Dear Brat, I just read your note about this story not being JMs biography Just wanted to let you know that you should not worry about it! Even when I picture JM instead of Spike at certain points of this story, I am also quite aware this a fiction, or rather, a beautiful fantasy about either Spike or JM and want to thank you writing it

Aww, break my heart! Alicia calling Ryan dad like that.. Man oh man, that must have been hard!

Excellent chapter!

Kudos to your AN. You rock Brat! =)

Poor Spike. I kinda feel sorry for him now. I know that he got himself into this mess, and that it can't magically be all right again. But this chapter made me want to cry. Spike already saw how badly screwed up his life is, but the end of this chapter was just rubbing it in his face. I hope that it will help in the long run though. Wonderful chapter. Can't wait for more.

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. :-)

WOW!!!! Well I had only found this fic a short while ago and haven't had the chance to review but I think now is definitely the time.


First off, this fiction is AMAZING!!!!!! I tdeals with real emotions adn it makes you feel for the characters which is a sign of true talent so Brat don't you dare change a thing. If there are people out there that feel this is too close to 'his' real life well tough shit. We have no idea what his'life is like nor do we pretend to. Like you said before, THIS IS FICTION!!!!!! Nowhere does it have 'his' name in your work , so for all we know this could be about someone you meet in the damn first grade. If someone wants to assume you are writing about him then that's their problem and they can deal with it. No one has a right to tell you what you can or can't write about write, period .


Okay now that I have ranted I will just say that I am so enjoying where you are going with this new fic and I can't wait for the next update. You are a phenominal writer girl and it was because of you that I got into the whole fanfiction writing in the first place. Thank you for sharing your talents with us and keep up the GREAT work sweets. Much luv from one Spuffy writer to another, kuddos!

Author's Response: Thanks hon :)

I completely agree with you brat. I think you are doing a fantastic job with this story, and I love what you are doing with Spike. I'm waiting for more so please, please. Update soon!
xxx,
Amanda

Aww... poor Spike. I do feel sorry for him. But I hope that this incident teaches him that his improved relationship with Alicia will take time and planning. He can't expect to just step into her 'weekday' life like the past 10 years never happened. That said, I think he is on his way to vast self improvement.

As for you, Brat, you have handled a difficult situation with lots of class. I'm glad that it hasn't slowed you down. Keep up the good work!