"in times of high emotion, he barely moves his mouth when he speaks, as if he thinks that if he opens it too wide, all his sorrow will come pouring out." Great observation and so near poetic in the description! Loved this.

Part of me feels so sorry for Buffy and another wants to just smack her. I'd have nothing BUT sympathy if she didn't have Spike at her side even with their history. What is happening isn't fair or pleasant (unthinkable to bury everyone you love...save one person) but at least she HAS that one person. This girl needs to kill something, yes, and research, yes but she also needs to look at her silver lining with genuine gratitude.

Love how Angel has finally embraced truth about himself and his past. He would have to do this to truly have another chance at life. He always made separate personalities to compartmentalize his choices and actions and would never be able to be a whole human that way. He has accepted his past, his responsibilities for those choices and has learned from it. I'm glad he has a shot at this kind of happy, whole life.

Poor Spike. Glad he is being distracted by the overflow of love from the kids at least. He is in as much pain as Buffy and knowing him....her pain is only adding to his.

Excellent chapter, excellent story.

Kathleen