Thank you! I'm glad you liked it! The third and fourth stories in this series are both completed and posted here. The third is called "Other Things the Road to Hell is Paved With" and the fourth is "Slay Bells."

Thanks!

I think the thing about this series i that it gets brighter and then darker, and then brighter again... and so on. It's a pretty long story - even if I don't rewrite the whole season - so there's lots of ups and downs.

Thanks for the review, Verda! I'm glad you enjoyed this one. It's not easy, but when they finally get together, it'll be worth it.

Yup yup! Thanks for the review!

Heh, I think a lot of people would've been upset if I ended it there... I'm just not ready to make 'em happy yet. :)

Oh, you naughty girl! I'll get caught up on the other sites eventually. :) Thanks for the review.

Yep, it's already in the works - it's called "Other Things the Road to Hell is Paved With." Chapter 2 should be up sometime this week.

Hehe, I've done that, stayed up all night because I couldn't tear myself away from a good story. It's a great compliment to hear that you were that into it. :)

Thank you for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

All good things, my friend...

Yeah, I think she's got a reason to be skittish. I don't plan on bringing in the First (as a villain, I really didn't like it) - that was mostly Buffy's explanation/rationalization for the dream. But there will be plenty of other evil things to keep them busy. :) Thanks for the review! I'm glad you've enjoyed it.

Aww, thanks! I've gotten pretty attached to them, too. :) There's definitely more angst in store for them, but we'll see if we can't give them a little happiness, too.

Thanks for the review! I don't think that, because it doesn't have a happy ending, that makes it unresolved. In fact, I toyed with ending it differently, but I really felt like Spike's reflections at the end were a conclusion to the theme - that he is Love's Bitch... and that doesn't mean he gets the girl.

I'm glad you enjoy the story so much! I really appreciate the kind comments.

I don't think Buffy's out of line - there are legitimate concerns, and she shouldn't be jumping headfirst into something she's not ready for. Thanks for the review!

Well, *I* didn't bring in the First - Buffy did. :) Not saying that was the cause of the dream, just that it's the first connection Buffy made.

Thanks for the review! Glad the pitchforks won't be getting a workout this time around. :)

Well, there's definitely more coming... no promises on the togetherness of them. ;)

Buffy's definitely not ready. She still has some hurdles ahead - but Spike's not the kind of guy to move on.

I do think she's normal, though, in judging relationships based on past ones. I think everybody does it, to some degree - there are plenty of people who are afraid to trust or to commit to someone because they've been hurt before, and they expect the same problems to repeat in other relationships. Not that that makes it *right* - but it is understandable.

Thanks for the review. I think, right now, Buffy's actually at a point where "normal" isn't her priority anymore - but she's realizing that there are some things about being a Slayer that not even having a superhuman boyfriend can solve.

I don't think I know how to write a fluffy ending... lol. So, I'll just have to keep tormenting them until I learn. :)

Aww, thanks, dearie! Nice to hear it moved you. And you know I always appreciate a good human shield, but I think I'll be okay with this one. :)

Thanks! I was hoping people would see it as the best fit for ending the story, even if it's not the happy ending they wanted. Glad you enjoyed it!

Ha! Clearly, I dogded a bullet there. :) I felt bad about ending it there, with Spuffy seemingly dashed on the rocks, and I considered combining it with the next story (for one loooong fic). But when I got to Spike's reflection at the end, I *had* to end it there - after all, it is called Love's Bitch.

Poor both of them, I think...

Well, you can take this opportunity to go back and read it again. :) Short answer - I think the love spell and Spike's subsequent kicking her out gave her a lot to think about, and in sorting through her issues, she understood him a little better. Not totally, because she still pushed too far, too fast, and then ended up backing away (which he was trying to avoid), but she's definitely getting better.

The thing is - her mind is made up... for right now. But any number of things could happen to change the situation. Like in Intervention, how Buffy went from "Please let this story have a dusty ending" to "What you did was real, and I won't forget that" in the space of about 5 minutes - all because of what Spike did. So, don't look for either one of them to stay in the same mindset they're in for very long. :)

Thanks so much! I'm glad to hear how much you enjoyed it - and I'm glad you didn't kill me when you wanted to. :)

Heh, I appreciate your restraint. :)

Yeah... I'm a fast writer. :) Thanks for the review!

Boo to real life taking you away! Glad you're back, and thanks for the review. :)

Yeah, there's no nice and easy answer, and either way, Spike risks getting hurt. Glad you're back, and thanks for the review!

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

Yes, but now I got not one, but TWO reviews out of you! ;)

Glad you liked the rewrite. And you know how I'm determined to avoid happy reviewers, lol.

Thank you! Glad you liked it... and if this hit your kink, you're gonna love the next story! ;)

Thanks for the review! Glad you liked it.

That's not fair. I review every chapter of yours, regardless of reciprocation, and I most certainly don't think you don't deserve to be reviewed!

But thanks for the comments...

Hmm... I haven't watched the early seasons in a while, but I don't really remember her enjoying her specialness. She was always wanting to do normal things while slaying - like dating, being a cheerleader, and running for homecoming queen. It seemed like once things got serious with Angel, she was willing to give up normal for true love. Then, when he left, she went back to wanting normal - maybe because she wanted to do what Angel wanted.

That is an interesting point about Tabula Rasa, though - Joan was definitely excited about being a superhero, and I think there's still a little of that in Buffy. Just like anyone would think super powers were cool, until they realized the burden that came along with it.

Thanks for the review!

Yeah... it's gotta be incredibly hard for him, but he's doing the right thing...

Thanks, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I think "heartbreaking in a good way" is kind of my M.O. :)

Aww, thanks! I appreciate the sweet comments. :)

Thanks! :) It took me a while to hit on that line, but once I did, it just clicked. Glad you liked it!

Thank you! I think Spike is the responsible one because - even though they're both pretty impulsive - Spike has more at stake with his emotions, so he's thinking more carefully. Glad you liked the chap!

Yeah, it's good that he's not letting Buffy walk all over him. :)

There's always hope... :)

Thanks, Alia! I'm glad you liked it.

I think Buffy lets herself be ordered around by her friends because she still feels guilty about Angel. She's made mistakes that get other people killed, so she thinks they deserve to have a say in her life. Just another one of those issues she's gotta get over eventually....

I've never been able to see the two of them getting together without a lot of hard work... so I don't make it easy for my characters. Glad you enjoyed the chapter!

Yeah, it's a very delicate situation - Spike's trying really hard to avoid getting hurt by her.

Thanks! I appreciate all the reviews. :)

Glad you liked it! These two have had a rough time of it - it'll take a lot of sorting before they can really make it okay.

Heh, I think this is the chap everyone's been waiting for. Glad you liked it.

Thanks for the review!

Won't be quite like that...

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks for the review!

Heh, everyone's all worried about Dawn. Just relax and enjoy the kissing. :) Thanks for the review!

Me too... but then, it is Buffy...

That sounds like a good thing. :)

Hehe, Buffy better watch out!

Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Buffy may not be good with the words, but she gets her message across... :)

Yeah, she's close... I think she's doing pretty well, all things considered.

Smoochies'll do that to ya... ;)

Well, kissing can lead to no good, but this Buffy and Spike are a little different from the show, so I think they're looking at a different road. Thanks for the review!

Knowing me... Well, you're not wrong. *ducks*

Yep. :) Think it was time?

Thanks! Glad I could put a smile on your face... I have the feeling this chapter made a lot of people happy. :)

Thanks for the review! I'm glad you liked it. I figured y'all deserved a nice kiss. :)

Wow, thanks, hellbound! I appreciate the sweet review.

Oh, and about that carrot thing? Uh... here, have some dip... *runs away*

I think it'll take a while for her to really get over the Angel issues, but it's a step in the right direction...

Thanks for the review, I'm so glad you liked it!

She's trying...

That remains to be seen, doesn't it?

Hmm, might you be happy about this latest development? ;)

Oh, I'm sure... I think this is what people have been waiting for. :) Thanks for the review!

:)

I don't think Willow's to blame (this time) for the spell, and they did mention that the house was warded, so Buffy shouldn't have to worry about Dawn.

And yes, there were two demon attacks at her house, but only the second one was tied to their mystery bad guy.

Well, like I said in an earlier review, I think Buffy has a pretty good reason for wanting to be normal, and it's not going to be easy for her to let go of.

Is it gonna be long? Oh, goodness gracious, yes! This particular story is almost finished, but I've got it plotted to be a 6-story series. (Don't worry, I won't wait that long for Buffy and Spike to get together, lol.) There will be some back and forthing on the I like you/I hate you/I want you but we can never be together, but they won't be together for good until after the first major arc (the demon summoner) is resolved.

Thanks for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you! Glad you liked it.

Thanks! It's about time, don't you think?

Haha - I think the comparison was more about things you want but can't have... ;)

The thing about Buffy is that she's always been the reluctant hero, to some extent. I think that's part of her resistance - you know how being forced to do something, or given an ultimatum, almost always makes you want to do the opposite? All of her friends made the choice to fight evil with her - Buffy was chosen. She just wanted to be a cheerleader and homecoming queen.

So, until she accepts being the Slayer as part of who she is, and not something that was forced on her, I don't think she's ever going to stop wanting to be normal.

I thought the Jacob dumpage would be popular, lol. I won't be giving out many answers on the mayhem - it's going to be sort of like the season-long Big Bad, and will come to a conclusion in (probably) the fourth story in the series. Gotta keep you reading, right? ;)

I think it's hard for Buffy to talk about, but it's good that she's confiding in Willow, at least.

This is actually my secret way of setting up a Firefly crossover - Willow in Space. ;)

Thanks for the lovely review! I'm glad you like the story. I try to make it feel like you're reading the show, so I appreciate your comments. :)

She's not all bad. :)

Why, thank you! :)

Yep, plot. It's that thing that usually attacks in bunny form... I'm a big fan. :)

I always liked the Buffy/Willow friendship - they had some really great, honest moments in the early seasons, but you're right, they brought up a TON of issues from season 4 onward that never got addressed. Thanks for the review!

Thanks! I'm glad to hear it. :)

Well, you're not the only one. Guess we'll have to see...

Hmmm.... ;)

There might be some Spuffy soon. ;)

Yep, Willow's there to vouch for Spike - although I don't think Buffy ever really doubted him. I think she was mostly just freaked out about the consequences. Thanks for the review!

It would be pretty bizarre... and I'm always suspicious of fics where it just works out happily ever after with no obstacles. Suffice to say, my Spuffy will have *plenty* of obstacles. :) Thanks for the review!

Thanks, glad you liked it.

Thank you, dear! The major Buffy introspective seemed necessary, in light of all the Buffy hate. :) Glad you enjoyed it.

Thanks for the review!

Thank you! :)

Thanks for the review!

Thank you! The song is In the Sun by Joseph Arthur. I absolutely love it. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

I think the spell gave her a sense of what Spike feels for her - and also opened her up to the possibility of feelings towards *him*. Glad you liked the chap! Thanks for the review.

I have a love/hate relationship with Dawn. :) I love her at times (like most scenes with Spike) but she can drive me up the wall with the whiny. So I tend to write her a bit more mature - she is fifteen, after all, she's not a child.

You know, those analogy questions are NEVER applicable to real life! But yes, Buffy is a wee bit smarter than we give her credit for. And glad you liked Dawn. :)

Heh... that's what my beta said! Thanks for the review!

Thanks for the review! I think Buffy and Spike actually had similar views on what happened between them. Now if only they could talk it out...

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. Buffy's head can be a scary place to be, but it really was necessary to tone down the hate she's been getting lately. :)

It's always hard to find that balance between being friends with someone who wants more, and leading them on or using them. I think Buffy just figured that out.

I'm glad you have a better sense of what Buffy's going through - it seemed like everybody came away with sympathy for Spike, but not many people really understood where Buffy was coming from, which is why the discussion seemed to turn into trying to blame Spike and make Buffy a victim. I think Spike does carry more responsibility for what happened than just "an accident" - but they are both hurt and they've got a lot of crap to work through. Thanks for the review!

Thank you! Glad you liked the song. Buffy's got a lot of growing to do before she can really appreciate Spike... we'll see how she does with it.

I think that's a very astute observation in season 6... wasn't that kind of Joss's "theme" of sorts for that season, that the mundane things can be just as painful as the world-ending stuff? That was why the villains were so juvenile, Buffy's problems were all normal, etc.

Anyway, I think that's less true in this story, because she's not quite as crushed by the normal life stuff. But regardless of whether it's good for her, "normal" is something she wants so badly that it kills her to give it up - and Spike represents that, which makes it that much harder for her to love him.

Buffy won't ever really understand Angel or vampires in general until she gets over the soul thing - but Spike and Tara were right on the money a couple chapters ago, when they said she can't give that up. If vampires can love without a soul, and if Angel and Angelus were essentially the same person, then why didn't he love her when he lost his soul? If it wasn't because of the soul, then she has to admit there was something wrong in their relationship.

Thanks, sour!

You'll just have to wait and see. :) Thanks for the review.

Hmm... I've never seen that episode, but it kinda seems to fit.

As for the Angel thing - she puts him on a pedestal, the immaculate "first love." So, she's literally incapable of seeing his flaws. Any problems they had must be because he was a vampire, because there wasn't anything else wrong with him in her eyes. Not sure if she'll ever get over that... but if she can, Spike's the guy to show her.

Well, I was trying to make people understand how she felt... guess I didn't do a good job of evoking sympathy with you...

Geez, where do you people find the time to write these long arguments? I think this chapter is gonna be the last time I go through all this, because honestly, I'm writing a fiction story, not a dissertation.

