04/08/2013 08:50 pm
Great Story :) love it ^_^
04/08/2013 08:50 pm
Great Story :) love it ^_^
Annie
02/13/2013 03:38 am
Supperb!! Couldn't stop reading!
Neinka
09/20/2012 01:33 am
There are only three words I want to tell you because thousand pages of my praises and gratitude would not enough so: Perfection! Thank you!
becca
03/20/2012 02:12 am
that was awesome.. you made me realize what a good character William is.
buffyblog.tumblr.com
^ that's my blog
xoxo
-bec
buffyblog.tumblr.com
^ that's my blog
xoxo
-bec
03/08/2012 03:56 am
This is one of the most complex, most intelligently written stories I've read in a very long time. Sometimes it was hard to read because it was so very emotionally true and that was at times quite painful. Still, I am really glad you shared it with us. I'd like to write more, but I'm exhausted as I pretty much read this in one go and have to go to bed... However, I really have enjoyed it and it has been quite thought provoking and insightful. There were times when I felt you were hard on the supporting cast, but I don't think it was character bashing and no one was two dimensional, so I'm quite happy. There's a tendency in some 'ship fic to portray Willow/Xander/Giles and Angel as the devil and I'm glad that didn't happen here. Everyone had their flaws and everyone had their assets.
Peace,
Blue
http://www.tthfanfic.org/authors.php?no=12717&list=profile
Peace,
Blue
http://www.tthfanfic.org/authors.php?no=12717&list=profile
Melody
04/25/2011 10:07 pm
Ok, so I have to say. I read this story a while ago... probably over a year ago now. I loved it so much that when I felt the urge to read a good piece of fanfic I HAD to track it down. I searched all over the internet for weeks looking for this specific story. It's that good. It's the best.
Melanie
11/28/2010 12:51 pm
It has been a long time since I've found a piece of fanfiction that swept me away, but I was absolutely captivated by your work. I just came upon in the past few days and devoured it in its entirety. The time and effort you put into this was astounding. I'd lost my interest in a lot of fanfiction after plodding through a lot of poorly written stories, but finding your gem reminded me that there are still brilliant writers out there if I'm patient and can find them. Thanks for your wonderful take on the characters. In many ways, this was better than cannon.
BloodyHell
09/07/2010 05:27 pm
I've read your story for the second time now. I even liked it better!!! Such a great romance with a tinge of drama. Would love to read a short sequel. Just a bit about the daily life of Spuffy - could you do that ? :)
I'm glad you're still enjoying the story after all this time. I wrote a drabble for someone on livejournal that is set in the FtTP 'verse, but it's silly rather than romantic. Still, it gives a brief glimpse into what the characters are up to. unbridled-b.livejournal.com/128192.html#cutid1 If you want, give me few specifics (like a challenge), and I'll see about doing a FtTP one-shot for you. Thanks again for reviewing! :)
Kris
08/13/2010 11:21 pm
This story has slowly become my favorite Spuffy fanfiction. I loved the characterization of William. You were also really able to express how Will changed and evolved to the Spike we know and love today.
I know I would love, and I am sure other would too, if you could write an alternate ending to your story where Willow was never able to pull Buffy back. It would be interesting to see how you thought their life could have ended and what type of problems it could have caused for the future. It is just an idea for another story, but I would love if it happened.
I know I would love, and I am sure other would too, if you could write an alternate ending to your story where Willow was never able to pull Buffy back. It would be interesting to see how you thought their life could have ended and what type of problems it could have caused for the future. It is just an idea for another story, but I would love if it happened.
pearlseed
12/22/2009 02:26 am
Still a wonderful story--was when I read it two years ago and is still wonderful now, the voices are so right the feelings--charming plot and very well thought out. You really nailed this one. Thank you so much.
MunchletteBelle
11/12/2009 05:33 am
I just finished reading this story and wanted to let you know that I loved it. I enjoyed Dawn (something I rarely get to say) and I really liked the way you expanded Spike's backstory and managed to include a great deal of canon in your altered timeline. This was really lovely and I enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. :)
10/11/2009 07:30 am
ya. your so awesome. incredible awesome. love your work. reading a chapter of yours makes me feel like ive acomplished something in my life
09/14/2009 06:02 am
I am so glad I went back and re-read the story from the beginning. I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did the first time, especially now with this lovely last chapter. Its a fantastic story and one that always stands out for me for so many reasons. You should be really proud of it and I really hope you continue writing and posting.
