I've had this fic bookmarked for many, many months now, and it didn't disappoint for a moment. I love what you've done with the characters, how real Buffy and Spike feel, how wrong and right and muddled they are but it's so clear that they're in love even through the messiness and mixed signals. I especially love how supportive of Spike Buffy is throughout, even when her turmoil doesn't let it come through (and the fact that she bought him a Christmas gift had me "aww"ing), how much genuine interest she has in what and how he's doing. As far as endings go, I don't know which I prefer- it's such a delight to read proactive Buffy, especially when she's had a natural, slow buildup to this point, but I also love how much is still left unsaid in the first, giving it that tentative beginning without really tying into an ending. And your interpretations are both so gorgeously Spuffy that it was a pleasure to read each. :)

(And it's now three AM, so I really hope that this review is coherent. ;) )