i'm soooooo glad i finally found my place again! i have to say, i really liked this chapter, but then again, didn't. really didn't want to see Xander's memorial service. i do like the fact that Spike had an Anya moment about mortality. i love how deep you make these characters. i really, truely love this Spike. almost as much as Sotia's I.T. William. can't say Willy. reminds me of Dru and i started cracking up. but i love how you got them to connect deeper and i know i'm a sap, but when Spike bares his soul, it's so awesome. you just want to hug him and kiss him and cuddle. those are the best scenes. now just let him beat up Angel!! "ggrrrr" Spike is still sexy as hell too!! i also liked how they've become sort of dependent on each other. them sleeping together is sweet and you make it very intimate. i also loved the photo booth! lol i could just see those pics in my head. can't wait to get to ch. 24!!! u so rule! i'm gonna buy you a crown and scepter!

Monica

p.s. as i finished reading this chapter, the song "Good Night Sweet Girl" finished on my music list. kind of eerie but awesome with this chapter!

OMG! I have no idea how I managed to do it, but I missed this update! Stupid, sill me! Loved loved loved this chapter. The funeral was sad, but I am so happy that the experience has drawn Buffy and Spike together. The picture idea was so sweet and I loved how she wasn't instantly smiling in the first couple of pictures; I could so visualize Buffy glaring at Spike's attempts to make her smile. And, it was just so cute that she couldn't sleep and snuck in to snuggle with Spike, especially since he didn't seem to have trouble dropping off into slumber withouth him. Too cute for words. Great work as always.

Also, on a more personal note. Thank you so much for all the sweet and caring words you have sent my way on the reviews of Forward In Reverse. They have meant so much to me, knowing that someone out there understands what I am going through. Thanks so much. BTW, my mom is getting out of the hospital on Monday morning. They can't seem to find a reason for the pain and severe nausea she's experiencing, but they've ran tests and even though there are two small spots on her liver, the organ itself is running at 100%; which is good news for now.

Thanks again and great work on this story, very emotional and written beautifully, as always. Ok, onto today's update. :)

Author's Response: oh that's alright hon - I'm just glad you found it and enjoyed. Yeah - I hated to have such a sad atmosphere, but I felt it was the best to be able to bring out the true Buffy and Spike - bring them closer together. Hee hee, poor Buffy - she can't resist Spike's charm when it comes to getting her to smile, AND of course now she's addicted to sleeping next to him - hell, I would be too, lol.
I can't tell you how happy I am to hear your mom is coming home hon. It's always a relief and a good sign. I know it can be frustrating when she has pain that tests can't seem to find and it usually leads to more tests sadly. I just hope it's something that will pass for her and she has more 'good' days than bad. Coming home will help her spirits greatly. My own m-i-l always hated having to stay in the hospital, it brings a sick person down mentally. I hope the spots on her liver is nothing more than something benign - a good sign that it's running at 100%. I really to do feel for you and her honey, it's so tough to watch a person go through these things and know there's not much you can do but to be there for them. Which honestly, raising her spirits in that way is often a better medicine than any doctor could prescribe. You're still in my prayers darling and will be until your mom gets through this - hugs and kisses.

Smooshed Xander? Interesting, not a Fuedian slip or anything was it. I loved Xander in the first few seasons, but then he just got odd (er) and I didn't like him much. I like him and Anya together though, Nifty funeral idea. I especially liked the individual boxes of his ashes for his family and friends to scatter and say their good-byes. I may borrow that for my funeral (think I could get JM to take one and scatter it close to him? LOL - he'd probably do it for the right amount of cash!).

I love how you keep putting them in these "almost there" scenarios and then yanking them into another direction than what we thought you were going to do. You and muse must sit around laughing at us all, haning on to the edge of our seats, just waiting for that "first time" and then, bam! (Emerils got nothing on you two!) you just toss us in the corner and tell us to be patient, all good things take time to build and appreciate.

Can't wait to see what's you've got up your sleeve next for our cute couple.

Hugs sweetie and hope you have a lovely, safe and relaxing 4th of July.

Author's Response: Giggles - I hated to kill him off like that, but that's what the muse chose. YAY - glad you liked the boxes of ashes idea, I felt it fitting b/c of the fact they were all life-life friends. Yeah, I must admit, I do keep putting them in 'almost there' situations, but I supose it's all with the timing and timing is important to me - for the pacing of a story, *blushes*. BUt of course I'm glad you liked the chapter and you always have a review for me that has me rolling with laughter - thanks my friend - hugs you tight.

