So different, but intense and very Spuffy. You delved deep with this one, and struck gold.

Well done.

Although a difficult topic, you did a wonderful job with this enthralling story. It captivated me from the beginning. I'm sure it was hard on you to write it, but thank you.
My bestie and former roomie was a victim of incestuous child abuse. Her own dad would go into the 'loo w/her to molest her. He had a deal with her that she traded off herself to him to keep her younger sisters safe from his interest. Luckily, she is the best-adjusted person I've ever met to have lived thru such a thing. Amazingly, she still has contact with her dad, but her daughters do *not* visit there without her present.
You're right--- Child/Social Svcs *should* be vigilant for truly abusive situations. Very often, those they trust, those that we as a society think we should be able to trust, are the abusers: Dads,step-parents, boyfriends, uncles, older brothers, grandfathers, nurses, teachers, coaches... it could be anybody, yet at least in reports and the media there does often seem to be a pattern to the abuser. And not to condone the hyper-vigilance, jumping at shadows, that some Child-Svc agencies seem to end up doing. It just seems like they should be able to get their heads out of their collective asses and do something effectively, doesn't it?
I enjoyed your tale, and the ending was lovely. Again, thanks.
~~Kara

Somehow I'd missed a couple of chapters of this. I'm so glad I saw the update on this from you! Very moving and heartfelt. I'm so glad you wrote this. I've followed it from the very beginning.
As always, I'll be on the lookout for more from you!
~~Kara

Author's Response: Thank you. I wanted this to touch everyone, and I'm glad it's done so.

No child should have to suffer this. Very true.
It's good that they got at last Angelus, putting them behind bars now.
Even if I knew that Buffy and Spike were able to get away it's good to see them safe in England now.
Sad to see the story come to an end in a way.

Author's Response: I know what you mean. It is almost sad to see this one go. But end it must, and now's the time. Thanks, Cordy, for always reading everything I write. Your support means so much. *hugs*

Awww Connor is too cute. I love this stroy and I can sense a conclusion soon! Can't wait!!

Author's Response: I'm actually working on it, so hopefully it won't be too long. Thanks for reading.

Wow. What a chapter. Your writing is just impeccable. The mood you set right from the first sentence is so brilliantly chilling. Just Perfect. Of course no one (well at least I know I don’t!) likes reading such horrific stories, but you’ve compelled me!

Author's Response: I wanted to grab my readers by the throat and it seems I've managed that. Thank you for braving the subject matter. I very much appreciate it.

Love the characterizations in this story. Really enjoying it. Unique story line.

Author's Response: Thank you very much.

Awesome but sad chapter. You're an amazing writer.

Author's Response: Thank you.

You are very good at tugging at the heartstrings - Spike's first encounter with Buffy at her grave in Origins as just one case (out of many) in point - but this ...... this does exactly that, but there is no sentimentality or history that impacts on the coming together of these two young people. They are compliciit in that they both suffer from the scorching identity of 'victim' at the hands of the same bastard, but really the struggle, at its most poignant, is happening years in future, when they are safe and together, but still struggling. Will some crisis have to be reached, confronted and dealt with, or are you going to still their troubled waters some other way?

Lovely is the wrong word to use for this story, but your competent, deliberately short-sentenced narrative makes their random thoughts and gently diverse points-of-view (and you manage to give us both) into a strangely uplifting and compelling read. Well done, Niamh.

Author's Response: I don't think there's anything I can say to this but -- thank you. And for the most part, the storm has past. They must deal with the aftermath. I think they've been through enough. . .

Although the subject matter is very intense, I'm enjoying this story immensely. It's very well-written and very...real, while still staying true to the basic characterizations of Spike & Buffy. The slow updating is understandable with subject matter such as this. I can imagine that it's not easy on the soul. Kudos to you for not only writing it, but being ABLE to write it.

Author's Response: No, it hasn't been the easiest story I've ever tackled, but honestly? I think it's well worth the angst I have to go through to tell this story. And I've tried really hard to stay true to the characters, while taking them to some pretty dark places. Thank you so much for noticing, and for reading.

Oh God how horrible! Looking forward to more.

I don't know how i've managed to miss this amazing but very difficult story for all this time.

Author's Response: Well, I'm glad you found it. I hope it's not too harsh a read.

I just found this story and decided to give it a go. It's wonderful, darling, and dark it is, but with hope imbued in every chapter. I'll be watching for the next chapter when the muse lets it go :)

Author's Response: I wish I knew when that was going to be; because I've got all this . . . stuff bottled up and I need to get it out. I'm glad you decided to try and get through this. Thanks, I really do appreciate it.