Coming Back Wrong by dreamweaver

10/08/2016 08:12 am
Chapter 8         
Great ending Buffy and Spike together and finding their new lives and renewed love but also a new start for Giles and the Scoobs and the new Slayers - 

06/07/2014 02:30 pm
Chapter 8         
Lovely story.  Wow, Giles and Angel do not come off well... and the less you say about Kennedy the better.

I like that Buffy and Spike will be around to keep things from going crazy.

Eternal love.

Blue DeepBlueJoy's tales

12/23/2010 07:26 pm
Chapter 8         
Thank you for this wonderful fic!
Thank you for liking it!  This was the way I wanted Season 8 to go with Buffy and Spike together and loving each other.

no_promises
12/03/2010 05:07 am
Chapter 8         
I'm aware that it has been a year since this story was finished, and that all the comments are from then, but I hope you won't mind a little addition.  I have just re-read this story for the 5th time, and it has quickly moved up the ranks to become one of my favorite stories.  It has everything I like in a story:   
A Buffy mature enough to admit her true feelings (because we all know she really did love Spike), and willing to put Spike's needs ahead of her own for a change.
Spike with some self-respect -  I like the way he can still be soft, but not let anyone push him around.
Angel and Giles finally being put in their place - being told it is time for them to stop believing they have the right to dictate Buffy's life. 
A kinder and gentler Xander 
and even if this makes me petty . . . a little bit of Kennedy bashing (never was a fan of hers,  especially since it is hard to think of her and not be reminded of Tara - who I really adore)
and of course (because I am a bit of a perv) some hot, intense, erotic, take my breath away sex scenes (and I love the claiming rituals)
Anyway,  overall I like this story so much I continue to return to it over and over again, and every time I read it I enjoy it more.  Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with everyone.  I hope you will continue to write.  <3
Oh, thank you!  I love reviews at any time and I'm so glad you liked the story enough to reread it!  That's a fabulous compliment!  I get so mad at the way canon made things go and write my stories to revise it and get Buffy and Spike together the way they should be.  I too love Tara and hated that canon put that brash Kennedy in her place.  So I got back at Kennedy and Angel and Giles in this story.  I will be writing more Spuffy, but I have to finish an original story about Shifters that an epublisher requested first so it will be a while.

Yingxs
11/30/2009 04:01 pm
Chapter 8         
Thank you for another amazing story,I hope you never stop writing.
:-D
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!  Thank you!  I'm working on the next one right now. :)

Veronica
11/30/2009 07:11 am
Chapter 8         
Wow!!  I read this story in one go and what a story it was!  I'm just getting back to reading Spuffy after a few months hiatus, and to come back to a story like this makes me realize why I love these characters in the first place.  Thank you for sharing! :)
Thank you so much for enjoying it!  I totally love these characters and can't help writing story after story about them. :)

calminthechaos
11/25/2009 03:55 am
Chapter 8         
I didn't have a computer for 5 days...and all the time I was thinking "Oh no! I'll be missing this story!" Thank goodness I finally got to read it! Wonderful work, simply amazing! Beautiful ending, sad to see this was 'the end', can't wait for your next masterpiece!
Oh, I'm so glad you liked it!  Thank you!  I'm working on the next one right now  :D

SGCBearcub
11/25/2009 02:02 am
Chapter 8         
I have to admit, your stories are a guilty pleasure. I really enjoy the fact that your stories have plot and adventure. In fact, I love how varied the adventures are and that they are not just all about getting them to claim each other. But as much as I enjoy your stories, I have to say i think you've really matured as a writer on this one.

The characters are both addressing issues raised in the series without the whole knee-jerk "Spike isn't evil because he loves Buffy and that's enough" that this community can fall into. While I understand how appealing his character is without the soul, to ignore it discounts the amazing thing he did by going to get it.  Personally, I'm thrilled to find a well-written story that happens after Season 4.

I also really like the fact you redeemed Xander. Buffy's friends did a number on her, but it wasn't all their fault or even hers.

Looking forward to reading anything else you write...
Oh, thank you so much!  I'm trying to learn and grow in writing, and I like mixing adventure and romance because they heighten each other. 
I love Spike with and without the soul, and tend to go back and forth between them.  But when he does have the soul, it's cruel to take that magnificent achievement away from him as some fics do.  I too disagree with the 'Spike isn't evil because he loves Buffy.'  He chooses not to do evil when he loves her , but doesn't really understand the difference until he gets his soul. 
As you may have noticed on reading my stories, I'm not really a fan of Xander's, but here after Anya's death he would finally have grown up.  All the characters in BtVS are seriously flawed, which is what makes them so fascinating, and I like to explore and use these flaws in various ways in my stories.  Some people take it badly, but I do love all of them (except Xander :D)  This story came about because I took exception with what I hear is going on in the S8 comics.  I'm so glad you liked it!

11/22/2009 12:01 pm
Chapter 8         
Loved this story so much. You really have a great way of exploring all the flaws in each of the characters and their relationships, and making them grow and mature. And I just love that there is always a happy ending for Spuffy. Basically, you do everything I wish the writers on the show had done.

Can't wait for the next fic.

