Excellent series - I enjoyed reading it very much - 

Glad you saved Faith  - again, nice contrast to the events of the series.

Brilliant! She gets to keep Spike and Faith gets to be the big hero she was meant to be. She could come across slightly butch in the tv programme so I could see her batting for the other team although not sure how long for. Thanks for another great story.

Outstanding Stories  - I am so glad you did this sequel - NICE that you had Faith be The Chosen One this time instead of Buffy being the one that played the most significant role in saving the say.  I like your variation on season 7. 

Hope you still read your reviews - your work was recommended in the topic of "classic fics"

Excellent series that kept me guessing from start to finish. What a great story! Loved it.

Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

While I was sad to see Xander die, it made for an interesting twist. As did the Willow/Faith relationship.

And I can definitely see Faith accepting the demon/god power where Buffy wouldn't.

Excellent job, please keep writing more stories!

Great story!

I was kinda looking forward to Faith ghosting Angel in LA - they sorta had a moment, you know? Anyway, one thing I really like about your writing is that you know when to cut a scene. Elminate stuff that we can pretty much figure out on our own. Awesome job! But hope Spike's not too put out at not being the big hero.

Ran across your story and read it start to finish. Enthralling take on the whole Spuffy relationship (like I would have loved to really see occur). Excellent plot line throughout the entire story. It was smart, good dialogue, great character interaction and utterly believable within the whedonverse. Loved it all! Further, your Spuffy lovin was hot enough to cause me to fan myself, without feeling like privy to "too many details". Hope you are inspired to either continue the story (I think it can go even further). Or take on additional plot lines. Fantastically enjoyable writing!

OMG, as good as the prequel.. Loved it all the way through. From Anya's letters to Xander to the bonding of Sister Slayers.. Amazingly well written.. Thanks so much for sharing :-)

Hey, I wanted to let you know I read both of these stories over the holidays and enjoyed them immensely! Only one small complaint, it seemed a bit rushed at the end. There were lots of things that felt unfinished, like the Robin/Spike thing, Anya, etc. It was a great retake on the last two seasons, but it needed a little more closure. Maybe another sequel is in the works? (Hoping desperately as truly good fic is so hard to find!)

Overall I really enjoyed the story and thought the characterizations were right on. Although it hurt, I think the loss of Xander was a great plot twist and you dealt with it well!

So, there's my two-cents. Hope you keep writing Spuffy, cuz I'll be looking for your stuff!

great wrap up to a fun read. thank you.

Wow. It is over. It was fabulous. You portrayed every character trully, and your interpretation of how the events would follow with Joyce there in S6, then how Spike being their would effect it, and generally everything else that followed was incredible. You did a super job of showing the emotions behind actions without needed to spend paragraphs and paragraphs explaining. You treated your readers like we weren't idiots, and I appreciate it:) Overall, super super job:D
And if this wasn't the end?? That would be okay too... Ats S5 anyone?

Yeah Faith got to live right then! Little worried about how poorly some of the gang is doing, Willow, Spike and Tara to start, but hopefully they'll all get a few days rest before the next big catastrophe.

awwww what a nice ending

Faith survived, that was a huge surprise. Of course I'd love to continue with Spike and Buffy's new life in Cleveland, that's the romantic in me. For the first time Buffy's still got her support system in place and a life to look forward to. Excellent job MC, it's been a fun ride, thanks.

excellent work. i really hope you plan on writing more of this.some kind of follow up at least. Great work.

oh i'm so glad faith survived!! that was an incredibly written fight, very well done...an incredible ending to a wonderful fic.. :)

That was excellent! Really empowering, too, by the way. I really love the idea that slayers are connected on some sort of mystical level, and while the show talked about that a bit in "Graduation Day," it never really got the props it deserved later. I like the dynamic between Faith and Buffy; that's kind of how I felt it should have always been. Looking forward with great anticipation to whatever you write in the future!

Hmm...a unique way to make their new world. And nobody important (to us) died. Yay!

Follow-ups would be cool. Obviously, they don't have to rebuild the Council, but there are the other girls to train, and the question of whether they should still live in Sunnydale, and who's going to couple up again.

 

Loved the last lines. Shades of episodes past.

Nice twist on the I love you line, it's so much better this way. It's good Dawn and Joyce are getting out of town and leaving Buffy with one less thing to worry about. Joyce was right about evil being a part of everyone, so I hope Buffy considers that while trying to come up with her big plan. Feeling quite nervous about Faith wearing the amulet, although it would be interesting if she got sent to Angel considering their connection

Oh my god, the watcher's council did something right for a change! Or, it would appear so. Let's hope those girls are gonna kick ass and take names, rather than pull a mass-Wesley. (Graduation Day,p.2, not AtS) And Buffy cracked me up in her little speech to the baby Slayers. "Hi!" Makes me think of that episode where it's like Career Day and Buffy snarks "I'm a Slayer, ask me how." Can't believe it's coming to an end. It's been an incredible ride, and I've loved every chapter. Oh, and is it too late for one last scene where Spike is naked except for his necklace? (Those are my favorites!)

