I can't think why I've only just found this fic, but I've been well and truly hooked. After Buffy cared for wheelchair Spike and never slept with Angel the dynamic at the beginning of season 4 is completely different.
Having Buffy no longer in love with Angel and still virgo intacta when Spike turns up looking for the gem and is at risk from the Initiative presents so many opportunities for Spuffiness. I shall await developments with immense interest.

GREAT fic, and I can't wait to read the next part! Will Buffy sleep with Parker and have a night and sleazeball human to compare to Spike? And I really want to see the confrontation being promised, makes me think of the heavy UST and teasing by FAith-in-Buffy's-Body in Who Are You?. They haven't actually fought against the other since Spike pinned Buffy to the fridge in her own house for a millisecond right after getting healed, and you know I was egging on a conflict that could heat up with delicious S&M undertones!
Man, please update soon!!

Just finished reading this entire fic, and glad I took a look at it! How Buffy is dealing with Angel was something I really liked, especially Spike admiring her a bit, and the idea that she was crushing on him a little, even without realizing it, instead of him being the only one thinking of them not just as hate-filled enemies is shown very well.

PLEASE don't have her sleep with Parker! That slimy toad doesn't deserve to touch her, never mind if she just wants the experience of a one-night stand and it won't hurt her feelings too much. It would change who Buffy is too much to have her be OK going through with casual sex. She thought the first time with Angel on the show was supposed to be special and wonderful and romantic and saved for someone you love, and now she's shrugging it off almost becuase she's bored!

I'm really looking forward to Spike and Buffy trading blows later on, and see their reactions to the fight! Write on and update quick please!!

look foward to the revised gem fight