*throws in the towel*

So you understand, you (as in those attacking anyone with criticism) are considered a bully because in defending Brat's honor, you have continued to berate and devalue those who have any bit of criticism in their remarks. Let's hope none of you plan on writing professionally. You'll cry your bitty eyes out after your first meeting with a real editor, let alone what happens when it meets an audience that is not filled with fangirls. Of course, this is "just fanfic". Amazing how much energy you put into something that you modify with a "just".

But see, I approached this the intellectual way. That was my first mistake. So, you win. Congratulations. Anything else thrown my way will be responded to with an eyeroll because at this point, I've wasted enough of my time playing these games. And hey, you can even have the final word.

Brat--I dropped you a line through TSR w/ my email, as you requested. If you'd like to continue my earlier conversation, I'd be open to it. If not, no worries and much luck with your writing. I also hope you do finally understand that the basis of all of these apparent attacks on your writing were simply opinions and critiques on writing that i know I, personally, enjoy most of the time. I don't think we can all get it right every time, which is fine, writers are imperfect. But i hope you'll be open to criticism and learn from it. I do apologize if you are getting hateful emails, it's uncalled for. However, i really hope you do not categorize my own remarks in the same category. I certainly had no malicious intent.

Once again, good luck with your writing.

Yeah-- let the mind games begin. Maybe now he'll see that he can just be himself w/her, and maybe the payoff will be worth the scare-factor. Great update.

Loved the chapters. I think that their talk went rather well. I think that I like Spike more after these two chapters. I can see why Buffy likes him. And they are kinda cute together. ; ) More please.

so sweet - I love this!

aww cute! more soon please!

Very good chapter, that Buffy is a very wise woman. I loved his reaction to Alicia having a boyfriend. It's too cute and at such a young age, but that does happen. He has much to learn, but I'm sure Buffy can help him. He just has to stop being such a slut...lol! I just couldn't resist. Still love the story and don't care what anyone else says about it. You're doing an excellent job=)

This story is so very far from screwed up, just thought I should tell you that :) I iike that Spike likes/trusts Buffy enough to really listen to what she's telling him and not just brush it off. And that he is so concerned about doing the right thing for Alicia...see, he can get it figured out; he's just a little slow :)

i can feel some Spuffy loving coming on!! maybe not right away but i can almost taste it... LOL

Yipee! I am so happy with that "speech" that Buffy gave Spike about Alicia. I may sound like a broken record *sorry* but for me...Spike's relationship with Alicia is the very most important issue that has to be worked on first and foremost. As Buffy said... "She’s your legacy that you will leave behind. She’s your blood. That is more real and more sacred than anything else."

To anyone that claims that Spike, or someone like Spike is a lost cause and not worth redemption...I simply would say to you..

Just ask their child or children if they think their Dad or Mom is worth it.. Take it from me as a kid growing up in a simular situation ( minus the movie star thing ..lol) I would have done anything to see my Dad make a change in his life...or for him to have found someone that could help him make a change. *sigh* Of course he was worth it!

Ok..That's just my personal take on things. Thanks for the update, and looking forward to more!!

Thanks for the coffee break. Glad they are finally talking it through. Sounds like he has a lot of issues he needs to get through before he can have a real relationship.