Riley sure is insecure as a vamp as he ever was in life when it comes to love. All of a sudden Buffy went from the love of his life to the one who will steal his new object of obssession. Annie getting hurt was hard to read, too bad she does not have any special "key healing" powers. She is made of mystical power that obviously can be manipulated (TV series version) - so I wonder if her "energy" can be focused to healing her ravaged legs. Loved Oz in protecting Annie. Such a drama!

I just caught up with the last two chapters and I’m really disappointed that Oz didn’t make “puppy” chow out of Riley! I’m also a bit ticked off at Spike for chastising Buffy for how she spoke to Riley. She was worried about Annie for heaven’s sake and considering what he was saying and how he was acting I think he should have been chastising Riley. I think it is past time for Spike to realize how evil Riley really is and therefore a serious danger to Buffy and Annie. If the angst is yet to come I’m really worried about how much longer I can keep reading. You know what a wuss I am and just having Annie so seriously hurt is almost more than I want to deal with, please get your evil muse under control before I reach critical mass on the angst.

Author's Response: Hi Melly! LOL! Oz could've easily made puppy chow out of Riley! Maybe next time! Spike's kinda trying to keep the peace between Riley and Buffy - I'm quite certain that he chastised Riley, as well, for butting in when he told him 'not now', if nothing else. I cannot make any guarantees about the depths my muse will go to make me cry. He's gotten quite used to all the tortures I've laid on him over the last months ... Barry Manilow, The Backstreet Boys, even Barney ... have little effect on him now. :( Eeek! Hope you can hang in!! It will be bumpy, there will be some breaks in the angst so we can restock the tissues. Thanks, Melly! Just remember to breathe ... I think that helps keep your heart from exploding during the really sad bits.

Ihope the angst does not include Annie losing her legs that is beyond cruel. I never liked Riley and I like him even less in this universe. Of course I like Oz he is stoically cool. Please update soom.

Author's Response: Hi Bridget! Glad you like Oz! He's a character that I've NEVER tried to write before. He was in the UNI at the very beginning, but never had one single line! LOL! I finally got brave and let him talk! :) We'll see what happens with Annie, hopefully, they can get her 'home' and the doctors there can fix everything. Got ya a new update ... Thanks so much for reading and stopping in!