Thanks for the update. Riley may have gotten his punch in but glad that Spike got the last word. Hope things keep going good for Spike and Buffy and that they get better for her and her daughter. Maybe the baby will bring everyone closer.

Author's Response: Thank you! I wish I could tell you, but I think you'll like it better if I don't.

When Riley gave him the “If you ever hurt her, I’ll hurt you,” line, I wish Spike had retorted "I doubt I could ever top you kicking her out of her childhood home and turning her daughter against her!"

Author's Response: In Riley's defense, he didn't really turn Dawn against Buffy, though he did kick her out of her childhood home. Thank you for the comment and for sticking with the story!

This is amazingly hot! I love your writing style and the detailed descriptions of their interactions. So looking forward to reading the rest.

And oh dear, I shall never look at a crumb the same way again ;)

Author's Response: Hot, really? Thank you! I'm glad you like my writing style, it's a pleasure to be able to write for you. I had to share that thing with the crumb, because ever since undergrad, it's haunted me. Thanks for the comment!

The Pride and Prejudice Zombie 2011 Wall Calendar is on sale at Amazon.com for like $4. Someone pointed that out to me, so it was nice to see it mentioned here. Thanks for the update. I love seeing new chapters posted.

Author's Response: Thanks for sticking with the story!

Really loving this story so far. Also, I love the movie Chance. James is so cute in that., especially wearing the dress and when he jumps on the bed. Plus the late Andy Hallett is in it.

Author's Response: I loved that movie, too, despite its flaws there were some really brilliant parts to it. I love when he kisses the mirror. Should have been creepy or silly--instead intensely hot. The dress scene was funny, Andy Hallett was wonderful and jumping on the bed was so sweet. Glad you like the story!

Loved how they feel so comfortable around one another. Also enjoyed the playful banter. A little concerned about her dizzyness, and also knowing nurses (besides doctors) are the worst patients!

Author's Response: That's true about doctors and nurses. Glad you liked the chapter!

I thought in the show Dawn was a brat and they gave into her too much. Seems like this story is letting her character continue. I wonder how she will feel when Sam moves in with them?
I am glad that Dru realized their marriage was over, she couldn't keep coming and going as she pleased. Brillant chapter.

Author's Response: Thanks for the kind words and sticking with the story!

I have to admit, in this chapter, I do have admiration for Riley. Unfortunately, there are times when people divorce, one person tends to divorce the children as well (even when it's their own children!) Riley considers Dawn his child, even though biologically she isn't. That takes a big man to do. I also admire how he defended Buffy when Dawn called her a slut. In addition, I admire how he took responsibility for his part of the deterioration of their relationship. Looking forward to more. Have a wonderful New Year!

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm so glad you could like Riley in this chapter. He's not the same character from the series, and I don't think it's a spoiler to say I'm writing him as someone genuinely trying to do the right thing by his splintering family. Have a wonderful New Year yourself! I wish you and your family all the best.

Did Joyce leave the house to Buffy alone, or to Buffy and Riley? Would that make a difference under California law?

Author's Response: I don't think it would make a difference, given that they were married when she got the house. Half her stuff is his, anyway. Besides, if she wanted to fight, she could surely get the whole house, I think. In the scene she acquiesces because she thinks it's best for Dawn right then.

Even though it's tough to swallow, even tougher than the bland hospital food, I'm glad Spike laid it on the line to her. Buffy needed that.

Author's Response: Glad to hear it!

"But that's my love made flesh inside you."

Beautiful. Poetic and heartfelt. I can completely see Spike saying this.

Riley is too OK with this...there must be something going on. I bet he's seeing Sam, huh? I hope he is, because then Buffy would be free to be with Spike...

Again, really enjoying this story. Thanks so much for writing. :)

Author's Response: Thank you for the wonderful words. The phrasing of that, the love made flesh thing, is an adaption from Catholic mass, Christ is God's word made flesh. In "Beneath You" when Spike comes clean about having a soul he uses a lot of religious language, so I was going for that. Glad it worked! I loved the line but was afraid it might be over the top. Riley is too O.K. because part of him is shut down. That should be apparent later. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Thanks for another fantastic chapter. I love "Spaced" we own the two season set. Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright are brilliant.

Author's Response: I loved it, too! Thanks for sticking with the story!

OMG I've just read your reply to my review. Please don't think you failed in any way, shape or form. I am very blinkered where Spike is concerned. I get that she is giving up a huge amount (having children of my own I can't imagine giving that up) but in my mind Spike belongs with Buffy and that's only because I can't have him!!

Author's Response: It's O.K., I actually never liked Riley on the series. He was supposed to have a Jimmy Stewart quality, but he always came off as a huge, gross frat boy to me. He was written so sympathetically in season 4 and even into season 5 his characterization wasn't totally risible, but the actor sort of failed, I think. Anyway, I am trying to make him sympathetic,so you understand why she loved him in the first place. I'm just glad you're reading and commenting, please don't feel bad!