About time she finally admitted it. Once she gets a chance to think about it, hopefully she'll be relieved that she did finally say it. They have such a long way to go. I'm so glad I chose this fic to start reading again, the meds I've been on have left me very emotional and weepy, but this I can take, it's all good. Thanks DOS. Sorry sweetie almost wrote the old name. Stupid meds!

Great job with Buffy and Anya, they really ring true.

Buffy was always protective of Spike even when they wanted to kill each other and this is just bringing that back out. I do like that Anya was there for all of them and her bluntness is going to help get them throug this. And she finally admitted that they had something. She better use all of those feelings to helping him get better.

What a gut-wrenching read. As painful as this is going to be for Spike, somehow I think it's going to be excruciating for Buffy. And I've just got to say that you are an awesomely talented writer. You always manage to touch my emotions, and I'm always more than happy to see a new fic by you.

Wow! Excellent chapter. Not looking forward to Dawn's reaction, but really hoping for a little vengence.

This story just gets better and better. I am waiting for Riley and Xander to make an appearance. That will be truly interesting. I want to tell you that you are the best with rapid updates. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

Help! I've gotten sucked into a WONDERFUL beginning of a story!!! Please update!!!

riveting read, thank you. buffy goes from tender and sensitive to curt and harsh. am sure anya understands,but i doubt that spike does.

oh buffy dont snap at people, they are just trying to help. You are allowed to have some anger or whatever but dont take it out on the people who just helped you... Sigh lol Great chapter...

Its nice to see that buffy is admitting to her relationships with spike... :D:D

At first I was thinking maybe this was Robin Wood, coming to seek vengeance. You know the whole I'm tired of you taking things from me, I jumped to the leather duster and also Spike's taking his mother's life. But now I'm back to thinking maybe it's Riley or Xander. But leaning more towards Riley. But know you, I'm thinking there's a whole other twist that we won't even see coming.

Poor Spike, my god, I don't even want to imagine what the sick bastard did to our sexy vamp! Am please that Buffy finally admitted to someone that she and Spike did have an relationship. Wonders how hard it will be for her to convince him that she's only trying to help by cleaning him up. Will he be scared the whole time, or will he relax from her touch. Can't wait for more DoS! Excellent update.

Ok now I'm even more worried about exactly what was done to Spike, and there was plenty to be concerned about before. Seems buffy got a bit jealous at the thought of Anya seeing him naked again. She is a bit territorial over Spike. I thought Anya had a good point though by commenting that Spike doesn't remember their history so he isn't comfortable with her either. I'm concerned about just how much damage has been done to him and if it will be possible for him to recover in a meaningful way.

Great update! I just hate whoever did this to Spike. Oh, Buffy...coming out of the land of denial. More...more...more

Oh my goodness goodness goodness! I am looooving this story... more updates please!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

-Ashley-

I can take torture and murder and just about anything else, but nothing creeps me out more than rape. If Spike was raped, I'd definitely lean towards Angel as the culprit, eventhough I had pretty much ruled him out at this point. Just when I thought that it couldn't get any worse...

One question though: when was Spike disinvited from Buffy's house again? She disinvited him in "Crush," but he was let back in in "The Gift." I don't believe that he was disinvited at all after that. Buffy didn't want him around, but he was seen in the house at least as late as "Older and Faraway."

poor spike. I liked buffy finally admitting that there WAS a relationship. Poor dawn is in for a shock in the morning finally getting spike back but a beaten broken spike.

OMG what did he do? poor Spike and Buffy.!! Are Buffy and Anya going to become friends?

Personally, I'd gently feel around his legs for obvious injuries, because he'll wince if there's pain, and if not, leave the jeans on for now, and just take the process very slow. Get him used to the comforting, gentle touch of cleaning on his torso before then. His comprehension is so limited, that this has to be a slow process.

Really don't want to alienate Anya, Buffy. You need an adult ally, here, and getting mad over that one night you had no right to get mad about is completely unfair. Both of them were unattached, for 2 months, and you wanted nothing to do with him.

Poor Anya...dealing with a stressed out Slayer is tough for anyone, let alone someone still not used to all normal human interactions.

Great update. I feel so sorry for Spike and Buffy. Hope Spike gets better soon, and then there will be pain for whoever did this.
Looking forward to the next chapter.

I admire that Buffy wants to try and jump right in and fix things. But, maybe baby steps would be better? If he is frightend by her order to "lie down", shoudn't she take the hint? Wounds can be dressed while in a sitting posistion- then go from there.

wow! Great chapter, heartbreaking... Buffy getting jealous of Anya and confessing what they had was a relationship... Though I really didn't like the implication of sexual asult, I mean the shooter is either Xander or Riley and even they wouldn't do that, would they? They are disgussed with him rigth? Or maybe I misunderstood the implications...
Anyway it is a great chapter and I cannot wait to read more, it is like an addiction. And please don't make Spike suffer anymore...

I get that she is upset but there is no need to snap at Anya. He wouldn't have slept with her if Buffy hadn't dumped his sexy ass. Update soon plz, I'm kinda axious to see Dawn reaction to Spike.

Poor Buffy, only just coming to understand a bit about her feelings for Spike once he becomes a broken mass of vampire bones.

Oh boy -some tense moments in this chapter - and more to come, I'm sure.

Wow, I am on pins and needles at the implications here......my mind is reeling with possibilities. Let's get those pants off quick and put him (me) out of my misery LOL.

Bits of jealousy show through with Buffy....good because she will have to admit her feelings were engaged even during those bad days. I don't think it will bit Anya in the butt because Buffy and she will be more drawn to a closness in their concern for Spike.

Love all the perspectives from Spike....so spot on for one in his condition IMHO. Really heart wrenching too.

Excellent as always

Kathleen