Oh my gosh I am so glad you have updated as I somehow missed from chapter 15 till now.
I still love the direction you have gone with this story. I think spike is being completely unfair with his demand on Buffy. Yes he loves her and she may love him, but I can't help but feel Spike is pulling a Drusilla on Buffy (The baby thing in college leading him to marry her.) If Spike guilt's her into staying for him she is risking her futures happiness. Then I suppose Spike sees Buffy as his life line-She came alone when he needed her most and he is terrified of losing it all.
Oh I love it. Lots to think about.
Please oh please gimme gimme more!

Author's Response: Thank you so much! And thanks for reading, even after all this time :) You actually touched on some important points I'm going to expand upon in the next (and probably last) chapter.