The relationship is dead in the water already, and all Joss has to do is leave it that way.

Blech. Sigh. That's not the interpretation I usually take, but I can definitely see it that way. I really liked that drabble you did a while ago about how Spike's comforting words in #40 were actually not what she needed to hear. If he really does start pandering, then it's deader than a vampire.