Oh, this is beautiful, but the end much too abrupt and final. Feeling a bit gutted.

Love the way that Buffy and Spike found each other around Angel. And the way that the 3 coexisted. But I feel that Angel staking himself was a bit melodramatic. Couldn't he have just allowed Spike to be the dominant vamp and usurp the claim? It was mentioned earlier, when Buffy tried to give Spike blood, and again when they were napping together on the couch. It is selfless to let the blonds be together, but staking seems to be Angels martyr complex acting up. I did enjoy the story, and I'm glad they get to be together, but it's a shame that they can't still do some good with Angel around, too.

Author's Response: Spike could have broken into the claim, but I think that Angel saw the problem as more than just giving the lovers each other- he and Buffy both expressed dissatisfaction with the existence of the claim, which was pretty much keeping Buffy in chains, and that wouldn't have changed even if there were three of them in the claim- it would just trap Spike, too. But, yes, definitely Angel's martyr complex more than anything contributed to his decision. ;)

wow, that was fantastic. I loved that story. if you were up for a sequel that would be nice lol. but that was a very good one shot standalone. thank you for writing. it was good that angel finally did something worthwhile with his life. i mean did he really think he was the one for buffy when she is so bright and full of like and he is like doomed to the shadows with broodiness forever. yeah right.

Author's Response: Thank you! I don't think I'll write a sequel- the outsider's view of the Spuffy here makes it so precious that I think any other depiction of it would cheapen the relationship... And yup, Angel was noble! It almost makes me like His Broodiness... :D