

Date: 09/21/2008 - 06:28 pm Title: 68 Vows
Giving in to one another first felt desperate and loaded with an unmet longing, no matter how erotic. Buffy pulling back, knowing she was giving Spike the wrong idea, knowing she could never really be with him was heart hurting, but that last chapter gave me the hope she was missing. Spike had made a decision, and the decision was her. Nothing was going to come between them, even if he had to suppress his demon's demands.
Buffy's reaction was pitch perfect. Of course she'd be over whelmend. She knew Spike would never choose her. But then he proved her gloriously wrong.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! Yes, Buffy and Spike both wanted each other, but both had different ideas. Buffy very much felt like she was having a 'one more time,' and she knew that going in. She doesn't know how seriously Spike has been thinking about things, because even with all the things he'd said, he had never said anything that indicated he was ready to stop killing. Which of course was the major obstacle to her letting herself really be with him. Once she realizes what he's really saying, she truly is overwhelmed. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/21/2008 - 06:16 pm Title: 67 Deliberations
Spike weighing his options was beautifully written and you gave great weight to what he'd be giving up. He'd never be able to completely quell the blood lust, but his love for Buffy believably makes giving up on killing an option. He's already promised to never hurt Buffy, and killing would devastate her.
I loved the description of Spike listening to Buffy's body, etching each noise and shift to memory. Everything about this woman fascinates Spike. It's lovely to read.
I'm looking forward to watching this plan in action.
Author's Response: Yes, Spike deciding to stop killing for Buffy is a big decision, and I don't think it's something he can do easily. He has to want her more than anything else. It shouldn't be an easy thing for him. I think in any AU or pre-chip fic, having a more or less evil Spike just stop like that is somewhat unrealistic. It's more that just blood, it's what he is. I'm glad you liked the chapter!

