Introspective Buffy hits some hard truths.  Looking forward to the next chapter to see what she does with these. 

Well done

don't see the dilemma. buffy has already dismissed riley in the early part of her deliberations.  very good chapter, thank you.

Yikes!  That's torn it.  I hope Buffy's not hankering after He-who-shall-not-be-named.

 

You've written one perfect in character respectful to character story. I'll certainly rec it in the next Buffyversetop5 round by the end of 2009. I think you need to post it on LJ, make more fans aware of it.

Seriously, after reading too much Riley-bashing Spuffy, I applaud to your amazing story that treats characters with respect and doesn't go down the line of cheap character bashing.

 

Powerful Ending -

Excellent new chapter -

I really like this line - it fits both of them perfectly in this part of their lives. 

"He wore his mask just as well as she did, hiding his fears and weaknesses behind an attitude and a leather jacket"

The Riley-Buffy introspection is another particularly good section - it reads so "real life" - one of the hardest things to face is a love that is lost and has changed from love and passion to beautiful friendships or wonderful memories.  When that happens it can be so much heart ache and no matter how much you wish things were still the same, mostly you can never go back there.

I am so honored to have my image be part of your excellent story - I am very open to doing a revised version as your story changes if you want. 

Fabulous job weighing the pros and cons of her suitors. Though I think she's under estimating Spike.

Also, thanks for that bit of "Going Through The Motions". Now I can't stop singing it. My family thanks you! haha!

Oh great way to compare the pros and cons and get a look at her emotional instability at the moment.  I think if she had said these things to Spike, even in canon, he would have accepted and not pushed.  Riley, even in canon had he been there, would have wanted to "take care of her" and would have smothered her.

No first kiss yet LOL.  Makes perfect sense with the changes you've made.  Very nice alterations with the core of canon in place.

Kathleen

Glad to learn that Buffy doesn't want Riley, but if she doesn't choose Spike, who she gonna choose?

I immediately fell in love with this chapter when I read the title. Then I read the actual content. First of all, Buffy POV, and wow, what it does! It's amazing to have the Buffy view on all this emotional turmoil after so much of Riley's feelings being the only thing we are open to. You did a fantastic job portraying her pain and the inner conflict she is fighting. Truly beautiful chapter that could almost stand alone. Well, except for the fact that it's needed to advance the plot and all. =D

love it please update soon

oh, come on, the choice is so obvious.  she really does think too much.

Buffy thinking always gives a headache.
Well, nobody said that she should to choose between them two, right?

Waiting already for the following chapter ... but already!! ^^