Among the Living by msclawdia

hw
08/04/2008 05:26 am
Epilogue         
Ok, I love your writing, but I'm having consistency issues.  If Willow knew about Faith, why did she need to bring Buffy back to get three slayers? And won't there still be three slayers around after Faith sacrifices herself? I guess that's not an issue since Anya killed Willow, but couldn't someone else try the ritual or whatever again with Keiko?

And the thing with Anne... how exactly did the Council manage to fake a death from illness? What seemed like a long, drawn-out illness? And why is Anne an impossible child if she's Dawn's and not Spike's? It's not like Dawn was supposed to be infertile, right?

Sorry for the bitching, I get way too hung up on detail sometimes.  I seriously love your stories!
Thanks for reading!  I agree that I had some clarity issues with this one.  Willow didn't know about Faith, or she wouldn't have bothered with Buffy.  And as far as how the Council faked Anne's death, the Council in this 'verse is pretty savvy.  Thank you again for all the nice comments about my stories.   I do think that all too often things are a lot clearer in my head than I manage to make them in the stories; I'm working on that!

Robyn
07/07/2008 07:11 am
Epilogue         

I just finished reading this entire story and I loved it.  I like how Buffy and Spike’s relationship developed, Xander’s friendship with Spike, and Tara.  Her death made me tear up but I like that she was able to protect herself from being turned.  The truth about Faith and her finally getting her rest was sad but nice. The ending really made me hurt for Spike and what was stolen from him and the pain he lives with because of Anne’s ‘death’.  I know you mentioned that you felt that the story limped to its end, but I didn’t feel that way at all when reading it.  I thought that you rounded out the story nicely with a good finish, but at the same time left it open enough so that if you ever want to revisit it you can.

sister cuervo
05/28/2007 02:59 pm
Epilogue         
Excellent story.
Dare we hope there might be more in this 'verse? You really caught Xander perfectly as an aged, but still lively Scooby. So many facinating bits & pieces of possiblities are left for us to ponder over.

Thanks! I definitely left a door open for a sequel, but right now I've got three stories going and no immediate plans to continue this one. So, we'll see...

05/13/2007 05:05 am
Epilogue         
I totally loved this story but the last 2 chapters, specially the last one confused me big time.
But it was a great story and I will read your other ones because I love the way you write.

Karla

Thank you! I'm sorry the end of this story was a little rushed. I hope you'll read the other stories and that you'll like their resolutions better.

05/10/2007 06:01 am
Epilogue         
thanks for the fine read.

Thank you for reading!

nmcil
05/10/2007 04:17 am
Epilogue         
Up - breaks are good and those super long projects take a lot out of the creators - enjoyed this very much - best of luck with your new projects -
Thank you!

Emily
05/10/2007 01:17 am
Epilogue         
Woah.

That completely came out of left field for me. I am not sure if I am the only person who feels that way, but wow! was that ever *not* what i expected.
Anyways, great job, you kept me thrilled to the very end:D

Thanks. I know the ending was a little sudden. Glad you enjoyed it though.

Alexis
05/09/2007 11:11 pm
Epilogue         
OMG. I'm stunned. My jaw literally dropped at the ending. The council faked Anne's death because Angel didn't trust Spike to look after her??!!?? There aren't words to describe how loathsome Angel is. And how could Anya do that to Spike?

This was really good. Any chance there's going to be sequel where Spike and Buffy find out about Anne and raise holy hell against Anya and the Council?
Thank you! I definitely wanted to leave a door open to return to this one, but no promises. I've already got three more projects lined up at the moment.

05/09/2007 03:36 pm
Epilogue         
okay.... I am so lost right now...

Dawn's daughter is alive? But Spike doesn't get to to know about her? And where did Xander's kid end up in all this?

And Spike & Buffy don't even end up together?
Dawn's daughter is a alive, and yes she was removed from Spike's care. Xander's son is still alive. I probably should have made that more clear.

Buffy and Spike are still together.

I am sorry this last bit was clearer.

moonchic1023
05/09/2007 02:28 pm
Epilogue         
Ok, so Anne's alive and the fourth slayer...but with Faith alive/undead and dying for the cause, doesn't that make 5 slayers?

And what's going on with Bianca? In Chapter 15, Buffy tells Spike to take her somewhere shady? Why would she need to be in the shade? Is she a vampire too? Are she and Faith connected?

Sorry, just trying to make sense of things. :)
I made a major typo. It's supposed to be Keiko (Anya's young slayer) in the last scene, not poor dead Lieuko. Major oopsie!

Buffy tells Spike to take Bianca somewhere shady because he is a vampire. She's giving him a job to do (protect Bianca) instead of just huddling under an awning.

sour
05/09/2007 11:30 am
Epilogue         
wow great story, it was a good read, so both anne and leiko is alive... will there be a sequel?
Oh wow, no wonder everyone is so confused. Major mis-type on my end. It's supposed to be Keiko (Anya's young slayer) in the last scene, not Lieuko. Oops! Fixed now. Thank you so much for pointing that out!

05/09/2007 10:58 am
Epilogue         
I agree, the end seemed a little rushed but nonetheless enjoyable. Big thank you.

Thank you! I am sorry it was a bit of a rush job, but I just ran out of gas. It was either wrap it up quick or abandon it. Hopefully my next few projects will be more satisfying.

Tamara
05/09/2007 04:21 am
Epilogue         
If Faith didn't qualify for Heaven before , she certainly does now.

Indeed. Thanks.

moonchic1023
05/09/2007 03:29 am
Epilogue         
I had really liked this story, but the last two chapters didn't resolve anything for me...I'm actually feeling fairly clueless.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, at least up to the end. I did rush a little to finish it up. I just ran out of gas on this one, and I know it wasn't my best story. Seriously, I appreciate the honest feedback.

ANG
05/09/2007 02:54 am
Epilogue         
I really enjoyed this story, but I really didn't get the end. I don't see how it can be considered an epilogue when it doesn't seem to tie anything up at the end.

Sorry the epilogue may have asked more questions than it answered.

smlcspike
05/09/2007 02:42 am
Epilogue         
I am kind of confused at the end. Is Dawns daughter back and the other dead slayer
Dawn's daughter is still alive, and she and the 'fourth' slayer are being trained with Anya.

05/10/2007 05:59 am
Chapter Fifteen         
it is so easy for everyone to overlook anya. excellent read, thank you. even made me li... li..., almost like xander.

tee hee. Well, you know me and the Xander-love. Glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for all the feedback.

05/09/2007 09:49 pm
Chapter Fifteen         
WOW...powerful. Lots of sacrifice and intended sacrifice. Very well done.

Kathleen

Thank you so much!

05/09/2007 10:54 am
Chapter Fifteen         
High drama and tragedy indeed. Good to see Xander become a real hero. Great job.

Thanks! As you know, I have a thing for Good!Xander :)

Tamara
05/09/2007 04:18 am
Chapter Fifteen         
Anya doesn't have to look up how to kill you, Willow!

heh. Nope! She's got the knowledge :)

nmcil
05/10/2007 03:39 am
Chapter Fourteen         
Great Story - love the way that you used Tara and Xander to bring both time periods together - nice way to give us new characters and still have a sense of the original series -


Thanks. I didn't want to put it so far in the future that Spike was the only one around. I wanted there to be other people there for Buffy. So glad you enjoyed it!

05/07/2007 09:34 pm
Chapter Fourteen         
Wow that was unexpected!! Great chapter.

Thank you!

jen
05/04/2007 07:06 am
Chapter Fourteen         
exciting!

Thanks!

Emily
05/04/2007 06:30 am
Chapter Fourteen         
*eek*

I am waiting on the edge of my seat awaiting the next update. Thank you for this one; you've have some very exciting stuff!

Thanks. I hope I didn't wrap it up too quickly in the next chapter. It was just time for it to be over.

05/04/2007 05:45 am
Chapter Fourteen         
a new ally gained and an old friend lost. loved the holy water in the sprinkler system. very good read, thank you.

Thank you! I wanted to show how the gang had gotten creative over time.

05/04/2007 04:50 am
Chapter Fourteen         
Tara had Holy Water in her sprinklers? And she didn't think to use it BEFORE Curtis killed her? That was dumb...so was letting someone in like that. She should have known better, after all this time.
Vengeance Demon Willow is interesting. I do hope to see more of her. Get in her head. I'll have to go back and reread to see if you've told us why she went all veiny, as I can't remember.

