That took long enough!

 

very good read, thank you.

I'm really happy about the update. 

I like how you treat the characters as if they actually were grown-ups.  *gasp* 

I'll be interested to find out how you will handle Buffy and the fact that she gives everyone else's opinion more weight than her own concerning Spike.  I've never really understood that.  I mean, arguably, she's spent way more time with him than anyone else under a huge variety of circumstances.  They don't seem to be in possession of the facts to truly back up their opinion.  I assume it's a low self-esteem issue on her part.  (Sorry, my musings.)

Given the structure of your story and how Buffy is haunted by Martin,  I assume he will be making an in person appearance at some point.  I look forward to that.  Although...I am wondering, since so far he has been portrayed solely as an insensitive, heavy-handed jerk and not as well-rounded and well, as real as the other characters,  what did Buffy ever see in him?  There must have been something.  Hope to find out - maybe in a flashback?  I think that balance needs to be there given your story.  I don't think he can just have been evil in sheep's clothing.

A nice, sensitive portayal of adults with complicated lives and feelings.  Refreshingly different.  I'm looking forward to more.