Oh.. nice story, but a bit dissapointed about how simple it was solved.. I was so hoping Spike would loose his soul, then desperately try to cover it up and prove that he could love her and be good even without it..

And of course now you've raised another excellent question. Why did Angel never look into getting his soul fixed? I'm so glad to see Giles accepting them together, and does he know something we don't? I suspect from his attitude that the Scoobies aren't going to be nearly as judgy as Buffy fears.

All secure but Buff's mind.  She is still resisting that last step, committing her emotions fully and freely.  Not as many barriers for this Buffy though so all will be well.  Poor patient Spike.

Kathleen