Xander hurt my Spikey's spike! He must DIE

Yes I agree with Anya, he needs to know he's not alone more then worrying about his wounds. In this case it really does help that Anya's got her revenge on again, doesn't it? Great way for Buffy and Anya to come to a better understanding between the two woman. A common purpose.

AWW! The touching her hair thing...very cute. And yeah she could use Giles help. As long as he isn't the bad guy.

your imagry was great and it just sucked me into it. I am just glad that Anya is there as a voice of reason. Buffy really needed it and Spike as well. To be without touch in a loving way for so long.

Painful chapter, but still touching and deeply moving. I'm so glad that Buffy isn't going to leave Spike alone. And I'm impressed with how much she's grown emotionally. Just the fact that she's really listening to Anya and is willing to take advice from her is pretty amazing. Moving on to read the next chapter. Can't wait! :)

Good to see Buffy coming to some much needed realizations albeit gradually.

Another excellent chapter. Buffy has learned a great deal about herselr in a very short time. Exhausting but it can only be a good thing all round.

I think Anya was right to suggest having Buffy sleep in the same bed with him so he can know she's there and that he isn't alone. Clearly it wouldn't be a sexual thing, but it seems like the more time he spends around her and Dawnie the more he unconsciously does things he used to do. It's surprising that Anya was shocked by the fervor of Buffy's anger given all the years she spent as a vengance demon, not to mention the time she's spent as Buffy's friend.

I feelt so sorry for SPike, the way he expects to be punished for every little thing he does. I'm glad that Buffy let him touch her.
Great chapter, update soon!

Another very touching chapter. Kudos on such a wonderful way with storytelling. As always, anxious for the next update.

You out did the last chapter by a mile or two...or three. I tried to read this at work during a lull and had to quit when I started to cry...again. I have a feeling that when this ends, Buffy and Anya will be very good friends, despite what happened between Anya and Spike. I am so glad that Spike is beginning to reach out to Buffy. If they had Oscars for stories you'd be the top contender. I can hardly wait for the next chapter.

She could probably carry him, starved as he is. Hopefully, he's exhausted enough not to wake up easily.

sweet tender read, right up to the point the vengeful slayer junp out. love the tale, thank you.

Not only has Dawn grown up, it looks like Buffy is a little less self-centered as well. I really like this story and your characterization.

That was a nice chapter. I understand Buffy's side of things but I think Anya is right. If you took away the contact now, after Spike's been without it for as long as he can remember, would throw his recovery off track.

I also was touched, for personal reasons, that Buffy admitted that she would care for Spike even if he was never again "perfect." Thanks for that. :)

Awww, he touched her hair. They have such along road in front of them, even wi th vamp healing. But who knows, maybe he'll heal faster since he is a vamp. If Spike was feed more blood while in the wheelchair he would have been walking sooner, so hopefully this will be the same with the gun shot and brain damage. Can't wait for more.

Sorry about that...New laptop, and the keys keep sticking ::sheepish grin::

When Buffy said that she'd take care of Spike no matter what, I was reminded of Willow and Tara after she had her brain sucked by Glory. I remember thinking that that's real love, and that's what you've conveyed here with Buffy and Spike.

I thank God that Spike wasn't raped. This story aleady leaves me feeling like my heart's been rippe out of my chest after every chapter. I'm not so sure that I could have taken that, too. Of course, that wouldn't stop me from reading because you rock!

wow.. i forget that buffy can be really scary sometimes. Glad to see that spike is on the way to recovery, maybe giles should come back and help cause that head injury looks pretty tough to deal with..

Great update DoS :D

Wonderful chapter. ::sniff:: Poor wounded Spike. ::sniff:: I can't wait for the vengance to come.

Wow, what a great chapter. I love that Buffy isn't running from the harsh truth of how she's treated him, and her epiphany that she'd still be there for him whether or not he ever fully healed made my heart sing. Thanks.

Beautiful interaction between every character! Let me just say that I am enjoying the budding friendship between Anya and Buffy very much in this story.

I have nodded in agreement every time Buffy has wished for Giles to be there. I do hope he DOES show up but not as pod Giles from S7. He could be of help and comfort right now. (Maybe even for Anya if Xander is even suspected).

Poor Spike! So glad he was always so intuitive because that is helping him to understand where words do not. He was such a tactile creature (one reason his ghost time on Angel was so terrible IMHO) and the gentle touches are worth more than all the bandages in the world!

LOVE this story! You just blow me away with the subtle notes of your stories and you are atthe top of your game with this one, oh mistress!

Kathleen

Another heartbreaking, great chapter...
And thank you for not adding rape to Spike's suffering, it would really make me uncomforable.
Buffy is giving him her bed, I think she should also give him a little of her blood so that he can heal fast and we can learn who is the shooter, or can you tell us? :)
Can't wait to read more.