I went searching for this story last night when this site was down. I was on the hunt~ I was craving, and here, today, a new chapter!!! Woo-hoo!!!!! I'm a grown woman with a family of my own, and I'm practically giggling and creaming like a school girl... Well, the oh-so drool-worthy banner helps, but... I guess I love that broken, puppy-dog, tenacity that you depict in this version of Spike that I love so much. Interesting to see how very hard-headed they both are, but I love Spike's true show of strength when he levels with Buffy and tells her he needs her. Nothing stronger than showing emotional vulnerability. Wish he could have written down some of his thoughts and shared it with Buffy. Seems women crave that communication, that inner-workings stuff that men rarely share. I am not sure about Spike not taking "no" for an answer when it comes to going out to dinner. Wish they could have had some casual conversations that didn't dissolve into arguments or f*ck-fests, but.... I hope he pours his heart out to her and explains why he is so driven to go after her. If he explains all of his internal motivation for a variety of things, like why he made her eat that nasty boot-camp diet, why he "picked" on her, why he said what he did when Angel cheated on her, then hopefully the "aha- eureeka" light will come on in Buffy's head. If she sees his intentions, then hopefully she will quit assigning him wrong motivations.

I know you and your family were in the military, and it's a very well-respected career. it is *so* not me, so to say I love this story anyway is HUGE. I actually didn't start reading this one right away because it was centered around the military, but I was so very glad when I changed my tune. I can't wait for more!!! I know you write lengthy chapters, and they are fabulous, but I hope you muse kicks into overdrive, because I can't barely stand to wait!! Must fast-forward....

Author's Response: I wasn't aware the site was down but of course I know they have to do maintenance every once in awhile. Giggles, you're like me, a grown woman with a family, but I get the giggle-fits when I see something posted I'm following. I'm so thrilled you're enjoying IAN this much, makes me smile wide sweety. Ah yes, the banner is definetely a heart stopper - gotta love kitty's work. Funny you should say broken puupy, and you'll know why next chappy, *winks*. Spike can be, has been, a big jerk, but you're right, he's not afraid to admit it. Their time for the serious talk will indeed happen, though not when you think... I have a small plan for them first before that can take place. Awww, thank you sweety for the compliment. It's not an easy life I live, but of course it's necessary and I accept it. I'm so glad you're able to get into this fic despite it's setting. I realize it's out of the ordinary from normal spuffy material, but I do enjoy taking the road less traveled. I'm very happy you like the length of the chapters, it seems to me that because of the time-skipping nature of the story, it just suits it instead of cutting things off every scene or two. I'll be hard at work here on the next chapter and hope to post soon. Thank you so very much for this review, you really blew me away and made my week sweety. Hugs you tight.

Mmmh, this is definitely the best chapter so far - and you know how much I've loved all the previous ones :D
I'm so totally amazed at how alive the characters become in your chapters, and not just in this story. I can so easily picture Spike and Buffy saying and doing the things you describe! And that's not something that's easy to accomplish in fanfiction, but you probably already know that :)
I'm as always looking forward to the next chapter eagerly!
Hugs and kisses, sweetheart!

Author's Response: Really? Wow, thank you sweety. It was time for a turning point for sure. That's awesome you're enjoying the characters and can see them in your mind. I do try very hard to get certain visuals across so it's nice to know I've accomplished it. I never really know whether I do or not, so I'm so happy you told me. Thank you so very much sweety, you've made my day. Hugs you tight.

Turning point you reckon? More like a complete 180! In fact this chapter contained the most honest moment between them yet. Very encouraging start to something new perhaps. I just wonder if Buffy will be able to get past all the unpleasant history between them - what with her limited experience with men. I mean PLEASE - her sole boyfriend cheating on her with a relative does not an optimistic outlook make and Spike's yet to provide her with any more satisfying *blushes at the implication* memories. Bring on dinner I say. Oooohhhhh yeah - grub's up!

Author's Response: Giggles, it had to happen sometime before Spike really made a mess of things. It's time for them to get honest as well as see the other in the way that needs to be. I think dinner will prove interesting in encouraging the couple along their path. I do hope you like it when the chappy is finally ready for posting. Thank you for the review sweety. Smooches.

Where do I even begin, LOL! I LOVED all the yummy innuendoes in this chappie, and is it just me or is everyone hungry, LMAO!!! I will never be able to have a meal without thinkin' about sex ;)

Hun, you are absolutely amazin' and I'm soooo lookin' forward to the next installment, Kuddos to ya!

SMOOCHES!
ANG

Author's Response: Giggles, you and me are twisted sisters, that's for sure. Thanks to you, everyone loved the meal analogy - very Willow-like, bravo girl. Thanks for the help and the review girl, luv ya.

Yay another update, I really needed this new chapter, so thanks for posting a new one so quickly!
Hmm, so new turning point for Spuffy, I can't wait to see when Buffy is gonna give in and accept Spike as her... boyfriend (for lack of a better word).
You know, I talked about your fic at work the other day. My days are really busy but I take break once in a while and I was reading In the Army Now on my pc and my colleague asked me what I was reading so I showed her the summary and ste started to read the whole thing... two hours later, her work hadn't been done but she had read your fic and was going to start TE this weekend.
Anyway, GREAT JOB on this new chapter, I'm reallyt excited by this new "aspect" of their interaction and I can't wait to see about their date.

