i am loving this story so far it's quite possibly one of the best i have read in a long tine

SPIKE IS A JERK!!! I LOVE HIM DEARLY BUT HE WAS A COMPLETE JERK IN THIS CHAPTER!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WOKRK THOUGH. DON'T MAKE US WAIT FOR THE NEXT UPDATE.

I really don't like "jerk" Spike. I personally prefer reading ten chapters of fluff to 30 angsty ones in which Spike behaves in such a despicable way that you prefer Buffy turned to say Angel. I have almost reached the point where I'd rather see Buffy with someone else... I really really hate that. I will go on reading this because I'm an incorrigible romantic. But I'm not sure I can see it through. Sorry.

As always another good chapter. I really hope you continue with the fact of this only being half way through. I just can't get enough of the drama. I also like the fact that Joyce was cool about the pregnancy.

No offence, but I've read several of your stories and I'm wondering why Spike is such a creep in so many of them.

Author's Response: I had a similar review on another site, so I'll post the same response: I've only written Spike as a complete jerk in "Fire and Ice" and "Desire." "Buffy the Vampire" he was under a thrall and "Beyond" is season 2 Spike who is evil. "Secrets" could be perceived as a jerk depending on your point of view, but he was also doing it for her own good (established in the summary). He's had his moments in other fics (much like in the show) but Buffy has had her moments, too (much like in the show). "Enemies" and "Matters" Buffy gave as good as she got and based on the reviews, I kept it evenly dispersed. In the show, they were never perfect and I try to keep that in mind when writing. I've written many fics and I have to have conflict in them if they are going to be long, otherwise I'd end up with ten chapters each and mostly fluff. I like to give both him and Buffy human qualities, because no one has a perfect relationship with no conflict.

Well... if she's graduating and Joyce doesn't throw a fit, then they could be together. The probably should move and go to another town or something. Or the staff at the high school could just suddenly be ok with everything. Hmmmm... it'll be interesting.

Whoa. Wait just a sec. Did he really say: what are YOU going to do? Did he really LEAVE? Or did I just have a temporary moment of insanity and I missunderstood something? Ok, I'll have to read what happens in the next chapter cause right now, my warm feelings for Spike just got dramatically cold. I don't mind Spike being a jerk once in a while, but you don't get a 18 year old pregnant and do nothing unless you're the worst asshole in the world. You're a great writer cause you get really extreme reactions from me hon. I'm still in shock.

wow. i didn't expect that. you are right about Spike being a stand-up guy in most baby fics. his reaction here was extremely human - fueled by fear, resentment, anger, confusion, and denial. very nicely done. i know it's not the popular position to make Spike less than the perfect man, but you handled this very well. i'm very impressed with how human you have made both Buffy and Spike in this fic. it may be a taboo subject, but the emotions displayed within make this story very real and relatable. excellent job Ashlee!