that was...incredible. You know, I don't read much Buffy fic anymore---not since NFA aired, anyway, because I felt like any fic written after the close of the canon that didn't somehow encapsulate the entire canon would disappoint me---and I didn't think there was any chance of finding a story that would do justice to its own heritage. But this is just so dense, so painful and *satisfying* that I feel like it's been worth the wait. So, um...good job. :-)