AND whay do you mean, he'll be gone for six WEEKS??? Are you kidding me ?? FIX IT ASAP!!!!!! :))

Author's Response: OMG, you actually got a co-worker to read this, WOW. How cool is that? I mean I hope they enjoyed it, I'm flabbergasted, thank you sweety. I take it they like btvs? Oh yes, we hit the turning point of personal thinking on our couple's behalf and next chapter will be a transitional one for sure. As for the 6 weeks, well, it will fly by for the reader, but you know what they say... absence makes the heart grow fonder. I do so hope you enjoy the next chapter once it's ready. Thank you so much for the awesome review and for recommending it to your co-worker. Hugs you tight.

And again I'm being a bad, bad reader for not reviewing all I read! I think I'm in need of a good spanking...would your muse be available for the job? *wink*...
So I'm totally feeling for this enlightened version of Spike... he was being such a jerk before (though I have to admit, that he was a HOT jerk, and the humor that came from the encounters was fantastic...), but now I just want to cuddle him! I can already imagine how he's going to be a perfect date for the dinner and then Buffy is left simmering in her confusion for 6 weeks while Spike is gone * giggles in delight*... I know that Spike has a lot to do in effort of changing Buffy's opinion about him, but I'm so glad that there are people around her who can shed some more light on the real person behind the cocky and crude demeanor of Spike and help to nudge them closer together... I can't really see how they could ever end up having any kind of relationship without the friends helping them, so it's good that they are there :)
I'm so loving this story and can't wait for more...And what comes to getting new chapters of TE all I have to say is: YES PLEASE!!!
Smooches to you and tell your muse that if he's up to the spanking, I'll be waiting with my own set of handcuffs...and if he's a good... umm, I mean if he's a bad little muse, I might return the favor *naughty smirk*...
-Katriina-



Author's Response: Giggles, yup, my muse gives you a cyber spanking. Glad to see you can understand and feel a bit sorry for Spike. It is hard not to like a 'hot' jerk, bad boys are just plain hard to resist. It definetely has to take their friends gentle nudges in order to get them together, because they're too stubborn and pig headed to do it on their own. As for TE, I'm just trying to make some decisions about this next chappy and of course find some time to write it. I've been so super busy these days it's hard to focus on more than one story. Oooh, my muse just got excited, handcuffs? Bondage is good for the soul, *giggles*. Thanks for the wonderful review my friend. Hugs you tight.

Great chapter with a capital 'G'!!!

Author's Response: Thank you darling, kisses.

Loved the turning point, things are sure to become even more interesting from now on as we meet a different Spike. Loved thewhole chapter, but I think the last part was my favorite. *smooches*

Author's Response: Awww, thank you my friend, for all your help. Glad you like the change of events, it was most certainly time for it. Hugs you tight.

Sooo great, thanks for the awesome chapter. Hope Buffy finds some soft spots in her heart for Spike. Please update soon, can´t wait for the dinner.....

Author's Response: Thank you so much sweety, I'm happy you liked the chapter. It'll take Buffy a bit, but she will indeed hav a soft spot for him. He loves her after all. Smoochies to you.

Wow, that was intense...i love where you're taking this story, i love the way spike and buffy relationship developed, very well writing, update soon!

Author's Response: Wow, thank you so much sweety, what a wonderful compliment. Glad you enjoy the direction and I do hope you like the next chappy just as well. Huggles.

Awwww I loved this chapter. It was so sweet and emotional. And I like the ending very much *giggles*. It is sooo Spike! *grins*
I'm very curious how dinner will be and how Buffy's gonna react with Spike being 6 weeks away. :(
Can't wait to read the next chappie! :D
*huggles ya tight* kitty

Author's Response: Glad you enjoyed hon. As for dinner, it will be interesting to say the least, *winks*. Thanks for the review my friend, smoochies to you.

Oooh...great chapter. A good turning point and she needs to stop being so stubborn!

More please? Please? I LOVE this story!!

Oh, btw, you should post this on LJ too. There are a lot of Spuffy communities over there.

Congrats on the JM tickets (jealous of you, girl!) Have lots of fun!!


Author's Response: Lol, she'll come around, that's for sure and I hope you like the way in which she does. I hadn't really thought about posting on LJ to be honest. I don't know what the traffic is like, but I'll look into it hon - still don't know everything there is to know about maneuvering around there. Awww, thanks on the congrats. I couldn't pass the opportunity up to meet the man behind the muse. Thanks hon for the great review. Huggles.

I LOVE the turning point in the road. Spike needed to see that his method to his madness was not working. Got to tell you, LOVED Willow's analogy of the meal to a relationship........of course most of us wouldn't mind starting with dessert.... but it got the point across. It was a good thing that Buffy actually listened to Gunn, she needed her insight to Spike, granted it is not an excuse, but does give more understanding. Can't wait for more, I just know it will be Spuffy friendly. Great chapter and thanks

Author's Response: Oh yes, it was time for Spike to see the error of his ways. Oh yay, Beasleysmom came up with the idea of a food analogy so I'm thrilled you liked it,. Dessert first you say.... hell yeah, I'm right there with you. Buffy too needed that insight into Spike b/c he certainly threw her for one helluva loop. As for next chapter, it's definetely much lighter than this and takes us further down the road to spuffy. Thanks for the awesome review hon, smooches.