so sweet....

keep up the good work

Spike is so lost right now. He is just floating in the wind..and Buffy is the anchor that is holding him to this earth. *sigh* Such a sad chapter...

Buffy has got to be strong for him here..If she gives up on him now..he may never have a chance at real happiness.

The big question is this...How will Spike react to this early set back on his road to redemption?
I cannot wait to find out : )

Truly beautiful chapter...Sad..but beautiful..

Loved this chapter very much. I hope Buffy is able to help him. More please. ; )

A good update. I wish he had let Sam see the tears threaten to spill before he left-- maybe make her more sympathetic (but not to be manipulative). But then again, Spike isn't at that point in his journey yet, where he can be strong by showing how vulnerable he is. Maybe he can start to show some of that vulnerability to Buffy first, where he feels safe. But good for Spike to see that his daughter will get what she needs from Ryan, if not from him. On another note, I'm sorry that you had to write that long disclaimer-- Just remember, it's a sign of great power when your words have such an effect on people. Part of the price of fame-- controversy!

“I think that might entail peeing on you.” LOL! Great chapter.

Sorry to hear that you are getting some negative reviews on such a moving and well written story. It just prompted me write and let you know that I am among your many fans that are truly enjoying your fiction. Yes, we can tell fiction from non-fiction. I thought it was loosely based on a certain type of celebrity lifestyle. How could any of us know what these actors lives have really been like? I, for one, don't care. I like my fantasies to stay firmly rooted in fantasy! Please don't let these spoilsports put a damper on your creativity. We are looking forward to many more touching scenes between our favorite couple.

Okay this chapter just made me mad so I gonna vent, Not at you, wonderful Brat, but the situation that presented itself in this chapter. Just gotta say that Rome wasn't built in a day...and bitter mommies can't expect screwed-up dad's too either. I got Sam's point that he can't expect to just show up and take Alicia. But, ya know, she should've realized something was up since he showed up at an unusual time for him and that it was important for him to see his daughter. She can't sit there and bitch and him for not coming to see his daughter during the week or doing 'the parent stuff', then tear him down when he actually does show up to do something out of the ordinary with his little girl. Something else: Sam shouldn't be letting Alicia call Ryan 'Dad' when she has one who is active in her life. (Sorry, lived through this personally the other way around and it just hurts everyone involved.) Kudos to Spike for not going with his first reaction & calling her names. It's a positive sign that he's trying to get things right now. Interesting thought: can't wait for Buffy's reaction to this. Think she may start seeing the side of Sam that Spike sees.

Now...for the Brat praise. Truly great writing moves and inspires passion in those who read it. I feel Spike's pain. My heart hurts for him. So much so, that I just wrote a small novel of a rant about it. So, congrats sweetie, on writing a' truly great' chapter.

Author's Response: Trust me, I get what you're saying hon. There are issues to be worked out with Sam and Spike. I can't give it away, but I definitely understand. Thank you! :)

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I adore your stories, I haven't yet read one that I didn't think was fantastic and I am really enjoying this one. I like how your characters always have many sides to them, if that makes sense. As for the parallels with James Marsters, I admit that I did notice a few but he is not the only divorced man with a child, and he's not even the only TV star who is divorced with a child. If this wasn't written about Spike, who happened to be played by James on the show I bet people wouldn't even notice that JM shares a couple of characteristics. I only thought of James in particular because I think of him when I hear the name Spike. If you were to read a completely unrelated book or story I'm sure you could find parallels to JM's life somewhere. What I'm trying to say is I think it's ridiculous that people think you are slating/commenting on James' life or relationships when this is obviously fiction. It's on a FICTION website! Anyway, hope this came across as me showing my support for you Brat, cause I think you're an amazing writer and I'm loving this story.

Author's Response: It came across well hon, thank you :)

I can feel my heart breaking for Spike when Alicia called Ryan dad... poor guy... and I think Sam was enjoying that slip a bit too much.
I'm glad that Spike is trying to be a better dad and I get that Sam was trying to respect Alicia's wishes about Spike not knowing she has a boyfriend, but she didn't have to be so mean about it. It makes me a fair bit curious to hear Sam's side of the story (of the marriage and divorce) 'cause we don't exactly know her reasons for being like that. I just hope they're good ones especially now that Spike's on his way to be a better man.

I love the way you're writing this story Brat. I have to say it's one of my favorites. I understand completely what you're trying to say in you A/N and I just wish people would stop giving you crap about something that is fiction. Great fiction, but still just fiction.

Can't wait for the next update.

Author's Response: Yep, Sam's side is defintely needed here..it's like peeling an onion isn't it? So much to do! So many layers.. :) Thank you.

Awwwwwwwww.. I want the smut (coming soon?), but I really want to see Spike make up w/ his little girl. I know it'll be a great read :)
Love your writing, as always.

WOW...really powerful stuff Brat...have to say I loved Alicia's reaction when he just showed up and expected her to go for dinner with him...kids will give it to you straight every time...sorry about all the complaining reviews you have received Brat, I think some people really do have too much time on their hands.....its fiction and its FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...cant wait too see how he copes with this and I even felt sorry for him when Alicia called Ryan Dad!!...well start writing again Brat and update ASAP...love it:)

Author's Response: Kids will just give it straight won't they? lol

I don't know who was being mean to you, but I like the story. Readers should get that it's fiction- I'm going to assume you don't personally know JM, because if you did, you probably would be writing this story ABOUT him. :-) I like the story, I like that you're using this based on things you think about, and I like that you're making your character redeemable. The fallen hero is always interesting- and he's pretty far down right now. Building him back up will be an interesting thing to watch. Keep up the good work and don't get discouraged. :-)