09/06/2009 10:44 pm
well worth the wait. the epilogue (and the entire tale) was a fine read. thank you.
holly
09/02/2009 06:12 am
Perfect. Seriously, this is the perfect ending. You should feel proud. Thank you so much for sharing this story with everyone.
analise
09/02/2009 06:10 am
I read most of this story listening to four songs (I like having background music) I had bought recently from iTunes. "Stranded" "Always" "Real Life Fairytale" by Plumb and "This never happened before" by Paul McCarthey.
In some ways "Real Life Fairytale" is how I consider this story: is raw and everyone has flaws, everyone makes mistakes and its longer than the usual 2 hours of a film <grin>. I think the hardest part about marriage is that we meet that part of ourselves that we hate the worst and someone else is there to witness and experience all of it. The real question is whether we truly want to have the strength to change.
Thanks for the great story even though Spike has a potty mouth.
In some ways "Real Life Fairytale" is how I consider this story: is raw and everyone has flaws, everyone makes mistakes and its longer than the usual 2 hours of a film <grin>. I think the hardest part about marriage is that we meet that part of ourselves that we hate the worst and someone else is there to witness and experience all of it. The real question is whether we truly want to have the strength to change.
Thanks for the great story even though Spike has a potty mouth.
messiah
09/01/2009 10:28 pm
Very nice :) I especially like “Welcome home, Spike.”
—ten fucking feet tall.
He swallowed, forced out a hoarse chuckle.
Was this the ending you had intended to write all along?
—ten fucking feet tall.
He swallowed, forced out a hoarse chuckle.
Was this the ending you had intended to write all along?
08/31/2009 05:26 pm
I loved, Loved, LOVED it - started reading it on Nocturnal Light when you were featured author and there were maybe 60 chapters, and it's been a long wait so I'm so glad to see the conclusion!! Gonna go back and read it all again so that I get the effect of the whole, and might have some more detailed feedback for you after that. I do remember especially loving the first section in London; thought it was really well paced and admired no end your portrayal of William, in that he was perfectly Victorian, but the loneliness and need which would be part of canon Spike were well in place. [Plus, the sex scenes were *hawt* in that way they can only be when serious depth of emotion is involved - ie. when it's lovmaking ;-D] Good characterisations, and none of that villainy-of-the-Scoobs bollocks that always annoys me so much. That conversation with Xander at the end... good stuff. Thanks and kudos
xxo yahatedparis
xxo yahatedparis
legen
08/31/2009 11:34 am
this story is the shit. i've been reading it since the begining and have loved every word.
Callace
08/30/2009 09:10 pm
Thank you so much for this story. It is one of the best I have ever read!:sigh: At least when it comes to spuffy.
Your portrayal of Spike, both as old William and as the Spike we know in S5-6 is amazing. You got him down so well, and I particualrly love that you allow him to be a vampire, in body and mind, when he is one.:D
But I really believe he needs a soul to make their relationship work. If they try making it work without, it will, as you pointed out, for her be much like raising a child. And for him it must get very frustrating to have to take her lead for every single thing he does. Like you point out in this last chapter, he gets really worked up about not being able to make a difference on his own, have his own independent projects to help and provide for her and Dawn, for instance. And, as rash and impulsive as we all know him to be, I have a hard time seeing that he would manage to curb his every whim forever, in wait to get it ok'ed by her. (and even if he did, it would create a highly unhealthy unbalance of power in their relationship.) So, in order to develope free will and sound judgement on his own, making decisions that is fully his and yet morally defendable, Spike needs to fist get ensouled!
(and I am writing these musings also bc I would so totally love to read your take on souled Spike!:thud: When you do Human and Unsouled Spike so brilliantly, I am sure you would rock at portraying the souled version too. And getting to read how this version of Buffy comforts and consoles him through his souled craze and depression would have been wonderful!! So please....:D
Anyhow, love the story!!!
Your portrayal of Spike, both as old William and as the Spike we know in S5-6 is amazing. You got him down so well, and I particualrly love that you allow him to be a vampire, in body and mind, when he is one.:D
But I really believe he needs a soul to make their relationship work. If they try making it work without, it will, as you pointed out, for her be much like raising a child. And for him it must get very frustrating to have to take her lead for every single thing he does. Like you point out in this last chapter, he gets really worked up about not being able to make a difference on his own, have his own independent projects to help and provide for her and Dawn, for instance. And, as rash and impulsive as we all know him to be, I have a hard time seeing that he would manage to curb his every whim forever, in wait to get it ok'ed by her. (and even if he did, it would create a highly unhealthy unbalance of power in their relationship.) So, in order to develope free will and sound judgement on his own, making decisions that is fully his and yet morally defendable, Spike needs to fist get ensouled!
