It's a good story, and I know you have to be true to your creative vision. On a very selfish note, I have that sad little feeling inside to see the handwriting on the wall for their relationship. Alcoholism is an important issue to address, and how it affects everyone in the relationship, and not just the drinker. It's just that I read these stories to escape rather than to see real life entirely mirrored. Don't get me wrong-- I'm still with you and rooting in your corner for those crazy kids to get it right. I just think that there can be too many stumbling blocks to a relationship, and not every relationship comes back stronger after it's been hit hard so many times. Buffy's mother's personal attacks, the promise of loss of privacy that comes with fame, alcoholism, insecurity, jealousy, and lack of communication can be dealt with if it a bit at a time-- I just don't want to see them overwhelmed and so angst-ridden that there is nothing worth staying for in the relationship. Make sense? Still, good stuff-- Thanks for dutifully updating so regularly!

Author's Response: Not all of my stories are written as an escape--and this isn't one of them. It's hard for me to write sometimes, but it's a story I want to tell. I feel that sometimes, fiction needs to reflect some of the more negative parts of real life.

nummy angst! good job addie.

Okay, here's my moment: ARGH!!!!!!!!!! This is so freakin' frustrating. I'm beginning to think that maybe losin' Buffy foe a little while will teach Spike not to second guess everything and just go with his gut instead running and pouring himself into the nearest bottle. If it ends up being the wrong decision, then at least he's been honest, which is what both of them deserve. LOL!

Oh no and she was gonna try to make it up to him. Damm that Quentin for putting ideas into Spike's head.

Please don't let Spike do something even more stupid at the bar. I hope he doesn't take Quentin Travers words seriously! Buffy is willing to work with him and he could lose it all! Great chapter!

Oh this is just bringing me to tears now. I don't think I can handle it anymore. I'm so upset. First of all Spike needs to admit he has a drinking problem and get help for it; Buffy needs to stop pushing her thoughts aside just so she doesn't have to deal with her problems/life; what is Quentin gets through to Spike about leaving Buffy for his career? *cries*
I do thank you for your consistent updates and will continue to read even though it is breaking my heart to see these two going through such trauma right now.

I'll be with you, it is a great story, and right now I still think Spike is being a putz, but I am hoping his redemption is not too far away. Can't wait for more and thanks

Great stuff! Hopefully these two lovebirds can get back on track quickly!!!

Oh the pain, the anguish. I love it!!! But I'm holding out the hope that while he will no doubt screw up again and again, our hero with eventually stop being such a prick and he and Buffy will be happy again. Yes?

Aww, poor fools in love.

Wow Spike, that was a whole lot of mavelous bad decision making there. I don't even know what to say. A very powerful shapter, and I think we've all had that fight. Looking forward to the next update and the conversations to come. Please, update soon.

Hate to say this but Spike deserved what he got! Hopefully the two of them will actually get around to talking about it and make up! Great chapter!

i'm glad to see joyce admit to buffy she was way off base and wrong.
spike showed just at the right time. hes always good for that.oh noooo........who's that guy talking to buffy