Borrowed Time by msclawdia

05/19/2015 02:53 am
Epilogue         
Wonderful story - enjoyed it very much - I hope you did write a sequel, but if not - this is NICE as is. 

Brit Girl
01/08/2013 06:11 pm
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Pretty damn good! I am looking forward to reading the other stories you've written now :-)

09/23/2011 06:16 am
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Don't know if you check on your reviews anymore - but just incase you do - want to say how very much I have enjoyed reading this - second time actually.  

Thanks. :-)
06/07/2010 03:07 am
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sister cuervo
05/28/2007 10:22 pm
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Wonderfully poignant with large dollops of angst and humour. An outstanding story overall.

Thank you so much!

04/30/2007 11:22 pm
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This story. Was. Absolutely. Fantastic! I love it!

Thank you so much!

Cas
01/22/2007 02:40 am
Epilogue         
Thanks for the epilogue. Interesting take on the soul - and I certainly agree- Spike probably didn't even know what had happened at the time.

Thanks. Yeah, the soul thing is a little complicated. I think it makes sense for Buffy to be afraid that whatever has come back isn't really the guy she loved, and in some ways it really isn't, actually. But he's close :)

spikes_heart
11/18/2006 04:51 am
Epilogue         
Do you know how happy I am that I waited to read the bulk of this fic until it was completed?

Well done, interesting twist on canon, to be sure. Can't wait for the sequel to begin in earnest

Thanks for reading and reviewing! I too am sometimes leary of getting too involved with WIPs, so I understand. I hope you'll enjoy the sequel as well.

10/31/2006 03:13 am
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I am so glad you added the epilogue. It really was a nice scene with Buffy and Spike. I really enjoyed this story and am glad that you already have a sequel in the works so that I can continue visiting these characters.

Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, and I hope you'll like the sequel too.

10/28/2006 04:01 am
Epilogue         
heh. I love this even more, now in context with the rest of it. (chapter one of the sequel)

And I really love that Buffy loved spike as SPIKE. She doesn't want to pretend he's human...and forget the demon part. She raised the stake on him because she thought the man she loved was gone and she didn't want to see someone else wearing his face. She loved him as the demon. So yeah...that makes YOUR souling up version A-OK in my book. (not that you are writing everything according to my book of course lol.)

Thanks so much, ZoeGrace.

I realize many readers didn't understand right away what I was doing, but that's exactly it. The same way she things of Angelus as the monster who wears her boyfriend's face... here's this guy who looks like Spike, but is he Spike? And she loved Spike. Hence the wiggens. Anyway, I'm hoping the epilogue helped clear some of that up for folks.

Dolau
10/26/2006 07:00 pm
Epilogue         
Oh wow, thanks for an awesome read, will be on the look-out for a sequel.

Thanks so much. I'm striking while the iron is hot and posting the first chapter of the sequel presently.

10/26/2006 04:32 am
Epilogue         
I am glad she didn't stake him :D I know she has issues with vamps who gets souls, I hope in the sequel she figures out that Spike and Angel are very different when it comes to that. I kind of like the idea of them dating, but I hope she isn't afraid to take things further. Anyway, great update, hope to see the sequel soon.

Thanks! Things won't get solved over night, but at least it's a start.

Jessica
10/26/2006 02:36 am
Epilogue         
Lovely story. And this part did make things a bit clearer. But it also just made me want the sequel even more. ; ) I'll definitely be looking for it.

Thanks so much! Glad this part cleared things up, and I am working on the sequel.

10/26/2006 12:48 am
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very good read, thanks.

Thank you for reading and reviewing. Hope you'll give the sequel a look too once it starts posting.

bitchee
10/25/2006 05:17 pm
Epilogue         
Loved the subtle and not so subtle twists in the story.
Very unique slant on how things could have been if Joyce hadn't died.
This is one sequel I will be watching for avidly.

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you! I'm working on the sequel presently.

Emily
10/25/2006 07:18 am
Epilogue         
Like the self-centered person I am, I am going to keep this short to prevent the ailings my last review created: :love Great fic, and the sequel is *definitely* on a must watch for list... You wouldn't happen to have a Yahoo!Group or anything like that to keep the many people that love you in the know? Anywayzz, terrific job, and cannot wait for more msclawdia greatness !


Thanks again! I do not have a yahoo group. If I get the impression there's enough interest, maybe I'll start one! I do have an lj under msclawdia. If you have one too, friend me. I post my fic progress there.

Lou
10/24/2006 08:57 pm
Epilogue         
Buffy doesn't seem too pleased with him. I hope they can sort things out.

Thanks for the feedback. It's not going to just immediately be all okay. Buffy's still got some fears that her Spike doesn't live there any more. I'll be addressing that more in the next story.

10/24/2006 08:53 pm
Epilogue         
well that was right merciful of you, love (spoken with spike-ish sarcasm) ;)...thanx so much for this little epilogue, it *did* clear things up a bit...i'm still itching for more, though....do you at least have a title, so i can watch for it? :)

Thanks! I'm glad it did the job :) I so suck at titles, but maybe I can think of something once I get the outline ready. 'Getting All Chosen' might be it.

Tamara
10/24/2006 05:14 pm
Epilogue         
Great chapter. I love how he set her straight on whether or not hw was still Spike.

Thanks. I hope this helped people to see where I was going with her reaction in the last chapter.

pretty_in_fangs
10/24/2006 04:21 pm
Epilogue         
Yay! Thank you for the epilogue. Heck, thank you for the whole story. Wonderful. I'll keep my eyes open for the sequel, whenever it's ready to start posting.

Thank you for reading!

kim
10/24/2006 04:03 pm
Epilogue         
I get it...but she's still stupid. :P Guess without him committing some heinous crime, she couldn't get why he needed it....not that she understands what it is, either....and throw off the Angel blinders, already, girl! You're not 16 anymore.

You know, it was interesting in canon when Buffy never questioned there being any consequences to Spike's soul when he came back. Yeah, he said he fought for it, and yeah, she gave the big pass of forgiveness, but it was just....interesting. Different, how it made things between them...way different than the soul even made things between her and Angel.

I'm glad Spike is being Mr. Independent and going with his own place. They're not a point where they should be living together, yet, and he deserves to be above ground, like a man instead of a corpse. And it'll make Joyce happy, too, for him to appear more "respectable".

Poor Anya....has she gotten close to any of them? Does she have friends for her own sake, yet? The poor thing was only an adjunct to Xander before...

Thanks for all the feedback. Buffy's only got her experience with Angel to draw on here when it comes to vamps and souls, so she's freaked. And also sincerely worried that the Spike she loved doesn't exist any more. I'l get into that more in the sequel.

Poor Anya. I haven't quite decided what's to be done with her yet...

05/19/2015 02:35 am
Lost and Found         
This would be a great ending if there were a sequel - but I also would have said WTH if it had ended here. 

Cas
01/22/2007 02:36 am
Lost and Found         
Loved the photo, and Buffy from Faith's point of view. Glad that you add the epilogue.

Thanks. I decided to last chapter was too confusing. I also got a lot of 'what the hell?!?' feedback :)

10/31/2006 03:09 am
Lost and Found         
I like that Buffy and Faith seem to be getting along. I loved Buffy’s joy at having Spike back and could understand her confusion and reaction when she realized he had a soul.

Thanks again! I know many readers were taken aback by what I'm doing here, but Buffy's only experience with soul v non-soul having vamps has her thinking this might be a totally different guy than the one she fell in love with. So she's freaked.

10/26/2006 12:45 am
Lost and Found         
wonderful read, thank you. marvelous end to this section of the tale. buffy always was so insightful. not!

Thank you so much!

Emily
10/25/2006 07:13 am
Lost and Found         
Argh! This is the 4th time I have written this review and everytime it is getting worse and worse. I'll try to recapture what I wrote the first time ::rolls eyes::

Wow. What a sudden, unexpected, completely AMAZING ending. I have read many a Spuffy fic, but never have I encountered a reaction like this. I just love it. Although it leaves us a tad hanging (I would diiee before missing out on the epi+sequel), I love how you took the risk to do it your way, and i think it turned out really effectively. Great job! :love

Thanks so much, Emily. (And I appreciate your persistence. I've had time-outs occur on this site a few times too. FRUStrating!)

I'm so glad you liked the ending. I know a lot of people were thrown (as expected), but I think some understood what I was doing and the epilogue seems to have cleared up a lot of it. Or so I hope.

Thanks for reading and reviewing. I've still got a few things to decide about the sequel, but I have some scenes written already. So hopefully it will start showing up soon.

Lou
10/24/2006 08:54 pm
Lost and Found         
Aaah - give the guy a break!

Heh.

10/24/2006 03:32 pm
Lost and Found         
Great story and I love the way you managed all of the twists and turns. Surprise ending! I look forward to the epilogue and sequel. Thanks fora great read.

Thank you so much! The epilogue is up. The sequel is still in the planning stages.

pretty_in_fangs
10/24/2006 01:39 pm
Lost and Found         
!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I concur with your beta. what an evil ending! ::laugh:: One moment we're basking in the warm fuzzies with Buffy and then next she has a stake. !!!!!!!

Thanks! The epilogue is up. There's less evil there :)

10/24/2006 01:38 pm
Lost and Found         
argh!! omg... why would she stake him!?! I dont want it to end... please please please make a sequel!!!

She wouldn't stake him, but she would threaten him if he doesn't tell her what he did with 'her' Spike. The epilogue is up now, which will hopefully clear things up a bit. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing.

willowmouse
10/24/2006 11:18 am
Lost and Found         
I think my heart stopped when I read "The End" - yes, please, epilogue is needed. This was/is brillant & when your done, I'm going to sit in a dark room and read it start to finish :)

Thank you! The epilogue is up!

Tamara
10/24/2006 06:13 am
Lost and Found         
Epilogues are good, epilogues showing points from sequel are even better.

Heh. Thanks. Well the epilogue is written, and the sequel is in the planning phase.

10/24/2006 06:08 am
Lost and Found         
Oh, I am in shock, I just don't know what to say, that is the last reaction I thought Buffy would have to the soul. But I am waiting with bated breath for the epilgue. So this is what you meant by pushback. but you have written a wonderful story so I will trust that everything will work out.

I appreciate your trust. She's not going to stake Spike or anything. She's just wigged. I'm hoping I've done a good job of expressing that in the epilogue, which I'll be posting soon. Thanks for the feedback!

10/24/2006 05:57 am
Lost and Found         
yes, cruel ending indeed! very lovely fic...can't wait for the next story, love...looking forward to it immensely :)
Thanks! I will post the epilogue as soon as it's proofed. Hopefully folks will see where I'm going with this when it's up.

10/24/2006 05:45 am
Lost and Found         
OK i read some of your review replies, and I guess i can see that, how she might think that Spike wasn't her Spike. I still don't think she'd want to stake him. he has a soul, and she might want him to leave or be freaked out, but why would she try to stake him?

But I know she won't stake him and I know you're going to clear it up.

She wouldn't stake him, but she would threaten him for info on what he's done with her Spike. Thanks for sticking with me. I really think the epilogue will make what she's thinking clearer.

10/24/2006 05:43 am
Lost and Found         
omfg that's cruel leaving it there. what? why would she want to stake him? I mean I knew you said she was going to react differently but WTF???

10/24/2006 05:41 am
Lost and Found         
omfg that's cruel leaving it there. what? why would she want to stake him? I mean I knew you said she was going to react differently but WTF???

Yeah, I was expecting some of that...

10/24/2006 05:38 am
Lost and Found         
Sequel? You did say sequel, didn't you? Cos if you leave it hanging like this with no sequel... well, that would just be cruel and downright evil. I really loved this fic and definitely want more. Sooo... hurry! Uh, please???

Thank you so much! There will be an epilogue as soon as it comes back from editing, and then I'm going to start working on a fuller sequel.

10/24/2006 05:36 am
Lost and Found         
Well your beta was right. Leaving it there would have been very very cruel. Thats why the news of an epilogue and sequel are very welcome. Great story! I'll be looking forward to the rest. =)

Thanks! The epilogue is with my over-worked beta. Hope to post it soon.

kim
10/24/2006 03:47 am
Lost and Found         
I don't think she'd treat him like a stranger, which is what her wording suggests....grabbing for her stake, for a souled being? That's just weird, considering Buffy's soul=good philosophy. Even with Angel/Angelus, she knows that they both have the same memories. Yeah, the feelings are different, but the memories are all shared and intact.
But he's not even acting like he's not her Spike....she's really being a bit irrational.

Loved everything else from the last two chapters. You've mentioned the Bringer killings, and the girls are all powered up, so the sequel is going to be pretty interesting, with their advance notice army. And of course, I'm thrilled that Joyce and Tara are still alive.

Well, keep in mind that we know that Spike with a soul is still Spike... just with a soul. But Buffy doesn't know that. Her experience has taught her that vamp+soul and vamp-soul are two totally different guys who just remember stuff the other one did. And Spike-soul is a man she loves who loves her back. For all she knows, he's 'William' now, and she knows nothing about William.

I expected to get some 'what the hell' reactions to this chapter. Hopefully I'll be able to clear things up a little for people in the epilogue.

Emilee
10/24/2006 03:18 am
Lost and Found         
Well thank god for your beta, because just leaving it there would definitely be cruel and unusual torture. I'm glad you're planning a sequel, because you did leave a lot of loose ends, and the story is just excellent so I can't wait for more. Thanks so much for such a delightful story.

Thanks so much for all the reviews! The epilogue is with Kar already. I will post it ASAP.

Jessica
10/24/2006 02:43 am
Lost and Found         
I completely agree that that would be mean to leave it there. I don't think I've ever seen that reaction from Buffy about the soul. I love it. Looking forward to more.

I'm working in the epilogue now! Thanks for reading and reviewing.

10/24/2006 02:33 am
Lost and Found         
Wow! That was a completely unexpected ending. ???

I've really loved this story, but the ending was a real show stopper. ;) Really glad there's going to be an epilogue to smooth things out. Right?

Thanks! I hope the epilogue will explain a little what's going on in Buffy's head.

10/24/2006 01:54 am
Lost and Found         
Okay, that was dumb of her. Why would she think he was another person? It's Spike, with a soul...duh!

So, the Slayer spell is done, Xander's buried, Anya's still a mess, Giles is still gone...And Faith and Buffy are almost getting along.

I'll explain it more in the epilogue but remember that there's a huge difference between Angel with and without his soul, and that's the only experience Buffy has with this (whereas we know better). Buffy is in love with Spike, and if the guy on her couch is 'William' or whoever, she's not going to be happy.

Stephanie
10/24/2006 01:52 am
Lost and Found         
Ok, I'm glad I read that last author's note before I left a review cuz I was gonna yell. You can't just leave it like that. But now that I see you aren't I will just say that the story is awesome and I can't wait for the epilogue and the sequel. Hurry please.

So glad you want more! Thanks. I've got the epilogue drafted. Should get it posted tomorrow.

