pearlseed
04/16/2008 10:54 am
Damn, girl got some!! Nearly as big as church bells I'd wager!! After that, put all the other ones in a barrel and ship them off please. I find myself not even liking Tara at this point. Too bad Angelus can't go whatever on Giles behind at this point and I usually love Ripper just cos. This story needs a dog right now, cos I'm not really happy with most any of the humans.
lol. Given the direction of the story at the moment, if I did add a dog it would probably be a biter. Thanks for the review. ;)
Dawnofme
02/24/2008 03:49 am
I finally got a chance to read this. Loved it. Great scene at the end with Buffy and Spike. Good stuff and I can't wait for more.
A belated thank you for the review. I really appreciate it. *hugs* :D
AntarianChick
02/22/2008 08:34 pm
OY! I'm so late with reading this. Just back from Mexico and trying to get over the lovely sickness I brought back with me. Thus, I just finished reading this chapter. This just keeps getting better and better. I'm beginning to think this story will never have an end. Can you believe how long you've been writing it?! I adore this chapter! The Dawn/Spike interactions were superb. I'll skip that for the moment though and get to the second half. I'll loving the similarities between this Buffy and S5/6 of Buffy. I guess I'm tainted by S7 Buffy but I really don't think even if this was canon that she would have given up Spike. One it wouldn't have been a secretative relationship any longer so that is a moot point and second, Buffy wouldn't allow the "Council of Wankers" to control her. Spike in this story I don't feel is really any different than that of canon Spike. He still loves with all that he is and does what he can to prove it. And if that means giving up what makes him comfortable than he does it.
Which brings me back to the first half of the chapter. Dawn and Spike, *sigh* I'll forever be a fan just for the way you write them. The two of them together is sure to bring about a comment that is going to make me laugh, and you've done it again here. You had me LOL with the first and then LMAO with the second of my favorite lines/part of this chapter.
1. “Right, then. Sorry about that.” He dropped the cigarette into her can of soda. “Is this better?”
The girl peered into her Pepsi with dismay, and Dawn shot Spike a dirty look as she hefted her bulging book-bag over her shoulders.
“Sorry, Caitlyn. He doesn’t get out of the house much.” She climbed to her feet and grabbed Spike’s arm, pulling him toward the exit. “I’ll see you later, guys.”
2. The three girls watched them leave, identical looks of confusion on their faces.
“Wow,” Caitlyn said finally. “Dawn’s father is hot.”
*LOL* Love it! Even though I don't have a clue as to how this girl looks like I could so see her expression when he did that. That's just damn priceless. Classic Spike. And how did I know she was going to say that!? What better punch line I guess.
P.S. Can I just say how Dawn is way more mature and insightful than some others in this fic? Though as with Spikes comment about being in love, shows she still has a lot to learn.
Which brings me back to the first half of the chapter. Dawn and Spike, *sigh* I'll forever be a fan just for the way you write them. The two of them together is sure to bring about a comment that is going to make me laugh, and you've done it again here. You had me LOL with the first and then LMAO with the second of my favorite lines/part of this chapter.
1. “Right, then. Sorry about that.” He dropped the cigarette into her can of soda. “Is this better?”
The girl peered into her Pepsi with dismay, and Dawn shot Spike a dirty look as she hefted her bulging book-bag over her shoulders.
“Sorry, Caitlyn. He doesn’t get out of the house much.” She climbed to her feet and grabbed Spike’s arm, pulling him toward the exit. “I’ll see you later, guys.”
2. The three girls watched them leave, identical looks of confusion on their faces.
“Wow,” Caitlyn said finally. “Dawn’s father is hot.”
*LOL* Love it! Even though I don't have a clue as to how this girl looks like I could so see her expression when he did that. That's just damn priceless. Classic Spike. And how did I know she was going to say that!? What better punch line I guess.
P.S. Can I just say how Dawn is way more mature and insightful than some others in this fic? Though as with Spikes comment about being in love, shows she still has a lot to learn.