Thanks for all the feedback. Willow had a series of failures. She couldn't bring Buffy back, she failed to protect the next slayer. So when she went loco on the Trio and here comes someone telling her how great and talented she was? It was just too tempting.

05/04/2007 04:10 am
Chapter Fourteen         
WOW oh WOW!!!! Its so breath taking seeing Willow being mean to Tara! you did a great job!!!

Thank you! I wanted to make it clear that the Willow we know doesn't live there any more.

05/04/2007 03:35 am
Chapter Fourteen         
OMG
Awesome!

Thank you!

smlcspike
05/04/2007 02:46 am
Chapter Fourteen         
I am confused who died Tara is it. More please.
More to come!

Tamara
05/04/2007 02:43 am
Chapter Fourteen         
A holy water sprinkler system triggered by magic fire. Unique defense.

Thanks. Xander can be very creative.

:-)
06/08/2010 08:43 am
Chapter Thirteen         
 

04/30/2007 08:04 pm
Chapter Thirteen         
spike middle name should be doubt, very good read, thank you.

Thank you. A new chapter should be up in a day or two.

04/29/2007 02:30 am
Chapter Thirteen         
WOW just WOW!!!! I ran across this story and read all 13 chapters in one setting sorry I didn't review before now!!!

You have done a wonderful job! There are still thing I am curious about (past things) but I am hoping you will fill in all the blanks over time. Great story though!

Thanks, and welcome to the story. So glad you are enjoying it. I'm moving into the home stretch, but still trying to 'leak' little bits of the past as the present becomes the focus.

04/29/2007 01:21 am
Chapter Thirteen         
Excellent plotting. I love the way you're slowly builing the tension.

Thanks. A new chapter should be posted in the next day or two.

04/28/2007 11:29 pm
Chapter Thirteen         
Great story so far, I really, really like it!

Why, thank you!

hotlipedjen
04/28/2007 10:24 pm
Chapter Thirteen         
dum dum dum dum!!!

heh. New chapter up soon.

dark amia
04/28/2007 10:23 pm
Chapter Thirteen         
Great chapter!

Thank you!

smlcspike
04/28/2007 09:57 pm
Chapter Thirteen         
Oh that is good, wonder what Bianca wants.

Thanks, glad you're enjoying it.

04/28/2007 09:26 pm
Chapter Thirteen         
Chase huh......Cordy has a young'n and Tashi has a buddy. Interesting development. Looking forward to more on that score.

Spike has sad reason to wonder at Buffy's easy acceptance of a relationship. I fear that soul IS the reason she let herself care. Hope she really gets past that eventually and Spike can feel accepted as himself, whatever self that may be.

Love the update.

Kathleen

Thank you. A younger generation has to pick up the reins after all :)

04/28/2007 08:59 pm
Chapter Thirteen         
Great update - can't wait for more. I'm really enjoying this story.

Thanks! The next chapter is with my beta now.

:-)
06/08/2010 07:33 am
Chapter Twelve         
 

a
05/09/2007 03:42 am
Chapter Twelve         
i like the Jess stuff, but it reads like he's a teenager rather than a man in his late 20's...
Thanks for the feedback. I wanted it to come off like part of him is stuck in the past; unfortunately it sounds like it came off like all of him is stuck :)

04/18/2007 06:56 am
Chapter Twelve         
surprisingly jess is becoming a very sympathetic character. and actually enjoying xander in a tale, witchcraft. thanks for the fine read, witch.

Thanks. You know how I love Xander. And I felt I needed to tell Jess's side of the story here. He's not just some cuckoo Spike-basher. Spike was a hero to him, a hero who really let him down. It's a tough situation.

04/18/2007 04:39 am
Chapter Twelve         
Love this story - looking forward to seeing it unfold.

Thank you! I'm a bit stuck at present, but there will be more.

dark amia
04/17/2007 10:49 pm
Chapter Twelve         
4 slayers? hmmm...

great chap!

Thanks!

04/17/2007 10:13 pm
Chapter Twelve         
4th slayer? Wait - what??

I liked that Xander accepted Buffy + Spike.

Thanks. More to come. Eventually.

hotlipedjen
04/17/2007 09:31 pm
Chapter Twelve         
Ohhhhhhh!!!! Evil!!!

Mwa ha ha.

Lou
04/17/2007 08:53 pm
Chapter Twelve         
Lots of delicious plot development. It seems Willow had been up to no good for quite some time but is she behind the throngs of baddies? Can't wait for more.

Thanks! Yep, I threw in a mention of the car thing several chapters back. Willow's been up to this sort of thing for a while. Now she thinks she has the chance to really change the world...

Tamara
04/17/2007 07:19 pm
Chapter Twelve         
Comparing Spike's relationship with Tashi to her relationship with Giles is more apt .If it paralelled her relationshipwith Angel he'd be making out with her and spend at least part of the time being cryptic.

Thanks. I think Buffy came to that same conclusion as well :)

smlcspike
04/17/2007 06:50 pm
Chapter Twelve         
Oh I love it, 4 slayers how did that happen, So Buffy and Spike are progressing nicely, wonder how long till she moves in with him.

Thank you. There will eventually be more about the fourth slayer.

04/17/2007 06:14 pm
Chapter Twelve         
Oooo the plot thickens! What's up with Willow? We'll find out soon I am sure. Jesse needs to forgive himself AND Spike but he is so very young yet it makes sense that he hasn't.

Great update.

Kathleen

Thanks. I wanted to show Jess's side of the story a little. He's not just some irrational Spike-hater.

:-)
06/08/2010 07:17 am
Chapter Eleven         
 

04/13/2007 11:00 pm
Chapter Eleven         
Ooooo not good! Bad Slayer dream Tashi had (I am sure it was Spike she saw, the poor boy).

I really am enjoying this story, this look at a future that Buffy wasn't there to help build but is there to enjoy if she chooses to. Xander is the only one of the old crew to get lots of backstory and it is interesting. I'll look forward to more reveals on Tara and Willow in good time. Fascinating, all of it.

Kathleen

Thank you. I do indeed spend more time on Xander; I just can't help myself. There will be more on Tara and Willow in chapters to come..

04/13/2007 07:57 pm
Chapter Eleven         
"...she wasn’t entirely reassured." tashi is a bright lady. loved the update, thank you.

Thanks. I think Buffy is a great slayer, but if I were paired with her, that whole history of dying thing might make me a bit nervous.

smlcspike
04/13/2007 11:46 am
Chapter Eleven         
So tashi ran off his old girlfriend, I wonder what she will try and do to Buffy if they get together.

Tashi didn't run her off on purpose. Katya didn't handle Spike working with the slayer very well. Tashi isn't romantically inclined toward Spike or anything like that.

jen
04/13/2007 09:48 am
Chapter Eleven         
OOOOHhhhhhh!!!

Thanks! (I hope...)

04/13/2007 04:15 am
Chapter Eleven         
Hmmm - I believe that may be the first time I've heard someone make that point - Buffy is a long-lived slayer - but only because Xander did CPR one time and she was resurrected another. Hee! You're brilliant!

Thank you. I mean, I think Buffy is an excellent slayer. But if I was working with her, I might wonder about how much I needed to worry...

04/13/2007 03:13 am
Chapter Eleven         
Yeah, well, no other Slayer has come back at all, so Tashi needs to take into consideration that there's SOMETHING special about Buffy.
And strong backup is always of the good, even if it's not infalliable.
sheesh.

Yeah, she might be a bit hard on Buffy, but she's only known her for a few weeks.

Kris
04/13/2007 02:35 am
Chapter Eleven         
I am afraid of what big bad is looming in the future waiting to chomp down and take a bite of everyone. It gives me pleasant goosebumps. It is so horrible for Buffy to be dreaming of the past like that. Bad enough that she has to know that people she knew/loved are dead but to have to see it with her own eyes? Poor girl. And I might be going against the grain of everyone's opinions here... while Tashi does have a point about Buffy dying... the first time she was practically a newbie slayer, with the Master and all, and the second time it was her choice to die, to save Dawn and the world and to finally be at peace herself. It wasn't that Glory got the better of her, it was that she was ready to be gotten. I have faith in our gang. I expect losses, but I have faith. I am glad to see our couple making progress too. Wonderful story here. :)

Thanks so much! Keep in mind that Tashi doesn't know the whole story like we do. I agree though; Buffy's still a better slayer to be partnered with than any other we've met. Oh, and glad the spooky mood is working.

sandyrah
04/13/2007 02:25 am
Chapter Eleven         
That's so true. Buffy was a great slayer, but she did die! I can totally understand how Tashi wouldn't be entirely reassured. Funny. And how horrible for Buffy to dream of Faith. Is that now a past slayer for her? Craziness.

