Wow, this was a great fic. I love Xander POVs, and you held us perfectly within his thoughts. It felt fitting that the point where Xander breaks is when they're in the shower and Angel's being gentle for *someone else's sake*. The hurt & confusion he's used to, but the possibility of tenderness breaks him down. You made me shudder when Angel sniffed Xander's neck and started using the right name.

Also, the Willow/Xander bit had me horrified at first, but the two of them handled it well. I love the part where Willow smiles and just says "hi". It shows how much they truly care for each other.

This may not be your usual style, but you did an excellent job. I'll be re-reading one for a while.