Welcome back from Mexico. I'm sorry to hear about the illness, but I hope the rest of the trip was nice. Sorry I'm so late in answering your review. I keep getting behind in everything, but hopefully that will change soon. Everyone had a favorite scene in this chapter and everyone's is different; it's so neat to hear them. I've got to admit, the scene you picked is one I'm very proud of. Spike is such a fun character. Even when he's being good he can't help acting naughty. Thanks for the review. :D
Andrea
02/21/2008 09:12 pm
I love this fic. I worship you! I love the tone in the story, Spike, the way you present the characters, Spike, the length of each chapter, did I mention Spike? Keep up the wonderful job. I hope to read more soon!
Wow! I'm a subject of worship? Wicked cool. Thank you! :D
Laura
02/18/2008 07:09 am
Love a strong confident Buffy!
I'm happy you do. Thank you! :D
02/18/2008 05:46 am
very good read, thank you. great job with dawn and buffy's last line is fantastic. now i wait for spike's plan to lead to disaster.
Thank you! And poor Spike. The best laid plans of mice and men ... and vampires ...
02/17/2008 12:33 pm
I have the flu so this is going to be short. *sorry*
I loved the update. Though it pissed me off that Spike felt that he needed to change for Buffy to accept him. Thanks to Dawn bring her around though Buffy has seen the error of her ways. But how long with that last? She's going to find out how Spike is getting money, I just know it. Can't wait for more!
I loved the update. Though it pissed me off that Spike felt that he needed to change for Buffy to accept him. Thanks to Dawn bring her around though Buffy has seen the error of her ways. But how long with that last? She's going to find out how Spike is getting money, I just know it. Can't wait for more!
I'm so sorry I'm late in answering your review. I'm sure you're better by now, but I hope the flu didn't go too hard with you. *hugs* I really appreciate your taking the time to review during an illness. Thank you. :D
kamla
02/15/2008 12:22 am
that's what I'm talkin' about!!
lol. It was a heady moment, wasn't it? Thanks for the review. :D
02/15/2008 12:18 am
can I just say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE DAWN... She is a very calm voice in all of this and she is helping Buffy see how she is treating him. Spike will do anything for her even change who he is. And I am glad that she is putting the Council on notice. I don't think the scooby's ever would have thought she would do such a thing. But Dawn is right, she just needs to learn to be happy.
Dawn is one of my favorite characters to write. I think she was sadly underused (and misused) on the series, so it's fun to explore her here. She's emotional but smart and even though she's loyal to Spike, she isn't afraid to call him on behavior she thinks is unnecessary or inappropriate. I was almost afraid I used her to much in this chapter, but her interference really was necessary to help strengthen Buffy's resolve. Thanks so much for the review. :D
02/14/2008 04:33 pm
Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes! Now stick to your guns. Make the girls contribute or move, and tell Xander and Giles to butt out. Now, why do I think the next "control Buffy" attempt is going to be aimed at having Dawn removed from her custody if she doesn't dump Spike, as he is obviously a danger to them.
Interesting thoughts about how they might continue controlling Buffy. I'm keeping a tight lid on future plotlines, of course. I'm glad you liked the chapter. It ran a lot longer than I originally intended, but I didn't want to split it up because I thought it flowed better this way. Thanks for the review. :D
02/14/2008 04:54 am
Forgot one thing:
“Wow,” Caitlyn said finally. “Dawn’s father is hot.”
:lol:
“Wow,” Caitlyn said finally. “Dawn’s father is hot.”
:lol:
hee. I have to admit that I was proud of that scene. :D
02/14/2008 04:53 am
“Tell the Council I don’t like being propositioned.”
I read this chapter last night, and actually pumped my fist and yelled, "Yes!" when I read the last sentence. I summoned Numfar and bade him to do the dance of joy :dance: Then, I reread it tonight, and couldn't help but to notice your choice of word--propositioned. Now, with just about any other writer, I must not think it meant anything other than what it sounds like: Buffy doesn't want the Council's money. But, since it's you, and I know that you choose every word carefully, I thought, "Hmm, propositioned sounds like approaching a prostitute." If Buffy were to take the Council's money, she would, in effect, be their prostitute to do with what they will as long as the meter doesn't run out. Travers and his merry men (and Lydia) would have control over Buffy through money. If they could tell her whom to date, then they could tell her how to run just about every other aspect of her life. Buffy's not just telling them to piss off; she's saying, "You don't own me." Go, Buffy! :-D
Now, it's obvious that FtTP Buffy is behaving differently from canon Buffy. Canon Season Sex Buffy would not have chosen Spike over cold hard cash. She may have kept him a secret, but she still would have taken the money under the pretense of giving him up :-P However, FtTP Buffy's actions make complete sense. Canon Buffy was broken almost beyond repair. She was torn from heaven, and nothing she could do, save for dying yet again, could get that back for her. FtTP Buffy was torn from her heaven on earth--her life with William--but she is not broken beyond repair. What she has lost she has already regained: Spike.
