<BGSOUND src="https://www.angelfire.com/mo3/wannablessedbe/mercy.mp3">

Author: Robin the Crossover Junkie

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers: So far, I’ve only spoiled up to Hell’s Bells, and it goes pretty fricking AU after that. Giles is in England, Anya has left for greener pastures, but Hell’s Bells DID happen.

Disclaimer: WB, Fox, Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, etc, are all people that I am not. And these are the people who own BtVS and its affiliates. There are some original characters I created myself, but I own them and they don’t count. The rest are not mine, so don’t sue me.

Warnings: Angst, child rape, molestation, and more angst. There are also some naughty words, and the kind of stuff that happens when one sexy carpenter and one sexy vampire get horny together. At least, that's what happens in MY mind. Rowr.

Author’s Note: I was working one day in the summer of 2002, and suddenly this plot bunny came into my head. It sprung from basically nowhere, and I was quite shocked, because this particular type of storyline is something I never thought I would write. I’ve read some great ones, but I’ve never even thought about writing it. I've seen it written a million times. But, my drama prof told me that when we see something done that we were going to do, to react with the attitude, "They did it. Now I'll do it right." I'm not saying that's what I've done here, but I sure tried. We'll see how it works out. There have been times when I wanted to take the whole fic and throw it in my trash bin, but with the help of some very lovely people, I managed to salvage it so that at least I liked it, which is what is most important when writing anything. Also, there is credit due to several musicians, but it's credited directly after the reference, so I'm not breaking any laws there, either. This story has taken me a very, very long time to write. I started it in early August of 2002, and I finally finished it on January 30, 2003. I'm very excited to be finished with this, as I put a lot of time and effort into it. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Dedication: To those "very lovely (and helpful) people" I mentioned, Wolfram, Leoff, Masher, and Rynophyx, for keeping me sane. For Buffychick, because you’re my muse and such an amazing person that I don’t think I could be who I am without you. To Jillapet and Spiffy Da Wondersheep. I couldn't have finished this without either of you, and it probably would have wound up in the trash bin halfway through if you hadn't gotten me back on track, repeatedly. And finally, to all my list sibs everywhere, for putting out such amazing work that I feel I have to compete. *huggles everyone ever* Except my drama prof, because even though I like what he says about rehashing used ideas, he's kind of a really big prick. *g*