The great thing about your William is that he's getting his rock's back. Even though your Lindsey makes my skin crawl (yay you), it's completely necessary for Spike's protective instincts to kick-in. I'm sure that's what he was like during his first year of marriage with Dru. Lucky me, I get to read another chapter!

Lovely, intimate scene between them. I especially liked the "Shoes buddy..." interchange. It was a nice touch.

Thanks for updating.

Thank God Buffy had William in her corner! Can't wait for the next update!

Yay! William is waking up from his apathetic drudgery. He just needed the right motivation to get him up and fighting back. Those people all seem mean and spiteful. Great update. :-) Can't wait to see him helping drunk Buffy. Actually, I can't wait until they escape!

Oh yeah, William is my hero!!!! Go William Go William! I hope to see more of this soon.

Favorite moments from the chapter:

1) Buffy seeing gray in William's hair. ( Not only because of how heart-breaking it is that "Spike" would ever let himself go like that, but because it makes me realize that I've been a Spike fan for over 10+ years! Yikes!)

2) Buffy encouraging William to try to take-up music again. Poor William would play 'til his hands bleed! What lovely angst!

3) Buffy and the horribly expensive ugly dress/shoes. It's too much fun to read how her heart-break is translating to embarrassing fashion as payback to Angel as well as trying to make herself unattractive for the swinger's party.

All I'm wondering is what reason you'll write for the tardy arrival of William and Dru. Not sure what William's reaction will be to drunk! Buffy, but leave it in your hands.

P.S. Hope you do give the readers an opportunity to see Spike's spectacular temper emerge later in the fic. Menacing Spike was always entertaining. William just needs to get more confident in his own skin to let it all out! Thanks for the update.

Author's Response: 1) I've only been a Spike fan for about...7 years...I actually discovered i liked the show when it was ending--i never seen it before that. I was all screwed up when i was watching season 6 first. Smashed probably was one of my first episodes. haha...i thought Spike was human for a while. I gave him gray hair b/c it shows that he's not perfect basically. 2) The music will come up more...later... 3) the dress was basically revenge....next chapter will have more mention on that....along with drunken Buffy. The tardiness will be addressed and a bit of Spike is coming up...very very very soon....heheh....

Poor Buffy! Has to get drunk to endure the party. Can't wait for the next update!

Author's Response: ya...drunk buffy to come. But don't worry, William is there for her.

Poor Buffy, the whole party ordeal is just too sordid for her. Spending Angel's money on a dress she loath's fits the situation. The little chit chat Buffy and William had seemed to go a long way in breaking the ice between the two. Look forward to the next chapter.

:D I liked it, there was a bit more meat to this chapter. Building on the connection between Buffy and William and how Buffy feels about Angel. I think it's interesting how someone can be with someone who is bad for them not because they don't know themselves or feel conifident in themselves, but also almost as an excuse, a reason life isn't the way they want. Sometimes having a scapegoat is easier than actually trying.

This story makes me think all kinds of philosophical things. As always, I love this story!

Buffy and Spike really need each other. Can't wait for the next update!

Author's Response: Yep, they need one another to become stronger and become the person that they want to be.

Ever your faithful reader. Each chapter is like a little morsel, kind of a little tease, just enough happens to move the plot forward a tiny bit. I'm almost wish there were a little more in each chapter, but this definitely does keep me on my toes waiting for the next chapter. I guess it's up to your artistic license ;). I love this story though and the idea of these two people stuck in hurtful relationships helping each other out of it. I also really liked in this chapter in particular that Buffy owned up to not being completely honest but having a good reason for it.

As always, thank you for writing this beautiful story!

Author's Response: Awww....i love faithful readers. :) Makes me feel all nice and warm inside. I'm sorry if i tease...i want to update as soon as i can but i have other things to do so its hard to pick a spot where to stop. More to come soon, especially Buffy and William scenes.

Working at a library seems very appropriate for William. A far cry from the punker he started out as. Very symbolic that he is surrounded by wisdom but has to remain muted and hushed within its boundaries. Buffy seeking out the only other person who can identify with her predicament seeking advice or just solace is touching. William has lived & re-lived the whole spectrum of denial, self-loathing, anger and helpless-hopelessness but he may not be capable of assuaging Buffy's wounded emotions since he is unable to leave his wife. How can William convince Buffy to leave Angel when he is incapable of leaving Drusilla. Look forward to more.

Author's Response: Ya...William and the library is defiantly opposite from where he's been. I wanted his work to be something he enjoys and looks forward to...his safe haven. However, all these creative minds surrounding him is intimidating too. It's kind of like a Good Willing Hunting sort of thing. And you pointed out the major problem at the moment....how can they help each other when they can't seem to help themselves? More to come. Thanks for reviewing.

Author's Response: Correction, Good Will Hunting.