I really liked Angel in this chapter. He certainly was insightful. Fantastic update!

Awesome chapter. You did a great job of not making me hate Angel! And that's a huge accomplishment.



I just wanted to say something to the person who commented about Brat posting things on her livejournal about the reviews she gets. A livejournal is a personal place where people can share things with their friends. I have one and I know that I need to vent to my LJ friends quite a bit. And, it's people like you that make everyone friend lock their journals. So, quit complaining there's a little something called privacy and if you don't like what you're reading on her journal too bad because it's her journal!

keep up the good work

Another awesome chapter. LOVE IT!

I can just see a little marble rolling down a track now, his trek down his path is really getting going now! I'm so excited! Awesome chapter, forgive the horrid metaphor! =)

Aww, that was nice.

I wasn't trying to start a war - but I do take offense when someone I consider a dear friend is being attacked in this kind of forum. I stand by my belief that this is not the place for that. And just because she's kind & open to her readers doesn't mean she's inviting people to deconstruct her story or ideas. I also find it offensive that she was berated about things that are on her personal Live Journal. Furthermore I am outraged by the attacking e-mails she is getting. If defending my friend makes me a "bully" so be it.

I find it interesting that the people that are defending her are the bullies in this scenario. And who said she can handle it? I think any fic writer would be upset by this kind of reaction, when it is relentless & has gotten to this level of abusiveness. I'm not talking about ALL the critical or negative reviews or e-mails. But some of them are absolutely over the top.

I remind you that she is a real person with real feelings. She does this for free & posts to have a place for her work to be read. It's not about reviews or critique as much as experience & exploration. I know this because we've talked about it.

I sincerely hope we can put this to rest & get back to simply enjoying her wonderful work.

Really liked this chapter, all around. Can't wait for more.

I just to love how Spike and Buffy are continuing to talk things out. Buffy expressed herself really well in this chapter. I liked this glimpse into their friendship. Good update!

Wow.. Buffy had a strong argument for Spike to stop his current way: Alicia. ~ And it seems Spike is ready to change :) Looking forward to the next part!

Thank God, Kimber the voice of reason!

Look, we all know a 'Spike' Disneyland dad and some Disneyland moms.
In California, this situation is as rampant as the crime and smog is.
Watch court TV and get your eyes opened, or just talk to divorced folks at your job.
Oh, you have the dads and moms that stick to schedule, get the kids, do the home routine thing every weekend. Be there for the plays, musical performances and sports things.
They exist, but there's the 'others' too.
Work is more important, sex with anyone is too important, they are too important.
It's sad' it's realistic and it's not just in the entertainment business.
Yes, James has a son from his marriage; he's very private about him.
But there's a ton of guys and gals that sons and daughters from ex-s , everyday Joes and Jills who are too 'busy' to be there like they should.
The sad thing is? The kids grow up and remember all too well just who was there and who wasn't.
sigh....anyway this story just gets better.
I love ya' Brat!
spuf

Geez, stop the madness indeed. You guys are such bullies. Pick on the people who say something against the grain, decide their opinion is invalid for various reasons but yours is okay because it's being all pom-pom cheery. It seems like all these "mean reviews" are all being rather polite to Brat and her writing even if they have their own issues w/ the story and simply want to be respected just as much as you are. And thankfully Brat has not stooped to this level of mocking her fans that simply disagree w/ a decision of hers. Which good on her. I've been a fan of Brat's for a while and I personally would hate to associate her as a writer w/ that little posse of fangirls who scold anyone and everyone who dare say a negative word. Especially when those fans seem to love Brat as much as the rest of us. Take a bit of your own advice, guys and let's get back to the writing. People are always going to have an opinion that you may not agree with but that's life and there's no need to pick on them or ask them to whip out their credentials. They don't need to, just as you don't need to. We are all allowed to express our opinions in this free forum and don't have to come with any pre-requisites in hand. If Brat, the writer in question, can handle it, as any writer *can* since writing is about both the praise and the criticism, you guys should just let it be. Geez.

And Brat, thank you for this interesting story. I wasn't loving the Buffy/Spike dynamic but I'm seeing a turnaround and I'm so curious to see where you are going.

Okay, my two cents on the kid thing. Spike has a daughter by his ex-wife......it's part of a story the author is creating.....If the reader identifies this as something connnected to James....then that is your right or think or imagine it. It does not give you the right to imply that is what the author is doing.......

I see Spike as a man who is lost....and right now is at a crossroads.....and his daughter is a major part of his need to wake up and decided which path he needs to take. Continue the one he's on and lose Buffy and his daughter...or change his direction and work and saving them both.

JM is not the only man to be placed in this situation and by golly I hope for him and his he's already made his peace with life and is on the path he know is true and right for him and his family. I do not see how this story reflects his life or that of his son's.....but I can see where his situation in life might give someone an idea for something along this story, and then go on to make it all about the characters who's story she is telling.

I'm not defending Brat her because she is a friend, but for all authors to be given the right to write what moves them....We can review and say how the story touches us be it good or bad......but this thing about the child is what makes this story even more real in my opinion (and that is just my opinon and does not mean I think your's is wrong, hardly.)......I just wish more men would have the wake up call that Spike is having and a open enough mind to see their shortcomings....... for all we know JM may never had this kind of trouble and his relationship with both children in his life is wonderful and healthy.......really as fans it's none of our business.......

I think seriously we should let Brat get back to sharing this wonderful story with us with out having to worry if the JM/child thing is going to continue. I just hope everyonecontunes to read and please separate Spike from JM.......and let the story move you by the characters that is being broght to life in this story of finding ones self..........and what is most important in your life........