"and so should everyone else, including Buffy" Amen to that :)

I was spoiled by the rec, so this wasn't as exciting to me as it could have been. But I'm very interested in seeing what'll happen next!

I always start reading your fics because I think you're a really talented writer, and then have to stop when every single one seems to become "Buffy learns a lesson about being mean to Spike when he was soulless". She wasn't obligated to love soulless Spike. She had a ton of reasons not to. So I just cringe when I read stuff like "Buffy should have loved soulless Spike just like I do." It reminds me of the Xander fans who think he deserved Buffy just because he was loyal all those years, and it kind of creeps me out. And I don't know, but to me, writing a fic to prove that soulless Spike is just as good as soulled Spike is almost proving all the Spike-haters right. They thought his soul made no difference and Buffy was stupid to forgive him. I guess I do think it made a huge difference, and I loved that he made the decision to get the soul.

Author's Response: And that is of course your perogative. I've said a thousand times I think the soul was a ridiculous cop out on the part of the writters. If Buffy is ever to feel anything real for Spike I believe it has to come from forgiveness and acceptance. He's asouless rapist, she's the sort of girl who would beat her boyfriend to a bloody pulp. They both have some growing to do I reckon

I love soulless Spike , of course , I love him soulful , too. Chapters 3 and 4 were so intense ; I felt sharply Spike's determination to do " the right thing " , as painful as it can be , in the name of his devotion for Buffy. His beautiful , soul-burning devotion .. I was thinking that , perhaps Buffy would be there in time , but I understand that the purpose of your story is a soulless Spike acting bravely , courageously , always as the fierce and fearless warrior that he is. His poor soul.. the scene in the temple was heart-wrenching - not because Spike would lose a part of his humanity - but bc the sacrifice he made a year before in Africa , this extraordinary gift he wanted for Buffy , is now for nothing .And Buffy's woe brought me such emotions. Excellent work !

How much do I like getting double chapters? Uhmmmm...quite a lot. How about multiple reviews & many thanks for you instead of a biscuit? I had a feeling that Spike was going to do what he did. I am way with you on the Spike without thing but it was still so sad. Spike was so sad to have to give it up. Gotta love feeling conflicted. He did an amazing thing to get it for Buffy. Now he has done an amazing thing with it for Buffy. Hope she can come to see it that way. You have me feeling the angst...know there is more to come. I can't help but feel for Buffy. The guys did conspire behind her back...with good reason but still. Can't wait to see the fallout on all of this in the coming chapters.