I'm so glad that you enjoyed the ending. This started with an immature Xander and clueless Angel, and I really think they have both grown into something much healthier and happier. Faith will get there eventually... she's on her way to healthier and happier, and she's definitely doing better than canon, but that's my whole point... to make them happier.

And I'm kinda glad that I could shock you with the stake. I was hoping that the readers would get caught up in the action and forget that he had on the ring.