Date: 09/21/2008 - 06:04 pm Title: 66 Declarations
Wes' reasons for trying to extricate Buffy from Spike were very reasonable. He never trusted Spike fully, though Wes knew Spike would honor an agreement. His concern for Buffy was always genuine. I enjoyed Buffy reading him the riot act, but what did it really accomplish other than alerting Wes that she's still thinking about Spike?
Spike is so caring and careful in this story, Faith's dire warnings ring false. Is there something other than slayer dreams afoot? She's trying to drive a wedge between Buffy and her vampire, but Spike would just follow her around, protecting her whether she wanted it or not. I love that Spike let the I love you slip in the middle of the night. It makes it feel like it was part of the dream, though now Buffy has those words in her head and heart.
Author's Response: Buffy calling Wesley might not have been the wisest snap decision, but it did get some things out in the open. Faith, for the most part, is just trying to mess with Buffy. There will be a few more dreams that will take a slightly different turn. I'm glad you liked the 'I love you' that slipped out. Things are definitely building... Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 02:43 pm Title: 65 Evenings
This chapter just sang. Their ease and the domestic fiddling and Buffy's searching questions and the hypnotic hair brushing led inexorably to facing what they almost lost. Buffy taking their picture was a wonderful way to end the chapter. Finally, they're ready to be an "us" for real.
I'm sure Angelus will have some say in the matter.
Author's Response: Thank you! Yes, they are turning into quite the couple... Glad you liked the chapter and thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 02:32 pm Title: 64 Touches
Willow revealing Spike's shock and worry laid the groundwork for the heart warming reunion. I loved the quiet scene, the two of the reveling in Buffy's survival and what they almost lost. I loved this heart hurting reveal: “I thought maybe it would just go on forever. That it wouldn’t end. Wouldn’t stop.”
She blinked rapidly as she seemed to realize it, looking a little stunned. “Maybe I was a little scared,” she whispered. " Beautiful.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! Yes, both of them are realizing what could have happened, and I'm glad you liked their reunion scene. Willow also gave Buffy a different perspective. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 02:23 pm Title: 63 Reports
Spike's feelings for Buffy are so stark and raw, it's no wonder she can't let go of him. The revenge scenario was actually brilliant, but, Buffy's right, Spike's plan was so cold and calculating it was chilling. No matter, bottom line is Darla's dead and Angelus is going to be furious. Here's hoping Spike and Buffy are ready for him.
Spike breaking into Giles' apartment was lovely. He's not a rule follower, that's for sure. His support of Buffy is charming, especially in light of his evil nature. His fussing is just as endearing as Joyce's.
Author's Response: Nope, Spike is definitely not a rule follower. :) He doesn't care what anyone but Buffy thinks, and even then, sometimes not, depending on what it is. Yes, Buffy has realized the chilling aspect of how Spike killed Darla. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 02:12 pm Title: 62 Reckonings
This was a vivid, taut chapter. From the stalking all the way through the dusting, Spike's absolute command of the situation was chilling, and I enjoyed Darla's slow realization of what was going to happen. This revenge is going to unhinge Angelus. I can't wait.
This is a fantastic line: "She was a scream, and then she was nothing."
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you liked that line! Spike's revenge was very cold, not exactly hot headed and impulsive. Angelus is going to retaliate, in his own special way... Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 01:59 pm Title: 61 Ruins
Drusilla being the savior was an excellent surprise, and her reaction to Angelus wanting to toy with Buffy was hysterical. It believably afforded Spike the opportunity to grab Buffy and bail. Now Giles knows about Buffy's "friend," it's going to be even more difficult to keep him out of the loop.
Spike's righteous anger is wonderful, and I love the idea of tying Angelus up and giving in to a spot of torture. Payback's a bitch.
Author's Response: Glad you liked Dru! I think she could be jealous in just the right situation. I bet Angelus always played with Faith, but *she* never got to play with Faith... And then she got bored. So she wants Angelus to kill Buffy right there. Or anything, as long as he doesn't bring her home, LOL. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 01:48 pm Title: 60 Breaks
Spike's stupid sense of humor came back to bite him in the ass so quickly it made my head spin. Buffy's right to feel conflicted, but it's not just about being the slayer. If she's realized Spike was killing people there wouldn't have been a first time. He'd been brown bagging it at her house, why wouldn't she think that was the way he lived. Always.
The argument is going to be a bone of contention unless Spike gives up murder. Full stop. Now that their separation has caused Buffy to come to harm, I have no doubt Spike will rethink their situation.
The fight was vividly choreographed and very entertaining, and having Dru come in at the last second made Angelus beating Buffy believable. Off to see if Spike has to come to the rescue or if Buffy gets out of this herself.
Author's Response: Yep, Spike got himself in trouble by 'joking' around with Willow. Buffy is torn, between what she wants so badly, and what she knows to be the truth of her and Spike's situation. (And while she did know in the beginning in LA that Spike was being brought blood, she also realized that there was something else that she was afraid to ask. She just chose not to think about it.) Yes, Buffy getting hurt might cause Spike to rethink a few things, especially what she means to him and what he'd do for her. Glad you liked it and thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 01:35 pm Title: 59 Talks
Buffy's reasons for keeping Spike of everyone's radar actually sound reasonable, and I'm glad Willow decided to play along. For now. If she feels Spike's a threat, even Buffy has assured she doesn't want Willow to have to lie. Spike being all menacing isn't doing much to help his case, no matter how amusing it is.
Author's Response: Yes, Spike isn't doing himself any favors by annoying Willow. But he just couldn't help himself... I'm glad you liked the chapter, and thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 10:02 am Title: 58 Discoveries
The fight was vividly choreographed and exciting, and I love that it completely outed Spike to Willow. It was inevitable, but his anger and pissiness about watching her rather than protecting Buffy was wonderful. Your Willow is well drawn and in voice, and now I wish I had tome to hear Buffy's explanation for this turn of events. I'm sure it's going to be a good one.
Oh, I hope she swears Willow to secrecy. Willow's an awful liar, and it could lead to some zany conversations.
Author's Response: I'm glad you liked the fight, and the big reveal to Willow. It always seemed natural to have Willow find out first. And yes, Spike was less than thrilled to be ordered to take care of Willow... Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 09:48 am Title: 57 Whispers
And the intimacy grows even though they're still dancing. The biting and the caressing and the compliments before settling into another night in one another's embrace were quiet and erotic. I enjoyed the obligatory, sleepy "I should kill you" conversation. It was laughable. Later, Spike's words, "You’re mine to keep safe. To have and hold..." sounded a lot like wedding vows, and ending on Buffy acknowledging them without pushing him away feels like they've moved even closer to a relationship.
Author's Response: Yes, the dance continues, a slow dance, LOL. And Spike's words were serious, indeed, as he and Buffy slowly get closer to each other... Glad you liked it, and thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 09:37 am Title: 56 Rests
I loved Buffy's girlish behaviour in this chapter. She's not just the slayer, she's a young woman, falling for a dangerous, but charming man. Willow and Oz show that it can work, why not Buffy and Spike? Of course Spike is dangerous 24/7, not just a couple times a month.
Buffy allowing herself to be watched, silently letting the bond between them grow tauter and stronger opened the door for Spike to catch her naked and take that next step. Allowing him to get a proper look was deeply erotic. Off to see just how far this goes.
Author's Response: Dangerous and charming... ;) And much older... Buffy is dealing with falling for him, even though she knows what he is. Figuring out her relationship with Spike has less to do with being the Slayer, and more to do with just being a human woman. I'm glad you liked the scene in the bedroom. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 02:20 am Title: 55 Weapons
Spike showing up for Oz duty was also nice and couple-y. You're making their relationship work in a bubble and it's lulling me into this false sense that everything is going to be okay. I'm enjoying the vivid detail in the training and Spike's devotion. I'm sure everything is going to go to hell soon, but this quiet is lovely.
Author's Response: Yes, couples must do things together, even if it's werewolf watching, LOL. Buffy and Spike themselves are very much making their relationship work in a bubble, just going day by day and not talking about what's hanging in the air between them. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 02:09 am Title: 54 Advances
This sweet domestic interlude feels like the calm before the storm. Thanks for a lovely, couple-y calm.
Author's Response: It's a bit of calm perhaps... Can't have everything peaceful for too long. :) Thanks for reading!