Buffy's reaction at having blood spilled on her (and I can't think of anybody who wouldn't be a little grossed out) made Spike think that she, too, wishes he were still human. A part of her probably does. But this is a Buffy who has known both human and vampire Spike, and she knows there are only small differences....like drinking blood :-P
Spike's behavior of trying to change to please Buffy is in keeping with canon, but there is one difference. Canon Spike changes his appearance and tells Buffy that he's willing to try turning his back on evil. FtTP Spike has taken it a step further. He's trying to hide the fact that he's a vampire. Canon Spike never once expresses regret at being a vampire. FtTP Spike does. As a human, canon Spike didn't know Buffy, so he has no reason to regret not having her then. In Chapter 53, Spike held Buffy's hand over his non-beating heart; he's happy to be with her, but he regrets not having her completely when he was human.
It's interesting to see the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the canon characters and the FtTP characters. Any Spike in love is willing to do anything to keep that love, but he's trying to hide the very essence of his being. Buffy has something now that she didn't have in canon. Love. She's tasted it, and she's trying to keep it. They both thought that their love was lost forever. Spike thought his Elizabeth dead. Buffy thought her William undead. But they're getting a second chance. It's nice to see them taking it.
I read this chapter last night, and actually pumped my fist and yelled, "Yes!" when I read the last sentence. I summoned Numfar and bade him to do the dance of joy :dance: Then, I reread it tonight, and couldn't help but to notice your choice of word--propositioned. Now, with just about any other writer, I must not think it meant anything other than what it sounds like: Buffy doesn't want the Council's money. But, since it's you, and I know that you choose every word carefully, I thought, "Hmm, propositioned sounds like approaching a prostitute." If Buffy were to take the Council's money, she would, in effect, be their prostitute to do with what they will as long as the meter doesn't run out. Travers and his merry men (and Lydia) would have control over Buffy through money. If they could tell her whom to date, then they could tell her how to run just about every other aspect of her life. Buffy's not just telling them to piss off; she's saying, "You don't own me." Go, Buffy! :-D
Now, it's obvious that FtTP Buffy is behaving differently from canon Buffy. Canon Season Sex Buffy would not have chosen Spike over cold hard cash. She may have kept him a secret, but she still would have taken the money under the pretense of giving him up :-P However, FtTP Buffy's actions make complete sense. Canon Buffy was broken almost beyond repair. She was torn from heaven, and nothing she could do, save for dying yet again, could get that back for her. FtTP Buffy was torn from her heaven on earth--her life with William--but she is not broken beyond repair. What she has lost she has already regained: Spike.
Buffy's reaction at having blood spilled on her (and I can't think of anybody who wouldn't be a little grossed out) made Spike think that she, too, wishes he were still human. A part of her probably does. But this is a Buffy who has known both human and vampire Spike, and she knows there are only small differences....like drinking blood :-P
Spike's behavior of trying to change to please Buffy is in keeping with canon, but there is one difference. Canon Spike changes his appearance and tells Buffy that he's willing to try turning his back on evil. FtTP Spike has taken it a step further. He's trying to hide the fact that he's a vampire. Canon Spike never once expresses regret at being a vampire. FtTP Spike does. As a human, canon Spike didn't know Buffy, so he has no reason to regret not having her then. In Chapter 53, Spike held Buffy's hand over his non-beating heart; he's happy to be with her, but he regrets not having her completely when he was human.
It's interesting to see the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the canon characters and the FtTP characters. Any Spike in love is willing to do anything to keep that love, but he's trying to hide the very essence of his being. Buffy has something now that she didn't have in canon. Love. She's tasted it, and she's trying to keep it. They both thought that their love was lost forever. Spike thought his Elizabeth dead. Buffy thought her William undead. But they're getting a second chance. It's nice to see them taking it.
