Damn, girl got some!!  Nearly as big as church bells I'd wager!!  After that, put all the other ones in a barrel and ship them off please.  I find myself not even liking Tara at this point.  Too bad Angelus can't go whatever on Giles behind at this point and I usually love Ripper just cos.  This story needs a dog right now, cos I'm not really happy with most any of the humans. 

I finally got a chance to read this.  Loved it.  Great scene at the end with Buffy and Spike.   Good stuff and I can't wait for more.

OY! I'm so late with reading this. Just back from Mexico and trying to get over the lovely sickness I brought back with me. Thus, I just finished reading this chapter. This just keeps getting better and better. I'm beginning to think this story will never have an end. Can you believe how long you've been writing it?!  I adore this chapter! The Dawn/Spike interactions were superb. I'll skip that for the moment though and get to the second half. I'll loving the similarities between this Buffy and S5/6 of Buffy. I guess I'm tainted by S7 Buffy but I really don't think even if this was canon that she would have given up Spike. One it wouldn't have been a secretative relationship any longer so that is a moot point and second, Buffy wouldn't allow the "Council of Wankers" to control her. Spike in this story I don't feel is really any different than that of canon Spike. He still loves with all that he is and does what he can to prove it. And if that means giving up what makes him comfortable than he does it.

Which brings me back to the first half of the chapter. Dawn and Spike, *sigh* I'll forever be a fan just for the way you write them. The two of them together is sure to bring about a comment that is going to make me laugh, and you've done it again here. You had me LOL with the first and then LMAO with the second of my favorite lines/part of this chapter.

1.  “Right, then. Sorry about that.” He dropped the cigarette into her can of soda. “Is this better?”

The girl peered into her Pepsi with dismay, and Dawn shot Spike a dirty look as she hefted her bulging book-bag over her shoulders.

“Sorry, Caitlyn. He doesn’t get out of the house much.” She climbed to her feet and grabbed Spike’s arm, pulling him toward the exit. “I’ll see you later, guys.”

2. The three girls watched them leave, identical looks of confusion on their faces.

“Wow,” Caitlyn said finally. “Dawn’s father is hot.”  

*LOL* Love it! Even though I don't have a clue as to how this girl looks like I could so see her expression when he did that. That's just damn priceless. Classic Spike. And how did I know she was going to say that!? What better punch line I guess.

P.S. Can I just say how Dawn is way more mature and insightful than some others in this fic? Though as with Spikes comment about being in love, shows she still has a lot to learn.

I love this fic. I worship you! I love the tone in the story, Spike, the way you present the characters, Spike, the length of each chapter, did I mention Spike? Keep up the wonderful job. I hope to read more soon!

Love a strong confident Buffy!

very good read, thank you. great job with dawn and buffy's last line is fantastic. now i wait for spike's plan to lead to disaster.

I have the flu so this is going to be short. *sorry*

I loved the update. Though it pissed me off that Spike felt that he needed to change for Buffy to accept him. Thanks to Dawn bring her around though Buffy has seen the error of her ways. But how long with that last? She's going to find out how Spike is getting money, I just know it. Can't wait for more!

that's what I'm talkin' about!! 

can I just say  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE DAWN... She is a very calm voice in all of this and she is helping Buffy see how she is treating him.  Spike will do anything for her even change who he is.  And I am glad that she is putting the Council on notice.  I don't think the scooby's ever would have thought she would do such a thing.  But Dawn is right, she just needs to learn to be happy.

Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes! Now stick to your guns. Make the girls contribute or move, and tell Xander and Giles to butt out. Now, why do I think the next "control Buffy" attempt is going to be aimed at having Dawn removed from her custody if she doesn't dump Spike, as he is obviously a danger to them.

Forgot one thing:

“Wow,” Caitlyn said finally. “Dawn’s father is hot.”

:lol:

“Tell the Council I don’t like being propositioned.”

I read this chapter last night, and actually pumped my fist and yelled, "Yes!" when I read the last sentence.  I summoned Numfar and bade him to do the dance of joy :dance:  Then, I reread it tonight, and couldn't help but to notice your choice of word--propositioned.  Now, with just about any other writer, I must not think it meant anything other than what it sounds like: Buffy doesn't want the Council's money.  But, since it's you, and I know that you choose every word carefully, I thought, "Hmm, propositioned sounds like approaching a prostitute."  If Buffy were to take the Council's money, she would, in effect, be their prostitute to do with what they will as long as the meter doesn't run out.  Travers and his merry men (and Lydia) would have control over Buffy through money.  If they could tell her whom to date, then they could tell her how to run just about every other aspect of her life.  Buffy's not just telling them to piss off; she's saying, "You don't own me."  Go, Buffy! :-D

Now, it's obvious that FtTP Buffy is behaving differently from canon Buffy.  Canon Season Sex Buffy would not have chosen Spike over cold hard cash.  She may have kept him a secret, but she still would have taken the money under the pretense of giving him up :-P  However, FtTP Buffy's actions make complete sense.  Canon Buffy was broken almost beyond repair.  She was torn from heaven, and nothing she could do, save for dying yet again, could get that back for her.  FtTP Buffy was torn from her heaven on earth--her life with William--but she is not broken beyond repair.  What she has lost she has already regained: Spike. 

