i completely understand about the whole angst thing. fluff is nice but its the angst that makes the happy ending worth it. loved it sooooooo much. it's better that willaim realized that this wasn't something (pretending) that he could do with buffy. at least he's not fighting it. well, not fighting it in the sense that he's trying to pretend with her. he's still fighting it in the way that he believes he's no good for buffy and there lies the angst. loved it. you're doing a great job. please post soon.

Author's Response: Fluff is great when its called for, but angst makes it hotter - at least that's my opinion, lol. When it comes time for a fluffy moment in this fic, I think I'll go a more romantic route, hopefully everyone will like it. Yes, William is much too sensitive a man to keep going like this with her, even if it is only the second time they've been together. She brings out a hope in his heart for love, but his low self esteem has his heart struggling as well. Thanks for the wonderful review hon, glad you're still liking it.

The chapter was great; thank you for the visual . Just annouce visual at the beginning make the story that much more enjoyable. Makes you imagination just ZING all over.

Author's Response: LOL, I should do that yes. So glad you like the chapter, despite its ending, but of course all will be well in the end. Thanks for the review hon.

To begin with ... you and your Chapter titles ... completely creative and clever!!!

For the reviewers who are disappointed ...(can't believe that there really are any but hey...)
Let me just put this out there before I really review this chapter. You already know this about me but if it will benefit any readers then I gotta say I AM THE SINGLE BIGGEST ANGST WIMP IN THE UNIVERSE. I cannot stand angst that is "artifically injected " into a story just to string out the story or supposidly make it more interesting. I think that there are many authors who get carried away with it and almost abuse it, creating some very unbalanced stories out there ... they wind up "beating a dead horse."

BUT YOU DO NOT DO THAT ... there cannot possibly be anyone out there accusing you of undue angst. The emotional struggles in your characters are very real and crucial to the totally cool plot that you have going on here. If you put yourself in either characters shoes you really can see the logic of the heartache/angst. I don't even really think that this story has angst so to speak. It's just a wonderful, intense, fun, hot, very original, well thought out love story (that really could conceivably happen ... yeah right , LOL)

BUT if you get even one complaint then the best thing for that reader to do is WAIT until the story is finished and then read it ... ergo, happy ending within hours, and those little bumps in the relationship are quickly forgotten. I actually do that with some stories that seem to be worth it because I hate to suffer even through good angst ... like I said ... WIMP.
I just don't see this story as being anything other than wonderful and very well balanced.

Back to this chapter ... you did it again ... I spent all week thinking about what could happen and you surpassed it. Very intense chapter. I love how you began with her conservatively dressed (in stark contrast to Harmony's attire and demeanor) and how she maintained her composure and played along with him ... right down to doing a visual inventory of his outfit. This Buffy is cool.

The entire conversation was very creative and you could just feel each of them struggling to stay in character when all they wanted to do was bask in eachother ... no games. However, that frisk ... TOTALLY HOT. And then he leaned forward and brushed his lips lightly back and forth against hers .... BUTTERFLIES !!!!

Clever imagery while he was trying not to get aroused ... fat women, naked majesty, lorne doing a woman ... LMAO !! That whole scene was very passionate and intense from her taking control to the "all telling" kisses and eye contact. They both came to some sort of realization as ALL plans fell to pieces ... hers, his and Lorne's. AND I know that you will pick up the pieces of each of their failed plans and put them back together into one ultimately perfect plan. I think I love this story a little too much...arr arr.

SUCH A GREAT CHAPTER, SUCH A GREAT STORY , SUCH A GREAT AUTHOR !!!!

I am now off to see if I can make that postage stamp sized hot picture at least a 3x5 so I can drool. (hubby is SOOOOOO getting lucky tonight ... he should write you a thank you note ... again ... tee hee)

I'll email you soon. Have a great rest of your weekend with the kiddies.

Author's Response: WOW, your review blows me away. I'm blushing a bright shade of red while my muse is doing a little dance in my head. I'm so happy you like it. Dusty273 helped me to come up with the chapter title, we just kept tossing random words/cliches back and forth until it surfaced. Oh I wouldn't say you're an angst wimp, you've handled mine well enough, granted it's not dark angst, but still, you're always here to leave wonderful reviews after every chapter no matter how it ends, thanks sweety. Maybe you’re right, and mine isn’t really angst after all, just mild conflict??? Either way my muse demanded I write the chapter this way – with the next couple in mind. That’s actually a good idea, that if someone doesn’t like reading the rough parts, waiting until they can chew through it to its conclusion is much better – I should practice that, lol. Glad you liked the frisk – I couldn’t resist, and her majesty naked, oh yeah, you know my sense of humor. Ah yes, the kisses, I wanted more said thru those than their words. Yup, in a way their plans backfired on them, BUT, they didn’t exactly backfire on Lorne. Lorne got the effect he wanted out of them, though not quite how he’d hope it would happen. He needed to set them on the path, so to speak. Glad your hubby’s getting lucky tonight, I have to wait till Xmas to see mine. Thank you so much for the review hon, talk to you soon.

