Someday her prince will come: what qualities would suit Buffy best in a long-term lov

[Wolfie Gilmore]

I’m not asking who you think Buffy should end up with specifically. It could be someone she hasn’t met yet. But obviously if you think a character she knows already has the qualities to make it last with the slayer, do say who you think would be best.

So, in terms of what would balance out Buffy’s flaws, complement her good qualities…and make her happy…. What kind of person (be they human or otherwise) would make the best mate for Buffy, once she’s cookies?

And is she cookies already?

EDIT: the prince thing is a reference btw, that bit about rescuing the prince. Not that she'll necessarily do it with said prince. But if said prince is Xander then...well, that's a popular theory.

I'll come back and say what I think would suit Buffy in character sense.

[lara]

Well, I'm a Spuffy fan!! I always saw Spike and Buffy as equals, in many many ways, I think they complement each other quite well, they respect and trust each other (I'm talking of course about Spuffy in season 7), and that's what you want in a long term relashionship. Plus good chemistry.

I don't think that Buffy could ever have a relashionship that works with a "just human" guy, she needs someone that's more than that, 'cause, well, she's no normal girl. BUT if Joss decides to pair her with a "normal guy", I wouldn't mind if it were with Xander. He's number 2 for me, after Spike. I think if there's a "human" man that could understand her and wouldn't mind her being more powerfull than him is Xander. Plus he's been friends with her for years now, and that's a wonderful quality in a boyfriend, you know, that you can be friends with him, besides being lovers.

[Boltmaiden]

Angel...wow shocking i know but i have said in other threads that i actually think they would be a better couple now than they were before because of what each character has been through, I think that Angel could help Buffy in places that she is struggling and I think that now they are in a place where they are truly equals. Plus i think they complete each other.

I have to say that I agree with Lara with the fact that Xander would be my number two pick as well because he knows her so well, they have been through so much together and have always found a way to come back together as friends no matter what. Having that foundation would be key to make the love long term.

Spoiler:

But I don't think he is the only human who could be with her, at least not now

[Wolfie Gilmore]

I think Buffy, like many headstrong heroes, needs someone who will both support her choices and be loyal, but also call her on her shit and not let her get away with stuff. Now, that someone doesn’t have to be their lover too, of course (cf Donna and the Doctor), but I think Buffy might benefit from a lover who doesn’t idolise her, but instead sees her as she is and will tell her if he thinks she’s being emotionally unavailable/distant/engaging in defensive isolationist slayer crap

If that person was her lover, then Xander would fit the mould. I can see her gradually realising she likes him in a more-than-friends way (slightly sexy yet anxious dream about him in one of the early issues of season 8, for example, seems a bit of a hint), and I think the support and respect he’d provide, coupled with knowing her well enough to know when she’s being too Chosen One, would make them a strong couple.

But she could have Xander as her consigliere and someone else as her romantic partner. I can see her having a bickering-yet-strong relationship with someone charismatic (gorgeous, in an annoying sort of way, as per Angel who is perhaps just as pig headed as she can be, but somehow they can laugh at that fact and get over it by taking the piss out of each other. Perhaps someone human, but who is part of her world – some mystic she meets on the job, perhaps. Buffy and a wizard? Stranger things have happened in fanfic

I don’t think Buffy needs someone who’s somehow more than human, though. Now she’s no longer the only chosen one, I think her sense of being different from other people is perhaps a little lessened… perhaps that might bring her closer to normal humans over time, now she’s no longer “special” in the same way?

NB: I’m saying him here because I don’t seriously think Buffy would end up with a woman. Unless Dame Judi suddenly decides she’s into chicks, of course, given she’s on “the list”, and certainly wouldn’t take any crap from Buffy

[Michael]

I don't fancy any of the characters so far. If I were drawing up the "operational requirement" I would go for an older man, probably in his later 30s, a soldier and an intellectual. I mean a former professional soldier--maybe SAS or similar--who was now an archaeologist specializing in ancient and prehistoric archeology.

