. It's a type for me.
Favourite Fanfiction Tropes/Staples?
Literally anything for these two. 'Supernatural forces made them do it' is great, 'post college' is great, complete AUs is great, just more content for them at all times.
