oh, Herself, what a dear sweet knock my socks off line--

"He had a way of inhaling, that was like the touch of a blind man on her face, taking in her details, learning, observing."

That line and that he thought no one would notice becos it was dark.  What a deal.  Love the way you spin this tale and love how this chapter ended.  He's so profane and vulgar sometimes is he not?  Buffy's not being her usual self--rather she's working hard to be fine instead.  Thanks for the hard work, the focus--can't imagine how you keep going but evidently you are seeing far down the road where I do not.   More of the beloveds and more Pillow Pilates please.