Oh awesome healing time. Healing is good. One day spike is gonna understand that.

Sad. Healthy for them to not be under each others feet, but sad too. Looking forward to more and to see how you are gonna write the resolution even though it looks to be quite a time in coming. Great tale, very moving - Love how you've protrayed Lorne as the "guide" through this muddled set of relationships. More please!

Buffy didn't flat out ask Spike what he thought. More like manipulating Spikes feelings for her to get what she wants. Buffy told Spike that she wasn't going to keep Lindsey away from him but that he was going to be spending less time with her and that it was for the best. He just sat there and said nothing. He didn't put up a fight, didn't voice his opinions. He is just so submissive it hurts, he reminds me of my mother at times.

The whole situation reminds me of the episode As you Were.

If Buffy wanted to make things work with Spike she would of suggested they both go to counseling. Spike being so passive would of probably agreed to seeing a relationship counselor.

Sad...very, very sad. I understand the place where the characters are in this, and the logic behind moving them farther apart. It's just hard to see how you will bring these two back together-- It's seems as if all trust has been destroyed, and it's hard to have those vulnerable moments when there is a complete lack of trust. It was difficult enough when Buffy didn't trust, but now feeling as if he's been pushed out the door, Spike has lost his trust in Buffy. I know you can swoop in and bring these two star-crossed lovers back together, and I'm hoping it's soon!

Wow. That was kind of depressing. I understand why she's made this decision, but can't feeling sorry for Spike. I know this will probably be good for them in the end, but damn, it just makes me sad...which is a good thing, right? It'd be kinda sadistic if it made me happy. LOL! Anyway, great chapter. Beautiful writing. Really felt both of their pain.

Yeah, this chapter was sad. I just hope it is the right decision (the one that will bring them back together again in the long run, but rather sooner then later). Buffy decides what has to be done and Spike has to follow. *cross my fingers*

I hate how Buffy just told Spike what was going to happen with Lindsey instead of discussing things with him. As the story goes on I find myself hoping that they don't get together. Buffy was with Angel for so long and tried so hard to make it work with him, yet with Spike she drops him at the first hurdle. I just don't get the feeling that Buffy cares for Spike at all.

Author's Response: Well, she did ask him if he too was tired of them fighting and he did say yes. She also did say she wasn't going to keep her from him. Buffy has had a lot of hurdles in a short span of time, it's like that one drop in the sink that makes it overflow. It's a human reaction.

Night buffy,Night Spike????? Boy you just love this don't you.I gess I'm seeing this different then you,but you are the writer.But this is getting old.

Author's Response: You have the option to not read if the story bothers you...I can't help it if it doesn't please you or anyone else. Steps are being made and I'm not sure exactly what you expect them to do at this point...I'm not about making them fall into each others arms and forget the story and what's happening to them...I like realism, not making fluff here.

Ack, it's just so sad! I see how this is an important step for them, but.... ack! I feel so bad for them! Poor guys! Can't wait to see what happens next!

i really like this chapter because i think Buffy's really trying to do what is best for all of them, and taking some time away from each other to clear their heads is the best thing to do.. she sees that in able for her to start the healing process she needs to be alone, find herself and some kind of peace within herself before trying to move on.

but.. i can also understand where Spike's coming from. he knows he messed up, and he's trying to do the right thing, but he also thinks that whatever Buffy's doing is just to hurt him, like whatever Buffy does is a punishment that he thinks he doesn't deserve because in his mind he feels he did the right thing in not telling her...

i just hope that they use the time apart to figure out what they need and what's gonna happen in their lives.

Author's Response: Thank you! Can I say..I love you? lol

I think that buffy made the good decision
For her ,spike ang lindsay It doesn't matter Or the life will lead(drive) them They will always be relatives before be friend or lover and it is the most important lindsay

Your story is very realistic and I like it, because even though I like a fluffy story once in a while, I prefer realism. And I don't know about other people, but if someone hurts me badly, I won't truly forgive him only because he apologized. It is a simple defense mechanism. If we get hurt, may it be physically or mentally, be become cautious and suspicious of the person who hurt us. Spike may be truly sorry, but I understand why Buffy can't even begin to work through their issues considering the mental state she is in right now. Too much happened too fast.
The advise, Lorne gave her is exactly the kind of advise an actual counsellor would give in such a situation. The tension between those two is way too high and the only solution is to separate the two forces, because otherwise they'd cause even more damage. Spike keeps on pushing while Buffy tries to pull away. It just does not work that way. Not to mention that some distance usually helps to put things into perspective. Both of them need to sort out their respective situation first, before they can sort out their relationship or lack of or whatever.
I think you do a beautiful job describing the utter mess human relationships can become.
:-)

Author's Response: Thank you very much :) Can I say I love you? lol. Yes, Spike is sorry, you're right, and yes, you are right, Buffy can't even deal with it right now. It's like all of it just came to head all over again for her and she's thrown. Don't you just love Lorne? :) He is fun and exhausting to write.