Just figures a prudish Willow would manipulate a situation to what she thinks it should be---whether to her morals or what she thinks a fairy-tale ending would or should be...but then again, perhaps she's just an over-eager buttinski friend, truthfully (and rightfully so, in the real-world sort of way) concerned for her friend, who IS still grieving, disenchanted, and bitter (even if rightfully so), and for her friend's physical if not also emotional & mental welfare; perhaps she's not just trying to shape other's lives to a reality like hers, or like what she thinks everyone's should be...perhaps she just can't help meddling...perhaps she just thinks everyone should have a human marriage or partner, and two or 2.5 kids, stay home, etc...
rather than be free to roam the world, have more money than the Queen, still have a high-paying & celebrity-friendly career, even if sans kids & "normal" (as in still human) hubby & kid(s) (hey--ever hear the word "adopt"?)...
Willow---it all just figures.
I know this fic doesn't really parallel the occurrences of the actual "show" Buffyverse, but figures that in this instance Willow could villify herself this way.
Also found it amusing that Owen became the husband, rather than Riley, or Angel. Angel I could see in the literary world, but probably only in that apparently he relied, possibly post soul-infusion on books to pass the time, literature, art & poetry; Riley, I really couldn't see that way.
For the progress of the story, I can see how Owen was brought in as a poet and author. And, what a jerk, BTW. Such loss Buffy feels from her time with him, and not just for the loss of Hugo...for the TIME, the energy, the effort, the youth, the lost babies, the tears shed, the loneliness, the lost nights alone--that he didn't care enough to remain with her for excuse of conferences & work; his carelessness. And as you point out, he never says he loves her once he finds her, nor Hugo; yet he has the audacity to attempt to spin the fairy-story of the poet and the artist! What, did someone offer him a mini-series or Lifetime movie deal? Did he think it would boost ratings, sales, or publicity? Did he hope to use their reconciliation to market a sequel? Appalling!
You artfully bring out this loss, the feel of her lost days, energy, time in a slow, moody way yet with a feel of escalation; a sense of occurrences gathering near. The whole series has a gradiated, almost Film Noir-ish feel. Perhaps it is just that she is happily beginning to move more and more in his world of night than her's of light...the dark, the hidden, unseen, unknown, vs. (?) the light, the known, the seen world... perhaps her lights and camera(s) being symbolic of the ability to move within these worlds, blended? But then, her artistic eye has always been able to see things that others did not see, or want to see, did not visually catch, successfully apparent to HER, correct?
Thanks for the read so far. Obviously am enjoying it. It's a bit of a different sort of tale than what's generally out there in Spuffy fic--which in it's own way is a compliment (not that I don't like my dose of fluffy Spuffy regularly--I do). It's been all stretched out over a bit of time while you wrote it, but maybe that of it's own all adds to the slower feel of it all (and that the fics take place over quite a bit of time for Buffy especially, as well).
Looking forward to more.

~~K.~~
~~fyreburned~~
fyreburned@yahoo.com

I just read the last 5 chapteres of this story and I am enjoying it so much. This is going to be a wonderful addition to your last two in this series.

Another great chapter. I read all of the other reviews on this chapter before submitting mine. I think most everything has been said. your writing just gets better and better. I truly love this unrepentent Spike. Can't wait for the next chapter.

I examine him. Buffy used the phrase pale imitation to describe him, and I get that now. He’s what happens when a tortured misfit adolescent grows up into a handsome man and figures out how to make all that angst into lemonade. Professionally speaking.

I’m what happens when the same guy gets killed in an alley.


adored that bit. also, pinned like a butterfly. *shiver* also, devour a dozen starbuck-swilling americans. bwahaha. careful, spike, wouldn't wanna get fat :)

red can be a bit aggravating. very good chapter, thank you.

Great update! Is it mean that I was happy she sent Owen packing? Am I rude because I want to drop kick Willow for being a meddling pain? Either way, can't wait for more Spuffy loving.

I don't have time to review as much as I used to, but I just wanted to say how much I still love this series.

Okay I just love the scene between Spike and Owen. And I am so amazed that Willow told him everything... But I am so proud of Spike for not standing in the way. He is letting her make her own choices. I can't imagine what she is going through but at least he is letting her feel as if she is in control.

Glad to see Buffy make decisions -break off any future with Owen and tell Willow off for interfering.
Now maybe...

First, sidenote: I thought you fell off of the face of the earth!! I was worried :) This update was AMAZING!! I never thought we would actually see Owen in this story. And that line, "So, you're the new guy?" “Wrong, mate. I’m the old guy.” Too funny. I am kinda upset about Willow, I never uderstood. She always wanted tolerance about her life choices. But Buffy's--judgement all around!! Great Update, don't wait so long in between if you can makes me all twitchy LOL !! Thanks

Only Spike could get happy and want to kill people..LOL

And the Owen appearance really threw me, especially when it was Willow trying to intervene. Guess she wants she feels is a more normal and safe life for Buffy. Yet, love was not on his lips. How disheartening.

This Buffy knows what she wants.. Spike. And also how to be patient and not push.. for now. But you have hinted about the diet and a possible bone of contention soon. Although he did say bagged wasn't that bad.

Incrementalism.

Enjoyed as usual.

He cares!!!!

Owen's a moron. I liked Spike's description.

Yay for Buffy owning her life, however it goes from here. I think Spike will be secretly touched by her home choice.

Love this story - so atypical, but incredibly interesting. THis Buffy follows her heart, even if it does lead to very gray places. And Spike, great evolution of character. Beware, Barristas, Beware!

Hee! The original, evil, happy-to-be-a-vampire Spike. And yet still capable of loving a human woman. *sigh* Nice update.

I must be perverse but I had to smile in happiness along with Spike with that last line. Yes, I want him to stop killing but I just loved the elation he clearly felt that Buffy was not going to leave him for the normal guy.

Willow does an intervention even in this world...typical. Okay, I can sorta see worry if your friend is in love with the undead but gee she's already "survived" several encounters with him in the past and that says a lot.

Love it.
Kathleen

Ah, Spike happiness, "devoring starbuck swilling Americans." I wouldn't have taken Owen back either - "but I came all this way" Really!