With that said, you basically agreed that Buffy would feel raped if the spell hadn't been broken in time. Just because Spike would feel bad about it doesn't make it less wrong. I'm not saying it wouldn't be a horrible experience for him, too - but people didn't seem to be identifying with the extent to which Buffy would feel violated, calling her a bitch and blaming her for making Spike feel bad, when it wasn't her fault at ALL. So if it seems like I'm arguing for Buffy sympathy and Spike blame, that's why.

I do think there is a Willow comparison to be made - what about her "will be done" spell, which did a LOT of damage (blinded Giles, and almost got everyone killed by the demons chasing Xander)? That wasn't at all what she intended, and in fact, she was doing the same thing Spike was - trying to get rid of her emotions. Also, the mind-wiping in Tabula Rasa was NOT what she was going for - she wanted Buffy to forget being in heaven, and Tara to forget their fight, not for everyone to lose their memories entirely. And again, that almost got everyone killed because they didn't know how to fight vampires.

Even if you don't call Xander a murderer, or Willow a near-murderer, the fact still remains that plenty of people have lambasted those characters for not taking responsibility for their actions, which caused/could have caused serious harm. But when Spike DOES take similar responsibility, the overwhelming response is, "It wasn't his fault." I just don't get that.

Geez, where do you people find the time to write these long arguments? I think this chapter is gonna be the last time I go through all this, because honestly, I'm writing a fiction story, not a dissertation.

With that said, you basically agreed that Buffy would feel raped if the spell hadn't been broken in time. Just because Spike would feel bad about it doesn't make it less wrong. I'm not saying it wouldn't be a horrible experience for him, too - but people didn't seem to be identifying with the extent to which Buffy would feel violated, calling her a bitch and blaming her for making Spike feel bad, when it wasn't her fault at ALL. So if it seems like I'm arguing for Buffy sympathy and Spike blame, that's why.

I do think there is a Willow comparison to be made - what about her "will be done" spell, which did a LOT of damage (blinded Giles, and almost got everyone killed by the demons chasing Xander)? That wasn't at all what she intended, and in fact, she was doing the same thing Spike was - trying to get rid of her emotions. Also, the mind-wiping in Tabula Rasa was NOT what she was going for - she wanted Buffy to forget being in heaven, and Tara to forget their fight, not for everyone to lose their memories entirely. And again, that almost got everyone killed because they didn't know how to fight vampires.

Even if you don't call Xander a murderer, or Willow a near-murderer, the fact still remains that plenty of people have lambasted those characters for not taking responsibility for their actions, which caused/could have caused serious harm. But when Spike DOES take similar responsibility, the overwhelming response is, "It wasn't his fault." I just don't get that.

I can understand why that would make people a little unsympathetic - but I also see it from Buffy's point of view. She needs him in the group, because he fills a role that no one else can, but she's not going to indulge his feelings for her (feelings she doesn't think she returns) just because she needs a babysitter. If he was uncomfortable with that arrangement, he should have said something (especially knowing how clueless Buffy is). But he never does, because HE has (up until the last chapter) made the choice that being tortured witnessing her "normal" life is better than not being around her at all. We'll see how it works out when he decides to walk away.

As for the spell, it did affect them both - but it affected Buffy MUCH more. Consider the starting point: Spike is already about as in love with Buffy as a guy could get. What more could a love spell really do? But Buffy, who either doesn't have or won't admit feelings for Spike, is suddenly head-over-heels for him - that's a huge loss of free will. To some extent, they both lost control over their emotions, but Spike was doing what he wanted to do, but had always held back because it was inappropriate, whereas Buffy was doing something she definitely did not want to do. That's why I see Buffy as the victim.

Yeah, but that's such a hard thing to accept. For a girl who wanted nothing more than to be normal, to finally give up that dream would be really depressing - like wanting to be a doctor your entire life, and getting to college and flunking organic chemistry (not that I did that or anything, lol).

Thanks! I was hoping this chapter would show a little more of Buffy's side of things. Glad you liked it!

Thanks so much, TC! Glad you enjoyed it.

That's why we call him love's bitch. But maybe Buffy's eyes are starting to open...

Well, there's a reason he's love's bitch... but Buffy opening her eyes may not be too far off. :)

I think Buffy's like that because the others treated her like that - they put her on a pedestal because she was the Slayer, and treated her like she was special, the de facto leader. And Spike, to be a really good partner for her, has to challenge that, make her see him as equal. But first, he has to see himself as equal. Thanks for the review!

Well, I disagree, but thanks for reading.

*huggles UB* Thanks, sweetie! You make an awesome coat of armor. :) I appreciate your addition to the discussion - you're very right about Buffy's character. Thanks for the kind words, and for being an awesome, encouraging beta!

Thanks for the review... Buffy and Spike are definitely going to have some "apart" time - we'll see where that leaves them.

Rape is a serious word to throw around - but they almost got themselves into a VERY serious situation. You're right, if Spike hadn't been under the spell as well, things wouldn't have happened that way. But all the things you mentioned that weren't Spike's fault wouldn't have happened if he hadn't done the spell in the first place. It was his idea - and regardless of what it was supposed to do, he's responsible for the results. It feels like there's a double standard here (and I'm not just talking about you personally) - when Willow screws up a spell, everyone is up in arms that she doesn't get taken to task. When Xander summoned Sweet, everyone was pissed that no one held him responsible. But when Buffy holds Spike accountable for the spell that he did, suddenly she's a bitch. And when Willow relies on a spell to magic her feelings away or to fix a problem, she's irresponsible and misusing magic. But when Spike gets a spell for exactly the same purpose, it's understandable because he's in so much pain.

I feel like there's a distinctive pro-Spike bias where he gets a free pass for things others get taken to task for. It's, IMO, the exact thing that people rail about on the show (where Spike is the only one who is forced to do penance for his wrongs, while everyone else gets a free pass), just with the characters reversed. I realize this is a Spuffy site, and so everyone here is a Spike fan, but it seems hypocritical to me to not hold Spike to the same standards we hold everyone else to, just because we like the character. Especially considering that Spike is a vampire, and is by definition evil - no matter how much he tries to be good, he still does bad things sometimes, and people who paint him as a martyr because he's putting up with Buffy seem to forget that.

Thanks for the review! I admit, I'm relieved to hear you say Buffy acted compassionately. She's not a total bitch - she has trouble admitting her feelings, and she pushes people away (sometimes a little harshly) when she's afraid of getting too close. But the magic sort of forced her to face the issue, so forever might not be as far away as you think!

I should warn you - I've had lots of time during my computer-imposed exile (my computer was broken), so I've had plenty of time to ponder my responses. Forgive me if I ramble.

I think if they'd actually gone through with it, we'd be having a different discussion. Regardless of intent, if you have sex with someone who in their right mind would not consent - that's rape. I guarantee that Buffy would've felt raped if she woke up from the spell to find out that she'd had sex with Spike. Just because Spike wasn't malicious about it doesn't really excuse it. Back in The Hardest Thing, Spike was considered a gentleman because he wouldn't take advantage of Buffy when they were drunk. She was crawling in his lap then, too, and he said no. Not sure why we're holding him to a different standard now.