Thanks! I think you could intepret Buffy dreaming Faith a few ways. We've seen them dream each other before on the show, so maybe order of activation doesn't matter? Or now Faith preceeds her? I think both explanations could work.

04/13/2007 02:03 am
Chapter Eleven         
"He gave her a look like she'd just asked him where babies came from." Great line. Great chapter - interesting that both of them are having slayer dreams, but seems like Buffy's dreaming the past, and Tashi's dreaming the future.

Also, that final bit reminded me of Kendra saying, "No wonder you died." :)

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the contrasting slayer dreams.

Tamara
04/13/2007 01:34 am
Chapter Eleven         
Tashi frowned. Buffy had survived a lot of bad, but she had also died twice. The girl could fight, but still, she wasn’t entirely reassured.


I can see her point.

Thanks. We know that Buffy learned a lot since the first death and gave herself as the second death, but that does make a gal wonder what happens in the next fight...

Yay, kissing. :-)
06/08/2010 07:11 am
Chapter Ten         
 

Cas
04/13/2007 03:16 am
Chapter Ten         
And then she kissed him - and you left it there! Loved the idea of Xander with the flamethrower, and Buffy's comment about Giles. Loved the way you edited scenes, and just let us see enough to know what happened, w/o having to go thru the blow by blow.

Thanks! I feel like writing a complicated battle scene is not going to go well for me. Glad you liked what I did instead.

Lou
04/08/2007 02:08 pm
Chapter Ten         
Maybe Buffy has realised what she so nearly lost.

Perhaps :)

04/07/2007 08:12 am
Chapter Ten         
what i fun way to end the update. "And then she kissed him." very good read, thank you.


Thank *you*.

04/07/2007 07:22 am
Chapter Ten         
Things are looking up for them. Poor Tasha, feeling like a voyeur when Spike and Buffy are together. Update when you can, that's all you can do. Really enjoying this, thanks.

Thank you. I've got the rest of the story outlined, so that should help with progress. When I can snag time to write...

04/06/2007 06:16 pm
Chapter Ten         
Awwww - lovely little slide into something hopeful.

Thank you!

04/06/2007 04:38 pm
Chapter Ten         
I like Tashi's alternate POV for a change and to get a picture of how people are responding to each other strictly from visual and verbal clues.

Thanks! I wanted to throw in a POV from someone who doesn't really know all the backstory on Buffy and Spike.

smlcspike
04/06/2007 01:32 pm
Chapter Ten         
Oh I love the end.

Thanks :)

time of change
04/06/2007 01:20 pm
Chapter Ten         
Great chapter!

Thanks!

jane
04/06/2007 12:05 pm
Chapter Ten         
Great update looking forward to more.
Thank you!

04/06/2007 05:08 am
Chapter Ten         
Always worth the wait. Nice picture of current slayer vs vamp situation. Good Xander interchange.

Kathleen

Thank you. I wanted to make it clear that Sunnydale is still pretty dangerous, and things might get even worse for a while.

04/06/2007 04:00 am
Chapter Ten         
Have I mentioned yet how much I love your original characters? The insight into Tashi this chapter was great - especially the line "If she went down, would she rise again?"

I liked the aftermath of the fight - and woo! Spuffy kissage! Hope it's not too long before the next update.

Thank you! I'm working on the next chapter now, but no promises on when the next update will be.

I'm so glad you're liking the original characters. I want them to get filled in, but not take over the story.

:-)
06/08/2010 06:59 am
Chapter Nine         
 

Lou
04/08/2007 02:03 pm
Chapter Nine         
An honest friendship is a good foundation for whatever is to come.

Thanks; I agree!

Emily
04/06/2007 12:57 am
Chapter Nine         
I'm so glad to see this story back on! I love the concept, and you have worked with it deliciously. Greatness *snuggle*

Thanks! Updates may be sporadic for a while, but I'm not dropping the story.

04/04/2007 08:47 am
Chapter Nine         
if spike keeps trying to make excuses for buffy being with him, he is so going to screw this up. very good read, thank you.

Thanks! More to come.

time of change
04/04/2007 01:40 am
Chapter Nine         
So happy to see a new chapter. I love this story.

Thanks. Updates will be slow, but they are coming.

golddrake
04/03/2007 06:14 am
Chapter Nine         
great chapter

Thanks!

akarinacj
04/02/2007 08:43 pm
Chapter Nine         
Nice chapter, Can´t wait for the Spuffiness to come( You know, with kisses and all);-). Please update soon.

Thanks. There will eventually be more Spuffiness.

04/02/2007 07:51 pm
Chapter Nine         
Nice chapter! I was just thinking the other day that I hadn't seen an update from you in awhile, and here you are! Still loving this story, and the little bits of background that you drop into each chapter.

Thank you! Life is just very busy these days, but I am continuing this story, slowly.

jane
04/02/2007 07:46 pm
Chapter Nine         
I love how the two of them are developing a real relationship. Surprising revelations about Angel and Wes, wasn't expecting that.

Thank you!

04/02/2007 06:50 pm
Chapter Nine         
They Dream Buffy? Huh. That's interesting. Did she start a whole new Slayer line or something? Buffy the last and first slayer. And in your story she's sorta like King Arthur, only she's the "Once and Future Slayer" instead of King.
Oh boy - it's only 1:00 on Monday, and I've already lost my mind. Doesn't bode well for the rest of the week.
Anyway, please update when you can!

Thanks! I think all the slayers are supposed to dream the previous slayers (like Dana did), or maybe that's just part of my personal canon :)

Deb
04/02/2007 03:18 pm
Chapter Nine         
The story ambles along nicely. Do like Buffy and Spike's shyness and tenderness with each other. It's like I'd picture it in this alt world. Good job of bringing tidbits of the past back into Buffy's world. Adjustments little by little. Hope feedback makes the chapters fall into place for you.

Thanks! Updates are slow due to real life issues, but there will be more

smlcspike
04/02/2007 01:52 pm
Chapter Nine         
Oh I wonder what Buffy is thinking, More please.

More to come, I promise.

04/02/2007 10:45 am
Chapter Nine         
Love the slow build, the getting reaquainted before they get together (inevitable owing to the nature of the site *G*). Your pacing is excellent, revealing pieces of the past a bit at a time. Enjoying the original characters too.

Glad you haven't forgotten this story as it is a great read, quite compelling.

Kathleen

Thank you. There will be more, but updates might be slow for a while.

hotlipedjen
04/02/2007 09:57 am
Chapter Nine         
Good!

Thanks!

Tamara
04/02/2007 09:15 am
Chapter Nine         
Looks like Buffy was shocked at the idea of Wes and Angel. Wasit because it was Wes or because she didn't realize Angel swung both ways?

That wasn't exactly something Angel would do.

:-)
06/08/2010 06:44 am
Chapter Eight         
 

nmcil
04/18/2007 05:35 pm
Chapter Eight         
Think you timing with bringing in the history of "30 year history" is handle well - just enough introduction to make us very curious about their history and then just another little slice of information. I hope very much that before this is all over you will give us a very good study of Willow and her transformation.

Nice the way you brought in the connection with Anne-Dawn-Spike with his young slayer's death and Dru.

On to the last parts now and I hope that you will bring us more chapters very soon - Very much enjoyed reading thus far.

Thanks so much. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Cas
03/26/2007 12:10 am
Chapter Eight         
Yes, seems very realistic to me - both trying to feel their way slowly and wondering what the other thinks/feels. Can't wait to see more of what Willow is up to!

Thanks, I'm glad you think so!

time of change
03/23/2007 10:50 pm
Chapter Eight         
Too exhausted to make any deep comments, but I'm still reading and enjoying very much. I think the voices are excellent.

Thank you! I do have a chapter in the works, just lots going on lately.

