Have to admit that I read at first because the dynamic from William and Buffy was just so molten as a coming of age story. Angel has just become such a b***ard in this fic that they need to escape. Thought that this story would either become an angstfest (sometimes a genre that I appreciate as long as I get brief respites of tenderness) or nautibitz style of taboo. I have great appreciation for how you've written William (he's a sensitive and very eager young hormore waiting to happen) and how he may have to take on Spike as a protective shell for his own survival. Buffy alas comes from the stripper with a heart of gold background who lands in the lap of luxury via a cruel and manipulative husband. She's still a kid even though she's judging the world by jaded eyes. William's innocence in some ways is her salvation and motivation to make her own way in the world after realizing her very precarious situation. Do hope that we can somehow out Angel/us from their lives without extreme cruelty to our favorite couple (say he gets arrested for a crime and there is proof is that he did it). This would allow them the separation from him to pursue their clinging to each other, get Angel out of the way and probably a reasonable explanation for them moving forward separately from him. Or you could just go back into naughty romp mode and have them enjoy their solace in each other. Thus have Angel unaware as the cuckhold, William can go back to his Mom, and Buffy/Angel can implode reasonably, then allowing Buffy the justification to leave (just like the others did). Just a few thoughts on how you can go. I really did like how early on in the fic Buffy "wanted to be good" but the temptation was just so much that she couldn't resist William. Guess you need to decide how you want your fic...slick and unrepentant in its taboo subject...or angsty. Your writing is excellent, and I hope you will feel motivated to keep on the story. I always look forward to your updates.

Let me say I was thrilled to see the post-- I had missed this story. I realize how exhausting fanfic can be, especially when you work on a computer all day-- which is why I tend to read rather than write. But I love the way you have captured that draw for Buffy-- wanting to do the right thing by her husband, but being inexplicably drawn to William. There is a strange desire to still be found attractive and a viable candidate to win someone's heart, even when you are happily married. Add to this the fact that her husband is a royal creep, and her motivation is doubled. Besides, being in a relationship with someone much older than she is, she probably doesn't really have that much in common with him. You have hinted at Buffy's past, and I wonder what made her strip for money-- she seemed very heart-broken by that fact when Angel brought it up. It makes me wonder if Buffy is a co-dependent type of woman-- could be why she's so drawn to William's "potential" as you phrased it. There is something so very interesting in the psyche of a co-dependent, because rather than deal with their own problems, they prefer to focus on and "fix" someone else's life. At any rate, I am looking forward to inspiration striking you. Thanks for the great read!

Addie, I'm going to email you with my thoughts on the fic so far. But as long as we're throwing out ideas:

-Buffy and William go on the on the run together. Perhaps they can attempt to hide amongst the people from Buffy's old life, which could be really interesting for William to experience.

-William kills Liam accidentally, while trying to stop him from attacking the Buffy. It could add a whole 'nother level to the guilt factor in their relationship, especially if it happens soon , before Buffy becomes completely aware of Liam's evilness.

Well first it was a great chapter, Buffy needs to face the fact that he is not the man she thought, unfortunately she really has a low opinion of herself, so she rationalized every thing he has done, and feels he has saved her. I guess I want her to see the cruel person he really is, as for William, he needs to grow a pair. maybe as his feelings grow for Buffy he will be able to stand up to his prick father.
I know how when you are so busy that real life is your priority, so take what time you need, and when this becomes a release or enjoyment to you, it will flow again. You have always been one of the most consistant writers out there, and have many, many wonderful stories to prove it, stories that we have all enjoyed and mostly leave us breathless and can hardly wait for your next installment.. I guess what I am saying is don't be hard on yourself, take time for you, and when your computer screen is no longer blank and filled with your words I know I will be here. Take care Addie Debbie

It's amazing how every single story that you write becomes one of my new favourite fanfictions. Your style of writing is exactly the style that I like to read! And I also completely understand what you mean by writer's apathy. In my own story, I have everything planned out in an outline, its just that whenever I add on to what I've written, I read over it again and it's not my best work. Knowing I can do better, I erase it and start over again. It becomes this horribly annoying circle.

Anywayyyy...

Since its still early on in the story, I can see the whole thing going a million different directions. But in the end, I always see William turning into more of a "Spike" persona. With the way that Angel treats him and Buffy, I could see a more tougher character that won't be as afraid to stand up and put a stop to some things. Perhaps reluctantly leaving things where they are, going back to college, maturing a few years and visiting Buffy again to see that she's in a worse off condition than she was.

I guess this way could seem to much of a "hero Spike to the rescue!" scenario, but I don't know. I think either way you'll somehow manage to pull it off and make the story phenomenal.

Hopefully we can both get our stories going along soon! Good luck with your job as well!

i love this fic but it really makes me hate angel even more i feel as if he needs to be smacked alot but thats just me ur an amazing writer and i love ur stories especially this one

Poor Buffy....she's so naive when it comes to Liam. When will she see the truth? Update soon please!

I really do like this story, and since I've never even attempted to write fanfic, I'm not sure if my thoughts would make any sense, especially since my ideas aren't original - sort of movie-ish, so here goes:
i first thought of "first wives club" where the exes get back at the men, but since all the other wives, other than Buffy, are uber-bitches, I don't know how well that would go. Of couse, there's always the sort of Julia Roberts - abusive stalker husband movie (that I obviously can't think of the name of), where Will spills all to Buffy & they try to sneak away.
I think I like the idea, though, of them getting caught by Liam and all hell breaks loose.
If you don't get the flow of this one, then I trust that you're very tired from work and another story that's great will come from you later!