Love the regular updates almost as much as I love the story. The tension and sadness in this chapter was papable, great writting keep em coming

-- “Help me Spike.” His eyes closed in silent thanks, tears sliding down his cheeks. She might not be whole, but she knew. “Always pet. Never leave you.” -- This moment would have made fantastic televison. With clasped hands and glistening tears, I can just see it now. I loved every single moment of this chapter. From Spike's promises to keep Buffy safe, to Tara's heavy-hearted discussion with Dawn about binding Willow's power, to Tara's realization that Willow succeeded. You presented some very complex, jumbled emotions effortlessly. The imagery of a single tear sliding down Tara's left cheek was instrumental in conveying everything that she hadn't allowed herself to feel up to that point. I just adore how you write all these characters. You are able to capture and convey their voices, intonations, personalities, emotions, inner psyche, & personal struggles with such ease. Every scene that I read I feel I come to know these characters more and more. And how you write post-resurrection Buffy is just phenomenal. I can picture her perfectly in my mind. I feel her fright, terror, despair, loss, confusion and, like Spike, I want to make it better. I am so glad you wrote her as being so vulnerable. I think it fits perfectly with the direction your story is going, with Spike as 'Protector' and the one to be trusted. Wonderful, incredible, fantastic (ok, I'm running out of adjectives here) chapter again. You never cease to amaze me.

oh...my....gods. i did not breathe at all thru that chapter. the horror that buffy must be going thru is so very clear in your writing. i love the way seh reacts to spike.....just as i thought she would....