That was great. I love Faith coming into her own as a Slayer, and I love Joyce being honest, and Quentin showing up with the Slayer brats was a hoot. And then, the goodness of Spuffy. I'll be sorry to see the end.

I've really enjoyed the ride. Looking forward to the conclusion.

Well what do you know, Travers brought the slayer's. I've been holding my breath, thinking that at any second Spike would be wearing the amulet again but if Faith really is, I'll let it out, whew! Nothing like a little tough 'n tumble to relax a girl and she's just the demon to to it! Sorry to see this great fic come to an end. Thanks for a surprising chapter, MC.

such an improvement on the original line!! :) great update, and have i mentioned how glad i am that faith is wearing the amulet? since she's not a vamp, she should be okay...right??? *bites nails* really lookin forward to more :)

You made some great changes to the series events - NICE JOB!

 

too funny it was the real Angel and not the First. Plus, the girls bleeding on the seal, wondered at that! Glad Willow got to see Xander.

You rock! I have slept less than 3 hours in the past 30 (dont ask), so thats about all i am capable of saying. Happy New Year:D

excellent read, thank you. and loved the angel thing, as you phrased it.

so, is the whole demon essence thing turning faith into an even bigger horn dog? lol... :P .... willow, wood, and now angel? though i have to say if i had to choose i'd choose angel... :) ... great update, looking forward to the next :)

So, that was the real Angel. Hee! Well, there's no hiding now. And good...he needed it told bluntly. Spike had to be riding that high for a good long while. :)
I liked the scene with Angel and Faith. Felt a lot truer than the canon scene with Buffy, actually.

Poor Willow fried her hair. Ah, well, sacrifices of battle, and all that. Hats are good. And Jonathan is very dead!

So, did the Initiative show up? Though, the military guys having British voices is extremely odd, so....
And did the Council get blown up?

I suppose Faith can handle the amulet....maybe she's even meant to wield it without harm.

The best part of the whole chapter for me was the whole Angel thing. Now he knows about Buffy and Spike, makes my day! Good for Willow, she did the same thing that Giles did so that Buffy wouldn't have to take responsiblity for killing a human. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year MC.

Hmm interesting that the 'demon' in Faith seemed to recognize Faith, and that he responded to her kisses for awhile. How priceless is it that Spike knew Angel was really there and didn't tell Buffy! Good the idiot needed to witness the floor show and see that it's over.

I felt for Anya, having to witness the hormones that everyone is experiencing. I really wish Xander could manifest to her and give her some sense of peace. Jonathan really is evil manifesting as him to try and keep Willow from killing him. I'm glad she was able to do what she needed to, and that the real Xander was able to come and give her strength before Buffy showed up.

That was awesome!--not the Willow killing again, that really got to me in a horrible, sad way, because Jonathan always makes me feel sorry for him and angry at him at the same time, but rambling! Angel really being Angel--that was the awesome part! Hee! I thought, while reading the last chapter, hey what if that wasn't the First, and then it turned out that's the way it was. Mwahaha! Thank you so much for writing this great story! Happy Holidays, Ms. Clawdia!

Great chapter - love the First Evil's monster - sad that it's Jonathan who became involved with the First Evil or whatever life force he chose to follow. 

 

Wonder what affect their making love on the seal might have? Not into claiming, or have they already done that?

excellent read, thank you. loved "Do you mind? This is a private moment."

Well it was good that they all managed to get to the same place so they could work together to defeat the monster. Jonathan is going to be in some serious trouble when they do catch up with him, for all that he has done. interesting that once Faith let others in she began to feel safer, rather than just relying on herself. Hmm seems the slayage still gets strong results, even with carnage lying around.

Wow, that was erotic, even among the blood and death. Glad that Faith got a little piece of Jonathan, just to let him know that he isn't so powerful atfer all. Nothing like a battle to bring people together, Willow and Tara again? Exciting chapter, great read, thanks.

Interesting.....and that was almost too funny to be hot, in a way...just that those two would really do it anywhere. :)

Nice changes...

that was incredibly hot...i very much enjoyed it...love how she managed to keep him from freaking out...can't wait to see what happens next...though the bit with the first showing up as angel in the middle of the act was a bit disconcerting, as intended, i'm sure :)

Oh, great chapter. And I loved the post-Slaying horniness.

Woah. Nice. very very nice. Can't wait for more, especially some of that *action*. Greeat scene, very hot, and very important I'm sure (with buffy accepting his demon once again and not stopping with Angel's face present). Super!

I like that you made Faith be the slayer who chose to take on the added demon strength - 

 

Could have done w/o the visuals on Robin, but otherwise excellent. Surprised that Willow was able to put Tara on the defensive, and that Faith is still jonesing for her.

