as i looked this over again...I had to comment on the funny with Spike looking for smokes and gets a binki instead...LMAO story of my pockets only it's not smokes but everything else I need.

Good chapter! Loads of plot & moving forward. It seems to be all starting to come together from what I can see. I hope it starts being a bit easier for you, I'd hate for you to feel discouraged. From a reader's point of view the way you are writing this does make sense and is hitting all the right spots. There is nothing better than a long, plot-filled story that someone has thought a lot about & put a lot of work into. Just my tuppence worth!!

GREAT chapter nia..Hope your aer is better

Sorry you've had a block, but I do believe you are continuing the tale nicely. Thank you for another fine update. Will be watching for more....soon, I hope.

I'm sorry that so much appears to be making your life difficult at the moment. I can only say that I am wishing you well and that whatever stressors you are facing don't seem to have harmed your writing style at all. You still spin one of the most finely crafted tales that I read.
I'll be keeping my eyes open for the next update.

You know I love this story. One of the best out there. And this chapter shows that you know what you're doing and where you're going.

Keep up the good work!

*joy* I am so glad to see you back...and a good way to return!

I don't even know where to begin! I felt so badly for Tara. I love how in her despair she recognized and clung to Spike. Always looking out for his girls. Jenner's surprise that Faith wasn't Buffy was interesting - and even more so that Spike picked up so quickley the spark between him and Faith.

I love it that you don't skimp on the continuity. Little extras like how Spike always gives a nickname (*love* Rogue) and Tara's stutter keep the characters true throughout and keeps you rooted in the story.. Very good attention to detail!

Okay, favorite parts time...I have a few:
*****
Batting away the hands, Tara pushed them away, only collapsing when she smelled the familiar scent of leather and tobacco that was Spike.

“C’mon Glinda, it’s all right, I’m here. I’ve got you.” His voice was comforting, his presence a shield against the truth and Tara calmed, resting against his chest. “I’ve got you. ‘S gonna be all right.”
- I love this particular moment. It always warms my heart when Spike is in comfort mode and now, if Tara didn't believe Buffy before, she does belong to William the Bloody.
*****
The hound sniffed at her, and she tried not to flinch away, but the beast was nearly elbow high, and not the cuddly sort. Spike caught her closer, rumbling low in his chest, both as warning and permission. “Relax, pet. He’s just wanting to scent out Red. ‘ve a feeling that’s who they’re after.”
-This really piqued my interest. If Spike can communicate in an animalistic way, would Oz be able to as well? Plus, again, this is Spike protecting what is his and I just revel in the loving possesivenss that is Spike
*****
Spike paused, digging around in his duster for a pack of cigarettes – instead he came up with a pacifier and a grocery list. Amused disbelief filled his head and with a shake, he stuck them back in, finding the cigarettes in an inside pocket.
- Again, this is you artfully injecting more domesticity that makes the read so interesting. It keeps us grounded in the fact that while Spike is still the Big Bad and still someone to be reckoned with, he has a life outside the supernatural and it almost makes us feel like we can relate. Wonderful!

Okay, I think, long enough now. I am so, so glad to see you back and updating this. Truthfully, if you hadn't said anything about writers block, I wouldn't have been able to tell! This story is still flowing without a hitch. I will look forward to more updates - hopefully soon.

Cheers,
Nina :)

Author's Response: Your reviews are. . . the sunshine in my day. Seriously though, you put so much thought into your reviews how could i not love them. Thank you. And another thing, before I forget. . . it *tickles* me enormously when you give me back your favorite moments and insights as to why they are your favorites. Thanks for that also. Writer's block is a plague, a disease, and a pain-in-my-arse. Unfortunately, I suffer from it far more frequently than I would like. This last month or two has been tough. . . between numerous PT sessions, (both long and painful) and life with my son heating up, its been a struggle to focus on such a demanding story. My other WIP is a bit different -- and comes much easier, without much thought (and since its driven by the two main characters with only cameos by others, its easier to write also); but that's no excuse for making everyone wait for so long. I apologize profusely, and I'll try my damnedest to get this out a bit more frequently. Thanks again for your patience and your reviews. They really do mean a lot. Nia

i have been jonesin' for so long for a chapter!!! really sorry to hear about your writers block. that must be frusterating. gods i loved this chapter. love the interaction between everyone after the hounds left. really enjoy jenner. glad to see cordy opened her eyes. thats a start. gotta say i just love those hounds. :) i'm soooo excited ot see hwat happens next

Always good to see an update-- this has been one of my favorite spuffy stories for a long time!

Yay! My favorite fic is finally updated! Can't wait for more. :)

i am so thrilled to find this update...i love this story!

It had been so long, I had to go back a few chapters to get with the flow again, not that it is such a hardship to re-read such a great fic. Loved the new chapter. Hope the writer's block is gone now. A month is much too long. Going to re-read Baby Love as well to re-famliarilze myself with the story. Loved that one too.