He would know a lot about the occult and would have knowledge of the Watchers Council, but had refused to have anything to do with them. In the beginning he would be suspicious of Buffy, and she of him, and then they would fall in love.

He would be connected, in a loose way, with intelligence services. He should have more than a touch of T.E.Lawrence about him, but should have a more normal character in intimate matters. He would be a charismatic figure and a visionary.

[tangent]

Dame Judi all the way for me.

That's pretty much a vote for none of the above. I don't really want Buffy to retrace her steps with Angel or Spike or Riley cos been there, done them (Ahem).

Xander I prefer in the Consiglieere role. I like the fact that on a show with a lot of very strong interesting characters we still have one very strong male character who's not just boyfriend of... I think we need him for that role.

Satsu would be a possibility but i kind of like how that was left, so yes bring on Dame Judi.

Another Bond fantasy secene could be in order but this time with Buffy as 008 perhaps getting a, um, debriefing.

[Wolfie Gilmore]

I don't fancy any of the characters so far. If I were drawing up the "operational requirement" I would go for an older man, probably in his later 30s, a soldier

Damn, now I can’t get The Brigadier from Doctor Who out of my head as Buffy’s beau. Noooo! So wrong…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigadier_Lethbridge-Stewart

[/quote] and an intellectual. I mean a former professional soldier--maybe SAS or similar--who was now an archaeologist specializing in ancient and prehistoric archeology. [/quote]

Specific, I like it! I don’t agree about the soldier part particularly, but I like the idea of a historian with occult knowledge. Erm…though that’s quite Indiana Jones now I think about it!

He would be connected, in a loose way, with intelligence services. He should have more than a touch of T.E.Lawrence about him, but should have a more normal character in intimate matters. He would be a charismatic figure and a visionary.

I’m thinking crossovers again…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/spooks/personnel_ac.shtml

Dame Judi all the way for me.

I saw the poll first and was wondering who voted for her!

That's pretty much a vote for none of the above. I don't really want Buffy to retrace her steps with Angel or Spike or Riley cos been there, done them (Ahem).

Oh yes, forgot to add a none of the above box.

Xander I prefer in the Consiglieere role. I like the fact that on a show with a lot of very strong interesting characters we still have one very strong male character who's not just boyfriend of... I think we need him for that role.

I definitely see your point from a character development/roles point of view. But I also think that Xander is quite well suited to her now, where they are in their lives. Not immediately now now, cos, with the dead ex girlfriend for Xander and the recent stuff with Satsu and Buffy – need a break, both of ‘em, I’m sure. But in a few years, I can see them fitting pretty nicely.

Or someone completely new, that is. I’m liking this whole Buffy/spy thing, but perhaps on a fanfic/anywhere but here fantasy note rather than in reality.

Mind you, I would love a proper Spooks crossover, because I think the post-Chosen world fits pretty well with the Spooksverse. Especially Giles, but Buffy too.

[Nina]

Angel...wow shocking i know but i have said in other threads that i actually think they would be a better couple now than they were before because of what each character has been through, I think that Angel could help Buffy in places that she is struggling and I think that now they are in a place where they are truly equals. Plus i think they complete each other.

I have to say that I agree with Lara with the fact that Xander would be my number two pick as well because he knows her so well, they have been through so much together and have always found a way to come back together as friends no matter what. Having that foundation would be key to make the love long term.

Spoiler:

But I don't think he is the only human who could be with her, at least not now

I agree with Boltmaiden, only I'm no fan of the Xander/Buffy couple because I'm no fan of first 100% platonic friends than after years lovers storylines in tv-series, it will always feel forced to me.

But I want to add something; I already said before, we are always looking with who Buffy should end up. But the other title character lost all the other candidates and we've no idea how much story we will get with Angel, is there time to find a new big love for him? ... and it would be sad if he ends up alone, I know ... harsh realitycakes but still, why can Buffy end up with friends, family and a lover ... and why does Angel have to end up alone after being alone his whole life. Yes, he has Connor, but he has to share him with Connor's other parents, friends, etc. Connor has a whole life without Angel.