Stephanie
10/24/2006 01:50 am
Lost and Found         

01/11/2019 02:54 am
Fix It         
I'm loving your wonderful story all over again - Outstanding ending - beautiful tribute to Xander, all his friends and the series. 

05/18/2015 05:42 pm
Fix It         
Wonderful chapter - love how you used the Kahlil Gibran poem - like your version of Dark Willow and the killing of Warren Mears very much - 

:-)
06/07/2010 03:01 am
Fix It         

nmcil
05/11/2007 05:26 pm
Fix It         
the closing of this chapter is so beautiful -

Thank you so much. I wanted to give Xander a proper send-off.

Cas
01/22/2007 02:19 am
Fix It         
Gotta love the Sunnydale PD. And liked the observation about Willows magic going too far.

Thanks!

Cas
01/22/2007 02:19 am
Fix It         
Gotta love the Sunnydale PD. And liked the observation about Willows magic going too far.

Thank you. I always thought it wasn't so much that Willow's spells went *wrong* so much as they they worked too well. I was glad to get to play with that here.

10/31/2006 03:04 am
Fix It         
Dawn’s insight about Willow really hit home. Buffy’s affirmation after Willow’s comment about Xander being at peace brought tears to my eyes. I’m glad that Willow promised to leave him there.

I was worried this chapter might come off to soppy, and I'm glad people responded to it. Thank you.

Lou
10/24/2006 08:51 pm
Fix It         
Excellent job with the funeral, dignified and moving.

Thanks. I'm glad it didn't come off too syrupy. I adore Xander and wanted to give him a proper send-off.

10/24/2006 06:05 pm
Fix It         
That was fast thinking on Dawn's part, with Willow so out of control, who knows how far back she would have taken them. Thanks for the fast update.

I like writing Dawn as smart. She's been really fun to write. Thank you for reading and reviewing!

Emily
10/24/2006 07:40 am
Fix It         
That has to be one of the most beautiful poems I've ever read. I love the simplicity of the ending of the chapter, it closed the chappie wonderfully... but, *sob* WAHH!!:(

Thanks so much! It took me a while to find something fitting for Willow's reading and I'm glad you agree that it works.

10/24/2006 06:00 am
Fix It         
Now I am I wondering what would have happened if Wilow had turned back time. Xanders Funeral was very nicely written. Buffy knows that Xander is happy, that was a good touch.

Thanks so much. I'm glad the funeral didn't come off too shmoopy.

10/24/2006 05:53 am
Fix It         
wow...i am simply awed...that was lovely...so heart-breakingly beautiful...my own eyes flooded with tears at those words...you have done a lovely job with this, pet... :) on to the end :)

Oh, thank you. I'm glad I was able to make people sad over my poor Xander.

10/24/2006 05:34 am
Fix It         
awwwww very very sad.

I liked the part about willow wanting to turn time backwards and Dawn realizing that she was going too far back and Dawn was fizzing out of existence.

10/24/2006 05:34 am
Fix It         
awwwww very very sad.

I liked the part about willow wanting to turn time backwards and Dawn realizing that she was going too far back and Dawn was fizzing out of existence.

Thanks. I've always though Willow's real problem is that she wants to fix everything. And sometimes you can't do that.

10/24/2006 05:30 am
Fix It         
Oh, man, you brought tears to my eyes. Lovely, heart wrenching chapter.

Thank you. It was a tough chapter to write and I'm glad it touched people.

10/24/2006 01:49 am
Fix It         
Okay, you're going to make me cry now...

Well, that's kinda what I'm going for here, so... thanks :)

:-)
06/07/2010 02:38 am
Villains         
 

Cas
01/22/2007 02:18 am
Villains         
Wow, that was a surprising chapter.

Thanks!

10/31/2006 02:57 am
Villains         
Xander’s death really hit me hard; I completely understand Anya and Dawn’s reaction to Willow going after Warren. What an interesting way for Buffy to find the axe. I like the higher level of control Willow showed, she still went after Warren but she let Jonathon and Andrew go because of their lack of involvement.


Thanks so much. I love Xander, which I think is obvious to anyone who reads this, so this was a tough thing to do.

For a long time, the show stuck with the idea that Willow's real problem was wanting to fix everything, so that's what I wanted to work with (instead of the out of control theme). This Willow is in control and seriously hacked off.

pretty_in_fangs
10/23/2006 07:57 pm
Villains         
Wow. Great chapter.

Thanks!

missus_grace
10/23/2006 09:36 am
Villains         
Very interesting how you've managed to change things around but still stay true to the events of the series.

I'm curious about how Tara will handle evil Willow...Buffy, too.

Thank you. That's really what I've been trying for. Everyone is going to have mixed emotions about the Willow-Warren situation. Tara... well, Xander wasn't as dear to her as he was to the others so that's going to have some impact.

10/23/2006 08:32 am
Villains         
Awesome chapter! Very sad with the Xander stuff, and the dawn and anya reacting to the Xander stuff.

I loved Willow killing the fett lol.

A couple of small criticisms, definitely nothing big, just minor things.

You mentioned "tyler's brother" but it was Tucker's brother.

Also you have willow saying: "A mite" and that's more of a Spikism. In fact I'm fairly sure it's a brit thing. I don't think americans say it.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Tyler/Tucker: Oops! Will fix that.

I say 'mite'. Maybe Willow picked it up from all those futile readings of the Watcher's Chronicles :)

The death of Fett was fun to write. I'm glad people aren't finding the levity too out of place in a darker scene like that. Couldn't help myself.

DizzyB
10/23/2006 08:17 am
Villains         
Just started reading this today and couldn't stop till I was caught up. Love it!

Thanks! Welcome to the story. Glad you liked it and I hope you'll enjoy how I wrap it up.

10/23/2006 06:41 am
Villains         
Now that was a shock. Never saw it coming. As irritating and just plain wrong that Xander could be, I hate to see him dead especially as he kind of redeemed himself in this fic. Can't wait to see what's gonna happen with Willow. Will she go dark with no hope of returning to herself without Xander there to bring her around? And Spike, I imagine he's gonna go ballistic when he finds out that Buffy has been shot. Can't wait to read more.

Thanks so much. I'm hoping to get the next part drafted today. I realize that I'm a bigger Xander fan than most folks here, so it's good to hear that people found his dead sad... at least in my story :) Stay tuned to see what happens with Willow.

10/23/2006 05:42 am
Villains         
very very good chapter. xander should have died much earlier in the series,(right after the hyena episode) then andrew being brough in for comic relief would not seem so ridicules. not to the point, excellent read, thank you.

Thanks! I love Xander, but I realize not everyone does.

10/23/2006 02:03 am
Villains         
Can't wait to see how this turns out. I didn't realize this was at it's end. Feeling sorry for Anya but if I had to chose between Tara and Xander, I'd chose Xander. Yay, he was the original scoobie but I just loved Tara more. I'm glad this has been easy to finish, It has been a enjoy to read. Thanks for the great read.

Thanks so much for all the feedback. I hope to have the last two installments soon. It was really difficult for me to off Xander, but it's what had to happen for my story.

10/23/2006 01:31 am
Villains         
This was a great chapter, but what is going to happen now that Xander is dead and can't tell his yellow crayon story? In the midst of all the angst of this chapter, you did make me laugh when you had Willow kill Boba Fett, it took me by surprise and I was laughing out loud. I hope you write a season seven after you finish this season.

Thank you for all the great feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed the Boba Fett part. I had to add that moment of levity despite the Rampaging Willow POV.

I'm getting quite a bit of reader encouragement, so I'm thinking I will write a sequel. I have little bits formulating in my head already. Once I get this finished, I'll start an outline...

Emily
10/23/2006 12:49 am
Villains         
No no thank you! You have been a great writer to us all, supplying us with many a grand chapter:D :love And I hope to see more stories... as well as the super ending that I'm sure is coming for this fic!:)

Thanks so much! I hope to have the ending ready soon.

10/23/2006 12:38 am
Villains         
wow, only two parts left? this has been an intense ride, pet...it seems willow hasn't gone quite as dark this time around as in the show...which is good...and maybe she'll stop with warren?? not let things get too far out of control? suppose i'll have to just read on to find out :)

Thanks so much! I'm hoping to get the last two parts done early in the week. Stay tuned to see what happens with Willow.

kim
10/23/2006 12:29 am
Villains         
Nice change to canon, yet still just as fitting. And this Willow is out of control, but so in control.
Dawn and Anya not feeling to bad about Willow taking out Warren is also appropriate. Xander was family...and it's hard to feel compassion for a murderer.

So, with Buffy kidnapped and Willow off to do her damage, that left Giles to come out to find Xander and call the police and the coroner. Where is he, though?

Only 2 chaps left? Are you thinking sequel?

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback. I'm sorry for the confusion, but when I wrote that Willow was inside talking to Giles, I meant on the phone. Giles will return before the end of the story.

More and more I am starting to think there will be a follow-on. I don't think I'll do an ep-by-ep rewrite, but I think I want to address some of the stuff I've set up for the seventh season timeline.

Emilee
10/22/2006 11:56 pm
Villains         
Oh My God! You killed Xander! You bastard. (tee hee) Really though, that just sucks. I didn't put it together fromt he last chapter that that's what you were going to do, so the first paragraph came as quite a shock. Even though it wasn't Tara who died this time, I still can't really bring myself to mourn the passing of Warren all that much. Frankly I thought skinning was to good for him. But an axe is good. Thanks for another excellent update. Can't wait til the next.

Thanks for all the feedback. I did indeed kill Xander, which was tough to do, but needed to happen for my story. All the Scoobs are going to have some mixed feelings about the Willow-whacks-Warren situation.

Lou
10/22/2006 11:27 pm
Villains         
Exciting chapter!

Thanks!

alým
01/29/2008 10:32 pm
Seeing Red         
whoa...who is gonna die? I lost the tracks,I guees,but the chapter is rocking!:) Guilty Spike and stressed Buffy and dead...who?

Cas
01/21/2007 09:22 am
Seeing Red         
It's like a bad dream that you can't stop from happening.

Thank you. That's very much the atmosphere I was going for.

10/31/2006 02:29 am
Seeing Red         
I’m glad that Buffy told Spike again that she loved him, I am also glad that Spike made sure that he left a message with Dawn before he left that he would be back. I loved Xander and Buffy’s talk and that Xander tried to cheer her up and that he defended Spike.

Thanks again. My Buffy's not one to just toss those words around, but she feels them.

10/30/2006 11:12 pm
Seeing Red         
nooooooooo I like xander in this fic

I love Xander, but I had to do it. It was hard.

Emily
10/23/2006 12:45 am
Seeing Red         
*eep* Eep EEP!

Ahh! I realize that you are busy with many a thing, but ppplllleeeeeeeaaaasssssseeee update soon. I need more! Very good addictive writing, and this cliffhanger's gonna kill us. I must say though, I just love the explanation behind Spike leaving, very interesting....

Thanks! I'm working on part 20 now. I'm glad you liked the Spike parts. I wanted that to be believable.

kim
10/22/2006 03:27 am
Seeing Red         
Well, Tara's out of the house, Joyce is out of town, Dawn's at school...
That leaves Willow, Giles, Xander, and Buffy...and it definitely looks like Xander got in the way of Buffy's bullet. Willow either screamed because of the gunshot, or because one of them was hit...

Hurry, please! Very good chapter. Loved Spike's bit about feeling so upset about the kids. I think he's either going to wish for his soul, so he can reconcile the feelings, or wish for the kids lives back because he doesn't feel it was right. Either way, he's not going to be the same after this...and Buffy said the words, but I think he was too out of it to catch them.

Buffy's going to be a mess, with what they have to deal with now, and Spike gone, too.

Thanks so much for all the feedback. I am working on the next bit and hope to get it to Kar today.

10/22/2006 01:19 am
Seeing Red         
Gaaahhh...Xander? Tara? Willow? Woo....what a cliffy. Well done. Thanks for still updating even with company, we appreciate that.
Kathleen

Thanks! I really do hope to get 19 written in short order.

RandiGiles
10/22/2006 01:15 am
Seeing Red         
oh how can you leave me slightly teary with an evil cliffy???

I left you teary? Go me! ;) I really am going to try to get the next part written tomorrow.

10/22/2006 12:56 am
Seeing Red         
Of course, he's going to get his soul, that's our Spike after all. Loved how you changed "Seeing Red" for your story, but will Tara's demise be the same here, as well as Willow's? Thanksful for Xander's insight to Spike's persistence and his understanding that Buffy needs reassurance where her vampire is concerned. Everyone else left, so she's afraid. What a wonderful idea for Xander's last thought, of Anya as a bride and their future.
With all these fantastic updates lately maybe the in-laws such come more often? *bad Verda, slaps self* LOL *grins*

Thanks for all the great feedback! Hehehe, re: in-laws, Verda. The updates are actually coming so fast now because I know almost exactly how I want to end things, it's just a question of getting it all typed!

One thing I will do next chappie though is add a bit that makes it clearer that Tara wasn't in the house at all when the shooting happened this time. I can tell I've got readers wondering if she's okay.

Thanks for the comments on Xander's ending. I've had variations on that scene written since I started this fic. I love my Xander and wanted him to end well.

Lou
10/22/2006 12:43 am
Seeing Red         
What a cliffhanger! Really well done.

Thank you!

10/22/2006 12:37 am
Seeing Red         
Awesome Chapter! OK is this the part I'd disagree with? Is he going to get his soul? You know if he is going to get it, I don't mind it in this fic, because Buffy accepted him first without it. My big issue with the soul is that it always seemed like a bandaid for the relationship Buffy would never allow to happen otherwise. My issue with the soul is mostly on Buffy's side of the fence. And she's not being like that in this fic. She's being accepto supporto girl.

Anyway this is really well written. Your Dawn voice is really good also. Not a lot of people write Dawn well.

Despite your love of Xander you are making his responses realistic...in the afterglow of being a newlywed, he's bound to be more mellow but he still doesn't like spike which is believable.

I like all the little nods to Anya, like her gratefulness cause of them banking there lol.

Poor Tara had to go here too huh? I guess some things can't be changed and you need the catalyst for evil willow if you're recreating a lot of things so closely. (or maybe she won't go evil this time...who knows?)

Anyway really awesome fic. Can't wait for more.

Without getting into exactly what happens to Spike, yes, his reaction to the car accident is where I figured you might have a different take. I'm glad that you think it works for my story though.

Actaully, Tara wasn't in the house this time. I probably should have made that clearer since I realize readers might assume that from canon.

Thanks so much for all the great feedback! I hope to get the next chapter drafted soon.

Emilee
10/22/2006 12:23 am
Seeing Red         
Aaargh!!! You are mean! That was an excellent update. Very gripping. Is this going to continue into Season 7? I mean it's already sorta over-lapping, but are you gonna have Spike come back all changed and the final battle with the First Evil and closing the Hellmouth and stuff because that would be very cool. I think I'd be disappointed if this story ended with canon season 6. It's way too good. Can't wait for the next update to see what happens.

