that was poignant. See....with his wife and all alone still. *sighs* poor spike. A tearjerker sweetie!

Alright, that's enough.

Let's end this once & for all: Anyone who wants to "critique" Brat's work - throw down with your own first so we can all take turns picking your motivations, ideas, plot & characterizations apart.

If you're not prepared to do that because a) you've never written one yourself or b) you're too cowardly to withstand the same kind of abuse you so readily dish out - then kindly shut the hell up.

And bb - stop projecting your childhood trauma onto everyone else. James' son is clearly not a character in this story & never was. It is very clear from your own words that this is your issue & not Brat's.

Can we get back to the writing now?

Wow, I had tears in my eyes at the end. You can really bring out the emotions. Great work. Keep it up.

that was really beautifully written ....

I'm going to try this one more time, because I'm honestly not trying to cause offense.

Brat, this is not about me offering unasked-for critique. I never give concrit unless I already know the author welcomes it. This is not about me wanting you to write your fic to my specifications. This is about something that goes to the heart of fandom.

You've stated in previous responses that this fic was based on (or inspired by) JM's life. All well and good. Feel free to write this Spike based on JM, or to write RPF fics with JM himself. But where it starts to get ethically dodgy is, again, the kid thing. And that's why I'm commenting.

I'm not saying that this fic is bad, or that you're a bad person for writing it. As I've said before, I think you're a talented writer and I enjoy reading your fics. I'm sure you meant it innocently. I'm sure you didn't intend for your readers to think that you were writing JM's son into the story. But unfortunately, that's the way it came across to some (not all) of your readers.

I think that, as a fandom, we have a responsiblity to be careful about this kind of thing. I'm not a prude about fics based on the actors, but I think we need to be careful not to give the impression that their kids are involved in any way. I'm not trying to tell you what to write about. This is just something for you to keep in mind, because I think this is one place where fandom should draw the line. Even if it was innocently meant, it's all about being careful, and that's the reason why I posted in the first place.

Just something for you to consider.

Aww, I'm glad they talked and that we found out more about why Spike did what he did. I like that he's starting to realize that he has more than just friend feelings toward Buffy. Great chapter and if anyone else gives you problems, send them my way;)

Author's Response: lol thank you hon

*sigh*

This is why so many people are afraid to leave anything but effusive praise.

Brat, I very much enjoyed this chapter. I liked seeing Spike opening up to Buffy and describing some of his own insecurities.

Thank you for the thoughtful response to my previous comment. I wouldn't have brought up the issue if you hadn't already mentioned what your inspiration was. I honestly have no problem with you using JM's life in your fic in some way. My only issue was (and still is) the child. It seemed very much like you were writing Alicia as a stand-in for JM's son. That was the thing that bothered me. Using an actor's personality and history? Fine. Using his kid? I think the best word is "tacky". That was really my only objection, and I appreciate your clarification.

Just a friendly piece of advice: I'm sure you'd never do this, but I really hope that no one is being encouraged to defend you against "flames". No one is attacking you here. When a reader's questions or concerns are followed by a flurry of "OMG, don't like don't read!" comments, or by dismissive lectures about the purpose of fanfic, it belittles the relationship between the fic writer and the audience. We're all grownups here, I hope.

I look forward to the next chapter.

Well hes turned from the devil into an angel in one foul swoop...I think you always like to blame other people when things dont quite work out your way....still liking this fic Brat you are a wonerful writer...but I think I will take this Spike with a dose of reality...but come on Buffy dont forgive that easily...think of Alicia!!:)

Author's Response: Oh he's far from being an angel lol. He made bad choices, he did, but there are always two sides to every story and I've shown part of his Buffy's and Sam's, so now I figured there had to be his perspective. Being aware of your actions doesn't make you an angel, at least not in my opinion lol. Wish they would though! But what you do AFTER you're aware is what's important. Plus, there had to be a reason why Buffy and he are friends, because she truly does believe in him, and that's what I wanted to show here. Thank you for reviewing :) Stay tuned ...lol

And what does it say about Spike that he preys on the "young and stupid" to make himself feel good? My biggest problem with him is he is so selfish and egotistical that he is not thinking what he could be doing to some of these girls he uses. Young fans might lie to him about their age, pretend they are older than they are. Has he taken anybody's virginity without knowing it? Young girls might think since he is inviting them to his home (ergo into his life) that the relationship is going to be more than a one-night stand. How many young girls has he devastated with a "thanks - there's the door"? The young and stupid girls aren't going to tell him they want more but probably really do. Being the age he is, he should remember being young and stupid and not use his celebrity to take advantage of young girls. I realize that older, maturer girls might not fall for his "charm" but I'm sure there are plenty enough out there for him to get his ego boost without destroying a young girl's life. The age difference in whom he chooses to use for his ego boost is what makes him NOT a good man. There is no excuse for it.

Author's Response: You have a very valid point, thank you :) There's more to go and more will be revealed and peeled away so to speak. It's quite a ride isn't it lol. Most definitly for me and I created him lol.

I know I just told you this very same thing, but....

Awww! That was simply perfect! Loved it. =)

Another great chapter...

First off, i would like to say that I liked this chapter and I'm glad to get a taste of the friendship between Buffy and Spike that has apparently kept them together these past years. It was a breath of fresh air for this story and I'm really looking forward to where this is going.

Secondly, I occasionally follow your updates on LJ and i find it disheartening how you do reply with such care over here to your reviews, yet on LJ it's complaining about these very reviewers, dismissing them as flames. Using the most recent example, this person did not attack you, your writing, or completely dismiss you as a writer. The person seemed to give a thought-out response to writing you have posted publicly. Sometimes the reviews won't tickle or praise. Sometimes, people disagree with the way a story goes. The fact that you are getting such a response is a wonderful thing, as clearly people have come to expect something from you and are disappointed when it goes a way they may not have been expecting. That they voiced it respectfully is not a slight against you, just as this isn't either, but I'm sure can easily be brushed off that way. Yes, it's just fanfic, but clearly you put time and effort into it, wouldn't you want readers to also put time and effort into appreciating it? Appreciating you as a writer?

I just find it so frustrating sometimes that writers claim they want reviews, but really, many just want the praise. As a writer myself, i've learned that I grow so much more with the criticism, as does my writing. And i appreciate the fact that people care to give my writing that much thought to want to improve it.

But, i guess that's just a thought and hey, chances are at least one person will reply to this review of mine to tell me that i'm stupid and don't know what i'm talking about. Hopefully, you'll see beyond that.

Author's Response: I hear what you're saying and I agree with you to an extent. If you wish to discuss it, you can always drop me a line and I'd be happy to discuss it with you :) In no way attacking here either!! I'd email ya but I don't have your email.

Spike seems to be facing his demons, and allowing himself to open up enough for Buffy to see how insecure and vulnerable he really is on the inside. This is definately of the good.

Spike is not going to change overnight..if he did it would'nt seem real..
At first it did appear that Spike was a selfish, womanizing bachelor that didn't deserve Buffy's friendship..but as you peel the layers of his personality back with each chapter, you can tell that he is so much more than that inside. He's just one of those people that hides it very well..
Buffy is special to Spike, from the get go... She was able to see through the crap, and see the real Spike..or more like the real William and what he could be.

I love this story more and more! For me personally, I totally see Spike as being a redeemable character. Kudos!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Author's Response: Happy v-day to you too!! :)