Lauren! Yay! You did a S8 post that wasn't based in WTFkery. :D *hugs you*

Also, as someone pointed out, whenever Angel pops up in Buffy’s thought’s he’s always accompanied by Spike

I think that was maybe me. Though I'm sure others said it too like Maggie.

I agree with your concern for if Spike shows up. Right now, I'm happily thinking about how I'll write Spike as heroic in my own AU version of Season 8, irregardless of what happens in the comics. :D

I love your thoughts! They're good thoughts.