-I was reading your replies to some reviews and I was wondering what the title of that book was that had the Xander essay...also wondering what else was in the book and if it was worth buying.
Oh, wow, thank you!  That's why I keep writing Spuffy - to make things go the way I wish they had.  :)
I looked for that book, but I think it's one of the ones I loaned to someone and never got back.  I can't remember the name.  'Something - love and death in the Jossverse.'  It's been two years, so I can't remember what the 'something' was.  The essays included BtVS, Angel and Firefly.  All the essays took the stance that Angel represented true love and Spike only represented dark sex.  Since I violently disagreed, I didn't care about losing the book.  But it did have that 17 page essay detailing every bad thing that Xander had done from S1 to S7.  It was a real indictment to which I totally agreed.  *g*

Kryssie_Marie
11/22/2009 10:21 am
Chapter 8         
Awwww... I loved this.. i would have loved to have seen the last scene in actually buffy i think it would have fitted great... I would love for you to make a fic when buffy goes into the amulet with spike on the last episode of buffy and spike are in angel together... i think that would be amazing... it would have made angel season 5 sooooo much better and more exciting and hilarious... thanks again for this fic it was great. x

Much Love

<3 Kryssie Marie<3
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!  Thank you!  And that idea has possibilities!

Niori
11/22/2009 01:13 am
Chapter 8         
Sorry I haven't been reviewing- I've had a four day long migraine, so reading anything wasn't on my list of things to do. So this review is for the last four chapters! Hopefully you don't mind how long it is.

Yay for helpful Wesley- knew I liked that guy for a reason

Loved Vi’s reaction to Spike coming back.

Yes! Another person who was like ‘umm…robbing banks not cool’ When I saw that in the comic I was shocked and a little disgusted with Buffy. Doesn’t matter you you’re robbing it from, still wrong. Especially from the white hats and Buffy- they only preached never doing anything bad for how long? And my I point out that Spike –the one who nicked everything- telling her it’s wrong is hilariously ironic.

I like the leading into the comics thing. It’s kinda fun to see how the stuff you see in the comics (the television commercial, the banks, etc) came into being- even if you’re like me and absolutely hates the comics.

Though I’m not gonna lie, the whole Slayers can’t kill bad humans is right of course, but if it were to happen I wouldn’t really be bothered. Just like when Willow killed Warren- I felt she was justified and didn’t give a damn about him. It might make me a horrible person, but I can’t feel sorry for him. Same would go for other bad humans if, for some reason, a Slayer ended up taking them out (it would have to be justified of course). I think that makes me a terrible person.

I feel so sorry for Xander here, which is a miracle. I usually can’t stand him at all. But when he’s asking why not Anya, it broke my heart. I understand that must hurt so much, and I pity him for it. I’m glad he’s not going to hold it against Spike. You have a real mature Xander here, and it’s nice to see.

The fact that Spike apparently knows Harry Potter makes me giggle. I have a mental image of him sitting in his crypt with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets sitting open on his lap as he reads it. It’s a very funny picture.

Spike’s plan makes much more sense- sure the Slayers need to get together to get trained and even to figure out what’s happening to them, but why keep an army of them? I mean, sure you could use an army for the yearly apocalypse, but you don’t need that many in one place. Anyway, imagine how much you could do with Slayers all over the place? You’d save a lot more people.

I’m glad Dawn finally gets to understand what really went on in Season six between Buffy and Spike. I always hated that she was left in the dark and came to the wrong conclusions about what happened. Blamed it all on Spike when the whole mess of a relationship was both Buffy and Spikes’ fault.

Kennedy is a bitch. Why oh why couldn’t you have just killed her when the big demons attacked? I mean really…she’s not that important. Power hungry brat. HAHAHAHA! Shunned Kennedy makes me laugh.

I always love it when Buffy owns up to how destructive her part was in their ‘relationship’. She always seemed to think that none of it was her fault on the show, and that honestly made me hate her the last two seasons. Sure Spike had his moments (only thing better than fighting a slayer line comes to mind right off the bat) that contributed, but not like Buffy. I’m sorry, I was raised that you at least respect the person you’re sleeping with, not treat them like crap. Don’t even get me started on the beating in Dead Things or the kicking her out seen on Gone (why is it when Spike explicitly said no to sex and she did it anyway played off as humour and the bathroom is so horrifying). Again, lots and lots of issues.

Umm Buffy…wouldn’t rely on the full claim on Kennedy’s part. The no killing Spike because it’ll kill you- she might just pounce on that plan. Two birds with one stone.
Loved the story and can't wait for whatever you're gonna bring us next!
I hadn’t done a S8 story before and was really ducking it because I didn’t like what I was hearing about the comics, and because I knew I’d have to do a ‘dark’ Giles as that was where he was heading after conspiring with Wood to dust Spike in S7.  Then I thought I’d lay out my S8 issues.
I couldn’t resist having an ‘evil’ vamp tell them off about morality after all the white hats’ high and mighty talk throughout canon.  I too don’t really care if evil humans are killed. (I cheered when Willow flayed Warren - that’s the kind of person I am, hee!), but such actions, making the Slayer’s possibly think that they’re above the law, has too many dangerous implications.
I’m not a Xander fan -  I could write an essay on what’s wrong with that man, but someone already wrote a 17 page one in a published book on BtVS - but I thought that Anya’s death would make him grow up.
I too had that picture of Spike reading Harry Potter and couldn’t help giggling.  Then I thought, if anybody asks, I could say he saw the movies. *g*
I totally agree with you that the ‘Gone’ scene and the ‘Seeing Red’ scene have much in common.  But a lot of people, especially the ME writers, seem to think that a man cannot be raped or damaged by a woman.  And that Buffy’s abuse and three month long emotional rape of Spike can be excused by saying it was just trauma over being resurrected.
I did consider that Kennedy might take advantage of the full claim and try to kill two birds with one stone.  But the other Slayers would cast her out if she killed Buffy and I don’t think she would risk that.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!  Thank you!  I’m working on a new one right now.

