I'm torn, while part of me is glad that Buffy's being hard on herself, the other part wishes that she realized that she is the slayer and he must sense that even on the very basic of levels. That he's not rejecting her because of what happened between them but because of who she is to him. Good thing for Buffy that Anya never did take things much to heart. Another great chapter.

I think Dawn did a wonderful job of trying to make this as easy as possible for everyone. From staying and comforting Spike when he cried to helping Buffy clean his wounds she did a wonderful job of reassuring Spike and keeping her sister focused. I love that Spike feels so comfortable with Dawn that he can begin to grieve for his loss. I do hope Buffy keeps reminding herself that its a good thing Spike is able to trust Dawn so much and doesn't let her envy and her fear push her into making a mistake with him

Exactly right. Spike has nothing but good memories of Dawn. Beautifully done.

Just to see him break down like this was breaking my heart. I just hope that they all can pull together to help him.

Putting in my two cents: I have to say that I hope it's Xander! He's an intollerant, bigoted, meddling hypocrite. He's always butting into Buffy's relationships when no one asks his opinion. It's fine for him to be with Anya when she's so proud of her vengeance days, but he's quick to judge Buffy regarding Angel and Spike. So, if Xander gets his comeuppance, this will officially be my favorite fic of all time! And, if he doesn't, then that's okay, too, because I don't Riley or Angel either...

Yikes. And we STILL don't know the extent of the injuries. Glad to see Anya's return, and Buffy's attempt to show her gratitude, and not snap at her.
OK, I've been thinking about your story a lot. It's well written, heart-wrenching and has an element of mystery, instead of just a monster to kill. (which is fun to read, too, but not as mentally stimulating...)
Angel? Might have the motivation, but to keep coming back day after day? No opportunity, since he's in LA now, and the folks there would notice that he went out without them every night, and wouldn't let them know what is going on.
Riley? Well, he SAYS he just got back, but who knows? He has the motivation, and the ability, and probable access to a gun. We've seen evidence of a cruel streak.
Xander? Has motivation and opportunity, but does he have the ability? The necessary cruelty to keep coming back day after day? I can see him shooting Spike in a fit of fury, but the continuing torture? Not so much.
You see? Now that I know there is a question of whodunnit, I can come up with all sorts of logic!
Sorry this was so long, though...

I'm so glad Spike somewhat 'recognized' Dawn, and they fixed up his wounds. Getting better, tiny steps at the time.
Great update, can't wait for more.

Well, he's got his girls, and I'm more and more convinced that it was Riley. Maybe it's just my own perception of Riley and Xander, but Xander at least lived with and spent time with him, and so saw him (even if only slightly) as a person, whereas Riley was brainwashed for years to see vampires as "things". But that could just be my interpretation.
Either way, I feel bad for Buffy that Spike doesn't trust her (but she's reaping what she sowed), and glad for Spike that he has Dawn there.

im sure that anya would understand buffys actions towards her but buffy needs to also understand that anya is there to help... love the Spike/Dawn interaction

great update :D:D

Bravo again!!! Another moving chapter...really showing Dawn's strength and Buffy realizing it too. Can't wait for more!

excellent to have dawn provide the necessary reassurance spike needs. and buffy realizes anya role, maybe there is hope for her. very good read, thank you.

Great update. Again, poor Spike. Anya brought blood, good, he needs it, badly. Can't wait for more.

Eeep! You're breaking my heart here!

Awww...woman, you made me cry! And "Generel Buffy" has been relieved of duty! Thank God- I couldn't stand her one wit.

Ah, yes...Dawn usually possessed the common sense Buffy lacked. I think Buffy's new mantra has to be "Stop. Think. Slow down." Subconsciously, Spike's demon has to still feel that she is his natural enemy, that the Slayer should inspire wariness. Little human girls don't bring that problem with them.

I think sexual abuse would be a tad excessive in the story, with everything else that's happened to him, but there could certainly be wounds. Best just to feel along his legs and see if there is pain. Spike doesn't need to suffer the indignity of being naked right now if it's not necessary. Once he's had some blood and the wounds start to close, then he can be bathed in the shower, and it can be done then.

I'm so glad I'm not trying to write the brain damage. I'd be looking through neurological journals, thinking about the caliber of the gun to use, what bullet had been used.....I get horribly anal about research. :D

Great chapter. It makes sense that Dawn would be the one he felt safe with. Great instrospection on Buffy's part as to why he has no reason to feel safe with her.

Oooh poor Spike,Buffy,Dawn and Anya I feel so bad that they don't know who did that him yet.

I hope when they find him they make him pay for a long time!!

I didn't think you could do it, but you made that chapter even more heart wrenching than the rest.

Such a wonderful take on the characters involved. Dawn showing the maturity that genuine love can cause. Buffy, still having typical "me" thoughts, but moving beyond to thoughs of others....actually learning a bit watching Dawn I think. Anya's quiet understanding of the situation. Spike has three angels now to help him recover. Quite well done.

Spike is reacting to the comfort of touch and that is going to go a long way towards healing.

Excellent update (even if you have learned a trick or two from the torturer you write of by prolonging our suspense *G*). This may be among your best yet, oh Mistress.

Kathleen

Very touching, DOS, but poor Buffy.

Oh, nicely done. Buffy's getting a bit of an education here in not being so self-centered, isn't she? I'm so sorry for Spike, but in the long run this can only be good for everyone.

Glad to see Dawn actually being useful. And Buffy asking for help. I'm looking forward to more of this and really want to hurt whoever did that to Spike.

glad spike has some comfort during the cleaning and a chance to break down with dawn. I'm not looking forward to xander/riley finding out where spike is. He's to fragile right now to handle those 2.

I always did like the Spike/Dawn friendship. I like how you had Buffy realizing that Dawn had never given Spike any reason to distrust her, but that sadly Buffy had given him plenty of reasons. Powerful, moving chapter. Can't wait for the next update.