buff is an idiot. but you probably already new that. well done

Glad they are back together, but I think he forgave her a little to easily.

Thanks for your kind words.  I've pondered all evening and I can't find a good way to get your premise hammered down.  But it's one of those situations where you really want the premise, because it sets up so much good story.  The scene where the kids say goodbye to their Dad in heaven is one of those memorable moments you read fanfiction for.  The tension on Spike's return is really well-done.  The twist wherein we learn that Xander of all people has kept in touch with Spike is really fantastic.  And the overall feel of the story, where we get a happy ending, but one that still has a sense of bittersweet because those seven years really are lost and aren't going to be reclaimed is great.   There's also the fairly devastating contrast between Spike's reaction to being de-souled and Angel's. So I figure maybe there was just a spell of confusion that randomly landed on Spike, Buffy and Xander and kept them from reaching a better solution, until the return of Angelus magically forced one on them.  (Cause seriously, all three of them are guilty of not thinking overtime about how to avoid depriving the kids of their loving father). 

I've gotten out of the habit of reading fanfiction for a while, but have spent the past week catching up.  As always, I very much appreciate and enjoy your stories.

There is so much I like about this story -- the drama is so well done.  You really brought the kids to life; and I love that they both participated in their own rescue.  Thanks for offering up a likeable Xander.  And it's a real treat to see Buffy and Faith as friends.

But I have to confess that I find the premise to be flat unbelievable.  I can believe that she'd be suspicious of him. And would work to protect the children from him.  But I find it hard to believe that she'd cut him out of her life -- period -- on a dime.  I also find it hard to believe that he wouldn't have come back when she had a chance to be more reasonable and try to actually reason with her.   Buffy already knows that Spike -- the Spike who loves her -- is not remotely an Angelus type situation.   It's hard to reconcile this plot development with the Buffy who told Spike that she had seen him decide to change (which would be a reference to unsouled Spike's decision to get a soul).  And that brings me to the biggest problem I have with the premise -- which is that you never explain why Spike doesn't go and get his soul back.  You even mention re-ensouling Angelus as a possibility, but it never comes up for Spike.  And given the massive cost to all concerned of having him cut out of his family like that, one would think that all options would have been explored before he was just cast out into the wilderness for seven years, and the children were deprived of a father for seven years (a huge chunk of their childhoods).  It's such a *big*, unrecoverable trauma to all of their lives -- way too much cost for what turns out to be a foolish moment on her part (and really on his, for just accepting her terms).

But like I said, I like the drama and story that you tease out of the premise; and I found the story remarkably interesting despite the fact that I couldn't buy the premise.

Thanks so much for all the effort you put into Spuffy fanfiction! 

wonderful story!!!! loved it!

good complex story

hi have just read your story and i thought it was brillant the best i have read so far and i have read quite a lot keep writing them you are really good. i also write buffy stories but they arnt nearly as good as that. couldnt go to bed till i finished it it is now 3.30am thanks for keeping me up ha ha again brill.

I have only posted one review because I just couldn't put the story down ... It was heart-breaking and heart-warming.

Thank you - as ever I loved your story.

Loved this story! Great ending!

Wonderful!!!!

this tale was a delightful read, thank you.

NICE - very much enjoyed this work - I like how Spike deals with the anger directed at Buffy by the children - hope of favorite slayer has finally learned that trust is a two way relationship -

This was really great - original, heartwarming and sooo entertaining. Looking forward to your next fic!

This was a fun way to tie up your ending. Great story!

such a lovely story, thanks for sharing!

Nothing like a little proof to both Buffy and Spike that A)other vampires *are* dangerous and B)their significant other prefers them to their previous partner. Sorry about Lucy, but I think the first point had to be made to the kids, too, and someone that had previously been for their protection was the best way to prove that Buffy wasn't just being unreasonable. Well constructed story.

that was AWESOME!!!!!! loved it loved it loved it!

Thank you!

Love it. Every minute of it....could this possibly turn into a series? the life and times of the Pratts?? Omfg that would be awesome!

great ending. loved the bit about the pancakes! I KNEW that bed in the basement was in for destruction! :)
Great work. Sorry to see it end.

Aaawwww! How sweet! I loved it! :D

Oh, that was awesome; can't we have an epilogue? Or a sequel? Or just some unjointed ramblings that have nothing to do with the story? Please, please, please??? *Attendent in white coat enters room, and begins to escort whiny reader away* No, wait, the story's not over yet! It's not over!!! I know it's not!!! *Attendent nods apology to author for whiny reader* Mooooreeee stooooorrrryyyyyy!!! *Attendent gives whiny reader a shot* Hee, hee, more story? I like story... hee hee... *Attendent leaves as whiny reader falls asleep* Seriously, wonderful finish, and I loved the quick updates; please start another story soon, so I can keep whining!!!

YOur right...while I think you did many...many things right (The limiting Angelus to only a couple chapters was very smart, as most writers tend to overuse him)...I didn't like the ending.

Spike caved, Buffy got off with a slap on the wrist. Now, you've explained your thoughts about that, so I understand where you are coming from...and I am grateful you didn't make Spike a wuss like a couple writers here...but still, you step us all up for Buffy having to grovel...and we got nothing.

Wonderful story, but I felt unfulfilled.

Glad they have a happy ending -- the man's a saint!