Well, you almost made me feel sorry for old Spike. Almost that is.

I still can't stomach Angel, really. He's so damned smug.

Anyway, wonderful chapter and I hope Buffy gives Spike another chance, kind of.
spuf

I'm glad that Spike did the right thing in this update..He didn't try to use the ususal charm and manipulation with Buffy. He seems to be understanding that she is more important than that to him..

Thanks for the double update! You're a champ Brat : D

>Author's Response: I don't think of him as the epitome of dirtiness >either actually.

Well, I'm glad i spent a good amount of time putting my thoughts together to a writer i admire for you to simply contradict half of one sentence and then completely dispense with the rest of my review.

Author's Response: I apologize if it came across as my being rude. I didn't mean for it to come out that way. I wasn't exaclty sure how to respond to the rest of the review without giving it away what will be coming up. I suppose I could have said that....but I thought that maybe the work I've done for later chapters would be a response to what you had discussed in your review

You are Fing killing me with this story!!!!! Smack them up side the heads and get them to work it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MORE SOON PLEASE!

I'm having some difficulty with this story, especially the Spike/Buffy relationship. I'm trying to get a hold of their friendship before all this and i can't feel it. I don't understand if Buffy has such anger against him and resentment, why she would remain friends with him? The "being in love" doesn't hold up for me. It seems that he's pushed limits beyond that which she can deal with it. I want to understand their friendship, it seems like we joined it just as it was falling apart or was that how it always was?

I also get there's a lot of anger towards Spike and his behavior. Which is fine, but i want to see why. I mean, sleeping with lots of people doesn't necesarily make you a horrible father or horrible person. What has he done that was so awful? What has made people deem him such a coward? I think you are telling us an awful lot from Sam and Buffy's perspectives in just their attitudes to him, alluding to something or other, but you haven't shown it to us. Yes, i think him having a woman over hte first night Buffy was there was hugely inconsiderate, but i need more of that. I really want to understand where all that anger comes from on all sides.

And while i'm guessing there's going to have to be a huge confrontation between Buffy and Spike about her dinner w/ Angel, but i don't think she has to explain her behavior...and neither does Spike, you know? They are both single grown ups. I know Buffy is the epitome of purity here, but i don't think Spike has to be the epitome of dirtiness. It doesn't seem to do your characters justice.

I think you are a wonderful writer and I always enjoy your stories. And I really hope you don't think this is a flame at all, cause I'm not trying to berate your writing at all. I just wanted to give some thoughts from one of your fans. I know you've had problems with flames with some of your stories and i hate that this would be put in that same category. you are the writer, you have last say in all, but i wanted to just explain how it was coming across to me as a reader and that i hope that it helps to bring across even more to your story.

Author's Response: I don't think of him as the epitome of dirtiness either actually.

I am enjoying reading your Spike/Buffy stories. Personally, I prefer White Lie and Revelations... somewhat light hearted and funny.
Can't take a violent Spike.. so if the storyline begins that way.. I just stop reading it.

When it comes to a few people that want Spike with a cookie cutter personality.. how boring.

Stay true to your story... don't let a comment or two in a hundred or so change or limit the tale you want to tell. You have a talent.. don't let someone make you feel less of an author.

Pam S.

Author's Response: Thank you :)

Your really on a roll, arnt you? Great update, I really like what your doing with this

And the plot thickens... dun dun dun.... lol! I'm in a weird mood. Good chapter! =)

GOOD UPDATE

ah no angel is getting in the way...as usual. but i will trust you. i love this story! please update soon!

So, Mother Nature dumped a foot and a half of snow on me (gotta love Long Island during a Nor'Easter) and I was so excited to see a new chapter to read! Spike is starting to get the view of his life that he never wanted. And yes, Buffy is getting preachy, but she told him that she didn't want to come out and change his lifestyle for her. And then he throws it in her face.

Now, I know that Angel is a necessary evil, but lets not leave him in too long cause there is only so much of the "poof" that I can handle. Can't wait to see Spike come home and find it empty. Is Buffy going back home, or is she gonna stick it out in California to at least have dinner with Sam and Alicia? So many questions on my mind.

Thanks for the quick upsates and if you want to make a snow-bound, cabin-fevered girl very happy, there would be more soon!