I came to realize that I didn't mind him being without Buffy and that, in fact, I really, really liked him with Angel, even in just a friends/adversaries way.
Yup. Also there came a point when I realised that Angel probably needed Spike more. And, rather worryingly, I found that I was willing to sacrifice Spuffy for the sake of Angel. *pets him*

She's doing what she's doing because she wants to.
Oh I get that. The few fics I've read where she's given up slaying always feel rather OOC to me. It's just that I don't want this *particular* story to be the only option - I want them all! (I'm greedy that way)

Doesn't mean he can't get new ones.
Oh absolutely. It is after all the shiniest 'verse in the world. I just wish he wasn't claiming that it was canon, because that just makes me cross.

I want to know, so badly I ache with it.
Of course I get that, but still I think that alley is perfection.