First I wanna say right off the bat this is not a flame! You've been doing a good job so far on this story. Your characterzation of the Scoobies (with the exception of the slightest bit of Xander fluffery, which is ok cause that's your thing) has been spot on. I also like the direction the story is going for the most part, cause I'm all for Scooby bonding and healing the wounds caused by six years of living on the Hellmouth.
But Spike making a 'noble' sacrifice by offing himself out of guilt? Sorry, not buyin' it. And if, as it seems, you're suggesting that it was Willam rather than Spike that commited suicide, I don't think so. cause I don't think Spike OR Angel got their original souls back and here's why.
1. I think their original souls would have long since passed to whatever afterlife they might have deserved.
2. if they had gotten their origanal souls, then shouldn't
their
origanal personalties have returned as well? Let's face it people, Angel was a sleaze when he was alive, and Spike or William, if you prefer, was the worst mama's boy I've ever seen! So, by all rights, Angel sjould have spent all his time getting drunk and getting laid and William should have spent all his time writing bad poetry and pining for his mama.
3. Since they didn't do either of those things, my theory is this. Their 'souls' must have been mystical constructs designed for their vampiric personalities to make them react in the way that the PTB wanted them to.
Again, this is not a flame! I just don't think it's feasible for Spike to kill himself out of guilt, soul or not. Thank's for listening, B.
'Seize the moment. 'Cause tomorrow, you might be dead.'
Buffy: Welcome to the Hellmouth