One other thing that maybe should've been pointed out at the beginning of the rape discussion - in the story itself, Spike is the one who uses the word, not Buffy. She doesn't accuse him of anything other than being a pig (before she figures things out) and of doing a love spell on her (after she knows about it). Spike's holding himself to that standard - even though he was under the spell, he still holds himself responsible, and he doesn't make excuses (he never says, "oh, I didn't realize what I was doing" - he admits he willingly forgot about the spell because he wanted to believe that Buffy felt that way).

As for Buffy's treatment of Spike - I don't see her resurrection problems as an excuse for her actions in season 6. I think she was completely out of line, even with an extra dose of forgiveness for being depressed. I think she's treating him much better in this story, and the continuing animosity arises from her denial of her feelings for him. Every time she's mean to him, it's because she's put in a situation where she has to confront feelings she's uncomfortable with, and instead of owning up to them, she runs in the opposite direction (literally and figuratively).

Hehe, thanks! That's really how Spuffy should be - hot and heartbreaking. Two incredibly screwed up superheroes crashing into each other. :)

Thanks for the review! I appreciate all the awesome feedback. I think Buffy's into some hardcore denial - when she calls him a pig, she doesn't even know it was a spell, so she's seriously denying being attracted to him, despite getting caught with her hand down his pants, without an explanation. :)

Part of it comes from her wondering how she could have acted so out of character, but the other part is frightened that she really does have those feelings and doesn't know how to deal.

I did want Buffy to be a little bit more mature than on the show, and she handled the resurrection a little better, conquering her death wish, so that's having an effect.

Hmmm, you're not the first person to mention Africa. What makes y'all think I'll give him a soul? ;)

And while Buffy's reaction may have been harsh, I do think she's right in blaming Spike. It was his spell, and he let it get out of control.

Thanks for the review, Kathleen!

Heh, well, me personally? I wanted the deja vu moment between her and Spike. I doubt Spike would've felt comfortable asking for this kind of spell from Giles or Anya, but he could've gone to Tara.

There were a few things that could've made it go wrong, where they didn't follow directions exactly (the microwave, and getting it on their hands instead of Spike drinking it like he was supposed to). Thanks for the review!

Well, given the evidence - Spike did a spell, and Buffy *was* in love with him - it's a logical conclusion. Thanks for the review!

You know, the spell really is a Spike thing to do. Despite his insistence that he doesn't trust magic, we keep seeing him turn to it when he's desperate (the ritual to heal Dru, the love spell for Dru).

You don't know how glad I am to hear you say Buffy is justified! No matter what happens, I can't seem to get people to sympathize with Buffy, but I feel like here, it really is Spike's fault, and people are just too forgiving because we all love Spike.

Thank you for the review - glad you liked the "plotty goodness!" :)

Thanks for the review, MOa! I'm glad you like it.

Yeah, that's the main reason why Spike kicked her out at the end - not because she was bitchy (because he was feeling guilty so he probably thought he deserved it), but because he needs distance from her if he's ever going to get over her. No guarantees it'll work, but he can try. :) Thanks for the review!

Thanks for the review.

Hmm, I disagree. I think it was Spike's fault - the anti-love spell was his idea, he did it wrong (which, okay, because he dropped it), and he almost raped Buffy in the process. I think she has every right to be pissed.

Well, there's the microwaving, and also that the potion was supposed to be ingested (by one person), but instead it got on both their hands.

And, you know, on this show, everyone busts through everyone's door without knocking. They're quite an impolite bunch. Have you ever seen anyone knock at Giles' apartment (except, oddly, Spike)? lol

Thanks for the review.

I don't think she's ever told him he has no place in her life (at least, not in my story, she probably did on the show...). I'm kinda surprised you think she should feel really guilty - yeah, the "I will never love you" is harsh, but she's the one who almost had sex against her will.

Thanks for the review - it's reassuring to hear you still like it, lol.

Glad you liked it! The thing about Spike is, I think it'd be hard to find happiness anywhere without Buffy. But maybe he can get her to see...

Wait... Buffy's fictional? Crap... ;)

Honestly, I think it's hard to write any Spuffy that's believable and painless - that's just they way they are. Fluff can be fun, but it's not really who they are. These two do have a long journey ahead of them (and it won't be over with this story).

Thanks for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Thank you, I'm glad you like it. I think maybe Buffy *does* have feelings for Spike, and that's why she can't just let him be... but she doesn't know it yet. And Spike? *So* gonna get in trouble... it's what he does.

Nope... Spike has never been known to be irrational when scorned by a woman... or do anything stupid like kidnapping the Slayer's friends, or chaining her up with his ex... So, no problem, really. ;)

Ha... Spike's plans never go well, do they?

He's the man...pire. :)

Hmm... two very different possibilities. You'll just have to wait and see. ;)

Heh, I'm all about the ominous. :)

He is in pain, but the poor boy brings it on himself. At least he's gonna do something about it now...

Thanks for the review, I'm glad you liked it!

Thanks! :)

Well... no. I can't help the way Spike was written on the show, and I'm keeping both him and Buffy as much in character as I can. If that's not the Spike you're looking for, there's plenty of other fics out there.

Hmmm... very true. Thanks for the review!

Hmm, interesting idea... but I've been trying so hard to make Jacob *not* evil! lol

Heh, you're certainly not the only one!

Soul? That'd be a radical reaction. Guess you'll have to wait and see. :) Glad you liked the chap.

Well, as long as my readers are masochists, I guess I'm okay. :) I do actually like Buffy and don't set out to make people hate her, but it's hard to write her in character without her being at least somewhat ignorant of Spike's feelings or deliberately hurtful. I generally go for the former, thinking that's less mean, but I guess y'all don't agree. But if you're enjoying it, that's what's really important.

Well, I should warn you. I'm like Joss... I take requests - and then do the opposite. :) But you can dream all you like.

I definitely didn't want to skip right to the happy part. It may make some people disappointed, but I can't see Buffy and Spike getting together in any way other than with lots and lots of pain and obstacles.

Hey! Thanks for the review... glad things have calmed down for you.

Well, I haven't posted in a little while because my computer crapped out. But I hope you enjoy getting caught up!

Thanks - I like giving the tertiary characters a chance to shine once in a while. :)

Thanks... it really seems like a curse, doesn't it? Poor guy gets nothing but suffering from the women he loves.

Are you thinking of Xander? Just remember, OMWF didn't happen in this AU...

Thanks for the review!

Well, you know me - I like complicated! :) Thanks for the review!

Hmmm... who might that be? ;)

Thanks! I feel like Tara and Anya don't get used enough - they end up just being the girlfriends hanging around in the background of the core group, so I like finding things for them to do.

Heh, yeah, Buffy's a "hit first, ask questions later" kind of girl.

Hmmm... ;)

Thanks! Glad you liked the Tara/Spike scene. Tara's been a bit neglected lately, and I think she and Spike go well together as friends.

