Nice chapter, a good way to lay the ground work for a hopefully future relationship between the 2. Gotta love how little resposibility Buffy is taking in all of this, she keeps saying "we" when really, it was all her doing, yea, Spike wasn't a gem at the time, but she chickened out of their relationship...it just frustrates me as Spike is lookin like the ass to his family and Buffy is seen as the victim in some sense. I just would like to see Buffy work for whatever relationship her and Spike could have, not have Spike makin all the moves.

I'm actually surprised he called. I wonder what will happen to their relationship as time goes by. Update soon please!

Yay! Thank God the school hasn't blocked this site yet, I love this story so much, wonderful chapter please continue soon!

Great chapter. Glad that Buffy was honest with Dawn about the breakup. Also, Spike calling Buffy in the middle of the night just to hear her voice? Makes my inner Snoopy dance.

I was away and missed the last 3 chapters, but caught up now and all I can say is WOW ! I loved Buffy's comeback to Eve after spilling the wine on her, something I am sure all of us wished we could think of if that kind of situation occurred with us. I can't begin to tell you how glad I was that she finally told him why she left, it certainly leaves the door open to Spike to hash this over in his brain for clarity. The fact that he was able to talk and listen to her about her life shows more than just casual interest, I think things are starting to turn around the bend, and in a very good way. I am seeing a glimmer of hope or light at the end of this tunnel. I also think Buffy knowing of Spike's circumstances after she left shows how he got himself out ot the black hole he was in, good move !! I can't wait for him to tell Eve to hit the road, it is a scene I look forward to. All in all, great chapters, great jobs and thanks x3

Knew it would be Spike making the moves to reconnect. Buffy's still a coward. Her sister's an adult, now, and she still won't tell her the truth and explain what happened. They all deserved an explanation, because they're family.

It was nice getting Joyce and Giles' thoughts on Eve, even if it was through Dawn. I'm waiting for a big talk from father to son or mother to daughter, though. Or Giles to Buffy, since they used to be closer than she and Joyce were.
Buffy was incredibly selfish these three years - incredibly self-absorbed to not think once how this was effecting her family. I'm glad she's finally feeling the guilt, though in her typical stupid fashion, she's probably just going to use it to self-flagellate herself and not make any progress.

.... one more thing ... just a thought ... why is HE ALWAYS the one makig the effort?? She is just a little too frustrating most of the time (just like in BTVS) Can she have an epiphany and become rational, caring, thoughtful, loving AND fight for her man??? Does it always have to be him doing the caring and putting in the effort? Don't get me wrong, I like the story ... and it's probably just my dislike for the mistreatment of Spike (it's in my blood) arr arr

... a glimmer of hope ... Gads, will these two ever get it together? I'd love to see them work it out and spend at least a little time content in Spuffy land THEN have the TWO of them UNITED against all others --- or some bad situations. (just not against each other any more) AARRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH

Awww yay they are talking more, and less with the heavy talking, more with the giggles and blushing!! I love the lines where his voice gets all husky and sexy, I can picture it in my head and I love it!! Excellent writing in this chapter!

-Ashley-

aww they still love each other. addie another perfect chapter.

A perfect chapter, in perfect continuity with the previous chapter :)!

"Fiat veritas et pereat mundus!" ("Be the Truth revealed, even if the world collapses!)" Now, we have Spike's explanation, and I just love the fact that they are not in front of each other, but that is a phone talk. It adds something, I can't explain, but I think it's stronger.

So, hard, very hard time for Buffy. She learns that Spike wouldn't have let her go if she told him her reasons, what she expected, but that if he would have had the choice (if she would have let him the choice!) between his carrier and her, he would have chosen her...

And the worst, he lived litteraly in hell after she left. Alcohol, drugs, and overdose... God, it's sadly ironic! Buffy was so convinced to save his dream, his future with her departure, but in fact, it endangered not only his carrier, but his life too!

Thinking of Buffy's act, one word, no 2, come in my mind: shameful waste :( ! Not only Buffy, when she left, made Spike miserable, and herself miserable, but for absolutely nothing it seems!

And concerning Buffy's fear about a scandal, I find it funny that it's Robin himself, by his open and understanding behavior, who proves that Buffy was wrong to be so afraid of a scandal...

And in fact, how many people have been shocked by Buffy and Spike's relationship? Only 2: Joyce, but I think it's more because she didn't want to see her so-perfect-little world change (1 husband, 2 daughters, a (step)son, a perfect job, a pretty home); and Riley, a little uptight jealous weasel (sorry to be crude)

At the end, we see a sad and guilty Buffy... Argllll... Truth hurts!

Well, the path to reconciliation (and more ;)! ) between these 2 will need time, work. But hey! Let's hope ;)!

I know I repeat myself, but great chapter :)!

This chapter was wonderful. It was nice to see how affected Spike was by the break up. I want him to tell her that Quentin talked to him too, so she knows he thought it didn't matter.