Buffy finally taking stock and realizing that she's emotionally invested was lovely. Her walls are crumbling, but it's in character to want to take things slow. Her break up with Angel was quick and bloodless, but Angel's persistence in still pursuing her is worrisome. Here's hoping she still gets to use her martial arts on the creepy lug.

I'm so sorry about the multiple crises on the family front. Take care of yourself.

Author's Response: Glad you liked it that she did indeed grow up and take responsibility. Her walls are truly crumbling and they will continue to quite fast now, *winks*. As for Angelus, well, he's an ass - not much more to say than that, lol. But it won't get real ugly - I don't want to get too angsty with this fic. Thanks for the review darling and your well wishes - I truly appreciate it. Hugs.

I am so sorry to hear about your MIL and Dad. I;ve not been able to review much due to similar RL issues (my FIL is very ill with prostate cancer), so I know in some part what you're going through right now.

Lots of love, vibes and best wishes to all of you and yours during this difficult time. We'll be here waiting for you whenever you're ready to return, hon.

{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}

Author's Response: Oh hon - I had no idea you were going thru that, my thoughts and prayers are with you darling and thank you for yours. Lots of higs and kisses.

Awwwww... I'm sorry to hear about all the craziness in your life right now. But don't worry, we all understand. Just come back soon! *Huggles*

But on to the chapter review! This was such a sweet chapter! Two steps forward indeed! Spike FINALLY admitted that he loves her!!!! YAY!!!!!!! He really is growing up. And Buffys no longer in the land of denial. And I can't wait to see what happens at the movies! And I can't wait to see what happens to evil Angel....
*evil laugh*

We all love you dearie, and we know you're gonna make it through this!

~KatieGrrl1016


Author's Response: Thanks hon - I do hope to be back soon. I'm so glad you enjoyed the chappy - I figured it was time for Buffy to get cornered and grow up a bit herself. They've now made great strides even if there's a few more to go, but the pace will pick up from here, *winks*. Thanks for the review and your thoughts darling - smooches.

You know I loved it, all of it, and I can't begin to tell you how amazing you are for finding time to post despite everything.

I will be praying for you and yours, honey, I love you a lot and I wish there was something I could do!

*huggles and smooches* Hope to talk to you soon, honey, love you!

Author's Response: hahahahhaha, thank you my darling sister. You know me, a sense of duty and all, giggles. Love you boo.

you did kind of leave it at a cliffy lol now were all awaiting his return after work to see what the afterwork movie shall entail.... smoochies on the couch?? lol can't wait till you update again.. hope it's soon:)

Author's Response: LOL - I guess I didn't look at it that way - ooops? Well, at least they made up, right? Thanks for the review hon - huggles.

I LOVED this chapter! They're making progress! I want to say i can't wait for the next update but i know i'll be waiting lol. I'm sure everyone totally understands though.

I'm so sorry for what your going through. Please don't give up hope for your step mother though. A little over a month ago we were told my father would be dead in an hour and he's sitting downstairs watching tv now.He's still very ill but there's always hope! Your family are in my prayers!

Author's Response: Awwww, I'm so glad you enjoyed the chappy and that you'll be patient with me - thank you, for the review and the words of encourgement - hugs.

Take all the time you need, family does come first. So sorry all that is coming on you at once.

Good chapter! And hmm.....a bit more of a hint about Buffy's issue, me thinks. This came out very, very well. :)

Author's Response: I'm so glad you like the chapter boo - really, it does bring a few things to light, even if I'm still not spelling things out, giggles. Thanks for the review and for your kind words. I just hope to be back soon - huyggles.

OMG - Darlin' you take care of your personal business and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family-- be togehter and be strong.

The chap was excellent as always and I knew Spike wasn't really blaming Buffy for anything. I did love him trapping her in the hot tub so she couldn't get away from talking with him.

I still don't trust Angel and after that phone conversation with Buffy I know Spike doesn't either. (I keep picture that scene in Pretty Woman where his lawyer gets all grabby with her and ends up slugging her sending Edward into a mad rage). I can see Angel pulling something similar and Spike taking him down and out!

Gonna keep it short cause I know your attention needs to be elsewhere right now. Major hugs and love to you and yours. Be safe.

Author's Response: THanks hon - you know I think the world of you and take yoiur words to heart my friend. And yay - glad you enjoyed the chappy. Spike pretty much felt he had to trap her - he's confrontational like that while she runs and hides, lol. Yeah, we won't see the last of Angelus, but it won't be too too bad, at least in my mind. Ughh - I hated that scene in pretty woman - what a slime bal that lawyer was - but no - no abuse 9of that kind in here, i promise. Thanks for the review hon and all your wonderful words - hugs you tight.

A good place for them and an end with Angelus. Loved his almost slip of the L-word. Two beings destined to be together, no matter what. Really great chapter.

Do hope your personal affairs go as well as they can. Long term illnesses are so very draining for everyone involved. I've been through quite a bit of that in my day and it really is only bittersweet at best. Hang in there. We'll be here when you're ready to come back.

Author's Response: Giggles - yeah, the L word almost being slipped was something else for Spike to digest. Yes, long illnesses are draining on everyone, but of course I have to take things the way they happen and make the most of the time I have with those involved - thank you darling - kisses.

best wishes to you...be safe and take care

Author's Response: Thank you darling - hugs you tight.

amazing. i seriously live for this story. i think about it all the time and spaz in happiness when i see another chapter posted. Great Job!

Author's Response: LOL - wow, thanks - that's such a wonderful compliment hon, I'm blushing. Smoochies to you.

Thank you for continuing to share your story with us. Family definitely comes first. Please know that your devoted reader-fans will be keeping your loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. Time is very precious and you are using your time well.

I noticed that you “resolved” the bet aspect by allowing Spike to reassert that Buffy is not a prize, yet enabling him to get suckered back into a foolish competition with Angel. I’m glad that she’s finally realized that she’s falling/fallen for Spike. You did leave us in a good place. I will look forward to reading about the ball when your resume your writing.

Please take care of yourself and your family.

Author's Response: You're most welcome sweety and thank you for being so understanding. Family must come first, it's true for everyone. Yup - I resolved the bet aspect - regardless of what Angelus said or thought, Spike let him know - so if Angelus wants to think there's still a bet, let him, SPike said his peace. As for Buffy, it was time for her to face the music.... now they need to take a few more steps forward thoiugh SPike needs to be careful with her. Thanks for the review and your kind words hon - hugs and kisses.