I say we give Joyce a cape and tights and start calling her "SuperMom". Oooooh! And then there could be a spin-off called "The Adventures of SuperMom and Ripper"!

heheh good the man can walk

Well, based just on the show, I thought James' eyes were brown, too, because of the low lighting, so trying to tell from BTVS alone is really hit and miss.

And I acknowledge Buffy's efforts to try now to make it all right, but she can't, really....even therapy can't help a person unless they want it to, so until Spike's ready to deal with all the consequences of that week, she's going to have to think not of herself, and back off. We speculated about this chapters ago, thinking at the very least, Buffy's going to have to change her appearance for a while just to help his association of her vs. the Slayer.

There's really no quick solution. I wonder what Xander and Willow are going to say when they get the full story? Any remorse at all?

This chapter just made my heart ache. Joyce is one heck of a woman - understanding and strong. And Dawn is wise beyond her years. Buffy and Spike are both so broken, but they couldn't be in better hands than with these two. Awesome chapter.

I am thrilled with the way you wrote this chapter. You were able to make me feel such intense emotions, particularly about Buffy and Spike. I am so glad that you talked about Buffy and what she went through. Although it may not be *quite* as bad as what Spike experienced, it was kinda hell for her as well. Sure, Giles came up with the idea, but you could say that it was essentially her fault that: she was possessed by the slayer demon, Spike was tortured numerous times in numerous ways, Giles was beaten up, Dawn and Joyce were in immense danger, and generally a lot of shit. If that isn't reason for a huuuggee amount of guilt, I don't know what is. Buffy didn't want it to happen, and she has tried her best to be good to Spike, so I feel for her.

Despite all that, ppoooorrrr Spikey!!!! :( It must be sooo horrible for him, being afraid of the touch of the woman he loves, and all the baggage that has come with this terrible misadventure. You have described his feelings so well, it just breaks my heart (despite the fact i was thrilled with the chapter....) Great job, once again, and I think I'll go take a few minutes to sob for our favorite blonde couple. :(:(

Umm...I'm not sure how this can end anywhere near happily. But I trust you.

Buffy shouldn't even have to look in the car's mirror. Through the bond, she should be able to feel it. Personally, I don't think she should be in any condition to drive because if the shared emotions.

As much as I like "Ripper," I think Giles needs to have his butt kicked for even *sugesting* that stupid rite!

Let's hope it gets better; because as someone might say, "Where do we go from here?"

Go Ripper..Giles. Go Joyce and Dawn they will smooth the path for healing. Great Chapter

Um, hi. *waves sheepishly from her soapbox* Sorry to be harping on this, but I've been researching the subject. I've found this link: http://www.buffyguide.com/players/joyce.php where it states that Kristine's eyes are brown. It's also quite clear in the linked photo gallery.
I always remember wondering why they cast Michelle as Dawn, because her eyes ARE blue. Spike is sometimes written in fics as being Dawn's father because she has no genetic resemblance to Buffy or Joyce.

love Ripper, he's so great.

Good chapter. It is still very sad about Buffy and Spike. The scene your wrote was heartbreaking. On the other hand the scene with Giles and Thoreau was delicious. Great job.

Love Joyce. She is such a mom to all of them. Dawn finally having a glimpse of the stuggle that Buffy was going through as well. Ripper was back and making his point of keeping his family safe. Now the real work begins for Buffy and Spike. They have a lot to go through.

LOL! Good for Giles, although, I think I would have killed him, honestly. This was a good chapter. I am glad that somone noticed Buffy's pain. She did have her body stolen and made to do some horrible things.

Joyce's eyes are very blue. You can see it in a Tylenol commercial Kristine Sutherland did, where they close-up right on her face.

Love Joyce.

Go, Ripper!

Still don't really feel sympathy for Buffy. She might have been possessed against her will, but she is not a victim here. She caused this situation with her arrogance.

You made me cry again! I love how this story is playing out. I'm glad that things are not going to be so easily fixed. Great chapter and I can't wait for more.

great chapter, thank you. love dawn and joyce in this update,. thanks again.

Great chapter. My admiration for your storytelling keeps growing. I adored the scene between Dawn and Spike...Joyce and Spike..Dawn and Buffy. Just beautiful!

What an emotionally draining chapter. They will all need each other in the coming days. Bless Joyce and the love she has for Spike. Thank god that Dawn figured out that Buffy needed her support and not her anger. Thoreau is a very lucky man, Ripper doesn't usually play that nice. That was an amazing chapter. Thanks for the update.

LoL, good on you, Ripper

Hooray for the return of the Ripper!
Some wonderfully heart-wrenching stuff in this chapter. I really wanted to comfort Spike too. :)

Just a small point - I don't think Joyce's eyes are blue. I remember them being kind of a hazel colour. (Ignore me if I'm wrong - correct eye colour in fics is a pet peeve of mine).

oh this chapter was so sad it made me cry. I really hope these two can work it out (buffy and spike, not giles and the other watcher lol)