How lovely! I love the art-themes of this piece. It's like visiting a gallery all in itself, as if each glimpse of their romance is a work of art, preserved in a picture made of words for us to enjoy. And we do, I do at least.
What a lovely prezzie to mull over (fantasize even!) and savor...the energy and life you bring to the characters...it's practically electric.
You definitely give hints that this Spike is different from other vampires, and I'd wager he definitely has a soul and/or is still in touch with his inner humanity---obviously to express himself so on canvas. A void being could never do that. He FEELS. Interesting that he's off the 'still walking' meals and on the bagged stuff, etc. I'm intrigued now what was the catalyst that instigated these two changes? Of course Inquiring Minds want to KNOW!!!
Somehow, I'm thinking Ripper will definitely deal with Riley before it's over and done with. Like in a manner involving a big hole, a shove, and a shovel to the dirt.
I'll be anxiously awaiting your next installment.
Thanks for the lovely read!
Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Yuletide & Holidays!
~~K.~~
~~fyreburned~~
fyreburned@yahoo.com

Author's Response: Awww, sweetie, many, many thanks for your lovely words, it truly warms my heart to know you're enjoying the story and my writing.
You're right, Spike is not like other vampires, I really don't think he has a soul, but he has enough humanity left in him to feel as if he did have one still. What instigated the change in him? Probably the love he felt for his parents, he got away from everything that might tie him to the darkness of his recent past, immersing in his paintings, books, etc. And then it was easier to keep living in that way. It was easier for him to master his vampiric side and learn how to control it than anything else.
Hee, you'll find out more about Ripper soon. ;) Thank you again for your lovely review, darling! Felices Fiestas and a Happy New Year to you! *hugs* Mari

I always love it when Buffy calls Spike a doofus. : )

Author's Response: *giggles* That makes two of us.

This is one of the most pleasant to read stories I come across in a long while. The characters are lively and you can feel for them, other than Riley. It has been great wondering where you are going with them and I enjoy the ride. Happy Holidays!

Author's Response: Awww, thank you. I think this is about one of the nicest things anyone has said about my writing. I love that you can feel for them. And I agree about Riley. ;) *hugs* Happy New year!

Loved the sort of morning after effect this chapter seemed to have. Very enjoyable. Have a Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.

Author's Response: Aww, thank you, darling. I'm glad you liked the chapter! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you an amazing New Year!

I adored this chapter sweety - Spike is sooooo very naughty while BUffy asked her questions, giggles. And the admission of love - just perfect, simply brilliant and 'awwwww' worthy. Smooches my friend.

Author's Response: You're such an adorable friend. I couldn't do this without you. You're invaluable to me. *smooches*

SQUEEEEEEE!!!! *Claps hands with joy* I'm so glad to have pretended I had a headache to get away from my folks' annoying guests and go to my room! It meant I got to read this before I went to sleep :-) I'm so happy right nowwww!!! Thank you-thank you-thank you!!!
Have a very happy Holiday!

XXX

Author's Response: Awww, thankee, darling. You're too sweet! I hope you had a very nice holiday as well! *hugs*

Awwww, they're so cute!

Author's Response: Hee, I'm glad you think so. ;)

Aaawwwwhhhh...Tear!!! That was so sweet!!!! I love this story so much! Totally stoaked to get a chappie on Christmas Eve. And Spike and Buffy tell eachother how they feel too!?!? What a present!!!!! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and an awesome 2008!!!! Hugs ~n~Kisses!!!

Author's Response: Aww, thank you! I'm glad you found it sweet. :D Well, they kinda sneaked up on me with that declaration, but I couldn't resist. ;) Thankee for reviewing and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well and a very happy 2008! *hugs and kisses*

Looking forward to read more! I'm more than addicted now ;)

Author's Response: Awww, thank you, darling! You're too sweet. I really appreciate you taking the time to review every chapter. *hugs*

So sweet! :)

Author's Response: Thankee!

Sweet :) but Riley isn't sweet at all...

Author's Response: I agree, Riley isn't sweet at all, good thing that we won't have to endure his presence too long now.

That was hot! :) I can't write more now, have to read ;)

Author's Response: *giggles* I'm glad you thought it hot. ;)