K, so I search TSR a lot for new, intriguing stories to read (unfortunately, since the end of BtVS, there aren't as many talented people out there anymore - or they retired from Spuffy.) and I read the first two chapters of your story probably the minute I say it. The title alone caught my attention ^_^ So far, I think it's rockin', and I loved the third chapter, too. Poetry does do that to some people ~_^

Second, I wanted to say that I commend you for your gracious reply to that..... *cough* person that left you that stupid review. Not many people could handle it that well - in fact, if someone had emailed me a review like that, I would have blown up at them. (Not everyone in the Spuffyverse likes Captain Forehead, or any other of Buffy's canon boyfriends, but we put up with the jerks because sometimes it's necessary.) So I say, screw them - if they feel that they can't read your story, or that they want to ruin it because they haven't got an open-enough mind to read it enjoyably, then screw them. This is YOUR story. Write it the way you want to, and sod all else. Keep up the good work ^_^

Author's Response: I was fuming when I got it, but at the same time I have a lot of friends in the community who have received reviews like that and I almost expected this story to get a flame or two. I'm sure that's not the last one I'll get with this story. So I took my anger and told my friends on livejournal about it and they really helped to calm me down. Thanks for your support and the review :)

I didn't want to read this story when I first saw it. I honestly hadn't even realized that you had written it, because all I saw was the title, and I shied away. Anything that had mention of Buffy's death and Spike's misery because of it tears me up from the inside out.

It was while I was reading your most recent chapter of "Possession" that I realized you'd written this story. Since I'm a great fan of your work -- Beloved in Blood is the best story I've read in ages -- I decided to just suck up my nerves, read The Headstone, and at least give it a chance.

I'm so glad I did. You stayed true to character. You made me cry, and ache and mourn Buffy all over again, right along with Spike.

And I smiled the most I ever smiled when I read your ending. The grief in my heart from reading this story lightened, and I was happy again.

That's what a story should do. Congratulations. And thank you, thank you so much.

Maybe we should send this to Joss...

Well, my goodness :) Can I just say that, though I have several friends who have joined/will be joining some form of the armed services, none of them have ever explained to me what their experiences were like. I do know that a friend of mine in the military (whose rank is now Sergeant, I believe) fractured his leg during his last week of bootcamp, had to rest up six weeks until it healed, and then had to complete bootcamp AGAIN, but that's about it. I'm glad that you're writing about your experiences as far as this goes, because I know that it can be different for boys and girls. And given that I don't have any desire whatsoever to ever go anywhere near a drill sergeant as a private, I'm glad you're explaining things here.

As for Buffy and Spike, you always have such a clever build up to their relationship, so I'm quite glad to see that you've addressed their attraction to each other -- no matter how much Spike tries to deny it -- and then put them on their way to being the good old love/hate teammates that we know them for.

And can I just say, that banner? My GOD. I know it's a manip, but still... My. GOD. *guh*

Other than that, I can't wait to read the next chapter!

Author's Response: Oh if they write you while they're there, you'll definetely notice some similarities between what you read here and what they tell you. If I wrote all about it, I'm afraid there might be a decline in people joining - it can be pretty scary, especially in the beginning. But as with any rough experience, you come out stronger, like the old saying... what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Oh no, that had to have been horrible for your friend to break his leg so far intot eh game, poor guy. Honestly, I can't say it's much different between the males and females, at least not in basic or AIT. There's a few DS that treat the women a little better bu it's not a constant. On the buildup of spuffy, you can count on them reaching a boiling point and a huge explosion. After that, much later down the road, Spike will get his comeupance before he gets the girl, *wink*. I've never written a really Spike and this is definetely a setting that makes it easy for me to try my hand at it. I enjoy reading love/hate spuffy stories and well, now I have my chance to write one. Hope you enjoy the ride, it's going to be bumpy and funny. Thanks to the lovely kitty, she always seems to know just how to capture the essence of any fic, matching it with a perfect picture to give a vivid image of the SPike I write about. Oh yeah, you know I was drooling all over my laptop when she made this one for me, yummy. Thanks for the lovely review hon, look forward to the next chapter soon, hugs.

Ohhhh, dollface, you are doing a really good job of making me hate Willow right now, can I just say. LOL. Good chapter.

Dammit, I thought I was gonna be the first review! I was so damn excited when I started reading this, because my comic just came in the mail yesterday because my stupid shipment got delayed ... apparently they didn't print enough... anyway, I can't wait to see where you take it as the the comic evolves :)

Author's Response: Well, you're one of the first, so that's good, right? ;) I know what you mean about the comic, they oversold it by 100 000 copies or something. I managed to get my hands on a first edition, but I had to accept getting ripped off. Oh well, it was worth it. I hope you'll like the fic. Thanks for your review.

Yay! Red Sox fic! I can't tell you how flipping awesome this is. I have family living in Boston, and when I finish my degree I plan to move there as well. It's more home for me than where I live now. My friend and I are going up there at the end of May, and she's threatening to wear Yankees gear while in Red Sox territory. I fear for her life :)

Anyway, love the start to this, and i look forward to reading more :)

Author's Response: Yikes! I fear for her too. Look what the fans are doing to Tom Brady for wearing a Yankees hat and he's won them three Superbowls! LOL!

Awww. Lovely beginning. Poor Buffy :(

Author's Response: I know, Buffy definitely did not have the greatest day. But don't worry, it gets better for her from here on out. :) Glad you enjoyed the beginning and thanks for reading!

Veeerrrry interesting. I like it, it's off to a very good start. Regarding your author's note at the end, if you would like to contact me in regards to a banner, email me, I can probably dream one up for you. Just let me know what you want, or if you have any pictures in mind, feel free to send them to me. I'm looking forward to how this story progresses.