02/14/2008 04:50 am
“Tell the Council I don’t like being propositioned.”
I read this chapter last night, and actually pumped my fist and yelled, "Yes!" when I read the last sentence. I summoned Numfar and bade him to do the dance of joy :dance: Then, I reread it tonight, and couldn't help but to notice your choice of word--propositioned. Now, with just about any other writer, I must not think it meant anything other than what it sounds like: Buffy doesn't want the Council's money. But, since it's you, and I know that you choose every word carefully, I thought, "Hmm, propositioned sounds like approaching a prostitute." If Buffy were to take the Council's money, she would, in effect, be their prostitute to do with what they will as long as the meter doesn't run out. Travers and his merry men (and Lydia) would have control over Buffy through money. If they could tell her whom to date, then they could tell her how to run just about every other aspect of her life. Buffy's not just telling them to piss off; she's saying, "You don't own me." Go, Buffy! :-D
Now, it's obvious that FtTP Buffy is behaving differently from canon Buffy. Canon Season Sex Buffy would not have chosen Spike over cold hard cash. She may have kept him a secret, but she still would have taken the money under the pretense of giving him up :-P However, FtTP Buffy's actions make complete sense. Canon Buffy was broken almost beyond repair. She was torn from heaven, and nothing she could do, save for dying yet again, could get that back for her. FtTP Buffy was torn from her heaven on earth--her life with William--but she is not broken beyond repair. What she has lost she has already regained: Spike.
Buffy's reaction at having blood spilled on her (and I can't think of anybody who wouldn't be a little grossed out) made Spike think that she, too, wishes he were still human. A part of her probably does. But this is a Buffy who has known both human and vampire Spike, and she knows there are only small differences....like drinking blood :-P
Spike's behavior of trying to change to please Buffy is in keeping with canon, but there is one difference. Canon Spike changes his appearance and tells Buffy that he's willing to try turning his back on evil. FtTP Spike has taken it a step further. He's trying to hide the fact that he's a vampire. Canon Spike never once expresses regret at being a vampire. FtTP Spike does. As a human, canon Spike didn't know Buffy, so he has no reason to regret not having her then. In Chapter 53, Spike held Buffy's hand over his non-beating heart; he's happy to be with her, but he regrets not having her completely when he was human.
It's interesting to see the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the canon characters and the FtTP characters. Any Spike in love is willing to do anything to keep that love, but he's trying to hide the very essence of his being. Buffy has something now that she didn't have in canon. Love. She's tasted it, and she's trying to keep it. They both thought that their love was lost forever. Spike thought his Elizabeth dead. Buffy thought her William undead. But they're getting a second chance. It's nice to see them taking it.
I read this chapter last night, and actually pumped my fist and yelled, "Yes!" when I read the last sentence. I summoned Numfar and bade him to do the dance of joy :dance: Then, I reread it tonight, and couldn't help but to notice your choice of word--propositioned. Now, with just about any other writer, I must not think it meant anything other than what it sounds like: Buffy doesn't want the Council's money. But, since it's you, and I know that you choose every word carefully, I thought, "Hmm, propositioned sounds like approaching a prostitute." If Buffy were to take the Council's money, she would, in effect, be their prostitute to do with what they will as long as the meter doesn't run out. Travers and his merry men (and Lydia) would have control over Buffy through money. If they could tell her whom to date, then they could tell her how to run just about every other aspect of her life. Buffy's not just telling them to piss off; she's saying, "You don't own me." Go, Buffy! :-D
Now, it's obvious that FtTP Buffy is behaving differently from canon Buffy. Canon Season Sex Buffy would not have chosen Spike over cold hard cash. She may have kept him a secret, but she still would have taken the money under the pretense of giving him up :-P However, FtTP Buffy's actions make complete sense. Canon Buffy was broken almost beyond repair. She was torn from heaven, and nothing she could do, save for dying yet again, could get that back for her. FtTP Buffy was torn from her heaven on earth--her life with William--but she is not broken beyond repair. What she has lost she has already regained: Spike.
