Loved the extra-long chapter! And especially that last paragraph. I just love how resolved Spike is about it all.

Adored that Spike was so thoughtful to send Buffy to the spa, his enlightening conversation with Cordy, his detail with the pic of Buffy and him, her reaction to the pic, the 'conversation' and of course his response to her, even if she, in true fashion, evaded to respond to him. I can't wait to find out what he is going to do about it now and the ball, I can hardly wait for that. Should be good. Fantastic chapter. *huggles* Love you, cariño!

Author's Response: Hee hee, yup, Spike is all resolvo-guy, and we know how when he has his mind set on something, it's gonna happen, *winks*. So glad you enjoyed every aspect of the chapter, but of course it wouldn't be what is is without your help boo - thank you for that. Luv you mi hermana.

Smooshed Xander? Interesting, not a Fuedian slip or anything was it. I loved Xander in the first few seasons, but then he just got odd (er) and I didn't like him much. I like him and Anya together though, Nifty funeral idea. I especially liked the individual boxes of his ashes for his family and friends to scatter and say their good-byes. I may borrow that for my funeral (think I could get JM to take one and scatter it close to him? LOL - he'd probably do it for the right amount of cash!).

I love how you keep putting them in these "almost there" scenarios and then yanking them into another direction than what we thought you were going to do. You and muse must sit around laughing at us all, haning on to the edge of our seats, just waiting for that "first time" and then, bam! (Emerils got nothing on you two!) you just toss us in the corner and tell us to be patient, all good things take time to build and appreciate.

Can't wait to see what's you've got up your sleeve next for our cute couple.

Hugs sweetie and hope you have a lovely, safe and relaxing 4th of July.

Author's Response: Giggles - I hated to kill him off like that, but that's what the muse chose. YAY - glad you liked the boxes of ashes idea, I felt it fitting b/c of the fact they were all life-life friends. Yeah, I must admit, I do keep putting them in 'almost there' situations, but I supose it's all with the timing and timing is important to me - for the pacing of a story, *blushes*. BUt of course I'm glad you liked the chapter and you always have a review for me that has me rolling with laughter - thanks my friend - hugs you tight.

Aw. He's really proving himself to be such a good person and the right man for her, and I'm glad she's starting to realize that. Loved his breakdown, I can imagine how hard it would be for someone as young as he is to confront death for the first time. Excellent writing, just absolutely love it! *hugs*

Author's Response: Squeee, so glad you liked the update darling. It did provide for some serious insight into the real SPike and Buffy which will go a long way in getting them together. Thanks for the review my darling - hugs and kisses.

Never thought Buffy and Spike would get to the point where they couldn't stand to be apart from each other. Can't wait to read more!

Author's Response: HAHAHAHAHAAH - ya know, that really is kinda funny, but I'm glad I did get it to this point, *winks*. THanks for the reiew boo - huglles.

Thank you for writing this chapter. It brought back memories of when I lost my grandparents at an early age, trying to figure out the whys behind it all. The message you shared about living life is especially important to help us remember those who are no longer with us. Your chapter helped remind me to smile and live life in remembrance of others. This incarnation of Buffy and Spike seems the most meaningful of all your characterizations in your stories. While I’ve always loved your work, I feel the most invested in this spuffy pairing. Thanks again

Author's Response: Awwwww, I'm sorry it brought back a bad memory, but yes, the lesson we all learn when we go through it is a profound one, the most important lesson as humans we have to learn. And wow - I'm very flattered you enjoy this pairing in this story the most - it means I'm doing my job right, thank you boo and for the entire beautiful review - hugs you tight.

I loved the profound Spuffy interaction in this chapter, those two kids are definitely moving in the right direction. :D Fantastic update!

Author's Response: YAY - so glad you see their progress as good for them - they needed to connect in this way despite the sad circumstances. Thanks for the review sweets - hugs.

YAY! The infamous chapter 23 - or was that the infamous chapter 22? LOL, I keep getting them confused!

WOW! It all came together so beautifully hun, it really did! I didn't tear up this time, cause I was prepared, but when I first read it...bah, I needed several hankies to get through it.

And they're both becoming addicted to each other, but in a good way, thank god. Yes, they're both moving along the 'relationship' path - at a pace both can respect - and I think that's what makes this fic so true to cannon. Your Buffy is much as she was in the series - one step forward, five steps back ...but eventually she gets there.

Awesome job dearest, you deserve all the awards you won and are nominated for! Go you! *wuggles and love*

Author's Response: LOL, you're too funny girl. Sorry about the tears, but of course that means I did a good job - wel, hopefully anyways, hee. Oh yeah, the addicition of Spike arms, arms of SPike in bed, GAH - what woman couold resist? Thanks for ALL your help my darling twisted sister - it woudn't be the same without you. Snuggles you tight.

Very moving. Thank you.

Author's Response: You're most welcome sweety and thank you for the review - hugs.

Very good chapter but sad, the ending made up for the sadness.

Author's Response: Thank you darling - i hated to write such a sad atmosphere, but glad you found the positivve in the ending. Smooches to you.

Jeesh tina can you arrange for her not to think to much if at all, she's always mulling somethng over. Loved this chapter by the way and the fact that she can't sleep without him is precious.

Author's Response: HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA - I coud, perhaps, but then that's almost canon Buffy - always over-thinky gal. Glad you liked Buffy's new addicition - as if she could resist? giggles - thanks for the review hon - smooches.

i loved this chapter... it was so sweet how Spike is so supportive of Buffy

i hope you update again soon:) Can't wait to read mroe

Author's Response: Thank you so much hon - I'm uber glad you enjoyed the update - hugs you tight.

Phew! You're really taking us through every emotion in the book with this fic, and I'm so grateful for it. It was nice to see Spike in this scenario, reevaluating his past and how hollow his choices were, and for him to realize how much Buffy truly meant to him. Sure, he'd known he had feelings for her but this experience certainly sealed the deal. I hope Buffy realizes that she's just prolonging the inevitable! Fabulous chapter, Tina! Can't wait for the next installment.

Author's Response: HAHahahahahah, I just hope you find that to be a good thing. I like a full range of emotions because it's somehow more true to life. Yup - Spike certainly opened up and grew up that much more in this chappy. As for Buffy - she saw it, trust me, *winks*. Not long now before it becomes spuffy, double *wink-wink*. As always, thanks for the review my sista - luv ya babes.

You know I feel about this chapter, I thin it's one of the most beautiful things ever written, but I still didn't expect to cry AGAIN while reading it. I should have known better.

By
“Those moments and that special someone? For me that’s you, Buffy, and I… I jus’ wanna pretend that you... A-at least for a li’l while.” He sucked in an anxious breath, afraid how she’d react over what he was about to ask of her. “Make me forget. Please? Pretend that you care `bout me… if only for tonight?” --- I was sniffling with Spike having to face mortality and loss for the first time.

By
She pressed her lips against his softly, willing and able to give him more than what he’d asked for. “I don’t need to pretend.” --- I was crying my eyes out.

The realizations they both came to were of immense significance and the fact that they managed to get closer through this ordeal says a lot about the depth of their feelings.

Can't wait for more boo, love you, your writing and your brilliant mind! *hugs tight* (and still crying, so you know)

Author's Response: Oh boo, I hate to make people cry - so sorry my darling sister. Offers you a box of cyber tissue. I'm so glad though that you saw the significant impact the whole situation brought out for our fav couple. And thank you so much for being there to help me and for being such a good friend - luv you boo.