first, ha Eddie found a way to sleep. No twictchy eyes for him.
Willow, Willow. I liked Willow up until she got involved with that witchy stuff (series not your stories) for many different reasons. Hopefully giles can get her trained by the coven earlier, I think that would help her so much.

Author's Response: Thanks for the comment!

“I recall some Tupperware in the kitchen, sweetheart. All you'd need to do is burp the lid and he's fresh for another couple centuries.”

That is PERFECT SPIKE! Actually, you've got Spike down pat all the way through the story, but that one made me laugh! I'm happy he at least hasn't lost his snark! Yay for snarky, sexy Spike! I still wonder if he might still have his strength, he really hasn't been tested in a fight, so I'm still hoping for that. I like your explaination for his lack of a 'woe-is-me' case of the broodies or crazies. I actually agree that the crazy isn't really needed just because he got a soul. (I had my Spike simply blame Angel for his past mis-deeds and lay all the guilt firmly on ole broody-pants. Dru might've turned him, but it was Angel that turned him into a monster).

Willow/Xander engaged!? Really!? Again I hope that Willow didn't plant a seed in Xander's brain! That annoucement should clear the way for Dav and Giles.

I did realize that the love scene in the last chapter was meant to feel 'wrong' ... you did it well! I'm also glad to hear that was the lowest Giles will fall, I was getting a bit worried about the old chap.

Author's Response: That is the biggest compliment you could give me about the Spike voice. I can hear him saying it in my head when I write. Glad you can, too.

A very messy situation and this sex scene seemed very un-Rupert-like. I'm wondering if you're leading to something worse for him to do than killing Angel and falling in love with Xander's Ex and *almost* forcing himself on her ... she didn't say no, but barely said yes. It just felt wrong. Interesting to see where this goes.

Author's Response: It was kinda supposed to feel wrong. Hope you like the story.

Author's Response: But also, even though it was kind of wrong and sad, this is probably the low point for Giles' character. It's his weakest moment. I was hoping the takeaway from it would be that he wanted to control the situation. He's completely vulnerable emotionally, while she's vulnerable physically.

Reserving judgement ... don't like human Spike, but you know that already. Interesting choice to use the 'saids' - certainly not distracting enough to hurt the story for me, just a different personal perference - that's what makes us all different and wonderful, right? Spike always liked to eat 'people food' so is it that much different now? I can definately see him wanting to get out into the sun, tho and also look at his reflection... So, he got his soul back too? And no making with the crazy/broody at all?

Author's Response: No crazy broody. Thought that had been done to death. Also, he's had something of a conscience for a while in my story. Thanks for commenting.

OH DRAT!!!!!!! That's what I was afraid of! You made him a real boy! Ok ... my only hope now is that the pseudo-Mohra can make him alive but not take away his super strengh and healing ... Please? Please don't turn him into William ... I mean, I love Wiliam, but Buffy needs Spike - {grumble, grumble} .... And gone three weeks? Wow, I lost track of time like they did ... And ok, yay!! Riley - finally found his backbone! I never hated Riley horribly, so I'm good with that. Now to worry about what Prof Walsh will do to find them ...

Author's Response: Hey, thanks again for going in depth with the chapter. I debated about the time lapse--initially I was only going to have them gone a week, but that seemed like not enough time to cement everyone's feelings in place. I hope it wasn't confusing.

really enjoying this one.

Author's Response: Thank you for letting me know!

Nice bit of smut, even with the voyuers that were watching. So, by Buffy taking blood from Spike ... that helps counteract what he's taken from her? Lessens his desire to bite her? Not sure I'm completely following that idea, just want to make sure. Or it gives her control over him as well - balancing the scales?

Author's Response: Glad you liked the smut. I worried it was a bit too talky. Buffy taking blood from Spike was some heavy-handed symbolism on my part. It lessens his desire to bite her and balances the scales. She earns back power because she's not just food. They're equals.