But yes, the romantic Bangel fan in me would love it if they return to eachother, both grown up and better fitting than at the start. Doesn't mean that any other ending can't make me happy, but right now ... this is my favourite one. The two heroes together again after years full of fantastic (and less fantastic) seasons of their own shows. I think that they will fit very well in the end. They went both trough a lot of simular situations (single parent of a teenager, when depressed they have sex with a blonde soulless vampire, 'betrayed' by a British guy, good friend went powersick etc.), they become every season more like eachother and they are equals as they were never eachothers leader/boss.

[Charles]

Despite my status as a Xander fan, I think Angel fits the best. he's the closest thing to outright soul-mate status I think in the BtVS/AtS verse and he's probably the only one who's storyline resolution depends on ending up with someone. And he does fit the older male requirement.

Xander I don't think will end up with anyone. It's not necessary for his character's story anymore IMO.

[Sacred Knight]

Define necessary. Is it necessary for any character to end up with someone? Not really. I don't see what's excluding Xander more than anyone else from the possibility of finding love.

So I still go with him. He's human, yet he's not "normal" so to speak. He is an ordinary person who not only manages to exist by thrive in the world of the extraordinary. To me I've always felt it was the best of both worlds for Buffy. The have developed pretty much every connection possible between two people except save one, a mutual sexual attraction, and even that may have already evolved, as Buffy's dream is a strong sign (yet admittedly still not absolute proof in the waking world), that Buffy is attracted to him now.

[holypotatoes]

I of course am going with Dame Judi Dench! Mostly because there was no "other" category. I don't want Buffy to be with any of the people on that list. I want her to start over with someone new and fresh. Whether that guy (yes, GUY. No more Batsu stuff. ) is just an average joe or has super awesome powers doesn't really matter to me and I don't think it would really matter at all to Buffy. She needs to get away from the drama that is her past relationships and move on. Angel and Spike might not ever truly get over her, nor do I think Buffy will ever fully get over them but I think she'll be able to find love and happiness that doesn't have to deal with the downside of being with two vampires, both of which were best buds back in the day. So in short, let Buffy stay alone and have hott one night stands whenever she want's for the rest of her life or have her find another man to love. Both scenarios work for me.

[EvilVampire]

I don't get the impression that Buffy would end up with anyone.

More or less long term (a couple years, maybe), is one thing. But for the rest of her life? I don't think that's likely. Then again, considering her line of work, maybe her life will end violently while she's in a relationship.

Barring that, though, I doubt it. She doesn't look like cookie material to me.

Just a personal impression, though.

[alexa]

Yeah I'm also of the opinion that she probably wont 'end up' with anyone.. unless it's done in a way I haven't considered.
But I voted for Xander... unless Angel is human and back in her life.. then I really can't decide. She does need a human.. thought we established this in season three, but they keep dragging us back to immortals.

[Nina]

Oh I agree that Buffy needs a human. If Angel is a vampire in the end ... I don't want an Angel/Buffy pairing. I don't think that will work, and I don't see why they would try that one again. I never got Angel's last words in 'Chosen' ... it sounded like Buffy's cookie dough problem, the only reason was to not be together.

[MaverickKing]

I hope Angel, but I think it'll end up being Dame Judi Dench.

[vampmogs]

I voted Dench, really because I can't decide

So far it is pretty much a tie between Angel or Xander for me. Angel because out of her all her relationships so far it is the one I've liked the most and the one person I felt Buffy truly opened up to emotionally, and was the most honest with out of all the people she deeply cared about, even in 'Chosen' at the end of season seven as well as episodes like 'Forever' in season 5.

But unless he stays

Spoiler:

human

it can't work, that's the point, so for their sake I hope he does.

But then I think Buffy/Xander could easily top Buffy/Angel for me should it happen, and since Xander is human and Buffy's shown she's very capable of opening up to him, especially in this season, I think it is pretty much a tie.

