When I watch the “Chosen” I cannot but believe that Spike believed that Buffy loved him. It is just at that moment there was nothing hidden between them. And I am always easily persuaded by the argument on htat side. So, “no. you don’t” as a request works well for me.

But there is more to it, It recently occurred to me: Spike was seeing his and Buffy’s story – sometimes – as the “Gone with the wind” remix (remember Tabula Rasa?), so the irony of the situation was not lost on him either.

And the next year, having found himself undead again his insecurities and doubts, that didn’t matter at that moment came back with the vengeance…