Date: 09/19/2008 - 02:02 am Title: 53 Stances
I love this unrepentantly evil Spike just playing nice because it's what keeps him close to Buffy. Well, nice enough. The attraction is sizzling between them, but something's gotta give. I hope you let it wait.
Author's Response: Oh, I'm a big fan of the slow buildup, so no instant resolutions here. :) Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/17/2008 - 06:16 pm Title: 68 Vows
AWE :-D
Loved the chapter. Glad Spike made the right decision (paying the price for having Buffy, that she was worth it).
Author's Response: Thank you! Yes, Spike finally came around, hehe. :) Glad you liked it!

Date: 09/17/2008 - 03:31 pm Title: 68 Vows
Sniff... Ok, it's noy manly to cry but sometimes is the only way to survive.
You are a genius and this stry keep getting better day by day,
Thank you su mutch !!!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you're enjoying it so much!

Date: 09/16/2008 - 03:47 pm Title: 52 Reflections
The casual conversation with Cordial was a bright spot in this melancholy chapter. Buffy's right, she can't forget what Spike is any more than Spike can change it. His nature craves violence, and killing is part of his being. At least Buffy is able to grab what she can, waiting for the other shoe to inevitably drop.
I'm wondering when exactly this is in canon and if The Initiative are digging their series of tunnels even as Spike and Buffy struggle toward one another.
Author's Response: Well, this would take place during season 4, since Buffy is in college. Angelus had run over Sunnydale during season 2 and 3, and of course there was the Mayor and Faith in the 3 timeline. But, much like any fanfic, I'm picking and choosing what to use from canon, so there's no Initiative in this 'verse, and none of the big bads after that. It's all about the vampires. :)

Date: 09/16/2008 - 03:31 pm Title: 51 Lines
Buffy's snooping brought a lot of entertaining detail to Spike's bachelor habits. I especially enjoyed his snack food choices.
Buffy's got a right to be all confused and prickly. Spike's nonchalant law breaking and general disinterest in doing the right thing is unnerving, and totally in character. I love that he went to get breakfast and wants to make his place more Buffy friendly with food and drinks.
Buffy immediately jumping on the defensive with Joyce made me laugh. She's certainly on edge.
Author's Response: Thank you! Hmm, Spike's got to eat something besides buffalo wings, doesn't he? Those snack foods seemed like something he might get. And I'm glad you think Spike is in character. He may care for Buffy, but he doesn't care about much else. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/16/2008 - 08:08 am Title: 68 Vows
Wow. I'm not that good at praises, I feel kinda redundant after a while. But this chapter... It's just wow!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it!

Date: 09/15/2008 - 09:32 pm Title: 50 Moments
This conversation was romantic and revealing, and I was sure it was leading somewhere permanent. Spike being truthful, letting Buffy in on the inner workings of his desires stopped her in her tracks. He's got no filter. He's a dangerous predator, he's not killing because he made a promise, not because he's changed. This is going to be a long road, isn't it? Thanks for making it so rich and entertaining.
Author's Response: I'm glad you liked their conversation. Buffy and Spike are not quite permanent, yet. They have something very deep, but they do have a road ahead of them. Spike is not ready to stop being a vampire for her, and he's honest about it. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/15/2008 - 09:22 pm Title: 49 Steps
The biting gets more erotic each time, and this was a wonderful example. The kissing and the caressing frame the bite, Spike's taking everything Buffy's willing to give. It's only a matter of time before they're intimate on a different level. The slow build is working beautifully.
Author's Response: Thank you! Yes, the bites are getting more intimate, as they both begin to get in deeper with each other. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/15/2008 - 09:16 pm Title: 48 Shatters
Spike's makes himself a wreck over the women in his life, but I'm glad he shared the depth of his feelings with Buffy. He might not remember telling her, but now it's out there. He cares for her, even more deeply than he cares for Drusilla. That's huge.
Author's Response: Spike is love's bitch, isn't he? He might not be in love with Dru anymore, but it's still a painful connection to cut. And the fact that he would choose Buffy is huge, and she knows it. Thanks for reviewing!

Date: 09/15/2008 - 08:42 pm Title: 68 Vows
Only one word to describe this chapter: beautiful.
Author's Response: Thank you!