So glad you enjoyed it.

So glad you are enjoying some of my older work.

 Thank you so much.  Yes, i was surprised, too!   That started out as a one off, 1000 word ficlet about the scene behind the sofa when they were playing cards.  Then the picnic happened and then, when William came back with her I just couldn't stop it going off on a completely different tangent.  I've never written "claiming" before and, to be frank, don't even like the concept!   But it just seemed right for them all.  And I got quite fond of Demon!

Thank you once again.

thank you so much. It is always nice to get a review for a finished work. Yes, Strip Snap took off in a completely different direction half way through and no one was more surprised than me! But that was what the characters wanted to do. So pleased you liked it.

thank you so much for such a kind review. Glad you enjoyed the story. I loved writing it and miss it dreadfully.

But must now get on with other wips! At least I managed a chapter of Forever and a Day last week, so slowly getting on with them.

Thank you again.

thank you so much for commenting. Much appreciate it.

so pleased you enjoyed the final chapter. it has been a fun story to write and I will miss William and Demon!

I agree entirely with what you said about Willow and Xander. I think the word I used - addiction - is perfect for their behaviour regarding Buffy’s life.

Oh the dreaded sequel word! I think I’m a little too close to it all at the moment but perhaps in a few months I might have a think because the Buffy/Spike relationship would be really interesting.....

A pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you, Lou. Glad to know you enjoyed the end and that the Willow/Xander row didn’t upset you.

so pleased you enjoyed the last chapter. Yes, I’m really sad to say goodbye to my claimed couple. I do hope now it is completed more people will be tempted to read it.

So pleased that the ending was satisfying for you. I wanted Willow and Xander to realise that they were addicted to interfering in Buffy’s life. I think that came across. Thank you so much for all the reviews over the months. Much appreciated.

Well, Kathleen, to be honest, I didn’t deliberately set out to leave the door open at the end, but Willow just wouldn’t apologise and I keep thinking, what would it be like for a Slayer and a Vampire to be so joined mentally and emotionally......
I’m going to have to do a poll, though, for people to decide which sequel I do next!

thank you so much for reviewing. Hope you enjoy more of my stories - there’s a lot there on BSV for you to choose from! Do let me know.

thank you so much for your reviews and comments. Much appreciated.

thank you so much for your kind comments. Yes, story started out as one chp! The scene where they are both sitting behind the sofa playing cards on her birthday. It was a one off - then he invited her on that picnic and wow, I couldn’t stop them. It went from sexy to plotty and then angsty. I do hope people enjoy it.

thank you so much. I’ve enjoyed and appreciated all your comments over the months!

thanks for reviewing. hope to have last chp up soon.

That’s the key word, isn’t it? Consequences. William, claiming - remember the bubble bath? Oh dear!

I keep replying to your reviews! Thank you so much for reading this one as well as all the stirling work you’re doing on Never Alone.

Glad you enjoyed the chapter. Yes, I know what you mean. I have lived with this story for so long that I almost feel I’m killing it when it comes to and end. But, the end is now in sight. Last chp very soon.

thank you so much for reading the story. I am working on last chp right now and it should be posted early next week. Might even be Sunday but it depends what snags I find as I write.

thank you so much. I wanted to show that she accepts all parts of Spike - even those that don’t show!

thank you for commenting. Well, let’s face it, he wasn’t happy with her and William, was he? And do you remember the bubble bath!!!

Yes, it’s sad but I think the journey is nearly over. And Buffy still has to sort out the Willow/Xander betrayal.

Yes, our boy is back to his old self - or should that be selves? And Buffy has to sort out who are her real friends.

so pleased you liked it. yes, last chapter is going to have to sort out the Willow/Xander betrayal. It’s going to get nasty!

thank you so much.

thank you. I know the switching is annoying some readers but thought Buffy should have a chance to know Demon a little better!!!!

Hope to get another chp done over the weekend once I’ve read HPADH

thank you. glad you like the story and i do realise there isn’t always time to review every chp.

Hi, glad you caught up with the story. I’ve also posted more Storm Warning if you’re following that one. Glad you like the plot twist. Some people felt it was getting too muddled, but I’m trying to show the different parts that make Spike work so well as a character. Buffy has claimed all of them but does she really know Demon because he definitely wants to know her!

thank you so much for your comments. The big question, of course, is will Buffy realise.....?

Yes, but what is going to happen in the meantime? Runs away cackling evilly!

Wanted to give everyone time to anticipate what might happen!

thank you so much. Will try and get next update through a little faster.

Sorry for upsetting you! But gather you enjoyed the chapter! I wanted to give you all the anticipation of wondering exactly what was going to happen next. So much could - runs away cackling evilly....

Yes, little twisted me! Glad you like the story.

