Great, great story, I'm addicted to it! Poor Buffy, a life like that has to suck, where she's completely trapped like that. Not really sure how spike's gonna be redeemed in this one (though it seems he's at least feeling guilt for some of his actions) but I'm ready and waiting for whatever else you throw our way with this story. Intersting and engaging plotline, very well written. Can't wait for more, please update again soon when you get a chance. Thanks :)

Author's Response: Thanks for the compliments :D and the review !

wow great chapter, it wasn't confusing at all :) please hurry and update again soon. i can't wait to see what happens next :)

Author's Response: Thanks for the review!

This is an excellent chapter. Probably the best one so far... and the sex was good too!

It's a brave thing for a writer to take a whole chapter to explore past experiences and character development in the midst of what has been a very action packed storyline. Especially when the last chapter ended so bloodily. But this one has worked superbly.

The snapshots are brief enough that they don't detract from the overall tension, and the changing Buffy/Spike perspectives actually raise emotional conflicts in the reader. We get to see how Buffy's anger and distress has been channelled toward a goal - to escape. She's learned to exploit her lessons. She's learning to dig inside herself so that she can hold her revulsion of what Spike has done to her inside and use his own technique against him. Just how successful she is can be seen in his own questioning of himself. I definitely see a swing in the balance of power here, and I'm joining the Buffy Cheerleading Team (a first for Chrissie!).

Spike on the other hand is starting to look somewhat weakened. His techniques to bring Buffy into line and have her as his 'mate' aren't quite delivering as he'd intended and, poor sod, he still doesn't realise why. I don't think he can truly comprehend that the need of 'Freedom' that Buffy has is even remotely conceivable. In addition, Buffy, as the chink in Spike's armour is now a threat to his Gang and Angelus and Dru raising that has surely set some cats among the pigeons!

Methinks that there's got to come a point where Buffy is put in the position of being Spike's savious or virtual executioner... At this moment in time I'm not sure she wouldn't choose thumbs down. *sighs*

I'm really looking forward to see how you get us out of this fine mess, PJ!

Superb update.

Author's Response: Poor sod, indeed. And I'm glad you liked the chapter - the comments are all great. I would get into a discussion if I weren't finishing up responses so I could post the next ch ;) Thanks for the review!

A very intense chapter, revealing the 'development' of the Buffy/Spike relationship in all its wrecked glory. It is a compelling powerplay that Spike seems to win all the time - and yet her very struggle and perceived defeat almost gains her points with the dark and troubled Spike - especially when she comes back, stronger and more resolute. Love it!

Author's Response: I'm glad you like their developments! Thanks for the review!

The flashbacks showed how Buffy had changed since she first came there - she's gotten colder but stronger too. And yet the change isn't all good. She's loosing not only her innocence - she's loosing her emotions too. Or doesn't express them. Only the bad ones towards Spike. Looking forward where it will lead.

Author's Response: All true - you'll have to wait and see ;) Thanks for the review!

Oh I feel the big move of you is King of the basement dewlers is about to come to a head......I wonder what Buffy would do is she knew how Spike's actions toward her is making him appear weak and causing his people to second guess him.......I wonder if she'd rather be under Angel's domain.......hmmmm. Parker needs to wake up before he meets his fate.......I so agree with how you worked this chapter......love it.

Author's Response: I'm glad you liked the flashbacks! Thanks for the review!

I love how much darker the whole story line is getting without becoming a bloody mess. This is probably one of the best angsty fictions I've read and actually liked! You're doing an awesome job and I can't wait for more! Awesome job!

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you like it so far and I hope to hear more from you soon :)

i'm happy that buffy didn't kill parker. it showed that she still has some heart left and also was was a way for her to defie the others. i was a little upset that buffy didn't beat faith up. i was so hopping she would win the fight. well theres time for her to do that later on. great chapter. i'm so glad you're still updating the story. please keep them comming. and good luck on your midterms.

Author's Response: Yep, I didnt think it would be right if she killed him. Thanks for reviewing and for the luck :)

Wow...that was a really good chapter. I especially liked what Buffy said at the ending. Awesome job. I can't wait for chapter thirteen.

Author's Response: Glad you liked the line :)

oooo, me love. i love it. buffy kicked some butt! stupid parker, i hate him. at least buffy got some release of her pent up emotions and i can't wait to read more your story! please update soon?

Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing!

Nice update. I don't know how your going to forge a decent relationship between Spike and Buffy with all the hate between them so it should be interesting. I hope you update soon.

Author's Response: Thanks - I'll be doing my damndest.

Wow - exceptional updates! I haven't been keeping up with any of the WIP's I've been reading very thoroughly, because I've been busy, but as soon as I saw the updates to this fic, I read them immediatly! Can't wait for more as soon as you;re able to update, take care, C : )

Author's Response: Aw thanks caitie!