Excellent story!     I'm very glad that Xander finally "grew-up" and learned to accept that Spike was always very different from the average vampire.   Having Buffy dump Giles from her life completely, just made everything that much better for me!    Giles changed too much from how he began in Season 1, fawning all over the fact of Angel's soul, stating how poetic for a Slayer to fall in love with a vampire, etc.   Then in Season 4, he actually mentions that Spike being chipped might put Spike on the path of light, etc., then completely discounting all the good Spike did in Seasons 5 & 6, to ultimately plot Spike's death (AFTER GETTING HIS SOUL BACK!!!) in Season 7!    Giles deserved to be dumped!   Thanks for that!
As for the rest of your story, I thoroughly enjoyed all of it; even the more disturbing parts with Figg binding and imprisoning Spike through magic means.   That part was brilliant!   Also, having a dream Drusilla bringing Spike & Buffy togther was inspired!  Thank you for sharing your talent with the rest of us!

Absolutely fabulous. I love your stories. Your Spike is dead on. Thank u

Dear PeaceHeather

Thank you so much for giving such a detailed story with great spelling an grammar which is something that I find incredibly frustrating with some of the authors on here. I don't know if you are just really good at English or had a good beta to proof read/spell check but yours is of a superior quality. Some people even miss out entire words along with the mistakes! If I was putting myself out there I would want to double check and re-read what I written first. Wouldn't you?

I love it when a story is so good that I am not bothered about whether it gets hot and heavy as that is a true sign of a good writer.  Do you think you will do an NC17 story in future? I bet it will have a great storyline to go along with  it. I look forward to seeing when your last story is completed anyway. I know RL gets in the way so you can only update when you have the spare time. 

I am sure that you will get this post from me as your stories as so recently uploaded and there is one that you've yet to finish. You're very talented.

Oh and thank you for being the only author so far to give Xander the chance to become a more forgiving individual and him turn out to be a wonderful guy. It bugs me that he is never given the chance to grow as a person in all the other author's stories that I have read so far (Going through Author by alphabet).

If you could keep me updated if you do further ones (I only came across this site mid 2012 and now a Spuffy addict) I would be very grateful. Can I leave my email address in case please?


Thank you
Brit Girl
x

bezziemate@gmail.com.

Wonderful Spike and Buffy learning how to live with themselves and their world.  NICE with Xander too.

I recently reread this, and I had to add: I found the idea of Spike 'demon-dialing' Giles to be extremely funny...

I really enjoyed this story. Thanks for writing it. I too appreciated that for once Xander wasn't portrayed as evil or stupid. Great Spuffy fic.

This is a fantastic story.  I am home sick from work, and was poking around looking for a Spike and Buffy story and decided to give this one a read.  I ended up sitting up until 2 a.m. because I couldn't wait to see what came next.  I really look forward to reading more of your work.

I tried to leave a review a while back but iPhones and reviews are not mixy when I'm involved. I really enjoyed this fic. It was great to see Buffy decide to stand on her own, get away from Giles and work out the relationships that were most important to her. I love the whole universe sending them signals idea; it was original and effective. But what I loved most was Xander. I feel like after everything he's been through, this is who the heart of the Scoobies would grow up to be. Great job with the Spuffy scenes as well. I like the semi-awkward, serious but embarrassing moments. I really enjoyed this (even though it took me forever to review)!

This is one of my favorite reunion fics :)

Absolutely loved this story, Buffy's devotion, Spike's recovery, Xander's transformation.  Not sure I'd be as trusting of Willow and her eternal 'I know what's best'.  Buffy was suitably cautious but I'm afraid I'd have been telling her that if she didn't stop trying to justify Giles she could join his club.

It's done?
What a lovely ride.  I do hope you have other stories to share with us at some point.  You portrayed the characters well, the plot was engaging and well thought out. 
I look forward to more in the future.  Thank you for sharing with us!