A tie because Buffy/Angel has actually happened and it is my favourite of her relationships, but because I think I could easily like Buffy/Xander more and I think he'd be best for her.

So I'm going with our Dame Dench until I get to see Bander first hand

[allthings]

Im gonna use this quote from The Prom.

*Angel: "You deserve more. You deserve something outside of demons and darkness. You should be with someone who can take you into the light.*

Buffy lives a rather dark life and I think she needs someone who isnt a part of that. Someone new, fresh and pure but someone who is able to understand the person she is. Kinda like Tara was to Willow. I know Riley was meant to be the regular guy and was classed as dull, but he was still part of the demon business. I think she needs someone who will accept her for all she is much like Spike did (re: his speech in 'Touched'. And she should be able to capture a love as rich as she had with Angel but maturer.

But I do think that her Prince should be definately someone new, but not represented as dull just because he isnt a vamp like Angel or Spike. And although, initially the guy wouldnt be part of her slayer world he would obviously get in it somehow as part of his evolution. Sorry if Im talking crap lol

[Charles]

Define necessary. Is it necessary for any character to end up with someone? Not really. I don't see what's excluding Xander more than anyone else from the possibility of finding love.

So I still go with him. He's human, yet he's not "normal" so to speak. He is an ordinary person who not only manages to exist by thrive in the world of the extraordinary. To me I've always felt it was the best of both worlds for Buffy. The have developed pretty much every connection possible between two people except save one, a mutual sexual attraction, and even that may have already evolved, as Buffy's dream is a strong sign (yet admittedly still not absolute proof in the waking world), that Buffy is attracted to him now.

To me Xander is a character who's at his happiest when everyone around him is happy. That's how I saw him in the series when he was withe Cordelia or Anya. He seemed just as happy for Buffy and Willow as he was for himself if not more so.

So I don't think it's really necessary or important for him to end up with anyone. I think he's a prime candidate for the Joxer ending if they want to go that way with him.

As for Buffy being attracted to him, I don't see it. Buffy's dream was as much a nightmare as anything and I can't see her choosing to pursue a relationship with Satsu if she legitimately thought a relationship with Xander was possible at any point. I just don't think think Xander fits what Buffy is looking for in a partner anymore.

[Sacred Knight]

I took it that the dream was legit before it turned into the crazy nightmare. Even further, the suggestion within the dream that they had, at the very least, slept together in the same bed suggests one of two things. Buffy has had a similar dream(s) before, or they really did have a secret rendezvous that they haven't talked about yet. I find the latter to be rather unlikely though considering there's no real tension between the two that would probably be present had they actually done anything, so I'm going with her having dreams of Xander previous to the one we saw. That whole sequence up until his head pops up just doesn't jive at all with the rest of the nightmare, I see it as Buffy sleeping peacefully having a normal dream before the mojo kicks in.

I just don't see the point to those panels at all if the intent wasn't to get across clearly that at least in Buffy's subconscious, she's starting to see Xander sexually. What that means for the future is anyone's guess, I'm not pretending I know for a fact or am using this as proof the two will end up together, but it had to have been put there for some reason.

[holypotatoes]

I took it that the dream was legit before it turned into the crazy nightmare. Even further, the suggestion within the dream that they had, at the very least, slept together in the same bed suggests one of two things. Buffy has had a similar dream(s) before, or they really did have a secret rendezvous that they haven't talked about yet. I find the latter to be rather unlikely though considering there's no real tension between the two that would probably be present had they actually done anything, so I'm going with her having dreams of Xander previous to the one we saw.

Why would you think there would be tension between the two of them if they did get together at some point? Just curious. I don't really think there would automatically be tension just because they had sex and didn't talk about it. I mean, isn't that what a one night stand's supposed to be. Do the deed and then that's it. Why would it have to mean something more between the two of them? Why couldn't it just be *Friends quote ahead*, "wild, meaningless animal sex" ? Yes if it had happened between the two of them already, they probably would have talked about it by now but I don't see why there would have to be tension between the two of them.