I loved this story!! I am so glad that Joyce is back. And so much for the Scoobies and their theory that Spike would go on a killing spree if his chip stopped working! I love the nice hopeful ending... off to look for more. Thank you!

I scurried off to read the referenced stories. So, it was Hallie, who brought Joyce back. I assume that Joyce will figure into the Ganya stories that you are writing. What wonderful complications you spin!

Interesting tale, well told: I just got back from vacation, and read it.  But I'm a bit confused.  Did Spike regain the chip (or its attacks, at any rate) after Hallie's pendant stone was destroyed?  Or did she grant other wishes after that--such as Dawn's " I wish we just knew that she's okay. I kinda miss her."

Not that it really matters, of course.  But you set up such a large amount of negative, kinetic energy in this particular Xander during the first chapter that if Spike goes back to being unable to defend himself at the story's conclusion, it feels somehow inconclusive, if you follow me; like a setup without a follow-through.  That's just my take, however.

Has anyone ever remarked how utterly stupid it is to put all that power in a pretty pendant, which can be easily removed or pulled off?  It's hard to believe that in thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of years in the BtVS universe, it hasn't repeatedly happened before.  I always considered it one of the poorer plot devices.  Why not make the chain unbreakable?  Or, if you're afraid of scissoring off the head of the person wearing it, put the power center inside the demon?  Or, hey, at least give them a bellybutton ring or something else with a backup center!  What inefficiency! ;)

Liked the end, possible Xander character growth? Definite Willow growth, and hope for Buffy, gotta love Joyce. So...this isn't really finished is it? i mean there are plans to revisit this 'verse, yes? Hopefully?

Dawn gave him a cynical glance. "Trust as in loan you the housekeeping money? No." 'kay this time not all italics, hopefully, cute Spike, Dawn and Willow showing abit of concern for Spike.
Ah hence the axe, Hallie misread the situation.

Spike ground the words out, knowing he should strike out at this thing, but unable to make the first move against anything that wore that face. lovely and love the conversation between them when she tells him that yes soemthings are his fault but she knows he has tried to change and could have done better with soem support. Love this wise, clear eyed Joyce.

That's clever setting this in the ep where Buffy was dreaming of her mom.

Hi, weekend:) Sorry I didn't have time to read this during the week, but I must admit it is nice to have saved up something good to read.

I really liked the way this story dovetailed with the Ganya one, other side of coin so to speak. And D'hoffryn challanging Allie to make Anya's friends miserable very good premise.

Very sympathetic picture of Spike:)so fed up couldn't even make a fire. Interesting to see how hallie thought she did a bad thing.

I love the idea of Joyce and Spike being friends too.

I'm really enjoying this so far. Joyce being returned is just wonderful, and Xander, oh my - has he made a boo boo!

Looking forward to more. :o]

GREAT CHAPTER!! I can't wait until Spike just decks Xander - neither Joyce or Dawn will let anyone try (try being the operative word) to kill Spike just because the chip stops working.  Good job on showin how much of a baby Buffy always was, is this going to be Spike/Buffy (plz say no) or is Spike oing to finally move on like anyone would do if they were treated like he was (and not on a show dedicated to a childish, self-centered, self-righteous bitch - really Dawn is more mature than her, even when Whedon kept making her seem like a little kid).

Excellent - having Joyce back should bring a sense of calm to everyone.

I thought Dawn was absolutely right about what she would do to anyone who ever treated her the way Xander treated poor Anya - but then if Anya gets Giles she's coming out the winner. Now if Xander was forced for some reason to marry Halfrek.... that would be a suitable vengeance!

An absolutely delightful end to a wonderful little fic. Love what Joyce brings to the mix, as you well know. And it just goes to prove how much of a baby Buffy still was... no wonder she fell apart without her mother.

Lovely. Taking it slowly- good idea. Yay Joyce for making with the common sense! And, did Spike really give up being chipless? Awwwww. I hope Hallie granted another wish somewhere before they broke her pendant! He so needs to kick Xander's ass.

