very powerful and emotional read, thank you.

He smiled, and it was like the smiles she remembered, randy and knowing and a little daring. Tip of the tongue appearing for a moment between the lips. "Do I know how to be gentle?"

And the winner is Herself!! You write the beloveds so sweetly, even when their story is harsh,scary, or mean. Good gosha'mighty--that was a knee trembler wasn't it? I am on Spike's side, as though he needs protecting, wish I knew wherever you might be heading, dear author, don't suppose it matters a fig as long as you keep putting words together that absolutely transfix my thinking. I adore being here in this story, a fly on the wall, eagerly waiting until he knows and can love her as fully as they both need to love. Spike has to be a Scorpio man, with some strong Capricorn--passionate and loyal, funny too, yep--Buffy, Pisces or Cancerian, the latter I think, so sensitive, passionate, hard on the outside, eyes on stalks to see others' faults, not her own, devoted unthinking to the ones she loves. Sorry to blather--love your story, have no clue of you, except you are one determined, passionate, and hard writing siren. Thanks every day.

This is all so slippery and messy. I don't know how you come up with it all. The turmoil and angst. It suits the characters so well.

Another heartbreakingly wonderful chapter!

Please let Buffy be grown up about this.

And will the knowledge of the past make him the Spike that he was? Seems to be more of a man/vampire that is learning to control the demon inside. Wondering if Buffy could love this reincarnation?

Enjoying.

Yet another wonderful chapter, as always, I 'm anxiously awaiting the next!