Dawn really understands Spike, and I love her being a good friend to him. Her sweetness in that relationship is juxtaposed with her stubborn hard heartedness with Buffy. Buffy may be mistaken about the differences between Spike and William, but she's suffering, too. Dawn could be a bit more compassionate, but her harsh criticism is certainly in character.

I really like that Buffy is angry with Willow. She has every right to be angry. I just wish she'd explain herself so Willow can actually feel some guilt, too. The bleak scene with Buffy cradling her dress was heartbreaking.

I'd wondered about the possibility of pregnancy. I can't wait to find out the results.

This was another vivid, emotionally draining chapter. Nothing's even remotely resolved, but there's a sense of moving forward. Thank you for another riveting read.

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm glad you're still enjoying the story, and that you think my characterizations are accurate. :-)

just when i think i know where you're going, you throw me back on my toes! that was actually a really good angel characterization too!

Author's Response: Glad to hear I'm keeping you on your toes. My goal in this is to keep everyone guessing until the very end. Thanks so much for the review! :-)

I think Buffys holding up as well as can be expected and to she is the slayer she has to have a different view on vampires then Dawn does he calling requires it I think. The Dawn / Spike friendship is strong in this and I think it will help Buffy dealing with all of this in time. The Angel jealousy part was good for the simple reason in the last chapter he totally dismissed Spike and his feelings and past with Buffy but in reality what Spike as William had with Buffy over shadows any teen romance he had with her. As always I hate when I get to the last sentances of the new page but the last lines a total cliff hanger and I am hanging on the cliff here waiting in suspense.

Author's Response: It's so great to know that you're sympathizing with Buffy. A lot of readers are upset with her right now, which I completely understand, but she's behaving the way she is because of pain and a lack of understanding. You're right; her calling and her training does affect her view of vampires in general and Spike in particular. I'm glad you liked the chapter and thanks so much for the review! :-)

Call me stupid (please don't) but what with all the other stuff going on, I just hadn't even considered the pregnant bit ...... still, lovely angle. Now that would be proof positive, so to speak, although it doesn't seem necessary as Dawn may be incredulous but she is quite willing to understand, believe and realise that the 'mistress' in the article is in fact, Buffy. Your Dawn, by the way, is a much more likeable younger sister than in the Series. Have we actually witnessed a tantrum yet - because when she is talking with Buffy, her very calm manner and approach to the unfriendly reticence of her sister certainly makes her seem the more mature of the two, at that moment. She may be a part of Buffy, but unlike Buffy, Dawn has never been prey to that menace of truth: self-denial.

And now Willow is being drawn into the mix, by the closing and very pertinent comments of Angel, poor out-of-the-loop player that he is. The heroine of this piece will always be the Slayer - but suddenly he has lost his place as the male lead and for the first time in his dealings with Spike, Angel's participation is neither significant or - horror of horrors - required. In the life of Buffy and Angel and ..... Spike, he, the infamous Scourge of Europe has become surplus to requirements. No wonder he fled back to L.A.

Meanwhile, Buffy mourns ..... something whilst keeping her hard face intact as across town the vampire Spike mourns ...... something and wonders at her betrayal and what lies ahead.

And the only one who will acknowledge the heady mix of Buffy and Spike is a young, naive but very clear-sighted onlooker.

Great chapter.

Author's Response: You're one of my favorite reviewers; I would never call you stupid! lol. I'm glad you like my Dawn. I liked her quite a bit in season five, despite her pesky "little sis" quality. But in seasons six and seven she just became annoying. It was like the writers didn't know where to take her character, so they left her a perpetual, whiny child. She had a lot of potential early on, and I wanted to take that and keep her true to character, but without that annoying, abrasive quality. I also loved her early affection for Spike, and that great brother/sister vibe they had in the first few episodes of season six. I think if anyone could see the truth about Spike and Buffy in this story, it would be Dawn. :-) Thanks so much for the review!

This one of the best story I have ever read. You are great writer I hope this not just a hobbie for you. But I do hope Buffy wakes up and see the the light plus kick Willow and Tara free loading asses out. Not without paying back RENT up first. I didnt know u can live rent free?

Author's Response: How incredibly sweet of you to say! Right now, writing is just a hobby for me, but I'm working on an original novel, and I hope that it will turn my hobby into a career. Thank you so very much for your support and encouragement. I really appreciate it! :-D

OMG you are SO evil! This is one of the best stories I've ever read! I LOVE IT!

Author's Response: Evil, but in a good way, right? ;-) It's really flattering to hear that you think so highly of the story - thanks so much for taking the time to tell me so. :-D

Oh! Oh, please let her be preggers! I do hope that's the direction you are planning on going in. Let Angel stew in those juices for a while! HeHe! Love that Dawn is forcing Buffy to realize who Spike really is, someone needed to. And, as for Willow...geesh...bitch much? If the house is in so much dispair as far as money goes, help out and quit mooching you louse! Grr! That aspect pissed me off on the show also. Anyway, Great chapter, I am eagerly anticipating more!

Author's Response: Thanks so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it. :-D

I see I'm gonna have to Google a PPD and just pray its a funny answer lmao.
A little Spuff-muffin on the way would not be such a bad thing.
I don't remember what chapter it was but wasn't that all what William wanted in life was a wife and little one to look after?
I hope somehow he gets it!

Author's Response: lol. I'm not sure how funny you found it when you googled, but I hope you liked the chapter anyway. Thanks so much for the review! :-D

I can see where Buffys thoughts here on comparing Angel to Spike but she seems to be missing the major point here that unlike Angel who enjoyed his badness Spike never really did and most of his actions based on this story come from pain inflicted on him.

Love reading this and trying to figure it all out.

mozza



Author's Response: Thanks so much. I'm glad that you like it. :-D

LOL
I love the idea of Dawn off doing a B and E to get to the truth of Spike and Buffy. Shes smart and going outside of the Scoobies to find her own answers. It was very Summers woman ballzie for Dawn to go and confront Buffy the way she did. I think I loved the part best with Dawn leaving and Buffy picking up the book and how she reacted to that. I thought the Angel part was pivotal in the sense that he just figured it out that he was not her greatest love.

Author's Response: I'm glad you liked the book scene with Buffy; that was my favorite part of the chapter when I wrote it. Thanks so much for taking the time to review. :-D

His eyes
Sooo she did notice him and his reactions and his pain when she looked at his eyes that is a start.
More please and sooner the better ~ spoken like a spoiled fan I know

Author's Response: Yep, there's hope for her yet. And for them. Thanks so much for taking the time to review. I'm glad you liked the chapter. :-D

Aww poor Buffy is defensive and hurt and in mounig of her man but maybe with Dawns probing she will begin to see not all is lost in Spike.

Author's Response: It's great to know that you're sympathizing with Buffy as well as Spike. The way she treated him the night before was wrong, but it was due to pain and confusion, not a real desire to hurt him. Thanks so much for the review. :-D