Just a short note before I continue.
Thanks for this. It was great and makes me ache for more. Especially with that last two sentences.
Just a two passages that I need to comment...
"Could it be that Spike actually did have real feelings for Buffy?" *sigh* No, Giles. He stuck around after her death because he was obsessed with her... Seriously, how blind are they? And don't worry, it's absolutely in character. They never acknowledged Spike's feelings, Giles was the worst because in season 7, he didn't even acknowledge the soul. Shame on that watcher for not asking anything!
"I imagine you had something to do with guiding him towards it." Nope. He tried once and never again when Spike actually showed interest in changing... sad. sad.
That's what I love about your stories as well. Your Giles actually sees the change, though he has to be hit over the head a couple of times