Buffy and Spike having a good time instead of bad is very refreshing. They deserve their happy time together, is it the calm before the storm? Shudders in anticipation. Also, I noticed that you are writing a bit more about Annie, for a four year old; she comes across very grown up. When Spike and Buffy arrived at the Coven’s safe house, Annie did not ask her parents what gifts they had brought her and it would’ve been nice if she had set her little hands on her hips (like Buffy) and smirked at her parents (like Spike) when teased. Plus, seeing parents hunt down a hard to find toy or doll (a task that can become a quest in itself) to make their little girl smile as most parents experience at one time or another would be funny. If you think fighting demons is tough, try fighting crowds of parents vying for the same prize. Annie mastering saying Dorothy Hamill instead of (for example) Dowothy Hammers is taking away from her being a four year old. Not trying to be mean (so don’t throw me into the flames or use my guts for garters), just asking for more characterization for little Annie to bring out the adorable and cuteness factor that she most assuredly possesses. Looking forward to the next chapters.

Author's Response: Hi Vette - Oh, I'd never use your guts for garters! You're right, Annie's awlays "sounded" older than she is - mostly due to my not having any kids of my own to use for pronunciation guidelines. She's actually based on a friend of mine's daughter who's a precocious three year old and she actually talks pretty clearly . . but I know that's "abby normal" . . so I'm having to leave her enunciation to your own imagination . . . sorry! If I could've moved time ahead and gotten her a bit older for the story, I would've done that - but I didn't want to send her to a hell dimension like they did Connor! Of course, following your line of thought, I could have sent her to a Heaven dimension . . . hmmm . .too late now! I love your ideas though! Do you beta!? I also love the fighting crowds for the perfect gift, although Spike would probably take Willow with him and just have her put the other parents to sleep so he could grab the toy he was after! LOL! Seriously, I'll have to try and incorporate that into a future story - maybe one Christmas, or something! It would be funny. It's the calm before *something* . . . {{muhahahahahaha}}. I always appreciate your thoughts and ideas! Very insightful!! Thanks so much! -Passion4Spike 2010.05.02