Summary:

Post-series, post Angel. Some references to events in canon. Perhaps over-rated for language, violence, and nudity, but no sex as yet. :::




After angering a demon who wants something from him that he can't give, Spike is left helpless and pretty nearly hopeless too. How can he expect rescue when everyone he knows has either died or thinks he's still dead himself? :::

Categories: Post-Series
Characters: Buffy, Spike, Xander
Genres: Action/Adventure
Warnings: Adult Language, Violence
Completed: Yes Chapters: 35
Word count: 90,248 Hit Count: 64,748 ePub Downloads: 451
Published: December 20, 2011 Updated: February 21, 2012


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1. Running Away, Walking Out by PeaceHeather - Likes: 26 Comments: 23 Word Count: 1,892 Hit Count: 3,539

2. Chicago, Toledo by PeaceHeather - Likes: 18 Comments: 12 Word Count: 1,985 Hit Count: 2,043

3. Thunderstorm, Sanctuary by PeaceHeather - Likes: 13 Comments: 7 Word Count: 1,966 Hit Count: 2,029

4. Catching Up, Waking Up by PeaceHeather - Likes: 13 Comments: 6 Word Count: 3,183 Hit Count: 1,890

5. Prisoner, Houseguest by PeaceHeather - Likes: 14 Comments: 8 Word Count: 2,636 Hit Count: 1,964

6. Dreaming, Drowning by PeaceHeather - Likes: 18 Comments: 14 Word Count: 1,832 Hit Count: 1,860

7. Messages, Memories by PeaceHeather - Likes: 13 Comments: 8 Word Count: 2,389 Hit Count: 1,974
This is probably the last update I'll be able to make before the new year, thanks to pesky holiday travels. I really hope you all enjoy it. I look forward to lots of reviews when I finally get back home!

8. Void, Stones by PeaceHeather - Likes: 12 Comments: 10 Word Count: 2,486 Hit Count: 1,902

9. Oracle, Vision by PeaceHeather - Likes: 14 Comments: 12 Word Count: 2,625 Hit Count: 1,986
In which our heroes are handed a clue.
Many thanks to you all for your patience as I update - partly I was traveling over the holidays and partly, for some reason I have issues with this particular site, and I'm still working to resolve it.

Thanks also for your kind words. Reviews feed writers like blood feeds vampires - we can't ever get enough. :)

10. Endurance, Impatience by PeaceHeather - Likes: 12 Comments: 7 Word Count: 2,216 Hit Count: 1,985

11. Hunting, Waiting by PeaceHeather - Likes: 15 Comments: 10 Word Count: 2,271 Hit Count: 1,889
Buffy's segment of this story was a royal pain to write. Please let me know if it turned out okay. Many thanks.

12. Fading, Ending by PeaceHeather - Likes: 24 Comments: 19 Word Count: 2,467 Hit Count: 1,834
A/N: Freedmont, IN does not exist. Fremont, IN does. But it turned out that Fremont has lots of hotels where Spike could have stayed which would have totally ruined this story from about Ch. 3 onward. :) Also, if you look at Google Maps (which I didn't until after I invented Figg, I swear), you'll see a greenhouse on the edge of town called Baker's Acres, which I now TOTALLY want to go visit.

13. Fade to Gray, Cage of Colors by PeaceHeather - Likes: 15 Comments: 12 Word Count: 2,495 Hit Count: 1,845
Spot the literary reference, get a cookie from Willow. :)

14. Unbinding, Helplessness by PeaceHeather - Likes: 20 Comments: 16 Word Count: 2,439 Hit Count: 1,810
In which the author squicks herself after researching drowned bodies, then decides to share the love with you, her readers.

Please review anyway.
Minor edits - re-posted January 17.

15. Cutting the Cord, Breaking Free by PeaceHeather - Likes: 19 Comments: 15 Word Count: 1,899 Hit Count: 1,863
Reviews are good for the soul and tame the demon. Just sayin'.

16. Blood, Tears by PeaceHeather - Likes: 20 Comments: 16 Word Count: 2,559 Hit Count: 1,745
Your reviews keep me going. Seriously. They make my day when I'm down and I am grateful for them all.

17. Hunger, Mistrust by PeaceHeather - Likes: 12 Comments: 8 Word Count: 2,447 Hit Count: 1,747
In which we discuss more than just Spike's sexy wounds

Some minor edits and additions to this chapter - re-posted January 17.