Aw. He's really proving himself to be such a good person and the right man for her, and I'm glad she's starting to realize that. Loved his breakdown, I can imagine how hard it would be for someone as young as he is to confront death for the first time. Excellent writing, just absolutely love it! *hugs*

Author's Response: Squeee, so glad you liked the update darling. It did provide for some serious insight into the real SPike and Buffy which will go a long way in getting them together. Thanks for the review my darling - hugs and kisses.

Never thought Buffy and Spike would get to the point where they couldn't stand to be apart from each other. Can't wait to read more!

Author's Response: HAHAHAHAHAAH - ya know, that really is kinda funny, but I'm glad I did get it to this point, *winks*. THanks for the reiew boo - huglles.

Thank you for writing this chapter. It brought back memories of when I lost my grandparents at an early age, trying to figure out the whys behind it all. The message you shared about living life is especially important to help us remember those who are no longer with us. Your chapter helped remind me to smile and live life in remembrance of others. This incarnation of Buffy and Spike seems the most meaningful of all your characterizations in your stories. While I’ve always loved your work, I feel the most invested in this spuffy pairing. Thanks again

Author's Response: Awwwww, I'm sorry it brought back a bad memory, but yes, the lesson we all learn when we go through it is a profound one, the most important lesson as humans we have to learn. And wow - I'm very flattered you enjoy this pairing in this story the most - it means I'm doing my job right, thank you boo and for the entire beautiful review - hugs you tight.

I loved the profound Spuffy interaction in this chapter, those two kids are definitely moving in the right direction. :D Fantastic update!

Author's Response: YAY - so glad you see their progress as good for them - they needed to connect in this way despite the sad circumstances. Thanks for the review sweets - hugs.

YAY! The infamous chapter 23 - or was that the infamous chapter 22? LOL, I keep getting them confused!

WOW! It all came together so beautifully hun, it really did! I didn't tear up this time, cause I was prepared, but when I first read it...bah, I needed several hankies to get through it.

And they're both becoming addicted to each other, but in a good way, thank god. Yes, they're both moving along the 'relationship' path - at a pace both can respect - and I think that's what makes this fic so true to cannon. Your Buffy is much as she was in the series - one step forward, five steps back ...but eventually she gets there.

Awesome job dearest, you deserve all the awards you won and are nominated for! Go you! *wuggles and love*

Author's Response: LOL, you're too funny girl. Sorry about the tears, but of course that means I did a good job - wel, hopefully anyways, hee. Oh yeah, the addicition of Spike arms, arms of SPike in bed, GAH - what woman couold resist? Thanks for ALL your help my darling twisted sister - it woudn't be the same without you. Snuggles you tight.

Very moving. Thank you.

Author's Response: You're most welcome sweety and thank you for the review - hugs.

Very good chapter but sad, the ending made up for the sadness.

Author's Response: Thank you darling - i hated to write such a sad atmosphere, but glad you found the positivve in the ending. Smooches to you.

Jeesh tina can you arrange for her not to think to much if at all, she's always mulling somethng over. Loved this chapter by the way and the fact that she can't sleep without him is precious.

Author's Response: HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA - I coud, perhaps, but then that's almost canon Buffy - always over-thinky gal. Glad you liked Buffy's new addicition - as if she could resist? giggles - thanks for the review hon - smooches.

i loved this chapter... it was so sweet how Spike is so supportive of Buffy

i hope you update again soon:) Can't wait to read mroe

Author's Response: Thank you so much hon - I'm uber glad you enjoyed the update - hugs you tight.

Phew! You're really taking us through every emotion in the book with this fic, and I'm so grateful for it. It was nice to see Spike in this scenario, reevaluating his past and how hollow his choices were, and for him to realize how much Buffy truly meant to him. Sure, he'd known he had feelings for her but this experience certainly sealed the deal. I hope Buffy realizes that she's just prolonging the inevitable! Fabulous chapter, Tina! Can't wait for the next installment.

Author's Response: HAHahahahahah, I just hope you find that to be a good thing. I like a full range of emotions because it's somehow more true to life. Yup - Spike certainly opened up and grew up that much more in this chappy. As for Buffy - she saw it, trust me, *winks*. Not long now before it becomes spuffy, double *wink-wink*. As always, thanks for the review my sista - luv ya babes.