Hi, do you have an LJ, Verda? Lots of China pictures on mine which, boringly, goes under the name of Lilachigh! And yes, it was a marvellous, fantastic trip and Borneo is paradise.

Thank you so much for taking the time to re-read the story. Glad you’ve enjoyed it. I hope to update very soon.

Goodness, what a long read! So pleased you are enjoying it. One of my favourites to write because it has come from funny and sexy and light, to dark and angsty! Will try and update soon.

so glad you enjoyed the chp. yes, I wanted a Dawn who was far more like Buffy would have been at same age. I think they got stuck with 13 year old Dawn all through the programme!

Hey Daniel, did you read all the chaps? That is some marathon! Glad you enjoyed it.

Yes, like that is really going to happen!

So glad to learn you are still reading the story. I always wait for your comments!

Keeping my fingers crossed. But hard to write that way!

I don’t think they’ve been friends for a long time.

so delighted that you are still enjoying it.

Sorry about the cliff hanger. They just wanted me to stop there. Let’s blame Demon!

Yes, I hated whiny Dawn along with everyone else, but at same time I kept thinking why does everyone treat her like a baby? Buffy was killing things at her age. And even though she was the Slayer, she was not treated as everyone treats Dawn.

So glad you are enjoying the story. It is one of my favourites, probably because it has changed from light, sexy and fun to something much darker and more intense.

Sorry! They just wouldn’t play nice.

so pleased you are enjoying the story. Yes, Willow and Xander have got to answer for their actions in some way.

thank you for reviewing. I’ll try and update quickly this time. No more holidays for 6 weeks at least!

thank you.

Yes, I am an evil writer! I do like to hook my readers forward. Glad you are enjoying the story.

Hi Verda, so glad you enjoyed the chp. I wanted a useful Dawn in this story, not just the whiney one we usually get. I keep thinking of what Buffy was like at her age. Willow and Xander are being right pains the wotsits. It’ll all end in tears! But not till I get back from China!

Thank you for reading and reviewing so often. yes, I wanted to use Dawn in a different role from whiney girl.

That’s a very nice thing to say with all those great fics out there at present.

2 weeks wait until I get back from holiday, I’m afraid. Glad you enjoyed the chp.

How kind of you! So pleased you like it. More coming in 2 weeks after my holiday.

Yes, what a complete waste of a brilliant idea. How can she possibly be a normal girl? It never made sense.

Well, they certainly won’t like what happens. Back in a fortnight after my holiday!

Yes, Willow and Xander not covering themselves with glory in this one, I’m afraid. Glad you’re enjoying the story. Update in 2 weeks when I return from holiday!

When you need them, they’ll be there!

Glad you’re enjoying the story. I’m off on holiday for 2 weeks, but will update on my return - promise!

thanks for your comments. Always interested to know what you think.

they would only find a way of getting at Buffy again! Thanks for reviewing.

Yes, I really have gone off canon with this fic. Fancy me writing a claimy sort of fic!

Thanks as ever for reviewing. Hope to update again soon, but am running from one wip to another at the moment!

Thank you so much for reviewing. I don’t think Willow is going to be happy.

I so agree. I love Anya.

What a lovely review! Thank you so much. It is difficult to keep the balance sometime between being overly dramatic and too soft! Glad you thought this one worked.

thank you for reviewing. Yes, this could be the end of a beautiful friendship!

I so agree. I think Anya was massively overlooked and killed off out of some sort of spite. I”ve never seen a valid reason for her death except that “all the demons had to die” which was rubbish because she was human by then.
Rant over. Glad you’re enjoying the story.

Don’t trip over the furniture. i need all the readers I can get! thanks for reviewing.

thank you for reading and reviewing. Buffy and her boys will be back very soon.

thank you so much for reviewing. Much appreciated.

she definitely sees things straighter than the others.

Thank you for reviewing. So nice to know that someone understands the whole idea of betrayal I am trying to portray here. And yes, stupidity must be their second names!

thank you for reading. Always annoyed me how much her friends wanted to control B’s life.

thank you.

So pleased you enjoyed it, Verda. I’ll try to update again soon, but must do chp of Something to Sing About first!

Thank you so much. Don’t remember seeing your name on the reviews list before, but so pleased you are enjoying the story and welcome to my world if you are a new reader.

Don’t worry! Just glad you’ve managed to catch up and are enjoying the story. I’m getting very fond of Demon!

thank you. Glad you liked it.

Thank you for reading and reviewing. Much appreciated. Nice to know that people are enjoying this story, especially as it as veered away from the sexy romp it was in the beginning!

Thank you. And well they both could if they wanted to! And as you so rightly say, do the others all have to agree?

I think you’re right! Thanks for reviewing.

