Poor Buffy, she's in complete turmoil here and it's really heart breaking to read. She's obviously really torn over her feelings for Spike- knowing that she should hate him for his 'betrayal' (air quotes on account of the fact that we don't yet know whether or not he really did betray her), knowing that she needs him to keep her late mother's business afloat, and also knowing that him being able to move on is going to break her heart all over again.

I really do love the role that Dawn plays here though- Briefly, she smiled, because they both soooo underestimated her powers of manipulation. I like her character a lot!

And more from the back story- Spike helping Buffy to save Joyce's business, and his appreciation for art. I really loved that!

x

Author's Response: Yes, Buffy's really confused underneath that stubborn facade. Thanks! I'm having fun writing Dawn's scheming and her relationships with both of them. I needed a good reason that Buffy was still stuck with Spike at work and I thought that worked pretty well. At least, I hope it did. Spike's love for Joyce gives me warm fuzzies too.

Well, at least I chickened out on the explicit stuff for this chapter. That's good, right? For that particular scene anyway.


Are you kidding?! I'm trying really hard as it is not to bitch about Spike and his ho as it is! If you had been explicit you so would have lost me as a reader! lol.

I'm also struggling with whether you might have Buffy sleep with someone too. I love it when Spike cheats, but even though she is tempted, Buffy doesn't. Cuz then Spike gets to feel extra horrible! lol. I'm so demented... :P

But besides that - lol - Awesome story and great chapter! Hope to see more soon! :D

Author's Response: Yes, I think I might have lost myself as a writer too! Just couldn't do it - not inspired in the least. That's why chapter 2 is kind of short. It was supposed to be longer and I didn't write it out. Tried, but no. Fade to black is much less painful. Think I lost a bunch of people as it is when he didn't back out of it. Uh, that other stuff I can't answer yet or I might mess things up. I have the next couple chapters roughed out, but I still need to look some things up before I post so I don't pin myself down to writing about something I know very little about and end up in a mess. Need to be able to totally change something if I have to. Oh and poor Spike! Making him feel extra horrible for your amusement. He was drunk and very, very sad and totally abandoned by his Buffy. She was pretty mean too, I swear. (He does feel extra horrible though). You'll probably see Melanie again, sorry. However, she'll be clothed and stay that way :) Thanks very much, glad you're enjoying it.

So he really did. Man, that´s got to be one tough true love. Rock solid, huh?
Still intrigued, though. Go ahead soon, please.

Author's Response: Yes, he did. Hopefully, the following chapter will explain it a little bit. Glad you're still reading. Thanks for reviewing!