All in all, Buffy's handling this really well - perhaps a bit over-optimistic re Riley -  maturity is making a big difference.

I've been holding off reading until now, because I really prefer getting the full effect of a completed story (though I've made a few exceptions). I do really like the way you've preserved the tension here, what with a still-active Initiative, a very dangerous witch with self-entitlement issues, and Spike not having the Ring. (Or does he? I must have missed it, but I can't recall it being given to him.) It's interesting watching the future pair try to work out permutations of their actions. Well written, as always.

Time travel makes my brain hurt, but I can't help but be fascinated.
What can we change? What can't we change? What shouldn't we even try to change? Have we changed too much? What have we forgotten altogether?
And once the changes start taking effect... what will happen that we weren't expecting?
Can't wait...