Thank you for a more thoughtful and less traumatizing version of the events of Seeing Red.  I rather wish the original had gone this way. 

Blue

http://www.tthfanfic.org/authors.php?no=12717&list=profile

You know, I think this would have worked in canon too. Or at least sort of, because the writers were determined to make as much angst as freaking possible (again, season six issues).
Buffy looked damned hurt that Spike had left without telling her, no matter how they left things.
And the funny thing? When I saw her face all I could think was 'serves you right'. Felt bad for Dawn though.
Since you said I could, I'll consider this a sequel to Criminal. Just because I loved how you gave Buffy a kick in the pants and made her see the light (something she never, ever does).
Anyway, once again with the great story.

I can totally see this happening to set them on a path right for them at the time.  Like the way you pulled it together.

oh, i read this last nite at ffn, but didnt review cuz it was late and i was tired and needed to head to bed. but lemme say, this is a beautiful piece! i loved it! it would be very interesting to see how these changes led to a different ending to season 6 and entire season seven... anyways, wonderful work!

Great story.  I loved it and it is a better resolution than what Joss and his writers came up with.

A nice idea, well realised.  Thanks.

This is a really beautiful story, hun. I liked the entire interaction between them as well as the opening up - at last - of Buffy. It was hopeful and I wish Joss would have gone this way too!

*hugs* Thank you for a great read!

I was actually thinking of answering this challenge, but I'm glad you did it instead. I think you did a better job on it than I could have. :)