Buffy's reaction at having blood spilled on her (and I can't think of anybody who wouldn't be a little grossed out) made Spike think that she, too, wishes he were still human. A part of her probably does. But this is a Buffy who has known both human and vampire Spike, and she knows there are only small differences....like drinking blood :-P
Spike's behavior of trying to change to please Buffy is in keeping with canon, but there is one difference. Canon Spike changes his appearance and tells Buffy that he's willing to try turning his back on evil. FtTP Spike has taken it a step further. He's trying to hide the fact that he's a vampire. Canon Spike never once expresses regret at being a vampire. FtTP Spike does. As a human, canon Spike didn't know Buffy, so he has no reason to regret not having her then. In Chapter 53, Spike held Buffy's hand over his non-beating heart; he's happy to be with her, but he regrets not having her completely when he was human.
It's interesting to see the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the canon characters and the FtTP characters. Any Spike in love is willing to do anything to keep that love, but he's trying to hide the very essence of his being. Buffy has something now that she didn't have in canon. Love. She's tasted it, and she's trying to keep it. They both thought that their love was lost forever. Spike thought his Elizabeth dead. Buffy thought her William undead. But they're getting a second chance. It's nice to see them taking it.
*squee* I argued with my beta over the use of the word "proposition" so I'm glad you think it's appropriate. I agree completely that season six Buffy would have taken the money over Spike. She made a lot of choices in season six that FtTP Buffy wouldn't dream of because, as you said, she isn't broken. The hardness she was so concerned about after her mother's death has been lessened due to her relationship with William. He was so soft and so trustworthy that it allowed her to expose her vulnerability to him, which is something I don't think she was truly capable of doing since Angel left her. I can't imagine this Buffy beating on someone to express her self-hatred and I'm glad. I want her to be in character ... but I want her to be the character I loved, not the one I grew to resent and, at times, downright dislike. Poor Spike was so quick to misinterpret Buffy's reaction to the blood. I was hoping that readers would pick up on why and I *knew* that you would, which is why I just lurve you. I'm sorry it took me so long to respond to your review, but I greatly appreciate it. As always, the feedback gives me the warm fuzzies. Thank you. :D
02/14/2008 04:02 am
HELLS YEAH! That was awesome! Buffy's doing what she wants, not what she's getting pressured into. At last. The suspense in this chapter--Wow! I was afraid she came to the crypt to kill him, especially when she kept her back to him and picked up the dagger.
You know I do the fangirl dance of squee every time you update, right? So, this upcoming info is a little quibble that in no way detracts from the glory that is this story. Just that, when Spike visited Dawn at school, he didn't have to sign in or get a visitor's badge. But if this was real life, he would. Some schools even make visitors provide id to visit.
Man, I hate criticism, cause I always feel like such a biyatch. Switching back to fangirl mode: can I say how much I love Spike's plan to give Buffy the money? So clever! But there's also the question of what he has to do to earn that money. Intriguing! I just keep looking back up at the last line of the chapter--it almost takes my breath away. I really feel like you have captured Buffy's voice in these post-time travel chapters. Not Buffy that I grew to hate, but Buffy at her best--almost season 3 Buffy. As always, can't wait 'til the next update! Oh, and here's to the Report writers returning to work!
I'm so behind in answering reviews it isn't even funny. Sorry about that! I do want to say that I really appreciate the review, as always. I wondered if anyone would misinterpret the dagger and I was hoping they would, so ... yay! :P About the visitor's badge ... really? I know I live in the backwoods, but our local high school doesn't require visitor passes; it just has campus police. Ah, well. Can we just say that Sunnydale is lax on security? The story is set pre-9/11 after all. (And, yes, I am clutching at straws, lol.) :D
IT
02/13/2008 08:34 pm
Way to go, Buffy!! Hooray! I really like the way you write Dawn. She has the innocence of youth and the wisdom that goes along with being able to see things that way.
More soon, please! And no more cargo pants! :) Just not a Spike thing. lol
More soon, please! And no more cargo pants! :) Just not a Spike thing. lol
ROFL. Don't worry, the cargo pants aren't here to stay. Spike isn't making any permanent fashion changes; he's just trying to please Buffy. Thanks for the review. :D
02/13/2008 06:35 pm
Awesome chapter! Can't think of much more to say than that, but really awesome!
