aww he's turning into a little soulful Spike huh? and i'm sorry but i love evil Angel. it's a sickness i know. i've always like Angelus more than Angel. and oooooh the tension! i'm sitting here bouncing in my seat! so awesome! this story just gets better and better!

Author's Response: Giggles, yeah, to think he actually has one considering the ass he was at the beginning? Yup, love has the power to change things, wlthough he has yet to realize what's going on inside him - poor clueless platinum blond, shakes head. I adore writing Angelus because hey - he really is such an ass that taking free license to make him as bad as possible is just sooooooooo much fun, hee hee. Thanks for the reivew boo - snuggles.

Way to be so subtle with Angelus there Spikey! He's so jealous and he really is just beginning to understand why - buffy is different - buffy isn't one night stand material - buffy can't be hurt by Angelus .... or him! Now there is the big give-a-way!. When he starts thinking of Buffy's happiness above his own and thinking that a small working lunch is cause for excitement...sorry Spikey my boy, but you are hooked and reeling yourself in before Buffy is even giving you the time of day.

I know there's still some fun ups and downs coming our way, but I see Spike maturing at a wonderful rate here. And six years her junior is that much Buffy, grab that boy and train him like you want him now!

Oh darlin, that was a great couple of chaps for my weekend read. I am so looking forward to when Angelus decides to take it to the next step with Buffy, cause you know she's gonna kick his ass and there's nothing I like better than Buffy kicking Angel's ass, well, that's a lie, I like Spuffy Smut better than just about anything!

One thing that cracks me up is Buffy's constant attitude that Spike is trying to "buy" her. In a way, it shows Spike's immaturity that he believes buying Buffy gifts is a way to show he care and he still thinks that even though Buffy has repeatedly told him she can't be bought. And now Angel (unbeknownst to Buffy of course) is kinda doing the same thing with his "cost assement" to get Buffy into his bed. Sure hope she gives Angel the same, I can't be bought speech as she's kicking his ass all over the place when he finally makes his move - cause he strikes me as a crass enought character that he might actually cite his expenses as proof that he deserves a poke or two!

Well, I should get, the hubby and I are celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary (it was Friday, but we are celebrating tonight) and it's time to move the celebration to the next level. Take care my friend and thank you again for the wonderful tales you share. Hugs you tight!

Author's Response: YAY, you're back sweety and I'm so excited to heaer from you again. And gues what? At some point today, I'll beposting again and hope you have the chance to read and enjoy it. Hee hee - oh yes, SPike is in so deep he can't even see it let alone pull himself out of it. True there's a few more ups and downs, but then it wouldn't be a realistic spuffy story if there weren't I suppose. LMFAO - how true to get hold of SPike and train him to be just how she likes. As for Buffy - she's iving in her own little world of denial, sighs, it'll take her a bit to see things right, but she will. Congrats on celebrating your wedding annv, sweety. Next month is Evans and my 10 year annv. But alas I won't see him until June, poo. THanks for leaving a review darling, I missed you and you're sense of humor - it;'s great to see you back... now go make the the 'happies' with your hubby, *grins*. Luv ya babe.

I've been busy with RL and jumped back into the story to read 2 chappies! I absolutely love the frustratingly slow way you're ratcheting up Buffy and Spike's interaction. Throwing 'Angelus' into the mix is definitely making me on-edge...but I have the ut-most confidence that you're only doing this to help with the pay-off.

Spike can't help but be impulsive, young, and used-to getting his own way. Patience is definitely not his virtue and I will endeavor to have that be mine as you continue to let this amazing story unfold.

I can't wait for the chapters leading up to the ball. I know I'm going to either squee or cry.

Author's Response: Trust me sweety - I understand all too well about getting swamped with RL, ughhh. I'm just glad to see you back here, getting caught up and enjoying the read - smooches. I suppose it may seem a bit evil of me to build the tension slowly, but it wouldn't be realistic to me if I didn't - and simply got them together now, lol. So I'm not meaning to torture anyone, that's for sure, and the spuffy luvin - when it's time - will be made all the sweeter, *winks*. Yup - we have an evil Angelus on the loose here and as a result, SPike is becoming more 'aware' of certain emotions. LOL - no, patience isn't a virtue he has, at least not yet, so it makes me glad to see you have patience for him, and of course me with the development of the story - thank you SOOOOOOOOOOo much for the awesome review sweets - hugs you tight.

Angel is such an arrogant jerk! I'm so looking forward to the day Buffy sees him for what he is. *crosses fingers and hope he slips up* Loved Spike's little Freudian slip... lol! Great update!

Author's Response: Yup - he's a right Irish ass - bastard, but I do like writing him like that, hee hee. Glad you like Spike's little slip up - there'll be more in the future from both of them, *winks*. Thanks so much for the fab review darling - hugs you tight.

Nerghhh! I could've sworn I left you a review last night... but when I checked today for your reply, it's nowhere to be seen!

Never mind... I'll repeat what I said.

