I' m really liking this!
I love it when Anya gets to be proactive, to shine, and shove her 1100 yrs of knowledge both human & demon (not to mention interdimensional), PLUS her outspoken version of common sense! And to let 'em have it about always shutting her up to her detriment...and letting them know that she's just been "keeping her own counsel" since they treat her like crap most of the time, or worse, brainless. Joyce and Anya, feminists, would've made fine friends.
I enjoyed here, seeing Buffy piqued to want to talk to Anya more at a later date (and hopefully NOT just about nookie).
And I really liked Giles finally realizing there might be at least SOMETHING he might want to sit up and pay attention for, and his inveterate run for his notepad was funny.
I love Joyce doggedly sticking up for Spike, on principle, as a true friend and confidant, with motherly instlincts, and with her decades of liberal arts thinking and intelligent conversing and pathworking...and it was priceless for her to kiss those 2.5 grandbabies 'by and toss that white picket fence for her daughter on the heap.
It was also priceless and quite amusing for Joyce to spill quite a few beans on Spike that he has been keeping under black-clad wraps, such as his artistic and literary knowledge and intelligent conversation...he wants so badly to keep his dark armor pulled around him, his heart, his rep.
I hope Willow gives this coach the ole Rosenberg 'What For' complete w/Resolve Face, tho' reticence might prove a safer out for the day with that bunch. Coach has unfortunately probably already sold his soul, literally or figuratively speaking, definitely his mores, sold out to the alumi association of the college for a winning ballgame score/season. Maybe Willow will wake him up and send him, post-tongue-lashing, running back for a demotion to middle school sports before it's too late.
I loved Spike's reference to Darla as "the old whore".
Also, Buffy so summed up her realization and recognition of the whole problem, really of her whole set of dogma, not just Spike: not being able to fit Spike (plus now, post-discussion at Gile's, undoubtedly opening the dogma kettle o' fish) into a BOX. Nothing clearcut. No sharp definition. As you premise, Shades of Grey.
Love it, love your writing. So thought provoking as well. And as I'm beginning to have to say in most of my reviews, so sorry to go on & on, to rant & ramble for so long...
Thanks!
~~K.~~
~~fyreburned~~
fyreburned@yahoo.com

Author's Response: Don't apologize! I'm delighted to get the detailed feedback. All comments are welcomed but to actually have you tell WHY you liked something is so pleasing to read! THANK YOU. I am thrilled you are enjoying the story and also that it has provoked thought. Thank you very much you've made my day. k