Awesome is plenty. Thank you! :D
02/13/2008 05:39 pm
Good to see more sense reigning in Buffy's head. I wonder what Spike's job entails?
The details of Spike's job are going to be a bit vague for now because I want to keep you guys on your toes. Thanks for the review. :D
Miss. Onyx
02/13/2008 05:08 pm
For some reason I have the craziest urge to yell "Oh Snap!!!" I don't believe any story has ever made me want to refer to Buffy as being "Gangsta" but THIS.....is FANTASTIC! I loved every minute of this chapter! Thanks so much for the update UB. I can't wait for more.
ROFL. Buffy, a gangsta? Sweeet. I have to say, I did get a lot of pleasure out of writing that scene. It was about time Buffy stood up for herself. Thanks for the review. :D
ya_lublyu_tebya
02/13/2008 05:01 pm
Can't tell you how glad I am that Buffy told them to stuff it!! Yay!! More soon.
Thank you! I think pretty much everyone was cheering for Buffy in this chapter. Considering how many readers were threatening to beat her in this section of the story, I'm very glad. :D
02/13/2008 12:30 pm
I'm sure that this way my favorite chapter so far, and that's saying alot. I really didn't expect Buffy to go the way she did, but I'm so glad she did.
Wonderful writing
Wonderful writing
Given that there are 54 other chapters, that does say a lot and I am flattered. Thank you! :D
anna
02/13/2008 10:55 am
yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lol. Thanks for the enthusiasm. :D
02/13/2008 09:24 am
Wow! Buffy really surprised me there - Dawn's groundwork didn't hurt either! Fabulous chapter.
Thank you! I love surprising my readers. :D
akarinacj
02/13/2008 09:23 am
Fantastic Chapter. This one really made up for the angstful last one. I´m so glad Buffy and Spike are talking together, that she gives him a chance, and that she´s more understanding.... Lovely
Thank you! I know the angst can be hard to take but as this chapter proves, sometimes the darkest hour is just before dawn. Cliched, I know, but true nonethless. :D
gaby
02/13/2008 07:56 am
i have read this story from the early morning to the night and i am in love with it!! i have never ever read a story so realistic, and moving and just so gah spuffy as urs. i cried, i smiled , i blushed lol it is all so perfect!! i applaud ur writing skills bravo!!!! i'll be patiently waiting for the next chapter, love it!
-gaby
-gaby
How lovely of you to say! Thank you! Even though BtVS is in the fantasy genre, I do want the characters' emotions and relationships with each other to be as realistic as possible. It's wonderful to know that you think I'm succeeding. :D
Reb
02/13/2008 07:31 am
I loved the banter between Buffy and Dawn. And I was really happy to see Buffy stand up to the Council. It would have been very disappointing if she had caved, after giving them hell just a few months earlier, during the Glory campaign. Her back seems to be straightening up nicely.
I agree. Giles should have known better than to even to mention the Council, given how strongly Buffy feels about them. Thanks so much for the review. :D
02/13/2008 06:15 am
excellent update - great to have these recent additions to this fine story - I have enjoyed reading it very much - Good Luck with it as your continue -
Thank you so much. :D
jess
02/13/2008 06:03 am
You go girl. stand by your man. like tammy said.
lol. Well, it's about time she did, don't you think? Thanks for the review. :D
Ashley
02/13/2008 05:18 am
I don't like Buffy testing Spike, but I can kinda see why she would perhaps quesiton things. I love her "mine" comment and her turning down the council.
Why don't you like Buffy testing Spike? Is it the test itself or the manner in which she does it? I'm always curious about readers' reactions, so please feel free to express whatever emotion a scene evokes (be it positive or negative). I appreciate the feedback so much. Thank you. :D
02/13/2008 04:49 am
Fantastic. Really wonderful. I've got worries about Spike's money source, but suspense is a good thing. Great job. :)
Thank you! I'm glad you're a suspense fan, because there is going to be more of it to come. :D
02/13/2008 04:24 am
Go Buffy!
I really like how you don't sugercoat Spike. You make him struggle, but the fact that he does struggle really makes the point that he's trying. And I'm glad Buffy is finally starting to get it. Thanks in part to Dawn.
