I don't have much in the way of substantiative comments, so first I'll say that it was a great read the first time, and a great read again with the comments, they were very interesting. Thank you very much for the story!
Overall, a couple of things did strike me.
First is the contrast between Xander's on-screen behavior and this (essentially off-screen) behavior with his parents. A specific case in point is the scene where he agrees to Tony's deal for staying in the basement. He's completely and thoroughly whipped and beat down, arguably his lowest point in this story. Yet look at Xander when he finds Buffy in the Bronze. He's upbeat, confident in the future, still joking around (even about his new living conditions!), and handing out pep-talks. I confess I'm not at all familiar with child abuse so I don't know what's possible, but the difference in Xander's behavior is remarkable.
Secondly, I completely agree with you about the importance of his age. Having observed various discussions of Xander's mistakes (usually the ones involving Cordy and Anya) it's amazing to me how little allowance he gets for age, often derided as being an immature jerk. Well, duh, he *is* immature! He's a teenager--or just barely past--not a group known for mature thinking. But that doesn't make him an out-and-out complete jerk. Actually, all things considered, he's a pretty damn decent guy for someone his age. I think a good case can be made that (in large measure due to how low he'd sunk in S4, and not withstanding some events of S6) by the end of the series he was the most grown-up of the Scoobies.
no subject
Overall, a couple of things did strike me.
First is the contrast between Xander's on-screen behavior and this (essentially off-screen) behavior with his parents. A specific case in point is the scene where he agrees to Tony's deal for staying in the basement. He's completely and thoroughly whipped and beat down, arguably his lowest point in this story. Yet look at Xander when he finds Buffy in the Bronze. He's upbeat, confident in the future, still joking around (even about his new living conditions!), and handing out pep-talks. I confess I'm not at all familiar with child abuse so I don't know what's possible, but the difference in Xander's behavior is remarkable.
Secondly, I completely agree with you about the importance of his age. Having observed various discussions of Xander's mistakes (usually the ones involving Cordy and Anya) it's amazing to me how little allowance he gets for age, often derided as being an immature jerk. Well, duh, he *is* immature! He's a teenager--or just barely past--not a group known for mature thinking. But that doesn't make him an out-and-out complete jerk. Actually, all things considered, he's a pretty damn decent guy for someone his age. I think a good case can be made that (in large measure due to how low he'd sunk in S4, and not withstanding some events of S6) by the end of the series he was the most grown-up of the Scoobies.
Anyway, thanks again!