I really would like to read more. This is a really good story!!

I just wanted to reaffirm that my review wasn't meant to be offensive to you. I realized that my compassion for the characters and their current plight might be construed that way, but that's not what I intended. I'm just really digging this and I don't want to see something terrible happen to her. If this goes somewhere highly unpleasant I may stop reading, but it won't be because you're a bad author or because it's a bad story. I just wanted that to be understood. Thanks! :)

Ciao

AHA! I know EXACTLY why Ethan made her goalie. I figured it ouuuuut! *sing-songs* ^^ Very clever, btw. Her being the experienced forward that she is, she'll know exactly how the opposing forward is trying to score. Love it. I've picked up on the underlying notes of angst and possible foreshadowing. Should I be worried?

I feel that Spike should not have been blamed for his mother's murder. How would he have helped her from the other side of town, even if he had been sober? His family is obviously quite unreasonable. I think they all need to get their heads out of their asses. As for his father, well he can go rot in hell, or the equivalent thereof.

I do hope that Spike won't succumb to his gambling habits to help Connor out. I sense bad things would end up happening in that equation. I also hope that Spike and Buffy will continue to develop some sort of relationship, even if it is rocky in the beginning. At least she's admitted to herself that she likes him. That's step one. Now for the other 11... (j/k) Looking forward to reading more! :)

Ciao

*gasp* Cliff-hanger! That is SO unfair! *pouts and scampers off to read the continuation* (Looking forward to what's next) *winks* :)

Ciao

Author's Response: Haha, yaaaah, I'm, like, in love with cliffies though I never seem to be able to redeem myself when I write the follow up chapter. I hope I pass and thanks for reading, Kiera! *hugs*

Oy. More drama with Dru. But that's to be expected. She would be the one to try and fuck everything up for Buffy. Excited to see where this goes. :) I noticed something interesting in this chapter, when they were in English. You referred to Shakespeare as "Shakes". Is that how you came up with your pen name? If so, that's very creative :) If not, forget I mentioned it. lol Best of luck with the rest!

Ciao

Author's Response: Ha, yes that is definitely what Drusilla is all about: let's go see how much fucked-up-ness we can cause in Buff's life! God, I hate her. LOL anyways, regarding your question about my penname, it's actually kind of curious. It sort of just came to me (as corny and pretentious as that sounds, I oddly don't resent outrageously famous people who say that anymore with my dry sarcastic inner monologue) and then I was just like, "ZOMG. This is like a slangy version of Shakespeares' name." So yeah. There you have it; my glory days in techni-friggin-color! =D Thanks for your review, Kiera! *smooches*

Tee hee ^^ I'm loving this. My only question isssss... why is her hair brown if it's blonde on the banner? O.o I don't know if you realize you did that or not, or maybe she'll dye her hair later? *shrugs* I was just curious. I like the promise of tension between Buffy and Spike. I have a feeling she's going to be breaking both of her rules. *snickers*

Ciao :)

Author's Response: Aw it's very good to hear that you're enjoying it so far! =) Mhm, well, it WAS supposed to be mysteriously unfolded later on but eh, what difference will it make? Yep, she does dye her hair later on but her hair is not mistakenly-typo brunette. It is actually brown. :P Tension there shall be! LOL. Anyways, thank you so much for reviewing, Kiera! *hugs*

jesus christ...Ok, let's address Spike first. Now i am super happy that Spike didn't help Connor, regardless of their history it would have pulled him down a road into the dark where regardless of what he believes, he doesn't belong. Do i feel for Connor and his father, yes, slightly, but submerging yourself into situations like that and allowing your son to do the same can bring no good. I do however feel for Spike, what with the hero complex he has, wanting to help everyone all the time, at his own expense or not, maybe that's why i was so happy to see him not involved in this mess of sorts. As for Buffy and Joyce, for a while there i thought she was going to say something decent due to the acknowledgment of how happy soccer made Buffy, but nope, just another Joyce mom-ism moment where the books she buys on parenting came to no good use. It's a very real life you've given your characters, kudos.
Now Buffy, damnit, why'd you have to walk into a dark alley? All i can say is at least Spike seems about to be headed out for a walk, let's hope he gets there before the man with the leer gets what he wants. And i wonder what will happen now that i assume both will be busted out of the hotel after hours...Can't wait to read more, good job!

Well shit. Buffy is in huge trouble.

Author's Response: "Well shit" certainly sums up her current situation. ;) Thanks for the review, Brett! *hugs*

I love this. Football sure is a fun sport to play. Buffy makes a good goalie. Can't wait for the next chapter maybe some Spike Buffy interaction.

Author's Response: Heeey Brett! *hugs* Yes, I completely agree; soccer is one of the best sports out there. =) I know it's taking a while but Spuffy *will* occur, no worries! Thanks for reviewing!