Thanks so much! I was actually just talking about this on my lj... how I haven't decided to what extent I want to continue this past the end of season six. The ending will be different, but it will also leave a number of things that I've set up unresolved. Depending on how much energy I have, I might do a follow-up, but probably not another 20+ part adventure.

10/22/2006 12:05 am
Seeing Red         
oh wow...you actually knocked the breath out of me with that one...and you made me actually feel heart-broken at xander's death...that's quite an accomplishment there...so very sad...and i dont know if you're going the direction of evil-willow or not, but i think xander's death could have brought that about just as easily as tara's...and in that case, tara just might be the only one who could bring willow back from the edge in the end...but i'm getting ahead of both of us :) lol...looking forward to your next update :)

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback! That was exactly the reaction I was hoping for. I realize that BSV is not generally awash in Xander-love, but I hoped this would be sad nonetheless for my readers.

You'll just have to stay tuned to see what happens with Willow. But she is not going to be pleased.

10/22/2006 12:05 am
Seeing Red         
another very interesting chappie

Thanks!

10/21/2006 11:57 pm
Seeing Red         
very good chapter, thank you. blame the evil cliffie on the in-laws. right!
Heh. Well I actually think this one's less hangy than the previous chapter. There is a character death, and it is Xander. Really glad you liked it though, and the in-laws leave tomorrow so maybe I can get 19 drafted before the weekend's over.

:-)
06/07/2010 02:05 am
Entropy         
 

Cas
01/21/2007 09:12 am
Entropy         
Not the trio? Glad this is all posted and finished already so I don't ahve to wait thru it all.

Nope, the trio has plenty of other nasty business to get up to though!

10/31/2006 02:20 am
Entropy         
Anya’s thoughts about Xander and her honeymoon were sweet and I loved how she corrected the customer when she was called Miss. I understand Buffy’s worry about Faith and loved Spike’s response about when he met her during the body switch.

Thanks. I really enjoy writing Anya, and if I were Buffy I would really be worried about Faith.

10/30/2006 11:10 pm
Entropy         
good chapter

Thanks!

Emily
10/21/2006 01:02 am
Entropy         
Oh! Poor Spikey baby! I'm sure he'll be fine (because you can't be *that* evil.. i hope) Thanks for the all the updates you've been able to do, despite the RL difficulties. Once again, I hope that all has, is and will be going well with the in-laws. And I'm glad that Baby is okay:D

You'll be able to better gauge my evilness when the beta gets back to me. Surviving the in-laws so far and Baby is much better. Thanks for reviewing!

pretty_in_fangs
10/20/2006 03:58 pm
Entropy         
Well, that was an unexpected ending.

Resolution on the way! Next chapter is with the beta.

10/20/2006 12:53 pm
Entropy         
:o oh no!

Dun dun dun! Stay tuned.

Lou
10/20/2006 10:06 am
Entropy         
I'm hopeful it takes more than a car smash up to dust Spike.

You'll just have to wait for the next chapter ;)

10/20/2006 08:02 am
Entropy         
wow...what a startling ending for that chapter..i cant wait to see what happens to him, though i have an uneasy feeling about it...does it involve the creepy trio, perhaps? and btw, you write the hot semi-smut so wonderfully, steamy and intense without being crude...beautifully done :)

Thanks so much! It's a big relief to hear the love scenes are coming off well.

valdt
10/20/2006 07:32 am
Entropy         
very good update, thank you. sending joyce for faith, exceptional; the deliberate car wreck, vote is still pending.

Thanks for the feedback. I hope you'll think the resolution is worth the tension.

10/20/2006 03:06 am
Entropy         
No worries Buff, he's all yours. Thanks for the unexpected update. Spike sure is insecure. Instead of reveling in Buffy's desire to explore his demon side, he complies under duress, all because she wishes it. Great chapter, MC.

Thanks for all the feedback, Verda. I was sorta thinking back to the whole 'vampire groupie' thing he accused her of in canon. Like maybe there's a niggling in the back of his brain that he's just the convenient, non-lethal vampire in her life.

And I think Buffy has to wonder too if she'd get off on the vampire part or be freaked out or what.

I have a draft going for the next part. I just hope people aren't underwhelmed by the wreck aftermath.

kim
10/20/2006 02:20 am
Entropy         
Ack! Car wreck? Ack! He doesn't have much time before sunrise.

Yes, I think Joyce is the best to send for Faith. By now, Faith will definitely be on good behavior around her. That's probably one of the things that Faith sincerely feels sorry about. And Buffy's gotta learn that people change. Especially as they grow up.

Happy to see Anya happy. :)

Thanks for all the great feedback!

10/20/2006 12:25 am
Entropy         
Awwww very sweet chapter? are we to the part yet that I'm gonna disagree with? When we get to it can you write an author's note to clue me in? *zoe this is the part you aren't gonna agree with* hehehe I need help here knowing what i'm not supposed to like lol.

Not yet. It might become obvious what's happening before we get there, but the last chapter is where I think you'll be all 'hmm, not how I would have played it.'

LindsayH
10/20/2006 12:20 am
Entropy         
Ms. Clawdia, you are a bad girl! What an evil cliffie! Tell your guests they cannot have your computer, Spike is in danger. But what a story. It just keeps getting better and better. I wonder who was in that other car? Council hitmen, Bringers, the Trio of Losers, ooh, the suspense! I love this story.

hehehe. Thanks for the review. I just hope the next installment doesn't disappoint!

05/18/2015 03:39 pm
Potential for Normal         
Glad you are bringing in the Guardians - this was such a big addition to the Buffyverse mythos - it's a pity that the Guardians was dropped so quickly and so entirely from the series.  Instead of all the nonsense in the comic books BS8 - Joss Whedon could have developed the history of the Guardians and the CoW and the ancient periods of the pure demons.  There was all the material just waiting to be developed and instead it was just totally ignored.  

I wish that some writers would take on the Guardians and their history - perfect Time Travel saga just waiting for some outstanding fanfiction writer. 

:-)
06/07/2010 01:33 am
Potential for Normal         
 

alým
01/29/2008 10:00 pm
Potential for Normal         
As much as I don't dislike Cecily,calling William a fop pissed me right off! Bleeding sneerry ...Hallie!  :B

Cas
01/21/2007 09:01 am
Potential for Normal         
Too bad Willow didn't have time to get more info.

Over time, more facts about pre-Spike Spike trickle out.

10/31/2006 02:10 am
Potential for Normal         
Spike’s conversation with Dawn was interesting. I love that Buffy has admitted to herself that she loves Spike and that she ended up telling him that she loved him. I also like how she thanked him for taking care of her. Halfrek certainly gave Willow a bit of interesting information about the existence of the Guardians.

Thanks for all the feedback!

10/30/2006 11:08 pm
Potential for Normal         
very intriguing with the guardians

Thank you. There's so little in canon that I could really do whatever I wanted.

Jessica
10/19/2006 08:43 am
Potential for Normal         
Still loving the story. And I thought that Spike's thoughts in this chapter were really good. Can't wait for more.

Thanks so much! More is up now.

valdt
10/19/2006 04:32 am
Potential for Normal         
very good update, thank you. can remember two sets of in-laws fondly (was my wives in-laws who were the pain....)
Hehe.

Thank you. I have the next part to the beta. Not sure how much writing I'll get done while they're around though.

10/19/2006 03:59 am
Potential for Normal         
I am just happy that she told him even if it was a slip. But Spike had a clue since the conversation with Dawn. I am sorry that Dawn doesn't feel wanted though.

Thanks. It wasn't a slip. She intended to tell him. She just wanted to sorta slide it in there and avoid a big discussion about it :)

10/18/2006 02:55 pm
Potential for Normal         
i wonder what they're gonna find out about the guardians...and i have to say i share spike's irritation at buffy's refusal to respond to his "i love you"....it *does* seem a bit manipulative on her part...but then, maybe she just doesn't wanna feel forced to say it...i dont know...excellent chapter, pet, looking forward to more :)

Buffy's just not free with the declarations. It's hard for her to say. Thanks for the great feedback. I'm hoping to get more up in a timely fashion, despite the demands of real life :)

Lou
10/18/2006 12:29 pm
Potential for Normal         
I'm glad Buffy admitted her feelings - even if it was kinda low key. Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit!

Thanks. My Buffy sorta wanted to sneak it in.

10/18/2006 09:10 am
Potential for Normal         
Sorry that the baby's sick. It makes it hard on everyone. Buffy said it! She said she loved him but he's right, he's no way of knowing what that will mean for him. Your right about the Guardians, they didn't even have their 15 minutes of fame. Most everything will be AU, so knock yourself out. What's Willow up to? Will be waiting for updates. Good luck with your in-laws. Thanks for the wonderful chapter.

Thanks for all the great feedback. I've got a Willow POV planned for the next chapter. The baby is doing much better. Depending on how the visit goes, I'd like to get a draft ready by Sunday, but no promises.

Dreylin
10/18/2006 08:13 am
Potential for Normal         
I love that it was Willow that 'William' got outed to. It felt like a natural progression of the story , and it was believable and in character the way it came out. It feels kinda forced in most stories. While a lot of fanfic is stuff we wish might have happened, this felt like it really could have. Like an unaired scene.

Wow, thank you. I'm so pleased that it came off that well.

Emily
10/18/2006 06:04 am
Potential for Normal         
Once again, great story you have here. I like your revamping of the story line (especially the Guardian bit, IMHO they should have elaborated more there). I hope that Baby get's better, I realize how hellish that is, and good luck with the in-laws as well. Can't wait to see more, as soon as you can get it to us:)

Thanks again. The Guardians are such a wild card that it gives me a lot of room to play. I'm hoping I can get a draft ready for beta by Sunday. It depends a lot on how things go with the in-laws.


(Baby is doing much better, thank you. Hope to be back to our routine tomorrow.)

10/18/2006 03:31 am
Potential for Normal         
Very interesting story. I love the way you use Joyce exactly like they did on the show, she is there being a center of strength for Buffy.

Thanks so much. That's very much the tone I'm going for with Joyce, and I'm flattered that you think I've done that well.

kim
10/18/2006 01:04 am
Potential for Normal         
Yeah, there's much potential with the Guardians...just enough info to give a hopping off point.

So, she said it. Good. First revving up its time-table. Bad.

Willow seems to still be doing relatively okay - very good.

I liked Dawn's conversation with Spike. She's not afraid to raise the uncomfortable questions...though I don't like Spike giving her the brush-off for Buffy. He had his Bit's affection long before Buffy could even stand him.

Yeah, having more time to consider the Slayer awakening spell does allow for all those hard questions. The girls should get a choice, though the hard part is that they won't be able to find all of them in time.

Thanks for all the great feedback.

I think you can find merit on both sides of the 'should they activate them all' argument. And they may not be able to do it on a case-by-case basis. It's a fun concept to work with.

Spike still likes Dawn, he's just... focused :)

10/17/2006 10:59 pm
Potential for Normal         
awesome chapter! I'm glad buffy finally told spike she loved him.

Thanks. It took her long enough to fall and ages to admit it. My Buffy is gun-shy, what can I say.

:-)
06/06/2010 05:47 pm
Hell's Bells         
 

Cas
01/21/2007 08:35 am
Hell's Bells         
Love the image.

Thanks!

10/30/2006 09:42 pm
Hell's Bells         
lol i enjoyed the boyfriend discussion
Thanks. Glad I could get a laugh!

10/29/2006 10:39 am
Hell's Bells         
I loved that Xander went through with the wedding and that his expressed surprise was that Anya went through with it. Spike’s surprise for Buffy was so sweet and I enjoyed Dawn’s interaction with Buffy and Spike.

Thanks. This was my super-fluffy chapter and I'm relieved people liked it.

vladt
10/17/2006 02:28 am
Hell's Bells         
fun read, thank you.

Thanks! The next part is finally with the beta.

Lou
10/16/2006 09:35 pm
Hell's Bells         
Now that's what the wedding could have been like! Happy.

Thanks!

missus_grace
10/15/2006 07:21 am
Hell's Bells         
I love the scene in the hotel room. GAH! Spike in a tux...*drools*

;) Glad you enjoyed it.

10/14/2006 07:15 am
Hell's Bells         
awww....very satisfying fluff....so sweet and warm-fuzzies inspiring :) great job, looking forward to more :)
Thanks again! I'm glad people are enjoying my fluffy side. Hope to have the 'more' ready soon.

Emily
10/14/2006 03:53 am
Hell's Bells         
Awh! I liked that chapter:) Sweet and fluffy and cute. Cant wait for more!

Thanks! I'm glad people weren't put off by the fluff. I will get back to actual plot in the next chapter.

RandiGiles
10/14/2006 02:58 am
Hell's Bells         
ohmy goodness! you have me grining and gigling with the doubel-ohing.

Fabulous! I'll admit I was pleased with myself for that one ;)

10/14/2006 02:07 am
Hell's Bells         
Wonderful wedding, Spike danced with Dawn, Willow called Spike Buffy's "boyfriend" and she agreed and a romantic evening with a very handsome tuxed vamp. And your right, he did look yummy with his tux shirt opened at con. Fantastic chapter, thanks.

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! This was a fun, quick one to do.

10/14/2006 01:09 am
Hell's Bells         
oh this is very sweet. I loved this chapter, very charming and funny, i love all the anya lines and the willow discussion with her calling spike buffy's boyfriend. wonderful job! this story rocks!

Thanks Zoe. Glad you liked it. This was a fun one to write. Now I just have to get to work on the rest. Only six more to go!

10/13/2006 11:50 pm
Hell's Bells         
Ahhhhh - wonderful fluffiness!

Thanks. I kept it brief. Happy only keeps one entertained for so long... ;)

pretty_in_fangs
10/13/2006 07:08 pm
Hell's Bells         
I think I kinda love this guy.

As you should. ::nods::

Hehe. Thanks.

kim
10/13/2006 04:11 pm
Hell's Bells         
That was fluffy! I loved it. Mmmm...James-Bond-y type Spike....

So glad that Xander and Anya made it through.

I'm surprised Joyce wasn't at the wedding...was she feeling that poorly?

Thanks again, Kim. Good catch on Joyce. I had originally intended to have a brief mention of her there. So fear not, Joyce is well. I'll put something 'splainy in the next chapter.

05/18/2015 02:54 pm
Reveille         
I think you handled the return of Riley and his perfect wife well - just enough material.  

:-)
06/06/2010 05:40 pm
Reveille         
 

alým
01/29/2008 08:46 pm
Reveille         
Oh,my God! I was almost having a heart attack here! There was no way for me to handle an other Buffy betrayal towards Spike! I mean,Riley? Girl's suppossed to be deaf and blind to do such a thing to a man like Spike! But she didn't do it,and I couldn't have been more pleased.
Also "I'm...uh,what time is it?" ,huh? Perfect and I loved it!

Cas
01/21/2007 08:27 am
Reveille         
Again, liked it better than the original, and yes, I still like Joyce, I kinda sorta like Riley, which I really don't.

