Absolutely magnificent chapter! The sheer pain and variety of emotions they both were experiencing really shined through, and I like the way you had Buffy phrase everything in the past; it makes complete sense given how long she must've instinctively known she was down there. I also loved the way she trapped Spike into telling her how long three days really was. Wonderfully tender moment at the end there, too. Great job, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Yay for updates! Yours is actually the only Spuffy fic I am still following (quite an accomplishment on your part, truly) due to your fantastic story! Can't wait to read more!

Spike's tension and Buffy's breakdown came together in a believable embrace. Buffy, thinking she's only been gone ten days, must wonder at her feelings of centuries lived in this hell dimension.

Spike's insight here is spot on: "She always appeared the epitome of fortitude, but more often than not, he suspected, it was because she had no other option. The world’s warrior couldn’t be fragile, even in private moments. To do so would be to call into question her every decision.

Warriors couldn’t be human. This was a lesson she’d gathered from experience." It's what the first slayer tried to talk her out of, but it rings true that this is what needs to happen when you confront death and violence every day.

Buffy hesitatingly piecing together her past was a heart breaking relief. She really is coming back to herself. I can understand Spike trying to keep it easy, but I love that it's his hair that reveals the real passage of time. It's such an innocuous detail, but telling. Buffy revealing that she never really hated Spike was also telling. This older, worn down woman is more emotionally open and it hurts but it's also heartening.

Thanks for posting more of this fascinating, emotional story. It's always a pleasure to read.

Bittersweet but very good.

Sigh...such a good plot. I like how your not writing Buffy as shallow-and of course you show how deep Spike is when allowed to be.

Oh wow. That was intense. Buffy remembers...blurred but she remembers. Time to solve the mystery of the writings on the walls.

Not quite back to normal ... for Buffy.. But aware of their relationship before and honest about it ..
And who wouldn't think about Spike in a different way knowing he spent 300 years in hell trying to find her and get her back..

Waiting for the deciphering of the writing on the wall..

Enjoyed.

Glad to see an update! I'm really enjoying this story.