Well I'm feeling a little off-kilter here but I'll explain why. Firstly I think you're doing a really good job with making the dialogue ring true, and appreciated Buffy's newly acquired insight into her previous behaviour and its continuing impact on Spike's actions. This 'Mature' (or at least more mature than she was) Buffy is someone I could really like I'm sure. Oh and I loved that moment when Angel and Spike came into the office and Angel, on seeing Buffy, kind of shifted in front of Spike...it reminded me of my cat who used to think she could hide from me behind a long tuft of grass when it was time for her to come in for the night. LOL. As if! But the end of the chapter was what threw me. I'm tempted to call Spike's actions cowardly, which probably sounds silly since he's a vampire going out looking for an insane slayer. The thing is he just ran out on Buffy and that didn't seem at all like him to me. Even with the dreams and the Crazy/First slayer running around out there it felt almost unreal that, upon seeing her for the first time since that last battle on the Hellmouth, Spike's attentions could lie somewhere other than with Buffy. Or is this a portent perhaps of things to come? Has Spike really moved on since Sunnydale and found his focus in L.A., and in his work with Angel & co? Are his affections towards Buffy simply platonic now? Or is this simply his defense mechanism so he doesn't get too overwhelmed (and a means for you to build up some more tension while people anticipate a 'slug-fest' between the ex-lovers)? I really have no idea but I can tell you one thing for certain...I'll be back when you next update to see if the answers are any clearer, LOL! Great update, and more soon please.

Author's Response: Glald you're liking the story, and sorry it took me so long to answer this review. Anyway I won't argue with you that Spike's exit was a little cowardly. As for all your questions about Spike's feelings towards Buffy, you'll just have to read to find out :)