Such an outstanding story on this theme - you work with the challenge, again Outstanding. 

All I can say is WOW.   So insightful of all the hidden pain and getting all the truth out there.  This is a fantastic read!  

Really good. At points, it seems the changes happen too quickly, but I get that you may not want to let the story get bogged down in ta much slower progression.

I just came back and read this again.  Usually don't read 'rape' stories, but this story wasn't that... it was a powerful exploration of the characters and I find myself thinking on the subject because of something I'm writing and I wanted to come back and explore your universe again.  I was not disappointed. 

Thanks again for this.

Peace

Blue

You sure did a great job of creating a great story from the very difficult challenge -  glad that I decided to read this one again before I went on to other of your stories. 

  Wow that was dark.  I usually can't read anything with any form of sexual assault in it, I am pretty sure I only got through this because it all happened in the very beginning of your story.

  That being said this was a great,  if harrowing story.
I was never a fan of Xander until the last half of season seven so a good Xander bash is always good by me, but whew, that felt almost too real.  I had actual hate going on for Xander here.  You wrote (It's honestly a litte disturbing recapping here) The incident...I have a good sized knot in my stomach just thinking about it, and the fallout so, god I just...I can't even review this.

  It was a good read despite everything.  That's basically how I feel.

Your Story was really Great :)

Well done!  Glad to see most everything turns out well.  It was smart using a realistic method like AA's 12 steps for Xander to finally see what he had done wrong. 
Plenty of sweet, a bit of saucy and loads of drama done well.

Wow ... Just wow. I have never hated Xander as much as I do right now. This was an incredible story and I am so glad I read it. Text

Just caught up to this story. Very, very well done. Not the first time I've seen Halfrek put to such good ... use, but I love the way you worked it in here. Sadly, there are times I really can buy a Xander like this, and everyone else's reactions are true to form. Sat and read this all in one go, it did such a nice job of sucking me in. Thanks for an excellent tale!

SQUEEEEE! I'm so glad some one finally wrote this! And you did such a good job too! bravo!!

Text     Beautiful story!  It in a smooth manner, the dialog was great & the ending smooth. Do you write for a       living? Your grammer is superb. Sorry if I misspelled it! My spell-check seems to have gotten lost.
I liked how you were careful with each charactor - the plot was fantastic. Sorry if not coherent. Got a tooth pulled yes'day

Another well written fic with great plot line and flow. Read this in one go tonight to catch up with my reading, RL took over for a few months but I find that I can now look for fics to read and of course, I discovered that my favourite author has 2 fics I haven't read. Thanks again for sharing your talent, will start next fic tomorrow night!

First time reading your work - enjoyed your story very much and think you did a very good job of working with challenge -  One thing that I would have like would have been more introduction and set-up for the rape -  for me, something this shocking from such an important character of the series and who played such a huge role in her life needed to bring me more gradually into this rape treatment. 

Look forward to reading more of your work - 

Very nice ending, even with the letter from Xander.  Good work and thanks so much for sharing it.  I can't wait to see what else you've got up your sleeves.

What a story! I read it all in one big gulp, and I'm glad I did. It stayed tense and compelling all the way through.

I especially appreciate the way you hit the bullseye on several psychological issues. The root cause of Scooby disfunctionality? Check. The double standard? Check. Pointing out that when the bad stuff comes down, if Tara-the-Saint keeps quiet, she is enabling the bad stuff? Check. Not flinching in your description of the horrible aftermath? Check. Making Buffy face her own sins? Check.

By now, I must sound as if I hate everyone, and I really don't (I *do* love Tara, I promise. I even love Xander, when he's behaving himself). On the other hand, it was a real joy to read a fanfic with the kind of complexity in characterization and consequences that you introduced. Birth control and AA hardly ever make it into these hallowed pages . For giving them an airing, and for taking the time to write and post this absorbing piece of fiction, I say, "Thank you, with little Spikey sprinkles on top!"

Nice story and good development of the challenge.

A very good story, dark in parts but that makes the good parts that much sweeter.