Oh, that was faboo. Just...wonderful. You didn't move so fast that it seemed out of place, and yet you've given us enough hope to live on for a while. Lovely.

I definitely hoping that this will get continued whether as part of the Ganya or not (I love Ganya!) .

This is only the second fic I've seen where it was rightly pointed out that it would be difficult to be an arms dealer with no phone not to mention that the whole concept was a plot hole that was never filled.

I love what Dawn said she would do if someone did to her what Xander did to Anya. And while Xander may not have done it to hurt her , he didn't do anything to lessen her pain. He could've told her it was off or sent someone to tell her instead of her finding out the hard way.

I love the little touches too , like where Spike gets little marshmellows and Xander doesn't and where Spike shows Xander how the darts didn't do any good.

Great fic. I love this. Thanks for sharing it. :P

Ahhh, that's a lovely ending to a great story. Spike's reaction to realising his chip wasn't working (particularly when it was Xander he was fighting) was well thought through, and he obviously didn't keep it a secret from Willow, so that's a bonus point for him too.

Is it too much to hope that we'll be seeing more of this world either on its own or combined with Tales of Giles and Anya. There are so many things I want to see, more Spike and Joyce, Spike and Buffy being friends and talking to each other, everyone's reaction when Anya returns, whether Spike's chip-wish was Hallie's last one or not, and what Halfrek will do now she's human again. I know, I'm greedy.

Happy happy joy joy
Perfect ending. Definitely hopeful, with lots of intriguing details to work out over the course of the next few stories. There's even a bit of hope for Xander. And yes, Spike's taste did improve after he was dead. A perfect comeback.

Wonderful!

i *love* joyce reading buffy the riot act! <g>

and yay -- spike can eat xander! bon appetit, spike!

Hoo boy! Fireworks! And Joyce talking big-time sense! Loving it.

But I think Xander might end up getting a rather nasty surprise...

This is about the best story around at the moment!

I'm reminded in this chapter just how much the scoobies all need parents, and just how badly things broke down for them after Joyce died and Giles went home. I'm hopeful that having a grownup around will prevent all the awfulness the tail end of season 6 from happening in the first place.

I'm curious what will happen when Anya comes home; she must be about due and her reactions might be interesting. OK, I just love your Anya!

And love the mental picture of Spike sorting his laundry!

You'd think that Xander would know better after living with Anya than to make a wish out loud when he knows a vengeance demon is hanging around. But, alas, He is as ever clueless.

I'm torn between wanting Spike to smack him around or wanting Joyce to yell at him and bitch-slap him.

Wow! Didn't see that coming - awesome development! (love unchipped Spike). And go Joyce - tell Buffy like it is.

Go Halfrek! So glad she's still hanging round. No time to say more, but really enjoyed it, especially Spike's washing sorting.

Wow, am I first?

I love Xander's wish. I'm sure we'll all be amused, whether it's discovered in the final chapter or in future stories.

I love the pressie, sweetie.

And she saw both what Spike did and how Buffy and her friends treated him. I can hardly wait to see how she interacts with the others.

the only thing better than joyce being back, is joyce being back and being supportive of poor unappreciated spike :-)

Good stuff. I love it that Spike wanted Joyce back for Buffy, but he needed a mum so badly, and Joyce is telling him exactly what he needed to hear.

I really love your Joyce voice... lol You really characterize her so well!

(and I LOVE the icon! I never can get the transitions smooth like that! I am scared of Image Ready *shivers*)

*hugs you*

excellent
I love this fic so far, Especialy the fact that Buffy realizes that Xander is the one that is tryuly obbsessed with her :P

I think you already know that I absolutely loved this chapter... I just wanted to make sure you knew! :D

This is just gorgeous... you're doing so well with this! :)

You so leave me wanting more of this. Joyce dying was the lynchpin in Buffy's coming undone, which spread out to the rest of the gang.

Good mamas are a rare commodity in fanfic (and in real life), and I can't wait to see the changes her return will bring. Lovely job with this chapter. Spike and Joyce... my friendly OTP.