03/23/2007 09:38 pm
Chapter Eight         
Just able to read the new chapters this afternoon and I find it very believeable and you characterize everyone so well. I am curious about what Willow meant and I am sure you will explain in your time. I look for ward to more and love what have done so far :)
Kim Adams

Thanks! There will be more, I've just been quite busy lately. Thank you for the feedback.

bishbashbosh
03/22/2007 08:18 pm
Chapter Eight         
i think you have buffy and spike just right it makes a nice change for her to treat him half decent and as hes the only constant it makes it realistic keep up the good work as i'm really enjoying this fic

Thank you! I'm working on the next chapter now.

03/22/2007 01:10 am
Chapter Eight         
love the slow waltz buffy and spike are doing, they are still dancing. very good read, thank you. will wait patiently for the explanation of "And now there are three!"
ok, not patiently, i'll sulk.

heh, thanks! There will be more about Willow and her plan. In fact another familiar face will show up before long to shed some light on Willow's cryptic line.

03/22/2007 12:31 am
Chapter Eight         
Ditto what everyone else said. I think this story is great, and the relationship between Buffy and Spike is developing perfectly. Might make a good wrinkle if either Buffy or Spike thought that Buffy was only attracted to him because he's the only guy she knows, but I think in reality, there *was* something between them that never got to develop because Buffy died. With her back (and without all the baggage that screwed things up in season 6), she's picking up where they left off. Plus, he's the only one who understands a lot of what she's going through, which makes him exactly what she needs right now. And Spike will always love Buffy, so for him, that much at least hasn't changed.

So those are my comments. And absolutely no complaints!

Thanks for the feedback! I agree that there are deeper reasons for Buffy to be attracted to Spike, but I also think they're both going to have their doubts about it.

03/22/2007 12:15 am
Chapter Eight         
oh - and the itchy thing? Can I get some of Tara's potion? I do the same thing when I'm stressed.

Ha!

03/22/2007 12:10 am
Chapter Eight         
OK, really can't wait to see more veiny-Willow - why did she show up? Can't Xander get Tara to shield his house or something?
Why isn't anybody thinking about Buffy going back to school, getting an ordinary job - something to get her out in the world a little more. She needs connection of some kind - not just with her friends from her life before, but with the life that is going on around her _now_.
Buffy isn't just crushing on Spike because he's there, and familliar - she's just going on with what started before she died.
I liked the "wait - is this a date?" thing form both of them. cute.

Thank you. There will definitely be more Willow. She's going to be pretty pivotal here.

That's a good point about Buffy reconnecting with the world. Maybe someone in the story will have to bring that up. Thanks!

03/21/2007 10:47 pm
Chapter Eight         
I liked the update, although it's been a while and I think I need to go back and read a couple chapters before this one to remind myself of what's going on. (Not your fault - I barely remember my own name sometimes.)I feel like the relationship is going well and pretty realistically - he's unsure of what she wants and so is she. Sounds very much like Spike and Buffy to me! LOL
Saw a couple of typo-like things-let me know if you want to know about them. Other than that, I think it's going really well.

Thanks, Patti. Always feel free to point out typos, either in comments or email. I won't take offense!

Glad it's coming off as believable. I don't want to rush things, but I also don't want to put my readers so sleep :)

dj
03/21/2007 08:41 pm
Chapter Eight         
no complaints from me, only praise, this is one of my favorites. just don't end it to soon.

Thank you so much!

Kawaki
03/21/2007 05:35 pm
Chapter Eight         
I wanted you to know that I like this story. I think the interaction is good. There's so much that Buffy has missed out on. Besides Zander is available too. Or did I miss something? I think Buffy is coming to the realization that she is not normal so a normal guy wouldn't be right for her. And what is up with her scratching all the time? That's got me a little concerned.

Thanks! Xander isn't taken, but he's Xander and he's also 50ish now, which isn't exactly what Buffy is looking for.

moonchic1023
03/21/2007 03:10 pm
Chapter Eight         
Love, love, love! And yes, you are building it up very realistically, which I'm very happy about...a lot of fics have them just jumping into bed like bunnies at the end of the second paragraph. I also love how you're fleshing out the rest of the characters.

Thanks, and ha! Sometimes a race-to-bed story is good, but I don't think that works here. Glad you agree!

Tamara
03/21/2007 03:09 pm
Chapter Eight         
I think Buffy isn't crushing on the only available male but she's more open to him because of his availability, the soul, and his years of service.

Thanks. I think that too, but there's the question of what the characters think.

Kate
03/21/2007 02:35 pm
Chapter Eight         
Awesome chapter! I totally feel like Buffy and Spike are behaving in character. I haven't once question their actions or behavior as I read this story. I like how their relationship is developing. It makes absolute sense they Spike is the person she'd connect to the most because he more than anyone can understand her situation and vice versa actually. Don't change anything you are doing. I'm excited for their post-patrol "date." *wg* Great scene with Xander too. I'm totally loving this story.

Thank you! I'm glad the slow pace is working for you.

pretty_in_fangs
03/21/2007 02:19 pm
Chapter Eight         
I just started reading this story this morning, and you can be sure I'll be watching for updates.

I think the interactions between Spike and Buffy have been very believable. Yes, they're not how they were after Buffy's resurrection in the show, but they're both different people. Spike's lived through a lot since then, and Buffy isn't having to deal with hiding where she was, her friend's disapproval, or being both mother and wage-earner. Those'll change te dynamic, and I think you show that well.

Thank you! Welcome to the story, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy it.

dicecanntcry
03/21/2007 02:00 pm
Chapter Eight         
Interesting. And very well written. I think you have written Spike & Buffy pretty much in-character; they've both been through things that have changed them, but they're still Spike & Buffy. ;)

Thank you! That's great to hear.

Pin
03/21/2007 01:41 pm
Chapter Eight         
I really love the way you portray Buffy and Spike. It makes sense that she feels the most comfortable with him, and I think your explanation works. Like the back story with new characters. I look forward to hearing more about Anne. Willow - wow and creepy! Great story - thanks!

Thanks! There will be more on Anne, and a lot more Willow.

smlcspike
03/21/2007 12:44 pm
Chapter Eight         
I don't think that Buffy is really just crushing since she loved him before. Love it more please.

Glad you're enjoying it!

Lou
03/21/2007 12:24 pm
Chapter Eight         
Nice chapter. Budffy doesn't seem concerned about the soul, just recognition that there's a connection.

Thanks! Indeed, Buffy doesn't seem hung up on the soul, but that doesn't mean Spike will believe that...

03/21/2007 09:53 am
Chapter Eight         
I think you are worrying too much. Spike and Buffy are tiptoeing around each other as to be expected. Maybe more of a look at their thoughts would help....especially Spike.

Buffy could note the things about Spike that she is just discovering and realizing how much he is the same with or without the soul.

Really you don't need advice this is coming along in a believable way. The older than you look angle is interesting and makes sense too.

Wondering about Willow's comment and Xander's nervousness around her (and why she popped in).

Excellent update.

Kathleen
Thank you! I'm glad the pace is working for you. I think you're right about me needing to delve more into their private thoughts. I actually have some plans along those lines for the next chapter.

03/21/2007 07:12 am
Chapter Eight         
Fairly realistic slow boil Buffy and Spike. They're kinda like porcupines mating--they're approaching things very carefully. And Willow's three thing? Spike, Willow, and Buffy are the same "age" as they were 30 years ago. Everyone else is older or dead.

Thanks! Good guess, but no, the 'three' are a different set. I'm glad the slow is working. I want it to be believable.

:-)
06/08/2010 06:29 am
Chapter Seven         
 

time of change
03/18/2007 12:07 am
Chapter Seven         
I'm so enjoying this!

Thank you!

hotlipedjen
03/16/2007 03:40 pm
Chapter Seven         
Just started reading and I think your story is quite captivating! Good work and I look forward to more.

Thanks! Welcome to the story, hope you'll continue to enjoy it.

Emily
03/15/2007 11:26 pm
Chapter Seven         
Ohh! Spuffy quality time sounds fantastic;D

Heh, thanks. Hope to have the new chapter up this week.

dj
03/15/2007 10:05 pm
Chapter Seven         
like father like son, loving it.

Thanks!

03/15/2007 07:35 pm
Chapter Seven         
very enjoyable so far. Your characters have grown up believably, and have believable pasts. Nicely done. :)

Thank you! I very much want the characters to be believable as grown-up Scoobs.

smlcspike
03/15/2007 05:43 pm
Chapter Seven         
Missed Spike, but loved the back story we so needed that and more.

Thanks. There will be more Spike next chapter.

03/15/2007 04:41 pm
Chapter Seven         
AHA! So that's the burr under Jess' saddle...he blames Spike for HIS Slayer being killed! Stupid, but typical.

