I understand what you mean in it being something like the fic I wrote--we're both talking about wearing away of self, and I think you hit it perfect, smack dab spot on right where it hurts. Again, lovely, haunting fic.

You didn't use the line in the way I find cliche. I love the line in the show, and you use it how the show used and also built on it. What I hate is when authors make Angel say it outside of the dream sequence, or make Buffy remember it in a saying-it-to-herself type way, or even worse, when the narrator says it as if it's some kind of truism. That bugs the shit outta me, but you used it beautifully.

I'm glad you liked BWtB, and thanks for sharing yours. Sorry it took me a bit to get to it. ;o)