This story just proves that there is still plenty of great ways to write about the series.  I am really enjoying the way you went into the future to write about their past.  Your Buffy who wants so much to believe and have this Joan and Randy life, very effective and poignant.  That goes for both Spike and Buffy, great voice for Dawn also. 

You bring the shoes, love. You’re stronger than I am.  Hee hee - good one. 

Promises, promises...

Some worries for the future and there will be trouble when they remember everything. As long as Buffy remembers what they have now, then she will able to work her feelings out. But her memories of being ripped out of heaven will be hard for her. 

And already Willow is reverting to form with the trying to decide what's best for Buffy - and being defensive about her own use of magic. I wonder who is paying the mortgage on the house and the utility bills......  

So glad that they are trying to stick together through this tough time.  Hope they manage to.  Too many trials to come.  Hope they don't let the past mess with the present.  Update soon!

Dawn better stay in her room. Willow knows something is up and I doubt much of her inherit personaltiy is gone. She is going to want to know what Dawn knows and I doubt she'll be very nice about it.

I feel sorry for Dawn. Buffy and Spike didn't stay after she showed them her diary. I think Dawn was hoping she would have a family again and they left. Hopefully they will be moving back in and kicking out Willow.