Poor Spike to loose Anne and Lieuko in the same night AND be blamed for Lieuko (figure Xander had to agree with Jess).

Looking forward to more on the Faith back story and more of the current. Buffy needs to wake up and see Spike as he is and always has been before she blows it again.

Excellent.

Kathleen

Thanks for the feedback! Xander actually doesn't blame Spike; being a father himself, he understands why Spike had to be with Anne. But the only way Xander could keep his son after it all went down was to cut loose from the Scoobies. I think that will become clearer in future chapters.

Anyway, there will be more up this week, I hope.

03/15/2007 02:32 pm
Chapter Seven         
I think Xander's is not so much a slayer obsession as an "I have all access to a superhero" thing. And good on Spike for killing Dru. Looking forward to someone familiar checking in.

Thanks. I've had a slight slowdown, but I should have the next chapter up this week.

dicecanntcry
03/15/2007 02:10 pm
Chapter Seven         
Awesome as always! Poor Jess, I think he's got a big crush! More please! :)

Thanks! More to come. A little slow down because my baby was sick this weekend, but I should have a new draft for my beta soon.

03/15/2007 01:26 pm
Chapter Seven         
Spike dusted Dru, how fitting. In the state he was in, it was probably really easy. Right, Xander thinks Jesse will stop crushing on Buffy that easy? He still had one on her when she died, probably still does if he was honest with himself. Looking forward to the next chapter. Buffy's growing up I think and that's good for both of them. Thanks for the wonderful background. Excellent work.

Thanks! Xander doesn't want to see his son go through what he went through with Lieuko again. But sometimes history has a way of repeating itself no matter what you do...

Lou
03/15/2007 12:06 pm
Chapter Seven         
Do I sense avoidance on Spike's part?

A bit, yes.

:-)
06/08/2010 04:57 am
Chapter Six         
 

03/14/2007 05:27 am
Chapter Six         
very good chapter, thank you. you could have let thirty years ago spike respond to "I just want something to feel good."

heh. Yeah, well, this Spike is a bit less... forward. For now :)

Cas
03/14/2007 01:15 am
Chapter Six         
Too short! Also missed a good opportunity to tell us about older, grayer and dumpier Angel. Still good though.

Hee!

Thanks.

03/14/2007 12:06 am
Chapter Six         
I was just saying to Subway Spike the other day, "Darling, don't you think Spike in Ms. Clawdia's story is swimming in the big river, just a little bit?" And he said, "Absolutely, pet, it's obvious he's still in love with Buffy. Do you want me to go beat him up a bit?" Just so you know, I talked him out of it; I distracted him by asking him to do that twirly thing with the broken subway pole. Hotness! Just like this absolutely adorable story! I cried when I read about Anne. Brilliant story, by the way. Most writers would not be able to resist the urge to make all these past things in the now, but this is ever so much more real. Stuff happens, especially over such a long stretch of time. Thanks ever so much for writing!

Hehe! Thank *you* for reading. And yes, things are going to heat up between our duo in time.

03/13/2007 08:38 pm
Chapter Six         
Great story so far....can't wait to read more!

Thanks!

03/13/2007 08:36 pm
Chapter Six         
Nope, Spike will always love Buffy if she is alive (and a long time when she is not too I think). Angel was so oblivious to Buffy's disappointment, just as he would have been on the show. He had moved on in LA even on the show but was like a dog with a bone where Buffy was concerned. I can completely see him "moving on" and not even noticing the pain that caused Buffy.

Great update.
Kathleen

Thanks! Angel has had many years to get past his past with Buffy, but it's all a shock for her.

smlcspike
03/13/2007 04:20 pm
Chapter Six         
Oh I feel so sorry for Buffy, I hope she will let Spike help her out.

Things will get better for Buffy, but there are going to be .... complications.

dj
03/13/2007 02:32 pm
Chapter Six         
woohoo,this is just neat

Thanks :)

03/13/2007 10:02 am
Chapter Six         
Hmmm ... so it sounds like the risk of a S6 Buffy is equally present here - all glum and self-loathing. Nice touch. But Spike is certainly different. Here's hoping that makes the difference.

Thanks. There are definitely going to be a few changes from S6...

03/13/2007 09:42 am
Chapter Six         
She is right about that, she still is the same Buffy and she's the one that's going to have to start changing. The world and everyone in it has changed over the last thirty years, but this is Buffy, she still can be the same bitch she always was if she wants. It won't help but it never did. Great update, thanks.

Thank you!

03/15/2007 07:27 pm
Chapter Five         
human? huh.

Yup.

03/07/2007 12:42 pm
Chapter Five         
Angel's human? He got the Shanshu? That's going to piss off Spike to know she's back in contact with him and he's among the breathing again. Hope he's married to Cordy so he's not even on the playing field any more. If Spike's name was on the birth certificate when he got to see Dawn, does that mean that Anne was Dawn's child, born prematurely because of the accident? That would explain a lot. Really enjoying this fic, thanks.

Thanks for reading! Yes, Anne was Dawn's daughter. And I wouldn't worry too much about Angel. Keep in mind, he's been human for a while.

03/07/2007 12:13 am
Chapter Five         
very good read, thank you. (well, it was, right up to the mention of the great poof.)

Thanks. And don't worry, he won't be around long.

smlcspike
03/06/2007 12:43 pm
Chapter Five         
So Anne was Dawns, a nice gift for Spike.

Xander just happened to open his mouth about Angel, wonder how Spike will like Angel showing up and trying to help Buffy.

Buffy spends an awiful lot of time at Spikes would it not be better for her to move in with him.

More please

Thanks! Buffy is spending quite a bit of time with Spike. They've got to get to know each other all over again. And don't expect Angel to be Mr. Helpful....

03/06/2007 10:29 am
Chapter Five         
Gotta be a shocker--your only niece died before you could even meet her. Oh, by the way, guess who is human.

Yeah, the hits keep coming :) Angel's not exactly going to be the boon she's expecting either.

sour
03/06/2007 08:54 am
Chapter Five         
Great Updates!!!!!! Can't wait to read more please update soon!

Thank you!

dj
03/06/2007 01:36 am
Chapter Five         
love it all, keep it coming!
Thanks!

Cas
03/06/2007 01:26 am
Chapter Five         
Agree totally that Buffy would want to know - and your explanation for the delay is also totally believable. Even if she didn't expect him to just magically know, she'd probably expect the others to tell him. Still really wonder what's up with Spike, and why he seems to be taking everything so hard.

Thanks. It's a hard thing for me to have to keep in mind, but when this Buffy was last alive, Angel was still a Big Deal in her head.

Spike is feeling the weight of a lot of failures. I still haven't gotten to what happened to Faith, or the backstory on Lieuko. I will get there eventually though.

Pin
03/06/2007 12:55 am
Chapter Five         
Another great chapter - love the slow reveal on history

Thanks. Eventually there will be a here-and-now plot, but I want to get Buffy adjusted first.

dicecanntcry
03/06/2007 12:45 am
Chapter Five         
Oh jeez. Lets all kick buffy while she's down. Lol. Poor girl. I have a feeling the chapter isn't going to be kind on her. :(

But, I will venture forth with her in these troublesome times! :) lol.

More please :)

Yeah, I mean at first she's going to be pleased by this news. But that won't last. I'm working on the draft now. Thanks for the feedback!

:-)
06/08/2010 04:49 am
Chapter Four         
 

03/15/2007 07:23 pm
Chapter Four         
Your premise is interesting, and I am enjoying what you are doing with it. Looking forward to meeting Willow.

Thanks! She'll be making an appearance soon.

03/05/2007 12:09 am
Chapter Four         
Nice, lovely little plot twist. Now this is just - interesting. Can't wait to read more. Details, please?

Thanks! New chapter posting soon.

M.
03/02/2007 01:54 pm
Chapter Four         
It's not that I'm being unrealistic, of course a sexual being like Spike would have lovers throughout his entire immortal existance. But just because I can accept that he had the relationships doesn't mean I want to know about them.

And like I said, I get it that it's just not your thing. I'm sorry to lose a reader, always, but I also know that not everybody is going to like certain things I do with the story.

If it makes any difference, Anne was his daughter 'in a manner of speaking'. The mother is not some great lost love of his.

03/02/2007 06:40 am
Chapter Four         
Now I'm really hooked. Backstory details always fascinate me, and some of the hints that have been dropped have me itching to know more.

