Intense lyrics for an intense chapter.
After hearing Spike having talked to Gunn I get the feeling that Spike knows now who did this to Buffy. It sounds almost as if it was the same that did things to him, abusing him. Can be I'm wrong just because he was abused and knows what she feels.
I fear Gunn didn't have a choice, only to let Buffy go. It's the law...
Yeah, it's the same abuser, right? And Darla knows but doesn't help.
I'm glad for Buffy that she has at last this: Feeling safe being with Spike. She doesn't have much.

Author's Response: He has his suspicions, but no proof. That will come with time. Darla knows, but she's caught also. There's many secrets the girls keep, and mostly from each other.

Well. A story that gives us the horror, from the very start. No gentle descent, here. Just a big, black pit to fall into. And Niamh, your narrative is heart-rending and big, big, so big on effect, it seems to grasp the epicentre of mental anguish and splay it out before us. And the challenge is there: here it is, the oft-unspoken act of human behaviour that Spike cannot bring himself to reveal, Buffy also being a victim to it - and the treachery of all that stigma that makes them mute and hidden and ashamed.

Your first two chapters are mesmerizing.

Author's Response: I wanted to bring everyone into this, wanted everyone to feel their pain, to understand what's it like to have a fist around your heart squeezing . . . I wanted both of them to be raw, vulnerable and exposed and yet still have the capacity to love, to try and mend themselves. To have someone assure me I've managed to do all that? So makes my week. I've been really depressed about the feedback on this story. . but thank you. Thank you for reading for understanding and thank you for letting me know my words touched you.

Poor Buffy, to be abused from your family that's even worse. But she run when it got too much. For now she is safe but I hope she won't have to go back.
I like Spike gesture to bring her some rose petals.
Connor is new though. Buffy's nephew maybe?
Spike fate wasn't easy either. I'm glad they found one another.

Author's Response: I'm so glad you're still reading. It means an awful lot to me. Unfortunately, Buffy's family life isn't very pretty at all. . . but more of that will be revealed in later chapters. Oh, i'm really glad you liked the scene with the roses -- it just felt like something he would do.

So Spike did save her. I'm so glad he did. Who's the baby belong to though? It's not Buffy's or Spike's. Is it her sister's? Who's her sister? Darla? What happened? I can't wait to find out. For a fic this difficult to write, you're doing a wonderful job. I'm loving it.

Author's Response: Spike did save her. . . I don't wanna give too much away, but stick with me and you'll get all the answers, I promise. Thanks again, for continuing with this story and for leaving another review. I really, really, really appreciate it.

Great start. Looking forward to the next chapter =)

Author's Response: Glad you're reading. Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

I saw this story in your LJ but I thought t was pure Spangel and I don't have time to read that yet being behind my Spuffy stories. I was surprised I saw this here and read your A/N. So it is Spuffy too...
I'm not much for the angst so maybe I fall behind when it gets too much. The start is very intense. But it seems to have an 'happy end' as much as is possible under the circumstances if this is indeed where the story will head.

Author's Response: I'm sorry about the confusion with the author's note. I guess I just expected everyone to realize it was a spuffy story without me having to explain that bit also. I was wrong. I'm sorry about that. And to rest your fears -- the main thrust of this is a spuffy relationship. It just so happens they both had a horrific experience at the hands of the same man. It's actually what brings them together. And yeah, as much as these characters can have in this story, there will be something of a happy ending.

Fabulous start. Very heartbreaking. Looking forward to reading more. Please update soon. So glad to see another of your fics. Thanks for sharing.

Author's Response: You're welcome. Thank you for reading and leaving a review. Knowing that you're looking forward to more makes my day.

Um...Wow. I mean, truly. I don't really know what else to say. You just broke my heart with this and we're only one chapter in. I am *hooked*. I can't wait to read more of this. It's amazing.
-Alyx

Author's Response: Thank you. I've tried really hard to evoke a certain feeling to this story and I hope it's being conveyed. I'm really glad you liked it. Thank you so much for being brave enough to read and also for leaving a review