Thanks. I wanted to make Riley's reaction here kinda similar to cannon where he's almost like 'well, I should have expected this'. I don't like Riley, but I don't like to bash either.

10/30/2006 09:28 pm
Reveille         
very cute chapter - the doctor thing nicely done

Thank you. This was a fun one to do.

10/29/2006 10:30 am
Reveille         
I loved Buffy’s reaction to Riley finding her in bed with Spike. It seems that Joyce is really starting to see Buffy and how Buffy sees her future, or lack of one.

Indeed, which can't be a fun realisation for Joyce.

vladt
10/12/2006 08:08 am
Reveille         
excellent read, thank you. i enjoy riley bashing. the indifference buffy projects is far superior to a hit, physical or verbal. the last paragraph shows a slight change in joyce and the last line is just a mom.

Thank you! Yes, Joyce is starting to face facts a little. I'm really glad that scene worked okay.

Emily
10/11/2006 06:10 am
Reveille         
I understand how Riley bash-a-thons are tiring. Wayyy more fun than I could have ever expected, but tiring. Considering how much I liked the rest of it (especially Spike's commentary) I think ill find it my heart to forgive the lack of Riley bashing:P Great job, and can't wait for the (perhaps not so) hellish bells:)

Heh, I appreciate your forgiveness :) I hope to have the next chapter ready for the weekend.

10/11/2006 04:00 am
Reveille         
I am just glad that Buffy went to Spike and she is not shying away from his feelings. At least Riley and Joyce are seeing what is happening between Buffy and Spike. Just awesome story.

Thanks! Yep, it's starting to look like everyone thinks Buffy is in love with Spike except for Buffy herself.

Kittenuno
10/11/2006 01:08 am
Reveille         
This story just gets better and better.

Thank you! Hope that will continue to be your opinion.

nightshift
10/10/2006 03:06 pm
Reveille         
Actually, I'm glad you didn't have a bash-a-thon. Those have been done to death and Riley just isn't worth the effort. The "recreational" chains, though, were absolutely priceless.

Thanks. I was never a Riley fan and he seriously screwed up, but he wasn't evil. Just totally not the guy for our heroine, which he himself was aware of for most of season five.

The recreational chains seem to be a big hit. I have to admit, I'm proud of that bit.

Lou
10/10/2006 10:14 am
Reveille         
You covered all the main events and avoided any humiliation for our lovers - I really liked the disposable camera reference. A stronger bashing of you-know-who wouldn't have gone amiss, but nicely done.
I know a lot of people do the disposable camera thing, but when my wedding came around, I thought to myself I've seen how well my relatives take pictures when they're not full of champagne. Pass!

Glad you liked it despite the lack of intense bashing :)

10/10/2006 07:12 am
Reveille         
I don't normally write another review to respond to a response to a previous review I left but I just wanted you to know that Buffy's fear of letting herself love is completely coming through. It doesn't seem like she's being cruel or doesn't love him at all. You said you were trying to convey that she was scared to fall again and you are conveying that. :)

Also, yeah with the riley reply. I get that. So often we make riley more evil than he actually was in canon (although the plastic wood-grain stake I think is a valid reason for people to believe he could go really dark as well as the vamp ho's...but I digress, I totally get what you're saying and his response is believable. :)

Thanks again. It's good to know I'm getting Buffy's feelings through.

I think it makes the comparison to Spike stronger when you take Riley as a basically decent but flawed man, and Buffy still feels that Spike is the better guy for her. But yes, Riley was teetering on a really nasty ledge there for awhile.

10/10/2006 06:55 am
Reveille         
awwww...that bit with joyce was very touching....i feel kinda bad for her that she feels she's gonna miss out on so much with buffy...i so loved the way you dealt with this chapter, so much better, the way buffy treated spike when riley showed up, all of it...very well done

It'd like to think that at this point, the relationship is much different than in canon, so it follows that her reaction to seeing Riley would be different too. I'm glad you liked the Joyce parts, esp because I was afraid that section wasn't working too well.

Thanks again for all the feedback!

Emilee
10/10/2006 05:13 am
Reveille         
Excellent chapter. I thought it was very well done. Recreational chains had me laughing out loud. I gotta wonder though, is Buffy really in denial over her feelings for Spike, or is she really not able to love him in which case...she's being a horrible person and just using him. And if she is just in denial, is she going to wake up on her own or will there be some kind of cathartic event? You're doing real well on season six, will you be continuing this into season 7 as well? Can't wait for more.

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I would disagree that Buffy's being horrible to Spike. He knows what he's getting, and what he's not getting. But I recognize that there are people who feel that way about it :) To answer your question, events will begin escalating after Hell's Bells and Buffy's feelings will start to come into sharper focus.


10/10/2006 04:03 am
Reveille         
A little disappointed that there wasn't any Riley bashing, but he did get to see them together and witness what her true feelings for the vampire really were. Thank you for putting her at the coffe house and not at DMP. I realize that Joss wanted to show how desperate she had become, but I'm glad that you found it wasn't necessary. Want to find out more about the prophecy. The wedding should be interesting. Can't wait to see how it's going to be changed considering that Buffy and Spike are going together to begin with. Will Xander leave Anya at the alter again? What about the man that Anya exacted vengeance on? Can't wait, soeey you had such a hard time with this chapter but you did a great job. Thanks for the read.

Well, my Buffy definitely isn't as desperate. She's still got a mom supporting her emotionally and financially, so I was able to spare her the DMP.

I just couldn't do out and out bashing. Still, ol' Riley got too see a whole lotta things he'd rather have not witnessed.

Thanks for all the feedback!

Fangfaceandrea
10/10/2006 04:02 am
Reveille         
“Oh, uh, no.” Buffy turned crimson. “Those are just… recreational.”

Yes, delicious was indeed the word.

Heeeee! If I didn't love this story before....

Thank you! I'm delighted that people liked that bit.

10/10/2006 03:28 am
Reveille         
This was a really great chapter. I liked though that Riley's discussion with Joyce was cut off...that she didn't say anything negative about spike. I wonder why Riley's reaction wasn't a little stronger, but the chapter is really good.

I did LOVE though Buffy's reaction when Riley caught them. She didn't act ashamed to be with Spike and she didn't punch him...she was all like: "um...why are you here?" lmao. And also her blushing when she said the chains were recreational. LMAO...like riley somehow thought she was taking some kind of safety precaution in bed with spike hahahahaha.


i really like the beginning part in the coffee shop. Question...her thoughts...were these imagined conversations or actual conversations that she'd had that she was rethinking?

I also loved you using the chains. You write fanfastic, evocative sex scenes that are not gross, overly described and squicky. And they are really honest sex scenes, something which I really admire in a writer.

I like that she's falling in love with spike and everyone knows it but her, and at least she's being civil to him and not abusing him like on the show. Really great chapter, it made me smile and think "awwww" like a dozen times lol.


Sorry if that wasn't clear, but those are memories of the day following the birthday party.

Glad the sex scenes are coming off well. That's great to know. I think Buffy being slow to realize her feelings is realistic and I hope my readers agree. Part of it is that she's actively fighting those feelings because she's scared of what happens when she falls in love.

Riley's reaction: I think that in canon, he was a little bit suprised, but more like 'well, that figures'. So I wanted to convey a similar reaction here. Still, poor guy had to wonder why Spike was chained up.

kim
10/10/2006 01:40 am
Reveille         
No, it was good. Hit a lot of the notes needed in the story right now.
And Riley was extra perceptive. How about that? Still, if anyone would know if a girl's in love with her current, it'd be her former. The boy was never dumb, though...that snipe at Xander was unexpected, but a cool way to address the issue. It was more in the past for this Xander, though. I think.

Joyce is catching on...picking her battles. Very good. She's right to worry about Buffy's resignation to death, though. The girl never focused on life. She made things so much harder than they had to be. At least Spike isn't getting so much of the short end of the stick anymore. Quite a change over canon.

And we have the First coming up early. Advance warnings. Good to be mindful of the future before the lull of summer on the Hellmouth breeds complacency.

Willow's doing better still...teetering on the line, but still holding, even with the ouch of Tara backing off again. Tara's a smart one, though - it's good to be cautious until Willow realizes why she needs to handle magic differently.

Thanks so much for all the great feedback! And yes, I didn't want a quick fix for Willow. I'm glad you liked it.

Tamara
10/10/2006 01:24 am
Reveille         
I like this version of As You Were MUCH better.

I like how she questions Riley instead of blindly accepting what he. I mean, Spike being an international arms dealer with no phone and never leaving Sunnydale ? That had plot holes big enough to drive a semi through.

Heh, thanks. I always thought there were big holes in this episode, so it was pretty easy to think of a new concept.

BT
10/10/2006 01:21 am
Reveille         
I loved Buffy being casually in bed with Spike when Riley showed up. It was just so cute! :)

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

Jessica
10/10/2006 12:52 am
Reveille         
I was happy that Xander called Riley on some of his behavior. But I was hoping for a bit more. At least a punch to the face. ; ) But I am glad that Buffy wasn't ashamed of her relationship with Spike. Looking forward to the wedding. Can't wait for more.

Yes, this is a crowd that often likes to solve things with violence :) But I had to rein them in. Thanks so much, and I hope you'll keep reading.

:-)
06/06/2010 05:22 pm
Older and Closer         
 

06/14/2009 07:41 pm
Older and Closer         
Hallie got her just desserts!

Cas
01/21/2007 05:20 am
Older and Closer         
Does conjure up a nice image.

Indeed. Spike in the shower is a nice image, I must agree :)

10/30/2006 09:18 pm
Older and Closer         
Hallie is such a *itch. BUffy should so kick her butt

Heh. Thanks.

10/29/2006 10:14 am
Older and Closer         
I loved the choice of song for Spike to sing in the shower. The interaction between Hallie and Spike was much more interesting this time around. I liked how the vengeance spell was still done and the interesting twist on who made the wish.

I'd been looking for a way to use that song in story. Thanks!

vladt
10/12/2006 07:29 am
Older and Closer         
very good read, thank you. really enjoy the tale. buffy's note (lj drabble) is a pleasant spot in a wonderous, sad tale.

Thanks so much!

Glad you liked her note. I just had to get that little drabble out of my head before I could get this story written.

10/07/2006 01:43 am
Older and Closer         
I really hope that someone gets hip to Willow before it becomes too late. So happy to see Buffy and Spike acting like a real couple and not being in the shadows.

You'll just have to stay tuned... Thanks for reading and reviewing!

10/06/2006 07:40 pm
Older and Closer         
spike singing in the shower was great...and i love how you had him deal with hallie being around...good job ;)

Thanks. Everytime I heard that song, I wanted to work it into a Spuffy story somehow. I was glad I found a fun way to do it.

pretty_in_fangs
10/06/2006 03:06 pm
Older and Closer         
Give in, Buffy! It's inevitable. ::giggle::

Heh.

10/06/2006 05:52 am
Older and Closer         
Oh I love this. This chapter is just fantastic...first with Dawn, you captured her perfectly. So few people write Dawn well...

Then...with Buffy and the slaying and spike...I loved the scene and what he got her...and how she was nervous about being waiting and posed for him...so cute.

I loved the anya and hallie and spike and buffy stuff. All of it...captured all those voices fantastically.

Great dream sequence, moving into the shower with Spike.

This entire chapter just flowed seamlessly from one thing to another and each voice was distinct and captured perfectly.

Also, the fact that you are still successfully twisting each episode, and keeping it on track is just amazing. Fantastic job. You should have been in charge of writing season six! :)

Thanks! It was my discussion with you that got me thinking about putting in the Dawn section. (I should have thought to put that in my author's notes...) I was surprised at how much I like writing Dawn, but she's turned out to be one of my faves.

I appreciate all the great feedback.

10/06/2006 05:20 am
Older and Closer         
It's a Buffy Birthday! They did get Warren's location, whichnis great. She my not love him yet but she likes him and what he can do to her. Didn't this Buffy know who Cecily was to William? Xander seems to be keeping his mouth in check, way to go Xander. Weird prophecy. Great read, thanks.

Buffy didn't know who Cecily was, but I've alluded to it in this story before, via Spike's POV in All the Way. Thanks for all the feedback.

kim
10/06/2006 04:52 am
Older and Closer         
Cool...she's getting the dream already.

Nice take on the birthday.

And awww...warm and naked Spike...how can a girl resist?

So glad you liked it!

10/06/2006 04:50 am
Older and Closer         
Lots of stuff going on in this chapter. Fantastic. Calling Giles or joining Spike in the shower? Can't believe Buffy even had to think about it.

Yeah... kind of a no-brainer... Thanks for reviewing!

Emily
10/06/2006 03:16 am
Older and Closer         
I love your writing, i just cant get enough. You have a great style, and you show each of the shows really well. I would write more, but i gotta run. Great job:D

Thank you so much!

05/18/2015 05:57 am
Dead Things         
lovely ending and wonderful Joyce moment - 

:-)
06/06/2010 01:41 pm
Dead Things         
 

06/14/2009 06:50 pm
Dead Things         
Really loving your universe where people do the right thing without unncecessary angst.  Angst has its place of course.  But Buffy really thought about Spike instead of leaving him alone all beaten up. 
Thank you so much!

Cas
01/21/2007 05:02 am
Dead Things         
Well, much better than the original.

Thank you. This Buffy is just in a different place emotionally, but she still doesn't want to be a killer.

10/30/2006 06:00 pm
Dead Things         
lovely chapter - glad she didn't beat up spike this time!

Thanks. This pair is at a very different place.

10/29/2006 09:43 am
Dead Things         
After everything Spike had done for Buffy her taking care of him was nice. Even though she didn’t do a very good job I like that she at least sort of apologized. Her talk with Tara was very enlightening and seemed to help her sort a few things out.

Thanks. This was a tough chapter to write.

vladt
10/12/2006 06:55 am
Dead Things         
very good read, thank you. love the tara-buffy conversation.

I thought Tara was a good person to have this conversation with. She wasn't around for all the Angel/Angeles stuff, so I would think it's easier for Buffy to discuss it with her. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Hope you'll continue to enjoy it.

BT
10/05/2006 04:24 pm
Dead Things         
This story is just so well done. So sweet, but not too much.

Thanks so much!

Lou
10/04/2006 10:08 am
Dead Things         
High time you got over Angel, Missy!

Indeed! If he can move on, why can't she?

10/04/2006 07:19 am
Dead Things         
I hope that this Joyce will support her in her relationship with Spike. She may want normal for her daughter but she should know by now that's not going to happen. Glad Buffy's finally putting Angel behind her and she's got Tara to confide in about Spike. Great update, thanks.

Thank you for the feedback. Eventually Joyce will indeed have to accept that Buffy really isn't like other girls.

kim
10/04/2006 06:28 am
Dead Things         
Joyce, just focus on your daughter being happy, and alive. And you know Spike will do whatever it takes to keep her living.

