In so many ways the Scooby's were always putting pressure on Buffy to be this perfect shell of what they deemed as a hero and its cool when you read this you don't make her all on a high horse you give her new multidimensional levels as a character and the same goes for Spike.

Splendid chapter. I love the intuition that Spike possesses in an almost helpless, frustrated manner; at her bidding he stays away so as such he is confined to barracks - the crypt - where he paces away his time and mulls over the injustices that beset his girl. And just like in canon - in fact just like many a classic tale - the boy from the other side of the tracks is thwarted in helping the damsel in distress by the uptight, jealous, narrow-minded and hypocritical friends of the girl. Their established place in her life gives them the power, which they exploit under their shameful act of care and concern.

Only one person gives her comfort, though. Pulls her to his body, hugs her, soothes her and defies all Scooby logic: he is soulless, his heart does not beat, his is evil and drinks blood. Helpful in the past? Yeah, they will give him that. But Buffy? No. Their property.

All those stifling years as a human, despised by other humans. All those decades and decades as a demon and he rose above subjugation. Now, still a demon he is the victim again: prey to the censure of her friends whilst they, rather than he, are responsible for her suffering.

Superb chemistry between Buffy and Spike in your portrayal. They both pick up on their memories of the past amid the vividness and turmoil of here and now and you are making it stronger and more certain. God knows, they need to become invincible in their certainty of each other, because before too long, the sanctuary that they find in each other is going to be the very thing they need.

Lovely.

Ooooooooh Will Spike have a plan and if so will it be good or bad? Don't sell your jewelry Buffy!!!!! Sell Willow and Xander off to a slave trade first! Keep Tara though cause shes at least comforting.

I sneak to lunch early and find a FTTP treat. Oh I am sure Willow was all over finding someone else a job to support her so she can play house with Tara and run off to school I think I might start a throw a rock at Willow club lol. Great chapter btw I so love reading when you add new parts.

Oh I am so glad she has Spike she really needs a rock right now.

THANK YOU SPIKE!!! Oh my god, the minute I read what Willow said last chapter I was all, "Get a f***ing job WILLOW!!! F***ing freeloader!!!" Thank you SOOO much for having Spike say that too her. That was probably the biggest peeve I had about the show on that plot line. As much as she doesn't want to probably deal with the hassle of it, it needed to be said. And it's the right thing to do! I almost want to say shame on Giles for not being the one to put Willow in her place for suggesting it. Now if only Spike would say that to the rest of the crowd.

Love. As always. More please =D

This was great because it shows both Buffy and Spike having insecurities about themselves and life in general with each other and then they are still able to comfort one another on a William and Elizabeth level. You blow me away cause you always manage one tender moment on every page as always please more please.




Author's Response: Thank you! I'm especially happy that you mentioned the Elizabeth/William level. No one else has ever seen that side of Spike save for Buffy, and very, very few have seen Buffy's tender side as well. Although the odds seem stacked against them, as long as they can open up to each other in such a way, I think they will be all right.

"He knew what he was doing now, and he didn’t always wait for her to take the lead. She melted under his touch, but the expression in his eyes confused her. Behind the desire, they seemed almost sad, almost pained; it hurt just to look into them. When she asked him why he looked like that, he picked up her hand and put it to his chest, over the place where his heart no longer beat.

It hurts a little—

What does?

—shedding old calluses."

This part intrigues me with her hand over his heart, he may be dead in one sense but Buffy brings his dead heart back to life in so many ways. God I want more like today and now now now lol no pressure Jk!

Oh oh oh will Spike save the day or will he get her arrested!!!!!
Dying to know!!!!

AWWW I HOPE THAT HE HAS MONEY AND CAN HELP HIM!! i LOVE this story and am so happy that u updated. i cant believe wat bunholes her friends are being and i really want her to stand up for herself. also i wonder wats up with giles, i hope angel didnt tell him anything stupid. also i CANT believe buffys reaction to his blood, she has to realize that he does need i to live and that she should trust him. i really hope that things work out and that buffy and spike end up together and happy. PLEASE update as soon as u can, i CANT wait to read more. THANX

Loved the jealousy Spike has for Buffys time away and him hating the idea of being a secret. Giles I am wondering if he is up to something.

I'm concerned! Spike's plans of money could be good or bad it will be hard to wait and see but a juicy plot twist.