Fun stories are always good. But of course, an author's expression skills are a big part of that usually. And you are definitely one of the ones in the "great" category.

*giggle* This promises to be fun. Can't wait 'till the new one arrives :)

Wonderful! And now I'm so hopeful for Spike and Buffy.

I really like this.  Wondered what you were going to make Spike wish for with Halfrek hanging round, and how you were going to get Joyce into the story, and you combined the two perfectly.  You've captured the feelings and reactions of all the characters at this point in the show really well - looking forward to seeing how Joyce's presence and support of Spike will alter things.  Selene's banner is, as always, gorgeous.

Great story. I'm really hoping you already gotten the rest of it completely written.

Listening to Joyce instead of Xander can only be good for her, especially a mother who has the perspective of being able to see that she saw everything.

I had a weird thought about Xander saying that she was with her friends. At that point in time , the three of them really were all they had , not because they were the ideal people or because they made eachother stronger but because they had driven off everyone else.

This is scrummy, Sandy. I absolutely love Joyce and have always thought that Spike would have been a good beneficiary of her mothering. Looking forward to the next couple of chappies with enthusiasm. Thanks so much.

Really, really love this story! I'm a fan, but I think this may be my favorite of your stuff so far!

Simply delightful!

Great start! Love the mix of pathos and humor; so typical of the show. I'll be watching for the next chapter.

Really like this story! You've captured the feel of this time in the series very well, despite the changes in the plot. Xander is still being a pig-headed bully. which is true to the show. My Xander love is on hold for a while! I think it's an accurate characterization though; Xander's angry with himself, but he's taking it out on Spike like the bullys who probably bothered him as a child. Clearly he hasn't learned that lesson yet!

I've always thought that things in the Buffy-verse went downhill after Joyce's death; I'm looking forward to watching you change some of that.

Oh man I love this
Course I think Spike is Wrong I think it might be her eldest that gets taken to the woodshed :P

It's perfect
It's lovely, and you've given me something to look forward to over the next few days. Thank you, sweetie. And Selene did a marvelous banner.

This is going to be so good! I can't wait for more. I'm just a little nervous about that comment Spike made about giving his right arm.

Meep! What a brilliant premise - I'm really looking forward to the rest of it.

Lovely! I can't wait to see what kind of sense Joyce pulls out.

I absolutely just adore the beginning you've got started here--you've managed to keep the sort of gravity and darkness that fit the show and the relationships at this point, and you're both merging it with canon and infusing it with hope in a wonderful way.

Excellent start! :)

Hee hee... I love it! Xander REALLY did get off easily... he deserved so much more! I love Joyce putting him in his place about the way he was treating Spike.

Wonderful chapter. I love this universe.
Just wondering though, are you planning to go easy on Xander at any point?

... However, it has made me realise I didn't say how much I enjoyed Xander's day dream of the skimpily clad Buffy, Dawn and Willow - it made me laugh aloud again. Excellent stuff, just how Xander would picture his reception.

You should call this the Better 'Verse.

I like the visual imagery as Xander looks at Spike, following the announcement that the latter hadn't checked to see if he was still unchipped.  And of course, what's happened to Hallie, in the meantime?  She wouldn't stop trying to get back her power center, surely?  What would she do to the Scoobies, with or without it, in a quest for vengeance?  Whether or not you choose to follow up on it, there's certainly a series in the thing.

Wonderful little glimpse of the continuing saga of Joyce back from dead. This is going to be on-going, I hope?

Much sniggering from over here.

Gina

LOL...I love it. Xander got exactly what was coming to him. Lovely lectures all around.

Thanks - I have read whilst eating M&S birthday cake - how close to heaven is that - good fic., good cake (that I was too lazy to make) and we are going out for dinner (curry) so I don't have to cook! Remind me - whose birthday is this? Feels like it could be mine!

So nice to see Anya's chickens coming home to roost - go Anya!

That cheered me up no end. Oh, I love this version of the 'verse. Wonderful.