(and I am writing these musings also bc I would so totally love to read your take on souled Spike!:thud: When you do Human and Unsouled Spike so brilliantly, I am sure you would rock at portraying the souled version too. And getting to read how this version of Buffy comforts and consoles him through his souled craze and depression would have been wonderful!! So please....:D
Anyhow, love the story!!!
spuffy chick
08/29/2009 10:47 pm
i couldn't remember how many times i cried while reading this...i was so touched! :) you were AWESOME!!! this is a GREAT read!
08/29/2009 04:34 pm
I loved this story so much; I've read many chapters - especially the "past" ones - more than once. I feel you did the ending justice. Buffy and Spike have both grown in this story, and their happily-ever-after is plainly possible. This is definitely one of my all-time favourite Buffy fics. Bravo!
Judy
08/29/2009 02:34 pm
All your hard work on this story was well worth it. Great read.
08/28/2009 10:12 pm
This was a perfect ending! It clarified all the angst and Buffy's advice is right on. Thank you for a wonderful body of work.
toffeegrrl
08/28/2009 03:55 pm
One of the best spuffy stories I've ever read. Love your easy flowing writing style, the wonderful characterisations of a conflicted Buffy trying to survive in a hostile world and poor, lonely William/Spike desperately trying to do the right thing (even when he doesn't know what that is). Also loved your descriptions of 19thC London and your use of detail to bring that world to life. Thanks so much.
TwilightChild
08/28/2009 03:24 am
I have been absolutely captivated by your story since the fifth chapter or so. I have laughed and cried and I am very satisfied by the ending, and by Buffy's decision. Happiness all around! And though there are likely struggles ahead for them, I have confidence in the relationship that you built. Thank you for taking the time to finish the story, for being dedicated to your creation.
08/27/2009 07:00 am
A nice ending to an epic story. Thanks for sharing with us. :)
08/27/2009 06:39 am
I was checking my e-mail at work when I saw the e-mail telling me that this story had been up-dated. I nearly yelled yippee right there in the middle of the department. What a lovely ending to this story! It would be absolutely perfect if it weren't for one little problem. It left me wanting more! I enjoyed this story so much that I hated to see it come to an end. Do you think you might want to write a sequel? If not a sequel, I'll take any spuffy story you care to write. I love your writing. You have an awesome talent. I'm positively greedy - just dying to see more from you.
Robyn
08/27/2009 06:37 am
What a beautiful ending. I enjoy the story and loved Dawn's conversation with Buffy at the hospital. You really managed to show the insight Dawn has of the emotional sides of Spike and Buffy. Thank you for a beautifully written story, I enjoyed the journey.
BT_
08/27/2009 05:25 am
You know, I was thinking about this story yesterday.
I can't tell you how great a read it has been. Just beautifully done, including this iast bit. I"m sad it's over, but the ending is perfect.
I can't tell you how great a read it has been. Just beautifully done, including this iast bit. I"m sad it's over, but the ending is perfect.
08/27/2009 04:26 am
UB - I think I'd like to see Buffy bringing Spike back to the group and making them accept him. Also, the fact that he doesn't go to the hospital to get Dawn doesn't make much sense - either he should sneak through the sewers (not necessarily let her see him?) or no one should expect him to show up since the sun is out. Really, just having him wait for Dawn to come home, pacing and worrying and imagining the worst would be sufficient. The initial part is more telling than showing. The Dawn/Spike reconciliation is very nice.
Altogether this is a wonderful story and you should be very proud.
Altogether this is a wonderful story and you should be very proud.
I've had several requests for that type of scene (involving her friends), and I understand why you want it. But here's the thing ... I don't think that they would accept him so soon. I do think that they tolerate him and treat him civilly, but I don't believe that Buffy or anyone else could force them to enjoy his company. I know that makes this a less-than-perfect ending, but ... what can I say? I don't believe in perfect endings. Life is messy and complicated and very often not perfect. I wrote a version of the epilogue where the Scoobies did accept Spike and Buffy's relationship with him, and it seem very disingenuous. Almost cloying. I guess I'm just a cynic like that. :P
As for Spike not going to the hospital, the sunlight had little to do with it. He could have gone if he wanted to, but he knew that his presence would make things awkward for Buffy, Dawn, and their friends. He was trying to be unselfish. A lesser reason was that he also felt uncomfortable with the idea of having to arrive in a manner different than the rest of them. The idea of hiding underneath a blanket (or, even as you suggested, coming through the sewers) hurt his pride.