Gonna miss this fic, really enjoyed it from start to finish. Great fun.

Nice to have a story where Xander is grown up and has learned not to hate and be so narrow minded - It takes life and time to teach you that. 

Spike's reason for choosing the cane was fun.  It's hard to create too much mayhem with crutches, but a cane has so many great possibilities. 
Spike and Xander bonding is lovely.  I much prefer them as friends.  The "Well, I can bite you to ease your mind about having a diease" was just too funny.
I'm starting to wonder at Giles taking Buffy's shutting him out so well.  Doesn't seem like him.

Very nice chapter: really good exploration of personalities and interactions for Spike and Mature!Xander.  And just in general well written, with some lighter touches filtering in like the sun breaking through the clouds.  Needed, after the angst that preceded it.

I'm really enjoying the full piece. Usually wait for a completed work, but the first two chapters, with Figg and Buffy's dealing with Giles, got me hooked.  Reminds me just a bit in its quiet, meditative moments of an old favorite of mine, Bag of Bones, which I've read several times,.  Will definitely do as much, here.  Thank you. :)

  I love the fact that you mentioned Jesse in this.  I always felt that the series mostly forgot him.  He didn't exist before the first episode and he didn't exist or never existed after his death.  It made him a character that wasn't a character, or that was just there for convenience. 

  It's funny, leading up to mentioning him I was thinking about that... thinking about what Xander could possibly say and it's like your story read my mind.  ;-)

  Love this talk.  Great character voices and everything. 

So the gangs back together again, I wonder what Gile's would make of it. All his chidren have grown up and basically denounced him. To a large degree his authority within the council was based on his relationship with Buffy and the Scoobs. I wish we could see his reaction to recent events. Great update 

You excelled with the conversation between Spike and Xander, I've never read a better view of X's feelings about vampires or Spike's explanations, absolutely brilliant.  I hope Willow is being completely honest.

Well that went well considering... That was classic Willow, much like  the girl we used to know. Let's hope Buffy's faith isn't misplaced. Super update.

You know, I hadn't even thought about Willow going all dark-magic on Buffy if she didn't like that Buffy and Spike were together.  Yikes. Glad you didn't go _that_ way on us.
Nice conversation, I could see them having it.  ...at least, the growing up version of Buffy and Willow that you've got going on.
So, what was Spike up to?  :)
 

Buffy's mind should be easier now that she's successfully got her point over to Willow, time to get on with her life without committee approval.

One down. It was nice having Spike feel part of a family again, I went off Dawn a bit in season 7. Given how devoted Spike was to her after Buffy's death, I felt she gave up on him too easily. This Dawn rings true with the girl I liked in season 6.  

I think Dawn gave up any rights to criticise Buffy when she threw her out of her own house, but Buffy needs her support and I'm glad she got it.  Spike is definitely on the right track.

Can't say I blame Buffy for being wary, maybe she doesn't feel strong enough to defend herself and Spike against the expected criticism, but she's right about needing to run her own life.  Contacting Dawn makes the most sense but if Dawn's hasn't done some much needed growing up , all bets are off.

Hmm.  I'm not sure who I agree with here.  Buffy is really showing some strength by not talking to them and not relying on their opinions.  However, in a way, she isn't, because she is't really saying "No, I have a different opinion," she's simply not giving them an opportunity to voice theirs at all, so she doesn't have to actually disagree with them. 
However, Spike is sort of doing the same thing - pushing her to so something she doesn't watnt to to.  Is he, therefore, any better than her friends?  They are trying to control her out of love for her as well, aren't they? 
I do happen to think she needs to talk to Dawn, at least - if only to tell her that she's OK and just needs some time to process.  Dawn hasn't shown the same controlling tendencies as the rest of the Europe contingent of Scoobies.  Of course, if Dawn was in on keeping information from Buffy, that's going to be REALLY bad, but it doesn't really strike me as very likely. 
 