More in this 'verse, big smile and more tying in with the Ganya, love Joyce's ability to put everyone in their place, lov ethe weetabix image, just so real!

the part where I invited him is the only one that has any real relevance

Exactly! Xander always acted like he was the arbitrator of who could come into Buffy's house.

I like how Spike knew Xander's credit card wouyldn't be maxed out. He's right Anya wouldn't let him be that irresponsible.

And above all Go Joyce!

Love the story! I actually like Xander, but I agree he got to be a bully there for several seasons. I've always assumed it's a reaction to his fundamental insecurity and guilt at the way he treated Anya. I've always assumed that what he needed was better parenting-- I've been gradually re-watching the whole series (up to early season 5) and I remember the scene from season 4 when we hear Xander's parents fighting upstairs. Maybe Joyce can smack verbally correct Xander around a little -- her conversation in this chapter is an excellent start!

This was SO good--I loved it!

Although I have particular adoration for these lines:
even while he was chewing, Spike could manage an incredibly smug grin, all unseen by Joyce, of course.
and
the vampire's teeth looked way sharper than they had any right to do when he was wearing his human face

Hee! That's my guy! :D

Great job... and nice bit of Xander comeuppance... when public shame just isn't enough, hit him in the pocketbook! :D

So good to see more of this so soon. Go Joyce for telling Xander to grow up.

Wonderful! Thank you very much!

I feel guilty pleasure at Giles' takedown of Xander and unalloyed pleasure at Dawn's kind words to them.

It doesn't make sense but it's good feedback honest
I have this vision of going up to the fannish pearly gates. Saint Bjo meets me there and asks me why I deserve to be let in. I recount the postcards I sent in and it doesn't impress her. I tell of the walk-a-thons and the charity auctions.The dozens of afgans crocheted for the good of puppies and Christmas leave her cold. Putting up with a Klingon XO for two years impresses her a little but the fic impresses her not. I made her cry at a con once and she holds a grudge.

At last I say I got TalesofSpike to write Ganya! And Saint Lori shoves Bjo out of the way and says, "Get in here girl." or something with much more class.

I love these stories. Giles and Anya fit together so well.

Xander is SUCH a dick, isn't he? That's one of the things that went on in canon I could not believe they came up with. He leaves her at the altar without having the decency to tell her first and also she has to deal with his family. Then he comes back and wants to DATE!

I always figured that given her history in seeing the worst in men as a vengeance demon then Anya had to have taken an enormous leap in faith to trust Xander enough to say yes to his proposal . I don't think he fully appreciated that or anything about her really.

Lovely. It's got it all, an immediate Ganya connection, with Anya not giving Giles a chance to get nervous, the unwelcome but inevitable interruption of the scoobies, a fight, and important things said and hopefully heard too. Good for Dawn, glad she had the courage to give the couple her 'blessing', and hopefully the steadying presence of Joyce will help Buffy accept this new relationship.

I think this was my favourite so far. Lovely Anya voice. Great contrast between Giles and Xander. Yay for Dawn!

And of course Giles can keep up with her. I can think of at least one of my original fiction pairings that has things far worse ;-)

Gina

Well, you should know that I'd think that you got Xander's reaction spot on, but only because he didn't have enough warning to pick up an axe first. Now, whose side is Buffy going to be on? I suspect it's one of those things Joyce might have to mediate on.

Lovely chapter.

Hoo boy! That really spiced things up, but I'm very pleased with the way Giles handled Xander. Hooray for librarians with experience! And I'm hoping that Buffy comes around soon, but I'm so glad that Dawn's being sensible. Very good stuff.

Ohhh... was waiting on it to hit the fan, but MAN you didn't drag your feet. And good on Giles for kicking Xander's ass... pompous ass, thinking that she was just going to be OK with dating after he left her at the altar. And how much do I love Dawn right now?

Although the end, with Anya switching from orgasms to babies to dogs in about half a second? Brilliant, and so, so perfectly her.

Well done!

"That's good. Reading in bed was nice but orgasms are fun, too, and necessary, if we ever wish to procreate. What about dogs? Do you like dogs?"

