love the image of spike walking away from the flames.
so yeah, i said i'd go to bed but this is just too good. :)

I physically couldn't stop reading up until this point. I am amazed by your story and hope that you'll continue writing. About time a story so in depth and so fitting to all the characters came around. nicely done.

awesome job! love the possessive protective spike!

time to sing your praises again...*sigh* you know, if you would just stop creating such wonderful, amazing, lyrical chapters I would actually have time to read some mindless drivel that would put me to sleep. instead i have to read these engrossing, heartwrenching, mind blowing, gut twisting chapters that keep me up wondering what you're going to give us next. can you write Spike any more perfectly? NO. thank you for keeping Spike canon. so many authors, when writing Spuffy, neuter him in the worst ways. i loved that you allowed us to see his darker nature - the beast within the man. while it is not as prevalent as it once was, it is still inside him. his need for violence, his fond rememberings of teenage blood, his disregard for social mores - all part of the package that is Spike. Excellently crafted! I was also very impressed with Giles' reaction to seeing Buffy and finding out Xander knew Willow's plans. I always wanted Giles to take a firmer hand with Willow post-resurrection. I hope, for her sake, that he does so now. Another day, another beautiful chapter. You know you're going to spoil us, don't you? I hope you and your sick child feel better! I know how horrible it is being sick around the holidays. Take care :)