The image of Buffy standing "...smaller than he remembered somehow, as if she’d drawn into herself..." in the open doorway to the motel room really heightened a sense of her vulnerability at the beginning of this chapter, and you did an excellent job showing Spike is just as vulnerable, though he hides it better. This was another tense, erotic chapter.

yeah, they wouldn't let Spike visit at a shelter. What fun would that be?

I have become just totally obsessed with this fic. Something about their shared misery and their fear and refusal to own up to each other about how much they care, it's just so sad and lonely. And it feels like Buffy's so close to being able to admit how she feels for him, and you just want Spike to be as sweet to her as you know he wants to be. Even though you know he's not ready for that yet, and Buffy's not ready to accept it from him yet. But man, I just want to give Buffy a hug in this fic.

Love it!
I really like the dualism you've set up here. Buffy in a physically and mentally abusive relationship and similarly she draws all the neglect she feels onto William. I don't think she means to but she treats him like crap and I can't wait to see how it's all going to unfold, and if they'll both stop being so stubborn and realize that they're perfect for each other beyond just comfort.

My initial thought was "no! don't touch the bedspread!". It is a rare talent that can make me forget my fear of cooties, but you, Addie, have succeeded. (And these are a particularly dangerous breed of cooties - sleazy motel cooties!) Bravo!

Cooties forgotten, I can't get over how heartbreaking these two are. Thinking back to where they started, their relationship had such a sweet innocence to it. Now they are drawn together, in a terrible place, all innocence gone.

I'm really enjoying your story and can't wait to see where you take us next. They can only go up from here, right? (I know it might take a while to get there, but I'm in it for the long haul!)

I love this story. You have me hooked on every chapter.

Such dark, deep desire! Loved it. More soon, please?

Its a twisted game they are playing, both refusing the evidence of their feelings. Buffy is trapped with Liam and its all tangled with her feelings for Spike....
Spike, is free really, except that he can't resist her. I have a hard time seeing where you are taking this, so it makes me eager for new chapeters!

You're writing their connection wonderfully. Spike is angry and blaming Buffy for his feelings, and Buffy is resigned and blaming herself. She shouldn't be with Liam, but that's a decision she's not willing to make. Are she and Will officially having an affair? I can't imagine Will angrily leaving her in that terrible, scary marriage...

more please

It's made often enough when a woman has kids, but that's not Buffy......

What more could she possibly want to stay for than fear? She's afraid of being broke, afraid of being alone, afraid he might retaliate (though I doubt he'd mind letting her go so he can pick up the next fool) - but still....what's going to make Buffy realize that there's more to life than living in fear? Using William? She won't even tell him the truth......

And William should really just screw the whole lot of them and move on with his life. He has a sharp mind and is young enough to have endless potential. And he should seize it.

Author's Response: Yes, I know this--which I just said in my note. But that isn't this story. If i did that, there wouldn't be a story. This is fiction.