LOL at Harmony! Sloppy seconds indeed. :D And you gave me a warm, "awww" feeling when Spike finally contemplates the word "relationship". 'Bout damn time, you daft bleached head! *pats his head affectionately*

Also, your endnote can't help but remind me of In The Army Now. Sort of like the Oz + Willow + Spike + Main Course - Dessert = Spuffy. Hey, lookie! Maths! :D

Thank goodness you've updated early... I ran out of couch material to chew on. *g* Keep up the great work, it's fantastic. :D

Author's Response: Oh wow, you're like the 3rd or 4th person that's said they had trouble leaving a review, huh. Don't know what's up with that but glad you got one through to me sweety. Giggles - Harmony as sloppy second, I couldn't resist, I simply couldn't. Lmao over the equation from IAN. Yeah, although you might wanna throw in some more things like divide and mulktiply - when it's time, *winks*. Sorry for your couch honey, hee hee, more to come this weekend, promise and thanks for the awesome review, you rock! Luv ya.

I have a feeling there will be some tears and more angst coming our way. I'd love for Buffy to overhear one of the conversations between Will and Angel so she can see what Liam is really like.

But bad Spike for sleeping around, again. Ya gotta love that ol' double standard.

Author's Response: Well, maybe a little, yes, but I'll go mild on it - nothing ike the type of angst that was in TE... that took too much outta me. Glad you liked it hon and I'll of course be updating this weekend. Thank you so much for the review - hugs you tight.

Damn it , tina! she's gonna go out with lunkhead again? Can't wait for her to find out what a piece of dirt he is. Glad spike is starting to see that emulating Angel is not what a man should be. Great update , can't wait for this wkend.

Author's Response: *ducks head*, yeah, she is - she's a weeee bit blind right now - been outta the loop in the dating scene for too long. But the upside is that b/c of Angelus, it has gotten Spike thinking in the correct direction - as soon as he figures it out, lol. He's clueless in the emotions dept, but he'll get there. Glad you enjoyed tha update hon - thanks a mil for the review - smooches to you.

Ooo, Buffy's mean when she fights. Any lesser ego would have wilted away by now. At least Spike realizes she isn't some dame he can wham bam thank you, ma'am to. She should be loved. And he's dangerously close to saying that word to himself in his head.

Gonna be a race to who punches Angelus first, Spike, or Buffy. The prick is bound to slip up soon.

Author's Response: Yes she is, she takes low blows for sure, but lucky for Spike he isn't too put off by it, it simply makes him want her more, *winks*. Good thing too, b/c it will help him to change. Thanks for the great review sweety - hugs and kisses.

waiting with bated breathe for update :)

Author's Response: YAY, glad you liked it hon, more to follow soon- thanks. Smooches.

So has the nameless brunette finally put an end to Spike's useless, take his mind of Buffy, one night stands? Please yes because she's never gonna like him if he doesn't stop. Angelus is foul. Buffy really is just another notch on his bedpost and I'll leave it there!! At least Buffy and Spike are having periods where they are getting along and he is saying some very interesting things to her. Am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the weekend and the update that I know will be as fab as ever. Loved it.

Author's Response: LOL - okay, twist my arm Sam, make Spike behave. somewhat. At least when it comes to other women. He's learning, he is. And oh yes but we have one really evil Angelus on our hands - just the right kind of guy to actually help Spike 'see' things more clearly, *winks*. You'll be seeing a lot more of SPike and Buffy getting along - even though the snark will continue. Thanks so much for the review darling, more to follow soon. Hugs.

I love Spikes growing emotional awareness. He's not quite there yet, but he's finally thinking about what happens AFTER he gets her. There are so many nuances in play, and there's no way they can keep having those steamy arguments without just combusting at some point. Wonder what Spike's new strategy will be. Really loved this one, and looking forward to the next.

Author's Response: Ah yes indeed, he IS starting to use his brain where his dick is concerned, giggles. The 'after' will become more apparent to him (and important) as he and Buffy get along more and more as time goes on Glad you liked the chappy hon, thanks so much for the review. Hugs you tight.

You posted early!! *dances* *realizes she'd rather be reading than dancing* *scrolls back up to read*
the mastercard line in angel's head is deliciously evil! hee!
oh, i can feel the heat radiating off the two of them every time they argue. woah! did spike actually think the word "relationship"? *hands him a gold star*
can't wait for the next chapter!

Author's Response: LOL - I'm glad you you danced and read and enjoyed it sweety. Angelus really is a bastard in this one - I couldn't help but use the credit card logo - that's how he thinks... ass that he is, lol. Yup - Spike actually had a deep thought for once about Buffy - and indeed every encounter they have leaves them both frustrated and wanting - but you'll never hear Buffy say it, at least for awhile, giggles. Thanks for the review hon - hugs you tight.

Oh, please, let Cordy gossip, let her tell Buffy about who Angelus really is... It was disgusting to know how much money he intend to spend... It was good that she didn't let him kiss her :) I think she can stop seeing him now, Spike is already jealous and it's obvious who she wants ;)

Author's Response: Angel is a real tosser here, I realize that, and it's actually fun for me to write him as such and serves the purpose, too. Buffy doesn't see it yet so she'll be out again with him, but she is a lady, so no worries over her doing anything too stupid with him, I promise. Thanks for the review hon, I'll update this weekend. Smoochies.