I loved Buffy's babbling about her hair and being all random and charming.  The depth of her mourning was heart hurting, but her reaction to his not contacting her immediately was even worse.  Spike was an idiot, but not listening to his explanation is making his actions seem callous.

Molly realizing there's something not kosher about Sergeant Vol's mission is a step in the right direction.  The slayers will have a woman on the inside if she discovers they're forces for good in the world.

Excellent Giles voice in this chapter.  His exasperation and anger were an entertaining read.

Very nicely done, not just Buffy's reaction but also Molly's.  They're both upset about being left out of the real story.

Spike sighed. "Luv, I wasn't expecting to walk in, say 'Honey I'm home' and have you offering me a drink, the news paper and my slippers, but please, say something. Anything..."

"I cut my hair. I'm sorry."

This is UTTERLY perfect!! not being funny at all, that is one of the best buffy/spike interactions ive read in a VERY long time
so very descriptive of shock and so very Buffy it struck a cord. "I cut my hair. I'm sorry." <-- genius

Just started this and am gobbling it up rapidly but wanted to make a pit stop to let you know it is brilliant!  THIS is how they should have written S8 in the comic. It even has many of their cherished elements in it but THIS  THIS makes sense...this is well written, well plotted and totally in character.  Fabulous.

Totally adored the reaction in realizing it was Spike and the inner musings.  Excellent and insightful view of Buffy's mind.  BUT the whole I cut my hair and further explanation was CLASSIC and marvelous.

LOVING this....you are reclaiming my characters from the debacle of the comic dismantling of all I loved.  I could kiss you.

Kathleen

I for one am enjoying this work very much - sorry you are not getting the amount of reviews you deserve but I know that your readers are having a great deal of pleasure reading your continuation of the series -

buffy's "pointless conversation" was the beginning of her actual saying what she thought. or, it slipped out in the babble. she was again emotionally  honest up to the point that emotion took over completely. but if it was that easy we would be deprived of many  chapters to enjoy. very good read, thank you

I'm a bad, bad reader and I haven't reviewed your story at all.  I"m sorry!  I am enjoying it!!!  I liked Spike's reaction to Buffy's outburst.  I cna't wait to find out what Molly does. 

It'll probably take a while for your former readers to discover you're updating this story again.  Don't take it to heart.

I just discovered this story and am loving it!!  So keep on writing - the masses will return...

It's nice to have this back. I had lost track and had to go back and read the whole thing. Italy was fun (a couple of chapters back), especially Mario and Illona. The reunion was wonderfully awkward and graceless on all sides. I am very excited to see what Molly Stevens will come up with. Military attache to the Slayers, perhaps?

New reader, so my first comment.  I'm really loving this story!!! I started it a couple hours ago and couldn't stop reading it. Each chapter became more and more interesting as the story developed. Finding Spike in Vagas trying to start a new life and not think about Buffy was kind of funny in a way, because when it comes to Buffy it isn't possible for him to not think about her in one way or another. Then as soon as he heard that there was something going on at the Hellmouth and the military were interested in Buffy, he had to go find out why. And once he did he had to chase half way around the world to find her, still thinking she was involved with the Immortal. Then off he goes again to Scotland, has the big first meeting with Buffy and blows the whole thing by telling her how long he has been back.  Now he has to face her and make her listen to him.

That's the brief summary of the story and every bit of it was a fantastic read. The characters were perfect in the way they thought and acted. Reading the chapters was like watching new episodes of BtVS, the ones that should have been made by Joss.

Great work, great writing, great time reading it!!!  Really looking forward to the next chapter, can't wait to see how Spike makes Buffy listen to him and hopefully they can make up and have a night of screaming Spuffy porn!!!  :D

Lovely to see an update!  I seem to have missed the last one somehow.  I imagine you might get some grief, but personally I like how you handled the 'Spike's been gone for a year' fiasco.  I know Buffy had issues, but it always irritated me when people have her go running back to Spike the minute she see's him back.  I mean, hello, does the name Harmony ring a bell?  Authors tend to forget that...

But, the point is - I really enjoyed this chapter and am looking forward to the next one! :)

Well, I hope this review helps.  I read this story when you first put it out and was happy to see it again.  I almost thought it was a completely new story until I got to the second chapter and things started sounding familiar again.  I hope you will be able to finish because I find it very interesting and entertaining!

  Uh oh, more trouble!  But, still, she shouldn't have run off like that.  with their relationship as new and tender as it is, she could end up losing it.  Hell, she could end up losing HIM with all the danger that pops up in their lives.

  I do love the babble she couldin't stop.  Very cute, and when confronted with that kind of loss, I think she would be at a loss for relevant words.  What do you say in that situation?

  Engaging story.

What an original plot idea!  You definitely have my attention.  This has a good start to it and I am eagerly waiting for the next one...oh, and the spuffy goodness please!  More of that!

Brillant story.  Seriously, one of the best Post-NFA fics I've read.  Can't wait for the next chapter!

I left you a review for the last chapter over at EF.  Great update, things didn't go to well for poor Spike now did they?  Hope he can make it up to her.  Looking forward to your next update!