There are some really great B/S scenes where Buffy's inexpressiveness and insensitivity, and Spike's defensiveness, play into one another to create a massive pile-up...and then, there are scenes like this one, in which you finds the right words to express all her doubts, and his perceptiveness and gift for words mesh like heaven.  This is one of the best examples of the latter I've read, and I've been reading a lot of BtVS fanfiction over the years.  Thanks. :)

Stonking update. If we needed proof Spike was really back, we have it now and he's not even upto full strength yet. Buffy needs someone to tell her how it is and sometimes make her face her fears. Luckily Spike'll be happy to face them with her. Wonder what Dawn's upto...Loved it.

This is such a great story - and I really like your treatment for a Spike torture piece; like that it was done by such a character that has this duality.  One side you feel such pity for him and how he lost all those he loved and then such anger and disgust  for what he has done to all his victims.  Having Drusilla be the messenger voice, a good statement on her own tragic abuse and insanity. 

Very much enjoying your work. 

Oh My...
...that was incredible.
And I don't think I'm coherent enough to say another thing.

I like to think the shower will wash away all the badness in their history together away along with the filth.  Lovely chapter.

Yay finally made it into the house, things are definately looking up. I love the bonding between the two, didn't get a lot of that in Sunnydale. It's great that they're making new memories, they can finally let the past go. It'll make them stronger in the long run. Brill update. 

You must have something up your sleeve...  looking forward to seeing what it is!
Everyone's interactions were well done, believable both from a canon perspective and one where time has passed.  That sounds wierd, but I guess I'm trying to say that I can believe that the characters on the show would actually be like this if they'd been allowed to mature.
Oh - and  I like Cathy. 

Love this story but got caught up in Harmony - Buffy´s been mourning him for a year and he slept with Harmony and gets nothing for it? Not even one word in response? weird.

That was such a horrible nightmare, perhaps the magic hasn't  all gone.  I do like the grown up Xander, what a diiference a little change inattitude makes.

Spike's so good for Buffy, her friends should realise that. I don't know if I'd forgive Gile's he's a serial meddler. I'm torn on Willow, she only seems worried that she might be found out. Again if it was Tara, I don't think she'd ever forgive it. I can't see Dawn being involved, although she was horrible to Spike in series 7. I liked their friendship, so I hope she doesn't know. Great update.
 

Finally!  It's over and I can breathe again. 
Loved the cuddles at the end of the chapter. 
I think I will now enjoy the story more without a doodled-on Spike itching the inside of my skin.  Very uncomfortable, that.

Brilliant chapter. loved it. Spike talked a lot of sense, even if he didn't have much control. I didn't realise how much of Spike had been taken away from him, until they were restored to him.

Thanks you so much for the "getting on with it" part!  SO glad the marks are ging away.  The way you are handling the elements is great, binding the soul and the demon in with them, adn having it all come out when she eraces them.  I don't want this story to end, but I really want to read more!  It's torture, I tell you!!  :) 

ah too short, too short!!! Killing me here.

So I started reading th

I am so loving this story. Love the plot, the voices are very good. Really looking forward to more.

Fabulous conversation, I love how Spike controlled himself and Buffy handled it all so well.  I look forward to seeing them happily and healthily reunited... plus the Scooby aftermath.

Wonderful update, loved it.

Poor Spike nothing ever goes smoothly for him. Got my fingers crossed they don't run into anymore surprises and Spike can get on with healing. Super chappie.

Yikes that's gruelling pain you've described so well and it's working!  Spike is almost free... please.

I have only one complaint about this story: The chapters are too short! I'm always dying for more!

Really enjoying it. An update for this story is the highlight of my morning commute. 

Beautiful chapter, everything a hardedned Spuffy fan could want and more. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

Phew never mind Spike feeling ‘warm’ I’ve ‘warmed’ myself through a wonderful bag of mixed emotions reading this story.   You have written one of the best re-unions I’ve ever read in this chapter, simply wonderful. I cried right along with both of them.  

