Spike's quite the jerk in this story - he has some major redeeming ahead, hopefully . . . but anyway this is a really interesting story. I love the way you build up all the tension - great job and I can't wait to read more!

Author's Response: I can't forget the redeeming ;) but it's a long way to there. Thanks for reviewing!

wow, i am so happy that Buffy didnt magically get skills after one fight. I cant wait to find out why she didnt fight harmony. Im hoping its so that she learns faster and better from illyria. I like that Cordy shows small bits of compassion here and there, maybe they have more in common than they think. I also like that you get glimpses of a softer side of Spike, a side i cant wait to see. Wonderfull update and i cant wait for more!!!

Author's Response: I think the story would have plummeted if she just magically acquired skills, lol. Good thing you agree ;) Also good that you seem to be noticing the small details, because those are the only crumbs we get from the gang right now. Thanks for reviewing!

Tsk, tsk, tsk - thought you were going to put the Spuffy interaction in this chapter *sigh* LOL! Just kidding :-) Expect much prodding for the next chapter when midterms are over *wink, wink* And I think it's expected (or it should be) that Spike is an ass right now- although the little bit of sympathy that was hinted at was a very good decision to leave in. Can't wait for more :-)

Author's Response: LOL, I knew you would be sad! That's what happens when I tell you something ahead of time and then don't get it it :X Anyway, I'm quite sure you'll be on my ass to write ;) Thanks for the review!

i really love this story. please update soon, i cant wait for more

Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing!

i'm LOVING this fic! Buffy's mix of emotions are perfectly normal in this sort of situation. We've been learning about hostage situations and emotions in my Psychology class, so everytime we discuss things like how hotsgaes feel, i always think about this story. i hope Buffy gets to kick some ass soon! i think Buffy may open up to Spike about what happened to her mother, and this may break through the steel encasing around his heart that Buffy's already made a dent in. Well thats my theory any way! I guess i'll have to wait and see. UPDATE SOON!!!!

Author's Response: You've been learning about hostage emotions? Uhh, want to tell me what you learned? LOL. I'm just making it up as I try to imagine what it would be like, but it's not like I had a gang experience myself :P Glad you liked it though! Thanks for reviewing :D

aww how sad i dont like that spikes so mean bput i understand that they have to evolve into a realationship. im so happy that u updated, this is a great story and i love reading it. please update as soon as u can, i cant wait to read more and see wat happens next thanx

Author's Response: I'm really glad you're enjoying it - angst aside. Thanks for the review!

Hey I hate Hank more then Spike.....he's her father and can't even act like one.........Spike iswho he is for a reason.....and Buffy will either lay with the dogs eventually or make Spike realize their is more to life then violence and crime........she could show him what love is all about, and he can heal her soul.

Author's Response: Good observations - I'm glad you see that he's that way for a reason ;) Thanks for the review!

I LOVE it!! I love all of your stories, and I really hope that you'd update soon. Pretty please? =) You're one of my favourite authors and I absolutely adore this story. It's so cruel, and angsty, but still very Spuffy, since Spike's starting to soften a little bit... Really little, but still.... Just wanted to tell you this. Not that I'm alone of thinking this, but whatever. =P

Author's Response: What a great review loaded with compliments! :D Thanks so much for letting me know, and I'm really glad you enjoy all of my fics! (granted, there's only 3 so far, lol)

great update i loved it and i cant wait for the next one keep up the good work

Author's Response: Thanks for the review! Glad you enjoyed it!

love it..keep it up

Author's Response: Thanks!

Maybe I'm shallow, but I wasn't bothered by the rape at all. It fits the tale. It fits the characterizations. The fact that we already know there will be a growing relationship softens the scene as does Spike's little battle to kiss Buffy out of emotion and then backing off reminding himself that its just sex. I loved the chapter, violence and all and can't wait for more. So, if people were disturbed by that chapter, what will they do if you decide to let Angel have a go at her (and if that happens, maybe you will have given her that promised ability to defend herself a bit by then)? Bottom line - you keep writing and I'll keep reading and reviewing (and I promise - NEVER to flame)!

Author's Response: Well some people have an easier time just remembering that it's a story, like you. Others, myself included when it's not my own fic, really just see the rape and compare it to our fears in real life. The scene was necessary and there couldn't have been a realistic alternative - the only one being Angelus (yuck). It'll take a while to redeem Spike, but it's really good to know that I'll never get flames from you ;) Thanks for the review!!

What I am about to write probably goes without saying (I hope), but I'm gonna say it anyway. I agree with most of what is being said here (and love the story, btw), however, I do think it very important to note the difference between rape of someone who has a potential attraction to the rapist (and has been sexually stimulated prior to the penis invading the vagina) and someone who doesn't have that attraction (and stimuaion). I'm going to venture to say that often times there is no foreplay in rape. Just violent possession. In your story, there was stimulation in addition to an underlying attraction. Having said this, I do not feel it correct to make a blanket statement (it seems that some reviewers are doing this with Oprah and various articles as ammo) that the body of rape victims enjoy it. True, some may. False, all do. Some rapes are quite violent and should be acknowledged as unenjoyable to say the least. I do love this story and eagerly sit by computer hoping for an update. In addition to liking this story, I also like your writing. Great job and thank you for sharing this!

Author's Response: Actually, I know what you're talking about, and I'm not saying I disagree. I tried to make this point in another review that there IS difference between some violent rape in a dirty alley and what I had going on here - but there was some confusion and it made it sound like I was saying it's ok if the guy wasn't dirty and nasty. Not the case, rape is bad either way, and I take it for granted that people would know I think that. I think the other reviewers weren't trying to say that EVERYONE's body betrays them, but they were only trying to defend my specific scene so that I wouldn't get flames. In short, lol, I agree with you, and hope you interpret it in the right way. Thanks for leaving a calm review and for following the story still!