Lovely, as always. The section with Spike showering and doing his hair is expecially poignant.. His passionate attachment to the coat is such an interesting piece of his character. The explanation in canon--that it is a battle trophy--is only part of the story, I think. The rest fits in with your character's reminiscence and how it helps keep him sane. It is a touchstone, a tangible piece of history in the life of a creature without much proof of his existance.

Author's Response: Something I really enjoyed from the show was that no matter how hard Spike tried to act like a human, he simply wasn't one anymore, and that affected his thought processes, presonality, etc. I'm glad you're liking my spin on how vampires might handle their immortality. Thanks for reviewing!

Loved the bit about Spike's scars and how you use it to explore his character.

Author's Response: Thank you! That was one of my favorite scenes to write.

Meret is sooooo adorable!!

Author's Response: Hee hee. Thanks!

Nice chapter! Really like the mental picture of Drusilla combing and styling Spike's hair. I always enjoyed that relationship; twisted though it is!

The little walk though Spike's physical and mental scars was fascinating. Really enjoyed the look back at his life. It does a great job of shwing Spike at a crossroads in his life (unlife?) as he determines where to go from here. Having Meret's feelings to consider ls helping convince him he's making the right choice in "turning his back on the whole evil thing" I think. Not to mention it's a ncie device to draw him into the scoobies and convince them / some of them of his sincerity.

Looking forward to the next chapter!

Author's Response: I think writing the scars scene has been my favorite part of this story so far. I'm glad other people are liking it too. Thanks for reviewing!

~In an attrocious approximation of a Transylvanian accent that would be more at home on the Rocky Horror Picture Show than Sesame Street...~ ONE! TWO! THREE! Three 'Awwwww' moments in this chapter...MWA AH AH AH AHHH!

LOL. For whatever ever reason, maybe it's the clarity of the images your writing produces, I could sooo see Dawn's face as she baited Spike during the picnic and I loved it. The bathing scene in Spike's crypt was another beautiful collection of moments and I really appreciate the way that Meret's presence, even when only in the background, can be felt throughout the chapter. Meret came clearly into her own however in her attempt to offer some comfort to the girls with food (hell it always works for me) which was my 'Awwww' moment number three. Oh and the tales told by the scars on Spike's body? Sorry to be so lecherous but THERE'S an epic tale I'd listen to anytime ~gives a saucy wink~ The depth it adds to our understanding of Spike's character however shouldn't be underestimated. Indeed your characterisations of the various players in this story is what makes it so fascinating to me. Well done and more soon please!

Author's Response: Considering the subject, lechery is to be expected. ;-) I'm glad people aren't being turned off by the amount of time I'm spending on characterizations instead of action. Thanks for reviewing!

Great chapter. Just love that little Meret to pieces.Liked the "family" picnic scene..

Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing!

I love the bonding with Tara and Dawn it's really sweet.

Author's Response: Thanks!

Spike's panicked reaction to his missing duster made me laugh. The laundry list of Spike's myriad scars was very well realized. I especially liked the co-mingling of pre and post vamp injuries.

Author's Response: I'm glad you liked the scar scene. I really enjoyed writing that part, but I wondered if everyone else would find it boring. I'm happy to be proven wrong. Thanks!