One of the reasons that this is so very funny to me, besides the priceless look one can imagine on Giles' face, is the possibilities for misunderstanding. Dogs? And procreation? My mind went to a very odd place.

Your characters are terrific, especially Giles, Anya and Dawn.

This is wonderful! I so loved it!

I loved how Giles didn't let Xander talk bad about her. I love the way that you portray Giles. So great!

Wonderful as always. I loved Anya's last line and Dawn being the so mature about it all.

My heart was in perfect working order.

Me thinks 'other' organs will get a workout (hee!), but I think I'm in Anya-mode at the moment. Lovely, lovely Ganya plus a Xander smackdown - there can never be enough Xander smackdowns ...

I almost missed this! It didn't show up on my FL - I've just found it when cruising through S2C's FL whilst waiting for the daughter to get ready to go out! Eek! How terrible would it have been if I'd missed it!

It has nothing to do with wanting to hurt him... At least, just in an incidental bonus sort of way

Love it - and so right, Anya.

SQUEEEEE !!!!!
squeeee!!!!! *does happy dance around the room and then hurries to sit back in my chair red as a beet as everyone in office looks at me funny* that was great!!! was so excited to see my name at the top...now i can't get the grin off my face!!! i loved that Giles came out on top of that little skuffle, and that is sooooo how i could see Xander and the scoobies reacting to the new couple...*sigh* i'm now in my happy place!!!

Okay, it's not my birthday but it sure feels like it! I loved this part. Wow. And I'm glad Giles got to beat Xander a little cause he really truly deserved it. And I was thrilled that Dawn was supportive! *grin* This was great. Can't wait for more!

Absolutely wonderful. Good enough, in fact, for a Whale of Approval icon; but much too short for such a vast marine mammal, and so I've had to create a special icon to show my appreciation.

"That's good. Reading in bed was nice but orgasms are fun, too, and necessary, if we ever wish to procreate. What about dogs? Do you like dogs?"

BTW, love that last line!

Yeah! Always good to see more of this wonderful story, but especially good this morning. A rotten night at work, terrible cold, and sleep deprivation are improved with a new chapter in the Giles & Anya chronicles!

I really liked that you had Giles stad up for Anya. I knew you would, but he said things that needed to be said. I think Buffy and Dawn agree, but their loyalties are torn. Willow is already angry with Giles, and sh's always been jealous of Anya. So good for Giles in saying what needs to be said, and good for Dawn in doing the right thing. And good for you for cheering me up this morning

Way behind on reading and commenting, but good on Spike for being sensible here.

Gina

Ah, not so far on in this one as in the one I've just read. Like the way they are both wanting to reach out to each other but are holding back for the sake of the friendship they are building. Great stuff.

Cure conversation, I always enjoy them trying to find level ground without the snark...but I also like snark!

great ! loved it...very good way for Spike to prove his point!

This was wonderful! Yay! for reasonable Spike, and for willing-to-grudgingly-listen-to-reason Buffy. Beautiful stuff! :)

Like this one very much! Spike's many nicknames were perfect, and i like the reminder that Anya is 1120 (or something like that) years old. Though he's mostly doing that guy logic thing, when Buffy just wants to vent. And the pumpkin comments had me snickering!

I loved it. Absolutely loved it. What a sweet scene! Just perfect, with Spike being all wise, and Buffy actually listening to him for once... And the friendship thing was brilliant... Loved it!

I love Oz as The Littlest Hobo, and Anya and Giles as Bogart and Bacall - great!

Good going Spike in making sure that Buffy doesn't try to muck things for some misguided reason.

Hee! Clever and Hallie may be evil, but she is perceptive, isn't she?

Greta fic sweetie, I love that Halfrek can be as big a bitch human as when she was a demon. That little scene at the end with Xander had me giggling away.

Nice to see more of this verse. My WIP is eating my brain so I've been late reading and sometimes bad about reviewing.

Always love the Better'verse.

Lovely stories
Just went and read all the better verse and anya fics - great stories - really enjoyed the set up and situations!

I really enjoyed that ...