This was a lovely, sweet chapter and was beautifully written.  However, I couldn't get the marks on his skin out of my head.  The very idea of them makes me all figety.  So while I loved them getting together the way you've written it, please can we get on with the erasure??  Before I wriggle out of my own skin?
And I must commend you on getting under my skin so much, as it were.  *shudder*
 

Such a horribly awkward conversation for them both and it rang so true.  Along way to go though, dare I detect for a ray of sunshine at the end there?  Really well done.

I am impressed, you just keep delivering these interesting chapters. I find myself not rushing to get to the conclusion, but enjoying every chapter on its own. Thank you!

That was a lovely sweet chapter. They were both so awkward and  tentative, like tongue tied teenagers. Buffy has trouble speaking from the heart at the best of times, let's hope she's said enough to clue Spike into her real feelings. Great update.

Communication!  YAY!!  Buffy is growing up after all.
Your portrayal of her finally breaking down was nicely done.  Trying so hard, but finally unable to NOT tell him, if that makes sense.

Your dreams were masterfully done.  Perfect mix of sense and confusion.

Really like Cathy, seems to know her stuff. Buffy shouldn't be surprised that Spike wants to get the spell removed as soon as possible, he could never stand waiting about. Loved the update.

All the magical business and the sigils feels really authentic.  And do it all in one go -- typical Spike.  Really loving this.

Loved the update, great Xander and Spike bonding and who'd ever think we'd be saying that. Lots for Spike to mull over, especially the bit about Buffy thinking he was still dead. Can't wait for more.

A fine conversation between Xander and Spike, I have great hopes things will stay that way.

I SO love your Xander.  This was a lovely chapter with just interaction with the 2 of them.

after rereading post-edit frensy - that's better!  :)

You've totally turned my opinion of Xander around. For a long time now I've found him obnoxious, it's great to read a fic where he's a positive character. I'm hoping Buffy will get better as Spike improves, I think they're both grieving and in shock and it seems there's more to come. At least Spike's awake and aware of what's going on. It'll be easier to bear the coming trial if he knows it's in a good cause. Loved the update.

I liked the bit about the stopsign being fun.

But poor Spike - why didn't one of them think to stay with him, after waht happened last time?  Silly people!

Spike seems to  be sinking,  I'm thinking Buffy needs to do more than start growing up if she's going to help him.

I love this. Well written charachters and so sad, yet sweet. Please write fast!

Such a sweet reunion -- loved this line 'Before this, asleep, he broke her heart; now, awake, he filled it..'

Really happy Spike's back in the land of the conscious, it did Buffy the world of good and we got some lovely spuffy time. So the spells not broken, wonder if Buffy's gonna need more expert help to remove it. Could be an opportunity for Willow to redeem herself, if Buffy can trust her. Great update.

Well now we know Gile's isn't just a liar, he's a bully too. He really has lost he plot hasn't he? Machiavelli wuld be proud never mind Travers. I'm disappointed with Willow, no matter the pressure, she should have told. If it had been Tara, she'd never forgive it. But I suppose her issues/fears about controlling the magic, ultimately won out.
I want to tell Buffy to pull herself together, but If I was in her shoes I would have fallen to bits long ago. Seems we've still got aways to go before our happy ending....Loved it. 

.

GAH!  I do hope you've got an update up your sleeve, ready to pull out shortly!! 

So pleased to see another speedy update, cos got to say the tensions killing me. I so want Spike to wake up, but I know when he does he's gonna be in alot of pain. Those telephone messages sound ominous, wonder if Gile's is trying to check up on her. Either way it's the last thing Buffy needs now. Super Update.

Read the last 7 chapters (I was out of town last week).  Wow.  I really love that Xander is helping.  It's nice to have him portrayed as the friend instead of a jerk.  Poor Spike.  This is just so good.

