So Anya's back to her vengeance, Willow's been told off and carted off to the coven, Xander's learning a few home truths and there's the claim to tie up loose ends. Perfect {sigh}. All that's missing is Angel hitting the roof when he learns about it!
Wonderful fic, thanks!

Author's Response: I really wanted Anya to walk out on Xander for once. And I would have loved to show Angel freaking out, but I couldn't figure out a way to do it naturally within the context of the story. I'm so glad you liked this! Thank you!

Good for Spike, doing that little demonstration for Giles, Bit risky testing Tara's protection that way though! I wonder what Willow had intended? Also good for Giles, finally accepting he had to do something about Willow.
So Buffy took what she wanted... I wonder how she's going to react come morning. I can't wait!

Author's Response: Spike's wouldn't care about the risk, if it was for Buffy. :D And Buffy's reckless now as well. I'm so glad you're liking this!

Amazing story, can't wait for more.

Author's Response: Thank you! Last chapter will be up tomorrow.

"...not as Watcher to demon, but as man to man. He nodded wryly, acknowledging that."

Actually, I really liked, enjoyed seeing this interaction between Giles & Spike. I liked seeing this side of Giles again, in lieu of the currently very present persona of villain he's been portrayed as (and don't get me wrong, I have totally enjoyed and gotten into many a one of those stories!) as well as master of intrigue; even in the comix he has been the same.
Very interested in seeing where you take him in this, and if he continues, now that his eyes are opened to the sitch, to have the Scoobies' best interest at heart himself, including Willow, especially Buffy, and with this, seemingly even Spike. This speaks on a literally human level--man to man; testosterone essentials in group dynamics (maybe Xander should stop dipping into Dad's stash or grow his own pair).
But this chapter also speaks of something else---progress. But in such a way apparently that the outcome is not quite foroseeable. It seems like a relay of 'Two Steps Forward, One Step Back'. He has slyly and slowly brought Buffy back to where she can feel, at least sensation, and need and/or desire it as well; but also to where she can tell now that there are preferences, choices within it... another step forward...but what will the step back then be? And will Spike be the one to pay that price again? He has been willing so far; with the prize, perhaps only just revealed to him as a bonus, that she at least feels something for him, more than for a nobody. That is 'something'...but more, SHE realized there was something and wanted to give something of herself...and that, therein, is the beginning of caring, even maybe loving... but again, what will the steps backward be? You know you're killing us with the anticipation, right? More, please, SOON??? (Thanks!)
~~Kara~~


Author's Response: Oh, thank you! You saw everything I was trying to do here! I personally liked the earlier, honestly mistaken, non-Machiavellian Giles. And with Buffy it's always 'two steps forward, one back.' The last chapter will be up tomorrow. I'm so glad you're liking this. It was so slight a story that I nearly didn't post it.

This is an absolute wonder of a tale! Hot sex too!

Author's Response: Oh, thank you! I'm so glad you're liking it!

I'm enjoying your story; do have a question though, British person, what the heck is/are plimsolls??

Author's Response: It's a British term for those very thin sneakers with canvas tops and rubber soles. Those used to be the only athletic shoes around for ages, from 1860-1960 and Spike, being Brit and 120 yrs old, would likely think of that term first. I'm Canadian, but my guy's a Brit and he said, "Well, we say 'plimsolls' even now," so I used it. We had a bet on whether anyone would ask. :D

Spike taught Giles a lesson. Took him (Giles) a while to believe that Willow needs help. Sounds as if he'll act now.
Loved bossy Buffy :) She found her own heaven too.
Still enjoying the story.

Author's Response: I never could understand why Giles didn't ever get Willow a teacher, especially after her 'my will be done' spell. I'm so glad you're liking this!

Good start :) The twist with the anger works. Loved the "POVS". Very intense, the chapter (and description how Buffy felt / is now).

Author's Response: Anger seems to fit Buffy's character better than apathy and that whole exasperating story arc that came out of it. I'm so glad you're liking it!

Can't wait for the next chapter! :)

I really like the way Spike forced Giles to listen. Very Spike!

Author's Response: Spike always takes risks. Thank you for liking this!

OMFG! Way to go Spike! Always imagined it being played out like that just never had the words to describe it and et you did it so well! Thanx for the chap sweetie and hopin for more!

PS
Wooo! Thanx to that I so need a smoke! LOL!

Author's Response: More coming. I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you! And I needed a smoke when I was writing it! :D

I've already reviewed chapter 1, but I think it was on another site! LOL
Anyway... I just love the twist you've given the beginning of season 6. I think Buffy's anger as you've portrayed it is far more in character than the self-absorbed detachment she showed on the show. As a 'How it should have been' I think you've come up trumps. Can't wait for the Tabula Rasa not to affect Buffy, Spike or Tara!

Author's Response: I thought the anger made more sense too. I really disliked her detachment and the whole story arc that was created by that. I'm so glad you like the way this is going!

liked it. continue soon

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm just cleaning up the next chapter and will have it up tomorrow.