Have you noticed that Buffy's *always* the last one to know when she's got the hots for somebody?

Thank you - what a lovely pressie to come back to. (Had a family weekend in Edinburgh which Chris booked as a birthday surprise, so am spending today catching up).

Hallie's back - love the way she's not trying to fit in as a human, but raging away at it and getting vengeance any way she can. Imagine what she'd have done as a vampire!

Buffy's self-restraint whilst on the back of the bike is admirable *g* and I love the way they still fight so well together.

Great little fic. I love Hallie moving in with Xander-- talk about poetic justice! Hee!

Buffy and Spike are just cute here. Go denial, go! It's so very entertaining!

The Hallie/Spike snark? Delicious
The Buffy/Spike living in denial? Wonderful
Hallie torturing Xander? Priceless!!

*snickersnort*
Lovers it where can I find more??

LMAO!! damn she's an evil one...lol...and i love that she was the 'truth teller' this time like spike was for angel and buffy...loved it!

So, so funny!! Hallie's vengeance really made me giggle. Nice to see Spike & Buffy still trying the 'friends' thing!

MG

You already know I love this... but I just wanted to say it again and make it official!! Lovely little addition to the series. The Spike and Buffy scenes are wonderful... I loved Buffy on the bike resisting the urge to get closer to him and later pretending NOT to be jealous and the way they worked together so seamlessly to kill the vamp is lovely. The Spike/Hallie snark is fabulous and sooo much fun but more than anything (yes I am evil) I LOVE the end... Xander so very much deserved that!

Delightful. I particularly love the Spike/Hallie snark, though the synchronised slaying is beautiful too.

Lovely. I am glad you are feeling well enough to write - for your sake, of course, but also for all of us!

Lovely episode - and I especially loved Hallie's description of Buffy and Spike. As for her torturing of Xander ...

I loved it! The Music Man ref was priceless> Thank you so much and I'm sorry I was so scatterbrained about leaving feedback.

*wide eyes* Given the location of the first and third shots, I was afraid Spike was going to be much more severely injured than that!

The readings worked well -- I found myself really interested in the deck and wondering which version of the cross layout that was, especially since a few of the cards you described were ones I'm fairly familiar with, but the images you described were just different enough to be intriguing.
The Norse for Tara did seem a little odd, but easily dismissed -- lots of potential explanations, it being her mother's deck only one of them. As little as they developed her character, she could be a closet Norse mythology fan and we'd never know it. I really liked the part about Willow as she and others saw her, and also the fact that Xander didn't do a half-bad job of interpreting for an absolute beginner.

I haven't checked on this 'verse in probably over a year; it's obviously time for me to catch up again!

Ha! Bet you thought I'd never get around to commenting here! Half the time my computer only stays online for stupidly miniscule periods, and half the time it doesn't connect at all. I have learned, however, as I might have mentioned - bookmarks are our friends.

So here I am - making with the hugs and the kisses for the wonderful birthday prezzie. Loved it all, but the last scene in the morgue was killer! **grins**

I'm sure this is what I always say, but...

I love the Better 'Verse. It's just so much better.

And the Ganya in Gary is funny. They are the best couple ever.

Wonderful!

I laughed out loud in several places - although not at Warren's 'Bad Taste' quote, which normally would have got to me, because at that point I was extremely worried about Buffy and the temporarily vulnerable Spike.

Oh, that was brilliant! Just the fic I needed to relax after a very long day. I loved Tara's narration of events, and the fact that Spike says "I love you" with Kevlar. *g*

Thanks for the dedication! I love the use of Tarot cards in this. All of the interactions in this are wonderful and you picked the best way to make Xander get a clue about Spike and Buffy.

Fabulous instalment!

I loved the Giles/Anya interaction. lol So much fun!

Tara is wonderful, as always. Your description of the readings is fabulous (and so worth a certain someone's temporary discomfort from having to give over his chair! LOL). And hopefully her calm, insightful words will help Xander, and Willow, to accept Buffy and Spike's relationship.