Gill B
11/21/2009 12:54 pm
Chapter 8         
Wow - that was a rollercoaster of a final chapter...  I was so relieved that you brought everyone (well other than the hateful Kennedy - never could stand her) back into the fold but with everything sorted out.  So glad Spike got his memory back and that they still loved each other enough for a mutual claim.  And that you answered several of the problems that claims seem to have in other stories.  I always remembered what the Mayor (really loved the Mayor, for all that he was evil...) said about watching his wife age and die and how much she resented him for not growing old and hated the fact that it would happen to Spike and Buffy.

So now all I can say is - when's the next one due out? :-D
Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!  Thank you!  The problem of a vamp bonding with a human bothered me too, even way back when I first started writing.  If they claimed each other, that would be a death sentence to Spike; if they didn't, Buffy would inevitably die and Spike, potentially immortal, would lose her so soon and grieve forever for her.  So, while I was writing 'His Girl', it came to me that the claim could make them share traits.  That way she would share his youth and immortality, and he would be able to walk in sunlight.  That's what's in the back of my mind when I use the claim (plus proving their total commitment to each other), even when I may not mention the reason.
I'm working on my next one right now, a time travel story, but it looks like it's going to be a long one, so it'll be a while before it's finished.  Sorry about that!  :)

11/21/2009 07:22 am
Chapter 8         
 So I've never been much of an Angel basher or a Giles basher for that matter. I'm more for the equal love of all characters and what they bring to the puzzle, but i have never been more proud of Buffy before. As i read to the part where Buffy was laying down the law, I was shouting go Buffy to myself! It was perfect and something Buffy should have said a long time ago especially to Angel. Then when they took a stand with Xander and Willow standing up to Giles, it was magic and inspiring! I could see it all perfect in my head. Then at the end when Spike and Buffy finally claim each other and Buffy immortal and Spike in sunlight!?! AMAZINGGGGG! So thats the end of my long comment i figured i should leave an extra special one this being the last chapter and all just to show you how much i enjoyed it! So thanks for the awesome waste of my time! and i mean that in a good way since most of the time i have nothing to do, your story gave me something to look forward too! .... Fantastic :D
I don't really dislike either Angel or Giles.  It's just that they make such convenient impediments.  I enjoyed AtS and can happily write a story with Angel as a hero.  But never one where he gets Buffy.  I think Angel is not only  wrong for Buffy, but that his character can’t help but be damaging to her.  And I'm fond of Giles.  The thing with a romance is that it's not the Big Bads like Glory that are really what cause the problem, but the family and friends that get in the way.  :)  I've used Angel, Giles, Willow and Xander as both villains and friends, and will continue to go back and forth like that depending on whatever story I'm writing at the moment.  All the BtVS characters have these fascinating flaws that open them to that, including Buffy and Spike.
I love long comments - adore discussing BtVS.  It's not a waste of time if you're enjoying yourself, right?  So thank you so much for enjoying my story!

11/21/2009 06:39 am
Chapter 8         
Very satisfying ending.  I always disliked Kennedy intensely in the show for all the same reasons you pointed out in this chapter.  I think you caught her personality perfectly. I'm so glad Willow finally saw that, too.

I was cheering so when all the potentials and all the SITs except Kennedy's lined up on the side of Buffy and Spike that I bet you could hear me all the way to your house (even if it is overseas or wherever...).

And there is hope that Giles has learned a valuable lesson and will mellow out.

Best of all you solved my biggest complaint about Buffy and Spike claiming each other.  All the other writers write about how if one dies, so does the other.  And it always bothered me that since Buffy was mortal, they had just created an automatic death sentence for Spike.  So I love how in your claim they took on each others traits and Buffy won't die.  And Spike can walk in the sun!  How marvelous!
That was one of the things that seemed really sad to me too.  Even if Buffy and Spike don't claim each other, she would inevitably die of old age and Spike would condemned to live for uncounted centuries without her.  Even a century of happiness would seem like nothing to a potential immortal.  So early on in my writing of Spuffy - during 'His Way' last year - I came up with the claim allowing them to share traits.  She would stay young and live forever just as he does, and he would be able to walk in sunlight.  So when I write them claiming each other, that's what the claim does, in the back of my mind, even though I may not mention it in the story.  :)
Thank you so much for enjoying 'Coming Back Wrong'!

11/21/2009 01:32 am
Chapter 8         
*applauds*

Marvellous ending to a fantastic story!  Love the way the New Slayer Regime will work; and love that Buffy and Spike are really together now.  Great job!
Oh, thank you so much!  I'm so glad you enjoyed it!  What I heard about S8 in the comics bothered me, so I wanted to show how I thought things should go. *g*

BloodyHell
11/21/2009 02:03 pm
Chapter 7         
It's a nice story.A little OOC but I don't mind.
I just have on recommendation for ya, if you change the scene or day or whatever, please emühasize the change. Sometime it's hard to follow the flow of a chapter cause one moment they're in the bed and the next they're training...no paragraph or somethin between. Maybe you should draw ----- or ~~~~ between the scenes.That'd be nice! Keep up your good work! :)
Thank you!  I'm so glad you liked it!  I did go over the top here with Angel and Giles, but not really that much.  I thought Angel's jealousy would be stronger than usual with him hoping that he would be able to get Buffy back after he shanshus and now here was Buffy at W&H, being so loving towards Spike.  And I just took Giles further down the path he started when he conspired with Wood to dust Spike in S7.  The seed to his dark side coming out was planted there and germinates with the seduction of his new power over everyone.
I do apologize about that transition!  I thought I had corrected that when proofing the final draft, but I must not have hit 'save', and I posted without noticing.  It's been fixed now.  Thank you for pointing it out!

