The characterisation in this series is great, really great in fact but, even having given it nearly an entire lengthy sequel, Spike calling Anya kitten is still driving me nuts, more and more in fact.  It is such an intimate endearment it sticks out and disrupts the tone/flow every single time.  He had a spell of calling her pet briefly in chapter 5.03 and I was all hopeful it had been switched round, willing to see consistency blow in the breeze, but then he quickly reverted to kitten again.  On the other hand he calls Buffy pet all the time, the less intimate endearment, the one without the sexual tease to it.  It is just the wrong way round.  I'm kinda hoping something fatally tragic happens to Anya!!

OH that was good,

Wow! what an eye opener for Xander. Why did Spike buy fertility statues? That's kinda weird. I'm glad that Spike got to hear how his friends feel about him, he always needs to hear how people love and care about him, doesn't get it near enough. I can so see why they all prefered Giles' as a father figure then their own fathers. Wonderfully warm and tender chapter, thanks.

awww..dawnie can be so sweet when she thinks they dont know about it...lol...another great chapter :)

I loved Dawn's reaction to spike taking Giles last name! Really excellant chapter! I loved Spike training bit as well - such a great update!

Excellent chapter. I love Anya going to bat for Spike so much. Dawn's parts were great too. Then seeing the reactions of Buffy and Spike on the other side of the training room when they heard was a nice touch. Look forward to more.