I always though Spike was in the school basement because he was trying to fulfill his promise to watch out for Dawn. He felt too guilty to present himself to Buffy after he got the soul and was already a bit crazy yet still seeking a way to do as promised thus his move to the High School. Watch over Dawn with no one being the wiser. This fits my theory well.

Kathleen

Poor, confused Spike. Poor, brainwashed Dawn...I was a fool to expect sympathy from her *sigh*. I really hated how she treated him in canon s7. And on to the next chapter...

Great Dawn. Can't believe she kicked Spike, or yes, maybe I can.

"...fighting the pull, the invisible drawing force that seemed determined to keep him here, and whispered of his nightmare past in his mind, when no one else was looking."

I don't think that I've ever read a single chapter of yours that wasn't remarkably poignant in one way or another. And you've got tortured Spike down pat: he's traumatized, kinda crazy, and out of touch with reality, but deep down inside, he still has a natural instinct to protect his girls.

Maybe Buffy will learn to be a bit more forthcoming when she sees the results of not telling Dawn the truth.

insane vampire body guard, should be interesting. very good read, thank you.

I hate that Dawn saw and heard this side of Spike. He is not himself. And I really do hope that when he does catch up with Dawn that Buffy is nearby. I don't know what Dawn would do if she saw him alone again. Great chapter.

Great chapter, emotional.

Oh good! Looks like Spike's sanity is peeking through sooner than it did in canon.

Oooh, this was chilling and heartbreaking, all at the same time. And the image of Spike struggling to protect Dawn, even though he doesn't know why, when she wants him to stay away so badly... just makes me ache. Really loving this story so far!

Whoo....intense...

oh man, poor spike... dawn's all full of xander-induced stupidity

I like, that even as crazy as he is, he remembers his promise. Watch out sunnydale... dont look cross-ways at dawn... crazy vamp will eat your face *GRIN* MORE!