Gill B
11/20/2009 09:21 am
Chapter 7         
I don't understand <wail> How can you leave us like this?  Wish you could post more right  now - but that would make the story end sooner... <Sob>  :-(
I'm a mean, cruel, callous bitca  *g*  I'm so glad you're liking it!  Thank you!

11/20/2009 06:08 am
Chapter 7         
 :o this is my jealous of your writing skills face! hehe! Again everything was perfection. Spike and Buffys new relationship is explained from each side in such detail thats its so easy to really put yourself into their repsective situations and completely understand! So basically i love it! Also awesome cliff hanger!  I am on the edge of my seat!!!
Oh, thank you so much!  I'm so glad you're liking it!  Sorry about the cliffie. *g*  I can't resist them!

11/20/2009 02:24 am
Chapter 7         
I love the intimacy between Buffy and Spike in this chapter, how wonderful the relationship could be in peaceful times, with teasing and warmth and mutual respect and things they had never had before. Buffy's total willingness to be claimed, but not claim back, letting herself be bound to him unequally was perfect, IMO. It shows her trust and love and selflessness for their relationship, and how she learned to take a chance and hope with him, and that she doesn't need to grasp at control or not losing control of herself anymore.

Of course it all comes crashing down! The cliffhanger is great. We haven't heard from Angel and Giles had been distracted and we got a glimpse of Kennedy's jealousy and hostility-- so who could be the 'they' killing Spike? Giles, Angel, Chiriwan sent to attack him, SITs, witches? Or is no one harming him, but Buffy is being lured into a trap because she'll rush in without thinking when she hears Spike is in danger? I can't wait to find out!

Also, I like how you showed Buffy had grown into the role of taking care of the SITs more, understanding about morale and warmtha nd camarederie and just being teenagers who wanted fun, even when Giles forgot that. Like the honesty and understanding of herself as she does see that, when the possibility it is not a necessary duty, she might like to go off and be a rogue demon hunter rather than Slayer General. And what was up with Giles' reaction to Willow talking about Spike? Did he think this memory-less Spike had somehow set up an international ambush to attack the spread-out slayers if they followed his suggestion? it's ridiculous. They can see teh logic of the idea, and he might have listened if he didn't know it was Spike's. But then, maybe he is worried more about losing control?

Another excellent chapter, and I look forward to more!
Buffy's reached that right stage now - caring for him as much as he cared for her.  It's a control issue with Giles.  He's never had power before and dispersing the Slayers would threaten his complete control.  Thank you so much for enjoying it!

Maverick
11/20/2009 01:55 am
Chapter 7         
AHH, no!  You can't do that!  You can't just say "They're killing Spike!" and just leave it like that! X<  Love it, can't wait for the next chapter!X3
I'm a real 'bitca'  *g*  Next chapter up tomorrow.

spikestussi
11/20/2009 01:18 am
Chapter 7         
 OMg- How can you leave us there? Evil, I tell you !  Can't wait for tomorrows chapter :-)
Mean. aren't I?  :)  I can never resist a cliffie!  I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

calminthechaos
11/20/2009 01:02 am
Chapter 7         
This chapter was absolute perfection!!! Every single word was....just....I can't explain how amazing your work is! I'm so glad Buffy explained and is waiting to claim him. I can only hope that Giles shapes up soon and that "killing Spike" just means that he's losing to the SITs!
Oh, wow!  Thank you!  Buffy's learned now.  Giles' is a tougher case.  :)

12/23/2010 06:37 pm
Chapter 6         
The title of this is oh so wrong!  This is just blissful!
I'm so glad you liked it!  Thank you!  The title was a reference to canon, because of Spike being resurrected like Buffy, but coming back without his memory.  But it was also ironic - Buffy did come back wrong after her resurrection; Spike however doesn't, not really, his core values still there.

Gill B
11/19/2009 09:53 am
Chapter 6         
<Groan> You can't leave us like that... Has Spike got more of his memory back - did Buffy saying that she loves him trigger something - will they claim each other..?   Ooh - you bully!

Seriously though, another great chapter; you write Spike so well and the sexual content is always so hot.  I really shouldn't read this while I'm at work ;-)
Aren't I mean?  *gg*  I'm so glad you're enjoying it!  Thank you!

11/19/2009 08:41 am
Chapter 6         
I'm so glad you addressed two issues that have always bothered me: 1) Dawn and Spike never had any interaction after she threatened him at the beginning of season 7.  But they'd been way too close for that to really happen.  The writers certainly dropped the ball on that one which is sad because it needed to be resolved.  Thank you for doing that!

