Past Featured Story
Summary: Spike never has behaved the way Buffy expected... not even when he's a feral demon.
Buffy wakes up weak, injured, in chains, and at the complete mercy of her mortal enemy.  Yet instead of torturing and killing her, Spike frees her and tends her wounds.  She can't ask him why, because he's nonverbal.  She has no choice except to believe the unsouled, feral demon cares for her.  The two of them form a bond, depending on each other to escape.  By the time Buffy and Spike get free of the Mayor's clutches, everything between them has changed... as has everything Buffy thought she knew about demons.
Based on the 'Protective, feral Spike' challenge by pfeifferpack; if this fic is good, it's because of her amazing outline of a challenge.  Many thanks to the fabulous Pencilcomet for her work beta reading and making the story better -- you are much appreciated!  The incredible banner is by Versheenah, an amazing and generous artist.  Thank you so, so much, with many bravas! and bouquets!
Beta and Sensitivity Readers: Pencilcomet
Artists: Versheenah
Categories: Season 3
Characters: Buffy, Spike, Giles, Willow, Xander, Angel, Cordelia, Joyce, Maggie Walsh, Mayor Richard Wilkins III, Mr. Trick, Oz
Genres: Action/Adventure, Dramedy, Fighting
Warnings: Adult Language, Buffy/Other (Temp), Gun Violence, Sexual Situations, Violence
Challenges: protective feral Spike
Event: 2019 Challenge Month
Completed: Yes Chapters: 16
Word count: 63,890 Hit Count: 81,408 ePub Downloads: 1,004
Published: April 29, 2019 Updated: October 31, 2019


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Story Notes: DISCLAIMER:  These characters and the Buffyverse do not belong to me; this is just me bringing my own (sub)text.  All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

1. A Spike Problem by Soulburnt - Likes: 79 Comments: 55 Word Count: 2,490 Hit Count: 12,593 Published: April 29, 2019

2. Waking Up Feral by Soulburnt - Likes: 81 Comments: 33 Word Count: 1,752 Hit Count: 4,672 Published: May 06, 2019

3. Parlor Games by Soulburnt - Likes: 75 Comments: 30 Word Count: 2,892 Hit Count: 4,575 Published: May 13, 2019

A great big shout-out to Pencilcomet for beta-reading this chapter!  Thank you, sweetie!

4. Outside and Inside by Soulburnt - Likes: 71 Comments: 27 Word Count: 1,281 Hit Count: 4,432 Published: May 20, 2019

Thank you so much to my beta Pencilcomet -- any mistakes are mine through post-review fiddling about!

5. Conversation by Soulburnt - Likes: 81 Comments: 39 Word Count: 4,037 Hit Count: 4,482 Published: May 27, 2019

Many thanks to the very talented and sharp-eyed beta Pencilcomet, who made this a much better story!

6. Pierced by Soulburnt - Likes: 79 Comments: 38 Word Count: 3,360 Hit Count: 4,584 Published: June 02, 2019

Heartfelt thanks to Pencilcomet for beta reading this chapter.  She makes this so much better!

7. Wrestling by Soulburnt - Likes: 74 Comments: 44 Word Count: 4,042 Hit Count: 4,399 Published: June 09, 2019

My heartfelt thanks to the very talented and generous Versheenah for the striking banner that now graces the story -- just try to resist covering either side of Spike's face!

8. What Dreams May Come by Soulburnt - Likes: 85 Comments: 41 Word Count: 3,303 Hit Count: 4,393 Published: June 16, 2019

All my gratitude to my fabulous beta Pencilcomet, who had a very busy week and was kind enough to let me add to it.  Thank you, sweetheart!

And especially for JustWriter, 'nuzzle' used as a verb!

9. So Close by Soulburnt - Likes: 91 Comments: 46 Word Count: 4,345 Hit Count: 4,493 Published: June 23, 2019

10. The Verbal Thing by Soulburnt - Likes: 86 Comments: 45 Word Count: 4,311 Hit Count: 4,720 Published: June 30, 2019

11. Homecoming by Soulburnt - Likes: 76 Comments: 40 Word Count: 3,801 Hit Count: 4,700 Published: July 08, 2019

Fingers crossed that the new chapter uploads!

12. Facing the Music by Soulburnt - Likes: 78 Comments: 33 Word Count: 3,095 Hit Count: 4,652 Published: July 18, 2019

13. Whatever It Takes by Soulburnt - Likes: 83 Comments: 34 Word Count: 5,019 Hit Count: 4,870 Published: July 21, 2019

14. Folding in by Soulburnt - Likes: 71 Comments: 31 Word Count: 3,596 Hit Count: 4,574 Published: July 30, 2019

This is a featured fic!  Thank you so much!

15. Feast Day by Soulburnt - Likes: 80 Comments: 37 Word Count: 6,410 Hit Count: 4,714 Published: August 08, 2019

16. Finding Home by Soulburnt - Likes: 149 Comments: 91 Word Count: 10,156 Hit Count: 4,551 Published: October 31, 2019

It is time to offer bouquets once more to some wonderful people.  Huge thanks to Pencilcomet for beta reading so much of this tale and making it better.  Humble admiration to Versheenah for the amazing banner that captures the story so well.  Ninety-nine percent of credit for this story goes to pfeifferpack's inspiring, detailed challenge.  And to you, the Elysian Fields reader...  Your love of these timeless characters and your kindness to authors makes this possibly the very best corner of the whole web.  Thank you so much for your support of this story!