Thanks. I'm working on the next chapter now. More answers (and questions) to come :)

Cas
03/02/2007 04:28 am
Chapter Four         
Liked Spikes comment about it not being a curse, but why did Buffy just assume 'Anne" was his daughter, cause hey, still a vampire.

Ding! He named the girl, which implies some sort of parental involvement, but vampires are not generally fertile. There will be more in the next chapter.

Yeah, I wanted to make it clear that a) it wasn't a curse and b) that Buffy didn't automatically assume it was.

Thanks for the feedback!

03/02/2007 12:30 am
Chapter Four         
This is going to be like pulling teeth, isn't it? so much information very little time. He really did move on didn't he? Kinda makes me sick to my stomach though, that's why I don't read years later fics. Don't like to know there's been other people after. I'll always want for him to be happy but without to many details. Thanks for the update, this is going to be very interesting. Great work.
Thanks, Verda. To be coy, he said he had a daughter 'in a manner of speaking'. I'll be revealing more next chapter.

There will be references to past Spike relationships, but like the mentions of Katya earlier, they won't be detailed. I just don't think Spike is Spike without his libido or his capacity for affection. Hope you'll stay with me.

smlcspike
03/01/2007 11:16 pm
Chapter Four         
I hate stories with Spike and Buffy others but I understand, its hard to read and think that he got his soul for another slayer, but as you said in a reply he is not a monk.

Want to hear more about his matter of speaking daughter.

Buffy wants to know more too, so you'll find out next chapter. And the soul was for the baby, not for a slayer.

Thanks for reviewing!

03/01/2007 10:23 pm
Chapter Four         
better and better. thank you.

Thank you for reading.

03/01/2007 09:54 pm
Chapter Four         
Oh this just gets more interesting if possible. Naturally 30 years is bound to bring a boatload of story though. Hum....he called her Anne....got a feeling there's a BIG story here.

How sad that Buffy might just blame her comfort with Spike on that soul....grrrrrr.

Giggling over Willow's crusade, it fits!

Great update.

Kathleen

Thanks! Anne is conveniently both his own mother's name and one of Buffy's names. Buffy also wants to know the story, so I'll be revealing it in the next chapter.

And the soul as potential easy fix is going to come up as an issue.

Thanks for reading!

03/01/2007 06:58 pm
Chapter Four         
Just read through the first four chapters and I'm totally hooked! I do like future fics where Buffy comes back - especially when most of the gang is still around. I like the futures you've chosen for them - they seem to fit their characters in some unexpected ways.

This may sound weird from a Spuffy fan, but I really like that Spike didn't just pine away for her. He absolutely thrives on love and loving people, and I can't see him focusing his devotion solely on someone who's no longer around - even Buffy. I definitely believe that he'd have depths of love for others, without ever really letting go of Buffy, and probably never loving anyone as much as he loved her.

I like the way you bring out the details a little at a time, and even as one thing's being explained, it brings up whole new questions about something else. I'm really looking forward to seeing where you take this, and to finding out the answers to a lot of the questions you've (thus far) left unanswered.
Thanks so much.

The thing is... Spike has a libido. I mean, he was still sleeping with Harmony even after he decided he loved Buffy. And he and Buffy never got together. I don't think it makes sense that he's been a monk for thirty years. Or that he's never felt affection for another woman in that time.

I'm a Spuffy writer, and I'd guess it's clear that this will be a Spuffy story. But I also want to be true to the characters.

And there will be more answers to come :)

Pin
03/01/2007 06:57 pm
Chapter Four         
I love the backstory - this is really great. Thanks!

Thank you! More to come...

Tamara
03/01/2007 06:23 pm
Chapter Four         
Don't stop there! I want to hear more.

So does Buffy, so there will be much more next chapter :)

M.
03/01/2007 04:42 pm
Chapter Four         
Well this is it for me. You are a great writer but I'm a Spuffy fan till I die and I'm just not interested in reading about Spike having a serious relationship with anyone other than Buffy (regardless of when, how or who). I think I've overdosed on all the tremendous amount of angst in peoples' stories these days. I deal with enough of it in the real world. I read to escape reality, hence my love of sappy Spuffiness. I will look forward to your next fic.
I don't think it's realistic that Spike would not have had other women in his life thirty years on. On the other hand, I understand if it's not your thing. Sorry to see you go.

03/01/2007 04:32 pm
Chapter Four         
Spike had a daughter? Wait, I'm echoching Buffy!I must have gone insane. Must go check into an asylum.

:) More details on Spike's little girl to come.

Lou
03/01/2007 04:28 pm
Chapter Four         
Interesting development.

Thanks

Lenee'
03/01/2007 03:50 pm
Chapter Four         
Oh my god! This is such a great story! i'm really engrossed in it now. Beautiful writing. Can't wait for the next chapter!! LOL

Thank you! The next chapter is in the works.

dj
03/01/2007 03:18 pm
Chapter Four         
this is great, first i thought, spike fell in love again, but a daughter that is so much better!

Thanks. More details on the daughter to come next chapter.

-dicecanntcry
03/01/2007 02:59 pm
Chapter Four         
Still loving this story!

And as mean as it may sound, i'm glad the daughter isn't around anymore. Yeah, that sounds horrible, but in all these 'when Buffy came back' fics, when Spike has a kid it just seems to.. mess everything up. Almost like, he cheated on Buffy by having a kid, you know?

Oi. Anyway, hope to see more soon :)

Thanks. I'm working on the next chapter now. And indeed, I didn't want to make this a 'Buffy becomes a mom' fic. I may eventually write such a story, but this isn't it.

Well done :-)
06/08/2010 04:43 am
Chapter Three         
 

Lea
02/28/2007 02:43 pm
Chapter Three         
Gotta say, I like where this story's heading. Nicely done!

Thank you!

sour
02/28/2007 08:37 am
Chapter Three         
I just started reading this story and I think it is brilliant. A lot of things to wonder like why Jess hates Spike, what happened to Lieuko, how will Buffy adjust? Who was Xander's second wife? Will Buffy see willow in her new form? what happened to Anya? etc etc.
I really liked the story and can't wait to read more of this.

Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it. I promise there are more answers (and more questions) to come.

M
02/28/2007 02:33 am
Chapter Three         
I'm really liking this story but if it turns out that Spike & Faith had a romantic relationship I won't be able to finish this fic. Please I beg you - do not have them involved!!

Glad you're enjoying it. And romantic is such a tricky word....

Thanks for reviewing!

02/28/2007 01:56 am
Chapter Three         
Man! I'm hooked. I think these may be my favorite kinda stories. The ones where Buffy comes back years down the road. Probably cuz I'm such a sucker for angst.

Anyway, this is all looking great & I hope to hear more soon! :)

Thanks! I hope you'll continue to enjoy it. The next chapter should be up some time tomorrow.

02/28/2007 01:06 am
Chapter Three         
excellent, thank you. some answers, more questions. love it. willow being a vengeance demon is not a surprise; xander is. i know it was not the reaction you were looking for, but lmao at giles being the father of xander's son.

Thanks, vladt. And yeah, I know not everyone's as big a Xan-fan as I am :)

fangfaceandrea
02/27/2007 11:19 pm
Chapter Three         
wow! i so wasn't expecting the jess Thing, and with every chapter mer questions emerge . this is going pretty damm cool.

Thanks! I'm so glad you're enjoying it.

02/27/2007 11:16 pm
Chapter Three         
Whoa! I do think Willow had all the natural talents for the gig *G*. Looking forward to more reveals about what's gone on in Buffy's absence.

Maybe this Katya should come back to give Buffy a run for the money with Spike...nothing like a bit of competition after all.

Wonder why Jess hates Spike so much (and why Spike got his soul in this universe).

Point is I am intrigued completely.....more please *G*.

Kathleen

Thank you! I'm not done with Katya, but she's not going to be vying for Spike. The reveal on Spike's soul will be coming soon, and I promise the trouble between Jess and Spike will get explained soon :)

samson28
02/27/2007 03:59 pm
Chapter Three         
Interesting stuff so far. Shall eagerly await more. ;)

Thanks! New chapter should be posting soon.

02/27/2007 03:37 pm
Chapter Three         
Just started reading this fic. Very interesting. Looking forward to more.

Thanks. Hope you'll continue to enjoy it.