Read this chapter with great pleasure .

Deliciously hot at first , and then turning into a revelation for Spike , and that was just heart-touching to see. Of course he can' t pretend and I hope that Buffy won't be hurt by his rejection .

You didn't disappoint me in the slightest with the angst , on the contrary ! I love your story so very much and I 'm willing to follow you anywhere you think it's best for our beloved couple. :)

Author's Response: Thank you so much for the kind words, it means a lot that you'll see it thru it's twists and turns. Buffy won't be be so much hurt as confused. She'll have much to think about based on Spike's admission. And of course William has much to think about as well. Thanks for the awesome review sweety.

They both had to know -- had to face the truth they were both avoiding. Realization of emotions is not always an easy thing -- and given their circumstances, no wonder it's filled with angst and uncertainty. The path for them will never be easy, no matter how much they wish otherwise. I'm really enjoying this story and I look forward to the next installment.

Author's Response: You're right, realizing emotions isn't easy, especially given the situation. At least they're taking one small tentative step towards what the need to know and understand. I'm so glad you have enjoyed this chapter. I hemmed and hawwed over it, but decided it was best. Thanks so much for the lovely review.

C'mon you should know that i of all people, know that angst can be an important part of the story ;) (Hey so far yours isn't near as bad so you can tell them that they're at least not reading SB). I'm so glad you updated today (sure it won't help me writing my own stuff--reading good fics never does--but still I'm glad). I like that they were a little more honest with each other this time...or at least Spike was, Buffy still kind of seems to be working on denying it.....Let's hope that doesn't last long. Great chapter again (and have I mentioned before that I love how long they are?)

Author's Response: LOL, yup, a little angs never hurt anyone. Frustrate them perhaps, but not hurt. Oh, I sooooo hope you post soon, I MUST know when the spuffy-luvin will finally commence. Yeah, Buffy's in a bit of denial still, but what has just happened will put her back on the thinking path. LOL, I guess the chappies are pretty long, well maybe to some, but I couldn't get everything out there with any fewer words. Thanks so much hon for the review.

I loved the cop idea.

Author's Response: Yay, not original, but it served the purpose. Thanks hon.

The role playing was essential because once they connected, Spike/William realized that the costume was totally inappropriate. It made his emotional link with Buffy appear wholly false. Their impassioned connection was palpable, and now that Spike/William has told Buffy that he can't pretend any more, maybe they can move forward. I'm disappointed that he's still going to be prostituting himself, though. I can't imagine Buffy putting up with his job even though they're not involved.

Author's Response: You hit it right on the nose. They can start to move forward now, but it will be in baby steps. And never fear about him continuing to work as na escort, I have my plans. Thanks for the wonderful and astute review sweety.

Crap. I forgot to extend happy wishes. Covered my bases here and at LJ. I hope it is a wonderful day.

Cheers,
Nina

Author's Response: Oh thanks, I'm 25 years old - have been for the last few years, lol.. After 30 time seems to fly, damnit.

This chapter is amazing. I like how you ended it... with "William's" insecurities making him try to protect his heart. It was the more believable path to take.

And I loved the police-man costume, cliche or not. I'm just trying to imagine Spike in one... haha...

Great chapter. Update soon!

Author's Response: I'm so happy you like how it played out. It just wouldn't sit right with my muse if I'd wrote it differently. Oh yeah, Spike in a paper bag would turn me on, let alone a cop's uniform. Thanks for the stellar review hon.

wow I cant wait for the next chapter, pleaaaaase update soon, I love that story.

Author's Response: LOL, I'll do my best hon, and thanks for the review.

I'm pretty sure if Spike were an escort, he'd be booked for years in the future. Just a thought.

And I loved this chapter. And I, personally, think Lorne's plan didn't exactly backfire...it did almost exactly what he wanted it to. Can't wait for the next update!!! :)

Author's Response: Hell, yeah, he'd be booked for life, but of course he doesn't like this line of work at all. You're right, Lorne's plan worked out well, though not exactly as he may have wanted it too, but it still accomplished its purpose. Thank you so much for the great review.