I'm so relieved the spell has  finally been broken, What a ride, I've run the full gamut of emotion here. I can't believe how much I like Xander in this story. I think if he'd been like this in the series, Buffy might have fallen for him. As it is, it's right that he's still grieving for Anya, cos it's the least she deserved. But I hope he does hit it off with the helpful witch. As usual brilliant descriptive writing, can't wait for more. 

Yikes, that was gruesome - poor Spike.  Xander did brilliantly.

Superb, absolutely fabulous. I love how we get to see things from both Buffy and Spike's perspective as the spell unravels. The writing is enthralling, can't get enough. Spikes demon blew me away, the seven deadly sins reference was genius. Love it.  

I'm a bad reader - I've been enjoying this story so much, and I've just gotten around to writing my first review.  Sorry!  I'm going to be mentioning multiple chapters here, though...
OK, so I do kind of still feel bad for Figg, because it seems he went crazy when his flock died.  What Spike went through was horrible, certainly, but you sure made a sympathetic villain too.
After your comment about researching drowned bodies (and thank you for actual research, not just making something up because it's easier that way!) I went and did a tiny bit of my own. Wow, that was nasty.  May have nightmares.
Figg using the power to prolong his home's life as well as his own was brilliant.  No wonder it took so much power.  Your description of the rapid decay was well done.  It was almost like watching one of those time-lapse films.
I really like your portrayal of Xander being all supportive.  I get tired of Xander the bigoted jerk.  Your humorous moments are well placed also, providing a momentary, welcome break from the tension and ick. 
Spike de-waterlogging was sort of weird - why did burning the bones do that?
Last, but not least, my favorite line of the chapter was "Humans call them sins. Demons call them a way of life. Spike tended to call them a good weekend."
So this was a really long review, and I may not review again for a while, but I'm out here, still reading and enjoying.  :)

 

Aggh! The cliffhangers! They burn!!

(Enjoying this thoroughly! Please update quickly, lest I go insane from anticipation!)

And just when we thought the horror was over, poor Spike. I think Buffy might not be regretting her treatment of Figg anymore. You really bring his suffering to life with the inner monologues. I hope he realises soon that helps arrived. Brill. 

I loved how Dru came to Spike's rescue again. Finally the women in Spike's life are there for him. Lovely read.  

Enjoying your story

I've been looking forward to all your updates. What a really good story.  I’ve enjoyed your unusual characterisation especially Xander and Drusilla. I love that both are now very supportive of our hero’s Buffy and Spike and helping in anyway they can.  Great writing, you have me hooked.  
 

I was on tenterhooks reading this chappie. I'm so glad Figg is dead. I know he wasn't 'right' as they say, but after everything he put Spike through, I have little sympathy. Still he went quite peacefully in the end, notwithstanding the sharpe gardening implement in his chest.  Worried about Spike though, hope they,ve brought enough blood.Great update. 

Wonderful writing, really felt Buffy's anxiety and sense of betrayal on the journey. I think Figg is scary because he is so ordinary. He's like you friendly neighbourhood serial killer. He doesn't rave or threaten, he kills with a smile and because he's insane there's a touch of innocence too.  They're always the more terrifying monsters, because they could be anybody. Great update. 

Hang on in there just a little while longer, Spike, the cavalry is coming!  Great build up.

you are deeply cruel, Ms. Author.  :)

Brave Buffy, and hasn't Xander turned out nicely!

That was my favourite chapter so far.  Really getting into your story.  thanks for sharing

Yay, really chuffed with the speedy update. So happy the rescues finally underway, I'm worried about the binding though. Figg is rather scary, I hope Buffy doesn't underestimate him. Brill update.

Very interesting details with the map and the psychic.  Good chapter.

How nice to see a Dru restored to sanity, and the reading rocks!

I love this.  Dru is wonderful and Moduz is a great character. Hang on Spike!

Wow, that was brilliant. I loved that Dru was able to give Spike some hope. The reading was awesome, Buffy got a real glimpse of the horror Spike's going through. More, more, more.

