Okay , I no longer want to pop Spike one in the nose ( after all i'm mad for him) I gladhe realizes how dumb he was being and hurtful, but how come neither vampire could sense wjo was behind the cottage, dum de dum dum, I will tune in next chapter to find out .

Author's Response: HI JO, You know, I would have sworn that I already answered you. Well, life has been bedlam, so I guess I just imagined it.. Sincere apologies. Of course, the simple answer is that Binnemon is not as inept a vampire as we might suspect. But, I think both vampires sensed a vampire and when they saw each other assumed the other was the vamp they sensed.

wonderful and well worth the wait. loved the way you explained Buffy waiting for him to come round, really really clever.
looking forward to next update

Author's Response: Thank you so much, m'lady. I've made so many apologies to so many for the delay in updates and can only keep asking for understanding as REAL LIFE keeps getting in the way. Thanks so much for your comment.

I've been waiting for this update forever, he was contrite enough for me it satisfied my bitchy self , but I still want to pop him one. Can't wait til their alone.

Author's Response: Hi Jo, I'm sorry it took forever. Darn real life keeps getting in the way. Like he said, he's been selfish and it took Xander to help him see things the right way. Don't be too hard on him. He's trying. Thanks for your comment.

what made Spike realsie what he'd been doing?
loved the update many thanks

Author's Response: I think he knew all along, but was helpless to do something about it, being so caught up in his own worries about himself. Ultimately, of course, it was Xander. I'm glad you're enjoying. Thanks for commenting.

exactly, sex is an important thing in their relationship. So, he is aftraid to disappoint buffy. You never want to disappoint the ones that you love. And that is why spike is scared to tell buffy. I'm not saying that spike is right and not telling buffy. Cause you always got to be honest when it comes to things like that. But I can understand why it is taking him a little longer to tell her. I think we all had something to tell somebody that took us a while to tell someone. And we should have told them sooner. That is all i'm saying.

And no more angst please. can we get with the spuffy lovin soon.

Author's Response: Mmmmmm...Spuffy lovin' Thanks again.

way to go Xander, someone had to tell it as it was. i only hope Spike listened. Loved this and am looking forward to more

Author's Response: Turns out that Xander has a pair too!*G*

Hooray for Xander and his big mouth!!

Author's Response: Xander has always been expert at the judgemental stuff, only this time he's right.

I read this story, and I like it, but for some reason I haven't reviewed yet. Shame on me, I know writers need to know they are appreciated. Well, I'm doing it now and I just have to tell you that I look forward to every chapter.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill Spuffy story, no this is something much better. It has depth of the more unusual kind, both when it comes to characterization and to placing it in the real world, so to speak. Blending the supernatural with the mundane is one of the strenghts of your story. Another is the complexity of Spike and Buffy as individuals as well as their relationship. I also very much enjoy that this is an ensemble fic and I have developed a very warm relationship with "your" Giles.

Keep up the good work. I'm confident you won't disappoint me.

Author's Response: Mrs X, Wouldn't it be a wonderful world for writers if everyone who read, commented. My stats say that 949 people have read (well, clicked and opened anyway)so I should have that many comments. The nice thing is that nearly every chapter someone new signs on, so I don't believe I've lost the others, just found new friends. Your kind of review is the most satisfying ... certainly that it is complementary, but more because it is evident that you have invested yourself in the story. That means so much and I thank you very, very much.

I really am enjoying this story but am getting increasing angry at Spike , I hope he becomes riddled with guilt over how he's withdrawing from Buffy just when she needs him the most. I know things have to get worse before they get better, but I don't really see any good reason for his behaviour. Your a wonderful writer and I will read anything you write.

Author's Response: Thank you Jo, I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Spike is dealing with some issues. True love rarely runs smooth. Thanks for the comment.

I love this story and always look forward to seeing an update. Today was no exception, and I happily read the new chapter......now I'm worried. Worried about Buffy's lagging strength; if it's mystical in origin or physiological or if someone (an enemy) is drugging her............And on the emotional front, my heart ( a very mushy organ) is breaking for her. As always, she has no self-confidence in herself in this area. To see her losing her faith in her relationship with Spike is so sad. That knowledge, of his love for her, no matter what ,has always given her strength in the past......................mean, Aamah, mean ::)). If this was a paperback novel I'd have all the pages bent back and ratty by now from all the going back and forth to all my favourite parts . It's a wonderful story and has everything a good read needs to keep the reader an emotional wreck and on the edge of their seat, until we get to the conclusion ;which I hope is happy ( see previous notation about mushy heart organ).....you wouldn't want to be responsible for damaged heart organs now would you??? (insert grin here) .....Really, it's so good I eagerly await the next installment........................................Kathryn

Author's Response: Dear Ms. Mushy Heart, (Kathryn) I have no intentions of causing you heart failure, rest assured. Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I means so much when folks talk about how the story affects them. See, the thing is...things almost always get worse before they get better, don' they? More coming as soon as I can find a new beta. Myfeetshowit (Sandra) is overwhelmed and stepped away.

yay, a new chapter. This is one of my favorite spuffy stories.

I'm sad for spike and buffy. please make it better.

Author's Response: Apologies for taking so long. Real Life got in the way. It's slowed down for a minute and that's what gave me the time. Thank you so much for your kind comment.

I really like your McGregor character

Author's Response: oh! Thank you.