Wow, that's very awesome of you to say! :) I'm happy you enjoyed, and thank you so much for the heart-warmng review!!!

Aaah, you're so awesome. You donlt know how happy it makes me to hear that. :) It was a bit difficult at times to have them both in character but still not the same, but that's the trouble with AU stories. At the same time you have more room to play with plot. Which is why I love you for saying you thought the storyline was creative. *blushes* And if the story left you with a smile, then what more could I ask for? :) I'm so happy you enjoyed, and thank you so much for the amazing review!!! :D I appreciate it.

I'm happy you liked. :) Thank you for the wonderful review, I really appreciate it!!! :)

Hee... guess we'll see pretty soon. ;) Love your Buffy speak!

Thank you for the yummy review!!! :)

The truth will definitely come out eventually one way or another. We'll see how Buffy takes it. Hmm... I like the way you think. ;) But I can't tell you if your assumptions are right- don't wanna spoil anything for you.

I'm happy you are! Hee... good thing most of the clothes stayed on when they did or poor Buffy and Faith would both be scarred for life. Thank you for the sweet review!!! :)

I'm glad you do. I've always liked the thought of them being together.

They're definitely circling the issue of that. ;)

Thank you for the lovely review!!! :)

Yup, Joyce realizes that even if her intentions might have been 'protect Buffy', she's done some pretty hurtful stuff to her. For that, Joyce needs to apologize indeed, but more important- prove that she can do better in the future. There's a bigger chance of them patching things up when Ted's finally out of the picture. But as you said, Buffy forgives but she can't ever forget what happened between them.

So glad you loved the banter! :) You can never go wrong with some Buffy/Spike playful bickering. lol And I always love writing it. Thank you for the sweet review!!! :)

Yeah, she can't exactly understand what he's going through, but she'll be there for him to lean on when he needs her.

I'm happy you did, and thank you for the lovely review!!! :)

I know! I hate making him suffer like this but I thought it was kind of inevitable with the way he is. It's great to know you thought it's interesting! :) He's battling with his urges and his demon quite a lot, especially when he's feeling overwhelmed wither with passion or hunger. But he still feels like William in his heart, and that's why he actually regrets and beats himself up over hurting Buffy. More soon. ;) I hope you'll like and thank you for the delicious review!!! :D

You are so sweet for letting me know. :) I have more chapters ready, they just need to be betad so I hope to update as soon as possible. Thank you for the wonderful review!!! :)

I like the way you think. ;) Yeah, Spike sees this as the answer to everything, like suddenly the soul will solve all his fears and problems. But will it really? We'll see. Thank you for the lovely review!!! :)

Or I can tell you. ;) I'll paraphrase... the potion connects mind and body and what's more important, it brings inner strength to the surface. In this case the potion was very specific and Faith being a Potential... you get the idea. :)

I know some people probably hate him getting a soul, but he really feels like he doesn't belong anywhere.

I'm happy you did. Thank you for the wonderful review!!! :D

Hmm... they do, don't they? ;) We'll see what happens next. I'm happy you enjoyed and thank you for the wonderful review!!! :D

Wow, you're a fast reader! :) Believe me, I really enjoyed writing it and it was about time she confessed her feelings. It's what Spike wanted to hear for a long time. Hee... can't tell you anything, only that you'll see Buffy/Giles conversation in the next chapter. Who knows? You may be surprised. Thank you for the sweet review!!! :D

I'm happy you did. And as to your question... you'll find out in the next chapter, but I think you'll like. Thank you for the lovely review!!! :)

I'm happy you think so! ;) There is more Spuffy hotness in the next chapter as well. More next week. Thank you for the very yummy review, Pam!!! :D

Hee... so far, you guys seem to be preferring that option. I'll probably update once a week till my other beta gets back and re-edit it then. I can't bear the withdrawal of not updating. lol

Thanks for letting me know, I really appreciate it!!! :)

