Oh, I can see this scene so clearly, and I can't wait to read more. Poor Buffy; I imagine that the sense that she's in stasis while everyone else is changing is terrifies her. And I'm not sure why, but that little detail about the shoe and Spike's dismay that she doesn't even stop to admire them really got me. Cause, really, when does Buffy not care about her shoes? You know that's a serious crisis.
Between her abandonment issues and the low self-esteem that never lets him (even now) quite believe that she’s really his, chosen him, those words are completely necessary. They have to say them, and they always have.
This jumped out at me, too--it doesn't seem that these two could ever have any kind of lasting relationship that doesn't acknowledge their basic needs for reassurance. And now I'm biting my nails at what it meant that Buffy wasn't able to give him that this time. Suspense!
ETA that I LOVE the description of Spike showing Joy her reflection (what a gorgeous moment!) and then the contrast with Buffy at her mirror.
no subject
Between her abandonment issues and the low self-esteem that never lets him (even now) quite believe that she’s really his, chosen him, those words are completely necessary. They have to say them, and they always have.
This jumped out at me, too--it doesn't seem that these two could ever have any kind of lasting relationship that doesn't acknowledge their basic needs for reassurance. And now I'm biting my nails at what it meant that Buffy wasn't able to give him that this time. Suspense!
ETA that I LOVE the description of Spike showing Joy her reflection (what a gorgeous moment!) and then the contrast with Buffy at her mirror.