Amazing chapter again Nia! So sorry to hear you are in such pain still. I know the horrors of chronic pain, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, least of all a total sweetheart like you. My thoughts go out to you dear, Nia. Take care of yourself, k? *hugs you gently* I loved this chapter! Oz's reaction to the conversation with Spike & Buffy about Willow seeing he and Tara together was absolutely priceless. Good 'ol Oz. Stoic as ever man. Gods, I miss Oz so much!!! I can't thank you enough for including him in your story, sweetie. I wonder if the journals that Giles can't find could possibly be in Dawn's room? Or, just "missing" somewhere at the hands of the Council. Hmmmm. I can't wait to see what Giles has found out about a demon surgeon. Loved, loved, loved the moment wherre Buffy whispers "I love you" to Spike and he opens his eyes a little, showing he wasn't sleeping. *does fangirl dance* I did a little bounce and wiggle in my chair over that. Soooo CUTE! I just noticed this chapter that you are refering to unsouled Angel as "Angel" and not "Angelus" (at least when in his POV). Very interesting. I never did agree with that "Angel and Angelus are two totally different beings" hogwash. He's the same. Just one version has the maturity of a control hungry 12 year old, and the other has the maturity of a cannibalistic serial killer. Same diff. Oh, and Angel without a soul dresses like a pimp daddy. All he needs are some chains, some diamond rings, and a viper. Oh, wait...he has the viper. LoL. Xander's reaction to finding out about Connor, Angel and Darla, and vampires having babies was pretty much what I expected. I don't know why they even bother with him. It's always about humans vs. demons. But his reaction to the baby was quite funny. It was fun seeing Xander gobsmacked. I feel so bad for Anya. She seems so sad, not her usual bubbly, happy self. She seems somewhat subdued. I wish there were some way to get her away from Xander. His energies are just dragging her down. *phbbbblt!!! on Xander* Casey coming in with bushels of balloons was sooo cute, and just the funny distraction that they all needed. Wonderful, amazing, funny chapter Nia! I can't wait to see what Giles hears back from the Council on housing costs for Buffy, and where Angel is headed first!

Awesome chap! I hope you feel better soon, and I can't wait for more.

Great as usual.

You konw...Xander is just a tool. I really had his double standard. How he's treating Anya is justplain wrong. Anya...even if she is a wee annoying at times...is still a good person. I think having Casey come back into the mix was genious. It's good that Dawn has a friend. Wonder if he has a whole other purpose for her - even though I like the Dawn/Wes moments. :) As always, a fantastic update. I hope you feel better!

Like a nervous mother wondering if her child will be ok at the first day of school...*grins*. NIa this was fabulous. Giles poor man so tired and yet keeps plugging away. then GAHHHHHHHHHHHHH she said the words. Bought time, oh and Spike hearing them but just making a sweet lil smile. Be still my heart. But how damn freakn cute Spike having Connor snooze on his chest. Tender, comforting, and sweet. I would of paid money to see Oz and Buffy put the crib together that was just great. I bet it was a serious team effort. Ok I hate Angel and never make qualms about it,but i have to say his taste in wheels Rocked. enough talk of that ass. Now for the other ass Xander, good gods it will take him 6 months to understand what has happened in 24 hours. *laughs*. Dipshits are us calling Xander back to his pod. You write all these characters so well capturing all their nuances and idosyncrasies(sp). Anya I love Anya just letting out her amazing amount of info. They need to ask her more questions. She needs to ditch Xander. Tara gods that woman gets stronger each chapter, excellent. Wes oh Wes so text book but yet comes through when needed. How fuckn cute is Casey, that boy bringing balloons and wanting to see Dawn. He gets a 2 brooms up in my book for being a good date and young man. Most of them would of ran,but nope not Casey that boy can handle things. Nia you are building this up like a roller coaster climbing it's first hill toward that first drop. Can't wait to see what lies over it. Though take your time with posting, let that shoulder heal, we love your story and will wait as needed for a post. We know you have not forgotten us origins junkies *giggles* Great chapter, nothing to be nervous about at all.

A lot of times, an author will write a story about a Spike/Buffy relationship, and the main focus will be that relationship, with everything else fading into the background. You, however, have done a wonderful job of not only writing a captivating story, but also seamlessly including a terriffic Buffy/Spike relationship. I like the way you make their relationship realistic -- or at least as realistic as a relationship between a Slayer and a vampire can be. Things aren't always sunshine and puppies, but they manage to work through their struggles together. I was just reading this chapter, and I realized that a lot of Spuffy stories get really boring or cheesy after Spike and Buffy get together, but you're still writing one of the most terrific stories I've ever read. I can't wait to read some more of your stories.

Having Buffy practice her "I love yous" was a sweet way to slip that in. The kitchen scene moved quickly and clearly even though there was a lot of information to share. The domestic activities ebbed and flowed around the conversation very naturally. Casey's arrival with the assorted balloons was a lovely spot of humor to add to the end.