I loved Joyce deciding to go with Buffy to face the Scoobies, ready to give them a piece of her mind :D I'm so glad you kept Joyce alive lol Her chat with Spike was very touching, and I lol'd at the funny bits. You did a great job with including more of the characters' thoughts and feelings. I'd swear you've been writing for years if I didn't know better! I loved the bit with Buffy thinking how Spike doesn't condescend when he talks to her. That's so true! That was a very cool description of Spike sword-fighting the demon in the cemetery! I could easily see it on the TV screen in my head :) Buffy's talk with her friends should be interesting! I hope Joyce smacks Xander if he gets bitchy. But a verbal smackdown would also be satisfying heehee

Author's Response: Hey PB! : ) I'm glad I kept Joyce alive too, she gives me another point of view with which to come at the Buffy/Spike thing that the scoobies don't. And with Joyce still alive, Buffy's gonna be in a better place emotionally than she was on the show. I'm pleased you liked my attempt at delving a little deeper into the thoughts and feelings of everyone, I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I'm quite happy with it. And as for the condescension thing, it's true though, right? Angel always had this air of smug superiority about him when interacting with Buffy or the scoobs. One of the things I took an instant dislike to, regarding him. I'm glad you like the little fight scene as well, wasn't sure if it would work, and if people could 'see' it in their mind, but if you could see it, then that's brilliant. And as for the talk with Buffy's friends... I'm hoping to deliver something satisfying, and of course, can't have Joyce remain a spectator through the whole thing... dun dun duhh! : ) Thanks for the review PB, They really do mean a lot to me, and I love hearing about what you liked, and maybe what you think I could do better. Finally, THANK YOU very much for the beautiful banner, in fact, both of them. I really do love them, the first one is so perfect, what with Spike being injured and all, and the second one? With Spike's letter in the background... OMG!!! They're wonderful. Thank you. Right, I'm out. Take care PB, and thanks for the review. X

Very good, the thoughts and what they say. Buffy has made up her mind and with Joyce support, she can do this.

Author's Response: Thanks Magnus. I'm glad you liked the chapter, and didn't mind that I tried something a little different. And yes, with Joyce's and Dawn's support, Buffy really does think that she can do this. She has her family, and they'll stand by her, which gives her the strength she needs. Thanks for the review, and sticking with me. I do appreciate it.