We know Faith's a ho and if she could try again to get ahold of Spike she would. Thank you so much for allowing Anya to get his letter, how comforting for her. Yeah, Willow would be pissed that Xander never came to her but grateful that Anya understood the Powers and the way they do things sometimes. Damn Faith and her "need" to hunt or scratch that "itch" of hers, she's really starting to tick me off. She better be worth it in when it really counts. Fantastic chapter, MC, thanks again.

fine read, thank you

poor spike :( he's struggling so much, but at least buffy is really there for him...wood and faith getting caught was kind of funny...great update, looking forward to more :)

Well they all seem to be in the midst of personal crisis, which might not be so good seeing the big evil is on the prowl. Hopefully some honesty, apologies and tears will get them on the right track

Good chapter -- suitably grim!

I knew Faith was gonna go there. It's not like she's had any experience with monogamy. I'm waiting to see what Willow does about it.

Very good chapter. I loved the whole thing. And Faith needs to realise that it's not the orgasm that she misses. Please up date soon. =)

I imagine stamina is even more important to her now, with the added demon part.

Hello, Buffy, they were Slayer dreams? Get a clue...you really should know what they are by now.

Poor Anya...the letter was precious, but it stings as much as it helps.

And poor Spike's still so tormented...

I still find it funny that Jonathan's a big threat. :D

 

Loved the handcuffs scene. As well as your comment about Gods and Demons.

The God thing, isn't always a good thing but for them all I hope that it's a good thing this time. Never a truer statement was said, Buffy does have enough demon in her and doesn't need any more. Yup, Andrew did finally become one of the scoobies at the end. Wonderful read, thanks.

I liked the explanation that Faith's change does not necessarily have to be bad. i hope they all allow her time to grow into her new developments. It seems like Buffy is realizing that there are things she wants to ask Spike but is afraid to voice. That makes sense given how many things he is afraid to tell.

excellent read, thank you. faith and red are terrific; buffy being satisfied to be buffy and the slayer, is amilestone in growth. andrew, on the other hand, seem to be brought in when the writers (years to late) figure out xander wasn't fun. unfortunitely, it seems that the same writers wrote andrew.

I really liked "She was Buffy, the slayer, and that was enough." She needed to come to that realization a LONG time ago...

Willow and Faith remind me of the old joke about how porcupines mate. I'm enjoying this story a lot.

eh. Sure, plot movement is nice. But I'm sure we all enjoyed the smut, too. ::evil grin:: And you wrote it so well.

Also, I loved the spin on the "heart of a demon" thing.

I really liked this chapter. More than most I think. I like how Buffy has accepted who she is and who she loves.

Anya still writing her notes...so sweet and sad.

The Willow and Faith thing was just waiting to fold in on itself, like that magical quilt disappearing. Just temporary needs to fill.

Good that Andrew has something useful to do.

well, buffy's starting to figure out a bit of spike's past,isn't she? might help her to help him with the first's attacks...lovely chapter, very much enjoyed it :)

great chapter

Wonderful chapter. The love scene between Buffy and Spike is very touching.

 

Uber Faith huh? Should be interesting.

At some point, I hope that Spike understands that he's so much more to her and not a "concubine" and I hope that he does talk to someone about his "sightings". I've got mixed feelings over Faith and her newe powers. Of course she wants everything that Buffy has or had but I don't know about this. Guess time will only tell. Excellent chapter. Great read, thanks.

I'm liking that Faith took the gift and that it meant something to her. That she seems to have found something she felt was lacking before, and that it wasn't forced on her to make her feel less. I'm also glad that Buffy seems to be adjusting to the changes in her so well. Hopefully the others will too

excellent read, thank you. loved "I think it was meant for you,"

COOLIES!

Uh... not much other than that too say. Great twist:)

Very interesting chapter. I found the first part yesterday, and have been reading ever since. I hope that everything goes as planned now that Faith has the essence of the demon, though, in retrospect, I think she always did have more demon in her than Buffy, so maybe this is how it was supposed to be after all. This story is very captivating, and I hope you feed that muse of yours, and update again soon!

Good thinking! Given the chance, this is exactly what Faith would have done!

That is brilliant. Perfect choice. I'm glad you went that way. You could argue that it was meant for Faith, always, since she is the true Slayer. The one the line flowed through, before they were all activated. She can finally become the Slayer she was meant to be.

Poor Spike...one day, the whispers will fade...hopefully.

Great chapter! It's about time Faith got some recognition.

This is one heck of an unusual twist.I can't wait to see what the end result of all the changes will be.

wow really great chapter.

ooh, this should be cool!! love that you had it turn out that way with faith...can't wait to see where it goes from here! excellent update :)

 

Interesting relationship, Faith and Willow. Can't tell how it's gonna go. And Andrew in the basement, with the no killing of pigs? Priceless. Loved Buffy's cooment, and Dawn's.

Love it when Dawn said "you know, he was trying to kill you..." because Buffy's answer had me in stitches. Yeah, Spike did get over that didn't he! Like that you've got more of the old gang together. Andrew was always a breath of fresh air. Hate that Buffy feel's responsible for the girls but she is the slayer an it is her job to protect the innocent, just can't protect them all. Great work! thanks.