Really nice ending at least xander and willow finally accepted he had gone too far and wasnt going to be forgiven

Another great story comes to an end *sniffs*. Thank you for all the hard work! And your next story will be posted... when? Not that I'm impatient or anything like that... ;-)

 I think Buffy teaching martial arts makes such sense and always wondered why she didn't do that during the series instead of working at the Doublemeat.  I'm always sad to see a good story end but I think you are leaving this one in a very good place.  You took a very difficult topic and wrote a very touching, thoughtful story and I can't begin to thank you or tell you how much I enjoyed it!  I'll be looking forward to your one.

And Buffy is healing while Xander takes the first step. Very nicely done and you very cleverly made a most improbable challenge scenario very believable.

Who knew Spike was such a pig? I'm glad Xander sent the letter, and that Buffy sort of left the door open "maybe someday".  Oh, and the kickboxing job? Brilliant!
Plus, kudoz to the person who made the challenge, and to you for doing such a great job of it.
Thanks for a great, gripping story, very well written.
 

Thank you for sharing your talent with us.  You managed to create a believable, real world and a believable, frighteningly real Xander, with more demons than usual...  somehow, you managed not to demonize him or turn him into something two dimensional... you made us hate what he did without losing all feeling for him. 

I especially appreciate the AA amends.  AA has transformed people who would otherwise be irredeemable.  Just making amends can change both the alcoholic and the recipient of the amends, even when it cannot undo the damage.

It takes a great deal of restraint, talent and emotional discipline not to take easy potshots.  I feel like you've honored our characters and it was well worth the investment of my time to read this.  I'm a fan of Spuffy, but Xander is probably the character I find most interesting of the three primary characters b/c of his 'lostness' and brokenness -- so I have a soft spot.  I also have trouble with any story I see that bashes and tears down any of the characters (even Kennedy, who I can't stand)  I just hate bashing as a form of entertainment.  Despite the nature of this story and the potential to go straight for the throat, you put a great deal of thought and nuance into this and I respect you and your work a great deal.  If you're not earning money for your writing somewhere, I hope one day you will, if that is your desire.  I believe you have what it takes to craft really good work and to touch people deeply.  I look forward to whatever comes next!

Peace,

Blue
DeepBlueJoy
http://www.tthfanfic.org/authors.php?no=12717&list=profile

Well, I'm sorry to see this end, but I thoroughly enjoyed every bit. Good on you!

He's pretty ballsy, thinking he can call the girls and just have them come get him.  Ballsy and delusional.  But I'm guessing that was the shot he needed to finally get him out of denial. 

oh man - Xander is in outer mongolia now!

Please update soon. I like this story.

Thanks for another great update!  I really love how they are actually talking and listening to one another.  I also hope that they reach out to Anya.  Looking forward to the next update

So Xander has finally realised he's gone too far and is out on his own. Good. Dawn's and Anya's response to his phone calls totally in character. And at last Willow sees Xander without those yellow crayon tinted glasses. I'll be sad to see this story finish, but I guess it has to end sometime.....

YES, Xander bashing! I quite enjoyed the way Xander's phone calls were received. Bastard. Nice touch with the bloostain on the carpet.
And thanks for the ending-warning, personally I just hate reading, and reading, and unexpectedly getting to the word END.

Story of life... pain.  healing.  moving on.  It's hard.  It's real.  You capture it perfectly.

Blue

Great chapter, thanks for the update. I'm glad Willow was able to be work things out with Buffy. It's a terrible time to be Xander. 

This chapter was great nice to see Willows seen sense

They're almost too cute for words, but beneath the sweetness, is the bitter of knowing that it took such trauma to get them to this point.  I suppose that makes it all the sweeter, right?

Willow has finally got it.  Xander crossed a line that he never even should have been near.  And he's obviously got deeper issues than just his attitude.

Good Willow/Xander scene.  No forgiveness huh? 

Awwww. So sweet :-) Some great resolution of issues and development of relationships - really pulling it together!

This was hard for Willow but she chose the right thing. And a nice part with Buffy and Spike.

