Most Spuffy's gloss over the bad stuff.  Spike's stuff, but especially Buffy's stuff.  Most want to get to the ooey goeey 'good stuff'...  One thing I've realized is that painful honesty, however mind wrenchingly painful it is, is the only way through the crap to a relationship that's worht having.  Most people don't get there.  Most people don't even know they need to.  Sometimes being truly, utterly fucked up is what's required to show you that you need to change.  I've never seen Spike so strong, so masculine, so real and so whole.  He's always been Buffy's little puppy... and though there's a place for the unconditional love part of that equation, there's not place in an adult relationship for self flaggellation and giving up yourself.  

this has been an amazing, well written and insightful ride... and oh... the thriller part... that was pretty damn awesome as well.  I really do hope someone's paying you for your writing. 

Peace,

Blue

I think this would have been a good place to end the story. Not that i'm not happy that you continued, because i am... happy that is, that you kept writing. Just that last scene was good story ending material.

*giddy*
(I know, more than likely, there's more angst coming up but right now I'm just happy!)
*squee!*
Finally, a real conversation between them with Buffy letting Spike talk and her understanding that she still has to work to catch up to Spike. Everything about their conversation seemed right - from the awkwardness and Buffy constant interruptions to prove her point to Spike still trying to reassure Buffy to Buffy's revelation. Just pure lovely goodness.

I think the only word that can describe this chapter is absolutely brilliant! It's so wonderful to see them respecting each other and taking things slowly, regaining trust and all. beautiful work!

Humpf. I take one day off from Spuffy goodness and you're updating behind my back. I give these two one hour max, or less since this is Spike's plan. And, how precisely does the Buffster plan to measure this love thing?

impressive maturity - and just when did Dawn get so incredibly scary.

awww.. you make my heart break.. lovely chapter :)

I know that everything that Spike said had to hurt her but it had to be said. And I am so proud of Spike getting through this and not backing down. Awesome chapter.

So glad that he's standing up for himself and a healthy relationship with her and not go back to what was easy, for her. Well done DOS, thanks for this terrific fic.

Great chapter. Loved the ground rule Spike laid down. Wonder how long they both will live by them, or will they be mature enough to hold out until Buffy gets to were Spike is already. Can't wait for more.

Nice chapter, I guess we have a long way to get Buffy there, don't we? I liked Spike standing up for himself and expecting respect!
Please update soon!

Great to see that Spike and Buffy are trying to work it out.

*whines* Why is Spike being so stubborn?

"In time -- she would get there." fortunately spike has time. very good chapter, thank you.

This would be a perfect ending point..the way you placed the last sentence and all. But I know there's more to come to get Buffy there where Spike needs her.

So, I suppose Spike spent the last week coming up with "The Rules." It seems sort of ironic that the non-person who unlives with no rules, is the one who is now all about rules. Almost always, I empathize with Spike, not just in BHNM, but anywhere. But I cannot help but to sympathize with Buffy in this chapter. She took a huge risk by going to see Spike in L.A., and she must have been elated to have him come back, but Spike's I-love-you-don't-touch-me rules have got to sting. Not that Buffy hasn't stung Spike to the umpteenth degree, but she must be taken aback by not being able to at least hug Spike, especially after he accepted Dawn's hug so readily. Yet, Buffy is taking it like a trooper. May I make a request for one little hug before the end of this story? This has been a rough journey, and I think Buffy needs it almost as much as I do :)

Well, I was a bit worried about Spike running after Buffy a whole week after he asked for time -- but this sounds like he has given things some thought. My favorite part is the end -- where Spike says she's not really there, and she sees that he's right. Yay!

Glad that Buffy doesn't want him in a crypt anymore -- but agree with those who think it'd be better if he found a place of his own.

Loved your author's response to Photography Nut over on the other site!

I love the way things have been laid out - looking forward to their getting to know one another again. Thanks for the update!

Oh yes....a wonderful MATURE adult love with no baggage to load them down. Love can soar without the weight of the past.

You know, I've always thought the very worst thing Buffy did to Spike amongst the many in S6 was after Xander's wedding was called off. She ran into Spike and they were chatting in the cemetary until WIllow and Xander showed up. She went into the whole, "I was just interrogating Spike. Looking for contraband." thing. He had earned at least a show of friendship after helping with Glory and this was a terrible slap in the face. She was making him the evil monster and enemy with her words. I hated her for that! Blows and abuse he could take and give back again (to quote from Aldonza in Man of La Mancha)....the words though were another thing entirely.

Your Buffy is learning and your Spike has found himself again after having been torn down to the foundation by Xander.

Loving this story. You are inspired.

Kathleen

Well, as long as she doesn't break the rules...heh.

With the whole going slow thing, I'd like to see Spike get his own place soon. The basement is fine as a temporary measure until he can work something out, but if they're starting from scratch, he needs to be in his own place.

Okay - I think it's best if I just stop reading this story. I really wished that it wouldn't come to this or that I could say something different, but I've really lost sight of the appeal of Spike in this story & Buffy has just tunred into such a.. girl! LOL.

I'm sorry & I don't want you to be offended by this - I really love most of the fic & still think you're a freaking amazing author, but I'm of the opinion it'd best that I stay away until you start on whatever project you have planned next. Which is what. by the way? :) :) :)

And finally Buffy gets it. Hopefully she get there quickly, but not too quick. Cause I seriously don't want this to end yet.

Great chapter, love how Spike just layed it all out there.

Can't wait to see what else will happen. More please.

I love Spike for spelling out his terms and for having them be about their relationship being one of equals that care about and respect each other. He is right to demand respect and equality, especially after everything he has been through. I also love him for insisting that she let him get out what he wanted to say, rather than rushing forward with platitudes that might not mean much. I also really respected Buffy for realizing that while she may grow to in time she doesn't love him with the same intense devotion that he loves her.

Beautiful chapter :)
Although I'm more of a fan of spike getting his own flat somewhere. that would be better for his self-esteem. Ever since Xander he's been living with somebody else, it's time to spread his wings.

Very nicely done. Please don't let Buffy screw anything up. I am a Spuffy fan and I want their relationship to succeed.

Now that was a conversation they desperately needed to have. Good on them.

Yes, buffy submits! muahahahahahaha.

Cards on the table - and with such honesty. Lovely chapter. Spike deserves some happiness.

I'm glad he laid downthe ground rules for Buffy. That way it cuts off any temptation to backslide.

Yay, the two are reuinited and ready to begin again! Its not surprising that it took a bit of time. Much thanks for the chapter.

YEA!!!!! Great Chapter! GO SPIKE GO SPIKE GO SPIKE! :)

I feel an ending coming on,,, whats next??