This story is absolutely gorgeous. I only wish it were a little longer.

The "literary critic" in me says that you probably spend too much time in each character's heads instead of furthering the story with dialogue, but you're just so darned good at it, and so good at the character analysis via their thoughts that I can't bring myself to be bothered by it.

The dialogue is fantastic, too -- everyone sounds just like themselves, and uses such an economy of words to such a wonderful effect. The only dialogue that bothers me is Anya, right at the beginning -- she sounds a little like a parody of herself... but that's a very minor nit-pick.

The only other criticism I have is there are a few typos/errors -- and in a number of spots you've essentially said the opposite of what you meant; a sentence may have a "not" it doesn't need, or it may be missing a "not" -- but it's clear from context what you really meant. Just takes a moment to re-read to be sure, so again a nit-picky kind of comment.

I just adored this -- sometimes Willow and Xander make me crazy with the ridiculous standards they hold Buffy to, and how rigid and judgmental they can be, but you really helped me see their thought process in a very human way.

Really well done; the plot was intricate, and mysterious, but still believable and easy to follow. Bravo.

Hope you're still writing, and hope you let us know how to find your current works.

Great story, very complex character development.

Awesome story. You write all of the characters so well, but especially Anya. She was brilliantly done in this story. I love your writing style. The way your narrative skips ahead at times creates just the right amount of drama and suspense. I loved it.

Was never a curse, only guilt making him sick. And Willow figured out a was to use that to bring him out of his wallowing and back to Buffy. That was completely brilliant, and not what I was expecting. I was wondering how this could possibly wrap up with just one chapter, and you did that splendidly. An amazing ride and a very fitting ending. I loved it. Thanks so much for sharing.

I didn't expect the ending already, but it works. A bit of a beginning, too. It could go to a new place from here.

Anyway, great job being true to the characters and such.

great story thanks, enjoying reading very much

Such a calm ending, and yet it feels just like a cliffhanger to me. What exactly is Giles waiting for and what is Spike going to do. And though I really love Spike appologizing to Xander for trying to kill him, I would love to know just what happened when he talked to Willow. And sharing that she was trying to kill him with Buffy, Buffy's handling it pretty well, and Spike... Well, I'm so into it, I just can't wait to see what happens. Love this story!

I'm waiting , too.

This was an excellent chapter. From the beginning of this story, it seemed that things just kept falling apart and breaking even more. This chapter though felt different. Like things were starting to be righted. Can't wait for more.

Been thinking more about it, and if it really was Willow doing this, then he would have smelled her in the crypt, besides Dawn. And what he had noticed distinctly was Dawn. So, I know you want us to think Willow, 'cause that's what Spike is thinking, but that seems a bit too convenient, now. Too simple.

And going to Willow by yourself, Spike? Really not a smart idea. She has enough power to do you serious harm, if not outright get rid of you.

Xander and Buffy's conversation was well done. Him figuring out that it was really about Dawn. Pointing out to Buffy how bitter she's being. His resolve to be civil and try to be mature about the whole thing.

Well, Willow lied and the chip isn't working?! Well, you just love those twist and turns, and I love them too. I'm glad that the only evil Dawn was into was kidnapping his things. Poor little girl. Looking forward to getting to the bottom of this one. Fabulous chapter. Please, update soon!

"and Buffy was beginning to chop her hand through the air emphatically, like decisive hand gestures were the key to convincing Giles." You have a great knack for turning a phrase-- You easily interject bits of humor into otherwise dark subject matter. And most importantly, you really capture the voice of the characters-- probably some of the most true character writing I've ever read in fanfic. I missed this story, and was so glad to see you had updated.

Lovely chapter. So Spike finally told Buffy about being hurt. I'm glad. And now he knows that Dawn is the one doing it. Wonder how that is going to go down. I'm glad that Xander finally stopped being stupid. Oh and the "man-pire" thing was excellent. ; )