But just a tiny one! ;) Gotta keep you interested, don't I? And who knows where the Buffy/Spike teasing might lead? Thank you for the awesomeness that is you!!! :D

I know. :( And he really thought he was doing the right thing. It takes a lot out of him to stop when he hasn't had canturies to learn control. Hopefully, Buffy will see it too. :) Thank you so much for the awesome review!!! :D

Umm... thanks? lol I guess something went wonky with the review, but I hope you liked the chapter! :)

Will do, kind lady. More soon, thank you for being lovely and reviewing!!! :)

*grins* I think I'm okay with that. ;) It was pretty mean of me to leave Buffy hanging, and nope- no locks. :D

Ah, Spike and his elaborate plans. It'll go... well, you'll see eventually what he cooked up. ;) Thank you for the awesome review!!!

It's always so good to know you're liking the story! :) I've got more ready so update probably by the end this week or on Monday. Thank you for being kind and reviewing!!! :D

And do you know how awesome that makes me feel? Lots and lots! :D There's more Buffy/Spike coming up in the next chapter and as for faith... I have plans for her. Plans that I hope you'll like.

Yup, as you said. He's cursed good and proper and definitely out of the picture... the idea of including him in this story doesn't appeal to me at all. ;) Thank you for the yummy review!!! :D

It always makes me happy to know that. :) I have a few more chapters written so I'll update as soon as I get it betad. Thank you for the lovely review!!! :)

Aww, you just made my day... or should I say night? :) I'm happy you like so far. Thank you for the wonderful review!!! :)

Then I'm happy. ;) I hope you'll like the next chapter as well, and thank you for being sweet and reviewing, Maggie!!! :)

I'm pretty busy with my new job and work experience in newspapers, but I'll do the best I can. I'll definitely update at least once a week. Thank you for being lovely and reviewing!!! :)

Isn't he just? ;) I'm happy you enjoyed and thank you so much for the yummy review!!! :D

I'm happy you liked the Spuffyness, there's more of it in the next chapter. LOL to the fans comment! Indeed they'd need some of those. ;) Thank you for the awesome review, Deb!!! :D

You're so sweet! :) I'm happy you're enjoying and here's hoping you'll like the next chapter as well. Thank you for the lovely review!!! :D

LOL I love how vicious you are. It had a bigger purpose too, but you'll find out in the later chapters. ;) Thank you for the awesome review!!! :D

Thank you, I'm happy you liked the chapter! :) I'm trying to bring them a bit closer together and having Buffy act with a more open mind. The next chapter will be full of their interaction. You're awesome for letting me know what you thought, I appreciate it!!! :)

I'm glad you liked the chapter even with the angst. :) I really enjoy writing Faith and it seemed like the right thing to do for her to try to fight rather than think about safety... Faith likes herself a good scuffle, though it didn't really turn out that well for her in this case. Will she even wake up? You never know. ;) Thank you for the awesome review!!! :D

You'll find out eventually. All I can say is, she's been invited. Thank you for the lovely review!!! :)

Darla and Dru really dished out a punishment for the whole following the Slayer around but not killing her thing. Seeing him like that, looking practically dead freaked Buffy out. But even half crazed with blood loss, Spike didn't attack her, whoch further convinced her she can trust him. Also, she came to a realization that even the demon in him attracts her. Both Faith and Giles definitely aren't safe. Thank you for the awesome review, Deb!!! :)

She's pretty cheap, isn't she? ;) She just can't resist the yummy goodness (I'm not sure if I'm still talking about chocolates though). Thank you for being great and reviewing!!! :D

*grins* I'm happy it made you laugh. I imagine Giles would be way too manly and reserved to go buy feminine stuff. :D Poor guy.