Poor faith really doesn't know if she's coming or going does she. Well I'm feeling a little bit better about her now that I know she wasn't actively pursuing Robin. I feel bad that Buffy and Spike are taking the loss of the girls so hard and feeling in some way responsible for what has happened. Hopefully they will be able to talk soon and figure out how to move past it.

excellent read, thank you love faith lying to herself.

your portrayal of andrew was hilarious...lol.. :) ... i love the dream sequences where she sees xander, too...excellent update, on to read the next :)

Great last two chapters. Thanks for the two part update. =)

Hey, hon....reviewed over at SR earlier because the site was down. Got confused at first because of two chapters, LOL. I was like, huh? Good job, though!

oooh.. two posts in one day. we must've been good, to get a prezzie.

 

Wooh - way on the plotty and symbolism. Spike might be in trouble, and I'm not too sure about Willow either. Great chapter!

What a chapter! So much packed into it. Now that Woods' is here, wonder how this Spike it going to handle it and the Turok Han are on the lose, the young slayers need to remember just who they are. They were starting to get to comfortable and that was a wakeup call. Poor Spike, I hope that Joyce realize the meaning in her youngest's statement and just how much he loves her eldest as well. Can't continue on tonight, but had to read something, MC. Will read more tomorrow. Some days are still better than others. Wonderful chapter, thanks.

Spike really needs to start sharing with Buffy. I understand why he would want to keep some thigns private, but if they're just going to bite him in the butt later he might as well get it out on the table now. I'm curious how Willow will take it now that she knows things with Faith are coming to a close. And how they will keep Robin from finding out about Spike

very good update, thank you.

man, poor spike...the first is really messing with him... :( great update, on to read the next :)

It's great that you have introduced this ancient history into your story - I wish writers would take on the ancient timelines of the  Old Ones and the Guardians - perfect set up for time travel and the creation of original characters. 

 

"Past performance is not guarantee of future results" LOL

Seems like Warren might still be working for the first. i wonder if Spike is going to tell Buffy about his mother or is the first going to be able to keep pushing that button. it was good to see Buffy and Willow have a night together where they could talk and share some of what their lives are like now

This could be just the break they were looking for, leave it to a 1100 year old ex vengence demon to know where to find it. Love that Willow and Buffy had reconnected again, they needed it. The comparison between Spike and Faith are really close. Wow, I wasn't expecting that and the only comparison between Buffy and William's mother is the love that he had for them, different but strong. Fabulous read, thanks MC.

very good read, thank you. enjoyed the similarities in buffy and red's relationships. anya always seems to cut to the heart of the matter, doesn't she?

The plot thickens. Well done on the ancient lore - it can't be the easiest thing to make credible.

Writing a book in Fyarl? LOL...not exactly the most sophisticated language...

Spike ancestors...hint to the Turok-han? They are the primeval vampires... Poor boy really needs to let that bit about his mother go.

Nice Willow and Buffy talk. Interesting mention of Andrew...they don't know about the seal here, so Willow wouldn't stop him and bring him for interrogation. Is Johnathan dead, then?

I am just glad that Spike has Buffy by his side during this. The First doesn't know what to do and whom to go after. And the great talk between Willow and Buffy was too funny. I just love Anya. She has been through so much but is still there to help them even with the small Christmas gifts issues.

Looking forward to more. Faith and Willow, huh? That would've made Xander run into a wall just thinking about it.

another great chapter, love willow's and buffy's conversation, they're kind of in the same boat now, aren't they? :) looking forward to more :)

You know, the longer this story gets, the more I just love it to pieces! But I was expecting Anya to give Giles some sugar. Just a suggestion!

 

Poor Anya - writing letters to Xander. Took a while to wrap my head around this thread again, esp. compared to BHNM.

I'm glad Joyce is able to see there is some good in the relationship between Buffy and Spike even if she isn't thrilled about it. Loved Spike insisting he would have to kill David if he was actually making a move on Dawn. very protective big brother. The thing with Faith and Willow seems pretty complicated, but then so was the thing between Spuffy when they first started. Hopefully a little honesty will help make things go smoother.

That was so hard for Spike, but I agree with him as far as David is concerned, too old for her. Glad Joyce is still trying to be supportive. Love the possessive way that Buffy got woth him and that she needs for him to understand just how she feels. Love this more open and affectionate Buffy. Excellent work! Thanks.

Wow, this is really good. Its been ages since I have read a good Spuffy fic and I was really glad I started reading this one. Update soon!

aww... seeing anya like that is so heartbreaking!! poor thing!

very good read, thank you. loved spike's "...i’d have to kill him anyway." find faith being slightly confused very enjoyable reading. anya in the cemetery is a very well written, but sad, read. thanks again.

wow this chapter was really incredible...i loved the whole story so far, but this one made me sit up and take notice...so much emotion from so many different directions, and so expertly done...i love poor dawnie, and the watcher who sees her as his sister..lol...and poor spike is breaking my heart, thinking of what he's dealing with now thanx to the first, though buffy handled it well...and faith and willow...and then anya in the end, so very moving and poignant...lovely chapter, pet, looking forward to more ;)

Hooray chapter!

