Ineresting chapter. I can't believe that they are both so inept around children. Maybe they are still in shock. I am going to have to go back and reread this because I don't know what season this is. I know that they don't like each other but their reactions seem pretty extreme. I look forward to the next update. This is a good story and the loft reminds me of their room in Promise of Frost which I believe was already mentioned.

Author's Response: Well, if you think about it, it's not really that hard to believe. :)They're indeed in shock and feeling very out of sorts and overwhelmed by the whole scenario. And besides that, you have to take into consideration that while Spike may be great at taking care of someone, he's also still very much a vampire. He probably never had to take care of a child in his entire unlife (and human life). The only contact he had with one was probably when he got 'pretty girls in pretty dresses' for Dru to eat, so... there you go. And Buffy doesn't really strike me as someone who's a casual babysitter in her spare time either. It'll take them a bit of time to adjust, but they will, no worries. :)
It's somewhere between S4 and S5, so I don't think it's extreme. I think this Buffy is rather nice to Spike considering he consipred with Adam to kill them all quite recently (and numerous times before that). And they've showed camaraderie thus far, even shared an embrace, kind of, and are trying to work together. So, not 100% sure what you mean by extreme. :( Do feel free to tell me though! I'm always up for constructive criticism!
Yes, you're the second person to say the loft reminds you of Promise of Frost! :) That's awesome because I love that fic so much words can't even describe it. More soon, promise!

Wow, I didn't see that coming! Now the snuggling is compulsory. Can't wait to see how evil!Spike decides to deal with his not-really daughter. Also, if there was only one set of tracks leading away from the cabin, does that mean one of the original pair is still around and not potentially driving Joyce up a wall back home? Also how did the Evil Dead and Buffy manage to make a kid and how much does she take after one/both of them? Questions that must be answered! Loving this as always, you're sure keeping us on our toes.

Author's Response: Hee... that was my intention. Seems like everyone was surprised, so I guess I succeeded at the plot-twistiness. As for the tracks... it wasn't specific as to how many, it was just 'a trail of footsteps'. The other Spuffy def aren't around. :) There have been a few things hitning at the nature of the other Buffy and Spike, but it will be made clearer, so you'll find out soon. ;) Happy you're loving it so far, thank you so much for reading!!

Loved it. Never even thought about the tale going in this direction! Hmm, now wonder what "Mommy & Daddy" will say? Can't wait.

Author's Response: So happy to hear that! I wasn't 100% sure if I should take it in this direction, but I'm glad I did. Everyone seems to like it so far. :) Thank you for the kind review!!

I am enjoying your story although I'm not sure if this is another dimension or time and place. I was half hoping that they would find themselves in desperate need to have sex to survive the weather. Hint. But I look forward to next chapter.

Author's Response: More shall be revealed in the next chapter. Will there be a frantic exchange of bodily fluids and heat? Who knows. ;) Hope you'll enjoy the next chapter either way. Thank you so much for reading!!

Whatever just zapped them has about the same kind of perfect timing as Joyce. Very interested in what's up with those other foot prints. Can't wait to see what the two "allies" come across next. Update soon! And totally have a happy holiday!

Author's Response: Haha, what a good observation! Seems like the universe just loves to interrupt them, doesn't it? The next chapter should answer a lot of quesions and probably raise some new ones. Won't be a long wait, promise. :) Thank you, hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!

Hooray, a new chapter! And oh my, mystery, intrigue, perhaps some peril to go along with the bitter sniping, UST and reluctant bonding. Nothing like some unforgiving elements to force an alliance and perhaps some snuggling. Although that probably wouldn't do poor Buffy any favors, would it? Tricky vampire biology. (Necrology? No, that's something else.) So who's transported them to the middle of frozen nowhere and for what purpose? Will these two find shelter, a way to keep warm and a deserving ass to kick in the name of bonding and the holiday spirit? Waiting is hard, even when you're cranking these chapters out so fast. Happy Christmas and thanks for another great chapter!

Author's Response: I'm so happy you liked it! :) Bitter sniping, UST and reluctant bonding? Couldn't have described it better if I tried. And now they'll have to work together. *rubs her hands evilly* Nothing better than to force them into a truce and see what it does to them to have to rely on each other for survival. Alas, the snuggling is an unfortunate, inevitable side-effect. ;) Hahaha, necrology! Don't let Buffy hear that. Although I'd say that's more in the zombie territory. Yikes. At least vamps are room tepmerature.
Your questions shall be answered in the next chapter (some of them, at least). And believe me, I know how much it sucks to wait for an update (I'm an avid reader myself), which is why I love all of you guys who give the story a go even when it's still a work in progress. It helps motivate me A LOT. So, thank you! :)

Never too much Spike and Joyce. They didn't get enough scenes together in the show and everything involving Spike and Summers women is great. Also loved the references to Buffy and Spike's respective relationship baggage that was simmering under the surface in season 4 but rarely directly addressed. Continuity porn AND reducing pricklies through bad breakup sympathy? Love.

Author's Response: I know, right? I would loved for them to have more scenes together. They had such a great chemistry.
Hehe... 'Continuity porn'. You just made my day, you flatterer! Love you. :)

Did like the heart to heart between Spike / Joyce ...
Love the Spike/Buffy banter.. well written as usual.
enjoyed

Author's Response: Yay, very glad to hear that! :) Thank you so much, lovely!!

Heh - putting salt in Buffy's coffee definitely backfired. ;)
But that made it the more fun for us to read. :)
Loved the banter - again.
But what a cliffhanger (heh heh) a very compromising position Buffy found herself in now.

Author's Response: He just loves to push her buttons. Not that he'll learn from this experience. lol
So glad you did! :) It's always fun to write.
Oh yeah, we'll see what Joyce will say about this. ;) Thank you so much for reading, gorgeous!!

Ha ha. bad timing joyce. Nice!

Author's Response: She's got that mom-radar, always knows when Buffy's up to no good. :D Thank you so much for reading!!

This was fantastic! You nailed everyone's voices and attitudes for the time frame perfectly. I cackled reading this. One of the most well-written and in-character fics I've read in a long time. Please, sir or ma'm, may I have some more?

Author's Response: Hee... you don't know how freaking happy I am to hear that! I'm just sitting here, grinning like a mad woman (hope that clarifies the issue of ma'm and sir :D). More tomorrow, I think. Thank you so much for the awesome review!!

Yay for finding another story of yours.
Loved the banter, that was fun.
Looking definitely forward to read more.
Adding story to my X-Mas Fic list. :)

Author's Response: So happy to see you found it! :) The banter is a lot of fun to write, and you shall see more of it soon. ;) I'm on your X-mas fic list! *beams* Thank you, cordykitten!!