I really like how you don't sugercoat Spike. You make him struggle, but the fact that he does struggle really makes the point that he's trying. And I'm glad Buffy is finally starting to get it. Thanks in part to Dawn.
That's exactly how I feel about it, too. Spike might stumble on the road to redemption; he might make mistakes, but he never stops trying. I have no idea why he never got credit for it on the series, because I think the writers did an amazing job of his journey from villain to hero otherwise. Thanks for the review. :D
Deb
02/13/2008 03:59 am
Oh my gosh, I love it. Finally, Buffy with some cahones! What a wonderful opportunity for Spike to receive her gift of blood and also her emotional support. He's proving himself to her to be there for her. I just hope it doesn't bit him in the arse too much if/when it's discovered that he's duping her to help her. I'm sure it will all hit the fan, and then you'll have a great time taking us through the clean up. Love this story!
Thank you! Poor Spike is doing his best to help Buffy out of her financial hardships but, as you said, his dishonesty could be a cause for concern. One thing I loved about canon Spike was that, even without a soul, he struggled to change for Buffy. He made mistakes, he grew frustrated...but he kept trying. To me, that effort was one of the most romantic things about their relationship. :)
Pam S
02/13/2008 03:54 am
Dawn.. the voice of reason..
And still interested in knowing what Spike's job is going to be...
Enjoying.
And still interested in knowing what Spike's job is going to be...
Enjoying.
Spike's job might remain a bit of a mystery for a while. ;) Thanks for the review!
Darknightofthesoul
02/13/2008 03:35 am
Good for Buffy!!!
It's about time for her to do that, isn't it? ;)
02/13/2008 03:28 am
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh thank god!
Great chapter!
oh thank god!
Great chapter!
lol. Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it so well. :D
02/13/2008 03:16 am
YAAAAYYYYY Buffy! I LOVED that she is standing up to them, and that she's not putting Spike completely in the doghouse over those girls. Dawn was, as always, awesome in her "liaison" capacity between Spike and Buffy. I just hope Spike isn't doing anything too bad to get the money. Awesome chapter!
Thank you! :D I think Buffy is finally becoming aware of the fact that she will either have to accept all of him or love none of him. No matter how much she would like to, she can't ignore his past.
02/13/2008 03:12 am
Wonderful chapter! Love Spike being mistaken for Dawn's daddy (hey there is a resemblance lol) and being affronted at looking old enough (mirrors Buffy's worry ovemom hair in S7).
His plan is actually a good one for getting the money to Buffy even though I fear greatly if it turns out he's being set up. Just seems too easy this offer he was given.
Loved dawn talking to Buffy and making very valid points just when Buffy needed to hear them. Happy she listened and remembered Spike's reactions from before.
Poor Spike so afraid of losing her! So willing to turn himself inside out just to keep her at all in any way! Surely she'll remember this important fact as she wonders about his ability to change!
Tense moment in the crypt as she tested...who? Spike? Herself? Both of them? Whatever she was really wanting to prove it worked out well and truth came out in her freudian slip.
So happy he was honest about the why's and the why never agains.
YAY Buffy to not only turn down the offer but to wait to do it when they were all gathered together. Hope she keeps that stiff backbone and tells them all to go to hell with their objections. Dawnie is in her corner and that's her family, not this motley group. Spike is family too.
Got a bad feeling that Xander will be the one to out Spike's little deal and I just hope that makes Buffy side with Spike and put the little bigot in his place.
Wonderful. You just keep the flame on the burner with this one. This one is a classic "best of" by any definition. ADORE your William and your Spike is a heart tugger too!
Kathleen
His plan is actually a good one for getting the money to Buffy even though I fear greatly if it turns out he's being set up. Just seems too easy this offer he was given.
Loved dawn talking to Buffy and making very valid points just when Buffy needed to hear them. Happy she listened and remembered Spike's reactions from before.
Poor Spike so afraid of losing her! So willing to turn himself inside out just to keep her at all in any way! Surely she'll remember this important fact as she wonders about his ability to change!
Tense moment in the crypt as she tested...who? Spike? Herself? Both of them? Whatever she was really wanting to prove it worked out well and truth came out in her freudian slip.
So happy he was honest about the why's and the why never agains.