Nobody can resist his sinister attraction! Thank you for the yummy review!!! :D

Oh yeah, can't say I would be able to resist either. ;) But who knows what Buffy might do... you probably already know though. Hope you liked the decision she made. :D I know I enjoyed writing it. Hee... I'm happy you like it so far. Thank you for the awesome review, Nichol!!! :D

LOL! He did bring chocolates, didn't he? ;) We'll see if Buffy succumbs to those pleading blue eyes. Thank you for the great review!!! :D

Hee... who can't resist those eyes, right? ;) We'll see if Buffy can trust him enough to do it. More next week, and thank you for the yummy review!!! :D

Hee... I'm sure Faith would disagree with you there. ;) Thank you for being awesome and reviewing!!! :D

I'm so glad you found it and gave it a chance, Deb. :) I must say you're quite a dedicated reader if you read it all at once! There's more coming tomorrow including another Buffy/Spike interaction. Thank you for being awesome and leaving me a review!!! :D

I'm so happy to know you like the story so far! There's more to come soon, right now I'm writing chapter 28. Thank you for the lovely review!!! :)

They're both so sad right now, but I'm glad you liked the angst. Thank you for the lovely review!!! :)

Indeed he is. With their history, it seems somehow wrong for him to hit her and if he can keep up trying to show her he's different, she just might start doubting what she's been taught.

Hmm... you know, I'll be honest with you. It never ocurred to me that it could be meant that way when I wrote it, but you've got a point. Cupcake for you analyzing things... I like that. Don't you worry though... he won't do anything too stupid. ;)

You're very right! She does love him still... she just can't admit it to herself because it would hurt too much if he turned out to be just another evil bloodsucker. He'll just have to prove himself.

More soon. :) Thank you for your wonderful review!!! :))

I really enjoyed writing the fight. I thought the girl-slap would be more effective than her punchign him.. in that instance she was just a girl, not the Slayer. Thank you for the yummy review!!! :)

What can I say? I love me some heartbreak. There's more confrontations coming and Buffy will be forced to see that Spike isn't just a regular vamp. Thank you for being sweet and reviewing!!! :)

Good thing you don't have to wait for an update then. ;) That part with Spike was an important one because the fact he wanted to help the little girl at all speaks of the humanity buried deep inside. Thank you for being wonderful enough to leave me a review!!! :D

I am planning on updating the next chapter some time this weekend. Thank you for the review, I really appreciate it!!! :)

Thank you for putting a smile on my face! Also, I'm a bit in love with you for saying you loved the dream sequence because I love writing them. You can smuggle in all kinds of stuff that wouldn't work well in the non-dreamy world. Especially symbols, I love those. There will be more glimpses into Spike's thoughts and feelings. You'll see the boundaries of his 'evil' and remnants of conscience when he reaches a turning point in the next chapter. Hope you'll like it. :)

You're awesome, thank you for the review!!! :D I really appreciate it.

Hee... he totally wimped out and couldn't tell her but she'll find out eventually. I'm happy you liked the chapter! Thank you for the wonderful review!!! :D

Hee... am I? ;) I had so much fun writing the disaster of a date. Believe me, poor Buffy really wanted to stake him... too bad he wasn't a vamp. Just your regular douche bag. Thanks for the awesome review!!! :D

I'm so glad you gave it a chance! :) Hope I'll keep your interest until the very end. There's more already, I updated today so take a glance at it when you have time. Thank you so much for the wonderful review, I really appreciate it!!! :D

I'm actually writing that chapter right now! :D But I can't tell you which one it is. Thank you so much for loving it and reviewing, it means a lot to me!!! :)

LOL Drunken Buffy indeed... she and Faith will have their roles reversed so Faith will see what a nuisance it can be to look after a drunken person. ;) Thank you for the yummy review!!! :D

Hee... hell no! lol I chose a different route. ;) Thank you for being so awesome and reviewing!!! :D

It won't be far now. We're getting really close. ;) You're very kind, I'm really happy you like the story! Thank you for the yummy review!!! :D

Right? What a way to jinx yourself. ;)

