If it hadn't been for Giles Buffy would never have done the ritual to begin with. She didn't knew it better first. ~ But now Spike's words let Buffy break down as if it all is her fault. She started, thanks to Giles, the ritual. Thanks to Willow the demon broke loose. It isn't Spike's fault that this happened; neither is it completely Buffy's fault I think. ~ I'm glad to see they still want to work it out.

Well, at least they're making headway, though I agree with Buffy's sentiments about her name. Although he needed space and she should have let him have it. No one's without their faults...

It's nice that she took responsibility for her part in the whole mess so that Spike could start to forgive her and move one. I love that no matter how royally pissed off he is at Buffy, he can't bear to see her hurt. What a guy!

Well, at least they are talking. And learning, and accepting that somethings need to change, some things need to heal, some things need time. There's hope for our duo yet! more please.

You know, I can handle the fact that Buffy has a lesson to learn here. I can hadle the fact that she made bad choices. What I'm having trouble handling is Spike's character. It simply is not accurate. To echo the comments of a few others, Spike is a vamp and he is accustomed to physical torture. Now I realize that emotional torture would be more bruising to Spike, given his true character per the show. So if he were namby pambing about the emotional aspect of his torture (for a reasonable amount of time) there would be no questioning of characterization (for me). Yeh, also concur that Joyce is simply horrible in this fic, and Dawn always has been anywhere she's written, so no issue with her. She's definately in character.

I want to make it clear that I understand this is your fic and you will write it how you please (as I think you should) - you don't have to stay in cannon with the show. The above comments are just my observations and personal tastes concerning these characters. I've alway been a Buffy (the character) lover and have always viewed the vamps as the enemy (the girl has to kill them - that's her calling). Somewhere along the way Spike ceased to be the enemy, but that most definately didn't occur in Season 4.

I am still enjoying this fic.

great chapter

Maybe Spike could indeed start to call Buffy by her name, to make a difference to her job (and the demon), the slayer. He went after her after Buffy fun off. His reaction was the worst he could do; he had to try very hard to make a move more worse than that. Buffy did the ritual and is guilty of that, but after? She is a victim too. Buffy noticed the use of her name (or better the lack of too). ~ I wonder how you'll make the their relationship better again at this point of the story. Looking forward to find it out (read it).

OG FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! WHY?! why why why?! sure buffys actions arent as bright as they could be, but come on! spike is just being mean to her and hurting her more because he is hurting himself. that is just sooo wrong. i'm not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, please tell me you have good reasons for this wonderfull madness.

ok, my rant is over now, sorry *sheepish grin*. i had to. love the story as usual, can't wait for more. i'm actually surprised that you have kept up my interest (and faith, i might add) for this relly, reallly long story. kuddos to you

I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm actually starting to wish they would just break up or something. I don't which one but Spike is just so hurt and he doesn't even trust her. HOw is this going to hurt? I'm hoping Buffy doesn't hit him or something in her anger. I know Spike's been through a lot but he's seriously acting a bit like a jerk. I just don't know what I hope will happen anymore. I can't wait to see what you have next though! Update soon please!

wow, these two need a third party present to help them work all this out! great story

Hey there
I remember when I started reading this story how anxious I was to reach what I then thought would be the end of the story that is beating down the slayer demon and that everything would be rainbows and puppies in Spuffyland afterwards. Well I regret that time! You are AMAZING the repercussions that you've created are incredible. Never seen such a good stuff before.
xxx
mikim

The problem lies in Spike knowing that not all the traits Buffy showed to him at the beginning of this mess were "The Slayer's" fault. We, as readers, thought it was an extra angry and cruel version of *our* Buffy, because we've seen how mean she can be on the show. Before the Slayer was strong enough to take complete control of the body, it was Buffy's emotions that she was playing off of and using to get to Spike. It was Buffy's anger, and insecurity, and jealousy. And Spike's perceptive enough to know that.

And yeah, this forcing him to do what she wants? So the wrong move, again. It is painful, but they're not going to get past anything until the full truth is out. And this has all been a horrible strain on a *very new* relationship. Humans wouldn't stay together for all this. A mating bond isn't going to make it much easier, not without a pre-relationship that's founded on good principles.