I don't usually like being wrong but this time I'm really happy to be wrong about Willow!  She really did some serious reflecting and came through as a true friend to Buffy and to Xander too actually.  Maybe now he'll seek the help he needs.  Thanks for another great chapter and the sweet Spuffiness.  Looking forward to more soon.

Well done Willow. Let's hope Xander gets a clue and tries to change. Now then... is anyone going to check on Anya?

Loved it! Reading your review reply, I thought, "yeah, if it involved Willow doing some Xander-hurting", and poor guy, I almost felt bad when Willow told him it was all over. And when she was talking to him, I kept thinking "dude, there is no "we", you're off the team", and Willow actually said it!
Xander is really thick-headed and you portrayed that well. So Willow is just sad about Xander? I expected her to be disgusted, but as you pointed out, they've been friends forever so I can understand where she's coming from.
Oh, it says TBC, yay!!!



 

What a wonderful chapter. I'm glad Willow saw reason. You've done a lovely job with this.

Excellent chapter.  Just wish they could ride off into the sunset right there... 

Blue

Nice closure of sorts, with Xander.  And maybe now Willow can buy a clue.  Lovely scene between Spike and Buffy.

Not sure I believe that Buffy would be ready for sex after only a few days.  Enjoyed Buffy booting Xander out and Willow with him. 

Good, Buffy told them what she needed to say and what they needed to hear. And she told Spike she loves him, that's extra good.

 I always check to see if this story has a new chapter. It's absolutely a riveting read, at times almost painful to read because I can "see" the actual characters in the words you write. For a long time on the show Xanders' character was in a downward spiral, and I never felt the same about him after he attempted to rape Buffy when he was possessed by the hyena spirit.                     The only thing I'm worried about, is if Willow will attempt a tabla rasa on everyone, but perhaps even she,wouldn't go so far,as to try to sweep Xanders' sins under the rug.               I'm looking forward to the next update and I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as all your previous chapters.

Hopefully Willow will be sensible with Xander and help him get his head straight without resorting to the magical!  Lovely scene with Buffy and Spike.

Wonderful chapter, thanks so much for sharing.

So glad Buffy stood up to Willow and refused to forgive Xander immediately. He really has gone too far this time. I wonder which way Willow will go? Lovely bit of healing Spuffy. More please

I don't know what to think about the first part of the chapter. Willow, Xander...who cares? kidding. But I loved the buffy-Spike love scene, it was briliant and lovely.

Wow!!!  This was absolutely perfect!  I love how Buffy dealt with the situation and I'm really happy how she expressed her feelings to Spike.  Great chapter!!!  Can't wait for more!

Good Buffy has told them whats what now will they listen or will willow try and fix things

I can't wait to see what comes next.  Glad she stood up for herself and glad she had her personal lion by her side.

Blue

Damn.

Great fight scene, and loved Halfreck showing up to give a hand.  Can't wait to see how Willow reacts - she didn't take it well when Xander chased after Cordelia.  :)

Wow wasnt expecting xander to ever admit it.Wonder what willows gonna do now

Oh boy, that went well... and Xander actually confessed!  Well done.

Almost feel sorry for Xander.. oh.. wait.. no I don't.

And way to go Haille !!

Wow! A very powerful chapter in many ways. Kudos on a job well done.  Thanks so much for the update. I'm happy I didn't have to wait long.

Oh, excellent!  thanks so much for the update!

Yay Hallie! Now for Xander to face the full consequences... and Willow had better not try to defend him...

An excellent 'spot of violence' and a great climatic confrontation! And I like your portrayal of Willow's reaction - it's definitely true to the character.

Willow please it's like she need proof or something. Good chapter.

Another awesome new chapter, yay! Kudoz, that was great, heartfelt feelings in there. Wonder what's coming next.

"Xander is all this true?" !!!  That's it I'm done with Willow.  How can she stand there and ask that question after what she just overheard?!?!

Never ever thought I would be happy with anything Halfrek did but she really came through didn't she?  For Spike and of course her buddy Anya.  Great fight scene between Spike and the sniveling, little coward too.  Other than not being longer there is not a single thing about this chapter that I don't love!!  Can't wait for the next update!

