So you would blame yourself instead? [ his hand is warm in hers, returning the pressure firmly, his thumb brushing over the back of her own ] You are not responsible for the things she was sent to do, or for the choices I have made. It is not protection I need, Buffy, any more than you do.

[ his other hand lifts to very lightly brush at her jaw, trying to direct her attention back to his intent gaze ] It is the strength that I seem to find in myself when you are near. The belief you have professed to me time and again that I have more to give this world than darkness - that belief saved me when I was almost lost to myself completely.

No one has ever placed such faith in me. I am still not certain what I did to deserve it.