18. Struggle, Confrontations by PeaceHeather - Likes: 16 Comments: 11 Word Count: 3,160 Hit Count: 1,838
I thought of leaving this after two segments, but that kind of cliffhanger just seemed cruel.

This chapter needed a major overhaul and has been extensively edited and added to. Re-posted January 17.

19. Confusion, Conversation by PeaceHeather - Likes: 16 Comments: 12 Word Count: 2,476 Hit Count: 1,816
These past couple chapters have been difficult to write and I'm concerned that the quality of the story, or the pacing, might be falling off. Especially: Is Buffy still in character? Let me know what you think. And thanks - all these positive reviews are kinda blowing my mind.

20. Companionship, Solitude by PeaceHeather - Likes: 13 Comments: 8 Word Count: 2,732 Hit Count: 1,876
Thanks to all for your reassurances regarding the last couple of chapters. I wasn't sure I was as good at the angsty stuff as I seem to be at the hurt/comfort aspects. I hope you enjoy this one.

Some additions to this chapter. Re-posted January 17.

21. Reconciled, Spells by PeaceHeather - Likes: 16 Comments: 10 Word Count: 2,882 Hit Count: 1,850

22. Strange dreams, Witchcraft by PeaceHeather - Likes: 14 Comments: 10 Word Count: 3,274 Hit Count: 1,836
As always, my deep thanks to you for reading and especially for reviewing. Writers need feedback like vampires need blood. :)

23. Awkwardness, Sorrow by PeaceHeather - Likes: 22 Comments: 17 Word Count: 2,703 Hit Count: 1,805
In which our characters show off their conversational skills.

24. Confession, Reunion by PeaceHeather - Likes: 22 Comments: 16 Word Count: 2,096 Hit Count: 1,728

25. Basking, Cutting by PeaceHeather - Likes: 17 Comments: 13 Word Count: 2,381 Hit Count: 1,711
I am overjoyed at the reception this story has received so far from you all, my readers, and I continue to bask in the glow of your reviews.

26. History, Demon by PeaceHeather - Likes: 20 Comments: 13 Word Count: 3,283 Hit Count: 1,729
Your reviews feed me, as always. Please let me know if there are loose ends in this story that you especially want to see wrapped up in coming chapters. Many thanks.

27. Speaking, Silencing by PeaceHeather - Likes: 15 Comments: 10 Word Count: 2,138 Hit Count: 1,603

28. Pain, Comfort by PeaceHeather - Likes: 19 Comments: 12 Word Count: 2,476 Hit Count: 1,676
In which there are cuddles!

29. Peaceful Rest, Loving Couples by PeaceHeather - Likes: 18 Comments: 12 Word Count: 2,629 Hit Count: 1,604
I love it that so many people are reading this. I love your reviews. They keep me going and help when I feel I'm losing momentum.

30. Walking, Cleansing by PeaceHeather - Likes: 20 Comments: 16 Word Count: 2,648 Hit Count: 1,668
In which there is showering.

As always, I crave your reviews and adore the articulate ones. Many thanks to my readers.

31. Telephone, Argument by PeaceHeather - Likes: 14 Comments: 8 Word Count: 2,713 Hit Count: 1,661
As always, I adore your reviews and feedback. Don't be like Buffy - get in touch! Tell me what you're thinking! :)

32. Call, Courage by PeaceHeather - Likes: 16 Comments: 13 Word Count: 2,523 Hit Count: 1,565

33. Regret, Reveal by PeaceHeather - Likes: 16 Comments: 11 Word Count: 3,272 Hit Count: 1,551
This chapter posted Feb 12, edited and re-posted Feb 13, 2012.

34. Airport, Male Bonding by PeaceHeather - Likes: 20 Comments: 14 Word Count: 3,291 Hit Count: 1,554
You may want to go back and re-read the previous chapter, because once again I needed to edit and repost about a day after it first went up.

The brewery, specific beer, and the bit about Lake Erie and the Great Black Swamp are all completely true. Also we're getting pretty close to the end of this story.

35. Homecoming, Housewarming by PeaceHeather - Likes: 47 Comments: 40 Word Count: 3,784 Hit Count: 1,764
And here we are at the end. So many thanks to all of you who have read and especially those who have taken the time to review. You kept me going through some difficult spots in the writing process, and I really appreciate it.