"...why vamps suck." Hee! Love your new slayers, and their relationships with Dawn.

Ooo -- the premature vision-of-doom thing -- VERY clever! The canon version of the First was so inexplicable; fanon Firsts can be much better, and yours promises to be superlatively spooky-yet-sane!

I think your Joyce's reservations about Buffy's co-habitation with Spike make a lot of sense, both in terms of her character and in terms of the arc. On the show Joyce's parenting style seemed alternately laissez-faire and "putting my foot down now," especially in terms of negotiating with Buffy's slayerhood. She was the most responsible canon parent figure excepting Giles (whose relationship to the Scoobies cannot be reduced to father-children), but she was far from perfect in defining and expressing her hopes for Buffy.

Too many fan fictions give Joyce a post-mortem Spike-love based on the hot chocolate scene that I find excessive. Having Joyce survive S5 solves, I think, one of the most problematic "threats" on the show -- financial difficulty. The Buffyverse's younger characters were adept at grappling with psychological instead of material reality. And the older generation paid the bills and found the prophesies, but often urged a kind of caution that wasn't quite commensurate with living on the Hellmouth. As both a mother and a "civilian," Joyce's concept of how things "should be" will inevitably conflict with her daughters', even when she is happy that they are happy.

Erm, sorry for soapboxing: I just wanted to say I love you Joyce :P .

And I respect your Anya very, very much.

Happy Thanksgiving! Don't make any bears!

Great chapter - and still with spooky undertones. Love it.

I liked Spike’s lecture and the reasoning behind the behavior of a vampire. Dawn’s reaction was cute to David’s compliment and then telling her that she reminds him of his sister. I loved Spike’s comment when comforting her. I like how Spike gave Buffy her message in French and how Buffy was there for Spike. Faith’s confusion is rather interesting to follow. Anya’s letters to Xander always make me tear up. It feels good to be all caught up and I have really enjoyed these chapters, thanks.

Poor Anya...I want to give her lots of hugs.

I'm finding it weird that Joyce is still squicky on the Buffy-Spike thing, but carry on.

Faith and Willow are definitely the odd couple, eh? Solace finds itself in unusual places sometimes, though. And it's definitely better than Kennedy!

And I'm always happy to see affection between Spike and Dawn. She was the first to love him.

I support you all the way: Spike's special:D Anya's short POV at the end was gorgeous, and very well characterized. Spike, Buffy and Dawn's domesticity is adorable, I especially liked Spike's comment to Dawn about David. Faith and Willow are still really interesting... Generally, just a great job!

I keep on forgetting that it's Thanksgiving in the States. Hope its a good one:)

 

I'm curious about what happened with Willow to send her so over the edge. The first certainly took some strange and haunting forms this time around. Can we talk about the whoo that was Willow and Faith kissing? I'd feel better if it didn't seem like something Willow had done to get back at Tara and because she was feeling bad. I hope this doesn't blow up in their faces.

I'm not changing my mind! Willow and Faith! ICK! Yeah, Buffy's got Spike's number, he's her "good little soldier" follow her straight into to hell, if she went. Doesn't she get that he knows how they all smell by now, after all, he is a vampire! Wondering who else is going to show up since The First is now officially unleashed! Xander for sure. Great chapter, thanks.

Very spooky!!!

I enjoyed Dawn’s reaction to David and Amanda’s offer to find something to cool her off. I liked the difference of attitude with Buffy wanting to contribute to the household budget. What an interesting and freaky twist on Conversations with Dead People.

very good read, thank you. thoguht amanda's "I'll go find something to cool you off" was a great line. very interested in how red/ faith turns out. fun read, thanks again.

Wow! I just stumbled on your stories and read Borrowed Time and all the chapter of Getting All Chosen so far in one go -- could NOT stop, despite early morning work tomorrow/today! You do such marvelous plot, dialogue, mood, everything! And you have a ruthless precision/concision with words that leaves me breathless with admiration -- the characters seem just a hair wiser, wittier, and more complicated than one knows to hope for, just the way fictional characters ought to be.

The First was not a very convincingly creepy villain in Season 7 -- I like your version better already. I love the First's self-introduction (is it a humorously verbatim quotation from Amends?) -- and Willow's quippy reply -- and then, dun dun DUN! The suspense! The horror! The anticipation!

Now I'm going to be wondering how far Faith and Willow would have gone, had the First not shown up.

Hm - interesting developments. Faith/Willow makes my brain hurt. Especially the magic addicted/sorta evil Willow you're portraying and was evil and could probably go back there pretty quick Faith.
fun.

Dawn's getting visions without seeking them, and the First is making itself known - groovy.
Faith and Willow seems...odd, but I guess when people are all alone, they do the wacky.
The domestic convo was cute, and I'm glad they got past it without a major fight.
The First as Angelus was a surprise...good way to screw with both of them, though.
What happened to Willow's head?

