A stupendous chapter. He and she, full throttle, verbal violence of the magnificent kind - and it is only now, like this, that they get to each other, hold on to what they want, from each other. Buffy almost capitulates at the end; she becomes calmer, tender and almost resolved: this is what I want. Spike. It is almost disconerting, waiting for the real, mixed-up fist-happy girl to waver with her speech, deny her emotions .... but she stands there and pets him, loves him, becomes the girl of his dreams and looks directly at him. It's a pivotal moment, all the more so for its unexpectedness. For we, like Spike, expect her to run.

She stays. And it is this new, uncharacteristic resolution of hers that is going to make waves amongst the Scoobies, Giles and, of course, Angel.

He sees Elizabeth in Buffy. She now sees William in Spike but, crucially, it is now not a condition of love, for her. She loves Spike before her, with the tremor of William within. It just remains to be seen whether she will defend him now against his detractors as she defended him from the scorn of others, back then.

A very powerful and intense dialogue. Bravol

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I've had so many readers express shock over the ending of the chapter due to the violent argument that preceded their reconciliation. I think it was necessary for them to work through their frustration and confusion. I don't believe they could have come together if they hadn't first come to terms with their anger at each other. That isn't to say that it will all be easygoing from here, but, as you said, Buffy is now able to see William in Spike. That is the crucial first step.

What a glorious, gorgeous chapter. My mind is whirling. Spike being dismissed so effectively by Giles sent him down the drunken, self pitying path. When Buffy, full of Angel's words, finally arrived, Spike's vitriolic verbal assault was horrible. I was sure Buffy would just throw a punch and decide she had been right all along, there was no way William was anywhere to be found.

Instead, you believably turned all the pain and anguish on its head. You finally get them to talk about what happened in the past, how devastated they both were and are. Spike's presentation of the ring was beautifully realized, and Buffy finally reaching for Spike felt right and believable. This exchange seemed to have them turn the corner completely: "You don’t know how to be good; you’ve forgotten how to be good. You don’t even know wrong from right—”

She started to turn away then, but he grabbed her arm and held her back.

“Then, teach me!” he said hoarsely. Desperately." You masterfully have them both sympathetic and vulnerable and hopeful, and you had me holding my breath right up to the last line.

I'm rubbing my hands together in anticipation of Buffy having a little talk with her minions. Thank you for another stellar chapter in this compelling story.

Author's Response: The "teach me" line was my favorite in this chapter, and I'm delighted it struck a chord with you. Your reviews are always so wonderful and detailed, and they make it obvious that you are a very intelligent person, which makes your positive comments all the more flattering. Thank you! :-)

Wow!!! Loved that last line! Can't wait to see what chapter the new year brings because I don't think her friends are going to make things easy!!! Happy Holidays!

Author's Response: I'm terribly sorry to be so late in giving you my most heartfelt thanks for your review. I hope your holidays were wonderful and that you have a happy 2008.

I always think of this as a X-mas story with him giving her the bracelet and I was so happy to find more of it before the holidays get here thanks for the great chapter

Author's Response: Thank you! :-D

Idiot Spike, getting drunk.
Aww, they arn't going to hurt each other...though what will happen next? They forgive and forget, but have to put up with the Scoobies?

Author's Response: Well, you know Spike ... when he's hurt, he reaches for the bottle. Thanks for the review!

I just don't even know what to say other than....HOLY COW! Great chapter! I am so uber happy that they are finally together, atleast somewhat. I imagine there's a great deal of angst still left, what with the telling of Giles and the rest of the Scoobies. Can't wait until the next chapter. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, see you after the holidays!

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm sorry to be so late in responding to this, but I hope your holidays were lovely and happy. (((hugs)))

Happy Holidays!
I am doing a dance this was just so juicy and I look for this everyday for new pages. please more when you can and have a Happy New Year!

Author's Response: Thank you!

At last Spike was able to tell Buffy some of his sides to events that had happened and his feelings behind then and it not being secondhand information from Angel or a William the Bloody book. This is the best fic every time I see a new part of this it just gets better and better to read.


Author's Response: How flattering to know that you feel that way. Thank you!

I loved this especially for the part where he hands her the ring and you can just feel the William anxiety he would have in having her open the box just as if it was 100 years ago and he was asking her then to marry him. And where you had him say it had to be the perfect ring I just teared up it was so perfect a moment in the story.



Author's Response: The part where he hands her the ring was my favorite to write, so I'm glad you enjoyed it as well. Thank you!

Finally!!! I hope this works out. I know it won't and can't be easy, but hopefully they'll make it through. Can't wait for more!!! Happy holidays.

Author's Response: Thank you!

She is talking to him like he is William I think that is a great start and they are communicating again one on one without anyone butting in or running off. I am excited!
More please with Spike on top

Author's Response: Thank you so much. I'm glad you liked the chapter. :-D

Still loving it! More! :)*

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm so glad that you do.