Finally they are talking and not punching their way thru their problems. Your hold on the characters is so dead on and tight its just like watching the show where I am craving the next episode and wondering what will happen next to Spike and Buffy and will they ever get to the love they both feel. Excellent as always and please more.

Author's Response: Both of them are so quick to react with their fists, aren't they? You're right - the fact that they are now able to discuss matters, even when they are angry, shows real progress in their relationship. I think that Spike would have liked to hash things out in a civil manner on the show (in season six, he constantly tried to get her to talk about her feelings for him). Unfortunately, she had become so callous by then that she refused to let him. My Buffy isn't perfect, but she isn't going to intentionally be cruel to him. Thanks so much for the review. I'm glad you think I'm doing the two characters justice. :-)

“It’s just…they’re still getting used to the idea that we…I mean…that when I was gone…and it will take them a while to accept it. If I add this on top of it, they’ll really hit the roof. You understand that…right?”

why do I get the vibe there is more to this question going on here then Spike realizes? Like there is more to keep as a secret then just her being with him.

I smell a plot thickening..................

Author's Response: Well, you never know. My lips are sealed about future plotlines. ;-) I hope I can keep you guessing, though. Thank you so much for the review! :-D

Has the site been down it has been impossible to leave a review on anything I have read here anyway this was S/B perfection in how you laid this all out I love it and you do Dawn so great too.

Author's Response: Thank you so much for taking the time to slog through site problems and review. I really appreciate the feedback - especially the fact that you love Dawn. She's such fun to write and such an honest character.

I think my favorite part was Spike striping off her sweater to remove all the traces of Angel off of her. And then when you had Spike say (Her undergarments were hardly more than utilitarian, and, for a moment, she felt embarrassed to have him see them. But his eyes dilated as he looked at her—all black but for a cloudy ring of blue—and she saw him swallow hard. Although the jealousy remained, all the bravado had gone out of his tone as he whispered, “Buffy…don’t leave again.”) Hott damn I could have swooned and fell over. An this part (“You’re still mine, aren’t you?” she whispered.
“Yours.” His words were husky, slurred around a kiss, but he sounded as if he liked the idea.) I think I past out on.


Author's Response: Swooning and passing out were definitely the reactions I was going for. Thank you for letting me know I succeeded! :-D

I loved how you made them almost clinging to one another you could feel the desperation and want I think at one point my laptop screen steamed over and blushed. It was wonderful how you had them come together and not having Buffy scamper off or run away she and Spike actually talked and stopped denying what they feel or hide it.



Author's Response: I'm glad you said that (about it being steamy). A few reviewers on another site commented that I left things off at "the good part." I just didn't feel that the scene called for anything graphic in the way of sex - it almost felt as if it would be intruding on them, if that makes sense. It's nice to know that you feel I did a good job. Thank you so much for telling me. :-D

Buffy and Spike finally coming together, filled with love and warmth, was lovely, though Buffy continuously looking for William through the veil of Spike is a bit worrisome. She needs to accept where he is now. That's what she's expecting her friends to do. When she finally tells them, that is.

Spike's assessment of Buffy 's life being dictated by her friends rings true to some extent, but he's not cutting her enough slack for her behavior in the past. She was alone, at the mercy of the times. She really was the damsel in distress. It was also her first chance to be just a girl since her calling. She was living her dream of a normal life. Of course, for Buffy "normal" meant meeting and falling in love with her mortal enemy in the past.

Here's hoping Spike's sharp critique was in the forefront of Buffy's mind when she was confronted by Willow and Tara and Giles. The gang's continual self righteous badgering merits a smack down. Buffy was already angry about Willow and Angel exchanging notes behind her back, so maybe Buffy will tell them all to back off and let her live her own life.

The Dawn and Spike show brought an emotionally light note in this chapter. I laughed out loud at her first line and was kept grinning by her ogling and their companionable banter. You write their easy friendship beautifully, and Dawn's last line deftly set the stage for the next chapter.

Thank you for another tight chapter. Spike and Buffy are coming together slowly but surely and the unfolding relationship is a joy to read.

Author's Response: Buffy is having a hard time accepting that, while Spike may be the same man as William, he is no longer the same *person.* His experiences have changed him, and while the most important aspects of his personality remain unaltered, she can't expect him to possess the same innocence he once had. Eventually, she will have to come to terms with that. Thanks so much for the review!

Oh God I love this story - so much - and at least Spike is only Buffy's secret and not her dirty secret!! Can't her "friends" be a little more understanding and get a job themselves to pay their way? Buffy should do what is right for her and not worry about what anyone thinks - oh if only it were that easy.

Author's Response: Exactly. While I'm sure it's hurtful for Spike to have to be a secret at all, Buffy truly isn't ashamed of him (as she was in season six). And it's hard not to sympathize with her situation. She should stand up to her friends, of course, and live the life she wants to lead; but she has so many hang-ups and fears about being abandoned. I'm so glad you feel the same way and aren't angry with her. Thanks for the review. :-D

Those Bitches. Seems like Buffy and Dawn need to move into the crypt with Spike and leave everyone else to their own devices. And not at all curious about her time with Angel. Even at this point I can't imaging that Angel would have spilled to their desired level. Gotta wonder about that. And I love that Buffy and Spike did just fall back into bed with each other. May not be the smartest plan, but it is the most true to them. And Dawn as the Shelock Holmes go-between, I love that. Gotta wonder how long Spike can stay in the shadows. Please, update soon.

Author's Response: I'm glad you picked up on the fact that no one questioned her about Angel. There is a significance to that, which will be revealed later on. Thanks so much for the review!

I forgot a bit; did they talk about Buffy getting a job before? But Dawn is fun, if not irritating.

Author's Response: Yes, Willow mentioned it a few chapters back, although this is the first time they have talked to Buffy about it. I'm glad you like Dawn. Thanks for the review. :-)

*hugs back*
Buffy isn't silly. She catch up on what has happened (that Spike must have looked for her).
Spike is right; to make it right to everybody is a task even a slayer can't manage.
Oh I can't believe it! And Buffy supports this friends of her? They want her to get a job. (I am right - or do I mix things up here - Willow moved in? It's too late to check.) What an impertinence if they are living there too (what I guess they do). With friends like that you don't need enemies.
~ Enjoyed the update! I hope Buffy will think twice about doing what her friends wants her to do.

Author's Response: Behind on answering my reviews yet again. Sorry about that! And yes, you were right; Willow had moved into Buffy's house. Somewhat like season six with the freeloading. ;-) Thanks for the review!

“Buffy…don’t leave again.”
Ah I'm tearing up and need a tissue again!!!
I seriously need this story made into a movie it has a effect no Spkie and Buffy fan can recover from...............

Author's Response: If I could turn it into a movie for you, I definitely would - especially since it would mean I could meet James Marsters. Thanks for the review!

Spuffy Realm must be actig up or my computer is cause this is my third time trying to get my review to post so here goes.
I had so many Awww moments in this but I loved the tenderness between the two the most it was wonderful
please more soon


Author's Response: Wow, the third time? Thank you so much for making the effort! I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you this. I'm woefully behind on answering reviews.

Ack I did a huge review and this thing ate it!
OK I loved this and it was great and I have missed reading it

Author's Response: Aw, I missed a huge review? Stupid internet. I really appreciate your taking the time to leave a second one though. Thank you for that. :-)