Spike and Buffy being Dawn's parents makes perfect sense! In fact I thought of a way that the Buffy sacrifice would work with that. The knife that was used to cut Dawn was first used to cut Spike. His blood on the knife mixed with hers and kept the portal from opening full blast and Buffy's blood completed the genetic puzzle. I thought that they were going to do this in season 6 . I'm glad you've taken up the dropped plot line.

Disregard Albie's review entirely. Season 6 although very good in many ways should have been a lot better. I also believe that Dawn's origins should have been dealt with. Dawn's blue eyes and cheek bones make her a possible child of Spike's. I loved the 'crumbs' and can't wait for more. And please don't let a bad review get you down. You're worth exactly what you're saying and more.

I'm continuing to enjoy this story very much and love the directions in which you're taking all the characters in your own S6. I do enjoy reading your Notes and your thoughts about the actual S6. ;) Thanks!

So fucking beautiful. You took a very memorable moment from season 5 and brought it to fruition just like I always dreamed of seeing it on the show. Bless you. This was exactly how I wanted to see them come together and more. I was flat out crying when she whispered "crumbs". I can't tell you how gratifying it is to see everything I ever wanted to occur during season 6 in your incredible words. It is a crying shame that you were not working for Joss instead of Marti. I would pay just about anything to see your version of these events on the small or big screen. This chapter grabbed me at Dawn's study of the 2 photos and wouldn't let go. Fabulous follow-up on Dawn's birth lineage plotline. We all (and I mean viewers) could see the blatantly obvious resemblance between Dawn and Spike. The link between Buffy and Spike, from season 5 on, was never just intense UST. It was tangible in the form of Dawn. Whether fans want to admit it or not, she brought them together - fighting together for the same cause. Only something as powerful as blood could weaken the walls Buffy had built around her heart and allow Spike in her life. That's how she's built. I hated that the writers on BtVS dropped the storyline of Dawn's history as the key and her parentage. They disclose that Dawn was made from Buffy in 'The Gift', and yet they never significantly mention it again. Very sloppy. Dawn's character was used to build ratings and serve as a plot device season 5 and then essentially discarded. I felt very cheated after season 5, because I had developed an emotional attachment to Dawn and wanted to see her character grow. I'm so happy you are investing some serious time on her character in this fic. I'm also happy that you are allowing Buffy to be as vulnerable as she is right now. I think Buffy having a panic attack is perfectly natural for the emotional state she's in right now. And I believe her crying jags are natural as well. She spent untold amount of time in a loving, peaceful heavenly dimension only to be thrust into her constricting grave in the blink of an eye. It wouldn't surprise me if she suffered from some mild PTSD down the line. I have always believed that she could have benefited from some professional counseling post-resurrection. Her mother died, she died, and she was resurrected - three MAJOR life stress events. It's a blessing that Spike is the only one there with Buffy and is allowing her to just feel. I love that you linked the "rejection" of Buffy from heaven to her rejection at the hands of Riley. Such a natural progression of beliefs for the emotionally heightened state she's in. Everything was just pitch perfect in this chapter. And the kissing/grinding wasn't half bad either *wink, wink*. Very sexy, very intimate, very...*sigh* I cannot wait to see your interpretation of the look on Spike's face after his revelation about the "crumbs" Buffy has just given him.

yummy. I too always wondered about Dawn's parentage. She looks like Spike and she acted like him. Love where you are going with the story. Don'y wait too long to update. :)

aaahhhh.....yet another fabulous chapter. so dawn is finally starting to "see". i am looking forward to seeing where you take this. doing right by buffy and spike hun.....doing them the justice they deserve.....please don't wait to long to post more

The Spuffyness at the begin, the description - it was lovely! Just wondering what pictures this are that Dawn has.

Like most people reviewing here I wish you'd written Season 6. This is so well written, so perfect, there is no word. More please.

Awesome! I love how a real transformation is happening to Buffy as a result of her death and resurrection. That she is beginning to really question the people in her life, taking a step back and looking from another perspective. And even better that she is starting with herself and especially Spike. Hopefully this will transfer to others. And what is Dawnie up to? That was an intriguing last couple of lines.

What is Dawnie looking at? Anyway...loved the closeness, the intimacy of this chapter. It was very relaxed, easy, and sincere. I'm so glad you are giving Buffy and Spike this time together for them both to heal. I'm relieved that Buffy woke up with the memory (and not denial) of her revelation the previous night. And the fact that she admitted, at least to herself, that she *liked* Spike was perfect. I love how you are showing the natural progression of her feelings. I also love how you are giving Spike some wonderful happy moments. Like you, I didn't understand the direction that Marti chose to take with season 6. I'm so glad you are writing your version to fix some of those inconsistencies. The quietness of this chapter was absolutely perfect for Buffy's current state of mind. If only she could have about 2 more months of this, gradually acclimating to her surroundings and social circle. I have no problem with Buffy not fighting right away. She is owed a much deserved break. Healing, not slaying, should be her goal. And if some kisses with Spike are included with that, all the better...right? On a side note...Willow leaving the house without even checking on Buffy? COLD. It is as if she has lost complete touch with her superego, just fulfilling the id (with ocassional necessary flashes of ego to keep her butt out of trouble). And not being "happy" that Tara and Dawn had gone to the beach? She is trying to control everything in her environment to the point of extremity. Very, very scary. I'm glad Tara decided to talk to Spike about this. I'm hopeful they will involve Giles, and ask him if there is anything they can do to neutralize Willow's power.

Loved the quotes and well i love that song too says so much...I hope that Tara is brave and does not give an inch to Willow for what she did...As for buffy and Spike I do believe this is the beginning of a beautiufl relationship to where ever it may lead....You write with such heart that carries anyone who reads it with the emotions and scenes you are conviening to the audience...thank you for that because that is what a good writer does sends you off to a world to feel,experience,and see the painting on the page...They say a picture is worth a thousand words....well if you were a painter the words you write will have them talking into many lifetimes...keep the wonderful story going...

I was directed to your stroy just trhe other day and have devoured these 18 chapters. I am axiously awaiting more. Soon. Please?