I think Willow is just feeling plain jealousy at this point. She is the witch, doing magic is the thing that Buffy doesn’t do and here is the Slayer going against the rules. A bit like Roger Federer‘s best friend winning Wimbledon! Glad you enjoyed the chp.

Yes, we’re getting to the truth of the matter now.

thank you very much for reading and reviewing.

thank you. Appreciated.

thank you. I didn’t realise what she had done until she’d done it!

Yes, I felt the three parts of he same person were necessary. And was quite certain they would all want Buffy. I think the traces of demon in a Slayer from the first Slayer give Buffy a strange kinship with Demon.

Much appreciate the review. Glad you’re enjoying the story. Hope you continue to do so.

thank you for reviewing so quickly. Yes, it’s going to be fascinating in the next chapter. I hope it’s fascinating, anyway!

Exactly! Demon has none of William‘s softer side, Spike does. They are a fascinating trio. I didn’t even know I was writing a claim until it happened! Then her demon blood just took over.

Absolutely! But haven’t you often wondered who are the demons who enter people when they become vamps? They have to come from somewhere!

Yes because I have a nasty feeling she’s made some sort of promise....

thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Makes my day!

I hope to update early next week - late Jan - if RL doesn’t get in the way. Finished? Hmmm, let’s see.....

Umm, Buffy and reason. Well, we’ll just wait and see, shall we?

thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Glad you liked William in this chp. He’s had a raw deal throughout - except for learning about sex!

thank you. Glad you are enjoying the story.

So glad you’re still enjoying it. yes, i think things are looking difficult for everyone at the moment. runs away to hide under computer chair!

thanks for reading. Appreciate it.

Thank you.

Appreciate your comments as always.

But is she really sleeping with the demon every time she and Spike.......?

Demon intrigues me.... Thank you for reading and bothering to review.

Yes, they can hurt each other quite effortlessly, can’t they. Thank you for reviewing.

Glad you’re still enjoying the story. I’m enjoying writing it, espcially Spike and William.

Very true! I mean, Clem’s a demon.......

Glad you like William. I do too.

They’ve got themselves in a mess and I suppose I’ll just have to try and sort it out!

thank you. I’m rather looking forward to him myself.

thank you. I do hope you like it when I update story!.

Thank you for reviewing. Will try and update very soon. Would be quicker but need to sleep occasionally!

Well, he’ll have Spike and William there. But we’ll have to wait and see. Could be fireworks.

Thanks for reading. Glad you’re enjoying the story.

Thanks as always for reviewing. Much appreciated. Glad you’re enjoying the story.

Thank you so much. Your comments always welcome.

Very impressed and flattered that you spent 2 hours reading story. Thank you so much. Will try and update soon.

Yes, hard just about covers it. (tears up another sheet of notes and throws them away!)

Yes, Demon Spike might complicate matters in more ways than one. Thanks for reviewing.

You are so right, but then that’s what often happens. I’ve always thought that when it came to it, people were going to be far more interested in what was going on in their own lives. Buffy can be very self-centred.

Thanks for reviewing. Hope to update soon.

Thanks for reading. Appreciated.

Isn’t he just? Thank you for reading.

thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Glad you’re enjoying the story.

thanks for taking the time to comment twice. Much appreciated. Yes, William is going to have a lot to think about when he goes home. if he does!

they’ve got a little more work to do on that pesky charm! Like reading it properly.

Spike would argue with his reflection if he had one! Thanks for reviewing.

Yes, it’s certainly going to be complicated. ‘Runs away with head in hands!’

Yes, must admit I liked the feeling of that little vignette! I could just picture it so clearly. As for the spell, well, remember the last line of the charm?,,,,,

I thought it was important to work out their feelings for each other/themselves if you see what I mean!

Thank you for commenting. Glad you’re enjoying the story. Hope to update soon.

thank you for reading.

Yes, it must be odd to be jealous of yourself! But then Spike doesn’t really understand how much of William is still part of him. Thanks for all the reviews.

thanks for reading. Hope to update fairly soon.

Thank you for reviewing. I think Spike forgot for a long time that he had a brain and intelligence. I blame Angel!

Fingers crossed. Thanks for reviewing.

Exactly! William is himself, Spike is both of them. And no one‘s remembering the last line of the charm! Glad you’re enjoying the story. thanks for reviewing.

Don’t tempt me! Well, okay, go on, tempt me!

Trouble with Buffy is that she doesn’t think! Both she and Spike act first and think afterwards. But the vampires are going to have to work together to get round this problem with the Slayer.

Yes, 2 Spikes! Always a good idea.

Hi Verda, hope you don’t mind if I thank you for all your great reviews in one go! I can’t thank you enough for having the time and patience to read the whole of Strip Snap in one go! it took you hours! So pleased you enjoyed it so much. It really helps when a new reader comes to my fiction. I thought all the comments you made were good and interesting. The Aurelian problem is one I am going to have to resolve very soon!