'Bout damn time.  Jail now, yes? 

Blue

Another great piece of work - glad that I am doing a second reading.

Text   Yay! Go get him, Slayer!

Uhoh. . .

Willow's got some serious decisions to make, and I love how Tara agreed with Buffy -- and Buffy just realized (or maybe not just yet) that actually talking about something instead of hiding it away is always much better.

or - she could just kill him anyway.  :)

I just found this story last night and was able to read it today. It's incredibly compelling, and I want more now.  I was sorry to see there were no more chapters.  There are so very few stories written abouot this episode. I did a rewrite of it for my very first story, and it was incredibly sweet. Looking bock, I think it was so much so, one might get a cavity from reading. I ike yours much better. 

I was worried that he was going to hurt Anya a lot more. Good work on Willow, she of course want's to "fix" it. That should make me worried but I dont think she will try that now. She's still in denile about Xander which I get. It's hard to totaly change the way you think about a person you have known your entire life. Now Buffy gets to act, that should be good for her. And I wonder what Spike will wish for?

Another great chapter - really sweet Dawn / Buffy interaction and great portrayal of Xan and Willow at their most annoying!

God xanders kinda scary,hope Buffy gets to spike in time. Cant wait to fine out.

Fantastic to see Buffy getting her moxie back, she gave Willow some much needed home truths at last.  Love it.

Oh my gosh - and you stopped THERE!!!  This is one of the finest stories I have read and normally I do not read unfinished ones (they are too depressing, never having an ending).

Please, please keep this up, it is just terrific.

Many thanks,
Cheryl

Ok I get Willow & Xander been friends forever but she need to wake up sometimes people change for the worst. If she can't accept Buffy rules then she go, Xander could hurt anyone right now. And good for Buffy standing up for herself, plus Willow  I don't think Dawn (one person) could used up all the money plz!

Please update as soon as you can.

Really loved this chapter!!  Surprised that Halfrek may actually turn out to be helpful and I'm really glad that Tara was finally, well, Tara.  I'm beginning to think that maybe Willow and Xander both need to kicked out of the Scoobies.  Thanks for the update and looking forward to the next one!

I wonder whether Willow will choose Buffy or Xander.... and how badly will Buffy hurt Xander for trying to dust Spike? Can't wait.......

Oh no, this is sounding like the end of this fic is near... wonder if Xander will survive or not, and if Buffy will have the strength to do whatever needs doing. In my opinion, if someone should kill Xander, it shouldn't be Spike, it's something Buffy needs to do. Will the others be witnesses to the showdown? I don't think they'd just let Buffy handle it by herself?

Think you are handling the deep emotional trauma and conflict Buffy is feeling against not only Xander but Willow.   Since I never saw Tara as taking advantage of Buffy, not sure how I feel about this element of your character treatment - but it's good that you make me think of her in a different light than I usually do.   It was one of the weak points in the series, IMO, that Tara was used as part of the group that were involved in the dark magics that were used to resurrect Buffy - to me it did not seem that the character would have agreed to be a party to that decision and act. 

Bout time she raged.  She so needs to.  In fact, she should rage a bit more often.  Xander makes me want to take an zxe to his head.

like the way you're handling Xander. 

Go Buffy, at last she got it all out.  Hopefully that will be a big help to her.  Wonder what Spike's got planned...

Good it's out in the open, but how to deal with it. It must be hard for Willow to understand how her childhood friend could do something like that. Xander is deep in denile about what he have done, I hope he doesn't hurt Anya.

Xander still in denial - and drunk again and off to talk to Anya, that can't be good. At last Buffy tells the girls what happened,letting out all her anger and hurt. I hope Willow stops defending Xander now! Now then, I wonder where Spike's off to?

That was beautiful, I liked the way the "big reveal" went, that Buffy sort of "spat it all out" rather than sob it out, but I wonder if she got through to Willow. Wonder what is Spike business and if he's gonna run into a certain drunk, good-for-nothing dirtbag...
Thanks for the update, your great writing is always appreciated. 

argh someone please smack willow.it may knock sense into her but doubt it.Poor buffy some friends.