LOL You made my day with that comment! I can assure you it won't be all roses and rainbows since it's Spike not William and we know his mouth tends to run ahead of his brain. ;) Thank you for the awesome review!!! :D

Fight scenes are tough to write, I'm sure you know. ;) LOL! I think you got that right. But I like William, so I'll forgive him for not being assertive. Thank you for the yummy review!!! :D

You never know. ;) But yeah, it probably won't. It will difficult for both of them to adjust to the rols they had been dealt and issues it raises. i'm happy to know you're looking forward to the reunion. :) Thank you for the wonderful review!!! :D

He is, isn't he? He's  sucker to please a woman he cares about, even if he doesn't love Dru. Thanks for the awesome review!!! :D

Awww, thank you, aara! :) You don't know how much that means. This part is focused on their way of dealing with the loss but there will be a spot of actual action in the next chapter so I hope you'll like that. :) You're so incredibly right in calling him reckless and observing the reason behind it. ;) There will be a continuation of Spike's desire to face what's supposed to be a lost battle as he faces the Master. He simply doesn't care if he lives or dies (if that can apply to a vamp but you know what I mean ;)), but can't just give up either. It's a vicious circle. I'm so happy you liked Darla and Dru as I'm trying to show more of their characters. Spike might not love Dru, but he cares for her and can't deny his protective side.

Yup, he's throwing himself head first into any challenge to let the violence and thrill of a fight overshadow his grief, even for a few minutes. He'll definitely have a shock when he realizes that Buffy is alive. The way he's been acting he practically drove them away from each other and put himself in the status as her mortal enemy... it'll eat away at him, knowing he's beneath her. You said so well, the love he feels is not a memory but an actual feeling... Spike is William, only driven by grief and revenge, the darkest parts of his psyche forced to light by the demon inside him. Hee... not that much longer, don't worry. Maybe four-five chapters but I update twice a week so you won't have to wait too long. :) Thank you for the awesome review!!! :D

Yeah, I'm with you there. :) Not knowing what she's been through is no ecuse to start macking on a poor unsuspecting girl that didn't even give her consent. But unfortunately there are men that would do that and Buffy was caught unaware.

Hee... I love writing them on friendly terms. :D Buffy's and Faith's relationship has always had potential of them being like sisters and it's a pity it hadn't been explored on the show... I never liked the fact Buffy was willing to kill Faith to save Angel, but maybe that's just me. Faith is a lot like Spike actually, except a female version so her and Buffy click although in a different way. ;) I'll move bit more forward in time in the next chapter so you won't see Faith following Buffy, but she would have. :) She is pretty understanding of Buffy's grief though she'll try to help her move on after some time. And Giles is just like their father... kinda like writing them as unlikely family. :)

I'm happy you liked Dru, kinda trying to show different side to our female vampires. Hee... Spike will realize it in a few chapters and won't he get a shock of his unlife? ;) Thank you so much for giving this story a chance and leaving the awesome review!!! :D

LOL! They deserve to be slain and she won't give them a chance. Poor Spike got abducted by them both... he probably wouldn't have let them do it if he were conscious. But we like him bleached, don't we? Thank you for being awesome and reviewing!!! :D

You bet. Revenge is the only thing pushing them both forward right now. Glad you like it. Thank you for the yummy review!!! ;)

I'm so happy you liked it... it was an important part of William's transformation into a vampire. Hee... I love it that you love creepyness! :D Thank you for the delicious review!!!

Wow, thank you. :) You see, it's reviews like yours that make me want to write more and make the time I spend on it worth while. I'm glad you like the way I write it so far since I'm really trying to capture what they'd feel in such situation. Loss is something everyone experiences in their own way and pace. I rather like writing Faith as someone akin to Buffy's friend/sister without them trying to kill each other. ;) Faith is protective of her, but she's still Faith and there will be times she messes up.