 2)  You are the only one I've ever known to have the same thought I did; even when the potentials became slayers, they never could have defeated the Turok Han masses.  It was Spike and the amulet that saved the day. Obviously Buffy never believed Angel when he said the amulet could defeat the First Evil and never trusted its power. I thought all the side issues you brought up in this chapter about all the SITs pulled from their families and needing a goal were well though out and interesting.  We should have a forum thread on them!

Finally, don't let what that basher at the Spuffy Realm said get you down.  We all have our opinions.  For example, I was disappointed that Buffy would go for simple sex with Spike instead of waiting for the Spike who loved her.  But I am sure there are other people who were happy that she did.  It doesn't matter what we think.  It is YOUR story, so you do what feels right to you; we're just along for the ride!
Maybe those writers were thinking that Dawn would never forgive Spike.  But I too think they were too close for that.  And a handful of Potentials, even turned into full-Slayers, could never have defeated thousands of uber-vamps.  Spike and the amulet did that.  I haven't read the comics, but when I heard about the SITs being gathered, I couldn't help feeling sorry for 1800 girls forced to leave their loved ones behind and crammed into an isolated castle in Scotland with no chance at love or a life of their own.  I don't know what Joss was thinking.
I was a little hurt by that basher, because it was more a personal attack than valid criticism and I was so surprised because everyone else has always been so nice!  But I do write my stories for myself.
Buffy has no way of knowing whether Spike will ever recover his memory and love her again.  I think she would take what she could get.  I know if I loved someone, I wouldn't be able to resist. *g* 

11/19/2009 04:54 am
Chapter 6         
Beautiful! Just Beautiful! I loved the comparison between them being together before to now, and the way it was written was just perfection! again i love this! :D
Oh, thank you!  Now it really matters, when it didn't before.  I'm so glad you like it!

Anca
11/19/2009 03:08 am
Chapter 6         
Maybe her blood will help with the memories, if they were lost for magically reasons.
Maybe.  :D  Thank you for liking it!

calminthechaos
11/19/2009 01:36 am
Chapter 6         
Another amazing chapter! I glad it just wasn't a 'good fuck' as Spike put it, that it did have some feeling behind it. I'm also glad that Buffy stopped him from misinterpreting parts of feelings so as not to get the wrong idea. I really like ideas of Slayer den mothers and loose confederacy and what exactly they intend to do with all the SITs. You've obviously put in a lot of thought and planning in this fic, and it shows. Wonderful work, I can't wait for an update!
This story has been simmering in my head ever since I heard of what was happening in the comics.  I was actually ducking writing it because it would involve a dark Giles and I knew some people wouldn't like that.  And sure enough, someone yelled at me for Giles and Angel bashing.  :D  But it seemed to me that this is where they would both be at after S7.  I'm so glad you like it!  Thank you!

11/19/2009 01:03 am
Chapter 6         

Really liked this chapter, and that Buffy said the words to him. I'm a little worried about him remembering all the worst parts of their relationship and Buffy's cruelties or the First looking like Buffy, without understanding the context or the good that was why he loved her. Dawn was great, especially her looking at the pros and cons of Spike remembering or not remembering to go on with his life. Loved that Spike didn't just talk to Buffy, but brought up looking at the big picture goal or purpose for Slayers in front of Xander and Willow as well, and in such perfect, reasonable language. The glimpse into his head and where he's at in thinking and reacting at the beginning of the chapter was great, and how he thoguht the problem with the covens could be solved so simply without all the weighing and discussion was so Spike. I thought he was waiting to get Buffy alone to talk rather than have sex, but maybe the talking will come later, and that'll be another new part of their relationship.

I can't wait to read more! Great update.

He doesn't remember enough of their relationship to talk about it yet and with Spike sex is communication.  He invests himself in it, but Buffy never realized that.  Even the 'dark' sex on the balcony of the Bronze in 'Dead Things' was Spike trying to connect, showing his love since she won't let him speak it.  The dailies show the helplessness on his face at the end of it, but they edited it out because it would have put the audience too much on Spike's side and the show wanted him to be evil.
I'm so glad you're enjoying it!  Thank you!

12/23/2010 06:12 pm
Chapter 5         
Spike...very insightful as always.  Loving it now that Buffy is listening more and she's appreciating the personality that she refused to see before.  Also appreciating the fact that Buffy is owning up to her part in repressing Spike's inherent joy of being.   
She really squelched him those last two seasons and I wanted her to realize that.  I haven't read the Season 8 comics, but what I've heard about them horrified me.  So I had Spike express my reservations, because he always saw things clearly.

Gill B
11/18/2009 11:37 am
Chapter 5         
Lucky, lucky, Buffy...

Another great chapter, Dreamweaver.  How many chapters is this going to run to so I can prepare for it to finish?  I keep getting invested in your stories (and one or two other authors) only for them to complete far too soon...
Eight chapters - three more to go.  I really should try for a longer one.  But short has punch.  I've got a time travel one that looks like it has the potential to go long if I can figure out a way to keep the intensity.  Thank you for liking my work!

11/18/2009 06:57 am
Chapter 5         
hmmm. .are you sure you don't want to revise your gendre description which reads "with some plot".  There is lots of plot, great plot, fabulous plot!!!  Glad to see Wesley, Willow, and the potentials are on Spike's side.  And Vi's welcome was sweet.  And Xander is open minded; yea. But I kind of miss the old Giles; this Quentin Travers Giles is a scary bad guy.   You did a really good description of the sparring/fight scene between Buffy and Spike, too.
i'm never quite sure how to label my stories - my porn has plot, my fluff has angst and the angst fluff.  *g*  The 'with some plot' seemed to cover all bases.  Yeah, I miss the old Giles too - I was hesitant to write a S8 story because I knew it would have to involve a dark Giles.  I'm so glad you liked the fight scene!  I'm trying to learn how to write action believably.  Thank you so much for liking the story!