Hmm... Faith rebound/revenge or more? I guess I'll have to wait to find out. (oh, i love the domestic scene with Spike and Buffy. Very cute)

Super job, and I hope you can post the LJ story here (ljs always have and always will frustrate me... they dont like me:()

my heart sort of lurched when "angel" said those things to spike...man, that could get real ugly real fast...loved the sexy talk between spike and buffy though...lol..great chapter, looking forward to more :)

Excellent update. I gotta say, Angelus appearing like that was startling. Revved up my heartrate a bit anyway. I can't wait for the next update.

A great chapter. Enjoying the way you are weaving canon into the story - and the arrival of the First.

Excellent!

I always hated this episode. The only thing worse would've been if Xander had shown up to get a shot in at Willow. Gotta say, I like the idea of Faith/Willow.

 

Didn't miss the plot at all.

That was plot. Lovely plot filled with the two of them exploring their love for one another. And yeah for both of them. If only I had someone to teach me french like that!

Wow! *fans self* So happy for them. I can so understand how he could feel that way. What he has with her is something that he'll never have with anyone else and he's very well aware of that fact. Holding on for what's to come. Wonderful read, thanks, MC.

I enjoyed this interlude. :D I loved that Buffy told Spike that she loved him not only when she got home but later as well.

interludes more than welcome. vefy good read, thank you.

Oh, sneaky, calling it an interlude, then reminding us all of how it really went at the end of season seven. Let's leave Spike out of the raging sunlight this time, hmm? This story just keeps getting better and better.

I like how you added a bit of Bob Dylan in the chapter. He's a great poet, indeed. Keep the writing coming, I'll be waiting. Lol, thanks.

Who needs plot? That was lovely!
(Actually, plot is generally required, but little interludes are good, too.)

Mmmm.. happy, hot, sweaty smut. yay!

Never knock a nice bit of plotless happiness!

Pfft! Who need plot?


Oh, Great use of Dylan my dear. He just came to my city! He is actually a performer now *gasp*

Thinky smut good.

Loved seeing one of those silver necklaces draped over his bare collarbones...man has the sexiest collarbones ever....*swoon*

awww....thanx so much for that, pet....that was so sweet and hot and sexy all at once...an excellent job, love :)

A sweet little interlude. It's always nice to see them sharing a healthy relationship - even if Joss doesn't believe such things exist. LOL That's probably why Spike thinks things are going too well- lol

Wow, that was some really good smut :D

NICE exchange between Buffy and Giles - 

 

Loved the scene between Buffy and Giles. How seemlessly you wound the image of Buffy and Spike's jewelery and Giles gentle words. Lovely - and quite an image.

I really liked the moment between Buffy and Giles. That he let her know he was proud of her despite not being overjoyed at all her choices. It was a beautiful moment and did highlight what the girls were missing out on by not having their own watcher.

What exactly is going on with Faith and Willow? At first I was getting annoyed at faith's attention to Spike, but then it changed so she was more about Willow. That was a match I didn't see coming, but I could see the attraction. wonder if anything will happen with it.

It's good to see Anya finding some peace and slowly rebuilding a life for herself.

I like happy! but as long as they stay together, I don't care how much shaking you do! It does make it more interesting, but I still like happy. Again I say Ick! Willow and Faith? Really loved Anya's letter to Xander, what a sweet thing for her to do. Happy you've given her more purpose since he's gone, and I love how easy Spike and Buffy are together, a relationship better than any others. Eager to see who's coming to SunnyD. Wonderful chapter, thanks.

I loved the French lesson. Faith admitting to herself that she feels that what is Buffy’s is hers was interesting. I liked the look at Anya and how her new job is helping her cope. I liked Buffy’s talk with Giles and her thoughts about not wanting to disappoint him but that she wouldn’t give up Spike for him.

vert good read, thank you.

The conversation with Giles was really well done.

Two girls with problems gravitating towards each other -- could be tricky!!

mmm...that last little musing of buffy's...can we see that in a slo-mo replay please? ;) lol...and i can't wait to see where you take this story from here, love, great job :)

Faith and Willow? Hm ...Interesting pair...

Love this story. Faith & Willow? Didn't see that coming, but it's a nice touch. Much better than the obnoxious Kennedy! Can't wait for the next update.

I like how Giles is beginning mto see the good in Spuffy, however reluctantly.

As always an excellent update. Can't wait for more.

That was a wonderful chapter. Faith's inner struggle, Anya's grieving, the touching scene between Giles and Buffy... All so very nicely done.

Funny nose? What's Faith been smoking? Not so subtle hints that she's leaning towards Willow...can't see her going that way very long though..the girl likes to drive stick. ;)

Nice Buffy/Giles scene. Very touching.

Totally funny with Spike distracting her from her French homework, too.

And I loved the spot on Anya...writing to Xander is perfect...and it's good to see her eating.

