Yay! Spike's staying over! I think he's finally getting it thru his stubborn skull that Buffy loves him. Great chapter, I'm so happy you updated. I can understand the delay in postings if you have a thesis kicking your ass, good luck with that. But I am more than pleased to feed an emaciated muse. You've got so much tension building up in this chapter, I love it. I'm assuming Willow did the forgetful spell on Tara (not to mention she's hyped up on pure magical mojo), the Nerd Trio is sniffing around the Magic Box and Xander's being an ass. Well done, looking forward to more!

Author's Response: I think Spike and Buffy are going to be slow but steady in this story...Spike's being overly-cautious, and understandably so. He might not even be entirely sure why he's being so cautious...hintt hint :P. Look forward to a Xander/Spike confrontation in the next chapter, and thank you for reading and reviewing!

Well done :)

Author's Response: Thanks!

Really enjoying this, excellent writing. More please :)

Author's Response: Thanks! I'm working on it!

Amazing story!!! I just found it and read all of it in one sitting. Such a great idea! I've never read a story where Spike jumped instead of Buffy, and you're writing it so well. The fun and intricate plot twists, good character development (is it too much to hope that Giles will be making an appearance again soon, esp with the hints that Dark Willow is approaching?) and your use of TV Buffy storylines with plenty of creative flair to make them totally unique. I hope Tara doesn't die, but I trust you the author to make those decisions, and with the first 14 chapters being as kick ass as they were, I'm really looking forward to more!

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm working on chaper fifteen; unfortunately, it's slow-going. I hope the muse perks up soon; I really do. Thank you for reading and reviewing!

I love how you've explained why Spike came back with a soul. It makes perfect sense and works brilliantly for the story!

Author's Response: Thank you so much!

I haven't left a review for this story yet? Shame on me! It's wonderful, really; IMO, probably the best version of the "Spike jumped instead of Buffy" idea I've read. Excellent characterizations, and a believable journey for Buffy from gratitude to love. I also love the inclusion of "No, you don't." Well done! I'm eagerly looking forward to your next installment.

Author's Response: Thank you so very much! I'm glad that readers are generally agreeing with me when Spike decides not to accept Buffy's admission at face value; I was expecting massive amounts of flames. :P

Hey hun... This chapter was brilliant, as always with your work I'm chomping at the bit to read another! lol
Really gald that you maybe posting more frequently because I so can't wait tot read more!

thank you! xxx

Author's Response: Thank you so much! And I feel guilty that I let an entire month pass without an update -- AGAIN -- so I'm really going to try to get the next chapter up within the next few days. Thank you for reading and reviewing!

Good question what it was that took Willow away when Spike misses it already. Because someone intended to do something with it as someone (PTBs) send Spike back with his soul and now gave him insights of what would have happened without him in a dream.
And the jar, it seems it wasn't the best decision to leave it with Willow. It's influencing her already. Too much power... and she thinks about buying Lethe’s bramble already *sigh*
Looking forward to more if you have time :)

Author's Response: It wasn't very smart to leave it with Willow, was it? There couldn't POSSIBLY be a reason I did that.... :P The entire purpose of this story is to see how S6 would have changed if Spike had died instead of Buffy...and how much would have stayed the same. I'm glad you're keeping up with this!

I was wondering what happen to this story.

So, spike had a dream about what was suppose to happen. And that buffy was the one who was suppose to die and not him. wow, I enjoy that part and his feelings about that.

I like how he went to buffy's room. he is getting there buffy. Just give him time. And show him that you love him.

keep up the wonderful work. more please.

Author's Response: ::grin:: It's unfortunately going to be slow-going for Buffy and Spike for a little while, but I hope the payoff will be worth it in the end. I'm sorry I left you for so long without an update!

You're doing an excellent job conveying the confusion and exhaustion Spike is feeling. I loved that little feeling of contentment, just holding Dawn and knowing she and her sister were safe, and his sacrifice had something to do with it. Dawn's confession and Spike's acceptance were also lovely. This determined, open Buffy is a delight to read, too.

Author's Response: I feel that had Buffy not jumped, known true peace, and subsequently been ripped away from it, she would have matured greatly over the summer, able to become an adult in steps instead of having to go all-in. I'm glad you like it!

*shudder* Three days for a root canal? Indeed not fun.
Loved Spike taking care of Dawn, talking to her when she cried. Awe, and Buffy's and Spike's talk. Now she knows she loves him and she'll try to convince him that she feels that way. ~ Loved the update, even if you were late; it was worth waiting.

Author's Response: Not fun at all, and I think I'm suffering complications from it. I'm so glad you're sticking with this, despite my erratic updating schedule...I'm trying to get back on some sort of regular schedule!

So glad to see an update! I'm really enjoying this so far. Willow's jaunt through Spike's head in the last chapter was organized quite interestingly. Also, your portrayal of her is one that I'm enjoying so far. She's not as incredibly arrogant as she had become by S6 canon, and maybe her need to resurrect Buffy played a big part in that. So the absence of that egomania here does make sense.

As for this chapter, yay for the Dawn and Spike love! I adore their relationship, and it's great that we're seeing some character development in Dawn, here. You're not just limiting emotional growth to our two main heroes, Buffy and Spike. Looking forward to future updates!

Author's Response: I enjoyed writing the depiction of the inside of Spike's mind as a series of doors; though in the first draft, it sounded more like a Scooby Doo hallway. :P I love the Spike and Dawn relationship, which developed in the summer between S5 and S6, and it's so hard sometimes to remember that by the time S5 was over, Spike and Dawn weren't really friends, though they were starting. Thank you so much for your lovely review!