Thank you for having them find a connection again. They both need it even if he doesn't realize it yet. Good thing I just had a new box of tissues brought home. A fantastic fic, thanks.

I feel so bad for all of them at this moment. It's good that Dawn left because clearly the abuse was more than she needed to see or cope with. I am very concerned about what was done to him and how he seemed to understand the command to take off his jeans so readily. It seems like Buffy's emotions helped him understand something else about himself, if the head tilt and his comforting her is anything to go by.

I thought I reviewed this but maybe I dreamed it. But once again with the tears, sobs and utter agony...this is by far the most beautiful story I have ever read. When Spike cocked his head to the side and then comforted her i lost it. The way Buffy is being made to see him in a whole new way...its about damn time. I want the rat bastard that did this to suffer. Death is too easy for him.

very powerful read, thank you. buffy starting to acknowledge she might love spike as much as dawn does; dawn so strong and so hurting; thanks for the break with “I’ll get a receipt,”

Loved it. Buffy/Spike bonding was cute, although they still have a long way to go. Can't wait for more. Plz update ASAP.

God this breaks my heart! At least Buffy is really SEEING Spike for once. She is admitting his character traits that cause him to care about her, to love her. I can't see her returning to her old attitude towards him after this.

Poor Dawnie! I'm sure she'll return stronger than before. Spike needs her and she'll come through for her friend.

Yeah Anya!!! Who knew she could be discreet?

Love this story, hon, even if it tears my heart out.

Kathleen

Heartbeaking, just heartbreaking. I cried, again. I just know that for the majority of this story I'm going to need to keep a box of tissuses next to me. Great work!

I tend to cringe when I start reading a story where Spike has been terribly abused and this feeling has deep seated roots from BTVS. Thus far, I have to admit that I like this story and it is because I liked Buffy's attitude from the get go...she had her 'Spike' realization before she found him. Looking forward to more and the healing and the caring...and Riley get his ass kicked.

Beautiful, just beautiful!

Wonderful chapter! The moment when Spike began to comfort Buffy brought tears to my eyes.

poor dawn. must have been really hard on her seeing spike like that. i have a feeling buffy is not the only one that's gonna be looking for a little vergence..lol you keep making me chance my mind i was convinced it was xander then started leaning more toward riley but now am really thinking about angel :) great work

Okay, so normally I don't even read a fic until it is done and on the rare occasion I do read a WIP I reserve my reviews until the end but I just had to let you know how this fic is affecting me. You have made me cry (tears streaming and everything) with the last 9 chapters and I am so not a crier. I also can't seem to get the story out of my head - I think about it at the strangest times. You have written an incredibly moving story. I wait with bated breath for your next move.

Now I want to kill. Somebody, anybody, for doing that to Spike.
Great update, please post again soon.

The characterization is accurate, the story is interesting, it's just the subject matter that's difficult for me to process. I'm just wondering when Riley's gonna show up and give everyone hell for working so hard to save a vampire.

Great Update! I like the fact that Buffy has a chance to redo her relationship with Spike. Even if he gets his memories back of "before" at least he will have the "nice Buffy" to balance it and he loved her before anyways. I really love your writing, even the difficult to read parts.

These scenes are so heartrending. I just can't find a better word. But There's a lovely thread of healing, just the barest hint, that flows through, too, as he begins to trust again. Beautiful.

very touching. spike is strating to trust them more, and understand that they want to help not hurt him. you almost brought me to tears once again. can't wait for more.

Just found your story - and it's amazing! So moving & powerful. I can't wait to read the rest! :)

You get to me every time you post a new chapter. This is such a powerful, moving story. For once, Buffy seems to really get it - seems to finally see Spike and appreciate the depth of emotion he has for her. I love it that Buffy is finally able to be the one who offers comfort to Spike and is accepted by him. This so good. You make it awfully hard to wait for the next update.

aww.... omg he is so damaged... it breaks my hear to see him like this..

Great update!

I like the communication through gesture and touch thing you've got going here.

Dreams you are the queen of gut wrenching. Glad to see Anya is true to form and Buffy and Spike coming together was wonderfully tearsome.

Another wonderfully moving chapter. This story is written so vividly and beatifully. Always anxious for the next installment.

You paint a very vivid picture with words. You've got me crying right along with Buffy and Dawn.

great chapter, can't wait to read more

heart wrenching but excellent chapter

Just wanting to let you know that I'm still really liking this story. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, when Spike's captor will finally be revealed. I'm just really hoping that there will be time for him to heal some more before it all goes down...

That was almost as bad as what I had pictured in my head, and it made me tear up. If you go for more detail, I might just have to really weep. Good job.

Great chapter!

I really want the bastard that did this to get his punishment,and quick!Another wonderful,sad chapter. I really liked the little Anya moment as well. Keep `em coming!:)

*sigh*
That was great.

Well, answered that question...oh, geeze...I think it'd be a good time to mix in some Slayer blood with his mugs. Pigs' blood won't do the healing fast enough...not for what he needs just to be able to move around.

Yeah, Dawn doesn't need her first glimpse of a naked male, in person, to be this...she's tough, definitely, but still at a tender age.