Even without a lot of ramping action, I am really enjoying how you are conducting the writing of this fic (that making sense to anyone outside my brain?). The whole Faith/Willow/Spike thingy is interesting. They all have quite a bit in common, yet the way they act is all quite different. I've often wondered what was going through the mind of Faith when it came to that basement scene with Spike, and you've given some cool insight into that as well as Willow news. Great job, and I hope you were able to follow what i was trying to say in this review:P Can't wait for more:)

So, Anya goes on walkabout, B/S are gonna try the apartment thing, and now Dawn comes over psychic or something. Too much plot (only kidding).

I'm liking that Dawn found a new slayer. It gives her some purpose and can help her feel like more of the group. I think Joyce took the news remarkable well that her daughter is moving in with Spike. of course the announcement over Sunday dinner was genius at minimizing the yelling. It's good that Anya is going to have a job and be able to do some traveling. I'm also really glad she decided not to become a vengance demon so that she has a better chance at eternity with Xander.

Wow, Dawn's helping out everyone and now she's a what? Seer? So happy that Buffy's moving in with Spike despite what anyone says. I forgot that Joyce isn't as much on Spike's side here since the timeline's changed. Just hope she changes eventually. I just loved their relationship. Excellent read, thanks.

I love the care and concern Dawn and the others are showing Anya. I enjoyed Buffy’s reasoning for moving in with Spike and Anya’s comment about why Spike asked her. Dawn seeing the slayer was a nice twist.

Well that's handy!

oh so now dawnie's getting visions, eh? interesting....and i love joyce...poor thing, how else can she be expected to react? she took it remarkably well, in my opinion :) great chapter :)

dawn's the conduit, eh? Makes sense, in a way..

Why is Joyce so tense about Spike? One, she's always liked him, and two, he has a soul...has she not noticed he's an even gentler William than before?

Anya going as their rep...well, it gives her something to focus on...don't know how well she'll do breaking it to the girls, though...some might need a less abrupt approach. Probably going to creat some funny stuff, though! I hate seeing her hurt so much and not take care of herself, so I hope this will be good for her.

Go, Dawnie!

 

Wow, a lot happened here. Trouble in paradise - bound to happen. Loved the dream sequence and the way it keeps Xander in the story. Also glad you had another scene with Joyce, and her unique and honest viewpoint.

Ok that dream was a little cryptic and hard to follow, but I guess it's something about how she can contact the other slayers. Interesting that she doesn't even want dream Xander to see her naked. It's good that Dawn and Amanda are becoming close, and maybe seeing Joyce's acceptance will help Amanda see the good that can come from telling her own parents.

That was freaky for poor Spike! glad they just talked it out instead of dealing with things the way they used to. Wished it could have gone better for Tara and Willow's reunion. Ick! Faith and Willow? that's just creepy! Interesting dream Buffy had, it felt very Joss-like. Great job!

Interesting alliances!

very good read, thank you. buffy and spike work, even with their individual problems. tara has to be upset (confused?) faith and red, interesting pairing. could be fun could be major disaster. am really looking forward to an interpretation of buffy's dream!

I'm looking foward to more Anya (not to mention more Spuffy). Nice chapter, and i can't wait for mroe:)

I liked the Tara/Willow interaction. So often, people don't think about how Tara would've reacted to what Willow did when Tara died, or think she'd have just forgiven her. Here, we get to see that it's not that simple.

wow...what just happened that i dont know about that makes buffy wanna talk to travers??? and what's up with anya? nice cliffy here, love, left me longing for more :) great job

I really like this chapter - Buffy's support of Spike is just right and very convincing. Love the Xander as dream guide. Willow and Faith - not a combo I would think would be good, but very interesting and dangedrous. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Oh, boy...Buffy didn't like another dream.

I really feel for Joyce sometimes. Paenting Buffy has to be exhausting.

Nice work on how Spike is still adjusting.

The Tara/Willow scene was really painful. I understand Tara's POV, but she's usually more kind about things.

What a sad meeting between Tara and Willow; even though they are broken up I’m glad that Tara is still part of the group. Thanks so much for the update, I really enjoyed it.

When Buffy takes the stake out of her ass, things can be beautiful...

 

My favorite line. "The level of frustration he was causing her was going a long way to convincing her he was still him. Which was just confusing enough to make sense in her world."

I loved his hesitation because he had never been intimate with a soul before. Not to mention how great it is that he felt comfortable enough to tell Buffy who he had really been before he was turned. They seem to be finding there way through this new situation pretty nicely.

I wonder if Buffy was being sarcastic when she said Giles and the watchers should present the news about being a slayer in a more upbeat manner. That might be just as confusing as if they were cryptic. The training with Amanda seems to be coming along, and that was a good quip she was able to deliver, even it was from the Simpsons.

I feel bad for Anya and how much she is still struggling to get through every day. It must be awful to have lost him so soon after their wedding. I really do hope she and Willow are able to comfort each other during this difficult time.