Interesting, that you had them find out about Connor. Works with this story, though. Took them a while, since Connor was born back in November...

Very glad that Spike didn't end up with a face that looked like hamburger this time.

Well, I'm relieved that I didn't have them finding out about it *before* Connor was born at least.

No beat down in my story, but I do think Spike's lack of empathy is an important point, which is why I kept the argument in.

Thanks for all the feedback.

10/04/2006 06:17 am
Dead Things         
but it's the *right* vampire this time, joyce! i like this version of dead things much better (even if there were no handcuffs involved ;) ) lol...great chapter, looking forward to more :)

Yes, I realize it was a serious departure to have a merely R-rated Dead Things chapter :) Glad you liked it, hope you'll enjoy what's to come.

10/04/2006 06:07 am
Dead Things         
Fantastic job. Can't say enough good things about this fic. Looking forward to reading more.

Thanks again! Thirteen is coming along, so hopefully I'll have it up soon.

Fangfaceandrea
10/04/2006 03:24 am
Dead Things         
Loved Buffy's way of apologizing and that bit at the end, very true to season 6 just healthier :D.
Also I find it Very interesting that-and how- you'd write Buffy finding out about Connor.

Thanks for the feeback! I wanted to find a way to get Buffy to evaluate what good it was holding on to this idea that Angel is The Perfect Love She Cannot Have. Finding out about what he's been up to in LA is a good prompt for that, I thought.

10/04/2006 02:18 am
Dead Things         
isnt that a good thing??

To me? Yes. To her mother? Not so much.

10/04/2006 02:17 am
Dead Things         
awesome chapter!

Thanks. I was nervous about this one.

05/18/2015 05:37 am
The Espresso Pump         
Oh a prophecy - always like that element in a story - well with the HUGE exception of the Twilight Times Slayer Evolution malarkey. 

Loving it. :-)
06/06/2010 01:32 pm
The Espresso Pump         
 

06/14/2009 06:37 pm
The Espresso Pump         
Loving the improved camaraderie between the friends!

02/16/2007 09:16 am
The Espresso Pump         
Oh my god, this story is so great. You have such fantastic characterization-- it's seriously the BEST! Loving every SECOND of this fic! (And neglecting my legions of homework to finish it, haha.)

Thank you so much! Borrowed Time is the first story I was brave enough to post. I was really nervous about it, but now consider it my best. I'm so glad you're enjoying it!

Cas
01/21/2007 04:47 am
The Espresso Pump         
Brought her a heater! So Sweet - everyone.

Heh, thanks!

10/30/2006 02:47 pm
The Espresso Pump         
I enjoyed the xander and anya interatction and how they dealt with it - very nicely done!

Thanks again!

10/29/2006 09:31 am
The Espresso Pump         
I love how Anya clued Buffy in on the fact that she and Xander knew about Spike. I also liked that Xander was more upset that Buffy hadn’t told him then he was about the relationship. The scene with Willow and Xander was nice. I loved Dawn’s look at what was going on and how she mentioned the cot in the basement.

Thanks so much for all the feedback. Even in canon, Xander was really mad about being lied to. Buffy definitely has a pattern of lying or keeping secrets to protect people, and that's not going to go over well sometimes,

vladt
10/12/2006 06:44 am
The Espresso Pump         
very enjoyable read, thank you. anya leaving the heater and the bill was a wonderful touch. dawn aiding and abbetting is very funny.

Thanks again. Anya and Dawn continue to be the most fun to write, even when the Anya is indirect.

10/02/2006 02:29 pm
The Espresso Pump         
I am glad that Xander did not cause more than he did. And this is something the Buffy really needs right now. Love Dawn and her faking self and what a Christmas for Spike and Tara to be invited. Love it..

Glad you liked it!

Shan
10/01/2006 07:57 pm
The Espresso Pump         
Really enjoying this, sorry i haven't been reviewing more but i am reading and am loving. I'm very interested to see where you are going with all this.

I loved Xander's reaction and him caring more about the fact she felt she couldn't tell him- so very in character for Xander yet not a reaction i've ever seen written in a fic.

Both the Willow and Xander scene, and the Buffy and Spike scene, with the last scene were all very heartwarming and nice, though makes me think something bad is going to come and break up the happiness very soon.

One tiny thing though- people drink honey in tea?? Yuck! Why? :P I'm english and our english tea comes with milk and maybe suger, as far as i've ever seen or had though, is this an american thing? Or a brit thing i'm not aware of? Not picking holes but proper curious, and it stood out at me as being weird! Heh.

Anyhow, keep up the good writing. :)

Shan, I'm delighted that you're enjoying my respose to your challenge. It has been a lot of fun to do.

I do not know if the honey thing is an American thing or a Southern thing, but that's how I've always taken tea. I did not think about that possibly being a regional thing when I put it in. Oops! :) And I assure you, honey is always better ;)

Shan
10/01/2006 07:57 pm
The Espresso Pump         
Really enjoying this, sorry i haven't been reviewing more but i am reading and am loving. I'm very interested to see where you are going with all this.

I loved Xander's reaction and him caring more about the fact she felt she couldn't tell him- so very in character for Xander yet not a reaction i've ever seen written in a fic.

Both the Willow and Xander scene, and the Buffy and Spike scene, with the last scene were all very heartwarming and nice, though makes me think something bad is going to come and break up the happiness very soon.

One tiny thing though- people drink honey in tea?? Yuck! Why? :P I'm english and our english tea comes with milk and maybe suger, as far as i've ever seen or had though, is this an american thing? Or a brit thing i'm not aware of? Not picking holes but proper curious, and it stood out at me as being weird! Heh.

Anyhow, keep up the good writing. :)

Shan
10/01/2006 07:57 pm
The Espresso Pump         
Really enjoying this, sorry i haven't been reviewing more but i am reading and am loving. I'm very interested to see where you are going with all this.

I loved Xander's reaction and him caring more about the fact she felt she couldn't tell him- so very in character for Xander yet not a reaction i've ever seen written in a fic.

Both the Willow and Xander scene, and the Buffy and Spike scene, with the last scene were all very heartwarming and nice, though makes me think something bad is going to come and break up the happiness very soon.

One tiny thing though- people drink honey in tea?? Yuck! Why? :P I'm english and our english tea comes with milk and maybe suger, as far as i've ever seen or had though, is this an american thing? Or a brit thing i'm not aware of? Not picking holes but proper curious, and it stood out at me as being weird! Heh.

Anyhow, keep up the good writing. :)

missus_grace
10/01/2006 08:20 am
The Espresso Pump         
So glad Spike got to come over for Christmas Eve.

I am surprised that Tara is seeing someone. I wonder if we'll see more of this!

And Dawn is keeping tabs on the prophecy. Good girl!

You're doing an excellent job with this and I can't wait for the next bit.

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm working on the next chapter and hope to have it ready soon.

10/01/2006 12:31 am
The Espresso Pump         
Ah - great chapter. I loved the idea that Xander was more upset that Buffy felt she couldn't tell him, than he was at what it was. I don't know that I've seen that anywhere before.

Thanks! Yeah, Xander's not jumping for joy, but he's more worried about his own relationship with Buffy than Spike's.

Emily
09/30/2006 08:41 pm
The Espresso Pump         
I really like Dawn's POV. You have written her feelings and opinions clearly, and I like how Giles is learning about the First prophecy earlier. I think the way they explained in S7 wasn't very clear, it was like they wanted to get it out of the way.

I can't wait to see how you will continue it on from now, and am exited about how the SPuffy relationship seems to be kinda almost healthy... Dead Things will prove to be interesting! good luck.

Thanks, I hope you'll continue to like it. I have really enjoyed writing Dawn. The Dead Things chapter continues to be a pain to write, but I promise I will have it done, hopefully ready for beta by the end of the weekend!

Desdemona
09/30/2006 05:13 pm
The Espresso Pump         
Aww... I'm sad that you stopped there. I want more! I am really enjoying this story! Dawn and Joyce are so sneaky! The Willow/Xander scene I think was really needed. Poor willow's not a bad guy and I'm glad you're spinning it that way. lol, Anya bought Spike a space heater and left a bill!!! Too funny!!!

Thank you, there will definitely be more soon.

And even in sunny California, a hole in the ground is going to get chilly in January :)

09/30/2006 07:30 am
The Espresso Pump         
Lovely chapter! Just cute and touching. I guess all the enigmatic prophecies are to keep us coming back for more, right? That is just so... working really good. Because now I can hardly wait for the next update. :)

Thanks so much! I'm am working on the next update. Hopefully I can get it drafted over the weekend. I hope you'll continue to enjoy it.

09/30/2006 05:01 am
The Espresso Pump         
Yes, things will change for Willow and Xander, so it's nice to have this time together. I love Tara so much and really happy that Buffy invited her over for dinner. Everyone accepting Spike into Buffy's life, has been wonderful. Even if they're only doing it for her sake. Anya thinking of the heater was just great. Great fic, thanks for the read.

I'm glad you liked the scene with Willow and Xander. I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for the great feedback. Hope you'll like what's to come.

kim
09/30/2006 03:39 am
The Espresso Pump         
That was sweet. Dawn the facilitator.

So everybody knows except Giles now, right? And gee, the world hasn't ended...

Ah...prophecy about the First, and the Slayerettes....

Yay for inviting Tara, too...she needed that, needs family.

And a goofy Vegas wedding would be really fitting for Xander and Anya. Though Vegas does nice weddings, too....

Thanks! No world endage yet, anway :)

Lou
09/30/2006 02:39 am
The Espresso Pump         
Great chapter with lots of interesting possibilies - nice to have some happiness.

Thanks! I wanted something kinda fluffy before the next chapter.

pretty_in_fangs
09/30/2006 02:33 am
The Espresso Pump         
Awww... Go Dawn.

Thanks!

09/30/2006 02:10 am
The Espresso Pump         
that was such a warm, homey kind of scene, very heart-warming...both of them, actually, the willow/xander scene and the buffy and family scene...very nicely done, looking forward to more :)

Thanks. I really wanted a scene with Willow that wasn't entirely about her magic use or lack thereof.

Emilee
09/30/2006 02:08 am
The Espresso Pump         
Huh. I thought when you mentioned the "slayer infertile" thing you were precluding any chance of a baby fic. Not that I mind, I like baby fics if they're well done and this is certainly is so far. Unless that's Angel's prephecy for Connor? Can't wait for more. And I really think that Giles/Joyce should mention something like that to Buffy whether it's conjecture or not, since, HELLO, her body. That's just not right to not mention anything about it. Could already be happening, and if she's used to not having a period, then really, how's she gonna know until she's barfing and such? She'd have no idea what to watch for. Anyway, really looking forward to the next update and seeing where you'll go with this.

eee! So not a baby fic, promise :) Not that it can't be done well, but that's not where this one is going.

Yes, at some point someone will have to talk to Buffy. I hope to have more soon. Thanks for reviewing!

09/30/2006 01:44 am
The Espresso Pump         
awwww very sweet. love this chapter. I really love how xander brought it up excusing it as an excuse not to have to feed more mouths at the wedding.

And I love Anya's line about being confused about what things she's supposed to pretend not to know heh.

Thanks! Poor Anya. It's been years since my wedding, and I still remember the planning stress.

Grin. :-)
06/06/2010 01:18 pm
Gone         
 

06/14/2009 06:11 pm
Gone         
What stands out in this chapter is that Anya can really think of something other than her orgasms when she's having sex! 

10/27/2008 08:36 pm
Gone         
Dear Ms. Clawdia,

I find myself re-reading your stories this week, and I am in awe. The balance between dialogue and internal musing is perfect. The character voices are wonderful, and your subtle deviations (from the canon! what did you think I meant?) are inspired. There are things in this chapter that have stuck with me for a long time:

1. Xander's perceptiveness without over-reaction ("Buffy's boning Spike.")
2. Joyce's serious talk with Buffy about "taking advantage of a man's feelings"
3. Buffy's revelations of her life expectations, so different from "normal"

Anyway, I wanted you to know how much your efforts are appreciated. Everything I've read from you has been a standout. "Reflections" is another one I go back to often. Do you plan to post "Restoration" here? I think you should, even if it's from a post-Spike perspective.

Thanks for all the great stories!

Warm regards,
Rebcake

10/27/2008 08:33 pm
Gone         
Dear Ms. Clawdia,

I find myself re-reading your stories this week, and I am in awe. The balance between dialogue and internal musing is perfect. The character voices are wonderful, and your subtle deviations (from the canon! what did you think I meant?) are inspired. There are things in this chapter that have stuck with me for a long time:

1. Xander's perceptiveness without over-reaction ("Buffy's boning Spike.")
2. Joyce's serious talk with Buffy about "taking advantage of a man's feelings"
3. Buffy's revelations of her life expectations, so different from "normal"

Anyway, I wanted you to know how much your efforts are appreciated. Everything I've read from you has been a standout. "Reflections" is another one I go back to often. Do you plan to post "Restoration" here? I think you should, even if it's from a post-Spike perspective.

Thanks for all the great stories!

Warm regards,
Rebcake
Thank you so much!   I'm so glad you've enjoyed reading my stories, and I always love getting feedback.

The only reason I haven't posted Restoration here is because it's a non-vampire Spike story.   I suppose I could ask the mods about it and see what they think.

Thanks again,
MsClawdia

Cas
01/21/2007 04:29 am
Gone         
Still loving Joyce - and Anya too LOL. Really, all your characters are so much nicer than usually portrayed. It's refreshing.

Thank you! Anya and Dawn might well have been my favorite characters to write in this story. I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and I really appreciate all the feedback!

10/30/2006 02:44 pm
Gone         
nice! like xanders reaction and joyce's comments

Thanks! It always drove me nuts that canon Xander didn't make the connection, and here was my chance to fix it :)

10/29/2006 09:10 am
Gone         
I am enjoying this nicer, far more honest Buffy and not so clueless Xander. I love that Buffy acknowledged Spike when he told her that he loved her and didn’t deny it or throw it back in his face. I liked Buffy’s talk with her mom and Joyce asking her how fair things were for Spike, I also liked that Buffy pointed out a few truths about herself.

Thanks. I prefer my Xander as the guy who sees things. And Buffy acting like an adult.

10/09/2006 10:30 pm
Gone         
great chapter. loved logical buffy, anya is a joy. thanks for the fun read.

missus_grace
10/01/2006 08:08 am
Gone         
Just now getting caught up on all the chapters. It's a great read! I loved Buffy's talk with Joyce. They both seem true to character, and what Buffy said makes perfect sense.


Thanks. Glad you're enjoying it. Staying true to the characters was a bit goal for me in this fic.

09/29/2006 04:23 am
Gone         
just love it. It was great to see Buffy just having a good time at least for a while with Spike. And go her and Dawn ganging up on Joyce. I am glad that Joyce is a balancing feature for Buffy and Spike.

Thanks! Yes, I am really aiming for a less dark relationship than what we saw in canon.