Wow! Lots of surprises there! Giles staked Angel!?? OMG! Go Giles! Although, I think he might've been better to use Angel to find Buffy first. With their connection, Angel might've been the best chance. I wonder at Giles just going to sleep the night before with Buffy missing, honestly, doesn't seem in character no matter how tired he was. And Willow sleeping with Xander - gotta say, I hope Dav doesn't take him back - that's just .... almost as bad as leaving Anya at the altar. I hated Xander after that - that and the fact that he was so shitty to Spike. I never could feel sorry for Xand after that atrocity. This is right up there, IMO. Glad Riley is showing some humanity, hopefully he'll grow a backbone too. Love Spike singing to Buffy - one of my favorite things he does to comfort her.

Author's Response: I think Giles acted rashly, too. That's explained a bit later. Giles fell asleep on his couch with all his clothes on after taking a flight from England. I know when I took that trek, I was not only a bit sick from the flight but falling asleep on the train. I think Giles is a hell of a man, but a man nonetheless. I was going for a parallel with him leaving Anya at the altar, but not quite so bad. After all, he didn't humiliate Dav in front of her family and friends. He is being a stupid, stupid boy, though. Love the Spike singing to Buffy bit, too. That was one of the first scenes for the story that came to me.

Hopefully all that info Spike deduced will come in handy when they get a chance to escape again. Not happy with Xander breaking up with Dav ... that was sad, although I see he thinks he's protecting her. Sort of a very Angel thing to do - leave her for her own good. Hope someone points that out to the doof. And, oh yes, Angel - ever the stalker, from before Buffy was even called. Hope Willow or Andrew can figure out where they are ... of course, they'll think she's at campus, not under it ... hmmm...

Author's Response: I know it sounds terrible, but I'm glad you could feel for Dav, even though it made you sad.

I love angst, so love the turn in the plot! Glad me being confused about what Spike really wants is intended ... I hate feeling like I'm missing something! :) Loved the balance of quips to drama in this chapter - very good. Also Spike's protectiveness and tenderness, of course - perfect. Ok, I'm ready to cry or be shocked and appalled - not sure which you have in store ... do your worst.

Author's Response: Thanks so much for the comment! Hope you like what's coming.

I love Andrew! That whole scene with them in the coffee house was wonderful - had me laughing out loud! Not sure what Spike thinks would happen if he brought Dru back tho - or is this some kind of test of his own for the Slayer? Be mine or I'll bring Dru back? I don't know - I'm a little confused, he seems to want Buffy, of course, to love her, but at the same time warning her of the bond/claim and not wanting it to be about that .... Does Spike actually know what he wants?

Author's Response: Spike is torn. He still loves Dru, he loves Buffy. More than anything, he's hurt that Buffy didn't tell him about this whole Dru thing and just let him suffer. It's that same parallel though--Angel can't exist if Dru's to come back. In a weird way there's also jealousy about Buffy's feelings for Angel. It's a mess. You're right to be confused, because the characters are, too. Glad you like Andrew. I love Tom Lenk.

Love the Amy Yip reference! Also loved this line, very Xander:
"The guy is a chocolate eclair and a hand job away from absolute evil."

Not sure Xander would've 'taken up with' Spike quite so quickly, even for video games and a TV, tho... I guess that was in the last chapter, but anyway... I do think that Xander and Spike could've been good friends, if Xander could've gotten over his hate of the undead, just not sure he would've come around quite that fast, esp. with Buffy crushing on Spike.

Author's Response: Glad you liked the Amy Yip reference and the chocolate eclair joke is probably my favorite thing I ever wrote. In this story, I eluded to the notion that Spike was cooperating with them long before season four. He helps Buffy save the babies from the mayor during "Band Candy," and he is the one who brings Anyanka to the group to talk about the Ascension because in this version of events, "The Wish," never happens. These were off screen tweaks to imply Spike was much less antagonistic to the group prior to him coming over. Plus, Buffy is relying on the group to keep herself from falling for Spike. That is more explicitly stated later. Thanks for the comment.

Hmmmm ... interesting, Buffy taking pity on Spike. Of course, we know they both had a connection from the beginning, Buffy just too ... *whatever* to allow herself to admit it. Otherwise, why hadn't she killed him before? Had plenty of chances and vice versa... Can't wait to see how this goes...

Author's Response: The connection is explained in th next chapter.