So glad I could get back to this fic, I'm enjoying it so much and Spuffy lovin in the second chapter too! Just knowing that she want's to be with him is fantastic. You really had when Willow was looking around the room and found that dusting half glass of water and remembering when he wore different pieces of clothes. Hate that Anya's having to got through this but it means one less person to get on Buffy's case about Spike. Great chapter, can't wait to get caught up, thanks for the great read, MC

Aaaah - thankfully they seem to have resolved their differences. Good to see that Willow hasn't completely turned into Miss Sweetness and Light!

She was going to have to uncheck that last one on the list.

I loved this line. So sad and lonely sounding.

very good read, thank you. great balance, the humor, the punning, anya's pain, red's pain and guilt. buffy wakening, a bonus.

It’s interesting having Willow stay with Anya and yet I can see how they might be the two best to offer the other comfort. I’m glad that Buffy and Spike ended up together at his place and I loved her observation about him being afraid that she would reject him for who he was as William. I am really enjoying this story and am looking forward to the next update.

Wow! Really superbly written chapter. There were some magnificentlines there; Spike's lack of limitation and Buffy's task of watching Spike's biceps (shame it isn't paid). Despite all of the fun lines, you were still able to show the greif of Anya and Willow very clearly.

Great, great job:)

awwwwww very sweet chapter. I love the linie about her managing to compartmentalize the fact that he'd slaughtered thousands. LMAO And also her asking to stay the night...

Oh...and also...where she complimented Amanda on her punning. That was cute...as if that's something all the slayers have to be trained in. LMAO!

I am so glad you got back to the Spuffy lovin' :D Great update

Hee hee. Aww... I always love to see Buffy appreciate the William-ness while still loving the Spikiness.

Poor Anya; but great Buffy and Spike! THanks!

Really feel sorry for Anya. :( Hope they find a way to make her feel better soon. Hope Willow doesn't try to "fix" her!

Ya know, the people in Sunnydale must be the most confident people in the world, cause Buffy and Spike have obviously sucked all the insecurities out of everyone and kept them for themselves. ;)

About time she's getting it right with him.

Poor Anya...you made me almost cry a few times. Poor thing barely had any time with him, compared to how long she's been alive, and now...and the false pregnancy hope was just heartbreaking. I hope Giles can be there for her...he's the only one mature enough to handle it.

there we go, that's more like it!!! the two of them need to get over their issues with the changes and just accept it, move on...excellent chapter, very much enjoyed it :)

I really like the staccato switching of scenes.  It builds an air of things to come.

In the break between finishing your last fic and starting this one I forgot how much I like your writing, as well as the story. I also want to say well done for the way you take things that have been in the writer's mind and put them into the character's mouth - like the soul issue. Well done.

Interesting to see Buffy giving the Slayer pep speech to the next generation. It's nice to think it might actually be Xander who's communicating with her in her dreams. It has to be hard on Spike to find out all the things he missed while he was out getting his soul.

Methinks they need to talk!

very good read, thank you. at least dawn's mind still works.

Amanda, and other new slayers, showing up is going to be interesting, I like how she referred to Spike as Billy. Spike really found out what he missed from his meeting with Dawn. I like that Spike was affected by Xander’s death. Very fascinating dream Buffy had with Xander, I am looking forward to finding out what some of it might mean.

Great way to keep Xander here, even if it's in her dreams. Spike's come back and Dawn's had more of a conversation then he's had with Buffy. Hope this dream helps her to see him as the vamp who loves her still even with a shiny new soul. Great beginning. Thanks for getting the sequel to us this fast.

I am so happy (not to mention thankful) that the sequel is already up and running! Your dream sequence with Xander was super, and I am glad that Dawn and Spike are on good terms. It broke my heart in S7 when Dawn wouldnt talk to him :sob:

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

Like, dial it down a notch, B. We’re not founding a cult here

LMFAO!!!!!!!

(so when buffy had the stake out, that was the scene we had before? that we didn't get closure for before now? just making sure.)

Awesome chapter! (Now i'm going to have to read the epilogue of Borrowed Time heh again...lol. So i can see it all happen in order.

Also I love the dream. And does the dream alude to her getting more comfy with her slayer side?

the thing in the cage is the first slayer...or the slayer's essence or whatever...isn't it? :) great chapter, the dream was flawlessly done...and buffy's freak-out makes much more sense now...really looking forward to more, love :)

Such an intriguing beginning. Looking forward to the next chapter.

You're certainly caught my attention. (: And I'm so glad to see a sequel started.

That is an interesting thought. I'm assuming the "Thing" in the cage is the First Slayer, or the Demon they were created from. It might be interesting having a super buffy!

Already lovin' it! More, please.

Really pleased to see you've started this. Dream Xander is a great idea well used.

That was a very interesting thing you just did, tying this chapter to chapter 21 of BT. (And I did go back and reread the epilogue of BT too.) Tying all three together like you did was something I haven't seen anyone else do before. Very interesting!!! :)

Great beginning, looking forward to the next chapter!!!

Really pleased to see you've started this. Dream Xander is a great idea well used.

Yay more fic! grat beggining . and I loved that Xander/Buffy dream interaction, it's just heartbreaking .