I don't know what Buffy's thinking. She shouldn't trust that guy. He's clearly evil.

I don't know what Buffy's doing. She shouldn't trust that guy. I think he's evil.

je t'aime! This story is great! ^___^ Adore the way you write, and the details... perfect. Loved the break-down in the basement dojo, and i really liked that we got to se a bit more of Buffy before their mother died. Great character development

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback.

Uh-huh... big trouble for Dawn. So Buffy didn't get the calls from school. Sadly clever.
The idea with the boxing was good - Buffy needed it. Taking Dawn away? Oh my...

This is seriously my favourite ongoing fic right now (okay, second favourite. My favourite is from one of your betas), and once it's finished, it'll probably be among top fics I've read. Simply because I love the interactions and writing. (Although I admit I'm kind of a Dawn hater, haha.) So. Please update. At least every two weeks.

Author's Response: Thank you for the kind words! I hope I can convince you to not hate Dawn. Or at least, not MY Dawn. I will certainly try to pick up the pace. I appreciate the encouragement!

Of course he's in love with her, and I just want him to be able to save the day for everyone. And it really sucks, but it's the inevitable next step after all of her actions. And I think the chapter played so well, from Buffy's change of day to just how she related to Dawn and then Spike. Whether she knows it yet or not, he's the one that's there for her, and boy, does he have patience. :) Seems like the punching bag was a genius idea on his part, and I just love how it became a character and foil for her emotions. So elegant in sharing her pain, and that drop right at the end. A truly amazing chapter, it's not often that Buffy and Spike interact together about something so important, and real life, and not at all romantical, and it was pretty brilliant. I am completely caught up in their despair and can't wait to see which of the seventeen ways this could maybe go that you're going to take, and likely surprise me with. Update soon!

Author's Response: Wow, thanks for the great review! I wish Spike could save the day, too, but that would probably be too easy. I hope you enjoy what happens next. Thanks for reading!

Yay- an update!!! Really great chapter! I loved the whole basement scene :)


Author's Response: Thank you! The basement scene is the one I've been waiting (and wanting) to write. Glad you liked it!

Excellent chapter! Thank you :-)

Seems like a bit of a devils bargain, indeed. All good platonic, intentions for the better of Dawn are surely gonna force that line. And I really can't wait to see how long it takes for it to blur out all together. A united front indeed. But Dawn is real crazy acting out, and at some point, something has got to give with that, and I don't know if Buffy has it in her to bring it in a way that will cause Dawn to tow the straight and narrow. Routing for strength in numbers. Update soon, and if not by Christmas, have a safe and happy one!

Author's Response: Thanks so much for the thoughtful review! I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. I will not be updating by Christmas (too many cookies need baking), but there is another chapter coming. Dawn is definitely aiming for a comeuppance; I hope you find it as fun and interesting as it is in my head. :) Happy holidays to you, as well, and thanks again for reading and reviewing.

really enjoying this. please, please don't leave it as WIP!

Author's Response: I'm making every effort! Chapter 11 is in the works, and my betas are awesome at motivating me. Thanks!

Mmmmh Buffy and Spike almost talked without getting in an argument / disagreement. (Before the dinner.)
It was good to see how well they got along when they were eating.
So Dawn was lying about the call she made to Buffy's work? So Buffy knows now that Dawn lies for time to time. Not sure if that will be a good thing in the future or if it will put more strain on them.

Author's Response: Thanks for reading! We'll see how Dawn behaves in the future, I guess... :)

Ha ha ha - Dru is a snake, how appropriate!

Really enjoying this story and how you're keeping all the characters true to their character in a "all human" fic.

Author's Response: Thanks so much! It's great to hear the characters are staying true to the source material. I really do want a very canon feel to this, just without the supernatural.