This was a real loely chapter to read with them drawing closer and talking about Spikes past. I do see why he's leave out the parts on Angel no one likes to relive that kinda pain.

Author's Response: Leaving out the rape when he told Buffy about his past was an incredibly unselfish act on Spike's part. Yes, it would have been incredibly painful for him to talk about, but it also would have all but guaranteed a permanant rift to develop between Buffy and Angel. But he didn't want to do that to Buffy; he didn't want her to be hurt. So he kept it to himself. I was so proud of him for that. Thanks for the review. :)

This is almost a date for them ok ok sure he was all beat up and still bloody but these two never get close to normal it's my hope when she sees all he has done for her she will slip that ring on her finger

Great chapter!

Author's Response: I agree ... normality really has never had a place in either of their lives. And for Spike, it was even better than a date; it was being cared for by the woman he loves. I'm sure he was in seventh heaven over that. And I'm happy you enjoyed it as well. Thanks so much for the review. :)

I love this!
This was like a giddy fan-girl moment for me to read this it was almost a squee it was so warm and cozy I loved it. Even Dawn coming in and them getting a pizza was perfect.

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the new chapter just as much. :)

Buffy stealing twenty bucks and Spike joking with her about it was too cute I love how you are making them into a couple it is just how they world be on the show Joss would be proud of your use of his charaters.



Author's Response: I would be flattered to think of Joss enjoying my characterization. Thank you for that compliment!

Financially this is great news for Buffy but at what cost to Spike? I know he's a champion but I feel he is pressing his luck fighting again so soon with his hip not healed. I guess we just gotta hope all his 100 years of training keep him safe - cause its only a matter of time before Buffy notices his beatings and follows him or finds out - which will lead to some kinda fight. As always I love this story and how it leaves me dying for more splendid job


Author's Response: Thank you so much for the review. I hope you enjoy the new chapter. :-D

OK Spike is giving "self-less acts" a new name and still I love him for it even if he is going about it the wrong way. I see why he is lying because he knows she wont take it from him and their new relationship is just that, it's new to both of them and both are trying to find their footing back to one another so I can see his unease in wanting to save her and trying to find a means how.


Author's Response: Yes, he might be doing the wrong thing but he's doing it for the right reasons. Somehow, I think that makes the deceit not quite so bad. Thanks for the review. :)

This took me a while to read but it had me on the edge of my seat from page 1.
I did not take the time to review all the pages but this has got to be my favorite story on the forum.
Yiu have a gift to writing I really hope you keep writing this it is wonderful and I have passed it on to a few of my friends to get them hooked on it too

Author's Response: I truly admire all the readers brave enough to tackle this story. I know that the word count must be terribly daunting. I'm glad you did and that you're enjoying it. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. :)

I love at the end how he sort of forgets himself and shows his more William side in front of Dawn when comforting Buffy. It was cool to see them alone two for once and how they are connecting and coming to terms with their past.

Author's Response: No matter how hard he tries, I don't think Spike could ever fully suppress his sensitive "William" side. Even before we knew what to call it, it cropped up a lot on the series. As tough as he is, he has that tender side that just bleeds emotion. I'm glad you think I'm doing a good job writing it. Thank you for the review!

awww! this chapter was adorable. i love the deepening of the bond between spike and buffy. the fact she actually listened and understood him makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. the money thing went over well, but i'm worried about spike's injuries.
you capture spike's intense love and tenderness and need - in even the smallest details like the way he carries his injuries, and conceals stories of angelus.
fantastically done! thank you!

Author's Response: Thank you so much! You can't know how much it pleases me that you picked up on all the more subtle aspects of their behavior. I'm trying to make them seem very loving without a lot of fluffy speeches or constant sex. I think Spike's actions (getting her money, concealing the truth about Angel) speak even louder than his words in regards to how much he loves her.

I could feel the love between these characters in every line of this chapter. Stunningly beautiful. Best story ever.

Author's Response: I am so incredibly flattered you feel that way about my writing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

nice chapter, I liked Buffy nursing for Spike!
Hope you update soon!

Author's Response: Thank you! I hope you enjoy the new chapter.

A chapter choc full of absolutely all the right things and, for the most part, with just two people. Them. Who, quite frankly, are the only two that count (with a little bit of supportive Dawn on the side). Here is the William from yesterday but now with the added streak of Spike. So now he is thoughtful, attentive, loving - and resourceful and brave and .......well, whatever. Their respective, instinctive treatment of each other makes her pet and caress him and him almost purr for his love of well over one hundred years.

Please don't let it all go wrong ....... it's a beautiful, tainted and bittersweet story.

Author's Response: I have to admit, it was very nice to be able to take a break from the angst in the story. Spike really deserved those quiet moments with Buffy, and it was lovely to see that Buffy was finally ready to give them to him. Thank you so much for the review. :)

I love you, you know!

This entire chapter was more lighthearted (except for the emotional ending, that is) than almost any other. The were so easy with each other I kept awww-ing and at points giggling, and I really, reeeeeeeally enjoyed it!

Because, there was her emotionally underdeveloped sister sitting in the living room, watching a rerun of E! True Hollywood Story while the big, bad William the Bloody stretched across the sofa with his head on her lap. ---- AWESOME!

and

Like a shot, Spike was off the sofa. He crossed to the foyer so quickly that it was amazing he didn’t trip over himself. Dawn could see from his limp that he might not be quite as healed as he claimed, but it didn’t seem to slow him down. When he reached them, he pushed her out of the way so he that could put his arms around Buffy.---- *sighs* I ADORE that man!

Honey this story is bloody marvelous, is what it is!

*hugs*

Author's Response: I just wanted to drop a (very) belated thank you for your review of this chapter. I really appreciate the time you took to leave it. The sentence you mentioned (Spike's head being on Buffy's lap) was actually one of my favorites. I had such a great mental image when I wrote that. lol.