Hey, I've just started reading and catching up with the chapters and I really, really like it! A lot of things are still unexplained like what Spike does for a living and what was his relationship with Oz and Willow... but I know you'll explain in your own due time. :) In this chapter... uh oh, looks like Buffy found out about the drug in his pants. She's definitely gonna rip him a new one! Please keep going... I'm enjoying it tremendously.

Author's Response: I can answer on one of those. It's very, very briefly mentioned early in the first chapter that Spike works at a record store. I actually have plans to get around to some Oz/Willow background really soon. I have tons of notes for the next chapter, possibly into chapter 10. I really love this fic, and I was getting really excited about the heavy stuff coming up, then I had some of my own heavy stuff land on my head and now I feel like I can't write. I'm scared to try, especially on this story, because I don't want to mess it up. I feel like I can barely put together sentences right now. I've got to get over this! I want to write more Poison! I'm glad you're enjoying this story. It really is my current 'baby'. Thanks for the review! :)

Daaaamn. Busted. It amazes me how convincing your Spike is as a "homeless druggie" (I know he doesn't think of it that way, but Buffy's POV is pretty realistic)- both his reasoning and his motivation are right in line with what I'd expect from someone swimming in that lifestyle, right up to the denial and rationalization. What I find most incredible is how you've managed to make him appealing and vulnerable despite all that- and make his attraction to Buffy read as primarily emotional rather than physical despite the circumstances. I also like the fact that your Buffy has some rationale behind her self-righteousness, and that nonetheless she displays compassion even to people who don't meet her standards; and that other than the natural consequences of having jackasses for a father and boyfriend, she seems to have a good sense of herself and a level head on her shoulders. These two could really be good for each other, and it's nice to see an attraction that might actually benefit both Spike and Buffy... very well done indeed.

Author's Response: Thank you so much for all your comments! It's nice to have some verification that my characters are understood. I hope you continue to enjoy the route I take with the storyline. I definitely have certain plans for how I want things to go, and I hope that they read the way I want them to. Thanks again! :)

BTW, thanks for explaining the Marco Polo game in Blue. I've never heard of it; I'll have to try it with my kids, I think they'd like it. Just read your one-shot, too. Awesome work, babe! Thanks for sharing.

Author's Response: Thanks! :D

Uh oh. Saw that coming :) wouldn't do to have the maid find it eh? Good chapter, good story.

Author's Response: Thanks! That little baggie was bound to cause some trouble sometime. Hope I can get the next chapter out soon. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! :)

First of all I hope you feel better Pandora - being sick sucks so thank you for writing for us when you don't feel well.

As for this chapter - uh oh!! Hopefully he can just come clean with Buffy about what the past few days have been like - she can appreciate being cheated on. Right?

Anyway - amazing chapter (as usual!!) Looking forward to the next one.

Feel better.

Author's Response: Thank you! I think I'm starting to feel better. Something has been going around here, and it just finally got me too. Can't wait until I feel totally well again. I hate being sick! Glad you liked the chapter! I was pretty pleased with how it turned out. Spike definitely has some things he needs to say. Thank you for reading and reviewing! :)

Spike is bored? Buffy sure brought some distraction. Sweet of him to offer help; but the distraction aka kissing wasn't bad either ;)
But uh-huh... now he's in trouble! Big time...
~ Looking forward to more *sends get well wishes*

Author's Response: Thanks! I think my vitamin C is helping, which is good, since I have to go back to work. The one sick day was nice, though. Hopefully, I'll be completely recovered soon! Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)

Step 1 in the right direction and then... big mistake?

Guess a little history lesson is in store..

Enjoying.

Author's Response: Glad you're enjoying it! I can't wait to get the next chapter out. Hopefully, it will be soon, since it's mostly planned out. Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)