[ he sighs in relief, when buffy allows his misstep. it seems his answer has disarmed her, somehow — which isn’t entirely surprising, when spike has a different way of expressing himself than gale. he believes he conveyed the truth of the sentiment (though he left out the worry, over the way he himself is perceived).

and so gale brightens, at her assumption-slash-question. ]

Certainly. It’s been a pleasure to get to know him.

[ he links his hands behind his back, settling beside her. with obvious fondness — ]

Took a bit of time and persistence, but I find the best people always do.

[ of course, he’s thinking of another vampire, when he says as much. ]