The decorating detail was very nice.

The reading was very cool butthe image of Figg doing the gardening wins hands down.

Really excellent update, lots going on and a few surprises. Loved it.

I would have liked to see a chapter of Buffy going to Slayer Center and talking to the Chess Girl.  Like the new character.  

hMMM  What does the demon girl know??? 

Great update, I'm so hoping Xander's friend comes through with some concrete evidence about Spike's whereabouts. And Xander, who would have thought he'd come to Spike's rescue? Not Spike that's for sure. If he sees him, he'll be sure he's hallucinating. Can't wait for more.

this is a very different story...  I really hope not to have to wait to see where it goes from here.

Blue

ARRRGGGHHH!!!  That was so mean!  

Very gruesome torture... shudder worthy even.

Terrifying!

Oh wow, that was truly dark, but brilliantly written.

Really liked the binding/torture scene (that makes me really sick doesn't it?)  Well done!  Buffy better get on the case soonest.

I like how you contrast Spike's nightmare with Buffy's happiness and can only hope she gets some more clues.  Great read.

"Good" torture chapter and I like the way people keep popping up to tell B or S to go find the other. 

Guh... Poor spike, so not good. Figgs turning out to be a formidable opponent, a mild mannered pssycho. Really chilling. So hope Buffy starts listening to her inner voice. Great chappie. 

You are drawing me into the story further with these riddles.  Why Figg?  Who/what is the source of the messages?

MM excellent villain.  

Truly horrific, and so well plotted I'm in awe.

great chapter!  Xander's being way too understanding.

Loved that Buffy finally came clean to Xander, I always hated how Spike was treated over 'the bathroom' incident. Figg grows increasingly menacing, I hope help comes soon. 

And Spike never sees the real nuts, just like innocent victims of serial murderers in real life...

Whew! There's a surprise.  And Spike in a world of trouble.  Excellent!

Yikes, that was a slammer out of nowhere!

Hm - are the forces of darkness converging on Cleveland?  I can't think of a better place.

First, I hope Xander and Buffy are just friends.  Right?  Second, you shocked me a bit with the last part. What?!

Now that doesn't sound good, looks like Spike might need Buffy a bit more than she needs him right now.
Maybe Xander could help seeing he's over his demon hating phase. Now that would be a shocker...Good update.

Great bit about the demon girl and Spike.   Not to mention those roast crickets.  

On to the Hellmouth!  

Perfect Spike grabbing that little demon girl's butt.  :)

Looks like our heroes may have a guardian angel on their side. Hoping Buffy starts listening to hers soon.

I haven't dashed off to FF because I want to savor this piece.  Your beginning holds a LOT of promise.

This is starting off well.  I'm in for the long haul.

I've read the other chapters you have on your fanfiction.net site.  Altogether, it's really good.  You write very convincing Spike and Buffy, and your villain is one of the most interesting in some time.  I hope you will continue this.

I found Distress Signals at Bloodshedverse, and when you noted there were more chapters posted, I zoomed off and devoured them. Wow - you've really put our dear Spike through the ringer, haven't you? And of course, Buffy through an emotional ringer, as well. Now, of course, you have to fix it. Fast. I'm gonna hold my breath until you do. (Quickly, please? This shade of blue is unbecoming!)

Text Wow good to have a new adventure to follow. Like it so far!

A heartrending start, very powerful.

And I only am escaped alone to tell thee -    -- hee - Call me Ismael.  Didn't know Spike went for the American classics.  :)

loved the part where Buffy FINALLY busts Giles for his officious interfering.

Excellent start. Spikes desperation and fear, Buffy's anger and disillusionment, loved it. It was good to see Buffy holding it together while she tore into Giles. Her assessment of his actions and character was spot on.  

Masterful scene of Buffy telling Giles off. He had it coming. Well done! Reading more now...

Whoa!  Buffy confronting Giles!  Loved it.