Buffy's reaction at having blood spilled on her (and I can't think of anybody who wouldn't be a little grossed out) made Spike think that she, too, wishes he were still human.  A part of her probably does.  But this is a Buffy who has known both human and vampire Spike, and she knows there are only small differences....like drinking blood :-P

Spike's behavior of trying to change to please Buffy is in keeping with canon, but there is one difference.  Canon Spike changes his appearance and tells Buffy that he's willing to try turning his back on evil.  FtTP Spike has taken it a step further.  He's trying to hide the fact that he's a vampire.  Canon Spike never once expresses regret at being a vampire.  FtTP Spike does.  As a human, canon Spike didn't know Buffy, so he has no reason to regret not having her then.  In Chapter 53, Spike held Buffy's hand over his non-beating heart; he's happy to be with her, but he regrets not having her completely when he was human. 

It's interesting to see the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the canon characters and the FtTP characters.  Any Spike in love is willing to do anything to keep that love, but he's trying to hide the very essence of his being.  Buffy has something now that she didn't have in canon.  Love.  She's tasted it, and she's trying to keep it.  They both thought that their love was lost forever.  Spike thought his Elizabeth dead.  Buffy thought her William undead.  But they're getting a second chance.  It's nice to see them taking it.

“Tell the Council I don’t like being propositioned.”

I read this chapter last night, and actually pumped my fist and yelled, "Yes!" when I read the last sentence.  I summoned Numfar and bade him to do the dance of joy :dance:  Then, I reread it tonight, and couldn't help but to notice your choice of word--propositioned.  Now, with just about any other writer, I must not think it meant anything other than what it sounds like: Buffy doesn't want the Council's money.  But, since it's you, and I know that you choose every word carefully, I thought, "Hmm, propositioned sounds like approaching a prostitute."  If Buffy were to take the Council's money, she would, in effect, be their prostitute to do with what they will as long as the meter doesn't run out.  Travers and his merry men (and Lydia) would have control over Buffy through money.  If they could tell her whom to date, then they could tell her how to run just about every other aspect of her life.  Buffy's not just telling them to piss off; she's saying, "You don't own me."  Go, Buffy! :-D

Now, it's obvious that FtTP Buffy is behaving differently from canon Buffy.  Canon Season Sex Buffy would not have chosen Spike over cold hard cash.  She may have kept him a secret, but she still would have taken the money under the pretense of giving him up :-P  However, FtTP Buffy's actions make complete sense.  Canon Buffy was broken almost beyond repair.  She was torn from heaven, and nothing she could do, save for dying yet again, could get that back for her.  FtTP Buffy was torn from her heaven on earth--her life with William--but she is not broken beyond repair.  What she has lost she has already regained: Spike. 

Buffy's reaction at having blood spilled on her (and I can't think of anybody who wouldn't be a little grossed out) made Spike think that she, too, wishes he were still human.  A part of her probably does.  But this is a Buffy who has known both human and vampire Spike, and she knows there are only small differences....like drinking blood :-P

Spike's behavior of trying to change to please Buffy is in keeping with canon, but there is one difference.  Canon Spike changes his appearance and tells Buffy that he's willing to try turning his back on evil.  FtTP Spike has taken it a step further.  He's trying to hide the fact that he's a vampire.  Canon Spike never once expresses regret at being a vampire.  FtTP Spike does.  As a human, canon Spike didn't know Buffy, so he has no reason to regret not having her then.  In Chapter 53, Spike held Buffy's hand over his non-beating heart; he's happy to be with her, but he regrets not having her completely when he was human. 

It's interesting to see the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the canon characters and the FtTP characters.  Any Spike in love is willing to do anything to keep that love, but he's trying to hide the very essence of his being.  Buffy has something now that she didn't have in canon.  Love.  She's tasted it, and she's trying to keep it.  They both thought that their love was lost forever.  Spike thought his Elizabeth dead.  Buffy thought her William undead.  But they're getting a second chance.  It's nice to see them taking it.

GO BUFFY!!!
(GO UB!!!)

Way to go, Buffy!!  Hooray!  I really like the way you write Dawn.  She has the innocence of youth and the wisdom that goes along with being able to see things that way. 
More soon, please!  And no more cargo pants! :)  Just not a Spike thing.  lol

Awesome chapter! Can't think of much more to say than that, but really awesome!

Good to see more sense reigning in Buffy's head. I wonder what Spike's job entails?

For some reason I have the craziest urge to yell "Oh Snap!!!" I don't believe any story has ever made me want to refer to Buffy as being "Gangsta" but THIS.....is FANTASTIC! I loved every minute of this chapter! Thanks so much for the update UB. I can't wait for more.

Can't tell you how glad I am that Buffy told them to stuff it!! Yay!! More soon.

I'm sure that this way my favorite chapter so far, and that's saying alot.  I really didn't expect Buffy to go the way she did, but I'm so glad she did. 

