I loved Buffy's thoughts in the last scene. Especially that last line: "Instead, she sat and watched the gravesite, waiting for the wrong vampire to rise from the ground." Just beautifully done.

Author's Response: I had that line written and hanging around in the story document for chapters and chapters before I used it. Sometimes that's just the way it works!

It’s a quaint symbolic human custom traditionally exhibited during the mourning process.

BRILLIANT Anya-line. And even though you and I have discussed the "gravestone" scene many times before, it was quite different...seeing it played out. Even from what I had imagined. Again, the pacing - while I'm tearing my hair out waiting for Spike's return - is brilliantly done.

Your last line about killed me, too. *sigh*

Ohh, and congrats on the nominations, h0r. :P

Author's Response: I love that line so much.

Author's Response: And the gravestone scene went much differently in MY head, and I wrote the damn thing. I figured that Tara's mention would finally prod Buffy into revealing the thoughts that have been kept bottled up over the past several months, and she'd finally be able to talk to Tara, but nooooo. I got to that point, and Buffy said to me, "Get me the hell out of here," and I'm not about to argue with her. Because...yeah.

Look fowar to the return of Spike

Author's Response: You and me both. :)

A grave stone would mean he was really gone, and in this world, who ever stays dead? I think her reaction is quite appropriate. Great chapter.

Author's Response: Indeed! Stupid Buffyverse and changing the rules of death. :P Glad you're enjoying the story!

I'm really enjoying your take on the inner workings of Buffy's mind. She's able to sort through a lot of emotions in Spike's absence that she refused to face in his presence. I'm looking forward to how you're going to skew Season 6 in the rest of the story, and how you're planning to get Spike back as more than a memory.

Author's Response: You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to skewing S6. Seriously. I think a lot of Spuffy writers feel the same way, but...it's just something I'm really looking forward to. :)

I think Bufy's reaction to the suggestion of a gravestone for Spike rings very true, and her musings as she waits for the flegling to rise work well. I'm still loving this story.

Author's Response: I'm so glad! Thanks for reading and reviewing!

I like the imagery in this chapter; Buffy's dream has a very surreal feeling to it. Nicely done!

Your version of Buffy's post Grave summer makes good sense, and the writing is very evocative. I feel the stasis she can't seem to shake. Poor Buffy; that's a lot of responsibility for a 20 year old. And it sounds like things are about to get interesting!

Looking forward to the next chapter!

Author's Response: While I severely dislike the way Joss Whedon handled Buffy in S6, I think one of the things he did get right was her reaction to suddenly shouldering responsibility; I think she would have been more open to it had she not had to deal with her own death and resurrection as well. And things are indeed about to get interesting. ::grin:: I'm glad you're enjoying it!