Buffy is acting a bit more mature than in canon and that's because of the way her life has been different up to the point she became the Slayer. You're lovely for telling me it's still in charcter because it's hard not to go far into OOC territory when writing AU. :) William has been pushed over the edge after (the supposed) Buffy's death and he simply wants revenge on all those who are alive when Buffy isn't, or so he thinks. He let go of of his conscience.

Yup, that it was. Meanwhile, both of them will grow into their respective roles as natural enemies and predators. I'll try to keep it pacey so you shouldn't have to wait too long before they meet. Hee... but it won't be all flowers and rainbows after they do, but you probably already knew that. ;)

*blushes* You're welcome. It's good to know someone's liking the story. Thank you for the brilliant review!!! :D

Don't you just want to pet his hair?? *pouts* The grief hit him hard and he channels it into anger. He'll make quite a reputation for himself. I hope I can keep up the trend and you'll like the next chapter as well. Thank you for the sweet review!!! :D

LOL! You never fail to amuse me. Buffy was quite in a feral state of mind with nothing but revenge to spur her on... why use a weapon when she can mutilate with her bare hands, right?? :D Thank you for the awesome review!!!

*grins* What's not to like about sadness? ;) There will be a bit more of it in the next chapters so I'm glad you like it. More next week and thank you for the sweet review!!! :D

Glad you liked the twist! I thought it would be interesting to have Buffy own the power (even if she's not yet aware of all she's capable of) and unable to use it to save William. I was afraid the whole barrier around the school due to the contracts would be confusing, but hey... I can always elaborate if someone doesn't get it. Thanks for reviewing, I really appreciate it!!! :)

LOL! You, lovely lady, are merciless. I love that. ;) Thank you for the great review!!! :D

You're made of win just because you made my day a whole lot better with the awesome review! :) I had to give you some more Buffy/William sweetness since the next chapter will be kind of angsty. But trust me, I'll make it better eventualy. Hope you'll like what I have planned. Buffy's dream carried a lot of meaning. ;) Glad you liked the details! Hee... she woke up changed indeed.

You're clever. ;) They don't work for Bennett if not for Hermes, the 'man' Bennett made the deal with. Much badness will ensue in the next update, not very well for our Buffy/William, but it will serve it purpose. I'll update some time next week. Again, thank you for the wonderful review!!! :D

Those nerves of steel sure didn't prove to be all that steely in the end though. ;) Hope you didn't mind. Thank you for the yummy review!!! :D

Hee... well I'm sure he doesn't mind being led. She could pobably talk him into anything at this point. ;) Thank you for the lovely review!!! :D

Hmm... indeed they were. Good thing Buffy's better with actions than words, right? Thank you for the delicious review!!! :D

Hee... isn't it? :D They're very mushy and cuddly together, just makes me want to pinch their cheeks... I love wrting them like this, not jaded yet. You're right to anticipate though. Something wicked is about to ensue  and they will come through though a little worse for wear. But hey, no permamnent character death! :D Hee... Bennet was a pretty obvious villain so I'm glad you didn't expect the twist of her deal with the devil. More soon and thank you for the delightful review!!! ;)

Not as sweet and wonderful as you are! ;) The two of them are definitely evil and up to no good as you could see. Hermes indeed takes two children to hell with him per year and he's already taken one so that leaves another one next time he comes... he wants both their essence (a life force if you will) and a body, but the body is more imprtant as he needs them to make more minions. You'll find out who is it that he needs and why eventually. I'm glad you're intrigued, there's more to come. More next week and thank you for the awesome review!!! :D

Now it's me saying that you are evil. Wanting to get them into trouble? You should be called Spikez_eviltart. ;) Thank you for letting me know your awesome thoughts!!!

