this story is getting better and better with each and every new chapter. And now Spike is coming back to his old self... I think he should be the one to punish Xander. Since bullet wounds are a lot bigger where they left the flesh, the chip must be destroyed. Yes?

excellent read, thank you.

I like that he included Dawn in his meltdown and seems to be remembering their connection. Buffy better watch out when Dawn learns about some of the circumstances of their relationship. Spike is right to try and keep it from her in order to keep the peace, as she is clearly very protective of him. I hope he can realize that Buffy is being honest now, that she does love him and she won't allow him to be hurt. How cute was Anya and her lack of subtlety about spending time with Giles

Seems like Buffy's going to destroy Spike for Xander's sake.

He's learning too much too fast -- please don't let him be overwhelmed when he's made so much progress! Can't wait to see what the plan is.

I still don't like the plan.
Poor Spike, first Buffy messed with him so much the previous year, and then Xander shot and abused him, no wonder he has a her time believing Buffy when she said she loved him.

awwwww poor spike.

awwww! I hope they get what they need from this plan and get Xander the hell away from Spike. It' kinda terrible that they're even bothering when they KNOW he did it. Maybe they are just doing it to let HIM know they know....I still vote for Hammer-Smack time.

Separate late nights. *snort* Now, I'm eagerly awaiting a couple of Xander related things. "The plan" and his discovery of the Giles/Anya non-thing that Buffy is ignoring.

Forget Buffy, Spike! *I* love you! *I* love you, damn it! Immortal will protect you from rat bastard Xander and Evil DoS who's going to turn you over to him and scare you more to death. I'll tell you a secret, Baby: I don't think that chip is in your head anymore. So, don't your worry. You can kick Xander's ass.

I'm so glad to see Spike so far advanced in his recovery but sad to see him afraid to trust in Buffy's promise.
Looking forward to your next update!

aww so sad... it pains me to see that xanders words still haunt him :(

can't wait to get this plan in action, but spike's having second thoughts about buffy and her feelings.i hope that doesn't get in his way and mess up the plan.

So much for him to process. Xander really did a number on him, who knew he could be that effective as a torturer. Just hate that he's going to have to face him again. Leave it to Anya to provide the comic relief. Dawn's like a dog with a bone, she may bury it to keep it safe but she will dig it up later. It was great to hear Spike call Dawn luv. Another great chapter, DOS, thanks.

Poor Spike! Right now, I wish he would not worry about Buffy so much and just remember what Angel told him. Spike needs to realize he can take his power back from Xander. I cannot wait for the next update!!

Too bad his sense of self hasn't come back, yet.

Perceptive girl, our Dawnie. All the bruising on Spike's face at Buffy's birthday party is really going to make sense soon.

Oi. Dawn needs to learn when to keep her nose out of other people's business! Besides, the way Buffy treated Spike was in no way worse then him raping her.. wonder if he remembers that yet?

I'm so happy that he's progressing so far!

DoS - you're breaking my heart here!

I have been waiting all day for an update and you did not dissapoint. I hope that Spike will not go through much more angst. I hope that there plan for Xander goes well.

Oh so Xander injected Buffy into his rants. Poor Spike. He doesn't know what to believe. But I believe in the Power of Love!

*Stupid,* Xander’s voice echoed in his head, derisive and full of mocking disgust. *Don’t you get it? This is her perfect chance! I told you she’d get sick of your stupid, annoying mistakes – that she’d see how bad and worthless you are – and give you back to me! That’s all she’s doing, Spike! That’s how this day is going to end – she’s going to give you back to me!*

Okay....my blood just ran cold! I have a very, very bad feeling that this plan is going to go so far south that they'll have to look North to see the penguins! Xander is bound to get Spike away from his protectors and Spike will be sure Buffy gave him to Xander......gaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

My fingernails are frayed! Excellent cliffhanger here.

Kathleen

Poor Spike!! What a war he is having with himself. I hope he figures out that she wouldn't do that to him.

Poor Spike, I was thinking that some memories would make this trial easier on him, not present him with more doubts.

thanks for the update!

Great chapter, but I can't help wondering when you're going to be addressing the issue of Xander? (Sorry, but I'm ready to see someone kick his ass!)

Buffy beware, sister Dawn is going to beat your butt. I suppose evil writer is now going to hand Spike over to disgusting Xander, breaking Spike's trust forever, or at least for a while.