Please update soon.

I'm sorry but Willow needs to go I can't believe she actually said “Did you tell him to stop?”. Is she serious?

Amazing and hard.  Very well written.

Blue

My heart is breaking for Buffy but I'm so glad that she finally told them what Xander did, I hope now he will have to answer for what he's done and it's certainly past time for them all to face reality and deal with it isn't it?  Thank you for another great update to such a moving story.

Panic attacks, a clear sign of PTSD.  It's so clear to those of us watching, what was happening, but the characters just didn't get it.  Not at all.  Though I think Tara's beginning to feel that something is seriously wrong, and good for her that she's putting her foot down.  Buffy needs time and understanding, not to mention loads of therapy. . . not accusations and whatever else those idiots were going to do.

Buffy's making progress and at least now the others are in a better frame of mind to believe her when she can summon up the courage to speak about it. Lovely sisterly bonding moment.

Very good work on Buffys thoughts and confusion.

Please update as soon as you can. I like the story and I would like to read more.

Well, at least Dawn seems willing to believe.  That's a good start.  Not sure how Willow's going to deal, but I'm hoping this won't get swept. 

blue

Baby steps are better than none, but Buffy needs to remember she's the slayer and Xander is a creep.

Beautiful. That was an amazing chapter! It's heartbreaking that Buffy feels so desperate with it all. And finally, Willow is doubting Xander, and the cat is pokint its head out of the bag, but knowing the Scoobies, they tend to take one step forward and two steps back, so I'm not going "yay" yet. I sort of forgot that Xander didn't "just" rape Buffy, but that he also talked and said horrible things while doing it.

grrrrr.... please pretty please let bad things happen to Xander soon.... and maybe slap Will upside the head a few times as well (she's going to try and justify him isn't she :o(....) )  Can't wait for the next chappe :o)

Folks mentioned your story over at EF saying what an excellent work it was so I decided to do a re-read.  It's very good to be reading it again - this is a wonderful "reality check" chapter. 

This is such a good story!  My eyes teared up with this chapter.  So happy that Spike was able to get through to her.

TextVery good chapter. I always did think it weird that Buffy had a job & the other girls didn't. I love your portrayal of Spike.
It tickled me that he thout he should get chocolate because he knew women needed to be pampered.

What lovely bonding moments between the two of them.  She needs to really see, and he needs to be heard.  And it finally looks like that's what they're doing.  It's going to take a lot more to heal the wounds within, but I think she's making strides in the right direction.  Now she needs to face the girls.

If Buffy can learn from that conversation and the much needed home truths, she'll be on the right road.  she needs to get strong and angry.

Well done Buffy for facing up to a few uncomfortable home truths. The boxes thing was very insightful. The question remains as to what she will do about it. More please... and it really is time to contact Dawn. She hasn't done anything wrong and will be frantic with worry for Buffy since she knows what happened.

Their feelings and thoughts feels just right. Spike was spot on in the things he said and now Buffy is readdy to accept that, too bad that she had to be hurt before she could. They should try to contact Dawn, this situation is not good for her.

interesting start.  I very much look forward to the next chapter. 

Peace,

Blue

Great chapter. Buffy's is thinking one thing, but will her thoughts be the same when they all come at her like she is the wrong one and not them. Because none of the Scobies take they blame on anything they are repsonsible for.

This was lovely.  Spike's rant about how Buffy puts people in boxes was very well done.  It was emotional and truthful.  Buffy's realizations in this chapter were so nice to see. 

Another update, you're spoiling us! I loved Spike's speech, finally someone lays it all out, and the boxes analogy was spot-on.

I really hope Hallie comes through and decides to let Spike have a go at Xander.  He deserves to be beat.  Repeatedly.  Willow also needs to get a slap.  I still feel for Buffy -- you've pretty accurately described how an assault victim responds -- the need for comfort, the severe washing, the denial. . . but don't you think our poor girl has had enough?