11/18/2009 05:14 am
Chapter 5         

Dreamweaver, another masterpiece in progress! I love reading your work for its unique plots, but also because it's so true to the character flaws and problems from canon, and really showing us how these characters in their lives could have changed things. Even when you put them in totally different situations, their feelings and responses are very real and their thoughts give great insight.

I think of character-bashing as sloppily writing a character of purely stereotype flaws and vices and then sticking the name Angel or Riley or Xander on it, just to indulge in being able to say the character you don't like should clearly be violently hated by anyone with sense. Trust me, I've read fics written just to bash a character. I love the way you're handling this story and it's real-world problems and ethical questions, as well as how the characters relate and interact.

The flaws you see and reveal to us in the characters are real and believable, and you keep all the characters three-dimensional and able to grow, not flat evil or flat good. Giles has gone through a lot in the seven years of canon, and his betrayal of Buffy and attempt to kill Spike with Robin Wood and his notable lack of apology to either Spike or Buffy was part of that. Now, he's suddenly gained a huge amount of power and wealth and the command of super-powered women willing to follow his orders, and the responsibility that pretty much whatever he decides needs to be destroyed can be destroyed.

I thought this was a great chapter, with all the characters interacting in different ways depending on past history and relationships and who they are. That lingering apprehension through the meeting as Xander kept quiet and we guessed at his thoughts fit so well with the sincerity and understanding and emotion over Anya he revealed in his talk with his oldest friend, Willow. The Buffy/Spike fight and kiss was written so well with how Buffy has matured and thinks about things. Wonderful.

Oh, you got it!  Thank you so much!  I was just insulted and screamed at by a person on the Spuffy Realm who accused me of Angel and Giles bashing.  But you've seen exactly where I think Giles is at at this moment in time.  My stories are my attempts to celebrate characters that I love and explore even their flaws to show how they might or should change.  If I treat them harshly sometimes (Giles here, Xander in 'Running Wild') it's because the story requires it to demonstrate some concept or the other - the next story might reverse things.  Where they are in their particular arc or time period is what matters.  Thank you so much for seeing and enjoying that!

calminthechaos
11/18/2009 04:47 am
Chapter 5         
Awww! I seriously have a tiny tear in one of my eyes! This chapter was amazing! I'm glad to see that Spike's condition is at least being helpful by opening Buffy's eyes to the situation. I also liked the conversation Buffy had with Wes. I could definitely had seen that as a part of original canon. I can totally understand where Xander was coming from, and was glad to see that he didn't start up the 'let's hate evil Spike' bandwagon. I really hope Giles isn't going to do anything stupid again like when he and Robin conspired to kill Spike. But that would certainly add to the intrigue you've created! Loved the deadly dance they got to perform, and hopefully we'll have some yummy Spuffy goodness coming up!
I like Wes.  He made mistakes, but they were honest ones, while he was trying to do the right thing.  The loss of Anya has made Xander grow up, but Giles is being seduced by the new power that he has, which he's not accustomed to, and Ripper is close to the surface.  Spuffy will be coming up.  :D  Thank you so much for enjoying it!

11/18/2009 04:40 am
Chapter 5         
 I loved the cute playfulness of Spike and Buffy fighting again. It was described perfectly and makes me wish the show had continued exactly like this because seeing it in my mind is just not enough! I also loved how it took a little bit of sad but hopeful turn towards the end. Its almost a complete role reversal from season 6, something i would have never thought of! I look forward to a new chapter each day! Awesome work! 
I'm so glad you like it!  Thank you!  I would have liked to see the two of them sparring on the show too.  'Harsh Light of Day' showed them fighting and it was a rush.  They're so evenly matched.  I thought the role reversal only fair and that Buffy would grow from it.  Thank you for enjoying it!

Spikestussi
11/18/2009 02:09 am
Chapter 5         
 I am a terrible reviewer. If I knew what to say- I' d write Spuffy and not just read it. :-)  all I can say is that I am really enjoying this , as I do all of your writing. I waited all day for this to be posted and it was worth the wait. Now I have to start waiting for tomorrows post.  Thanks  for your lovely work.
Oh, thank you!  I'm so glad you're enjoying it!  That's a plenty good review to me - especially nice when I just had someone on another site insult me and scream that I'm bashing Angel and Giles.  (That's the way they both seem to be to me at this point in time.)  I'm so relieved you're not offended!

Niori
11/17/2009 11:38 pm
Chapter 4         
Word of advice Buffy- taking the risk, bad call. Bad call.
Look at all those politics. I'm liking this even more (I love poli sci). It's interesting to see how the new council is shaping up to be worse than the last. Which I honestly didn't think possible. I like that Buffy will be the voice for the independant covens, and I can see Willow wanting to help too.  
Demon fight club? That is SO Spike.
So Spike kept the soul. That's good (even though I was hoping he'd have lost it, just because that adds another depth to the story). One less obstcle/.
Can't wait for more.
I like Spike with or without his soul and keep switching back and forth in my stories.  But here, after he had struggled and suffered for it, it seemed cruel to take it away from him.
I'm so glad you like it!  I always start out thinking I 'm going to write a nice, simple, little romance and then the story runs away with me and the politics come in and the way the characters would act at this point in time.  I just got screamed at and insulted on the Spuffy Realm by someone who hated the way Angel and Giles are darkening in this story.  :D  I couldn't resist the demon fight club, because Spike would so go there!