Cas
02/27/2007 03:03 pm
Chapter Three         
Wow, didn't really see well, any of that happening, though it makes total sense. Wonderful.

Thank you! Glad it worked.

dj
02/27/2007 02:41 pm
Chapter Three         
awesome, love it, please update soon

Thanks!

Aeryn
02/27/2007 02:22 pm
Chapter Three         
very good, looking forward to the next update
Thanks! The next chapter is with my beta now.

02/27/2007 01:52 pm
Chapter Three         
Very nicely done - got some info out, showed us how Xander has grown up, and let some hints about others things we need know.:)

Thanks! More answers to come (and probably more questions too)

smlcspike
02/27/2007 01:39 pm
Chapter Three         
So she thought Jess was a girl, up until she thought that I thought he was a guy, glad to see I was right in my thinking you never know these says.

So Spikes girlfriend left him a month ago because she believed he was still in love with the slayer and Spike thought to himself he still was just not the one she was thinking, was she a vamp and I take it Spike loved more than one slayer or did he try to move his obession of Buffy to another.

Dawns dead, thats so sad.

Thanks for the feedback! Buffy didn't think Jess was a girl, she just hadn't seen any recent pictures of him, and sometimes people look really different at ten and twenty-five :) More to come on Spike's 'other' slayer and we're not completely done with Katya either.

02/27/2007 01:09 pm
Chapter Three         
Anya cheated on Xander with Giles? I'm more of a xanya fan than ganya but I can live with it. What's Jess' problem with Spike?

Thanks! There was a whole lot of grieving and comfort-seeking going on with all three parties there. (I'm not a ganya fan myself, actually) The backstory on Jess and Spike *will* get filled in, I promise.

Pin
02/27/2007 12:33 pm
Chapter Three         
Wow - unexpected twists, especially given the fact that all of these events happened in the past. I like the way you are weaving in bits from t the show and giving us the 'what could have happened'. This is all very well done and I'm looking forward to more.

Thank you! I'm glad it all seems plausible. I wanted things to be surprising, but in a believable way.

02/27/2007 10:10 am
Chapter Three         
Love it!

First, the tension between Buffy & Spike? Well done. Good that he didn't confess, and I like the little tremor that Buffy felt, too.

Not sure I follow all the backstory on the Slayers, but it seems like that's supposed to be a little mysterious for now.

Nice twist with Anya/Giles, and Willow is a vengeance demon? Of course she is ...

Waiting for more!

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm sorry if the slayer history was too thick. There will be more details filled in as the story goes on, like Faith's return and what's the big whoop with Lieuko. Also there are three slayers now and some folks are going to care a great deal about that...

02/27/2007 09:13 am
Chapter Three         
Wow, I think there are more questions now then answers. Can't wait to find out what they all are. Hope Buffy finds out about Spike's soul soon and I want to find out why he got it and when. So Buffy has one family noe but what's left of the scoobies. What Willow did to Warren was right up there there wasn't it. I guess with Buffy gone, there was no one to keep her grounded this time. Really like how the story's coming along, thanks.
Thanks, Verda! The reveal on Spike's soul will be coming up soon (maybe next chapter). Xander did try to stop Willow, but let's just say she wasn't as receptive in this version.

02/27/2007 07:55 am
Chapter Three         
I can see Willow leaving or being left by Tara if Tara had complained about too much magic use. And I can see Kennedy jumping right in there with the "want, take, have," too. Decent exposition without being too "This Is What Has Come Before."

Thanks, nightshift! That's very much the idea that I had, re Willow. Tara will be filling in a little more next chapter. Glad I was able to exposit without being to Today's History Lesson about it :)

02/27/2007 07:41 am
Chapter Three         
Oh WOW!!!! Now things are looking interesting. It's good to see Giles had it in him, even though I cannot imagine him sleeping with a married woman! Still, sad that Xander thinks Willow being demony is sadder than Giles and Anya. I am wondering, did Spike and Faith fall for each other? Is that who Buffy smelled? And can I just say how sorry I am for the Scoobies that Kennedy got called? And the chemistry between Buffy and Spike in this-lemme hear a woo and a hoo! I thought the chemistry in Getting All Chosen was hot, but you just went and raised the bar a little higher! I have to warn you, if you bring back the pimp chain, my laptop is going to burst into flames--the fiery kind, not the mean-review kind. One last thing, then I'll go my merry way: I love that "swishy coat, fade into the dark of night thing." And was Giles Jr. checking Buffy out? Hate to diss on those Biles/Guffy fans out there, but squick. Ok, I'm shutting up now. Love the story!!

Thanks so much for all the feedback! Buffy noticed the signs of recent co-habitation, but that would be the recently-removed Katya. As for Faith and Spike... there's more story there ;)

I also have a somewhat hard time imagining Giles sleeping with a married woman, but I can also see the loss of Buffy, followed by the death of another slayer under his charge, then Willow (of whom he's quite fond) going evil causing him to act in some uncharacteristic ways. Grief and all that.

LadyYashka
02/27/2007 06:22 am
Chapter Three         
Very cool! I want to know what's happened and if Willow will make an apperance. Please update soon!

Thanks! And oh yeah, Willow is going to be showing up.

Tamara
02/27/2007 05:07 am
Chapter Three         
I like that Xander bonded with Ripper , jr and loves him like his own.

And I don't see what Willow saw in Kennedy either.She was obnoxious.

Thanks for the feedback! I'll get into more Willow back-story at some point. Part of it is that she was really shook up by not being able to retrieve Buffy from (she thought) hell, so she wasn't making the best choices when Kennedy came along...

Kimberly Adams
02/27/2007 04:59 am
Chapter Three         
I thought this was a great chapter and explained alot and I want to know more about Spike and Jesse's animosity and where it started and why. This is a really good story and I am looking forward to more! :)

Thanks! I will definitely get to what happened to make Jess so hostile. Hope you'll stay tuned!

All ofthe good :-)
06/08/2010 04:36 am
Chapter Two         
 

nmcil
04/18/2007 04:12 pm
Chapter Two         
I just started reading this and I am happily hooked - This reads like it is going to be a really nice piece of work -

Thank you! Welcome to the story.

02/27/2007 12:40 am
Chapter Two         
very good read, thank you. need more answers, please.

Thanks! More answers to come, I promise.

mr.chaos
02/26/2007 03:14 pm
Chapter Two         
Why do I get the feeling Willow is now a Big Bad, and her 'work' is trying to open the hellmouth and such?

There will be more on Willow in the next chapter, and that will be far from the last we see of her in this story.

dj
02/26/2007 03:36 am
Chapter Two         
really liked it, a little different from some of the coming back from the dead stories, like the different ones keep up the updates, looking forward to them

Thanks! The next chapter should be up soon.

Cas
02/25/2007 10:47 pm
Chapter Two         
Loved the line about Xander and his two wives! Agree that the story is better than the summary - I'm not usually a fan of future fics.

Thanks! I think I may have to come up with a better summary :) Next chapter is with the beta now.

Kim Adams
02/25/2007 08:12 pm
Chapter Two         
Just finished this story and wow what an interesting arc- I want to know more about Willow and what really happended to her. You have truly piqued my curiosity and I am definitely wanting more of this! She doesn't seem as damaged by coming back though, is that good or bad?

Thanks for reading and reviewing! There will be much more about Willow in the next chapter. And we haven't seen the full effects of Buffy's rise from the grave yet... :)

02/25/2007 07:12 pm
Chapter Two         
Oh much better than i thought it would be from the summary! I like it please continue

Thanks! I was worried that the summary was a little lame. Glad you decided to give it a try anyway.

ct114
02/25/2007 02:56 pm
Chapter Two         
Hmmmm...... vengence demon anyone??? That is what I think Willow is now. Overall I like this story and can't wait to see what will happen next!

Possibly... Glad you're enjoying it!

Aeryn
02/25/2007 10:41 am
Chapter Two         
Good start, wondering what has willow been up to and what other changes Buffy will discover.
keen for the next chapter

Thanks for reading! More revelations to come in the next chapter.

02/25/2007 08:36 am
Chapter Two         
Wow, things have changed!See didn't see Dawn and Giles after they pasted? Are you going to explain what happened to Dawn? Does Spike work for the Council now since he's Tashi's teacher? Not a vampire but with heightened sense? What's with Willow any way? Can't wait to see the answers to all of my questions. Really glad that she's so comfortable around Spike. This has to be hardest for him. Xander moved on and married twice and has a son. Did Spike find someone else too or has Buffy been irreplaceable? Looking forward to the next chapter, thanks MC, excellent as usual.