Do let me know if you find any of my other work of interest. Cousin Arabella is funny with a villain who has won awards for best demon. Never Alone is a finished piece which people seemed to like.

Splinters is also finished and the first fic I ever wrote, so be kind to that one.

Whatever, even if you never read another fic of mine, thank you so much for making my day today!

Thanks for kind words. Glad you’re enjoying the story.

Thank you so much for kind words. I was keen to get the three of them in one story!

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

Glad you’re pleased. Most of the other people who asked for another chapter seem to have deserted me! Which makes you wonder if they hated the chapter or never saw it in the first place!

I feel she has suddenly realised exactly what she is facing and although she is fond of ‘William’ she needs ‘Spike’. Of course, what she doesn’t understand is that they are the same person! let’s hope she does soon. Thank you for reviewing.

Sorry for delay in replying. E mail problems at my end. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Much appreciated.

Many thanks for review. Yes,William’s future is going to be a difficiult hurdle for Buffy to cope with.

Glad you’re enjoying it. Hope to post next chapter soon.

Thanks for review. Glad you liked it.

I do hope so! Runs away to check notes!

Well done! You are the first person on any site to pick this up - or at least mention it! Big part of next chpt.

Thanks for reviewing and double thanks for pointing out the chpt problem. Will try and sort it.

Tut, tut, Shadow, form an orderly line please!

Picks self up from floor and whimpers, “can‘t write another chp today” and begs for mercy.

Thank you for reviewing. Glad you’re having fun with the story.

thank you for reviewing and apologies for not replying sooner. Glad you are enjoying the story. Hope to update very soon.

I like William too. Will try and update soon. Promise!

thanks for review. cliff-hanger was more from exhaustion than being nasty! Hope to update very soon. Much appreciated.

Thanks for kind words. Sorry for delay in replying. Got caught up with LJ work! Hope to update very soon.

I like cliff hangers! Especially when you’re not sure of the next sentence!

 Must admit I was a bit flummoxed by your first review.  I had just typed  "Er, it was a joke!" when your second one came through!  Hope you're enjoying the story.

Thanks for review. Glad you’re with me again. Sorry for delay in replying.

Glad you’re enjoying this story of mine. I love writing it, especially William. I’m looking forward to his meeting with the Master! Hope you are too.

Thanks for kind review. I’ve always thought that although Dawn very whiny, there is a good reason behind it which is never really explored.

Yes, she certainly is having problems at the moment.

Don’t remember him being fat. He always freaked Buffy out, more than most of the vamps she fought.

Thanks, hope to update very soon. Holiday got in the way!

Thank you for review and apologies for long delay in replying. Holidays got in the way!

Not so much stuck as was on holiday. I’ve 2 mor stories to update before I get to this one again. Sorry! But it will be worth it in the end.

Thank you, yes, i can never understand that. William was a Victorian gentleman - they wrote poetry and conquered a great part of the known world!

Thank you for reviewing. There might be a little pause as I’m off on holiday next week! Sorry.

Yes, an icy fire. Could lead them anywhere. I’m quite keen to see where, too!

It’s all the rejection bit with her, isn’t it? Glad you liked the chp.

Thank you for review. Yes, I’ve always felt that she hangs onto her friends respect as a sort of comfort blanket. Right from Episode One - why choose Xander and Willow from everyone else at school? Because they like her.

She can’t stand the thought of rejection. I always feel that Buffy, deep down, believes people only like her because she’s the Slayer.

Glad you’re enjoying it.

Thanks for review. Glad you’re enjoying it. Yes, i am Evil. Bite me!

Thanks for your review. Glad you’re enjoying the story. I hope to update very soon.

So glad you are enjoying William. He is such fun to write and won’t let Spike back at present!

glad you enjoyed it, Wulf. I need to write more fast! Perhaps Xander and William will become great friends!

 I'm sorry to keep telling you this as I do appreciate you reading my work, but I am not receiving your reviews! You don't need to click review box if you are not going to leave a comment.

so pleased you are enjoying the story. Wonder if you have finished it yet?

What nice comments. Thank you. I’ll be posting again soon.

Thanks for kind review. William is just about to appear. Hope you like him in this story. I do!

Thanks for reading and reviewing this story. Hope you enjoy my take on William.

Glad you’re enjoying it so far. Hope you will continue to do so now I have posted the chp where William appears.

Thank you for review. Hope you enjoy rest of chpts.

Thank you for reviewing. Glad you like the story so far. Hope that continues with the next chp

Thank you, and yes, they have such a lot in common but sometimes they don’t bother talking!