Hehe, I'm so determined to make him a nice guy, and everyone wants him to be evil! ;) Thanks for the review, glad you liked it.

Yep, as soon as I saw that quote, I thought of Spike. Especially considering the immortality thing - forever really does mean forever.

Thanks for the review!

I think Tara has a point - for Buffy, it's about self-preservation. If she admits that vampires can love with a soul, she has to face the fact that Angelus *could* have loved her, and simply chose not to. When you're talking about your first love, your supposed soulmate, that's an extraordinarily harsh reality, so I don't totally blame her for living in denial.

I'm a sucker, too! :) Spike and Tara is one of those pairs that didn't get a lot of attention on the show, but I can see how they'd be good friends, both being outsiders from the group.

As for Cecily and Dru... I don't think he really loved Cecily - she was the obsession of a naive young man who didn't yet know what love was. I think at least part of him still loves Dru, and will always love her, even if he doesn't want to be with her. And I think the same will be true of Buffy, no matter what happens...

Poor Tara, she was just trying to be optimistic... but we all know how devoted Spike is once he falls in love... :)

Hehe, yes, you were right! Spike is the best for the demon-fighting. Thanks for the review!

Thank you! The dialogue is the part that comes easiest to me - glad you like it!

Thanks for the review!

I think, if Spike has *any* sense of self-preservation, he wouldn't bring up Buffy's arousal - really good way to get her pissed, lol. Maybe when she's in a better mood...

Glad you liked the chap! Thanks for reviewing.

Thanks, B! Good to have you back. Glad you're enjoying the balance between angst and... well, not so angst. :) It's hard to write an unangsty Spuffy and have it seem realistic, but I don't want people getting too depressed!

Thanks for the review - glad you like!

My dad takes me to the hardware store, and I'm very Buffy-like. :) And Anya is so useful in diffusing those awkward situations by just blurting out whatever she things... gotta love her. Thanks for the review!

Thanks! I do like Xander (unlike a lot of Spuffy fans), so I don't want to make him into the total asshole (or evil) that a lot of people do, but he's still got his flaws. Glad you liked the chapter!

Heh, and I thought I was being different from the series (as in, less self-destructive Spuffy). But in trying to stay true to the characters, some things are similar.

Thanks for the review!

I think Buffy started caring too much what her friends thought when Angel went evil. I feel like I got this from a fic, or a forum discussion, but it works - she felt guilty about all the havoc Angelus wrought, that she felt her friends deserved a say in her life, because they were affected by the results of her decisions. I don't think she's right, but I can understand the motivation.

It's such a great compliment to be called thought provoking! As much fun as it is to entertain, I like delving into the serious issues, too. Thanks for the review!

So, to sum up, everyone's a doofus but Anya. :) I thought Giles would walk her down the aisle too... one more reason to be angry he left.

*pokes Lou* What does that button do? hehe

I think Buffy at least knows that he wouldn't do anything when he was, you know, rational. But she has seen him have a bit of a nutty (brought on by his love for her) so she's worried about him doing something when he's not thinking straight.

Thanks! I think I may have a slight Home Depot obsession... :)

Thanks for the review, love!

If he didn't hate Spike, would he really be Xander? And, well... Jacob's not "Super" - that's kind of the point. :) Guess we'll have to see if that's what Buffy wants. Glad you liked the chapter, and thanks for the review!

It was just bad luck that Xander walked in right then. I think she'd have been nicer if she didn't have to explain to him why Spike was staying. Not that it's an excuse, because Xander's opinion shouldn't matter... but this is Buffy we're talking about.

Thanks! I'm very glad to hear you're enjoying it - and that you think it's true to the show (and the show can be kinda depressing, too... hopefully I'm not that depressing though).

Hmm. I never thought of describing the problem with Spike and Dru as Dru's indifference, but I guess the "she didn't even care enough to cut off my head" kind of indicates that.

I don't think Buffy's really indifferent, though. I think she's conflicted - she's not ready to love him, and she wants to be friends, but she's getting contradictory signals from him, neither of which are friendly (on the one hand, he's in love with her, but on the other, he snaps at her when she tries to be friends). So she just doesn't know what to do with him, and she tends to react badly to uncertainty.

Nah, that'd be too easy... ;)

Well, emotions are complicated. It's really easy to need someone but not want them. It's also easy to want someone that's not good for you. But that creates conflict, and conflict is what makes my world go round. :) Thanks for the review.

Uh... did I mention the Spuffy reward is three fics later? lol *shifty eyes* I didn't really think about it when I'm writing it, but this series does have an awful lot of Buffy or Spike with another character... I think it's worth it, though, because other people creates more tension, and tension is so much more interesting to read than fluff. Thanks for the review!

Yeah... thanks for the review!

We don't call him love's bitch for nothing...

Well, Buffy did decide to switch baby-sitters *before* she knew about the demon - all she was going on was Spike making Jacob uncomfortable.

But man... now I know what it's like when you write fics that make everyone hate Buffy, lol!

Thanks! I like the incongruity of Spike fighting a demon and then getting his nails done... lol.

Aww... no weepies! Thanks for the review!

Well, I already hit Buffy with a two-by-four, so I guess I'll have to hit her with something else. :)

I think Spike would like to stop wallowing... he just doesn't know how. Glad you're enjoying the story!

Thanks for the review, glad you like it!

Wow, feel better after that rant? ;) In Buffy's defense, it was Spike who implied he wasn't good enough to be her friend - she was trying and he shot her down because he was bitter about the date. And Dawn was the one who asked him to baby-sit for her. So I don't think she's really rubbing his nose in her normal life or anything. She's just living her life - which she's entitled to do - and Spike keeps inserting himself in it, no matter how much it hurts him. And I think he does it because he loves her, and he hasn't given up hope that someday she'll realize she loves him back, despite all the rejection. Maybe not the healthiest approach, but one thing we know about Spike is he doesn't give up, and he doesn't fall out of love easily (okay, that's two things).

Yeah, Spike needs a little comfort - and Dawn's a good friend. Oh, and Jacob has dark hair and blue eyes...

Ha, I don't think you're alone in that one!

Yeah, I get bored with the two-dimensional boyfriends, too. The real conflict comes from Buffy having a decent alternative to Spike, and whether she'll choose it.

Thanks for the review!

Hmm... I disagree. I don't think she was unconcerned at all. The minute she walked in the house, she forgot about everything except the demon attack, and wanted to know if Dawn was safe.

And since Willow and Tara are pretty powerful witches, Dawn would be just as safe with them - it would just be a different kind of safe. Spike can kill the demon (while causing property damage) - Willow and Tara could magic it to death, or teleport it away, or put up a ward to keep anything evil out of the house.

I think the Spike and Dawn relationship is important. It may have started out being all about Buffy, but Spike definitely loves Dawn for herself. And since she's the only one on his side right now, she's a good friend for him to have.

Hmm... how about the Wednesday before forever? I think I can make it happy by then. ;)

Thanks for the review - I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it, even if I keep you waiting for happy Spike.