Emilee
09/28/2006 05:20 pm
Gone         
I was hesitant to read this because of the character death warning, but I am impressed so far. Having her mother there really seems to be helping Buffy. And the relationship with Spike is going much nicer. I think it's funny having Xander figure out the inviso-sex thing, because really, on the show he was BLIND, although now I worry about an intervention. I really hope there is a spuffy end to this, and the character death isn't Buffy or Spike, but I don't know how close you're staying to Canon. I also am looking forward to your rewrite of As You Were and the following train wreck. I sincerely hope that it will be better than the show was, although you'd have to try very hard to make it worse. Anyway, loving the story more than I expected to. Can't wait for the next update

So glad you decided to give it a try, and thanks for reviewing. Riley will be popping up, but things will... proceed differently than on the show. You'll just have to keep reading ;)

pretty_in_fangs
09/28/2006 04:32 pm
Gone         
Funfun. (:
Poor Joyce.

Thanks!

kim
09/28/2006 03:10 am
Gone         
Ah, good...they had the "not normal" conversation. It really does take a lot of pressure off Buffy if Joyce realizes her daughter has a different future than most. She wants to put the wedding and baby hopes on someone, put them on Dawn, and just encourage Buffy to be happy.

Love Anya's thinking...it's nice to have someone not delude themselves.

Buffy still being nicer to Spike - very good.

Willow and Buffy talking - good.

Can I put my request in now for the Trio to die, and not Joyce or Tara?

That doesn't mean Joyce is going to stop hoping. I know if someone told me that my daughter might not live past 25, I'd be all 'the hell you say.'

There will be character death(s), hence the warning. But no spoilers :)

Thanks for reviewing!

Emily
09/28/2006 12:55 am
Gone         
What a fun little chapter! Although it was obviously not purely fluff, it was very enjoyable and put a smile on my face. I just looovveed the line: "Lonely 'cause I love you". It was very touching, especially since she was physically there with him etc. etc. Really super chapter. I also like how Joyce is the differing factor from S6 and this story; and she isn't present in the story loads, but has still affected the outcome greatly. Can't wait for more:)

Thanks! I'm so glad that line didn't come off too shmoopy. I really want to show the two of them starting to open up to each other.

I hope to have the 'more' ready soon.

09/27/2006 11:54 pm
Gone         
hehehehehe I like this chapter, and that Joyce's main concern is that Buffy will hurt Spike's feelings. heh. And I love the anya stuff at the end. very nice. Can't wait for more.

Also, thanks for Letting Xander figure it out. I thought it was totally lame on the show and he was completely denial-xander. he HAD to know what was going on. you know what sex looks like when you walk in on it and he knew buffy was invisible...there is NO freaking way Xander could not have known. To me that's always been one of the most unbelievable things that happened on that show, and that's saying something.

I like that you are redoing the whole season pretty much and keeping a lot, but changing a lot too.

Sometimes it's hard to decide what to toss and what to keep. A lot of external events will stay the same because (excuse me if I'm repeating), Joyce being alive isn't going to change the Trio making an invisibility ray. But the title of the next chapter will not be 'The DMP' I'm trying to make it so that a lot of things that are a little different add up to a big difference in the end.

I'm glad people are liking the Anya POV. She and Dawn might be the most fun to write. And yes, Denial Xander had to go. I like Observo-Xander, so that's what my readers are getting :)

09/27/2006 11:06 pm
Gone         
lol...that last little bit from anya's perspective was classic...great job on this chapter...i'm glad joyce told buffy how unfair she was being to spike...so buffy can see that her concerns are not *only* for her in this situation...and that spike deserves to be treated with respect....i'm looking forward to your next chapter, pet...this one was great :)

Glad you enjoyed the Anya bit. I had a blast writing it. We'll have to agree to disagree on how fair Buffy's being :) She's being honest with him, at least. But she is keeping it a secret (or thinks she is), which isn't so good.

09/27/2006 11:04 pm
Gone         
Great chapter. Love it that Buffy's feeling more confident in her relationship with Spike and asking her mom about inviting Spike over. I understand that Joyce only wants a normal life for her girl but normal isn't what Buffy is, and the sooner that her mom understands that the better it will be for Buffy and Spike. now that this Xander knows that she and Spike are "together" maybe they'll accept their relationship alot easier. This is a wonderful rewrite. update soon, thanks for the read.

Thanks so much! I think the 'how normal can she be?' question is one worth looking at, and that's part of what I'm trying to do with this story (even if the answer ends up muddy).

Fnagfaceandrea
09/27/2006 10:38 pm
Gone         
I loved the story so far but i think this is the best chapter yet. Of course now i want to know what Joyce will do about chritmas and i love the fact that Xander knows and Is not reacting badly yet.


again I say,Really really good re-telling of season 6

Thanks! I really had a lot of fun writing this one. I hope to have chapter eleven out soon, which will be the Christmas-timeframe chapter.

Tamara
09/27/2006 10:12 pm
Gone         
I like how part of Joyce's concern is about Spike. And good on having Xander real;ize that Buffy was with Spike. It always seemed so dumb that he ewither didn't realize it or didn't want to realize it in canon.

I think canon Xander had a serious mental block on. One of several things that will be different with my Xander. Thanks for reviewing!

margaret
09/27/2006 08:23 pm
Gone         
great chapter, you're doing a fantastic job of rewriting the season, and you have all the characters down perfectly. i always wished buffy could have more support for everything that season

Thanks! I'm really trying very hard to stay true to the characters.

:-)
06/06/2010 01:00 pm
Wrecked         
 

Cas
01/21/2007 01:56 am
Wrecked         
Interesting new take on the reproductive cycle of slayers. Seems a shame though - and so sad that it wasn't the death/rebirth that caused it, but a common affliction!

Thanks! I hope part of my reason for making it something common to slayers will become apparent later on in the story...

10/28/2006 01:29 am
Wrecked         
I loved how realistic it was of Dawn trying to tease her sister and their mom overhearing. I loved the Dawn – Buffy talk and how Dawn got Buffy to admit that Spike trying to change did count. Buffy’s talk with Tara was interesting and I laughed with her comment about Spike being ‘two tables over pretending to read a newspaper while he eavesdrops’. Buffy telling Spike that she doesn’t want them to stop talking was so great.

THanks so much. The Dawn-Buffy interactions in the chapter was some of the most fun stuff to write.

margaret
09/27/2006 05:25 am
Wrecked         
i love where you're going with this fic, glad buffy gets the chance to think about things a little, hopefully let spike in

margaret
09/27/2006 05:25 am
Wrecked         
i love where you're going with this fic, glad buffy gets the chance to think about things a little, hopefully let spike in

Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it!

09/25/2006 09:45 pm
Wrecked         
very good - i love the barren twist

Glad you liked it!

09/25/2006 08:01 pm
Wrecked         
Great chapter! I really like the way you soften Buffy, making her more accessible and less aggressively defensive. Good reqork of the epsiodes. Thanks!

Thanks so much! There are so many times Buffy has to be hard, but I want to show her being open too.

09/25/2006 04:21 pm
Wrecked         
You just have to love Dawn. Little sisters are like that. Glad that Buffy had Joyce through all of this. And to have Tara there was a big help for her today. Love Spike's reaction to the "Buffy stay away from Spike plan" discusssion.

I have two little sisters and am very glad neither of them ever found me out in such a fashion. Glad you liked it.

09/25/2006 02:45 pm
Wrecked         
oh no!!! dawnie!!! i hope they can help her in time!! but at least buffy is handling things a bit better this time around, being a little more fair with him, not toying with him so badly...great chapter, pet :)

Thanks! I like to think my Buffy is being more honest, with him and herself. And part of that is her not knowing exactly what she feels about the whole thing.

vladt
09/25/2006 07:00 am
Wrecked         
wonderful read, thank you. loved buffy dawn conversation. it is late, and i have had sufficient scotch to allow myself to rant about why an authors has to justify what they do with the story and the characters. it is your tale. tell it your way. if someone doesn't care for it, they do not have to read it.

Thanks vladt. I actually have found people to be responding pretty positively and the feedback helps me to see where things might need tightening up. I do hope you'll continue to be one of my constant readers and reviewers!

Emily
09/25/2006 12:00 am
Wrecked         
I really like the reproductive spin on things. It's interesting, and not so strange that it couldn't have fit into the true Buffyverse. You have a great way with words (i have just recently started reading this story) and its very good. I like the way it has changed with Joyce being around; not overtly obvious, but enough to make a difference.

Super job, and I can't wait for more:)

Thanks so much. I've got the next chapter drafted, so hopefully it won't be long before an update.

I'm trying to be reasonable with what changes and what stays the same. For example, Joyce being back does a lot for Buffy's state of mind, but it isn't going to matter to the Trio. I hope you'll keep reading!

09/24/2006 08:49 pm
Wrecked         
Fab update. Your non canon bit on reproduction abilities (or lack thereof) makes lots of sense actually. Food for thought there.

At least eavesdropping Spike didn't hear evil of himself!

Wish she had wanted to continue talking on screen! That was the WORST part of S6 IMHO....they had developed such a great foundation of friendship then she shut it down as soon as the hot lovin started.....sigh.....

Kathleen
I'm glad you liked it. I too hated that they stopped talking once the kissing started. I'm having so much fun writing this. Thanks for all the great feedback.

09/24/2006 08:24 am
Wrecked         
That is so much better than canon, no ugly words about him being "convenient". She's not telling him no, so that's a whole lot better and he knows she at least said something to Tara about him. Well, you may not be to far off with the menstruation thing. You do have a valid point. Loved the chapter, thanks for the read.

Thanks for reviewing. In canon they were both boneheads the morning after. I very much wanted to change that. Glad you liked it.

09/24/2006 04:15 am
Wrecked         
Very intriguing chapter. Would have liked to have seen more of the scene between Buffy and Joyce, but I'm glad that Joyce didn't totally freak - just gave Buffy some sensible advice. Looking forward to the next update.

Thanks, glad you liked it.

I originally tried writing the Buffy-Joyce convo and it ... just didn't work. There will be a mother-daughter chat next chapter however.

09/24/2006 03:04 am
Wrecked         
oh no!!!!!! *gasp*

I know, me with the cliffhanger again...

09/24/2006 02:11 am
Wrecked         
I think this is good. it really makes since the slayer reproduction thing...plus it's one more thing that spike isn't "taking away from her." In light of your story though, it's interesting that she obviously didn't tell angel and he was too clueless to figure it out. cause he told her he couldn't give her children...so in your AU, if that scene happened, then she didn't feel secure enough with him to tell him. (like maybe if she told him she'd find out there were other reasons he didn't want to be with her.)

I love this and can't wait for more.

I think she told Angel something like 'none of that matters'?? My Buffy just meant a little more by that.

I'm so glad you're enjoying it. I hope to have the next chapter ready for viewing soon.

Lou
09/24/2006 02:01 am
Wrecked         
I like this morning after much better!

Glad to hear it, thanks!

kim
09/24/2006 01:50 am
Wrecked         
Oh, the Willow crash and Dawn's broken arm!

Loved that Dawn is included in this, and the gentler tone of Buffy about her life. And that Joyce doesn't want Spike hurt anymore than Buffy hurt.

The barren angle is an interesting one to take. Makes even more sense for the not trying for a "normal" life, since she couldn't give a human husband what he asks for. Not that there aren't plenty of other options, of course, but it's just more proof that becoming a Slayer made her not so normal anymore. She hasn't really made her peace with those things yet. Nice to see Tara involved, too.

This Buffy is not allowed to be so isolated, and that's really good. About time to deal with Wilow, now.

I think it is both a pro and a con about Joyce that she's always wanted Buffy to have as normal a life as possible. I think that was important for grounding Buffy and certainly having family and friends is a big part of why she lasted so long (and somewhat ironicly, family was also her downfall). However, Joyce's expectations are also a problem for Buffy, as she must increasingly see how limited her options are. There will be more on that next chapter actually.

Thanks so much for the comments!

05/17/2015 03:49 pm
Smash and Grab         
I love your ending line - it's like their entire relationship condensed down to 21 lines -

Good one. :-)
06/06/2010 12:14 pm
Smash and Grab         
 

06/14/2009 05:35 pm
Smash and Grab         
I imagine pent up need is a hard one to write.  You have to buid it up just so and you succeeded very well.
Thank you!

Cas
01/21/2007 01:33 am
Smash and Grab         
So cruel, but so much kinder than what made it to screen. And I love that last line.

Thank you. This was a tough chapter to write. I hope Buffy's internal struggle will become clearer in subsequent chapters. She's not trying to hurt Spike, but she's not in a position to give him more than she is, at the moment.

10/27/2006 10:56 pm
Smash and Grab         
I like that Xander commented on Willow’s magic use and didn’t back down from her anger. I love how much nicer Buffy and Spike’s first time together went, the lack of violence was nice and even though she said it was wrong her explanation was because she didn’t love him and she stayed after giving it.

Thanks. My Buffy was just in a way better place, without so much weighing down on her.

09/25/2006 09:41 pm
Smash and Grab         
i hopethings go better this time round

Welcome to the story. Thanks so much for all the comments!

Jessica
09/23/2006 08:31 am
Smash and Grab         
You did a wonderful job with this one. I loved it. ; ) And it was much better than the original episode. Looking forward to more.

Thanks, glad you liked it. More is on the way, and it will continue to be quite a bit different from the original, at least when it comes to our protagonists.

09/22/2006 05:59 am
Smash and Grab         
love it! I hope buffy doesn't screw it up though.

Thanks! I can't promise it won't get rocky, but I can tell you it will be different.

vladt
09/21/2006 09:40 pm
Smash and Grab         
very good read, thank you. i don't think buffy believes her own words.

Buffy has some issues to work out before she can even really evaluate what she's feeling here. Hopefully I can get her to do that :)

09/21/2006 12:45 am
Smash and Grab         
Loved the rewrite. Having their first time without violence was a wonderful, unexpected surprise. I don't know how anyone can write a love scene, just glad that they do, and you did a wonderful job, especially with their relationship being where it was at that point. The fact that she had to remind him that she didn't love him, is pretty irrelevant. She didn't love Parker or Riley either. You had Spike say it best "so long as she let him love her". It was more than the crumb that he'd wanted. Glad to see that Xander's letting Willow know just what he thinks of her use of magic. I liKe that Spike's being included in the scoobie's research. Both he and Anya have always had more knowledge of demons then they were given credit for, or that knowledge utitized. So happy that more are in the works, thanks for this great update. *hugs*

Oh Verda, hugs back at you. You made my night because that is exactly the tone I was going for in the Spuffage scene. So glad you liked it. There are definitely more chapters to come. Hope you'll keep reading!

kim
09/20/2006 07:33 pm
Smash and Grab         
So this is their new first time....definitely gentler! Buffy logic doesn't make sense...she makes sure to spout all these things, then does the opposite anyway. What's the point of your words, Buffy, when your actions always betray them?

Poor Spike's always getting used...but maybe it won't get brutal this time.

Still loving how Xander has a brain here. And a backbone, and a not nearly so cruel mouth.

