YES!!! Finally! *sigh* Now they're heading in the right direction. Beautifully written.

fine read, thank you. buffy has come a long way. she should now be able to help spike down a long road.

My heart just breaks for him. I'm glad he's allowing her to comfort him, he needs it so desperately, especially since Dawn's not there to comfort him. This may be just what they both need to get past the pain. Excellent chapter, thanks.

Poor man, he's so confused. He hasn't had a loving relationship since he was human and that was with his Mum. So it's not like he can be totally clear on what he wants and needs. I mean to a point they both have an idea what love is, what they think they want and how to find love. But I think they both still need to grow togehter in finding it, and I'm happy Buffy brought that to Spike'a attention. How can she help him, love him, even get close to him if he won't let her in. He's taken a page from her book and placed walls around his heart. Can't wait for more.

Sniffles at heartbreaking spuffiness.

But Dawn was not here tonight - Couldn't she run away from home?

Ah, yes.....I've had to be the comforter from nightmares several times....you always hope they'll wake up sooner than later.

And Dawn goes down there for this...very nice.

of course, this kind of thing isn't going to be easy for Spike just because he allowed it once. He has to get over the issues in his own head enough to be able to accept it without condemnation.

Awww... poor poor Spikey. Trying to cope with those nightmares alone - and still trying to protect Buffy's feelings despite everything. Good on her for being what he needs and handling the situation so well. Seems like they're on a healing path now... I think those two crazy kids are actually gonna make it! And, as always, excellent writing, wonderful chapter, please write more!

What a terrifying nightmare -- horror at its best. Top it off with Buffy really getting it right, and you've got a brilliant chapter!

Ohhhhhhhhh, more Spike crying! Why do you torture me so?

well for once Buffy was thinking of Spike first. I am glad that she was able to get through to him to allow her to help him get through even a littl bit. I can not imagine what Spike has been through every night. Awesome chapter.

wow, I think I'm speechless :) that was a simply gorgeous chapter, and the range of emotions was absolutely gut wrenching! You had me sucked in from that very first line -- poor Spike! Spike and Buffy's relationship progression is lovely too, and utterly adorable in a very angstriddenly beautiful way :)

communication, i think they have got it, great update.

Excellent progress. You really have a handle on Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Those nightmares will never leave although they will change in time and he'll deal. Usually they will focus on a related theme like abandonment or being victimized in some way. He'll adjust to them as just a part of his sleep. (I speak not just from research but personal experience here). You really have nailed it too with his issues right front and center. His fear that he'll never be free of Xander (or what Xander did to him), never be the same again....and he won't. His memories sliding from his treatment at Xander's hands to the pain and damage inflicted by Buffy (and his fears that Buffy cannot really love him).

This is a fabulous move for both of them....reaching out to each other and moveing forward at a slow and careful pace. Buffy isn't demanding more than he can give and he isn't sliding back to old habits.

WONDERFUL.

Kathleen

A very touching chapter, the way Buffy said she wanted to help him, that she was okay with nothing more than helping him, and that she wanted him to let her love him.

Excellent chapter! I'm glad to see Spike more accepting of the comfort Buffy wants, and I think needs to provide him. Well done!

Awww, very touching and sweet. Good to see Spike wrapped up safely in the arms of the one he loves.

Amazing chapter, as always. It's nice to see them healing together. Wonderful how she explained that all she wanted was to be there for him, the same way he'd feel if their positions were reversed. Excellent chapter, and good step forward in the healing process.

Nicely done. This chapter was very cathartic.