11/17/2009 07:34 am
Chapter 4         
I'm glad Spike still has his soul.  They say absolute power corrupts absolutely, and it sounds like his new power as head of the Council is definitely corrupting Giles.  I just hope Willow is still one of the "good guys"!  Your story is getting more complex with an intriguing plot.  Well done!
Thank you!  I always start out thinking I'm going to do just a nice, simple romance this time, then the darn thing runs away with me.  *g*  I'm so glad you like it!  Thank you!

11/17/2009 06:16 am
Chapter 4         
 You're killing me here! I am in love with your story! Its different from anything else I've read.....and i must know what happens next! keep up the awesome work! 
It's different from anything I've written so far too.   :)  I tend to try different things with each story.  I'm so glad you're enjoying this one!  Thank you!

calminthechaos
11/17/2009 01:38 am
Chapter 4         
All I can say is 'Wow'! Not only are you creating a wonderful relationship (fresh start wise) for Buffy and Spike with layers and texture, but I love the added intrigue with the council becoming like the Initiative or almost...I think maybe the word I'm looking for is communist. But then again, it's been a long day for me. I've been watching for an update like a hawk! I loved the line: "
“Autonomy is preferable to servitude, however benevolent". I even quoted that on my facebook! Wonderful work, and as always, can't wait for more!
Totalitarian, not communist.  It doesn't matter that communism, fascism, dictatorships or the Church all say that they're different from each other.  Any group that takes repressive measures to force people to do what it wants is totalitarian and evil in my book.  I believe in the individual and the right to be free to act as one's conscience dictates as long as one doesn't harm anyone else.  No group, organization, state, government, church, whatever, has the right to force their rules on any individual without his consent.   Autonomy is always preferable to servitude.  I'm so glad you agree! 
(Whoops!  Sorry about the rant!  One of my buttons.)

12/23/2010 04:52 pm
Chapter 3         
The interchange between Spike and Angel was just priceless!  I love that Spike still has his personality so he's not a complete blank slate. 
I couldn't see Spike ever losing his personality, even if he lost his memory.  And, amnesia or not, he'd still have it in for Angel.  *g*  I'm so glad you liked it!

Gill B
11/16/2009 10:57 am
Chapter 3         
Another great story, Dreamweaver.  I love that Buffy and Spike have a chance to remake their relationship without too much baggage, and that Spike is having such fun winding Angel up...  So glad that smashing the amulet didn't cause Spike to combust or disappear; (much) more please...
I'm so glad you're enjoying it!  Thank you! 

Niori
11/16/2009 06:54 am
Chapter 3         
I'm not gonna lie, I was kida hoping that Angel would be helpful. I'm a sucker for stories where he gets down off his high horse, actually means it when he says 'he's family' and helps. I didn't really expect it from the way you've written Angel in pervious stories, but I couldn't help but hope.
Anyway, great chapter. I love that Spike's snarky attitude and insults come all natural like when he's faced with Angel. It makes me snicker.
Angel never in canon either on BtVS or AtS demonstrates any real feeling for his 'family' , either the human one or the vampire one.  He hated his real father and kills him without compunction as Angelus and never expressed remorse about that as Angel.  He had some feeling for Darla, though not much, but uses and despises Spike and Dru.  I might be capable of writing a story where Angel is the hero and circumstances force him to help his vamp family, but in all honesty I couldn't write him as caring about them.  And since he and Spike are such complete opposites, I could see Spike instinctively getting all snarky on sight. : )   I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Belle
11/16/2009 06:01 am
Chapter 3         
:O ooh! An marvelous chapter!! Loved that Angel got ignored, told off, and generally insulted all through out it! Spike's really rubbing it in, isn't he? Guess memory or no memory he just couldn't help baiting Angel. :O oh! Is he gonna figure out some way to start calling him peaches? or poof?? lol Wonder how he'd get around to those names. As always! Excellent chapter! Looking forward to the next one!
'Poof' or 'poofter' would come easy, because that's the same as 'ponce' - generic.  'Peaches' is the one that won't come until his memory returns because it's something personal between him and Angel.  I'm so glad you're enjoying it!  Thank you!

calminthechaos
11/16/2009 05:57 am
Chapter 3         
I'm so happy that new update came so quickly! This is such an amazing fic, I'm completely addicted!
Oh, thank you!  I'm so glad you're enjoying it!  The fluffy ones are so much fun to write.

Anca
11/16/2009 04:32 am
Chapter 3         
I haven't laughed so much in months.  Poor Angel, you really love hitting his head with a stick/Spike/whatever.
I'm not a fan of Angel's - have you noticed?  :)  Actually I enjoyed AtS and don't really mind Angel.  But he's not really the hero he's made out to be and I think he's completely wrong for Buffy, while Spike's completely right for her.  Sooo...  I'm so glad you're enjoying this!  Thank you!

