WOOHOO! The moment of truths was just as exciting and wonderful as I thought it would be. You right smut just fine...although in this case, I think 'smut' should be replaced by 'love'. I am looking forward to the last 2 chapters.

Author's Response: Thank you! And I'm pleased that you think they made 'love' :)

I thought the smut level was perfect. This story seemed more about the feelings and the effortless and understated great sex instead of "the many differnent positions of Buffy and Spike" kind of sex we see so much. I really liked it, plot and all.

Author's Response: Thanks Franchesca, I'm glad you thought that about the sex scene. I didn't want it to be the sole focus of the chapter but merely the natural progression and coming together of two people who'd finally admitted their feelings. Thanks :)

Wow. Katrina, you really outdid yourself. This is the perfect climactic moment for this story. My heart was beating so hard while reading this chapter. I can't tell you how amazing your imagery and dialogue are. Words just do not do justice. How you are able to so smoothly switch POV's and nail the characterization down for each, just astounds me. In addition, the human emotion, the honest vulnerability that you imbued Spike and Buffy with was so refreshing and so real. No speeches that sounded rehearsed, no overdramatic gestures... just realism that flows off the page as if I'm spying on two very vulnerable people who are trying to believe again. This was simply brilliant. And sexy, hot, sensual, intimate, arousing to boot! This chapter was so worth the wait. Thank you so much for not pushing these two together sooner. As much as I may say the angst is too much, the anticipation just makes the actual union between these two characters that much sweeter. Lovely, engrossing, phenomenal chapter Katrina. I'm so sad to see your story coming to close. I've so enjoyed every moment, every miscommunication, every indignant gasp, every sexy leer, every stolen glance. You've woven a magical tale and I hope that you continue to weave your tales and share them in the future.

Author's Response: Hi Rana, thank you SO much for another wonderful review! It's nice to know that what I'm trying to convey is coming over :) I've tried to keep it 'real'...well, as much as you can when you're writing fic that is. I know that a few people thought I was hanging it out too long but I didn't want to rush things because I wanted to show the problems of miscommunication and also wanted to have their love for each other to shine through - so kept to my original plan :) It's nice to know that for alot of people, it was worth the wait :) Thanks again :)

Yay! They finally told each other. Believe me, there was NO disappoi nment here. All adoration! Can't wait to see what you have coming up for the end!

Author's Response: Thanks Demonica Mills :) I just wanted to do a chapter to deal with the day after etc and little epilogue set about a year on :)

No, it was good! Loved the chapter, TNX.

Author's Response: Thanks, Cordykitten, glad you enjoyed it :)

I thought the smut was very good indeed. :)

Author's Response: Thanks Scarlet :) It's not something that flows easily for me :)

omg im going to kill you for leaving it like that(jk) but really thats evil, i want to no wat happens next. i really love this story and am soooooo soo happy that u updated it. i really enjoy reading it and love to read all the twists u put in it. i love it and cant wait to read the next chapter. please update asap cuz im dying to no. thanx

Author's Response: Thanks Sarah, will do my best to get the next chapter up soon :)

I love it! The next chapter is gonna be a doozy! Can't wait!

Author's Response: I hope it lives up to your expectations :) Thanks!

You. Are. Evil. Aaaaaargh! I understand this is part 1 of 2, but... come on! *swears under breath* You have me strung tighter than a kite string with this chapter. Oh god, I could feel Elizabeth's frustration and desperation! Damn. Double damn. Your imagery this chapter was phenomenal. Damn woman. This story is the very reason I continue to read fanfiction. The heat, emotion, sensuality, intimacy, humor, and dialogue of this chapter just blew me away. I saved this chapter to read last before heading to bed (ya know, save the best for last) and now I'm so worked up... I'll be up for at least another hour now. Crap. *sigh* This story is, by far, the absolute BEST AU story I have ever freakin' read. Your characterization, descriptive imagery, dialogue... hell, everything just continues to amaze me. I will be checking this archive hourly tomorrow to see if the next part is posted, that is how tightly I am strung after this chapter. All thanks to the UST that has reached VOLCANIC PROPORTIONS! Damn. Fantastic chapter. Just when I think this story can't get any better, you give us this. Please, please update soon!

Author's Response: Wow! What can I say? Thank you so, so much for such a wonderful review :) I'm really pleased that you're enjoying it so much and it really, really makes me want to get the next chapter up asap! I'll certainly do my best so that your wait won't be too long :) And thank you SO much again :)

Thanks for the update - please post the next chapter soon :) I can't wait to find out what they admit to each other and how they react - Great story!!

Author's Response: I hope I can delievr a chapter that doesn't disappoint and thanks :)

Hi! Just wanted to tell you how much I've been enjoying this story. Thanks for the update and for sharing!!

Author's Response: Thanks Patti, I appreciate the review and I hope you'll like the final chapter(s). :)

Please PLEASE POST SOON!!!! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR HER TO ADMITT THE TRUTH FOR THE LONGEST TIME. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK

Author's Response: So have I, blondiebaer - thank heavens she finally going to, eh? LOL!