Sick, sick Xander, he's vile.

Good job with the characters thoughts. Xander is very well done, how he tries to think himself out of guilt. Halli could be a way for Spike to get the chip out. He shouldn't kill Xander though, that would be wrong and in the end just make things harder for Spike and Buffy.

It's a shame that Buffy was still too traumatised to confront the Scoobies, but it probably more true to character that way. She's not the strong slayer at this point but a very hurt and scared young woman who has been assaulted by someone close to her whom she trusted. It takes a long time to come back from that kind of thing.  Buffy really needs to contact Dawn though... and of course Xander is still rationalising his actions away...

yay, an update. Buffy's reaction to her friends was heartbreaking. How long is the gang going to stay clueless? Could there have been a camera at Xander's place that filmed "that night"? Is Buffy's grief somehow going to end up sending a vengeance demon after Xander?
I hope Buffy or Spike reach out to Dawn, she doesn't deserve to be in the dark the way the others do because she's just worried for her sister, and like you said, the others have their own motives, except Tara.

The mob with the stakes and pitchforks.  Ugh.  I really wanted to slap Willow for her antics in season 6, and unfortunately, her behavior made me re-examine every action of hers throughout canon, and what I found wasn't pretty.  Xander did no better. 

Wow... I just found this story and i'm usually too shy to review, but this story has totally captivated me.
I'm actually surprised that though I don't really like reading fiction in wich Xander is the bad guy, this time I find it believable....Xander trying to live in denial while hurting his friends, Willow blindly supporting him...And Spike....what can I say? I just love him.
Really, you have an amazing writing ability and I can't wait to read the next chapter.

God, Xander really has gone evil...

You have the characters just right. Xander deep in denial and avoiding the consequences of his actions, Willow sticking up for Xander despite all evidence to the contrary, Tara too shy and diffident to voice her opinions, Anya being blunt and being ignored (it'squite in character for Xander to be a mean drunk) Dawn trying to stick up for Buffy & Spike but being ignored. And then of course just because Buffy tells the Scoobies that she needs a few days alone, they consider it even more important that they try to find her immediately. I'm on the edge of my seat here waiting for them all to arrive at the crypt, will Buffy face them or run again?

All the little troop going to see Spike and Buffy, that promises to be interesting. Thanks for updating, looking forward to more.

He is such a caretaker.  He will do anything for the person he loves -- to just be there for that person.  Love how you're showing that, because it's such an important aspect to his character, and a lot of writers tend to leave that out.  Poor lost Buffy, she's been betrayed by her best friends, now doubly so, with Xander's assault. 

Lovely caring Spike soing everything right for Buffy.

Nice chapter.  Can't wait for Spike to exact some revenge.  :)

These two are so perfect together.  Spike listens and gives Buffy exactly what she needs.

This story is so very good so far.  I'm glad I came across the recommendation for it on The Spuffy Realm.  You capture the pain and roiling emotions of the situation very well.  I will be looking forward to updates of this story.

I just found this story and I couldn't wait to get from chapter 1 to chapter 3.  I know that this was a slam on Dawn's thoughts for her friends, but Buffy is really going to need her support.  AND leave it to Xander to just think he could talk himself out of exactly what he did.  Poor Buffy.  She can only go to the one person who hurt her heart so bad by finding comfort in Anya.  Great job.

very interesting update. I thought Xander's reaction to what happened was very realistic. "She's the Slayer! I can't hurt her! and if I did, it's not my fault because she's so much stronger than me!" ugh.  interesting how Spike is always the one that remembers Buffy is a woman first, Slayer second-- just because she is super strong does not mean she can never be vulnerable. I am very excited to see where you go with this.  You have chosen a very difficult topic.  Rape is hard enough, but have it be Xander as the perpetrator? and not psychoOOC!Xander (which I've seen before), but IC!Xander who is in denial....well, good luck with this.  poor, poor Buffy.  It was especially heart-wrenching that it happened after she had poured out her soul to Xander, which is something I wanted to see on the show.  God. 

loving this story. You are a brave, brave person

Spike got to show his caretaker side again.