YAY Buffy to not only turn down the offer but to wait to do it when they were all gathered together. Hope she keeps that stiff backbone and tells them all to go to hell with their objections. Dawnie is in her corner and that's her family, not this motley group. Spike is family too.
Got a bad feeling that Xander will be the one to out Spike's little deal and I just hope that makes Buffy side with Spike and put the little bigot in his place.
Wonderful. You just keep the flame on the burner with this one. This one is a classic "best of" by any definition. ADORE your William and your Spike is a heart tugger too!
Kathleen
lol. Poor Spike. I was mean for putting the "daddy" scene in, but I just couldn't help myself. I'm glad it gave you a chuckle. Spike does have a good idea for getting the money to Buffy, but the problem is that he's deceiving her. No matter how he wants to justify that to himself, if Buffy finds out he's lied to her, she will be upset. I don't think he's taking that into account right now. I'm very happy you like the scene with Spike's attempt to change. No one seems to be a fan of the cargo pants (they aren't very Spike-ish, lol), but he's doing it for her, which I think makes up for the lack of style. In the crypt, I think she was testing them both although she didn't realize it. Luckily, they both passed. lol. Your compliments always make me blush and go squishy inside. I really appreciate all the support you give. :D
02/13/2008 02:49 am
Oh Boy - Spike's plan is going to come out really badly, isn't it. Think you should have written out the scene where they all discuss why Buffy was going to do what they want, instead of what she wants.
lol. Well, Spike's plans aren't really known for coming off smoothly or successfully. Thanks for the review. :D
02/13/2008 02:40 am
Thanks for the update, & yay Buffy by the way!
Thank you! Buffy and I appreciate the cheer. :D
02/13/2008 02:36 am
I must wonder if Giles would be willing to lie for her--after all, the Council doesn't know who she's with, being across the pond and all. And should they send someone to spy eventually, well, it'd be better to get some money from them than no money.
Also, the part where Dawn tells Buffy what Spike had been doing in order to please her, for some reason, it made me well up with tears a bit--not sure why, but there was something about that scene. Oh, and really glad Buffy came to her senses :D
Also, the part where Dawn tells Buffy what Spike had been doing in order to please her, for some reason, it made me well up with tears a bit--not sure why, but there was something about that scene. Oh, and really glad Buffy came to her senses :D
That is an interesting question, Scarlet. Things are so tangled right now it's hard for Buffy to know who to trust, and the friends who believe they are working in her best interest clearly aren't. And I made you well up? Sweet. My work here is done. Thank you. :D
02/13/2008 01:46 am
Go Buffy!!! It's about time she took the chance on Spike. I really wish her "friends" would get a clue and start acting like real friends. Thank you for this wonderful update.
lol. It was about time for her to do that, wasn't it? Her friends have only good intentions, but the actions they believe are in her best interest clearly aren't. I foresee plenty more conflict in the future ... Thanks for the review. :D
02/13/2008 01:06 am
wewt!!!!
ROFL - I hope that's a positive sound.
02/13/2008 01:01 am
*applauds madly* Oh, that gives me an even better feeling then when Buffy stood up to the council about Glory!!! I just hope she can stick with it! With Dawn and Spike behind her, hopefully she'll grow a backbone!! But you've got me scared to death about what it is Spike's doing to earn money... It's not the eggs, is it??? 'Cause we all know how that turned out!!! Amazing chapter, as always; I absolutely adore this story, and can't wait for more!!!
::takes a bow::
I have to admit, I felt a great deal of satisfaction writing that last scene. Of course, I can't tell you what Spike's job is or how it will turn out, but I'm glad it's keeping you guessing. Thanks for the review. :D
I have to admit, I felt a great deal of satisfaction writing that last scene. Of course, I can't tell you what Spike's job is or how it will turn out, but I'm glad it's keeping you guessing. Thanks for the review. :D
kim
02/13/2008 12:55 am
Whoo! She delivered her "F*** you".
And of course he can control himself! He's not a fledge! Silly girl.
I love, love, love your Dawn. She kicks ass.
And of course he can control himself! He's not a fledge! Silly girl.
I love, love, love your Dawn. She kicks ass.
lol. It was about time, wasn't it? :P