Also de-lurking to comment...

I've really enjoyed this story, and I thought this chapter was great. I really hope this weekend in Sunnydale really does give Joyce and Buffy the chance to mend fences, so that she has someone to provide emotional support when things hit the fan with Spike (and at some point they will if he's being driven to the bottle like that, though I do kind of get why he's doing it). I loved Buffy's letter (very cute) and the interaction with the always-insightful Oz. Great work, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I think I will crawl out of lurkdom as well.

I am so sorry people are giving you such a hard time. Instead of thanking you for your time and energy they are asking you to change your story. So sorry about that.

I for one absolutely love this story and it's direction. I also love the angst and don't think there is too much at all. You are writing the story wonderfully. Hopefully those reviewers won't get you down too much!

nooooo, why spike. i cant believe spike went to drink after his drinking gave her reason to leave and doubt their relationship. i love this story and am so happy u updated. i really hope that wen she comes back and they talk things through. im glad that oz talked to spike and i really wish that he would listen to his insticts not desires. also i hope that wen buffy comes back that she doesnt leave him if/wen she finds out he'd been drinking and that they talked through their problems. please update as soon as u can, i cant wait to read more. thanx

what are we going to do with spike? i guess just love him till he gets a clue. ignore the people who complain abaout the angst, let them write their own stories, if they can. i like all of your stories just the way they are. i do not know of any couple that is happy 24/7, do you? angst is in our everyday lives. keep up the good work just like you want

*SCREAMING IN FRUSTATION* SPIKE!!!!!!!!! Stupid boy! Sigh...when will he learn that his stupid drinking isn't helping him or the situation?!?!?!?! That's part of the reason she's not happy with him! Gosh...I just feel like kicking his ass myself!!! I really do hope this doesn't cause even more problems. I'm starting to wonder if he should go to an AA meeting or something.

Great chapter! I don't mind the angst if there's happiness towards the end at all. In fact, I like it that way. To me, it makes the relationship more special. It's more real life. So I think you should keep it up! It's a great fic! Ignore those who don't like it! just do what you feel is right! I think you're doing a wonderful job!

Update soon please! I can't wait to see the outcome of his drinking and everything else!

so sad spike is an alcoholic. well enjoying buffy's point of view and hoping that spike uses this time away to think more than drink

Well, Buffy's letter relieved a little of the angst of the situation. I know people do stupid things when they're in a bad place and are laning a little too heavily on a crutch. Crutches are okay, but when you start rationalizing a way to still use them, even when you don't need them as much, then it's an addiction. Hope their talk touches on that. Great chapter.

So, from now on, as soon as a review doesnt sound positive, you're going to answer "I dont need a rant or a flame" juste because for once people dont agree 100% with your point of view ? It may sound rude but it's a little childlish. We all are entitled to have our own opinion. Yes it is your story and of course you can write whatever you want, but when you choose to post it here and you expect people to send you feedbacks, it's normal that some reviews are "negative". I mentioned in my last review that I thought there was too much angst... in my opinion! I know you warned us about it and frenkly that's what I love the most in your fic. However, between Joyce's surgery and Spike jealousy, I think there was too much angst at the same time. It was not my way to say "I didnt like this chapter" because it was a good part but honestly you cant expect people to be ectasic about this fic all the time. I'm happy to see that I was not the only to think that about the last chapter though.
As for this one, I feel the same as for the previous one. It was well written but it's getting too dark for me (and yes, I know you mentioned "angsty" several times). I think I'm going to stop the reading for a while, I'll check in two weeks or so to see where it's going :)
Thanks for sharing this and the quick update. Belive it or not, but I REALLY enjoy your story. I may have offended you with my comments and please believe me when I say it's not my intention but I dont think it's fair for you to expect only positive reviews all the time.

P.S : sorry for my english ;)

Author's Response: It was not just you. It was several people, and yes, it bothered me.

If you don't want to read it, fine, don't. But I ASKED you not to lay into me about, and you just did. Can you please just respect me and not go off on me about the angst or me asking people to respect me enough not to tell me they don't like it? I KNOW some people don't like it, but telling me makes no difference. Asking people to respect me there is not childish--it's asking for some courtesy, which you apparently don't have.

Author's Response: I have also, by the way, never said all reviews must be positive or that I will respond to all negative reviews. I've said that I don't want complaints about the angst because I'm sick of hearing it and I'm not changing my story and I've said that I reserve the right to respond to any review and I don't want to be chided for it.

Some people enjoy angst, and I'm writing this story for them. Even if that audience is small, it's still my audience, and I'm going to write this story to the best of my ability. If you don't like that sort of story, be an adult and politely stop reading. I don't feel this story deserve heaps of complaints, especially about something clearly marked and addressed in notes. You're complaining about the genre of the story, and that's just silly. Would you read a humor story and then complain to the author about it being too funny?

i think it is sad that you feel the need to add your note about the angst, that has always been their MO. Anyway it is evident that Spike has a problem, but it is always darkest before the dawn, but the dawn will come. And isn't that life? Nothing ever runs smoothly, if it did we wouldn't appreciate the good times. Great chapter and thanks

excellent chapter i love how your story is progressing

good updates to this story

The bottle... again... oh Spike, I have faith that everything will work out eventually! And as for those people who dont like the angst, 1) read the genres 2) read the warnings/author notes 3) suck it up! The angst can make the good endings so much better!!! Loved this chapter, love the story and luv your writing!!!

-Ashley-