Interesting how having Joyce around still isn't doing much to change things from Buffy's perspective...

I'm glad you're still liking Xander. I was hoping my Buffy was coming off as a little more together. Guess I'll have to work on that!

09/20/2006 05:34 pm
Smash and Grab         
Might have been tough (sex scenes and fight scenes are never easy IMHO) but so well done! I really enjoyed this take on Smashed....on the whole season for that matter. Excellent update.

Kathleen
Thank you so much. It has been a long time since I wrote anything like this, so it definitely wasn't easy. Hope you'll continue to enjoy it as the story moves along.

Lindsay H
09/20/2006 05:08 pm
Smash and Grab         
I know it's sad, that she's using him, but still, that was just beautiful. And I didn't find myself talking to the computer screen, yelling at Buffy and Spike to quit being such jerks like I did watching the sixth season, so major loveliness there. Don't be nervous, we're hooked, in it for the long haul, "We'll see it through, that's what we're always here to do." And all that rot. Love this story!

Yes, I do adore Spike, but he didn't help matters much sometimes with the attitude.

I'm trying to write this so that Buffy isn't just using Spike as a walking, talking dildo. They were actually pretty friendly before she snogged him and I tried to keep the friendliness in tact in my story. It's not just I hate you/I want you. This Buffy actually likes him too, even if she feels a little weird about that fact.

pretty-in_fangs
09/20/2006 04:06 pm
Smash and Grab         
Well, this is a more promising start than they got in the show, at least. Can't wait to see more.
Glad you liked it. The morning after will look a little different too, I assure you.

09/20/2006 03:10 pm
Smash and Grab         
This was good. I cheered when Xander confronted Willow over using magic to type instead of her hands. Buffy and Spike's first time being sad and gentle instead of violent and ugly is great. In fact the whole chapter was a delight and I can't wait for the rest.

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

I definitely wanted their first time in this story to be something Buffy had actually *planned*.

And yes, Willow's going to have to deal with the fact that her new magic compromise plan isn't really the right tack to take.

09/20/2006 03:10 pm
Smash and Grab         
you wrote that incredibly well...and the end was just heartbreaking...poor spike...and he just accepts her using him....*sigh*...i hope it gets better, though...

Glad you liked it. This was a tough chapter to put out there.

Cas
01/21/2007 01:19 am
Tabula Rasa         
COWs LOL! And love the sneaky Dawn.

Thanks! I really enjoy writing Dawn as the pesky kid sister who's always nosing into everything.

10/26/2006 07:09 pm
Tabula Rasa         
I like the way Dawn explained things to Willow and the moment between Dawn and Buffy and Dawn telling Buffy that she loved her was so sweet.

Thank you. One of the nice things about still having Joyce around is getting to write Buffy and Dawn as sisters, without the added complications.

09/25/2006 09:39 pm
Tabula Rasa         
very interesting

vladt
09/21/2006 09:09 pm
Tabula Rasa         
very good read, thank you . willow refuses to get it. maybe tara and dawn can help buffy get it.
Thanks, vladt, glad you're still enjoying it. Conversations with Tara and Dawn will be sprinkled throughout upcoming chaters as well.

09/19/2006 09:47 pm
Tabula Rasa         
And once again Willow just didn't get it. I am glad that Buffy is at least talking with Dawn and YEA Dawn to telling it to Willow like it is.

I'm having a lot of fun writing Dawn.

pretty_in_fangs
09/19/2006 04:33 pm
Tabula Rasa         
Poor Willow. She just doesn't get it, does she? She just can't see the problems.

I actually like Willow (or at least I did before S6 took her in a direction I didn't care for), so I'm trying to get into her head and see what's going on with her even though she keeps making these bad choices.

09/19/2006 08:07 am
Tabula Rasa         
Heating up for them? Buffy's already been steaming. Spike's definately ready to pop. Very glad that Dawn's expressing herself and her feelings about Willow. Will be waiting for the update. Great read thanks.

Okay... so I'll be opening up a pressure valve? Is that a better metaphor? ;)

Glad you're enjoying it. Thanks for reviewing!

09/19/2006 06:54 am
Tabula Rasa         
hehe. nice chapter :)

Thanks!

kim
09/19/2006 03:06 am
Tabula Rasa         
I'm wondering the same thing as Dawn...why the Council is worried that no Slayer appeared after Buffy's 2nd death, since everybody knows the line carries on through Faith now. There's not much reason for the Slayer essence to even be attached to Buffy anymore...she's the past, you know?

Yay, Tara...it's what you do, not what you are, that's important. Spike got such a bum deal after the whole Angelus debacle. Choices are choices, people!

Well, keep in mind that this is just Dawn's theory based on what she overheard. The Council's actual worry might be something very different. You'll just have to keep reading. Dun dun dun! ;)

But yes, Dawn is giving voice to my own view that the slayer only gets to pass her torch once.

I'm glad you liked the Tara bit. I hope you'll keep reading! Thanks for all the feedback.

09/19/2006 12:59 am
Tabula Rasa         
well, willow's apparently making progress, but unless she nips this whole magic for convenience thing in the bud, she's just gonna get back in trouble again...a great chapter, love, looking forward to more :)

There will indeed be more fall-out for Willow as things move forward. I'm so glad you're still liking it!

01/10/2019 03:35 am
Once More With Feeling         
Like this story very much - I've read it before and am enjoying it again.

Cas
01/21/2007 01:01 am
Once More With Feeling         
Not as Spuffy as I'd hoped for.
Give it time... :)

10/26/2006 06:00 pm
Once More With Feeling         
You did really great on the characterization of Buffy and how she likes to avoid or deny the unpleasant things in her life. Now her friends know what they really did and Xander knows what she has been hiding. I love Anya and her question and comments.

Thanks so much. I really wanted to stay true to the characters here.

09/25/2006 09:37 pm
Once More With Feeling         
lovely

\Lou
09/14/2006 10:22 pm
Once More With Feeling         
Nicely done.

Thanks!

09/14/2006 02:56 pm
Once More With Feeling         
Great chapter. I like your Anya and the way this is going; hopefully better than the show. Thanks

Well, it will be different from the show at least :) Thanks for reviewing and I hope you'll like where it goes.

Tonia
09/14/2006 09:11 am
Once More With Feeling         
I like your version of Xander much more than the shows. I can't wait too see how things turn out.

I'm glad you like him too. I'm trying to evoke Xander of yore, before they had him get so twitchy. I hope you'll keep liking what you read.

Jessica
09/14/2006 06:09 am
Once More With Feeling         
I liked this version. I thought it was funny how Anya was talking about people kissing and she and Giles will kiss soon. Well unless you change it. Love the story. Can't wait for more.

Glad you like it! I'm hoping to post the next chapter soon and I'm working on getting Smashed and Wrecked in shape as well.

09/14/2006 06:04 am
Once More With Feeling         
Poor Joyce, her daughter won't let her get close. Buffy's isolating herself from everyone, when she should be allowing herself to try and fill that space with her family and friends. Guess that Spike's in for a few more trips to Willy's before things get any better with
Buffy. Loved that Xander and Anya got to talk for a change. Great read thanks.

Buffy will get slightly more chatty next chapter. I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Thanks for reviewing.

09/14/2006 03:14 am
Once More With Feeling         
awww...that last bit between xander and anya was very sweet, very well done...i love spike and buffy's scene too...poor spike, she's so hurtful sometimes without meaning to be...the way you put it was perfect :)

So glad you liked it! I had a ball writing Anya. And I think it's important to have someone in the story who isn't as close to Buffy.

pretty_in_fangs
09/14/2006 02:57 am
Once More With Feeling         
Fun.

Thank you! Hope you'll continue to enjoy it.

kim
09/14/2006 02:14 am
Once More With Feeling         
Ah, beginning and end of OMWF....I like seeing Anya and Xander actually talking about what they sang, instead of hiding from their fears.

And now everybody knows...
Thanks, I really enjoyed writing Anya.

05/17/2015 06:45 am
All the Way         
I am so enjoying your story - 

:-)
06/06/2010 07:21 am
All the Way         
 

06/14/2009 04:34 pm
All the Way         
Very creative placement of this event.  Also love quick thinking Dawn.

Cas
01/21/2007 12:38 am
All the Way         
Loved the 911 scene, and Joyce figuring it all out on her own. Good too that Dawn heard Buffy's question, hopefully Spike did too.

Thanks, I want my Joyce to be paying attention.

10/26/2006 10:22 am
All the Way         
I like that Buffy was able to continue her relaxing day with Spike. Buffy lecturing Dawn and then telling her that they won’t let their mom know everything was a perfect sister interaction. What a horrible situation for them to walk in on, I’m glad that Spike was there to take over.
Thanks for all the feedback!

09/25/2006 09:35 pm
All the Way         
interesting and fun!

09/11/2006 10:37 pm
All the Way         
First off, what a way for Joyce to put two and two together. And I hate that Buffy and Spike had to find Dawn but glad they were able to. How about the way Spike had to get Buffy's attention and then find out his chip doesn't work on her...

Thanks for reviewing! I'm really relieved that people liked the chip reveal.

09/10/2006 03:57 am
All the Way         
gasp!!!

Hope that's the good kind of gasp! :)

09/09/2006 05:30 am
All the Way         
Nice Chapter. Lots of Stuff happening now. I always knew that Joyce was one smart cookie. Hope she's gonna be alright. Spike being the calm one who kept it together and called 911 was cool. Can't wait to see where this goes now that Buffy knows the chip doesn't keep Spike from hurting her. Looking forward to the next update.

Thanks! Glad you're liking it.

zanthinegirl
09/07/2006 05:18 pm
All the Way         
As usual this is wonderful! It really is becoming one of my favorite stories.

Very interesting chapter. The Spike/Buffy interactions seem very much in character and appropriate for the time frame. The scene watching "The great Pumpkin" is just cute.

I liked the Joyce POV. The point about her body always seemed obvious (OK, obvious once I watched flooded) to me; and I'm glad Joyce figured it out too. Smart lady!

I didn't see Joyce's illness coming! I really hope you have her recover; I like the dynamic she adds to the story.

Looking forward to the next chapter!

zanthinegirl
09/07/2006 05:16 pm
All the Way         
As usual this is wonderful! It really is becoming one of my favorite stories.

Very interesting chapter. The Spike/Buffy interactions seem very much in character and appropriate for the time frame. The scene watching "The great Pumpkin" is just cute.

I liked the Joyce POV. The point about her body always seemed obvious (OK, obvious once I watched flooded) to me; and I'm glad Joyce figured it out too. Smart lady!

I didn't see Joyce's illness coming! I really hope you have her recover; I like the dynamic she adds to the story.

Looking forward to the next chapter!

Wow, thank you.

I think it would be cheating on the challenge response to get rid of Joyce so soon. To see what ultimately happens to Joyce, you'll just have to stay tuned.... ;)

time of change
09/07/2006 04:25 pm
All the Way         
Spectacular chapter.

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

Tonia
09/07/2006 10:34 am
All the Way         
I love this story and I think your chip reveal actually works better than the shows. I can't wait for more. =)

High praise indeed! Thanks. Hope you'll enjoy what's to come.

vladt
09/07/2006 07:03 am
All the Way         
excellent read, thank you! of course joyce figured it out, she never was so self involved as all the scoobies. and quick thinking dawn, yeah!

Glad you enjoyed it! I've been enjoying writing Joyce and Dawn. I hope folks will continue to like them.

Jessica
09/07/2006 06:27 am
All the Way         
Loved the chapter. I hope that Joyce is okay. And I was right about her picking up on the Buffy being in heaven thing. More please.

Part of the reason I decided to add the Joyce epiphany was due to reader comments on the last post. It's worked really well for how I wanted to do things in the next couple of chapters. Glad you enjoyed it!

09/07/2006 06:19 am
All the Way         
OH i really hope buffy's mom is ok. She figured out her daughter was in heaven, how could she die now?

Thanks for reading! Spike is correct and Joyce is still alive. As for how okay she is, you'll just have to keep reading....

09/07/2006 01:43 am
All the Way         
How did Dawn get so smart. She really defused that situation in a hurry. It was great that Buffy's starting to feel more comfortable around him and that smack almost did that in. Did Joyce's discovery that Buffy was in heaven cause the incident? Just a great fic, update when you can. Thanks for the read.

Dawn is supposed to be smart: good grades, Junior Watcher, etc. I'm just trying to remember that more often than the writers did ;)

I intentionly left it ambigious as to why exactly Joyce collapsed.

So glad you're enjoying it!

kim
09/07/2006 12:45 am
All the Way         
Awesome chapter. The new stuff worked in seamlessly.

I'm so glad you had Joyce be smart and intuitive about this. Of course, Buffy's spirit was elsewhere. Willow's belief about a hell dimension was what she wanted to believe so she coud do the spell, but if anyone with half a brain had stopped to think about it, they would have known that Buffy's soul had to be possibly anywhere, not just tormented in a hell dimension. Her body would have to have followed, but she just died.

Unfortunately, the stress was too hard on Joyce, and she collapsed again. Buffy couldn't have handled this at all if she had come in along. Dawn would still have had the sense to call 911, if her sister hadn't been panicking so spectacularly. And Spike saves the day, being unflappable in a crisis as usual. Dawn's proof was a good idea...except that Buffy has a whole new reason to be a brooding drama queen.

She and Angel were a lot alike where the self-pity was concerned.

I was trying to somewhat evoke the feel of The Body, where Buffy was so overwrought that she cracked one of Joyce's ribs trying to revive her.

Glad you're enjoying the story!

09/07/2006 12:24 am
All the Way         
i loved this chapter, very well done....love the scene with joyce, and the way you chose of revealing that the chip doesn't work...very excellent job...glad that joyce is okay though...hope the rest of them are... :)

I hadn't originally intended the chip reveal here, but when I started writing the Dawn scene it just seemed to fit so well for the way I want to write this. I'm so glad you liked it!

Lou
09/06/2006 08:08 pm
All the Way         
Poor Buffy - it never rains but it pours. Double devastation!

Well, unless I wanted to write lots of new lyrics for the next chapter (...which... not a workable plan), I had to have grumpy Buffy again.

pretty_in_fangs
09/06/2006 04:41 pm
All the Way         
I just started reading this story. Looks like it's going to be a great ride.

Thanks! Hope you'll continue to enjoy it.

05/17/2015 06:15 am
Life Serial         
Having Joyce in the story adds so much to the events of her resurrection - great idea to have her alive. 

:-)
06/06/2010 07:14 am
Life Serial         
 

06/14/2009 04:18 pm
Life Serial         
Love Joyce's action..like an actual parent!  Why couldn't that have happened in canon?  
It was really fun to be able to write Joyce, and I wanted her to be a realistic mom.

Cas
01/21/2007 12:26 am
Life Serial         
I like your depiction of Joyce. So many writers use her as a convenient excuse for all Buffy's problems because she was a bad mother. She wasn't.

