I was worried that I was going a little "interior" with this, spending too much time inside Spike's mind. But since he got the soul, he's been less flamboyant with his emotions, so we must dig a little.

Yeah, Buffy can't quit for even a moment, even by dying, so maybe this is the only way she can get a break! I'm glad the idea of her breakdown works for you. I don't like to see her in that state, but it's isn't without precedent.

Thanks for all your nice comments! With quotes, even!