11/16/2009 04:18 am
Chapter 3         
Wow, did you hit it right on with Spike and Angel's relationship at that point in time.  Snark, snark, snark!  I really enjoyed the wittiness of it.  Good dialogue writing!
Thank you!  They wouldn't be able to stand each other, but aren't at the killing point.  It's fun to write!  I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

katamaphone
11/16/2009 01:30 am
Chapter 3         
Ok, Now I'm worried Angel is going to do something awful to get even with Spike ......................... Loved how you had Buffy stand up to Angel and be  open about her choice being Spike and not him............ You're making me think that Giles is going to be difficult as well................. It always surprised me on the show that Giles would take Angel over Spike when Spike never killed any of the group and Angel had........................ Can't wait for  the next chapter. I always love your stories.
Angel had that soul.  Giles and the Scoobs were always hung up on that.  They never looked at the difference in Spike's and Angel's actions.  I'm so glad you're enjoying this!  Thank you!

11/16/2009 12:35 am
Chapter 3         
Screw you, Angel!!!  You manipulative ponce!!!!  GO SPIKE, althought that was a little freaky, and definitely risky!  Awesome update; can't wait for more!
You know Spike - doesn't give a damn about the risk, just does whatever comes into his head.  :D  Thank you for liking it!

10/07/2016 10:28 pm
Chapter 2         
Wonderful story thus far - love both your Spike and mature lessons learned Buffy.

Niori
11/16/2009 12:06 am
Chapter 2         
Yay! New Dreamweaver story!
I like this- amensia Spike is one of my fav things to read about (it all started with Randy giles, not gonna lie). When I read came back wrong, I was wondering if it'd be memory gone or back to evilish Spike, but once he started talking to Buffy I figured it was memory.
Oh, and I'm also kinda hoping that Spike did lose his soul. I hate saying that, because he went through those trials and so deserves it, but that way it would prove to him that Buffy really does love him for him, not just because of the soul.
I'm a closet romantic at heart- what can I say? lol
Can't wait for the next chapter!
I hadn't tried amnesia Spike before and thought it would be fun.  And a post-Chosen scenario seemed interesting to explore.  I'm so glad you're liking it!  Thank you!

calminthechaos
11/15/2009 08:36 pm
Chapter 2         
FANTASTIC chapter! Great work, and your British lingo is amazing, not just the normal 'Spike fic talk' by adding 'bugger' or 'luv' at the end of every sentence. Can't wait for more!
Thank you!  I live in Canada which means we get exposed to both US and British slang.  Since Spike mixes both in his speech, that really helps in getting his voice right.  I'm so glad you're liking the story!

11/15/2009 08:52 am
Chapter 2         
 Story is wonderful! I can't wait for more fluffy spuffy!  :D
Thank you!  I'm so glad you like it!

Fangfaceandrea
11/15/2009 05:32 am
Chapter 2         
so far so great. 
Thank you!  I'm so glad you're liking it!  This is a fluffy one. :)

11/15/2009 02:08 am
Chapter 2         
Love it:) look forward to next chapter:)
Oh, thank you!  I'm so glad you like it!

11/15/2009 01:54 am
Chapter 2         
I so wish you'd update this more than once a day.  I NEED MORE NOW!!  LOL!  I love how Spike is still Spike, even without his memories.  I love that Buffy is being honest with him, and with herself, for once.  And I"m scared to death about what will happen when they get to LA.  I don't see Angel taking this well!!!
No, Angel won't take it well.  :)  Thank you for liking it!

Purrfect
11/17/2009 10:08 pm
Chapter 1         
 Holy shit! I love it!
Thank you!  I'm so glad!

spikestussi
11/17/2009 01:25 am
Chapter 1         
 Okay- I didn't see that coming.  I very much like Buffy 
 and your use of quotes. Looking forward to the next chapters.
She's learned after losing Spike.  I'm so glad you're enjoying it!  Thank you!

11/16/2009 03:17 am
Chapter 1         
So that is how he came back wrong--lost his memory?  I love it!  Buffy finally realizes she loves him, and he doesn't even know who she is!  I can't wait to see what you are going to do next.  Great start!
I thought that would be different.  :)  I'm so glad you like it!  Thank you!

calminthechaos
11/15/2009 12:19 am
Chapter 1         
Gah! LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! I'm on the edge of my seat for more!!!
I'm so glad you're liking it!  Thank you!  More coming.

Belle
11/14/2009 09:14 pm
Chapter 1         
Yes another story! :O And this one past season six! A great start! Looking forward to the other chapters! Ahhh, Spike's memory is gone! Hope it doesn't come back little by little, cause some of his memories aren't pleasant. Not to mention he could remember them wrong.
I hadn't explored this season yet and thought it would be fun.  I'm so glad you're liking it!

11/14/2009 08:26 pm
Chapter 1         
  Now that could be a problem.  Spike with no memories could put a damper on their happy reunion. 

  I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with this.
Thank you!  I'm so glad you're liking it!

11/14/2009 03:54 pm
Chapter 1         
Oooohhhh, you're just EVIL to leave it like that!!!  I thought from the title he was going to come back evil again or something, but this is SOOOO much better!!!!  GIMME MORE!!!  LOL!
Spike wouldn't think that coming back evil would be wrong. :)  Coming back saintly or without his memory would be, from his point of view.  A saintly Spike would be no fun, soooo...I'm so glad you're liking it!  Thank you!

11/14/2009 12:10 pm
Chapter 1         
Oh! I love this! Please update soon! I really like how you use the language, and I look forward to amnesia Spike with loving Buffy!
Thank you!  I'm so glad you like it!  I thought a Spike without his memory might be fun to explore.