Thanks. I really wanted to use Joyce to soften the misery of Buffy's return to life. The woman has her faults, but I think Buffy's a lot more grounded with a parent to lean on.

Robyn
10/10/2006 08:53 am
Life Serial         
I like Joyce's way of thinking with the spa and manicure.

Thanks!

09/25/2006 09:32 pm
Life Serial         
poor buffy but at least she has her mom

Lou
09/03/2006 10:26 pm
Life Serial         
Poor Buffy seems to be sinking.

Jessica
09/03/2006 09:05 am
Life Serial         
I loved how Spike got all nervous when Joyce cornered him. Very cute. Great chapter too. I always thought that Joyce was very perceptive, so I hope that she can help Buffy feel better. Looking forward to more.

09/03/2006 05:54 am
Life Serial         
Nice of you to remind us that Joyce is one bright lady. Sooner or later, she's gonna figure out that Buffy wasn't in hell. It'll be interesting to see how she handles that revelation. Joyce has never made any secret of the fact that she likes Spike. Can't wait to see what she makes of this new and improved relationship that Buffy and Spike now seem to have with each other. Eagerly awaiting the next update. :)

09/02/2006 08:23 am
Life Serial         
Thanks for having Joyce here for her. Season six with her in it, will be so much better for Buffy and Dawn. Very interested in seeing where this is going. Very cute that Spike was caught by Joyce and that she like's him, she never did like Angel to begin with, did she? Thanks for the surprising update, when ever you can will be great. Wonderful read, thanks.

kim
09/02/2006 06:47 am
Life Serial         
A spa day would be good. Serenity would be good.

And Buffy, this isn't protection. It's just lying.

vladt
09/02/2006 06:07 am
Life Serial         
good chapter. love joyce. thanks for the read.

spikes slayer2
09/02/2006 06:02 am
Life Serial         
aww thats great that joyce has picked up on things :)

time of change
09/02/2006 03:32 am
Life Serial         
Your Joyce is great.

zanthinegirl
09/02/2006 02:45 am
Life Serial         
I'm continuing to really enjoy this story! I love Joyce, and think she added a great deal more to the vuffy-verse than her limited screen-time might suggest. When she died Buffy lost her emotional anchor, and nothing was every the same again. Don't get me wrong, I love seasons 6 & 7 but I suspect that things will be different with Joyce around. Buffy won't be feeling so abandoned, for one thing. Nor will she have all the responsibilities of raising Dawn on top of everything else she has to deal with...

I adore Spike trying to sneak out, and being caught by Joyce. Busted!

Looking forward to the next update!

Mark Evans
09/02/2006 01:25 am
Life Serial         
I've been following this story, and can't wait to see where it goes. Thanks for the great chapter :D .

09/02/2006 01:03 am
Life Serial         
oh i love having joyce around for the events of season six...makes it so much better... :) great chapter, pet :)

Loving it. :-)
06/06/2010 07:04 am
Flooded         
 

Cas
01/20/2007 05:07 am
Flooded         
Just found this fic, and loving it. Especially this chapter - Spike's lines are hilarious.
Welcome aboard! I hope you'll continue to enjoy it.

Robyn
10/10/2006 08:13 am
Flooded         
I love the closeness and the comfort Buffy gets from Spike. How like Willow determined to fix things.

Thanks again. And that desire of Willow's is going to get her in trouble...

09/25/2006 09:31 pm
Flooded         
scary willow alert!

Bridget
09/01/2006 04:08 pm
Flooded         
Good story. I like how you have written Xander. I hope he remains observant and a thinker. I also hope that Spike and Buffy don't fall into that disastrous relationship that was season six.

Lou
09/01/2006 01:50 pm
Flooded         
I like that Buffy is actually being considerate of Spike. And good to see Willow where I thought she'd be!

Tonia
09/01/2006 11:03 am
Flooded         
Great chapter!

09/01/2006 08:04 am
Flooded         
willow's headed down the scary path again....hope buffy's able to open up to spike without destroying them both, this time around :)

Yeah, I think the idea of Willow having magic problems is legit (like Anya's great speech about how it's always the good, quiet ones who go really nuts...). I just didn't like the way it was handled in canon. I can't promise people are going to like where my take goes any better.

kim
09/01/2006 06:51 am
Flooded         
Spike's good at being cute.

I'd like to see Joyce, sometime. I'm really interested in how her presence will change the season.
Joyce has a heavier presence in the next chapter.

09/01/2006 06:03 am
Flooded         
Really nice chapter. Seems like Willow's still merrily drifting down that river in Egypt. Hmmm... maybe you could have a mummy or something jump her and shake some sense into her. Hope you turn her around before it's too late. Will be looking forward to your next update.

Jessica
09/01/2006 05:21 am
Flooded         
Great story so far. I loved Spike trying to be sly about the motorcycle thing. Looking forward to more.

09/01/2006 02:53 am
Flooded         
Keep it coming! You're doing great. I'm hoping that since this Joyce has cancer, perhaps she might survive in this fic and have more time with Spike. Loved that Buffy remembered it matched her ring. Don't know if it's such a good idea for her to learn but it is time alone with her. Willow's not going to get "it" here either, is she? Hate that you won't be updating as often, will be watching for when you do. Thanks for the read.
I'm not entirely sure that Buffy actually kept the ring, but I thought the quip worked either way :)

The updates are slowing for a couple of reasons. Chapters are getting longer, there's more divergence from canon, etc. I've also been working ahead on my Smashed-era chapter, trying to get the smut (gulp) to work, which has been distracting me from getting the next chapter in shape. With the long holiday weekend, I hope to get some writing time in...

09/01/2006 01:47 am
Flooded         
Good chapter.
I enjoyed the Spike/Buffy interaction. And Buffy on a motercycle?... At least she'll have a good teacher! lol.
Looking forward to seeing what happens with Willow.

Good one. :-)
06/06/2010 06:58 am
After Life         
 

06/14/2009 03:57 pm
After Life         
I like this Xander being much more perceptive than in canon.
Me too!  He is supposed to be the one who sees things, after all.

Robyn
10/10/2006 08:05 am
After Life         
I like the insight that Xander is showing.

Thanks! I like my Xander observant.

09/25/2006 09:29 pm
After Life         
lovely second chapter - still enjoying it !

Andie
08/31/2006 03:53 pm
After Life         
This is a really interesting idea. I'm not sure if I've seen it before. And you write it so well. I'm looking forward to more!

Time of C
08/30/2006 04:21 pm
After Life         
Spectacular!

08/30/2006 08:20 am
After Life         
"And how weird that it had been with her family all summer, like some sort of ghost in cute boots making terrible puns with a dead girl's voice."

This line is just fantastic!

Great chapter!

Harry 4Eyes
08/30/2006 02:16 am
After Life         
Interesting idea, one quite simple but one Idon't think i've seen before, what difference would Joyce make to seaon 6..brilliant.

Should be interesting to see how much it changes things, like for beginners I guess Buffy might not have to work at Doublemeat Palace or whatever it's called, but she still might not be able to go back to school because she didn't apply in time...I think that's what happened anyway.

Also it will be interesting to see how Spike will do things differently, now that he has Joyce to be his concience.

Well will be interesting to read how you imagine things would go.
Update Soon
Harry
Spoiler(heh): Buffy will be getting a job eventually, but not at the DMP.

Lou
08/29/2006 09:54 pm
After Life         
Giving Xander a little more awareness does wonders for him. I look forward to your take on Willow.

zanthinegirl
08/29/2006 06:26 pm
After Life         
Continuing to like this very much. So far it's pretty close to canon, though I'm enjoying the differences. The line about how Bufy's mom gave her clothes aways except for a couple outfits picked out by the Bufy-bot was cute; for example. And always nice to see Xander not being bashed!

Looking forward to seeing how you develope this further. It's a clever idea!

Shan
08/29/2006 03:06 pm
After Life         
Thank you for your e-mail telling me that you were planning to respond to my challenge. I'm so glad you decided to take it up.

This looks very promising, and i've liked it so far. I'm looking foward to reading the rest of this fic. :)

Thank *you* for the idea. I'm enjoying writing it. I hope you'll continue to like it!

Tonia
08/29/2006 12:45 pm
After Life         
Ooh this is good. Xander and Spike seemingly on the same page. (even if Spike doesn't know it) Please update soon.

08/29/2006 09:15 am
After Life         
This is great! Xander left Egypt! Looks like he's walking away from de river and seeing the forest through the trees. Good bit of humor, leave it to Spike to put a sexual twist on it. Excellent first post, congrat's. Great read, thanks.

08/29/2006 08:29 am
After Life         
Nice interaction between Xander and Spike. I can see this Xander is already an enormous leap from canon Xander. He's actually willing to be reasonable and intelligent. I have a feeling that, despite his personal feelings about Spike, Xander wants to help Buffy and understand what she may have been through.

More please?

Thanks for reading! I hope folks will continue to enjoy the Xander-arc in the story.

08/29/2006 07:13 am
After Life         
Nice chapter. I like the direction this fic is taking so far. I really like thoughtful Xander. It's kind of strange, but I like it. Hated how obnoxious and closed minded his character became later in the series. Wish he'd been more like this. Can't wait to see what direction this fic takes with Joyce being alive and all. Looking forward to the next update.

Thanks! The thoughtful Xander bit has been one of my favorites to write so far and I'm thrilled the people are liking it.

Dreylin
08/29/2006 07:09 am
After Life         
Me likey. Want more!

The Spike and Xander interaction was a breath of fresh air too. They're usually flat out enemies in Spuffy fic, and Xander generally comes out looking particularly bad. This story looks like it's both aware of that - as Xander's thoughts show - and perhaps going to do things a bit differently. I'm looking forward to seeing the impact of Joyce in season six.

Yeah, Spike and Xander aren't going to be braiding friendship lanyards or anything, but there's not going to be fisticuffs either.

Rotting Future
08/29/2006 06:38 am
After Life         
Yay for the update. I'm beyond glad that you had Spike question her about the hell comment & Xander. It always bothered me that Dawn dismissed that and not one scoobie could be bothered enough to see Buffy wasn't quite right. Looking forward to how this plays out.
I actually hadn't thought much about it until I started working on the tower scene and it really hit me 'hey, why didn't Dawn ever wonder...' and originally I just had the episode dialog during the alley confession. Then I decided to have Spike catch the snap.

I think the Scoobies were concerned for her at first, but once she had thanked them, I think they were desperate to believe she was really okay.

Hope you'll like the rest!

kim
08/29/2006 05:16 am
After Life         
Oh, it'd be nice if Xander actually noticed her pain this time.

Is she going to tell Joyce the truth? If anyone could give her comfort, it's her mother, right?

Cas
08/29/2006 05:04 am
After Life         
Really liked this chapter. It's not often we're given a good look at Xander's point of view. Can't wait to see what else is different.
Thanks! I'm so glad people are responding well to my enlightened Xander.

08/29/2006 04:22 am
After Life         
i see hope for xander actually having a brain this story, maybe? :) that would be nice, to see him actually wise up for a change....another lovely chapter, pet...looking forward to your next :)

08/29/2006 03:47 am
After Life         
Nicely done.

vladt
08/29/2006 03:37 am
After Life         
thanks for the read, enjoyed the update. at least xander's pain is minute.

Kittenuno
08/29/2006 03:31 am
After Life         
A great idea with a fantastic start! Adore the idea of Joyce being around for season six. Look forward to the complications to come.

08/29/2006 03:08 am
After Life         
Good update! Thank you.

It's nice to get a look at Xander's thoughts here... I'm glad he's seeing tht things aren't quite right.

LOL. I love this...

“Did she seem okay to you?”

Spike gave him a look long. “Not really, no.”

And again with the Spike agreement.

His brain really hurt.


Glad you enjoyed it! I really liked writing in Xander voice. I hope I managed to capture him decently.

05/17/2015 05:42 am
Bargaining         
I love the premise of Joyce being alive in this timeline - wonderful beginning.  

:-)
06/06/2010 04:42 am
Bargaining         
 

12/19/2006 04:59 pm
Bargaining         
Poor Buffy seems very confused by everything that's going on. I like her neediness about her mom and how she and Spike seem to be insinctively connected

Thanks for the feedback, and welcome to the story. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of it as well!

Robyn
10/10/2006 07:46 am
Bargaining         
It’s going to be interesting to see what kind of difference Joyce’s presence will make for Buffy.

Thanks. The toughest task writing this was sorting out where Joyce could and couldn't make a difference, and also remembering that the characters don't know she's not 'supposed' to be there.

09/25/2006 09:27 pm
Bargaining         
interested twists - i cant wait to see how this impacts the world

09/06/2006 06:14 pm
Bargaining         
i love the twist - good start!

Jane
09/01/2006 10:15 am
Bargaining         
Looking forward to seeing more :grin :read

08/30/2006 08:16 am
Bargaining         
oh very nicely done! I've never seen a season six like this where Joyce is still alive. It's one of those concepts that SOMEBODY should have thought of. ;) Guess somebody did. You're doing great! Keep it up. Can't wait to see more. :)
Well, the Joyce idea was Shan's. I just ran with it. It worked in nicely with some ideas I was already working on, and it gave me a good starting point for a way to make the season six era not quite so dire. I hope you'll continue to enjoy it!

Lou
08/29/2006 09:37 pm
Bargaining         
Excellent start. And it's really well written.

08/29/2006 08:55 am
Bargaining         
Had to read this. Anything with Joyce and to have her relationship with Spike in print, I'll read it every time. Excellent start. Glad that Spike's the one who found her and Buffy asking if this was hell, was so heartbreaking. Great read, thanks.

golddrake
08/29/2006 06:22 am
Bargaining         
great chapter

08/28/2006 02:44 pm
Bargaining         
Very interesting start, I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Tonia
08/28/2006 02:07 pm
Bargaining         
There were a few grammer problems like "They'd made a mistake and now They'd corrected it, sent her to this place." that you might want to fix.
Over all I really liked it and I hope to see more of this story very soon. Good start! =)

zanthinegirl
08/28/2006 12:47 pm
Bargaining         
Very interesting start. You captured the disjointedness Buffy perceives beautifully here-- it's all harsh and bright, isn't it?

Looking forward to seeing where you take this one!

08/28/2006 12:35 pm
Bargaining         
Great start! Can't wait to see where this goes!

kim
08/28/2006 07:59 am
Bargaining         
Wow...ouch. Definitely a different world if Joyce is able to live through the tumor, etc. Buffy won't spiral down so hard, and Joyce will watch out for her loved ones.

vladt
08/28/2006 05:50 am
Bargaining         
good beginning, thank you

Rotting Future
08/28/2006 04:46 am
Bargaining         
Very nice beggining. Loved how Buffy was using her families clothes instead of her own. Can't wait to see where this goes and the effect Joyce will have on everything.

08/28/2006 03:04 am
Bargaining         
wow....what a heavy pressure on poor buffy...i wouldn't want to go down there, either :( this is a very promising start, can't wait to see where you take it :)