Go Buffy with the kevlar... it's nice to know that Riley was useful for something! Poor Spike, I am so glad Buffy broke in and rescued him from the morgue.

It's good to see Warren get his comeupence. And a huge yay for the Tara saving!!

Very enjoyable indeed - I love the way you show what happened in canon, then give us so much more hope. And the very end is just huggable!

BWAA! Gary is indeed a scary place-- when I was a freshman in college we got lost there on the way back from a debate tournament at Notre Dame. We somehow missed a turn and found ourselves circling the mean streets well after midnight in a pwoder blue van with Wheaton College: For Christ and his Kingdom stenciled on the side. Talk about feeling out of place! I have a great deal of sympathy for Giles here. San Fransisco would have much more fun-- I know which one I would have picked!

Really enjoyed this chapter. The tarot works beautifully as a framing device for the various stories. I know slightly less than nothing about the metaphysics of the tarot cards, but your explanation of it really works. Nicely done!

BTW, loved the kevlar. Very clever! And loved Buffy breaking Spike out of the morgue. Hee!...

...I enjoyed the trip to Gary-- I can relate! I'd love to see more of their weekend sometime...

Awesome update! Great imagery, and the switching back and forth of scenes while you told the story was very well placed!

Joyce's influence on Spike and Buffy's relationship is astronomical.  I love when she calls Buffy on her bad behavior while treating Spike like the favored child.  Your Anya is wonderfully quirky, and the surety in her decision to go to Gary to keep up appearances had me laughing.  Warren's comeuppance at the hands of a kevlar clad Buffy was delightful, especially as I was certain she had been mortally wounded.  This series is very entertaining.

I liked that installment. Good to see the series is still on-going.

Oh excellent stuff - I loved the Tarot readings (wonders where the Mythic Tarot set I've had for thirty years is...). And your Giles and Anya always make me smile ;~)

I love Buffy having to rescue Spike from the morgue as well!

Wheee. That felt like a roller-coaster ride. Up and down and round again, with a commentary from Tara. Lovely.

A belated thanks for the Birthday Ficlet. I only found it today. The Kiss the Slayer mug was inspired. I like Joyce's input on urging patience to Spike, not something he is noted for, thereby making Buffy take the first step.

Very sweet.

Aww!  What a lovely fic - thanks

This is a really cute fic - Thanks!

Awesome update! Hee!! loved the kiss the slayer mug!

This has to be the perfect feelgood fic. I love all the little details - the mug, Brian, Spike preserving his big bad image via George Best, Xander being out of town, and Buffy at last having made up her mind about what she wants.

Very nice!

Absolutely wonderful, as always. I especially loved this part:

Spike thought of the bits and pieces he'd bought to make the crypt a little more comfortable for those times that Dawn had been there that summer, and their occasional outings to the cinema or the theatre or to the pier and of the money that he'd slipped to the teenager when Willow had decided that they'd overspent on buying clothes for the life-size Barbie and cut the real kid's allowance back to nearly nothing...

"To paraphrase a living legend, 'I spent a lot of money on booze and birds. The rest I just squandered.*'"

And the "Kiss the Slayer" mug was pure genius. Well done to Buffy for making sure Xander was out of town and unable to ruin things. I love your stuff.

Thank you - what a nice birthday treat for everyone - including spike!

Excellent !!!

"Kiss The Slayer" mug is just neat, and I loved this: or to get up tomorrow and find parts of the house missing, though maybe with the amount of negative equity on this place, if they could bring it all down, the insurance-.

Thanks for thinking of me in the dedication.

Wonderful story-- thank you so much! Some really nice touches; I particularly like that you brought back Joyce's date Brian.

I didn't see that twist coming-- in my defense it was a very long night at work-- but it retrospect it all makes sense. And I think scheduling the party when Xander was out of town is a stellar idea!

I love Gile's making the mix tape. Somehow that's an image that just works for me! Granted I'm a big fan of that particular song. :D

I love Buffy's epiphany. I adore Spike, but that Johnny Depp... If she's seeing Johnny with bleached hair and blue eyes it must be love! And the cuteness factor aside I think that's very in character for Buffy. Nicely done!

