Not so much a review (though the chappie was great as always) but a response to your Author's Note at the end:

As always, I have complete and utter faith in you and the directions you choose to take *your* story in. I know you'll get us all there and I don't mind how long it takes. Besides, if you do it too quick, the story's over. And I like this one way too much to have it be over too soon. Thanks again for all your hard work.

I gave up reading this story a few weeks ago but decided to check the updates today. Spike and Buffy arent back together yet ?

Author's Response: No, they are not back together yet. Would you like to suggest a helpful, constructive way in which I could've written this story specifically to please you and no one else?

Phew. I was stunned when I went back and read the reviews of the last chapter. I really think that every Fanfic Archive site should have clear guidelines on the Home page explaining what feedback is and what it isn't, and then advising that anyone found flaming will be deleted/banned. Feedback, imho, should be given for two reasons: First, unashamed paise and thanks for a story/chapter that has given the reader great pleasure; Secondly, to offer constructive criticism - or Concrit, as it's generally known. I try to be more of a concrit reviewer.... people like Darla must have a lot of issues in their life...

Now for my feeble attempt at concrit.

I liked this chapter. The interaction on the phone reminded me a lot of discussions I used to have with exSpouseLinnit, many, many years ago. They'd always start civilised, polite and seeking to build bridges/understand.... but emotions are so raw, feelings so very fragile that inevitably voices raise, one or the other ceases to listen fully or is shocked too much by a revelation that discussion has to cease. Such a difficult time. And, with these two clearly still having immense feelings for one another, the call was highly emotive for me.

I also felt that Buffy's realisation that she couldn't continue to develop a relationship with Robil was extremely mature and responsible of her. I read your A/N above about the timeframe we're looking at here, and yes I recognise it's all starting to happen fast. But... and this is probably more to do with my own personal monogamous relationship morals than the way young people live their lives today, I think Spike must have been with Eve long enough now to be able to recognise that the feelings he has for her, compared to his feelings for Buffy, are in no way similar. Further, if he were as mature as I'd like him to be, he would have come to that decision forst, ended his relationship with someone he doesn't love, and then attempted to repair his relationship with Buffy and potentially recapture what they had before things went sour.

All of this though, is my opinion, and I do recognise you have a wholly different pov. I'm hanging on in because I know you'll make it right in the end and... you're a good writer, who is/has a great Beta. I promise not to miss more chapter, and to review with one para or less (actually, you can't have less than one chapter, can you? Or does a sentence not count as a chapter? Hmmm).

Nice upgate, pet.

Author's Response: I don't have a beta. I do work as one for a couple of people, but I don't have one.

I disagree that Spike would immediately leave Eve because he loves Buffy more. He does love Buffy more, BUT he also knew the moment they ended things that he would never love anyone the way he would Buffy. It was either settle for someone he loved less or be alone, and he didn't want to be completely alone. Furthermore, he wasn't sure after the party if he wanted to get back with Buffy since he was still hurting. Like I said in the AN--it's only been a week. I don't think it's showing immaturity for Spike not to decide within a day or two hat he's going to abandon his relationship with Eve and ignore all the bitterness he still has towards Buffy.

Glad to see the new chapters in this story and that Spike and Buffy are finally talking to each other. Looking forward to when Spike finds out what a bitch Eve is which I assume he will soon and that Buffy has decided to break it off with Robin. Obviously after so long apart it is going to take a while before they feel able to step back into a relationship and I am looking forward to seeing how this happens. Please update soon.

You are the best Addie !! ;)

awsome chapter. i hope eve doesn't hurt buffy. please more soon. your doing a wonderfull job on this story and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

I'm glad Buffy made it a clean break with Robin, all upfront and honest about where things stood for her. I think that's a sign that Buffy's starting to get it. Plus, stringing Robin along would have hurt him, and I like Robin (even if he did some not-so-likeable things on the show).

I thought the conversation between Spike and Buffy was very enlightening, and I think it's good that Spike got the chance to really lay it all out for Buffy, how he was feeling about her lack of support. After all, hadn't Mona been at the studio with Rory almost every day? Buffy only showed the one time. I think that these conversations Buffy and Spike have been having are giving them a chance to talk and grow, and really understand what they need from each other in order to make a relationship work.

I also wanted to say that I for one really like the pace of the story. I've loved this story from the get-go, and I have faith that you will bring it about to a satisfying end.

Very interested to see what Eve wants...

Oy! People really try to second guess your decisions as a writer. That really burns my butt, figuratively speaking, of course. I'm frustrated that Buffy and Spike had such poor communication that they broke up to begin with. But, hello, this is not exactly uncommon in the real world. So all you fantasy seekers - who don't like a spicy dash of angst with the lust and the passion - should seek elsewhere. Okay? Or just flow with it and see where it goes and then decide if you like it. But, please, let Addie be Addie. She's sooooooooo good, and deep down in your little hearts troll hearts, you know it too!

Cheers,

Sd

I anticipate their reunion but then I dread that that will be the end of the story. I love these guys too much to give them up so I would be content if you dragged this on forever.

I agree with Spike that Buffy should have been a bit more emotionally supportive but the way he dropped that on her and then hung up was not cool.

Eve being at Buffy's apartment cannot be a good thing. Don't leave us hanging too long.

WAT IS TAHT BITCH DOING THERE!!!! i really hope that eve didnt go to buffys house to start something with her. i love this story and am so happy u updated. im glad that spike got all of that off of his chest and even though it hurt buffy to hear it, she needed to to understand wat he really wants in a relationship. also i understand that spike and buffy cant suddenly get back together but i hope it happens soon. please update as soon as u can, im dying to read the next chapter and see wat happens between eve and buffy. thanx

*GASP! what's gonna happen?! lol, guess ill have to read on ;)...thanks a lot for updating, you're a star.

I still love this and I think you are making it very realistic to live.