Story Notes: I started writing this fic in October 2023 for the Elysian Fields anniversary event. I posted the first chapter over there and immediately stalled on first finishing, then finishing editing the story (including telling one of my betas, the incredible the_big_bad over on EF, to prioritize other stories of mine for months on end).
Well, that's over now, and the story is finished.
And since Marina is mostly active here, and my aim for 2025 is to do more cross-posting, I am also bringing Overture to SAD. 
Thank you to Emma for the banner! I still love it a lot.

This fic features the most AU concept I have ever attempted to bring to the page, and is set in 2010.
Quick note on genres and warnings:
The HEA/HFA tag needs explaining because Spuffy do not end up together at the end of this fic, but their relationship does end in a good, trusting place, and I plan on eventually (after my thesis) writing a sequel that does see them beginning a romantic relationship. It didn't feel right for this Spike to jump into a relationship, especially not with Buffy (he's going through some stuff).
The Character Death is for a secondary character passing away from cancer off the page. That being said, I tried my best to make that character come to life in the memories people have of her, and to treat her with respect. If you are sensitive to the topic of cancer, beware. Neither Spike nor Buffy die in this story.