Wonderful writing

yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!  Buffy really surprised me there - Dawn's groundwork didn't hurt either!  Fabulous chapter.

Fantastic Chapter. This one really made up for the angstful last one. I´m so glad Buffy and Spike are talking together, that she gives him a chance, and that she´s more understanding....   Lovely

i have read this story from the early morning to the night and i am in love with it!! i have never ever read a story so realistic, and moving and just so gah spuffy as urs. i cried, i smiled , i blushed lol it is all so perfect!! i applaud ur writing skills bravo!!!! i'll be patiently waiting for the next chapter, love it!

-gaby

I loved the banter between Buffy and Dawn. And I was really happy to see Buffy stand up to the Council. It would have been very disappointing if she had caved, after giving them hell just a few months earlier, during the Glory campaign. Her back seems to be straightening up nicely.

excellent update - great to have these recent additions to this fine story - I have enjoyed reading it very much  - Good Luck with it as your continue -

You go girl. stand by your man. like tammy said.

I don't like Buffy testing Spike, but I can kinda see why she would perhaps quesiton things.  I love her "mine" comment and her turning down the council. 

Fantastic.  Really wonderful.  I've got worries about Spike's money source, but suspense is a good thing.  Great job. :)

 Go Buffy!
 
I really like how you don't sugercoat Spike. You make him struggle, but the fact that he does struggle really makes the point that he's trying. And I'm glad Buffy is finally starting to get it. Thanks in part to Dawn.

Oh my gosh, I love it.  Finally, Buffy with some cahones!  What a wonderful opportunity for Spike to receive her gift of blood and also her emotional support.  He's proving himself to her to be there for her. I just hope it doesn't bit him in the arse too much if/when it's discovered that he's duping her to help her.  I'm sure it will all hit the fan, and then you'll have a great time taking us through the clean up.  Love this story!

 Dawn.. the voice of reason..

 And still interested in knowing what Spike's job is going to be...

 Enjoying.

Good for Buffy!!!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oh thank god!

Great chapter!

YAAAAYYYYY Buffy!  I LOVED that she is standing up to them, and that she's not putting Spike completely in the doghouse over those girls.  Dawn was, as always, awesome in her "liaison" capacity between Spike and Buffy.  I just hope Spike isn't doing anything too bad to get the money.  Awesome chapter!

Wonderful chapter!  Love Spike being mistaken for Dawn's daddy (hey there is a resemblance  lol) and being affronted at looking old enough (mirrors Buffy's worry ovemom hair in S7).

His plan is actually a good one for getting the money to Buffy even though I fear greatly if it turns out he's being set up.  Just seems too easy this offer he was given.

Loved dawn talking to Buffy and making very valid points just when Buffy needed to hear them.  Happy she listened and remembered Spike's reactions from before.

Poor Spike so afraid of losing her!  So willing to turn himself inside out just to keep her at all in any way!  Surely she'll remember this important fact as she wonders about his ability to change!

Tense moment in the crypt as she tested...who?  Spike? Herself? Both of them?  Whatever she was really wanting to prove it worked out well and truth came out in her freudian slip.

So happy he was honest about the why's and the why never agains. 

YAY Buffy to not only turn down the offer but to wait to do it when they were all gathered together.  Hope she keeps that stiff backbone and tells them all to go to hell with their objections.  Dawnie is in her corner and that's her family, not this motley group.  Spike is family too.

Got a bad feeling that Xander will be the one to out Spike's little deal and I just hope that makes Buffy side with Spike and put the little bigot in his place.

Wonderful.  You just keep the flame on the burner with this one. This one is a classic "best of" by any definition.  ADORE your William  and your Spike is a heart tugger too!

Kathleen

Oh Boy - Spike's plan is going to come out really badly, isn't it.  Think you should have written out the scene where they all discuss why Buffy was going to do what they want, instead of what she wants. 

Thanks for the update, & yay Buffy by the way! 

I must wonder if Giles would be willing to lie for her--after all, the Council doesn't know who she's with, being across the pond and all.  And should they send someone to spy eventually, well, it'd be better to get some money from them than no money.

Also, the part where Dawn tells Buffy what Spike had been doing in order to please her, for some reason, it made me well up with tears a bit--not sure why, but there was something about that scene.  Oh, and really glad Buffy came to her senses :D

Go Buffy!!!  It's about time she took the chance on Spike.  I really wish her "friends" would get a clue and start acting like real friends.  Thank you for this wonderful update.

wewt!!!!

*applauds madly*  Oh, that gives me an even better feeling then when Buffy stood up to the council about Glory!!!  I just hope she can stick with it!  With Dawn and Spike behind her, hopefully she'll grow a backbone!!  But you've got me scared to death about what it is Spike's doing to earn money...  It's not the eggs, is it??? 'Cause we all know how that turned out!!!  Amazing chapter, as always; I absolutely adore this story, and can't wait for more!!!

Whoo! She delivered her "F*** you".

And of course he can control himself! He's not a fledge! Silly girl.

I love, love, love your Dawn. She kicks ass.