Xander so needed that talking to!  Thanks for giving Buffy a backbone 

Woo-hoo!  Grownup Buffy FTW!  Xander can be an ass, but at least he does, genuinely, care.  I especially like that he recognizes not having seen angry, determined Buffy in a long time - it's an indirect acknowledgement of just how messed up she was.

TextI've greatly enjoyed this story, I have cataracts and some other boring problems so It's really great to have the larger print. I haven't reviewed the story chapter by chapter because I just wanted to read the next chapter.I kinda feel bad that Willow's such a bitch, but I suppose if everyone was nice, there wouldn't be a talt to tell.

Good for her, telling off Xander.  And, believe it or not, good for Xander, who can be a bit thick but *does* have enough heart to recognize that he would do the same for Anya.

Buffy did so well standing up to Xander, her determination is a treat to see.

i'm impressed. please keep going!

Looking forward to the next chapter with Buffy driving Spike cross country, let's hope her night driving is better that her day driving!

I love this Buffy.  She is strong and speaks her mind.  Your character death warning worries me.  This is a great story. 

Wonderfully real reactions from everybody. I absolutely love that Buffy is standing up for herself and Spike.

Why is it that her two best friends give her such a hard time about her life but their significant others are okay with letting her make her own choices? Xander is way to concerned about what goes on in Buffy's pants.  And Willow is a pouting child, when they ask her to do a spell she balks but she is okay with doing a spell against her friends without their consent. As much as I would like to see Buffy, Spike and Dawn go on the trip together I have to agree with Buffy. Besides the whole missing school Dawn would be in a lot of danger from Dru so it wouldn't be safe to bring her. But I think she should stay with Tara. Tara can keep her safe and make sure she goes to school. You know Willow will do something stupid without Buffy in the house and she would put Dawn in more danger than Dru would. Tara at least cares more about Dawn than magic unlike Willow.

Time for a roadtrip, nice. This could be a turning point for Xander, he should be able to think about this in a right way, but it could also go badly.