I always love it when Buffy allows Spike to look after her, but admittedly I wouldn't wish her to be broken this way. So glad he talked her into going to the hospital. Can't help wondering what Dawn and the Scoobies are up to and why there was no reply at her house. More please...

Another great chapter... running out of compliments... :o)

I thought this chapter was well written - painful and believable, both Buffy and Spike behaving in character.   

Looking forward to more...



 

I love how you flipped the switch, so to speak, by having Spike be the one to break the news to Dawn.  And Xander's half-assed explanations. . . ugh.  Too bad Spike's got a chip.  I would probably pay to see him beat the hell out of Xander.

Poor Buffy, and as for Xander... words fail me!

lots of nice complications.  I like Xander's reactions and how he's repainting the story to make himself out not to be the bad guy.

The lying manipulating bastard painting events as he saw them and trying to talk to make it true to others!!  Ooh, these scenes got my dander up.  That says something about your writing ability.

Perfect all-the-bad-bits of Xander portrayal - the denial, the evasion, trying to dismiss the worst kinds of behaviour, blaming your mistakes on everyone else - it's all there ;o)  You're handling this topic so well AND keeping the characters honest at the same time - great stuff.  One request: could you 'disappear' Spike's chip so that he could 'disappear' Xander?  Pretty please ;o)

Well it seems like they got to know what happend, or starting to. That's good, this shouldn't be a sicret.

Wow, you know how to catch attention! I love your writings, and I'm really curious to see how this story continues. Thanks!

OMG. I couldn't believe it when I read the first chapter. This is the first time I read such an original, never-seen before (by me at least), plot! And it's so very well written too, kudoz! I'm pretty sure I know where Buffy is going. Great job

And yet again Xander tries to conceal his 'mistake' that has hurt someone as he tried to conceal the fact he remembered all about his actions when he had the hyena spirit and when he summoned the dancing demon and caused human deaths. His instant trip to DeNile is totally in character, as is Buffy's wish to conceal her pain from the others. More please...

Oh boy, this one is gonna be a doozy.  Xander's failure to deal with the fact that Buffy wasn't ever going to fall in love with him had serious repercussions throughout canon.  It was by turns sad and pathetic, alternating with demented and delusional.  She never saw him as anything but her friend, or brother -- and he just couldn't get past the idea that he had no say in who she dated.  But then again, Buffy allowed them the delusion that they had a voice in her relationships. 

So, is she going to run home?  Or where will she go?  And what will she do when she realizes -- truly realizes what's been done to her.

That's a real shocker, horrifically real.

Poor Buffy, up for another round of crush the cutie.  Not sure if I believe that Xander would rape her, no matter how drunk.  I did like the idea of the two of them getting together to commiserate after the Spanya debacle.

OMG!!!   I can't believe Xander did that!!

Poor Buffy, that's horrible that her "friend" should do that to her. I hope he gets what he deserve.

An ooky start - as all non-con stories are - but you've made it believable. Can't wait to see where you're going to take them all.

I love how prolific you are.  It seems I can always count on a new well-written tale to come up after finishing the previous one.  You are one of the best new Spuffy authors out there.  And each story gets better and better. 

Poor Buffy - can't imagine how betrayed she feels.  And who'll believe her if she even tells anyone? 

I love how prolific you are.  It seems I can always count on a new well-written tale to come up after finishing the previous one.  You are one of the best new Spuffy authors out there.  And each story gets better and better. 

Poor Buffy - can't imagine how betrayed she feels.  And who'll believe her if she even tells anyone? 

wow that was very intense, but also very very good.  I'm intrigued already.  

I'm enjoying so far - well handled.  Having quickly referred to the challenge, I agree with your choice of episode for something like this to happen.

Poor Buffy! I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

 
 

Wow.  A painful but powerful start. You definitely left me waitng for the next instalment with baited breath.  I'll be honest and confess that the rape squicked me a bit but that's because I find that topic hard to read - but your telling of it was compelling; well written and emotive.