Buffy and Spike will talk about Dawn next chapter, and more history will be filled in. Spike hasn't been alone for thirty years (as I hinted in the first chapter), but he never really got over Buffy either.

SpaceLord
02/25/2007 07:18 am
Chapter Two         
Well interesting start, there are a lot of stories to be told in this one. 30 years of events and people changing in that time. Should be good.

Thanks! I'm going to try to fill in the backstory without boring everyone.

02/25/2007 05:59 am
Chapter Two         
I'm totally loving this story so far. Keep writing MC!

Thanks!

Atterb
02/25/2007 04:17 am
Chapter Two         
So far the only hole is why the heck she rose when she did. But I trust you'll explain that in later chapters.

Interesting story so far. I'm curious as to what happened to Willow. Vengeance demon, perhaps? And why did Spike get a soul? What happened to Dawn?

Please continue!

Thanks for all the feedback! Spike's soul will come up again soon, and Dawn will get explained next chapter.

Buffy's return will remain a mystery for a while, but eventually will be explained.

time of change
02/25/2007 04:05 am
Chapter Two         
This is wonderful! You are setting the scene really well for a Willow disaster.

Thanks! Details of Willow's rampage will come soon (after all, Buffy's not going to let everyone keep putting her off forever).

02/25/2007 03:34 am
Chapter Two         
This one was good as well, though I do have one question. Is Dawn dead or just not in Sunnydale? In the first chapter you mentioned she went to live with her Dad. Then in this one she gets paired with Giles in the deceased category, but you really didn't explain if she was dead or not. (unless I missed something)

Either way it was a very good chapter and I'm looking forward to seeing where you take this story. :)

Thanks for the feedback!

Dawn is dead. She went to live with Hank after Buffy died, but lots of stuff happened in 30 years. She died a few months before Buffy was resurrected. Buffy and the readers will be getting the details in the next chapter.

02/25/2007 12:47 am
Chapter Two         
Off to an interesting start. It's hard not to compare it to the other two "Buffy comes back after 20-30 years fics" currently out there, but I assume you will be going in a different direction from either of those. Curious as to who Katya is and what Spike's relationship with her is. I'll be looking forward to the next chapter.

(tiny voice) the fourth paragraph might have atypo in it - did you mean to say a little bitof a challenge rather than a little of a challenge?
Thanks for the typo snag. I didn't realize that there were a lot of current fics like this! I did see one posted somewhere that was *80* years later, which got me thinking 'what if it was a long time, but short enough that some of the old gang would still be around'.

More about everyone's pasts to come... Hope you'll stay tuned.

Nell
02/25/2007 12:23 am
Chapter Two         
PS Having read the other reviews, I thought I should say that I got Buffy's mirror joke.

Good! Thanks :)

Nell
02/25/2007 12:19 am
Chapter Two         
Just wanted to let you know - keep up the good work! I'm usually not into umpteen-years-later-Buffy-finds-the-world -changed fics, but you're keeping everyone believable. I'm intrigued by your Spuffy dynamic and curious about what would make Spike get a soul when Buffy's _not_ around.

Thanks! I didn't realize it was a genre, but I'm finding out now that it is :)

carole
02/24/2007 11:18 pm
Chapter Two         
i'm really liking this so far. can't wait for more.

Thanks! I'm getting close to done with my draft for chap three.

02/24/2007 11:10 pm
Chapter Two         
Looks interesting. I'm looking for a fill-in on Giles and Dawn, too.

There will be more on Dawn and Giles soon. Thanks for reading!

02/24/2007 08:26 pm
Chapter Two         
So no reflection, super senses and a heartbeat? Ok. Xander got married twice. Who was the first girl? Update soon plz.

The no reflection thing was apparently poor writing on my part. It was meant to be a metaphor. She couldn't see her reflection through the condensation, and it went nicely with the other stuff where her senses are overloading now that she has senses again.

The first wife was Anya. The second we haven't met yet :) Hope you'll keep reading! Thanks for the feedback.

Susie
02/24/2007 08:15 pm
Chapter Two         
This is quite good--you have laid out a nice foundation for the story by introducing all of the players and history quickly but complete manner. At first I thought that the story might just be a rehash of others with a similar premise but it is actually unique. I like it, and I'm looking forward to your next update which I hope is soon :-).

Thanks. I actually considered not doing this because I knew it had been done before, but I wanted to give it a shot. Glad you're enjoying it so far!

smlcspike
02/24/2007 07:09 pm
Chapter Two         
loved the story on how she thinks she is a Vampire and the questions she asked Spike.

She doesn't really think she's a vampire. She just couldn't see herself through the condensation on the glass. She was just joking with Spike. Looks like I should have written that better, because a few people have commented...

So glad you liked the story so far.

02/24/2007 06:18 pm
Chapter Two         
Yeh with the returning perkyness! What's the back story on Tashi? You mentioned Spike is her teacher. Is he a Council employee now?

Glad you're enjoying it! Tashi will get more screen time soon, and hopefully both of those questions will get answered.

02/24/2007 06:11 pm
Chapter Two         
I am looking forward to reading!

Thanks!

02/24/2007 05:50 pm
Chapter Two         
Huh. Okay, you've got me. I'm incredibly curious about why Buffy's back, why Willow's such a big secret and how the Council ended up being Slayer-friendly - and, of course, why Spike got his soul if Buffy was gone ...

And Buffy doesn't have a reflection? Now that's gotta drive her crazy.

Waiting on chapter three, eagerly!

Ack! Apparently I didn't write very clearly. I meant that Buffy couldn't see herself through the condensation, and then joked about it. It was meant to be a metaphor. Oops :)

All questions will be answered in time, I promise :) Thanks for reading!

Tamara
02/24/2007 05:31 pm
Chapter Two         
Definitely liking this story. Looks like Xander and Willow managed toscrew up thier relationships with Anya and Tara without Buffy coming back. Plus something happened that estranged Xander and Willow from each other.

Thanks! What happened with Willow will be revealed in time, I promise. And the Xander/Anya split is about to get explained when I introduce Jess.

Pin
02/24/2007 05:10 pm
Chapter Two         
This looks really good. I like the way you've formed the future for them. Thanks!

Thank you. I made sure to get an outline laid out, so hopefully I don't contradict myself down the line.

Great. :-)
06/08/2010 03:54 am
Chapter One         
 

02/28/2007 01:41 am
Chapter One         
Woah. Talk about a rude awakening. This is awesome tho! :)

Thanks!

02/27/2007 12:20 am
Chapter One         
going to enjoy reading the upcoming chapters to find the answers to the many questions this interesting start prompts. very good read, thank you.

Thanks, vladt. I hope you'll continue to enjoy it!

Cas
02/25/2007 10:40 pm
Chapter One         
OOOh, good start. Familiar, yet differnt, and very intriguing with the differences. Tara didn't die, Willow is not in evidence, Xander nearby and Spike still with the soul and who is/was Katya? Interesting. And where exactly WAS Buffy, and is this just a delayed reaction to Willow's spell, or is something else up?

Thanks! Things definitely went differently when Willow couldn't resurrect Buffy. It's not just a delayed reaction. Something else is afoot. Hope you'll stay tuned.

02/25/2007 08:12 am
Chapter One         
I don't usually read Buffy after she's been gone for some reason longer then 147 days but I thought I'd give yours a try. I'm really glad that I did. Really like how you're starting this. So much to discover, like who did this and why, Spike's soul and the scoobies. Going to read the next chapter now, thanks.

Thanks, Verda. I appreciate you giving it a try when it's not really your bag.

02/25/2007 03:22 am
Chapter One         
This is really good. :) Now I'm off to read the next chapter.

Thanks!

02/24/2007 08:19 pm
Chapter One         
Not much to say at this point. Your writing's lovely as usual and I know I'll enjoy this fic.

Thanks! I hope you will.

smlcspike
02/24/2007 07:00 pm
Chapter One         
This looks interesting, there was a mention of Spike getting home to someone please tell me he doesn't have a mate.I know its 30 years I just hate to think of him moving on.

It has been 30 years, and Spike hasn't been celibate. But as he mentioned, there's no one in the picture currently.

02/24/2007 06:06 pm
Chapter One         
This is a very creative premise. Looking to see where you go with this!
Thanks!