*grins* Okay, now you've given me very naughty thoughts. ;) Mmmm... naked Spike covered in whipped cream... and chocolate... *mind is in the gutter* How can I resist such a delicious offer? More by the end of this week and thank you for the yummy review, Evl!!! :D

You know I will, Amaya. ;) I'll probably update at the end of this week. Thank you for the kind review!!! :)

You know, I get that 'evil' thing a lot. I wonder why. lol Haha... you can be sure Faith didn't pay any attention to the class whatsoever. Now that is very believable, right? Thank you for the yummy review!!! :)

I'm happy to know that! And I just had to tease you like that.... sometimes the anticipation of the kiss is better than the kiss itself. Also, I like being evil. ;) Believe me, there are chapters that have a much meaner ending. Hope you'll like the smoochies! Thank you for the funny review!!! :D

Hee... now you're making me feel all mushy. :D With me, compliments will get anything. I'm glad you like my William, he's just so sweet. Thank you for the yummy review!!! :)

It was a tease, I admit, but I'm happy to know you found it beautiful. :D It is just another bit to nudge them closer together. It was all about the moment, the anticipation, not the actual execution. ;) I always thought Faith was a kind of person that fought her fight and only relying on herself instead of letting the others do it for her. Her and Buffy were like sisters on the show before the whole her going bad thing, and here I'm trying to make them roommates/reluctant friends. ;) Hee... there definitely will be supernatural things going on, and both William and Buffy will end up in a different place than the one they started at. They're going to have to find the way towards each other again though it would be more difficult.

Hee... I',m not that big of a fan of AH so I had to spice it up a bit. ;) If you're having fun, so am I! :D

Thank you for the awesome review, Deb!!! :D

Hee... it just starts out as AH, but it's actually not as the story goes on. There will be Spike eventually, we just have to get there. ;)

Faith will cause quite a stir for Buffy, but she's not a bad guy in this one. More like naughty annoying friend and roommate. Headmistress defintely has a secret agenda. Thank you for the delicious review, Sintares!!! :D

You're sweet and lovely. :) I'm very glad you're liking it so far. There are some twists in the following chapters so I hope you'll like. ;) Hee... aren't they just the cutest? I love writing them like that. Thank you for the awesome review, Abby!!! :D

I really enjoy writing Faith and you'll see more of her in the later chapters. ;) Yay, thank you. I'm glad you liked that Buffy/William interaction. I try to avoid the ickiness in general, but I do have the tendency to want to go too far with the mushiness.

*rubs her smacked head* Ouch. ;) In my defense, when I got zero reviews on this site after the first chapter, that didn't exactly give me the reason to think otherwise. Yup, as you guessed I'm terribly (and lamely) insecure when it comes to my writing. Hence me being grateful for your wonderful review!!! :)

Hee... you're very kind. :) Buffy is definitely more observant and compassionate though the protective streak she had on the show too... she did become friends with WIllow and Xander instead of catering to Cordelia in S1. Sometimes human evil is so much worse, especially because there is no way Buffy can just 'slay' Ted. I love William! :) He's so sweet and vulnerable yet has such deep passion in him, it just takes the right person to find it. More soon! :) I hope you'll like the following chapters and thank you for the sweet review!!! :D

Sorry for making you panic. LOL I would never hold my story hostage. ;) But it's really good to know at least one person here likes it. I was worried there for a moment that maybe people here don't enjoy it as much since this is a 'bitey' archive and my story begins as AH.

Hee... now you're just trying to make me blush, aren't you? ;) There are some hopefully unexpected twists in the future so I hope you'll like them. Also a lot of sweet Buffy/William moments.

I'll keep posting here, but in case you'd like to know I also post over at Spuffy Realm and Elysian Fields. :) Hee... there's quite a lot of chapters to go before the end, but it'll be finished for sure. Thank you so much for the sweet review, Marissa!!! I really appreciate it! :)

I'm so happy you decided to give the story a go. :) Ted is creepy indeed, even more so since in this reality he's not a robot... just your regular jerk that gets off on abuse. Hope you'll enjoy the following chapters as well. Thank you for the yummy review!!! :D