DOS -- another good chappie! Thanks!

To Devin and the Guest who replied:

I'm glad we all agree that Buffy was very much in the wrong for abusing Spike prior to all of this going down. Yes, she has stopped -- but I see this healing time as being at least in good measure due to the fact that their original relationship was entirely abusive. Up until now they have never been together in a good way.

And I've always thought that Buffy's choice to expose Spike to the trauma of being alone with his abuser despite his obvious desire NOT to go along with the plan reflected the fact that even if Buffy was finally saying the words "I love you", they didn't mean much when push came to shove. As guest has just observed, I can't imagine considering putting someone I loved into that sort of situation against their will -- no matter what other factors might weigh into this. Indeed, I wouldn't do it to any body. It seems to me to be unethical at best and possibly immoral to use a still emotionally and physically traumatized victim as BAIT to gather evidence. I don't believe any law enforcement agencies would have done what Buffy did -- even if it was the only way they could "make their case". And even if by some stretch of the imagination that they would do it, seems to me they would have waited until the victim was stronger; only done it if they were sure that the victim was completely willing; and put a HUGE amount of energy into considering every thing that might possibly go wrong with the plan. So as I see it Buffy does to Spike something which no ethical person should do to anybody -- let alone somebody she supposedly loved. (She needed to stop and figure out some other way of getting 'proof' about Xander -- there were lots of people involved -- surely they could have put their heads together to figure out something better. None of this is to say that her goal of not leaping to a premature conclusion about Xander was wrong -- but the end doesn't justify the means).

She seems to be making progress now. I'm delighted that she recognizes that she doesn't love Spike the way he loves her. I mean can any of us even remotely imagine Spike asking a victimized and traumatized Buffy to be the bait in that sort of plan -- no matter what the purpose of that plan was? I can't. (And I've tried.) Spike always puts Buffy first. The plan revealed that Buffy doesn't even register Spike's concerns, let alone give them the highest weight. So there's a gap that needs closing -- and they now seem to be on a track to start closing it.

They are making baby steps there. Glad to see that Buffy is giving Spike what he needs. My heart hurts for them both. But things like this takes time. I"m sure they will get there. You give us our spuffy lovin in one of these chapters. Right, DreamsofSpike?

So Buffy misses the ability to touch Spike so much she wasn't listening to him, huh? But she got better.
I like the thought of Angel being / acting as a mediator for them.
Good to see that they became friends now. This will make an even better relationship for them.
Another drawback after watching the film. I fear for quite some time Spike will be reminded on the event.
*sigh* Poor ones..
Till next chapter!

Sosososososoooo mean
next chapter please

Great chapter, it's good to see that she's giving him time to heal, and that he's starting to let her in. They both needed that contact, and it's good to see that he/she is allowing themselves to take/give it. Excellent update, keep them coming! ;)

can't wait to see what happens next!!!!!!!!! :D

I am so glad they are working together on this and hope he will open up to her soon.

Great update, babe. Exactly how the healing process goes, in times like this.