I second Maddy's review. Hope you finish this one--it is really excellent

Hi,
I actually posted a review after a future chapter, but went back to read some of the previous chapter's reviews...
On the subject of researching state's ages of consent and clauses, surely (without pulling a Willow and heading off to research mode) there is someplace that has a table of just such info congregated?
I know years and years ago, I searched to find out what the laws were on stalking, including internet stalking (as in going after or stalking an individual, as opposed to generalized demented sex pervert stalking any underaged girl/boy or whatever). I recall finding a table of such laws gathered and organized by state with each states inclusions and specifications....
Perhaps some legal info websites or colleges with law schools' online resources might prove advantageous just to get such details down in future? Not nitpicking at all, just suggesting for you and/or other authors with future fics in mind, if the details matter to the author.
Thanks for the read (so far!)....
K.

Okay, I do love this story, but you do have me puzzled. They're in Seattle? That's in Washington. And the age of consent in Washington is sixteen, not eighteen. So although it's totally creepy in a 'she's young, you're married, you're her employer and using her kinda way', it's not illegal. In California, where the show was located, the age of consent is 18, and she'd be jail bait. Just sayin'. :-)

Author's Response: firstly, thanks!

secondly, oops! hahahaha. the decision to stick it in Seattle was so random. my brain is there right now because my sister is moving there as we speak. until I started this fic, I actually didn't know that anywhere in the US had an age of consent younger than 17, although I knew the UK did. someone on LJ pointed out to me that it was 16 in Ohio, but you're the first to point that out for Washington. ferk. haha. we'll just pretend it's not an issue.

the funny thing is, I wonder what the specifics of the law are. In Texas (where I'm originally from), the age of consent is 17, but only if your partner is 21 or younger. if your partner is 21 or older, the age of consent is 18. at least, that's what we were always told.



Author's Response: hmm, I did a little poking around because I was curious. according to ageofconsent.com, I think Spike could still be successfully prosecuted for statutory rape in Washington, due to the fact that he was her boss, or under the auspice of "communicating with a minor for immoral purposes". this is the link if you're interested: http://www.ageofconsent.com/washington.htm

he's going to break this poor kids heart. I hope he winds up hurt instead, and i hate Dru, I read yur answer to one of the reviews where yu say they both wind up alright, but I hate him so much right now that i hope he winds up hurt instead. I like angst, but I like them to have happy endinds too and wind up together although reallistically idon't see that happening in this story. I really got angry when he said "yeah me and the Mrs. have lots of catching up to , hes an insensitive , egomaniacal moron. Now that i got my rant out,can't wait for chapter , keep up good work.

Author's Response: ok first of all....this? "Now that i got my rant out,can't wait for chapter , keep up good work." *literally* made me snark my milk. it was hilarious, because it was the last thing I expected after that spiel.

the ending will probably be kinda choose-your-own-adventure in that you can decide what you want to make of what happens next.

I'm kinda sorry you're so pissed at my Spike, but I can understand why. he's certainly not making good decisions right now. but if I may speak in his defense, his insensitivity is mostly an effort to indirectly warn her off of her developing feelings. he's just an idiot and doesn't realize that's not going to work.

other than that...you know, at least my writing is making you feel *something*. I'll take that and run with it.

Well, it' definitly interesting story. But I'm just waiting ti the moment Buffy will break down. I mean it's not normal to share somebody you like/love etc. with another person. I wouldn't stand to have sex with someone and then watch him go with other women. Besides she's only 16 - I'm afraid she's gonna have nemotionally problems. But I'd like tosee next chapters.

Author's Response: I'm glad you are intrigued by it. let me respond to your comments one at a time, since I understand your concerns: I'm just waiting ti the moment Buffy will break down. she will. several times. things are going to get ugly for a while, later, but right now, they're in the honeymoon phase, even though it's clear she' s getting twitchy. I mean it's not normal to share somebody you like/love etc. with another person well I think that as a general rule you can argue "normal" until the cows come home, but I respect your opinion here. I know a few people who pull off open marriages/swinging, but in the circumstances I've set up here, it wouldn't work (which was on purpose, for the angst). you really need all involved to really know the score, and Buffy is just too young. she doesn't really understand how Spike can sleep with her and still love and be committed to his wife. so I think for someone Buffy's age, it *is* not normal. or certainly, not healthy. I wouldn't stand to have sex with someone and then watch him go with other women. then it sounds like you have a healthy self-esteem. brava! too rare in women. and Buffy, although she may have had good self-esteem in the past, is currently in the toilet in this department, poor dear. that's why, even though she doesn't feel comfortable here, she's agreed to this arrangement. Besides she's only 16 - I'm afraid she's gonna have nemotionally problems. she is going to have emotional problems, because she *is* 16. well, 16yo's have emotional problems over *everything*, but here she has a really really good excuse. I won't be glossing over that, don't worry. glad you're going to keep reading despite your reservations! I'm honored that you're giving me a chance. and I hope you end up getting this reply...I don't know if SR notifies people that I have commented back when I do. but I wanted to give you a thorough reply. Thanks!

UPDATE PLEASE