Yeah, everyone wants to crucify Buffy... but Spike's not really handling things well either. If he hadn't hurt her feelings by saying they weren't friends, she'd probably still be feeling friendlier towards him.

Heh... thanks for the review. :)

*hands Tamara the paddle* Go for it.

Well, I'd say I'm sorry you're frustrated... but that means you're in tune with the story, so... I'm not sorry! :) You're right, Buffy really hasn't done anything wrong, and yet we know what it's doing to Spike, but he's doing it to himself in a way, and it's hard to choose which one to slap first.

And I don't think you're thinking too hard! I like to make people think. :)

Honestly, I just wanted to work in a physical description of Jacob, and seeing him through Spike's eyes seemed a good way to do it. It wasn't until Spike started comparing himself to Jacob that I realized they looked alike! (Sometimes I write the story, sometimes the story writes me...)

Heh... she's never seen Spike with his hair ungelled - so maybe she didn't notice?

Heh, everyone wants Spike to get a girl... kinda funny since no one wants Buffy with another guy.

I don't think Buffy's that mean... inconsiderate, maybe, but she's entitled to her own choices. She's not obligated to Spike just because he has feelings for her. He's the one who can't stay away. :)

Don't worry, we'll do the nails and holy water later. :) Personally, I think Buffy could be a lot worse about things - I mean, unintentionally hurting him is better than intentionally hurting him, right?

Dawn could go all "Parent Trap" on them - oh, if only she had a twin... lol. Thanks for the review, darling!

I think we all do, Inzey. Don't worry, I'm getting there...

Well, he can get some kindness from Dawn, at least. But it's not the same as having Buffy.

Heh, thanks for the review... wherever it may end up!

I think Buffy really needs a nice time with a normal guy. So far in her life, normal guys have run away from her, and she probably feels like she can only attract freaks (remember her reaction to Spike - "something about me must have made him go 'woof, that's the one for me'"). So it hard to see her being happy with Spike until she realizes that there's nothing wrong with her.

As for Spike, well, he is love's bitch. How long did he torture himself trying to be with Drusilla, when she wasn't faithful to him? He *has* defined himself solely on his love for Buffy, because he's made her his conscience. That's one reason I think the soul was important - to give him independence from Buffy. He didn't need to look to her for right and wrong, he could trust himself to choose.

Well, that was a longer reply than it probably needed to be, lol. Thanks for the thought-provoking review! You brought up a lot of interesting points.

Thanks for all the reviews, even though it's difficult for a Spuffy lover to read. And sorry - Jacob's not a demon. :) Just a nice guy.

Jacob's a class act, isn't he? ;) And I wouldn't worry about Spike... he's scrappy, he always pulls through. Glad you enjoyed it, love!

I'm glad you appreciate the pace. Sometimes I feel like it's too slow (even I wanna say, "Oh just get it together already!") but Mr. Muse still has more story to tell before that happens. :)

Hmmm, interesting theory. So for those keeping score, we now have two votes for evil Jacob being part of a set-up.

Thanks for the review! Was kinda going for the element of surprise with the demon there. Glad it worked.

Thanks for the review! I think Spike *is* a storm - and maybe not all in the positive sense. Even if Buffy were to completely accept her feelings for Spike, it'd still be a rocky road, just because of who they are.

Heh, glad you liked the line. And if you're feeling conflicted... well, then my work here is done. :)

Hmm... that's an interesting thought. Very interesting, indeed. :)

Thanks! You pretty much hit it on the head - if I do anything, it's make things "harder but more rewarding" - at least that's my goal. Buffy and Spike shouldn't be easy to get together.

Mwahaha, then my evil plan is working. I want you to be as conflicted as Buffy when she has to choose. Oh, and - I did promise Spuffy, but I never said it'd be at the end.... *evil grin*

Buffy still needs a few more epiphanies before she really understands Spike, lol. But as much as it'd be fun to see her jealous, I just don't see Spike being with another woman enough to do that - Buffy'd have to *really* piss him off...

I think part of Buffy's problem is that she doesn't really understand Spike's feelings for her. She's come a long way since Crush, when she was denying that he could love and that his feelings for her are real - but she's still somewhat afraid to let him love her.

Thanks for the review! Glad you like it.

Thanks for the review! Jacob's personality is mostly just "nice and sweet" - which is kinda the one thing Buffy tends to lack in her boyfriends. The longer he stays, the more personality he'll get (but no guarantees on how long that'll be).

Sorry to depress you! But fear not - I don't think Buffy "really, truly doesn't love Spike" - whether Buffy knows that is a different story, of course... It may take some convincing. ;)

Well, it was actually Dawn who asked him to baby-sit. If it were up to Buffy, she'd probably have asked Willow or Tara. And perhaps the reason Dawn did it (aside from the fact that she just likes Spike) is so Spike wouldn't be alone while Buffy was on her date...

I think, at this point, it's too early in the relationship to say Buffy's "settling." I mean, they've only been on two dates, that's hardly enough time to tell if you really like someone. The fact that he's "safe" (and do we know that he is??) is probably appealing, but if they were to get into something more serious, I think it would be for more reasons than just that.

Thanks, UB. As you know, I am a review whore, so you can tell me you love it as many times as you like! ;) BTW, you literally made me laugh out loud with your request to kill Jacob. Does this mean I should be on the lookout for editorial changes of that nature? ;)

Thanks... I think, her dating history notwithstanding, Buffy is actually capable of attracting nice, normal guys. And I think it means more if Buffy chooses Spike over someone actually worthy, rather than someone who's a jerk. What does it say about Spike if the only criterion for choosing him is "not an asshole"? I mean, honestly, I'd rather date a season 2 Spike that was actively trying to kill me than date Riley... but that's not really a ringing endorsement for Spike, you know?

That's what being love's bitch is all about...

I'll be introducing Clem eventually, but Spike's not big in the friends department. That's the thing about Spike... he doesn't really fit in with demons, or with humans, so it's hard for him to make friends. It's why he and Buffy are so perfect for each other - she doesn't really fit in, either.

Aww, thanks! That's just what I like to hear - some people get turned off by B/Other or S/Other, but it just causes great conflict. Glad you're enjoying it.

Haha - "spazzy sweetness" - that describes Dawn so well! (Also, "teenage pain in the ass," but I try to play down that part.) And more Tara coming up too!

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

Aww, thanks for the sweet review! You're so right that Spike shouldn't be the rebound guy - she needs to love him for him. And I've always been a believer in the slow paced Spuffy - if she really *is* going to love him for himself, she needs time to get there.

Buffy just doesn't get how self-involved she really is. Not that this will be the beginning of Selfless Buffy or anything, but it doesn't hurt to clue her in once in a while.

Thanks for the review!

Thanks. Buffy's slow, but she catches on eventually. :)

Buffy really needed that "duh!" moment... But with her new avoidance tactic, not sure if she's really making progress.

Thanks for the review!