I do agree with you that the writing in the first section could be improved upon. Like I said in the author's note, it's very possible that I will go back and tinker with it. I'm kind of known for doing that. ;)
I'm glad you enjoyed the overall story and I appreciate your taking the time to review it. Thanks! :)
As for Spike not going to the hospital, the sunlight had little to do with it. He could have gone if he wanted to, but he knew that his presence would make things awkward for Buffy, Dawn, and their friends. He was trying to be unselfish. A lesser reason was that he also felt uncomfortable with the idea of having to arrive in a manner different than the rest of them. The idea of hiding underneath a blanket (or, even as you suggested, coming through the sewers) hurt his pride.
I do agree with you that the writing in the first section could be improved upon. Like I said in the author's note, it's very possible that I will go back and tinker with it. I'm kind of known for doing that. ;)
I'm glad you enjoyed the overall story and I appreciate your taking the time to review it. Thanks! :)
08/27/2009 04:17 am
Just got on line tonight for the first time in several days. I'm on a cruise to Alaska, so internet is spotty. Nothing jumped out at me, and I liked it. Will take another look later and let you know if I find anything.
08/27/2009 02:08 am
I somehow missed your last update and was happily able to read the last two chapters together. I've follwed this story from beginning to end and loved it ever so. Thank you so much for sharing your time and talents.
lynnalso
08/26/2009 09:49 pm
I loved this story from the very first chapter. Thank you for finishing it; I know it was difficult. The character development was amazing and it all felt true.
08/26/2009 09:08 pm
Just perfect! I wouldn't change a thing.
Love that his girls spent the time with HIM, not where he wasn't welcomed. That could change with time but for now they made the right choice because I doubt Giles and Xander would have made it anything but uncomfortable.
I can easily see Spike in a dazed state not understanding how he was blessed with all he ever wanted and then some (Dawn's love and his vampiric strengths). With his history he will likely always be waiting for that shoe to drop but it won't and the part of him that knows that is true is dumbfounded.
This entire story is gold. Truly one of the masterworks in Buffy fiction. Every chapter was spot on perfection. Thank you for telling it and telling it your way.
*hugs*
Kathleen
Love that his girls spent the time with HIM, not where he wasn't welcomed. That could change with time but for now they made the right choice because I doubt Giles and Xander would have made it anything but uncomfortable.
I can easily see Spike in a dazed state not understanding how he was blessed with all he ever wanted and then some (Dawn's love and his vampiric strengths). With his history he will likely always be waiting for that shoe to drop but it won't and the part of him that knows that is true is dumbfounded.
This entire story is gold. Truly one of the masterworks in Buffy fiction. Every chapter was spot on perfection. Thank you for telling it and telling it your way.
*hugs*
Kathleen
ya_lublyu_tebya
08/26/2009 08:11 pm
I'm sad that it's the end, but at the same time so so happy that it ended this way. Loved every word of this, from start to finish!!
08/26/2009 10:02 am
Big thank you for posting this. It is a happy ending and I'm thankful for that. I feel Spike is still unsure of his place with Buffy and Dawn but I'm believe the day will come and when he truly believes he should be there. Thank you so much for writing this - it's been one hell of a tale
fyreburned (Kara)
08/26/2009 07:39 am
Thank you so much for this journey! I've been along for the ride on this one since the beginning. I can't tell you how much I've loved and enjoyed it. I'm sad to see it finished, and I'm sure it was hard to bring to a close. It was quite unexpected to see Buffy learn from HER mistakes for a change, but on reflection, kinda good to see it (especially in light of the fact that per the "canon" storylines in the comix, she hasn't learned yet how to treat people, especially lovers, still taking all they'll give, using it up, and giving little to nothing back).
This fic has just been fantastic---it spans so much, is epic. I think learning that home is where the heart truly is, and that it's not EASY, is quite a good lesson for Buffy. For all of the Scoobies, Spike, Dawn, even Giles, all inclusive. Again, thanks so much, and I hope you continue to write within this fandom still (I did read your latest story posting over @ TSR this a.m!) I'll gladly look forward to any new fics you might have coming up in future, as this one is definitely one of my all-time favorites!
~~Kara
~~fyreburned
fyreburned@yahoo.com
Laura
08/26/2009 07:13 am
I was so excited to see the last chapter.
I enjoyed your story very much
I enjoyed your story very much
Goddess Hecate
08/26/2009 06:46 am
What an incredible journey, UB. Thank you so much for taking us on it. Your work is brilliant and my only sadness is that now I won't be able to look forward to your chapter updates. Thank you so, so much for sharing your talent!