Hmmm, so i just finished updating Drown with me and then to my outmust surprise and happiness you have updated both fics that i'm currently reading, im so happy!
So the smug bastard does have a plan, i love it! i also love that Spike isn't resentful that she made the save, that's real teamwork!! Dru and Angel, no big shocker that they forget their place, Angel always forgot his place in Buffy's life, it's refreshing to see a unique twist on that aspect of him. And Dru, well she's fucken' nuts so nothing she does shocks me, just pisses me off lol. I'm sorry to hear about your fish btw, it's not pathetic, it's a lost friend, be it a gerbil a fish a cat or a fucken' camel, if you love them the loss is devasting!
I'm really loving this story, and though i don't like Joyce it's nice to see Buffy acknowledge that her mom had a hand in her coming here to compete. It shows a mature side to Buffy, one that understands for every flaw there is something good behind it in someone. Can't wait for some Spuffy interaction, i love the way they talk to each other, and their thought processes when it comes to the other.
Can't wait for more, thanks for the awesome update!!!

Author's Response: Heeey Lindsay! (hugs) Aw, it's so kind of you to say that! I'm really flattered you're enjoying my fics!


Haha, "smug bastard" is definitely a good choice of words to describe our favorite Ethan Rayne! =)


Mhm, I thought about that too. I mean, if Spike was resentful, what would it say about his character? In this particular fic, the people most likely to be resentful of Buffy's success would be: Dawn, Riley, Darla and Drusilla. People like Oz, Doyle, Angel, Spike and Tara are the positive members of the team! *high fives*


Wow, what an incredible take on that aspect of the chappy. I mean about Angel "always forgetting his place in Buffy's life". He really did, didn't he?


Thank you for your kind comments about my fish *sniffles* I get what you mean. The loss *is* truly heartbreaking and y'know what? You've inspired me to get me a camel! *lol*


Yeah, see, about Joyce, I didn't want Buffy to appear like a total brat who didn't really appreciate what she had. That's just plain annoying, right? I thought, "Hey, what if she actually acknowledges her mother's role in her soccer career?" While Joyce was never truly supportive of Buffy, I think it's crucial for Buffy, as a growing woman who is moving into, well, womanhood, to understand that if it weren't for Joyce, she wouldn't even be in L.A. I agree with your terminology "mature". : P


Mhm, I realize the pace is very slow in this fic, in terms of the Spuffy interaction, but it will definitely get there, so no worries! I'm trying to build the story up, make it more realistic and hopefully by then, everyone will still be reading, huh? ; )


Thank you SOOO much for your incredible review! *hugs*

Loved the chapter! Can't wait for more!

Author's Response: Hi PhotographyNut! Thank you! I'm glad you loved the chapter!! I'll update VERY soon! Chapters 10 and 11 are already done *and* beta'd! *hugs* Thanks for reviewing, sweetie!

Wow. So the tempo's picking up, Dru/Connor/Snider/Gambling...shit's about to hit the fan me thinks. I love your description about Spike wanting to be that friend on principle, i feel the same way. even if by the end of it i want to shoot myself in the face to get away from some people it's worth it, it makes you a better person. I just wish more people were like that so everyone had someone to go to. You know, i don't like Joyce in this, i never really did, did you? On the show and in this site i mean.
So, we know if Spike is that type of friend, the one who helps everyone, i can't help but wonder what kind of shit Connor's gonna' get him into. I love how no one really steps back and asks themselves if their shit is worth getting their friends hurt over anymore. And i cannot believe his father, to blame your son is a disgusting act, and Spike is right, what was he supposed to do? Teleport to his mother and save her, drunk or not i'm pretty sure he can't do that, at least not in this fic lol.
Loving it and can't wait for more, good job!!!!!

Author's Response: OMG!!! *squeals* Lindsay. You. Friggin. Rock! Your reviews always rock my world, honey! Oookay, so allow me to address each part of your review since, again, it's always a pleasure to discuss my work with a reader!!

Firstly, yes, I *definitely* agree about the tempo picking up. I think I've taken this soccer fic to levels I hadn't really *wanted* to explore before, but I dunno, I suppose my muse really does have me on a short leash. ; )

Secondly, yeah, I get your meaning; being a good friend makes you feel like a better person and it really sucks when your "friends" come to you with somewhat unreasonable demands. Especially when these demands risk your future, right?

Haha, I was always kind of iffy about Joyce to be very honest. Additionally, it's not that I'm inclined to hate Joyce or anything like that, but I haven't seen many fics where Joyce is a bad guy/mean person so I figured, eh, what the heck?

LOL I know, eh? I suppose we're all too concerned with our own problems and crap to worry about how we're affecting the ones we allegedly "love" and "care about". I guess it's not intentional, but it happens nevertheless.

Oh, yes, I strongly agree here. To blame your child is "disgusting act", I could never agree more. It's simply unacceptable and I seriously wonder about parents who do that to their children. Very ignorant people.

Thank you SOOOO much for your brilliant review, hon! It's really good to see reviews like this and I sincerely hope you enjoy the next chapter as well! *hugs and smooches*

OMG!!! What a cliff hanger! Can't wait for the next chapter!

Author's Response: Hey Heather Lucas! It's nice to hear from you again! Haha, yeah, I love this cliffies. *Evil laughter* : P *giggles* I'm glad you're enjoying this story and thanks for reviewing!