Such a beautiful story. You have a great understanding of the characters, and a beautiful way with words. I love the way you described Buffy's and Spike's feelings for each other, and revealed Buffy's decision. My favorite parts were: "Studying the peaceful look on his face, Buffy raised the hand that had been holding his wrist to caress his face, starting with the scar over his left eyebrow. To the naked eye, the scar would be considered a blemish but she knew better; to her, it symbolized the warrior within regardless of how he acquired it - it was a mark unique to him.

Next were his cheekbones which in sleep had softened and highlighted his vulnerability, the humanity that had been enhanced rather than destroyed in his becoming a vampire.

She traced the curve of his mouth with her fingertips and kissed him on the forehead - thinking of how the being that once craved the hunt, lived for the taste of human blood, had evolved from the inside - before returning her attention to what she regarded as his most beautiful feature: his eyes. They were the ocean blue mirrors to his soul, to the man she realized had always lingered beneath the surface; though closed, she could still feel them on her, searching for her."

And

"It's your love that drives me onward, encourages me to continue fighting, and gives me hope for what awaits us after cthe apocalypse - it's a silver light that shines beyond Sunnydale and stretches toward a life that we have a second chance of creating and sharing together.

Being held by you, laying next to you, sleeping with you, together it's the foundation for my own personal slice of heaven - a reminder of the time I spent there. I felt warm and safe, knowing that nothing could harm me. I felt loved.

When I've finished at the vineyard, I'll come back to you. I want you to be the first person I share the First's "secret" with. Use the time until I return to rest, and don't worry.

My love for you will keep me safe.

Always,

Buffy"

Keep up the great work. I enjoyed reading this.

Beautiful story. It felt almost gentle, if that makes sense!