Buffy's mercy was undergoing quite the workout, lately. But at least Jack gave her the space to flex it. No ultimatums. No pressure. Just a solemn vow to help her stay intact. Real, scary, no-holds-barred love. The kind worth fighting for.

"Mmhm?" She touched her question -- and therefore her mouth -- to his pulse and waited to see if there was anything forthcoming beyond just her name.