WOW.. so I'm confused, does Spike really hate Buffy or is he just scared to admit he loves her, even to himself?? Great chapter. BTW.. love the banner :)

Author's Response: I leave that up to the reader to decide for now. Of course we're all optimistic on the Spuffy and want love in the end, and not love fueled by hate. Spike's epiphany could very well be true - how do you love someone you hate? He's not even sure if he loved her at all now, just mixed the wrong chemicals together. Spike did a lot of things here - he protected himself, he set himself up for actually loving Buffy, and he tore her heart out. Thanks for reviewing, as always - does a great job of sorting my thoughts and clarifying things. And the banner... yay!

Great chapter! I really like this story....even if I don't comment as often as I should. :P

Looks like Spike isn't pulling any punches with Buffy, he's mad and she's nowhere near done paying for what she put him through. Buffy's a tough one, though. She can take it. ;)

On another note, I've loved the songs that you've been using throughout the story. They add to it wonderfully. As a matter of fact, when I saw the title the first song that popped into my head was Paint it Black by the Rolling Stones. The lyrics kinda remind me of the way you've written Spike in this fic. *sings: I look inside myself and see my heart is black I see my red door and it has been painted black Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts It's not easy facin' up when your whole world is black*

All and all, great job!



Author's Response: Yeah, the idea's to make Buffy pay. Or at least give some more sympathy to her. She'll soon have so much sympathy that when things go overboard (and they will soon) everyone will be rooting for her. Or at least her and Spike together. And thank you SO much for talking about the songs adding to the fic... I find it's kind of a crutch, especially when I put it in the story, but it's a very nice way for me to express the emotions. I just can't use'em excessively. Title is actually from the Pearl Jam song "Black," which will probably be referenced deeply later in the story. One of the most heartfelt songs ever, last two verses always make me cry. Goes somewhat with the story; more with canon Spuffy, though. Highly recommend; the last two verses make it an instant favorite for everyone. Paint It Black popped in my head as the title like a second later. Also an awesome song that goes with the fic. If I ever do a sequel, I'll probably call it that. Or "Blackened." And if I don't, PIB will definitely be used as a chapter title and maybe referenced. Thanks for commenting! :D :D :D

Ok, I haven't read the chapter yet. And yet, I'm reviewing! Go figure. Or not, whichever. Your prerogative and all that. ;)

Anyhoo. I have a horrible headache and I'm dead tired. But I really WANTED to read this chapter. But after I opened it, decided I couldn't cause I'd probably massacre this chapter in my head trying to read it.

But then I saw the banner and just HAD to comment really quick... or not so quick.

I LOVE that freaking song! Audioslave (Valley Girl accent now, I know, I'm doing an accent thing again, go with it) is like, totally amazingly awesome! Plus, it doesn't hurt that Chris Cornell is drop dead hot and has a swoon-worthy voice.

So yeah, that's what I wanted to say.

I promise I'll actually read the chapter tomorrow. And who knows? I might just review again and actually talk about the chapter itself. Wouldn't that be a kick? =P

Author's Response: Awwww.... I had a headache just the other day too. I used to get them a lot when iI was growing up, like every week... we went to every doctor in California and everything, but it was no go as far as a cure of some sort. Even had sinus surgery. :( And you like Audioslave too! it's like we're on the same wavelength or something >_> Yes, Chris Cornell has possibly the best voice since Robert Plant, maybe even *gasps* better because he can hit the grungy notes. Soundgarden and Audioslave and Rage... absolutely awesome bands! Cornell's definitely one of my top five singer with Plant and Keenan and... we'll, I'm kind of blanking out. Maybe I'll tell you when you actually review the chapter, hehe. :P Thanks for the preamble complete, LOL.

I don't think Spike was bad. He is a guy who was just hurt for many years from the girl who he loves.

I mean I do feel for Buffy. But it isn't just Spike who did or is doing wrong.

Please update soon.

Author's Response: Good thing I still have one more trick up my sleeve to make everyone think Spike's bad... at least for a little while. Can't have bad Spike forever. =X Thanks for commenting!

another short chapter. please update soon, cant wait to see what happens next.

Author's Response: You caught right on - the party is actually three chapters. I cut it up and really fleshed it out, so it may seem like much doesn't happen. Thanks for commenting!

Whahooo!! Go SPIKE!

Great story! Please continue soon! :)

Author's Response: Thank you! I just updated. :D

loved this chapter

Author's Response: Thanks! :D

Getting drunk is one thing, but picking a fight with Spike is just stupid! Riley is such a jerk! Can't wait for more!

Author's Response: I kind of had butterflies with jerk Riley, I didn't know if I was harsh enough. Glad to see I pulled through. Thanks for reviewing! =]

cant wait to see what happens next!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Author's Response: Thank you.

*Gasp*

I've just realized! I didn't review the last chapter. How crappy of me. Something probably distracted me, it happens. Doesn't me I liked the last chapter any less though. ;)

And swans DO fly. I have proof! I met one. His name was Henry. Very cool swan Henry is (say this in a "My Fair Lady-esque accent, not a Yoda one, sounds MUCH better that way). Anywhoo, very good chapter, cliche beating up Riley and all. Looking forward to seeing what happens when Faith shows up, I'm betting that it's gonna be a "hoot ad a half" and everything. ;)

Author's Response: I know. *sniffles* I waited and waited and waited and waited... and then I... *cries in corner* Okay, maybe I used a little hyperbole there, but it was kind of weird not seeing your review. :( Pygmalion, rejoice! And I still dunno if swans fly or not. I think I might wikipedia it sometime. Thanks for reviewing; it's always a pleasure. ;)

go spike!!!

Author's Response: ^___^

Oh I love angst in my story! This one is great! I love how conflicted Spike is all the time!

Author's Response: To save her or not to save her. And he's just mad that the thought of saving her even enters his brain. ^_^ Thanks for commenting!