What was the significance of the dog, what happened to Bony and the old woman, and why the hell were they after Spike in the first place?

Yeah, I would have liked some further exploration of that, too. I wasn't sure whether to take Spike's "explanation" at face value. I was willing to forgive plot stuff, because everything else was sooo wonderful, but I was a little disappointed in the lack of follow-through.

The dog, if I understand correctly, is [representative of Liv's status. Ownership and stuff. The thugs were really annoyed at Spike's cavalier adoption of their traditions. Traditions which we never actually learn, IIRC. ...Also, I'm not quite clear on why Xander was held captive against his will, since his own health was the only thing his freedom could've possibly endangered. I thought that there'd be an explanatory footnote in the eventual revelation of customs, but there was no revelation.]

I still really enjoyed the story, though. The angst is so painful, and the dialogue is so good.

Angst is good, but would just a tiny bit of hope of happiness accelerated the heat death of the universe?

I'm a schmoop, I admit it.

Oh yeah, I kind of liked it and then it seemed like the author got tired of writing it and just decided to make up an ending. I felt cheated.

Kind of an Angel ex machina. t over-educated snarkiness

I like happiness, too. I'm a hard sell on happy Spike/Xander, though, because my conception of Xander has some issues, not the least of which are related to his treatment of vampires.

Me too Reema.

I can read Xander/Spike if it's completely silly but that's about it.

Xander has some issues, most of which seem to directly relate to his continuing unhappiness. And yet, somehow, that's okay with me.

I tried for happy fun alley way sex but Xander wouldn't let me.

What is this happy of which you speak? I understand not this word.

Do the words: pain, heart ache, angst, and agony mean something to you?