And yeah, I have been reading your stories for a long, long time! I'm pretty sure you were one of the first writers I was brave enough to send feedback as wll!

That was sweet and lovely!

hmmmm, loverly fic, I truly enjoyed it :P

Delightful.

"Kiss the slayer" - hee!! I do so love this 'verse. Wonderful to see a new chapter.

Thank you for the birthday wishes, although if I pretend it's not happening I won't have to admit to turning 47!

See, that's the Giles I know and love. And the Buffy that I came to love. This was very well done, and it made for a happy little read while I'm home sick.

Lovely continuation.

Just lovely, sweetie!

And I loved Giles and Buffy's 'talk'. And Joyce being all cheeky and teasing Buffy.

Very sweet Spuffiness! *happy sigh*

Oh - sweet spuffiness - but I think I missed the one before it. Not sure how they got from where they were to here...nicely done, sweetie

Lovely!

Lovely couple of chapters - a treat to come home to.

That is a lovely little Spuffy interlude - and Giles has such good taste in music!

Quivers with happiness at the Spuffy!!! Just here long enough to get a post in and a peek around the place. I'm at Melissa's apt for a bit.

I missed this one last night, so I was very glad to see you'd put it back up!

I had to dig through my ipod to listen to "Rainy night in Soho"-- Oddly enough for such a huge Pogues fan I seem to only have put Nick Cave's cover on my ipod! I have Shane MacGowen's version somewhere on CD; possibly on cassette to in the big box o' music from the 80s/early 90s before I owned a CD player. I can't remember offhand which album it's on, or when it came out!

::loves "Rainy night in Soho"::

Anyway very nice story-- I like how it continued on from the last one, which I would have adored even if you hadn't dedicated it to me! :D

So glad Giles understood. I love Giles, but I have season 6 & 7 issues!

awwww, great additon! so sweet!!

I like the dynamic between Joyce and Spike in this one, and then sniggered at the big reveal.

Gina

Hee hee. Guessed that his job was stripping, loved the mischevious, teasing Joyce. Will we ever see Spike's reaction to Joyce, Buffy et all turning up to see the show one evening, I wonder?

Save me a seat on the bus to Oxnard, please.

Very much liked this one, am a sucker for Joyce, Spike, I like 'verses where Joyce still lives.

omg...*eyes wide* don't tell me he....*falls out of chair laughing*

That ending is just too gorgeous for words!

And please save me a seat on that bus!"!

Hee! So very, very awesome!

Now, to just find my way to Oxnard...

Hee! that Joyce...

I love the title! It's brilliant. And so was this story. LOL! I love the whole premise, as you already know. :)

Love it - pity we can't organize a virtual bus-trip!

Oh, sweetie! It's luverly! Spike and Joyce and one of my favority Monty Python bits (I sure wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition) and the thought of Joyce arranging a field trip to Oxnard... I love it. Thank you, thank you!

Ha! I knew he was stripping! I'd certainly pay to see him but I suppose I'd need money first, wouldn't I?

GAH! ... and that was wonderful, sweetie! The mental and emotional toll of those rooms would've been intense for someone like Spike, particularly when he'd really (post-Buffy's death) just begun to establish an identity that was more about who he *was* rather than who people wanted him to be. And of course Buffy saves him again (after getting a little bonus for her trouble *g*).

Wonderful work, sweetie! :D

Guh...thanks for the lovely mental imagery!  Dancing, stripping Spike.  Wow.  Does life get any better than that?

I read it, and it was great.

Loved the fic - sexy stripping Spike, but completely in character with the 'verse.

Enjoyed that; nice update!

And a drool-worth fic it is!

Whew! *fans self vigorously*  That was amazing - and where did you say this club was??????*searches wallet for money*

Gah!! *melt* I'm speechless... that was so damned hot!!! Thank you!!

LOL... and I love that his later routine would be to 'Wanted'!!!!

*huggles*

Corinna

That was fantastic sweet, very sensual and I know C is going to love it.

I love this story!!!