With Spike and Dawn as close as they are, Spike may be working himself into their lives to the point that Buffy can't avoid dealing with it. Just hope she makes the right choice!

She may need another anvil for that... lol. Thanks for the review!

Thanks! I adore them, and they're fun to write.

Heh, might be satisfying, but it doesn't seem like Spike right now. He's not ready to let go just yet. But maybe if she keeps dating Jacob... who knows?

Glad you like the Spike and Dawn. Their interactions in season 5 went a long way to making Dawn a likable character for me, and I missed it in later seasons. I definitely won't be neglecting them, as they're one of my favorite pairs to write for.

Thank goodness for Tara, eh? :)

Well, can't have everything, can we? Buffy's got so many issues that it's gonna be a long process for her to really accept Spike.

Don't feel bad! Thanks for the review, it's great to hear how much you enjoy the story.

Thanks, Lady! I love writing Spike and Dawn scenes. They have a fun rapport and such a unique relationship that provides unexpected depth. Glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you so much! Makes me happy to hear you're so into it.

Thank you - it's a long, slow process for them to both be in a position where they can be together, but they're taking baby steps in the right direction.

If Spike left her to it, who knows how long she'd be oblivious?

Sometimes we forget that Buffy's only 20 - she is practically still a kid. I was that dumb at 20...

Thanks for the review!

Buffy is pretty inconsiderate, but I don't think Spike's gonna be able to date someone else that easily. He is, after all, love's bitch. Glad you're enjoying the story.

I think maybe it's a little of both... Thanks for reviewing!

It is sad - but at least instead of using him for sex, she's using him to protect Dawn. And you *know* Dawn's gonna be doing her best to get them together. :) Thanks for the review!

She's not the greatest with guys, is she? Hopefully, she'll get a clue or two. ;)

Denial is a beautiful thing... ;)

Well, in her defense, she *was* chained to a wall and being threatened with Drusilla killing her when he told her he loved her...

Despite all that went on between them, I don't think he said it again - the night she died was more "I appreciate your respect" and "I'll die for you" - which I guess is kinda the same, but not.

Anyway, I think Buffy just doesn't know how to be friends with a guy who's in love with her. She kind of fueled Xander's Angel hatred by ignoring the fact that Xander had a crush on her, and she and Angel were *terrible* at being friends in season 3.

She is really trying, which means that, even though she may not love him, they're both able to hurt each other (emotionally, at least).

Hehe, I think Jacob's kinda great. It almost makes me conflicted about ditching him for Spuffy. (I said *almost* - please don't come after me with pitchforks.)

Thanks for the review!

Aww.. well, it's nice of you to feel bad, instead of wanting to beat her over the head. :)

Spike never fails to pop up when he's needed... and the poor guy suffers for it. Thanks for reviewing!

Heh, maybe a teensy, tiny one. ;) Thanks for the review!

Wow, I think you're the only one on Buffy's side! :) Honestly, I feel bad for *both* of them - they can't seem to be honest and open with each other, and they just keep hurting each other. Something's gotta give.

Maybe she is pretending - or being Denial Buffy and convincing herself it doesn't matter. After being faced repeatedly with his loyalty, she's feeling guilty over how she treated him before. But she's not ready to love him, so she's going to force him into the "friend" mold, regardless of whether he can fit.

Wow, that's an awesome piece of advice. So true, and pretty much sums up the way Spike *always* is about his women (except sometimes they don't even consider him an option! poor guy).

You know, Buffy? Not too bright. But if she keeps doing it, I don't think Spike will take it for very long...

Thank you! I really appreciate your compliments about characterization - it's really the central point of my writing, so it's nice to hear I'm doing it well.

And I'm glad you like Jacob! I worried that Spike devotion would make people hate him on principle. But I really wanted him to be the nice guy - kind of what Riley might have been like if he hadn't been a secret military guy (and also a big dud).

Well, it'd be difficult to *not* be kinder, considering Joss's Buffy used him for sex and punched him in the face a lot. But that doesn't mean it'll hurt any less.

Let's hope someone does!

Hehe, sorry Lady, but I guess Jacob's harder to scare off than you hoped. But look on the bright side - knowing Buffy's track record, he's probably evil. ;)

Ha! That's some stellar math. Can't argue with that equation.

Yeah, I think she really doesn't get it. It may seem like common sense - don't talk about the guy you're dating with the guy that's in love with you - but I think Buffy still has trouble grasping the whole "Spike is in love with me" concept.

Hah... I did hit her with a two-by-four in the last story... maybe I knocked the sense *out* of her instead.

Thanks... yeah, I don't want Jacob to seem like a bad guy, because when Buffy ends up with Spike, it shouldn't be that he was just the lesser of two evils. Glad you're enjoying it.

Well, she gets an A for effort...

Yeah, Spike's trying to hold his own. That'd be funny if he sent the demons to mess with her date - except she'd be so pissed if she found out, it probably wouldn't be worth it for Spike.

Haha, a little weird... but I think I know what you meant. ;)

No... no, it's not. But that's what makes it fun. :)

Yeah, sometimes it just sucks to be Buffy... but at least she gets to hit things.

Glad you're enjoying it... won't tell you if you're right or not, but you'll find out soon enough. :)

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

Haha... I can understand the ambivalence. I want Jacob to be likable, but I know most people will never root for him over Spike.

Thanks for the review!

Probably with lots of kicking and fighting, just like always. :) Can't say how Jacob will handle that, though.

Thanks! Glad you liked that line. That was a last minute inspiration kind of line...

Thanks for the review!

I think she's so caught up in this "being friends with Spike" thing that she doesn't realize how hard it is to be friends with someone you're in love with, and watch them date someone else.

Well, they spent all of Halloween not doing anything, so they were probably pretty bored...

Oooh, jealous Buffy... I think you're trying to keep them apart even more than I am, lol!

No... Buffy's life does seem to avoid normal at all costs, doesn't it?

Aww, glad you liked it. The date was pretty fun to write, with Spike popping up. You know he's not just gonna let that go by...

Haha, not quite what I had in mind, but you can certainly hope! Thanks for the review!

Yeah... he just can't win with Buffy.

Nice to see you back, Verda. I always like it when there's a lot of chapters to read, because then I don't have to wait for an update. :) Thanks for the review!

I guess I'm just one of those people who believes in making Buffy and Spike work for their happy ending... which means they've gotta suffer first. Glad you like the story, and I hope you stick with it... because trust me, I am not ME! (uh... ME being Mutant Enemy, because obviously I am *me*)

Heh... somebody doesn't like the main characters much, huh? ;) Thanks for the review!

Heh, I think she meant Buffy and her friends, but yeah, Spike was definitely trying to kill Buffy when she was Dawn's age. And now he's babysitting... my, how things change.

Heh, I've got to keep that sense of foreboding... can't let them be too happy, or Spike wouldn't be love's bitch, now would he? ;) Thanks for the review, love!

Glad you like it. Think Spike can get himself back into Buffy's good graces? ;)

Heh, guess we know where your sympathies lie then!

That seems to be a common problem, treating Dawn like she's 10 - I do it too sometimes, when I write her! Partly because she was written younger than her age on the show, and because of the overprotectiveness that being the Key generated, Buffy never really adjusted to Dawn being a teenager.

Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like it.

Thanks for the review! I'm not gonna use the Halloween episode in this story, but I'm sure Dawn will find some other way to get in trouble! So it'd be good for her to have some sort of training. And you're right on the money with the Angel/Spike thing - hopefully this Buffy will get a clue before Spike's, you know, dying.

I think Buffy's kind of in denial about Dawn being independent. There's really no long-term plan for keeping her safe - in Buffy's mind, she'll just never grow up and always be protected by Buffy and/or Spike. Which is unrealistic, and something Buffy should think about - but probably not something Spike and Dawn should take into their own hands.

Hmm... you've hit on a pretty good (if unintentional) theme. And you're right, some people get forgiveness from Buffy a lot quicker than others.

College? I don't think Buffy's looking that far ahead. She's still adjusting to Dawn being in high school. :) Poor Dawn will probably end up at UC Sunnydale, living at home with her crazy sister.

Yeah, Buffy's too overprotective of Dawn to really see the value of teaching her how to defend herself. Plus, why bother when she has a superpowered babysitter at her beck and call?

Thanks, love! You know that's so totally me in Home Depot... Man, I was trying so hard for sympathetic Xander, but he just has to snark, I can't stop him. My goal, though, is to make him more likable without totally eliminating the animosity between him and Spike (since that's such a huge part of his character). And I love love love Spike and Dawn - so there will be plenty more of those two coming up.

Heh... wow, I wish I could take credit for that pun, but it was entirely unintentional!

Thanks, glad you liked it!

Yeah, everybody thinks they know what's best for Buffy, but nobody ever asks her what she wants.

Don't worry, Giles isn't going anywhere. He did mean it for the best... and at least Buffy understands, even if the Scoobies are still angry.

Thank you!

Thank you! What a great compliment!

Well, Buffy is mature about some things... she can handle the Giles situation, because I think she has a good grasp on how to be a mature Slayer. But the personal stuff? Relationships, finances, taking care of Dawn... eh, not so much. :) Which kind of makes sense - because at 20, I wasn't mature about those things either. Being the Slayer for so long has given her maturity beyond her years about things like death and duty, but it doesn't translate well to non-Slayer aspects of her life.

Yeah, I like when Anya's right... she doesn't get enough credit. And you don't know how much it pleased me to put Spike in a kitten t-shirt. :D

When it comes to being the Slayer, at least, I think she knows how to be resolute. She was pretty steadfast in a lot of season 5 ("If anyone comes near Dawn, I'll kill them" comes to mind). This is the same girl who stood up to the Council and refused to jump through hoops to get what she needed. So I think she's mature enough to tell Giles what's what. Just don't ask her to defy her friends... While the Slayer is strong, Buffy as a girl is still full of insecurities.

*gets out smelling salts for kim* I think it's about time she gained some maturity, don't you?

Thanks, I do too... I also like that he *doesn't* leave. :)

Thanks for the enthusiastic review! :)

Yeah, there's a lot of "pot, kettle, black" going around. The Scoobies just see things from their perspective - THEY were trying to help, Giles almost got Buffy killed. I think Buffy has a somewhat different perspective. ;)

Wow, that's an awesome compliment. Thanks, Alia!

Thanks! Glad you're liking it so far.

Thanks! I like the domestic scenes - and I admit, I liked dressing Spike up in the ridiculous T-shirt. :)

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

Thanks, glad you liked it!

Thanks, glad you liked it!

Thanks for the review, but I have to ask - is "lovely" the word of the day or something? Three reviews in a row... lol.

Yeah, probably... nothing's ever easy with these two.

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

*hands anon a barf bag*

Thanks for the review. It's definitely going to be a slow process for them.

It's kind of ironic that, because Spike actually DOES act more human than Angelus, he ends up getting punished for the ways he acts like a vampire, because he's raised the bar for himself. He tries to be human, but he's never human enough to satisfy the Scoobies, but he's not evil enough to get the free pass Angelus gets. The poor guy can't win.

Thanks for the thought-provoking review!

Thanks! It really bugs me that Buffy can go from "you treat me like a man" to "evil soulless thing" so quickly, and I think a lot of the name-calling came out of her own self-loathing. So maybe if Buffy's not so wrapped up in her post-resurrection depression, she can be more aware of who Spike really is.

Thanks for the review! Glad you're liking it.

Hee, glad you liked it!

Yeah, "thank you" is right up there with "I love you" and "I'm sorry" in the list of things Buffy doesn't say enough...

Thanks for the review!

Well, they've still got a ways to go yet. But I bet he's pretty happy with the way things are going right now.

Rest assured, I will be bumping it up to an R eventually (might hit NC-17, not sure yet) but it's gonna take awhile to get there. I just can't make things easy for Spuffy, it's against my nature. In the meantime, hope you enjoy the subtle spice. :)

Thanks! I love the Princess Bride, and I feel Buffy should too. :)

Thanks, glad you liked it!

Well, I'd say "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" but that might seem like an plug for the sequel, lol! But it's still true...

They're a predictable group, that's for certain. Thanks for the review!

Heh, yes, they certainly are.

Thanks! You'll see plenty. :)

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

They definitely should stop meddling, but I can see why they don't help her with the money problem. Willow and Tara have rent and college tuition (Willow's parents may pay, but I doubt Tara's do) and neither has time for more than a part-time job. Xander and Anya both have jobs, but with a wedding to pay for, when Anya has no parents and Xander's don't seem to be much help, they probably don't have much to spare either. I also think they're not any more mature than Buffy is, and other people's money problems just aren't the kind of thing 20 year olds think about. Well, Anya is probably thinking about money, but not about sharing it! On the other hand - dating? Definitely something college-age people think about! :)

Thanks, sweetie! I like giving Xander depth and making him sympathetic. I always liked him and hated the direction his character went. At first, he seemed to have a strong measure of distrust for vampires, but was a good person at heart, even if he sometimes did jackassy things (like not telling Buffy Willow was trying to restore Angel's soul). Then he became a caricature of himself and just existed to be judgmental and make nasty remarks about Spike. He's still gonna do that too, but I like to at least give him a good reason. :)

Heh, I think there plenty here that could go wrong. Scary thing is - what if it goes right?

Thanks, glad you liked it!

Thanks, glad you like it. The Scoobies never seem to see the good that could come out of Spike... but maybe they'll learn their lesson? (Or maybe not...)

Thanks! But it wouldn't be any fun if nobody meddled with the Spuffy, right?

Yeah, they don't always come up with the best ideas, do they? But if they did, we'd have no story. ;)

Yep. :) I can't let it be too easy, now, can I?

I think *any* Spike emotion makes for good storytelling, but for Spike it's really all about unrequited love, and nothing puts that into quite as harsh a perspective as Buffy with another man.